In the News
CALENDAR OF EVENTS
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Advocacy News (Includes how to reach your legislators)
DEP Enforcement Actions In The Berkshire
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Bottle Bill Update H3515/S1480 is scheduled for action by the Telecom, Utilties and Energy Committee in an Executive Session (open to the public).
Wednesday July 14, 12 noon
Telecommunications Utilities and Energy Committee
Room B1
Supporters are urged to PLEASE ATTEND this important hearing.
Please note: The Committee has scheduled a regular session at 12 noon and an executive session immediately after. There is no public input permitted at executive sessions. The Committee could change the date/time without notice. This is the last day of the bill's Joint Rule 10 extension for this bill to be considered.
At this meeting, the Committee could:
Pass the bill intact (report it out favorably), in which case it would be sent to Ways and Means for their approval.
Edit the bill’s provisions or consider a substitute bill, and then vote on that.
Report it out unfavorably, or take no action, in which case the bill would die for this session
Send it to study, a euphemism for letting it die.
Extend the Join Rule 10 deadline (approx) another week.
------------------------------------------------------------
Phillip Sego, phil@sierraclubmass.org
Massachusetts Sierra Club
Home: 221 Norfolk Street, Cambridge MA 02139-1402
tel: 617-492-1032 - cell: 617-610-3054
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Call you Rep about the Safer Alternatives Bill
As you know, the Safer Alternatives Bill was released from the Joint Committee on Environment, Natural Resources and Agriculture with a favorable report last week, and now we need your help to make sure it passes before this legislative session ends on July 31st. There are two things you can do:
- Please call your Representative and ask him or her to help make sure the Safer Alternatives Bill passes this year.
- Join us at the State House for one in a series of mini lobby days.
To place the call:
- Give your name, address, and phone number.
- I ask that you take action to help pass the Safer Alternatives Bill, an Act for a Competitive Economy Through Safer Alternatives to Toxic Chemicals (H-4865). Please do all you can to see that this bill is passed before the end of the legislative session including urging Speaker DeLeo to bring this bill to a vote soon.
After you have called, please let us know how it went.
If you would prefer to send an email, you may do so here. However, I urge you to call, if you are able, because your voice on the phone is much louder than a text email and will therefore make a bigger impact.
Mini Lobby Days
There are only three weeks left in this legislative session, and we want legislators to see that the people of Massachusetts want them to remain focused on this bill. That is why we are organizing mini lobby days for the remainder of the session. Come stand outside the House of Representaitves Chamber and and speak with legislators about the Safer Alternatives Bill as they come and go. Make a sign so everyone can clearly see why you are there. You could even bring your children and use this as a chance to show them their government in action.
The House is usually in session on Tuesdays, Wednesdays, and Thursdays between 1 and 4 p.m. Please send us an email for a specific schedule and to let us know if you can make it on any Tuesday, Wednesday, or Thursday in July, starting today. A member of the AHT team will be there to show you where to go, and can even bring you to your representative's office so you can bring your message to him or her in person.
The Safer Alternatives Bill will create a pragmatic and flexible program in Massachusetts to replace toxic chemicals with safer alternatives, wherever feasible. It will help Massachusetts businesses stay competitive on the global market, which is rapidly moving towards a demand for safer products and services.
Please do everything you can to help pass this important piece of legislation.
Sincerely,
Elizabeth Saunders,
for the AHT Team
Alliance for a Healthy Tomorrow
262 Washington Street, Suite 301
Boston, MA 02108
617-338-8131
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Movie premiere to promote safe and healthy personal care products
 Have you ever wondered what is really in your cosmetics and personal care products? Or whether all those ingredients that you can barely pronounce are actually safe? And just what is Sodium Laureth Sulfate, anyway?
If you have questions like these, then come to the Boston premiere screening of The Story of Cosmetics, a seven minute video that reveals the environmental health and social consequences of harmful chemicals in everyday products like shampoo, bubble bath, makeup and cologne. View the teaser here.
Join us for The Story of Cosmetics video launch party!
Thursday, July 22nd 6:00 p.m. - 9:00 p.m. networking & natural products showcase
The first screening will begin at 6:30 p.m. Additional screenings will take place later in the evening.
WorkBar Boston, 711 Atlantic Ave, Lower level, Boston, MA 02111
RSVP Here
This event is free and open to the public. All-natural beverages and snacks will be served, including free burritos from Boloco.
Become informed and inspired
Meet natural body care companies that are creating safer cosmetic products; Get free samples!
Learn how you can avoid unsustainable toxic petrochemicals ingredients in your personal care products, and share this information with your community.
Visit the AHT and Campaign Safe Cosmetics table to take action for safer products and smarter laws in Massachusetts and nationally.
The Story of Cosmetics movie is produced by The Story of Stuff Project (a huge internet phenomenon) and our friends at the Campaign for Safe Cosmetics (the Alliance for a Healthy Tomorrow is a founding member of this national coalition).This video short tells the real story behind toxic chemicals in personal care products and cosmetics we all use (yes, even men) daily.
Please help spread the word about The Story of Cosmetics Video Launch Party. Share this link: http://bit.ly/BosEcoBeauty. Email it, blog about it, post to Facebook and Twitter, etc. If you are on Twitter, use the hashtag #BostonEco. Be sure to invite your friends and colleagues!
Sincerely,
Elizabeth Saunders,
for the AHT team
PS Thanks to our co-hosts, BostonEco, a networking community for Bostonians who are passionate about healthy, sustainable living.
Alliance for a Healthy Tomorrow
262 Washington Street, Suite 301
Boston, MA 02108
617-338-8131
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More PCB Removal along East Street
Last week, GE began site preparation work for soil-related cleanup
activities at the East Street Area 2 South portion of the
GE-Pittsfield/Housatonic River Site. Portions of the cleanup and tree
removal work will be quite visible to the public over the coming months.
