NC Association of Environmental Professionals (NCAEP) News & Blog

USACE Announces Regulatory Request System Required for All Electronic Submittals

Jennifer Burdette — Fri, 05 Dec 2025 13:35:22 GMT

Effective Friday, December 5, 2025, the Wilmington District U.S. Army Corps of Engineers will no longer accept electronic permit/JD submittal requests through our internal email inboxes (i.e., CharlotteNCREG1@usace.army.mil) or via the DWR Laserfiche website.

All electronic submittals must be made through the Regulatory Request System (RRS): https://rrs.usace.army.mil/rrs

The RRS is a secure, web-based platform designed to provide a consistent application experience across the USACE Regulatory Program, streamline data collection, and improve customer service and response times. The system allows users to submit requests, upload supporting documentation, comment on public notices, report potential violations, and track the status of their projects in one centralized location.

If you have questions or require assistance with your RRS submittal, please reach out to your respective county project manager or visit the support weblink: https://rrs.usace.army.mil/rrs/support

DWR Submittals: At this time, RRS does not provide the joint 401/404 permit application (hereafter JPA) to the DWR. You will need to follow the directions below in order to submit your JPA to DWR; but please know, the Corps is working diligently with our state partners to transfer data from the RRS to both parties.

After you have completed your JPA and submitted through RRS, you will need to click on the documents folder icon in the RRS dashboard under the first column (actions). A box will pop up with a download all button on the bottom right. This button will download a zip file with all the documents the state needs. You DO NOT have to fill out the complete Laserfiche PCN form. You will navigate to the following weblink and fill out an abbreviated form to upload the documents for distribution to the DWR: https://edocs.deq.nc.gov/Forms/Supplemental-Information-Form.

Corps “courtesy copy/notification only” w/individual 401 WQC: You will follow the same process as outlined above. You will navigate to RRS and fill out the JPA. Given there is no easy way to decipher if the JPA is being submitted as a courtesy copy to the Corps; when you get to 19. of the PCN form “Description of Proposed Nationwide Permit Activity” – Please be sure to state “courtesy copy/notification only” at the top of this section so we/the Corps can easily decipher this is being submitted as a courtesy copy with an individual 401 WQC. Once you complete the JPA through RRS and submit, you will follow the same process for DWR as outlined in the aforementioned paragraph.

Proposed Updated Definition of Waters of the US

Amber Coleman — Fri, 21 Nov 2025 20:27:21 GMT

On November 20, 2025, EPA published a proposed updated definition of Waters of the US. Among other changes, the proposed definition narrows the scope of jurisdictional wetlands to just those wetlands or portions of wetlands that exhibit surface water during the wet season. The public comment period is open now through January 5, 2026. For more information and to provide comments see: https://www.epa.gov/wotus/updated-definition-waters-united-states

NCDWR Online Wetland Plant Guide

Jennifer Burdette — Mon, 14 Jul 2025 16:11:25 GMT

The NC Division of Water Resources wetland science team is proud to announce the availability of their new online common wetland plant guide. The online guide includes all information in our printed plant guide, with the addition of 24 more species and a greatly expanded "Common Confusions" species comparison page. The landing page has a variety of live filters to narrow down choices, with species profile pages and photo galleries available for every species. Check it out!

USACE Proposal To Reissue and Modify Nationwide Permits

Danielle Mir — Wed, 18 Jun 2025 19:50:13 GMT

Published Document: 2025-11190 (90 FR 26100)

Summary:

Nationwide Permits (NWPs) are issued by the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers (Corps) to authorize categories of activities under Section 404 of the Clean Water Act and Section 10 of the Rivers and Harbors Act of 1899 that have no more than minimal individual and cumulative adverse environmental effects. The Corps is proposing to reissue its existing NWPs and associated general conditions and definitions, with some modifications. The Corps is proposing to issue one new NWP. The proposed new NWP would authorize activities to improve the passage of fish and other aquatic organisms through aquatic ecosystems. In addition, the Corps is proposing to modify some other NWPs to simplify and clarify those NWPs. The proposed modifications to the NWPs general conditions, and definitions are intended to reduce burdens on the regulated public and continue to comply with the statutory requirement that NWPs authorize only activities with no more than minimal individual and cumulative adverse environmental effects. The Corps is proposing to modify two of the 2021 NWPs ( i.e., NWP 48 for commercial shellfish mariculture activities and NWP 56 for finfish mariculture activities) to address litigation on those NWPs. The Corps is requesting comment on all aspects of these proposed NWPs.

Submit public comments on or before 07/18/2025.

US Supreme Court Ruling: Seven County Infrastructure v. Eagle County, Colorado

Danielle Mir — Thu, 29 May 2025 21:03:58 GMT

The Supreme Court issued an 8-0 ruling this morning in favor of Seven County Infrastructure. The SCOTUS ruling is significant because it addresses an agency’s responsibility under NEPA to consider “upstream” and “downstream” environmental effects.

The 36-page decision can be accessed via the SCOTUS Blog, or at: https://www.supremecourt.gov/opinions/24pdf/23-975_m648.pdf

Or you may search “SEVEN COUNTY INFRASTRUCTURE COALITION ET AL. v. EAGLE COUNTY, COLORADO, ET AL.” and find the decision.

If you would like to hear more from leaders in the industry, consider registering for the NAEP’s Quick Hit Reactions to Supreme Court’s Ruling in Seven County Infrastructure webinar.

Important Update to USACE RRS Announcement

Jennifer Burdette — Wed, 14 May 2025 19:06:56 GMT

Currently, the Wilmington District and the North Carolina Division of Water Resources (NCDWR) have a Joint Permit Application (JPA) procedure for Nationwide or Regional Permit Applications or Pre-Construction Notifications (PCNs) within the Wilmington District. The USACE and DWR are working to develop a JPA procedure through the RRS system. At this time, JPA processes are not available via the RRS. Applicants can submit JPAs through the NCDWR link below:

Joint Permit Application (JPA) link

U.S. Army Corps of Engineers RRS Announcement

Jennifer Burdette — Tue, 13 May 2025 15:56:41 GMT

8 May 2025 - U.S. Army Corps of Engineers encourages use of Regulatory Request System for an improved permitting experience

Last year the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers introduced its new Regulatory Request System (RRS), an online application portal that allows the public to submit permit applications and other information when requesting permission to dredge, fill or conduct activities in jurisdictional wetlands and waters of the U.S.

RRS is accessible at https://rrs.usace.army.mil/rrs.

RRS users can submit individual permit applications, general permit pre-construction notifications, jurisdictional determination requests, and other information needed during the permit evaluation process using easy-to-follow online submission forms. Applicants can also track the status of their requests using a user-friendly dashboard.

RRS benefits the applicant by eliminating the burden associated with the preparation and mailing of paper applications. It also reduces some of the effort associated with processing applications and data entry making the permitting process more efficient. Click here to learn more about the benefits of RRS (RRS Testimonial Video).

For more information on the USACE Regulatory Program visit https://www.usace.army.mil/Missions/Civil-Works/Regulatory-Program-and-Permits/.

For further details or to provide feedback about the RRS, please contact USACE at rrs@usace.army.mil.

Stay tuned - NCAEP will be hosting USACE Lunch and Learn events in Charlotte, Raleigh, and Wilmington to explain the benefits, demonstrate how to use the system, and answer questions about it.

Click here for a preview presentation RRS Presentation_20250507 and here for FAQs RRS FAQs_20250507.

Field Indicators of Hydric Soils ver. 9.0 NOW AVAILABLE!

Erin Shanaberger — Mon, 13 Jan 2025 18:18:36 GMT

Another technical resource update!

Field Indicators of Hydric Soils in the United States, version 9.0 is now available for download. Developed by NRCS soil scientists in cooperation with the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service; the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers; the Environmental Protection Agency; various regional, state, and local agencies; universities; and the private sector. Included in this publication are the hydric soil indicators approved by the NRCS and the National Technical Committee for Hydric Soils (NTCHS) for use in identifying, delineating, and verifying hydric soils in the field.

DOWNLOAD HERE FOR FREE

National Ordinary High Water Mark Field Delineation Manual for Rivers and Streams

Erin Shanaberger — Mon, 13 Jan 2025 13:21:22 GMT

On January 8, 2025, The U.S. EPA and the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers (USACE) published the final National Ordinary High Water Mark (OHWM) Field Delineation Manual for Rivers and Streams. The National OHWM Manual is a non-mandatory resource that provides technical guidance for identifying aquatic resources that may be subject to regulatory jurisdiction under the Clean Water Act or Rivers and Harbors Act of 1899 (RHA).

This manual presents a methodology for the identification and delineation of an OHWM. The manual describes regional differences, as well as addresses challenges in identifying an OHWM in a human-altered environment. Accompanied by a data sheet and field procedure, the manual is intended to guide users through a step-by-step process of identifying an OHWM to provide consistency, reliability, and defensibility in assessing surface water resources. Updates from the draft publication, which was first published in December 2022, include:

An updated data sheet to improve clarity and efficiency,
An added executive summary on the purpose of the manual,
An Updated list of definitions,
Added sections for indicators not discussed thoroughly in the draft manual,
Reorganized sections to follow the data sheet more closely, and
Updated figures to reflect the changes in the manual and data sheet.

The final manual can be downloaded here and more information can be found on the USACE website .

Revised Definition of "Waters of the US"

Kim Spangler — Wed, 30 Aug 2023 22:47:23 GMT

On August 29, 2023, the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) and Department of the Army (the agencies) issued a final rule to amend the final “Revised Definition of ‘Waters of the United States’” rule, published in the Federal Register on January 18, 2023. This final rule conforms the definition of “waters of the United States” to the U.S. Supreme Court’s May 25, 2023, decision in the case of Sackett v. Environmental Protection Agency. Parts of the January 2023 Rule are invalid under the Supreme Court’s interpretation of the Clean Water Act in the Sackett decision. Therefore, the agencies have amended key aspects of the regulatory text to conform it to the Court’s decision. Read more about the conforming rule.

The conforming rule will become effective upon publication in the Federal Register. Where the January 2023 Rule is not enjoined, the agencies will implement the January 2023 Rule, as amended by the conforming rule. Please visit the Rule Status page for additional information about the status of the January 2023 Rule, as amended, and litigation. The information below is provided for informational purposes only. Visit the “Current Implementation” page for more information about current implementation of the definition of “waters of the United States.”

