Established in 1983, the Council of Great Lakes Governors is a non-partisan partnership of Governors from each of the eight Great Lakes States - Illinois, Indiana, Michigan, Minnesota, New York, Ohio, Pennsylvania, and Wisconsin. The Governors joined forces to address the severe environmental and economic challenges facing the region. In recent years, the Premiers of Ontario and Québec have partnered with the Council to advance the environmental health and high performance economy of the entire Great Lakes region.
As part of the Council’s project-oriented team, the Program Associate/Manager will coordinate and assist with work related to the environment including Great Lakes protection, restoration and water management. Specifically, the Program Associate/Manager will work on the Great Lakes Governors’ Priorities Initiative which is coordinating the Governors’ shared efforts on Great Lakes protection and restoration. The Program Associate/Manager will also work on the Governors’ Water Management Initiative including support for the Great Lakes—St. Lawrence River Water Resources Regional Body and the Great Lakes—St. Lawrence River Basin Water Resources Council. As needed, assistance will be provided on projects related to regional economic development including international trade. This position requires the Program Associate/Manager to work in Chicago, Illinois.
Desired qualifications and skills:
• Effective communicator and presenter with good writing ability, aptitude for facilitation and consensus building. Exceptional interpersonal skills.
• Creative, effective problem-solver with well-developed research and analytical skills.
• Flexible team player with the ability to manage multiple projects.
• Working understanding of the public policymaking and implementation process, preference for knowledge related to environmental policy and the Great Lakes.
• Preferred experience would include legislative background; knowledge of State government; and fundraising including grant writing, budgeting and reporting.
• Bachelors’ degree required. An advanced degree is preferred.
Salary is commensurate with experience. For additional information, please visit:
www.cglg.org
www.glslregionalbody.org
www.cglg.org/projects/water/GLSLRBWRC.asp
To apply, please send a resume and cover letter by Friday, August 14 to:
Ms. Zoë Munro
Council of Great Lakes Governors
35 East Wacker Drive, Suite 1850
Chicago, IL 60601
E-mail: zmunro@cglg.org
No phone calls, please.
Thursday, July 30, 2009
Wednesday, July 29, 2009
Helping Solve Local Wastewater Problems: A Manual
In September 2005, the West Virginia Rivers Coalition completed a wastewater manual in partnership with Canaan Valley Institute and several watershed organizations across the state, including ECRR. The goal of this manual is to help groups work in local communities to solve wastewater problems.
The manual describes situations where traditional infrastructure solutions are appropriate, and also introduces alternative approaches helpful for addressing the tough problems encountered in West Virginia. The manual is designed to help watershed groups and local decision-makers find a system that will work best, and to provide information necessary to start working toward the implementation of locally developed solutions.
You can read and download the manual here.
The manual describes situations where traditional infrastructure solutions are appropriate, and also introduces alternative approaches helpful for addressing the tough problems encountered in West Virginia. The manual is designed to help watershed groups and local decision-makers find a system that will work best, and to provide information necessary to start working toward the implementation of locally developed solutions.
You can read and download the manual here.
Kentucky Waterways Alliance Seeks Development Associate
KWA is seeking a Development Associate to assist the Executive Director in ensuring that the organization raises sufficient funds to fulfill KWA’s mission. He/she will assist the Executive Director writing grant reports and in starting a new major donor program. Initially this is a part-time position with benefits paid according to hours worked. KWA intends to increase the hours with the goal of making this a full-time salaried position as soon as possible. The position will be based in KWA’s Louisville office. Interested candidates should email a cover letter and resume to: Director@KWAlliance.org
Position will remain open until filled.
Position will remain open until filled.
Tuesday, July 28, 2009
Vote for your favorite river organization!
New Belgium Brewing is hosting a nationwide contest to give a $10,000 grant to the river or water group that gets the most votes by September 30. Go to Skinny Dip then click on Vote for a Cause and cast your vote! Ask your friends to vote too by forwarding eStream, using your Facebook site or any other way you can think of!
Water Quality Snapshot of Passive Treatment Systems
By Cliff Denholm, Stream Restoration, Inc.
(Stream Restoration Inc. (SRI) is a non-profit organization whose mission focuses on the restoration of streams impacted by abandoned coal mine drainage. SRI is located in Mars, PA.)
As many of you may already be aware, a partnership effort has been organized to conduct two water quality snapshots of all the publicly-funded passive treatment systems located within Pennsylvania. This snapshot will consist of collecting water samples for laboratory analysis as well as measuring selected field parameters. The samples will be collected for the raw untreated AMD, the final effluent of the passive system, and the influent and effluent of every alkalinity-generating component such as ALDs, VFPs, SAPS, etc., as feasible.
The first snapshot is planned to take place over the next couple of months (August and September 2009). The second snapshot is planned to take place in late winter/early spring (March, April, May 2010). The monitoring will be conducted by a team consisting of individuals from PA DEP's Bureau of Abandoned Mine Reclamation (BAMR), Stream Team, PA Senior Environmental Corps, Mill Creek Coalition, Babb Creek Watershed Association, Broadtop Township, and Stream Restoration Incorporated. Funding for the snapshot is through a PA DEP Growing Greener Grant obtained by the Western Pennsylvania Coalition for Abandoned Mine Reclamation (WPCAMR).
