Action Alert – Air Monitoring in Pittsfield & Rest of State Comments Open
Each year, MassDEP is required to submit an Ambient Air Monitoring Network Plan to the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) for review and approval. MassDEP operates a network of 22 ambient air monitoring stations in 17 communities located across the Commonwealth. [BEAT Note: The only places monitored in the Berkshires are two locations in Pittsfield. One is at 78 Center Street (the Federal Building) that is monitored for PM2.5 = Fine Particles (2.5 microns & smaller). The other is at 1 South Street for BAM = Beta Attenuation Monitor (Continuous Fine Particles). We would like to see a monitor on Hubbard Ave near the entrance to Berkshire Crossing…FULL NOTE & DETAILS BELOW] FROM MASSACHUSETTS DEPARTMENT OF ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION <more>
Keep Waterways Clean by Filtering
Pollutants with Plants
Stormwater—rain and snow melt that runs over the ground, picking up sediments and other pollutants along the way—can significantly impact coastal waters. In forests, fields, and other undeveloped areas, vegetation and natural contours slow stormwater and allow it to infiltrate into the ground. The vegetation also filters sediments and other pollutants before surface runoff reaches the nearest wetland or water body. Development disrupts this natural stormwater control when forest and field are replaced by rooftops, roads, and other impervious surfaces that prevent infiltration. Lawns also contribute to stormwater pollution. These graded and mowed surfaces increase surface runoff, particularly when the soil beneath them becomes compacted—and this runoff is typically contaminated with fertilizers and pesticides used to keep the lawn green. FROM MASSACHUSETTS DEPARTMENT OF ENERGY AND ENVIRONMENTAL AFFAIRS <more>
Calif. AG: Trump Backs Down on
Greenhouse Gas Rule
California Attorney General Xavier Becerra (D) on Thursday declared victory in a fight with the Trump administration over a greenhouse gas emission regulation. Becerra in a statement said that he and seven other attorneys general sued the Trump administration last week for delaying an Obama-era regulation that mandated local and state officials measure emissions for specific federally funded highways. “Today, the Trump Administration backed down and will now implement the Measure as is legally required. This is a victory for the American people and will help us tackle climate change, the most important global environmental issue of our time,” Becerra said. FROM THE HILL <more>
Alaska’s Bristol Bay Watershed
– EPA Seeking Comments
Letter to the editor:
Money and Cooperation Drive NY REV
PROTESTERS RAISE LOW-INCOME CONCERNS
NEW YORK — New York’s Reforming the Energy Vision initiative aims to fulfill a twofold objective, according to the state’s top energy official: attract the capital needed to integrate renewable energy into the grid while simultaneously motivating utilities to work with clean energy startups instead of treating them like enemies. “Everything has to change,” New York State Chairman of Energy and Finance Richard L. Kauffman said Tuesday at Greentech Media’s New York REV Future 2017 conference in Brooklyn…Three protesters from the New York Energy Democracy Alliance disrupted Kauffman’s talk with a bit of guerrilla theater to highlight the difficulty they say some 800,000 low-income people in the state have paying their energy bills under REV. FROM RTO INSIDER <more>
Jobs (click here for full job listings)
Event Planner | Wild & Scenic Westfield River Committee | Westfield, MA
Campus Organizer | PIRG Campus Action | Western MA
Environmental Health Manager | Pioneer Valley Asthma Coalition | Springfield, MA
Regional Recycling Coordinator | City of Pittsfield | Pittsfield, MA
Conservation Projects Manager | Housatonic Valley Association | Cornwall Bridge, CT
Director of Ecological Restoration | MA Dept. of Fish & Game | Boston, MA
Community Solar Interns | Co-op Power | Florence, MA
Energy Efficiency Intern | Co-op Power | Florence, MA
Community Solar Program Director | Co-op Power | Florence, MA
Energy Efficiency Program Manager | Co-op Power | Florence, MA
Chief Executive Officer | Co-op Power | Florence, MA
2017-18 Position Openings | TerraCorps – Various locations
Various Positions | The Manice Education Center (MEC) | Florida, MA
VOLUNTEER Haunted House Tour Guides | Naumkeag | Stockbridge, MA
Action Alert
Air Monitoring in Pittsfield & Rest of State Comments Open
Comment on the Draft 2017 Air Monitoring Network Plan
Brief Explanation of Draft Plan: Each year, MassDEP is required to submit an Ambient Air Monitoring Network Plan to the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) for review and approval. MassDEP operates a network of 22 ambient air monitoring stations in 17 communities located across the Commonwealth. The Network Plan reviews the air monitoring network to ensure that it meets EPA’s monitoring requirements, describes which pollutants and other parameters MassDEP measures, and describes recent and planned changes to the monitoring network. MassDEP is holding a 30-day public comment period on the Draft Network Plan.
