BREAKING NEWS
A member of the Housatonic River Initiative discovered an oil slick on the Housatonic River. Tim Gray took pictures and samples and reported the slick to the Massachusetts Department of Environmental Protection (DEP). The US Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) and DEP sent staff to the site. DEP staff “deployed absorbents to contain the sheen” and said they would be following up the next day. This was a large slick! EPA has identified where they believe it was coming from – a stormdrain outlet that then flowed through a drainage ditch to the river. EPA has agreed to take representatives of BEAT and HRI out to the site this week.
In the News:
- Citizens’ Coordinating Council (CCC) public meeting, Wednesday, September 19 at 5:30 PM
- STATE RETREATS FROM PLANNED LIMIT ON WETLANDS APPEALS
- Tempered Media Support for Environmental Concerns
- Job opportunity with the Mass. Riverways Program
- Job announcement for two regional positions in Mass. DEP’s Wetlands Circuit Rider program
- Exciting News For Farmers and Energy Independence
- Help Support Local Farmers with the new "Ag Tag" License Plates
- Upcoming Grant Opportunity: FFY 08 604(b) Pre-RFR Meeting
- Have you checked out MassAcorn yet?
- Grants Protect Hiking Trails
- GE filed an ENF for excavating and restoring an area along Unkamet Brook and Dalton Ave (takes you to the Environmental Monitor page)
- DCR has filed a Notice of Project Change for Mt. Greylock (takes you to the Environmental Monitor page)
- MA Environment Committee Hearing Schedule
Citizens’ Coordinating Council (CCC) public meeting, Wednesday, September 19 at 5:30 PM. The meeting will be held in Pittsfield, at the Crowne Plaza Hotel. A draft agenda for the meeting is available. [link the words "draft agenda" to the CCC agenda that I put in the News/Archives folder on the BEAT web site]
The Citizens’ Coordinating Council (CCC) meets with representatives of the General Electric Company, the US Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), and the Massachusetts Department of Environmental Protection (DEP) on an ongoing basis.
The CCC will be discussing an outreach plan for the coming year that expands on the CCC effort to bring information to communities affected by the Rest of River project. This will be an important meeting. Your input is needed on the outreach plan, and on the CCC schedule for the year.
STATE RETREATS FROM PLANNED LIMIT ON WETLANDS APPEALS
By Gintautas Dumcius
STATE HOUSE NEWS SERVICE
STATE HOUSE, BOSTON , AUG. 30, 2007…..In the face of heated opposition from environmental groups, Patrick administration officials on Thursday backed off a controversial plan to curtail the ability of 10-resident groups to appeal certain wetlands decisions.
In a two-page letter to two environmental groups, the Massachusetts Audubon Society and the Charles River Watershed Association, Energy and Environmental Affairs Secretary Ian Bowles said he would not include the provision in the final regulations in light of the outcry.
The proposed provision would have stripped the right of any ten citizens residing in the community where a wetland was located to initiate an appeal of a state Department of Environmental Protection decision.
Environmental advocates said the provision would limit civic engagement and was at odds with Gov. Deval Patrick‘s campaign call for increased citizen involvement in government.
"We take the concerns raised by the environmental community seriously. Furthermore, Governor Patrick places a high priority on citizen participation in governmental decisions," Bowles wrote. "Therefore, I have chosen not to accept this provision of the draft regulation regarding ten citizen appeals."
Bowles noted that the change would have brought the regulations into "closer conformity" with the Wetlands Protection Act and the Administrative Procedures Act, where the Legislature granted ten citizens the right to appeal local Conservation Commission decisions, but not initiate appeals superseding DEP wetland decisions.
Jack Clarke, director of public policy and government relations for the Massachusetts Audubon Society, said the group was pleased that Bowles had listened to the comments and concerns and satisfied with the final regulations.
"They’ve done a good job in retaining the civic engagement aspect of the wetlands appeals process," he said.
