|
|
|
|
Mass.Gov Home Page | |
|
State Agencies | |
|
State A-Z Topic List | |
|
|
 |
 |
 |
|
|
||||||||||||||||||||||||
|
CZ-Mail November 2010 Welcome to CZ-Mail, the monthly electronic newsletter from the Massachusetts Office of Coastal Zone Management (CZM). Each issue provides information on major CZM initiatives, available tools and publications, upcoming workshops and events, grants, contracting opportunities, job openings, coastal legislation, and other news of interest to people working on coastal issues. Additional information about CZM's programs, publications, and other coastal topics can be found on the CZM website. To subscribe to CZ-Mail, send a blank email to join-env-cz-mail@listserv.state.ma.us. Also, please feel free to share CZ-Mail with colleagues and friends—and if you have any suggestions for future editions, or would like make a change to your CZ-Mail subscription, please email your request to CZ-Mail@state.ma.us. All links on this web page were current and working on the date of publication.
Straits Pond Restoration Project Complete In October, the towns of Hull, Cohasset, and Hingham, the Straits Pond Watershed Association, state and federal legislators, agency representatives, nonprofit organizations, and dozens of local residents gathered to celebrate the completion of the West Corner Bridge reconstruction—marking the end of the $2.8 million Straits Pond Restoration Project—the largest tidal restoration project to date in the Commonwealth. Culverts between Straits Pond and the Weir River estuary were enlarged and expanded tide gates were installed. These upgrades are designed to increase tidal exchange between Straits Pond and the Weir River and will restore 94 acres of tidal pond habitat and improve tidal flow to a critically impaired estuary, which is part of the Weir River Area of Critical Environmental Concern (ACEC) and provides valuable nursery and feeding habitat for a variety of recreational and commercial fish. Improved water quality will also reduce nuisance algal blooms and seasonal infestations of midges that have been a serious quality-of-life issue for area residents for decades. Project partners include CZM, the Department of Fish and Game's (DFG) Division of Ecological Restoration (DER), the Department of Conservation and Recreation's (DCR) ACEC Program, the Massachusetts Bays Program (MBP), the Department of Environmental Protection (MassDEP), the Department of Transportation, the Boston Region Metropolitan Planning Organization, the Gulf of Maine Council, the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA), the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers (USACE), the Federal Highway Program, the Conservation Law Foundation/Restore America's Estuaries program, the towns of Hull, Cohasset, and Hingham, the Center for Student Coastal Research, Boston University, and the Straits Pond and Weir River Watershed Associations. Also, Senator Robert Hedlund, Representative Garrett Bradley, and Congressman William Delahunt were instrumental in securing state and federal funds for bridge reconstruction. CZM's South Shore Regional Coordinator, Jason Burtner, spent many hours spearheading this effort over the last decade. CZM Receives Federal Grant for Data Acquisition and Management Through a competitive grant program offered by NOAA's Office of Ocean and Coastal Resources Management, CZM secured $148,800 in federal funding to expand, modernize, and improve the Massachusetts Ocean Resources Information System (MORIS) by incorporating critical land-use and permit information, expanding its accessibility, and providing training and outreach to end users. The program was highly competitive: of 21 eligible applications vying for $1 million in available funding, CZM's was one of six successful proposals. Resources from this grant will be used to:
James Brook Flood Mitigation and Salt Marsh Restoration Project Set to Break Ground Work is set to begin on the James Brook culvert replacement project in Cohasset. Through this project, an undersized and deteriorating culvert and flapper-style tide gates will be replaced by an enlarged culvert and automated sluice-style tide gate. Early in the 20th century, the 14-acre Jacobs Meadow salt marsh was fragmented from Cohasset Harbor when Border Street was constructed. The undersized culvert that was installed to connect James Brook to the harbor limited stream and stormwater flows from James Brook—resulting in the flooding of residences and the town center area. It also reduced tidal flow to Jacobs Meadow, causing a proliferation of the invasive plant, Phragmites australis. Design and construction of the new culvert and tide gate will be funded by $450,000 in Seaport Council capital funds managed by CZM in partnership with the DFG. Project partners include CZM, DER, MBP, the National Marine Fisheries Service Habitat Conservation Division, the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), and the Cohasset Center for Student Coastal Research. This project also