Web Link to View Draft Plan and Provide Comments:
Keep Waterways Clean by Filtering
Pollutants with Plants
Stormwater—rain and snow melt that runs over the ground, picking up sediments and other pollutants along the way—can significantly impact coastal waters. In forests, fields, and other undeveloped areas, vegetation and natural contours slow stormwater and allow it to infiltrate into the ground. The vegetation also filters sediments and other pollutants before surface runoff reaches the nearest wetland or water body. Development disrupts this natural stormwater control when forest and field are replaced by rooftops, roads, and other impervious surfaces that prevent infiltration. Lawns also contribute to stormwater pollution. These graded and mowed surfaces increase surface runoff, particularly when the soil beneath them becomes compacted—and this runoff is typically contaminated with fertilizers and pesticides used to keep the lawn green.
Maintaining strips of natural vegetation along wetlands and waterways is one of the best ways to reduce stormwater impacts. In areas where the natural vegetation has already been replaced by lawn, growing strips of trees, shrubs, and/or tall grasses (particularly native species) can generate significant environmental benefits. These vegetated buffers effectively mimic natural systems, slowing down surface runoff, capturing stormwater to improve infiltration, and filtering contaminants. In addition to protecting surface waters, vegetated buffers improve groundwater supplies by promoting recharge and filtering contaminants. Native plants also benefit wildlife by providing food and habitat and shading rivers and streams, which helps to maintain water temperatures at appropriate levels. Because land use throughout the entire watershed affects water quality, the benefits of planting native vegetation extend beyond the wetland border. Consequently, transforming lawn to native vegetation anywhere on your property is a great way to help the environment.
The following links include excellent information on vegetated buffers.
More on Stormwater
- Information on stormwater regulations, permits, and management is available on the Massachusetts Department of Environmental Protection (MassDEP) website.
- The Massachusetts Watershed Coalition offers technical assistance, planning and design services, and publications and resources for the restoration of watershed ecosystems, including the Clean Water Toolkit, a user-friendly guide for reducing nonpoint source pollution to protect and restore community streams, lakes, and water supplies.
- The University of Connecticut’s Nonpoint Education for Municipal Officials web page has a variety of publications on stormwater. Also, see their factsheet on stormwater impacts
. - See the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) fact sheet on urban runoff.
Benefits of Vegetated Buffers
- The Connecticut River Joint Commissions has a series of fact sheets on riparian (i.e., riverfront) buffers.
- As part of its Green Landscaping initiative, EPA has a web page on the benefits of green landscaping.
How to Plant Vegetated Buffers
- See the Connecticut River Joint Commissions fact sheet on planting riparian buffers .
- See The Massachusetts Buffer Manual: Using Vegetated Buffers to Protect Our Lakes and Rivers file size 2MB for information on the benefits of vegetated buffers and details on how to design them.
More on Native Species
- The Riverways Program has a list of Massachusetts native plants appropriate for planting in riparian areas .
- The Natural Resources and Conservation Service has fact sheets on Massachusetts Native Trees and Wildflowers and Massachusetts Native Shrubs and Grasses .
Regulations that May Apply
- In Massachusetts, work within 100 feet of wetland resources is subject to the Wetlands Protection Act, and working within 200 feet of rivers is subject to the Rivers Protection Act. For copies of the regulations, see the MassDEP website.
- For more on the implementation of wetlands regulations at the local level, see the Massachusetts Association of Conservation Commissions Bylaws, Regulations, and Policies web page.
Other Sources of Information
- Check out EPA’s Polluted Runoff (Nonpoint Source Pollution) website.
