News Archive 2004

59 Grant Applications Invited for Banrock Station Wines Wetlands Conservation Prog 2004-12-13 13:00:07

Deadline: January 15, 2005

The Banrock Station Wetlands Conservation Program, a partnership project of Banrock Station Wines and the Conservation Fund http://www.conservationfund.org, provides grants of $1,000 to $5,000 to nonprofit groups that are planning and implementing wetlands conservation and/or restoration projects at the local level.

The goals of the program are to educate key audiences about the importance of wetlands; support action-oriented wetlands conservation projects across America; create partnerships between public, private, and nonprofit organizations to leverage resources for wetlands protection; showcase Banrock Station-supported success stories, bringing visibility to effective conservation; and link Banrock Station’s resources with wetland projects that address critical community issues.

Grants will be awarded to nonprofit organizations and public agencies that focus on action-oriented work such as wetland acquisition, restoration, habitat improvement, environmental assessments, education, ecotourism, etc.

Program guidelines and an online application form are available at

the Conservation Fund Web site. RFP Link:

http://www.conservationfund.org/?article=2831

 

58 Applications Invited for Five-Star Restoration Matching Grants Program. 2004-12-13 12:52:38

Deadline: March 1, 2005

The National Association of Counties, the National Fish and Wildlife Foundation, and the Wildlife Habitat Council, in cooperation with other sponsors, seek applications for the Five-Star Restoration Matching Grants Program.

The program, which is open to any public or private entity, provides modest financial assistance on a competitive basis to support community-based wetland, riparian, and coastal habitat restoration projects that build diverse partnerships and foster local natural resource stewardship through education, outreach, and training activities.

The “stars” in “Five-Star” are the partners, funders, and/or participants necessary to complete the project, including schools or youth organizations; local or tribal governments; local businesses or corporations; conservation organizations or local citizens groups; state and federal resource management agencies; and foundations or other funders.

Projects must therefore involve diverse partnerships of ideally five organizations that contribute funding, land, technical assistance, workforce support, and/or other in-kind services.

Award amounts range between $5,000 and $20,000, with the average grant amount roughly $10,000.

See the NFWF Web site for program guidelines, application procedures, and an FAQ.RFP Link: http://nfwf.org/programs/5star-rfp.htm

 

53 Welcoming Columbia County, PA to the GIS Community 2004-10-12 09:24:33

Columbia County, PA now has an ArcIMS Database of GIS Layers available. It’s an ESRI sponsored ArcIMS Server of the Parcel Data layers for Columbia County.http://www.columbiapa.org/county/gis/disclaimer.html

 

52 Looking for Grants? Here’s a Bunch from Foundations 2004-10-12 09:02:31

[b]The Amateur Chamber Music Players (ACMP) Foundation[/b] was formed in 1993 to support the aims and purposes of ACMP, an international organization that fosters the playing and singing of chamber music for people of all ages and skill levels. ACMP Foundation grants are typically small, generally ranging from $1,000-$3,500. The Foundation takes a lively interest in recipients’ activities, on occasion providing technical and logistical assistance, and arranging for site visits to complement written reports. http://www.acmp.net

[b]The Jack Kent Cooke Foundation Innovation Fund [/b]provides grants to nonprofit organizations to spark the creation or expansion of innovative education programs in non-remedial, out-of-school programs in critical reading and/or writing for elementary and/or middle school students. Programs should be designed to help students build high-level reading and/or writing skills to help them excel in rigorous academic environments as they mature. Programs must serve low-to-moderate-income students. The Foundation encourages applications from rural communities, small towns, and other underserved areas. http://jackkentcookefoundation.org/jkcf_web/content.aspx?page=2414227

[b]The National Education Association [/b]will award 20 grants of $500 each to student-led initiatives through Youth Leaders for Literacy, a joint program of the NEA and Youth Service America. Grant applications should propose youth leadership in developing and implementing a project that begins on NEA’s Read Across America Day in March 2005 and culminates on YSA’s National Youth Service Day in April 2005. http://www.nea.org/readacross/volunteer/youthleaders.html

[b]The Youth Service America and State Farm Insurance [/b]have announced availability of the State Farm Good Neighbor Service-Learning Grant. The grant is now available to teachers/professors, youth (ages 5-25), and school-based service-learning coordinators to implement service-learning projects for National Youth Service Day 2005, April 15-17. One hundred grants of $1,000 are available to youth, teachers/professors , and school-based service-learning coordinators. http://www.ysa.org/awards/award_grant.cfm

[b]The A. L. Mailman Family Foundation [/b]funds projects of national or regional import in the early childhood field. Collaborations across disciplines, across public service entities, and across public and private sectors are essential in order to increase public understanding, inform public policy, and improve service delivery. They encourage the development of on-going partnerships among academicians, government administrators, nonprofit leaders, practitioners and policy makers so that policies get enacted and programs move from vision to reality. http://www.mailman.org/apply/index.htm

