A little white problem

Plastic shopping bags banned; measure largely welcomed
By Christopher Bodeen, Associated Press
Article Last Updated: 01/10/2008 10:28:25 AM EST

Thursday, January 10

The measure eliminates the flimsiest bags and forces stores to charge for others, making China the latest nation to target plastic bags in a bid to cut waste and conserve resources.

Beijing residents appeared to take the ban in stride, reflecting rising environmental consciousness and concern over skyrocketing oil prices.

"If we can reduce waste and save resources, then it's good both for us and the whole world," said college student Xu Lixian, who was buying tangerines out of cardboard boxes at a sidewalk stall. <more>
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(Green) thumbs-up for MM garden plan

By Derek Gentile, Berkshire Eagle Staff
Article Last Updated: 01/11/2008 03:31:06 AM EST
Friday, January 11

GREAT BARRINGTON — The Berkshire Hills Regional School Committee last night gave its blessing to a proposal for a student-run vegetable garden that would, over time, provide produce for the district's food service programs and local food banks.

The project, according to advisor Michael Powell, will be carried out by students in cooperation with Project Native, a local nonprofit organization that works to preserve native plants and habitat.

The activity will be called Project Sprout, said Powell. Project Sprout is composed of students that are a subgroup of the Green Team, which is the environmental club at Monument Mountain Regional High School. <more>
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The Latest on Allandale School Cleanup

The EPA has reported that GE has completed the removal of soil from the southeast corner of the Allendale School grounds.  GE has also completed backfilling the excavation and has added topsoil, grass seed and mulch.  The fence that was constructed prior to the start of excavation activities will remain in-place until spring, when the area will be revisited to assess the need for additional topsoil or plantings.  In addition, the Tyler Street extension fence was reconstructed and haybails were placed in the area for erosion control over the winter.

A total of about 1,500 cubic yards of soil was removed from the excavation and transported along Tyler Street extension to the Hill 78
OPCA, which is now closed and tarped for the remainder of the winter. Groundwater that was pumped from the excavation was transported to GE's wastewater treatment facility on East Street.

Air monitoring samples were collected weekly during excavation activities.   The results will be posted on EPA's web page under
Allendale School at the following link:http://www.epa.gov/region01/ge/thesite/allendale-reports.html
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Putting the skids on salt

Every winter, we apply salt to sidewalks and roads to reduce ice and snow build up.  The most commonly used deicing salt is sodium chloride (NaCl), which is readily available and inexpensive and effectively depresses the freezing point of water to melt ice.   But salt builds up in the soil and reduces the ability of plants to absorb water and nutrients.  It also contaminates drinking watershed ecosystems. 

Unfortunately, there is no environmentally perfect solution that will keep roads and sidewalks completely clear of ice, says Laura Dubester, director of the Center for Ecological Technology (CET). 

A good first step to making deicing more environmentally sound is simply to reduce the use of products that contain high levels of chlorides and urea, which pose health risks to people and the environment.  Use deicers with potassium, calcium and magnesium chlorides, rather than sodium chloride. These products contain fewer chlorides than traditional road salt. However, they still may contain metals, so use only what you need.

Some other options include:

• Ash, kitty litter or sand, which increase traction
• Shoveling soon after it snows to prevent ice build-up and reduce the need for salt  
• Applying de-icers according to manufacturer’s instructions
• Applying products sparingly

For more information on this and other toxic reduction strategies, visit cetonline.org or contact Jamie Cahillane at CET by email at: jamiec@cetonline.org or by calling 413-445-4556 ext 14.  CET is a non-profit organization working in the fields of energy efficiency, renewable energy, waste management and environmental education. CET provides practical solutions that make sense for our community, economy and environment. CET is funded in part by the Massachusetts Cultural Council and is an equal opportunity service provider.
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REMINDER: APPLICATIONS FOR COMMUNITY-BASED MARINE AND ANADROMOUS FISH HABITAT RESTORATION PROJECTS
DUE MONDAY, FEBRUARY 11, 2008 BY 5:00 p.m.