- EPA has information on greenscaping your lawn and garden.
- The Ecological Landscaping Association provides educational material, conference and event information, and other links to promote natural landscapes, including information on methods for reducing stormwater.
- The Greenscapes Program of the Greenscapes Massachusetts Coalition provides information about lawn care, alternatives to pesticides and herbicides, composting, water conservation, soil testing, and more.
California Attorney General Xavier Becerra (D) on Thursday declared victory in a fight with the Trump administration over a greenhouse gas emission regulation.
Becerra in a statement said that he and seven other attorneys general sued the Trump administration last week for delaying an Obama-era regulation that mandated local and state officials measure emissions for specific federally funded highways.
“Today, the Trump Administration backed down and will now implement the Measure as is legally required. This is a victory for the American people and will help us tackle climate change, the most important global environmental issue of our time,” Becerra said.
“Climate change is real. If President Trump is not prepared to admit it or to do his job of protecting our families by enforcing our environmental rules, then I’m prepared as Attorney General to call his bluff.”
The Department of Justice announced Monday that it would re-instate the regulation, known as the Greenhouse Gas Performance Measure, which became official Thursday.
The Trump administration in May delayed parts of the regulation’s enforcement.
Becerra filed the lawsuit along with the California Air Resources Board, in addition to seven states: Iowa, Oregon, Washington, Maryland, Vermont, Minnesota and Massachusetts.
Alaska’s Bristol Bay Watershed – EPA Seeking Comments
NEW YORK — New York’s Reforming the Energy Vision initiative aims to fulfill a twofold objective, according to the state’s top energy official: attract the capital needed to integrate renewable energy into the grid while simultaneously motivating utilities to work with clean energy startups instead of treating them like enemies.
“Everything has to change,” New York State Chairman of Energy and Finance Richard L. Kauffman said Tuesday at Greentech Media’s New York REV Future 2017 conference in Brooklyn.
Government is changing too, the state’s first “energy czar” said. While state agencies “used to just do one-time grants,” they are now working to develop sustainable business models for the electricity sector.
REV Changing the Role of the Utility
Kauffman said he sees “green shoots of change” as evidence of New York’s evolving energy framework, such as Consolidated Edison’s Brooklyn-Queens Demand Management program (BQDM), a $200 million effort designed to defer infrastructure spending through energy efficiency, distributed energy resources and demand response. (See NYPSC Extends Con Ed Demand Program)…
Theatrical Disruption
Three protesters from the New York Energy Democracy Alliance disrupted Kauffman’s talk with a bit of guerrilla theater to highlight the difficulty they say some 800,000 low-income people in the state have paying their energy bills under REV.
The skit began when a man several rows from the stage stood up and identified himself as a renter having trouble paying his utility bills.
After he had asked Kauffman how REV would address the concerns of “low-income communities of color,” two women on either side of the man stood up, pretending to be Kauffman’s security guards.
“Silence!” shouted the women, who wore capes reading “REV = Not Your Business” and “REV = Not a Democracy.”
“This is not the place for the complaints of the working class.”
They went on to bow at Kauffman, a former Goldman Sachs banker, mocking him as the “all-powerful energy czar.”
They finished their skit within a couple minutes — escorting the man out of the conference room before the real security could arrive — and exited to scattered audience applause.
Kauffman took the disruption with humor, saying he was “well aware that accountability is key and that well more than 800,000 New Yorkers have trouble paying their electric bills.”
The electric power system “is financially inefficient as well as energy-inefficient,” Kauffman said.
“So, guilty as charged — I do have a financial background,” he said. But Kauffman said that background only motivates people inside the industry to make the system more efficient.
This is only a part of the original story. READ FULL STORY HERE
Jobs
Event Planner
Wild & Scenic Westfield River Committee | Westfield, MA
In 2018, the Westfield River will be celebrating its 25th Anniversary since being designated as a National Wild & Scenic River. This happens to coincide with the 50th Anniversary of the National Wild & Scenic Rivers Act. As we near a quarter century of protecting the Westfield River and half century of protecting some of the greatest rivers in the United States, we hope to celebrate the accomplishments of the National Wild & Scenic Rivers System with a series of events and promotional materials. The Wild & Scenic Westfield River Committee seeks an Event Planner to assist us with our 25th and 50th Wild & Scenic Anniversaries outreach and events in 2018. Proposals will be accepted until filled with an initial review to begin on September 28th, 2017. RFQ Details here.