The current appeals process had created a backlog of cases and rarely resulted in changes to a DEP decision, Patrick administration officials have said. The goal of the regulations was to also speed up the permitting process.
Patrick administration officials had also noted that project abutters, project applicants and "aggrieved persons," a term under which watershed groups can fall under, would have kept the ability to appeal a DEP decision.
Tempered Media Support for Environmental Concerns
Temper of the Times Foundation (http://www.temperfund.org/index.html) provides nonprofit organizations with funding to underwrite advertising designed to promote conservation and restoration efforts. Grants may be used to fund the production of print, radio, or television ads; to pay for advertising space or airtime; or to produce or distribute pamphlets, books, videos, or press packets specifically promoting the conservation and restoration of native wildlife, plants, and ecosystems in the U.S. Grants generally range from $5,000 to $15,000. Applications must be received by October 15, 2007. Visit the website provided above for additional application and eligibility information.
Link to Funder Profile
Job opportunity with the Mass. Riverways Program (http://www.massriverways.org). Click for the official announcement, or see below. The application deadline is 5PM on Thursday, September 25, 2007. Please feel free to share this info.
Priority Projects Coordinator/ Riverways Administration
Regional Planner II
Agency Name:
Department Of Fish And Game
Official Title:
Regional Planner II
Functional Title:
Priority Projects Coordinator/ Riverways Administration
Occupational Group:
Other
Position Type:
Civil Service
Full-Time or Part-Time:
Full-Time
Salary Range:
$44,723.12 to $59,637.76 Annually
Bargaining Unit:
09
Shift:
Day
Confidential:
No
Number Of Vacancies:
1
City/Town:
Boston
Region:
BOSTON
Facility Location:
Riverways Office 251 Causeway Street – Suite 400 Boston, Ma. 02114
Application Deadline:
09-25-2007
Apply Online:
No
Posting ID:
J11592
Duties:
1. Administers the Priority Projects Program
• In coordination with Riverways staff initiates and coordinates outreach, planning and participating in site visits as appropriate
• Oversees and initiates bidding and review process for proposals
• Manages contractual process
• Works with lead project staff to ensure that projects are completed effectively and on time
2. Serves as project manager for selected river restoration projects
• Coordinates and maintains communication between project partners, ensures project goals are clear and objectives met
• Creates workplans
• Leads technical advisory committees, kick off meetings
• Coordinates project including
o Writing RFRs, scopes of work, prepares bid criteria, serves on selection committees to select appropriate consultants
o Negotiates, clarifies work with consultant and responds to questions
o Oversees work of consultants
o Reviews project deliverables
o Field work as necessary
o Prepares grant applications
3. Works with the Assistant Director (CF0) of the Riverways Program by providing fiscal administration including:
• Administers the contracting process and manage contracts as appropriate/needed.
• Assists with procurement of goods and services as needed
• Prepares information related to contracts, reviewing and approving invoices for payment, resolving discrepancies with venders, preparing, entering encumbrances, payment, other transactions into the Commonwealth’s accounting system (MMARS) and checking MMARS for accurate information processing, attending training sessions and staff meetings
• Collects fiscal aspects of quarterly and final reports and invoices and maintaining accounts and records as needed.
4. Assists staff to educate and provide river information through:
• the update of Riverways web page as well as page design,
• outreach including publication preparation including the Riverways annual report, poster presentations, fact sheets etc.
• preparation of special projects, preparation of reports, PowerPoints, displays and list serve postings.
5. As needed, provides technical and organizational support to Riverways staff in order to provide restoration services in a timely and productive manner.
6. Conduct and support Riverways outreach efforts as appropriate.
7. If applicable, assists in preparing and submitting grant applicants for federal, state and foundation funds as needed.
