2012

Water and Your Milk Supply December 31, 2012: Did you know that milk is made up of 87% water?
Preventing Septic Malfunctions December 24, 2012: For most people living in rural areas, collection, treatment, and disposal of sewage must be accomplished on site. Here are some tips to prevent problems with your system.
Delaware River Basin Commission 2011 Annual Report Available December 20, 2012: The Delaware River Basin Commission this week released its Annual Report highlighting its accomplishments and challenges from 2011 and celebrating the Commission’s 50th Anniversary.
Online registration now available for 23rd Annual PALMS Conference December 20, 2012: The Pennsylvania Lake Management Society commonly known as “PALMS” or “PA Lakes” is a non-profit organization dedicated to the management, restoration and protection of Pennsylvania’s lakes and surrounding watersheds. PALMS is comprised of lake and watershed associations, concerned citizens and watershed management professionals from the private and public sector with the common interest of protecting Pennsylvania lakes for future generations. 23rd Annual PALMS Conference; February 20 - 21, 2013; Ramada Hotel & Conference Center; State College, PA
Conservation Landscape Summit December 20, 2012: Learn how communities are using their natural assets to drive local conservation, planning and community economic revitalization efforts. January 14-15, 2013 in Harrisburg, PA (NOTE: Due to Superstorm Sandy, event was re-scheduled from Oct. 29-30th to January 14-15, 2013)
WaterSense at Work: Best Management Practices for Commercial and Institutional Facilities Available Online December 17, 2012: WaterSense has developed WaterSense at Work, a compilation of water-efficiency best management practices, to help commercial and institutional facilities understand and better manage their water use, help facilities establish an effective water management program and identify projects and practices that can reduce facility water use.
Decommissioning Wells for Safety December 17, 2012: Do you have an old well on your property that isn’t used anymore? Pennsylvania has one of the largest rural populations of any state in the country, and most rural populations depend on private water systems for drinking water. So it is common to find old, unused wells throughout the state.
Penn State Conducting Online Survey of Opinions about Pennsylvania's Water Resources December 14, 2012: This is your chance to be heard on the value and importance of water resources in Pennsylvania! Researchers from Penn State along with several other partner agencies are conducting an online survey of Pennsylvania residents about the state's water resources.
December 18 Webinar to Focus on Managing Water Wells and Springs Near Gas Drilling December 13, 2012: The next water resources webinar sponsored by Penn State Extension will focus on the proper testing and management of private water wells and springs near gas drilling activity.
Tips for Buying Water Treatment Equipment December 10, 2012: Do you have water treatment equipment in your home? Do you NEED water treatment equipment in your home? Surveys have found that about 60 percent of the homes in Pennsylvania served by a private water system such as a well, spring, or cistern, have some type of water treatment equipment.
EPA Recommends New Recreational Water Quality Criteria to Better Protect Public Health December 4, 2012: Pursuant to an order from a U.S. District Court and as required by the Beaches Environmental Assessment and Coastal Health Act of 2000, the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) today recommended new recreational water quality criteria for states that will help protect peoples’ health during visits to beaches and waters year round. The science-based criteria provide information to help states improve public health protection by addressing a broader range of illness symptoms, better accounting for pollution after heavy rainfall, providing more protective recommendations for coastal waters, encouraging early alerts to beachgoers and promoting rapid water testing. The criteria released today do not impose any new requirements; instead, they are a tool that states can choose to use in setting their own standards.
Can Public Drinking Water Coalitions Make A Difference? December 3, 2012: Rural Public Water Supplies face many problems and it has been my experience that solutions are always better, the more people you involve in their creation. Typically in PA, rural public water supplies operate independently, managing their own individual systems, and come together only periodically for trade association meetings, trainings, etc. Rural water systems do not typically even connect with nearby water systems that share their watershed upstream or downstream, or with watershed groups that may be working on restoration efforts in their source water areas, or with county planners, etc., but that is beginning to change in PA.
EPA Green Infrastructure Research Website November 27, 2012: Water infrastructure may be considered “gray” or “green.” Gray infrastructure refers to traditional practices for storm water management and wastewater treatment. Green infrastructure refers to sustainable pollution reducing practices that also provide other ecosystem services such as reduced greenhouse gas emissions or increased flood control. Examples of green infrastructure include grass and forest buffers, use of porous materials for paving, as well as small-scale practices like rain gardens and rain barrels. EPA scientists are studying green infrastructure to determine the most effective and efficient practices for water treatment, management and transport. Learn more at the Green Infrastructure Research Website.
