"President Barack Obama announced that more than US $467 million from the American Reinvestment and Recovery Act could be used to expand development, deployment and use of geothermal and solar energy throughout the United States. The Recovery Act makes a US $350 million investment in geothermal technology. Photovoltaic technology development will account for $51.5 million.
The Recovery Act makes a US $350 million investment in geothermal technology. Recovery Act funding will support projects in four areas: geothermal demonstration projects; Enhanced Geothermal Systems (EGS) research and development; innovative exploration techniques; and a National Geothermal Data System, Resource Assessment and Classification System.
Geothermal demonstration projects will recieve $140 million. Enhanced Geothermal Systems Technology Research and Development will get $80 million. EGS makes use of available heat resources through engineered reservoirs, which can then be tapped to produce electricity. While the long-term goal of EGS is to generate cost competitive clean electricity, enabling research and development is needed to demonstrate the technology’s readiness in the near-term.
Research into innovative exploration techniques will get $100 million. Finally, a National Geothermal Data System, Resource Assessment, and Classification System be see $30 million invested. DOE will support the development of a nationwide data system to make resource data available to academia, researchers, and the private sector. Finally, DOE will support the development of a geothermal resource classification system for use in determining site potential.
Solar energy will see a $117.6 million investment. Photovoltaic technology development will account for $51.5 million and another $40.5 million will be used for deployment. Projects in this area will focus on non-technical barriers to solar energy deployment, including grid connection, market barriers to solar energy adoption in cities, and the shortage of trained solar energy installers.
Finally, CSP technology research and development will get $25.6 million. This work will focus on improving the reliability of concentrating solar power technologies and enhancing the capabilities of DOE National Laboratories to provide test and evaluation support to the solar industry".
Note: This is a reposting of an email forwarded to me via a listserver. This is not my work. I believe the source was RenewableEnergyWorld.com
Friday, May 29, 2009
Friday, May 22, 2009
PA Govenor - Solar Energy Rebate Program
GOVERNOR RENDELL OPENS SOLAR ENERGY REBATE PROGRAM FOR HOMEOWNERS, SMALL BUSINESSES
‘PA SUNSHINE’ PROGRAM ENABLES CONSUMERS TO CUT ENERGY COSTS
PHILADELPHIA – Thousands of Pennsylvania homeowners and small business owners eager to slash or even eliminate their electricity bills will be able to install new solar technologies at a discount of up to 45 percent, thanks to a new program Governor Edward G. Rendell opened today.
The PA Sunshine Solar Program will provide $100 million in rebates to help fund solar electric and hot water projects, reimbursing eligible consumers up to 35 percent of the purchase and installation costs of solar energy technology.
In combination with federal tax credits, consumers could reduce system costs by 45 percent.
“Today marks another exciting milestone in Pennsylvania’s efforts to achieve energy independence while helping homeowners and small businesses reduce their energy costs,” said Governor Rendell. “For years, many homeowners and small business owners wanted to join the alternative energy effort, but they often found solar technology to be cost-prohibitive. Now that the PA Sunshine Program is open, we’re making it possible for more consumers to move forward with their solar plans.
By making it easier to install these environmentally friendly technologies, Pennsylvania is helping consumers conserve energy by relieving demand on the electricity grid, which will drive down costs for everyone, the Governor said.
“This highly anticipated program will help families and small businesses lower their energy use, which will cut their bills substantially,” Governor Rendell said. “At the same time, they’ll be able to generate their own power in a cleaner and increasingly more cost-effective manner. And by using less power off the grid, especially during times of peak demand when the sun is shining and it’s hot out, they’ll help lower costs for all consumers.”
PA Sunshine is part of the $650 million Alternative Energy Investment Fund Governor Rendell signed into in July. It will reimburse homeowners and small business owners up to 35 percent of the purchase and installation costs of solar energy technology.
The governor made the announcement at the home of Capt. Charles and Lynette Bushka in Philadelphia’s Roxborough section. Over the past few years, the Bushkas have made several energy efficient improvements to their home including new windows and doors and adding insulation. They have been waiting for the launch of the state’s solar rebate program to enter into an agreement with Heat Shed Inc. to install a five kilowatt solar system on their home.
A five kilowatt system could save a typical household more than 50 percent of its annual electricity usage, or at least 4,230 kilowatt hours, which equates to a savings of approximately $620 per year. Without the PA Sunshine Rebates the installation would cost $30,000.
Solar produces the most energy during those times when electricity rates are typically highest – during the sunniest and hottest days of the year.
“Our residents understand how important developing new energy technologies are to our future,” said Governor Rendell. “They are showing vision, imagination and a willingness to depart from the conventional methods of electricity generation and invest in greener, more efficient ways to meet their energy needs. This funding represents the commonwealth’s commitment to assist them in that effort.”
Homeowners and small businesses wishing to apply for rebates must first select an installer that has been approved by the Department of Environmental Protection. The installer will submit all application materials on the consumer’s behalf. Project approval will be granted on a first-come, first-served basis until funds are depleted. Rebates will be dispersed to the home or small business owner upon completion of the project.
The Governor added that solar technology makes sense environmentally by eliminating harmful air emissions that result from the use of traditional fossil fuel energy sources. It also makes sense economically as products on the market today have proven themselves over time to be reliable and effective. By taking advantage of one of our most abundant natural resources, the sun, we can offset peak electricity demand by creating electricity at a time when demand is at its highest.
“While we are making great progress, we must continue to press forward,” said the Governor. “As we develop new and more efficient ways of producing cleaner energy, we must not lose sight of the fact that we must also continue to conserve energy and not be wasteful of the energy we do generate. Energy efficiency is often a low- or no-cost way to reduce energy consumption.”
For more information, rebate applications for photovoltaic systems, and to view DEP’s approved solar contractors, visit www.depweb.state.pa.us, keyword: Pa Sunshine. Solar thermal applications will be available later this week.
This is a repost of an email - I recieved. This is a great opportunity for PA residents and businesses. Make sure to visit the Energy Expo - http://www.pnesolutions.org
‘PA SUNSHINE’ PROGRAM ENABLES CONSUMERS TO CUT ENERGY COSTS
PHILADELPHIA – Thousands of Pennsylvania homeowners and small business owners eager to slash or even eliminate their electricity bills will be able to install new solar technologies at a discount of up to 45 percent, thanks to a new program Governor Edward G. Rendell opened today.
The PA Sunshine Solar Program will provide $100 million in rebates to help fund solar electric and hot water projects, reimbursing eligible consumers up to 35 percent of the purchase and installation costs of solar energy technology.
In combination with federal tax credits, consumers could reduce system costs by 45 percent.
“Today marks another exciting milestone in Pennsylvania’s efforts to achieve energy independence while helping homeowners and small businesses reduce their energy costs,” said Governor Rendell. “For years, many homeowners and small business owners wanted to join the alternative energy effort, but they often found solar technology to be cost-prohibitive. Now that the PA Sunshine Program is open, we’re making it possible for more consumers to move forward with their solar plans.