The cleanup area, which is entirely owned by GE, is bounded on the north
by East Street, on the east by Newell Street, on the south by the
Housatonic River, and the west by a right-of-way owned by Western
Massachusetts Electric Company and Lyman Street.
The cleanup will consist of the removal of 20,000 cubic yards
(approximately 2,000 dump truck loads of material) of contaminated soil,
pavement and building slabs; the installation of 4.8 acres of a
vegetated engineered barrier; and the abandonment of several storm
drains that are currently regulated by GE’s National Pollutant Discharge
Elimination System (NPDES) permit. Soil removal will primarily consist
of excavation of the top foot of material, with some excavations as deep
as six feet in areas adjacent to utilities. The cleanup will
necessitate the removal of several trees in various locations. GE
will be conducted air monitoring throughout the remediation. EPA will
be performing oversight of GE’s cleanup activities.
Cleanup activities are expected to be substantially completed by the end
of this year. All excavated material will be disposed of at licensed,
out-of-state disposal facilities. Restoration activities, including the
planting of trees and shrubs, will take place next spring.
East Street Area 2 South is one of 19 non-river related cleanup actions
that GE is required to perform under the Consent Decree. To date, GE
has substantially completed remediation activities at 16 of the 19
areas. The remaining non-river cleanup areas, Silver Lake and the
Unkamet Brook Area, are in the Work Plan stage, with remediation
expected to begin in these areas in 2011 or 2012.
The removal action work plan and related documents are available on the
EPA web page:
http://www.epa.gov/region1/ge/thesite/geplantarea-reports.html#EastStreetArea2S
If you have any questions, please feel free to contact me or Dean
Tagliaferro (617-918-1282; tagliaferro.dean@epa.gov).
Enjoy the summer.
Jim Murphy
United States Environmental Protection Agency
New England - Region 1
Office of the Regional Administrator
5 Post Office Square, Suite 100
Mail Code ORA 20-1
Boston, MA 02109-3912
617-918-1028 (phone)
617-721-2868 (cell phone)
617-918-0028 (fax)
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Housatonic River Cleanup!
Saturday, July 17th
8:30 am - 12:30 pm (lunch provided at noon)
Meet at Fred Garner Park at 8:30am.
We will provide gloves and bags. We also have a few pairs of rubber boots and waders for people to borrow.
Please bring a canoe if you have one. We will clean from shore as well as by canoe in several sections of the river.
Please, let me know if you'll be coming so we can get an idea of how much food we need for lunch. Thank you!
Check out photos from our last cleanup on our website.
Let's hope it's not quite so hot! We will have lots of drinking water available, but please bring your own water bottle to refill.
Thank you!!!
Jane
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Asian Longhorned Beetle Found in Boston
A small infestation of Asian longhorned beetle was found in Jamaica Plain (Boston). The site is at Faulkner Hospital, just across from the Arnold Arboretum. Six infested maple trees were found so far, in close proximity to each other, and have already been removed by USDA/DCR. Surveys will continue this week.
It is extremely important that we get the word out ASAP to everyone in the Boston, Brookline and Newton area to be on the lookout for:
- Adult Asian longhorned beetles (shiny black beetles with white
spots and long, banded antennae)
- ALB exit holes (dime-sized, perfectly round holes, especially in
maple, but also in birch, elm, horsechestnut, willow and other
hardwood trees…but not oak)
- ALB egg-laying sites (divots in the bark ranging in size from 1/4
to 3/4 inches across – fresh pits often have oozing, foaming sap)
Anyone seeing anything suspicious should report it immediately at
http://massnrc.org/pests/albreport.aspx or toll-free: 1-866-702-9938.
Take photos if you can.
If you are with an environmental group or other organization that needs outreach materials, we will provide you with ID cards, fact sheets, etc., for free. Just contact me by phone or email.
Spread the word, not the beetle! Get all the latest ALB news at:
http://massnrc.org/pests/alb
Jennifer Forman Orth, Ph.D.
State Plant Pest Survey Coordinator
Massachusetts Department of Agricultural Resources
251 Causeway St., Suite 500
Boston, MA 02114-2151
jennifer.forman-orth@state.ma.us
p: (617) 626-1735
f: (617) 626-1850
http://massnrc.org/pests
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Patrick-Murray Administration Releases Draft Solid Waste Master Plan for 2010-2020
Plan Will Maintain Incinerator Moratorium, Increase Recycling, Promote Green Jobs as it puts Massachusetts on Pathway to Zero Waste
BOSTON - The Massachusetts Department of Environmental Protection (MassDEP) today released its Draft 2010-2020 Solid Waste Master Plan: A Pathway to Zero Waste. This plan maintains the current moratorium on new facilities for incineration of municipal solid waste while it calls for an increase in recycling and re-use of waste materials, and promotion of recycling businesses and green jobs.
A public comment period on the plan begins today and runs through September 15, 2010. Public hearings will also be held in late July and early September.
"Massachusetts disposes of enough trash each year to fill 74 Fenway Parks, and even with all the progress we've made, too much of that trash still contains materials that can be recycled and reused," MassDEP Commissioner Laurie Burt said. "This 10-year plan charts a course toward a zero waste future where natural resources are protected and new, green jobs are created."
In December, Energy and Environmental Affairs Secretary Ian Bowles announced that the Patrick-Murray Administration would maintain the moratorium on additional solid waste incinerators declared in 1990 and pursue an ambitious agenda of increased recycling as part of a push to reduce the amount of waste sent to landfills and incinerators. The Draft Solid Waste Master Plan incorporates those commitments in its comprehensive plan for managing municipal solid waste over the coming decade.