[b]The Corning Incorporated Foundation[/b], established in 1952, develops and administers projects in support of educational, cultural, community and selected national organizations. http://www.corning.com/inside_corning/foundation.asp

[b]Mr. Holland’s Opus Foundation [/b]offers three programs for musical instruments, each with different criteria. They do not make cash awards. Grants of repairs and new instruments typically range between $500.00 and $5,000.00 in retail value. Please note that delivery of instruments, if awarded, can take up to five months. The Mr. Holland’s Opus Foundation accepts grant applications throughout the year. http://www.mhopus.org/apply.htm

[b]Jimmy Buffett’s Singing for a Change [/b]offers grants to nonprofit tax exempt organizations for children/families, the environment and disenfranchised groups. http://margaritaville.com/sfc/index.htm

[b]Graham Foundation Grants [/b]are offered to individuals and institutions worldwide in support of activities that focus on architecture and the built environment and that lead to the public dissemination of ideas through publication, exhibition, or educational programming. In the past, the Foundation has supported a variety of endeavors, including research by scholars; grants to architectural schools for special projects, enrichment programs, or new curricula; grants to museums, schools, and libraries for exhibitions, catalogues, and, in rare cases, for acquisitions; and support for publications, usually to help make an important publication better or more affordable. http://www.grahamfoundation.org/grants/gen-desc.asp

[b]The Sony USA Corporation [/b]gives to art education, arts and culture, health and human services, civic and community outreach, education, and volunteerism. For more information: www.sony.com/SCA/philanthropy.shtml

[b]Catholic Health Initiatives Mission and Ministry Fund [/b]funds nonprofit organizations with Project Grants and Planning Grants. Its general theme is to build health communities. For more information: www.catholichealthinit.org

[b]The Robert R. McCormick Tribune Foundation [/b]provides grants in four areas 1) citizenship – engage young people in civic affairs, honor patriotism and strengthen the nonprofit sector, 2) communities – help local groups meet social and economic challenges, 3) education – improve early care and, 4) journalism – advocate free press. For more information: www.rrmtf.org

[b]Estee Lauder Corp. Philanthropy [/b]has broad interests including the arts, health and human services, education and the environment. This cosmetic giant also runs a special program to help raise public awareness about breast cancer. For more information: www.elcompanies.com/html/content/m1_5.htm

Source: CharityChannel.com Don Griesman’s Grant Opportunities

 

51 Non-profit Organizations Assistance Center (NOAC) Trainings for Fall 2004 2004-10-04 14:28:42

We have wide range of training opportunities planned for the fall season. Please review the topics and dates below.

I’m also attaching the September meeting notice for the Greater Pocono Northeast Chapter of the Association of Fundraising Professionals. This is not a program sponsored by PNDF but may be of interest to your organization.

If you have any questions, please feel free to contact me.

Enjoy the holiday weekend,

Heather Murphy

Pocono Northeast Development Fund

1151 Oak Street, Pittston, PA 18640

Ph. (570) 655-5581 Ext. 238

Fx. (570) 654-5137

pndf@nepa-alliance.org

[b]Upcoming Events[/b]

Date: October 5th

Title: Town Meetings Let’s Talk about the Nonprofit Sector

Location: Pittston, PA

Time: 1:00pm-4:00pm

Cost: TBA, Discount for NOAC members

Registration: Pennsylvania Association of Nonprofit Organizations (PANO), http://www.pano.org/events.php

Date: October 7th

Title: Human Resources for Nonprofit Organizations

Location: Pittston, PA

Time: 8:30am-12:00pm

Cost: TBA, Discount for NOAC members

Registration: Pennsylvania Association of Nonprofit Organizations (PANO), http://www.pano.org/events.php

Date: October 19th

Title: Grantseeking Basics What you Need to Know about Grantseeking & the World of Philanthropy

Location: Pittston, PA

Time: 9:30am-10:30am

Cost: FREE Seating is limited”¦register early!

Registration: Heather Murphy, 655-5581, Ext. 238 or pndf@nepa-alliance.org

Date: October 25th-29th

Title: The Grantsmanship Center Grantwriting Training

Location: Citizen’s Bank Building, Wilkes-Barre

Time: Monday-Friday, full day

Cost: $825, limited scholarships available

Registration: The Grantsmanship Center, (800) 421-9512 or www.tgci.com

Date: November 1st & 2nd

Title: Zocklein & Associates Grant Writing

Location: Pittston, PA

Time: 8:00am 5:00pm

Cost: $199 for one day, $299 for both days (NOAC members receive 10% off)

Registration: www.zockgrant.com

Date: November 3rd

Title: Social Entrepreneurship for Executive Directors

Location: Pittston, PA

Time: 8:00am-3:00pm

Cost: TBA, Discount for NOAC members

Registration: Pennsylvania Association of Nonprofit Organizations (PANO), http://www.pano.org/events.php

Date: November 11th

Title: Planned Giving, I

Location: Pittston, PA

Time: 8:30am-12:00pm

Cost: TBA, Discount for NOAC members

Registration: Pennsylvania Association of Nonprofit Organizations (PANO), http://www.pano.org/events.php