Data from the snapshot will be made publicly available via Datashed http://www.datashed.org/ which is a free, web-based database designed to assist in the management of data related to passive treatment systems and stream monitoring for watershed groups, nonprofits, academia, government agencies and anyone else interested in passive treatment. In addition to the water monitoring data from this snapshot event, information regarding these passive systems, which has been collected by PA DEP BAMR over the last year including existing water quality data, site schematics, as-builts, information forms, etc. will be uploaded to Datashed. An account is not necessary to view any of this data; however, if you would like to be able to upload your own data, documents, and information you can get an account very easily by contacting Cliff Denholm or Shaun Busler at Stream Restoration Inc. 724-776-0161.
We have tried to include as many email addresses of watershed organizations as we could however there were many that we could not find. So please feel free to forward this announcement to watershed groups that you know.
If you have any questions or concerns regarding this sampling event please contact Cliff Denholm at Stream Restoration Incorporated. Telephone: 724-776-0161, Email:
sri@streamrestorationinc.org
(Stream Restoration Inc. (SRI) is a non-profit organization whose mission focuses on the restoration of streams impacted by abandoned coal mine drainage. SRI is located in Mars, PA.)
As many of you may already be aware, a partnership effort has been organized to conduct two water quality snapshots of all the publicly-funded passive treatment systems located within Pennsylvania. This snapshot will consist of collecting water samples for laboratory analysis as well as measuring selected field parameters. The samples will be collected for the raw untreated AMD, the final effluent of the passive system, and the influent and effluent of every alkalinity-generating component such as ALDs, VFPs, SAPS, etc., as feasible.
The first snapshot is planned to take place over the next couple of months (August and September 2009). The second snapshot is planned to take place in late winter/early spring (March, April, May 2010). The monitoring will be conducted by a team consisting of individuals from PA DEP's Bureau of Abandoned Mine Reclamation (BAMR), Stream Team, PA Senior Environmental Corps, Mill Creek Coalition, Babb Creek Watershed Association, Broadtop Township, and Stream Restoration Incorporated. Funding for the snapshot is through a PA DEP Growing Greener Grant obtained by the Western Pennsylvania Coalition for Abandoned Mine Reclamation (WPCAMR).
Data from the snapshot will be made publicly available via Datashed http://www.datashed.org/ which is a free, web-based database designed to assist in the management of data related to passive treatment systems and stream monitoring for watershed groups, nonprofits, academia, government agencies and anyone else interested in passive treatment. In addition to the water monitoring data from this snapshot event, information regarding these passive systems, which has been collected by PA DEP BAMR over the last year including existing water quality data, site schematics, as-builts, information forms, etc. will be uploaded to Datashed. An account is not necessary to view any of this data; however, if you would like to be able to upload your own data, documents, and information you can get an account very easily by contacting Cliff Denholm or Shaun Busler at Stream Restoration Inc. 724-776-0161.
We have tried to include as many email addresses of watershed organizations as we could however there were many that we could not find. So please feel free to forward this announcement to watershed groups that you know.
If you have any questions or concerns regarding this sampling event please contact Cliff Denholm at Stream Restoration Incorporated. Telephone: 724-776-0161, Email:
sri@streamrestorationinc.org
GiftWorks Special Offer
This your final opportunity to make your fundraising efforts more effective by requesting GiftWorks Standard software (a $399 retail value) for a $99 admin fee and one copy of GiftWorks Volunteers (a $199 retail value) for a $49 admin fee. Both of these GiftWorks products will be available during this special offer to eligible nonprofits and public libraries with annual budgets of up to $250,000 – which constitutes a larger budget cap than in the standard GiftWorks program. If you already have GiftWorks Standard, you can still participate in our special offer to receive an additional license and to request GiftWorks Volunteers. This offer is made possible thanks to a generous discount from GiftWorks.
Click the following link to participate in our special offer:
Place your GiftWorks request
Click the following link to participate in our special offer:
Place your GiftWorks request
Job Opening: NY Great Lakes Research Consortium
Title: Project Staff Assistant or Associate; full or part-time hours negotiable
Unit: Great Lakes Research Consortium
Salary Range: Low to mid 30’s (at full-time rate) depending on qualifications; excellent benefits.
Expected Duration: This is an ongoing position funded through member dues; the initial appointment is for one year.
Brief Description of Duties: The Great Lakes Research Consortium (GLRC) is an organization of eighteen colleges and universities in New York, with nine affiliate campuses in Ontario, dedicated to collaborative research and education on the Great Lakes. We have nearly 400 member faculty, who are conducting research in every facet of Great Lakes science. More information is available at our website www.esf.edu/glrc.
The role of the Project Staff Assistant or Associate is to assist the Executive Director in the overall administration of Great Lakes Research Consortium. Duties include the organizing and facilitating all GLRC programs and events including the annual conference, seminar series, and publication of the GLRC newsletter, annual report and directory. The project assistant or associate also serves as liaison to the New York Great Lakes Basin Advisory Council and helps administer the New York Great Lakes Protection Fund small grants program. The successful candidate should be comfortable with desktop publishing software such as Adobe Creative Suite, specifically InDesign, as publications and preparation of outreach materials are a major aspect of the job. Position also includes office administrative duties and oversight of several student assistants. Ability to work independently is essential. The work may entail periodic evening and weekend work on and off campus.