For more information: https://www.epa.gov/wotus/revising-definition-waters-united-states

Magnificent Ramshorn Snail Protected as Endangered

Kim Spangler — Wed, 30 Aug 2023 22:45:04 GMT

The final rule to list the Magnificent Ramshorn as an endangered species with critical habitat (Docket No. FWS–R4–ES–2022–0070) is scheduled to publish in the Federal Register on Friday, August 18, 2023. The effective date is September 18, 2023.

The Magnificent Ramshorn has a narrow documented historical range in southeastern North Carolina; it inhabited freshwater ponds in Brunswick and New Hanover Counties, and it is believed to be extirpated in the wild. The species currently survives in three captive breeding facilities, and the Service plans to work with partners to increase propagation that will support reintroduction of snails into the wild and support recovery.

Public inspection: The document was placed on the Federal Register's public inspection page on August 17, 2023. A direct link to this rule can be found here (Document number 2023-17670).

Draft Recovery Plan for Neuse River Waterdog released

Kim Spangler — Wed, 30 Aug 2023 22:38:28 GMT

The Draft Recovery Plan for the Neuse River Waterdog has been released and is open for public comment. To read the draft plan and for more information, click here.

NAEP's National Desk, Issued June 2, 2023

Kim Spangler — Tue, 06 Jun 2023 15:37:57 GMT

The National Association of Environmental Professionals (NAEP) issues a bi-weekly newsletter (The National Desk) which is available to NAEP members and member chapters. The latest issue includes a story regarding the recent Supreme Court decision in Sackett v. EPA. To read more of this story, click here.

NEPA Caselaw Update - NAEP Webinar June 7, 2023 3 PM (ET)

Kim Spangler — Thu, 25 May 2023 15:41:51 GMT

NEPA Caselaw Update Webinar

June 7, 2023 3PM (ET)

This webinar will mirror the NEPA Caselaw presentation provided during the recent NAEP 2023 Conference & Training Symposium, with updates as warranted. The panel is focused on a paper that reviews substantive National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA) cases issued by the United States Courts of Appeals in 2022. The implications of the decisions and their relevance to NEPA practitioners will be explained. This webinar will summarize the more detailed paper prepared for the 2023 conference session.

Revised Definition of 'Waters of the United States'

Kim Spangler — Tue, 03 Jan 2023 14:27:18 GMT

On December 30, 2022, the agencies announced the final "Revised Definition of 'Waters of the United States'" rule which will be effective 60 days after it is published in the Federal Register. The agencies developed this rule with consideration of the relevant provisions of the Clean Water Act and the statute as a whole, relevant Supreme Court case law, and the agencies’ technical expertise after more than 45 years of implementing the longstanding pre-2015 “waters of the United States” framework. This rule also considers the best available science and extensive public comment to establish a definition of “waters of the United States” that supports public health, environmental protection, agricultural activity, and economic growth. More information about the final rule is available below.

Press release: https://www.epa.gov/wotus/revising-definition-waters-united-states

Pre-publication of the final notice: https://www.epa.gov/system/files/documents/2022-12/Pre-Publication%20Final%20Rule%20Notice.pdf

NCAEP Makes Donation to Howell Woods Operational Fund

Kim Spangler — Mon, 22 Aug 2022 22:34:32 GMT

NCAEP is happy to announce that a donation was made to the Howell Woods Operational Fund of Johnston County Community College as a thank you for hosting the April 2022 NC Wetland Assessment Method Class. The donation will go toward providing students with high-quality educational opportunities to achieve their educational and career goals.

Common Wetland Plants Guide Available on Amazon!

Kim Spangler — Mon, 28 Mar 2022 21:45:22 GMT

Due to an amazing response to the release of the Common Wetland Plants Guide, economy and premium versions of the guide are available on Amazon!

Links to these versions are available here: https://www.ncwetlands.org/plantguide/

The PDF version is free and can also be found at the link above.

Final Regional Conditions for Nationwide Permits

Kim Spangler — Mon, 07 Feb 2022 13:30:04 GMT

The Final Regional Conditions for the reissuance of 40 existing nationwide permits (NWPs) and 1 new NWP, in the Wilmington District have been announced. The proposed Regional Conditions for these NWPs in the Wilmington District are Final, as per approval by and signature of the South Atlantic Division Engineer, 31 January 2022. These 41 NWPs will go into effect on February 25, 2022, and will expire on March 14, 2026. For more information and to read the release, go to: https://www.saw.usace.army.mil/Missions/Regulatory-Permit-Program/Public-Notices/article-view-display/Article/2921972/final-regional-conditions-for-nationwide-permits/

NAEP 2022 Annual Conference & Training Symposium

Kim Spangler — Tue, 07 Dec 2021 17:54:47 GMT

May 16-19
Fort Lauderdale, FL

Registration is now open for the NAEP 2022 Annual Conference & Training Symposium! For more information and to register, click here!

Enthusiastic environmental professionals from across the country gather each year at the NAEP Annual Conference & Training Symposium to share in the opportunity to learn about new projects, share technical knowledge, network with other industry professionals, engage with leaders in environmental technologies and practice.

After two years taking the conference virtual, the NAEP Conference Committee and the Florida Association of Environmental Professionals are excited to welcome you to the Westin Fort Lauderdale Beach Resort in Florida, May 16–19, 2022!

Public Notice (401 Program) - Draft Water Quality General Certifications

Kim Spangler — Wed, 25 Aug 2021 13:54:14 GMT

The full text of this Public Notice can be found at the following link: https://deq.nc.gov/news/events/public-notice-2021-08-23-401-program

The Division of Water Resources (DWR) invites public comment on its draft 401 Water Quality General Certifications (GCs) that it may reissue as part of its consideration of the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers’ Wilmington District (USACE) proposed reissuance of ten Regional General Permits (RGPs) and one Programmatic General Permit (PGP), collectively, “General Permits” (GPs). On March 29, 2021, the USACE provided notice of its proposal to modify and reissue these current GPs.

The public is invited to comment in writing to the DWR on the documents described above. Comments should be emailed to: PublicComments@ncdenr.gov; please include “401GCs” in the email’s subject line. Alternatively, comments may be mailed to the NC Division of Water Resources, Attn: Sue Homewood, 450 W. Hanes Mill Rd., Winston-Salem, NC, 27107. Comments must be received no later than close of business on September 24, 2021.

Advanced NEPA Workshops: May-September

Kim Spangler — Wed, 19 May 2021 20:03:50 GMT

The target audience for this workshop would include experienced NEPA planners, managers, decision-makers, environmental engineers/scientists/ specialists, consultants, regulators, applicants and attorneys who require an in-depth understanding of NEPA law, policy, and project management within their area of environmental expertise, especially those who serve on NEPA interdisciplinary teams, work with NEPA planners, or those who review/edit NEPA documents. This workshop will also benefit those professionals who work in related natural resource disciplines who work with federal land management or real estate transactions, federal agency projects or permitting, and transportation or other infrastructure projects with a NEPA review component.

Thank you to our Advanced NEPA Workshop Committee!

Marie Campbell, Michael Drummond, Pam Hudson, Lisa Mahoney, Chuck Nicholson, Michelle Rau, Michael Smith, Laura Thorne, and Fred Wagner

For more information and to register, please visit: https://www.naep.org/advanced-nepa-workshops

NAEP 2021 Virtual Conference & Training Symposium

Kim Spangler — Mon, 22 Feb 2021 14:48:39 GMT

Registration is open for the NAEP 2021 Conference & Training Symposium! The event will be held virtually once again this year, and with a slightly lighter load to better suit your schedule. To view the schedule at-a-glance, click here. To register for this event, click here.

“Modernizing” the NEPA Process or Returning to the Stone Age? Integrating New Definitions for Key Language in the NEPA–Section 106 Process

Kim Spangler — Fri, 06 Nov 2020 14:32:41 GMT

This joint NAEP–ACRA webinar brings together cultural heritage and NEPA practitioners and attorneys to unpack the new NEPA definitions of Direct and Indirect Impacts, and Effects and discuss how these changes affect cultural resources review under Section 106 and NEPA. The panelists, Mathew Adams, Michael D. Smith Ph.D., and Heather Miller, Ph.D., along with moderator Marion Werkheiser, will highlight the recent James River transmission line court ruling (National Parks Conservation Association et al vs. Semonite) as a backdrop for the discussion. The panelists ask, “how would the James River court ruling be different under the new definitions?” The panelists will recap the court case, look at the new vs. old language and how it might have affected the ruling and its impact on future cases. They briefly present the history of the NEPA–106 process, assess traditional understandings of NHPA, and discuss how the new definition of effects will change consideration of cultural resources.

Marion Werkheiser ties it all together and outlines several caveats and teaching points for moving forward (or is it back?) with a “modernized” approach.

For more information and to register, click here.

NAEP 2020 Advanced NEPA Workshops

Kim Spangler — Fri, 23 Oct 2020 12:14:38 GMT

Experienced NEPA planners, managers, decision-makers, environmental engineers/scientists/ specialists, consultants, regulators, applicants and attorneys who require an in-depth understanding of the New Final Rule: “Update to the Regulations Implementing the Procedural Provisions of the National Environmental Policy Act," NEPA law, policy, and project management are invited to register for the NAEP Advanced National Environmental Policy Act Workshop.

NAEP will host the workshop four times, once in each of four time zones. You only need to register for one workshop as the content is the same for all dates.

Workshops begin at 8:00 AM in their respective time zones. Please plan to attend the workshop that best accommodates your schedule.

Register for the workshop here!

