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CFE 090803
T vl 1 t dad- a R1 V Ida.*N _ ~ Orange Co my all s Comm fission fOr the nvi ron ment _ ad c / o PO Box 8181 addad 66.ad- FRA ad Hillsborough , NC 27278 de ad a ad Memorandum To : Commission for the Environment From : Cara Crisler and Richard Whisnant , Co - Chairs Date : September 2 , 2003 Re : September 8 Meeting Agenda Please find attached the agenda and materials for the next meeting of the Commission for the Environment , on Monday, September S, 2003 7: 30 p . m . Southern Human Services Center 2505 Homestead Road Chapel Hill , NC If you have questions , or will be unable to attend , please contact Carol Melton ( 245 - 2590 , cmelton@co . orange . nc . us ) by the Friday before the meeting . '"•. 1 , , i . , , � '.� ' . _ _ _ w . I AGENDA Orange County Commission for the Environment September 8 , 2003 7 : 30 p . m . Southern Human Services Center Homestead Road , Chapel Hill , NC Time Pg Item Title 7 : 30 I . Call to Order 7 : 30 II . Additions or Changes to Agenda 7 : 32 III . Approval of Minutes (June 9 ) 7 : 35 IV . Proposed New Environmental Initiatives Based on previous discussions and the SOE report . • Groundwater Protection and Education • Updates/ Expansion of Lands Legacy • Air Quality ( underway — see below ) • Others ? 8 : 15 V . Countywide Greenhouse Gas Emissions Inventory / Ozone Non - Attainment Update Orange County, in conjunction with Chapel Hill and Carrboro, is currently soliciting proposals for a Greenhouse Gas Emissions Inventory and Reduction Plan ( attachment 1 ) . Update to be provided . 8 : 30 VI . Preparation of State of the Environment — Progress Report 2003 A brief update on progress since March 2003 SOE Report, due 12/ 03 . 8 : 45 VII . Committee Breakout Sessions AQC — GHG Inventory , Ozone, Energy grant proposals BRC — Lands Legacy priorities 2004 , Natural Areas Element; EE — education opportunities ; WRC — Groundwater program , reclamation proposals 9 : 30 VIII . Adjournment ( Next Meeting — October 13 ) r t 7 ORANGE COUNTY COMMISSION FOR THE ENVIRONMENT DRFT Meeting Summary June 9 , 2003 Southern Human Services Center, Chapel Hill , NC Members Present : Richard Whisnant , Cara Crisler , Laura Cotterman , Annette Jurgelski , Hervey McIver , Kenneth Meardon , Dan Okun , Richard Pratt , Mark Smith Julie Tucker , Rebecca Vidra , Chris Wachholz , Lindsay Wichers . Excused Absences : Johnny Randall , Charles Daniel Guest : Lisa Corbitt , Groundwater Program Director , Mecklenburg County Laura Boothe , NC Division of Air Quality Staff Present : David Stancil , ERCD Director ; Rich Shaw , Land Conservation Manager ; Ron Holdway , Environmental Health Director ; Carol Melton , ERCD Staff I . Call to Order Crisler called meeting to order at 6 : 35 p . m . II . Additions to the Agenda There were no additions requested to the agenda . III . Approval of Minutes for May 12 , 2003 MOTION : Whisnant motioned approval of minutes from the May 12 , 2003 meeting with noted corrections . Seconded by Cotterman . VOTE : unanimous . IV . Mecklenburg County Groundwater Program ( Guest Speaker ) At the last meeting CfE members discussed follow - up strategies for State of the Environment report recommendations for Orange County . Members agreed that by September, the CfE needs to have a budget proposal package for BOCC consideration next year. It was suggested to gather information on what other counties are doing regarding well monitoring, contaminated wells, spill incidents, and landowner education . Lisa Corbitt (Groundwater Program Director) was invited to talk about Mecklenburg County 's Groundwater Protection Program . Lisa Corbitt gave a history of Mecklenburg County ' s groundwater issues from 1987 to the present . She noted the purpose of the Groundwater Program is to protect and preserve the groundwater resources in Mecklenburg County by : Page 1 of 8 DRAFT Identification ❑ The groundwater program collects data about groundwater contamination sites , identifies drinking water wells , maintains files and a database , Mecklenburg Priority List ( MPL ) on these sites ❑ The program collects ambient groundwater quality data at selected locations across the county ❑ The program collects water level readings at selected monitoring wells to identify and track changes in the water table Investigation ❑ The groundwater program conducts investigations around the MPL sites to insure that residents are not drinking contaminated groundwater ❑ The Well Information System was designed to allow citizens to easily obtain information about water supply wells , sampling results and sites that have groundwater contamination . The system is jointly maintained by Mecklenburg County Water & Land - Groundwater Program , Environmental Health and the NC Department of Environmental and Natural Resources , Mooresville Regional Office , Groundwater Section . Corbitt expressed the importance of collaborative operations among agencies to protect groundwater resources . Well Protection Homes that are not connected to the Charlotte Mecklenburg utility system are most likely obtaining their drinking water from private wells . The protection of water supply is one of the most important things to do for health and well - being . ❑ The groundwater program educates citizens on protection methods after contamination sites are identified . Corbitt described educational tools and methods used including water festival day for school children as well as one on one educational experiences with citizens . Learn & Serve America has awarded a grant to Mecklenburg County Groundwater Guardians to promote environmental service opportunities for high school students . Corbitt explained that a goal of the comprehensive groundwater program is to protect groundwater as a safe drinking water source . The objective is to develop and maintain a comprehensive groundwater program that includes stable funding that is fair and equitable . Groundwater Program services were outlined as : ❑ Assess areas of degraded groundwater ❑ Identify sites with groundwater contamination ❑ Identify wells within 1500 feet of the contamination ❑ Sample wells ❑ Identify impacts to drinking water ❑ Community Education / Groundwater Guardians Corbitt described Health Department services as . ❑ Evaluate well head construction ❑ Sample Wells , upon owner request , or for Physicians/ Veterinarians , or for real estate closings ❑ Troubleshoot well and septic tank problems ❑ Analyze groundwater data for public health issues Page 2 of 8 DRAFT f �s aJ Corbitt said an important component for the program is the collaboration among County divisions and the State to provide groundwater data and pollution source locations to the public via the Internet : ❑ Private wells including new wells and existing wells ❑ Public water supply wells , including community wells , transient non - community wells and non - transient non - community wells ❑ Contaminated wells ❑ Monitoring wells ❑ Irrigation Wells ❑ Registration of well drillers and pump installers Based on Mecklenburg County local investigations , 24 % of the wells have some type of bacterial contamination and 3 % of the wells sampled have some type of volatile organic compound contamination : ❑ 214 wells exceeded the USEPA drinking water standards with contaminants that were Volatile Organic Compounds ( as of December 2002 ) ❑ 321 wells were identified as being contaminated testing positive for bacteria ( from 1999 to 2002 ) ❑ Estimates that 70 , 400 homes have wells ( 20 - 300/o of population ) ❑ Number of contaminated wells is unknown because not all wells in the county have been identified Volatile Organic Compounds were identified and described as : ❑ Compounds like gasoline , solvents , degreasers , ❑ Used in a variety of commercial and industrial applications ❑ Found in household products ❑ Move freely between the soil , air surface , water and groundwater Corbitt suggested that a comprehensive program might include : • Registering existing wells to document location and uses sampling to document a safe drinking water source • Permitting new wells to document location , proper construction ; sampling to document a safe drinking water source • Registering community wells ; submitting existing sampling data to local government and centralize sampling data • Providing temporary drinking water for contaminated private wells • Sampling contaminated wells after homeowner installs a treatment system Corbitt said the 2002 Mecklenburg Priority List reported 1120 contaminated sites . Other possible approaches were identified as monitoring wells by : • Registration • Monitoring well fee • Contamination assessment fee • Establish well abandonment requirements Corbitt described a possible timetable of events for a local well ordinance , as it is important part of a comprehensive groundwater program : Page 3 of 8 DRAFT U. ➢ Identify Purpose , Goal ➢ Identify and collect existing state and local regulations ➢ Focus group meeting ➢ Draft outline of Comprehensive Groundwater Program ➢ Seek Stakeholder input ➢ Final Draft of Comprehensive Groundwater program ➢ Effective date of Comprehensive Groundwater program CfE members asked Corbitt a number of questions . Pratt suggested that Orange County explore a program for sealing abandoned wells . Shaw asked how the division finds out about possible well contamination sites . Corbitt said the division usually samples wells around a known contamination area . She said that often times people don 't know their well is contaminated as there is no unusual taste or odor in the water , and it is sometimes difficult to get the people to do anything about their own well or to hook up to city water where available . Wachholz asked about the Learn & Serve Grant and the possibility of using an educational booklet . Corbitt explained that it was a joint funding process between the governmental entities and can be used by other counties . Members asked about budgets and shared staffing for the groundwater protection program . Corbitt said her division works closely with the county 's environmental health staff and Charlotte - Mecklenburg utilities to protect groundwater . Smith asked about landfill monitoring . Corbitt said that in 1987 USGS was doing Mecklenburg County surface water and landfill monitoring . Now her department is doing the monitoring . Members asked for a copy of Corbitt 's presentation . Crisler encouraged CfE members to email Corbitt if they had more questions . V . Air Quality Issues ( Guest Speaker ) At the May meeting CfE members asked to have a basic background presentation on the "non - attainment " designation for NC Division of Air Quality. Laura Boothe , of the N . C . Division of Air Quality , presented information regarding the new Federal ozone standards and the State 's plan for addressing these in a State Implementation Plan . Boothe said the US Environmental Protection Agency ( EPA ) initiated a new eight - hour ozone standard a couple years ago that was caught up in litigation . EPA won its case and is in the process of designating those areas that are in violation of the standard . Boothe said North Carolina has to submit to EPA its recommendations for what areas should be designated as violating the standard by July 15 . EPA will make its recommendations and publish in the Federal Register by April of 2004 . EPA does not have to accept North Carolina 's recommendations . Boothe described non - attainment designation as the Federal Action under the Clean Air Act based upon violating the national ambient air quality standards for eight - Page 4of8 DRAFT s� hour ozone . A violation occurs if an area 's ozone level exceeds 85 parts per billion or if particulate matter exceeds particle sizes of 2 . 5 microns . Recommendations are due in February 2004 and EPA designations are expected by December 2004 . Boothe described the formation of ground level ozone as nitrogen oxide combining with volatile organics in a photochemical situation . It is a summertime event . If strong winds are prevalent the pollutants don 't have enough time to form the ozone . People with asthma are affected . It decreases lung capacity 15 - 200/o in healthy adults especially those working outdoors in the heat of the day when ozone levels peak . Boothe described the damage to the lungs as being similar to sunburn on the skin . Health effects are tracked through hospitals and increased asthma cases . Repeated exposures can cause scaring of lung tissues . Children may experience slower lung growth and even permanent . changes that reduce quality of life . Elderly and children are at most risk , also those who work outside during peak ozone levels . Booth showed graphics and described exceedances to the air quality standards for the Triangle region , noting that weather plays a large part . She said there are a lot of initiatives to reduce emissions planned over the next 10 years . A member asked how North Carolina ranks with other states . Boothe explained that if you look at our total number of exceedances it looks like NC is near the top . She noted , however , that NC has a lot of monitors that help with modeling to evaluate our situation . We have about three times the monitors that are required . She said the Raleigh - Durham and Charlotte areas would likely be considered " moderate . " The rest of the state is expected to be " marginal . " North Carolina has some problems , but we aren 't as bad as other areas such as California . Boothe showed a map showing the number of counties that are violating the eight - hour ozone standard . Tucker noted that there is no monitor in Orange County and that one of the CfE ' s recommendations in the State of the Environment Report is to establish a monitor in this county . Also , the map doesn 't show violations in a county that does not have a monitor . Boothe showed where the monitors are located and described the EPA looks at to determine violations . The only point not currently in violation is in Chatham County/ Pittsboro ; however , it is very close . Boothe explained EPA ' s guidance that any county with a violating monitor should be designated " non - attainment " and entire metropolitan statistical areas ( MSAs ) should also be designated " non - attainment . " EPA prefers whole county versus partial county designations . The entire Triad area plus a number of other counties could also be designated non - attainment . Boothe described other violating areas as Person , Granville , Mecklenburg , Ashville area , and Rocky Mount . MSA areas were identified as Fayetteville , Alamance , Nash , and Edgecombe counties . McIver asked what happens to the ozone layer overnight . Booth described ozone " scavenging " where the ozone starts to decrease and then builds back up during the next day . It depends on which way the winds are blowing . The mountain sites show high levels due to transport from other areas . Page 5 of 8 DRAFT 0 Booth said that if we want to be