Nonpoint Source
News-Notes ser*
May 2013, #94
The Condition of the Water-Related Environment
The Control of Nonpoint Sources of Water Pollution
The Ecological Management & Restoration of Watersheds
United States
Environmental Protection
Agency
Notes on the National Scene
New Clean Water Act Section 319 Guidelines Released
The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) just released
new guidelines that apply to recipients of grants made with
congressionally appropriated Clean Water Act (CWA) section
319 funds which are used to help implement nonpoint source
management programs. These guidelines apply to states, terri-
tories and the District of Columbia; EPA issues separate guide-
lines that apply to tribal recipients of section 319 funds. The
newly revised guidelines provide updated program direction,
an increased emphasis on project implementation in watersheds
with impaired waters, and increased accountability measures.
Inside this Issue
Notes on the National Scene	1
New Clean Water Act Section 319 Guidelines Released	 1
National Rivers and Stream Assessment Reveals Water Quality Challenges	3
EPA Releases New Recreational Water Quality Criteria Recommendations	5
Long Term Agro-Ecosystem Research Network Created	6
Notes on Green Stormwater Infrastructure......	...6
EPA Releases Low Impact Development "Barrier Busters" Fact Sheet Series	6
American Rivers Releases Guide to Permitting Green Infrastructure	8
New Guides to Stimulate Private Investment in Natural Infrastructure	8
Green Infrastructure Report Emphasizes Multiple Benefits	9
EPA Launches Green Infrastructure Listserv	9
EPAs Science Matters Newsletter Offers Look at Green Infrastructure Research.. 9
Campus RainWorks Challenge Encourages Student Innovation	10
Notes on Education				 11
Philadelphia Spokesdogs Share Water Quality Message	 11
"Urban Runoff" Raises Money for Stormwater Education in Maine	 12
BLUE® Homeowners Create a Cleaner Lake Champlain	13
Water Cycle for Kids Diagram Updated	15
Managing Manure Nutrients Curriculum Materials Available	16
Septic System Public Service Announcements Available	16
Software Spotlight				 16
New iTree Tools Available from the Forest Service	 16
Reviews and Announcements			18
Agricultural Nonpoint Source Pollution	18
Toolkit for Protecting Drinking Water Sources with Conservation
Practices Now Online	18
Research Shows Drainage Ditches Help Clean Up Field Runoff.	18
Climate	18
EPA Climate Ready Estuaries Report Available	18
I M
To protect beachgoers,
new recreational water
bacteria. See page 5.
EPA recommends
quality criteria for
EPA Releases 2012 Strategy: Response to Climate Change	 18
USDA Reports Feature Climate Change Effects and Adaptation Strategies.. 19
U.S. Forest Service Releases Report on Water Resources Vulnerabilities
to Climate Change	 19
Website Features Articles About Water in a Warming World	 19
Education	 19
Extreme Events Workshop Planning Tool Announced	 19
Radio Program Explores 40 years of the Clean Water Act	 19
Water Quality Standards Academy Webinar Posted	20
Webcast Explains the Water Quality Exchange Data Tool	20
Stormwater	20
Low Impact Development Instructional Videos Available	20
Puget Sound Low Impact Development Technical Manual Released	20
Rain Garden App Available	20
Study Shows Effect of Urbanization on Stream Ecosystem	21
Wetlands	21
Coastal Wetland Review Reports Released by EPA	21
Wetlands Live! Webcasts Online	21
Other	21
Brochure Highlights Water Security Efforts	21
EPA Releases Online Water Efficiency Guides	21
Government Establishes 21st Century Conservation Service Corps	22
Report Examines Use of Biological Assessment for Nutrients in State
Water Programs	22
Runoff and Streamflow Email-Based Action Alerts Available	22
Watershed Payments Study Released	22
Recent and Relevant Periodical Articles				23
Websites Worth a Bookmark					24
Calendar.....	.....................24
Note: Issue #92 (October 2012) was the final printed issue of Nonpoint Source News-Notes. Beginning with Issue #93, all issues will be available
on EPA's Nonpoint Source News-Notes website for viewing and download. If you have not already done so, please subscribe to the News-Notes
notification service (instructions available at www.epa.gov/newsnotes) and we will notify you by email when each new issue becomes available.

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EPA finalized the new guidelines after receiving input from stakeholders, including a comprehen-
sive EPA-state workgroup process and a five-week public comment period. EPA issued draft revised
guidelines in November 2012 for stakeholder review and released a final version in April 2013.
States and EPA regions will implement these guidelines beginning in fiscal year 2014. The new
guidelines replace the Nonpoint Source Program and Grants Guidelines for States and Territories that
have been in effect since fiscal year 2004.
Key Changes Found in New Guidelines
The new guidelines revise the amount of money that states must set aside for watershed-based
implementation. In fiscal year 2003, the total annual appropriation for the CWA section 319
program was $238.5 million. The 2004 guidelines set aside $100 million of the total appropriation
to be used mostly for implementation of nine-element watershed-based plans that address nonpoint
source problems in watersheds that contain impaired waters. The 2004 guidelines referred to this
$100 million set aside as ''incremental" funds. Since then, the CWA section 319 appropriation
has decreased to $164.5 million; as a result, the $100 million ''incremental" set-aside no longer
represents a reasonable balance in the allocation of nonpoint source management funds. The new
guidelines recognize annual variability in appropriations, and require a revised set-aside of at least
50 percent of a state's allocation for watershed projects to provide an appropriate balance between
implementation of watershed-based plans and other important planning, assessment, management,
and statewide nonpoint source (NPS) programs and projects. This 50 percent set-aside is referred
to as "watershed project funds." The remaining funds are referred to as "NPS program funds."
In addition to the revised CWA section 319 watershed project set-aside, other significant changes
in these revised guidelines include:
•	The 2004 guidelines allowed states to use a portion (up to 20 percent) of their "incremental"
funds for the purposes of developing watershed-based plans and total maximum daily loads
(TMDLs) . To increase the focus of CWA section 319 funding on watershed project imple-
mentation, these revised guidelines remove this allowance and require planning activities to
be funded exclusively with the CWA section 319 program funds portion of their allocation.
•	The guidelines continue to place a strong emphasis on restoring impaired waters with CWA
section 319 watershed project funds. However, following consultation with EPA, states may
use a limited amount of CWA section 319 watershed project funds for projects to protect
high quality and unimpaired waters when protection is cited as a priority in the state's
updated nonpoint source management program.
•	The guidelines include a renewed focus on ensuring that state nonpoint source management
programs are updated on a five-year basis.
•	To facilitate program efficiency, the guidelines require supplemental information for TMDLs
developed with CWA section 319 funds. Specifically, for 319 funds to be used for TMDLS,
supplemental information on nonpoint sources, loads and management measures must be
developed.
•	The guidelines provide an increased emphasis on coordination with U.S. Department of
Agriculture (USDA) Farm Bill programs as a way to leverage water quality investments.
•	The revised guidelines remove the 20 percent "base" funds cap on the use of CWA section
319 funds for statewide nonpoint source monitoring and assessment because these activi-
ties are important for measuring success and targeting watershed restoration and protection
efforts.
•	The revised guidelines require states with conditionally approved coastal nonpoint programs
to set aside a portion of CWA section 319 funds to address all remaining conditions. (All
states' coastal nonpoint programs were initially approved with specific conditions where these
programs were not yet in conformance with EPA's published management measures across a
range of nonpoint source categories to address impacts from agriculture, urban development,
septic systems, timber harvesting, and marinas and boating.)
New Clean Water
Act Section
319 Guidelines
Released
(continued)
2 NONPOINT SOURCE NEWS-NOTES
MAY 2013, ISSUE #94

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• The guidelines provide incentives for states to use innovative methods to leverage funds.
States that leverage state or local funds equivalent to their total state CWA section 319
allocation for implementing approved watershed-based plans are exempt from needing to
use half of their CWA section 319 funds to implement watershed projects. As a result, these
states are granted more flexibility since the CWA section 319 program funds can be used
much more broadly.
Nonpoint source pollution continues to dominate water quality impairments nationally, and
although nonpoint source control funding needs far exceed the resources appropriated under
CWA section 319, states are creatively addressing nonpoint source pollution by leveraging other
federal and state resources, nurturing networks of community-based actions on a watershed scale,
and developing statewide regulatory and non-regulatory programs. As a result, the nation is expe-
riencing positive results in terms of both on-the-ground action and actual water quality improve-
ments. Examples of improvements are summarized in CWA section 319 success stories, found at
www.epa.gov/nps/success. Most of these successes are the direct result of state nonpoint source
agencies' cooperation with other governmental agencies, private sector interests, and citizen groups
at the state and watershed level.
[For more information contact Nancy Yoshikawa, U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, Nonpoint
Source Control Branch, 1200 Pennsylvania Ave., NW, Mail Code 4503T, Washington, DC 20460.
Phone: 202-566-3012; Email:yoshikawa.nancy@epa.gov]
National Rivers and Stream Assessment Reveals Water Quality Challenges
In early 2013 the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) released the draft results of the first
comprehensive survey that revealed the health of thousands of stream and river miles across the
country. The 2008-2009 National Rivers and Stream Assessment (see www.epa.gov/aquaticsurveys)
reflects the most recent data available, and is part of EPA's expanded effort to monitor waterways in
the U.S. and gather scientific data on the condition of the Nation's water resources.
During the summers of 2008 and 2009, more than 85 field crews sampled 1,924 river and stream
sites across the country. Using standardized field methods, they sampled waters as large as the
Mississippi River and as small as mountain headwater streams. Sites were selected using a random
sampling technique that uses a probability-based design. This design allows for every element of
the population to have a known probability of being selected for sampling. This study represents
the first time that this statistically valid approach has been used to conduct a national monitor-
ing study of the overall condition of streams and rivers. This design ensures that the results of the
survey reflect the full variety of river and stream types and sizes across the United States. To deter-
mine water quality conditions, sampling results were compared to conditions at least-disturbed (or
reference) sites in different ecological regions.
Key findings of the assessment include:
Most of streams are in poor biological condition. Twenty-one percent of the nation's river and
stream length is in good biological condition, 23 percent is in fair condition, and 55 percent is in
poor condition. Scientists arrived at these conclusions by applying a robust, commonly used biolog-
ical assessment index that combines different measures of the condition of aquatic benthic macro-
invertebrates (aquatic insects and other creatures such as crayfish). Biological condition assessment
is the most comprehensive indicator of water body health: when the biology of a stream is healthy,
the chemical and physical components of the stream are also typically in good condition.
Many streams have excessive nitrogen and phosphorus. Twenty-seven percent of the nation's
rivers and streams have excessive levels of nitrogen, and 40 percent have high levels of phosphorus.
Too much nitrogen and phosphorus in the water—known as nutrient pollution—causes significant
increases in algae, which can harm water quality, food resources and habitats, and can decrease the
available oxygen that fish and other aquatic life rely on to survive.
New Clean Water
Act Section
319 Guidelines
Released
(continued)
MAY 2013, ISSUE #94
NONPOINT SOURCE NEWS-NOTES 3

