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Publications |
Atlas of America's Polluted Waters
The EPA has recently published the "Atlas of America's Polluted Waters," which includes a set of maps for each state indicating which water bodies do not meet water quality standards under the Clean Water Act's Total Maximum Daily Load (TMDL) program. The unique feature of this new publication is that for the first time all 50 states have provided geo-referenced water quality data to the EPA, allowing them to demonstrate the extent of the water pollution problems in the country via detailed maps. The maps are color coded to show the type of pollutant, including sedimentation, pathogens, nutrients, toxics/metals/inorganics, toxics/organics, mercury, pesticides, and others including acid rain. Copies of this document are available from the National Service Center for Environmental Publications at no charge by calling (513) 489-8190 and requesting document EPA 840-B-00-002. Alternatively, visit the EPA's water division website at http://www.epa.gov/owow/tmdl/atlas/ to view or download the atlas.
A recent EPA publication is a report called "Liquid Assets 2000," which depicts the economic impact of clean water. It provides a snapshot of the current status of water resources in this country. Over 20,000 water bodies across the country are listed as exceeding minimum water quality standards. Over 218 million Americans live within 10 miles of a polluted water body. The report discusses the powerful boost clean water can give to the economy, the many uses of clean water within the United States, and the challenges that the nation faces in cleaning up polluted waterways. The report is available for downloading on the EPA's website at http://www.epa.gov/ow/liquidassets/.
The Practice of Watershed Protection
The Practice of Watershed Protection is a collection of feature articles and technical notes from the past seven years of the Center for Watershed Protection (CWP) publication, Techniques. The hardcover volume of over 800 pages will be available from the CWP in January. Orders can be placed now by calling (410) 461-8324, or ordering online at www.cwp.org.
Urban Stream Restoration Practices: An Initial Assessment
Urban
Stream Restoration Practices: An Initial Assessment
This document assesses the performance of 24 different urban stream restoration
techniques from sites around the Mid-Atlantic and Mid-west regions. Included are
recommendations for applying the techniques to a variety of urban stream
environments. To order contact the CWP at (410) 461-8324, or order online at www.cwp.org.
The proceedings from the Fall 1999 USGS-sponsored workshop on Animal Feeding Operations in Fort Collins, CO is available on the USGS website. The Open-File Report 00-204, “Effects of Animal Feeding Operations on Water Resources and the Environment” includes abstracts from all the meeting sessions. To download, click on the “Proceedings” link at the USGS Animal Feeding Operations website http://water.usgs.gov/owq/AFO/.
The Urban Water Resources Research Council
The Urban Water Resources Research Council (UWRRC) has developed a new database designed to evaluate stormwater BMP effectiveness. The searchable index provides BMP performance data for more than 70 BMP studies conducted over the past 15 years. The database can be accessed on the website at http://www.bmpdatabase.org/index.html, and is also available on CD-ROM. More studies are being added to the database as they become available.
The Nutrient Criteria Technical Guidance Manual for Rivers and Streams
The Nutrient Criteria Technical Guidance Manual for Rivers and Streams is located at http://www.epa.gov/OST/standards/nutrient.html. The purpose of the guidance manual is to provide States and Tribes with methods to assess waterbody nutrient impairment and develop ecoregion-specific nutrient criteria. It provides background information on classifying rivers and streams, selecting criteria variables, designing monitoring programs, building a database to analyze nutrient and algal data, deriving regional criteria, and implementing management practices. A similar Technical Guidance Manual is also available on the same website for lakes and reservoirs.
The USGS National Water Quality Assessment (NAWQA) Program
The USGS National Water Quality Assessment (NAWQA) Program has developed a comprehensive online data warehouse of water quality data. The data warehouse includes 6.5 million records to provide information about the quality of water at 2,800 stream sites and 5,000 wells in 46 states, as well as links to other NAWQA and USGS data. The data can be compiled and summarized for specific geographic areas such as states or watersheds, and searched for various parameters such as areas where concentrations of a certain pesticide exceed water quality standards. The website can be found at http://water.usgs.gov/nawqa/data.
Ecological Urban Stream and Neighborhood Restoration
A new video is available to anyone interested in ecological urban stream and neighborhood restoration. The Urban Stream Restoration video provides a tour of six urban stream restoration sites led by Ann Riley of the Waterways Restoration Institute of Berkely, CA. The video details principles of stream restoration, community involvement, and project financing. For more information or to order a copy of the video, visit www.urbanstreamrestoration.com/.
The Water Environment Federation (WEF)
The Water Environment Federation (WEF) has released a new CD-ROM, called Aqua Venturer ©, aimed at educating secondary students and others about water history. The interactive CD-ROM game tells the story of water, its treatment and use throughout history, and its importance to life on Earth. The multimedia game was designed by Jim Swenson of New Media Magic and uses anecdotes, colorful photos, video clips and music to highlight the role of clean water in the development of civilizations over the past 10,000 years. For more information or to order Aqua Venturer ©, call the WEF at (800) 666-0206, or order from their website at www.wef.org.
Greening the Garden State: A Report on Sustainable Business Actions in New Jersey
The New Jersey Office of Sustainable Business has published a report entitled, “Greening the Garden State: A Report on Sustainable Business Actions in New Jersey.” The aim of the report is to provide a list of businesses in New Jersey that have embraced sustainable business practices and/or are producing environmentally preferable products. The businesses listed in the report’s database are devising new methods and new products that create jobs and increase company efficiency while improving the quality of life in New Jersey. If you do business in New Jersey and are interested in other businesses that offer products and/or services which can reduce our impact on the environment, Greening the Garden State can be ordered or downloaded from the Building a Greener New Jersey website at www.bgnj.org/.
Drinking Water Infrastructure Needs Survey report to Congress
The US EPA has released a new Drinking Water Infrastructure Needs Survey report to Congress. The purpose of the survey was to document the needs of the public water systems eligible to receive Drinking Water State Revolving Fund money, and to determine what infrastructure improvements need to be made to comply with the Safe Drinking Water Act. The needs survey estimates that public water systems will require $150.9 billion dollars over a 20-year period to ensure that people across the country continue to receive safe drinking water. Transmission and distribution projects represent the greatest category of need, with $83.2 billion dollars required. To find out more about the needs survey, visit the EPA website at http://www.epa.gov/safewater/needs.html.
25 Ways to Protect Your Stream and Streamside Property
New materials are available from the Pennsylvania DEP to help landowners, watershed organizations and others to protect and restore their streams. A brochure, “25 Ways to Protect Your Stream and Streamside Property,” provides tips to property owners and a list of native plants to use in streamside landscaping. The GreenWorks video “Stream Restoration: Communities Coming Together” focuses on planning and implementing a stream restoration project. The booklet “Stream Restoration in Pennsylvania: Ten Case Studies” describes different types of stream restoration and riparian buffer projects across the state, including lessons learned and practical tips from the project participants. These new materials were developed by the Delaware Riverkeeper Network Restoration program, and copies are available by calling Pat Pingel at (717) 772-5637, or e-mailing Ppingel@state.pa.us.
A publication has been developed by the River Network to help grassroots river and watershed conservation groups find funding for projects. The “Directory of Funding Sources” provides detailed profiles of foundations, corporations, state and federal agencies, and other nonprofits that support small watershed groups, as well as a few sources that support tribes. The book also contains sections on grant writing tips, indexes and resources. To order your copy, call the River Network at (503) 241-3506, or visit their website at www.rivernetwork.org.
Guiding Principles for Constructed Treatment Wetlands: Providing Water Quality and Wildlife Habitat
The federal Interagency Workgroup on Constructed Wetlands has developed a new document entitled, “Guiding Principles for Constructed Treatment Wetlands: Providing Water Quality and Wildlife Habitat,” that describes guidelines for designing, constructing, siting, operating, maintaining, and monitoring constructed wetlands. Information on current Agency policies, permits, regulations, and resources, and answers to common questions are also provided in the document. The Interagency Workgroup on Constructed Wetlands includes the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, Army Corps of Engineers, Fish and Wildlife Service, Natural Resources Conservation Services, National Marine Fisheries Service, and Bureau of Reclamation. Visit the EPA’s website at http://www.epa.gov/owow/wetlands/constructed/guide.html to download a PDF version or request a paper copy.
Maintaining Your BMP – A Guidebook for Private Owners and Operators in Northern Virginia
A new guidance for maintaining BMPs is available from the Northern Virginia Regional Commission (NVRC). “Maintaining Your BMP – A Guidebook for Private Owners and Operators in Northern Virginia” is designed for individual property owners, homeowners association representatives, and residential/commercial property managers, and applies to all regions of the country. This guidebook outlines the basic maintenance and planning tasks to help keep BMPs functioning properly and includes information on types of BMPs, general maintenance needs, and who should carry out maintenance, inspections, and planning for BMP maintenance costs. The guide also contains a sample inspection checklist, a BMP maintenance costs planning sheet, and a local government resource guide. Visit the NVRC website at http://www.novaregion.org/es_pubs.htm#bmp to download a PDF version or request a paper copy.
Choices for Communities: Wastewater Management Options for Rural Areas
From the National Small Flows Clearinghouse (NSFC) comes the booklet, “Choices for Communities: Wastewater Management Options for Rural Areas.” Written by Mike Hoover from the North Carolina State University, College of Agriculture and Life Sciences, Waste Management Programs, this booklet discusses wastewater management options for rural communities. The booklet examines alternatives to conventional septic systems, alternative wastewater collection technologies, and land-based treatment and disposal technologies. Advantages and disadvantages are included. The cost-effectiveness of land-based technologies is discussed using case studies of several North Carolina towns. In addition, centralized and decentralized approaches are compared, based on a detailed analysis of costs by the EPA using a hypothetical rural community. This 16-page booklet can serve as a resource for local, state, and public health officials; engineers; finance officers; contractors/developers; managers; planners; researchers; and state regulatory agencies. The cost is $0.50. To order, call the NSFC at (800) 624-8301 and request Item #WWBLMG09, or visit the NSFC website at http://www.nesc.wvu.edu/nsfc/NSFC_WhatsNew.html#NewProducts.
The US EPA recently published a new document highlighting watershed training courses and other services offered by its Watershed Academy. “EPA Watershed Training Opportunities” (EPA 841-B-01-002) describes the academy's training programs, publications, watershed management facilitation services, and Web-based training courses, as well as related courses and educational materials produced by EPA's Office of Water. The document is available at http://www.epa.gov/owow/watershed/wacademy/wtopps.html. Paper copies may be obtained by calling (800) 490-9198 (refer to the document number when ordering).
EPA's Office of Enforcement and Compliance Assurance has developed a compliance and tracking information system for state and local governments and federal agencies as a way to access and easily use facility-level inspection, violation and enforcement data.
The "Integrated Data for Enforcement Analysis” (IDEA) system and its retrieval component, Online Tracking Information System (OTIS) allows non-technical users to access data and perform analyses with little or no technical knowledge of how the underlying data systems work. Data shown is a combination of federal and state data. The system also provides geographic and demographic information. For more information, visit http://www.epa.gov/idea/otis.
The Pennsylvania State University College of Agricultural Sciences has released a new publication designed to educate Pennsylvania citizens about water’s uses and value to individuals and society. The booklet, called “Valuing Pennsylvania’s Water Resources,” is geared toward members of watershed groups, public officials, water supply managers, and interested citizens. The goal of the booklet is to motivate readers to make better decisions about water use and to express their preferences about water management to government officials. Copies of the booklet are available free of charge from the College of Agricultural Sciences Publications Distribution Center at 814-865-6713.
The New Jersey Department of Environmental Protection (DEP) has added a new water quality page to their website. The new page features ocean beach water quality information and links to county health departments and other coastal related web sites. It lists any ocean beaches that are closed due to water quality or any special beach conditions. Visit the site at www.state.nj.us/dep and click on the “Ocean Beach Info” icon.
The Pennsylvania Association of Conservation Districts has issued its 10th Anniversary issue of Pennsylvania Resources. The publication, “A Habitat for Life,” looks at some of the ways humans depend on natural resources, how change can impact habitats, and some positive and negative consequences associated with human activities. Also included is information on the Bayscape Program, which focuses on creating environmentally sound landscapes that benefit people, wildlife and the Chesapeake Bay. Pennsylvania Resources 2001 is available at www.pacd.org.
Injuries to Hudson River Fishery Resources: Fishery Closures and Consumption Restrictions
The New York Department of Environmental Conservation (DEC) has released a report that describes how the accumulation of polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs) in Hudson River fish has dramatically affected the River’s fishery resources. The report is called “Injuries to Hudson River Fishery Resources: Fishery Closures and Consumption Restrictions,” and is part of a Natural Resource Damages Assessment (NRDA) of PCB contamination in the Hudson River. It found that the Hudson River fishery has been and continues to be injured as a result of the closures and consumption advisories. The report concludes that additional reductions in PCB levels in the Hudson will be necessary to remove the fishing restrictions in the Hudson River. The report can be viewed on the DEC’s website at www.dec.state.ny.us.
Maryland residents can surf the web to find out information about environmental permits in their area. The MDEnvironment is a monthly newspaper published by the Maryland Department of the Environment. In addition to the monthly features such as the MDE public meetings and hearings schedule, enforcement and compliance notes, permitting activity (found in the For The Record section), and MDE people and employee express, the MDEnvironment covers articles on current environmental issues and events in the State. To view, visit http://www.mde.state.md.us/mdenvironment/index.html.
Wastewater Resources for Small Communities
A new CD-Rom is available from the National Small Flows Clearinghouse (NSFC) to help small communities manage wastewater issues. The CD, “Wastewater Resources for Small Communities,” is geared toward professional engineers and operators, government agencies, local officials, researchers and homeowners. Highlights include state-by-state statistics on the status of septic systems in the US, fact sheets describing technologies for treating wastewater, and more than 300 articles from various NSFC publications released since 1989. To order, call NSFC at 800-624-8301.
Hydroexplorer Comes to Your Home
The Water Education Foundation has a new computer game called “Hydroexplorer Comes to Your Home” available to help teach five- to ten-year olds about water resources. Kids learn about water conservation, pollution prevention, the hydrologic cycle, and how water gets to the home. Using basic computer skills, players search for clues as they guide a mini-sub from a rain cloud through the maze of water pipes underground, through the treatment plant, and into either a house or an apartment. Players tour the floor plan, seeking out opportunities to make wise water use choices. For more information or to place an order, visit the WEF website at http://www.watereducation.org/schoolprograms.asp#secondary.
The EPA has produced a 24-page booklet geared toward concerned citizens aged 10-15 that presents key findings of the National Water Quality Inventory in an easy-to-read format. Readers can find out what percentage of our nation’s waters are clean, what pollutes the waters that aren’t, and what they can do to help. The booklet includes projects, a water quiz, a glossary, and a list of resources for more information. “What’s Up With Our Nation’s Waters?” can be viewed at www.epa.gov/owow/monitoring/nationswaters/waters.pdf or can be ordered by calling 1-800-490-9198, and asking for publication number EPA 841-F-00-005.