Date: November 22nd

Title: Planned Giving, II

Location: Pittston, PA

Time: 8:30am-12:00pm

Cost: TBA, Discount for NOAC members

Registration: Pennsylvania Association of Nonprofit Organizations (PANO), http://www.pano.org/events.php

Date: December 14th

Title: Planned Giving, III

Location: Pittston, PA

Time: 8:30am-12:00pm

Cost: TBA, Discount for NOAC members

Registration: Pennsylvania Association of Nonprofit Organizations (PANO), http://www.pano.org/events.php

 

50 COULD YOU USE HELP AND RESOURCES TO STRENGTHEN YOUR BOARD OF DIRECTORS? 2004-10-04 14:03:35

Then the upcoming “Harvesting Board Leadership: Tools and Tips for Success” workshop in Philadelphia is for YOU!

This one-day workshop is co-sponsored by the Institute for Conservation Leadership, the Environmental Support Center, and Philadelphia office of the League of Conservation Voters Education Fund. The workshop was developed for board members and key staff and is made possible through funding from the William Penn Foundation.

 

• DATE: Tuesday, September 28, 2004
• TIME: 8:30am – 4:00pm
• LOCATION: Arch Street Friends Meeting House, 4th and Arch Streets, Philadelphia, PA
• COST: $25/person, including all training, materials, and lunch
• HOW DO I REGISTER?: For more information about the workshop and to register, please open the attached documents, or visit ICL’s websiteVisit www.envsc.org for more information about Environmental Support Center and its grant programs.

48 IRON OXIDE RESOURCE RECOVERY PROJECT 2004-09-08 14:01:54

From Jeff Frank EPCAMR/OSM Intern:

I am the EPCAMR/OSM Intern here for a twelve week term in the late spring and summer of 2004. Though I have contributed in many ways to EPCAMR, primarily with GIS, I was hired primarily to work, under guidance from the EPCAMR staff, with those watershed groups that have streams and creeks affected by AMD within EPCAMR’s 16-county coverage area. The ultimate goal is to take samples of the matter at the bottom of these affected streams and to have them tested for their iron oxide content for potential resource extraction by Hedin Environmental, Pittsburgh, PA. When processed, there are a number of uses for the resultant product, such as paints and coatings, cement-based products, plastics, paper, and mulch.After much brainstorming by the staff here at EPCAMR, we decided to go with a design using the following materials:”¢15′ extendable pole (used to reach the matter at the bottom of the streams)

“¢Cooler (used to store sludge and water samples)

“¢Ice packs, 3 pk. (used to keep cooler cold while in field)

“¢Tupperware containers (used to collect water extracted from sludge)

“¢Screen (used to place over Tupperware container when extracting sludge from water)

“¢Aluminum forms holder (used to store multiple copies of the Iron Oxide Resource Recovery Project data form)

“¢3 20-ct. quart-size storage bags (into which was put the strained sludge samples)

“¢Family-size Chicken Soup can (used for attaching to the end of the 15′ pole and collecting the AMD matter from the bottom of the affected streams)

“¢Six ¼” x 2.5″ roundhead slotted screws (used to attach the soup can to the pole)

“¢Solder (used to help secure soup can to the pole)

“¢10-pk. floppy diskettes (used to store images taken of sites with digital camera)

“¢8-pk. AA batteries (used for digital camera)

“¢Pencils (used for filling out the data forms in the field)

 

47 2004 Streamside Cleanup Academy Workshops 2004-09-08 13:51:03

Developing a Successful Streamside Cleanup Program Agenda

• ➡ 6:00 p.m. Welcome and Introductions
• ➡ 6:05 p.m. Ensuring the Safety of Your Volunteers
• ➡ 6:15 p.m. Raising Funds and Obtaining Donated Services
• ➡ 6:45 p.m. Recruiting Volunteers and Stewards and Monitoring Your Cleanup Sites
• ➡ 7:15 p.m. Break
• ➡ 7:30 p.m. Disposing of and Recycling Collected Materials
• ➡ 8:00 p.m. Making Your Event an Educational and Outreach Function
• ➡ 8:20 p.m. Case Study
• ➡ 8:45 p.m. Questions and Answers
• ➡ 9:00 p.m. Adjourn

Places and Dates:Oct. 21 – Radisson Penn Harris Hotel & Convention Center, 1150 Camp Hill Bypass, Camp Hill, Pa.

Oct. 26 – Earth Conservancy, 101 South Main Street, Ashley, Pa. (Co-sponsored by Earth Conservancy and Eastern Pennsylvania Coalition for Abandoned Mine Reclamation)

Oct. 27 – Langone Center, Bucknell University, 7th Street & Moore Avenue, Lewisburg, Pa. (Co-sponsored by Bucknell University and Union Conservation District) See the flyer for more informationDeadline to sign up is October 8, 2004.