By making it easier to install these environmentally friendly technologies, Pennsylvania is helping consumers conserve energy by relieving demand on the electricity grid, which will drive down costs for everyone, the Governor said.
“This highly anticipated program will help families and small businesses lower their energy use, which will cut their bills substantially,” Governor Rendell said. “At the same time, they’ll be able to generate their own power in a cleaner and increasingly more cost-effective manner. And by using less power off the grid, especially during times of peak demand when the sun is shining and it’s hot out, they’ll help lower costs for all consumers.”
PA Sunshine is part of the $650 million Alternative Energy Investment Fund Governor Rendell signed into in July. It will reimburse homeowners and small business owners up to 35 percent of the purchase and installation costs of solar energy technology.
The governor made the announcement at the home of Capt. Charles and Lynette Bushka in Philadelphia’s Roxborough section. Over the past few years, the Bushkas have made several energy efficient improvements to their home including new windows and doors and adding insulation. They have been waiting for the launch of the state’s solar rebate program to enter into an agreement with Heat Shed Inc. to install a five kilowatt solar system on their home.
A five kilowatt system could save a typical household more than 50 percent of its annual electricity usage, or at least 4,230 kilowatt hours, which equates to a savings of approximately $620 per year. Without the PA Sunshine Rebates the installation would cost $30,000.
Solar produces the most energy during those times when electricity rates are typically highest – during the sunniest and hottest days of the year.
“Our residents understand how important developing new energy technologies are to our future,” said Governor Rendell. “They are showing vision, imagination and a willingness to depart from the conventional methods of electricity generation and invest in greener, more efficient ways to meet their energy needs. This funding represents the commonwealth’s commitment to assist them in that effort.”
Homeowners and small businesses wishing to apply for rebates must first select an installer that has been approved by the Department of Environmental Protection. The installer will submit all application materials on the consumer’s behalf. Project approval will be granted on a first-come, first-served basis until funds are depleted. Rebates will be dispersed to the home or small business owner upon completion of the project.
The Governor added that solar technology makes sense environmentally by eliminating harmful air emissions that result from the use of traditional fossil fuel energy sources. It also makes sense economically as products on the market today have proven themselves over time to be reliable and effective. By taking advantage of one of our most abundant natural resources, the sun, we can offset peak electricity demand by creating electricity at a time when demand is at its highest.
“While we are making great progress, we must continue to press forward,” said the Governor. “As we develop new and more efficient ways of producing cleaner energy, we must not lose sight of the fact that we must also continue to conserve energy and not be wasteful of the energy we do generate. Energy efficiency is often a low- or no-cost way to reduce energy consumption.”
For more information, rebate applications for photovoltaic systems, and to view DEP’s approved solar contractors, visit www.depweb.state.pa.us, keyword: Pa Sunshine. Solar thermal applications will be available later this week.
This is a repost of an email - I recieved. This is a great opportunity for PA residents and businesses. Make sure to visit the Energy Expo - http://www.pnesolutions.org
Sunday, May 17, 2009
Potential Redevelopment of the Dallas Business District
The Dallas Area has a number of community and business related issues. In many ways, the Dallas Area has become a "bedroom community" with business and jobs outside of the local community. In addition, the area was developed following older engineering and environmental practices.
The Dallas Area and Back Mountain Areas are great places to live and enjoy the outdoors, but the Community needs some significant improvements and we need to establish more business and light commercial or industrial development. The area did not experience the adverse impacts of coal mining, but has been impacted by weakly planned urban growth as a result of flooding events in the Wyoming Valley.
The following is a summary of the major infrastructure issues:
1. Lack of stormwater management and control systems - many older developments have no systems let alone systems that attempt to recharge or renovate the stormwater.
2. Heat island effects because of the excess amount of pavement and lack of vegetation.
3. Empty Commercial Buildings and probably commercial buildings that are not energy efficent.
4. The business directory is not very attractive or appealing as a destination. There are minimal family friendly destinations and there are no local foot paths, some biking trails, or other softer means of getting to the business district without driving.
Options for the Community and Business District to Consider
1. Stormwater - Older Residential Developments
a. Develop a program to encourage individual homeowners or homeowner associations to implement on-site stormwater management systems. This first approach could be a targetted approach to create a number of demonstration projects. For example, the housing development where I live has zero stormwater management system other than a paved ditch that goes to a pipe that discharges to the stream. This uncontrolled stormwater discharge is partly responsible for the local flooding and damage to stream channels, roads, etc. To this end, I have installed some best management practices to limit the amount of stormwater runoff.
b. Encourage new homes to install individual stormwater management systems and to utilize green roofing systems and to use stormwater cisterns as a water source for irrigation and possibly geothermal systems.
c. Existing Commercial Areas need a significant facelift - These commercial areas should be redesigned to make the best use of space and to green up the space. In addition, the local zoning ordiance should be modified to permit a lower number of parking space requirements and or to great a parking area that is just outside of the business district. A local shuttle bus could be used to move people and families in and out of the business district. For every 1 acre of pavement converted to green space, we can recharge water equivalent to the water that would runoff from up to 36 acres of forest
2. Community Facelift - Change to a more Sustainable Community
1. Redevelopment - this effort should not only include the rebuilding or updating the downtown or requiring the use of Green Building Design Elements, maintaining and improving historic structures and features, and building new residential or commercial ventures, but integrating new approaches to stormwater management and landscape ecology.
Besides converting the downtown into a "safe-accessible-functioning community", the downtown most be converted into a "Village" that supports multiple commercial, community, and recreational opportunities. This approach would require the integration and development of additional "green areas", "gardens", and alternative landscapes features that are not present in the existing downtown community and living areas- An urban destination !
2. Creating a more woodland - greener urban area - The redevelopment efforts should include transforming abandoned lots and buildings, "brownfields", and other urban areas to more native vegetation, interconnected greenways (walking trails), and curbside bioretention systems that could incorporate stormwater BMPs. This would help to change the feel of the downtown and aid in controlling and treating stormwater and allow people to move more freely through in the business districts- That is why it is called Foot Traffic !
3. In some cases - it may be necessary to relocate businesses to areas that are more cost effective. In the long-run, it may be cheaper (long-term cost) to move a business than to attempt to protect it from flooding. These businesses owners should be given significant local support, tax credits (etc) and recognition to help promote their new location.
4. Encourage groundwater recharge and consider the implementation of a system that uses stormwater and potential treated wastewater as a means of recharging the aquifer and as a water source for large volume irrigation water- such as for golf courses. The Tobys Creek Watershed is a target watershed under Act 220. In order to maintain the current level of development and to provide future growth, the area will need to either implement a groundwater recharge system or implement significant water conservation measures. These groundwater recharge areas could be set a-side as community forested areas or parks with hiking and walking trails.