Environmental Health Manager
Pioneer Valley Asthma Coalition | Springfield, MA
Primary Objective
Partners for a Healthier Communities (PHC)’ Environmental Health Manager (listed on the Baystate Health website (as “Community Health Planning/Environmental Health) is responsible for the planning, program development, and evaluation of environmental health and other projects, including assistance to subcontractors and community partners allied with the agency in this these efforts. The environmental health initiative will focus on a variety of types of projects, including the management of the Pioneer Valley Asthma Coalition, systems and policy change, and collective impact. The Environmental Health Manager will cultivate and strengthen strategic community partnerships and alliances between local, regional, and state-level coalitions and advocacy organizations; community-based nonprofit corporations; and business, social, educational, and health entities.
Role of the Environmental Health Manager
The position’s role typically involves grantwriting and reporting, leading environmental health projects, and convening as necessary community partners and clients to achieve the needed goals of projects. Partnerships could be with sectors such as faith, business, education, academic, healthcare, social sector entities.
In particular, the position implements programming for initiatives to improve the health of people enrolled in the project:
- Develops programs and services that promote best and emerging practices for the environmental health area. Designs and implements collaborative strategies with community partners and collaborators such as social organizations, faith communities, community-based organizations and so on;
- Assists in strategic thinking, research and evaluation and program planning to achieve the corporation’s strategic goals and objectives assigned to the Consultant. In this area, the Consultant is primarily responsible for implementing strategies such as providing training and technical assistance to help prioritize issues and develop community partnerships, utilizing data to execute new initiatives, evaluate results and communicate progress.
- Provides facilitative leadership to fellow community leaders, and offers opportunities and/or shares experiences, perspectives and expertise on issues such as partnership development, meeting planning, facilitation, and conflict management;
- Provides facilitative leadership to the project team in action planning including steps and/or activities to address the priority areas, and implementing actions with a timeline, identifiable milestones and evaluation measures;
- Oversee subcontractors when necessary and student interns;
Performance Expectations
It is expected that the Environmental Health Manager will work under the general supervision of the Director of Programs & Development.
The Environmental Health Manager’s work entails the day-to-day management (including planning, directing and organizing staff, programming and funding responsibility) of Environmental Health programs and activities.
- Programs will meet the objective of the strategic goals and objectives of PHC.
- Coalition-building activities will adhere to PHC standards.
- In establishing community programs, planning will adhere to a community health planning methodology and the planning processes will result in high quality successful programs.
- Community programs and issues will undergo regular assessments and review based on published reports on internal and external environmental issues related to the corporations health priority areas.
Education and Experience
- Bachelor’s Degree in Public Health, Public Administration, Public Policy or related field required. Master’s level college degree in these areas is preferred.
- Applicant must have five years of relevant experience in a role of a program manager or supervisor in a public health or human service program. Five years of relevant experience in a role equivalent to a Program Director of a major public health program is preferred.
Core Competencies
The high visibility of this position, both internally and externally, requires that the Environmental Health Manager have
- Experience designing and implementing program and initiative planning;
- Highly proficient writing skills;
- Strong interpersonal, facilitation and collaborative planning skills;
- Proven abilities to work with and within teams;
- Strong written and oral communication skills; bilingual preferred
- A high degree of computer literacy;
- Demonstrated use of community problem-solving skills;
- Demonstrated facilitative leadership experiences in a community setting; and
- Strong understanding of the public health environment (including asthma and environmental health) and the healthcare environment.
- Strong public presentation skills
About Partners for a Healthier Community
Partners for a Healthier Community, the Public Health Institute of Western Massachusetts, provides skills, expertise and experience to create successful public health campaigns and sustainable system changes to improve health and well-being in Western MA. Through partnerships, we build on community assets and build community capacity to positively impact social determinants of health. Our services include Research and Assessment, Coalition-building, Program Evaluation and Health Policy Development. PHC is a 501 (c) (3) nonprofit with a 20 member Board of Directors and relies on state, federal and private grants and contracts. PHC contracts with Baystate Health for Human Resources services.