 

46 PA DEP BAMR Senior Civil Engineer Position Available 2004-09-08 12:03:39

The PA Department of Environmental Protection, Bureau of Abandoned Mine Reclamation in Harrisburg is seeking qualified applicants for a fulltime permanent Senior Civil Engineer General position. The Civil Service Commission will be accepting applications under the Accelerated Exam Program. Because of this, the window of opportunity to apply is very narrow: all applications must be received by the Commission by October 1, 2004. On September 12, the ad at the end of this message will appear in several newspapers throughout the Commonwealth. If you have an interest in applying for this position, please follow the instructions as given in the ad. However, we ask that you do not contact Kelly Nelson until or after September 13, 2004.The PA Department of Environmental Protection, Bureau of Abandoned Mine Reclamation in Harrisburg is seeking qualified applicants for a fulltime permanent Senior Civil Engineer General position. This Civil Service position includes a generous benefits package. Salary range is $42,621-$64,763. The position serves as Project Engineer, performing or reviewing the engineering design of abandoned mine reclamation projects and other associated facilities. Minimum requirements: Possession of a professional engineer’s license issued by the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania or a reciprocal jurisdiction and possession of a valid motor vehicle operator’s license, as issued by the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania. For application information, contact Kelly Nelson by e-mail at ra-epjobops@state.pa.us or by telephone at

717-783-2023. All applications must be postmarked by 5:00 p.m. on October 1, 2004 to be considered for this position. The Commonwealth of PA is an equal employment opportunity employer.

 

45 Memorial Service for the 135th anniversary of the Avondale Mine Disaster of Sept 2004-08-31 15:57:47

There will be a ceremony honoring the 110 victims (including immigrants newly arrived from Wales) Sponsored by the Anthracite Living History Group on Saturday, September 11,2004 from 11 :00 a.m. to 12 noonThe ceremony will be held at the Avondale Colliery Grounds in Plymouth Township. The site lies between Route 11 and the railroad bed of the old DL&W Bloomsburg Branch (now a cinder road).Master of Ceremonies, Bill Best, President of the Huber Breaker Preservation SocietyInvocation by H. Merritt Hughes, Chaplain of the St. David’s Society of Wyoming ValleyNational Anthem & Pledge of Allegiance, followed by Welsh National AnthemWelcome by Joe Keating, Founder of the Anthracite Living History Group, with introduction of officers of the Plymouth Historical Society.Welsh Hymns led by Wes Simmers of the St. David’s Society of Wyoming Valley, assisted by Bill Hastie and Meryl DavisPrincipal address by Robert Hughes, Regional Coordinator, Eastern Pennsylvania Coalition for Abandoned Mine ReclamationThe Avondale Ballad, read by Dick Loomis, with guitar accompaniment by Megan HastieBenediction by Fr. Hugh McGroartyThe Avondale Colliery Grounds are located in Plymouth Township on land belonging to Earth Conservancy. Permission to use the site has been granted by Michael Dziak, President of Earth Conservancy. The Anthracite Living History Group has been assisted by many volunteers in. clearing and preparing the site. Exhibits coordinated by John Dziak will be mounted by the Anthracite Living History Group at the public meeting room of the Plymouth Township Municipal Building. Take Route 11 north of Avondale to the sign for St. Mary’s Cemetery. turn left, take another left into the Municipal Building parking lot. Light refteshments will be served. If weather and road conditions require, the entire service will be held at the Municipal Building. Phone Dottie Kell. Plymouth Township Secretary, at 779-5388 for questions.Directions:

From Plymouth, take Route 11 south past the CrossvalIey junction with Route 29, turn left to the Plymouth Township Recreation Park (the large playing fields and service buildings are visible, with a sign for renting the facilities). Park here. Walk the railroad bed four-tenths of a mile north to the Avondale site.

From West Nanticoke, take Route 11 north, turn right into the Plymouth Township Recreation Park. Park here. Walk the railroad bed four-tenths of a mile north to the Avondale site. From Interstate 81, take exit 164 (Nanticoke and Rte 29 A.K.A the South Crossvalley Expressway). Follow the expressway across the Susquehanna River and join Route 11 South. Turn left at the entrance to the Plymouth Township Recreation Park. Park here. Walk the railroad bed four-tenths of a mile north to the Avondale site. 0

 