Change of Ideas November 26, 2012: We are in the midst of a paradigm shift that extends from the average citizen to government institutions. More and more, Americans are focusing on the dichotomy between the need for clean water and functioning sewer systems, and the costs and issues associated with building or updating infrastructure to support those needs—development that potentially can create clean water problems due to runoff.
Preventing Frozen Pipes November 26, 2012: It has been getting chillier at night. Winter will soon be here and when that happens, temperatures drop considerably and can cause freezing water issues both indoors and out. So here are some tips to help you avoid common problems in winter and hopefully prevent frustration for you, your pets, your livestock and the wild birds that you may like to feed.
November 28 Webinar to Focus on Septic System Management November 20, 2012: The next Penn State Water Resources webinar will focus on the proper management of onlot septic systems. Dana Rizzo, a water resources extension educator with Penn State Extension and the Westmoreland Conservation District will present this 60-minute webinar on Wednesday, November 28, 2012 from noon to 1 PM.
EPA Launches New SepticSmart Initiative November 19, 2012: Did you know that one-quarter of all U.S. homes have septic systems? Yours may be one of them. If you’re not properly maintaining your septic system, you’re not only hurting the environment, you’re putting your family’s health at risk—and may be flushing thousands of dollars down the drain! EPA’s SepticSmart initiative is a nation-wide public education effort that aims to inform homeowners living on properties serviced by septic systems on the importance of properly maintaining their septic system and provide valuable resources to help homeowners make important decisions regarding their wastewater management needs. The initiative also provides resources for outreach organizations and government leaders who seek promote this message locally.
Penn State Extension Assists North Central Private Water Supply Owners November 19, 2012: Penn State Extension worked with the Headwaters Resource Conservation and Development Council and the Clearfield Conservation District to implement a Colcum Foundation Grant in eight counties in North Central Pennsylvania. The project was geared toward low to moderate income residents to assist them in obtaining pre-gas well drilling, chain of custody, water test reports.
New Brighton, PA’s Storm Drain Marking Project Puts Clean Water Message on the Street November 13, 2012: The streets of New Brighton’s commercial district will soon have a unique new addition to their storm drains.
Pond and Lake Management Workshops - A Success! November 5, 2012: Penn State Extension sponsored or assisted with nine pond and lake workshops throughout Pennsylvania in 2012 which were attended by 433 pond and lake owners or managers representing over 1,300 acres of ponds and lakes.
Workshop on Interpreting Water Test Results November 2, 2012: Penn State Extension will hold a workshop, Water Test Result Interpretation, on Tuesday, November 13, 2012. The workshop will be held at the Loyalsock District Office, 6735 Route 220, Dushore, PA 18614, from 6:00 PM - 8:00 PM. Participants will learn how to understand water test reports, as well as drinking water standards, chain-of-custody, various water test parameters, and comparing test results with standards.
Limited Number of Free Water Tests Still Available for Pennsylvania Dairy Farms November 1, 2012: Penn State Extension still has about 80 free water test kits available for Pennsylvania dairy producers. These kits are part of an extension educational program that in part encourages livestock producers to regularly test their water supply.
Dive Deeper Summit Participants Eager to Gather Again Next Year October 29, 2012: Youth Water Educators from around the Mid-Atlantic Region gathered together in Harrisburg, PA for a day of learning, networking, and sharing resources. The Dive Deeper Summit, hosted by Penn State Extension on September 27, 2012, was the first of its kind for most participants.
New App Lets Users Check Health of Waterways Anywhere in the U.S. October 22, 2012: The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) today launched a new app and website to help people find information on the condition of thousands of lakes, rivers and streams across the United States from their smart phone, tablet or desktop computer. Available at http://www.epa.gov/mywaterway, the How’s My Waterway app and website uses GPS technology or a user-entered zip code or city name to provide information about the quality of local water bodies. The release of the app and website helps mark the 40th anniversary of the Clean Water Act, which Congress enacted on October 18, 1972, giving citizens a special role in caring for the nation’s water resources. Forty years later, EPA is providing citizens with a technology-based tool to expand that stewardship.
Emerging Water Topics Highlight Penn State Webinar Series Starting October 31 October 22, 2012: Marcellus gas drilling and other emerging water resources issues will be covered during monthly Web-based seminars produced by Penn State Extension starting this fall. Topics over the next 12 months will include water testing, septic systems, groundwater quality, water education, West Nile Virus and managing ponds and lakes.
Lexus and Scholastic Launch Sixth Annual Environmental Contest for Middle and High School Students October 19, 2012: A program of automaker Lexus and children's publishing company Scholastic, the Lexus Eco Challenge is an educational program and contest designed to inspire and empower middle and high school students in the United States to learn about the environment and take action to improve it. In its sixth year, the program will award a total of $500,000 in grants and scholarships. The competition is open to students in grades 6-12 who are either registered and home-schooled or enrolled in a public or accredited private school, and who are legal residents of the U.S. or the District of Columbia. Teams of students can enter if they are part of an afterschool science or environmental club, but the challenge is not open to clubs outside of school.The submission deadline for Challenge 1 (land/water) is October 29, 2012; the deadline for Challenge 2 (air/climate) is December 17, 2012.
