Sustainable Environments

EPA Stormwater Webinar Scheduled for January 8

2009-01-02T11:30:00.002-05:00

US EPA Region 5 invites participants to a webinar on Using Compost as a Stormwater Best Management Practice (BMP) on January 8, 11:00 am EST. This webinar is focused on how stormwater managers can use compost blankets, berms, and filters as a tool to reduce stormwater runoff and improve soil quality. The guest speakers will discuss their experiences with compost and some of their ideas on other ways it can be used on landscapes to manage stormwater runoff. You can view information about each of the compost BMPs at http://cfpub.epa.gov/npdes/stormwater/menuofbmps/index.cfm (enter "compost" into the "search BMPs" search box at the top left side of the screen).

To participate in this webinar, you must register online at: https://srameeting.webex.com/srameeting/j.php?ED=95494307&RG=1&UID=0
Once your request is approved, you will receive a confirmation email with instructions for joining the meeting.

New LID Green Streets Website

2008-12-18T10:53:00.002-05:00

The Low Impact Development Center, Inc. has launched a new resource website for Green Highways and Green Streets projects. The purpose of the Website is to highlight significant Green Highways and Green Streets programs that the Center and other project partners have been involved in. The site provides examples and guidance for communities and institutions that are developing green infrastructure strategies for water resource protection, community development, and to address climate change through greening roads and communities.

Oregon Reservoir Managers Puzzled Over Late Algae Blooms

2008-12-15T09:46:00.002-05:00

A strangely persistent bloom of blue-green algae at Lost Creek Lake has experts wondering whether the reservoir's water quality has diminished or the toxic algae has somehow genetically mutated to ward off competition for fall dominance here. The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers will begin a three-year water-quality study at the reservoir to see whether any environmental changes have tipped the water in favor of anabaena flos-aquae.
The algae bloom triggered a Sept. 16 public health advisory against water contact and eating of trout or bass caught at the 31-year-old reservoir on the upper Rogue River. This bloom has persisted in spite of water temperatures in the mid-40s, and new water samples showed algae levels still at more than 130 times higher than safety thresholds set by state health officials.

Read more: Southern Oregon's Mail Tribune, December 14, 2008
http://www.mailtribune.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20081214/NEWS/812140335

CWP hosts webinar on new Watershed Forestry Resource Guide

2008-11-26T09:35:00.002-05:00

The Center for Watershed Protection and the USDA Forest Service Northeastern Area are hosting a free webinar to introduce the Watershed Forestry Resource Guide, a new online resource for all things related to forests and their role in watershed and stormwater management. The Watershed Forestry Resource Guide website contains pages specific to forest planning and assessment, reducing stormwater runoff, forest-friendly development, and planting and maintaining trees.

The webinar will be held on December 2 from 12-1 EST, 11am- 12 CST, 10-11am MST, 9-10:00am PST. To register for this webinar, please visit:http://tinyurl.com/62wmxl

EPA Publishes Draft TMDLs to Stormwater Permits Handbook

2008-11-19T12:35:00.002-05:00

EPA's Office of Wetlands, Oceans and Watersheds (OWOW) and Office of Wastewater Management (OWM) have jointly issued a Draft "TMDLs to Stormwater Handbook," available for public comment.

This Draft Handbook provides a technical reference for TMDL practitioners and permit writers on current methods being used to develop more detailed stormwater-source TMDL allocations, TMDL implementation plans including best management practices, and methods for translating TMDL allocations into NPDES stormwater permit requirements. The Handbook also provides background information on the components of these programs, but assumes that the reader has a working knowledge of both TMDLs and NPDES stormwater permits.

Source: EPA Water Headlines listserv, November 17, 2008

Constructed Wetland Slideshow Added

2008-11-10T16:52:00.002-05:00

We recently added some new content to our blog site. Check out the Constructed Wetland Slideshow on the lower right hand side of the page. It shows before, during, and post-construction photos of the F. X. Browne, Inc. constructed wetland at our Lansdale, PA headquarters.

Dr. Frank Browne Keynote Speaker on Low Impact Development

2008-11-10T16:47:00.001-05:00

Dr. Frank Browne, President of F. X. Browne, Inc., was the Keynote Speaker at Southeast New York’s 8th Annual Stormwater Conference in Orange County, New York. Dr. Browne presented on low impact development and sustainable design. F. X. Browne, Inc., a nationwide expert in low impact development and stormwater management, was selected by DEP to be a Qualified Stormwater Consultant to assist developers with meeting the mandates of new smart-growth and stormwater regulations in land development design.

Happy Birthday, Clean Water Act!