44 Coalcracker Culture: Work and Values in Pennsylvania Anthracite, 1835-1935 2004-08-30 15:07:47

by HAROLD W. AURAND

Coalcracker Culture traces the evolution of a distinct regional culture in the anthracite coal fields of Pennsylvania. The study begins by establishing the region’s industrial and social contexts. With a handful of companies controlling over ninety percent of total production, the anthracite industry was one of the most formidable cartels in American history. Overcapitalization, first in the form of excess plant and, later, as a large bonded debt, forced the cartel to maintain low labor costs and high profit margins. It secured the surplus of workers required by its labor policy by recruiting immigrants; as many as twenty-six languages were spoken in the area at one time. As a result, coal region society fractured as each ethnic group strove to preserve its identity and project its influence in the larger community.Recognizing that work provided a diverse population with its only shared set of experiences, Aurand traces the development of anthracite deep mining. He discovers that despite technological innovations, the anthracite miner remained a tool user and retained control of his behavior on the job. But the consequences of mining were brutal; in a very real sense the miner traded his life for a job. The industry’s labor policy funded a precarious standard of living.Aurand then turns his attention to the values fostered by the work of deep mining anthracite. He finds that miners valued the sense of freedom and accomplishment derived from their job. But the price of occupational freedom, physical destruction either quickly by accident or through the slow suffocation of black lung, was steep. Mine workers valued physical toughness for it alone permitted them to cope with their strenuous and dangerous work. The knowledge that they traded their lives for a job generated an overarching fear of losing their income.The prospect of a sudden loss of income encouraged the development of a community-wide support network that was governed by the principle of reciprocity. Focused upon their individual needs, however, they tolerated cheating within the reciprocal relationship. Exploited, they developed a mistrust of others. They internalized numerous allegations of their inferiority while compensating for it by celebrating the overly macho male who never tolerated an insult.Today that culture is widely celebrated. A number of sites about “da region” as the anthracite coal fields are fondly called can be found on the World Wide Web. Local his-torical societies and museums are being formed in unprecedented numbers. Books and poetry expound upon the region and its cul-ture. The celebration, however, seems to be a nostalgic attempt to hold on to what is quickly passing, for the very basis of that culture-deep mining-has ceased to exist for all practical purposes.LC 2002152536

ISBN 1-57591-064-0

Printed in the U.S.A.Jacket illustration: View of the Loree Breaker. Photo courtesy of the Pennsylvania Historical and Museum Commission. Bureau of Historical Sites and Museums, Anthracite Heritage Museum, MG 369.

 

43 William Penn Foundation Schuylkill River Watershed Initiatives 2004-07-29 21:41:41

Announcement of Upcoming Request for Letters of InterestIn the coming weeks, the William Penn Foundation will issue a Request for Letters of Interest for demonstration projects in the Schuylkill River watershed that will foster partnerships and collaborations focused on watershed preservation and revitalization.

The Request will be sent via e-mail to organizations receiving this announcement and will be available online through the William Penn Foundation’s web site.

Respondents must be classified as tax-exempt under Section 501(c) (3) of the Internal Revenue Code and as public charities, under Section 509(a) of that code.

Save the Date

A pre-proposal conference has been scheduled for August 10, 2004 at 10:00 am at the Valley Forge National Historic Park Education Center to provide interested groups an opportunity to learn more about the Foundation’s strategic aims in the Schuylkill watershed. Participation in this session is not mandatory. See below for directions.

For more information please contact Shawn McCaney or Diane Schrauth

Directions: The Valley Forge National Historic Park Education Center is located at Route 23 and North Gulph Road in Upper Merion Township. From Philadelphia, New Jersey and points southeast, via the Schuylkill Expressway (Interstate 76 west): Get off at Exit 327, the last exit before tollbooth. Sign says, “Exit 327 (old exit 25), Mall Blvd.” Make right at first traffic light. At next light make right onto N. Gulph Rd. Go north on N. Gulph Rd for approximately 1.5 miles – just after N. Gulph becomes 2 lane, turn left at traffic light at top of hill into park entrance. >From Pottstown and Reading PA, and points northwest, via 422 east: Get off at “Valley Forge” exit. Make right at the top of the exit ramp and merge into the center lane. Park entrance is straight ahead at the traffic light.

SEPTA Bus Route 125 stops at the Valley Forge Visitor Center, the near-by Sheraton Hotel, and King Of Prussia Mall. SEPTA’s R6 Regional Rail line runs between Center City Philadelphia and Norristown. Bus transportation is available from the Norristown Transportation Center to the vicinity of the Valley Forge Visitor Center. Please check SEPTA’s web site for current schedule and fare information.

Ms. Jacqueline V. Negrón

Administrative Assistant

Arts & Culture and Environment & Communities

The William Penn Foundation

Two Logan Square – 11th Floor

100 N. 18th Street

Philadelphia, PA 19103-2757

215-988-1830

215-988-1823 (Fax)

jnegron@wpennfdn.org

 

42 DEP Requests Proposals for New or Innovative AMD Metals Recovery 2004-07-29 21:23:40

The Department of Environmental Protection is soliciting proposals for demonstration or implementation of new or innovative in-situ or ex-situ treatment or abatement technologies or enhanced metals recovery for acid mine drainage (Bid No. OSM PA(AMD-04).

Letters requesting the Request for Proposal must be received by 2 p.m. on August 16, 2004, and shall be sent to:

Joseph H. Schueck, Chief,

Division of Acid Mine Drainage Abatement,

Department of Environmental Protection,

Bureau of Abandoned Mine Reclamation,

P.O. Box 8476,

Harrisburg, PA 17105-8476,

fax (717) 783-0470

Individuals with questions should contact Joseph H. Schueck, (717) 783-5633.