TO APPLY: Candidates for PHC’s Environmental Health Manager (Community Health Planning Consultant/Environmental Health) should apply through Baystate Health’s job portal at https://www.baystatehealthjobs.com/job/springfield/community-health-planning-consultant-environmental-health-full-time/156/5671580
Campus Organizer
PIRG Campus Action | Western MA
FULL TIME CAREER POSITION
At PIRG Campus Action, our full time organizers work on college campuses across the country to empower students to make a difference on critical environmental and social issues.
If we’re serious about climate change, we can’t afford to drag our feet—so we’re pushing cities and states to commit to 100% renewable energy, now. We rely on bees to pollinate our food, yet we’re allowing some pesticides to drive them toward extinction—so we’re working to ban these bee-killing pesticides. People in our communities and even students on college campuses are dealing with hunger and homelessness that affect their quality of life. We’re raising funds, toiletries, and food items for our local relief agencies – as well as holding fundraisers for Hurricane Relief for the communities in TX, FL, and the Caribbean who were hit from the recent natural disasters.
We’re looking for an individual who has the passion and the drive it takes to win positive change on these important issues, and who isn’t afraid of hard work. Ideally, this person has experience working on campaigns or with groups on campus. Our Berkshires organizer will mobilize a team of passionate students to run a campus chapter on two campuses in Western MA. You’ll recruit dozens of students to volunteer and get involved, and teach them how to plan and run effective campaigns through internships and on-the-ground training.
You’ll build relationships with faculty and administrators, while organizing news events and rallies, and generating the grassroots support it takes to win campaigns. During the summer, you’ll run a citizen outreach office, building the organization by canvassing and training others to canvass. And you’ll learn from some of the best organizers in the country—people who have been doing this work for more than 30 years.
Location: Western MA (organizing at Berkshire Community College and Mass College of Liberal Arts)
We’re also hiring organizers to work on college campuses in California, New Jersey, Massachusetts, Oregon and a few other states.
Pay & benefits
The target annual compensation for this position is $25,500 in the first year. PIRG Campus Action offers a competitive benefits package. We also offer an excellent training program and opportunities for advancement.
Apply here today or contact Samantha@masspirgstudents.org directly with any inquiries or recommendations for candidates.
Regional Recycling Coordinator
City of Pittsfield | Pittsfield, MA
The Municipal Assistance Coordinator for the Western District (WE) provides technical assistance to municipalities to increase recycling, composting, waste reduction, household hazardous waste diversion and regional cooperation. The City of Pittsfield has been awarded a Host Community grant from the Massachusetts Department of Environmental Protection (MassDEP) to fund this position.
The Coordinator will act under the supervision of the MassDEP and will serve 100 municipalities in a district known as “Western”. The district extends from Ware to Richmond. For a map and list of communities in the district, please visit: http://www.mass.gov/dep/recycle/reduce/macmap.htm
This is an independent contractor position. The position is funded at 36 hours per week, with an annual ceiling of 1,800 hours. Annual compensation is commensurate with experience, starting at not less than $55,000. An additional $5,000 annual reimbursement is provided for self-employment tax (Social Security and Medicare). Use of personal vehicle is required. Vehicle mileage, tolls and parking =will be reimbursed. Limited funding for in-state professional conferences is also provided.
DEADLINE TO APPLY: Friday, September 8, 2017 @ 4:00PM
Full listing and application details here.
Conservation Projects Manager
Housatonic Valley Association | Cornwall Bridge, CT
The Housatonic Valley Association (HVA) is seeking a highly motivated, detail-oriented environmental professional to join our Watershed Conservation Team. The successful candidate will support all aspects of HVA’s conservation projects, which include (but aren’t limited to) environmental monitoring, regional road-stream crossing assessment and replacement planning, watershed management planning, stream corridor restoration, stormwater management through Green Infrastructure development, and environmental education. This position is based out of HVA’s Connecticut office.
This is only a part of the job description. To view the full descriptions and to apply, click here.