The Draft Solid Waste Master Plan focuses on five main priorities:
- Dramatically increase recycling and re-use and provide assistance to cities and towns;
- Maintain the moratorium on additional municipal solid waste combustion, while developing new performance standards for existing waste-to-energy facilities that achieve higher recycling rates, lower pollution and greenhouse gas emissions and higher efficiency in energy recapture;
- Seize green economic opportunities by building markets, jobs and firms in recycling, re-use and related waste management efforts;
- Increase producer responsibility to reduce waste that needs to be recycled or disposed by municipalities and eliminate products containing toxic chemicals from disposal facilities; and,
- Develop integrated solid waste management systems that minimize the material that must ultimately be disposed of.
A key target of the master plan is to reduce solid waste disposal by 30 percent, from 6.5 million tons in 2008 to 4.5 million tons in 2020, and continue to divert toxic substances from the waste stream. By 2050, Massachusetts should reduce the amount of waste produced by residents and businesses 80 percent, and virtually eliminate products containing toxic chemicals from disposal facilities.
The main objectives of the draft master plan include maximizing recycling, improving the environmental performance of solid waste facilities and developing integrated solid waste management systems. The draft master plan calls for a dramatic increase in residential, business and institutional recycling and composting, with an emphasis on paper and organics recycling. The plan seeks to strengthen producer responsibility incentives by supporting electronics producer responsibility legislation and an expanded bottle bill. It encourages greater re-use of materials through a regional exchange, as well as diversion strategies for organics and construction and demolition materials. It will also promote implementation of statewide recycling education programs.
The draft master plan maintains the moratorium on municipal solid waste combustors that has been in place since 1990 and calls for improved facility compliance with waste bans. More stringent regulations will also be implemented to improve emission and air pollution control systems for current incinerator facilities, as well as increase efficiency of energy production.
The draft master plan will also encourage state, local and business interests to come together to develop integrated solid waste management systems that maximize recycling and composting and minimize residual materials in need of disposal. The plan will help to pilot innovative approaches that can divert 100 percent of waste materials from disposal, and help to achieve the goal of zero waste at the local and regional level.
Nantucket is an exemplary community in the implementation of this plan. The island achieves a 91 percent recycling rate today thanks to a packaging bylaw, comprehensive recycling and collections facilities and a re-use swap shop.
Under the Green Communities Act, certain municipal waste combustion facilities can earn Class II Renewable Energy Credits. These facilities are required to devote 50 percent of the revenue from the sale of the credits to recycling programs approved by MassDEP. It is expected that up to $6 million will be available for recycling and waste reduction programs on an annual basis from this source.
To see a copy of the Draft Solid Waste Master Plan or for a copy of the public hearing notice listing dates, times and locations of the public hearings, go to www.mass.gov/dep/recycle/priorities/dswmpu01.htm#swmp
MassDEP is responsible for ensuring clean air and water, safe management and recycling of solid and hazardous wastes, timely cleanup of hazardous waste sites and spills, and the preservation of wetlands and coastal resources.
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Glynwood is calling for nominations for its eighth annual Harvest Awards. The Awards recognizes farmers, organizations, and businesses across the United States that demonstrates innovation and leadership in support of regional agriculture and sustainable food systems.
This year’s categories include:
- The Glynwood Harvest Farmer Award
- The Glynwood Harvest Award for Connecting Communities, Farmers and Food
- The Glynwood Harvest Wave of the Future Award
- The Glynwood Harvest Good Food for Health Award
Please see the attached or visit www.glynwood.org/Programs/HarvestAwards for nomination details, information on past winners, and to make an electronic submission. Nominations must be postmarked or e-mailed no later than July 23, 2010.
Please feel free to pass on this e-mail to individuals that you feel may find this of interest!
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Court Rules Cleanup Order Does Not Violate GE's Rights
Steven M. Taber
Environmental Law & Climate Change Law Blog
Long a sticking point with Superfund lawyers and Superfund defendants, the EPA's use of the "Uniform Administrative Order" to force companies it believes are in violation of the Comprehensive Environmental Response, Compensation and Liability Act (CERCLA) to clean up a hazardous waste site was upheld on Tuesday, June 29, 2010, by the U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals for the District of Columbia Circuit.
In that case, General Electric argued that CERCLA, as well as the way in which EPA administers it, violates the Due Process Clause of the U.S. Constitution because EPA issues clean-up orders without a hearing before a neutral decisionmaker. 42 U.S.C. 9606. The Court concluded that because the recipient of a clean up order can obtain a hearing in court by refusing to comply with the clean up order, the recipient's due process rights are satisfied. This has been the position of the EPA and the courts since the inception of CERLCA.
General Electric went on to argue that CERCLA's clean up order scheme and EPA‘s implementation of it nonetheless violate due process because the mere issuance of a clean up order can inflict "immediate, serious, and irreparable damage by depressing the recipient‘s stock price, harming its brand value, and increasing its cost of financing." GE's argument relied heavily on Ex Parte Young, 209 U.S. 123 (1908), and its progeny. Under those cases, a statutory scheme violates due process if "the penalties for disobedience are by fines so enormous . . . as to intimidate the [affected party] from resorting to the courts to test the validity of the legislation [because] the result is the same as if the law in terms prohibited the [party] from seeking judicial [review]‖ at all." 209 U.S. at 147.