Date	Time Zone
Friday, October 23, 2020	Eastern
Tuesday, November 10, 2020	Central
Monday, November 16, 2020	Pacific
Thursday, December 3, 2020	Hawaii
Pricing
NAEP Members: $225 Non-Member Government: $275 Non-Member Chapter-Only: $315 Non-Members: $350

Wow Stormwater Webinars

Kim Spangler — Fri, 25 Sep 2020 21:00:47 GMT

Wow Wednesday Stormwater Webinars

2020-2021 Webinar Series

Every Third Wednesday from 11am-12pm

Presented by: NC Department of Environmental Quality – Stormwater Program

Attend a series of Free webinars for a year to hear industry professionals, DEMLR Stormwater staff, and local representatives provide information about all things stormwater! Industrial stormwater management, Green Infrastructure, Stormwater Control Measure design, Public Education and much more. A bonus is that you can fulfill your professional development needs. Registration for the webinars are open monthly.

https://deq.nc.gov/about/divisions/energy-mineral-and-land-resources/stormwater/stormwater-program/training-outreach-0

Proposal To Reissue and Modify Nationwide Permits

Kim Spangler — Tue, 15 Sep 2020 21:39:34 GMT

Nationwide Permits (NWPs) authorize certain activities under Section 404 of the Clean Water Act and Section 10 of the Rivers and Harbors Act of 1899. The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers (Corps) is proposing to reissue its existing NWPs and associated general conditions and definitions, with some modifications. We are also proposing to issue five new NWPs. Two of those proposed new NWPs would authorize certain categories of mariculture activities (i.e., seaweed and finfish mariculture) that are not authorized by NWP 48. We are proposing to divide the current NWP that authorizes utility line activities (NWP 12) into three separate NWPs that address the differences in how different linear projects are constructed, the substances they convey, and the different standards and best management practices that help ensure those NWPs authorize only those activities that have no more than minimal adverse environmental effects. Specifically, we are proposing to modify the current utility line NWP 12 to authorize only oil and natural gas pipeline activities. Two proposed new NWPs would authorize activities associated with the construction, maintenance, repair, and removal of electric utility lines/telecommunication lines and utility lines that convey water, sewage, and other substances. The fifth proposed new NWP would authorize discharges of dredged or fill material into jurisdictional waters for the construction, expansion, and maintenance of water reuse and reclamation facilities. We are proposing these modifications to simplify and clarify the NWPs, reduce burdens on the regulated public, and continue to comply with the statutory requirement that these NWPs authorize only activities with no more than minimal individual and cumulative adverse environmental effects. The Corps is requesting comment on all aspects of these proposed nationwide permits.

Submit comments on or before November 16, 2020.

https://www.federalregister.gov/documents/2020/09/15/2020-17116/proposal-to-reissue-and-modify-nationwide-permits

The Clean Water Act Section 401 Certification Rule

Kim Spangler — Tue, 15 Sep 2020 21:30:30 GMT

On June 1, 2020, the EPA finalized the “Clean Water Act Section 401 Certification Rule” to implement the water quality certification process consistent with the text and structure of the CWA. The final rule published in the Federal Register on July 13, 2020, and will become effective on September 11, 2020.

https://www.epa.gov/cwa-401/clean-water-act-section-401-certification-rule

https://www.epa.gov/sites/production/files/2020-07/documents/clean_water_act_section_401_certification_rule.pdf

2020 NAEP Virtual Conference Materials Available for Purchase

Kim Spangler — Tue, 15 Sep 2020 18:47:44 GMT

NAEP is excited to announce the recordings and materials from our first-ever Virtual Conference and Training Symposium are now available for purchase. If you weren't able to join us and would like to learn more from our great program of experts, now is your chance to catch up on what you missed.

Popular sessions from the Virtual Conference program:

NEPA Updates with Mary Neumayr and Ted Boling
NEPA Reform: Real-World Perspectives on Streamlined Schedules, Less Expensive Process, and More Concise Documents (Take Two) with Brian Boose and Jennifer Warf
Miami Beach: Preservation Planning Model Update, Panel moderated by Carrie Chasteen

The recordings and materials will be available for a limited time, until September 28, 2020.

Don't delay in purchasing all available session recordings and materials from the 2020 NAEP Virtual Conference and Training Symposium!

2020 NAEP Virtual Conference and Training Symposium, Aug. 24-28

Kim Spangler — Fri, 07 Aug 2020 22:31:23 GMT

The 2020 NAEP Virtual Conference and Training Symposium (also known as the 2020 NAEP Virtual Conference) invites environmental professionals from across the United States to share in the opportunity to learn about new projects, share technical knowledge, network with other industry professionals, and experience a new and unique experience. The 2020 NAEP Virtual Conference will cover a variety of topics and tracks including NEPA, Climate Change, Transportation, Planning and Permitting, Wildlife, Ethics, and Career Development!

For more information and to register, click here!

NCDWR Survey to Update Wetland Plant Guide

Kim Spangler — Thu, 20 Feb 2020 23:05:14 GMT

The NC Division of Water Resources has received an 18 month grant to update their 1997 Common Wetland Plants of NC guide and is soliciting input about what users would like to see in the new guide. The old guide is visible on the ncwetlands.org website at ncwetlands.org/learn/downloadable-materials

Please take 5 minutes to give your feedback at this survey link.

CEQ NEPA Regulations Public Comment Period Open

Kim Spangler — Fri, 24 Jan 2020 15:13:50 GMT

The Council on Environmental Quality (CEQ) is considering updating its NEPA implementing regulations and has issued a Notice of Proposed Rulemaking to modernize and clarify the regulations to facilitate a more efficient, effective, and timely NEPA review process.

CEQ's proposed rule would incorporate elements of the One Federal Decision policy, codify certain case law and CEQ guidance, revise the regulations to reflect current technologies and agency practices, eliminate obsolete provisions, and improve the format and readability of the regulations.

CEQ requests public comment on the NPRM. Comments should be submitted on or before March 10, 2020.

See https://ceq.doe.gov/laws-regulations/regulations.html for instructions on how to submit comments.

Endangered Species Act Update: USFWS/NMFS Webinar

Thu, 29 Aug 2019 18:37:28 GMT

Slides from the 2018-08-29 informational webinar.

Carolina madtom and Neuse River waterdog proposed for Endangered Species Act protection

Kim Spangler — Mon, 15 Jul 2019 16:54:49 GMT

CAROLINA MADTOM AND NEUSE RIVER WATERDOG PROPOSED FOR ENDANGERED SPECIES ACT PROTECTION

Critical Habitat proposed for both species, with a 4(d) special rule proposed for waterdog, allowing for tailored conservation

May 21, 2019

The venom in the stinging spines of the Carolina madtom’s fins is so potent that it earned the freshwater catfish the scientific name, Noturus furiosus. The Neuse River waterdog salamander, with its black spots and red external gills, looks like something out of a science fiction movie.

Both species are part of North Carolina’s rich biological heritage, and due to ongoing threats are now only found in limited and shrinking areas of the state. Following rigorous scientific review, the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (Service) is proposing to protect the Carolina madtom as endangered under the Endangered Species Act (ESA) and the Neuse River waterdog as threatened.

“We look forward to continuing our work with our state and local partners within the Tar and the Neuse Rivers,” said Pete Benjamin, field supervisor for the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service’s Raleigh, North Carolina, field office. “Together we will conserve aquatic wildlife and implement actions that have additional benefits to local communities and other native wildlife in the area.”

The ESA defines endangered species as those that are in danger of extinction throughout all or a significant portion of their range, and threatened species as those that are likely to become endangered throughout all or a significant portion of their range within the foreseeable future.

These findings are the result of reviews conducted by Species Status Assessment (SSA) teams composed of experts from state and federal government agencies and academic institutions. The assessments (See madtom SSA and waterdog SSA) included comprehensive reviews of scientific information as well as evaluations of current population status and projected trends in population levels based on threats to the Carolina madtom and the Neuse River waterdog.

The Service is proposing to designate about 257 river miles in seven units in North Carolina as critical habitat for the Carolina madtom and about 738 river miles as critical habitat for the Neuse River waterdog.

For the waterdog, the Service is also proposing a special rule under section 4(d) of the ESA, which will allow the agency to tailor ESA protections while reducing regulatory burdens. While conservation efforts focus threats that are slowing the species’ recovery, activities that do not significantly harm the species will be allowed to continue.

The Service is seeking information about distribution, status, population size or trends, life history and threats to these species. Comments received will be reviewed, addressed and, where appropriate, incorporated into the final listing rule. If these species are listed under the ESA, the Service will continue to work closely with all partners to develop recovery plans to conserve them.

With Carolina madtom population in the Trent River within the Neuse River Basin presumed extinct, remaining populations in the Tar and the Neuse River Basins are facing a variety of threats. Ongoing threats include declines in water quality, loss of stream flow, fragmentation of riparian and instream habitats, deterioration of instream habitats, and expansion of the invasive predator flathead catfish. These threats are expected to be exacerbated by urbanization and extreme weather events like hurricanes.

Challenges to the Neuse River waterdog include dams or culverts that limit the salamander’s ability to move throughout a stream to occupy quality habitat. Impoundments also slow down water and limit the amount of dissolved oxygen. Development, pollution and increased water temperature also add stress to or kill waterdogs living in the stream. Excessive aquatic plant growth, particularly from hydrilla, an invasive water weed, have become a problem in the upper Neuse River Basin, likely interfering with waterdog movement and foraging during the summer months.

The Service and the North Carolina Wildlife Resources Commission are working with numerous partners to conserve the Neuse River waterdog and Carolina madtom and restore habitat. One restoration project involves partnering with land trusts to target key parcels for acquisition. Federal, state and university biologists are surveying and monitoring species occurrences.

Conservation Fisheries Inc., collected Carolina madtom individuals as well as juveniles and eggs and is attempting to propagate it in captivity. The work is made possible by a grant from the National Fish and Wildlife Foundation. The goal is to put the fish produced by Conservation Fisheries back into the wild to augment and expand the current populations into historical habitat.

Written comments and information concerning the proposed listing rule will be accepted until July 22, 2019. Requests for public hearings should be submitted within 45 days by July 8, 2019. Comments may be submitted by one of the following methods:

Electronically: Go to the Federal eRulemaking Portal: regulations.gov. In the Search box, enter FWS–R4–ES–2018–0092, which is the docket number for this rulemaking. Then, in the Search panel on the left side of the screen, under the Document Type heading, click on the Proposed Rules link to locate this document. You may submit a comment by clicking on “Comment Now!”
By hard copy: Submit by U.S. mail or hand-delivery to Public Comments Processing, Attn: FWS–R4–ES–2017–0018; U.S. Fish & Wildlife Headquarters, MS: BPHC, 5275 Leesburg Pike, Falls Church, VA 22041-3803.

The Service will post all comments on regulations.gov. This generally means the agency will post any personal information provided through the process. The Service is not able to accept e-mails or faxes.

WOTUS Rulemaking Webcast

Fri, 21 Dec 2018 15:01:34 GMT

https://register.gotowebinar.com/register/4823104907576658956

The agencies are hosting this webcast to help explain the key elements of the proposal. In order to provide access to as many people as possible, this system is a webcast rather than a webinar. This means there will not be an opportunity for questions and answers, and participants must join via an internet-connected device (there will be no dial-in audio). There is a limit of 2,000 attendees for the live webcast, however the webcast will be recorded and hosted on the agencies’ websites for later review. The agencies encourage participants to submit comments through the official docket for this rulemaking at http://www.regulations.gov under Docket ID No. EPA–HQ–OW–2018–0149.