5. Introduction of Green Building Design -Use of more energy efficient lighting, recyclable building materials, alternative heating and cooling systems (geothermal, solar, wind), water reuse, and building material selection. In addition to the stimulus money and tax credits, it may be possible to help offset the cost of this program or approach using Carbon Credits, Energy Credits, or Pollution Credits. These credits could be held by the local municipalities or school district to help lower taxes.
6. Apartment Buildings - Offices - University Campus - etc - It may be advisable to consider the development and use of green roofing systems. These systems will not only improve energy efficient, decrease peak stormwater flows and runoff volumes, but also create unique landscape settings for the urban areas in the city. It may be advisable to require new or renovated sites to increase the infiltration capacity of the site by 10 to 20% either on-site or by creating a local "green bank".
7. Introduction of Porous Concrete and Use a Modified Porous Pavement System and subsurface infiltration systems. In the implementation of these infiltration systems - the material selection should include materials that will increase the alkalinity of the water.
8. Creating bioretention islands within parking lots to decrease the heat island effects and create landscape features, but also to management stormwater runoff.
9. Landscape Irrigation Systems and Possible Reuse Systems - stormwater could be used for landscape irrigation, flushing toilets (commercial applications), and other non-drinking water reuse.
10. Consider the development of local energy resources, such as small scale solar, wind, or natural gas to help support the local community and school district.
11. For school busing, it may be advisable to consider the use of a CNG or electric bus system. May be grants to facilitate this conversion.
12. For local schools, it may be advisable to consider the use of geothermal systems or biomass heating systems. A great program is the Fuel for Schools program for more information on this program - go to http://www.pnercd.org
These initiatives would put the local community to work rebuilding the community where they live.
Source of Information
Mr. Brian Oram (me)
previously published article at http://www.water-research.net/wilkesbarrewaterbmp.htm
This article was updated to discuss issues for the Dallas Area.
Pdf file of Powerpoint Presentation
http://www.water-research.net/powerpoint/stormwatermanagement52007Oram.pdf
The Dallas Area and Back Mountain Areas are great places to live and enjoy the outdoors, but the Community needs some significant improvements and we need to establish more business and light commercial or industrial development. The area did not experience the adverse impacts of coal mining, but has been impacted by weakly planned urban growth as a result of flooding events in the Wyoming Valley.
The following is a summary of the major infrastructure issues:
1. Lack of stormwater management and control systems - many older developments have no systems let alone systems that attempt to recharge or renovate the stormwater.
2. Heat island effects because of the excess amount of pavement and lack of vegetation.
3. Empty Commercial Buildings and probably commercial buildings that are not energy efficent.
4. The business directory is not very attractive or appealing as a destination. There are minimal family friendly destinations and there are no local foot paths, some biking trails, or other softer means of getting to the business district without driving.
Options for the Community and Business District to Consider
1. Stormwater - Older Residential Developments
a. Develop a program to encourage individual homeowners or homeowner associations to implement on-site stormwater management systems. This first approach could be a targetted approach to create a number of demonstration projects. For example, the housing development where I live has zero stormwater management system other than a paved ditch that goes to a pipe that discharges to the stream. This uncontrolled stormwater discharge is partly responsible for the local flooding and damage to stream channels, roads, etc. To this end, I have installed some best management practices to limit the amount of stormwater runoff.
b. Encourage new homes to install individual stormwater management systems and to utilize green roofing systems and to use stormwater cisterns as a water source for irrigation and possibly geothermal systems.
c. Existing Commercial Areas need a significant facelift - These commercial areas should be redesigned to make the best use of space and to green up the space. In addition, the local zoning ordiance should be modified to permit a lower number of parking space requirements and or to great a parking area that is just outside of the business district. A local shuttle bus could be used to move people and families in and out of the business district. For every 1 acre of pavement converted to green space, we can recharge water equivalent to the water that would runoff from up to 36 acres of forest
2. Community Facelift - Change to a more Sustainable Community
1. Redevelopment - this effort should not only include the rebuilding or updating the downtown or requiring the use of Green Building Design Elements, maintaining and improving historic structures and features, and building new residential or commercial ventures, but integrating new approaches to stormwater management and landscape ecology.
Besides converting the downtown into a "safe-accessible-functioning community", the downtown most be converted into a "Village" that supports multiple commercial, community, and recreational opportunities. This approach would require the integration and development of additional "green areas", "gardens", and alternative landscapes features that are not present in the existing downtown community and living areas- An urban destination !
2. Creating a more woodland - greener urban area - The redevelopment efforts should include transforming abandoned lots and buildings, "brownfields", and other urban areas to more native vegetation, interconnected greenways (walking trails), and curbside bioretention systems that could incorporate stormwater BMPs. This would help to change the feel of the downtown and aid in controlling and treating stormwater and allow people to move more freely through in the business districts- That is why it is called Foot Traffic !
3. In some cases - it may be necessary to relocate businesses to areas that are more cost effective. In the long-run, it may be cheaper (long-term cost) to move a business than to attempt to protect it from flooding. These businesses owners should be given significant local support, tax credits (etc) and recognition to help promote their new location.
4. Encourage groundwater recharge and consider the implementation of a system that uses stormwater and potential treated wastewater as a means of recharging the aquifer and as a water source for large volume irrigation water- such as for golf courses. The Tobys Creek Watershed is a target watershed under Act 220. In order to maintain the current level of development and to provide future growth, the area will need to either implement a groundwater recharge system or implement significant water conservation measures. These groundwater recharge areas could be set a-side as community forested areas or parks with hiking and walking trails.
5. Introduction of Green Building Design -Use of more energy efficient lighting, recyclable building materials, alternative heating and cooling systems (geothermal, solar, wind), water reuse, and building material selection. In addition to the stimulus money and tax credits, it may be possible to help offset the cost of this program or approach using Carbon Credits, Energy Credits, or Pollution Credits. These credits could be held by the local municipalities or school district to help lower taxes.
6. Apartment Buildings - Offices - University Campus - etc - It may be advisable to consider the development and use of green roofing systems. These systems will not only improve energy efficient, decrease peak stormwater flows and runoff volumes, but also create unique landscape settings for the urban areas in the city. It may be advisable to require new or renovated sites to increase the infiltration capacity of the site by 10 to 20% either on-site or by creating a local "green bank".
7. Introduction of Porous Concrete and Use a Modified Porous Pavement System and subsurface infiltration systems. In the implementation of these infiltration systems - the material selection should include materials that will increase the alkalinity of the water.
8. Creating bioretention islands within parking lots to decrease the heat island effects and create landscape features, but also to management stormwater runoff.
9. Landscape Irrigation Systems and Possible Reuse Systems - stormwater could be used for landscape irrigation, flushing toilets (commercial applications), and other non-drinking water reuse.
10. Consider the development of local energy resources, such as small scale solar, wind, or natural gas to help support the local community and school district.
11. For school busing, it may be advisable to consider the use of a CNG or electric bus system. May be grants to facilitate this conversion.
