From the Delaware Riverkeeper Network…

Hamilton Township, Mercer County, NJ —  The Delaware Riverkeeper Network has released a new study that demonstrates lax implementation of NJ stormwater regulations by municipal officials. According to the Delaware Riverkeeper Network’s study (New Jersey Stormwater Management Implementation), New Jersey’s Stormwater Rules are not being properly implemented by local officials nor are they being adequately administered by New Jersey Department of Environmental Protection.

According to our report… failure to properly implement the regulations by the municipalities, and poor oversight by the State DEP, is putting New Jersey communities at risk of increased flooding, erosion and degrading community environments.

–Maya van Rossum, the Delaware Riverkeeper

The Riverkeeper Network’s Report can be found here>>

admin Stormwater Regulations clean water, Clean Water Act, Delaware River Basin, erosion and sediment control, flood control, stormwater legislation, stormwater runoff, US EPA, watershed protection

Delaware River Basin Commission (DRBC) Executive Director Carol R. Collier recently announced that she has supplemented her May 19, 2009 determination to include natural gas exploratory wells.

My 2009 determination that sponsors of natural gas extraction projects in shale formations must obtain commission approval before commencing such projects expressly did not cover wells intended solely for exploratory purposes…I am extending the provisions of my 2009 determination to include exploratory wells, subject to reservations for exploratory well projects already approved by the states on or before June 14, 2010.

By this supplemental determination, all natural gas well project sponsors, including the sponsors of natural gas well projects intended solely for exploratory purposes, must first apply for and obtain commission approval before commencing any natural gas well project for the production from or exploration of shale formations within the drainage area of Special Protection Waters in the Delaware River Basin.

Complete details are available here>>

admin Announcements clean water, Delaware River Basin, gas drilling, Marcellus Shale, natural gas, special protection waters, watershed protection

“ART FOR WATER” - BENEFIT ART AUCTION ONLINE THROUGH JUNE 23

Damascus Citizens, along with sponsor Richard Dreyfuss, invite you to an art auction, ART FOR WATER, to benefit a legal fund to protect the Upper Delaware River watershed from the catastrophic threats posed by gas drilling

Master prints and contemporary artworks have been donated by artists, individual collectors and galleries. Included are drawings, prints, photographs, sculpture and mixed-media collages.

Art lovers and interested buyers can view the artwork and bid on Ebay beginning Sunday, June 13, 8:00 p.m. and ending on June 23, 8:00 p.m.

The art can also be viewed in person at ArtSource International Gallery hosted by Joyce Chasan.

A preview will take place on Tuesday, June 22, 4:00 to 7:00 p.m., and a silent auction and reception will be held on Wednesday, June 23, 4:00 to 8:00 p.m.

ArtSource International Gallery is located at 333 Park Avenue South (at 25th Street), Suite 2A, NYC.

More information, including images of the artwork for sale can be found here>>

admin Announcements Delaware River Basin, economic development, gas drilling, gas extraction, gas well, human health, Marcellus Shale, water quality

Annnouncing the Seventh Annual PennFuture Watershed Workshop

Bold Action to Protect Water Quality in Philadelphia and Beyond
Saturday, April 17, 2010
Friends Center in Philadelphia

The Philadelphia Water Department has some of the most exciting and ambitious plans and regulations in the country to protect and improve water quality. Reserve your spot to learn about these cutting edge initiatives and how they might catch on in other parts of Pennsylvania.

This workshop will update watershed groups, conservancies, municipal government officials, and interested residents on the changes Philadelphia is making to ensure the health of our waterways. These changes can serve as a model for other municipalities who not only seek to better manage their stormwater, but also want to build their economy by simultaneously improving their overall physical environment. Hear from the folks behind this new approach to stormwater management and from those who are making the change happen.

• Christine Marjoram, manager of the Stormwater Plan Review & Incentive Program at the Philadelphia Water Department (PWD), will review stormwater management regulations and how they are changing;
• Joanne Dahme, program manager, PWD Office of Watersheds and PennFuture’s own Brian Glass, staff attorney, will explain the changes that are being made to the commercial stormwater charge and why it is it likely to result in better stormwater management;
• Maggie Allio of the Trans-Pacific Engineering Corp andJoanne Dahme of PWD Office of Watersheds will discuss the need for and strategies around implementing integrated watershed management planning;
• Marc Cammarata, manager of watershed planning and engineering for PWD and Brian Glass will delve into Philadelphia’s bold combined sewer overflow long term control plan update, Green City, Clean Waters and the benefits it offers over other plans being put forward across the country;
• PennFuture’s Rachel Vassar, Philadelphia outreach coordinator will take a look at Marcellus Shale natural gas drilling, and why it is relevant to southeastern Pennsylvania’s water quality;

Other highlights of the day include:  A guided tour of the Friends Center green roof and other water management practices incorporated into the facility, a chance to win a rain barrel to manage stormwater management at home; and  a light breakfast, lunch and materials!  Workshop is FREE to PennFuture members, $10 for non-members.  Space is limited and registration is required by Friday, April 9, 2010; register online today or by calling 717-214-7920.

admin Events CSO, Delaware River Basin, green infrastructure, integrated watershed planning, rain barrels, stormwater legislation, stormwater runoff

2010 Schuylkill Watershed Congress
March 13th, 2010
Montgomery County Community College - West Campus
Pottstown, Pennsylvania

The Schuylkill Watershed Congress is an annual gathering of citizens interested in understanding, protecting and restoring local watersheds and streams. This event features a diverse program with concurrent and poster sessions covering a broad range of watershed topics.

The 2010 Keynote Presentation offers a panel discussion titled “How to Challenge a Stormwater Permit and Win: A Look at the Crum Creek Neighbors Decision. Michele Adams (Meliora Environmental Design), James A. Schmid, Ph. D. (Schmid & Company, Inc., Consulting Ecologists), and John Wilmer (Environmental Attorney), will tell the story behind the recent successful legal challenge to a stormwater permit given to a developer in an Exceptional Value designated watershed in Delaware County.

Complete details on all sessions being offered and for registration and sponsorship information can be found here

Registration forms can be downloaded here

admin Announcements BMPs, clean water, Delaware River Basin, environmental site design, flood control, Nonpoint source pollution, rainwater collection, Schuylkill River, stormwater best management practices, stormwater runoff, water quality, watershed protection, wet weather