New Issue of On Tap Available Online October 18, 2012: A new issue of On Tap, the National Environmental Services Center’s drinking water and wastewater magazine, is now available . The fall/winter 2012 issue features articles about environmental justice, how to become more water and energy efficient, the second part of an in-depth rate setting article, and a look at two emerging issues: phosphorus and source water monitoring in areas where hydraulic fracturing is used in natural gas extraction. As always, we encourage you to use the information in On Tap in your community. All we ask is that you give us credit and let us know how you used it.
DEA’s Fifth National Prescription Drug Take-Back Day Results in Another Big Haul October 16, 2012: Results of the September 29, 2012 DEA Drug Take-Back Day are announced. For the fifth time in two years, Americans emptied medicine cabinets, bedside tables, and kitchen drawers of unwanted, unused, and expired prescription drugs and took them to collection sites located throughout the United States as part of the Drug Enforcement Administration’s (DEA) National Prescription Drug Take-Back Day. DEA’s state, local, and tribal law enforcement partners, working at more than 5,263 locations, collected 488,395 pounds (244 tons) of prescription medications from members of the public. Follow the link for the Press Release.
Inaugural Conservation Landscape Summit October 16, 2012: Inaugural Conservation Landscape Summit will be held in Harrisburg, PA October 29-30, 2012. Learn how communities are using their natural assets to drive local conservation, planning and community economic revitalization efforts. For more information or to register visit the conference web site. Media contact: Christina Novak, 717-772-9101. SOURCE Pennsylvania Department of Conservation and Natural Resources.
Call for Abstracts - 2013 Pennsylvania Groundwater Symposium - May 8, 2013 October 15, 2012: In celebration of National Drinking Water Week, Penn State Extension and the Pennsylvania Department of Environmental Protection along with numerous other sponsors invite you to submit abstracts for the 2013 Pennsylvania Groundwater Symposium at Penn State University in University Park, PA.
Penn State Extension to Provide Free Water Tests for Dairy Farms October 9, 2012: Pennsylvania dairy producers have the opportunity to participate in a free Penn State Extension Water Testing program that began October 1, 2012.
Profile: The River Alert Information Network (RAIN): Making Regional Drinking Water Collaboration Work October 9, 2012: WREN is pleased to share the article WREN wrote about RAIN – the River Alert Information Network, source water protection/water quality monitoring, which just appeared in the Sept 2012 issue of the PA State Association of Boroughs News magazine. The article originally appeared in our WREN E-newsletter. Since their theme for the Sept issue was outreach and effective communications, we were happy to oblige PSAB’s request, as source water protection coalitions like RAIN are proving to be an important communications and public education vehicle about community water issues. The PA State Association of Boroughs represents over 900 boroughs with over 2.6 million Pennsylvania residents.
Penn State Extension Offers Aquatic Pesticide Course for Credits October 9, 2012: Penn State Extension is offering an Aquatic Pesticide Course for pond applicators that is approved for three Category 9 recertification credits from the Pennsylvania Department of Agriculture.
EPA Septic (Onsite/Decentralized) Systems Website Moves October 1, 2012: Please note that U.S. Environmental Protection Agency’s (EPA) Decentralized Wastewater Program website has moved. According to EPA, “the septic web content has been migrated and reorganized to better serve key stakeholder groups.”
Dry Basements October 1, 2012: Suppose you are thinking about buying a house with a basement, how can you tell if it might have water problems?
Penn State Water Testing Lab Products Available September 24, 2012: Pennsylvania is fortunate to have a Department of Environmental Protection accredited water testing laboratory at Penn State University.
Take Back Your Meds! September 21, 2012: Saturday Sept 29th from 10 am – 2pm is the National DEA Drug Take Back Date. There are hundreds, if not thousands of participating police departments and sites in Pennsylvania. The service is free and anonymous, no questions asked. Dispose of unwanted medications properly to protect our water and families. You can make a difference in our communities by safely disposing of unused or expired medications (loose pills, creams, liquids and pill packs). Prescription, over-the-counter and veterinary medications will be accepted. Visit the National Take Back Initiative Collection Site Search to find a site near you - all you need is your zip code!