The Court also rejected this argument, concluding that "consequential injuries—injuries resulting not from EPA‘s issuance of the [clean up order], but from market reactions to it—are insufficient to merit Due Process Clause protection." The Court pointed to a line of cases interpreting Ex Parte Young to mean that
that statutes imposing fines—even "enormous" fines—on noncomplying parties may satisfy due process if such fines are subject to a "good faith" or "reasonable ground[s]" defense. See Reisman v. Caplin, 375 U.S. 440, 446–50 (1964); Okla. Operating Co. v. Love, 252 U.S. 331, 338 (1920).
Since CERCLA guarantees these safeguards, the Court concluded, GE's due process rights were not violated.
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The Biosphere Economy
Welcome to the Biosphere Economy, a revolution ignited by global ecological overshoot, which is transforming the way business, investors, and governments view, value and manage natural capital.
Download the report we prepared for CEOs and business leaders, in partnership with the Business for Environment Summit and the Tellus Mater Foundation.
The Biosphere Economy is a future where business-as-usual and politics-as-usual increasingly take account of natural capital and related forms of value, bridging the gap between man-made assets and nature’s ecological infrastructures that underpin our economies and societies.
The financial value at stake is mind-boggling—and the business opportunities likely to be created by the shift in the prevailing market paradigm are astonishing. Take the TEEB study led by Pavan Sukhdev–which stands for The Economics of Ecosystems and Biodiversity, which concludes that the degradation of the Earth’s ecosystems and biodiversity due to deforestation alone costs us natural capital worth somewhere between $1.9 and $4.5 trillion every year. <more>
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Environmental Police Step Up Off-Road Vehicle Enforcement in Northampton, Hatfield
NORTHAMPTON — June 30, 2010 – As summer draws off-road vehicle enthusiasts to riding trails across the state, law enforcement officials today announced an increase in patrols and enforcement of off-road vehicle laws in an effort to protect farm and conservation lands along the Connecticut River in Northampton and Hatfield.
Responsible for enforcing state recreational vehicle laws, Massachusetts Environmental Police (MEP) officers are also reminding operators of safety guidelines, such as the importance of wearing helmets. Operators are also urged to take off-road vehicle safety courses, operate machines only while sober and receive training on how to operate their vehicles.
To protect public safety, Environmental Police officers will increase patrols in areas known locally as The Meadows, which are part of the federally-protected Silvio O. Conte National Fish and Wildlife Refuge. Stepped-up patrols are in response to a high volume of off-road enthusiasts illegally operating ATVs, dirt bikes and four-wheel drive vehicles in the area, particularly on weekends.
"Too often we see the tragic results of unsafe and reckless off-road vehicle use," said Environmental Police Director Col. Aaron Gross. "Our officers will be out this summer patrolling recreational areas across the state to ensure that operators are following the law and operating safely at reasonable speeds."
The Environmental Police are working with Northampton city officials, who have posted warning signs at all entrances to The Meadows section of the city advising of the strict enforcement. Hatfield law enforcement officials regularly patrol the area.
"I welcome the efforts of the Massachusetts Environmental Police to increase enforcement of ATV rules in these sensitive areas and for helping local officials protect farmlands, crops, and improve the safety of ATV operators," said Sen. Stan Rosenberg.
The area comprises privately-owned farmlands interspersed with both state and federally-owned conservation properties, some of which are home to rare or endangered species of plants, insects or wildlife. Many of the areas are also categorized as wetlands, with some flood-control dikes and flood plains, which are also protected by law. Many of the dirt roads throughout the area are actually public ways. It is against Massachusetts state law to operate a recreational vehicle on a public way.
"Crop damage, trespassing, operation of ATVs on public ways and unsupervised operation by youth are principal concerns in Hatfield," said Hatfield Board of Selectmen Chair Marcus J. Boyle. "Enforcement is important, but equally important is reminding folks of the rules."
"This will enable education, deterrence and targeted enforcement of trespassers, vandalism and other illegal activities on the mostly private property under the control of the Northampton Agricultural Association," said Northampton Police Chief Russell Sienkiewicz.
State law limits where riders may operate. Unlawful operation on a state Wildlife Management Area carries a fine of up to $100 and/or up to 30 days in jail. Riding in a water supply protection area, such as the Quabbin or Wachusett Reservoirs, can carry fines of up to $10,000 plus up to one year in jail. Operating on private land requires landowner permission. Illegal off-road vehicle operators face fines of up to $250 for trespassing on private property. Individuals who operate recreational vehicles on public ways can be cited with motor vehicle violations.
Vehicles that travel off designated trails are not only breaking the law, but they can cause crop damage, soil erosion or fires, and disturb wildlife and habitat on private or state and federally protected land.
Under Massachusetts law, children between the ages of 10 and 12 must be directly supervised by an adult over the age of 18, and are restricted to operating ATVs on the property on which they reside. Children between the ages of 12 to 14 must be directly supervised by an adult over the age of 18, and may travel off home property with a landowner's permission.
Direct supervision means the supervising person must be able to effectively communicate with the operator either visually or orally despite vehicle noise and line of sight.
Operating under the influence of alcohol or drugs dramatically increases the likelihood of accidents resulting in personal injury or death. Rider responsibility begins with the decision not to consume alcohol or drugs while operating an ATV, according to Director Gross.
Two people were killed last year in off-road vehicle-related accidents. There were three killed in 2008. In 2009, MEP officers responded to 50 accidents involving off-road vehicles, which include ATVs, motorized dirt bikes and go-cart vehicles known by names such as Rhinos and Gators. Most of the fatal ATV accidents over the past five years were caused by excessive speed or operator error and nearly half of the victims were either not wearing helmets or did not fasten them.
Safety tips
- Be cognizant of others out on the trail. Hikers, bikers and horseback riders have the right of way over recreational vehicle operators.
- Share the trail. Anticipate oncoming traffic and those approaching from behind.