12. For local schools, it may be advisable to consider the use of geothermal systems or biomass heating systems. A great program is the Fuel for Schools program for more information on this program - go to http://www.pnercd.org
These initiatives would put the local community to work rebuilding the community where they live.
Source of Information
Mr. Brian Oram (me)
previously published article at http://www.water-research.net/wilkesbarrewaterbmp.htm
This article was updated to discuss issues for the Dallas Area.
Pdf file of Powerpoint Presentation
http://www.water-research.net/powerpoint/stormwatermanagement52007Oram.pdf
Saturday, May 16, 2009
PA DEP Free Energy Workshops For Small Businesses
The Department of Environmental Protection is offering free energy workshops for small and medium busineses throughout Pennsylvania. The goal of the workshops is to help businesses understand how to cut their energy bills through the use of federal and state programs to help reduce energy demand and improve building efficiency.
There is no charge for the workshop and sessions are open to the public.
The workshops will be held from 8 a.m. to noon at the following locations:
May 19 at Elizabethtown College, Brossman Commons Student Center, Event
Space Room, 1 Alpha Dr., Elizabethtown
May 27 at Indiana University of Pennsylvania, Crimson Event Center,
Corner of Maple Street and Pratt Drive, Indiana
June 2 at Bucks County Community College, Penn Hall Room 257, 275 Swamp Road, Newton
June 3 at Wilkes University (http://www.wilkes.edu), Henry Student Center Ballroom, 84 West South St., Wilkes-Barre
I am hoping to attend the June 3, 2009 event.
Brian Oram, PG
B.F. Environmental Consultants Inc
http://www.bfenvironmental.com
Supporting the PNERC&D Energy Expo - June 2009
http://www.pnesolutions.org
There is no charge for the workshop and sessions are open to the public.
The workshops will be held from 8 a.m. to noon at the following locations:
May 19 at Elizabethtown College, Brossman Commons Student Center, Event
Space Room, 1 Alpha Dr., Elizabethtown
May 27 at Indiana University of Pennsylvania, Crimson Event Center,
Corner of Maple Street and Pratt Drive, Indiana
June 2 at Bucks County Community College, Penn Hall Room 257, 275 Swamp Road, Newton
June 3 at Wilkes University (http://www.wilkes.edu), Henry Student Center Ballroom, 84 West South St., Wilkes-Barre
I am hoping to attend the June 3, 2009 event.
Brian Oram, PG
B.F. Environmental Consultants Inc
http://www.bfenvironmental.com
Supporting the PNERC&D Energy Expo - June 2009
http://www.pnesolutions.org
Tuesday, May 12, 2009
Greening Up Projects - Getting Ready for Stimulus Money
It may not make sense, but one way to start looking at potential projects that are of an environmental nature is to consider Greening Up the Project. I do not mean Green Washing, but really putting in "green" "sustainable" components to the project.
Also, make the project manageable, team with profit/ public agencies to leverage resources, and make sure to use these projects as local demonstration and education projects.
Here are some greening examples:
a. Stormwater projects - consider including the implementation of green roofing systems either built in place or prepackaged systems like the Green Grid System into new homes or existing homes. Consider the installation of bioretention systems on a number of individual lots.
b. Larger Stormwater Projects - Consider adding a safety component - such as a dry hydrant system or rural fire protection and potentially solar panels to help circulate and aerate the water. These features could be intergrated into the creation of community areas or located near fire stations and other emergency needs.
c. Watershed Projects - non-point source pollution control issues - consider conducting a carbon foot print analysis and green up current brownfields or paved areas. For every 1 acre of pavement that is converted into a green area, we prevent the equivalent runoff from up to 70 acres of forest from entering the stream. If a project is establishing a forested buffer zone - document the preinstall and post-install carbon credit in addition to water quality improvements.
d. Urban Watersheds - consider the combination of the water resource issues and the existing housing issues to manage stormwater, flooding, housing infrastructure, reclamination of brownfields and mine drainage.
e. Downdown Redevelopment - should include improving energy efficiency, water usage, increasing green space, maybe some alternative energy, utilizing green housing system, and reuse of at least stormwater.
Therefore, make sure to take advantage of the carbon credit to help leverage the project.
Just a few examples
Brian Oram
http://www.bfenvironmental.com/
Also, make the project manageable, team with profit/ public agencies to leverage resources, and make sure to use these projects as local demonstration and education projects.
Here are some greening examples:
a. Stormwater projects - consider including the implementation of green roofing systems either built in place or prepackaged systems like the Green Grid System into new homes or existing homes. Consider the installation of bioretention systems on a number of individual lots.
b. Larger Stormwater Projects - Consider adding a safety component - such as a dry hydrant system or rural fire protection and potentially solar panels to help circulate and aerate the water. These features could be intergrated into the creation of community areas or located near fire stations and other emergency needs.
c. Watershed Projects - non-point source pollution control issues - consider conducting a carbon foot print analysis and green up current brownfields or paved areas. For every 1 acre of pavement that is converted into a green area, we prevent the equivalent runoff from up to 70 acres of forest from entering the stream. If a project is establishing a forested buffer zone - document the preinstall and post-install carbon credit in addition to water quality improvements.
d. Urban Watersheds - consider the combination of the water resource issues and the existing housing issues to manage stormwater, flooding, housing infrastructure, reclamination of brownfields and mine drainage.
e. Downdown Redevelopment - should include improving energy efficiency, water usage, increasing green space, maybe some alternative energy, utilizing green housing system, and reuse of at least stormwater.
Therefore, make sure to take advantage of the carbon credit to help leverage the project.
Just a few examples
Brian Oram
http://www.bfenvironmental.com/
The Pickens Plan - The Talking Points
The following are some of the talking points from the Pickens Plan America is facing major threats to our economy, national security and environment, and foreign oil is at the heart of all 3 issues.
1. Since 1970, our oil imports have grown from 24% to nearly 70%.
2. America uses 25% of the world’s oil, but only has 4% of the population and just 3% of the world’s oil reserves.
3. This addiction exposes our economy to price fluctuations. 4 of the last 5 recessions have followed significant jumps in oil prices.
Investing in America
1. High oil prices and an outflow between $350 and $700 billion a year are devastating our economy.
2. The solution to foreign oil and the economy are one and the same: Investing in a new energy infrastructure for America would create more than 3.45 million new jobs while keeping our money in here at home instead of sending it overseas.
The Security Issue
1. Relying on foreign nations for oil has made us perilously vulnerable to enemies and accidents.
2. Violence and uncertainty in the Middle East, Africa and Venezuela could threaten 51% of our import supply.
3. Russia, emboldened and armed by huge oil profits, invaded Georgia and shut down an oil pipeline capable of carrying a million barrels a day.
We Need Big Numbers
1. 70% of oil is used as fuel for transportation.
There are 244 million cars and trucks in America. To end dependence on foreign oil, we have to use something other than foreign oil to run those vehicles.