The FishAmerica Foundation announces the availability of up to $800,000 for projects to restore marine, estuarine and riparian habitats important to marine and anadromous fish species.  Visit FishAmerica's web site at http://www.fishamerica.org for the complete announcement, funding guidelines and application, and helpful contact information. 

Proposals should request funds for local efforts to accomplish meaningful on-the-ground restoration of marine, estuarine and riparian habitats, including salt marshes, mangrove forests, and freshwater habitats important to anadromous fish species (fish like salmon and striped bass that migrate to and from the sea). Emphasis is on using a hands-on, grassroots approach to restore fisheries habitat across coastal America and U.S. Territories of the Caribbean. 

Projects must result in on-the-ground habitat restoration, clearly demonstrate significant benefits to marine, estuarine or anadromous fisheries resources, particularly sportfish, and must involve community participation through an educational or volunteer component tied to the restoration activities. Applicants are encouraged to incorporate the participation of NOAA staff to strengthen the development and implementation of sound restoration projects.

Applications and required documentation must be received in FishAmerica’s office no later than February 11, 2008 by 5:00 p.m.  This is not a postmark deadline.  Electronic and faxed applications will NOT be accepted. 

All submissions must be sent to:
FAF/NOAA RFP - Grant Applications
FishAmerica Foundation
225 Reinekers Lane, Suite 420
Alexandria, Virginia 22314. 

Funding is expected to be announced in June 2008.  Anticipated awards are contingent on notification of federal funding to the FishAmerica Foundation.
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EPA Reports on Clean Water Infrastructure Needs
(From Water Headlines, a weekly on-line publication that announces publications, policies, and activities of the US Environmental Protection Agency's Office of Water)

A new report from the EPA estimates $202.5 billion is the nationwide capital investment needed to control wastewater pollution for up to a 20-year period. Delivered to Congress last week, the 2004 Clean Watersheds Needs Survey summarizes the results of the agency's 14th national survey on the needs of publicly owned wastewater treatment works. The estimate includes $134.4 billion for wastewater treatment and collection systems, $54.8 billion for combined sewer overflow corrections, and $9.0 billion for stormwater management.

"Water infrastructure is a lifeline for health and prosperity in communities across America," said Assistant Administrator for Water Benjamin H. Grumbles. "EPA is working with our partners to promote sustainable solutions and help utilities and households save money, water and energy."

Communities across the country face challenges in sustaining their water infrastructure. EPA is working with states, tribes, utilities, and other partners to reduce the demand on infrastructure through improved asset management, improved technology, water efficiency, and watershed-based decision making, and is working with Congress to enact the Administration's Water Enterprise Bond proposal.

The report provides information to help the nation make informed decisions about pollution control needs necessary to meet the environmental and human health objectives of the Clean Water Act. The figures represent documented wastewater investment needs, but do not account for expected investment and revenues. Wastewater treatment utilities pay for infrastructure using revenue from rates charged to customers and may finance large projects using loans or bonds. State and federal funding programs, such as EPA's Clean Water State Revolving Fund program, are also available to help communities meet their wastewater pollution control needs. The needs in this survey represent a $16.1 billion (8.6%) increase (in constant 2004 dollars) over the 2000 report. The increase in overall national needs is due to a combination of population growth, more protective water quality standards, and aging infrastructure. More information on the needs survey: http://www.epa.gov/cwns/

EPA, National and Environmental Groups Launch "Green Infrastructure" Plan to Benefit Communities and the Environment

EPA, with state and national partners, released a comprehensive plan to reduce runoff and increase environmental and economic benefits for communities. The strategy will help reduce stormwater runoff and sewer overflows by promoting "green infrastructure" approaches, such as green roofs, trees and tree boxes, rain gardens, and porous pavements. Green infrastructure techniques, technologies, and practices reduce the amount of water and pollutants that run off a site. These tools have many other benefits, including cost savings, improved air quality, urban heat island reductions, energy savings, water conservation, and urban habitat creation.