2008-10-22T08:02:00.002-04:00

The Clean Water Act turns 36 years old this week. In the past 36 years, enormous amounts of change have occurred with respect to policy and environment in the US. Constantly spreading impervious surfaces, diminishing wetlands, and alterations of natural watercourses have led to increased flooding and millions of dollars of damage to populated areas. However, improvements in natural channel design and wetland and stream restoration techniques as well as the NPDES Phase I and Phase II stormwater regulations are helping to reduce flooding and restore habitat. F. X. Browne, Inc. is proud to be on the forefront of environmental restoration consulting and engineering design.

Cincinati wants to lead green roof movement in US

2008-10-02T07:05:00.003-04:00

The Cincinati City Council recently became the first in Ohio with a plan to channel grants and loans to residents and businesses to replace tar and shingle roofs with vegetation. Supporters of the idea say the greenery not only is pleasing aesthetically but reduces stormwater runoff, filters pollutants and cuts heating and cooling costs.

In Ohio, green roofs grace the tops of the Toledo public library, the Ohio Environmental Protection Agency building in Columbus and the Cleveland Environmental Center, home of the Greater Cleveland Green Building Coalition. In Cinicinati, the grant program is specifically aimed at commercial buildings.

AP Article, October 2, 2008

Western WA Requires Low-Impact Development Techniques

2008-09-22T13:36:00.002-04:00

In a landmark ruling, a state appeals board ordered use of low-impact building techniques to reduce stormwater runoff, which is considered the biggest pollution threat to the health of Puget Sound. The quasi-judicial Pollution Control Hearings Board handed down the ruling, which will be implemented by the state Ecology Department.

In established cities such as Seattle, the impact is likely to be felt mostly in redevelopment projects. In the fast-growing countryside, it's likely to mean larger-scale LID projects that might, for instance, eliminate curbs and gutters and create street-side green spaces instead. The ruling affects only the largest local governments in Western Washington: Seattle, Tacoma, and King, Snohomish, Pierce and Clark counties. Another case pending before the board could extend the logic to numerous smaller local governments.

Source: Seattlepi.com, August 9, 2008

Stormwater Video Webcasts Monday

2008-09-19T12:14:00.003-04:00

The California Stormwater Quality Association (CASQA) is making available two of its pre-conference workshops on Monday, September 22 from 8:30-5:00 PDT as video webcasts at no charge to stormwater quality professionals across the country. The workshops being offered are:
I - Planning Practices and Tools to Address Emerging Water Quality Issues
III - Assessing and Managing Trash in Stormwater

These workshops are available on a first-come, first-served basis. Webcast registration closes at 3:00 PM Pacific Time today. Please register as soon as possible at https://www.casqa.org/casqastore/entitiy/tabid/169/c-13-webcast-registrations.aspx.

Sinking With the Fishes

2008-09-15T08:59:00.001-04:00

From Daily Grist, 10 Sep 2008
Over 700 freshwater fish species in North America, nearly 40 percent of the total, are considered vulnerable to extinction or worse, according to a new study led by the U.S. Geological Survey. The study, published in the journal Fisheries, is the most comprehensive assessment of North American freshwater fish species since 1989, but the results show little reason for celebration. Of the assessed species, only 11 percent were better off than in 1989, while the list of imperiled species nearly doubled since then and suspected extinctions grew by over 50 percent to a total of 61. Researchers said that pollution, drought, invasive species, the effects of development, and demand for water all contributed to the decline and that climate change may have also played a role. "Fish are indicators of how good the water quality is," said Howard Jelks of the USGS. "As long as you're losing fish, you're also likely losing crayfish, mussels, and other things of that nature. They're kind of the canary in the coal mine."

Dam Cam

2008-08-22T14:35:00.002-04:00

According to American Rivers, the Merrimack Village Dam is in the process of being removed, restoring historic flows to the Souhegan River. Construction and demolition began on July 22 and will continue through August 30, 2008. The project will involve local volunteers to help transplant freshwater mussels and fish during the restoration process, as well as to assist in removing accumulated trash and debris that has accumulated behind the dam. This is one of the largest and most complex dam removal projects NOAA has ever attempted.

One of the coolest things about the project is the live Dam Cam on the project Web site to document the removal progress. Check it out!

Water Conservation Often Overlooked

2008-08-14T16:04:00.002-04:00

Green building and improved energy efficiency are both trendy and practical ways for builders to add value to their construction projects. According to a recent article in the Tampa Bay Business Journal (August 8, 2008), an often over looked but critically important design aspect is water conservation. Incorporating water saving technologies can save the building owner thousands of gallons of water a day.

According to the article, some examples of ways that commercial buildings can save money are retrofitting restroom facilities with low-flow toilets and sinks, using more greywater, and reusing condensation collected from the cooling towers used to air-condition the building.