complements and builds on previous flood mitigation work funded through the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) and Massachusetts Emergency Management Agency. State Hazard Mitigation Team Member Receives Award In September, Richard Zingarelli, DCR's Flood Hazard Management Program Manager and Acting State Hazard Mitigation Officer, was presented with the Government Civil Engineer Award by the Boston Society of Civil Engineers Section (BSCES) of the American Society of Civil Engineers. This annual award is given to a BSCES member who serves as a paid public sector engineer at a federal, state, municipal agency, department, or authority in Massachusetts. Rich was recognized for his more than 30 years of experience in water resource planning and engineering while working for DCR, the USACE, and Narragansett Bay Estuary Program. In addition to being a valuable member of the Hazard Mitigation Team, Rich also serves as the State Coordinator for the National Flood Insurance Program (NFIP). As the State NFIP Coordinator, he is the primary liaison for the Commonwealth's communities, state agencies, businesses, and individual property owners to provide information on the NFIP, FEMA flood maps, and general floodplain management. Rich works closely with CZM Shoreline and Floodplain Management staff on coastal floodplain management issues and we congratulate him on this well deserved honor. CZ-Tip: Boat Winterizing—Keep It Green As the cold weather settles in, most boat owners are removing their vessels from the water and storing them for the winter. Boats must be properly prepared for storage to ensure that all parts and systems are protected from the weather and are not harmed from the lack of use. This process, referred to as winterizing or decommissioning, can impact the environment if not done properly. Oil may spill during and oil change, fuel can degrade if not stabilized, soaps and detergents can harm marine life, bottom paint can wash into the water during pressure washing, and boat sewage can pollute coastal waters if not disposed of properly. For more information and specific tips to winterize your boat in an environmentally sensitive manner, see the CZ-Tip: Boat Winterizing—Keep It Green. CZM Staff & People Andrea Cooper Retires - CZM Shoreline and Floodplain Manager Andrea Cooper retired from state service in October. Andrea had been with CZM for 14 years, serving as the North Shore Regional Coordinator from 1996-2005, Smart Growth Coordinator from 2005-2008, and for the past two years, as Shoreline and Floodplain Manager. While outspoken and funny, Andrea was serious about making a difference. Some of her award-winning accomplishments at CZM include:
Aquatic Invasive Species Program Intern - In October, CZM welcomed Christopher McIntyre as an intern to help compile and interpret marine species data collected during the 2007 and 2010 Rapid Assessment Surveys. These surveys were multi-state efforts to collect, identify, and catalogue marine organisms in coastal waters from Cape Cod through Maine's mid-coast. In addition, he will assist Aquatic Invasive Species Program staff in evaluating the non-native rock pool shrimp, Palaemon elegans, first discovered in Massachusetts during the 2010 survey. Chris is currently a graduate student at the University of Massachusetts, Boston. Welcome aboard Chris! Geology Technical Assistance Intern - In October, CZM also welcomed Alex Poverchuk as a volunteer intern. Alex will research coastal geology technical assistance and permit files to compile recommendations that address various coastal processes questions from local officials and enhance review of projects on similar topics. Alex is an undergraduate student at Salem State University. Welcome aboard Alex! Grants/Funding/Proposal Opportunities Mass Bays Research and Planning Grants - MBP is seeking proposals for the 2011 Research and Planning Grant Program. Up to $200,000 is available for estuarine protection and restoration initiatives located within the 50 coastal communities in the MBP planning area. Eligible projects include applied research, planning, or capacity building initiatives that assist MBP in implementing priority action items identified in its 2009-2012 Strategic Plan, including protecting and enhancing coastal habitat, reducing and preventing stormwater pollution, protecting and enhancing shellfish resources, managing local land use and growth, managing municipal wastewater, managing marine invasive species, monitoring marine and estuarine waters, and adapting for the projected impacts of climate changes. Eligible applicants include cities, towns, and other public entities, academic institutions, and nonprofit organizations. Up to $40,000 may be requested and a minimum of 25 percent match of the total project cost (cash or in-kind) must be provided. To view the Request for Responses, see the Comm-PASS website and search for document number "ENV 11 CZM 02." Applications are due by December 3 and all projects must be completed by June 30, 2011. However, with approval of MBP and CZM, contracts may be written or extended to December 31, 2011, pending funding availability. Reminders - These opportunities listed in the last CZ-Mail are still available:
Low Impact Development in the Ipswich River Basin - The U.S. Geological Survey (USGS) has released the report Effects of Low-Impact-Development (LID) Practices on Streamflow, Runoff Quantity, and Runoff Quality in the Ipswich River Basin, Massachusetts—A Summary of Field and Modeling Studies, which provides condensed study results from a DCR cooperative study with USGS funded by an EPA Targeted Watershed Grant for the Ipswich River. The report describes three of the nine demonstration projects funded under the grant, as well as the results from a modeling study evaluating the theoretical effects of applying LID techniques and various water conservation strategies widely across the Ipswich Watershed. Results for the other six demonstration projects are summarized on the project website. Effect of Environmentally Sensitive Site Design and LID on Stormwater - The July-August 2010 issue of Stormwater features an article, co-authored by DCR's Sara Cohen, about the stormwater infrastructure at Partridgeberry Place, a subdivision in Ipswich. Effectiveness of Environmentally Sensitive Site Design and LID on Stormwater Runoff Patterns describes the hydrological similarities between this subdivision and an undeveloped natural landscape. Partridgeberry Place was constructed with LID features such as dry wells, vegetated swales, bioretention systems, raingardens, reduced impervious area, and native drought-resistant vegetation. The results show how closely LID design mimics pre-development watershed conditions. For more information about the Partridgeberry Place project as an Open Space Residential Design Suburban Case Study, see the EEA website. Ebb & Flow - The October 2010 issue of Ebb & Flow, the eNewsletter of the Department of Fish and Game's Division of Ecological Restoration, highlights the recent release of BioMap2 and provides updates on river and coastal restoration projects. It also includes sections on grants, resources, and events. Design Manual for Nutrient Removal at Treatment Plants - EPA's Office of Research and Development has published a new, updated design manual for the removal of nitrogen and phosphorus at municipal wastewater treatment plants (WWTPs). The Nutrient Control Design Manual (PDF, 9.85 MB) presents an extensive review of the engineering design and operation of nitrogen and phosphorous control technologies and techniques applied at WWTPs. Other current nutrient control issues, such as emerging and innovative technologies and nutrient recovery and reuse, are also presented. Census of Marine Life - The First Census of Marine Life 2010: Highlights of a Decade of Discovery is a 64-page report that describes a 10-year international effort undertaken to assess the diversity, distribution, and abundance of marine life. The Census addressed these issues globally and engaged more than 2,700 scientists from around the world. Managing Large Marine Areas - Conservation International and Fauna & Flora International have released the report entitled Comparison of Approaches to Management of Large Marine Areas, which examines the strengths and weaknesses of five approaches to the management of large marine areas—marine ecoregions, seascapes, large marine ecosystems, regional seas, and integrated coastal management. National Climate Adaptation Report - The report from the National Climate Adaptation Summit, held in Washington D.C. in May 2010, is now available. The National Climate Adaptation Summit Report (PDF, 2.7 MB) presents seven high priority, near-term actions to help better prepare the United States for a changing climate. Coastal Management Newsletter - The October 2010 edition of NOAA's Coastal Program Division's Coastal Management News features articles about a regional coastal and estuarine lands initiative in New England, the National Ocean Council and national ocean policy planning, and more. Runoff Rundown - The fall 2010 issue of Runoff Rundown, the quarterly electronic newsletter of the Center for Watershed Protection, is now available. The Center for Watershed Protection is a national organization that works to protect, restore, and enhance streams, rivers, lakes, wetlands, and bays. Runoff Rundown covers current Center project work, provides information on the latest technical research, and lists the latest events, articles, and resources for the watershed professional. Marine Ecosystems and Management Information Service - The October/November 2010 edition of Marine Ecosystems and Management (MEAM), the bimonthly information service on marine ecosystem-based management (EBM) from the University of Washington School of Marine Affairs, features articles on the role of science in EBM, the effects of the new U.S. Ocean Policy on marine protected areas, and other notes and news. Right Whale News - The September 2010 issue