"This joint plan is a big boost for reducing runoff and sewer overflows while increasing the health and beauty of communities," said Assistant Administrator for Water Benjamin H. Grumbles. "Cleaner and greener practices and technologies make sense for the environment and the economy and this strategy will advance such efforts like never before."

The plan explains how states, municipalities, permitting authorities, and non-governmental organizations can use green infrastructure practices to meet water quality goals while sustaining their water infrastructure. The document, Managing Wet Weather with Green Infrastructure Action Strategy 2008, outlines ways to bring green infrastructure technologies and approaches into mainstream use for runoff and sewer overflow management. This plan follows an April 19, 2007, agreement to promote green infrastructure as an environmentally preferable approach to wet weather management. It also represents a key set of actions that EPA and its partners are taking to reduce projected impacts of climate change. The plan, which includes 7 major implementation areas: Research, Outreach and Communication, Tools, Clean Water Act Regulatory Support, Economic Viability and Funding, Demonstrations and Recognition, and Partnerships and Promotion was developed by EPA, American Rivers, the Association of State and Interstate Water Pollution Control Administrators, the National Association of Clean Water Agencies, the Natural Resources Defense Council, and the Low Impact Development Center. More information on green infrastructure: http://www.epa.gov/npdes/greeninfrastructure/general
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The following article, covering the announced Parks Budget and the Gomes Tribute Event at which the Governor made the announcement, was written and published by State House News. (From the January 22, 2008 ELM Collaborative Bulletin)

PATRICK UNVEILS $100M PARKS BUDGET:

After a gloomy day of economic projections for Massachusetts, including a 300-point down day on Wall Street, Gov. Deval Patrick unveiled a plan Thursday evening to boost the Bay State's parks budget 8.3 percent, to $100 million. The pledge, a 20 percent increase over fiscal year 2007, won praise from environmental leaders and lawmakers after the governor's announcement at a dinner in Boston in honor of outgoing Environmental League of Massachusetts president Jim Gomes. "It's been an area of significant neglect by previous administrations and we understand the cost of inaction. This investment in our parks is part of a tribute we pay to you," said Patrick, after thanking Gomes for his environmental advocacy and for his support during Patrick's gubernatorial campaign. The Massachusetts Department of Conservation and Recreation money is planned for adding park rangers, trimming trees, removing graffiti, and beautification projects in state parks and beaches. The funds are also expected to pay for community events like a sandcastle-building contest on Revere Beach, said Energy and Environmental Affairs Secretary Ian Bowles, who also attended the Gomes fete. "Everybody who goes to visit these places knows they're in sad shape," said Frank Gorke, director of Environment Massachusetts. Despite the day's dismal economic news and worries over a projected $1.3 billion budget gap, lawmakers reacted warmly to the proposal.  Rep. William Brownsberger (D-Belmont) told the News Service the governor's DCR budget proposal is a "high priority" item. "The DCR has an important responsibility over our parks, bridges, and to keep space open," said Rep. Frank Smizik (D-Brookline), who is the chair of the Committee on Environment, Natural Resources and Agriculture. The dinner event featured a rousing bit by Massachusetts-made comedian Jimmy Tingle followed by a standing ovation for Patrick when he took the stage in front of an audience of more than 400 people. The governor is set to unveil his budget next week. The parks have suffered from years of underfunding, said George Bachrach, ELM's president. Asked what else environmental leaders are expecting from the governor in the coming year, Bachrach told the News Service, "More."  Patrick earlier this week announced he'll recommend a $368 million increase in education funding and said yesterday he'll seek $450 million in savings and efficiencies.  The governor also wants to boost corporate taxes next year to raise about $300 million.  State budget officials predict tax revenues will grow 3.8 percent next fiscal year.  The governor may also build casino revenues into his budget, although legislative leaders have advised against such a move.
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ELM Analysis of Governor's Budget

The Governor released his FY09 budget today (H 2). Despite tight fiscal projections, the Governor increased funding for the environmental agencies (not including energy) by almost 4% compared to last year's final budget. We are pleased that the Governor saw fit to continue to restore the environmental budget although we have a way to go to get back to the funding levels in place before the deep cuts of FY02. 