The EnviroMapper application provides users with interactive Geographic Information System (GIS) functionality using Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) spatial data. It can map various types of environmental information, including air releases, drinking water, toxic releases, hazardous wastes, water discharge permits, and Superfund sites. Select a geographic area within EnviroMapper and view the different facilities that are present within that area. Create maps at the national, state, and county levels, and link them to environmental text reports. You can even insert dynamically created maps in your own webpages. If you have a web browser, you can use EnviroMapper. EnviroMapper allows users to view spatial data at the national, state, and county levels, as well as utilize GIS functionality, such as displaying multiple spatial layers, zooming, panning, identifying features, displaying latitude and longitude, and querying single Envirofacts points. The Enviromapper can be accessed at http://maps.epa.gov/enviromapper/.
Internet Newsbrief is a weekly service from the EPA Headquarters Information Resources Center that provides a sampling of new and/or useful Internet resources for EPA staff and other environmental professionals. The subject of the Newsbrief changes weekly; examples of recent topics include Geographic Information Systems, Invasive Species, and Environmental Chemicals. Viewers can also visit the Newsbrief archive to check out past issues. The current EPA Internet Newsbrief can be found at http://www.epa.gov/natlibra/hqirc/inb/current.htm.
EPA’s Nonpoint Source Control Branch staff has compiled a partial list of some of the best nonpoint source documents available for both the public and professionals. Each entry includes a short summary and information about how to obtain a copy of the document. Visit the EPA’s website at www.epa.gov/owow/nps/bestnpsdocs.html to view the list.
New GIS Coverage for New Jersey Lakes
The NJ Bureau of Freshwater and Biological Monitoring is producing a new spatially accurate GIS coverage for the lakes in New Jersey using ArcView. The polygons have been extracted from the 95/97 Landuse/Landcover coverage available at the DEP. Only polygons classed as artificial or natural lakes have been selected. The creation of the coverage is a large improvement on the current coverage, since the lakes will now match the 95/97 aerial photography available through the NJ DEP as well as accurately represent the location of standing water bodies within New Jersey. The Bureau is looking for knowledgeable people to review the coverage for errors as well as populate it with additional information. For more information, contact Leigh Lager at 609-292-0427 or llager@dep.state.nj.us.
Digital Earth is an ambitious concept to incorporate everything from topographical and population maps to data about migration and weather patterns into a seamless geospatial system accessible worldwide to citizens and scientists alike. The Digital Earth Initiative seeks to facilitate and promote the use of geo-referenced information from multiple sources over the Internet. This requires interoperability among the software systems that provide geospatial data, maps, services, and user applications. Geospatial interoperability is based on shared agreements - whether formal government standards or consensus industry specifications - governing essential geospatial concepts and their embodiment in communication protocols, software interfaces, and data formats. Visit http://www.digitalearth.gov/.
Schmid and Co., Inc. has recently published two new books detailing scientific and regulatory information for New Jersey and Pennsylvania higher plants, with special reference to wetland indicator and rarity status. In addition, the books provide alphabetical checklists by both Latin scientific and English common names, growth habit descriptions (native tree, introduced annual herb, etc.) and plant family names for each plant. For more information or to order, contact Jim Schmid, (610) 356-1416, or visit their website at www.schmidco.com/.
The National Resources Defense Council has published a report documenting the most effective strategies being employed by communities around the country to control urban runoff pollution. The report includes 100 case studies intended to provide a resource for local decisionmakers, municipal officials, local citizens, and environmental activists with regards to local water quality and stormwater management. Originally published in 1999, a new chapter on low-impact development was added in October 2001. To view the report online, visit the NRDC website at www.nrdc.org/water/pollution/storm/stoinx.asp.
Guiding Principles for Constructed Treatment Wetlands
The booklet, “Guiding Principles for Constructed Treatment Wetlands: Providing Water Quality and Wildlife Habitat,” was developed by an interagency workgroup to assist developers, municipalities, and others interested in using constructed wetlands as water treatment systems. The booklet provides information on the legal, technical and policy issues involved with constructed treatment wetlands. To order, call the Wetlands Help line at 1-800-832-7828 and ask for publication EPA-843-B-00-003.
The New Jersey Department of Environmental Protection (NJ DEP) recently released “New Jersey’s Environment 2000,” a comprehensive overview of the quality of the air, water, and other natural resources of New Jersey. The report offers the public a plain language look at the state’s environmental achievements and challenges. It includes information on endangered species, air quality, water quality, site clean-ups, toxic emissions, and open space preservation, as well as information on how citizens of New Jersey can help protect their environment. The report can be viewed at DEP's website at http://www.state.nj.us/dep/dsr/njenv2000/ .
Wetlands Protection through Clean Water State Revolving Funds Fact Sheet
The National Small Flows Clearinghouse (NSFC) has developed a fact sheet outlining how the Clean Water State Revolving Fund works, the various types of funding available, categories of eligibility, sources of repayment, and where to obtain additional information. The fact sheet is geared toward local and state officials, planners, managers, finance officers, and anyone who is looking to receive funding for wetlands protection projects. To order the free fact sheet (shipping charges apply) call the NSFC at 800-624-8301, or e-mail nsfc_orders@mail.nesc.wvu.edu and request Item #FMFSFN31.
Nonpoint Source Capacity Building Website
A new website has been developed by the Nonpoint Source Capacity Building and Funding Work Group, a joint State-EPA workgroup. The site provides links to technical support tools for engineering, information technology, legal assistance, project management, outreach, and planning. It is geared toward watershed groups and local governments that might need help with activities such as permitting, enforcement, contracting, fund raising, and resource management. For more information, visit the EPA website at www.epa.gov/owow/nps/partnership.html.
NJ DEP Vernal Habitat Identification Protocol
The NJ DEP has released a protocol for identifying vernal habitats, as well as a companion form for use in conjunction with the application checklist for general permits. DEP is also providing mapping assistance for locating the vernal habitats already identified and certified. The mapping will be updated and refined on an ongoing basis as the list of certified vernal habitats is developed. After the list is finalized, they will develop digital GIS maps showing the locations of vernal habitats so that when an application for a freshwater wetlands permit is submitted, DEP can easily determine whether or not the site contains vernal habitats. For more information and to view the protocol, visit http://www.state.nj.us/dep/landuse/fww/vernal/index.html.
The Center for Watershed Protection (CWP) staff contributed an article called “Channel Protection – An Assessment of Current and Past Stormwater Management Criteria” to the November issue of the American Water Resources Association monthly magazine. The article investigates the various approaches to providing channel protection through stormwater management criteria, including two-year peak discharge control, over-control, distributed runoff control, and one-year extended detention. To view the article, visit www.cwp.org/channel.pdf.
The EPA’s Office of Water has published an interagency report entitled, “Protecting and Restoring America’s Watersheds: Status, Trends, and Initiatives in Watershed Management.” The report describes watershed-related activities implemented in the recent past. It includes case studies and evaluates programs and partnerships representative of the larger national efforts under way to move stakeholders toward a watershed management approach. For a copy of the report, call the National Environmental Service Center for Environmental Publications at 800-490-9198 (ask for EPA publication 840-R-00-001). To view the report online, visit www.epa.gov/owow/protecting.
Stormwater Treatment Slideshow CD-ROM
The Center for Watershed Protection has released a CD-ROM featuring three slideshows, “A Review of Stormwater Treatment Practices,” “The Sizing of Stormwater Treatment Practices,” and “Choosing the Right Stormwater Treatment Practices.” Users can show the presentations as-is or use them as a source of graphics and data to cut-and-paste into their own presentations. The CD is $25 from the CWP website at www.cwp.org.
Third Edition of Managing Lakes and Reservoirs
Limnologists from the North American Lake Management Society (NALMS) have produced the third edition of their popular book, Managing Lakes and Reservoirs. The book is geared toward citizens who live around lakes, and provides answers to questions about how to best manage and protect their important resource. The book was originally published in 1998 as The Lake and Reservoir Guidance Manual. For more information or to purchase a copy, visit the NALMS website at www.nalms.org.
Urban Lake Management Techniques 12
The Center for Watershed Protection has released a special issue of Techniques devoted to defining how development impacts lakes and reservoirs, and examining ways to reduce these impacts with watershed management practices. The publication includes articles on such topics as land use/impervious cover influences, crafting a lake protection ordinance, and influences of septic systems at the watershed level. To order, visit www.cwp.org.
Restoring Riverfronts: A Guide to Selected Federal Funding Sources
American Rivers has prepared this directory of selected federal funding programs to help communities take advantage of sources of federal assistance that might be tapped for riverfront revitalization and restoration efforts. The purpose of this directory is to provide basic information to river advocates and communities on a selected array of federal programs, ranging from technical assistance to grants and loans. To download a copy, visit www.amrivers.org/riverfronttoolkit/fundingreport.htm.
Wetland and Watershed Protection Toolkit: Guidance Materials for Local Governments in New York State
This Toolkit is a collection of materials designed to encourage, aid, and improve the incorporation of wetland and watershed management into local government comprehensive planning. Designed by the Association of State Wetland Managers (ASWM), the Toolkit is geared toward facilitating the development use of wetland and watershed management plans, increasing understanding of and compliance with wetland regulations, and reducing point and nonpoint source pollution. To view the document online, visit http://aswm.org/lwp/nys.
Effects of Management Practices on Wetland Birds
The USGS Northern Prairie Wildlife Research Center has released a comprehensive series of literature syntheses on North American wetland birds. The focus of the report is to provide information on the management of breeding habitat and how management practices affect the habitats of wetland birds other than waterfowl. The individual species accounts include range maps, breeding ranges, habitat descriptions, area requirements, brood parasitism, breeding-season phenology and site fidelity, species’ response to management, and management recommendations. To view the report online, visit http://www.npwrc.usgs.gov/resource/literatr/wetbird/wetbird.htm.
The Delaware Valley Regional Planning Commission (DVRPC) now has digital aerial photos available of the Delaware Valley region taken in 2000. The photos were taken by BAE Systems ADR, and cover all nine of DVRPC’s counties as well as the four counties in the South Jersey Transportation Planning Area, Ocean County, and Somerset County. The photos have a design scale of one inch to 200 feet, resolution of 1.5 feet, and positional accuracy of five feet or less. The digital files are available in TIFF format (20 mb per tile) or MrSID format (91.1 mb per tile) and can be purchased on CD-ROM or as printed copies by contacting Sharon Smith at DVRPC at 215-238-2828 or mapsales@dvrpc.org. For pricing information, visit the DVRPC website at http://www.dvrpc.org/data/aerial.htm.
An updated version (Version 3.3.8) of the Wisconsin Lake Modeling Suite (WiLMS), a screening level land use management/ lake water quality evaluation tool can now be downloaded at the WDNR Lakes Tools website at www.dnr.state.wi.us/org/water/fhp/lakes/laketool.htm. The new version includes the addition of a Lake Ecoregion Assessment (LEAP) module and an algal nuisance frequency determination routine. Other changes include minor maintenance fixes and the addition of a new graphing option that shows the breakdowns between point and nonpoint source loading.
New Set of EPA Wetlands Fact Sheets
A new set of Wetlands Fact Sheets has debuted on EPA Headquarters' web site at www.epa.gov/owow/wetlands. (Check in the upper right-hand corner for the fact sheets.) The generally non-regulatory topics range from a basic wetlands primer to wetlands restoration and wetlands monitoring, and also include two fact sheets on funding sources.
New Wetlands Research Program Publication
The US Army Engineer Research and Development Center has a new publication on its website (ERDC/EL TR-02-3), “Hydrogeomorphic Approach to Assessing Wetland Functions: Guidelines for Developing Regional Guidebooks; Chapter 1, Introduction and Overview of the Hydrogeomorphic Approach.” The publication includes an overview of the HGM Approach and a general description of each of the nine tasks necessary to prepare regional guidebooks specific for particular wetland types. To access the document, visit http://libweb.wes.army.mil/uhtbin/hyperion/EL-TR-02-3-1.pdf.
Scenic America Resources Available
Scenic America, a nonprofit organization dedicated to helping local grassroots groups fight sprawl, has published a series of nine fact sheets designed to inform local activists about land use and water resource strategies. The fact sheets encompass such topics as conducting a visual assessment of your community, sensitively identifying and protecting scenic vistas and viewsheds, and advocating for context-sensitive highway design. Other recent Scenic America publications include “Saving America’s Countryside: A Guide to Rural Conservation,” “O, Say Can You See: A Visual Awareness Took Kit for Communities," and “Aesthetics, Community Character and the Law.” Visit www.scenic.org/growth.htm for more information.
New Wetland and Riparian Habitat Literature Review Now Available Online
The physical loss of wetlands worldwide has received a lot of press, but a new EPA literature review calls attention to losses in wetland quality, as reflected by biological communities. The 217-page report is a fairly comprehensive review of the biological literature on wetland and riparian habitats organized by major taxon (one chapter each). Within each of these chapters, there is a compilation of North American literature covering various stressors. The report is limited to North America non-tidal environments in the years 1990-2000, and can be viewed at http://www.epa.gov/owow/wetlands/bawwg/publicat.html. Look under the header, "Literature Reviews." Scientific reports on these topics published prior to 1990 are covered in an earlier review, which is also available free on the web at http://www.epa.gov/owow/wetlands/wqual/introweb.htm.
New Document on Wetland Fish Habitat
The Izaak Walton League, National Marine Fisheries Service, and the US Geological Survey Biological Resources Division have published a new report entitled, “Wetlands and Fish – Catch the Link.” The document provides information on how wetlands are important to fish throughout the US. It also describes what fish might be in the wetlands in your local area. The text is geared toward the general public, but the tables and references are more technical. For a free copy, contact the National Marine Fisheries Service Office of Habitat Conservation at 301-713-2325, or e-mail susan.stedman@noaa.gov.
Volunteer Wetland Monitoring Handbook Published
The Wetlands Division of EPA's Office of Wetlands, Oceans, and Watersheds has released the publication, "Volunteer Wetland Monitoring: An Introduction and Resource Guide" (EPA 843-B-00-001). This booklet provides an introduction to why and how people monitor wetlands and includes a multi-page resource guide to handbooks and manuals that offer detailed information on wetland monitoring for the layperson. While it is not a methods manual, the guide also offers advice on approaching wetland monitoring, most of which is a synthesis of comments received from organizers of wetland monitoring programs across the United States.
For more information regarding the publication, contact Kathleen Kutschenreuter (202-566-1383). Copies may be obtained from the Wetlands Helpline at 800-832-7828. The publication is also posted at: http://www.epa.gov/owow/wetlands/monitor/volmonitor.html.
Aquatic Plant Identification Manual Available
The Washington State Department of Ecology has published a new manual entitled “An Aquatic Plant Identification Manual for Washington’s Freshwater Plants” (Pub. 01-10-032). The guide is designed for field identification of freshwater aquatic plants and contains descriptions of over 100 species. The manual provides useful field identification characteristics, using line drawings and color photographs. Order copies from the Washington State Department of Printing at 360-753-6820, or order online at http://waprt.bizland.com/store/index.html.