considered inside or outside an MSA , or whole county , we would have to examine air quality in the adjacent area , population density , monitoring data , locating of large emission sources , traffic and commuting patterns , expected growth , geography/topography , jurisdictional boundaries , current levels of emissions control , and expected regional emission reductions . She said that the population density , the daily vehicle miles traveled , and the commuter flow patterns of an area are all taken into consideration . Boothe said that because the State of NC has opted to consider more stringent than what the federal regulations , an Inspection and Maintenance program ( I & M ) has been initiated in 48 counties as a phase in program . The existing counties that had I & M went to the new NOX I & M last year . This year will begin the second phase . A lot of advertising about this program will begin July 1st . Every six months another group of counties will be phased in . Boothe said that the current ozone forecasting in six areas is making people more aware of the ozone problem . She said the modeling encompasses the entire eastern half of the United States from Washington DC to Atlanta . Modeling shows how accurate the predictions were and predict future problems to develop control strategies . Boothe described some of the information out for public comment . Boothe said there are economic effects of being designated non - attainment . Although they have to include areas where monitors are located , NCDAQ recommends not including whole counties when they are predominately rural . Whisnant asked if any information was available that shows the level of ozone in rural counties . Boothe said no , but noted that in some cases the violations are transports from areas such as the Triangle or Triad . When we know that the county is not responsible for the pollution DAQ recommends partial designations , but EPA has the final decision . Booth said the public comment period ended May 31 . DAQ will meet with DOT and Dept of Agriculture ; then send draft recommendation to Governor Easely . Things waiting to happen were identified as : • MSA boundaries based upon the 2000 census ( possibly by June 30 , 2003 ) • if MSA boundaries change , NC has the option to incorporate the changes in final submittal to EPA ( February 2004 ) • Non - attainment designation ( after summer 2003 ) Boothe identified the following NC efforts to solve the problem : • Participation in Southern Appalachian Mountain Initiative , which looked at secondary effects on plants and stream life • Adopted Clean Air Bill of 1999 , which started the I & M program for vehicles . • Adopted the NOX Rule , which addresses power plants , large boilers and put a cap on summertime emissions of NOX from those facilities . • Adopted the Clean Smoke Stacks Act and are trying to encourage our neighboring states to do something similar . • Participation in a southeastern regional haze planning organization . Page 6 of 8 DRAFT Boothe identified things that the EPA is doing to help solve the air quality problem : • Cleaner car and light truck standards • Cleaner gasoline Cleaner heavy - duty diesel engines Cleaner diesel fuel Clear Skies initiative Boothe said that enforcement of the particulate matter ( PM ) standards is just down the road , and that may be more of a problem than ozone in terms of health effects . The proposed implementation is Fall of 2003 where we ' ll go through the same process for public input about PM , give our recommendations to the governor by February 2004 , and face final implementation in December 2004 . Currently we have seven monitors that are violating the PM standards , Mecklenburg , Forsyth , Davidson , Cumberland , McDowell , Catawba and Guildford . We are close to violating the standard in the Durham and Wake county area . Orange County has a PM monitor and could get pulled in because of the surrounding counties MSA status . Boothe encouraged members to visit the website ncair. orcr to find out more about EPA designation process . They can also contact Shelia Holeman or Brock Nickleson . [ Boothe ' s presentation information is available from Stancil . ] vI . Priority Activities — After Summer Break Stancil handed out a list of likely activities developed from the CfE goals as a starting point for prioritizing activities . He asked members for input . ➢ State of Environment report follow - up ➢ Natural Areas Element of Comprehensive Plan ➢ Progress report on State of Environment ( SOE ) report recommendations ➢ Lands Legacy Annual Action plan , Biological resources objectives 04 - 05 ➢ Conservation Environmental Award ➢ Educational initiatives ➢ Air Quality issues ➢ Bolin Creek Corridor Master plan ➢ Update to Lands Legacy Program that ties back to SOE report recommendations ➢ Park & Preserve effort ➢ 2004 Environmental Summit Meardon asked about the SOE water recommendations . Stancil said that would be included as a part of SOE follow - up . Crisler asked if these items would be on the August agenda . Stancil suggested that , as we don 't have adopted BOCC goals this year the CfE could consider thinking about when things are due and put them on the fall agenda accordingly . Crisler asked committee chairs to communicate to the CfE co - chairs pertinent issues and priorities for the whole group . Shaw asked if the progress report is self- imposed or a BOCC request . Stancil thought it was information that the BOCC requested in addition to the SOE report . Page 7 of 8 DRAFT Whisnant asked about light ordinance recommendations previously made by the CfE . Stancil reported it was on an upcoming BOCC agenda and that staff would update the CfE . Whisnant asked if folks wanted to keep pushing the Environmental Impact Ordinance issue based on the report by Bradley Decker ; he would like to bring that issue to closure . Stancil noted that his last recollection was that it was in the County Attorney 's office . McIver asked , on behalf of the Biological Resources Committee , to add the forestry initiative to the list . Wachholz added that there had been the idea to add an indicator about waste/ recycling issues to the SOE report . Tucker asked folks to consider putting the time spent doing the progress report into another project . Crisler said that a progress report might be a list of what accomplishments the CfE had done not necessarily related to the indicators in this year 's SOE report . Stancil suggested doing a two - or three - page progress report stating what 's happened since the 2002 SOE report . Whisnant suggested calling it an update or report , whatever would be likely to get BOCC attention . Pratt added that one of the subjects included should be the CfE 's recommendations for ideas similar to Mecklenburg 's ground water program . Wachholz reported on the Education Committee ' s investigations regarding the proposed Conservation Award that would recognize individuals who have contributed significantly to the environmental quality including water , air , and land . The committee looked at the Pauli Murray Award as an example . He asked if members wanted it broader than an individual and asked for feedback to the committee . Members indicated that the focus should be on a person 's contribution to Orange County so they would not need to be a resident of the county . Members discussed the environmental summit ( annual or biennial ) the SOE report and the award . Members also discussed renaming to " Environmental Stewardship Award . " Wachholz asked members to send comments to the Education Committee by email . VII . Committee Breakout Sessions Whisnant noted that the next meeting would be August 11th at the Southern Human Services Center . Following committee discussions , the CfE adjourned at about 9 : 30 p . m . Page 8 of 8 DRAFT ATTACHMENT # 1 _.. <.x..w:::z..r'n.....a.;.S,H.xG<. •,.,,s.`�.;>nr:aks5x' .,a.::,..3..;J' «. `s3Mrgstaid.-Hxz„5;,vw,:....... _ . . .,.;.. ,, ,. . ,. . . Joint Carrboro, Chapel Hill and Orange County Greenhouse Gas Emissions Inventory and Reduction Plan DRAFT Request for Qualfications The Town of Chapel Hill , the Town of Carrboro and Orange County seek Requests for Qualifications to develop a Greenhouse Gas Emissions Reduction Local Action Plan for Orange County and municipalities in the County . The three local governments in Orange County are members of the International Council for Local Environmental Initiatives ( ICLEI ) and the Cities for Climate Protection ( CCP ) Campaign . The local governments have committed to taking steps to reduce greenhouse gas emissions , known to contribute to global warming , through the development and implementation of a greenhouse gas emissions reduction plan . Development of the plan will include the execution of a base year emissions inventory . Chapel Hill , Carrboro and the urbanized area of Orange County , which includes the Town of Hillsborough , are members of the Durham - Chapel Hill - Carrboro ( DCHC ) Metropolitan Planning Organization ( MPO ) that also includes The City of Durham , Durham County , and portions of Southern Granville and Northern Chatham Counties . The MPO anticipates that , in April 2004 , the Environmental Protection Agency will designate areas within the metropolitan planning boundaries and extending throughout Orange County as non - conforming ozone areas under the new 8- hour standards for air quality . The local governments in Orange County anticipate that part or all of the Greenhouse Gas Emissions Reduction Local Action Plan can be used as an effort to attain conformity with the new federal air quality rules . Project Description and Components The purpose of this project is to develop a Greenhouse Gas Emissions Reduction Local Action Plan that examines and inventories greenhouse emissions in Orange County and develops measures to reduce those emissions . The consultant will assist a Regional Inventory / Action Plan Working Group made up of staff from the participating local governments in establishing objectives and a timeline for action plan deliverables . Orange County will assume the lead role for coordination . The consultant will facilitate the formation of an Air Quality Advisory Group , to be appointed by the local governments , to guide development of the plan . The following process , as outlined in the attached Scope of Work , will meet requirements for fulfilling the local governments ' commitments to ICLEI ' s Cities for Climate Protection Campaign : Inventory greenhouse gas emissions during a selected base year; . , ORANGE REGIONAL GREENHOUSE GAS EMISSIONS INVENTORY AND REDUCTION PLAN REQUEST FOR QUALIFICATIONS PAGE 2 Forecast greenhouse gas emissions over a selected planning period up to a target year; Facilitate the Air Quality Advisory Group in selecting a Reduction Target ; Identify actions that the local governments , business and industry , and the community could take to reduce greenhouse gas emissions during the planning period ; Develop the Greenhouse Gas Emissions Reduction Action Plan that includes : • Existing Measures • Quantification of Greenhouse Gas Emissions Reductions of Existing Measures • Potential New Measures • Quantification of Greenhouse Gas Emissions Reductions of Potential New Measures • Recommendation of Measures to Achieve Greenhouse Gas Emissions Target . The process should also develop connections between actions proposed in the Greenhouse Gas Emissions Reduction Action Plan and the , adopted Durham - Chapel Hill- Carrboro 2025 Long Range Transportation Plan to show how the Emissions Reduction Action Plan implements the DCHC 2025 Long Range Transportation Plan for achieving air quality conformity for ozone . RequirementsIl- Responses submitted should be concise and shall be limited to a maximum of 25 pages . All respondents shall address the following , as a minimum , and should conform to the numbering system used below . 1 . Name , address and telephone number of the firm or individual , with contact name ( s ) . 2 . Statement substantiating firm ' s understanding of project objectives to include description of the final products your firm would provide . 3 . Names of key personnel who would be available to work on the project , their titles , experience , professional licenses , professional affiliations and other qualifications , and years with the firm ; total size of firm ' s staff . 4 . Proposed project manager and written summary of two projects the proposed project manager has completed in the last five years . 5 . Statement of qualifications of the firm . 6 . List of previous clients for work similar to this project conducted over the past five years , with project size , scope , cost , location , time adherence , and contact names and telephone numbers . 7 . Three client references from local government agencies . 8 . Description of current workload of your firm , including project quantity and magnitude , percent complete , completion dates , and impact on key personnel . 9 . Date at which work could begin and proposed schedule for completion of the work . 10 . Previous litigation or arbitration in which your firm has been involved during the past five years . ORANGE REGIONAL GREENHOUSE GAS EMISSIONS INVENTORY AND REDUCTION PLAN ` REQUEST FOR QUALIFICATIONS PAGE 3 11 . Any involvement that the firm , its employees , or its owner ( s ) have that may constitute a conflict of interest . Evaluation Crttern The Working Group will select the consultant based on but not limited to the following considerations : Competence , including technical education and training of key personnel , experience in previous undertakings of this kind of project and actual costs of such previous undertakings , availability of adequate personnel and equipment , familiarity with using models / modeling software , and ability to facilitate public input processes ; Past record of professional accomplishments and list of references ; Past record of performance for the County and / or for other governmental entities ; and Demonstration that there is no conflict of interests of the firm or parties involved in this project . Submittal Requirements : . Please submit 10 copies of the information described above by 4 : 00 p . m . September 22 , 2003 , to : David Stancil , Director Orange County Environment and Resource Conservation Department Post Office Box 8181 Hillsborough , North Carolina 27278- 8181 ( 919 ) 245- 2590 dstancil@a ,co . oran eg nc . us The Working Group will hold a pre -selection conference in October 2003 . The contract is to be awarded by December 19 , 2003 . 3.�� Joint Carrboro , Chapel Hill , Orange County Greenhouse Gas Emissions Inventory and Reduction Plan Draft Scope of Work Purpose IFIF IF I FI The purpose of this project is to develop a Greenhouse Gas Emissions Reduction Local Action Plan that examines and inventories greenhouse gas emissions in Orange County and develops measures to reduce those emissions . IF I I IF IF IF Process: The process will correlate with objectives of the Durham - Chapel Hill- Carrboro 2025 Long Range Transportation Plan ( LRTP ) for achieving air quality conformity for ozone . The following process will meet requirements for fulfilling the local governments ' commitments to the International Council for Local Environmental Initiatives ( ICLEI ) Cities for Climate Protection Campaign ( CCP . 