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National Rivers
and Stream
Assessment
Reveals
Water Quality
Challenges
(continued)
Streams and rivers are at ail increased risk of becoming impaired because of decreased veg-
etation cover and increased human disturbance. These conditions can cause rivers and streams
to be more vulnerable to flooding, erosion and pollution. Vegetation along rivers and streams slows
the flow of rainwater, reduces streambank erosion, removes pollutants carried by rainwater and
helps maintain water temperatures that support healthy aquatic life. Approximately 24 percent of
the rivers and streams monitored were rated poor because of a loss of healthy vegetative cover.
Some streams contain elevated bacteria levels. High bacteria levels were found in nine percent
(105,970 miles) of streams and rivers, making those waters potentially unsafe for swimming and
other recreation.
Some streams have elevated mercury levels. Fish in more than 13,000 miles (one percent) of
streams and rivers were identified as having elevated mercury levels in their tissue that may be
unsafe for human consumption. For most people, the health risk from mercury by eating fish and
shellfish is not a health concern, but some fish and shellfish contain higher levels of mercury that
may harm an unborn baby or young child's developing nervous system.
National Biological Condition
Plains
NARS Major Regions
Eastern Highlands
Plains and Lowlands
West
I Kilometers
The survey revealed the proportion of stream and river miles classified as being in good, fair or poor biological
condition. Nationally, the survey showed that 55.3 percent of waters are classified as being in poor biological
condition. Source: Draft National Rivers and Streams Assessment 2008-2009: A Collaborative Survey (EPA
EPA/841/D-13/001).
EPA plans to use these new data to help make decisions about how to address
critical restoration and protection needs for the country's rivers, streams and
other waterbodies. This comprehensive survey will also help develop improve-
ments to monitoring these rivers and streams across jurisdictional boundaries
and enhance the ability of states and tribes to assess and manage water quality.
Specific data summaries are available for a dozen geographic and ecological
regions across the country.
EPA held a free webcast on April 3,
2013 that discussed the key findings of
the Draft National Rivers and Streams
Assessment. The archived version of
the webcast is available for viewing at
www.epa.gov/watershedwebcasts.
4 NONPOINT SOURCE NEWS-NOTES
MAY 2013, ISSUE #94

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National Rivers
and Stream
Assessment
Reveals
Water Quality
Challenges
(continued)
"The health of our Nation's rivers, lakes, bays and coastal waters depends on the vast network of
streams where they begin, and this new science shows that America's streams and rivers are under
significant pressure," said Office of Water Acting Assistant Administrator Nancy Stoner. "We
must continue to invest in protecting and restoring our nation's streams and rivers as they are vital
sources of our drinking water, provide many recreational opportunities, and play a critical role in
the economy"
[For more information contact Ellen Tarquinio, U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, Monitoring
Branch, 1200 Pennsylvania Ave., NW, Mail Code 4503T, Washington, DC 20460. Phone:
202-566-2267; Email: tarquinio.ellen@epa.gov]
EPA Releases New Recreational Water Quality Criteria Recommendations
In November 2012, the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) recommended new, science-
based recreational water quality criteria for states that will help protect peoples' health during
visits to beaches and waters year-round. The criteria provide information
to help states improve public health protection by (1) addressing a broader
range of ill ness symptoms, (2) accounting for pollution after heavy rainfall,
(3) providing more protective recommendations for coastal waters, (4) issuing
early alerts to beachgoers, and (5) promoting rapid water testing.
The recommended criteria do not impose any new requirements. Instead, states
can choose to use them to help set their own standards to protect swimmers
from exposure to water that contains organisms that indicate the presence of
fecal contamination.
The new criteria, developed pursuant to an order from a U.S. District Court
and as required by the Beaches Environmental Assessment and Coastal Health
Act of 2000, are based on several recent health studies. The criteria use a
broader definition of illness to recognize that symptoms, such as stomach
ailments, may occur without a fever. EPA also reduced the time period over
which the results of monitoring samples may be averaged. Previously, states
could average the samples over a 90-day period; the new recommendations call
for a 30-day window instead. This produces a more accurate picture of water
quality for that given time, allowing for improved public notification time.
This shortened time period will account for heavy rainfall that can wash pollu-
tion into rivers, lakes or the ocean or cause sewer overflows.
The strengthened recommendations include:
•	A short-term and long-term measure of bacteria levels that are to be used together to ensure
that water quality is evaluated properly.
•	Stronger recommendations for coastal water quality so public health is protected similarly in
both coastal and fresh waters.
•	A new rapid testing method that states can use to determine if water quality is safe within
hours of water samples being taken.
•	An early-alert approach for states to use to quickly issue swimming advisories for the public.
•	Tools that allow states to predict water quality problems and identify sources ot pollution, as
well as to develop criteria for specific beaches.
The new criteria will help states and communities determine whether water quality is safe for the
public and when to issue an advisory or a beach closure. The recommended criteria, background
publications and a variety of evaluation and management tools for recreational water use are
available on EPA's website (http://water.epa.gov/scitech/swguidance/standards/criteria/health/
recreation/).


A girl plays in the South Carolina surf. New
recreational criteria for bacteria will help
states protect beachgoers, boaters and others
who eniov our waters.
MAY 2013, ISSUE #94
NONPOINT SOURCE NEWS-NOTES 5

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Long Term Agro-Ecosystem Research Network Created
In September 2012, the U.S. Department of Agriculture's (USDA) Agricultural Research Service
(ARS) announced that it has established a Long Term Agro-ecosystem Research (LTAR) network
from its existing experimental watersheds and rangelands scattered across the United States. The
LTAR network will address large-scale, multi-year research, environmental management testing
and technology transfer related to the nation's agricultural ecosystems.
ARS maintains approximately 22 watersheds and experimental range research sites in 15 states.
Some of the ARS experimental watershed research sites date back to 1912, while others were
established as recently as 2007. The initial LTAR network will include 10 of these sites, with more
sites to be added later. The 10 sites chosen are affiliated with ARS research units located at Ames,
Iowa; Cheyenne, Wyoming; Columbia, Missouri; El Reno, Oklahoma; Las Cruces, New Mexico;
Mandan, North Dakota; Pullman, Washington; Tifton, Georgia; Tucson, Arizona; and University
Park, Pennsylvania. ARS will be seeking partnerships in network research, as well as in develop-
ment or selection of additional sites, with universities, other federal agencies and other interested
parties.
"This network will further strengthen ARS' established, significant investment in long-term
research to enhance agricultural sustainability, including our Benchmark Experimental Research
Watershed and Experimental Range sites located in the nation's 10 major agro-ecosystems," said
ARS Administrator Edward Knipling. "ARS' long-term research sites, projects and databases
represent invaluable platforms on which to test our understanding and ability to manage emerging
issues in agricultural sustainability."
Scientists in the LTAR network will interact and collaborate with those in other national ecologi-
cal research networks, such as the National Science Foundation's Long Term Ecological Research
(LTER) network (26 sites nationwide) and National Ecological Observatory Network, as well as
the USDA Forest Service's Network of Experimental Forests and Ranges.
Data from the LTAR network can be used to develop innovative management systems that
increase the resilience of agricultural ecosystems in the face of rapid environmental and socio-
economic change. The data can help assess the environmental and societal impacts of different
agricultural practices and land uses within a particular landscape. Information from LTAR can
help to develop agricultural production systems that are profitable while also protecting natural
resources and biodiversity, maximizing energy conservation, and reducing greenhouse gases. LTAR
will allow scientists to address complex scientific questions about long-term processes on a regional
or national scale that cannot be addressed by individual locations. For more information see
www. ars.usda.gov/research/Docs.htm?docid=22480.
Notes on Green Stormwater Infrastructure
EPA Releases Low Impact Development "Barrier Busters" Fact Sheet Series
In late 2012, EPA released a seven-part fact sheet series describing the benefits of low impact devel-
opment (LID) and focusing on how communities can overcome obstacles that sometimes stand in
the way of wider adoption of LID. EPA developed the fact sheets in response to extensively inves-
tigating the most common reasons given by municipalities for not adopting LID. The fact sheets
are one part of a multi-pronged strategy that relies on social marketing principles. The strategy also
resulted in a series of short videos and webcasts created in 2009 and 2010, available at
www.epa.gOv/nps/lid#multimedia and www.epa.gov/watershedwebcasts#lid, respectively.
EPA's fact sheet series (available at http://water.epa.gov/polwaste/green/bbfs.cfm) is primarily
intended for state and local decision makers who are considering adopting LID practices, but
who have concerns or questions. These fact sheets explain the benefits of LID in clear terms
and through real-life examples. Fact sheets in this series directly address specific concerns that
6 NONPOINT SOURCE NEWS-NOTES
MAY 2013, ISSUE #94