We Can’t Just Drill Our Way Out
1. America imports 12 million barrels a day, and Saudi Arabia only produces 9 million a day.
2. Does anyone think there is more undiscovered oil here than in all of Saudi Arabia? That doesn’t pass the laugh test.
There is a Way
1. Within 10 years, 22% of our electricity can come from wind and solar — helping conserve America’s natural gas for use in transportation.
2. Conservation - we need to improve our energy awareness and efficiency.
3. Switch to local or homegrown solutions - biomass, biofuels, natural gas, geothermal, regional wind, regional solar, and individual solar/wind systems.
For more information on the Pickens Plan - go to
http://push.pickensplan.com/profile/BrianOram
Local Regional Events - NE Pennsylvania
http://www.pnesolutions.org/
Energy and Environmental Expo and Green Event
June 13 - June 14, Dallas, Pennsylvania
Source of Information - Pickens Plan Website
1. Since 1970, our oil imports have grown from 24% to nearly 70%.
2. America uses 25% of the world’s oil, but only has 4% of the population and just 3% of the world’s oil reserves.
3. This addiction exposes our economy to price fluctuations. 4 of the last 5 recessions have followed significant jumps in oil prices.
Investing in America
1. High oil prices and an outflow between $350 and $700 billion a year are devastating our economy.
2. The solution to foreign oil and the economy are one and the same: Investing in a new energy infrastructure for America would create more than 3.45 million new jobs while keeping our money in here at home instead of sending it overseas.
The Security Issue
1. Relying on foreign nations for oil has made us perilously vulnerable to enemies and accidents.
2. Violence and uncertainty in the Middle East, Africa and Venezuela could threaten 51% of our import supply.
3. Russia, emboldened and armed by huge oil profits, invaded Georgia and shut down an oil pipeline capable of carrying a million barrels a day.
We Need Big Numbers
1. 70% of oil is used as fuel for transportation.
There are 244 million cars and trucks in America. To end dependence on foreign oil, we have to use something other than foreign oil to run those vehicles.
We Can’t Just Drill Our Way Out
1. America imports 12 million barrels a day, and Saudi Arabia only produces 9 million a day.
2. Does anyone think there is more undiscovered oil here than in all of Saudi Arabia? That doesn’t pass the laugh test.
There is a Way
1. Within 10 years, 22% of our electricity can come from wind and solar — helping conserve America’s natural gas for use in transportation.
2. Conservation - we need to improve our energy awareness and efficiency.
3. Switch to local or homegrown solutions - biomass, biofuels, natural gas, geothermal, regional wind, regional solar, and individual solar/wind systems.
For more information on the Pickens Plan - go to
http://push.pickensplan.com/profile/BrianOram
Local Regional Events - NE Pennsylvania
http://www.pnesolutions.org/
Energy and Environmental Expo and Green Event
June 13 - June 14, Dallas, Pennsylvania
Source of Information - Pickens Plan Website
Monday, May 11, 2009
Potential Applications of Stormwater BMPs to Revitalization for the Wyoming Valley and Abandon Mineland
Because of the aggressive development and mining activities in parts of Northeastern Pennsylvania, the cities within the Wyoming Valley are experiencing a number of environmentally related redevelopment and economic issues. The area has a significant quantity of land that is currently undergoing mineland reclamation to either industrial parks, commercial development, residential housing, recreational areas, and some "green areas". Much of the "reclamation" results in regrading of the area, but only a limited amount of land has been converted to stable "green areas".
In addition to these issues, there are a number of major issues related to the use of combined sewer outfalls (i.e., combined sewer lines and stormwater management) systems, lack of adequate stormwater management, acid mine drainage, uncontrolled urban runoff, heat island effects because of all the pavement, and mine drainage from culm piles and abandoned mine workings.
A possible alternative strategy to Redevelopment of Wilkes-Barre and other Urban Areas.
Main Goal - Return Wilkes-Barre and the Urban Areas to the places were people can live - not just going out to lunch during work hours, but getting citizens to live in the urban centers and making urban centers community destinations.
1. Redevelopment - this effort should not only include the rebuilding or updating the downtown or requiring the use of Green Building Design Elements, maintaining and improving historic structures and features, and building new residential or commercial ventures, but integrating new approaches to stormwater management and landscape ecology.
Besides converting the downtown into a "safe-accessible-functioning community", the downtown most be converted into a "Village" that supports multiple commercial, community, and recreational opportunities. This approach would require the integration and development of additional "green areas", "gardens", and alternative landscapes features that are not present in the existing downtown community and living areas- An urban destination !
2. Creating a more woodland - greener urban area - The redevelopment efforts should include transforming reclaimed mined land, abandoned lots and buildings, "brownfields", and other urban areas to more native vegetation, interconnected greenways, and curbside bioretention systems that could incorporate stormwater BMPs. This would help to change the feel of the downtown and aid in controlling and treating stormwater. The end result would be a more cost effect way of reducing adverse impacts associated with CSOs (combined sewer overflows), stormwater management, and creating an inviting living and working environment. If possible some of the areas could be used as a demonstration sites for innovative stormwater management systems in Northeastern Pennsylvania. This would not only bring more local attention, but could bring more national attention to the Wyoming Valley and Northeastern Pennsylvania.
3. In areas outside the city, it may be possible to use stormwater bioretention systems as a means of treating and buffering mine drainage and providing treatment for urban stormwater runoff control from residential lots and low density housing developments. Currently, stormwater recharge facilities are not permitted on areas identified as culm or mine drainage areas, but it may be advisable to use this method to introduce alkalinity to the system through the use of a bioretention/infiltration system.
In most cases, the streams leaving sites developed in culm areas are losing streams that will ultimately recharge the groundwater system. Therefore, the combination of bioretention/recharge systems that would introduce additional buffering capacity could result in an overall decrease in the quantity of acid mine drainage. This application would probably work best on sites were the overburden is primarily composed of culm.
4. For areas with significant CSO (combined sewer outfalls), it may be advisable to consider the installation of groundwater recharge trenches or shallow wells to attempt to directly recharge either the stormwater prior to entering the sewer system.
Currently, the groundwater aquifer is not used as a public water supply or industrial water source. The discharge from the groundwater aquifer does aid in sustaining the flows for a number of watersheds, but these flows are associated with either mine drainage or acid mine drainage. Under the current practice, the CSO overflow discharges directly to the surfacewater system and efforts to treat mine drainage are typically associated with the point of discharge. A potential alternative would be to consider the installation of injection wells or trenchs to attempt to artificially recharge the stormwater or partially treated CSO discharge directing into the bedrock aquifer. Upon recharge, the water would travel through the groundwater aquifer and then discharge to the Susquehanna River or one of the local tributaries.
It is likely that the current point and non-point discharges from the groundwater aquifer would be the points were the stormwater would exit the groundwater system. At these areas, real-time water quality monitoring devices could be deployed to monitor general water quality and facilitate the treatment of the "mine or acid-mine discharges".