Required qualifications include: Bachelor's degree; science background; strong organizational, interpersonal, verbal and written communication skills; attention to detail and a working knowledge of spreadsheet, database, and word processing software.
Preferred qualifications include: Advanced knowledge of layout and design of publications using Adobe Creative Suite, familiarity with web-design using Dreamweaver and the ability to work with multi-disciplinary science, technology and engineering programs; Grant-writing experience, an understanding of great lakes science and policy as well as knowledge of New York organizations whose work is focused on the Great Lakes is a plus.
Date to Be Filled: September 2009
Application Deadline: Although the college will accept applications until the position is filled, interested candidates should submit their materials by August 24, 2009 for optimal consideration.
Application Procedure: Employment application is required to be submitted on-line at http://www.esf.edu/hr/search/ and must attach a cover letter and resume; candidates are also encouraged to include short (1-2 page) examples of publication layout or outreach materials that they have created.
The GLRC office can be contacted directly at GLRC@esf.edu or at 315-470-6720.
Unit: Great Lakes Research Consortium
Salary Range: Low to mid 30’s (at full-time rate) depending on qualifications; excellent benefits.
Expected Duration: This is an ongoing position funded through member dues; the initial appointment is for one year.
Brief Description of Duties: The Great Lakes Research Consortium (GLRC) is an organization of eighteen colleges and universities in New York, with nine affiliate campuses in Ontario, dedicated to collaborative research and education on the Great Lakes. We have nearly 400 member faculty, who are conducting research in every facet of Great Lakes science. More information is available at our website www.esf.edu/glrc.
The role of the Project Staff Assistant or Associate is to assist the Executive Director in the overall administration of Great Lakes Research Consortium. Duties include the organizing and facilitating all GLRC programs and events including the annual conference, seminar series, and publication of the GLRC newsletter, annual report and directory. The project assistant or associate also serves as liaison to the New York Great Lakes Basin Advisory Council and helps administer the New York Great Lakes Protection Fund small grants program. The successful candidate should be comfortable with desktop publishing software such as Adobe Creative Suite, specifically InDesign, as publications and preparation of outreach materials are a major aspect of the job. Position also includes office administrative duties and oversight of several student assistants. Ability to work independently is essential. The work may entail periodic evening and weekend work on and off campus.
Required qualifications include: Bachelor's degree; science background; strong organizational, interpersonal, verbal and written communication skills; attention to detail and a working knowledge of spreadsheet, database, and word processing software.
Preferred qualifications include: Advanced knowledge of layout and design of publications using Adobe Creative Suite, familiarity with web-design using Dreamweaver and the ability to work with multi-disciplinary science, technology and engineering programs; Grant-writing experience, an understanding of great lakes science and policy as well as knowledge of New York organizations whose work is focused on the Great Lakes is a plus.
Date to Be Filled: September 2009
Application Deadline: Although the college will accept applications until the position is filled, interested candidates should submit their materials by August 24, 2009 for optimal consideration.
Application Procedure: Employment application is required to be submitted on-line at http://www.esf.edu/hr/search/ and must attach a cover letter and resume; candidates are also encouraged to include short (1-2 page) examples of publication layout or outreach materials that they have created.
The GLRC office can be contacted directly at GLRC@esf.edu or at 315-470-6720.
Presentation: Izaak Walton League and Save our Streams
By Eric Eckl
Water Words that Work (http://www.waterwordsthatwork.com)
What an honor it was to deliver the opening keynote for the Izaak Walton League’s annual convention and help celebrate the 40th anniversary of Save Our Streams!
As promised, you can click the link to download a copy of my environmental communications presentation.
If you are interested in exploring the topic in a more practical and hands on way, I’d direct you to the four-step Water Words That Work method. It provides handy guidelines and tips for how to use words and pictures to catch people’s attention, make the right first impression, and lead them towards that first step for nature protection and pollution control.
Good luck to you all!
Water Words that Work (http://www.waterwordsthatwork.com)
What an honor it was to deliver the opening keynote for the Izaak Walton League’s annual convention and help celebrate the 40th anniversary of Save Our Streams!
As promised, you can click the link to download a copy of my environmental communications presentation.
If you are interested in exploring the topic in a more practical and hands on way, I’d direct you to the four-step Water Words That Work method. It provides handy guidelines and tips for how to use words and pictures to catch people’s attention, make the right first impression, and lead them towards that first step for nature protection and pollution control.
Good luck to you all!
Friday, July 17, 2009
Design Issues and Funding Options for a Clean Water Trust Fund
US Government Accountability Office Testifies Before the Subcommittee on Water Resources and Environment, Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure, House of Representatives
http://www.gao.gov/new.items/d09893t.pdf
Why GAO Did This Study?
Many of the wastewater systems that Americans rely on to protect public health and the environment are reaching the end of their useful lives. The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has estimated that a potential gap between future needs and current spending for wastewater infrastructure of $150 billion to $400 billion could occur over the next decade. Various approaches have been proposed to bridge this potential gap. One is to establish a clean water trust fund.