Revised Definition of "waters of the United States" - Proposed Rule

Thu, 13 Dec 2018 15:11:47 GMT

On December 11, 2018, the EPA and Department of the Army proposed a clear, understandable, and implementable definition of "waters of the United States" that clarifies federal authority under the Clean Water Act. The agencies’ proposal is the second step in a two-step process to review and revise the definition of “waters of the United States” consistent with the February 2017 Presidential Executive Order entitled “Restoring the Rule of Law, Federalism, and Economic Growth by Reviewing the ‘Waters of the United States’ Rule.” The proposed definition would replace the approach in the 2015 Rule and the pre-2015 regulations.

The agencies will take comment on the proposal for 60 days after publication in the Federal Register.

https://www.epa.gov/wotus-rule/proposed-revised-definition-wotus-factsheets

https://www.epa.gov/wotus-rule/revised-definition-waters-united-states-proposed-rule

Revised Definition of "Waters of the United States" Proposed Rule - Pre-publication Version (PDF)(253 pp, 1 MB)

Apply for a Jim Roberts Scholarship through NAEP

Kim Spangler — Wed, 14 Nov 2018 15:06:37 GMT

Apply for a Jim Roberts Scholarship
Application deadline is November 30

NAEP is still receiving applications for the Jim Robert Scholarship. This scholarship was established in 2008 to honor Jim Roberts, an early and influential NAEP member who held several leadership roles.

Scholarship winners receive $1,000 to offset education expenses, as well as a pre-paid, year-long NAEP membership! Applicants must be enrolled in an environmental program at an accredited university or college in the United States, its territories, or Canada.

Application Instructions

Simply go through the following application form and fill in each appropriate item. Save the document to your hard drive then submit (by email) this form—along with all other required information for your nomination package—to Chuck Nicholson at cpnicholson53@gmail.com.
Application Form

SC Judge Reinstates WOTUS Rule

Mon, 20 Aug 2018 17:28:58 GMT

A federal judge in South Carolina has issued an injunction to block the Trump administration's move to delay a clean water rule intended to prevent pollution from being released into bodies of water like creeks, lakes and streams.

https://abcnews.go.com/Politics/federal-court-reinstates-clean-water-rule-delayed-trump/story?id=57222558

Army Issues Memorandum to Empower States & Tribes in their Permitting Authority

Kim Spangler — Fri, 10 Aug 2018 17:34:38 GMT

The U.S. Army released a memorandum taking initial steps to empower States and tribes in assuming Section 404 permit authority under the Clean Water Act (CWA). In taking on this authority, States and tribes can accelerate job-creating economic development and infrastructure, all while continuing to protect the environment. To read the full story, visit:
https://www.army.mil/article/209359/army_issues_memorandum_to_empower_states_tribes_in_their_permitting_authority

EPA and Army Seek Additional Public Comment on Proposed Rule to Repeal 2015 “Waters of the U.S.” Definition

Mon, 02 Jul 2018 13:39:14 GMT

The Environmental Protection Agency and the Department of the Army are issuing a supplemental notice of proposed rulemaking to the July 2017 proposed action to repeal the 2015 definition of “waters of the United States” (WOTUS). Read the supplemental proposal.

Upcoming Citizen Science Stream Monitoring Workshops

Kim Spangler — Wed, 02 May 2018 15:42:58 GMT

The NC Aquatic Data Hub is hosting a series of training workshops across the state on stream monitoring methods. To register: http://ncaquaticdatahub.org/workshops/

Who should attend? Anyone who engages or is interested in engaging citizen scientists in monitoring streams. Participants will learn about and practice methods that NCADH recommends for citizen stream monitoring.

Dates and locations offered:

Piedmont: May 7 and 8 at Umstead State Park, Glenwood Avenue, Raleigh
Western North Carolina: May 22 and 23 at Warren Wilson College, Swannanoa
Eastern North Carolina: June 6 and 7 Edgecombe Cooperative Extension, Tarboro

Each workshop will take place over two days and will consist of both classroom and in-the-stream components each day. Participants can register for day 1, day 2, or both days:

Day 1: 9am – 6pm – Monitoring best practices, habitat assessment, and Tier 1 and Tier 2 chemical/physical monitoring.
Day 2: 9am – 4pm – Tier 2 Bacteria sampling and Tier 1 macroinvertebrate monitoring.

CLICK HERE for the full agenda for each day.

Tier 2 benthic macroinvertebrate monitoring for program leaders will be taught in a separate, two day workshop hosted by the Environmental Quality Institute. More information about the Tier 2 macro workshop is coming soon!

For a review of the NCADH monitoring tiers, click here

The North Carolina Aquatic Data Hub is a new initiative for connecting aquatic monitoring efforts across the state in order to better understand the condition of North Carolina's waters and to maintain and improve them. NCADH is providing resources and training for new groups and existing organizations to contribute to and access a statewide network of aquatic data. Funding is provided by Z Smith Reynolds Foundation.

For more information about the NCADH, visit http://ncaquaticdatahub.org/

Environmental Tech Summit - April 26, 2018 - Raleigh

Amber Coleman — Fri, 23 Mar 2018 14:45:46 GMT

Environmental Tech Summit: Improving Our Environment with Modern Technology

Thursday April 26, 2018

8am – 5:30pm EDT

https://envirotechsummit.org/

Location:

Devolve

304 Glenwood Ave

Raleigh, NC 27603

The Summit is designed to introduce engineers, scientists, technical and other professional in the environmental industry to the latest software and hardware solutions, and to the people tackling big environmental problems.

DISCOVER the latest apps, smart IoT devices, drone use cases, mapping technologies, field data collection systems, reporting automation, big data uses, and other modern tools and techniques.

CONNECT with environmental professionals, tech developers, hardware engineers, and scientists to learn and create solutions for your projects and problem sets!

EARN NC Professional Development Hours (PDHs) for Engineers.

Sponsorship opportunities available!

For more information please contact: Nicholas A. Moran, PG

CoFounder & Geologist (namoran@gmail.com)

Online Pre-construction Notification Form Training

Tue, 02 Jan 2018 16:15:43 GMT

The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers Wilmington District (Corps) and the N.C. Division of Water Resources (DWR) have developed an online Pre-Construction Notification (PCN) form that can be used in lieu of the paper PCN form. This online form will be available for use by all applicants starting February 1, 2018. The Corps and DWR will hold three webinars to introduce the online PCN process, including a review of the PCN form, demonstrations of how to use the form, and a question/answer session. Each training session will have staff on hand from the mountain, piedmont or coastal region to help answer questions.

•    January 11, 2018 from 9:00-11:00 am (mountain region focus)
•    January 18, 2018 from 9:00-11:00 am (piedmont region focus)
•    January 25, 2018 from 9:00-11:00 am (coastal region focus)

To register for one of the webinars, please complete the form found online:
https://edocs.deq.nc.gov/Forms/PCN_Registration. If you have any questions, please contact
Beverly Strickland by email at bev.strickland@ncdenr.gov or call 919-707-8789.

Registration Open for NAEP Conference in Tacoma, WA

Kim Spangler — Fri, 10 Nov 2017 17:57:14 GMT

Registration for the 2018 National Association of Environmental Professionals 43^rd Annual Conference is now open! The conference is hosted by the national affiliate Northwest Chapter (NWAEP), and will be held on March 11-14, 2018, in Tacoma, Washington. Early registration rates are effective through January 15, 2018. Visit the conference website for more information on key note speakers, workshops, schedules, sponsors, and registration: https://naep.memberclicks.net/2018-conference

NC DMS Case Study

John Jamison — Wed, 20 Sep 2017 17:59:16 GMT

A good summary of NCDEQ's in-lieu fee program (Division of Mitigation Services) via a FHWA Case Study webinar that was held yesterday. The webinar can be viewed at https://connectdot.connectsolutions.com/p4qw9hzqvtk/

Summary is at: https://www.environment.fhwa.dot.gov/ecological/ImplementingEcoLogicalApproach/Case_Study_NCDEQ.asp

Vapor Intrusion: The conference II

Tue, 12 Sep 2017 16:47:10 GMT

The Carolinas Chapter of AEG has organized a reprise of our 2014 vapor intrusion conference at the Hilton Charlotte University Place on Thursday and Friday, Oct. 5 and 6. Since the first conference, a lot has happened in the world of vapor intrusion, including a change in the political scene and advancement of hot topics, such as trichloroethene (TCE).

The conference will feature nationally known speakers, including Henry Schuver of the U.S. EPA, Rod Thompson of IUPUI, and Blayne Hartman of Hartman Environmental Geoscience. We have organized a special afternoon session on TCE with focused presentations by research scientists, a risk assessor, and an attorney on that topic, followed by a panel discussion with these speakers that will take questions and comments from the attendees.

Gauging by the buzz in the community already, we hope this year's conference will bring more than the 215 professionals that attended our 2014 conference, and have moved this year's conference to Charlotte to be closer to attendees from neighboring states. We will offer continuing education units for geologists and engineers, as well as continuing legal education units for attorneys. Registration forms, speaker list, speaker biographies and abstracts are on the AEG website and on the AEG Carolinas Chapter website. These websites also have the link to the block of rooms reserved at the Hilton, at a special rate of $139 per night.

Click here to download the conference flyer.

Carnage Middle School Plant Sale

John Jamison — Thu, 04 May 2017 00:11:47 GMT

Carnage Middle School (near downtown Raleigh) is hosting a Mother's Day Plant Sale May 8-11 to help support their Ecology and Botany programs.

More information can be found at http://www.signupgenius.com/go/20f0f4da4ae2ba2fa7-mothers. The greenhouse is located behind the main building. They also have slots available if you're interested in volunteering to help with the sale.

2017 NC Envirothon: Volunteers Needed

Tue, 25 Apr 2017 14:06:31 GMT

The 2017 NC Envirothon competition will be held on April 28-29, 2017 at Cedarock Park, Alamance County, NC.

Volunteers are NEEDED! The NC Envirothon competition can average about 500 students, parents and teachers attending the 2 day event, so we need a lot of people willing to help us pull off an event this size. There are a multitude of jobs to fill on both days. Come help for both days or just one if you can't make it to both days.

The NC Envirothon is an annual competition for high school and middle school students. The program consists of one-day area competitions held in March or early April and a two-day state competition held in late April or early May. The number of teams participating at area competitions is unlimited. The top seven (7) scoring teams in each area, plus the top scoring FFA team, compete at the state competition to represent NC at the National Conservation Foundation (NCF) Envirothon, a 5-day competition held in July or August. The NCF Envirothon hosts teams from participating states and Canadian provinces who have won their state or provincial event. Teams at the NCF Envirothon compete for recognition and scholarships by demonstrating their knowledge of environmental science and natural resource management.