5. For some of the commercial, residential, and urban areas, it may be advisable to integrate bioretention areas as part of the landscape features, stormwater management systems, and as part of reclamation. For these areas, it may be advisable to consider the use of "amended soil" or "manufactured soils" to improve soil quality.
6. Introduction of Green Building Design -Use of more energy efficient lighting, recyclable building materials, alternative heating and cooling systems (geothermal), water reuse, and building material selection. In addition to the stimulus money and tax credits, it may be possible to help offset the cost of this program or approach using Carbon Credits, Energy Credits, or Pollution Credits.
7. Apartment Buildings - Offices - University Campus - etc - It may be advisable to consider the development and use of green roofing systems. These systems will not only improve energy efficient, decrease peak stormwater flows and runoff volumes, but also create unique landscape settings for the urban areas in the city. It may be advisable to require new or renovated sites to increase the infiltration capacity of the site by 10 to 20% either on-site or by creating a local "green bank".
8. Introduction of Porous Concrete and Use a Modified Porous Pavement System and subsurface infiltration systems. In the implementation of these infiltration systems - the material selection should include materials that will increase the alkalinity of the water.
9. Creating bioretention islands within parking lots to decrease the heat island effects and create landscape features, but also to management stormwater runoff.
10. Landscape Irrigation Systems and Possible Reuse Systems - stormwater could be used for landscape irrigation, flushing toilets (commercial applications), and other non-drinking water reuse .
These initiatives would put the local community to work rebuilding the community where they live.
Source of Information
Mr. Brian Oram (me)
previously published article at http://www.water-research.net/wilkesbarrewaterbmp.htm
In addition to these issues, there are a number of major issues related to the use of combined sewer outfalls (i.e., combined sewer lines and stormwater management) systems, lack of adequate stormwater management, acid mine drainage, uncontrolled urban runoff, heat island effects because of all the pavement, and mine drainage from culm piles and abandoned mine workings.
A possible alternative strategy to Redevelopment of Wilkes-Barre and other Urban Areas.
Main Goal - Return Wilkes-Barre and the Urban Areas to the places were people can live - not just going out to lunch during work hours, but getting citizens to live in the urban centers and making urban centers community destinations.
1. Redevelopment - this effort should not only include the rebuilding or updating the downtown or requiring the use of Green Building Design Elements, maintaining and improving historic structures and features, and building new residential or commercial ventures, but integrating new approaches to stormwater management and landscape ecology.
Besides converting the downtown into a "safe-accessible-functioning community", the downtown most be converted into a "Village" that supports multiple commercial, community, and recreational opportunities. This approach would require the integration and development of additional "green areas", "gardens", and alternative landscapes features that are not present in the existing downtown community and living areas- An urban destination !
2. Creating a more woodland - greener urban area - The redevelopment efforts should include transforming reclaimed mined land, abandoned lots and buildings, "brownfields", and other urban areas to more native vegetation, interconnected greenways, and curbside bioretention systems that could incorporate stormwater BMPs. This would help to change the feel of the downtown and aid in controlling and treating stormwater. The end result would be a more cost effect way of reducing adverse impacts associated with CSOs (combined sewer overflows), stormwater management, and creating an inviting living and working environment. If possible some of the areas could be used as a demonstration sites for innovative stormwater management systems in Northeastern Pennsylvania. This would not only bring more local attention, but could bring more national attention to the Wyoming Valley and Northeastern Pennsylvania.
3. In areas outside the city, it may be possible to use stormwater bioretention systems as a means of treating and buffering mine drainage and providing treatment for urban stormwater runoff control from residential lots and low density housing developments. Currently, stormwater recharge facilities are not permitted on areas identified as culm or mine drainage areas, but it may be advisable to use this method to introduce alkalinity to the system through the use of a bioretention/infiltration system.
In most cases, the streams leaving sites developed in culm areas are losing streams that will ultimately recharge the groundwater system. Therefore, the combination of bioretention/recharge systems that would introduce additional buffering capacity could result in an overall decrease in the quantity of acid mine drainage. This application would probably work best on sites were the overburden is primarily composed of culm.
4. For areas with significant CSO (combined sewer outfalls), it may be advisable to consider the installation of groundwater recharge trenches or shallow wells to attempt to directly recharge either the stormwater prior to entering the sewer system.
Currently, the groundwater aquifer is not used as a public water supply or industrial water source. The discharge from the groundwater aquifer does aid in sustaining the flows for a number of watersheds, but these flows are associated with either mine drainage or acid mine drainage. Under the current practice, the CSO overflow discharges directly to the surfacewater system and efforts to treat mine drainage are typically associated with the point of discharge. A potential alternative would be to consider the installation of injection wells or trenchs to attempt to artificially recharge the stormwater or partially treated CSO discharge directing into the bedrock aquifer. Upon recharge, the water would travel through the groundwater aquifer and then discharge to the Susquehanna River or one of the local tributaries.
It is likely that the current point and non-point discharges from the groundwater aquifer would be the points were the stormwater would exit the groundwater system. At these areas, real-time water quality monitoring devices could be deployed to monitor general water quality and facilitate the treatment of the "mine or acid-mine discharges".
5. For some of the commercial, residential, and urban areas, it may be advisable to integrate bioretention areas as part of the landscape features, stormwater management systems, and as part of reclamation. For these areas, it may be advisable to consider the use of "amended soil" or "manufactured soils" to improve soil quality.
6. Introduction of Green Building Design -Use of more energy efficient lighting, recyclable building materials, alternative heating and cooling systems (geothermal), water reuse, and building material selection. In addition to the stimulus money and tax credits, it may be possible to help offset the cost of this program or approach using Carbon Credits, Energy Credits, or Pollution Credits.
7. Apartment Buildings - Offices - University Campus - etc - It may be advisable to consider the development and use of green roofing systems. These systems will not only improve energy efficient, decrease peak stormwater flows and runoff volumes, but also create unique landscape settings for the urban areas in the city. It may be advisable to require new or renovated sites to increase the infiltration capacity of the site by 10 to 20% either on-site or by creating a local "green bank".
8. Introduction of Porous Concrete and Use a Modified Porous Pavement System and subsurface infiltration systems. In the implementation of these infiltration systems - the material selection should include materials that will increase the alkalinity of the water.
9. Creating bioretention islands within parking lots to decrease the heat island effects and create landscape features, but also to management stormwater runoff.
10. Landscape Irrigation Systems and Possible Reuse Systems - stormwater could be used for landscape irrigation, flushing toilets (commercial applications), and other non-drinking water reuse .
These initiatives would put the local community to work rebuilding the community where they live.
Source of Information
Mr. Brian Oram (me)
previously published article at http://www.water-research.net/wilkesbarrewaterbmp.htm
Tuesday, May 5, 2009
Private Well Construction Standards for Pennsylvania
Private Well Construction Standards
Why?