August 2008 Sustainable Environments

2008-08-11T13:00:00.002-04:00

F.X. Browne, Inc.'s August 2008 edition of Sustainable Environments has been published. Enjoy!

Greening the Olympics

2008-08-11T11:38:00.002-04:00

More than ever before, environmental issues are in the forefront during these Olympic Games. China's environmental problems are well known (air pollution, water scarcity, poor water quality, etc), but to their credit the Chinese have been making a concerted effort to compensate by adopting green building techniques, enacting sustainable community development practices, and making Beijing a model for net zero pollution. According to an article in Scientific American (August 4, 2008), China's efforts to make the 2008 games the first "Green Olympics" include:

Planting trees
Closing 1,000 small coal mines before and during the games
Banning up to a million cars from city streets
Incorporating green building technologies at the Beijing National Stadium such as a rainwater collection arrangement, a natural ventilation system, and a clear roof with inflatable cushions made from ETFE
Designing the Aquatic Center (aka the Water Cube) with ETFE pillows, and designing it such that when it has finished serving its purpose as an Olympic venue, it can be converted to a shopping area and leisure center with tennis courts, retail outlets, nightclubs and restaurants
Powering the lighting outside all seven of the Olympic stadiums, as well as the entire hot water supply for the Olympic Village, by solar and wind energy
Investing in expensive energy-efficient heating and transportation equipment that will greatly improve environmental quality for decades throughout the city of Beijing and beyond.

Other interesting articles about China's efforts toward a Green Olympics:

Beijing Orders its Pollution to Vanish: Time Magazine, 7/14/08

7 Amazing Olympic Green Buildings: Jetson Green, 8/8/08

For the Olympics, Will Beijing Paint the Town Green?: Treehugger.com, 2/21/07

Visit to the Wild Center

2008-08-03T20:59:00.007-04:00

If you've never visited the Wild Center, Natural History Museum of the Adirondacks in Tupper Lake, NY, I highly recommend it.

It is the first museum in New York to be granted a LEED Silver certification for green buildings. The certification is based on a number of demonstration technologies, such as a constructed stormwater wetland

A living wall

A cistern for collecting and storing roof runoff

Permeable pavement

And a green roof.

If you've never seen these technolgies firsthand, the Wild Center offers a great way to learn about them. The museum also makes the trip well worth it.

Posted by: Rebecca Buerkett, Project Scientist, Sustainable Environments Editor

Villanova “Day of Stormwater” Seminar

2008-07-28T12:08:00.001-04:00

On August 14, the Villanova Urban Stormwater Partnership will host “A Day of Stormwater,” featuring seminar presentation, a tour, and a summit at Villanova University near Philadelphia. The mission of the partnership is to advance the evolving comprehensive stormwater management field and to foster the development of public and private partnerships through research on innovative stormwater Best Management Practices, directed studies, technology transfer and education.

Workshop on Geosynthetic BMPs for Stormwater Management

2008-07-08T08:33:00.003-04:00

On August 14, the Berks, Lebanon, Lancaster and Schuylkill County Conservation Districts, and other partners will hold a workshop in Myerstown (Lebanon County). Topics include:

Sediment Control: Perimeter Controls, Inlet Protection, Filter Bags and Tubes, Polyacrylamide (PAM), Erosion Control Blankets
Erosion Prevention: Hydraulic applications, Turf Reinforcement Mats (TRMs), Scour Prevention, Transition Mats, Articulating Concrete Blocks (ACBs)
Run-off Management: Underground Storage, Pre-treatment, Liners, Pervious Parking and Vehicle Access Treatments
Site Stabilization: Cellular Confinement (Load Support, Slope Protection, Earth Retention), MSE Green Walls, Earth Anchors, Geocomposite Drainage Systems, Geofoam, Geotextiles)

Workshop participants are eligible for 6.0 Pennsylvania Continuing Education Clock Hours
(PA Landscape Architects) or 6.0 CPESC PDUs (Professional Development Units) from CPESC, Inc.

Happy Lakes Appreciation Month!

2008-07-01T07:17:00.003-04:00

July is Lakes Appreciation Month , a great time to get out and enjoy your favorite lake, or perhaps one that you've never seen before. Coinciding with Lakes Appreciation Month, the 15th Annual Secchi Dip-In will take place between June 28 and July 20. The Dip-In is a network of volunteers that collects Secchi disk and other water quality data from water bodies around the world. Because volunteers contribute data year after year, trends in transparency are able to be tracked over time. For cumulative results of past dip-ins, visit http://dipin.kent.edu/results.htm. For more information on how to participate in Lakes Appreciation events or the Dip-In, click the links above.