Ever wonder what's coming out of that pipe near your favorite fishing spot or beach? Find out! The Prairie Rivers Network, Clean Water Network, and River Network have teamed up to create "Permitting an End to Pollution: How to scrutinize and strengthen water pollution permits in your watershed." This handbook guides activists through the process of reviewing and commenting on proposed permits with a focus on critical thinking and action. For a PDF version of the handbook, visit http://www.cwn.org.
Restore America's Estuaries has released a new reports: "Funding for Habitat Restoration Projects: A Citizen's Guide." This guide is a study of 74 federal programs that provide funding for habitat restoration in FY2002. The funding guide provides a quick, comprehensive and accessible review of the often hidden federal funds that may be used to implement on-the-ground habitat restoration projects. Its design and layout provide users with easy access to critical information about funding, eligibility and program contacts. The report is available at: http://www.estuaries.org/.
Wetland Restoration Guide Available Online
The pre-print version of "An Introduction and User's Guide to Wetland Restoration, Creation, and Enhancement," developed by the Interagency Workgroup on Wetland Restoration, is now available online. The document is designed to achieve two goals: introduce non-technical readers to the basics of wetland projects including planning, implementing, and monitoring; and direct interested persons to documents and resources specific to a particular region or wetland type. It is nicely organized and has lots of good information for the layperson, along with valuable resource and technical appendices and a checklist for going through the process. Preview your copy online at http://www.nmfs.noaa.gov/habitat/habitatconservation/publications/index.htm.
FEMA has made available online digital versions of flood maps and Flood Insurance Studies (FIS) for many areas around the country. A FIS is a narrative report of a community's flood hazards. Information contained in the FIS includes: a description of the areas studied and the engineering methods used; past flooding information; graphic profiles of the flood sources; and other pertinent information. These studies contain valuable information on many of our country's rivers. Learn about things like the profile elevation of the riverbed, water depths during storm events, and the location of bridge crossings and dams. The studies can also tell you a lot about a river's watershed and hydrology (i.e. flows, geology, history, survey datum, flooding history, and river velocities). Paper versions of the reports can also be ordered. To access the ordering menu, visit http://web1.msc.fema.gov/webapp/commerce/command/ExecMacro/MSC/macros/catalog.d2w/report
The Center for Watershed Protection (CWP) has released a new presentation on CD-ROM, “Why Watersheds?” The slideshow presentation was designed to bridge the gap for people who may not understand the “whys and hows” of watershed protection. The presentation explains what a watershed is, how development impacts watershed health, and why protecting watersheds is so important. Information is included on steps that planners, watershed groups, and citizens can take to protect their water resources. To preview the presentation, visit www.cwp.org/water.htm, or order a copy from the online store.
Information Television Network has released a new video called “TECHNO 2100: Keeping Our Waters Clean.” The video, which aired on CNBC in December, provides an overview of the issues surrounding TMDLs. Viewers are introduced to basic information on the hydrologic cycle and watersheds, and are then provided with a description of the TMDL approach to improving the Nation’s water quality. The video details specific examples of how TMDLs are being used, and stresses the need for the TMDL program and the importance of cooperation between all stakeholders. You can purchase the video by calling 888-380-6500, or you can view it online at www.itvisus.com/broadcast/techno/keepwatersclean/index.htm.
Clean Water Act Section 319 Success Stories: Volume III Available Online
The US EPA has released the third volume of Section 319 Success Stories. It contains approximately two new stories per state, highlighting some of the additional successes achieved since the 1997 publication of Volume II. These stories demonstrate better-defined water quality improvements, as well as growing partnerships and funding sources, as state 319 programs expand and states learn increasingly more from past 319 demonstration projects. The document is available online at http://www.epa.gov/owow/nps/Section319III/.
Sprawl development is making the nation's drought even more painful by impairing the landscape's ability to recharge aquifers and surface waters, according to a new report by American Rivers, the Natural Resources Defense Council, and Smart Growth America. This groundbreaking report, “Paving our Way to Water Shortages: How Sprawl Aggravates Drought,” estimates the extent of this phenomenon in 18 rapidly growing cities. The report gives the first estimates of groundwater losses due to sprawl development in the 1980s and 1990s. A table of estimates for 18 of the nation’s most land-consuming metro areas is included. The implication of this phenomenon is tremendous -- but the actual impacts on the public's water use vary from city to city. The authors conclude that the link between sprawl and drought needs to be examined more closely. The report's results suggest that policies to promote "smart growth" and low-impact development techniques are needed to ensure adequate water supplies and to protect aquatic resources into the future. In addition, the report presents a series of policy recommendations that are consistent with the principles generally known as "Smart Growth." The authors conclude that strengthening regional cooperation on planning and concentrating development in already urbanized areas can protect water supplies by slowing the development of open space and containing the spread of impervious surfaces. To view the report, visit http://www.amrivers.org/landuse/sprawldroughtreport.htm.
EPA Wetlands Division and the Health and Ecological Criteria Division announce the release of a set of 12 modules entitled "Methods for Evaluating Wetland Condition". These peer-reviewed modules provide "state-of-the-science" information that can help you monitor and assess the biological and nutrient conditions of wetlands in order to evaluate wetland health. A fact sheet provides detailed background material on the modules. Eight additional modules are planned for future publication. Order the entire set or specific copies of the "Methods for Evaluating Wetland Condition" modules from the EPA National Service Center for Environmental Publications (NSCEP) by phone at (513) 489-8190 or toll-free (800) 490-9198, or by e-mail to: ncepiwo@one.net. Or look them up on the web at http://www.epa.gov/waterscience/criteria/wetlands/.
Donald and Lillian Stokes have published a new little pocket guide to shorebirds called "Beginner's Guide To Shorebirds," which covers all North American shorebirds. Special features include coverage of more than 45 of the most common shorebirds; unique, helpful organization by the silhouette and size of the shorebird; innovative range and spring and fall migration maps; tips on where to look for shorebirds, including seashore, lake, inland, woodland, and grassland locations; and details about their migratory patterns. For more information, visit http://www.stokesbooks.com.
Restore America’s Estuaries (RAE) has published a study of federal programs that provide funding for habitat restoration. “Funding for Habitat Restoration Projects: A Citizen’s Guide” provides a quick, comprehensive, and accessible review of the often hidden federal funds that may be used to implement on-the-ground projects. 74 programs are identified which authorize $7.2 billion for FY 2002 programs. The guide is available online as an interactive database at www.estuaries.org/funding.html.
The Center for Rural Pennsylvania, a legislative agency of the Pennsylvania General Assembly, has developed a data-users guide called, “Stats for Scaredy-Cats: A How-To Guide for Rural Data Users.” The guide was developed with the novice data user in mind. Stats for Scaredy-Cats offers advice on understanding data, working with data and gathering data. The guide includes definitions, an explanation of the various codes used by government and other agencies, a look at data limitations, and details on comparing variables and time periods. Finally, it offers advice on choosing data formats, and was developed with the 2000 Census in mind. Copies of the guide are available by calling the Center for Rural Pennsylvania at (717) 787-9555 or by e-mailing info@ruralpa.org.
In its Eleventh Biennial Report on Great Lakes Water Quality, the International Joint Commission (IJC) finds that while there are many ongoing programs and activities in Canada and the United States, progress to restore and maintain the chemical and biological integrity of the waters of the Great Lakes basin ecosystem is proceeding at a slow pace. The Report makes this case and offers specific recommendations in three major areas: the state of the Great Lakes, the challenge of contaminated sediments and human health impacts, and the challenge of alien invasive species. To view the report, visit www.ijc.org.
The Great Lakes Sea Grant Network has developed an informational compact disk "Exotics To Go! Presentations and publications to Prevent the Spread of Aquatic Nuisance Species." The CD is billed as the equivalent of "fast food" for people who need outreach materials about aquatic nuisance species (ANS). The convenient package of information is designed to help lake associations, natural resource agency staff, extension educators, and teachers distribute accurate, timely, and important information about ANS. The CD is available from Minnesota Sea Grant for $2.50 plus tax by visiting their website at http://www.seagrant.umn.edu/exotics/exoticstogo.html.
EPA is developing a National Water Quality Standards Database (WQSDB) to improve public access to information on standards. EPA's August update to the Water Quality Standards Database included new or revised information for nine States and one Tribe, bringing the total number of jurisdictions covered in the database to twenty-five. When completed, the WQSDB will allow access to maps and tables for all of the approximately 2.7 million surface water bodies across the nation. Visit the updated database at http://www.epa.gov/wqsdatabase/.
In addition, Pennsylvania Department of Environmental Protection Water Quality Network (WQN) stream chemistry data is now online as part of the EPA STORET system. The data, including metals, solids, field measurements, and other water quality parameters, can be searched by stream and date. WQN lake water quality and fish tissue data will be posted soon. To access the site, visit http://www.epa.gov/storet/, or http://www.dep.state.pa.us/dep/deputate/watermgt/wqp/wqstandards/STORET-Access.htm for information on how to access the system.
The San Dimas Technology and Development Center recently released a five-part video series, Road Maintenance, to educate people on environmentally sensitive methods for maintaining primitive roads. Although the series was developed mainly for USDA Forest Service equipment operators, the concepts are applicable to most dirt and gravel roads. The set includes “Forest Roads and the Environment,” “Reading the Traveled Way,” “Reading Beyond the Traveled Way,” “Smoothing and Reshaping the Traveled Way,” and “Maintaining the Ditch and Surface Cross Drains.” To order free copies of the set, contact the USDA Forest Service San Dimas Technology and Development Center at 909-599-1267.
A new manual has been released by the EPA as an update to their 1980 standard, “Design Manual for Onsite Wastewater Treatment and Disposal Systems.” The new manual, “Onsite Wastewater Treatment Systems Manual,” (EPA/625/R-00/008) has been developed over the last five years by a wide variety of experts to provide the latest information on onsite system management, siting, design, installation, maintenance, monitoring, and replacement. It also promotes the use of an integrated risk/performance-based approach to design and includes information on cost and effectiveness. To download the publication, visit www.epa.gov/ORD/NRMRL/Pubs/625R00008/625R00008.htm.
New Clean Water Act Web-Based Training Module
The US EPA Office of Water’s Watershed Academy has completed a web-based training module called “Introduction to the Clean Water Act” at http://www.epa.gov/watertrain/cwa/. Users may go through the entire 65-slide course on the CWA in sequence or they can jump to the particular Clean Water Act program of interest by going to the CWA Big Picture shown at the top of each slide. These user-friendly modules are similar to interactive slide presentations. Each page consists of a top frame with navigation tools, a left frame showing slides and illustrations, and a right frame with instructional text.
EnviroMapper for WATER Version 2.0
EnviroMapper for Water is a web-based Geographic Information System (GIS) application that dynamically displays information about bodies of water in the United States. This interactive tool allows you to create customized maps that portray the nation's surface waters along with a collection of environmental data. EnviroMapper Version 2.0 has a new, improved interface and provides access to an expanded list of information sources, including water program information (Assessed Waters, Beaches, Sewage No Discharge Zones, Nutrient Stations, and Water Quality Stations). Additional data layers include Congressional Districts, Watersheds, Federal Lands, Tribal Lands, and Ecoregions. For more information, please visit http://www.epa.gov/waters/enviromapper/v2new.html.
Source Water Education Materials
Two source water educational publications were recently published under a cooperative agreement between the EPA Office of Water and the National Environmental Education and Training Foundation, including “Where Does Your Water Come From?”, a resource booklet produced by the Water Education Foundation, and “Wade into Watersheds,” a curriculum by Adopt-a-Watershed. For more information, contact Jori Copeland at 202-564-3876.
New Handbook Helps Local Governments Protect Streams
The University of Virginia's Institute for Environmental Negotiation has produced a new book, "A Stream Corridor Protection Strategy for Local Governments." The handbook is designed to help Chesapeake Bay states implement many facets of the Chesapeake 2000 agreement. In particular, the handbook aims to protect forested stream buffers and development of local watershed plans. It describes how to devise an effective stream protection strategy, provide tools such as the use of zoning to protect local streams, give case studies of successful projects and how to engage the local community. Printed copies of the handbook are available for a fee from the UVA by calling (434) 924-1970. To download a free PDF version, visit http://www.virginia.edu/~envneg/ien_projects_featured.htm#stream.
The Center for Watershed Protection (CWP) has several new products available. The popular reference manual, “The Practice of Watershed Protection,” has just entered its second printing. Order a hardcover edition from their online store at http://centerforwatershedprotection.goemerchant7.com/. Also available from the online store is the fifth CD-ROM in their slideshow series. The Stormwater Practice Design slideshow CD includes five presentations detailing design criteria for several important stormwater practices: filtering, infiltration, open channels, aquatic buffers, and ponds/wetlands.
The National Wildlife Refuge Association (NWRA), joined a bipartisan coalition of Senators, Representatives and the Bush Administration on the eve of the 100th anniversary of the Refuge System, to release “Silent Invasion,” a new report that examines how invasive species are wreaking havoc on National Wildlife Refuges across the country. Invasive plants alone have invaded more than 100 million acres of land nationwide. Nearly eight million of those acres are in wildlife refuges, areas created to protect the most important examples of biological diversity across the country. NWRA urges Congress and the Administration to provide $150 million over five years to protect these natural treasures against the advancement of invasives. To stop the Refuge invaders, the report recommends a three-part strategy-- educating and mobilizing volunteers, deploying rapid response strike teams across the nation, and implementing the strategic management plan of the National Invasive Species Council, a Presidentially-mandated commission. “Silent Invasion” also profiles the “Dirty Dozen” invasive species and shows how 12 diverse refuges in as many states are working to address this ecological crisis. To view the report, visit http://www.refugenet.org/default-2.htm.
Riparian Buffer Vegetation Fact Sheet
A new fact sheet, “Managing Riparian Buffer Vegetation – Plants That May be Poisonous or Harmful to Livestock,” is available from the PA DEP Stream ReLeaf Program. The fact sheet is geared toward watershed groups, farmers, and citizens who are working in agricultural riparian areas adjacent to livestock. The fact sheet can be downloaded at http://www.dep.state.pa.us/hosting/streamreleaf/stream_releaf.htm.
Pennsylvania Watershed Snapshot Report
The Pennsylvania Watershed Snapshot 2001 and 2002 Report is now available. More than 3,000 volunteers participated in the Watershed Snapshot events during 2001 and 2002, with the goal of documenting water quality in streams and lakes across the state during a 10-day period around Earth Day. During 2002, additional data was collected on National Water Monitoring Day on October 18th in celebration of the 30th anniversary of the Clean Water Act. To access the report, which combines information from both 2001 and 2002, visit http://www.dep.state.pa.us/dep/deputate/watermgt/wc/subjects/snapshot.htm.
Sediment Sampling Equipment Available
The EPA Headquarters Watershed Branch recently made specific sediment sampling instrumentation available to the general public. Previously, this instrumentation was only available to federal agencies. The Federal Interagency Sedimentation Project (FISP) developed the instruments, which are designed to give precise and accurate readings of the transport and deposition of sediments in surface waters for use in a variety of applications. For more information, or to locate commercial distributors of the instruments, visit http://fisp.wes.army.mil/.