The NC Envirothon has been providing quality education and enrichment opportunities to North Carolina students for 25 years. A leader in natural resource, ecology and environmental education, the Envirothon has been helping to develop NC’s leaders for the future.

For more information check out: https://sites.google.com/site/envirothonnc/home

Carolina Wetlands Association: 2017 Wetland Treasures Sites

Tue, 25 Apr 2017 13:52:08 GMT

CarWA is thrilled to announce and celebrate their 2017 Wetland Treasures sites! (click name to view a factsheet):

Congaree National Park in Richland County, SC (owned by the National Park Service)
Hobcaw Barony Wetlands in Georgetown County, SC (owned by the Belle W. Baruch Foundation)
Kanuga Bog in Henderson County, NC (owned by Kanuga Conference & Retreat Center)
Robertson Millpond in Wake County, NC (owned by Wake County)
Scuppernong River Swamp in Tyrrell County, NC (owned by U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service)

And they have five field trips planned this spring, starting on April 29th. Space is limited for each trip, so register today.

Trump Administration Webinar

Thu, 23 Mar 2017 17:28:38 GMT

· Six slides per page color (9 pages) –

https://naep.memberclicks.net/assets/webinars/2017webinars/trumpadministrationwebinar-20170308-final-6slidesperpage.pdf

· Two slides per page color (27 pages) –

https://naep.memberclicks.net/assets/webinars/2017webinars/trumpadministrationwebinar-20170308-final-2slidesperpage.pdf

· One slide per page color (53 pages) –

https://naep.memberclicks.net/assets/webinars/2017webinars/trumpadministrationwebinar-20170308-final-1slideperpage.pdf

NCAEP Conference Scholarships

John Jamison — Fri, 03 Feb 2017 17:37:45 GMT

The NCAEP is offering scholarship opportunities for students to attend the NAEP Conference we are co-hosting in Durham March 27-30.

If you know a student who might be interested in attending the conference please forward this information to them. The application is due by February 15 and will cover the $200 registration fee and will include an NCAEP membership as well.

Click here to get to the scholarship site and get all the details. Thank you!

NAEP Conference in Durham!

John Jamison — Fri, 03 Feb 2017 17:31:33 GMT

I'm sure you've seen the emails, but we just wanted to remind everyone that we're co-hosting the NAEP Conference in Durham in 7 weeks. We look forward to having a strong contingent of North Carolina folks in attendance. The program includes some very interesting speakers, including Ted Boling from CEQ, Tim Profeta from Duke's Nicholas Institute, and possibly the new Secretary of NCDEQ.

The conference website can be found at http://www.naep.org/2017-conference.

Please feel free to get in touch with any of the NCAEP Board members with questions! Look forward to seeing you there!

NC House Bill 2: National Association President's Letter

Fri, 22 Apr 2016 15:41:23 GMT

On 21 April 2016 Brock Hoegh, President of the National Association of Environmental Professionals, sent a letter to NAEP members and affiliated chapter presidents. The letter summarized discussions re: NC HB2, during the April 2016 National Board Meeting in Chicago, which I attended. In addition to complimenting the efforts of the NC chapter to plan the 2017 national conference in Durham, the letter stated:

"The Board wants to be clear in its position that it does not support discrimination or intolerance."

To read the entire letter, use this link.

If you would like to comment directly to President Hoegh, please email him (naep@naep.org). As I would like to document NCAEP member comments, please consider copying me (president@ncaep.org).

Ward Marotti

President, NCAEP

Northern Long-eared Bat: Final 4(d) Rule Published

Wed, 20 Jan 2016 14:12:36 GMT

The Service is announcing a final rule that identifies Endangered Species Act protections for the northern-long eared bat. The final 4(d) rule, published in the Federal Register on January 14, 2016, identifies prohibitions that focus on protecting the bat’s sensitive life stages in areas affected by white-nose syndrome.

The Service listed the northern long-eared bat as a threatened species under the Endangered Species Act (ESA) in April 2015 and established an interim 4(d) rule. At the same time we opened a 90-day public comment period on the interim rule to gather additional information as we worked to refine and finalize it.

http://www.fws.gov/midwest/endangered/mammals/nleb/

Data contradict common perceptions about a controversial provision of the US Endangered Species Act

Tue, 15 Dec 2015 11:19:04 GMT

Defenders of Wildlife analyzes ESA in Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences

"In contrast to conventional wisdom about section 7 implementation, no project was stopped or extensively altered as a result of FWS finding jeopardy or adverse modification during this period. We also show that median consultation duration is far lower than the maximum allowed by the Act...The results discredit many of the claims about the onerous nature of section 7 but also raise questions as to how federal agencies could apply this tool more effectively to conserve species."

http://www.pnas.org/content/early/2015/12/01/1516938112

NC Stream Assessment Method (NCSAM) Training - Raleigh, NC - Nov 3-6, 2015

Fri, 23 Oct 2015 17:36:46 GMT

Staff of Moffatt & Nichol (John Dorney), Axiom Environmental (Sandy Smith) and NC Department of Transportation (LeiLani Paugh) will conduct a 4-day course on the latest version (Version 2.1) of the North Carolina Stream Assessment Method (NC SAM) for determining the condition of streams and other non-wetlands from November 3-6, 2015 in Raleigh, NC. This lecture and field course will focus on the method which is the standard method formally adopted by the US Army Corps of Engineers, Wilmington District in their Public Notice dated April 21, 2015. The authors were part of a multi-agency team of state and federal agencies who developed the method over the past several years and have previously taught this course using the same curriculum. The course will be taught at the Walnut Creek Wetland Center in Raleigh, NC and will focus on piedmont streams although a portion of the field work will be conducted on coastal plain streams. The fee for the course is $875 and includes lecture and field instruction, a copy of the most current NC SAM User Manual, field transportation, field drinks and snacks, as well as field lunches. Any interested parties should contact John Dorney at jdorney@moffattnichol.com or by phone at 919-522-6364 for additional information.

NC WAM/SAM Training

Sun, 04 Oct 2015 14:16:53 GMT

http://www.resourceinstituteinc.org/RI-education.html

Changes to Buffer Rules: House Bill 44

Tue, 16 Jun 2015 10:45:44 GMT

Passed by the Senate (3rd reading) on 15 June 2015

RIPARIAN BUFFER REFORM

SECTION 13.(a) Until the convening of the 2016 Regular Session of the 2015 General Assembly, the Environmental Management Commission and the Department of Environment and Natural Resources shall implement 15A NCAC 02B .0233 (Neuse River Basin: Nutrient Sensitive Waters Management Strategy: Protection and Maintenance of Existing Riparian Buffers) as follows:

(1) Zone 1, as described in NCAC 02B .0233(4)(a) and Zone 2, as described in NCAC 02B .0233(4)(b) shall not be enforced.

(2) The riparian buffer shall consist of the 30‑foot riparian area that formerly constituted Zone 1.

(3) The activities and uses for the riparian buffer are those that could have occured in Zone 2.

http://www.ncleg.net/Sessions/2015/Bills/House/HTML/H44v3.html

North Carolina Natural Heritage Data Explorer Training

Thu, 07 May 2015 17:39:20 GMT

This site provides interactive access to maps and data representing Natural Heritage resources and other conservation values in North Carolina.

https://ncnhde.natureserve.org/

Training:

https://ncnhde.natureserve.org/content/help

Raleigh: 27 May; 23 June; 20 July; 6 August

Asheville: 3 June

2015 Environmental Legislation

Mon, 04 May 2015 13:32:04 GMT

HOUSE BILL 795

AN ACT to reform and amend the State environmental policy act.

http://www.ncleg.net/gascripts/BillLookUp/BillLookUp.pl?Session=2015&BillID=h795&submitButton=Go

f. Any irreversible and irretrievable environmental changes which would be involved in the proposed action should it be implemented.

For purposes of this subdivision, a direct environmental impact does not include impacts that are speculative, secondary, or cumulative with other previous actions or that occur outside of the State.

(7a) "Significant expenditure of public moneys" means expenditures of public funds greater than ten million dollars ($10,000,000) for a single project or action or related group of projects or actions. For purposes of this subdivision, contributions of funds or in‑kind contributions by municipalities, counties, regional or special‑purpose government agencies, and other similar entities created by an act of the General Assembly and in‑kind contributions by a non‑State entity shall not be considered an expenditure of public funds for purposes of calculating whether such an expenditure is significant

HOUSE BILL 760

AN ACT to provide further regulatory relief to the citizens of north carolina by providing for VARIOUS administrative reforms, by eliminating certain unnecessary or outdated statutes and regulations and MODERNIZING or simplifying cumbersome or outdated regulations, and by making various other statutory changes.

http://www.ncleg.net/Sessions/2015/Bills/House/HTML/H760v2.html

PART III. ENVIRONMENTAL AND NATURAL RESOURCE REGULATION

AMEND ISOLATED WETLANDS LAW

(2) Mitigation requirements for impacts to isolated wetlands shall only apply to the amount of impact that exceeds the thresholds set out in subdivision (1) of this section. The mitigation ratio for impacts ~~of greater than one acre~~ exceeding the thresholds for the entire project under 15A NCAC 02H .1305(g)(6) shall be 1:1 and may be located on the same parcel.

~~(3)~~ For purposes of Section 54(b) of this section, "isolated wetlands" means a Basin Wetland or Bog as described in the North Carolina Wetland Assessment User Manual prepared by the North Carolina Wetland Functional Assessment Team, version 4.1 October, 2010, that are not jurisdictional wetlands under the federal Clean Water Act. An "isolated wetland" does not include an isolated man‑made ditch or pond constructed for stormwater management purposes or any other man‑made isolated pond.

(4) Impacts to isolated wetlands shall not be combined with the project impacts to 404 jurisdictional wetlands or streams for the purpose of determining when impact thresholds that trigger a mitigation requirement are met.

AMEND STORMWATER MANAGEMENT LAW

(2) Vegetative buffers adjacent to intermittent streams shall be measured from the center of the stream bed.