1 . Inventory greenhouse gas emissions during a selected base year , 2 . Forecast greenhouse gas emissions over a selected planning period up to a target year ; 3 . Facilitate the Air Quality Advisory Group in selecting a Reduction Target ; 4 . Identify actions that the local governments , business and industry , and the community could take to reduce greenhouse gas emissions during the planning period , 5 . Develop the Greenhouse Gas Emissions Reduction Action Plan that includes : Overview of implementation strategies included in the 2025 LRTP Existing measures Quantification of greenhouse gas emissions reductions of existing measures • Potential new measures and cost estimates of implementation Quantification of greenhouse gas emissions reductions of potential new measures Recommendation of measures to achieve greenhouse gas emissions target . it ORANGE REGIONAL GREENHOUSE GAS EMISSIONS INVENTORY AND REDUCTION PLAN SCOPE OF WORK - PAGE 2 Task I V ntary The consultant will develop a greenhouse gas inventory for the base year 2000 . This Community Inventory will be an estimate of emissions from all sources within the County as well as an estimate of the proportional amount of emissions from indirect from sources ( outside the County ) that can be attributed to activities within Orange County . The consultant will develop a separate detailed emissions inventory for publicly - owned facilities of all participating jurisdictions . This Corporate Inventory will be a subset of the overall Community Inventory and will aid in the identification of reduction measures that each jurisdiction could implement to reduce greenhouse gas emissions at facilities directly under their control . The Corporate Inventory will provide a separate evaluation of greenhouse gas emissions by major government facility and will include buildings , vehicle fleet , street and traffic lights , water and sewer facilities . The emissions inventory will categorize emissions by the following sectors : • Residential , which includes emissions from the production of energy used within the home , and the residential combustion of fuels . • Transportation sector , which includes emissions from the combustion of fossil fuels for use in mobile sources such as motor vehicles . • Commercial emissions from electricity production , and the combustion of natural gas , propane , heating oil for generators , and building heating and cooling . • Industrial sectors includes emissions from electricity production , on - site energy production , building heating and cooling , and industrial processes • Solid waste sector, which represents greenhouse gas emissions from the degradation of waste in landfills • Other sectors represented any large businesses or institutions , in particular, the University of North Carolina and UNC Hospitals . Greenhouse gas emissions will be estimated by examining energy use information ( electricity , natural gas , propane , etc ) and driving patterns such as Vehicle Miles Traveled ( VMT) . Where data is not available , the consultant will simulate the data using commonly accepted estimation / modeling methods . Participating jurisdictions will provide the consultant with all available data pertaining to and necessary for the inventory of government facilities . Participating jurisdictions will also make available for the consultant ' s use , exclusively for this project , licensed computer software provided by ICLEI for analysis of the data . ORANGE REGIONAL GREENHOUSE GAS EMISSIONS INVENTORY AND REDUCTION PLAN SCOPE OF WORK - PAGE 3 The software program , Greenhouse Gas Emissions Software developed by Torrie Smith Associates , estimates greenhouse gas emissions using US EPA emission factors and data such as follows . ity , natural gas , diesel , heating oil , coal , and Energy consumption data ( electric propane • Electricity consumption data from any power suppliers to the region , including UNC ' s power generating facilities . • Base year natural gas consumption from Public Service Company of North Carolina , Inc . • Statewide consumption data for heating oil , coal , propane , and non - highway diesel from the North Carolina Energy Outlook report produced by the NC Energy Division . Vehicle Miles Traveled ( VMT ) , average vehicle fuel economies , and vehicle types • Transportation data such as Vehicle Miles Traveled ( VMT ) and vehicle from the Durham - Chapel Hill - Carrboro Metropolitan Planning Organization ( MPO ) . • Average vehicle fuel economy data from the US EPA Office of Mobile Sources . Solid waste production and composition • Solid waste generation data from the Orange County Solid Waste Management Department . • Composition data from the 1990 Regional Solid Waste Study conducted for Durham and Orange counties or more recent data , as available . Emissions data for maior or permitted emitters within the region . • Emissions data for other major sources in the County from the NC Division of Air Quality . Task 2 , Forecastin The consultant will project greenhouse gas emissions for the target year of 2025 based on the projected growth in population and the projected increase in employment in the region and the Research Triangle Park . The projection should differentiate the relative contribution of greenhouse gas emissions from each economic sector as referenced on page 2 and examine emissions on a per capita basis . ORANGE REGIONAL GREENHOUSE GAS EMISSIONS INVENTORY AND REDUCTION PLAN SCOPE OF WORK - PAGE 4 The consultant will use the most up to date , generally accepted socio - economic forecasts for Orange County and growth and development forecasts from the Triangle Regional Model ( TRM ) . Projections of housing units will be used to estimate greenhouse gas emissions for the residential sector in the target year . Employment projections will be used to forecast emissions for the commercial and industrial sectors . Greenhouse gas emissions for the transportation sector will be projected based on forecasts of VMT used in the development of the Durham - Chapel Hill - Carrboro ( DCHC ) Metropolitan Planning Organization ( MPO ) 2025 Long Range Transportation Plan ( LRTP ) . Solid waste emissions will be projected using the population forecasts and waste generation data available from the County Solid Waste Management Department . Task 3. Reduction Target. IF After the emissions inventory and forecasting activities are completed , the consultant will facilitate public processes for discussing greenhouse gas emissions reduction goals and establishing a reduction target from . base year levels consistent with DCHC 2025 LRTP objectives and strategies . The consultant will analyze the effect of several potential reduction scenarios to assist the stakeholders in selecting the greenhouse gas reduction target for the Local Action Plan . The Air Quality Advisory Group will recommend a final reduction target . Task 4. Reduction Measures. The consultant will compile a list of potential emissions reductions measures that the community could implement in coordination with the Greenhouse Gas Emissions Local Action Plan proposed for the City of Durham , an adjacent jurisdiction . The reduction measures are to be selected , and their impacts determined based on data provided by ICLEI , case studies of other US cities , and accepted values published by various federal and state agencies , and nonprofit organizations . The consultant will analyze each potential greenhouse gas reduction measure using the best technical information available regarding the expected reduction for a particular measure to quantify reduction results . Assumptions will be presented regarding the extent and success of implementation of these measures . Assumptions regarding implementation are to be based on case studies from other cities within the US , data from ICLEI , or estimates based on the applicability of the measure to this region . The consultant will develop an estimate of implementation costs for each measure , and present the most effective measure for reducing transportation - related greenhouse gas emissions . ORANGE REGIONAL GREENHOUSE GAS EMISSIONS INVENTORY AND REDUCTION PLAN SCOPE OF WORK - PAGE 5 Any City , County , or regional programs , policies , or projects planned or ongoing as of January 1 , 2004 that may have the potential to reduce greenhouse gas emissions should be included as reduction measure for this analysis . Task S . Action Plan : The consultant will develop a Greenhouse Gas Reduction Action Plan in coordination with the Air Quality Advisory Group that includes the following : 1 . Existing Measures . 2 . Quantification of GHG Reductions of Existing Measures . 3 . Potential New Measures . 4 . Quantification of GHG Reductions of Potential New Measures . 5 . Recommendation of Measures to Achieve GHG Target . A0 Timelline .... The consultant will assist the Regional Inventory / Action Plan Working Group in establishing a timeline for action plan d 1.eilverab;les to include the following : Project Start- up z 1= orrnation .af Air tuality Advisory Gro Data & Information Gathering F"-'- ' " wzq Report to Advisory Group on . ata ' & lnforrnation m . ....Y. .. Forecasting future emissions Report to I Advisory Group on fore.casfis and __assumptio �s� Advisory Group to select reduction target ( Advisory Group makes status report to elected boards ) Identify & Model Measures to reduce futu 9.re emissions Nr eprtyto Advisory Group ` on potentidi measure to ;reduce emission04 / Assist Advisory Group to select measures to meet reduction target Report Preparation .11 w M ...... ..._13_1 _:.m :: : .3:::..: . .Y: :e:::x 9116 1011 N Evil Present Draft Report # olv1soryo3up µ . a .--., .?.c-,..'. ..,:,.::,v..,ss:;: Prepare Draft Final Report n �MVTOPMR x � z iNH � Present Draft F� ndl Report< to Advisory Grouptffi Pres' en # Draft Fines ( Report ' to Transpor# ation ' Adviso Corimriiitfiee of fibs DCHC , PC Present Draff Finaf Report to governing boards of Carrboro : chapel Hill , and Grande99 County for adop ► on k.. . . . . m.: i P 4 d 4 State of the Environment - 2002 Orange County, NC ATTACHMENT # 2 • Issues and R As with the 2000 Orange County State of the Environment report, the primary purpose of this report is to identify the main environmental issues within the County and to make specific recommendations to the Orange County Board of Commissioners on how to further our protection efforts . Orange County is a wonderful place to live and work, but it is at a pivotal point in its evolution . Decisions made in the next several years may determine whether the quality of life within the County is enhanced or greatly decreased . The natural environment , which is directly linked to our quality of life , is susceptible to serious degradation from the steady , long- term conversion of natural land to urban and subur- ban infrastructure . In a recent study , Orange County ( along with five other Triangle counties ) was ranked as the third most sprawling metropolitan area in .the nation . A study by Reid Ewing of Rutgers University and Rolf Pendall of Cornell University found that sprawling development is linked to increased levels of ozone pollution and increased le Orange has been foremost among the region ' s counties in working to discourage sprawl , consumption of land . Wh decision- makers and the public need a clear understanding of the environmental consequences of sprawl and of the strategies that will serve to protect our water , air and biological resources in the context of rapid growth . The Orange County Commission for the Environment (CfE) and the Orange County Environment and Resource Con- servation Department (ERCD) have created this report to provide a clear analysis of the current status of the County ' s natural environment and to make recommendations that will help the County create and implement environmental policies to effectively address these issues . One new addition this year is the inclusion of environmental indicators . The report uses widely accepted , measurable "indicators " to reveal the status and trends in the County ' s environmental conditions and their impacts on human health and natural resources . The indicators also help identify where additional research , monitoring , and information are needed . The indicators are grouped into three different categories representing each of the main groups of natural resources : air, biological resources , and water . Each category of indicators is addressed by a separate committee within the Com- mission for the Environment ( along with a fourth committee on Environmental Education) . In developing the report , each committee identified the most representative set of indicators available for each natural resource , analyzed exist- ing data and trends , and developed recommendations for the Board of Commissioners ' consideration . The issues and recommendations presented below represent the most pressing environmental concerns that came out of this analysis . � - -� vex t s 7 - - -+ } ;� art NIP _ - - � t� � �TIT CITICL lSJIN 9N _ h 1 It AtM }.. -',a t - Y- z s✓ r i4 - t' ;f 'c :. NT 0 _ i ` � mates thet- itNg- 777 lo ed:Tarrtl a erson Inereasea 1 /� fr`orn 1882 f 1997r Th; s lnd_ _ ]'hearnount ofdeve p _ p _ . _ _ _ _ _ - _ 1, -: -. : �. _ .:_. ' n - - _ - - - . �`` 1 �' .- i `. � _i a. . _ r mo:r aadit aid_ d velol` rn =��n _ a rna e s rav l�n pat en Oran a Count residents are onsurn ng _ /{�y+� _ than jn rev ou - Mu z 1 _y- ,` Y -- ^.,.. E $ i e _ YM� 't - ,r "z"3 -_ ',� 'T _�, t _ ..Y -. _L -u 1.- a _ `t "� -4"�' '� -_y s}- -� sn - _F -'� �S- --,, . .-k Ff _"��- 1:.f tiE 1 L r 2 � � iv- •� -� � - �T rr � - 1 . NN RA NIZ Tt PI kIT T o r . s Y _. 1; s The . - d: as ,oiae the woe-fit ozone o �lutect areas Tn the Ur�� e Sate The Trrangle regrow rs�rate _ p _ _ t _ - - d eoun s acos : stern The nheath ozone ( eels fl `reaterr human health anc O �az g s y y cpntrrluing a.� t _ - � ~ - to Ies thAt wrlC s � n frcant� rrl n: cessar date and anal srs for deveo lrrg stra g g _ Y s County lacks the e r Y� t 4 a . y �- � s _ i 7 - a. r v.�}^ - .. € a._. -z>'=a- ti- 3't r .� r �.d< > 9 .�}- 1 �`� a - - i - - { Y roves ate ualrt - T �� ;_Y .t t c r._ + .'� �' L x .-_ `r i S �.. '` 1 5` t 7 - , LY -v`� y^ s't - k- . J 7.�- ,,~a s - 1 Si Esc -rt� s` .r �r t = _:.� 23� S j. _ X' 1 J ; 2_ 1-' 3. . l = 1 . eeos_ " aterrl and naturaj ' comrx� UIrjItres_ contrn Habitat#or Oran e =C60t s na rue fro arandfiatrna, Y �s - = - : r. .:-# -_� - . ,� 7= 3r ' t 1�:- ,�' r ,i .T . `? 4 4 x _ ..._,-� 2 1.�, �iN_F '- $may - _ - _� S , - _ _ - - - _ _ _ • ` s =aresutt of coversron al natural land covert L ues.