1. Protect health and safety for the citizens.
2. Ensure the long-term quality, quantity, and reliability of the groundwater aquifer.
3. Prevent direct and indirect contamination of the aquifer.
4. Minimize the adverse impacts to the environment.
5. Private wells are currently not regulated under Pennsylvania Code, Chapter 109.
6. Pennsylvania is second among all states in the number of residences served by private water wells, with more than a million households relying on private wells. But Pennsylvania is among just two states that do not have private water well construction standards or certification requirements for drilling contractors and operators.
7. Improperly constructed private wells facilitate groundwater contamination.
What is a private well?
This is a well that does not meet the definition of a public water system. A private well is a well that has less than 15 service connection or serves less than 25 people daily for at least 60 days per year (PADEP, Non-Community System Design Standards, Document No 383-2128-108 (5/21/2001)).
Current State Law (Pennsylvania)
1. Public water systems (PADEP) or withdrawals of over 20,000 gpd are regulated (River Basin Commission). This regulations related to the siting, construction, testing, operation, water withdrawal, regular reporting, and consumptive use.
2. Proposed regulations may require systems of 10,000 gpd or more to be registered and reported to the PADEP (Water Planning Act 220, December 2002) Act 220 does NOT include metering of home water wells.
3. Act 610 requires a licensed driller to drill any well for the purpose of accessing groundwater. This includes, in addition to wells for water withdrawal, wells for geothermal heat systems, monitoring or observation wells, test wells, recharge wells, and waste disposal wells. Although Act 610 has required drillers to submit records for all wells drilled since 1966, at times they are less than diligent at doing so. Because there is no registration of individual wells we have no way of verifying how many wells each driller completes in a year. (Water Well Drillers License Act, the act of May 29, 1956 (P.L.1840, No.610), 32 P.S. Sections 645.1-645.13 ). The act has a provision for well abandonment, but there is no tracking or registration for individual private wells.
http://www.dcnr.state.pa.us/topogeo/groundwater/Act610.aspx
Key Features of a Well Ordinance - My Suggestions
1. Standards should relate to private – non-regulated wells.
2. Provide Isolation Distances that include recommendations for set-backs from building foundations, floodways, animal feedlots, septage disposal areas, chemical storage areas, etc. and not just isolation distances from septic tanks, property lines, and disposal fields.
3. Standard should provide the recommendation for the use of steel casingThe casing should be 19# casing that is either threaded and coupled or welded around the perimeter by a certified welder and the casing should be fitted with a driveshoe.
4. Casing should penetrate – a minimum of 40 feet below grade and 10 feet into firm bedrock, whichever is greater.
5. All wells should be fitted with a sanitary seal and all wells should have the annular space cement or neat cement grouted. The grout should extend to the anticipated depth of the pitless adapter. The casing should extend at least 18 inches above grade and outside of the floodplain or floodway. If within the floodplain, the casing should extend 3 feet above the 100 year flood elevation.
6. All wells should be shock disinfected and purged.
7. All wells should have a well drilling log and yield test. Yield test should be a minimum of a blown yield test.
8. Wells should be sampled and tested. At a minimum, the testing should be for pH, conductivity, total coliform, iron, mangansese, total hardness, and alkalinity.
9. Ordinance should require that the driller submit information to the local agency, landowner or homeowner, and other agencies as required by law.
10. Require well drillers to complete a more formal training and certification process, such as the program developed by the National Groundwater Association.
11. Develop and encourage the creation of community educational programs, such as the Carbon County Groundwater Guardians - http://www.carbonwaters.org/
and the Center for Environmental Quality at Wilkes University - Homeowner Outreach Program
http://www.water-research.net/
Article Prepared by Mr. Brian Oram, Professional Geologist
B.F. Environmental Consultants Inc.
http://www.bfenvironmental.com/
Saturday, May 2, 2009
Marcellus Shale - Citizens and Royality Owners Northeastern Pennsylvania Background Water Testing
B.F. Environmental Consultants Inc. provides environmental consulting and education outreach services to landowners and other organizations. The primary focus of our natural gas outreach efforts is to aid in evaluating and documenting baseline environmental conditions and to educate citizens on the natural gas development. These services include assisting in documenting baseline environmental conditions and helping landowners to understand the baseline environmental quality. The primary purpose of this website is to help educate and inform the public, landowners, municipal officials, and other organizations.
B.F. Environmental Consultants Inc. has prepared a summary or a series of background water testing packages to help local citizens, community groups, and royality owners document baseline water quality. In order to maintain chain-of-custody, a professional geologist or other trained professional will collect the water sample, document existing conditions, and if necessary document the static water level in a well or flow in a stream or spring. The samples will be field tested and screened and then submitted to a certified testing laboratory for analysis. The testing packages have been developed based on a review of the available recommendations by Penn State University, Wilkes University, PADEP, other research facilites, and a review of the background quality of the water in the Marcellus Shale and data from frac water collected from a Northeast Pennsylvania Drilling Site.
To obtain more information, please visit:
http://www.bfenvironmental.com/natural-gas-exploration.php
Marcellus Shale and the Potential Solutions for Northeastern Pennsylvania
The Marcellus Shale, also known as the Marcellus Formation, is a Middle Devonian-age black, carbonaceous, i.e., organic rich, shale, that has a low density and underlies large portions of New York , West Virginia, Ohio and Pennsylvania and the Marcellus Shale or similar formations may underlie sections of Kentucky , Maryland, and Virginia.
Natural gas occurs within the Marcellus Shale in three ways:
1) within the pore spaces of the shale;
2) within vertical fractures (joints) that break through the shale; and,
3) adsorbed on mineral grains and organic material. Most of the recoverable gas is contained in the pore spaces. However, the gas has difficulty escaping through the pore spaces because they are very tiny and poorly connected.
In 2002 the United States Geological Survey calculated that the Marcellus Shale contained an estimated undiscovered resource of about 1.9 trillion cubic feet of gas. Because of the large surface acreage and depth of the formation, i.e., over 1 mile below the surface, it was initially not anticipated to be a large producing formation. Recently, geologists have estimate that the entire Marcellus Shale formation contains between 168 trillion to 516 trillion cubic feet of natural gas.
The Marcellus Shale has been characterized as either the savior or the destroyer of Northeastern Pennsylvania. I am not here to pick sides, but my opinion is that the natural gas companies should work with local governments, citizen groups, local Universities and Colleges, and other interested Organizations to review the real concerns and get out the information about the drilling process and fracturing process. In addition, this group should work together to develop intergrated solutions that address the needs of the natural gas companies, support the royality owners rights, and aids the local communities. With this in mind, I would suggest the following alternatives:
a. Aid local communities in improving and implementing construction standards for private wells and help citizens replace older substandard wells with wells that meet the new standard;
b. Consider solving are stormwater management problems by installing the necessary stormwater infrastructure for the community and then using these storage basins as wet detention basins to obtain some or all of the water needed for fracturing wells;
c. Consider siting one or more frac water treatment plants in the area or vicinity of some of the mine drainage outfalls;
d. Use the need to treat mine drainage as an opportunity to facilitate the development of a temporary source for hydrofracturing water and at same time creating a long-term system of acid mine drainage treatment;
e. where possible, intergrate the use of solar, hydro, and wind technologies to aid in off-siting the installation costs for the AMD and stormwater management; and
f. Evaluate the potential for the use of frac water (blended with treated mine water) as a source for irrigation water to help reclaim abandon mine land.