Some notable changes in the Governor's budget are the increase of funding for state and urban parks and the restoration of the Natural Heritage and Endangered Species line item, which we have been advocating for since it was zeroed out in FY2004. While there was an increase for some DCR programs, other DCR line items were cut. We assume that some of these cut programs will now be covered from the increases in the parks line items, for example funding for the central artery parks, pools and beaches, and dam safety. The total funding for DCR is less impressive than we would have hoped given the excitement around increased parks funding.

Breakdown by Agency
Energy and Environmental Affairs: +274,893 (+1%)
Department of Environmental Protection: +$1.5m (+3%)
Department of Fish and Game: +$1.2m (+7%)
Department of Agricultural Resources: +$295,605 (+2%)
Department of Conservation and Recreation: +$4.2m (+4%)
Total Environmental Budget (not including energy): +$7.5m (+3.5%)

Below you can find information about key line items. If you have any questions about programs that aren't shown here, contact Nancy Goodman at ngoodman@environmentalleague.org.

Energy and Environmental Affairs
GIS: +$9,058 (+3%)
Recycling and Redemption Centers: -$217,415 (-15%)
Office of Technical Assistance: +$186,829 (+12%)

Department of Environmental Affairs
Administrative: +$717,898 (+2%)
Toxic Use Reduction Act: +$27,746 (+3%)
Clean Air Act and Permits: +$132,127 (+8%)
Safe Drinking Water: +$59,648 (+4%)
Hazardous Waste Site Cleanup: +$456,322 (+3%)
Brownfields: +$63,863 (+4%)

Department of Fish and Game
Riverways: +$26,019 (+5%)
Natural Heritage (restoration of the line item): $250,000

Department of Conservation and Recreation
Stormwater Management: +$3,355 (0.4%)
Pools and Beaches: -$2.3m (-40%)
Dam Safety: -$168,306 (-12%)
State Parks: +$2m (+9%)
Urban Parks: +$2.4m (+8%)
Central Artery Parks: No line item funding provided (will be absorbed in the Urban and State parks line items)
Seasonal Staff: +$1.6m (+16%)
Retained Revenue: +$7.5m (+162%)


Below see how the governor's budget compared to our FY2009 Green Budget recommendations (to be released in early February).

Green Budget Recommendation Comparison
GIS: -$575,068 (-66%)
DCR Administration (Resource Management Plans): no explicit reference to resource management plans mentioned in the budget; $583,000 recommended in the Green Budget
DCR Stormwater: -$2m (-69%)
Dams: -$723,306 (-36%)
State Parks: -$1.9 (-7%)
Urban Parks: -$495,332 (-2%)
Central Artery Parks: no line item funding provided; $1.4m recommended in the Green Budget
DEP Administrative: -$1.5m (-4%)
Mercury: no line item funding provided; $500,000 recommended in the Green Budget
Hazardous Waste Site Cleanup: -$1.9m (-10%)
Riverways: -$45,783 (-7%)
Natural Heritage: -$750,000 (-75%)
Office of Technical Assistance: -$113,171 (-6%)
Toxic Use Reduction Institute: -$83,000 (-4%)

Outside Sections
In the outside sections of his budget, the governor repealed the sales tax exemption for pesticides, an issue ELM and a number of our Collaborative partners have been working on for years. This is a great step forward if the legislature keeps it in.

We are still looking at the implications of some of the language in outside sections and we will update you on anything new we find.

Next Steps
Now that the Governor's budget has been released, the House will file its own budget in April. Stay tuned for another exciting budget season!

Tomorrow expect to receive the draft Green Budget. We welcome any comments or suggestions you might have.