RIPARIAN BUFFER REFORM

(b1) Exceeding Minimum State Requirements. – The Commission may approve a delegation application proposing a riparian buffer width that exceeds that required by the State for the type of surface body of water and the river basin or basins in which the unit of local government is located only in accordance with the procedures of this section:

(1) Units of local government may request exceedances in riparian buffer widths from the Commission when submitting an application under subsection (b) of this section. Exceedances in buffer width enforced by units of local government under an existing local ordinance may not be enforced after February 1, 2016, unless the unit of local government has either received approval for an exceedance under the procedures set forth in this subsection or has an application for an exceedance pending with the Commission. Under no circumstances shall any existing local ordinance be enforced after June 1, 2016, unless the Commission has approved the exceedance. For purposes of this subdivision, an "existing local ordinance" is a local ordinance approved prior to August 1, 2015, that includes an exceedance in riparian buffer width from that required by the State.

(2) The Commission may consider a request for an exceedance in riparian buffer width only if the request is accompanied by a scientific study prepared by or on behalf of the unit of local government that provides a justification for the exceedance based on the topography, soils, hydrology, and environmental impacts within the jurisdiction of the unit of local government. The Commission may also require that the study include any other information it finds necessary to evaluate the request for the exceedance.

(3) The Commission shall grant the request for an exceedance only if it finds that the need for the exceedance in riparian buffer width is established by the scientific evidence presented by the unit of local government requesting the exceedance in order to meet the nutrient reduction goal set by the Commission for the basin subject to the riparian buffer rule.

(4) For purposes of this subsection, "existing local ordinance" shall include a zoning district, subdivision or development regulation; comprehensive plan; policy; resolution; or any other act carrying the effect of law

(e3) Limitation on Local Government Riparian Area Restrictions. – Units of local government may impose restrictions upon the use of riparian areas as defined in 15A NCAC 02B .0202 only within river basins where riparian buffers are required by the State.

HOUSE BILL 639

AN ACT to establish the clinical exercise physiologist licensing act.

http://www.ncga.state.nc.us/gascripts/BillLookUp/BillLookUp.pl?Session=2011&BillID=H639

HOUSE BILL 141

AN ACT to authorize cities to undertake activities within their stormwater management programs to implement flood reduction techniques that result in improvements to private property.

http://www.ncleg.net/gascripts/BillLookUp/BillLookUp.pl?Session=2015&BillID=h141

HOUSE BILL 186

AN ACT to require the Environmental ReVIEW Commission to conduct a study of water resources availability in the Cape Fear River Basin.

http://www.ncleg.net/gascripts/BillLookUp/BillLookUp.pl?Session=2015&BillID=H186

http://www.smithenvironment.com/

Environmental impact law in jeopardy

Fri, 24 Apr 2015 11:10:06 GMT

RALEIGH

With little discussion and no study of the potential consequences, state legislators are looking to gut an environmental protection law that has been on the books since 1971.

The law is meant to ensure that when state or local government agencies spend tax dollars on major projects, there is public input, all the possible impacts are considered and alternatives are evaluated. The bill’s sponsors say the State Environmental Policy Act is outdated and that any benefits are outweighed by unnecessary costs for taxpayers.

By Craig Jarvis

cjarvis@newsobserver.com

04/23/2015 12:47 PM

04/23/2015 9:28 PM

http://www.newsobserver.com/news/politics-government/state-politics/article19311273.html

http://ncleg.net/gascripts/BillLookUp/BillLookUp.pl?Session=2015&BillID=h795&submitButton=Go

Stream Identification Class - Raleigh

Sun, 15 Mar 2015 21:01:34 GMT

Staff of Moffatt and Nichol (John Dorney) and Watershed Science (Dave Penrose) will conduct a 4-day course on the latest version (Version 4.11, September 1, 2010) of the North Carolina methodology for identifying intermittent and perennial streams and their origins from April 21 – 24, 2015 in Raleigh, NC. This lecture and field course will focus on the method which is the standard method used across the state by the Division of Water Resources and many local as well as other state governments to identify intermittent and perennial streams and their origins. The course will be taught in Raleigh, NC and will focus on piedmont streams although a portion of the field work will be conducted on coastal plain streams. This class is offered in coordination with the NC Division of Water Resources and follows the same curriculum as the course taught by DWR instructors. Any interested parties should contact John Dorney at jdorney@moffattnichol.com or by phone at 919-522-6364 for additional information.

Bourbon Virus: New Tick-Borne Virus Linked To The Death Of A Kansas Man

Thu, 26 Feb 2015 19:14:15 GMT

Following the death of a man in Kansas, infectious disease experts from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention and the Kansas Department of Health and Environment struggled to uncover the mysterious illness that led to the victim’s untimely death. Doctors at the University of Kansas Hospital have now announced that a new tick-borne virus, dubbed “Bourbon Virus” after Bourbon County, Kan., where it was first discovered, caused the man’s death.

http://www.medicaldaily.com/bourbon-virus-new-tick-borne-virus-linked-death-kansas-man-315266

WRRI Annual Conference

Wed, 04 Feb 2015 15:13:52 GMT

Are you a student or recent graduate interested in a career in the growing field of water resources? Are you a professional looking for a career change? Join us at the NC Water Resources Research Institute’s Annual Conference (March 18-19, 2015) in Raleigh to participate in an interactive session on careers in water resources. A variety of water resource sectors will be represented by over a dozen professionals who have diverse educational, professional, and personal backgrounds and who will share their experiences, knowledge, and advice about careers in this field. Participants will interact with and learn from our guests in small, rotating groups by self-selecting the sectors and professionals they would like to meet. Professional summaries and recommended questions to ask will be provided to participants prior to the session to aid in research, preparation, and to help participants choose who they are most interested in meeting. To register, please visit go.ncsu.edu/wrriac_registration or contact water_resources@ncsu.edu for more information.

NAEP National Desk: 17 October 2014 Issue

Mon, 20 Oct 2014 11:48:00 GMT

Below is the link to the October 17, 2014 issue of the National Association of Environmental Professionals (NAEP) National Desk! We are very excited to offer this NAEP and Chapter Affiliate Member benefit. The NAEP National Desk is a biweekly (once every two weeks) publication of current national issues affecting the environmental professional. The NAEP National Desk is provided through a licensing agreement with Environment and Energy (E&E) Publishing, LLC (www.eenews.net). E&E's four daily online publications are ClimateWire, EnergyWire, Environment and Energy Daily, Greenwire and E&E News PM.

The articles listed below are included in this issue:

OCEANS: U.S. begins planning for nationwide marine biodiversity monitoring system
WATER POLLUTION: EPA allows hundreds of hazardous chemicals to pass through treatment plants unnoticed -- IG Report
TRANSPORTATION: Department adding to NEPA exclusion list
RESEARCH: Conflicting ocean studies renew a scientific argument over a warming 'pause'
TRANSPORTATION: Texas DOT set to take over most environmental reviews
AIR POLLUTION: EPA unveils new model to measure transportation emissions

The latest issue can be found at:

2014-10-17 NAEP National Desk Newsletter.pdf

As part of the licensing agreement, E&E Publishing is offering a discount on new subscriptions. Please see www.eenews.net/trial/naep for more information.

The NAEP National Desk coordinator is Ron Lamb (ronaldlamb@comcast.net). Questions or comments on the NAEP National Desk should be directed to Ron or Tim Bower ( naep@naep.org ).

Regulatory Advisory - Proposed rule on waters of the U.S.

Wed, 26 Mar 2014 14:50:22 GMT

http://www2.epa.gov/uswaters

The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) and the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers (Corps) are publishing for public comment a proposed rule defining the scope of waters protected under the Clean Water Act (CWA), in light of the U.S. Supreme Court cases in U.S. v. Riverside Bayview, Rapanos v. United States, and Solid Waste Agency of Northern Cook County v. U.S. Army Corps of Engineers (SWANCC), and Rapanos v. United States (Rapanos). Today’s proposal would enhance protection for the nation’s public health and aquatic resources, and increase CWA program predictability and consistency by increasing clarity as to the scope of “waters of the United States” protected under the Act…

… the agencies are interested in comments, scientific and technical data, caselaw, and other information that would further clarify which “other waters” should be considered similarly situated for purposes of a case-specific significant nexus determination. The agencies seek comment on a number of alternative approaches. These alternatives include potentially determining waters in identified ecological regions (ecoregions) or hydrologic-landscape regions are similarly situated for purposes of evaluating a significant nexus, as well as the basis for determining which ecoregions or hydrologic-landscape regionsshould be so identified. The agencies also solicit comment on whether the legal, technical and scientific record would support determining limited specific subcategories of waters are similarly situated, or as having a significant nexus sufficient to establish jurisdiction.

DATES:

Submit comments on or before [INSERT DATE 90 DAYS AFTER DATE OF PUBLICATION IN THE FEDERAL REGISTER].

ADDRESSES:

Submit your comments, identified by Docket ID No. EPA–HQ–OW–2011–0880by one of the following methods:

• Federal eRulemaking Portal: http://www.regulations.gov. Follow the instructions for

submitting comments.

• E-mail: ow-docket@epa.gov. Include EPA–HQ–OW–2011–0880 in the subject line of the message.

•Mail: Send the original and three copies of your comments to: Water Docket, Environmental Protection Agency, Mail Code 2822T, 1200 Pennsylvania Avenue, NW Washington, DC 20460, Attention: Docket ID No. EPA–HQ–OW–2011–0880.

•Hand Delivery/Courier: Deliver your comments to EPA Docket Center, EPA West, Room 3334, 1301 Constitution Avenue, NW, Washington, DC 20460, Attention Docket, ID No. EPA–HQ–OW–2011–0880. Such deliveries are accepted only during the Docket’s normal hours of operation, which are 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., Monday through Friday, excluding legal holidays. Special arrangements should be made for deliveries of boxed information. The telephone number for the Water Docket is 202–566–2426.

FREE Technology Lecture Series on Soil and Groundwater Remediation in Charlotte

Wed, 12 Feb 2014 18:31:21 GMT

Remediationworkshop.com is hosting a FREE half-day Technology Lecture Series on soil and groundwater remediation in Charlotte, NC on March 25, 2014. At the end of the day, attendees will receive a CEU certificate worth 4 credit hours towards their continuing education credits. This is a FREE workshop paid for by the national speakers and exhibitors and a box lunch is provided. RemediationWorshop.com brings together scientists, engineers, regulators, site managers and other environmental professionals from government, academia, service and R&D firms to advance the state of the art of bioremediation and sustainable remediation technologies.

Please contact Travis Bowman at

travis@remediationworkshop.com

or visit www.remediationworkshop.com for more information.