B.F. Environmental Consultants Inc. provides environmental consulting, expert witness, water quality sampling, and education outreach services to landowners and other organizations. The primary focus of our outreach efforts is to aid in evaluating and documenting baseline environmental conditions, evaluate potential for environmental impact, educate citizens on the natural gas development, and assist municipalities in planning related activities. In addition, the company works with local Universities to conduct research related to the Marcellus Shale.
Information on Stormwater Best Management Practices
http://www.bfenvironmental.com/bmps.php
Post prepared by Mr. Brian Oram, BF. Environmental Consultants Inc.
Natural gas occurs within the Marcellus Shale in three ways:
1) within the pore spaces of the shale;
2) within vertical fractures (joints) that break through the shale; and,
3) adsorbed on mineral grains and organic material. Most of the recoverable gas is contained in the pore spaces. However, the gas has difficulty escaping through the pore spaces because they are very tiny and poorly connected.
In 2002 the United States Geological Survey calculated that the Marcellus Shale contained an estimated undiscovered resource of about 1.9 trillion cubic feet of gas. Because of the large surface acreage and depth of the formation, i.e., over 1 mile below the surface, it was initially not anticipated to be a large producing formation. Recently, geologists have estimate that the entire Marcellus Shale formation contains between 168 trillion to 516 trillion cubic feet of natural gas.
The Marcellus Shale has been characterized as either the savior or the destroyer of Northeastern Pennsylvania. I am not here to pick sides, but my opinion is that the natural gas companies should work with local governments, citizen groups, local Universities and Colleges, and other interested Organizations to review the real concerns and get out the information about the drilling process and fracturing process. In addition, this group should work together to develop intergrated solutions that address the needs of the natural gas companies, support the royality owners rights, and aids the local communities. With this in mind, I would suggest the following alternatives:
a. Aid local communities in improving and implementing construction standards for private wells and help citizens replace older substandard wells with wells that meet the new standard;
b. Consider solving are stormwater management problems by installing the necessary stormwater infrastructure for the community and then using these storage basins as wet detention basins to obtain some or all of the water needed for fracturing wells;
c. Consider siting one or more frac water treatment plants in the area or vicinity of some of the mine drainage outfalls;
d. Use the need to treat mine drainage as an opportunity to facilitate the development of a temporary source for hydrofracturing water and at same time creating a long-term system of acid mine drainage treatment;
e. where possible, intergrate the use of solar, hydro, and wind technologies to aid in off-siting the installation costs for the AMD and stormwater management; and
f. Evaluate the potential for the use of frac water (blended with treated mine water) as a source for irrigation water to help reclaim abandon mine land.
B.F. Environmental Consultants Inc. provides environmental consulting, expert witness, water quality sampling, and education outreach services to landowners and other organizations. The primary focus of our outreach efforts is to aid in evaluating and documenting baseline environmental conditions, evaluate potential for environmental impact, educate citizens on the natural gas development, and assist municipalities in planning related activities. In addition, the company works with local Universities to conduct research related to the Marcellus Shale.
Information on Stormwater Best Management Practices
http://www.bfenvironmental.com/bmps.php
Post prepared by Mr. Brian Oram, BF. Environmental Consultants Inc.
GreenNEPA Recovery Act 2009 Seminar May 7th, 2009
GreenNEPA Recovery Act 2009 Seminar May 7th, 2009
Join leaders from across Northeastern Pennsylvania to prepare and exchange ideas to develop Sustainable Green projects and programs available through the Recovery and Investment Act 2009.
Position your Community to get its Fair Share of the $787 Billion Recovery Funds. Focus: How to Position and Prepare for funding from ‘Recovery and Investment Act 2009’ incorporating mandated ‘green’ requirements in the Public and Private sectors.
Seminar Location: Marywood University, Swartz Center, Conference Room A, Scranton, PA 18509
To Find out More GreenNEPA Recovery
To learn more about the Community Greenhouse Foundation visit us: www.communitygreenhouse.org
Join leaders from across Northeastern Pennsylvania to prepare and exchange ideas to develop Sustainable Green projects and programs available through the Recovery and Investment Act 2009.
Position your Community to get its Fair Share of the $787 Billion Recovery Funds. Focus: How to Position and Prepare for funding from ‘Recovery and Investment Act 2009’ incorporating mandated ‘green’ requirements in the Public and Private sectors.
Seminar Location: Marywood University, Swartz Center, Conference Room A, Scranton, PA 18509
To Find out More GreenNEPA Recovery
To learn more about the Community Greenhouse Foundation visit us: www.communitygreenhouse.org
Community Green Event and Energy / Environmental Expo Dallas, Pennsylvania
The Pocono Northeast Resource Conservation & Development (RC&D) Council and its partners will be hosting the Northeast PA Energy Solutions Expo on June 13-14th, 2009 at the Luzerne County Fairgrounds in Dallas, Pennsylvania. The event will consist of a mixture of exhibitors, displays, and educational / training sessions to help inform and educate the public. Exhibitors will include professional engineers, geothermal contractors, solar and wind vendors and installers, certified energy audit professionals, business and homeowner financing options, and local/grassroots community action groups. During this event, there will be over 20 hours of educational sessions ranging from conservation, energy audits, photovoltaic, geothermal, regional / residential wind turbines, biomass heating systems and farm energy audits.
The Pocono Northeast Resource Conservation & Development (RC&D) Council is a 501©3 non-profit organization that has been active within northeast Pennsylvania since 1973. The Pocono Northeast Resource Conservation & Development Council has collaborated with our sister council, Endless Mountains RC&D, to develop this regional educational/outreach opportunity. This event will target 16 counties in Northeast Pennsylvania (Bradford, Carbon, Columbia, Lackawanna, Luzerne, Lycoming, Monroe, Montour, Northumberland, Pike, Schuylkill, Sullivan, Susquehanna, Tioga, Wayne, and Wyoming Counties).
The current sponsors for the event include B.F. Environmental Consultants Inc (Dallas, PA), Duane Moyer Well Drilling (Lehighton, PA), Natural Energy Solutions (Pottsville, PA), Tomhicken Pure Mountain Spring Water (Hazleton, PA), Reilly Associates (West Pittston, PA) Shoener Environmental (Clarks Summit, PA), and Ernst Conservation Seeds (Meadville, PA). Exhibits on alternative/renewable energy, green products/services, and environmental education/outreach being accepted.
Visit Us at http://www.pnesolutions.org/
B. F. Environmental Consultants Inc is one of the sponsors for this regional event.
Visit Us at Pocono RC&D Council
Host for the Event.
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