of Right Whale News (PDF, 189 KB) is now available online. Right Whale News is a quarterly newsletter distributed electronically to participants in conservation and recovery of the North Atlantic right whale and its habitats. Climate Change and Greenhouse Gas Offset Protocol Development - Restore America's Estuaries is leading an initiative to develop a national greenhouse gas (GHG) offset protocol for tidal wetlands restoration. The restoration of tidal wetlands, salt marshes, mangroves and other coastal habitats offers significant potential for sequestering carbon. A Blue Ribbon Panel Workshop was held in April 2010. Using input from this workshop, Restore America's Estuaries prepared an Action Plan to Guide Protocol Development (PDF, 727 KB). Websites Living on the Real World - Living on the Real World is a blog that grapples with issues of human resource consumption, sustainability, and vulnerability in the face of climatic and environmental reality. Written by American Meteorological Society policy director Bill Hooke, the blog aims to jump start thinking about the problems of living in an overextended world and how people can work together to make change. iMap Weather - iMap Weather provides forecasts, radar and satellite images, and information on tornadoes, lightning, hurricanes, and other severe weather. This one-stop weather spot also allows users to upload weather photos/videos and have personalized forecasts sent to their inboxes. Public Comment Reminder - The following comment opportunities posted in the last CZ-Mail are still open:
StormSmart Coasts Building Workshop - On November 17, as part of a CZM StormSmart Coasts community pilot project, the towns of Duxbury, Kingston, and Plymouth will host a workshop for engineering and building professionals that will promote responsible construction practices for effective coastal floodplain management. At the workshop, the Horsley Witten Group will highlight siting strategies and Simpson Strong-Tie will present construction techniques. The workshop will be held from 8:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. at Plymouth Town Hall. To RSVP, contact Jason Burtner at jason.burtner@state.ma.us. State of Wellfleet Harbor Conference - On November 6, the annual State of Wellfleet Harbor Conference will be held from 8:30 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. at Wellfleet Elementary School. Speakers are scheduled to talk about diseases of oysters and quahogs, mercury contamination in Wellfleet ponds, sand transport on beaches, salt marsh dieback in Wellfleet, and Herring River restoration alternatives and modeling results. Social Challenge of Wind Energy Conference - On November 9, the Manomet Center for Conservation Sciences will hold the Social Challenge of Wind Energy Conference in Plymouth. The conference will examine efficient and science-based ways to talk about wind energy. Attendees will hear from community leaders, developers, conservationists, and social outreach experts who have firsthand experience with wind power permitting and development. Panelists will discuss lessons learned from projects that faced significant social challenges as well as projects that were permitted and built without acrimonious opposition. Boston Harbor Sea Level Rise Forum - On November 9-10, The Boston Harbor Association will hold the Boston Harbor Sea Level Rise Forum, which will bring together diverse constituents, including waterfront property owners, residents, public officials, business representatives, environmentalists, and community leaders. The opening session is on November 9 from 6:00-7:30 p.m. at the New England Aquarium IMAX Theatre. On November 10 from 9:00 a.m.-12:30 p.m. participants are invited to the Moakley Federal Courthouse. Both sessions are free and open to the public. To register, please contact mail@tbha.org. Cape Cod National Seashore Advisory Commission Meeting - On November 15 at 1:00 p.m., the Cape Cod National Seashore Advisory Commission will meet at Cape Cod National Seashore Headquarters, Marconi Station, Wellfleet. The meeting is open to the public and interested parties may make oral/written presentations to the commission. Climate and Energy Webcasts - Beginning on November 18, EPA's State and Local Climate and Energy Program will hold a three-part webcast series on climate change adaptation for state and local governments. The first webcast, entitled Climate Impacts and Risk Communication, will provide an introduction to adaptation and will include discussions on: the impacts and risks of climate change across the country; how adaptation differs from mitigation; engaging various stakeholder groups; and risk communication to build support for adaptation efforts. The December webcast will be on adaptation planning and implementation and the January session will discuss federal resources and support for climate change adaptation. For more information about this programs, see the EPA website. To sign up for the November webcast, go to the registration web