ACEC/NC - PENC Environmental Education & Networking Event Sponsorship Opportunities

Wed, 29 Jan 2014 20:55:53 GMT

Thursday, February 13, 2014

11:00 am - 3:00 pm

Jane S. McKimmon Center

Sponsorship Opportunities: 628.Environ Sponsor.pdf

Hemlock Populations May Be Rebounding

Thu, 23 Jan 2014 20:28:58 GMT

A USDA study indicates that:

…these data suggest increasing tree density associated with the past century of deforestation and succession in the eastern U.S. may currently be overwhelming the negative impacts of the adelgid at the regional scale, however, the long-term stability of this situation is not known, and data from long-infested counties suggest the landscape may be at a ‘‘tipping point’’.

http://www.nrs.fs.fed.us/pubs/jrnl/2013/nrs_2013_trotter_002.pdf

Students - NCDOT STIPDG Program Accepting Applications

Thu, 21 Nov 2013 14:22:36 GMT

DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION (STIPDG)

Summer Transportation Internship Program for Diverse Groups (STIPDG) is now accepting applications.

This notice is to announce that the STIPDG program is now accepting applications for the Summer Session of 2014. If you have any friends, family associates, or any other interest group/association contacts that would be interested in summer internship opportunities, please refer them to www.fhwa.dot.gov/education/stipdg.cfm.

Application Deadline: Selections may be made as applications are received, but typically do not occur until the application closes: December 31, 2013.

SAWS Stream Mitigation Panel at Duke University Nov. 13

Wed, 06 Nov 2013 22:21:30 GMT

The Duke chapter of the Student Association of Wetland Scientists (SAWS) is hosting a mitigation panel. We have 4 professionals from 4 different sectors that are all involved in wetland and stream mitigation and restoration to answer all of your questions about mitigation in NC. Afterwards, there will be food, beverages and a chance to talk with the next wave to join the world of environmental professionals – Duke Master of Environmental Management students, and PhD students from the Environmental and Earth and Ocean Sciences programs. So, bring your business cards and your appetite!

Join us Wednesday November 13 from 5:30 to 7 in the Levine Science Research Center, room A 158 for an evening of career exploration and stories of restoring some of the awesome streams and wetlands in NC and the southeast US.

Schedule

5:30-6:30 Panel & Questions

6:30-7 The Duke Water Network Networking Event

-Heavy hors d'oeuvres, beverages & networking (bring your business cards!)

Panelists

- Barbra Doll (Sea Grant)

- Mac Haupt (NC Ecosystem Enhancement Program)

- Kristin Weidner (Stantec)

- Norton Webster (EBX)

Public parking (pay) will be available at the Bryan Center (MitigationPanelMap.pdf).

So that we can provide enough food, please RSVP to this link. If you have any questions you would like to be asked by the moderator, please send them along to Jessie Howington (jch62@duke.edu).

A Great Loss to the Environmental Education Community

John Jamison — Thu, 31 Oct 2013 17:38:38 GMT

Ross Andrews, a Raleigh environmental educator and past NCAEP member, passed away unexpectedly on October 25. For more information on his passing and memorial plans, please see:

http://eenewstips.blogspot.com/2013/10/a-great-loss-to-environmental-education.html

Job Postings

John Jamison — Wed, 16 Oct 2013 15:15:02 GMT

We've added a couple of new job postings to our website - check them out at www.ncaep.org/jobs

NC Division of Water Resources 2013 Success Stories

John Jamison — Tue, 15 Oct 2013 17:11:20 GMT

NCDWR recently released a list of success stories, following on Division Director Reeder's plan for improving customer service:

http://www.ncwater.org/phpns/images/uploads/42459DWR%20Success%20Stories%20Oct%202013.pdf

NC Wetland Program Plan - NCAEP Review/Comment

Tue, 20 Aug 2013 20:24:00 GMT

NCAEP has been asked to review/comment on the attached draft North Carolina Wetland Program Plan (WPP) (see below). Please provide comments to NCAEP President Ward Marotti (wmarotti@wkdickson.com) by 6 September. Mr. Marotti has been representing NCAEP as part of the project’s stakeholder group since April and will organize/compile/present NCAEP comments/suggestions.

North Carolina’s WPP is funded by an EPA Wetland Program Development Grant. Its goals are to evaluate existing resources, identify needs of North Carolina’s wetland program participants (public, private, academic, and non-profit), and determine the future direction for development of wetland programs in North Carolina. Development of a focused, long-term WPP will identify opportunities for improved efficiency and consistency in regulatory decision making, as well as increase transparency of wetland program activities and their anticipated outcomes. In addition, a comprehensive WPP is needed to ensure that wetland monitoring activities are providing valuable data that can be used to assess wetland condition and guide restoration and protection efforts statewide. The WPP will outline the development of wetland programs in North Carolina for the next five years and will incorporate all four Core Elements of the EPA’s Wetlands Program Framework: Monitoring and Assessment, Regulation, Voluntary Restoration and Protection, and Water Quality Standards for Wetlands. Although not required by the EPA, the plan will also address community outreach and education and identify sustainable financing options for wetland programs.

Further information on the EPA’s goals and guidelines for WPP development can be found on their website at http://water.epa.gov/type/wetlands/wpp.cfm.

WPP Compiled Master Document.docx

NAEP Environmental Excellence Awards - Aug. 16 deadline

John Jamison — Wed, 07 Aug 2013 17:37:30 GMT

NAEP Environmental Excellence Awards Nomination Information submission deadline date is August 16, 2013

The National Association of Environmental Professionals (NAEP) is seeking nominations for our annual National Environmental Excellence Awards. We are requesting nominations from you, your company, or agency describing outstanding environmental contributions from applicable projects and programs. It is not necessary for you or your organization to be a member of NAEP and nominations may include projects or programs recognized by others. The Environmental Excellence Award nomination(s) are to be submitted to the NAEP Awards Review Committee and must be received by August 16, 2013. Each selected Award Winner will receive a beautiful award plaque and an invitation to briefly address participants at the Annual NAEP National Conference. This year’s conference will be held in St. Petersburg Florida, April 7-10, 2014.

If you have any questions please call Abby Murray at 856-470-4521. The form can be found at the link below:

http://www.naep.org/assets/EnvironmentalExcellenceAwards/naep2014environmentalexcellenceawardnominationform.pdf

The 2013 Award Winners are listed below. Please take a few minutes to read about their projects.

President’s Award -
Project Name: 34th America’s Cup EIR/EA and Permitting
Award Presented to: San Francisco Planning Department, Port of San Francisco, America’s Cup Event Authority, Environmental Science Associates, Orion Environmental Associates, U.S. Coast Guard, The National Park Service, U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, Presidio Trust
This summer San Francisco will host international sailing’s premier race, the 34^th America’s Cup, and it is expected to draw over 5 million visitors. Historically, large sporting events have been exempt from environmental review and permitting. But, due to the scale of this project and the sensitivity of the Bay and shoreline, regulatory agencies and the public called for extensive environmental review. When San Francisco was awarded AC34 December 31, 2010, the City realized the event’s large influx of people and infrastructure triggered assessment under the California Environmental Quality Act and the National Environmental Policy Act (San Francisco contains two National Parks). The regulatory agencies have stringent requirements under these Acts and compliance typically takes years. With AC34’s preliminary races in August 2012, all documents had to be certified and corresponding permits issued in less than 18 months. A joint document was considered, however, given the differing agency permitting needs, it was determined that course would jeopardize schedule.

Given the time constraints of AC34, a NEPA/CEQA process was designed that both supported and paralleled permitting requirements. Testament to the success of this approach is the issuance of permits from five separate agencies within months of document certification. Yet the most successful outcome of the project was the unique suite of mitigation measures. These included a new shoreside power facility to reduce long term air pollutant emissions from large vessels, extensive coordination with local transit agencies, water quality measures to protect bay habitats and control invasive species, and clear signage, restrictions and monitoring to protect nesting birds and marine mammals.

Best Available Environmental Technology Award –
Project Name: San Diego Gas & Electric, Sunrise Powerlink Electronic Environmental Monitoring & Compliance Tools
Award Presented to: San Diego Gas & Electric Company

During construction of the Sunrise Powerlink Project, SDG&E placed safety and environmental compliance at the forefront and, as such, realized the need to implement state of the art tools and processes to support compliance on the Project.

The electronic environmental monitoring and compliance tools implemented provided users with an application on mobile PCs that enhanced communication with the entire project team through web based technologies. The tools leveraged cutting edge GIS technologies, GPS, and mobile computers to integrate office and field activities, resulting in one integrated team. The tools were available across the entire project team including SDG&E staff, contract staff and regulatory agencies. The tools allowed all appropriate Project stakeholders to see up to date information from both field and office activities and use this information to make informed decisions.

Conservation Programs Award –
Project Name: Celery Fields Regional Stormwater Facility Expansion Phase 3
Award Presented to: David M. Dixon Stanley Consultants, Robbin Levar Sarasota County, Peter Peduzzi Sarasota County, Michael Elfers Assistant Construction Engineer, Joseph Clark Stanley Consultants, Ronnie Van Fleet PWS, Vanasse Hangen Brustlin, Dunkelberger Engineering and Testing, Geotechnical Engineering , DMK Associates, Land Surveying, Brooks and Freund/Lee Mar, Prime Contractors, Kimley-Horn and Associates, Design Engineers of Record

The $6.8 million project is a flood protection, stormwater treatment and wetland mitigation project designed to provide treatment for over 3,500 acres of stormwater runoff of north-central Sarasota County within the Phillippi Creek drainage basin. The Celery Fields are an area once used extensively for row crops such as celery since the early part of the 20th century. Prior to its agricultural use, it was a low lying area of extensive wetlands and sawgrass marshes. This project sought to restore the treatment function the original wetland had for drainage to Sarasota Bay. Another benefit of this project is the flood protection it offers to the downstream urban area that saw extensive flooding of structures in the no-name storm of June 1992.

The individual components of this project include adding 260 acre-feet of floodplain storage area with two major water control structures, 115 acres of wetland mitigation plantings in the Walker Tract and South Mitigation Cell, culvert replacement and upsizing on Leewynn Place. It also includes grading and hydraulic improvements to Canal CA, creation of an 85-foot high observation hill with mountain bicycle trails and pedestrian walking paths, a stormwater treatment lake and piping infrastructure for the future Cattlemen Road project, utility adjustments and site preparation for six County-owned land parcels. It also includes a shell parking lot for a future Audubon Society nature interpretive center that will provide information about birding opportunities and Sarasota's history in this area.

Education Excellence Award–
Project Name: Vasquez Rocks Natural Area Park Interpretive Center Project
Award Presented to: County of Los Angeles Department of Parks and Recreation, Sapphos Environmental, Inc.