- Operation of recreational vehicles on public ways is prohibited.
- Become familiar with state laws, local restrictions and facility rules. Local restrictions may limit where riding is allowed and facilities may limit the use of certain vehicle types.
- Children under the age of 10 may not operate a recreational vehicle.
Some state parks managed by the Massachusetts Department of Conservation and Recreation are open to recreational vehicles. For a list of open parks, visit www.mass.gov/dcr/recreate/orv.htm.
All off-road vehicle accidents should be reported to the Massachusetts Environmental Police at (800) 632-8075.
The Executive Office of Energy and Environmental Affairs' Office of Law Enforcement, known also as the Massachusetts Environmental Police, is the primary agency responsible for enforcing the Commonwealth's fish and game and boating and recreational vehicle laws. MEP officers enforce laws and regulations related to the protection of natural resources and public parks and land; boat and recreational vehicle use; and hazardous waste disposal. MEP officers serve as stewards of the state's natural resources, patrolling forests, parks, inland waterways and coastal waters throughout the Commonwealth.
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Gubernatorial Forum a Success: Sharp Policy Differences Expressed
from ELM Bulletin, Thu, July 1, 2010
ELM and over 40 co-sponsoring organizations hosted a Gubernatorial Forum on Energy and the Environment the evening of June 29. The Forum drew over 400 audience members to the Old South Meeting House in Boston.
Participating candidates were Governor Deval Patrick, Green/Rainbow Coalition candidate Jill Stein, Independent candidate Tim Cahill and House Minority Leader Brad Jones, who served as a surrogate for Republican candidate Charles Baker (after Baker refused to attend the event).
 ELM's President, George Bachrach, moderated the event and the panelists were Beth Daley of the Boston Globe and Steve Curwood, host of Public Radio's Living on Earth. The forum delineated sharp differences of opinion on Cape Wind, climate change and funding for environmental programs and land/water conservation.
To see video clips of the event, click here.
To read a Boston Globe story about the event, click here.
For additional pictures from the forum, click here.
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JOB OPPORTUNITY: Assistant Watershed Scientist
The Mystic River Watershed Association (MyRWA) is a volunteer based science and advocacy group that works to protect and restore the Mystic River, its tributaries and watershed lands for the benefit of present and future generations and to celebrate the value, importance and great beauty of these natural resources.
MyRWA seeks an Assistant Watershed Scientist. MyRWA is looking for a dynamic, full-time employee to assist the Water Quality Monitoring Director and take over day to day management of the Mystic Monitoring Network (MMN), a volunteer water quality monitoring program. This is a three year grant funded position.
Responsibilities:
- Recruit, train, and evaluate volunteers for water quality monitoring
- Assist in developing sampling plans to assess water quality conditions in the Mystic River watershed
- Plan and coordinate water quality sampling events
- Perform water quality sampling as needed
- Input, process, and analyze water quality monitoring data
- Meet with municipal, state, and federal officials to review sampling plans and results; facilitate working partnerships with these stakeholders to address problems and develop action plans
- Assist with leading workshops and formal presentations for audiences of diverse backgrounds
- Represent MyRWA at conferences, trainings, and member organization events
- Participate in meetings with partner organizations relating to MyRWA’s monitoring program
Required Qualities:
- Familiarity with water quality sampling procedures
- Knowledge of water chemistry and microbiology
- Strong analytical skills
- Strong organizational skills, with ability to manage multiple projects with overlapping deadlines
- Ability to work independently; self-starter
- Knowledge of watershed science and associated environmental concerns
- Strong ability to communicate effectively in writing, particularly technical data reports
- Strong public speaking skills
- Proficiency in PC-based computing, including Microsoft Office, database and mapping software a plus
- Applicants must be able to occasionally work evenings, early mornings, and weekends
- reliable automobile transportation required
Additional Preferred Qualities:
- Familiarity with Geographic Information Systems (GIS)
- Familiarity with the Mystic Watershed communities
- At least one year of related work experience
Salary: Range of $30,000 - $34,000 commensurate with experience. Health insurance, flex time and professional development opportunities also provided. Start Date: mid-August 2010. Applications will be reviewed as received.
Application Procedure: Send a thoughtful cover letter and resume to search@mysticriver.org. Deadline to apply is July 23rd. No phone calls please!
For more information about our organization visit www.MysticRiver.org
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Watershed Ecologist - Flow restoration program planner
Environmental Analyst IV
Agency Name: |
Dept. of Fish and Game |
Official Title: |
Environmental Analyst IV |
Functional Title: |
Watershed Ecologist - Flow restoration program planner |
Occupational Group: |
Physical Science |
Position Type: |
Civil Service |
Full-Time or Part-Time: |
Full-Time |
Salary Range: |
$55,384.94 to $74,208.16 Annually |
Bargaining Unit: |
09 |
Shift: |
Day |
Confidential: |
No |
Number Of Vacancies: |
1 |
City/Town: |
Boston |
Region: |
BOSTON |
Facility Location: |
Division of Ecological Restoration 251 Causeway Street - Suite 400 Boston, Massachusetts 02114 |
Application Deadline: |
07-27-2010 |
Apply Online: |
No |
Posting ID: |
J22124 |
This position is funded from the Commonwealth's annual operating budget.
Duties:
- Directs the ecological work of the Division of Ecological Restoration in the areas of instream flow and aquatic habitat.
- Designs and supports research to understand the relationship between water quality, water quantity and ecology, e.g., to quantify the water levels necessary to support healthy functioning riverine and other water-dependent organisms and ecosystems.