Director of Ecological Restoration
MA Department of Fish & Game | Boston, MA
The Division of Ecological Restoration is charged with restoring and protecting the health and integrity of the Commonwealth’s rivers, wetlands, and watersheds for the benefit of people and the environment. This mission is critical to the success of the Department of Fish and Game that manages, protects, and restores the natural resources of the Commonwealth.
The Division of Ecological Restoration works with community-based partners to restore aquatic ecosystems. The Division’s ecological restoration work brings clean water, recreation opportunities, and other ecosystem services to the citizens of Massachusetts.
The Director leads the Division of Ecological Restoration, one of three Divisions (and one Office) of the Department of Fish and Game. The Director is responsible for all functions and program performance ensuring that the Deputy Director is properly managing the day-today operations of the Division and the assistant director is administering annual budgets properly. The Director develops and makes sure the annual and five-year strategic plan goals are implemented and sets procedures and program priorities for the Deputy Director and Assistant Director to faithfully administer. The Director oversees development of the operational and capital budgets and manages a diverse staff.
This is only a small part of the job description. Click here to read the full description and to apply.
Various Positions at Co-op Power
Co-op Power in Florence, MA, is hiring for:
- Chief Executive Officer
- Energy Efficiency Program Manager
- Community Solar Program Director
- Energy Efficiency Intern
- Community Solar Interns
Full details and how to apply here.
2017-18 Position Openings with TerraCorps – Various locations
TerraCorps, formerly MassLIFT-AmeriCorps, is an innovative national service program helping communities conserve and secure land for the health and well-being of people and nature. This year we are looking for 36 members to serve in full-time, 11 month positions. Members will carry out capacity building projects; educate or train individuals; recruit, train, manage, and support community volunteers engaged in land-based activities; and identify new individuals and groups to participate in education, recreation, or service opportunities centered around land access and conservation.
Members serve as: Land Stewardship Coordinators, Regional Conservation Coordinators, Youth Education Coordinators, or Community Engagement Coordinators.
These 1,700 hour AmeriCorps positions receive a living allowance, education award, and additional AmeriCorps benefits. The 2017-2018 program will run from 8/28/17 – 7/27/18.
Application specifics, position descriptions, and information about organizations hosting TerraCorps members can be found at here.
Applications will be accepted until all positions are filled.
AmeriCorps programs provide equal service opportunities. TerraCorps will recruit and select persons in all positions to ensure a diverse and inclusive climate without regard to any particular status. We encourage applications from individuals with disabilities and will provide reasonable accommodations for interviews and service upon request. TerraCorps is a grant program of the Corporation for National and Community Service.
Various Positions
The Manice Education Center (MEC) | Florida, MA
The Manice Education Center (MEC) is intentionally located in a unique outdoor setting within the heart of the Berkshire Mountains of Western Massachusetts. MEC operates several distinctly different seasonal programs that are experientially focused in high-quality environmental education, wilderness camping, and leadership training.
Summer Outdoor educators will lead wilderness expeditions for campers & can expect to guide an average of 6 backpacking and/or canoeing trips, ranging from 2 to 5 days in length. Expedition locations inlude the Appalachian Trail, Long Trail, Savoy Mountain State Forest, Taconic Trail, Battenkill River, Deerfield River, & Connecticut River. Educators receive training in backpacking and wilderness navigation, participate in a 2 day professional canoe clinic, & can earn free certifications in Wildernes First Aid and/or Waterfront Lifeguarding.
APPLY TODAY – SEND US A COVER LETTER AND RESUME TO EMPLOYMENT@CHRISTODORA.ORG
For more details please visit our Jobs page (click here).
Please share this opportunity with your friends and colleagues! If you have any questions about employment in Christodora programs, please contact Matthew Scholl, Programs Director at 413.663.8463 or email us at employment@christodora.org
HAUNTED HOUSE TOUR GUIDES
Naumkeag’s 2nd Annual Haunted House will take place on 10/20, 10/21, 10/27, and 10/28 and we are seeking volunteer groups to serve as characters in the house during one of those nights! Costumes are provided and the training is simple-no acting experience is required. 5pm-9:30pm.
Visit www.thetrustees.org/volunteer or contact tbeasley@thetrustees.org or 413.213.4248 for more information.