What GAO Found:
Stakeholders identified three main issues that would need to be addressedin designing and establishing a clean water trust fund: how a trust fund should be administered and used; what type of financial assistance should be provided; and what activities should be eligible to receive funding from a trust fund. While a majority of stakeholders said that a trust fund should be administered through an EPA partnership with the states, they differed in their views on how a trust fund should be used. About one-third of stakeholders responded that a trust fund should be used only to fund the existing Clean Water State Revolving Fund (CWSRF), which is currently funded primarily through federal appropriations, while a few said it should support only a new and separate wastewater program. A few stakeholders supported using a trust fund to support both the CWSRF and a separate program, while others did not support the establishment of a trust fund. In addition, more than one-half of the stakeholders responded that financial assistance should be distributed using a combination of loans and grants to address the needs of different localities. Finally, although a variety of activities could be funded, most stakeholders identified capital projects as the primary activity that should receive funding from a clean water trust fund.
GAO identified a number of options that could generate revenue for a clean water trust fund, but several obstacles will have to be overcome in implementing these options, and it may be difficult to generate $10 billion from any one option alone. Funding options include a variety of excise taxes as shown in the table below.
http://www.gao.gov/new.items/d09893t.pdf
Why GAO Did This Study?
Many of the wastewater systems that Americans rely on to protect public health and the environment are reaching the end of their useful lives. The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has estimated that a potential gap between future needs and current spending for wastewater infrastructure of $150 billion to $400 billion could occur over the next decade. Various approaches have been proposed to bridge this potential gap. One is to establish a clean water trust fund.
What GAO Found:
Stakeholders identified three main issues that would need to be addressedin designing and establishing a clean water trust fund: how a trust fund should be administered and used; what type of financial assistance should be provided; and what activities should be eligible to receive funding from a trust fund. While a majority of stakeholders said that a trust fund should be administered through an EPA partnership with the states, they differed in their views on how a trust fund should be used. About one-third of stakeholders responded that a trust fund should be used only to fund the existing Clean Water State Revolving Fund (CWSRF), which is currently funded primarily through federal appropriations, while a few said it should support only a new and separate wastewater program. A few stakeholders supported using a trust fund to support both the CWSRF and a separate program, while others did not support the establishment of a trust fund. In addition, more than one-half of the stakeholders responded that financial assistance should be distributed using a combination of loans and grants to address the needs of different localities. Finally, although a variety of activities could be funded, most stakeholders identified capital projects as the primary activity that should receive funding from a clean water trust fund.
GAO identified a number of options that could generate revenue for a clean water trust fund, but several obstacles will have to be overcome in implementing these options, and it may be difficult to generate $10 billion from any one option alone. Funding options include a variety of excise taxes as shown in the table below.
The July issue of EPA's Watershed News is now on-line.
If this link does not work, cut and paste the following URL in your browser. http://www.epa.gov/watershed/news.html
One addition to this month's newsletter:
For the President's United We Serve Initiative, the Corporation for National and Community Service is looking for local success stories told from the perspective of people with first-hand experience in a service project. The story should present the problem and the solution; emphasize the project impact; and be short and sweet (brief paragraph). Pictures and video links are welcome. You can share your story directly at www.serve.gov. For more information or additional guidance, contact mayio.alice@epa.gov.
One addition to this month's newsletter:
For the President's United We Serve Initiative, the Corporation for National and Community Service is looking for local success stories told from the perspective of people with first-hand experience in a service project. The story should present the problem and the solution; emphasize the project impact; and be short and sweet (brief paragraph). Pictures and video links are welcome. You can share your story directly at www.serve.gov. For more information or additional guidance, contact mayio.alice@epa.gov.
Thursday, July 16, 2009
Site Provides Coal Prices/Production Numbers Over Time
For those of you working on economic development type projects or grants, the Department of Energy link below will tell you the coal prices and production figures over time. An interesting, and scary, fact: Central Appalachian coal this week is $52.30 a ton. This week last year, it was $134.55. Eastern coal production was off 1 million tons in May.
Past prices are here:
http://www.eia.doe.gov/cneaf/coal/page/coalnews/cnmarchive.html
Current prices are here:
http://www.eia.doe.gov/cneaf/coal/page/coalnews/coalmar.html
UBS thinks coal prices are going up again in '10:
http://www.forbes.com/feeds/afx/2009/07/16/afx6665027.html
Past prices are here:
http://www.eia.doe.gov/cneaf/coal/page/coalnews/cnmarchive.html
Current prices are here:
http://www.eia.doe.gov/cneaf/coal/page/coalnews/coalmar.html
UBS thinks coal prices are going up again in '10:
http://www.forbes.com/feeds/afx/2009/07/16/afx6665027.html
Energy-Climate Research Internship
Duration: 20-40 hours a week, typically from early June through August, though Fall internships and longer-term positions will be considered as well. Timing and hours are flexible.
Description: The Energy-Climate Research Intern will work closely with the Institute's energy and climate team on a range of projects. Responsibilities include data collection, fact checking, and analysis for Worldwatch publications and online news services. (For more information, visit http://www.worldwatch.org/.) Outstanding interns will likely have the opportunity to write short pieces for these publications. Interns also occasionally attend briefings in and around Washington and report on these to Worldwatch staff. Special projects may include research assistance for the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC) Special Report on Renewable Energy and Climate Change Mitigation and preparation for the upcoming international conference on climate change in Copenhagen, including the Institute's Dateline: Copenhagen web page.
Qualifications: Worldwatch seeks an Energy-Climate Research Intern with a strong interest and background in energy and climate change issues. Candidates should have exemplary academic records, solid research and computer skills, excellent writing ability, and strong management and organizational skills. International experience is a plus. The work requires attention to detail and an ability to carefully and accurately document authoritative sources for all information gathered. A curiosity about how the environment relates to social, political and economic realities and a capacity to see connections across fields and specialties are important.