"Occurrence of pharmaceuticals, hormones, and organic wastewater compounds in Pennsylvania waters, 2006-09" Report Released September 17, 2012: Low concentrations of 51 different contaminants, including pharmaceuticals, hormones and organic wastewater compounds, were detected in streams and streambed sediments throughout Pennsylvania. In addition to the types and concentrations of contaminants, likely contaminant sources as well as potential impact on aquatic life are discussed.
Water Suppliers Give Thumbs Up to Partnership in Lower Susquehanna River Basin September 11, 2012: The tap water we all take for granted didn't necessarily start out so clean. It may have passed through farm fields and construction sites, over ice-covered roads laden with salt, through over-fertilized lawns and broken septic fields, or past a leaking underground storage tank before it was pumped into the local water treatment plant. If public water suppliers can help keep these and other man-made influences in check prior to the waters reaching their treatment facilities, then the cost to monitor and treat raw water for human consumption at the plants is significantly reduced. Protecting drinking water sources from contamination can be a challenging task in the lower Susquehanna River region, where 50 percent of the land is in agriculture, and water-cleansing forest cover is the lowest compared to other portions of the river basin. Read more in the WREN August 2012 E-NEWS FEATURE
Source Water Webinars September 11, 2012: Free Webinar Series - The Enabling Source Water Protection team, led by The Trust for Public Land and the Smart Growth Leadership Institute, with support from the River Network and the Association of State Drinking Water Administrators, worked with eight state partners over a three-year period on projects to improve drinking water source protection. Funding for this effort was provided by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency. The projects aimed to help the states of New Hampshire, Maine, Utah, Oregon, Ohio, North Carolina, Missouri, and New York work across political and programmatic boundaries to better align planning, economic development, regulation, and conservation to protect drinking water sources at the local and watershed levels. Now that work with the eight states is nearing completion, the team and state partners will report on the most innovative, replicable state agency approaches to protect drinking water in a series of five webinars during the fall of 2012. Visit this website to find information on the dates, times, and titles of the webinars. the series begins September 19, 2012.
Save Water, Save Energy - Save Energy, Save Money! September 10, 2012: Reducing water consumption can benefit Pennsylvania residents in many ways. Water conserving appliances can also save your family money.
NGWA issues public call to action during Protect Your Groundwater Day September 7, 2012: With drought gripping our nation, protecting groundwater through conservation, as well as contamination prevention, takes on added importance during this year’s September 11 Protect Your Groundwater Day, an event established several years ago by the National Ground Water Association. “Using water wisely is important no matter where one lives. Drought simply underscores that groundwater is a finite resource worth protecting,” said NGWA Public Awareness Director Cliff Treyens. Treyens said preventing contamination of groundwater is something every person can do through simple adjustments in their daily habits. Find out what you can do to protect this important resource. Your drinking water depends on it.
Master Well Owner Trainings Announced September 3, 2012: The Penn State Master Well Owner Network (MWON) has released its schedule of training opportunities for new MWON volunteers for the next year.
Remove standing water to keep mosquitoes, West Nile virus at bay August 27, 2012: The itch of a mosquito bite is one of the common nuisances of summer. But with mosquito populations seemingly exploding this year -- and cases of mosquito-borne West Nile virus reaching unprecedented numbers nationally -- it's a good idea to take a few simple precautions to reduce the chances of being bitten.
A Function-Based Framework for Stream Assessment and Restoration Projects Available Online August 27, 2012: EPA has released a new technical resource to improve stream assessment and restoration for watershed practitioners. A Function-Based Framework for Stream Assessment and Restoration Projects lays out a framework for approaching stream assessment and restoration projects that focuses on understanding the suite of stream functions at a site in the context of what is happening in the watershed. The framework is an expansive resource covering watershed and river corridor processes, and the document provides several hypothetical examples and a detailed discussion of how the framework could be used to develop and assess stream restoration projects.
Managing Private Water Supplies During Drought August 27, 2012: Droughts can be a stressful time for rural homeowners and farmers who rely on groundwater wells for a water supply. The availability of water underground is often invisible to the homeowner creating nervousness about whether the water supply will continue to meet the water needs of the home or farm.
Cover Cropping with the Penn State Interseeder is all about Downstream August 20, 2012: The use of cover crops on the farm can slow erosion, improve soil quality, enhance nutrient retention, aide in moisture retention and compete against weeds. These benefits, and many others, are well understood by a growing number of notill and reduced-tillage producers in Pennsylvania who pay particular attention to their soils and off-site impacts.