3. Serves as coordinator for the River Instream Flow Stewards program, working with staff to: (1) set program priorities and workplans, (2) develop and maintain quality control techniques for monitoring, (3) interpret data and identify river restoration and protection strategies, (4) manage projects, contracts and budgets, (5) evaluate program needs and successes, and (6) network to determine appropriate technical partners to help municipalities and groups solve problems and protect resources.
4. Supervises staff who provide materials, training, and support to citizens and municipal officials for data collection and management activities that lead to improved surface water functioning. Work includes organizing training workshops, collecting and analyzing data, and providing data or other relevant information to local, state and federal agencies, consulting firms and project proponents to plan monitoring, protection and restoration projects that identify and mitigate problem areas.
5. Sets yearly staff program goals and prepares employee performance evaluations and conducts one-on-one meetings with staff to ensure goals and objectives are successfully met.
6. Participates in RIFLS Program activities including: (1) measuring stream flow and analyzing data to develop rating curves, (2) overseeing maintenance of technical equipment, databases and website, (3) providing workshops, technical sessions, materials, studies for technical audiences, federal, state and local officials and lay persons, (4) assisting citizens groups and others in the design and implementation of instream flow monitoring and restoration programs to collect and analyze hydrological and related ecological data and develop river restoration and protection plans based on results.
7. Provides technical guidance to communities, watershed associations and others in the identification, protection and stewardship of waters with ecological significance
8. Assists with the Division of Ecological Restoration quarterly and final reports and collaborates with other Division and Department staff as necessary.
9. Coordinates work on the above areas with all of DFG’s and other state and federal programs relating to instream flow, aquatic habitat and watershed-based ecological planning, protection and stewardship.
10. Represents the Department and the Division of Ecological Restoration and presents at interagency meetings, commission hearings, task forces, boards, conferences, and state and non-government committees as needed to share information and develop guidelines, recommendations and policies.
11. When appropriate, coordinates the Division of Ecological Restoration’s review from a hydrological and biological perspective of various laws, regulations, policies, plans and other actions affecting rivers and streams.
12. Prepares and submits grant applications to agencies and foundations.
13. Participates in capital and grant budget process and shares programmatic and administrative duties as needed.
14. Oversees flow restoration modeling and restoration projects performed by staff, or under contract with consultants, non-profit agencies and or grantees to ensure implementation is completed successfully.
15. Prepares technical specifications for RFRs for services and grants and develops associated budgets.
16. Prepares educational materials such as public presentations, articles, fact sheets, web-content.
Qualifications:
MINIMUM ENTRANCE REQUIREMENTS:
Applicants must have at least (A) five years of full-time, or equivalent part-time, technical or professional experience in the field of environmental science, biology, chemistry, earth science, environmental health, meteorology, natural science, toxicology or public health, of which (B) at least three years must have been in a professional capacity, and of which (C) at least one year must have been in a supervisory, managerial or administrative capacity, or (D) any equivalent combination of the required experience and the following substitutions.
Substitutions:
I. An Associate's degree with a major in the field of environmental science, biology, chemistry, earth science, environmental health, meteorology, natural science, toxicology or public health may be substituted for a maximum of one year of the required (A) experience.*
II. A Bachelor's degree with a major in the field of environmental science, biology, chemistry, earth science, environmental health, meteorology, natural science, toxicology or public health may be substituted for a maximum of one year of the required (A) experience.*
III. A Graduate degree with a major in environmental science, biology, chemistry, earth science, environmental health, meteorology, natural science, toxicology or public health may be substituted for a maximum of three years of the required (A) experience and one year of the required (B) experience.*
*Education toward such a degree will be prorated on the basis of the proportion of the requirements actually completed.
NOTE: Educational substitutions will only be permitted for a maximum of one year of the required (B) experience. No substitutions will be permitted for the required (C) experience.
SPECIAL REQUIREMENTS: Based on assignment, possession of a current and valid Massachusetts Class D Motor Vehicle Operator's License.
Preferred Qualifications:
1. Strong scientific background relating to instream flow, hydrology, relationship between water use, aquifers and surface waters, aquatic ecology and watershed management.
3. Ability to oversee scientific studies relating to instream flow, fisheries and habitat.
4. Ability to supervise staff.
5. Ability to plan program priorities, develop data collection methods, manage budgets and contracts.
6. Ability to analyze and communicate the meaning of complex data and to make meaningful conclusions.
7. Proven ability to work with the public and a variety of interested and involved parties, provide training and develop advocacy skills appropriate for instream flow restoration.
8. Ability to coordinate work with all of DFG’s and other state and federal programs relating to instream flow, aquatic habitat and watershed-based ecological planning, protection and stewardship.
9. Ability to understand scientific concepts and support volunteers to ensure quality control of the data.
10. Computer proficiency with the suite of Microsoft programs and GIS skills.
11. Ability to communicate effectively in written and oral expression.
Comments:
The Watershed Ecologist provides leadership for the flow restoration program and guides the use of staff and fiscal resources to achieve program goals. The position provides overall development, strategic planning and coordination of the instream flow and aquatic habitat protection initiatives for the Division of Ecological Restoration. The position works with staff to identify strategies, projects, tasks that achieve these initiatives and program goals. The position manages a staff of scientists, as well as interns, ensuring that their work has both scientific and applicable merit. The position is directly responsible for team building and employee performance evaluations. This position serves as an advisor to improve policies and regulation that impact in-stream flow.
In addition, the position oversees the River Instream Flow Stewards (RIFLS) program which works with volunteers to document local stream flows and protect and restore natural flow regimes. Staff train volunteers, provide the scientific underpinnings for the work and support implementation. This position also oversees scientific studies, contracts, RFRs and other tasks related to projects that the Division of Ecological Restoration is managing. Other duties may include project planning and administration, data analysis, report writing, supervising staff, meeting coordination, program evaluation, and maintaining liaisons with other agencies and organizations.