More information here.
Description: The Energy-Climate Research Intern will work closely with the Institute's energy and climate team on a range of projects. Responsibilities include data collection, fact checking, and analysis for Worldwatch publications and online news services. (For more information, visit http://www.worldwatch.org/.) Outstanding interns will likely have the opportunity to write short pieces for these publications. Interns also occasionally attend briefings in and around Washington and report on these to Worldwatch staff. Special projects may include research assistance for the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC) Special Report on Renewable Energy and Climate Change Mitigation and preparation for the upcoming international conference on climate change in Copenhagen, including the Institute's Dateline: Copenhagen web page.
Qualifications: Worldwatch seeks an Energy-Climate Research Intern with a strong interest and background in energy and climate change issues. Candidates should have exemplary academic records, solid research and computer skills, excellent writing ability, and strong management and organizational skills. International experience is a plus. The work requires attention to detail and an ability to carefully and accurately document authoritative sources for all information gathered. A curiosity about how the environment relates to social, political and economic realities and a capacity to see connections across fields and specialties are important.
More information here.
EPA POSTS LIST OF 44 "HIGH HAZARD POTENTIAL" COAL ASH WASTE IMPOUNDMENTS
Following the failure of an impoundment at the TVA facility in Kingston, Tn., in 2008, EPA has posted a list of 44 "high hazard potential" impoundments containing coal combustion residuals (coal ash) at 26 different coal burning electric utility facilities nationwide. "The presence of liquid coal ash impoundments near our homes, schools and businesses could pose a serious risk to life and property in the event of an impoundment rupture" said EPA Administrator Lisa P. Jackson. "By compiling a list of these facilities, EPA will be better able to identify and reduce potential risks by working with states and local emergency responders." EPA has also committed to proposing regulation on the management of coal combustion wastes by December 31. The full list is available at http://www.epa.gov/epawaste/nonhaz/industrial/special/fossil/ccrs-fs/index.htm
See also: http://www.coalimpoundment.org/
See also: http://www.coalimpoundment.org/
Wednesday, July 15, 2009
Virginia Water Central June Edition Available Now Online
The latest issue (June 2009, Issue #49) of Water Central is now available at the Water Center's Web site: http://www.vwrrc.vt.edu/watercentral.html.
Please note that I have moved to a one-column-only version. I hope this is satisfactorily readable if you choose to print off the publication, rather than reading it online.
In this issue (in order of appearance):
Director’s Column
Teaching Water
Feature: Recreational Water Quality
Science Behind the News: Mosquitoes and Water
Water Status Report
In and Out of the News
Special News Item: Watershed Roundtables
Water Quality and You (también en español)
Va. Govt. Water Issues Overview
Notices
At the Water Center
2009 Virginia Water Research Conference
You Get the Last Word
Previous issues (beginning June 1998) are also available on the newsletter Web site.
I welcome your opinions on the newsletter's content, appearance, and readability. If you have any comments or questions, please contact me at araflo@vt.edu, or at the address and phone listed below. If you reply to this e-mail, please examine the "To." box before sending, to be sure your message is going only to me and not to anyone else who is receiving this message.
Also, please notify me if your e-mail address changes or if you no longer wish to be notified about newsletter postings.
Thank you very much for your interest.
Sincerely yours,
Alan Raflo, Water Central editor
Virginia Water Resources Research Center
210 Cheatham Hall (0444)
Blacksburg, VA 24061
(540) 231-5463
araflo@vt.edu
Please note that I have moved to a one-column-only version. I hope this is satisfactorily readable if you choose to print off the publication, rather than reading it online.
In this issue (in order of appearance):
Director’s Column
Teaching Water
Feature: Recreational Water Quality
Science Behind the News: Mosquitoes and Water
Water Status Report
In and Out of the News
Special News Item: Watershed Roundtables
Water Quality and You (también en español)
Va. Govt. Water Issues Overview
Notices
At the Water Center
2009 Virginia Water Research Conference
You Get the Last Word
Previous issues (beginning June 1998) are also available on the newsletter Web site.
I welcome your opinions on the newsletter's content, appearance, and readability. If you have any comments or questions, please contact me at araflo@vt.edu, or at the address and phone listed below. If you reply to this e-mail, please examine the "To." box before sending, to be sure your message is going only to me and not to anyone else who is receiving this message.
Also, please notify me if your e-mail address changes or if you no longer wish to be notified about newsletter postings.
Thank you very much for your interest.
Sincerely yours,
Alan Raflo, Water Central editor
Virginia Water Resources Research Center
210 Cheatham Hall (0444)
Blacksburg, VA 24061
(540) 231-5463
araflo@vt.edu
New group inspires teens to combat climate change
From grist.org
The Alliance for Climate Education aims to educate teenagers about climate change in a way that's hip, engaging, and might actually inspire them to action. Get the story, and watch a video that shows how the group does its magic.
Read more here.
The Alliance for Climate Education aims to educate teenagers about climate change in a way that's hip, engaging, and might actually inspire them to action. Get the story, and watch a video that shows how the group does its magic.
Read more here.