Registration Now Open for Stormwater- Green Solutions beyond Gray Pipes: A Conference on Policy, Financing and Technology August 20, 2012: The PA Environmental Council is happy to announce registration is now open for our conference “Stormwater- Green Solutions beyond Gray Pipes: A Conference on Policy, Financing and Technology” on September 18 and 19 in Harrisburg. The profile of stormwater has steadily been increasing in recent years. Municipalities, businesses and homeowners are, now more than ever, looking for opportunities to effectively manage rainwater where it falls as a resource and to deliver improved environments. Green infrastructure experts will provide current local and regional perspectives and practical, cost effective solutions for managing stormwater in Pennsylvania. For the conference agenda and to register, visit the Stormwater Conference website.
DEP Webinar To Focus On Water Wellness August 16, 2012: Join experts from the Department of Environmental Protection and Penn State Extension's Master Well Owner Network on September 19 for an informative webinar about keeping your on-lot septic and private water systems problem-free. Learn how to avoid malfunction, prevent contamination, conserve water and reduce waste flow. The webinar will take place from 7 to 8 p.m. Attendees can participate from the convenience of their home computers. Online registration is available for the webinar. If you are unable to participate on September 19, or for more information, visit DEP’s DEP@Home webpage.
New Hands-on Watershed Decisions Lesson Plan for Teens and Adults August 13, 2012: A new, interactive, inquiry-based lesson plan has been created to help older youth better understand water quality issues that surround small watersheds and the decision making processes that go into improving those water quality issues.
DEP Declares Drought Watch for 15 Pennsylvania Counties July 31, 2012: The Department of Environmental Protection today issued a drought watch for 15 Western Pennsylvania counties. A drought watch declaration is the first and least severe level of the state’s three drought classifications. It calls for a voluntary five percent reduction in nonessential water use and puts large water consumers on notice to begin planning for the possibility of reduced water supplies.
New DEP Webinar Series to Offer Online Learning for Families July 30, 2012: This quarterly series of webinars produced by the Department of Environmental Protection, features information on timely environmental topics and issues of interest to Pennsylvania residents, homeowners and dwellers. The webinars will be held in the evenings and feature DEP experts exploring a variety of environmental topics in easy-to-understand terms including summertime advisories for Ozone Action Days and West Nile Virus, taking care of your private water well and septic systems, conserving energy, and radon testing and mitigation to name a few. Future webinar topics are listed below. Dates and times will be announced later. Current topics are: August 2012 - Water Well-ness: Learn about construction and care for private water wells and septic systems. October 2012 - Watts Up?: Learn some simple energy conservation tips to prepare for the change of the seasons. January 2013 - The Reality of Radon: Learn about testing for and mitigating radon.
Geothermal Heat Pumps July 30, 2012: How do you heat your home? Oil? Gas? Electricity? How about cooling it? Do you have electric central air conditioning? What type of water heater do you have? Are those utility bills eating into your paycheck? Have you ever thought of installing a geothermal heating and cooling system?
Pond and Lake Water Quality July 23, 2012: During this hot summer, residents of lake communities and private pond owners are enjoying swimming, boating and fishing in the lake or pond. Your enjoyment of the pond or lake depends on maintaining the water quality of the pond or lake.
AEC focuses on Riparian Buffers at Ag Progress Days July 16, 2012: Ag Progress Days are just around the corner! Be sure to check out Penn State's Agriculture and Environment Center while you are there. The Agriculture and Environment Center is focusing on one best management practice for water quality; riparian buffers. Stop by to learn all you need to know about riparian buffers and what they can do for you and your land.
Fieldprint Calculator 2.0 Launched July 16, 2012: The Fieldprint Calculator is a free online tool for growers to voluntarily and securely analyze how their management choices impact natural resources and operational efficiency. Field to Market continues to learn about the relationships between agricultural practices and sustainability outcomes. Updates to the Calculator will be made to continue incorporating the best available information about these impacts.
Good Watershed Keeping July 16, 2012: Pennsylvania is a water-rich state with six watersheds. Water that collects in local streams flows down through the watershed finally reaching a saltwater body, so what you do in the watershed is felt many hundreds of miles away.
Dive Deeper Registration Now Open July 13, 2012: Dive Deeper is a multi-state environmental education summit spotlighting innovative teaching about water, for anyone who teaches youth about water. This is an all-day event with workshops, lunch, and guest speakers.
EPA Releases Green Infrastructure Permitting and Enforcement Fact Sheets July 9, 2012: EPA has released a series of six fact sheets on incorporating green infrastructure measures into National Pollutant Discharge Elimination System wet weather programs. The series builds upon existing EPA authority, guidance and agreements to describe how EPA and state permitting and enforcement professionals can work with permittees to include green infrastructure measures as part of control programs. The six fact sheets and four supplements address stormwater permits, total maximum daily loads, combined sewer overflow long-term control plans, and enforcement actions.