Northeast Wetland Restoration Institute Now Accepting Applications

2008-06-23T13:28:00.001-04:00

The 2008 Northeast Regional Wetland Restoration Institute will be held in Campbell, New York from August 11-15. The training is designed to help engineers, biologists, foresters, hydrologists, and technicians initiate or improve a wetland restoration program. Individuals will be involved in the design and construction of two wetlands, from start to finish, using the latest and most effective techniques available in North America. Participants will investigate restored wetlands and streams in forested and open areas with instructors who are leaders in the field. Applications are now being accepted and are due by June 30.
For more information please visit: www.u-s-c.org/NEWRI

National Conservation and Sustainability Symposium to be Held in Philadelphia

2008-06-23T11:45:00.002-04:00

Representatives of states from across the country are gathering in Philadelphia this week to talk about how to use land management and conservation practices as powerful tools to achieve sustainability and address climate change. Leaders from 16 states including Pennsylvania will gather at the University of Pennsylvania June 23 and 24 for a symposium entitled “Creating a New Natural Resource Legacy: Conservation and Sustainability…Historic Missions Cast New in the 21st Century.” The forum is co-hosted by Pennsylvania’s Department of Conservation and Natural Resources, California, Iowa and Maryland. http://www.dcnr.state.pa.us/news/newsreleases/2008/0608-sustainabilitysymposium.htm

National Coastal Wetlands Conservation Grants

2008-06-06T16:28:00.002-04:00

The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service is providing National Coastal Wetlands Conservation Grants to States for acquisition, restoration, management or enhancement of coastal wetlands. The Act also establishes a role for the Fish and Wildlife Service in interagency wetlands restoration and conservation planning in Louisiana. States must provide 50 percent of the total costs of a project. Priority will be provided to projects that are:

Consistent with the National Wetlands Priority Conservation Plan
Located in States with dedicated land acquisition programs.
Located in maritime forests on coastal barrier islands.

Approximately 30 grants will be available, totaling of $19,000,000. Closing date for applications is June 27, 2008.

New Runoff Reduction Method Announced for Innovative Stormwater Design

2008-05-08T11:58:00.000-04:00

The Center for Watershed Protection and Tom Schueler of the Chesapeake Stormwater Network have recently completed a technical memo that outlines an innovative system for stormwater design called the Runoff Reduction Method. More...
The design is part of CWP's "Extreme BMP Makeover" project, funded by the National Fish & Wildlife Foundation. They have been working closely with the VA Department of Conservation & Recreation to integrate the Runoff Reduction Method into proposed stormwater regulations and an updated handbook. While the technical memo provides extensive background research on BMP performance, the focus is on BMP capacity to reduce overall runoff volume as well as pollutant removal. These BMPs include both conventional and innovative practices (e.g., pervious parking, sheetflow to open space, green roofs, downspout disconnection). The method also incorporates built-in incentives for environmental site design, such as preserving forests and reducing soil disturbance and impervious cover. The memo includes a draft spreadsheet that can be used as a stormwater site planning tool to assess how well certain combinations of practices reduce post-development runoff volumes and total phosphorus loads. VA DCR and the VA Chapter of the American Society of Civil Engineers are currently using this spreadsheet and the Runoff Reduction Method in site design charrettes around the state. The spreadsheet will be revised based on feedback from these stakeholder involvement workshops. http://www.cwp.org/Downloads/ExtremeBMP/RRTechMemo.pdf

From CWP Runoff Rundown Spring 2008

PA Water Infrastructure Task Force Plans Public Meetings

2008-05-08T11:11:00.003-04:00

With aging and deteriorating water systems across Pennsylvania in need of critical investments, members of Governor Edward G. Rendell’s Sustainable Water Infrastructure Task Force are setting out to gather the public’s ideas on how to address the challenge. The task force recently announced a series of eight public meetings to be held throughout the state this month.

From the PADEP press release: The 30-member task force, made up of business leaders, legislators, government officials and industry experts, will host eight public meetings during May, the first kicking off today in Harrisburg. The other meetings will take place in Allegheny, Clearfield, Luzerne, Montgomery, Northampton, Venango and York counties. Members want to hear recommendations from the public about what issues the task force should consider; what existing statutory, regulatory or public policy barriers prevent the long-term sustainability of Pennsylvania’s water infrastructure; and possible new revenue streams that could help meet the state’s infrastructure needs.According to a federal Clean Water Needs Survey, Pennsylvania is facing nearly $11 billion in unmet drinking water infrastructure needs and at least $7.2 billion in unmet wastewater infrastructure needs. The task force convened for the first time last month and formed five work groups to address the most pressing issues: needs assessment, innovative measures, financial resources, financial sustainability and legislative and regulatory needs.

For meeting dates and locations, click here and scroll down.