Watershed Project Management Guide
A new book has recently been released by EPA Environmental Scientist Thomas E. Davenport. The Watershed Project Management Guide presents a four-phase approach to watershed management: Assessment, Planning, Implementation, and EvaluationThis four-phased approach will assist watershed practitioners develop a plan consistent with the recently released USDA-EPA Watershed Management Planning and Implementation Process guidance. This process can be used to implement a management strategy to meet the load allocations required by an approved Total Maximum Daily Load (TMDL), the goals of a Source Water Protection Plan, USDA programs such as EQIP, or Section 319 Project. To order the book, visit www.crcpress.com, or call 800-272-7737.
Homeowners Guide to Invasive Plants
The Chesapeake Bay Program has released a new guidebook, “Plant Invaders of Mid-Atlantic Natural Areas”, which provides homeowners with information and color photos of 49 species of highly invasive plants affecting aquatic and terrestrial natural areas in the Bay watershed. Information on targeted species is organized by type of plant for ease of reference and includes the history of introduction, ecological threat, method of spread, habitats impacted, control options, and the use of alternative native plants. To request a copy, email mary_cordovilla@fws.gov.
To help communities implement better stormwater controls, the Natural Resources Defense Council (NRDC) recently released a CD-ROM version of its 1999 report, “Storm Water Strategies: Community Responses to Run-off Pollution.” The new CD-ROM is very user-friendly and includes updated case studies on stormwater management issues (including new information on Low Impact Development), and web site links to stormwater leaders across the country. For more information, visit the Natural Resources Defense Council web site at www.nrdc.org/publications, or call 212-727-2700.
Great Lakes Region Digital Library
The University of Michigan Library and its project partners, the Fish and Mammal Divisions of the University of Michigan Museum of Zoology and the Fungus Collection of the University of Michigan Herbarium have developed a new digital library resource, "Flora and Fauna of the Great Lakes Region." The site is available at http://www.lib.umich.edu/programs/greatlakes/index.html. The website provides access to specimen materials selected from the three museum divisions' extensive Great Lakes holdings. When fully complete, the resource will include 11 sub-collections, containing many images as well as collection data. A working prototype for a system to provide integrated access to all of the Museum Divisions' collections and additional content such as field notes and other supplementary information, the site is intended to facilitate access to natural history collections for the general user as well as the specialist interested in searching across domains. For additional information, contact Terri Geitgey, Project Librarian, at tgeitgey@umich.edu.
Federal Highway Administration Stormwater BMP Report
The Federal Highway Administration (FHWA) has released a document called “Stormwater Best Management Practices in an Ultra-Urban Setting.” The report provides a planning-level review of the applicability and use of new and more traditional BMPs in ultra-urban areas. The goal of ultra-urban technology is to provide cost-effective, low-maintenance solutions to stormwater management problems in the ultra-urban environment. This report supplements recent FHWA manuals by expanding and presenting additional data, design criteria, and monitoring study results on BMPs implemented in ultra-urban areas. The report can be accessed at http://www.fhwa.dot.gov/environment/ultraurb/index.htm.
The Partnership for the Delaware Estuary has produced an educational video, “Exploring the Delaware Estuary,” using funding from the PA DEP Growing Greener Grant Program. The video is available free of cost to educate students, organizations, environmental, civic, and community groups, local agencies, and the general public about the connection between Pennsylvania’s watersheds and the welfare of the estuary. The video highlights the ecological, historical, social, economic, agricultural, geographic, and political factors that influence the estuary, as well as describing nonpoint source pollution threats to the estuary. For more information or to obtain a copy of the video, call the Partnership for the Delaware Estuary at 800-445-4935.
Watershed Protection Publication
The Delaware Riverkeeper has recently released a new document called “In Defense of Watersheds: Protecting your community from flooding without dams.” The document explains how nonstructural solutions and preventive conservation efforts work better than structural options, and provides a step-by-step guide for how to make alternatives a reality in your community. To order the publication, visit www.delawareriverkeeper.org/.
The US EPA's document, Community Culture and the Environment: A Guide to Understanding a Sense of Place, is now available for ordering. The guide focuses on concepts of community and culture while providing tools for identifying, assessing, and working with the social dynamics and local values connected to environmental protection. The Guide is designed for people involved in community-based initiatives, affiliated with watershed-based organizations, universities, federal agencies, tribal agencies, and local agencies. To find out more about this resource go to: http://www.epa.gov/ecocommunity/tools/community.pdf . To request a free copy of the Guide, visit the National Service Center for Environmental Publications (NSCEP) website at: http://www.epa.gov/ncepihom/index.htm or call 1-800-490-9198. The publication number is EPA 842-B-01-003.
J. Reese Voshell, Jr. is the author of a new guide to common freshwater invertebrates of America. The resource is designed for teachers, amateur naturalists, environmentalists, and anglers. The book provides information in non-technical language for about 100 of the most common groups of invertebrates found in the inland waters of North America. It provides background on the biology and ecology of freshwater environments, and describes nearly 100 of the most common groups of invertebrates, usually at the taxonomic level of order or family. For each group, a whole-body color illustration is provided along with brief text pointing out the most important features to use to identify members of the group. Also included are expanded descriptions of the life histories, behavior, and ecology of the various invertebrate groups. For ordering information and several sample pages of the book, visit: http://www.mwpubco.com/inverts.htm.
The Chesapeake Bay Program’s Scientific and Technical Advisory Committee has compiled a report titled, “Chesapeake Futures,” which provides a forward-looking analysis of the environmental health of the Bay ecosystem in 2030. Based on three possible scenarios, the report finds that with reductions and improvements to Bay water quality called for by the Chesapeake 2000 agreement, the bay would look better in 2030 than it does today. However, failing to meet the current Bay commitments may result in losing hard-won gains made in the past 15 years of restoration. To view the report, visit www.chesapeake.org/stac.
The Metropolitan Council of the St. Paul/Minneapolis area has developed the “Urban Small Sites Best Management Practices (BMP) Manual” to assist municipalities and wastewater management organizations in guiding site development and redevelopment. The manual also serves as a design reference for developers, contractors, and others for use during project design and implementation. The manual is specifically geared toward sites of less than five acres in cold climates, and provides factors in selecting BMPs, guidelines for pollution prevention and stormwater runoff BMP design, and 40 sample BMPs. A CD version of the manual may be purchased for $7.50, and hard copies are $30. The manual is also available online at www.metrocouncil.org/environment/Watershed/bmp/manual.htm. For more information, contact Karen Jensen at 651-602-1401 or karen.jensen@metc.state.mn.us.
The USEPA has released a new guide entitled "Getting in Step: Engaging and Involving Stakeholders in Your Watershed." The guide, which is the second in the popular "Getting in Step" series, features information on how to generate interest and participation in watershed assessment, planning, and management. A web-based version of the new guide (along with the previous "Guide to Effective Outreach in Your Watershed") is posted online at http://www.epa.gov/owow/watershed/outreach/documents/.
Guide to Great Lakes Coastal Wetlands
“Where Land Meets Water: Understanding Wetlands of the Great Lakes” is a new comprehensive guide that presents up-to-date coastal wetland science in an accessible manner, with graphics, maps and illustrations designed to enhance understanding of these important ecosystems. The book emerged from the research and ideas presented at the Great Lakes coastal wetlands symposium at the Quebec 2000: Millennium Wetland Event. All topics are explored from a binational perspective, including wetland evolution and classification; ecological functions and values of wetlands; coastal wetland ecology; wetland stressors; wetland rehabilitation, including case studies; and wetland conservation activities. The guide is available from EPA's Great Lakes National Program Office at (312) 886-7474 or brail.lawrence@epa.gov.
Impacts of Impervious Cover on Aquatic Systems
The Center for Watershed Protection has released this comprehensive examination of more than 225 multi-disciplinary research studies documenting the impact of urbanization and the associated impervious cover on aquatic systems. Written in a clear, accessible style, Impacts is the Center's most extensive exploration of imperviousness to date, and reviews the available scientific data on the myriad ways urbanization influences hydrologic, physical, water quality, and biological indicators of aquatic health. The research distilled in this report was conducted in many different eco-regions, climatic zones and stream types. Download the electronic version for $25 at http://www.cwp.org.
New fish info available from USGS
Data on fish communities is now available from the USGS for 960 stream sites in more than 50 major river basins across the nation. Users can search for fish communities by state, county, ecoregion, hydrologic code, or study unit, and retrieve data about fish community sample counts, species lists, and sample abundance. To access the database, visit http://water.usgs.gov/nawqa/data. (click on fish communities on the left navigation bar)
Enforcement and Compliance History On-line
The USEPA and state government agencies have worked together to create an on-line searchable Web database containing environmental compliance and EPA/State enforcement records. This database includes inspection reports, violations, enforcement actions, and penalties imposed. Users can search by zip code at: http://www.epa.gov/echo.
EPA’s Office of Water has released a new CD-based outreach kit to help communities across the country implement the new NPDES Stormwater Phase II requirements. The materials will help communities reach out to a wide variety of audiences, including homeowners, construction site operators, and businesses. Local officials can use the CD to customize these materials with their agency’s name, address, and phone number so citizens will know where to turn for more information. You can view the Stormwater Month collection of materials at http://www.epa.gov/npdes/stormwater month. You can also order the Stormwater Month CD by contacting Nikos Singelis at npdesbox-request@epa.gov.
Updated Catalog of Federal Funding for Watershed Protection
EPA has recently updated the Catalog of Federal Funding Sources for Watershed Protection, and the Catalog is now online. The website provides information for watershed practitioners and others on 84 Federal funding sources that may be available to help fund various watershed-related projects. The website updates EPA’s Catalog of Federal Funding Sources for Watershed Protection (EPA 841-B-99-003) which was previously published in 1999. To view the website, visit http://www.epa.gov/watershedfunding.
Great Lakes Climate Change Report
“Confronting Climate Change in the Great Lakes Region: Impacts on Our Communities and Ecosystems” is a comprehensive report released by the Union of Concerned Scientists and the Ecological Society of America, and written by leading university and government scientists in the Great Lakes region. This report examines the potential impacts of climate change upon the various ecosystems of this diverse and rich region. The report is designed to raise awareness of climate change and broaden understanding of its potential impacts and solutions. It is written in a readily accessible style for the general public, state and national policymakers, and business leaders. To download pdf copies of the report, state/provincial-specific summaries, and climate change solution booklets or order printed versions of these materials, visit http://www.ucsusa.org/greatlakes/glchallengereport.html.
EPA’s Office of Water (OW) has released STORET Version 2.0, the new version of EPA's main repository for water monitoring data. STORET 2.0 will better enable our State, local, Tribal and Federal partners to document their ambient water quality and biological monitoring activities and manage their environmental data. The newly released Version 2.0 is fully compatible with current Windows platforms for personal computers; improves the batch upload capability for water data; allows users to store data describing probability-based monitoring designs; can store documents, graphics, and digital pictures; and allows users to store information on over 320,000 different biological species. EPA will be posting a training schedule for Version 2.0 at http://www.epa.gov/STORET/. If you have questions about STORET, please call the STORET User Assistance at 1-800-424-9067 or send an email to STORET@epa.gov.
Riparian and Aquatic Ecosystem Monitoring Manual
Riparian and Aquatic Ecosystem Monitoring: A Manual of Field and Lab Procedures is the product of 11 years of volunteer monitoring coordination by the Student Watershed Research Project (SWRP). The manual was written for high school students and teachers, but would be appropriate for any group involved in volunteer monitoring or even field-based college courses. The manual discusses each testing parameter as well as describing materials needed, technique, waste disposal, and reporting of results. To order the manual, visit www.swrp.org.
NWI staff recently converted all of its 27,735 wetland files over to shapefile format. The NWI shapedata files are in UTM projection, NAD83. These include re-projected NAD27 data for which there are hard-copy NWI maps available, and the "Updated NAD83" data for which there are no hard-copy NWI maps available. The conversion was designed to make the data available to users that do not have supplicated GIS software. To download the data, visit the NWI webpage at http://www.nwi.fws.gov and click on "Downloads.” Users with only an Internet connection and a browser can view digitized wetlands maps using the Wetlands Interactive Mapper also found on the National Wetlands Inventory webpage http://www.nwi.fws.gov/mapper_tool.htm.
EPA recently released a series of 12 modules, collectively titled, “Methods for Evaluating Wetland Condition,” to help states and tribes build capacity to monitor and assess the biological and nutrient conditions of wetlands. Water quality managers can use the modules to learn about ecological assessments, biological and nutrient assessment techniques, and biological and nutrient criteria development. The modules will serve as a basis for developing future EPA guidance for wetlands water quality. EPA expects to develop eight additional modules as part of this series. Modules are available on the Web at www.epa.gov/waterscience/criteria/wetlands. To order the entire set or specific copies, contact the National Service Center for Environmental Publications (NSCEP) by phone at (800) 490-9198, or by e-mail at ncepiwo@one.net.
In partnership with the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (Region 5) and Purdue University, the Local Government Environmental Assistance Network (LGEAN) recently launched an online tool to help local government planners measure the water quality impacts of land use changes. Specifically, local governments provide information about their location, the proposed land use change, and the area's soil type. Based on community-specific climate data, the Long-Term Hydrologic Impact Assessment (L-THIA) model estimates changes in recharge, runoff, and nonpoint source pollution resulting from proposed development. L-THIA's results can be used to generate community awareness of potential long-term problems and to support planning aimed at minimizing disturbance of critical areas. For more information or to use L-THIA, visit http://www.ecn.purdue.edu/runoff/lthianew/.
Voluntary Septic Systems Management Guidelines
The EPA Office of Water has released a new document titled “Voluntary Guidelines for Management of Onsite and Clustered (Decentralized) Wastewater Treatment Systems.” These new guidelines are designed to help local governments strengthen their management of septic (onsite) systems and other small, privately-owned wastewater treatment systems. These guidelines and an accompanying Management Handbook, which is now available for public comment, provide local governments with a risk-based model for evaluating local conditions and then a five-tier system developing an appropriate management program to address local conditions. The Voluntary Guidelines document (EPA 832-B-03-001) is available for download at http://www.epa.gov/owm/onsite.
Stormwater Permit Information, MS4 Annual Report on Web
The Pennsylvania DEP has posted the Municipal Separate Storm Sewer System (MS4) resource material and first year MS4 Annual Report Form on PA DEP's stormwater webpage. These documents will assist Pennsylvania's 940 MS4s municipalities meet their federally mandated NPDES Stormwater Permit requirements. The materials include informational pamphlets, educational posters, storm drain stenciling materials and inspection report forms. DEP will continuously update the site with new information as it becomes available. To access the materials, visit http://www.dep.state.pa.us/dep/deputate/watermgt/wc/subjects/stormwatermanagement.htm.