Qualifications:
MINIMUM ENTRANCE REQUIREMENTS: Applicants must have at least (A) three years of full-time, or equivalent part-time technical or professional experience in urban or regional planning, environmental planning, transportation planning or land use planning, and (B) of which at least one year must have been in a professional capacity or (C) any equivalent combination of the required experience and the substitutions below. Substitutions: I. A Bachelor’s degree with a major in urban or regional planning, environmental planning, urban studies, architecture, landscape architecture, civil, environmental, or transportation engineering or environmental sciences may be substituted for two years of the required (A) experience.* II. A Graduate degree with a major in urban or regional planning, environmental planning, urban studies, architecture, landscape architecture, civil, environmental, or transportation engineering or environmental sciences may be substituted for the required experience.* *Education toward such a degree will be prorated on the basis of the proportion of the requirements actually competed. SPECIAL REQUIREMENTS: Based on assignment, possession of a current and valid Massachusetts Class 3 Motor Vehicle Operator’s License.
Preferred Qualifications:
1. Understanding about the principles of river restoration and general environmental issues.
2. Ability to administrate a restoration program
3. Proven ability to serve as project manager for restoration projects
4. Proven ability to understand and communicate technical information and general knowledge regarding Massachusetts watersheds and issues affecting Massachusetts rivers
3. Ability to understand, explain and apply the laws, rules, regulations, permits, policies, procedures, etc. governing procurement.
4. Ability to organize and manage information and data, and assemble and maintain records according to established procedure.
5. Knowledge of, or ability to learn, the state’s New MMARS accounting system and ability to generate spreadsheets for project management.
7. Ability to write concisely, to express thoughts clearly.
8. Ability to edit and layout publications and pictures.
9. Computer proficiency with the suite of Microsoft programs, Adobe Pagemaker, Photoshop, Adobe Acrobat Writer and Dreamweaver and web page software TeamSite. Knowledge of Excel, and/or other spreadsheets.
10. Ability to maintain accurate records.
11. Ability to work independently and in a team setting.
12. Ability to exercise sound judgment and exercise discretion in handling confidential information.
13. Ability to establish rapport with others.
14. Ability to adjust to varying or changing situations to meet emergency or changing needs, program requirements.
15. Proven ability to meet deadlines.
16. Ability to travel statewide to participate in site visits
17. Educational degree, bachelor or masters degree, with at least two years experience in conservation biology, ecology, geology, geography, environmental planning, or related environmental field preferred
Comments:
This is a Civil Service position. This position is the Priority Project Coordinator / Program Administrator for the Riverways Programs. The focus of the work is to provide (1) coordination of priority river restoration projects including dam removal, river continuity and community assistance programs, (2) project management on selected projects and (3) assistance essential to running the Riverways Program fiscally and programmatically. As part of its river restoration focus, Riverways Priority Projects provides a framework for prioritizing river restoration projects throughout the state. The program is currently working on 11 projects including dam removal, stream naturalization and river revitalization. Priority Projects provides technical assistance from Riverways Staff, technical services by consultants and/or direct funding for implementation to competitively selected projects. Major responsibilities of the position include, coordinating the administration of the Priority Projects Program, project management, fiscal duties, web maintenance, writing/editing, graphics, grant writing, and outreach.
How To Apply:
All applications must be made in writing, consisting of a cover letter making specific reference to this particular announcement, a current resume with references and a Commonwealth of Massachusetts Application for Employment form, which can be found on the Executive Office of Environmental Affairs web site at http://www.state.ma.us/envir/, select the link Employment Opportunities, then EOEA standard employment application or you may request a copy be sent to you. All applications must be received in this office no later than 5:00 P.M. on the deadline date.
Mail cover letter and resume to:
Peter Burke, Personnel Officer
Department of Fish and Game
251 Causeway Street – Suite 400
Boston, Ma. 02114
Telephone (617) 626-1562
FAX #: (617) 626-1505
Agency Web Address: http://www.mass.gov/dfwele/
Affirmative Action Officer:
Mr. Peter Burke, (617) 626-1562
An Equal Opportunity/Affirmative Action Employer. Women, minorities, veterans and people with disabilities are strongly encouraged to apply.