The Vasquez Rocks Natural Area Park (Park) Interpretive Center Project (project) was undertaken by the County of Los Angeles (County) to enhance the experience of visitors by increasing their knowledge and appreciation of the unique cultural, geological, and natural resources present at the 932-acre Park.
The new Interpretive Center is a Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED) New Construction (NC) Platinum-certified, 3,700-square-foot building that includes a multi- purpose classroom/museum with interpretive exhibits, office space for Park staff, and landscaping consisting of drought-tolerant plants and shrubs. Construction of the project included historic restoration and adaptive reuse of the Ranger’s Residence, a National Register of Historic Places (NRHP)-eligible building located adjacent to the new facility.

Environmental Stewardship Award –
Project Name: San Joaquin River Restoration Program, Program Environmental Impact Statement/Environmental Impact Report
Award Presented to: U.S. Bureau of Reclamation, California Department of Water Resources, MWH Americas

The San Joaquin River Restoration Program (SJRRP) Program Environmental Impact Statement/Report (PEIS/R) represents the culmination of more than 20 years of debate over the fate of the San Joaquin River in California’s Central Valley and is a major national achievement involving national organizations, Federal, State and local agencies and companies. It balances the competing interests of five Federal and State of California Implementing Agencies and two Settling Parties, National Environmental Policy Act and California Environmental Quality Act compliance, and the long-term implementation needs of the SJRRP, while thoroughly addressing concerns raised by landowners, stakeholders, and the interested public.

The SJRRP PEIS/R is the result of six years of collaboration among the Implementing Agencies and Settling Parties despite competing interests, and demonstrates innovative integration of decision making with environmental regulatory processes. The SJRRP will restore spring-run Chinook salmon, a federally and state listed threatened species, to a

153-mile long reach of the San Joaquin River, and provide numerous benefits to other fish, vegetation, and wildlife species. Simultaneously, the SJRRP is designed to avoid or minimize water supply impacts to the Friant Division water contractors who use water diverted from the San Joaquin River in one of the most productive agricultural regions in the nation. The PEIS/EIR provides a roadmap for implementing this historic program, making a national contribution to the environment in a manner that achieves the program goals while avoiding adverse impacts to numerous third parties.

Environmental Management Award–
Project Name: Croton Water Filtration Plant
Award Presented to: Grimshaw Architects, Great Ecology, WORKSHOP: Ken Smith Landscape Architect, Rana Creek, Sherwood Design Engineers, Atelier Ten, Dewhurst Macfarlane & Partners, Buro Happold, Amman and Whitney, ARUP Lighting

The Croton watershed region was perennially exposed to the threat of contamination due to stormwater runoff. To ensure the watershed’s continued viability and compliance with drinking water regulations, the New York City Department of Environmental Protection is constructing the Croton Water Treatment Plant, the City’s largest infrastructure project.

The filtration plant will be sunk approximately eighty feet below ground, with a nine-acre green roof – the largest in the country, and surrounded by a wetland stormwater and groundwater management system designed by Great Ecology as part of the Grimshaw Architects team. The constructed wetlands mirror naturally occurring water features to process and improve water quality and recycle it for on-site irrigation.

This project is notable for the exceptionally large scale and efficient manner in which constructed wetlands perform critical ecosystem functions to minimize stormwater runoff, increase floodwater holding capacity, reduce or eliminate discharge of water, and reduce the use of potable water on site by the reuse of retained storm and groundwater. These features are integrated with the site’s programmatic elements; the continuous pumping of groundwater and the increased amount of stormwater runoff from the roof and surrounding landscape create a surplus of water on the site. The created wetland habitats will not only clean the site’s air and water, but will also attract wildlife species, increasing the integrity of urban ecosystems and providing environmental education opportunities.

NEPA Excellence Award –
Project Name: State Route 11 and the Otay Mesa East Port of Entry
Award Presented to: HELIX Environmental Planning and Caltrans District 11 With FHWA, SANDAG, U.S. GSA, U.S. CBP and AECOM

Long and unpredictable border wait times for vehicles act as a barrier to trade and personal travel, inhibiting cross-border economic investment opportunities and commercial activity. The State Route 11 and the Otay Mesa East Port of Entry project provides much-needed additional border crossing capacity at the United States (U.S.)/Mexico border between San Diego, California and Tijuana, Baja California. Objectives of the program include: increasing regional inspection capacities for commercial/personal vehicles and pedestrians, reducing northbound vehicle/pedestrian queues and wait times, accommodating existing unmet demand and projected future increases in international commercial trade and personal vehicle border traffic, as well as contributing to reduced congestion at border crossings and along regional transportation infrastructure, accommodating commercial goods movement and cross-border travel, minimizing impacts to the aquatic environment, accommodating bicycle- and transit- related border traffic and supporting international border-related agreements.

The project team employed a unique two-tiered NEPA process that also complied with the California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA). Tier I addressed SR-11 and the Port of Entry within a programmatic EIR/EIS and identified the preferred location for these two interdependent facilities. Implementation of Tier I made it possible for the project proponents to secure a Presidential Permit for the proposed border crossing from the U.S. Department of State in 2008, prior to expending substantial public funds for project design. It eliminated the need to undertake detailed project design for more than one highway corridor and POE site. The selected location minimized biological resources impacts and was preferred by the permitting resource agencies. The team then prepared a Tier II project-level EIR/EIS that provided comprehensive environmental analysis of three potential build alternative designs within the selected corridor, with a variety of interchange and other design options. The planning and implementation of this project has required substantial coordination with a large number of agencies on both sides of the international border. Regular inter-agency meetings, as well as extensive bi-national coordination, continued throughout the multi-year life of the project to keep the agencies involved and to receive their early and continuing input on critical issues. The project also included a bilingual (English/Spanish) community outreach component.

Planning Integration Award-
Project Name: Ocean Beach Master Plan
Award Presented to: SPUR, AECOM, ESA PWA, Nelson\Nygaard, Sherwood Design Engineers with the generous support of the State of California Coastal Conservancy, San Francisco Public Utilities Commission, National Park Service

Ocean Beach is a 3.5-mile stretch of sand along San Francisco’s rugged Pacific coast, drawing a diverse population of more than 300,000 visitors each year to stroll, bike, surf, walk dogs and enjoy the stunning natural setting. It is an important piece of the Golden Gate National Recreation Area, and also home to major elements of San Francisco’s wastewater and stormwater infrastructure, which protects coastal water quality. The Ocean Beach Master Plan is an interagency effort to develop a sustainable long-term vision for Ocean Beach, addressing public access, environmental protection and infrastructure needs in the context of erosion and climate-related sea level rise. The Master Plan process was the result of more than a decade of advocacy by community members and increasing interest by stakeholders, public agencies and decision makers.

This project was not only charged with solving hot button issues of erosion and coastal management, but in considering all aspects of the beach, including recreation, character, public amenities and wildlife habitat. As such, the Master Plan benefits a wide range of stakeholders from public agencies, community organizations, advocacy groups, and indeed the entire San Francisco Bay Area.

Public Involvement Award-
Project Name: Joint Air Toxics Assessment Project (JATAP) Partnership
Award Presented to: Salt River Pima-Maricopa Indian Community Environmental Protection & Natural Resources, Gila River Indian Community Department of Environmental Quality, Arizona Department of Environmental Quality,ASU American Indian Policy Institute, ASU School for Engineering of Matter, Transport and Energy

One of the most persistent difficulties in conducting environmental projects that produce meaningful results is the need for coordination among different jurisdictions and organizations. In the case of the Joint Air Toxics Assessment Project (JATAP), understanding the sources, distribution and health impacts of air toxics in the greater Phoenix metropolitan area airshed required data from numerous jurisdictions, including state and tribal environmental agencies. While these agencies had developed some relationships, JATAP was the first major research project that all the regulatory jurisdictions in the airshed participated in fully and collaboratively. The JATAP partners joined together to assess the health consequences of air toxics (a group of some 200 compounds, also known as hazardous air pollutants) and broke new ground nationally in its highly successful partnership of tribal and nontribal environmental agencies– from the field technicians to top management.

NAEP 2014 Conference is on the East Coast!

John Jamison — Tue, 06 Aug 2013 17:40:03 GMT

Go to www.naep.org for more details.

NCDENR Environmental Stewardship Initiative Annual Members Meeting March 12

Tue, 05 Mar 2013 22:12:34 GMT

The NCDENR Environmental Stewardship Initiative Annual Members Meeting will be March 12th in downtown Raleigh. The meeting is free and open to the public. Please refer to the pdf invitation below.

2013InviteFinal.pdf

N&O Article - Magnificent Ramshorn

John Jamison — Tue, 01 Nov 2011 16:38:05 GMT

http://www.newsobserver.com/2011/11/01/1610662/biologists-magnificent-obsession.html

N&O Article -- "If it Ever Slithered in NC, It's Here"

John Jamison — Mon, 28 Mar 2011 14:52:28 GMT

This is a neat article on the Museum of Natural Sciences' specimen collection off Reedy Creek Road...

http://www.newsobserver.com/2011/03/28/1086907/if-it-ever-slithered-in-nc-its.html

Misty Buchanan of the N.C. NHP recognized as a "2010 Recovery Champion" by U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service.

John Jamison — Fri, 25 Mar 2011 18:42:09 GMT

http://www.fws.gov/endangered/what-we-do/recovery-champions/index.html

Misty Buchanan
North Carolina Natural Heritage Program
Raleigh, North Carolina

Rough-leaf loostrife and golden sedge

As the North Carolina Natural Heritage Program botanist, Misty Buchanan has expanded our knowledge of the 27 listed plant species in the State through surveys that documented the number of populations, as well as their distribution, status, and health. Applying that knowledge, she has worked closely with the Plant Conservation Program, The Nature Conservancy, Wildlife Resources Commission, and land trusts on recovery initiatives throughout North Carolina. In providing expertise to the Fish and Wildlife Service—especially to field offices in Asheville and Raleigh—Misty Buchanan has helped to prepare five-year reviews, served as a peer-reviewer for draft recovery plans, helped to propose critical habitat designations for species such as the golden sedge, and provided technical assistance in biological opinions for Section 7 consultations.

New Clean Water Act Guidance forthcoming

John Jamison — Thu, 03 Feb 2011 19:24:09 GMT

This is a great article summarizing the post-Rapanos era and what may be coming from the EPA:

http://www.martenlaw.com/newsletter/20110203-epa-prepares-new-cwa-guidance