Report: Improving Transportation Without Putting Nature Second
The Defenders of Wildlife and the Surface Transportation Policy Project have released a joint report on the relationships between development patterns, transportation, and wildlife habitats. Among their recommendations: Integrate conservation planning into transportation planning; Use conservation banking in concert with large-scale conservation plans to mitigate unavoidable impacts of transportation; Build wildlife crossings where necessary to repair ecological damage and restore habitat connectivity; Use only native species in roadside vegetation management. To view the report, visit http://www.defenders.org/habitat/highways/secondnature.html.
Software Helps Municipalities Plan Healthier Neighborhoods
A new, free software tool developed by the Pennsylvania State University (Penn State) may ease the chore of navigating Pennsylvania's complex Municipal Planning Code, allowing municipalities to plan healthier neighborhoods. The software, called PennSCAPEs (Pennsylvania Strategies, Codes and People Environments), will help municipalities plan neighborhoods by retaining open space while accommodating development, transforming stagnant suburban and urban tracts into more traditional neighborhoods, and fostering public health and decreasing traffic with pedestrian-friendly amenities. To access PennSCAPEs on the Web, visit http://www.pennscapes.psu.edu. To obtain a copy in CD-ROM format, call 814-865-5300, or e-mail mxr43@psu.edu.
Free Agricultural Conservation Video
The Conservation Technology Information Center (CTIC), with the support of IMC Global, recently released a new Core 4 conservation video. Titled "Production Agriculture: Feeding People While Protecting the Environment--Core 4," this free video takes viewers from the origins of production agriculture to today's cropland and livestock operations. In this 10-minute feature, conservation plays a starring role. Footage includes demonstrations of Best Management Practices (BMPs), no-till planting, and seeding. To order, call CTIC at (765) 494-9555.
NPDES Permits Available Online
EPA is now making electronic copies of NPDES permits and fact sheets for major facilities available online. Permit documents are now available through Envirofacts for about 450 facilities that have had their NPDES permits issued or reissued since November 1, 2002. EPA will continue to post copies of permits and fact sheets for major industrial and municipal facilities as existing permits are reissued and new permits are issued. For more information about this project and detailed instructions on how to access the documents, see www.epa.gov/npdes/permitdocuments.
EPA Issues Construction General Permit
EPA's Construction General Permit was recently published in the Federal Register and covers all construction activity on sites one acre or larger in states, territories, and Indian country where EPA is the permitting authority. The new permit implements Phase II of the NPDES Stormwater Regulations that contains new requirements for construction sites between one and five acres. (Construction sites that are five acres or larger were regulated previously under Phase I of the program and earlier construction general permits.) Under this Permit, construction site operators will need to develop and implement stormwater pollution prevention plans and file a "Notice of Intent" form at least 7 days prior to initiation of land-disturbing activities. For more information, visit www.epa.gov/npdes/stormwater/cgp.
Latest Online Issue of BufferNotes Highlights Program Linking
The June issue of BufferNotes highlights a program linking Farm Bill Programs like CCRP and the Environmental Quality Incentives Program. In Rock County, Wisconsin, landowners who receive EQIP cost-share funds for streambank stabilization also establish buffers funded by CCRP or the state’s CREP. The county’s Local Work Group, which sets local EQIP priorities, is the key to linking the programs. The USDA Local Work Group provides advice to NRCS concerning the implementation of the conservation programs. As established by the 2002 Farm Bill, local work groups are convened by conservation districts, and are made up of representation from a wide range of government officials and agency staff. Local recommendations are passed along to the state conservationist’s State Technical Committee. See more about this program and others at http://nacdnet.org/buffers/.
A wetlands poster is now available from EPA Region 8 (Rocky Mountains and Plains) that describes various isolated wetlands found in that region and is entitled "Vulnerable Wetlands." There are several colorful photographs along with a short text that describes the importance of these wetlands and why they are vulnerable to loss. The poster also encourages the public to get involved in the monitoring of these wetlands. To order a poster, contact Paul McIver at 303-312-6056 or email at mciver.paul@epa.gov.
New Database, Research Center to Fight Invasives
The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) is establishing a new National Center for Research on Aquatic Invasive Species in Ann Arbor, Michigan. The new center will coordinate research efforts on invasive species and will work with other agencies to fight invasive species. In addition, the Smithsonian Environmental Research Center has formed a partnership with CSIRO Marine Research in Hobart, Australia. The two groups will combine their databases of invasive species, creating a global inventory to help scientists and managers cope with the problem. For more information on the new NOAA Research Center, visit http://www.glerl.noaa.gov/res/Programs/ncrais/ncrais.html. For information on the invasive species database collaboration, visit http://www.marine.csiro.au/PressReleasesfolder/03releases/14jul03.htm.
Free Watershed Academy Web Training CD
The EPA Watershed Academy's online training program, Watershed Academy Web, is now available on a free CD as well as on the Internet. This training CD offers a variety of self-paced training modules that represent a basic and broad introduction to the watershed management field. The modules are organized by six themes, including Introductory/Overview, Watershed Ecology, Watershed Change, Analysis and Planning, Management Practices, and Community/Social/Water Law. Modules vary in the time they to complete, from ˝ hour to 2 hours. Fifteen of them are the core modules for the Watershed Academy Certificate Program. Single copies of the CD are available by requesting "Watershed Academy Web on CD" publication no. EPA 841-C-03-001 from ncepimal@one.net or by phone at 1-800-490-9198. Ordering information is also available on the Watershed Academy Web home page at http://www.epa.gov/watertrain/.
Natural Stream Channel Design Handbook
The North Carolina Stream Restoration Institute's (SRI) new release "Stream Restoration: A Natural Channel Design Handbook" is hot off the press. This 128-page book contains information about stream survey procedures, classification, restoration options, restoration design procedures, vegetation, erosion control and much more! Visit the SRI's web page at http://www.ncsu.edu/sri/stream_rest_guidebook/guidebook.html for ordering information or to download the book free as a pdf file.
Stormwater Wells Regulation Fact Sheet
The EPA has released a new fact sheet titled, "When Are Storm Water Discharges Regulated as Class V Wells?" This new fact sheet clarifies when shallow wells, dry wells, and other stormwater best management practices may be regulated by EPA's Underground Injection Control (UIC) program. The fact sheet seeks to raise the awareness of stormwater managers of the need to protect vulnerable underground sources of drinking water as they design and approve best management practices to control storm water runoff to surface waters. To view this fact sheet or for more information on EPA's Underground Injection Control program, visit www.epa.gov/safewater/uic/classv.html. For information on the new NPDES Phase II stormwater regulations, visit www.fxbrowne.com.
Summary of Biological Assessment Programs
The EPA has released a Summary of Biological Assessment Programs and Biocriteria Development for States, Tribes, Territories and Interstate Commissions: Streams and Wadeable Rivers Document (EPA-822-R-02-048). This document provides an abundance of technical and programmatic information, which illustrates the progress States, Tribes, Territories and Interstate Commissions are making in the utilization of biological assessments and criteria in their water programs for protecting streams and small rivers. To download a copy of the document or fact sheet, please visit http://www.epa.gov/waterscience/biocriteria/.
2003 American Wetlands Conference Proceedings
Please visit the Izaak Walton League's Web site at http://www.iwla.org/SOS/awm/conference/2003_proceedings.html to view proceedings of the 2003 American Wetlands Conference. The American Wetlands Conference provided a forum for volunteers, biologists, government agency representatives, policy makers, nonprofit organizations, businesses, and educators to discuss the latest trends in wetland conservation. Some of the many topics covered at the conference included: the status and ecological importance of geographically isolated and ephemeral wetlands, a discussion of whether or not isolated wetlands need federal protection, wetland construction, monitoring and assessment, hands-on education, conservation development and land-use planning as wetland conservation tools, and public perceptions of wetlands.
American Rivers and the Sierra Club are sponsors of a new publication, “Where rivers are born: the scientific imperative for protecting small streams and wetlands.”
The paper, authored by a group of respected aquatic scientists from research institutions across the country, summarizes the scientific basis for understanding that the health and productivity of rivers and lakes depends upon intact small streams and wetlands. To download the paper, visit http://www.amrivers.org/docs/WhereRiversAreBorn.pdf.
The Pennsylvania Spatial Data Access (PASDA) Clearinghouse website (http://www.pasda.psu.edu ) is now featuring some new items. One is a DOQQ viewer/downloader, which allows searches by street address, and then allows the user to download specific aerial photography based on flight date. PASDA is currently working on a clipping application for DOQQs. The clipping application for shapefiles is currently online. This will allow a user to elect to download just a selected geographic portion of a dataset, rather than entire statewide datasets. PASDA has also recently brought a reprojection engine online, which will allow a user to reproject a GIS dataset to a different mapping system. After lengthy negotiations, PASDA will be acquiring datasets from the City of Philadelphia, as well as some datasets pertaining to habitats from the Western Pennsylvania Conservancy. These GIS data will be online shortly.
MD Coastal Bays Boater’s Guide
The Coastal Bays Program has released a map and brochure designed to educate boaters in Maryland’s coastal waters. One side shows a map of the northern coastal bays, including seagrass areas, boat ramps, marinas, and other boating-related information. The other side includes tips on boating and jet-ski laws, fishing facts, hypothermia chart, marker explanations, a sunset table, phone numbers, water quality, and information on keeping boating trips as low-impact as possible. To receive a free copy, visit a local MD tackle shop or marina, or contact the Maryland Coastal Bays Program office at 410-213-2297 or outreach@mdcoastalbays.org.
Everyone has a favorite river song. "Proud Mary," by John Fogerty, "Bridge Over Troubled Water," by Paul Simon, and "Michael Row the Boat Ashore" are all classics -- and are among the 55 river songs featured in Sing for the River: A Collection of River Songs (Yee-Hah! Inc, 2003, ed.) by Dorothy Lees Riddle. The guitar chords, lyrics and melodies are all included so there is no excuse to not participate in the next campfire sing-a-long. When you buy the book, a portion of the proceeds will be donated to American Rivers. Visit www.singfortheriver.com to order.
Chesapeake Bay Program Restoration Book
The Chesapeake Bay Foundation recently released a new book, Turning the Tide: Saving the Chesapeake Bay (Island Press, August 2003). The book examines the successes and failures of the Chesapeake Bay restoration effort over the past decade. Review copies of the book are available by contacting Emily Turner at Island Press at 202-232-7933, or eturner@islandpress.org.
The Izaak Walton League of America (IWLA) has just released an improved macroinvertebrate identification field guide with updated drawings, descriptions, and significance rankings based on current scientific understanding of macroinvertebrate distribution patterns. The "Volunteer Monitor's Field Guide for Aquatic Macroinvertebrates" is a two-sided 11 x 17 laminated card that folds to a 4-1/2 x 11 size to fit conveniently into a bag or monitoring kit. Diagrams of larvae and adults display common features that characterize each type. A change from the original IWLA identification card is that macroinvertebrates are now organized based on biological type rather than sensitivity to water degradation. In addition, sensitivity classifications for a few macroinvertebrates have been modified. The cost is $4 plus shipping. To learn more about the new field guide and to place an order, please visit the League's website at http://www.iwla.org/sos/sostools.html or call toll-free 800-BUG-IWLA.
EPA‘s Watershed Patch project is designed to help to educate students about "what is a watershed" and to motivate young people to get involved in local watershed protection activities. The booklet includes step-by-step instructions for twenty community-based watershed protection activities, including stream walks, monitoring projects, stream cleanups and other projects. The project is modeled after a similar project that EPA developed in partnership with the Girl Scouts of the USA. The Watershed Patch booklet is available by calling the National Service Center for Environmental Publications at 1-800-490-9198. (publication #EPA 840-B-02-001) and is also available at www.epa.gov/adopt/patch/certificates. Once students complete the activities, they can earn certificates, which can be downloaded from the EPA web site. EPA has a limited number of Patches available on a first-come, first-served basis, or EPA can supply camera ready-artwork. For more information, contact Patty Scott at scott.patricia@epa.gov.
The STORET National Data Warehouse has recently been redesigned, improving speed and enabling larger and more flexible user defined queries. The STORET Warehouse is EPA's main repository for ambient water quality and biological monitoring data. The new Warehouse allows users to download raw data in a delimited text file format that can easily be imported into standard analysis software (e.g., spreadsheets, GIS). To retrieve data from STORET, simply click the "Obtaining Water Quality Data" link from the main STORET home page at http://www.epa.gov/storet. For more information, please contact Cary McElhinney, 202-566-1188, mcelhinney.cary@epa.gov.
Guide to Habitat Restoration Funding
Restore America’s Estuaries has released a study, Funding for Habitat Restoration Projects: A Citizen’s Guide, that details 80 federal programs that fund habitat restoration in FY2003. The 80 programs fall under seven federal agencies: the Environmental Protection Agency, and the Departments of Interior, Agriculture, Commerce, Defense, Transportation, and Health and Human Services. The funding guide provides a quick, comprehensive and accessible review of the often hidden federal funds that may be used to implement on-the-ground habitat restoration projects. Its design and layout provides users with easy access to critical information about funding sources, eligibility and contact. The guide is available online as a printable PDF document and as an interactive database at http://www.estuaries.org/policyandfunding.php.
The federal government's grants streamlining project, which is required by the Federal Financial Assistance Management Improvement Act of 1999, has resulted in the development of a web site for all agencies to post grant opportunities. The federal government is also piloting a site for electronic submission of grant applications. You can view these at http://Grants.gov. All federal agencies are now required to post their grant announcements on Grants.gov, which has a standard format for all announcements. This type of streamlining effort will allow applicants to quickly and easily find the information they need to decide whether or not a particular funding opportunity is of interest. In addition, all federal agencies must provide one or more ways (e.g., Internet site, telephone, or postal mail) to receive the full grant announcement.
The National Wildlife Federation has released its Conservation Directory 2004, which is a guide to worldwide environmental organizations. Finding out whom to write, call or email about local or regional environmental problems can be a frustrating situation. For example, how do you find out what the wildlife laws are and how to enforce them? Where can you get a listing of citizens groups interested in protecting the environment? This is a valuable source of information for schools, civic organizations or any group interested in obtaining information about environmental laws, regulations and new initiatives. For more information and to order, visit http://www.islandpress.org/cd2004 or call 1-800-828-1302.
Strategy for Water Quality Standards and Criteria Document
The EPA Office of Science and Technology has released Strategy for Water Quality Standards and Criteria: Setting Priorities to Strengthen the Foundation for Protecting and restoring the Nation’s Waters. This document outlines the priority strategic actions that EPA plans to undertake with their partners over the next six years to strengthen the vital foundation for a wide range of programs under the Clean Water Act. The Strategy reflects an extensive review of water-related mandates; the results of over 50 listening sessions with over 350 people, and recommendations from the National research Council, the general Accounting Office, and the Inspector General. For more information, visit the website at http://www.epa.gov/waterscience/standards/strategy/.