Job announcement for two regional positions in Mass. DEP’s Wetlands Circuit Rider program (http://www.mass.gov/dep/water/compliance/cridr.htm):
The Circuit Rider position for the Central region
and Circuit Rider position for the Northeast region
of DEP have been posted. Please pass the information to anyone you think may have the experience and knowledge to help conservation commissions with the regulations and other technical wetland training.
Best regards,
Alice Smith
Coordinator Circuit Rider Program
DEP Wetlands and Waterways
One Winter Street
Boston, MA 02108
Phone: (617) 292-5854
Exciting News For Farmers and Energy Independence
Department of Agricultural Resources Partners with USDA in $400,000 Energy Program for Massachusetts Farmers Project will fund farm energy audits and provide incentives for energy efficiency, renewables.
Secretary of Energy and Environmental Affairs Ian Bowles today announced August 30th, a Massachusetts Farm Energy Program that will provide Bay State farmers with energy audits and offer incentives for on-farm conservation and renewable energy projects across the Commonwealth.
Funded through the Massachusetts Department of Agricultural Resources’ (DAR) Agriculture Innovation Center and the US Department of Agriculture’s (USDA) Natural Resources Conservation Service, the new program is expected to jumpstart energy efficiency measures at 100 Massachusetts farms initially. Later this fall, DAR and its partners will begin developing program components – including how farmers will be notified about the initiative and be able to participate.
DAR awarded a $250,000 grant to Berkshire-Pioneer Resource Conservation and Development Area, Inc. of Amherst to develop and implement the program. The DAR grant will be used in conjunction with $150,000 in USDA Conservation Innovation Grants recently awarded to two non-profit organizations, Berkshire-Pioneer and Westford-based Patriot Resource Conservation and Development Area Council, Inc.
“The new Massachusetts Farm Energy Program will pursue two key goals of the Executive Office of Energy and Environmental Affairs – strengthening the financial condition of Massachusetts farms and boosting clean power and energy efficiency in all sectors of the economy,” Secretary Bowles said.
“From cranberry growers on the Cape to dairy farmers in the Berkshires, farmers across the state are contending with escalating energy costs,” Acting DAR Commissioner Scott Soares added. “The potential to reduce those costs will help improve farm viability and – where on-site renewable energy generation can be used – provide long-term energy sustainability.
” Under the two-year program, the Berkshire-Pioneer and Patriot Resource Conservation and Development Area councils will collaborate with both DAR and USDA Natural Resources Conservation Service, the utility industry and other organizations interested in supporting farm energy projects. The program’s initial goal is to provide on-farm energy audits and renewable energy assessments, and then work with farmers to implement conservation and renewable energy recommendations.
By encouraging energy conservation and greater use of renewable energy sources, the Massachusetts Farm Energy Program represents another EOEEA initiative aimed at decreasing overall greenhouse gas emissions, as well as reducing air and water pollution. In the coming months, DAR will work closely with its federal partners and the Berkshire-Pioneer and Patriot Resource Conservation and Development Area councils to launch the new program.
(Note: For information on the Massachusetts Farm Energy Program, contact Darlene Monds, Coordinator, Berkshire-Pioneer RC&D, 413-256-1607 x1, darlene.monds@ma.usda.gov)
From State Representative Dennis Guyer: Help Support Local Farmers with the new "Ag Tag" License Plates
I just wanted to pass along the latest information about the new "Ag Tag" License Plates. The proceeds from the sale of the plates go to the Massachusetts Agricultural Trust Fund, run by the Department of Agricultural Resources. The fund is used to award grants to local farmers.
The purchaser of the "Ag Tag" can select a participating organization to receive $15 from the initial sale of the plate.
For a full list of participating organizations and further information on how to purchase the "Ag Tag" please visit the Massachusetts Department of Agricultural Resources website or use the link below.