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EPA Releases
Low Impact
Development
"Barrier Busters"
Fact Sheet Series
(continued)
Aesthetics of
Low Impact Development
UO Technologies Can Benefit Your Community's Visual Environment
Low Impact Development (LID)
Practices Add Natural Beauty
Isn't LID	ub }
unattractive7
Barrier Busted!
Communities recognize that
communities have voiced regarding the widespread adoption of LID as a stormwater management
approach.
Fact sheets include:
1.	Benefits of LID: How LID Can Protect Your Community's Resources. This fact sheet chal-
lenges the perception that LID isn't worthwhile and provides general background informa-
tion that outlines hydrologic and economic benefits provided by LID.
2.	Terminology> ofiLID: Distinguishing LID from other Techniques that Address Community
Growth Issues. This fact sheet explains where the term "LID" fits in the jumble of terms
used by many for managing the environmental impacts of growth.
3.	Costs of LID: LID Saves Money and Protects Your Community's Resources. This fact sheet
challenges the perception that LID is too expensive. It provides examples of economic
benefits such as lower development costs, higher real estate values, and reduced stormwa-
ter management costs. Several case studies highlight examples of ways specific communi-
ties saved money by using LID.
4.	Aesthetics of LID: LID Technologies Can	.
Benefit Your Community's Visual Environment.	wEPA
This fact sheet challenges the perception
that LID stormwater management practices
are unattractive. Numerous pictures present
examples of how LID adds aesthetic value
to the landscape and to the community as a
whole.
5.	Effectiveness of LID: Proven LID Technologies
Can Work for Your Community. This fact
sheet challenges the perception that LID
practices such as swales and rain gardens
work less effectively at controlling the volume
of stormwater runoff than do conventional
stormwater management practices like curbs,
gutters and detention basins. Case studies
explore how different communities have
discovered that LID practices successfully
control and treat stormwater runoff.
6.	Maintenance of LID: Communities Are Easily Managing LID Practices. This fact sheet chal-
lenges the perception that LID practices are too difficult or costly to maintain. It describes
the types of maintenance typically required and offers information about models and tools
that communities can use to anticipate maintenance costs.
7.	Encouraging LID: Incentwes Can Encourage Adoption of LID Practices in your Community.
This fact sheet highlights incentive strategies that communities can use to encourage the
use of LID for both new and existing developments. It explores the four most common
types of local incentive mechanisms—fee discounts or credits, development incentives,
best management practice installation subsidies, and awards and recognition programs.
"Our guiding principle in developing these resources was to lend support to local decision makers
who are considering an LID, or green stormwater infrastructure approach, but who have reserva-
tions," noted Don Waye of EPA's Nonpoint Source Control Branch, who spearheaded the develop-
ment of these fact sheets.
[For more information contact Don Waye, U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, Nonpoint Source
Control Branch, 1200 Pennsylvania Ave., NW, Mail Code 4503T, Washington, DC 20460. Phone:
202-566-1170; Email: waye.don@epa.gov]
MAY 2013, ISSUE #94
NONPOINT SOURCE NEWS-NOTES 7

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American Rivers Releases Guide to Permitting Green Infrastructure
In January 2013 America Rivers released Permitting Green Infrastructure: A Guide to Improving
Municipal Storrnwater Permits and Protecting Water Quality, designed as a resource for community
and watershed advocates. The guide, available at www.americanrivers.org/assets/pdfs/reports-and-
publications/perniiuing-green-infrustrucuirc.pdf) explores new trends in storrnwater permitting.
The document explains the current state of storrnwater management system approaches, beginning
with the passage of the Clean Water Act (CWA) in 1973 and evolving into EPA's current phased
program to require permits for storrnwater discharges from municipal separate storm sewer systems
(MS4s), industrial operations, some construction sites, and other sources.
The guide discusses the emerging role of green infrastructure and low impact development (LID)
practices in storrnwater management—by encouraging infiltration and evapotranspiration, these
types of practices can reduce the volume of storrnwater leaving a site, which saves money and can
improve water quality. To help communities see how others have successfully started to incorpo-
rate green infrastructure and LID into their permitting systems, this document includes a matrix
containing model language for a variety of different EPA permit categories—along with legal and
regulatory standards that inform them. The matrix also includes excerpts from watershed groups'
comment letters, discussing ways that the storrnwater management approaches outlined in these
example permits could be strengthened further.
New Guides to Stimulate Private Investment in Natural Infrastructure
Two new green infrastructure documents are now available from the NatLab consortium—an
innovative partnership between The Nature Conservancy, the Natural Resources Defense Council
(NRDC) and EKO Asset Management Partners. The documents address the benefits and eco-
nomic issues associated with using green infrastructure practices—such as porous pavement,
green roofs, parks, roadside plantings and rain barrels—to addresses storrnwater pollution. These
practices capture rain on or near where it falls, allowing it to infiltrate on site instead of carrying
dirty runoff to local waterways.
In March 2013, NatLab released "Creating Clean Water Cash Flows" (www.nrdc.org/water/
storrnwater/green-infrastructure-pa.asp), developed in collaboration with the Philadelphia Water
Department and funded by the Rockefeller Foundation. The report focuses on Philadelphia's inno-
vative "Green City, Clean Waters" program as a model for stimulating investment in
natural infrastructure. It demonstrates how local municipalities and state government
can potentially drive billions of dollars of private investment to modernize broken,
aging storrnwater systems and keep storrnwater pollution out of waterways. The report
provides in-depth guidance on key strategies that cities can deploy to attract private
capital to green infrastructure development on private and public lands, including:
project aggregation, offsite mitigation and credit trading programs, subsidies, private-
public partnerships and transformation of vacant lands.
NatLab's second report, "Greening Vacant Lots" (http://docs.nrdc.org/water/
wat_13022701.asp), describes the benefits of converting vacant lots in urban areas to
green spaces that combine recreational use and storrnwater management. The report
presents case studies showing how 10 U.S. cities are planning, administering, financ-
ing and implementing programs to facilitate conversion of vacant lots. Each case study
traces one program or initiative led by a public agency or nongovernmental organi-
zation from the planning stage through implementation, describing how each has
overcome specific barriers.
Greening Vacant Lots; Planning and
Implementation Strategies
A report prepared foi The Nature Cons
. collaboration
as part of the NatLab
8 NONPOINT SOURCE NEWS-NOTES
MAY 2013, ISSUE #94

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Green Infrastructure Report Emphasizes Multiple Benefits
The American Planning Association recently released a 160-page book titled Green Infrastructure:
A Landscape Approach.. The book's authors, both practicing professionals in planning and design,
explain how green infrastructure cleans the air and water, replenishes aquifers, reduces flooding,
moderates climate, promotes healthy exercise and offers access
to locally grown food. The report also notes that green infra-
structure can make communities safer and even helps reduce
crime, while boosting the economy as it attracts business,
raises property values, and lowers energy and healthcare costs.
The authors describe six principles for successful green
infrastructure projects and then present 12 detailed case
studies describing these principles at work. Case studies
include examples from across the country—from southern
Pennsylvania to northwestern Washington. The book's
appendix includes examples showing ways to integrate green
infrastructure into municipalities' ordinances and codes. In
this report, planners, urban designers and landscape archi-
tects can find proven ideas for making their regions, cities and
neighborhoods more resilient and sustainable ($60; see
www.planning.org/apastore/Search/Default.aspxPp = 4203).
EPA Launches Green Infrastructure Listserv
EPA's Green Infrastructure Program recently launched a free green infrastructure listserv, called
GreenStream, to share training opportunities, newsletters and publications. Participants will
receive periodic emails announcing green infrastructure-related information. To join, please send
a blank email to the following address: join-greenstream@lists.epa.gov. For more information on
EPA's Green Infrastructure Program, please visit www.epa.gov/greeninfrastructure.
EPA's Science Matters Newsletter Offers Look at Green Infrastructure Research
The September 2012 edition of Science Matters—an online newsletter produced by EPA's Office of
Research and Development, featured numerous articles describing ongoing EPA green stormwater
infrastructure research topics, including:
1.	Why Study Green Infrastructure?This article provides an introduction to green infrastructure
and offers links to other green infrastructure-related articles elsewhere in the newsletter.
2.	Stormwater Calculator to Manage Rainfall Runoff. This article describes EPA's development
of a National Stormwater Calculator (SWC) tool. Once complete, the SWC will estimate
the annual amount and frequency of stormwater runoff from a specific site based on local
soil conditions, land cover and historical rainfall records.
3.	Helping Cities Benefit from Green Infrastructure. This article describes EPA's effort to help
the City of Omaha and the Nebraska Department of Environmental Quality incorporate
green infrastructure features such rain gardens, rain barrels, cisterns and natural areas into
their combined sewer overflow control plans.
4.	Showing Buried Streams the Daylight. This article discusses EPA's research into whether
buried streams are less effective at removing nitrogen than streams above ground. If so,
urban city managers could consider exposing buried streams and restoring them to their
natural above-ground state—a process called daylighting—as a method for removing
nitrogen from the water system.
Green Infrastructure:
A Landscape Approach