Understanding and Protecting Source Water July 9, 2012: Whether you use a public water supplier or have a private drinking water well, the water that you drink has to come from somewhere before it gets to you!
Integrated Municipal Stormwater and Wastewater Plans July 3, 2012: EPA has issued a new framework to help local governments meet their Clean Water Act obligations. The Integrated Municipal Stormwater and Wastewater Planning Approach Framework assists EPA regional offices, states, and local governments to develop voluntary storm and wastewater management plans and implement effective integrated approaches that will protect public health by reducing overflows from wastewater systems and pollution from stormwater. In developing the framework, the EPA worked in close coordination with a variety of stakeholders, including publicly owned treatment works, state water permitting authorities, local governments, and nonprofit environmental groups. EPA's framework outlines new flexibility to pursue innovative, cost-saving solutions, like green infrastructure, and will help communities as they develop plans that prioritize their investments in storm and wastewater infrastructure.
Fish for Pennsylvania Ponds July 1, 2012: Is fishing a passion of yours? Why not stock your pond with the right kind of fish so you and your kids can have a great time outdoors?
Ticks and Lyme Disease June 25, 2012: This summer, there has been an increase in reported cases of tick bites. In an effort to promote wellness and to reduce the number of cases, the following information is being offered to keep you safe while at work and during your leisure time.
Essential Smart Growth Fixes for Rural Planning, Zoning, and Development Codes June 18, 2012: This new report from the US Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) offers ten essential fixes to help rural communities amend their codes, ordinances, and development requirements to promote more environmentally and economically sustainable growth.
New Penn State Extension Water Resource Factsheets June 18, 2012: The Penn State Extension Water Resources Team has recently released two new water related factsheets. The factsheets are quick reference guides to help Private Water Supply Owners understand water supply problems and common water testing parameters in Pennsylvania.
Woodlots and Water Quality June 11, 2012: Did you know that approximately 66% of Pennsylvania is still covered by forests? So much forested cover means that many land owners and farmers have small or even sizable woodlots on their property.
Public Safety at Low Head Dams June 4, 2012: Hidden Dangers and Public Safety at Low-head Dams by Bruce A. Tschantz, PE, PhD and Kenneth R. Wright, PE appears in The Journal of Dam Safety, V.9 n.1, 2011, Published by the Association of State Dam Safety Officials. The article reviews the dangers associated with low head dams, a.k.a. "killer dams" and the dangers posed to water recreation. The hazards posed by these dams are discussed in light of a recent study of accidents at these dams over the last four decades. The article concludes with proposed measures to prevent drownings. For more information on dam safety, visit http://www.damsafety.org. (used with permission)
EPA and Hazardous Waste Pharmaceuticals June 4, 2012: The following information was recently shared in the Pharmwaste Digest, Vol 79, Issue 21, and is a good update to the EPA regulation process on Hazardous Waste Pharmaceuticals.
Summer Fire Safety June 1, 2012: Every year Americans look forward to summer vacations, camping, family reunions, picnics, and the Fourth of July. Summertime, however, also brings fires and injuries due to fireworks and outdoor grills. Annually just under 8,600 Americans are injured by fireworks and almost 5,000 are injured by charcoal/wood-burning and propane grill fires. In 2010, 73 percent of fireworks injuries occurred between June 18 and July 18. Visit the FEMA site for safety tips related to fire and summer activities.
EPA Releases Fact Sheet on the Economic Benefits of Protecting Healthy Watersheds May 31, 2012: EPA has released a new fact sheet as part of its Healthy Watersheds initiative describing the economic benefits of protecting healthy watersheds by highlighting examples from existing peer-reviewed literature and studies.
Guiding Hearts with Hope May 29, 2012: An effort by a Hanover woman to help a loved one deal with the disease of addiction has developed into successful drug collection and outreach efforts.
Helping to Save Our Lakes: Taking Care of Stormwater!!! May 21, 2012: Many of our neighborhoods in Pennsylvania have beautiful streams and lakes, which are being degraded due to excessive stormwater runoff.
All the Water on Planet Earth May 17, 2012: How much of planet Earth is made of water? Very little, actually. Although oceans of water cover about 70 percent of Earth's surface, these oceans are shallow compared to the Earth's radius. The above illustration shows what would happen if all of the water on or near the surface of the Earth were bunched up into a ball. The radius of this ball would be only about 700 kilometers, less than half the radius of the Earth's Moon, but slightly larger than Saturn's moon Rhea which, like many moons in our outer Solar System, is mostly water ice. How even this much water came to be on the Earth and whether any significant amount is trapped far beneath Earth's surface remain topics of research.