UPCOMING GRANT OPPORTUNITY
FFY 08 604(b) Pre-RFR Meeting
The Department of Environmental Protection plans to hold a Pre – RFR Informational Meeting to discuss potential projects before the FFY08 604(b) RFR is issued. We recommend potential respondents attend this meeting that will be held in the Chicopee Room at MassDEP’s Central Regional Office in Worcester on Tuesday, October 9, 2007 from 10:00 AM to Noon to discuss your ideas on new projects for priority and other watersheds. See (www.mass.gov/dep/about/region/centralr.htm) for directions.
The focus of the FY2008 grants will be for watershed or sub-watershed based non-point source assessment activities that support MassDEP’s assessment efforts,
including data needs that are identified in:
– the Massachusetts Watershed based plans (www.public.dep.state.ma.us/Watershed/Intro.aspx ),
– the EOEA watershed action plans (www.mass.gov/envir/water/publications.htm),
– the Massachusetts Nonpoint Source Management Plan (www.mass.gov/dep/water/resources/nonpoint.htm),
– MassDEP’s watershed water quality assessment reports (www.mass.gov/dep/water/resources/wqassess.htm),
– the Massachusetts Estuaries Project, TMDL development, and water supply source protection planning.
Respondents, however, are encouraged to propose other suitable water quality assessment/planning projects. According to the 5 year basin planning cycle, priority or target watersheds for FFY08 include: Deerfield, Millers, Ipswich, Buzzards Bay, Islands, Quinebaug, French, Merrimack, Parker, Shawsheen, Boston Harbor (including Mystic), Narragansett Bay and Mt. Hope Bay, and Cape Cod basins.
As the Commonwealth’s procurement rules prohibit MassDEP or any other RFR issuer from consulting with potential applicants to develop project ideas once an RFR is issued, potential applicants are strongly encouraged to contact MassDEP before the RFR issue date to refine project ideas and get our feedback. You may contact Gary Gonyea (617-556-1152 or gary.gonyea@state.ma.us) for a discussion of ideas and program objectives. and he will answer questions. Once the RFR has been posted we can no longer offer project-specific and application process advice to applicants.
The tentative schedule is as follows:
Pre-RFR Informational Meeting in CERO October 9, 2007
RFR release on Comm-PASS October 19, 2007
Responses due to MassDEP December 14, 2007
Evaluation of Responses January 2008
Have you checked out MassAcorn yet? MassAcorn is a website created by the University of Massachusetts for landowners in the Highlands region. It offers visitors the unique ability to ask questions of a natural resource professional through an online forum and to find local professional contacts. It includes an online mapping function which features many of the MassGIS layers as well as some not generally available. The site also provides local information about the forests and natural communities of western MA. www.massacorn.net Visit today!!
Grants Protect Hiking Trails
American Hiking Society: National Trails Fund
The National Trails Fund, sponsored by American Hiking Society, provides funding to grassroots nonprofit organizations working toward establishing, protecting, and maintaining foot trails in America. Grants help give local organizations the resources they need to secure access, volunteers, tools, and materials to protect America’s public trails. The following types of projects will be considered: securing trail lands, including acquisition of trails and trail corridors; building and maintaining trails which will result in ease of access, improved hiker safety, and/or avoidance of environmental damage; and constituency-building surrounding specific trail projects. Preference is often given to projects with volunteer labor. Projects that have hikers as the primary constituency are preferred; however, all human-powered trail projects are eligible. The application deadline is November 1, 2007. Click on http://www.americanhiking.org/alliance/fund.html for more information.
Joint Committee on the Environment, Natural Resources, and Agriculture 2007-2008 Hearing Schedule.
This schedule is subject to change. For questions please contact the Committee at (617) 722-2210
All hearings in State House Hearing Room A-1 unless otherwise noted
Fish and Game – September 17, 2007 – 1:00 PM
Policies – September 24, 2007 – 1:00 PM
Dept. of Conservation & Recreation (DCR) – October 1, 2007 – 1:00 PM
Sewers, Title V, Wetlands – October 15, 2007 – 1:00 PM
Miscellaneous – October 22, 2007 – 1:00 PM