MAY 2013, ISSUE #94
NONPOINT SOURCE NEWS-NOTES 9

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Earlier issues of Science Matters featured individual articles about EPA's green infrastructure research.
For example, the April/May 2012 issue included "Tapping Green Infrastructure to Curb Sewer
Overflows," an article that describes EPA's work with the Ohio cities of Cleveland and Cincinnati to
help them implement green infrastructure practices as part of a concerted effort to reduce combined
sewer overflows. Additional information about EPA's green infrastructure research is available at
www.epa.gov/research/waterscience/water-green.htm. This site lists links to additional articles and
publications, and features a short, two-minute video featuring a look at EPA scientists' efforts to work
with cities to reduce the number of combined sewer overflows by implementing green infrastructure.
Campus Rain Works Challenge Encourages Student Innovation
On Earth Day 2013 (April 22), U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) announced the
four winners of its Campus RainWorks Challenge. EPA created this design challenge program
to encourage and inspire college students to develop innovative green infrastructure systems that
reduce stormwater pollution and support sustainable communities.
The Campus RainWorks Challenge engages students and faculty members at colleges and universi-
ties to apply green infrastructure principles and design, encourage interdisciplinary collaboration,
and increase the use of green infrastructure on campuses across the nation. Teams of undergradu-
ate and graduate students, each working with a faculty advisor, developed innovative green infra-
structure designs for a site on their campus showing how managing stormwater at its source can
benefit the campus community and the environment.
The selected challenge winners are:
•	University of Florida, Gainesville, Florida (1st prize, large institution). The team's design
plan centers on the redevelopment of Reitz Lawn, an 11-acre open area and pedestrian
corridor on campus. The plan aims to remove pollutants from stormwater before they reach
nearby Lake Alice, which drains directly into the Floridian Aquifer. The team's plan incor-
porated student input into the project design and will include an educational component to
raise awareness about how water travels through the urban environment.
•	Illinois Institute of Technology, Chicago, Illinois (1st prize, small institution). The
team's design plan centers on the redevelopment of a 1,200-foot long section of Dearborn
Street on campus. The plan incorporates a number of green infrastructure design elements,
including rain gardens that double as outdoor seating areas and permeable walkways. The
plan estimates that, through collection, infiltration, and storage, stormwater runoff will be
reduced from the site by 70 — 80 percent.
EPA's Science
Matters
Newsletter Offers
Look at Green
Infrastructure
Research
(continued)
The University of Florida team's
design plan centers on the
redevelopment of Reitz Lawn, an
11-acre open area and pedestrian
corridor on campus, which is
bracketed by a central gathering
place on one end and the student
union on the other.The plan
incorporates a number of green
infrastructure design elements,
including: two stormwater collection
pools, rain gardens and bioswales, a
green wall, green roof, and campus
garden. Modeling of the bios wale
component of the design plan shows
that the bioswales can manage a
1-year and 100-year storm without
flooding.The team's plan was unique
among the entries received because
it sought student input into the
proposed design using an information
kiosk and student surveys. For a
closer look at the design, see
www.epa.gov/campusrainworks.
STORMWATER
• Green Roof
on the Hub	>
COLLECTION
Marston Headwaters
,¦ Green Wall &
Water Collection
Alternating panel* of Green 5cm
•H Bioswale
• Interpretive.,
Paving Design
the opowi* <* wi«*i
beyond the At paving
To Ravine
The Arc & Blue
Gator Campaign.
A celebrated prominade froM tf-
Hub to the Union IncMMwW"
pUtfom, which begun « embedded
paving aking the path, compefc uim
topither for tmiks near the waier.
¦ Rain Gardens
Fleming from MaMon Headwjcm.
before ccrver-VKe to the
Citify Pond or Campui Garden
>¦ Campus Garden
Appropriately sHuaHd outMde the
Cottlege of Agflcufrut* and Ue
Scwncti, tlw prdtn provide*
Inputs and
Receiving
Waterbodies
¦ Dairy Pond
H The Ravine
Green Pond
SflQBM
Facing East: A Bird's Eye View of ourTeam's LID
Design for the Reitz Lawn.
The Reitz Lawn
An Artful Demonstration of the Journey of Water at the Heart of Campus
1 0 NONPOINT SOURCE NEWS-NOTES
MAY 2013, ISSUE #94

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Campus Rain Works
Challenge
Encourages
Students' Stormwater
Management Ideas
(continued)
*	University of Arizona, Tucson, Arizona (2nd prize, large institution). The team's design
plan centers on the redevelopment of a 70,000-square-foot parking lot located within a
cluster of academic buildings. The design will replace the parking lot with a campus common
area featuring two rings of retention basins to infiltrate stormwater runoff, five underground
cisterns to harvest runoff and HVAC condensate from the adjacent buildings, and a trans-
lucent shade structure with an ephemeral water feature. Water collected in the underground
cisterns is used to irrigate the landscape, reducing potable water use from 700,000 to 90,000
gallons per year.
•	Missouri University of Science and Technology, Rolla, Missouri (2nd prize, small insti-
tution). The team's design plan focuses on three green infrastructure projects: green roof,
rain garden and permeable pavement projects. Phased implementation will take advantage
of existing plans for university projects, allowing for cost-effective improvements in campus
stormwater management that will mitigate eutrophication and sedimentation in Frisco Lake.
EPA received submissions from 218 teams. Reviewers included more than 30 expert judges from
EPA, the American Society of Landscape Architects, the Water Environment Federation and the
American Society of Civil Engineers. Many of the submissions proposed transformative additions
to the campus landscape that would reduce stormwater impacts while educating students about the
movement of water through the urban environment. The winning teams were selected based on
six criteria: analysis and planning; preservation or restoration of natural features; integrated water
management; soil and vegetation management; value to campus; and likelihood of implementa-
tion. For more information see www.epa.gov/campusrainworks.
Notes on Education
Philadelphia Spokesdogs Share Water Quality Message
The Philadelphia Water Department (PWD) is now accepting nominations to fill the positions
of two 2013 spokesdogs, who will be tasked with helping to teach bark-park buddies and their
caretakers about the importance of picking up pet waste. Since 2011, the Philadelphia Water
Department and the Partnership for the Delaware Estuary, a National Estuary Program based in
Wilmington, Delaware, have teamed up annually to run the popular Spokesdog program
(http ://phillywatersheds.org/spokesdog).
Each year, PWD selects two Philadelphia neighborhoods for the Spokesdog program. In 2013,
spokesdogs will be chosen from Philadelphia's Fitler Square and University City neighborhoods.
Residents in the selected neighborhoods are invited to submit pictures and descriptions of potential
Spokesdog dog candidates, which are then posted on the Spokesdog website. The public is invited
to vote online (once a day between May 31 and July 31, 2013) to select 15 finalists from each
neighborhood. Next, program partners—along with community sponsors—host a community
event/awards ceremony for the 15 finalists from each neighborhood. The 15 finalists compete in
front of a panel of judges, who select the top dog based on friendly nature, owner interest, charm
and natural Spokesdog abilities.
Winning Spokesdogs receive $200 worth of prizes from a pet shop in their neighborhood. As a
part of the campaign, the winning dogs' images are used on a number of brochures, advertisements
and websites. Spokesdogs and their owners are required to attend at least three community events
to distribute information on living the eco-friendly dog life. Event attendees receive small 'bags-on-
board' pet waste dispensers that clip to leashes and educational tipcards that explain how rain can
wash pet waste into local storm drains, and ultimately, into local waterways.
In 2012, residents nominated 55 dogs for the Spokesdog position in the Queen Village and
Northern Liberties communities. Winners were Joey Bag-o-Donuts, a Shiba Inu from Queen
Village, and Scooter, a Schnauzer-Beagle mix from Northern Liberties. These events are increas-
ing awareness about pet waste management, notes Jeanne Waldowski with PWD. "The local
MAY 2013, ISSUE #94
NONPOINT SOURCE NEWS-NOTES 1 1

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Philadelphia
Spokesdogs
Share Water
Quality Message
(continued)
veterinarians can't keep enough 'bags-on-board' in stock. Civic and community groups throughout
the city are asking us to have contests in their area."
2012 Philadelphia Spokesdogs: Joey Bag-o-Doriuts (left), a Shiba Inu from Queen Village, and Scooter
(right), a Schnauzer-Beagle mix from Northern Liberties.
[For more information contact Jeanne Waldowski, Philadelphia Water Department, 1101 Market Street,
4th Floor, Philadelphia, PA 19107. Phone: 215-685-4945; Email: jeanne.tvaldowski@phila.gov]
"Urban Runoff" Raises Money for Stormwater Education in Maine
Urban runoff can be a good thing—when it is the title of a race used to raise money. On April 20,
2013, Maine's Cumberland County Soil and Water Conservation District (SWCD) held its 2nd
annual "Urban Runoff" 5-kilometer (5K) race and walk, designed to raise funds to support clean
water education programs in schools in Southern Maine. Cumberland County SWCD implements
clean water education programs on behalf of fourteen Southern Maine municipalities, collectively
known as the Interlocal Stormwater Working Group (ISWG). Through these programs, local
students receive hands-on, interdisciplinary lessons about water in both the classroom and the field.
First Race a Success
The 2013 Urban Runoff follows Cumberland County SWCD's extremely successful first Urban
Runoff held in April 2012. Many local businesses supported the event through sponsorships,
in-kind donations, and employee participation as racers and volunteers. The race was advertised in
public schools in each ISWG community as well as through local publications, posters, websites
The effort paid off—more than 560 people registered to take part in 2012.
A post-race survey completed by race participants indicated that the cause
of the race—clean water education—was a major reason they chose to
participate. "Clean water is an important element of our economy here in
Maine," explained Jami Fitch with the Cumberland SWCD. "Our clean
water message resonated with people." To increase stormwater awareness,
Cumberland County SWCD designed and placed signs along the course
providing information on runoff and pollution. The SWCD also shared
these messages on the race website (www.urbanrunoff5k.com) and in
emails to registrants.
After the 2012 race, the Cumberland County SWCD held a Green
Neighbor Family Fest, which was attended by approximately 1,000 people.
Scheduled events in 2012 included the awards ceremony and three envi-
ronmental and child-focused live performances involving music, theater
and storytelling. Numerous exhibits were set up by local nonprofit and
and media outlets.
Runners participate in the Cumberland SWCD's
first annual Urban Runoff in 2012. (Photo by
Remick Photography)
1 2 NONPOINT SOURCE NEWS-NOTES
MAY 2013, ISSUE #94

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governmental organizations, universities and businesses to provide hands-on educational activi-
ties for children, including a chance to perform water quality testing, a marine touch tank, and a
"poo bag" toss (about proper disposal of pet waste). Children also took part in face painting and
a "Pollution Solution" obstacle course. The 2012 race and festival netted approximately $4,000 to
support the Cumberland County SWCD's clean water education programs.
The 2013 race was also very successful, but was impacted
by poor weather conditions. The morning of April 20, 2013
happened to be "a good time to see urban runoff in action,"
notes Fitch. Despite very cool and rainy conditions, almost
500 enthusiastic racers participated. Hundreds stayed to
enjoy the Family Fest afterwards.
Looking to the Future
As the Cumberland SWCD continues to streamline its race
planning and implementation procedures, Fitch expects
the race to become even more profitable. "Our sponsorship
base has grown in 2013 as more people have learned about
the Urban Runoff Local businesses see the race as a way to
show their support for our community's clean water."
"Urban Runoff"
Raises Money
for Stormwater
Education in
Maine
(continued)
Cumberland SWCD intends to hold the race annually.
"Planning the race is a huge undertaking," explains Fitch.
"We have a team of 1.5 staff people working full-time plan-
ning and promoting the race in the two months leading up
to the event." The SWCD's efforts are paying off—both
financially and through enhanced public awareness about
stormwater runoff. Using its past experiences as a guide,
Cumberland SWCD is considering developing an "Urban
Runoff" race program (including planning and implementation guidance) that it can license to
other groups around the country as a community-building fundraising and education tool.
A professor from the University of
Southern Maine teaches visitors at
the 2012 Green Neighbor Family Fest
about macroinvertebrates (stream
life). (Photo by Brian Peterson)
[For more information please contact Jami Fitch, Cumberland County SWCD, 35 Main Street, Suite 3,
Windham, ME 04062. Phone: 207-892-4700, Email: jami@cumberlandswcd.org.]
BLUE® Homeowners Create a Cleaner Lake Champlain
Property owners in the Lake Champlain watershed are taking advantage of a new program that
allows them to show their concern for maintaining water quality. Since early 2010, the nonprofit
group Lake Champlain International (LCI) has offered property owners the opportunity to par-
ticipate in BLUE® (www.mychamplain.net/blue), an innovative, effective, simple and fun program
that certifies residential properties as watershed-friendly.
To participate in the program, a property owner schedules a time for a certified
BLUE'® evaluator to assess the property and its potential sources of pollution. The
evaluator works with the property owner to review a checklist of both physi-
cal and behavioral practices that help prevent or reduce water pollution. After
the initial assessment, the certified BLUE® evaluator explains the practices that
the property owner would need to adopt or install to become BLUE certified.
The program offers $250 grants (funded by federal, state, municipal and private
funds) to help property owners install necessary practices.
After the property owner completes the necessary changes, the evaluator returns
to confirm that the property meets requirements for certification. "One of the
greatest benefits of the BLUE® program is that it allows us to both educate home-
owners about problems and implement practices that help to solve the problems—
all in the same package," explains Saxton, LCI's BLUR' program coordinator.
LCI's Ross Saxton meets with a watershed
resident for a BLUE® property evaluation.
(Photo by Angie Duke, Waterbury Record)
MAY 2013, ISSUE #94
NONPOINT SOURCE NEWS-NOTES 1 3