 

41 AMD and Nanotechnology Initiative From EPA 2004-07-29 11:30:10

Are there any projects being developed that would use nanotechnology to impede upon the formation of acid mine drainage?

Nora Savage @ EPA answered no. She said that no EPA funds are currently being used for research on nanotech AMD remediation. Possible pilot project for some institute of higher learning or not-for-profit group. Perhaps research will lead to nanoscale assemblers that will kill thiobacillus ferroxidans and work to prevent the formation of AMD.

The EPA, Office of Research & Development as part of its Greater Opportunities research program, is seeking applications proposing research on nanotechnology w/ respect to the environment. They will award 3 or 4 grants of up to $150,000/year with a duration of 3 years.

Please Visit the US EPA National Center For Environmental Research or the National Nanotechnology Initiative

Crazier ideas have been funded before by our gov’t.

Jim Mahrer

Eastern Coal Regional Roundtable Coordinator

304-345-7663

304-345-3240 fax

 

 

40 IZAAK WALTON LEAGUE ISSUES REVAMPED CLEAN WATER ACTION KIT 2004-07-29 10:43:42

Gaithersburg, MD (June 16) – The Izaak Walton League has issued its all-new, totally revised and updated Watershed Stewardship Action Kit for clean water advocates and activists.

The toolkit includes a number of fact sheets on wetlands, the Clean Water Act, and watershed action plans. It also provides background on how to develop, fund, conduct, and get publicity for watershed protection projects in local communities. It also includes a list of relevant publications from the Environmental Protection Agency with directions on they can be acquired. Click on this Link to get the “Watershed Stewardship Action Kit”

The toolkit provides citizens the ability to identify and understand the importance and interdependence of many environmental indicators. Users will have the ability to better recognize environmental problems and understand some of the consequences of such things as changes in land use, wetland destruction, or changes in water quality.

FYI from The Eastern Coal Region Roundtable (www.easterncoal.org)

 

39 Phytoremediation of AMD 2004-07-29 10:24:25

The concept of using plants to help reclaim AMD impacted areas through the uptake of metals is intriguing and certainly should be further explored. But, should efforts to remediate AMD impacted areas utilize plants identified as invasive? Water hyacinth, Eichhornia crassipes, is considered among the worst invasive plants in the eastern United States with considerable efforts being undertaken to control its spread in other areas. As for smartweed, Polygonum spp., although there are some native members of this family, many are native to Europe and Asia and considered invasive here. Japanese knotweed is already present in many riparian areas in the Schuylkilll River’s headwaters, displacing the native vegetation and disrupting habitats as these plants become established and spread over time. Previously, I had heard of an individual investigating potential roles for kudzu, considered a noxious weed in Pennsylvania, in AMD remediation.

How can we encourage more research on the abilities of native plants to take up metals? Looking over the links you attached, it appears that duckweed, Lemna minor L., (which does appear to be native to Pennsylvania), was shown to accumulate, in a laboratory, setting selenium in concentrations similar to other plants known to do so. If native plants can be found that can be used in such remediation, it would seem that we should pursue their use over non-native invasives plants that may serve to accomplish phytoremediation, but could also result in the displacement of native vegetation.

Chari Towne

Schuylkill Office

Delaware Riverkeeper Network

To learn more about phytoremediation please visit these sites:

 

International Society of Environmental Botanists

The Charms of Duckweed

The Potential of Phytoremediation Techniques for Selenium Removal

Relayed by the Eastern Coal Region Roundtable (www.easterncoal.org)

 

38 An Urgent Note from DEP Secretary Kathleen McGinty about the Growing Greener II 2004-06-30 20:22:52

Dear Growing Greener Fans:

Just days remain for the Legislature to act on Governor Rendell’s plan to expand and enhance Growing Greener. All of you have heard me speak repeatedly to the many urgent needs that the Governor’s proposal is aimed at addressing: DEP’s part of the original Growing Greener program was overspent in previous years and now is very short of funds; we have 350 years worth of abandoned mine reclamation backlogged; the Hazardous Sites Cleanup Fund (and with it our brownfields program and toxic emergency and remediation programs) are nearly out of money; we have hundreds of millions of dollars in unmet parks, recreation and open space needs; and we are losing three acres of farmland for every one we

succeed in preserving.

Today, I want to underscore the urgency of just the first of these needs.

In numerous press accounts, Legislative leaders repeatedly assert that Growing Greener still has $700 million in authorized expenditures. Here’s the bottom line: DEP will have only $5 million to $8 million in

grant money to support the fabulous work of watershed groups this coming fiscal year. That’s down from a program that has offered nearly $40 million in watershed group support annually.

So the message is this: If the Legislature fails to support the Governor’s initiative, most watershed groups will be left high and dry

this year. We simply will not have the funds to offer.