New Jersey Redevelopment Handbook
The New Jersey Department of Community Affairs (DCA), in partnership with the New Jersey Chapter of the American Planning Association (NJAPA), recently unveiled The Redevelopment Handbook: A Guide To Rebuilding New Jersey's Communities. This is a creative new tool that encourages redevelopment and smart growth throughout the state. The Redevelopment Handbook offers technical resources and guidance in an easy-to-understand, practical format that provides readers with the opportunity to explore the benefits of redevelopment and plan for smart growth in their communities. The Redevelopment Handbook provides a practical, “how-to” guide to redevelopment that assists New Jersey's municipalities navigate through a complex constitutional, statutory and regulatory process. It includes explanations of New Jersey redevelopment laws, the pros and cons of numerous redevelopment strategies, and illustrations of local case studies. Copies of The Redevelopment Handbook are now available by calling (973) 286-4708.
Maps for 50 New Jersey Wildlife Management Areas have been added to the NJDEP’s Division of Fish and Wildlife website. The maps are based on USGS topographic maps and show area boundaries and such features as parking lots, wetlands, forested areas, roadways and hunter training areas. They are in PDF format and print onto standard 8.5"x11" paper. To access the maps, go to the Table of Wildlife Management Areas at http://www.njfishandwildlife.com/wmaland.htm. In addition to the new maps, some area maps are from the 1992 Guide to Wildlife Management Area book; new maps will be added as they become available.
The 2003 Pennsylvania Wetland Replacement Monitoring Report, the fourth in a series of annual reports informing the public about the success of the program, is now available on the PA DEP’s website. This report, provides numerous pictures of each site as well as descriptions of the history and progress of each site. In February 1996, DEP implemented the Pennsylvania Wetland Replacement Project (PWRP). Designed as an alternative to the traditional wetland mitigation requirements, the project allows certain qualifying permit applicants to contribute to a mitigation fund for wetland impacts less than 0.5 acre of wetland instead of creating small, costly and often unsuccessful wetlands. In turn, DEP, in cooperation with other federal, state and local agencies and private landowners, creates or restores former wetlands to productive and beneficial ecosystems. The report is available on DEP's website at http://www.dep.state.pa.us/dep/deputate/watermgt/wc/subjects/wwec/general/wetlands/wetlands.htm. The monitoring reports of years past are also available on this same page.
Spatial Wetland Assessment Available for Management and Planning Model
The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) Coastal Services has developed a conceptual Geographic Information System (GIS) model to evaluate the relative significance of tidal and riverine wetlands within watersheds. Called Spatial Wetland Assessment for Management and Planning (SWAMP), the model evaluates a wetland’s contribution to water quality, hydrology, and habitat and can help managers to prioritize wetland habitats within a watershed. SWAMP requires ArcView Spatial Analyst. The model was originally developed for the Ashepoo-Combahee-Edisto River Basin of South Carolina, but the authors state that the approach should be transferable to other geographies provided care is taken to include knowledge of local wetland ecology. The website offers technical information on the model, as well as an order form. The model itself is available free of charge at www.csc.noaa.gov/lcr/swamp/text/p661.htm.
Report: Climate Change, Water Quality in the Great Lakes Basin
The International Joint Commission's (IJC) Water Quality Board has released a comprehensive report that provides insight and advice on an issue that could have significant implications for the Great Lakes. The report, Climate Change and Water Quality in the Great Lakes Basin, includes a "white paper" that explores risks, opportunities and responses associated with climate change and Great Lakes water quality. The report also includes the proceedings of the board's May climate change workshop and advice to the IJC. The report is available on CD from the IJC's Great Lakes Regional Office, as well as online at http://www.ijc.org/php/publications/html/climate/index.html.
Nonpoint Source Pollution Guidebook
Assessment and Control of Nonpoint Pollution of Aquatic Ecosystems: A Practical Approach provides practical tools to design site-specific solutions for nonpoint source pollution problems. The guidebook is written in a style that would be understandable to both scientific personnel and policy makers. The examples contained in the guidebook highlight past and present nonpoint source management successes and failures and give guidance to help policy makers develop better management strategies. The guidebook looks at the assessment and control of nonpoint source pollutants, including eroded sediments, nutrients, heavy metals, organic and inorganic chemicals, chlorides, and micro-organisms from agricultural, urban, construction, and forested areas. This guidebook goes beyond traditional nonpoint source approaches by presenting atmospheric deposition as a mode of transport for nonpoint and point source pollutants. It also looks at the role groundwater plays as a receiver and contributor to nonpoint source pollution, especially in light of contaminants originating in garbage dumps. The book can be purchased for $154 at www.arsmedica.com/pa/pa-3883.html.
Lake and Pond Management Guidebook
For those of you who are fond of the best selling Lake Smarts: The First Lake Maintenance Handbook by Steve McComas (1993, Terrene Institute), its successor is finally available. The Lake and Pond Management Guidebook is revised and updated, and includes over 300 ideas and projects for practical, cost-effective lake and pond management. Geared toward lake management professionals, topics include shoreland buffer installation, fisheries management, small-scale dredging, lakeside wastewater treatment systems, small-scale designing, and nuisance algae and exotic aquatic plant reduction. To order, contact Lewis Publishers at http://www.crcpress.com/ and search for book number L1630.
A Guide for Local Governments: Wetlands and Watershed Management
This guidebook, written by Jon Kusler, Ph.D. et al., of the Association of State Wetland Managers, was designed to help local governments integrate water resources management and wetland ecosystem protection efforts. The guidebook is geared toward engineers, biologists, botanists, planners, not for profit staff, legislators and others. It makes recommendations for integrating wetlands into broad watershed management efforts and more specific water programs including floodplain management, stormwater management, source water protection, point source pollution control, and nonpoint source pollution control programs. Case study examples are provided from States throughout the nation. To view the guidebook, visit http://www.aswm.org/propub/pubs/aswm/wetlandswatershed.pdf. This document is 183 pages and may take a few minutes to download.
Watershed-Based NPDES Permitting Implementation Guidance
A guidance document describing EPA's recommendations for watershed-based permitting under the National Pollutant Discharge Elimination System (NPDES) program is now available online. This approach is aimed at achieving new efficiencies and environmental results through the NPDES program. The watershed approach to permitting provides a process for considering all stressors within a hydrologically defined drainage basin, rather than addressing individual pollutant sources on a discharge-by-discharge basis. The Guidance is available online at: http://www.epa.gov/npdes/watersheds.
The New Jersey Agricultural Experiment Station has two new products available to help residents with deer management issues. The first is a reference manual, “Managing New Jersey’s Deer Population.” The second is a website, http://aesop.rutgers.edu/~deer/, with information about the relationship between deer and people in New Jersey. Both resources are focused on the potentially positive and negative impacts of deer on human quality of life, and outline different approaches to deer management. The manual is available from the Rutgers County Extension office; call 732-932-9762 for information or purchase.
Module II: Finding and Choosing Environmental Education Materials, part of the Essentials of Environmental Education for Pennsylvania series, is now available from the Pennsylvania Center for Environmental Education (PCEE). The primary goal of this publication is to provide information on how to use basic technological skills to locate environmental education (EE) resources. Module II examines numerous tools used to choose and evaluate EE materials and offers information (including Web site links) on Pennsylvania and national EE resources. All modules are appropriate for non-formal and formal educators as well as students in pre-service teacher preparation programs in both Pennsylvania and around the country. For more information on the Essentials of EE project or to obtain copies of the modules, contact the PCEE at pcee@sru.edu or 724-738-4555, or visit the PCEE Web site at www.pcee.org.
Environmental Compliance Assistance Website
Every state and every locality has its own unique set of environmental regulations and permit requirements. It is often difficult to find the needed information. But that is exactly what contractors and builders/developers have to face on a daily basis. The CICA Center is an environmental compliance assistance website for contractors and builders/developers. It provides information for contractors and builders on environmental regulations and permit requirements including stormwater, solid waste (C&D debris), hazardous waste, air, wetlands, endangered species, and green building. CICA provides straightforward explanations of what is required for compliance; visit their home page at http://www.CICAcenter.org. CICA is continually updating their web pages and welcomes any comments directed to improving the accuracy of the information on their site.
National Stormwater Quality Database Report
The University of Alabama and the Center for Watershed Protection have collected and evaluated stormwater data from a representative number of National Pollutant Discharge Elimination System (NPDES) Phase I municipal separate storm sewer system (MS4) permit holders. This project provides nationally summarized and accessible data from the existing U.S. EPA NPDES stormwater permit program. The data from this project will be useful for both developing pollutant loading assessments and water quality evaluations associated with compliance monitoring activities, and determining the need for runoff monitoring as part of future stormwater permits. The initial version of this database, the National Stormwater Quality Database (NSQD Version 1.0), is currently being completed, but a report providing a brief summary of the more notable findings to date is now available at http://www.cwp.org/NPDES_research_report.pdf. The report presents preliminary recommendations for application of data findings, and identifies remaining research gaps. A final report will be produced by the fall of 2004.
Mid-Atlantic Invasive Plant Guidebook
This guidebook, produced by the National Park Service and the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service Chesapeake Bay Field Office, provides color photographs and information on 49 species of highly invasive plants affecting aquatic and terrestrial natural areas in the mid-Atlantic region (i.e., Delaware, Maryland, New Jersey, Pennsylvania, Virginia, West Virginia, and the District of Columbia). The manual includes an introductory section explaining the invasive species problem, write-ups on each species organized by type of plant (i.e., aquatic, herb, shrub, tree, vine), photographs, a glossary of terms used, references, and sources for more information. The guidebook is available online in html or .pdf format at http://www.invasive.org/eastern/midatlantic/. Alternatively, copies can be requested by calling the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, Chesapeake Bay Field Office at 410-573-4500.
EPA and International City/County Management Association (ICMA) have recently released, "Getting to Smart Growth II: 100 More Policies for Implementation.” The publication provides states and communities with 100 policy options that can be mixed and matched to fit local circumstances, visions, and values, and highlights steps that the private sector can take to encourage more livable communities. A free hard copy of this publication is available for a limited time from the Smart Growth Network and EPA by calling EPA's Development, Community, and Environment Division at (202) 566-2878. To download an electronic copy in PDF format, visit http://www.smartgrowth.org/library/articles.asp?art=870.
River Sojourn Organizers Guide
The Pennsylvania Organization for Watersheds and Rivers (POWR) has announced the availability of a new publication, “River Sojourn Organizer’s Guide: Pennsylvania’s Experience.” The manual leads the reader through the process of organizing a river sojourn to raise awareness about local watershed issues. Much of the guidance contained in the manual derives from the experiences of successful sojourn organizers. The 50-page manual contains planning information about assembling a planning team, regulatory and logistical concerns, environmental education and other program planning, safety and risk management, budget and sponsorship issues, and more. The appendices contain examples of eighteen planning lists and forms such as a risk management plan, a day planning form, and a monthly planning checklist. The guide is available electronically at http://www.pawatersheds.org/sojournguide/index.asp.
Stream Restoration Case Studies: The Effect of Highways on Streams
The Federal Highway Administration has documented six case histories from across the nation (Montana, New Jersey, New Mexico, North Carolina, Oregon, and Washington). These projects successfully protected stream habitats and natural characteristics by careful design and restoration of natural features in the stream channels that had to be relocated due to road construction. A DVD is available from the Office of Natural and Human Environment by e-mailing environment@fhwa.dot.gov.
CD Raises Money for Environmental Justice
There are great causes and there is great music. Seldom do the two come together quite so potently as they do on Where We Live - Stand For What You Stand On. The cause is a simple but vital one - the right for us all to drink clean water and breathe clean air in the face of industrial pollution and environmental degradation. The music is soulful and inspiring and comes from such great artists as Bob Dylan, Tom Waits, Norah Jones, Willie Nelson, Bonnie Raitt, Lou Reed, and over a dozen others on tracks specifically donated to the cause. Although it is not a record that in any way preaches, the songs were all chosen to reflect a commitment to the well-being of our earth and its people. For more information or to order the CD, visit http://www.wherewelive.org/cd/.
USGS Report: America's Water Use
Despite growing population and increasing electricity production, water use in the United States remains fairly stable, according to a new report released by the U.S. Geological Survey (USGS). The USGS report shows that in 2000, Americans used 408 billion gallons of water per day, a number that has remained fairly stable since 1985 and a sign that conservation is working. In the report, Estimated Use of Water in the United States in 2000, USGS researchers found that the chief water users for the Nation are power generation, agriculture and public water supply. The USGS report also finds that the personal use of water is rising, but not faster than population change. The full report is available online at http://pubs.water.usgs.gov/circ1268/.
Canada Goose Management Fact Sheets
A series of six fact sheets are available online from Rutgers University on Canada Goose Management. The fact sheets are authored by Dr. David Drake, Rutgers Cooperative Extension Specialist in Wildlife, and Joseph B. Paulin, Program Associate in Wildlife with Rutgers Cooperative Extension. Topics include human behavior modification, capture and euthanasia, nest and egg destruction, repellents, harassment, and regulated hunting. The fact sheets are now available on the web at http://www.rce.rutgers.edu/pubs.
EPA just announced a set of valuable new resources designed to assist local governments, watershed groups, State watershed management agencies, and others to design and conduct effective watershed outreach campaigns: Getting in Step-A Guide for Conducting Watershed Outreach Campaigns (Publication # EPA 841-B-03-002), and Getting in Step-A Video Guide for Conducting Watershed Outreach Campaigns (Publication # EPA 841-V-03-001). These two companion guides offer advice on how to effectively educate people about more water-friendly habits and practices that will reduce nonpoint source (NPS) pollution. The book expands upon a 1998 publication by the Council of State Governments and includes new information from the growing field of community-based social marketing. The video reinforces the six-step process outlined in the book, and it showcases four successful outreach programs from around the United States. For copies of this guide and the companion video, please contact the National Service Center for Environmental Publications via phone at 1-800-490-9198 or via the Web at http://www.epa.gov/ncepihom. The book is also available as a PDF download at http://www.epa.gov/owow/watershed/outreach/documents.
Regional Open Space Priorities Report
The GreenSpace Alliance, a project of the Pennsylvania Environmental Council, recently released the Regional Open Space Priorities Report to the public. The report marks the culmination of two years of work identifying the areas that are most vital for open space conservation in Southeastern Pennsylvania. The report identifies, prioritizes and recommends protection strategies for natural resources, agricultural and recreational lands in the five-county area. It encourages partnerships among state, federal, local and private conservation groups and others to protect critical open spaces in the region while sustaining economic growth. The report acknowledges the critical role of a network of protected open space in issues involving the supply and quality of water; flood control; natural diversity; farm products; quality economic development; preservation of scenic, historic and rural landscapes; recreational amenities; and use of financial resources. For more information on the Alliance or a downloadable PDF copy of the Regional Open Space Priority Report, visit http://www.greenspacealliance.info.
The Center for Rural Pennsylvania has updated and added programs to its Pennsylvania Rural Access Guide, an extensive database that includes more than 360 resources of information on state, federal, and nonprofit grants, loans and other assistance. The guide is available on the Center’s website at http://www.ruralpa.org. While the Rural Access Guide includes an extensive listing of information, it is intended as a starting point from which rural and small town residents might more successfully begin their journey through the maze of financial and informational sources that are available at both the state and national levels.