page. Northeast Aquaculture Conference - On December 1-3, the 2010 Northeast Aquaculture Conference and Exposition will be held in Plymouth. The conference will feature a full technical program, a trade show, and an opportunity to network with growers, scientists, and managers. Global Summit on Coastal Seas—Call for Abstracts - On August 28-31, 2011, the ninth international meeting on Environmental Management for Enclosed Coastal Seas (EMECS 9): Managing for Results in our Coastal Seas will be held in Baltimore, Maryland. EMECS 9 will focus on scientifically sound, sustainable restoration approaches, ensuring accountability and effective communication for successful integrated management of coastal seas. For more information and instructions on the abstract submission process see the EMECS 9 website. Abstracts are due by January 14, 2011. Natural Resource Damages in the Gulf Conference - On January 20-21, 2011, Law Seminars International will hold the first Natural Resource Damages in the Gulf Conference in Miami, Florida. This conference will discuss the Deepwater Horizon oil spill, with a more national focus on the latest developments in natural resource damages law, limits of damage claims, legal principles trustees rely on, natural resource injury assessment process, the most effective claims and defenses, and best strategies and tactics to handle large, complex litigation. Nonpoint Source Pollution Conference—Call for Papers - On May 17-18, 2011, the New England Interstate Water Pollution Control Commission will hold the 22nd Annual Nonpoint Source Pollution Conference in Saratoga Springs, New York. For more information, contact Clair Ryan at cryan@neiwpcc.org. Submissions for conference presentations are due by December 30. Reminders - The following calendar items posted in the last CZ-Mail are still to come:
Teacher at Sea Program - The NOAA Teacher at Sea Program is accepting applications for the 2011 field season. The program provides a unique learning and teaching environment for teachers, kindergarten through college, aboard NOAA research and survey ships to work under the direction of NOAA scientists and crew. Applications are due by November 30. Marine Policy Fellowships - The NOAA Sea Grant College Program is accepting applications for the 2011 Dean John A. Knauss Marine Policy Fellowship Program. This one-year program provides a unique educational experience to students who have an interest in ocean, coastal, and Great Lakes resources and in the national policy decisions affecting those resources. The program matches highly qualified graduate students with hosts in the legislative and executive branches, or appropriate associations/institutions, located in the area of Washington, DC, for a one year paid fellowship. Applications are due by February 18, 2011. National Ocean Sciences Bowl - The National Ocean Sciences Bowl is a nationally recognized and highly acclaimed high school academic competition that provides a forum for talented students to test their knowledge of the marine sciences, including biology, chemistry, physics, and geology. Over 300 schools and more than 2,000 students participate each year. The 2011 regional competition for Massachusetts will be held in Boston on February 5, 2011. Youth Vision of Oceans Contest - On January 19-21, 2011, the National Council for Science and the Environment (NCSE) will hold the 11th National Conference on Science, Policy, and the Environment: Our Changing Oceans in Washington D.C. In preparation for this conference, NCSE wants to hear from the younger generation on their vision of the oceans over the next 20 years. The Oceans 2030: Youth Outlook contest invites people aged 15-24 to submit a photo, video, or piece of art that express personal perspectives and identify key issues and solutions. Submissions will be evaluated on originality, creativity, and relevance to the theme. Winning entries will be showcased at the conference and published online in the Encyclopedia of Earth. Entries are due by November 22. SPCC Rules Compliance Deadline Extended - In 2008 and 2009, EPA amended the Spill Prevention, Control, and Countermeasure (SPCC) rule. The compliance date for these changes has been extended for numerous facilities. Many coastal businesses (marinas, boatyards, yacht clubs, and others) are required to have SPCC plans for oil storage areas. The final rule makes changes to the secondary containment requirements, amends the security requirements, and amends the tank integrity testing requirements, among other changes. SPCC plans that incorporate these changes need to be finalized by November 10, 2011. For details, see EPA's Oil Spills website and the SPCC Rule web page. Stellwagen Advisory Council - The Stellwagen Bank National Marine Sanctuary is seeking applicants for several seats on its Sanctuary Advisory Council. To receive an application kit, contact Elizabeth.Stokes@noaa.gov. Applications are due by November 19. | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Boston, MA 02114