=ta be destro ed or sr nifcantly s�egrade aW _ x 4 _ - � - c C - T._ __T,i.. T _ - _ _ - _ _ 4 r t C ', :. ' ,e 't'_ r+-�ib p. : - _ , { - i;-` ,,I;.i _ - - _'.-.� a ..'lam' - _ - Protectrnn _=affa. rts tla not a ear for be kee rng paci? §-:suburban urban andLtrans ortatron uses �1 _ _ zp h } si .1. :: ; ,� :- ,,3 -.�- z7r -s _a y,.<` i > -�^ - a - ter . - S_ = - L assocratedh hab>faf loss anc de retltiort, � a wlthtthe ,oss of i0 o Kcal dlverrs ty IN NilA U«ti 'yr— �";5 � Iv : £ t rs. . 3.. _ ' �" r ay_,-` s, } - �� `1.- - a; r`-�o .IL tt ' � _ - ' L,?_ t - S. _._7 }-" - Y3z 4 ` c t� - -;- - . __ 3 _ E i t -'.! K Y - _�r3% -.r- _ _ _ _ _ _ _ - - nods of drau ht. Pei ca eta waterxusage rn - aurces rn fhe _area:are mace uate cfur• rng pE :. { later-�re$ _ sp _ _ Y � P t' { roY _ `¢ frorrr t985 fQ 2000 , 3r Y - £ = r_ r creased a# least �t 5> ! r - 1 .. _ ` _ - +- - T`{' x ' C' Y � NN LKn, Y t aig x j = ' - - ,; `' -=r ,�. ' - -.i, , -,: ter . ram,+<, y --: :r- u.4Y r ;;,=? - -. _ _ '.�� _ �'� _ .,. ., t_: _ -- _ _ =-zNit : n = roundwater 1i'ttie attentron :as yen to jrcldents Vll LIe man resrdents .of orange Co Inty re y. o g: , rt J ter co:ntamrnatronin of weals or for roundwaterr ualty generarlry: , H TV Und�in�a g q 2 State of the Environment - 2002 Orange County, NC LTLo r J : :,dIoI , r r t , . I It Pages . . PdOIAr ' 3 } yr 1 1r . - tj li4 { , - r f } ] -r i it ! J S ` ' rc 1 y i r t f fur � ! - t-� AI II " � _ _ ,.i t + �5 l -' f 'x �T art , `•: �. 1 1 n' { t ! , 7 4 • ; PIrrIIi'tFtt It ITI - e. -, { ? ,_, i i. h4 A sr ' " } 5 . lr.. - tf 1 Y _ 1 f IT '� 1 r i - ; ' �� P- t fr - t . _ . I , . _ - + t F I , � 2� 11 , l. r it J y 4 .. ' - ®� yW �A.0 ■sq ■�q_ r y S, S a J r 1 r4 r J J. l � r r s � rf2 � -. /�► � YVs ® u9 T3' es . E r SZ 5r Ss 5 _ ^r �a z . . -1 - 1 trf f + I b 4 . Es i yy J r + r 3 rr 12 7 ,r2t r 1 rl - � rf € F t 3 } 15J—yra t tt , - n� ' r - I ({ 'i r txt � r � t ' `r, 1 1 - { - - ` � at ,con �natt�� to cleve� op strategoes - a.slo es$abl �sh a short-term Aar ,`Qua� y I ; 7 7 24 1 Orange County sho urt ; - -:, > 'L ;, �n` �tF� am errs hates Ion`; reducing o rowan aabrent , ear qua[ aty sn Oraroge County, ; r p 4 _ r I for imp g. t, r: � ; a jsh4:uld` tn ve[s The'�4ar Cualiy coa� rna �te _t K �; 1 r ` local :and re tonal ozone [e i e rt II r contrQbutrons t g I . I,_ „ . . r+ _ s unt catlzen:s � envapraraeatatst ' Fy ' f: stash ® ["cers rah naoa :® range Go y c [ ude at . a oI I'm ATrn ; g . g - - y , _ ,. 4 ' i �jY t; r � { s ecaa[ ists �ndustryrde , o � y , I ; ' messes trans ortataon _ p r {_, _. z is < < /{y��Srouepry�� s , heaath profiessaonals , feu „ , _ [ { J ■ r , - ', A r tt-t ;_i !ti l 7 .�, t , ' t £ I To I � -} r' 7 _ r t . r . Igp� yew 1overnOYaent" offaC� als - " s 7 I ,, , L 06. 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L' J + 7 i II - t r , . s'• r _ ,. 7. . ? � t .7. .So� ' a r a` anoni't® yin andctang upon reported! anC �dLea� he Courgt should be ra±sp � sab [e fo g 45 �' S v rz 1 dvisira ` resdntsro ' the ;need to test and protest [ hear grdwater c® nteraanation inrhal a g r � I , 5 l 5 t I x � ; i groa� ndvuaer resources J , 1 , `f5 , I +'-I a -5 r t e r ; 7 :: 3 Additional In �ormdtion items AO 04 Commission for the Environment Agenda rI O r + : 0 ` O � O 0 O CD _CD & U) (D Z (D 0) n DD co( 0 O v O cn o_ o cD D c 0 2002 Report Card - 41 of ti of ^ i TY ,- x � 5� r f Sf . .. If � F t `dc ra of If to to ; , s� op ooL .A L,of I ` of of R- fI FF-u *f3e- 'C. v of, o rr oo or o,r -- T� .J.J � �+> CD ORANGE z Water&Sewer nco (D o A U T H O R I T Y Y Fr IF it I4 IF IF ti.� . . - S It IF t eIii, IF n How you can get involved in water quality and water supply issues For More Information You can get involved in water resource ; i F If you have any questions about issues at the local , State and national levels - � this report or concerning your in several ways . Becoming informed is the water utility, please contact the ` ,� first step in being an effective participant . Water Treatment Plant Laboratory - Supervisor at ( 919 ) 968-4421 , s F Fit. ext . 227. (Our U . S . mail , e-mail and You can learn about water and water a . fax numbers are also listed below. ) resource issues from news media ; books We appreciate the opportunity to respond to any concerns or in the library ; Web sites such as those of questions you may have . the U . S . Environmental Protection Agency, American Water Works Association and other organizations ; and by contacting OWASA (telephone , 968-4421 ; Atencion Este documento contiene Web site : www . owasa . org; e-mail : webmaster@owasa . org) . informacion importante acerca de la calidad del suministro del Expressing your views at public meetings , by contacting public officials , etc . is agua publico . Si necesita ayuda important when improvements , new policies and standards affecting water quality para traducir este documento , Ilame por favor a la Impresa de are needed or proposed . Agua Potable y Alcantarillado de Orange al 9684421 . We invite you to attend and participate in meetings of the OWASA Board of Directors , which sets policies and adopts the budget for our water and wastewater services . The How to contact us : Orange Water and Sewer Authority Board usually meets at 7 pm on second Thursdays of most months in the Community IF I Public Water Supply Room in the OWASA Operations Center, 400 Jones Ferry Road , Carrboro ; and on IF IF No . 03-68-010 fourth Thursdays at the Chapel Hill Town Hall On fourth Thursdays , you can watch 400 Jones Ferry Road Carrboro , NC If OWASA Board meetings on the cable television systems in Chapel Hill and Carrboro . I IF Telephone : ( 919 ) 9684421 IF Fax: 9684464IF IF &mail : webmaster@owasa . org Web site : www , owasa . org This report on the quality of drinking water in 2002 wasIF IF IF I EPA' s Drinking Water Hotline : distributed in June, 2003. IF I IF IF (800 ) 4264791 F1 IF . Printed on recycled paper. i ' l 1 2 � O Water Tower � = ZP r �, T Yy ,ht tr j�.il V S r { ,.? _ J' .j�i t . i I F I FF ji F. ., IF.Y i5 f — lav IF .4 OF t 00 Clarification 1 .i O Raw water 3 AV FAVA dhfFir b,FF A 5—VA�� fit+ - ' -tv - - T tit w+NIX f. Xj � t S f� d )Fi t Ir All ; 'V�141& AV �Gi�. ; . y 4 ,,' O Clearwel At FF NONE N H . �� Plant headworks _ ' . ./ ® ® ® �® ® F� �} S yea .CP?"k. ,'�]4.. 1 © Filters O Post Treatment DisinfectionWATER.. T R�E T SY ST EM O Raw water from University Lake and/ or Cane Creek is pumped to the Jones Ferry Road Water Treatment Plant and © enters through the headworks facility, where non-toxic chemicals are added to make solid particles clump together and improve taste and odor. © Water is then pumped to either the " pulsator " or sedimentation basins , which allow time for solids to settle . O As water is pumped to filters , a liquid form of chlorine ( bleach ) is added for disinfection . © Water flows downward through dual media filters (sand and anthracite coal ) , where additional particles are removed . O The water enters the post-treatment stage , i where fluoride for dental health , ammonia for disinfection with chloramines and other substances are added . The water then flows to the 1 . 5 million gallon clearwell O for temporary storage . Millions of gallons are then pumped daily to one of several elevated storage tanks 4 , which provide pressure so finished water can be delivered to your tap through a 330-plus mile network of water lines . ; For people with special risks of infection Some people may be more vulnerable to contaminants in drinking water than the general population . Immuno. compromised persons such as persons with cancer undergoing chemotherapy, persons who have undergone organ transplants , people with HIV/AIDS or other immune system disorders , some elderly people and infants can be particularly at risk from infections . These people should seek advice about drinking water from their health care providers . Guidelines from the U . S . Environmental Protection Agency ( EPA ) and Centers for Disease Control ( CDC) on appropriate means to lessen the risk of infection by Cryptosporidium ( please see opposite side ) and other microbial contaminants are available from the Safe Drinking Water Hotline ( 80 &42 &4791) . To assist people with these infection risks , OWASA offers water treated with extra filtration , a reverse osmosis process and final disinfection with ultraviolet j light. This water is available from an outdoor water vending machine on the west side of our Operations Center, 400 Jones Ferry Road , Carrboro . The cost is 40 . cents per gallon . The water vending machine can fill a customer' s container up to 5 gallons . . I i 1 � r • .. F M F 4 1 I Environmental Protection Safe Drinking Water 1 : 4264791 j iT3 f% .41 IF IF— IMF It a KA &' r - . -, y,� `b +r S 'flak "ILIFF, ry �`23�^ Sxr'T ;�3ry S¢i fate ,, * .x. a�-at � A A I N % " -a' r - �t� E - - % . �;�� 41 �- , � } , � ;, k rY d4 Z0 n �{3 I �s �t �� i < ; cis , �C $ T 1 . 4 �s ( kt784l F TM h. e?saueces# of4drtn �CtnQO,- water. both toad _ water._and ,bottled ' All drinkIf ingwater; including bottled4FLd drinking water, may be L`.s. ;:z-hGa�'w,,..i. "r�r3'N `ih-"g ! , ( . F:: p .,_,, j y ::.r - o FAda Ia Faaar ItF -w�te� : i c1 . de�i ers akes , ,strearris, ponds ; reservoirs , ; � ;a : , reasonably , expected to; contai a east small amounts of spCings4atlwelfs ! some contaminants ,The presence of these contaminants -,: a � ' � ,� �. ::.., ,�; �`�, does not necessaril ose a iiealtf risk - The - Environmental zx t= i Y p I. ,riaerra`ue�suerthe surface'gf the land orthrough Protection -A I4mits the amount oFace a & n contami- Yae,gro rnd; fhe nrater dissolves naturally ; at . , I I ing Hants in water from public drinking water systems . The cesapiro� ne cases ; radioactive matenaf , and Food and Drug Admiriistration sets fimits for . contaminantst . 3 � t ' car �ptck up sGbstances resultingfrom the presence 'of in bottled water to provide the same protection forahe. animals oryumaa ctivity Contaminants that may be - public health . = pr~esent in source water before it is'. treated include -- .: to t rcrobial contaminants such as viruses and 14 bacteria , at aa a It Arsenic Tests: In February and October of 2002 , we ` Which `: may coriie from °sewage treatment plants , septic tested for arsenic in our drinking water. _ The result: arsenic , - al . :aystems , agricultural livestock operations and wildlife ; was below the . detectable level of 5 parts per billion. ' . Inorganic "contaminants such as salts and metals , which L . OWASA Tests for MTBE: In February, May, October and can be naturally occurring or result from stor., water` November, 2002 , we tested the water in our lakes and runIF off, industrial or domesticwastewaterdlscharges , our drinking water for Methyl Tertiary Butyl Ether ( MTBE ) , oil and gas production , mining or farming; a gasoline additive that has been found in some water Pesticides and herbicides , which may come from a variety sources including several wells in the Triangle region . of sources such as agriculture , stormwater runoff and resi- Our test findings . MTBE was below the detectable level dential uses ; of 0 . 5 parts per billion . Organic chemical contaminants including synthetic and volatile organic chemicals , which are by-products of indus- trial processes and petroleum production , and can alsoY -y a come from gas stations and stormwater runoff; andIF r Radioactive contaminants , which can be natural ) Y- ' � occurring or the result of oil and gas production and mining activities . It tat "a 'rL t � IFF :^'F� F 9 [ : : , Pesticides and herbicides , which may come from a variety s0 urces including several we s in the Triangle r Our test findings : MTBE was below, the detectable level of sources such as agriculture , stormwater runoff and resi- of 0 . 5 parts per billion . . dential uses ; i Organic chemical contaminants including synthetic and volatile organic chemicals , which are by- products of indus- i ` trial processes and petroleum production , and can also come from gas stations and stormwater runoff; and rr_ FF * if , Radioactive contaminants , which can be naturally- For occurring or the result of oil and gas production and mining activities . IF - - do Fol " go What Is Crypto Spor ' dium to N , %� g Cryptosporidium is a microscopic organism that can cause - IF diarrhea , fever and other gastrointestinal symptoms if k,F e ? # s; in ourFor ingested . OWASA has tested for Cryptosporidium + 41 IF ,�'IF ' ,_ reservoirs and treated water and has never detected it in a• . }�MF{}�� , f 4.?+yFob } ^, lipI. . treated water. "fy ;= r The organism comes from human and animal wastes and mr i may occur in local streams and lakes . We control 9 r.- troy . For '` ' �' Cryptosporidium through a combination of source water k ; ox , , � �. ry gF protection and sophisticated treatment technology y; IN r . 14 ,. . Please contact us at 968-4421 if you would like moreat IF information about Cryptosporidium . u r • _ • - - ;- IM IF P to • • • • • • • • _ • • , , • _Also • I • • • . • • • • • - . IF i Af tt, 2 #, 1 2002 Test Results . In 2002 , OWASA tested drinking water for over 100 substances in accord with State and Federal requirements . Listed below are the only substances that were detected , all of which were below the regulatory limits . To get a list of all test results including substances not detected , please call us at 9684421 or see our Website , www. owasa . orga hstance and- Highest_ Nlghest Level Han_ ge Detectfed Highest Level Highest Level MaJor sairrce to Drinking Water It Measurement Detefded Allowed (MCQ Goal (Mad _ -- - --- al Coliform 4 0 to 4 presence of coliform 0 Naturally present in the cteria (percent) bacteria in greater environment ' than 5% of the • ' - ' ' _ monthly samples • • ' " - ' Vdity (NTU) 0.38 0.01 to 0.38 1.0 0.3 A measure of the cloudiness of and 99.9% or and 95% of water. It may be caused by M , , , • . samples below 0.3 samples below 0.3 inorganic soil particles or • • • , _ , fragments of organic matter , e that can interfere with treatmenL e p Decay of natural and :ta emitters 4.34 no range 50 man-made deposits st tested in 1999• e arium (ppm) 0.022 0,015 to 0.022 2 2 Discharge of drilling wastes; discharge from metal refineries; erosion of natural deposits • , , opper (ppm)* * 0. 