We at DEP have been like a broken record with this message. But still our warnings seem not to be heeded. We have not been popular in sounding this alarm. But we will be even more unpopular when so many grant applications will have to be denied for insufficient funds because the Governor’s proposal was not passed by the Legislature.

All of us over the years have stood up to celebrate the good work our watershed groups do. Now we need to stand up to ensure the funds are there for our volunteers. The stakes are high for Pennsylvania’s environment and economy.

6/22/2004

 

35 Governor Rendell Unveils 04-05 Budget That Enhances PA’s Quality of Life, Env 2004-02-05 00:07:37

Click Here For Budget Details

 

 

34 New TV Special @ Watersheds to Air on The Weather Channel 2004-01-30 02:20:55

Today, EPA’s Acting Assistant Administrator for Water, Benjamin Grumbles, announced the airing of an upcoming ½ hour television special about watersheds co-produced by the Environmental Protection Agency and

The Weather Channel. After the Storm will premier on The Weather Channel on Wednesday, February 4, 2004 at 8 pm and 11 pm Eastern Standard Time (EST). Additional showings are set for Sunday, May 9th at 8:30 and 11:30 pm EST and Saturday, June 26th at 8:30 and 11:30 pm EST.

“I encourage everyone to tune in on February 4th to learn more about the threats facing our nation’s waters from polluted runoff,” said

Acting Assistant Administrator Grumbles. After the Storm shows the connection between weather and watersheds and the importance of watershed protection. We all live in a watershed and we all have an

impact on our environment.”

The program reminds viewers that a finite amount of fresh water exists on the planet and that everyone needs to take actions to protect water resources. “Over the last thirty years, the nation has done a tremendous job in tacking pollution from large factories and sewage treatment plants,” said Grumbles. “Remaining threats are much more difficult to regulate. When it rains or when snow melts, pollutants from city streets, suburban lawns, and farms may runoff into our nation’s streams, lakes, wetlands, and coastal waters.”

The show highlights three case studies—Santa Monica Bay, the Mississippi

River Basin/Gulf of Mexico, and New York City— where polluted runoff threatens watersheds highly valued for recreation, commercial fisheries and navigation, and drinking water. Key scientists, water quality

experts, and citizens involved in local and national watershed protection efforts provide insight into the problems as well as

solutions to today’s water quality crisis.

Acting Assistant Administrator Grumbles added, “EPA was pleased to team up with The Weather Channel on this educational special. Broadcast meteorologists are considered trusted and effective spokespersons for conveying complex environmental and scientific information to the American public, and millions of viewers tune into The Weather Channel daily for the latest weather updates. Weather events—like droughts, floods, and rain –directly impact the quality of our water resources.

They offer a perfect opportunity for meteorologists to discuss connections between weather and watersheds.”

(Interactive Environment)

In addition to illustrating the environmental implications of weather events, the special provides useful tips on how people can help make a difference. After the Storm explains simple things people can do to protect their local watershed—such as picking up after one’s dog and recycling household hazardous wastes. It also shows how some

communities and private companies are getting involved through low impact development – utilizing rain gardens and green roofs to minimize stormwater runoff.

Viewers are encouraged to visit the EPA web site –

After the Storm for more information about what they can do, including a free brochure about stormwater pollution.

After six months, EPA owns the rights to the special. The Agency intends to make After the Storm available to other television stations and educational organizations interested in broadcasting the show.

 

33 Bush Administration Proposes New Funding for Chesapeake Bay 2004-01-30 02:00:54

By: US EPA (1/27/2004)

President Bush’s 2005 budget proposal will request an unprecedented $10 million for competitive grants to reduce pollution entering the Chesapeake Bay. U.S. Environmental Protection Agency Administrator Mike Leavitt, joined by Maryland Gov. Robert Ehrlich, announced the funding today at the Chesapeake Bay Program Office in Annapolis, Md. “The Bay’s health depends on federal support and the President’s generosity here today demonstrates his serious commitment to a cleaner Bay,” said Maryland Governor Robert L. Ehrlich, Jr. “This funding is a signal of the merit of a cleaner Bay, a message I will continue to take to Washington.”

For the complete story visit:

CBP Funding

 

32 Free 1-day Seminars on the Use of AMDTreat Software 2004-01-30 01:48:52

These seminars are jointly sponsored by the Office of Surface Mining (OSM) and the Pennsylvania Department of Environmental Protection (DEP), and are open to all registered users of AMDTreat and anyone working in the field of mine drainage abatement. No prior knowledge of water treatment is required.

These 8-hour training sessions will begin by providing a background in the chemistry of water treatment, and the types and economic implications of the various active and passive treatment systems modeled by AMDTreat. This background lays the groundwork for the remainder of the session, which will focus on using AMDTreat in real-life treatment scenarios. The seminars will also address how to use AMDTreat to identify the most cost-effective long-term treatment solution.

The seminars are being held at three different times and locations; the first is at the Pottsville, Pennsylvania office of DEP on February 11th, the second at the California, Pennsylvania office of DEP on February 18th, and the third at the Moshannon, Pennsylvania office (formally the Hawk Run office) of DEP on February 19th. Each class will run from 8:30 am to 4:30 pm. Advance registration is required and space is limited.