This is a Civil Service position.
How To Apply:
All application 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, then EOEA employment application or you may request a copy be sent to you. All applications must be received no later than 5:00 PM on Friday July 30, 2010.
How to apply:
Mail cover letter and resume to:
Peter Burke, Personnel Officer
Department Of Fish And Game
251 Causeway Street - Suite 400
Boston, Massachusetts 02114
Telephone #: (617) 626-1562
Fax #: (617) 626-1505
Agency Web Address:
http://www.mass.gov/dfwele/
Diversity Officer:
Mr. Peter Burke, (617) 626-1562
An Equal Opportunity/Affirmative Action Employer. Females, minorities, veterans, and persons with disabilities are strongly encouraged to apply.
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Job Announcement: Executive Director for the River Management Society (http://www.river-management.org)
The River Management Society (RMS), a nonprofit organization dedicated to supporting professionals who study, protect, and manage North America's rivers, is seeking a half-time Executive Director to lead the organization into its third decade. With over 500 members and an annual budget over $100,000, RMS meets its mission by encouraging professional development, promoting the use of science in river policy development and decision-making, and creating diverse information and education opportunities.
RMS is seeking a talented person with the necessary experience, energy, and creativity to manage the organization and increase its impact on the river management profession. Under the guidance of a national board of directors, the Executive Director’s
responsibilities include project oversight and coordination; fundraising; membership outreach; event planning; and policy development. The successful candidate will oversee staff and work with partner organizations and contractors to implement the Society’s mission. This includes producing a quarterly journal, maintaining an expanding website, organizing a biennial international river management symposium, developing workshops or other training opportunities on topic-focused river management issues, and supporting RMS members in their professional development.
The position is half-time, and the starting salary is $17 per hour, depending on experience. Other benefits include paid holidays, vacation, sick leave, and health/retirement allowances. The Society operates from the director’s home office (i.e., where the successful candidate for this position currently lives, or subsequently moves to), and an office rental stipend is included. More information about the organization is available at: http://www.river-management.org
A complete position description is available at http://www.river-management.org/pdfs/ed.pdf. Send electronic cover letter and resume to RMS President Steve Johnson at steveriverjohnson@gmail.com under the subject header "Executive Director Search" by August 3, 2010.
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Outdoor Movies Begin Friday, July 16
from the City of Pittsfield Parks and Recreation News
The “Summer Outdoor Movie Series” will begin Friday, July 16 and continue each Friday night this summer until August 6; rain unfortunately will cancel the movie.
Each Friday night at dusk families are encouraged to come to The Common on First Street, pickup some popcorn at the Lion’s Club Popcorn table, and catch a free family-friendly movie.
The following four movies will be shown:
July 16: Cloudy with a Chance of Meatballs
July 23: Kung Fu Panda
July 30: Hotel for Dogs
August 6: Back to the Future
This summer's movies are generously sponsored by the Greylock Federal Credit Union. Call 499-9370 for more information.
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CET Co-directors to Retire, Board Names Successor
The Center for Ecological Technology’s (CET) Board of Directors announced today that longtime Co-Directors Alan Silverstein and Laura Dubester are retiring this fall after more than 30 years of leading the environmental organization. CET’s Board has unanimously selected John Majercak, an Associate Director at CET, as its new Executive Director effective this fall. Nancy Nylen, Associate Director with over 30 years of employment with CET, will continue to serve in that role.
Mr. Silverstein and Ms. Dubester leave a legacy of over three decades of diverse and innovative programs and services that focused on practical and affordable solutions to environmental problems. Their work at CET started in the post oil-crisis of the late 1970s and has continued steadfastly through decades of changing attitudes towards environmental issues. During their tenure, CET grew from a small office in Pittsfield with a half dozen employees to one of the region’s largest green job employers with close to 100 staff members working in offices in Pittsfield, Northampton and the ReStore Home Improvement Center in Springfield.
"We’re incredibly grateful for Alan and Laura’s leadership for all these years," said Paul Gavrity, CET Board President. "They are pioneers who have helped to change the way we think about how our daily activities impact our environment – and finding ways to lessen that impact. "The need for CET’s work in our communities has never been greater - and we are grateful to the entire CET staff and excited to pass the torch to John at this important time."
Mr. Majercak has worked for CET for nearly 20 years in a variety of positions and brings a positive vision, strong background in environmental science, broad experience, and a highly successful track record to the Executive Director position. Mr. Majercak is Director of CET’s ReStore Home Improvement Center in Springfield that came to fruition through his vision and leadership. He is currently overseeing a $3 million expansion that includes a deep energy retrofit of an older commercial building that will house the expanded ReStore.
Mr. Majercak’s work in organic waste composting has garnered national recognition as a model for building a market-based system for diverting commercial food waste from disposal. Project work includes green job training for weatherization workers and public education on energy efficiency, radon and recycling. Mr. Majercak has responsibilities for program development and management, communications, fundraising and development, and strategic planning for CET.
Mr. Majercak currently serves as Chair of the Board of Directors of the national Building Materials Reuse Association, and has recently served on the Springfield 2030 Vision Advisory Committee, The Pioneer Valley Green Economy Task Force, and the Massachusetts Department of Environmental Protection’s Organic Waste Advisory Committee.
Mr. Majercak’s past experience includes work in quality assurance and technical service in the bio-technology industry in Cambridge, MA; as a National Park Ranger in Wyoming and Hawaii; and canvassing for an environmental organization in New Jersey. He received a B.A. in Biology from Cornell University.