160 0.026 to 0,580 1.3 1.3 Corrosion of household plumbing (90th percenWe, with ( ) action level systems; erosion of natural - ' 0 sample sues above deposits; leaching from wood _ _ , • , . preservatives the action level) the average • _ ge from ;yanide (ppb) 67 34 to 67 200 200 facttories;rdischarge from plastic ' and fertilizer factories if exceede ' triggerswater system must e . luoride (ppm) 0.92 0.90 to 0.92 4 4 Erosion of natural deposits; water additive which promotes strong Treatment Techniquerequired teeth; discharge from fertilizer and reduce the level of ' drinking aluminum factories .ead (ppb) " 4 <3 to 36 15 0.0 Corrosion of household plumbing (90th percentile, with (action level) systems; erosion of natural deposits I sample site above CONSERVATION Ore action level) Nitrate (ppm) 0.22 no range 10 10 Runoff from fertilizer use; leaching from septic tanks, sewage; Conservation is a costmeffective way to ensure an adequate, erosion of natural deposits safe water supply for our community. Following basic water conservation practices and habits at all times of year will help Sodium (ppm) 25.3 18.5 to 25.3 not regulated 20 An element that occurs our community cope with droughts and other water shortages (proposed) naturally in soils when they occur in the future. Conservation also helps protect the natural environment and reduce energy use in pumping Sulfate (ppm) 40 28 to 40 not regulated 500 A mineral that occurs water and hot water heating. (proposed) naturally in soils Waterwise landscaping is one of the best ways to conserve water In the warm to hot months of the year. Outdoor water • e ' • e use in our community in hot, dry weather has been as high as I three or more million gallons per day. Total Haloacebc 35.2 26 to 59 60 0 By-product of drinking water Acids (ppb) (running ready average) (running yeadyaverage) (running yearly average) chlorination For established plantings and lawn areas, use no more than one inch of water per week (less during a declared water Total 0 By-product of drinking water 36.7 21.8 to 49 80 shortage), If you have an irrigation system, have . it set for (ppb) * * * (running can averse rennin a ayes rennin ea avea chlorination optimum effectiveness with the type of soil you have — too much Trihalomethanes b l gr r g ) (running M z•1 (running M gel Bromadichloromethane (ppb) 6.85 no range Not regulated Not regulated BY Product of drinking water water can be harmful and will not encourage the root growth chlorination needed for healthy plants. Please visit our Website, www.owasa.org, for links to waterwise Chloroform (ppb) 20.5 no range Not regulated Not regulated By-product of drinking water chlorination landscaping information or contact us for sources of information about drought resistant plants. Chlorodibromomethane (ppb) 2, 12 no range Not regulated Not regulated By-product of drinking water ` Replacing old fixtures such as toilets, showerheads and chlorination ® aerators with more water-efficient models will save water at all Chloramines (ppm) 3.5 3.4 to 3. 7 MRDL = 4 MROLG = 4 Water additive used to times of year. (running annual average flange of monthly control microbes On average, about 25% of residential indoor water use is for of monthly distribution distribution system flushing toilets. Older toilets (installed before 1994) use two to system samples Feb: sample averages) three times as much water as newer models. And, a new toilet Dec. after switch to can pay for itself in a few years by lowering your water and chloaminabonl sewer bill every month. Chlorine (ppm) 1,54 No range MRDL = 4 MRDLG = 4 Water additive used to Y P replace If Ian to re lace a clothes washing machine or dishwasher, (average of distribution control microbes the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency's EnergyStar Website, system samples In Jan. www,energystar.gov/products, is an excellent source of informa- prior to chloraminadon) tion about appliances that use water and energy efficiently, ' • e • tr , Periodically check for and fix leaks in your toilets, faucets, e water pipes, hoses, irrigation system if you have one, etc. 6 3.57 to 8,89 Tr N/A Naturally present in Please review your monthly OWASA bill for unusually high water Total Organic environment use, which may indicate a leak. Carbon (ppm) (annual average) There are dozens of ways to conserve water. 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'•S �r •'-=Er_ ..-. :r� �,*j'"s, � E; • �_ S � ;� � �>,-' --*., us�'.y Si-Fr -:i .. ,��.-r =�J.`a�_�,�z..+-+%.-""`•^' �H a„�ti��'�i.., uLl;<..�.,.� - - �u�. �r=?�1�..,.i»....r..�*`i �..J,:t:?�it T:s��`-.i�� T• . . k i .� i=-^s�� � i ry�.�•C•.i°{:��.,, .,r.� ���_ _ Vol . 14, No . 3 July—September 2003 Moore Awards Major Grant to Fund Editorial : The Chesapeake Bay Foundation' s president calls for the creation of the ® The Conservation Fund received a $4 . 5 million grant Chesapeake Bay National Water Trail to help from the Gordon and Betty Moore Foundation as the Fund the Bay and recognize the 400th anniversary protected land in Alaska, Georgia and Texas and released a of Captain John Smith' s explorations and report on the Schuylkill River watershed in Pennsylvania . Jamestown' s founding . ® The Gordon and Betty Moore Foundation recently awarded a $4 . 5 million grant to The Conservation Fund for its Southwest Alaska Salmon Habitat Initiative . The Award : International Paper and The Conser- grant, to be disbursed over three years, is a major boost to vation Fund honor conservationists for their the Fund' s decade-long program to protect key salmon efforts to protect natural resources through habitat throughout the 40 million acres of southwest leadership in conservation and education . Alaska, the world ' s largest breeding ground of wild salmon . Conservation of strategic riparian sites will have broad benefits for brown bears, waterfowl, bald eagles, Forestry: More than 1 million acres of rainbow trout, Dolly Varden and other species . Congress forestland has changed hands this year; and the state of Alaska have recognized the fish, wildlife and millions more are on the market . See Moore Foundation , page 7 Small Tracts : Americans boost giving for States Embrace Tax Incentives the environment despite the tough economy, plus new reports on the oceans, global for Conservation warming, California farmland and London In Mississippi and New Mexico have joined 16 other traffic . states that have adopted tax incentives which foster conservation . Corporate Notes : Banrock Station Winery After three years of work, Mississippi approved a con- funds wetlands grants, National servation tax credit March 23 (House Bill 701 , ls . state . ms . us ) that covers 50 % of transaction costs for the donation of Hydropower Association honors Avista land or an easement that protects riparian stream corri- Corporation, and the outdoor recreation dors . Eligible waterways include those identified under the industry voices support for Utah wilderness . state Scenic Streams Stewardship Program or priority con- servation sites identified under the state Natural Heritage Program . Eligible costs for the credit include appraisal costs , baseline natural features survey costs , engineering Databank : Pew Commission warns of an and surveying fees , legal document preparation fees and empty ocean unless the U . S . leads the world the cost of title review and insurance . The credit is capped in restoring and protecting the vast resource . See Tax Incentives page 5 32 COMMON GROUND VOL. 14 NO . 3 DULY—SEPTEMBER 2003 IF IF B ® - Chesapeake Americans can aid the Chesapeake Bay for environmental education, reasons to im- and honor an early explorer John Smith— prove water quality and the means to build Bay National by recommending creation of the first a constituency far beyond the Bay . Increas- National Water Trail . As president of the ing the trail network will help fulfill the Water Trail Chesapeake Bay Foundation, I have joined goals of the Chesapeake 2000 Agreement, Pat Noonan, chairman of The Conservation the interstate compact to protect the Bay . Fund, and Gil Grosvenor, chairman of the It has been said that the Bay " cradled National Geographic Society, to embrace the our new nation. " Before Captain John Smith trail in a new national effort to protect our arrived , the Chesapeake was a passage for largest estuary . commerce for Native Americans . The Bay' s The National Park Service is seeking cultural, historical and natural resources comment and holding meetings this summer are unmatched . Its wetlands draw tens of on its Chesapeake Bay Special Resource thousands of waterfowl . The charts of the Study . Adding a water trail would augment 200-mile-long Bay produced by Smith' s ex- study alternatives by linking the agency ' s peditions almost 400 years ago changed the 100 Gateway Communities with cultural, way Europeans thought about the New historic and recreational destinations . World . In four years, the 400th anniversary Water trails, or blueways, are like of Smith' s first trip and Jamestown' s settle- greenways on land . These corridors for ex- ment will provide a national focus on the z achievements, the Chesapeake . r- IF ploration attract kayakers, canoeists and explorer' sFit achl p is published quarterly as a small boat sailors . They link together a chain Bay and its resources . service to the conservation of opportunities that benefit people, wildlife Involving communities, nonprofits, community by and local economies in a cost-efficient way public agencies, landowners and businesses, The Conservation Fund that promotes low-impact visitation. the trail can create a model of public-private Patrick F. Noonan More than 16 million people live within partnerships that shows how to care for Chairman a A. Selzer 15 minutes of the Bay or its tributaries . But America ' s special places in the 21st century. President few are involved in protecting the Chesa- A Chesapeake Bay National Water Trail Mike McQueen peake . Increasing the Bay' s constituency can become a standard for other water trails Editor through education, recreation, participation nationwide . It will deliver the message that Jack Lynn IF and new partnerships is a key to its future . saving this great national treasure should be Editorial Consultant Meg West The Chesapeake is America' s most pro- a priority for all Americans . We are deter- Art Director ductive estuary . Yet, as our organizations mined to make it a reality. The time is right. For address corrections and " State of the Bay " report documents, the —William Baker information, contact: Chesapeake ' s water quality must be im- The author is president of the Chesapeake Bay April Berry proved to ensure its productivity and Foundation . Circulation Manager increase its value for outdoor recreation . [For more on the Water Trail, visit conserva- The Conservation Fund 1800 N. Kent St., Suite 1120 The water trail would tie together exist- tionfund . org. See chesapeakestudy . org to Arlington, VA =09 ing water trails on the Bay' s rivers . In foster- support the Trail, or mail to NPS, 410 Severn 703 / 525-6300 ing use by families , students and young Ave . , Suite 109 , Annapolis MD 21403, or fax COMMON GROUND routinely voyagers, the trails could serve as vehicles 410 / 267-5777 . The deadline : Aug . 29 . 1 grants permission for reprints . Address editorial correspondence and reprint queries to: IF COMMON GROUND 940 Stillwater Lane Earlysville, VA 22936 ' ay ' IFIF + lit � STATE IF , . 434 /973-6329 �Fri coground®adelphia.net & zf + Parks vi1i'IF BUDGET COMMON GROUND is available Wildlife - on the World Wide Web at Dept . ^ ^� www .conservationfund.org IIF I IF ClF ' u °Printed on recycled paper. 0 I IF ,: Forestry News = Ills MILLIONS OF ACRES UP F m O GRABS „ FIT � IFF IF Icytil ill d u 'How much per square foot?" av; -'.-tt%-�:^�`*x- - _ 1:T '-sr T� = `3 — }� '- - - iy_rv. i 'K: -7- u�_ -. - •`> +r "F� y -} `ram-r-� ,.�v v - t } .�- .r _ d - _ • • • • • • • 11 • 1111 • - • � r • � 1 111 • { 4 COMMON GROUND VOL. 14 N0. 3 JULY-SEPTEMBER 2003 S MALL The Pew Oceans Commission has asked Despite a sluggish economy, environmental The Conservation Fund . Congress to create a major funding source giving rose to a record $6 . 59 billion in 2002, Vital Statistics for coastal habitat protection fueled by fed- a 2 . 8% increase over 2001 . Overall giving Land protected by TCF eral revenue from offshore oil, gas and min- rose just 1 % to $240 . 92 billion, which repre- and partners, 2003 : eral development . The commission made the sented a 0 . 5 % decline, when adjusted for Acres protected: 72,121. recommendation in the most comprehensive inflation, according to Giving USA 2003 , Est. value: $148,450,300 mp study of the nation' s oceans in three de- ($65, aafrc . org, 888 / 544-8464) , published by Land protected, 1985-2003, cades . Commission members spent three the AAFRC Trust for Philanthropy . Giving by TCF and partners; years examining the 4 . 5 million square miles by individuals in 2002 rose 0 . 7%, to $ 183 . 73 Acres Iprotected: 3,526,234 of offshore waters within U . S . jurisdiction . billion. Giving through bequests in 2002 rose Est. value: $1,984F .,888,083 Their 144-page report, " America's Living 2% to $ 18 . 1 billion. Foundation giving slid TCF has received, top Oceans : Charting a Course for Sea Change" 1 . 2% to $26 . 9 billion, whereas corporate gifts ratings from the American . (pewoceans . org) , concludes that overnshing, jumped 10 .5 % to $ 12 . 19 billion. Institute of Philanthropy for coastal development and polluted runoff its :progrant effectiveness from cities and farmland have seriously Transportation enhancement funding and 1% fund raising harmed a resource that was once thought would jump to $3 . 15 billion under the Bush expense beyond humankind' s ability to harm . "The administration' s six-year, $247 billion pro- The Conservation Fund hope is that we can reverse this damage, " posal to reauthorize the highway and transit is a . F : & (3) nonprofit said Leon Panetta, commission chairman bill . The proposal (www .fhwa. dot . gov / reau- organization established to •advance land, and water and former White House chief of staff, at the thorization / safetea .htm) includes $ 60 mil- •conservation it America: June 4 release . "We understand that dealing lion each year for the Recreational Trails The Fund is a member of with our oceans is a world problem. But the program ( + $ 10 million) , and $31 . 5 million Earth Share and participates United States has to set the standard . " The annually for the National Scenic Byways in the Combined Federal commission also called for a National Ocean Program ( + $5 million) . Enhancement money I .Campaign as #0930 Policy Act, an independent oceans agency can fund acquisition of scenic easements, and a national network of marine reserves construction of rail-trails, and provision of IF .Earth Share (see Databank on page 8 for more on study) . facilities for pedestrians and bicycles . To gear up for the reauthorization debate in ConservatIF ion Leadership Changes in land use in the United States— Congress, trail proponents released polls Courses conversion of land to cities and agriculture— showing majority support for more federal IF"Conserving Land withV . may be contributing twice as much to global funding to improve facilities for walking Conservation Easements," warming as previously thought. Comparing and biking (americabikes . org / resources_ Sept; 21=24; Chapel Hit N , C rural and urban temperature data since media_pollrelease . asp and transact. org / Contact Land Trust Alliance: 1960, researchers at the University of report. asp ? id=205) . 