Please contact David DeKing at ddeking@environmentalleague.org to sign on to this year's Green Budget.
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Position:  Educator/ Naturalist.
Three positions available for highly qualified and motivated individuals.
Work for the Housatonic Environmental Literacy Program (HELP), a joint venture of the Mass Audubon (MAS) and the Housatonic Valley Association (HVA) in both classroom and field settings, with children, youth and adults.
Successful candidates will teach/lead school programs and field trips.                                             

BA or BS (or equivalent) in a biological, physical or earth science, environmental studies, nature interpretation or education.
Minimum experience as an intern, apprentice, or seasonal teacher/naturalist.  Strong communications skills – speaking, writing, and/or graphics.  Ability to work cooperatively and independently.  CORI/SORI checks mandatory.  Flexibility and sense of humor required.

Hours:  27-32 per week during the school year.  With the potential for additional summer hours.
Salary:  $15/hour.
Location: Central Berkshires in western Massachusetts.

Interested candidates please send your cover letter and resume to Mass Audubon at gtraser@massaudubon.org or mail to Gayle Tardif-Raser at 472 West Mountain Rd, Lenox,  MA  01240
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Water and Energy Factoid
from Water Headlines for January 14, 2008
Benjamin H. Grumbles Assistant Administrator Office of Water
Water Headlines is a weekly on-line publication that announces publications, policies, and activities of the
US Environmental Protection Agency's Office of Water

Most people don't realize the considerable amount of energy it takes to deliver and treat the water they use. In fact, American public water supply and treatment facilities consume about 56 billion kilowatt-hours per year - enough electricity to power more than 5 million homes for an entire year.
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National Wetlands Award Deadline Extended
from Water Headlines for January 14, 2008
Benjamin H. Grumbles Assistant Administrator Office of Water
Water Headlines is a weekly on-line publication that announces publications, policies, and activities of the
US Environmental Protection Agency's Office of Water

The deadline for submitting nominations for the 2008 National Wetlands Awards Program has been extended to January 31. The awards program honors individuals who have demonstrated extraordinary commitment to the conservation and restoration of our nation's wetlands. The 2008 awards will be given in six categories: Education and Outreach; Science Research; Conservation and Restoration; Landowner Stewardship; State, Tribal, and Local Program Development; and Wetland Community Leader. For more information or to submit a nomination, please visit return to top

Detection and Quantitation Report
from Water Headlines for January 14, 2008
Benjamin H. Grumbles Assistant Administrator Office of Water
Water Headlines is a weekly on-line publication that announces publications, policies, and activities of the
US Environmental Protection Agency's Office of Water

EPA has received the final report of the Federal Advisory Committee on Detection and Quantitation Approaches and Uses in Clean Water Act Programs. We appreciate the committee's effort, which will help EPA?s continuing work to ensure sound science and effective permitting, said Assistant Administrator for Water Benjamin H. Grumbles.

The committee, which EPA established, concluded its work on Dec. 21, 2007. This report provides advice and recommendations on the development of a new and improved procedure for determining detection and quantitation limits, and how these limits should be used in NPDES permit reporting and compliance determinations. The committee considered challenging policy and technical issues related to detection and quantitation limits, particularly in those situations where Water Quality-Based Effluent Limits are below analytical method detection capabilities. The committee represented a balanced membership from the states, environmental community, environmental laboratories, industry, and public utilities. The final report is available at the following website .
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Final EPA Release of the Water Quality Standards Database
from Water Headlines for January 14, 2008
Benjamin H. Grumbles Assistant Administrator Office of Water
Water Headlines is a weekly on-line publication that announces publications, policies, and activities of the
US Environmental Protection Agency's Office of Water

In December 2007, EPA posted the ninth and last release of the Water Quality Standards Database (WQSDB) . Direct access to water quality standards (WQS) information has many benefits, including enabling more informed public participation in establishing and revising state WQS, as envisioned by the Clean Water Act. As part of EPA's efforts to enhance access to WQS information, EPA is assisting states in establishing state-level WQS databases on their own websites, so that the information can be kept current as states revise their standards. More information on this initiative is provided in the WQSDB Release 9.0 fact sheet.