Addressing Storm Water with Rain Gardens
Here' s a link for rain garden design from Rain Gardens of West Michigan. It's an easy way of addressing some storm water problems.
http://www.raingardens.org/Index.php
http://www.raingardens.org/Index.php
We Might As Well Face Up To It, Part Umpteen
From Water Words that Work
(click here to see pictures)
Not much aggravates me more than when big industries produce better environmental advertising and marketing materials than we do. Yes, they have more money, but that’s only part of the story. They also use more skill. Compare the big, beautiful smiling face gracing this advertisement from Dominion Power above, to this advertisement from NOAA, below:
Next time you whip out that digital camera to take some snaps of your field work, make sure you get in close and grab a few closeups of the participants’ faces!
Full entry here.
(click here to see pictures)
Not much aggravates me more than when big industries produce better environmental advertising and marketing materials than we do. Yes, they have more money, but that’s only part of the story. They also use more skill. Compare the big, beautiful smiling face gracing this advertisement from Dominion Power above, to this advertisement from NOAA, below:
Next time you whip out that digital camera to take some snaps of your field work, make sure you get in close and grab a few closeups of the participants’ faces!
Full entry here.
Polluted Runoff Message Tutorial
From Water Words that Work (http://waterwordsthatwork.com)
American Rivers has published a free package of communications research and a multimedia tutorial for developing effective messages related to polluted runoff (they call it stormwater). Here’s how they bill it:
Have you ever talked to a local leader and had their eyes glaze over when you began to talk about stormwater? When you say “LID,” what do people hear? If either of these questions interests you then you will benefit from the results of American Rivers’ research on how to develop a message about stormwater to prompt local leaders to take action for smarter stormwater solutions.
Click here to check out this useful resource.
American Rivers has published a free package of communications research and a multimedia tutorial for developing effective messages related to polluted runoff (they call it stormwater). Here’s how they bill it:
Have you ever talked to a local leader and had their eyes glaze over when you began to talk about stormwater? When you say “LID,” what do people hear? If either of these questions interests you then you will benefit from the results of American Rivers’ research on how to develop a message about stormwater to prompt local leaders to take action for smarter stormwater solutions.
Click here to check out this useful resource.
Wednesday, July 1, 2009
Wow! Something from Microsoft I Actually Like
(From Water Words that Work)
I’m still nursing a grudge against Microsoft about the whole Windows Vista fiasco, but I’m impressed with the collection of nonprofit “templates” they’ve posted on their Microsoft Office Online collection.
There are sample fundraising letters, press releases, petitions, membership questionnaires, and other useful templates for environmental writing and communication of most kinds. You might find a few “Foolproof Photos” in clip art in the collection that you could use in your next environmental advertising campaign.
Click the link for Microsoft templates that you can use for environmental communications!
Use the database to search for enforcement actions taken by federal or state authorities against municipal sewer authorities and sewage treatment plants between January 2003 and February 2008. Select a facility from the list to learn more about any enforcement actions taken against that plant or municipal authority .
Didymo Resources
Now that summer time is here and many recreational activities are underway, it is important to keep in mind the many issues associated with such activities. One particularly important issue for folks where recreational fishing occurs is the potential spread of an invasive species named Didymo. Didymospenia geminata Didymo, or “rock snot”, is native to cold, high altitude waters found in other continents but has spread to some streams in North America with devastating effects. Many scientists believe Didymo is primarily spread by fisherman with contaminated waders, particularly those with felt soles (which could include folks out monitoring streams with similar equipment).
Many of our streams are at risk of contracting Didymo if proper education, caution, and preventative measures are not provided to those using our waterways. This is a serious threat to water quality, aquatic species, and local economies! I encourage everyone who does not know about Didymo to learn more and start your own campaign to educate and help prevent the spread of this nasty invasive species. I have attached an article from the Nytimes on the spread of Didymo, a .pdf on how to construct a wader wash station to place at local fishing sites, and a Trout Unlimited explanation of Didymo.
http://www.nytimes.com/2009/06/16/science/16invasive.html?pagewanted=1&ref=science
http://midatlanticconservation.org/docs-pdf/WaderWashStation.pdf
http://www.tu.org/site/c.kkLRJ7MSKtH/b.4506175/k.BBC0/Didymo.htm
National Directory of Volunteer Monitoring Programs
A lot of time has passed since we published the National Directory of Volunteer Monitoring Programs on-line. Check it out at http://yosemite.epa.gov/water/volmon.nsf/ or by clicking from the EPA volunteer monitoring website at http://www.epa.gov/owow/monitoring/volunteer/
While we continue to add new programs, much of the information on older programs is out of date, and many new programs are not listed.
Please help us make this a more useful networking tool for volunteer monitoring programs and for the growing number of people searching for opportunities for public service in their communities. Check the directory for your program; it's probably easiest to search by state. If the information posted is more or less still correct, no action is needed, or you can send in an "Update your volunteer monitoring info" email for minor corrections (such as new websites or contact telephone numbers). If the information is very wrong or if nothing is there for your program, please fill out a new form on-line (under "Add your program" in the left hand blue bar).
And, here is this season's edition of the Volunteer Water Monitor:
http://www.epa.gov/owow/monitoring/volunteer/newsletter/volmon20no1.pdf
If your watershed has or is threatened by Aquatic Invasive Species I recommend you read this. It provides a lot of information on the topic.