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BLUE8'
Homeowners
Create a Cleaner
Lake Champlain
(continued)
Property owners receive a BLUE® yard
sign to display their achievement and
commitment to clean water. (Photo by
Ross Saxton, LCI)
A property may be certified at one of three levels—basic, advanced or leader—depending on the
type of practices in place.
• BLUE® Basic Certification includes fairly simple practices such as regularly maintaining septic
systems, using phosphorus-free detergents, only fertilizing when a soil test indicates a need,
properly disposing of pet waste, applying only environmentally friendly asphalt sealants,
and using swales and rain barrels for capturing runoff water. As of April 2013, 58 residential
properties were certified at the Basic level.
*	BLUE'9 Advanced Certification requires more intensive pollution control efforts
that cost more, such as installing low-flow fixtures indoors, planting/maintaining
a 50-foot naturally vegetated buffer along all surface waters, implementing ero-
sion control practices as needed, restoring aquatic habitat using organic materi-
als, and properly maintaining private roads and driveways. As of April 2013, 18
residential properties were certified at the advanced level.
•	BLUE® Leader Certification requires significant financial outlay for practices to
reduce water use and runoff, such as installing water-saving EnergyStar appli-
ances, restoring historical wetlands on the property, replacing hard-armored
streambanks with bioengineered practices, using best management practices for
forestry activities, and replacing impervious pavement with pervious alternatives.
As of April 2013, one residential property was certified at the leader level.
To be certified, a property owner is required to sign a legally binding three-year
maintenance agreement that includes an annual inspection. After three years, the
property will be evaluated for recertification. Each certified property receives a
"BLUE®"' yard sign for display.
Incentives Encourage Participation
To encourage homeowners to participate, LCI points to the numerous incentives available, includ-
ing the small implementation grants, the yard signs, increased property values, and possible storm-
water utility fee reductions. "A clean lake is important to property
owners, since poor water quality and algae blooms can lead to
decreased property values," explained Saxton. "By participating in
BLUE®, neighbors can help neighbors ensure that property values
do not depreciate due to poor local water health." Depending on
the location, some BLUE® certified properties receive the added
benefit of reduced or waived stormwater utility fees from their
local municipality.
100
80
fin
Number of Blue®
Certifications
(Cumulative)





40
20
0



¦


¦ ¦


2010 2011
i
2012
The number of properties certified as BLUE® continues to
grow as residents become more familiar with the program
and its benefits.
We have found that once we certify three or
four properties in a row as BLUE0, many of the
neighboring property owners will sign up as well.
The program is currently available to homeowners in five munici-
palities in the Lake Champlain watershed. Outreach efforts are
targeting properties adjacent to or draining into impaired surface
waters within these areas. "We have reached about 3,500 people
over the past few years," explains Saxton. "We have found that
once we certify three or four properties in a row as BLUE' . many
of the neighboring property owners will sign up as well."
As public awareness grows, Saxton anticipates a spike in the
number of certifications in 2013—especially since they recently
expanded the program into Burlington, Vermont's biggest city.
LCI is tracking the sites of BLUE® certified properties and hopes
to someday be able to link water quality improvements to program
implementation.
-Ross Saxton LCI's BLUE®'-Coordinator.
Waters**.®
1 4 NONPOINT SOURCE NEWS-NOTES
MAY 2013, ISSUE #94

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BLUE8'
Homeowners
Create a Cleaner
Lake Champlain
(continued)
Want to Bring BLUE® to Your Watershed?
Vermont-based Tethys Environmental (www.tethysenvironmental.com) developed the BLUE''''
Program, which has been piloted by LCI in the Lake Champlain watershed to demonstrate to
future partners that the program is successful. The practices required by the BLUE® program
were developed in cooperation with the International Water Quality Council, an organization
that consists of numerous experts and specialists that are professionals in the areas of biology,
engineering, real estate, economics, natural resources, wastewater, water pollution and law. BLUE"5
is a trademarked program for which nonprofits, municipalities and private companies nationwide
can receive a license to operate in their watershed. The cost of adopting BLUE®, which includes
a "package" and training to implement the vetted program, varies depending on the number of
people targeted by the program.
Although initially focused on residential properties, LCI and Tethys Environmental have been
working to expand BLUE® certification options to local colleges, businesses and municipali-
ties—and possibly to agricultural producers as well. BLUE® certification can serve as a good
marketing tool, and in some cases, save money. For example, because homeowners are required to
sign a legally binding three-year maintenance agreement, the use of the BLUE" program can help
municipalities meet the public participation and outreach-related activity requirements in their
municipal separate storm sewer system (MS4) permits.
Saxton is pleased with the progress of the BLUE® program as both an educational and imple-
mentation tool—and is looking forward to expanding and improving the program in the future.
''BLUE® is helping watershed residents become part of the solution."
[For more information contact Ross Saxton, Director of Conservation & Education, Lake Champlain
International, Inc., 531 Main Street, Colchester, VT 05446. Phone: 802-879-3466; Email:
ross@mychamplain.net; Web: wiuiv.mychamplain.net/blue]
Water Cycle for Kids Diagram Updated
SUMMATION (*•»
The U.S. Geological Society and the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations
recently teamed up to create an updated water cycle diagram targeted at elementary school-aged
children. The diagram's introductory text explains the water cycle on a child's level: "You may
think that every drop of rain that falls from the sky, or each glass of water that you drink, is brand
new, but it has always been here and is a part of The Water Cycle. The water cycle describes how
water is not only always changing
forms (liquid water, ice, and vapor
(gas)), but also moving around
all over the world (above, on, and
underground). This process is
always happening everywhere, be
it in your body or on your lawn or
in the clouds or in the swimming
pool." Small, friendly looking icons,
including water drops, snowflakes,
etc., show the movement of water
through a landscape. Legends
along the left and right sides of the
diagram identify the icons and offer
brief, easy-to-understand explana-
tions of the different stages of the
water cycle. The diagram is available
for free download and printing at
http: //ga.water. usgs.gov/edu/
watercycle-kids.html.
EVAPORATION
RUNOFF
.Cycle
T
EyApOTKANspiRATlON
THE OCEANS

v RECHARGE	* ^ ^
vwMtlvwMr'gw	J	^	-if	c-|ROl|NI)MATER FLOW
'iZZSZXXt	GROUNDWATER STORAGE
MAY 2013, ISSUE #94
NONPOINT SOURCE NEWS-NOTES 1 5

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Managing Manure Nutrients Curriculum Materials Available
Cooperative Extension, a university-based education resource, is offering free curriculum materi-
als addressing the management of manure and manure nutrients in agriculture. These materials,
available for free download at www.extension.org/pages/65573/managing-manure-nutrients-
curriculum-materials, were developed for use in classrooms and extension programs—and for
self-study by farmers and agricultural professionals. Although initially developed for Wisconsin,
the concepts introduced are applicable nationwide. The curriculum materials are provided in both
PDF and Microsoft Word formats to allow users to modify the materials to be site- or state-
specific, as needed.
Available curriculum materials focus on nine different areas, including nutrient management
planning, nutrient regulations, water quality and nutrients, manure storage and others. This cur-
riculum is designed to teach manure and nutrient management concepts from environmental risks
to planning, application and public relations. The nine sections together highlight the end goal of
giving crops the nutrients they need while protecting the environment and being a good neighbor.
These concepts are reinforced through worksheets, videos and PowerPoint-based activity games.
A self-study module is available that gives users the option to receive a certificate upon successful
completion of a quiz.
Septic System Public Service Announcements Available
The National Environmental Services Center (NESC) has developed three 30-second video public
service announcements (PSAs) about the importance of maintaining septic systems to ensure a
community's water quality. The PSAs reflect NESC's ongoing commitment to effective wastewater
treatment and source water protection, and are avail-
able for communities and watershed groups to use for
free. Presented in a humorous light, each video drives
home the message that homeowners are responsible for
safeguarding drinking water by properly operating and
maintaining septic tanks. NESC encourages communi-
ties to use these brief PSAs as part of a public awareness
campaign to protect source water. To view and download
the videos, see www.nesc.wvu.edu/subpages/psa.cfm.
The videos are also available through EPA's Nonpoint
Source Outreach Toolbox (www.epa.gov/nps/toolbox).
In the "Lifestyle" PSA,
a small girl drinking
from a park water
fountain makes a
"yuck" face when
asked"What happens
when a septic tank
fails?"The PSA goes
on to explain what
people need to do
to ensure that their
septic tanks function
properly.
Software Spotlight
New iTree Tools Available from the Forest Service
i-Tree is a state-of-the-art, peer-reviewed software suite from the U.S. Department of Agriculture's
Forest Service that provides urban forestry analysis and benefits assessment tools. The many i-Tree
Tools help communities of all sizes strengthen their urban forest management and advocacy efforts
by quantifying the structure of community trees and the environmental services that trees provide.
Initially developed by the Forest Service, i-Tree is a free, public domain resource (see
www.itreetools.org). The Forest Service, Davey Tree Expert Company, National Arbor Day
Foundation, Society of Municipal Arborists, International Society of Arboriculture, and Casey
Trees have entered into a cooperative partnership to further develop, disseminate and provide
technical support for the suite. While most of the more than 10,000 people using i-Tree are in the
U.S. and Canada, it has been used in more than 108 countries.
In late 2012, the Forest Service released i-Tree version 5.0, which includes additional tools for
analyses and expands the range of devices that can use it to include smartphones and tablets. i-Tree
now features a data collection Web form that allows any device with a modern internet browser to
be used to collect and enter field data. Using the following tools and utility programs, i-Tree allows
1 6 NONPOINT SOURCE NEWS-NOTES
MAY 2013, ISSUE #94