202/638 4725 Maryland found an increase of 0 . 2 degrees "Green Infrastructure A ' Fahrenheit in mean surface temperature, The California State Board of Equalization Strategic Approach to Natu twice as hi h as revious estimates (www . decided in May that the placement of a con- ial Resource Planning and g p Conservation;' Oct 27 30, atmos . umd . edu / ~ ekalnay / Kalnay_01675 servation easement on land did not consti- Shepherdstown,' W.Va _final . pdf) . Human- caused atmospheric in tute a change of ownership , which triggers a Contact 304 / 876-7462 creases in carbon dioxide and other green- reassessment of the property' s value . Con- "GIS Design for Regional house gases have been implicated as a key servationists cheered the ruling, which ran Conservation Planning," factor in global warming . But if land use is counter to board staff recommendations , be- Nova .17-21, Shepherdstown, W.Va . Contact: 304/ 876-74524 playing a greater role than previously cause such reassessments could have wiped "Building Partnerships thought, it could complicate any effort to out any tax break the easement may have Between Gateway reverse global warming because most land generated . Under Proposition 13, which state Communities and Public use decisions are locally controlled . voters approved in 1978 when property val- Lands: An Interactive Televiw ues were escalating, land cannot be reas - sion Workshop;" Broadcast A report on park systems in 55 of the sessed unless it changes ownership or major from Shepherdstown, W.Va. Dec. 4. Contact: 304 / 876- nations largest cities ranked Jacksonville, improvements are made . As a result, land 7462. Fla . , as the leader in terms of park acreage that has remained in the same ownership (49 , 785 acres) and park acreage per 1 ,000 since then is still assessed at its 1978 value . residents (67. 6) . In San Francisco, one in five Recently, assessors in Calaveras, El Dorado, acres is parkland, according to "The Excel- Shasta and Yuba counties have interpreted lent City Park System" (tpl . org) with Wash- the creation of conservation easements as a ington, D . C . , New York, San Diego , Boston, change of ownership, which would have El Paso and Minneapolis not too far behind . triggered a reassessment. _— — — — _ -_z� � �-.(" � — — �K � 1 _ --r=>—G'��—.k, _ ���`•,=.�...r=,: ��?a•:r_� . is �:?z�. --rY�_`� _ titY �.;�._'.1 _ � —a' �- �. • f • f • f • : 1 • • • • • • • • • , • • f • f f • f • • - • • • • - • • - • • f f • _ - 1 - �- - .�' � - � . - :.; __„gam - -3 . ice'- _ _ -�_ - ,'"1' '�-� � - _�•n ,�� 3 t -,-.• .��. SST A T7 ESN ' ' m mi : - • • f • • • - • - f • • -e COMMON GROUND VOL. 14 NO. 3 JULY-SEPTEMBER 2003 11 Banrock Station Winery of Australia has The group (hydro . org) honored the energy teamed up with The Conservation Fund to company for its preservation work in the create a $75,000 grant program to stimulate Clark Fork River basin. To fulfill its hydro wetland conservation in the United States . relicensing obligations, Avista worked with The company (banrockstation. com) already The Conservation Fund last year to pur- has undertaken a large-scale wetland restora- chase a 716-acre parcel along the Bull River, tion project in Australia . The new Banrock a tributary of Clark Fork River in Montana Wetlands Conservation Program will provide (see CG 13 : 3 ) . The land includes several seed grants ranging from $ 1 ,000 to $5,000 to miles of riverfront and provides habitat for The new nonprofit groups that are planning and three endangered species—bald eagle, bull implementing local wetland conservation trout and grizzly bear . Avista and the Fund Banrock Wetlands Conservation or restoration projects . The Conservation jointly own the property, which is being- Fund is developing grant criteria for the managed for conservation purposes . Program will program, which it will also administer . provide seed grants Applications will be solicited later this year, ® United Technologies Corp . (www . utc . ranging from with the first grants distributed late next com) has cut its cost for water usage by 34 % spring or early summer . and energy consumption by 27% in just four $ 1 , 000 to $ 5, 000 years, and now plans to reach a 40% reduc- to nonprofit groups ® PacifiCorp, which operates 55 hydroelec- tion by 2007. The company also has joined that are planning tric dams in the Northwest, has agreed to the Climate Leaders program at the Envi- and im lementin dismantle a six-megawatt dam on the Hood ronmental Protection Agency (epa . gov / p g River in Oregon beginning in 2010 . As part of climate leaders) , an industry-government local wetland a multiparty agreement, the utility will trans- partnership of 40 companies that encourages conservation fer 465 acres at the dam site to the public and businesses to develop climate change strate- or restoration establish a $ 150,000 trust fund to maintain gies and set reduction goals for greenhouse the lands . Until 2010, the utility will close the gas emissions . UTC has lowered its green- projects . dam for two months each year to allow juve- house gas emissions by 15 % since 1997. rile salmon and steelhead to migrate down- Other Climate Leader members include stream. The federal license for the dam ex- Bank of America, BP Corp . , Eastman pired in 2000, and the utility opted to close it Kodak Company, General Motors, IBM, rather than meet tighter operating conditions International Paper, Johnson & Johnson and make investments to keep the dam oper- and Lockheed Martin . ating for the next 30 to 50 years . In 1999, the utility agreed to dismantle the 123400t tall ® The outdoor recreation industry recently Condit dam in Washington near the junction flexed its muscles in Utah by threatening to of the White Salmon and Columbia rivers . move two trade shows worth $24 million out of state to protest the state 's settlement R Americans will scrap 3 billion pieces of of a lawsuit with the federal government electronic equipment by 2010, including 1 bil- that could open potential federal wilderness Americans will lion units of computer apparatus and 200 to development (suwa . org) . In the settle- scrap 3 billion million TVs . The International Association ment, the Interior Department agreed to of Electronics Recyclers predicts a boom in drop interim wilderness protection for mil- pieces of electronic recycling, with the industry at least quadru- lions of acres of federal land in Utah and equipment by pig by the end of the decade . Currently, across the West. " [I] t is time to consider 2010, including more than 400 U . S . companies employ 7,000 pulling these [trade shows] out of Utah in people that process 1 . 5 billion pounds of elec- protest of the message the state has sent the 1 billion units tronic equipment and generate $700 million outdoor industry and community, " said Of computer in revenue each year. Included are 40 million Peter Metcalf, CEO of Black Diamond apparatus and pieces of computer equipment that help the (blackdiamondequipment. com) , an outdoor industry recover an estimated 900 million equipment company in Salt Lake City . 200 million TVs . pounds of recyclable materials each year, Metcalf' s remark, contained in a May 4 according to "Electronics Recycling Industry OpEd piece in the Salt Lake Tribune, helped Report, " (www . iaer . org, $59 .95 , members, prompt a meeting in June of Gov . Michael $99 . 95 non-members; 888 / 9894237) . Leavitt, Metcalf and other members of the Outdoor Industry Association, a 1 , 100- ® For the fourth straight year, Avista Corpo - member trade group (outdoorindustry . org) ration ( avistacorp . com) has received an Out- that represents the $ 18 billion outdoor recre- standing Stewards of America's Rivers award ation industry. The association called the from the National Hydropower Association . meeting a good first step to mend fences . COMMON GROUND VOL. 14 NO. 3 JULY-SEPTEMBER 2003 IT RoomY- Moore Foundation , from page 1 King Mellon Foundation . The property, Many thanks to these and outdoor recreation values of southwest which will be added to the refuge, is cen- recent donors to the Alaska through the establishment of six na- tered around Canoe Bay near the base of . COMMON GROUND tional wildlife refuges, three national parks twin volcanoes named Mt . Pavlof and Research Fund : and one of the largest state parks in the na- Pavlof' s Sister . The bay, with its vast beds of tion. All of these conservation areas share eelgrass, is one of the most productive estu- Sarah Bogdanovitch the common challenge of extensive private aries in Izembek, which attracts birds, bears Barbara George Ann Clark Godfrey lands located at strategic sites along the and spawning salmon. During the height of Mr. & Mrs . Charles Kireker region' s many large rivers and lakes, said the salmon season, more than 50 brown Charlene Marek Glenn Elison, the Fund ' s Alaska state direc- bears can be seen at one time . To date, the Darby Nelson tor . The protection of these sites over the Fund and its partners have protected 55,370 next few years will largely determine the acres in the Izembek NWR Complex . Thirty-two donors have long-term success of these areas . The Moore given $ 1 ,260 to the COM- rant carries a significant commitment to 11 The Conservation Fund oined forces with MON GROUND Research g 1 Fund this year. If you obtain matching funding . Some early success Renewable Resources LLC in June to ac- would like to make a gift, was realized when the Bristol Bay Native quire 33,000 acres of Texas forestland from send your check c / o The Corporation recently approved $75,000 for International Paper . The Fund worked with Conservation Fund, 1800 the program . Support from the corporation the private investment firm as well as the N. Kent St., Suite 1120, was a critical vote of confidence from the Houston Endowment, Meadows Founda- Arlington, VA native communities in southwest Alaska . tion and T. L . L . Temple Foundation to pay 22209-21560 for the Middle Neches tract, valued at $26 illion . Future forestry operations will meet IN A coalition of 26 nonprofit groups in m southeastern Pennsylvania has released the or exceed requirements of the Sustainable Future forestry first-ever report of baseline indicators for the Forestry Initiative program to ensure protec- Schuylkill River watershed, a 1 ,900-square- tion of critical habitat and imperiled aquatic operations will mile area that supplies drinking water for 3 resources . The Middle Neches property, meet or exceed million residents . The Conservation Fund located along the Neches River near Lufkin, requirements Of prepared the 41 -page "Report on the State of connects Davy Crockett and Angelina na- the requirements o the Schuylkill River Watershed " (schuylkill tional forests . The land is considered to be of le report . org) , which identified three factors high value for both timber production and Forestry Initiative that are undermining the health of the 11 - wildlife habitat . program to ensure county watershed—water pollution, un- protection of planned land development and the lack of ® The Conservation Fund recently bought a a regional plan for water management. The 103-acre tract in Fulton County, Ga . , the first critical habitat report calls for strengthening communica- purchase in a 40,000-acre project to create a and imperiled tion between nonprofits and government, master-planned conservation development aquatic resources . improving monitoring of water quality, on the outskirts of Atlanta . The land, which creating economic and environmental op- was slated for development, consists of roll- portunity zones along the Schuylkill River, ing hills, pastureland and rock outcroppings and enhancing land use planning by mur ici- that overlook the city of Palmetto 's reservoir . The Fund and its palities . The William Penn Foundation, The Chattahoochee Hill Country Alliance Claneil Foundation, the commonwealth of (chatthillcountry. org) , the Fund ' s local part- partners also are Pennsylvania and the city of Philadelphia ner in the acquisition, hopes the county will working to develop provided funding for the project, the latest acquire the land for a park that will serve a process that will product of the Schuylkill River Watershed as the trailhead for a four-county bike and Initiative . The coalition previously devel- pedestrian path and act as an anchor for an use transfer of oped a river conservation plan for the region interconnected greenspace plan . The Fund development rights that examined efforts to conserve the most and its partners also are working to create a as the major tool to developed watershed in the state . process that will use transfer of development implement the rights as the major tool to implement the 9 In May, The Conservation Fund pur- 40,000- acre conservation project . 40, 000-acre con - chased more than 13, 000 acres from the nervation project . Atxam Corporation to be protected in M The Conservation Fund welcomes John Izembek National Wildlife Refuge Complex Whitmore to its Corporate Council . Cur- in Alaska . Funding for the $ 1 . 4 million pur- rently he is chairman of the board of direc- chase was provided by the North American tors of ASB Capital Management, Inc. and Wetlands Conservation Council, with Chevy Chase Trust Company in Maryland . matching funds from the Richard and He served as president and CEO of the Rhoda Goldman Fund and the Richard Bessemer Group from 1975 to 1998 . COMMON GROUND VOL. 14 NO. 3 JULY-SEPTEMBER 2003 ansThe Pew Oceans Commission report, bottom overhaul in how dozens of United OceAmericas" ' Living Oceans : Charting a States agencies now manage the nation' s Peri I Course for Sea Change " (free, 144 pages , oceans, illustrates the various challenges that inpewoceans . org) , which calls for a top-to- our waters face . A sampling of its findings : • The oceans within U . S . jurisdiction span • Sprawl development A . consumi A . ng land nearly 4 . 5 million square miles, an area five or more times as fast as populatioin growth in many coastal areas . 23 % larger than its lands . ® Coastal counties , which comprise just • From 1940 to 1996, Florida' s population 17% of U . S . land, are home to more than increased from 1 . 8 million. to 14 . 