SRBC Technical Reports on Water Quality Monitoring, Water Availability, Mine Drainage and Other Topics Available Online May 15, 2012: HARRISBURG, Pa. – Among its major responsibilities, the Susquehanna River Basin Commission (SRBC, www.srbc.net) is a leader in data collection and analysis for water quality monitoring, mine drainage and water resource availability. SRBC makes its findings readily available to the public both on-line and through printed publications. SRBC’s more recent technical reports available online or by requesting printed copies.
Water Quality Scams May 14, 2012: A recent article brought to mind how easy it is to be confused about water quality issues as well as potentially lose a lot of money doing things we don’t need to be doing.
Water Found in Swimming Pool Covers Perfect for Mosquitoes May 7, 2012: This week’s guest blog was written by Tom Smith, West Nile Virus Program Administrator, in the Penn State York County Extension Office. With the early detection of West Nile Virus in a horse already, this may be an active year for mosquitoes. The Pest Ed blog will feature a monthly blog article about a West Nile Virus topic through the Fall.
New Website, Great Learning Resource May 7, 2012: The Chesapeake Bay Program has launched a new, improved version of its website. The new Bay Program website provides students, educators and members of the public with the latest information about Bay science, wildlife, pollution pressures and restoration efforts. The new website comes complete with countless new resources, including an improved photo library with hundreds of high-resolution images of the Bay and its watershed, wildlife and pollution problems. Alliance for the Chesapeake Bay staff have been instrumental in building the content featured by the site.
Where Did the Water Go? May 7, 2012: Imagine leaving a hose running into a tank and returning later to find the tank empty instead of full. At best this would be a mystery at worst a serious problem.
APWA Sustainability in Public Works Conference May 1, 2012: As a public works professional, YOU are vital to the overall well-being of your community. Count yourself among the influential public works and sustainable infrastructure leaders who will join together to share solutions and strategize for the future. This is your chance to gather together and participate in a deep dialogue about public works’ role in creating sustainable communities. June 25-24, Pittsburgh, PA
Dive Deeper is Coming - Save the Date May 1, 2012: A multi-state environmental education summit spotlighting innovative teaching about water - Attention all informal and formal educators who teach youth about water (environmental educators, nature center directors, scout leader trainers, camp directors, curriculum coordinators, after school program educators, Envirothon coordinators, classroom teachers, extension educators, and more!!) You are invited to SAVE THE DATE, Thursday, Sept. 27, 2012, for an affordable day (approximately 9:00 a.m. - 3:30 p.m. - lunch included) full of great speakers, hands-on workshops, and idea sharing that will enhance your water education programming. Registration for the Dive Deeper Summit is coming soon!! Visit the website to register to receive information. Act 48 Credits will be available. For more information, contact Jennifer Fetter at (717) 921-8803 or 4HWater@psu.edu
Filamentous Algae April 30, 2012: If you have a pond on your property, you may have already started to see the growth of what looks like green string-like slime on the bottom of your pond. What you probably have is the beginning stages of filamentous algae.
Every Curb is a Shoreline: Responsible Yard and Garden Care to Protect Water Quality April 23, 2012: The growing season began early this year in Pennsylvania, so that means that many of us have already been hard at work preparing yards and gardens for the impending warmer weather.
Pre-drill Water Quality Data Demonstrates the Importance of Private Water Supply Testing April 16, 2012: Water testing by the natural gas industry in the Marcellus Shale region is affirming the need for all rural Pennsylvanians to regularly test their private water supply.
DEA Drug Take-Back April 28, 2012 April 11, 2012: There are many excellent reasons to dispose of unwanted medications properly. To encourage proper disposal, the DEA will again be sponsoring Drug Take-Back programs at many sites across Pennsylvania.
New Marcellus Shale Electronic Field Guide April 9, 2012: Penn State introduces a new online field guide to assist landowners, land managers, and gas companies understand terrestrial challenges facing shale gas development.
Building Your Relationship with Water April 2, 2012: This spring, get a little closer to the water in your life by making a visit to a stream near you.
Watershed Central Tool March 27, 2012: Watershed Central provides state, local, and voluntary watershed management entities with the key tools, resources, guidance, and datasets to aide in a successful watershed management. Designed to assist users to develop and implement effective watershed management programs, Watershed Central includes guidance, tools, case studies, and data sets to help you share information, analyze data, and identify opportunities to initiate or strengthen your watershed efforts. Watershed Central includes a wiki feature which allows the user to submit and edit content so that information is constantly updated by the watershed community. The wiki includes case studies, information on watershed organizations and various watershed management tools.