Environmental Education Materials
http://facweb.stvincent.edu/EEC/Lessons.htm
site has curriculum you can download for free plus they sell a grade school level workbook called "Goodbye orange water" which you can purchase for $1each or you can print out individual pages for free.
Webinar: Intro to GIS and ArcView
Sponsored by TechSoup, this webinar was recorded in February of this year but you can view the archive:
https://cc.readytalk.com/cc/schedule/display.do?udc=1e0a12wgb7t45
"An Economic Benefit Analysis for Acid Mine Drainage Remediation in the West Branch Susquehanna Watershed, Pennsylvania"
Courtesy of West Branch Susquehanna Restoration Coalition and Trout Unlimited. The report was produced by Downstream Stategies out of Morgantown, WV. A sample of their findings is quoted below. Though this is a watershed specific study, it provides a model that could be extended to other states and watersheds in order to make compelling arguements for investments in AMD remediation.
"Benefits from the low estimate of $110 million in remediation expenditures can conservatively be expected to generate $204 million in economic activity, not including the additional benefits that would accrue from restored streams. Benefits from the high estimate of $453 million in remediation expenditures would generate $817 million in additional spending within the Commonwealth.
In terms of employment, about 185 permanent jobs in Pennsylvania would be created based on the annual O&M expenditures. The initial capital expenditures would generate between 1,531 and 5,892 direct and indirect jobs in Pennsylvania. An estimated 52% of these jobs are likely to be green-collar jobs."
The full document is available at:
http://www.wbsrc.com/documents/economicbenefits/fulldocument.pdf (*warning this is a LARGE file)
You can also download the report in chunks by visiting http://www.wbsrc.com/economicbenefits.html
Or, for a free hardcopy mailed to you, e-mail Rebecca Dunlap at RDunlap@tu.org
EPA's Office of Wetlands, Oceans and Watersheds Watershed News
Now on-line at http://www.epa.gov/watershed/winnews/2009/0905.html.
It's a Wet, Wet, Wet, Wet World New Water Law Reading Room
Water is at the heart of agriculture. Without water, crops and livestock would not be able to survive. Water used in agricultural production can come from surface waters, such as rivers, lakes, streams, and ponds, or from groundwater, such as an aquifer. The allocation of this important resource is left up to each state, with very little federal intervention. Each state has its own regulatory system to allocate boththe surface waters and the groundwater in the state.Many important legal issues are presented by the use of water in agriculture. The new Water Law Reading Room http://nationalaglawcenter.org/readingrooms/waterlaw/ deals with issues such as allocation, irrigation, and other problems common to agriculture's use of water. The room contains specific information related to the interplay between water and agriculture and includes a comprehensive case law index, Center publications, an overview article, a federal statute compilation, and a compilation of each state's water laws and regulations. The room also contains valuable links to federal agencies, a listing of states' water offices, water organizations, and other resources. The Center thanks Professor Jesse Richardson, Associate Professor of Urban Affairs and Planning and Urban Affairs and Planning Coordinator at the Virginia Tech University, for his careful review of drafts of the reading room and for his insights and comments that insured the reading room would be the best it could be.
PA Wilds Greenways has a new website.
PA Wilds Greenways serves Clearfield, Jefferson, and Elk Counties. The Pennsylvania Wilds Greenways Partnership is a non-profit association of stakeholders aspiring to the stewardship of Gov. Ed Rendell and the Secretary of DCNR with a mission to:
· Create green jobs and sustainable economic growth through tourism and conservation in North Central PA.
· Connect and transport residents and visitors to regional communities, natural assets and PA Wilds signature projects.
· Transform PA Wilds communities into places where the economy and livability create a sense of place, a welcoming atmosphere and the right mix of services for residents and visitors.
Conserve wilderness and preserve rural areas.
http://www.pawildsgreenways.org/
(From Water Words that Work)
I’m still nursing a grudge against Microsoft about the whole Windows Vista fiasco, but I’m impressed with the collection of nonprofit “templates” they’ve posted on their Microsoft Office Online collection.
There are sample fundraising letters, press releases, petitions, membership questionnaires, and other useful templates for environmental writing and communication of most kinds. You might find a few “Foolproof Photos” in clip art in the collection that you could use in your next environmental advertising campaign.
Click the link for Microsoft templates that you can use for environmental communications!
Use the database to search for enforcement actions taken by federal or state authorities against municipal sewer authorities and sewage treatment plants between January 2003 and February 2008. Select a facility from the list to learn more about any enforcement actions taken against that plant or municipal authority .
Didymo Resources
Now that summer time is here and many recreational activities are underway, it is important to keep in mind the many issues associated with such activities. One particularly important issue for folks where recreational fishing occurs is the potential spread of an invasive species named Didymo. Didymospenia geminata Didymo, or “rock snot”, is native to cold, high altitude waters found in other continents but has spread to some streams in North America with devastating effects. Many scientists believe Didymo is primarily spread by fisherman with contaminated waders, particularly those with felt soles (which could include folks out monitoring streams with similar equipment).