3 million half of the U . S . population. Another .25 Development has altered boI . Ith water qual- million people will live along the coast ity and water quantity, leading to the loss by 20156 of more than half of the Everglades, the , IF Sprawl largest contiguous ` wetland in the UnitedAA . p • More than one-fourth of all the lend States . Freshwater, flow through the Ever- . development is converted from rural to suburban and A I A la declined b a roxlmafel 70% g Y Pl? . . Y Consuming land urban uses since European sezlement oc since the 1940s, and the population of_ fiwe Or more curved during the :15-year period between _ wading birds has dropped by 5 A a 1982 and 1997 . times as fast as • Coastal marshes are disappearing at a o elation growth ° . Every eight months; nearly 11 IF + million A . rate of 20,000 acres per year . Louisiana I IF p p. g gallons of oil runoff our streets and drive- in man Coastal g alone has lost half a milhon acres of wet 1� ways into our waters=the equivalent of lands since the 1950s . areas . the Exxon Valdez oil spill. . • A one-acre .p4 ark IAI iFI ng lot produces about m Urban sprawl contributed to. the decline 16 times the volume of runoff that would. I FA I. AA of 188 of 286 California species that are come from cone- acre meadow listed under the Endangered Species Act, making it the leading cause of species de o Aquatic biodiversity begins to declle Cline in that state . when 10% of the acreage of a watershed 1s covered with impervious surfaces . IF o Of the 374 documented invasive species in U . S . waters; 150 have arrived since ® Nearly 1 million Atlantic salmon esIIF 1970 . More than 175 introduced species Gaped from farm pens onIF the West Coast thrive mi San Francisco Bay alone. I A A in the last 15 yeFAaA rALsI . I F A I F . ON ' HHOSA08 `5111H 1d3a S32SN4O s3a I 81AN3 AiD 3DNYa0 3O1D3Y 19 if lioN IS 01AY0 3W 60ZZZ VA ` uolnuT1JV 0ZF ajinS ` ' 1S lua)l ON 0091 O'Q ' NpI,ONIHSNM E66E 'ON LIL�I2I3d Art FAA, ALAIsFAA - Kd IF t , _ _ A. :, �disod 49%aO JI302Id - NON printer - friendly story Page 1 of 2 e ' Friday , July 25 , 2003 12 : OOAM EDT bservw GreenPrint plan gains momentum By RICHARD STRADLING , Staff Writer Building a regional system of parks , trails and nature preserves in the Triangle will take 25 years or more , but planners say they are winning public support for a blueprint they hope will guide land preservation efforts for years to come . Last year , scientists , planners and conservationists released a report they called a " GreenPrint , " identifying natural areas worth preserving in the Triangle. The GreenPrint also highlights possible trails and greenways that people and wildlife could use to get from one oasis to another . Today , they are releasing a project update , highlighting efforts to win public support . "We really have created a shared vision of a regional network that ought to be protected as the region grows , " said Ben Hitchings , a planner with the Triangle J Council of Governments . The report can be found on the Web at www , trianglegreenprint . org . Begun nearly three years ago , the GreenPrint is a joint effort of the council of governments , the state Department of Environment and Natural Resources and the Triangle Land Conservancy , a private land preservation group . County commissioners in Chatham , Durham , Johnston , Lee , Orange and Wake counties have endorsed the GreenPrint and pledged to work toward a network of open space . Planners are creating a system to track conservation projects in the Triangle to measure progress and remind everyone how each step fits into the overall scheme . The Triangle Land Conservancy estimates that 35 , 000 acres in the six - county region had been turned into homes , roads and businesses in the 2 1 /2 years ending last July . In that time , about 6 , 070 acres were protected from development . The conservancy already has benefit ed from the GreenPrint , said conservancy associate director Lorelei Costa . Through the effort , the group learned that one of the largest roadless areas left in the Triangle borders Marks Creek in southeast Wake County , an area the conservancy has targeted for preservation . Costa said the GreenPrint also draws attention to important but vulnerable natural places , such as the swampy plain along the Neuse River southeast of Smithfield . " It generates buzz about lots of places people haven ' t heard of before , " she said . The GreenPrint lists more than 600 sites as good candidates for preservation but does not identify specific pieces of land . It includes maps that highlight general target areas , such as the Eno Wilderness tract just east of Hillsborough and Middle Creek valley in Johnston County . The project is the first of its kind in North Carolina , and state environmental officials hope other regions follow suit . The Z . Smith Reynolds Foundation of Winston - Salem contributed $ 35 , 000 to the process , while the Environmental Protection Agency chipped in $ 10 , 000 . Backers of the GreenPrint admit that governments and conservation groups don 't have nearly enough money to protect the places identified in the report . It' s a long -term effort , the way highways appear on planning maps decades in advance , said Carol Tingley , chief of planning for the state parks and recreation department . " The planning is the first step , " Tingley said . httn : //www . news - observer . com/news/v - print/story/2722342p - 2524416c . html 7/25 /2003 heraldsun . com : printer- friendly story Page 1 of 2 herald SURift Report released on GreenPrint project BY ROB SHAPARD , The Herald- Sun July 24 , 2003 7002 pm CHAPEL HILL Officials from Orange , Chatham, Durham and three neighboring counties say they're interested in talking more with each other about regional efforts to conserve land and other natural resources around the Triangle . The boards of commissioners from the counties , which also include Wake , Johnston and Lee , have passed resolutions expressing their willingness to work together on steps like identifying possible areas for protection and trading notes on land-protection efforts going on now within their borders . The boards essentially passed votes of confidence in the ongoing bid to create a " Triangle GreenPrint, " a joint project of the Triangle J Council of Governments , the Triangle Land Conservancy and the state Department of Environment and Natural Resources . The three partners formally released their latest report on Thursday, describing their efforts since last spring to build support for the GreenPrint project . The report, which also includes results from a survey that drew 130 responses , is available on the Internet at wwwArianglegreenprint . org . The key aim of the project would be to " identify the Triangle' s essential green infrastructure and show how it fits together on a regional scale , " planners say . To give of and others a good " big picture " view of the region, the GreenPrint will include details on natural resources throughout the six counties , and an up -to - date listing of the preservation efforts that the counties already are pursuing, said Ben Hitchings , project manager with the Council of Governments . It would give the various governments a way to track what their neighbors are doing , and to look for areas where regional projects might make sense , Hitchings said . The idea in part is that county boundaries often don' t apply to natural resources such as rivers , so protecting those resources requires cooperation . Over the last year or so , the three partners have done presentations in the six counties and asked officials to pass the resolutions of support . " The thing that' s particularly interesting from our standpoint is a growing recognition of the need for regional cooperation, " Hitchings said Thursday . " It' s not that often that you see six counties get together and endorse a common vision . " All the boards passed the resolutions unanimously except for the Johnston panel, which voted 4 - 3 in favor of the resolution this spring . The resolutions don't call for any commitment of money from the counties . The commitments are in httn : //www . heraldsun . com/tools/printfriendly . cfiin? StoryID =374924 7/25 /2003 heraldsun . com : printer. friendly story Page 2 of 2 broader terms , such as being " an active partner in continuing efforts to create a vision and plan for a protected network of regional open space . " The idea is not unlike other attempts by local governments to work together as a region, in areas like operating transportation systems or dealing with air- quality problems , Hitchings said . " From Occoneechee Mountain, the highest point in the Triangle , to the Neuse River low grounds , and everything in between, we have a real diverse and important system of green space , " Hitchings said . " The goal of this project is to protect the essential backbone of that system, over the next generation . " We have to work thoughtfully and in a coordinated manner if we want these special places to continue to exist for current and future generations , " he added . The next step toward creating the GreenPrint is a " tracking and coordinating " phase , in which the partners will pull together a database of the various current and planned preservation efforts around the six counties . Links related to this article : Triangle GreenPrint . www . trianglegreenprint . org © Copyright 2003 . All rights reserved. All material on heraldsun . com is copyrighted by The Durham Herald Company and may not be reproduced or redistributed in any medium except as provided in the site ' s Terms of Use . http : //www . heraldsun . com/tools/printfriendly . cfm? StoryID =374924 7/25 /2003 printer - friendly story Page 1 of 2 newso sew + ncom Friday , July 25 , 2003 12 : OOAM EDT Testing of wells widened By JOHN ZEBROWSKI , Staff Writer RALEIGH - - In little more than a month , Wake County will require new residential water wells to be tested for a number of dangerous compounds and chemicals . The change , approved Thursday by the Wake County Human Services board , greatly expands what inspectors will be looking for in well water , which still makes up 45 percent of the county ' s drinking water . For the past 30 years , the county tested only for bacteria in wells being installed with new homes . Missed were any chemicals such as arsenic , nitrates or other contaminants that might come from nearby farms or industry . Arsenic found in wells near Swift Creek last year and ongoing problems in the Beechwood Park neighborhood just outside Raleigh highlight the potential for problems . Rick Rowe , director of county environmental services , said that unlike municipal water supplies , which are tested often , people using wells rarely know what is in their water . With the county developing rapidly , he said , the chance for problems grows . " More growth makes this all the more complicated to deal with , " he said . "We need to make sure the public health is protected . Right now , it' s just a best- guess situation . " The new regulations will begin Sept . 1 and the expanded testing will cover only the 800 or so new wells installed in the county each year . The rules are in response to changes to state law aimed at tightening control over wells , which still supply more than half the drinking water in North Carolina . Wake is the first county to adopt the tougher rules , going further than what the state requires , Rowe said . Under current regulations , the county tests wells for anything beyond bacteria only if there is a complaint . Permits are required for new installations , not repairs or alterations to existing wells . Greg Bright , a supervisor with Wake ' s environmental services who helped write the new regulations , said a major aim is to bring all work involving wells under proper supervision , something he said will help make water safer . Permits will now be required for all repairs and changes to wells . Bright said that if a well is improperly repaired or enlarged , it can become contaminated . " There ' s been a lot of weakness and loopholes in the regulations , " he said . " There is an extra level of enforcement that needs to be done . " The new tests won ' t have immediate financial impact on builders . Well permits will stay at $ 350 at least until the beginning of next year , when the county will decide whether to raise the fee . Jim Wahlbrink , executive officer for the Home Builders Association of Raleigh - Wake County , said developers back the changes . It is far more expensive , he said , if a well is found to be contaminated after it' s installed than at the beginning of the process . Bright said the county is worried that arsenic is a growing problem for the water supply , but Wahlbrink said he doesn ' t expect the new tests to find much contamination in wells . " I don 't think water quality is a big , huge problem , " he said . " But if you ' re the one , you ' re going to be upset . This will at least head off potential problems . " haD : //www . news - observer . com/ front/v.print/story/272251 Op - 2524235c . html 7/25 /2003 South is for sale by timber giants Page 1 of 2 4 Posted on Tue , Aug . 05 , 2003 IMIARASMWMkT South is for sale by timber giants THE ASSOCIATED PRESS MADISON , Ga . - Soaring property taxes and increasing debt have forced giant timber companies to put millions of acres of timberland up for sale across the South . The Georgia office of Weyerhaeuser Real Estate Development Co . plans to sell roughly 30 , 000 acres in Morgan , Putnam and Oconee counties for more than $ 3 , 000 an acre . The company also announced plans to sell 174 , 000 acres in Tennessee and 170 , 000 in the Carolinas . Weyerhaeuser' s land sale is one of the biggest in Georgia , and it ' s part of a modern land rush occurring in the South . Giant timber companies are selling forest land as they try to cut costs to offset mergers and operational changes . Plus , larger tracts and corporate lands are taxed at market value . In areas such as north Georgia , where land values are rising rapidly , taxes are making it too expensive for corporations to hold on to their forests . " It seems like the whole South is for sale , " said Ken Driggers of the Palmetto Conservation Foundation in Columbia , S . C . Last year, more than 1 . 2million acres of timberland in the South were sold for nearly $ 1billion . Among this year' s big land sales , Bowater Inc . - the second - biggest producer of newsprint in North America - has sold 82 , 000 acres of it property in northeast Georgia to an investment subsidiary of Wachovia . The timber company plans to sell another 264 , 000 acres in the Carolinas later this year . Texas - based TempleInland intends to put 160 , 000 acres of its land in Georgia in a " high - value " category , making its forests too valuable for timber production . TempleInland has hired an Atlanta real estate group to investigate development potential . For now , it seems investors are the most interested in purchasing timberlands . The U . S . Forest Service estimates that 12million acres of Southern forest land - an area equal to about two - thirds of South Carolina - will be developed during the next 20 years . Forestry experts say ownership changes will hurt wildlife and the environment by dividing whole forests among developers . "The large forest tracts help protect air and water quality , " said Andy Stone , president of the Georgia Forestry Association . " But many of the new buyers are not interested in keeping the large tracts intact . " The state currently leases tens of thousands of forest acres from timber companies for wildlife http : //www . tallahassee . com/mld/democrat/6457649 . htm? template=contentModules/printst . . . 