The WQSDB organizes and displays WQS information in tables and maps, waterbody by waterbody. This information has been verified and approved by 54 states, tribes, and territories. EPA and the states are transitioning into a new way of providing public access to WQS information in which states can use either their own database or a copy of the WQSDB to manage and share their WQS information. This final version of the WQSDB is scheduled to be removed from the EPA website in February 2008. Thereafter, members of the public can access their state's WQS program webpage and can view the WQS documents upon which the WQSDB information is based.
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EPA Money and Support Help Make Beach Visits Safe
from Water Headlines for January 14, 2008
Benjamin H. Grumbles Assistant Administrator Office of Water
Water Headlines is a weekly on-line publication that announces publications, policies, and activities of the
US Environmental Protection Agency's Office of Water

While it is still too cold to go to the beach in most parts of the country, EPA works year-round on ensuring beach visits are well-planned and safe for everyone. By providing states an additional $9.75 million in beach grants in 2008, EPA is helping states continue to monitor water quality at beaches and notify the public of beach warnings and closings when bacteria levels rise too high.

When it's finally time to hit the shores this summer, beachgoers will be both better protected and better informed, said EPA Administrator Stephen L. Johnson. With this additional funding, we will continue to improve water quality and ensure that waves are the only thing to catch at America's beaches.

The funds are available to 35 eligible states, territories and tribes as grant money. This is the eighth year grants are being made available since Congress passed the Beaches Environmental Assessment and Coastal Health (BEACH) Act in October 2000, bringing the total to more than $71 million awarded to states. EPA estimates Americans make 910 million trips to coastal areas each year, spending about $44 billion. A decade ago, state and local monitoring and notification programs differed across the country. These grants are designed to consistently protect and inform the public before swimming at beach waters. In addition to supporting stronger beach programs nationwide, EPA is also focusing on developing new technologies to more quickly identify possible bacteria contamination at beaches. The science is evolving, and EPA?s research program involves epidemiological studies at a variety of beaches to assess new analytical approaches.

Another way EPA protects and educates the public about beach safety is through the SunWise Program, an environmental and health education program that teaches children and their caregivers how to guard against sun overexposure any time of year. Because skin cancer is the most common form of cancer in the U.S., practicing sun safety year-round is the key to prevention. Remember to wear protective lenses, a hat, and sunscreen; use the Ultraviolet (UV) Index as a planning tool; and seek shade between the hours of 10 and 4 when UV radiation is at its peak. It is important to use extra caution near water, sand, and snow because those surfaces reflect the sun?s damaging rays.
More information about grant awards
Sun safety
To use the UV Index for planning purposes
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Reduce Costs by Using Low Impact Development Practices
from Water Headlines for January 14, 2008
Benjamin H. Grumbles Assistant Administrator Office of Water
Water Headlines is a weekly on-line publication that announces publications, policies, and activities of the
US Environmental Protection Agency's Office of Water

The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency has released a new report "Reducing Stormwater Costs through Low Impact Development (LID) Strategies and Practices," which contains 17 case studies from across North America that show the economic viability of LID practices. Using these practices in construction projects can lower costs while improving environmental results.

"Low impact development can deliver big benefits for the environment and the economy and this report has the numbers to prove it," said Assistant Administrator for Water Benjamin H. Grumbles. "It pays to save watersheds, reuse stormwater, and grow sustainably with green infrastructure."

LID practices are innovative stormwater management practices to manage urban stormwater runoff at its source. The goal is to mimic the way water moved through an area before it was developed by using design techniques that infiltrate, evapotranspirate, and reuse runoff close to its source. Some common LID practices include rain gardens, grassed swales, cisterns, rain barrels, permeable pavements and green roofs. LID practices increasingly are used by communities across the country to help protect and restore water quality. The report highlights examples that, in most cases, reduce project costs while improving environmental performance. Total capital savings ranged from 15 to 80 percent, with a few exceptions in which LID project costs were higher than conventional stormwater management costs. As LID practices become more common, it is likely that they will become cheaper to use. For a copy of the report.
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