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New iTree Tools
Available from the
Forest Service
(continued)
i-Tree
users to easily and accurately find the dollar value of the
benefits provided by urban forests, including energy cost
savings, stormwater capture and city pollution absorp-
tion. Detailed examples of how each tool can be used are
available on the i-Tree website.
i-Tree Analysis Tools
•	i-Tree Eco provides a broad picture of the entire
urban forest. It is designed to use field data from
complete inventories or randomly located plots
throughout a community along with local hourly
air pollution and meteorological data to quantify
urban forest structure, environmental effects and
values to communities.
•	i-Tree Streets focuses on the benefits provided
by a municipality's street trees. It makes use of a
sample or complete inventory to quantify and put a dollar value on the street trees' annual
environmental and aesthetic benefits.
•	i-Tree Hydro (beta) is an application designed to simulate the effects of changes in tree and
impervious cover characteristics within a watershed on stream flow and water quality. The
i-Tree Hydro model can be used to determine how various best management practices affect
water quality. The SUNY College of Environmental Science and Forestry offers a Web page
describing how i-Tree Hydro can be used to simulate hydrologic impacts of green infrastruc-
ture practices (www.esf.edu/ere/endreny/GI-iTree/GI-iTreeHydro.htm).
•	i-Tree Vue allows you to make use of the freely available National Land Cover Database
satellite-based imagery to assess your community's land cover, including tree canopy, and
some of the ecosystem services provided by your current urban forest.
•	i-Tree Design is a simple online tool that provides a platform for assessments of individual or
multiple trees at the parcel level. This tool links to Google Maps and allows you to see how
tree selection, tree size and tree placement around your home affects energy use and other
benefits.
•	i-Tree Canopy offers a quick and easy way to produce a statistically valid estimate of land
cover types (e.g., tree cover) using aerial images available in Google Maps. Canopy can be
used by urban forest managers to estimate tree canopy cover, set canopy goals and monitor
canopy change over time. Canopy can also be used to estimate inputs for use in i-Tree Hydro
and elsewhere where land cover data are needed.
i-Tree Utility Programs
•	i-Tree Species is a free-standing utility designed to help urban foresters select the most appro-
priate tree species based on environmental function and geographic area.
•	i-Tree Pest Detection Module is a portable, accessible and standardized protocol for observing a
tree for possible insect or disease problems.
•	i-Tree Storm provides a method for a community to assess widespread storm damage after a
severe storm. It is adaptable to various community types and sizes and provides information
on the time and funds needed to mitigate storm damage.
Since the Forest Service first released i-Tree in 2006, communities, nonprofit organizations,
consultants, volunteers and students have used the software application to analyze individual trees,
parcels, neighborhoods, cities and entire states. In cities across the country, findings from i-Tree
have helped spur greater investments in municipal trees and green spaces. For example, one recent
i-Tree study found that street trees in Minneapolis provided $25 million in benefits ranging from
energy savings to increased property values. Urban planners in Chattanooga, Tennessee, were able
to show that for every dollar invested in their urban forests, the city received $12.18 in benefits.
New York City used i-Tree to justify setting aside $220 million for planting trees during the
MAY 2013, ISSUE #94
NONPOINT SOURCE NEWS-NOTES 1 7

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next decade. Additional examples of i-Tree applications across the country are featured at
www.itreetools.org/resources/projects.php.
"Urban forests are vital and dynamic forests," said Forest Service Chief Tom Tidwell. "They clean
our air and water, and they make our cities more beautiful and livable. i-Tree exemplifies the Forest
Service commitment to supporting the health and productivity of all of the nation's forests, includ-
ing those that line our city streets."
Reviews and Announcements
Agricultural Nonpoint Source Pollution
Toolkit for Protecting Drinking Water Sources with Conservation Practices Now Online
The collaboration toolkit "Protecting Drinking Water Sources through Agricultural Conservation
Practices" is now available online at www.sourcewatercollaborative.org/swp-usda. The toolkit
offers effective steps that source water protection professionals working at the state level can take
to build partnerships with the U.S. Department of Agriculture's (USDA) Natural Resources
Conservation Service (NRCS) to get more agricultural conservation practices on the ground to
protect sources of drinking water. Developed by the Source Water Collaborative, a group com-
posed of 23 organizations working together to protect sources of drinking water, with support
from EPA and in consultation with NRCS, the toolkit includes insightful tips and highlights
specific opportunities states can take advantage of immediately. In addition, the Source Water
Collaborative is working with the National Association of Conservation Districts to develop a
locally focused supplement to the toolkit to provide a step-by-step process for collaborating with
conservation districts.
Research Shows Drainage Ditches Help Clean Up Field Runoff
Research conducted by USDA Agricultural Research Service (ARS) scientists shows that drain-
age ditches can serve as a low-cost alternative for managing agricultural pollutants and protecting
natural resources. ARS scientists evaluated the transport and capture of the herbicide atrazine and
the insecticide lambda-cyhalothrin for 28 days in a 160-foot section of a vegetated agricultural
drainage ditch in Mississippi. Within one hour of starting a simulated runoff event, 61 percent
of the atrazine and 87 percent of the lambda-cyhalothrin had transferred from the water to the
ditch vegetation. At the end of the ditch, runoff pesticide concentrations had decreased to levels
that were generally non-toxic to downstream aquatic fauna. Similar work in California indicated
that vegetated drainage ditches helped mitigate pesticide runoff from tomato and alfalfa fields. For
more information see www.ars.usda.gov/is/AR/archive/janl3/ditch0113.htm.
Climate
EPA Climate Ready Estuaries Report Available
EPA Climate Ready Estuaries (CRE) program recently released "Climate Ready Estuaries 2012
Progress Report," describing CRE program accomplishments and projects that have been started
by the National Estuary Programs during 2012. This report, available at http://water.epa.gov/
type/oceb/cre/explore.cfm, uses National Estuary Program projects from 2008 to 2011 to show
how climate change adaptation can help meet clean water goals.
EPA Releases 2012 Strategy: Response to Climate Change
EPA has released the "National Water Program 2012 Strategy: Response to Climate Change" doc-
ument, which describes how EPA's water-related programs plan to address the impacts of climate
change. The document provides long-term visions, goals and strategic actions for the manage-
ment of sustainable water resources for future generations. The strategy, which builds upon EPA's
first climate change and water strategy released in 2008, focuses on five key areas: infrastructure,
New iTree Tools
Available from the
Forest Service
(continued)
1 8 NONPOINT SOURCE NEWS-NOTES
MAY 2013, ISSUE #94

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watersheds and wetlands, coastal and ocean waters, water quality, and working with tribes. It
emphasizes working collaboratively with partners and stakeholders, developing information and
tools, incorporating adaptation into core programs, and managing risks of impacts such as extreme
weather events. For more information see www.epa.gov/water/climatechange.
USDA Reports Feature Climate Change Effects and Adaptation Strategies
Two USDA reports, entitled "Climate Change and Agriculture: Effects and Adaptation and the
Effects of Climate Variability" and "Change on Forest Ecosystems: A Comprehensive Science
Synthesis for the U.S. Forest Sector," are now available (see www.usda.gov/oce/climate_change/
effects.htm). Scientists from the federal service, universities, non-governmental organizations,
industry, tribal lands and the private sector contributed to the peer-reviewed studies, which were
created to support the National Climate Assessment. The reports discuss how climate change
is affecting U.S. farms, forests, grasslands and rural communities. While U.S. agriculture and
resource management have long histories of successful adaptation to climate variability, the acceler-
ating pace and intensity of climate change presents new challenges to be addressed, as highlighted
in the reports. The reports evaluate current conditions and look ahead to the next 25 to 100 years
and the potential consequences of climate change.
U.S. Forest Service Releases Report on Water Resources Vulnerabilities to Climate
Change
The Forest Service recently released a report detailing the impacts that climate change might have
on water resources in national forests. The report, "Assessing the Vulnerability of Watersheds to
Climate Change: Results of National Forest Watershed Vulnerability Pilot Assessments" (see
www.fs.fed.us/ccrc/), was sponsored by the Forest Service's Stream Systems Technology Center.
Eleven national forests from throughout the United States conducted assessments of potential
hydrologic change due to ongoing and expected rapid climate warming. Staff from each national
forest identified water resources important in their area, assessed climate change exposure and
watershed sensitivity, and evaluated the relative vulnerabilities of watersheds and water resources
to climate change. The report provides an overview of core assessment components and highlights
similarities and differences of the 11 pilot assessments.
Website Features Articles About Water in a Warming World
Two science magazines—Nature Geoscience and Nature Climate Change —are jointly contributing
to a new website (www.nature.com/ngeo/focus/water-warm-world) that features overview
articles, original research and opinion pieces that analyze the availability and governance of fresh
water in a changing world.
Education
Extreme Events Workshop Planning Tool Announced
EPA's Climate Ready Water Utilities just released its "Preparing for Extreme Weather Events:
Workshop Planner for the Water Sector" (Workshop Planner) to help utilities plan for extreme
events (see www.epa.gov/climatereadyutilities). The Workshop Planner provides all of the materi-
als needed to plan, conduct and facilitate an adaptation planning workshop on five extreme event
scenarios: floods, drought, wildfire, sea level rise and reduced snowpack.
Radio Program Explores 40 years of the Clean Water Act
On December 28, 2012, Public Radio International's "Living on Earth" program aired a special
focusing on the Clean Water Act (CWA). The show includes a look back at the passage of the
CWA in 1972 and the years since then, the predominant threats to clean water today (nonpoint
source pollution, crumbling infrastructure and a lack of enforcement), and a look ahead at what
the future will hold for the CWA and water quality. To listen online go to www.loe.org/shows/
shows.html?programID = 12-P13-00052.
MAY 2013, ISSUE #94
NONPOINT SOURCE NEWS-NOTES 1 9