8 / 18 /2003 South is for sale by timber giants Page 2 of 2 management . However , some conservationists say the land sales offer a chance to collect thousands of acres of green space for permanent protection in the South . " It ' s an unprecedented opportunity , said Tavia McCuean , head of the Nature Conservancy of Georgia . " We ' ve been on the phone a lot these days talking with other groups on how we can protect a lot of this land . " But the problem lies in the fact that many states are struggling with tight budgets and have little money for land purchases . Georgia green space budget was cut from $ 30million a year to $ 10million . Georgia voters turned down a proposal five years ago to create a permanent land acquisition fund for new parks , wildlife refuges and other protected green spaces . Please see LAND , 6E cis 200 'A 'La! lahassee Democrat ai)d wire m vice source es . All Rig its R ..servedl 11tg7 : tallahassee . coni http : //www . tallahassee . com/mld/democrat/6457649 . htm? template= contentModules/pnntst . . . 8 / 18 /2003 ens Page 1 of 11 VPIMAYIIII Ms Home I About ENS I Youth Desk ( Email The Editor I hews Index I Events June 16 , Calendar 2003 Search ENS Nears AmeriScan : June 13 , 2003 News You Can Use Type Search Term , Enliven your website or paper H el it let Enter • Hydrogen Leakage Could Expand Ozone with ENS News . Depletion Daily headlines FREE ! . Forest Service To Study Impacts of Res Contact Us for details . ` h . _ Thinning Pro] ect • EPA Promotes Environmental Management Systems ArneriSCan orldScal Open Space Enhances Nearby Property • CHINA Values Hydrogen Leakage Could Cracks Emerge as Three Expand Ozone Depletion Gorges Reservoir Fills Potato Growers _Honored For Environmental Actions Forest Service To Study • U . S . / ROMANIA Impacts of Thinning Romania Signs Energy- $ 5 Million Offered for Clean School Bus Project Environment Pact With Program USA EPA Promotes • Western Gray Squirrels Given No Protectloll Environmental • ETHIOPIA Management Systems Drought Stricken Farmers Delaware Offers Reward Eagle ' s Nest Suffer Green Famine � Open Space Enhances Destroyed Nearby Property Values • AUSTRALIA Australians Would Pay Potato Growers Honored More for Clean Energy For Environmental Actions • IRAQ / SOUTH AFRICA South African Aids Hydrogen Leakage Could Expand Ozone Million Offered for Clean School Bus Program Traumatized Baghdad Zoo Cl Animals Depletion • SWITZERLAND Western Gray Squirrels Wolf Remains on PASADENA, California, June 13 , 2003 (ENS ) - Given No Protection Endangered Species List Hydrogen is generally considered an Delaware Offers Reward environmentally friendly alternative to gasoline as Eagle ' s Nest Destroyed Subscribe to ENS a transportation fuel , but new research indicates Enter your email to receive that leakage of hydrogen gas could cause problems Mobile ENS news Today ! v ! _ - in the Earth' s ozone layer . Click for free ENS headline ail alerts to your mobile phone � � Text � AOL from TextAmerica . HTML In an article appearing this week in the journal Join " Science , " researchers from the California Institute of Technology (CalTech) report that the accumulation of leaked hydrogen gas resulting from a hydrogen economy could indirectly cause as much as a 10 percent decrease in atmospheric ozone . The ozone layer is a concentration of ozone molecules in the stratosphere which extends from about six to 30 miles above the Earth' s surface . Stratospheric ozone is a naturally occurring gas http : Hens - news . com/ens/J* un2003 /2003 - 06 - 13 - 09 . asp 06/ 16/2003 ens Page 2 of 11 that filters the sun' s ultraviolet (UV) radiation . A depleted ozone layer allows more radiation to reach the Earth' s surface , exposing people to skin cancer, cataracts , and weakened immune systems . Increased UV can lead to reduced crop yields and disruptions in the marine food chain . While a hydrogen fuel cell economy would almost certainly improve urban air quality, the researchers found, it has the potential for unexpected consequences due to the " inevitable " leakage of hydrogen from cars , hydrogen production plants , and the transportation of the fuel . If hydrogen were to replace all fossil fuels for transportation and to power buildings , the CalTech researchers estimate that 60 to 120 trillion grams of hydrogen would be released each year into the atmosphere , four to eight times as much hydrogen as is released today by human sources . The scientists assumed a 10 to 20 percent loss rate due to leakage . The researchers say that would create a doubling or tripling of hydrogen input to the atmosphere from all sources . Because molecular hydrogen freely moves up and mixes with stratospheric air, the result would be the creation of additional water at high altitudes and, consequently, an increased dampening of the stratosphere , and, indirectly, destruction of ozone . Uncertainty remains about the effects on the atmosphere because scientists still have a limited understanding of the hydrogen cycle . At present, it seems likely such emissions could accumulate in the air . In this respect, hydrogen leakage would parallel that of chlorofluorocarbons (CFCs) - once the standard substances used for air conditioning and refrigeration . They were intended to be contained within their devices but in practice CFCs leaked into the atmosphere and attacked the stratospheric ozone layer, causing the annual holes over the South and North poles . " We have an unprecedented opportunity this time httn _ //ens -news . com/ens/lun2003 /2003 - 06 - 13 - 09 . asp 06/ 16/2003 ens Page 3 of 11 4 7 to understand what we are getting into before we even switch to the new technology, " said Tracy Tromp , a CalTech research scientist and the study' s lead author. " It will not be like the case with the internal combustion engine , when we started learning the effects of carbon dioxide decades later . " Understanding the effects of hydrogen on the environment now should help in choosing the technologies that will be the basis of a hydrogen economy . " If hydrogen emissions present an environmental hazard, then recognizing that hazard now can help guide investments in technologies to favor designs that minimize leakage , Tromp said . " On the other hand, " she said, " if hydrogen is shown to be environmentally friendly in every respect , then designers could pursue the most cost effective technologies and potentially save billions in needless safeguards . " Forest Service To Study Impacts of Thinning Project WASHINGTON, DC , June 13 , 2003 (ENS) - The U . S . Forest Service will prepare an environmental impact statement to study the impacts of a forest thinning project and watershed improvement activities within the Red Pines project area in northern Idaho ' s Red River watershed . The 31 , 466 acre Red Pines project area is located on the Nez Perce National Forest . The agency plans to reduce existing and potential fuel loads by thinning and/or salvaging and underburning on approximately 4 , 760 acres while improving aquatic conditions in the area' s subwatersheds . About 25 miles of temporary road would be constructed to access the areas . Some 18 miles of existing roads would be reconditioned prior to use , and 40 to 45 miles of existing roads that do not improve access to the area for public recreation or administrative use would be decommissioned . http $ Hens -news . com/ens/jun2003 /2003 - 06 - 13 - 09 . asp 06/ 16/2003 ens Page 4 of 11 Preliminary issues the agency says could be associated with the plans include potential effects of the activities on lynx and its habitat , the candystick plant, soil productivity, on threatened, endangered, and sensitive fish, fish habitat and water quality, reduction in access to the area, and consistency with the anticipated Total Maximum Daily Load of the South Fork Clearwater River . The Total Maximum Daily Load is a federal government standard that defines the maximum amount of a pollutant that a body of water can receive and still meet water quality standards . The agency hopes the Environmental Impact Statement (EIS ) will help answer these questions : . Are fuel hazard reduction activities needed, and if so , where, when and how would they be implemented? • What transportation system is necessary in the analysis area and how will it be managed ? • Are the fish habitat and water quality improvement activities needed? • What mitigation is needed to assure forest management activities are consistent with the Nez Perce Forest Plan and environmental law ? • Are amendments to the plan needed to implement the proposed actions ? . What monitoring is needed? A draft EIS is expected in January 2004 and a final version in April 2004 . Should an action alternative be selected, implementation could be initiated in fall or winter of 2004 . EPA Promotes Environmental Management Systems WASHINGTON, DC , June 13 , 2003 (ENS ) - To encourage the widespread use of Environmental Management Systems for businesses , the U . S . Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) announced a new guidance to promote their use in compliance assurance and enforcement programs . httn : //ens -news . com/ ens/lun2003 /2003 - 06 - 13 - 09 . asp 06/ 16/2003 ens Page 5 of 11 Many businesses and government facilities have implemented formal Environmental Management Systems to systematically manage their environmental and health safety activities . An Environmental Management System (EMS ) is a cycle of planning, implementing, reviewing , and improving the processes and actions that an organization undertakes to meet its business and environmental goals . Most Environmental Management Systems are built on what the EPA calls a " plan, do , check, act " model . This includes identifying environmental aspects and establishing goals , implementing those goals , monitoring and taking corrective action, and reviewing to make necessary changes . The guidance is intended to increase the use of Environmental Management Systems in civil legal settlements . The guidance document also explains how these management systems will be used to address the root causes of violations of U . S . environmental laws and regulations and the risks these violations pose to communities and ecosystems . The agency is working with the U . S . Department of Justice to implement Environmental Management Systems in appropriate criminal plea agreements to achieve beneficial outcomes for the environment . The EPA has issued a memorandum to encourage and expand the use of these management systems in enforcement settlements and in community involvement . The guidance is an extension of the Environmental Protection Agency' s May 2002 position statement on Environmental Management Systems , in which the agency committed to promote their use and emphasize their adoption to achieve improved environmental performance and compliance and pollution prevention through reduction of waste and hazardous materials at the source . Open Space Enhances Nearby Property Values httD : Hens -news . com/ens/iun2003 /2003 - 06 - 13 - 09 . asp 06/ 16/2003 ens Page 6 of 11 UNIVERSITY PARK, Pennsylvania, June 13 , 2003 (ENS ) - Researchers at Penn State' s College of Agriculture Studies have found that agriculture and and other land uses that provide open space increase the value of houses located within a quarter mile radius . Landfills and large scale animal operations lower the value of nearby homes . The researchers collected sales prices and other information on more than 8 , 000 Berks County , Pennsylvania, homes sold between 1998 and 2002 , along with information on nearby land uses . A geographic information system and statistical tools were used to analyze the data. Berks County was chosen because it is experiencing rapid development in its farmland areas and because data were readily available and the county has a mix of land uses and agricultural production. Open space, including forested acreage and grass , pasture and cropland located within a quarter mile of a house , had the largest positive effect on the value of that house , the study says . Large lot, single family residential land had a positive effect almost as large . Commercial, small lot single family residential, multi-unit residential , and industrial land uses were less favorable for nearby property values . These results can be used to predict the effect of land use change on nearby residential property values , says Richard Ready, an assistant professor of agricultural and environmental economics and co - author of the study . " This kind of information can be used by local officials to evaluate the consequences of planning and zoning decisions and efforts to preserve open space in their communities . " " Undoubtedly, there will be interest in applying the Berks County results elsewhere , " says co - author Charles Abdalla. " But until more research is conducted in areas with conditions that differ from Berks County, care should be used in trying to generalize these results . " htt,n • //Pnc - nPwcz . rorn /ens/iun2003 /2003 - 06 - 13 - 09 . asp 06/ 16/2003 ens Page 7 of 11 � 1 The research was funded by the Northeast Regional Center for Rural Development, and by Citizens for Pennsylvania' s Future . Read the report at : http : //www . landuse . aers . psu . edu/ Potato Growers Honored For Environmental Actions WASHINGTON, DC , June 13 , 2003 (ENS) - A partnership between WWF , the conservation organization, Wisconsin potato growers , and university researchers to reduce pesticide use received the Department of Agriculture' s " Secretary' s Honor Award . " Agriculture Secretary Ann Veneman presented the award to the Eco -Potato Partnership for " maintaining and enhancing the nation' s natural resources and environment . " The six year collaboration between the Wisconsin Potato and Vegetable Growers Association, the University of Wisconsin, and WWF resulted in the accelerated adoption of integrated pest management systems . and reduced reliance on toxic pesticides . The partnership led to the establishment of Protected Harvest, an independent ecolabel . Wisconsin potatoes are the first product certified under the Protected Harvest label and are marketed under the brand " Healthy Grown . " To qualify for the Protected Harvest seal , crop management practices must be employed that reduce the use of toxic pesticides , improve soil and water quality, and protect wildlife habitat . " The World Wildlife Fund is thrilled about the success of the Eco -Potato Partnership and pleased that the Department of Agriculture supports the work of conventional farmers who are finding ways to reduce their environmental impact while remaining competitive, " said Jason Clay, vice president of the WWF ' s Center for Conservation Innovation and a member of Protected Harvest' s board of directors . httn • //Pnc - nPwc r. om /ens /iun2003 /2003 - 06 - 13 - 09 . asp 06/ 16/2003