New EPA Document Released for Identifying and Protecting Healthy Watersheds March 27, 2012: EPA recently released a new technical document titled “Identifying and Protecting Healthy Watersheds: Concepts, Assessments, and Management Approaches.” This document provides state water quality and aquatic resource scientists and managers with an overview of the key concepts behind the Healthy Watersheds Initiative. The initiative is intended to preserve and maintain natural ecosystems by protecting our remaining healthy watersheds, preventing them from becoming impaired and accelerating our restoration successes. Examples of approaches for assessing components of healthy watersheds are provided as well as integrated assessment options for identifying healthy watersheds, examples of management approaches and assessment tools and sources of data. States are encouraged to take a strategic, systems approach to protecting healthy watersheds and preventing future water quality impairments.
Penn State Extension Completes Private Water Well Study in Cameron County March 26, 2012: Results of a study designed to educate and to encourage private water well owners to regularly test their private water supplies highlight the value of water testing.
Water We Drink Website Offers Resources March 19, 2012: The Water We Drink: Small Community Outreach Campaign, which offers information about maintaining safe, sustainable, and secure water supplies in small and rural communities, has several articles written especially for those who oversee local water and wastewater services.
Lower Susquehanna River Watershed Assessment Website March 12, 2012: The LSRWA's mission is to address sediment accumulation behind the Conowingo Dam, and the associated potential for storms to affect water quality and aquatic life in the Chesapeake Bay. This currently is a basic site to contain LSRWA meeting agendas, news, and press releases, and will evolve to have content deemed helpful to the group. However, documents and monitoring site maps would also be of general interest.
USDA Announces New Highly Erodible Cropland Initiative for Conservation Reserve Program March 12, 2012: On Feb. 21, 2012, Agriculture Secretary Tom Vilsack announced a new conservation initiative to protect up to 750,000 acres of the nation’s most highly erodible croplands. Producers can enroll land on a continuous basis beginning this summer at their local Farm Service Agency (FSA) county office. Lands eligible for this program are typically the least productive land on the farm. In many cases the most cost-effective option to reduce erosion is to put the land into a wildlife friendly cover, which will improve habitat and reduce sediment and nutrient runoff and reduce wind erosion. Producers are encouraged to contact their local FSA office or visit FSA’s website for additional information regarding CRP.
Manure Management and the Small Farm March 12, 2012: Proper Manure Management is a good idea for several reasons. Proper manure applications save you money by reducing fertilizer costs. Proper manure management protects water resources. Finally, proper manure management in Pennsylvania is now the law.
USDA Unveils New Plant Hardiness Zone Map February 28, 2012: The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) released the new version of its Plant Hardiness Zone Map (PHZM), updating a useful tool for gardeners and researchers for the first time since 1990 with greater accuracy and detail.The new map—jointly developed by USDA's Agricultural Research Service (ARS) and Oregon State University's (OSU) PRISM Climate Group—is available online.For the first time, the new map offers a Geographic Information System (GIS)-based interactive format and is specifically designed to be Internet-friendly
Chesapeake Bay Manure-to-Energy Summit February 27, 2012: The summary report of the Chesapeake Bay Manure-to-Energy Summit that took place in September 2011 is available. With over 140 experts in attendance from the Chesapeake Bay region and beyond, the Summit focused not just on the different technologies that are emerging, but more importantly on the public policies that could help to get more of these technologies on the ground in the near term. The report describes 14 different policy options within three categories: Assist market entry; Finance for maximum benefit; Support effective use of by-products. Pennsylvania is already a regional leader in on-farm energy production. However, additional action is needed to fully realize the potential economic and environmental benefits of manure-to-energy systems. Questions or requests for hard copies should be sent to Marel Raub at 717-772-3651 or mraub@chesbay.us.
Stray Gas Investigation in Northern Pennsylvania February 24, 2012: February 29th webinar will discuss the origin of methane gas found in the groundwater aquifer in a five county area of Pennsylvania. Join us at noon (until 1:00) for this presentation.
Nebraska Grout Study February 17, 2012: Initiated by a "see through" casing, the study revealed some surprises. All grouts work as expected below the water table. Above the water table grouts vary in their ability to keep surface contaminants from penetrating the aquifer. The two most successful grouts to date were cement-sand and chip bentonite. The study is continuing.
Septic System Failures February 10, 2012: Owning your own home is challenging enough, what do you do when it comes with its own sewage treatment plant? This article provides some clues for owners of septic systems who want to make them last a very long time.
Drug Take Back Event Set for Saturday, April 28, 2012 January 31, 2012: Get your community signed up to participate in a drug take-back program.
Private Well Maintenance January 25, 2012: Proper well siting and construction leads to better water quality. Tips for inspecting older wells such as looking for signs of casing failure, the use of grout and the value of a sealed cap are discussed. A worksheet to help evaluate the condition and construction of an older well is discussed and linked.

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