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Water Quality Standards Academy Webinar Posted
EPA has posted a recording of its Water Quality Standards Academy Webinar: Water Quality
Standards 101, held on October 4, 2012, online at http://water.epa.gov/learn/training/
standardsacademy. The free webcast provides an overview of EPA's Water Quality Standards
program and is targeted toward a broad audience, including states, territories, tribes, environmen-
tal groups, industrial groups, municipalities, the academic community, federal agencies, watershed
groups and any other interested parties. To access the recording and supporting materials, scroll
down the page until you reach the "Archived Webcasts" section.
Webcast Explains the Water Quality Exchange Data Tool
EPA recently released a free, online webcast (see www.epa.gov/watershedwebcasts#tools) designed
to show interested stakeholders how to enter their water quality monitoring data into EPA's
Water Quality Exchange (WQX Web) and how to make these data available to the public via
the Water Quality Portal. WQX Web is a Web-based data entry tool that enables data owners to
upload their data to EPA's STORET Data Warehouse using a spreadsheet. Once the data are in
STORET, they can be safely stored, viewed and downloaded by a wide variety of potential data
users. Originally conducted on March 6, 2013, the webcast helps water quality program managers,
data managers, and others understand WQX, how it relates to STORET and the Water Quality
Portal, and how to begin submitting data using WQX Web. For more information on WQX/
STORET, visit www.epa.gov/storet. For more information on the Water Quality Portal, visit
www.waterqualitydata.us.
Stormwater
Low Impact Development Instructional Videos Available
The Chesapeake Stormwater Network recently released a series of three free instructional videos
designed to help local governments, contractors and involved homeowners with constructing,
installing and maintaining low impact development practices (LID). The video series, available at
www.chesapeakestormwater.net/training-library/design-adaptations/stormwater-bmp-maintenance
was produced by the Center for Watershed Protection in cooperation with the Chesapeake
Stormwater Network.
Puget Sound Low Impact Development Technical Manual Released
Washington State University's Puyallup Research and Extension Center and the Puget Sound
Partnership have released the 2012 Low Impact Development Technical Guidance Manual (see
http://l-usa.gov/W9kDFt). The manual, first produced in 2005, is the region's primary technical
guidance for siting, designing, installing and maintaining LID practices and projects. The manual
covers site assessment, site planning, vegetation protection and restoration, precision site clearing,
integrated management practices, research and performance, modeling techniques in approved
runoff models, bio retention plants, street trees, bio retention soil testing and maintenance of LID
techniques.
Rain Garden App Available
The Connecticut Nonpoint Education for Municipal Officials (NEMO) program has released a
smart phone app designed to help homeowners and contractors design, install and maintain rain
gardens. NEMO's "Rain Garden App" leads a user through the proper siting, sizing, construc-
tion, planting and maintenance of a rain garden. It includes tools to help the user determine the
proper size of the garden, find out about local soil conditions, estimate the price of construction,
and customize a plant list that will delight the eye while soaking up stormwater. In addition, the
app includes six short video segments explaining various aspects of rain garden care and feeding.
As of press time, the App is available for iPhones, with an Android release imminent. In addition,
the imagery and plants are currently specific to Connecticut, but the designers are developing a
national version that will have extensive databases for each area of the country. For more informa-
tion see http://nemo.uconn.edu/tools/app/raingarden.htm.
20 NONPOINT SOURCE NEWS-NOTES
MAY 2013, ISSUE #94

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Study Shows Effect of Urbanization on Stream Ecosystem
A 2000-2012 U.S. Geological Survey (USGS) study of streams in nine metropolitan areas across
the continental U.S. shows that the loss of sensitive species in streams begins to occur at the
initial stages of urban development. Contaminants, habitat destruction and increasing stream-
flow flashiness resulting from urban development can degrade stream ecosystems and cause
degradation downstream with adverse effects on biological communities and on economically
valuable resources, such as fisheries and tourism. For example, by the time urban development
had approached 20 percent in watersheds in the New England area, the aquatic invertebrate com-
munity had undergone a change in species composition of about 25 percent (to include 25 percent
more pollution-tolerant species). Although urban development creates multiple stressors that can
degrade stream health, such as an increase in concentrations of insecticides, chlorides and nutri-
ents, no single factor was universally important in explaining the effects of urban development on
stream ecosystems. The USGS developed an innovative modeling tool to predict how different
combinations of urban-related stressors affect stream health. This tool, initially developed for the
New England area, can provide insights on how watershed management actions to improve one or
more of these stressors may increase the likelihood of obtaining a desired biological condition. The
effects of urbanization on streams, including information about this and past studies, as well as
graphics and maps, and videos can be found at http://water.usgs.gov/nawqa/urban.
Wetlands
Coastal Wetland Review Reports Released by EPA
EPA recently released four Coastal Wetland Review Reports containing information from stake-
holder meetings in coastal watersheds from Texas to Massachusetts. The reports are a useful
resource for those working to protect the nation's coastal wetlands—they include discussions about
regional stressors on wetlands in coastal watersheds, local protection strategies, and key informa-
tion gaps that, if addressed, could help reverse the trend of wetland loss. The reports highlight
issues surrounding coastal wetlands throughout the Mid-Atlantic (Delaware Estuary, York River),
South Atlantic (Middle and Lower Neuse River, Indian River Lagoon), North Atlantic (Cape
Cod), and Gulf of Mexico (Galveston Bay, Mississippi Coast) regions. Although each discussion
was specific to the watershed in which it occurred, many observations and ideas are transferable
throughout the region and the country. To view EPA's Coastal Wetlands webpage and access the
reports, visit http://water.epa.gov/type/wetlands/cwt.cfm.
Wetlands Live! Webcasts Online
WetlandsLive! (http://wetlandslive.pwnet.org) is a series of live webcasts featuring students
working in wetlands from Panama to Alaska. The first two free webcasts were broadcast from
Canada (October 2012) and Panama (March 2013). The final webcast will be held May 9, 2013 in
Cordova, Alaska. Targeted at grades 4-6, classes watch and interact online through the website to
learn about the important role wetlands play in all our ecosystems, and to share their own stories.
The website also features information, lesson plans and wetland project ideas. Once completed, the
programs become available for viewing online at http://WetlandsLIVE.pwnet.org.
Other
Brochure Highlights Water Security Efforts
EPA's Water Security Division recently released a brochure highlighting water security and
resiliency efforts. The four-page brochure, which includes overview information about tools and
training related to water security, may be downloaded at http://water.epa.gov/infrastructure/
watersecurity/upload/epa817fl 2012.pdf.
EPA Releases Online Water Efficiency Guides
EPA's WaterSense program has created "WaterSense at Work: Best Management Practices for
Commercial and Institutional Facilities," an online compilation of best management practices to
MAY 2013, ISSUE #94
NONPOINT SOURCE NEWS-NOTES 21

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help commercial and institutional facilities better manage their water use through efficient prac-
tices and products. Building owners and managers can significantly reduce their water use, energy
requirements and operating costs by understanding how to use water more efficiently in their
facilities. "WaterSense at Work" addresses water use in educational facilities, offices, restaurants,
hotels, hospitals, laboratories and other organizations. It presents numerous tactics for businesses
and organizations to use to achieve water, energy and operational savings, and explores case studies
describing different types of facilities that have achieved savings by using water efficiently. For
more information see www.epa.gov/watersense/commercial/bmps.html.
Government Establishes 21st Century Conservation Service Corps
In early 2013, leaders of eight federal departments and agencies signed a Memorandum of
Understanding (MOU) setting up a national council to guide implementation of the Obama
Administration's 21st Century Conservation Service Corps (21CSC). The 21CSC focuses on
helping young people — including diverse low-income, underserved and at-risk youth, as well as
returning veterans — gain valuable training and work experience while accomplishing needed
conservation and restoration work on public lands, waterways and cultural heritage sites. It builds
on existing partnerships with youth conservation corps across the country to engage thousands of
young Americans in hands-on service and job training experiences on public lands and community
green spaces. For a copy of the MOU see http://on.doi.gov/UZma3a. For additional information
on the 21CSC see www.doi.gov/21csc.
Report Examines Use of Biological Assessment for Nutrients in State Water Programs
In fall 2012, the Association of Clean Water Administrators (ACWA) published "Use of Biological
Assessment in State Water Programs: Focus on Nutrients," a report that provides an overview of
how states, the District of Columbia and the Delaware River Basin Commission use biological
assessments to address nutrients in state water programs. Most states reported using some form of
biological monitoring to assess their waters, with macroinvertebrates being the most common indi-
cators of aquatic life support. The report is available on the ACWAs website: www.acwa-us.org.
Runoff and Streamflow Email-Based Action Alerts Available
Three text- and email-based services are available to help water managers prepare for and man-
age runoff and high-water events: (1) USGS' WaterNow (http://water.usgs.gov/waternow)
and WaterAlert (http://water.usgs.gov/wateralert) programs will text or email you with water
conditions from any of more than 16,000 stream gauges and other sites across the country;
(2) CustomWeather and its affiliate, Sailer Environmental, manage StormWaterSamplingAlert.
com (SWSA), a service that will email you when a qualifying storm (one that would trigger a need
for stormwater sampling necessary to comply with NPDES permit requirements) is forecast or
occurring; and (3) Stormwater Forecast™ (www.stormwaterforecast.com), will email you when
a current National Weather Service forecast includes precipitation levels that meet your specified
threshold requirements for depth and locations.
Watershed Payments Study Released
"Charting New Waters: State of Watershed Payments 2012," a study by Forest Trends' Ecosystem
Marketplace, showed that countries across the globe invested approximately $8.17 billion in
watershed protection services (e.g., payments for habitat protection, stream restoration, eco-
system services, water quality trading, etc.) in 2011 to safeguard drinking water and regional
supplies—$2 billion more than they spent in 2008. The group tracked 205 active watershed
investment programs in 29 countries around the world. More than half of the active programs
were in China (61) and the United States (67). For more information see www.forest-trends.org/
embargoed_water_2013.php.
22 NONPOINT SOURCE NEWS-NOTES
MAY 2013, ISSUE #94