Many of our streams are at risk of contracting Didymo if proper education, caution, and preventative measures are not provided to those using our waterways. This is a serious threat to water quality, aquatic species, and local economies! I encourage everyone who does not know about Didymo to learn more and start your own campaign to educate and help prevent the spread of this nasty invasive species. I have attached an article from the Nytimes on the spread of Didymo, a .pdf on how to construct a wader wash station to place at local fishing sites, and a Trout Unlimited explanation of Didymo.
http://www.nytimes.com/2009/06/16/science/16invasive.html?pagewanted=1&ref=science
http://midatlanticconservation.org/docs-pdf/WaderWashStation.pdf
http://www.tu.org/site/c.kkLRJ7MSKtH/b.4506175/k.BBC0/Didymo.htm
National Directory of Volunteer Monitoring Programs
A lot of time has passed since we published the National Directory of Volunteer Monitoring Programs on-line. Check it out at http://yosemite.epa.gov/water/volmon.nsf/ or by clicking from the EPA volunteer monitoring website at http://www.epa.gov/owow/monitoring/volunteer/
While we continue to add new programs, much of the information on older programs is out of date, and many new programs are not listed.
Please help us make this a more useful networking tool for volunteer monitoring programs and for the growing number of people searching for opportunities for public service in their communities. Check the directory for your program; it's probably easiest to search by state. If the information posted is more or less still correct, no action is needed, or you can send in an "Update your volunteer monitoring info" email for minor corrections (such as new websites or contact telephone numbers). If the information is very wrong or if nothing is there for your program, please fill out a new form on-line (under "Add your program" in the left hand blue bar).
And, here is this season's edition of the Volunteer Water Monitor:
http://www.epa.gov/owow/monitoring/volunteer/newsletter/volmon20no1.pdf
If your watershed has or is threatened by Aquatic Invasive Species I recommend you read this. It provides a lot of information on the topic.
Environmental Education Materials
http://facweb.stvincent.edu/EEC/Lessons.htm
site has curriculum you can download for free plus they sell a grade school level workbook called "Goodbye orange water" which you can purchase for $1each or you can print out individual pages for free.
Webinar: Intro to GIS and ArcView
Sponsored by TechSoup, this webinar was recorded in February of this year but you can view the archive:
https://cc.readytalk.com/cc/schedule/display.do?udc=1e0a12wgb7t45
"An Economic Benefit Analysis for Acid Mine Drainage Remediation in the West Branch Susquehanna Watershed, Pennsylvania"
Courtesy of West Branch Susquehanna Restoration Coalition and Trout Unlimited. The report was produced by Downstream Stategies out of Morgantown, WV. A sample of their findings is quoted below. Though this is a watershed specific study, it provides a model that could be extended to other states and watersheds in order to make compelling arguements for investments in AMD remediation.
"Benefits from the low estimate of $110 million in remediation expenditures can conservatively be expected to generate $204 million in economic activity, not including the additional benefits that would accrue from restored streams. Benefits from the high estimate of $453 million in remediation expenditures would generate $817 million in additional spending within the Commonwealth.
In terms of employment, about 185 permanent jobs in Pennsylvania would be created based on the annual O&M expenditures. The initial capital expenditures would generate between 1,531 and 5,892 direct and indirect jobs in Pennsylvania. An estimated 52% of these jobs are likely to be green-collar jobs."
The full document is available at:
http://www.wbsrc.com/documents/economicbenefits/fulldocument.pdf (*warning this is a LARGE file)
You can also download the report in chunks by visiting http://www.wbsrc.com/economicbenefits.html
Or, for a free hardcopy mailed to you, e-mail Rebecca Dunlap at RDunlap@tu.org
EPA's Office of Wetlands, Oceans and Watersheds Watershed News
Now on-line at http://www.epa.gov/watershed/winnews/2009/0905.html.
It's a Wet, Wet, Wet, Wet World New Water Law Reading Room
Water is at the heart of agriculture. Without water, crops and livestock would not be able to survive. Water used in agricultural production can come from surface waters, such as rivers, lakes, streams, and ponds, or from groundwater, such as an aquifer. The allocation of this important resource is left up to each state, with very little federal intervention. Each state has its own regulatory system to allocate boththe surface waters and the groundwater in the state.Many important legal issues are presented by the use of water in agriculture. The new Water Law Reading Room http://nationalaglawcenter.org/readingrooms/waterlaw/ deals with issues such as allocation, irrigation, and other problems common to agriculture's use of water. The room contains specific information related to the interplay between water and agriculture and includes a comprehensive case law index, Center publications, an overview article, a federal statute compilation, and a compilation of each state's water laws and regulations. The room also contains valuable links to federal agencies, a listing of states' water offices, water organizations, and other resources. The Center thanks Professor Jesse Richardson, Associate Professor of Urban Affairs and Planning and Urban Affairs and Planning Coordinator at the Virginia Tech University, for his careful review of drafts of the reading room and for his insights and comments that insured the reading room would be the best it could be.
PA Wilds Greenways has a new website.
PA Wilds Greenways serves Clearfield, Jefferson, and Elk Counties. The Pennsylvania Wilds Greenways Partnership is a non-profit association of stakeholders aspiring to the stewardship of Gov. Ed Rendell and the Secretary of DCNR with a mission to:
· Create green jobs and sustainable economic growth through tourism and conservation in North Central PA.
· Connect and transport residents and visitors to regional communities, natural assets and PA Wilds signature projects.
· Transform PA Wilds communities into places where the economy and livability create a sense of place, a welcoming atmosphere and the right mix of services for residents and visitors.
Conserve wilderness and preserve rural areas.
http://www.pawildsgreenways.org/
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