Whether you are trying to identify what six-legged creature is damaging your tomato plants or determine if that yellow-striped beetle on your cucumbers is a pest, the Pennsylvania Integrated Pest Management (IPM) Program’s new publication “Identifying Vegetable Insect Pests in Pennsylvania” will help you find the answer. Targeted to the home gardener, the guide includes pictures and descriptions of vegetable pests commonly found in the garden and flower beds. It is available as a downloadable PDF file from the Pennsylvania IPM Program’s Web site at http://paipm.cas.psu.edu/pdf/vegpests.pdf. Of the hundreds of insect species that may be found in and around gardens, only a few species are pests. The guide is designed to allow the gardener to quickly identify common insect pests by matching a suspected pest with a picture. In addition to the pictures, the guide includes size indicators alongside color images of each pest. It also includes short descriptions of each pest and the plants it commonly targets. IPM aims to manage pests -- such as insects, diseases, weeds and animals -- by combining physical, biological and chemical tactics that are safe and environmentally compatible.
EPA’s Office of Water has released an enhanced version of AQUATOX, a user-friendly simulation model for aquatic ecosystems. It will help users evaluate and illustrate the causal links between the chemical and physical environment and the living systems that inhabit our waters. AQUATOX can predict the fate of pollutants and their effects on the ecosystem. While it’s been available for several years, the enhanced Release 2 allows a more complete and realistic representation of the ecosystem. AQUATOX is a valuable tool for ecologists, biologists, water quality modelers, and anyone involved in performing ecological risk assessments. You can download AQUATOX Release 2 and accompanying documentation at http://www.epa.gov/waterscience/models/aquatox/. CD-ROMs and hard copies of the documentation will soon be available from the National Service Center for Environmental Publications (NSCEP) at 1-800-490-9198 or from the Water Resources Center at 202-566-1729.
National Wetland Mitigation Action Plan Products
Federal agencies are continuing to work on the various products of the National Mitigation Action Plan. In the coming weeks there will be public notices published in the Federal Register soliciting public comment on the following products: On Site/Off Site & In-kind/Out-of-kind Guidance; Stream Mitigation Compendium; Analysis of Existing Performance Standards Research/Literature. For more information, visit the website at http://www.mitigationactionplan.gov/actionitem.html to view the status of various guidance documents, as well as links to completed NMAP items.
Low-Volume Roads Engineering BMP Field Guide
A "Low-Volume Roads Engineering Best Management Practices Field Guide" was produced by Conservation Management Institute/Virginia Tech and agency partners to provide an overview of the key planning, location, design, construction, and maintenance aspects of roads that can cause adverse environmental impacts and to list key ways to prevent those impacts. Best Management Practices are cost-effective by preventing failures and reducing maintenance needs and repair costs. This Guide presents many of these desirable practices, with use of many photos, drawings, and designer aids. This publication is currently available both in English and in a draft Spanish document through the International Road Federation website at http://zietlow.com/manual/gk1/web.doc. For more information regarding this project, contact Gordon Keller (gkeller@fs.fed.us) with the USFS.
Urban Subwatershed Restoration Manual
The Center for Watershed Protection (CWP) has been working to develop the Urban Subwatershed Restoration Manual (USRM), a practitioner's guide to restoring urban watersheds. Presented in a series of 11 manuals, the USRM presents practical and useful information on watershed restoration techniques. The manuals are targeted for planners, engineers, stream biologists and municipal officials. Each manual is illustrated and presents detailed field methods, practice specifications, costs, applicability and tips on implementation. While work on the USRM manuals continues to progress, three of the manuals have been completed. Thanks to a grant from the EPA Office of Water Management, the three completed manuals can be downloaded in .PDF format for free at http://www.cwp.org/USRM_verify.htm through September. The available manuals include: Manual 1: An Integrated Framework to Restore Small Urban Watersheds, Manual 10: The Unified Stream Assessment: A Users Manual, and Manual 11: The Unified Subwatershed and Site Reconnaissance: A Users Manual. Each of the three completed manuals can be ordered in color hard copies from the CWP for a nominal charge by accessing the website. Expect the remaining eight USRM manuals to be completed throughout the year.
New Jersey Nonindigenous Plant Report
The New Jersey Department of Environmental Protection has recently released a report, “An Overview of Nonindigenous Plants in New Jersey.” This report provides background on the numbers and origins of nonindigenous species in New Jersey, discusses problems caused by harmful invasive species, describes current state and federal programs, and examines methods of control and prevention. Fact sheets on 27 of the most problematic invasive species have been developed to help guide management and control initiatives. To view the report in .pdf format, visit http://www.nj.gov/dep/parksandforests/natural/heritage/InvasiveReport.pdf.
Revised Stream ReLeaf Riparian Buffer Database
DEP has released its improved and expanded Pennsylvania Stream ReLeaf Riparian Buffer Database. The purpose of this database is to capture and share information about riparian buffer projects across the state. Information on buffer projects can now be entered electronically by accessing the “Stream ReLeaf Project Data Form” located at http://www.dep.state.pa.us. Once submitted, the data is reviewed by department staff for accuracy and possible duplication. Once reviewed and approved, the data will become part of the permanent record in the database. The database also has a search function. By completing information on the “Stream ReLeaf Reports Page” you can search for individual projects. For more information, contact Keith Ashley at 717-772-5650.
Ecological Riverfront Design Report
American Rivers has recently released a new report, Ecological Riverfront Design: Restoring Rivers, Connecting Communities. The report focuses on ways to restore rivers as valuable community assets, both aesthetically and ecologically. The report provides a set of planning and design principles that can be employed to ensure that urban river edges are restored in the most ecologically sound and economically viable manner possible. The report is intended to help planners, mayors, public works and environmental officials, river advocates, and the general public in their research about effective, ecological riverfront design. The report is structured to provide general information on a number of key topics related to ecological health and human interaction with rivers. It is not intended as a comprehensive list of all issues of concern on riverfronts, but rather as a set of essential ideas that can help communities to achieve more with their riverfront revitalization efforts. To view the report, visit http://www.amrivers.org/ecologicaldesign.html.
Pennsylvania Sustainability Report
A draft report, titled, “State of the Commonwealth, Is Pennsylvania Moving Towards a Sustainable Future?” has been released by the Sustainable Pennsylvania Program of the Pennsylvania Consortium for Interdisciplinary Environmental Policy (PCIEP), a partnership comprised of 47 Pennsylvania colleges and universities and the Pennsylvania Departments of Environmental Protection and Conservation and Natural Resources. The report examines positive and negative environmental, economic, and social trends relating to Pennsylvania’s quality of life and links some of the causes for concern about Pennsylvania’s future to sprawl development. The report also makes several recommendations to the Commonwealth in regard to interlinked environmental, economic, and social trends. The full report is available at http://www.paconsortium.state.pa.us/StateoftheCommonwealth.pdf. The Executive Summary of the Report is available at http://www.paconsortium.state.pa.us/StateoftheCommonwealth_ExecSummary.pdf.
New NJ DEP Online Report Access
The New Jersey Department of Environmental Protection (NJ DEP) recently launched a newly improved website that provides easy, round-the-clock access to key environmental reports and other public documents seven days a week at no charge. Called DEP Data Miner, the website enables users to search for information on DEP-regulated sites by location, name, or identification number. Data Miner users can also obtain public documents quickly and easily by clicking on links to a wide variety of information, including enforcement actions, incidents, inspections and violations, environmental monitoring, permitting, licensing and registrations. Users can download reports for analysis and reference at a later time. DEP Data Miner also includes Community Access reports that provide information on newly submitted air permit applications. Data Miner will reduce the time and money DEP spends to comply with government OPRA right-to-know laws. DEP Data Miner can be accessed at http://www.nj.gov/dep/opra/online.html.
USDA Announces CRP Refinements
The USDA Farm Service Agency (FSA) recently announced several program refinements to the Conservation Reserve Program (CRP), including important program modifications on enrollment eligibility, new software development and timing of a future general CRP sign-up. A final rule, published in the Federal Register, adopts changes made to CRP by the 2002 Farm Bill, including the increase in the acreage cap by 2.8 million acres to a total of 39.2 million acres, expanding eligible acreage, extending the Farmable Wetlands Program nationwide and permitting managed haying and grazing of CRP land. An interim final CRP rule was published on May 8, 2003, and FSA received 800 comments. The rule expands the “conserving use” definition to allow cropland previously enrolled in CRP that continues to be maintained as though enrolled in CRP to be considered as “conserving use.” The expanded definition allows this land to be eligible for future sign-ups. In addition, the final rule adds certain marginal pasturelands for riparian buffers or similar water quality purposes as eligible land. Several critical software advancements will contribute to better administration of CRP. FSA has developed new Web-based software that will more efficiently rank offers based on environmental benefits and cost, calculate maximum payment rates and provide eligibility determinations. The software incorporates several databases, including soils, Conservation Priority Areas and watersheds, to allow for more precise eligibility, financial, and other determinations in a timely fashion. These enhancements will speed the offer process and require less FSA processing time, resulting in program cost savings. FSA also has developed a CRP Geographic Information System (GIS) tool to be used by county offices to calculate acreage and the maximum soil rental rate for land being offered. FSA has been working to transform all of its farmland maps to a digital or GIS format. This conversion allows for more accurate acreage calculations and for a more precise mapping of soil types. The GIS tool will also reduce many of the manual tracking and calculations done in the county offices and result in more efficient program administration. USDA earlier announced its intention to conduct another general sign-up in early 2004. USDA now plans to issue the details of the next general sign-up in the summer, when agricultural market conditions and demands for resource use of this year’s crop become clearer. More information on CRP is available at local FSA offices and on FSA’s Web site at: www.fsa.usda.gov.
New Report Highlights Conservation to Protect Water Quality
A new report, Protecting the Source, from the Trust for Public Land and the American Water Works Association explains why watershed conservation is one of the best ways to protect water quality and details on-the-ground strategies for watershed conservation. The report is intended for local governments, water suppliers and agencies, and community drinking water advocates. The 56-page report is available for free download on TPL's Web site at http://www.tpl.org/download_protect_src_report.cfm. Hard copies of the report can be purchased for $15 at http://www.cafeshops.com/tpl_store/305748. Additional information on watershed conservation - including case studies, tools, and resources - can be found at http://www.tpl.org/tier2_pa.cfm?folder_id=1885.
Urban Subwatershed Restoration Manual Series Available
The Center for Watershed Protection has posted three manuals from the Urban Subwatershed Restoration Manual Series to its website at http://www.cwp.org/USRM_verify.htm. These will be available at no cost for downloads through September 2004. Presented in a series of 11 manuals, the Urban Subwatershed Restoration Manual (USRM) presents practical and useful information on the actual techniques of watershed restoration that can be conveniently accessed and used by planners, engineers, stream biologists and municipal officials. Each manual is profusely illustrated and presents detailed field methods, practice specifications, costs, applicability and tips on implementation. Together, the USRM manuals introduce an integrated framework for urban watershed restoration, outline effective techniques for assessing urban watersheds, and provide a comprehensive review of watershed restoration techniques.
Great Basin Riparian Ecosystems: Ecology, Management, and Restoration
Established by the USDA Forest Service in 1993, the Great Basin Ecosystem Management Project for Restoring and Maintaining Sustainable Riparian Ecosystems is a large-scale research study that uses an interdisciplinary approach to examine the effects of climate change and human disturbance on riparian areas. The book, Great Basin Riparian Ecosystems, edited by Jeanne C. Chambers and Jerry R. Miller, presents the approach used by the researchers to study and understand riparian areas in the Great Basin region. It summarizes the current state of knowledge about those areas and provides insights into the use of the information generated by the project for the restoration and management of riparian ecosystems. For more information, visit http://www.islandpress.org/books/detail.html?cart=108801573336778&SKU=1-55963-986-5.
Version 2.0 of NJ's Landscape Project Available
Version 2.0 of New Jersey's Landscape Project that identifies critical habitats throughout the state is now available. Habitat mapping and data can be obtained:
- Online via download: http://www.state.nj.us/dep/fgw/ensp/landscape/download.htm
- Online via i-MapNJ: http://www.state.nj.us/dep/gis/depsplash.htm#
- On Compact Disc by request to the Division of Fish and Wildlife's Endangered and Nongame Species Program
An expanded effort is being made to provide technical training to potential users of the Landscape Project in counties throughout the state. Mercer County College will host training on Friday, July 16 from 10 AM to 12 PM. For information regarding scheduling and registration, please consult http://www.njfishandwildlife.com/ensphome.htm or e-mail patrick.woerner@dep.state.nj.us.
Ecological Riverfront Design Report - APA
Published by the American Planning Association (APA) as one of its signature Planning Advisory Service reports, Ecological Riverfront Design presents a comprehensive set of recommendations for integrating pollution prevention and habitat improvements into riverfront redevelopment efforts. Ecological Riverfront Design is written for planners, mayors, developers, investors, government officials, river advocates, and others who are planning or evaluating redevelopment efforts. The report draws lessons from more than 30 riverfront revitalization and restoration efforts across the country. It provides a set of essential ideas, case studies, and best management practices that can help communities achieve their waterfront goals. Copies of Ecological Riverfront Design may be ordered at http://www.planning.org.
ASIWPCA Releases Historical Reference on Nation’s Clean Water Programs
The Association of State and Interstate Water Pollution Control Administrators (ASIWPCA) has released a never-before-published historical reference on the Clean Water Act and State/Interstate efforts to control water pollution. Entitled Clean Water Act Thirty-Year Retrospective: History and Documents Related to the Federal Statute, this publication is an unprecedented collection of history and historical documents that are of use for those with an interest in the nation’s clean water programs. The Retrospective documents federal, state, and interstate programs, with historical overviews as well as collections of some of the most notable Federal and State/Interstate documents. ASIWPCA invited former and current Members of Congress; heads of Federal, State, and Interstate agencies; and Congressional staff to comment on the development, enactment, and implementation of the Clean Water Act thirty years after its passage, and the letters from those individuals shed tremendous light on the challenges and obstacles related to the development of the nation’s clean water programs. Among the documents included in the Retrospective are Presidential veto statements; House and Senate debates on overriding vetoes; State/Interstate recommendations for improving national clean water programs from past and current decades; and State/Interstate evaluations of progress in water programs. The Retrospective can be downloaded at http://www.asiwpca.org, ordered by faxing a form available on the web site, or ordered via phone at 202-898-0905. The Retrospective can be downloaded at http://www.asiwpca.org.
Pennsylvania Field Guild to Invasive Plants and Forest Buffer Toolkit
The Alliance for the Chesapeake Bay and the Pennsylvania Department of Environmental Protection (DEP) announce the release of two publications: Pennsylvania Field Guide -Common Invasive Plants in Riparian Areas and two additional chapters for the Stream ReLeaf Forest Buffer Toolkit – Buffer Preservation and Buffer Maintenance and Monitoring.
The Pennsylvania Field Guide - Common Invasive Plants in Riparian Areas describes 24 of the most significant invasive plants, vines, shrubs and trees in Pennsylvania. The waterproof guide was written and designed for use by volunteers in the field to positively identify invasive plants targeted for removal. Each plant listing includes a color photo for easy identification, plus a black and white drawing. Leaf, flower and seed information is offered in an easy to read format, allowing for quick identification. Control options specific to each plant are included. Look-alike plant information is given to avoid volunteers pulling desirable plants that closely resemble the invasives.