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Recent and Relevant Periodical Articles
Mining Waste Byproduct Capable of Helping Clean Water
By the U.S. Geological Survey, December 2012
(www.usgs.gov/newsroom/article, asp ?ID=3482&from=rss)
This press release discusses a study by scientists from the U.S. Geological Survey's Leetown Science
Center, which shows that dried acid mine drainage sludge, or residuals, that result from treating
acid mine drainage discharges can be used as a low-cost adsorbent to efficiently remove phosphorus
from agricultural and municipal wastewaters. The phosphorus that has been adsorbed by the mine
drainage residuals can later be stripped from the residuals and recycled into fertilizer. The mine
drainage residuals can be regenerated and reused for a number of additional treatment cycles. The
study was published in the October 2012 issue of the Journal of Water, Air, & Soil Pollution
(http://link.springer.com/article/10.1007%2Fsll270-012-1262-x).
Pittsburgh's Leaky Faucet: How Aging Sewers Are Impacting Urban Watersheds
By University of Pittsburgh, March 6, 2013 (www.news.pitt.edu/sewer_watersheds)
This press release reviews results from a recent study on the amount of sewage leaking into surface
waters in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. Using water samples from the Pittsburgh-based Nine Mile Run
watershed, a University of Pittsburgh research team reports in Environmental Science & Technology
(see http://pubs.acs.org/doi/abs/10.1021/es304331m?journalCode=esthag) that an estimated 10
to 20 tons of reactive nitrogen from sewage flows into Pittsburgh's Monongahela River every year
from the six-square-mile watershed. That means that up to 12 percent of all sewage produced by
residents living in the Nine Mile Run watershed area leaks from the sewers and is transferred to
the stream, negatively affecting stream water quality.
Rainwater Harvesting
By Steve Goldberg, Stormwater, March/April 2013
(http://digital.stormh20.com/publication/?i= 144788 &pn= 10)
The article discusses the various methods for harvesting rainwater from rooftops and explores the
economic and environmental benefits of using the captured water for non-potable uses (e.g., irriga-
tion, toilet flushing).
Streams Stressed by Pharmaceutical Pollution
In The Cary Institute of Ecosystem Studies' EcoFocus Newsletter, April 2013
(www.caryinstitute.org/newsroom/streams-stressed-pharmaceutical-pollution)
This press release discusses a new paper, published in Ecological Applications, which highlights
the ecological cost of pharmaceutical waste and the need for more research into environmental
impacts. Cooperators from the Cary Institute of
Ecosystem Studies, Indiana University and Loyola
University-Chicago assessed the impacts of six com-
mon pharmaceuticals on natural biofilms in streams
(slippery coatings on rocks) in New York, Maryland
and Indiana. The study found that exposure to an
antihistamine (diphenhydramine) caused biofilms to
experience up to a 99 percent decrease in photosyn-
thesis, as well as significant drops in respiration.
The study found that exposure to
an antihistamine (diphenhydramine)
caused biofilms to experience
up to a 99 percent decrease in
photosynthesis.
-Cary Institute of Ecosystem Studies.
MAY 2013, ISSUE #94
NONPOINT SOURCE NEWS-NOTES 23

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Sustainable Programs: Black River Action Team Thinks Outside the Box
In Volunteer Monitoring News, December 2012
(http://acwi.gov/monitoring/vm/publications/newsletters/VM_News_Issue2_Dec2012.pdf)
This article discusses the successful and sustainable fundraising ideas implemented by Kelly
Stettner, founder and director of Vermont's Black River Action Team (BRAT)
(http://blackriveractionteam.org/wp). Because BRAT's fundraising techniques rely on local efforts
and engagements, they also help build community and stewardship. For example, Stettner spear-
headed an "Adopt-the-River" campaign to keep the river clear of trash. She also tweaked this idea
and added an "Adopt-a-Swimming Hole" option to raise money to conduct weekly water quality
sampling at popular swimming areas along the river. Another new BRAT funding source includes
recycling e-waste (empty printer ink cartridges, old cell phones, etc.) for cash.
Websites Worth a Bookmark
OneNOAA Science Seminars (www.nodc.noaa.gov/seminars)
The National Oceanographic and Atmospheric Administration's (NOAA) National
Oceanographic Data Center (NODC) hosts frequent science seminars conducted by NODC and
other partner organizations such as the National Ocean Service, the National Weather Service and
the National Marine Fisheries Service.
Stormwater Report (http://stormwater.wef.org)
The Water Environment Federation (WEF) recently launched a website dedicated entirely to
stormwater news. The home page presents recent news and a feature story. All news stories on
the site are searchable, and information is categorized by news type, region and topics. A sidebar
provides information about upcoming events, stormwater videos, a poll question and a feed from
WEF's newly launched Stormwater Twitter account (www.twitter.com/WEFstormwater).
Stormwater Solutions: Curbing Toxic Runoff
(http://daily.sightline.org/projects/stormwater-solutions-curbing-toxic-runoff)
This site is part of an ongoing research project looking at ways to control polluted stormwater.
Although written from the perspective of the Pacific Northwest, the site offers valuable background
information on stormwater runoff and its impacts on the environment.
Calendar	For an updated events calendar,
see http://water.epa.gov/polwaste/nps/outreach/calendar.cfm.
May 2013
5/7	2013 National Mitigation and Ecosystem Banking Conference, New Orleans, LA
(www.mitigationbankingconference.com)
5/18	Ohio Stonnwater Conference, Sharonville, OH (www.ohioswa.com/calendar-events/annual-conference/)
5/14—15	New England Interstate Water Pollution Control Commission's 24th Annual Northeastern Nonpoint Source
Conference, Burlington, VT (www.neiwpcc.org/npsconference)
5/15-16	Bioretention Summit (Washington, DC), Arlington, VA
(www.bae.ncsu.edu/stormwater/training/bioretention_summit.html)
5/19—22	13th National Watershed Conference A Forum: The Future ofWatershed Based Natural Resource Conservation,
Tunica, MS (www.asabe.org/meetings-events/2013/05/13th-national-watershed-conference-a-forum-the-
future-of-watershed-based-natural-resource-conservation, aspx)
5/19—23	Joint Conference: National Outdoor Recreation Conference and Forests for People, Traverse City, MI
(www.recpro.org/2013-sorp-ffp-conference)
5/21—22	Grey to Green: A Conference on the Econot?iics of Green Infastructure, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
(http://greytogreenconference.org)
24 NONPOINT SOURCE NEWS-NOTES
MAY 2013, ISSUE #94

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June 2013
6/2—6
6/7-8
6/9-13
6/9-14
6/17-18
6/17-20
6/19-22
6/24-26
6/25-28
6/26-28
July 2013
7/21-24
7/29-8/2
7/30-8/1
August 2013
8/18-21
8/18-22
September 2013
9/9-11
9/25-28
October 2013
10/5-9
10/6-11
10/9-12
Benefits ofWetlands, Values to Society: 2013 Society of Wetland Scientists' International Conference, Duluth, MN
(www.swsannualmeeting.org/)
New England Waters Conference, Sebago Lake, ME (https://sites.google.com/site/necnalms/conference)
America Water Works Association Annual Conference and Exposition 2013 (ACE13), Denver, CO
(http://www.awwa.org/conferences-education/conferences/acel3-annual-conference.aspx)
Association of State Floodplain Managers 2013 Conference: Rejnembering the Past—Insuring the Future,
Hartford, CT (www.floods.org/index.asp?menuID=223)
Bioretention Summit (Chicago), Lisle, IL (www.bae.ncsu.edu/stormwater/training/bioretention_summit.html)
Aquatic Ecosystems at the Edge: Managing for Sustainability, Victoria, British Columbia, Canada
(http://conferences.aehms.org/AEHMS 11)
Association for Environmental Studies and Sciences 2013 Annual Conference, Pittsburgh, PA
(http://aess.info/con tent.aspx?page_id=22&club_id=93997 l&module_id= 124341)
American Water Resources Association Summer Specialty Conference: Environmental Flows, Hartford, CT
(www.awra.org/meetings/EnvironmentalFlows2013)
Agriculture in the Classroom: National Conference, Minneapolis, MN
(www.agclassroom.org/conference2013/index.htm)
American Water Resources Association Summer Specialty Conference: Healthy Forests=Healthy Waters, Hartford, CT
(www.awra.org/meetings/HealthyForest2013)
2013 American Society of Agricultural and Biological Engineers Annual International Meeting, Kansas City, MO
(www.asabemeetings.org/index.html)
5th National Conference on Ecosystejn Restoration, Chicago, IL (www.conference.ifas.ufl.edu/ncer2013/)
EPA Community Involvement Training Conference, Boston, MA (www.epa.gov/ciconference/index.htm)
2013 International low Impact Development Symposium, Saint Paul, MN
(www.cce.umn.edu/2013-International-Low-Impact-Development-Symposium/index.html)
StormCon, Myrtle Beach, SC (www.stormcon.com)
California Stonnwater Quality Association: 9th Annual Conference, Lake Tahoe, CA
(http ://stormwaterconference. com)
Midwest Environmental Education Conference, Coralville, IA
(https://sites.google.eom/a/cfu.net/icec/home/winter-solstice-scholarship)
86th Annual Water Environment Federation Technical Exhibition and Conference (WEFTEC'), Chicago, IL
(www. weftec. org/)
Society for Ecological Restoration's 5th World Conference on Ecological Restoration: Reflections on the Past,
Directions for the Future, Madison, WI (http://www.ser2013.org/)
Promoting Excellence in Environmental Education: 42nd Annual North American Association for Environmental
Education Conference, Baltimore, MD (www.naaee.net/conference)
Contribute to Nonpoint Source News-Notes
Do you have an article or idea to share? Want to ask a question or need more information? Please contact NPS News-Notes,
c/o Don Waye, by mail at U.S. EPA, Mail Code 4503-T, 1200 Pennsylvania Ave., NW, Washington, DC 20460, or by email at
waye.don@epa.gov.
Disclaimer of Endorsement
Nonpoint Source News-Notes is produced by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, with support from Tetra Tech,
Inc. Mention of commercial products, publications, or websites does not constitute endorsement or recommendation for
use by EPA or its contractors, and shall not be used for advertising or product endorsement purposes.
MAY 2013, ISSUE #94
NONPOINT SOURCE NEWS-NOTES 25

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