"I am deeply honored and very excited to have been chosen to lead CET," said Mr. Majercak. "We’re in great shape to handle this transition – we have a solid transition plan, a deep bench of committed and talented people on our Board and staff, and dedicated partners and supporters in the community."
Mr. Silverstein and Ms. Dubester will remain at CET during the transition, and will continue to serve on CET’s Board of Directors. In addition, CET has a highly experienced management team, many of whom have been with the organization for 5-10 years.
Here are a few highlights of the many programs that Mr. Silverstein and Ms. Dubester have developed and overseen over the years:
- Designed/constructed first free-standing passive solar greenhouse at the then Berkshire
- Garden Center, teaching people of all walks of live about efficiency and renewable energy
- Helping tens of thousands of residents save money and energy
- Creating the CET Home Heating Oil Co-op (now providing Bio-Heat)
- Having an active role in other organizations - Energy Federation Inc., Earth Share New England, MassRecycle
- Working with nurses at Operation BetterStart/WIC to help at-risk pregnant women reduce exposure to such toxicants as lead, PCBs, mercury, pesticides and other harmful chemicals
"My first project at CET was an innovative program to provide home energy assessments to help people reduce their fuel bills," said Ms. Dubester. "It was during the recession of the seventies and funded through a stimulus grant. What is most important to me is CET’s accomplishments in demonstrating the positive - that we can have healthier lives and more vibrant communities by protecting our environment."
"I started with CET back in the ‘70s as a solar trainee," said Alan Silverstein. "Through the past 3 decades, the environmental movement has come full circle as the effects of human activities on air and water quality, global warming and public health are more evident and understood by so many people. I’m proud that CET has played an important role in bringing awareness and positive solutions to western Massachusetts. The need for CET in our communities has never been greater."
The Center for Ecological Technology (CET) is a non-profit organization that promotes practical solutions to the environmental challenges we face in our daily activities. CET has been serving the western Massachusetts community since 1976, through locations in Springfield, Northampton and Pittsfield. For more information about CET visit www.cetonline.org.
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The Old Mill Trail is a community project supported by HVA, Crane & Co., MA Fish and Wildlife, and the communities of Dalton and Hinsdale.
Maybe you helped build the bridge or the trail now come help finish the Old Mill Trail!
Tuesday, July 20
5:00pm – 7:00pm (approximately!)
COME HELP PLACE THE TRAIL MARKERS!
MEETING PLACE: Hinsdale Trading Co., Old Dalton Road
MEETING TIME: 5:00pm
BRING: water to drink and your favorite hammer
WE WILL SUPPLY THE TRAIL MARKERS, NAILS AND A FEW HAMMERS
Please feel free to invite any other people that you would like. We would like to make it a fun, relaxing way to enjoy the trail and get some work done as well.
Call or Email us to let us know you are planning on coming:
dregan@hvatoday.org or call 413-394-9796
If you cannot make the day, but would like to stay involved with the project, please let us know.
Alison Dixon
Berkshire Outreach Manager
Housatonic Valley Association
P.O. Box 251, 1383 Rte 102
South Lee, MA 01260
www.hvatoday.org
413-394-9796
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Postdoc on urban social-ecological systems in Boston
A postdoctoral position is available to examine urban greening as a key form of urban land use-land cover change in the greater metro region of Boston, MA. The project involves an interdisciplinary team of social-ecological system researchers at UMass Amherst and 7 other institutions, including Clark University and the Urban Ecology Institute. The successful candidate will be an integral member of this team and will conduct spatial analysis on the current state of green infrastructure and greening interventions in the Boston Metropolitan area.
Research involving the postdoc may include some or all of the following:
- current and historical patterns of land use and land cover
- urban food webs and invasive species
- analysis of river networks and water quality
- public health issues
- future scenarios for the Boston Metropolitan area
The successful applicant must be adept at working with multiple researchers with varying interests in urban ecology, including geographers, landscape and urban planners, ecologists, and environmental educators. Strong communication skills are also required for coordinating interviews and meetings. In addition to supporting the overall project, candidates will be encouraged to develop their own research agenda within the project scope.
The preferred start date is January 2011, although there may be some flexibility. The primary location for the postdoc will be at UMass Amherst, but substantial time will need to be spent at other host institutions, and in the city of Boston. This is a one-year position, with the possible extension to two years. Applicants must have relevant Ph.D. experience in ecology, geography, landscape planning, or conservation biology, and be eager to work in an interdisciplinary team with the other scientists on the project. Prior experience with integrating socio-ecology into urban ecosystems is desirable. Candidates with expertise with GIS, modeling, and scenario building, are encouraged to apply.
Review of applicants will begin July 31, 2010, and continue until the position is filled. Applicants should submit (electronically) a cover letter that highlights the applicant’s skills and abilities in areas relevant to this project; curriculum vitae; a one or two page statement of experience as it relates to the stated project goals; a maximum of five sample reprints/preprints (electronic versions); and names, addresses, phone numbers and e-mail addresses of three references. A copy of the grant proposal supporting this project is available on request. Applications should be sent (e-mail preferred) to: Paige Warren (pswarren@nrc.umass.edu), Department of Natural Resources Conservation, Holdsworth Hall, University of Massachusetts, Amherst, MA 01003.
The University provides an intellectual environment committed to providing academic excellence and diversity. The University is committed to increasing the diversity of the faculty, student body and the curriculum The University of Massachusetts is an Affirmative Action/Equal Opportunity Employer. Women and members of minority groups are encouraged to apply.
Related posts:
- Resilience of social-ecological forest systems: post-doctoral position at Umeå
- Postdoc to work on Resilience and Health
- Postdoc on dynamic models of vulnerability in drylands and coastal zones
» Read full article on[Resilience Science]
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