The additional chapter updates added to the Stream ReLeaf Forest Buffer Toolkit, developed by the Alliance for the Chesapeake Bay in September 2000 under a grant from the PA Nonpoint Source Management Program, DEP, are Buffer Maintenance and Monitoring and Buffer Preservation. The updated chapters provide the newest information to citizens, environmental organizations, volunteers and government agencies on the methods of preserving and maintaining buffers.
Printed copies of the field guide and chapters may be ordered by contacting the Pennsylvania Department of Environmental Protection, Bureau of Watershed Conservation at 717-772-5807. They can also be downloaded from the DEP web site at http://www.dep.state.pa.us/dep/deputate/watermgt/WC/Subjects/StreamReLeaf/default.htm.
Watershed Stewardship Action Kit
The Izaak Walton League has issued its revised and updated Watershed Stewardship Action Kit for clean water advocates and activists. The toolkit is a central element to the League's longstanding Save Our Streams program, which has pioneered stream and wetland education for citizens since 1969. SOS has educated and motivated citizens to clean-up stream corridors, monitor stream health, restore degraded stream banks and protect dwindling wetland acreage. The toolkit includes a number of fact sheets on wetlands, the Clean Water Act, and watershed action plans. It also provides background on how to develop, fund, conduct, and get publicity for watershed protection projects in local communities. It includes a list of relevant publications from the Environmental Protection Agency with directions on they can be acquired. For more information, visit http://www.iwla.org/pressrel/release.asp?p_releaseid=120.
EPA Tool For Smart Growth And Water Quality Goals
EPA has released a new report, Protecting Water Resources with Smart Growth, that will help communities protect water resources and achieve smart growth. Some of the adverse effects of growth and development include: loss of woodlands, meadowlands, and wetlands, and increased polluted runoff. The report documents 75 innovative approaches – including redeveloping abandoned properties, encouraging rooftop gardens, creating shared parking, and promoting tree planting - that state and local governments and water quality professionals can use to achieve their smart growth and water quality goals. To receive a free copy of the report, send an email to: ncepimal@one.net or call 1-800-490-9198 and request EPA publication 231-R-04-002. The report and more information about smart growth are also available at: http://www.epa.gov/smartgrowth.
Great Lakes Stormwater Management Report
Catching the Rain: a Great Lakes Resource Guide For Natural Stormwater Management is a report by American Rivers offers an easy reference to a variety of natural stormwater management approaches suitable for the Great Lakes region. It is not meant to be a technical design tool, but rather a foundation for education and research on alternative stormwater management techniques, particularly for public works staff, developers, and citizens. This handbook provides basic information on use, space requirements, cold weather considerations, and costs. Additionally, it lists a variety of sources that can provide further information on technical requirements design, supporting ordinances, and other information. To download the report in .pdf format, click here.
Dolores Hayden has authored this visual lexicon of colorful slang, from alligator investment to zoomburb, that defines sprawl in America. Duck, ruburb, tower farm, big box, and pig-in-a-python are among the dozens of zany terms invented by real estate developers and designers today to characterize the physical elements of sprawl and land use practices. Sprawl in the environment, based on the metaphor of a person spread out, is hard to define. This concise book engages its meaning, explains common building patterns, and illustrates the visual culture of sprawl. Seventy-five stunning color aerial photographs, each paired with a definition, convey the impact of excessive development and provide the verbal and visual vocabulary needed by professionals, public officials, and citizens to critique uncontrolled growth in the American landscape. ISBN: 0393731251, W.W. Norton & Company (2004).
PA Nutrient Management, Water Quality Regulations Publications
Two new publications by Penn State’s Cooperative Extension highlight important proposed revisions to state nutrient management and water quality regulations. “Shaping New PA Nutrient Management Act Regulations: A Guide to the Proposal" and "Comment Process and Make Your Voice Heard: Commenting on Proposed Water Pollution Regulations for CAFOs and Other Agricultural Operations” summarize proposed changes affecting concentrated animal operations (CAOs), concentrated animal feeding operations (CAFOs) and other agricultural operations. The State Conservation Commission and the Environmental Quality Board have coordinated release of these proposed regulation changes. Citizens have until Nov. 5 to comment on the State Conservation Commission's proposed revisions to the Nutrient Management Act regulations and/or the Environmental Quality Board's proposed revisions to water quality regulations affecting agriculture (Chapters 91 and 92). Both publications are now available o at: http://agenvpolicy.aers.psu.edu.
The South Carolina Department of Health and Environmental Control ’s Ocean and Coastal Resources Management (OCRM) Planning Division staff recently reviewed and compiled current literature on vegetated buffers. The review resulted in two easy-to-read informative booklets: one for both local government officials and citizens of South Carolina, entitled Vegetated Riparian Buffers and Buffer Ordinances (http://www.scdhec.net/ocrm/pubs/buffers.pdf ), and a second for homeowners, entitled Backyard Buffers for the South Carolina Lowcountry (http://www.scdhec.net/ocrm/pubs/backyard.pdf ). Although written for South Carolina, these documents present information applicable to a wider audience. To further assist local government officials and the public, OCRM also offers A Model Riparian Buffer Ordinance (http://www.scdhec.net/ocrm/pubs/model.pdf ), which lists suggested components of a buffer ordinance.
For help with reviewing and designing new protective ordinances for your municipality, contact info@fxbrowne.com.
PA Green Business Publications
Two new publications are now available to help Pennsylvania governments and small businesses save energy and money by improving their environmental performance. “Environmental Management Systems: A Guidebook for Improving Energy and Environmental Performance in Local Government” is aimed at helping local governments and municipalities walk through the implementation process of an Environmental Management System (EMS) with a minimum of outside support. The implementation of an EMS provides organizations with a systematic framework to address the ongoing management of their environmental issues such as waste generation, energy efficiency, pollution prevention, consumption of natural resources, etc. By using the guidelines, as well as the tools and templates available in this manual, an organization can implement a complete EMS.
“Steps for Improving Your Business and the Environment” is a workbook aimed at helping small- or medium-sized businesses manage environmental issues at their facilities and enhance their energy, environmental and economic performance. By answering a series of questions, the workbook directs users to a number of valuable tools to review and decide how best to use them in their business. In addition, an accompanying document was developed entitled “Sample EMS Manual: Environmental Management System Model Manual Specific to Pennsylvania Municipal Operations.” This manual may be used in conjunction with the guidebook—or by itself—by organizations desiring to develop and implement an EMS with a minimum of external support. For more information or to download the publications visit http://www.dep.state.pa.us/dep/deputate/pollprev/Iso14001/EMSGuides.htm.
DRBC Water Resources Plan for the Delaware River Basin Complete
The Delaware River Basin Commission (DRBC) recently celebrated the completion of the Water Resources Plan for the Delaware River Basin. The basin plan is a 30-year, goal-based framework that will serve as a guide for all stakeholders -- government and non-governmental alike -- whose actions affect water resources in the Delaware River Basin. The goal-based plan is prefaced by a set of twelve guiding principles against which all policy decisions and actions affecting water resource management should be measured, and includes five desired results. http://www.state.nj.us/drbc/basinplan.htm
The PA DEP, in conjunction with the Professional Recyclers of Pennsylvania (PROP) and Penn State University, has announced the first on-line recycling class “Collection Techniques and Options,” offering Continuing Education Units (CEUs) towards certification. The three-hour course is designed to provide information on how to design an effective and efficient recyclable material collection system. The course includes information on how to effectively collect recyclables, how to choose collection equipment, how to design efficient collection routes, and much more. For more information about the online course, visit http://www.proprecycles.org/onlinecoursestartpage.html. For help with designing a recycling program, contact info@fxbrowne.com.
Vernal Pools: Natural History and Conservation
Vernal Pools: Natural History and Conservation, by Elizabeth A. Colburn, defines vernal pools, provides overviews of their formation and physical-chemical-hydrological characteristics, and presents data critical for assessing, regulating, and managing pool ecosystems. The biology of microscopic life forms such as bacteria, algae, and fungi, and the great variety of higher plants associated with vernal pools is explored. An extensive appendix identifies all animals that have been reported from vernal pools of the region and describes their habitat requirements, geographic distribution, and the life history characteristics. Vernal Pools focuses primarily on the vernal pools in Northeastern North America, but applies to vernal pools everywhere. http://www.mwpubco.com/Vernalpools.htm
Lake Erie Management Plan 2004
The U.S. EPA's Great Lakes National Program Office is pleased to announce the availability of the 2004 Lake Erie Management Plan (Lake Erie LaMP). The Lake Erie LaMP focuses on measuring ecosystem health, teasing out the stressors responsible for impairments, and evaluating the effectiveness of existing programs in resolving the stress by continuing to monitor the ecosystem response. The role of the LaMP as a management plan is to define the management intervention needed to bring Lake Erie back to chemical, physical and biological integrity, and to further define agency commitments to those actions. http://epa.gov/greatlakes/lakeerie/2004update/index.html
Announcing the new Built-in Orderly Organized Knowledge device,
otherwise known as the BOOK. It's a revolutionary breakthrough in technology, so easy to
use even a child can operate it. Compact and portable, it can be used anywhere,
yet it is powerful enough to hold as much information as a CD-ROM disk. Here's
how it works: each BOOK is constructed of sequentially numbered sheets of paper
capable of holding thousands of bits of information. The "Browse"
feature allows you to move instantly to any sheet, and move forward or backward
as you wish. An optional "BOOKmark"
accessory allows you to open the BOOK to the exact place you left it in a
previous session -- even if the BOOK has been closed. BOOKmarks
fit universal design standards; thus a single BOOKmark
can be used in BOOKs by various manufacturers. Portable,
durable and affordable, the BOOK is the entertainment wave of the future, and
many new titles are expected soon, due to the surge in popularity of its
programming tool, the Portable Erasable-Nib Cryptic Intercommunication Language
stylus [PENCIL].
Businesses and Water Resources Report
A new
research paper by the Pacific Institute, "Freshwater Resources: Managing
the Risks Facing the Private Sector,” identifies a of worrisome trends
that impact businesses in almost every sector and recommends steps that
companies can take to meet these challenges. The report recommends 10
steps companies can take to reduce their water-related impacts on the
environment and local communities and help protect their operations and their
shareholders from business risks related to water.
http://www.getf.org/file/toolmanager/CustomO16C45F53409.pdf.
The Clean
Water Act: An Owner's Manual (2nd Edition) will be available soon. The
"Owner's Manual" explains crucial sections of the Clean Water Act,
points out how to get involved in regulatory decisions, and tells local stories
of others who've done so. The new edition contains expanded information on Antidegradation, Stormwater permits, TMDLs
and more. References, websites and other resources have been updated. Email
gkillam@rivernetwork.org to order.
A new
version (3.1) of the Better Assessment Science Integrating point and Nonpoint
Sources (BASINS) software system has been released. BASINS supports the
objectives of facilitating examination of environmental information, supporting
analysis of environmental systems, and providing a framework for examining management
alternatives.
http://epa.gov/waterscience/basins/
EPA recently released two new wetland fact sheets, "Constructed Treatment Wetlands" and "Wetlands and West Nile Virus." For a complete list of all 40+ fact sheets available, visit http://www.epa.gov/owow/wetlands/facts/contents.html.
The
National Agroforestry Center (NAC)
has developed several new tools for those working to establish buffers:
CanVis is
a new visualization tool that allows users to digitally alter photographs to
help landowners see what a tree planting might look like 20 years from now. A
manual will provide detailed information on acquiring images and using various
software programs to edit the images. The manual is scheduled to be available
this fall and can be obtained by contacting NAC at
402-437-5178.
WBECON is a computer program that allows users to calculate the economics of a crop field with windbreaks, taking into account factors including windbreak species and design, soil and climate, crop rotation, yields and prices. For more information, or to obtain a copy of WBECON, contact Jim Brandle at jbrandle1@unl.edu.
Buffers$ is
a spreadsheet-based application to assist landowners and planners in analyzing
the cost-benefit of conservation buffers. Buffers$ can be downloaded at
http://www.unl.edu/nac/conservation.
It requires Microsoft Excel to run.
RAMSAR Handbooks For The Wise Use Of Wetlands
The second edition of the Ramsar Toolkit, the "Handbooks for the Wise Use of Wetlands", consists of 14 volumes containing major wetlands guidance documents combined with additional illustrative material such as background studies, case studies, photographs and tables. This series of Handbooks has been prepared by the Secretariat following the 7th and 8th Meetings of the Conference of the Contracting Parties (COP7 and COP8) held in San José, Costa Rica, in May 1999 and Valencia, Spain, in November 2002. http://www.ramsar.org/lib_handbooks_e.htm
Animal Feeding Operations Virtual Information Center On-line
EPA has developed a comprehensive internet guide to provide quick access to livestock agricultural information in the US. This site is intended to be a single point of reference to obtain links to state regulations, web sites, permits and policies, nutrient management information, livestock and trade associations, federal web sites, best management practices and controls, cooperative extension and land grant universities, research, funding, and information on environmental issues. http://www.epa.gov/npdes/afovirtualcenter
Illicit Discharge Detection and Elimination Guidance Manual
The Center for Watershed Protection has developed the Illicit Discharge Detection and Elimination Guidance Manual, a comprehensive manual that includes details on the types of testing used to detect illicit discharges, information on estimating program costs in terms of capital and personnel expenses, and timelines that estimate how long program implementation will take. This Manual is available for free download for a limited time at: http://www.cwp.org/idde_verify.htm.
The River Network recently launched a new on-line training class, "Understanding the Clean Water Act" (CWA). The course, which is accessible at http://www.cleanwateract.org/, is designed to help watershed practitioners and others learn about CWA programs and tools. Searching by category provides a quick overview of the problem as well as descriptions of the most relevant CWA programs. Summaries of state water quality programs and a section on teaching aids are also included.
170 new water trail miles were developed in the Chesapeake Bay watershed during 2004. There are currently an estimated 1,669 miles of water trails in the Bay watershed and the goal to increase them by 500 miles has been achieved ahead of schedule. The network of water trails is being developed as part of the Chesapeake Bay Gateways Network, a partnership of diverse linked sites, water trails and other routes.
EPA Water Quality Trading Handbook
The
Connecticut Department of Environmental Protection announced their new 2004
Stormwater Quality Manual. This is the
first statewide manual to focus on site planning, source control and pollution
prevention, in addition to standard stormwater treatment and erosion and
sediment control practices. The manual is intended for use as a planning tool
and design guidance document by the regulated and regulatory communities
involved in stormwater quality management.
http://www.dep.state.ct.us/wtr/stormwater/strmwtrman.htm.
The Center
for Watershed Protection has released Manual #4: Urban Stream Repair Practices.
This stream repair manual concentrates on practices used to enhance the
appearance, stability, structure, or function of urban streams. An electronic
version of the manual is available for free for a limited time at
http://www.cwp.org/, with a hard copy becoming
available for purchase soon.