Additional seminars are planned for the near future, so if these dates and locations are inconvenient or if the classes fill up, there will be other opportunities.

To register, call the OSM, Harrisburg Office, at (717)-782-4036. Additional information on the AMDTreat software can be found at:

AMDTreat

 

31 Sign Up for the Passing Go Training for Watershed Groups in Eastern PA 2004-01-23 11:37:26

The Eastern PA Coalition for Abandoned Mine Reclamation (EPCAMR) will be sponsoring Passing Go in 2004. Co-sponsors of the series of workshops include the Canaan Valley Institute, PA DEP NE Region, Pocono NE RC & D Council, Endless Mountains RC & D Council, PA DCNR Bureau of State Parks the County Conservation Districts of Luzerne, Lackawanna, Pike, Tioga, Bradford, Sullivan, Lycoming, Columbia and Schuylkill, POWR, The South Western PA Passing Go Team (WPCAMR, PA DEP SW Region & Western PA Conservancy), PA DEP-Bureau Watershed Management Section 319 PG and others may follow.

The program was originally developed in South West PA by the PA DEP SWRO Watershed Managers with help from the Western PA Coalition for Abandoned Mine Reclamation, the Western PA Conservancy, Canaan Valley Institute, and the Western PA Watershed Protection Program. The training was then held in the South West region of PA last year aiding over 20 watershed groups with organizational support issues.

Building on that success the Eastern PA Coalition for Abandoned Mine Reclamation is proud to be part of a statewide effort to bring the Passing Go Training to your watershed group. Attached is the brochure for Passing Go. With this training, we are hoping to provide watershed groups the tools they need to exist for a long time. This training is designed for organizational development and sustainability. Even groups that have been around for a while will benefit.

If you are interested, Please see the North Eastern PA Passing Go Training Program Information Packet and Registration Form We will only be accepting about 15 groups and we want you to encourage your group to sign up early. The deadline is February 15, 2003. You will need Adobe Acrobat to open the file. If you do not have adobe please go to www.adobe.com to download the free reader.

 

30 EPA Updates Federal Funding Catalog 2004-01-17 01:03:32

EPA has updated its Catalog of Federal Funding Sources for Watershed Protection.

This catalog is now online easy-to-use, to use, searchable website. The site provides information for watershed practitioners and others on 84 federal funding sources that may be available to help fund various watershed related projects.

The website enables quick interactive searches to find relevant federal funding programs, the level of funding available, the average grant amount, contract information, and other useful background data on the fund. EPA plans to update this site on an ongoing basis.

The catalog is online at Catalog of Federal Funding Sources for Watershed Protection.

 

29 Mudding the Waters, America’s Worst Pollution Presentation Set for Jan 29th 2004-01-17 00:29:20

The Schuylkill County Conservation District will hold a public conservation meeting on Thursday, January 29, 2004 at 7 PM at the Schuylkill County Ag Center Conference Room, Rt. 901, Gordon Nagle Trail, Pottsville.

Dr. Thomas Waters, Professor Emeritus, Fisheries, Wildlife and Conservation Biology, University of Minnesota will present “Mudding the Waters, America’s Worst Pollution”.

Sedimentation of our streams is the most important river pollutant in America, from the standpoint of both quality and economic impact. It is a non-point pollutant and therefore difficult to detect, prevent, and control.

Dr. Waters will discuss the sources, biological effects, and control measures, including the single major procedure that, if fully implemented, can give our country’s streams full protection from this scourge.

Dr. Waters has devoted more than 33 years in teaching and research with scientific specialization in freshwater ecology.

In addition to 61 publications, Dr. Waters has written 5 book; his latest in 2000 titled, Wildstream:

A Natural History of the Free-flowing River.

Come hear Dr. Waters, a special treat for Schuylkill County!

For more information or inclement weather cancellation, call Craig R. Morgan at the Schuylkill County Conservation District at 570-622-3742, ext. 111.

Check out the Schuylkill County Conservation District on the web at:

SCCD

 

28 Pennsylvania Trout Sets the ’04 Keystone Coldwater Conference 2004-01-17 00:00:22

Pennsylvania Trout is pleased to announce the 2004 Keystone Coldwater Conference, to be held at the Penn Stater on Saturday, February 28, 2004.

This year’s conference, “Managing Runoff – Urban and Rural”, will provide many stimulating sessions, covering urban themes such as handling stormwater and sewage and how to deal with development and transportation issues. Rural sessions will focus on problems related to agriculture, forestry, mineral recovery and erosion from dirt and gravel roads.

The Keynote speaker will be Joe Armstrong, long-time Trout Unlimited activist, involved with protecting Valley Creek, an urban fishery, and author of Trout Unlimited Guide to Pennsylvania Limestone Streams. This year’s optional dinner will feature outdoor writer and naturalist Marcia Bonta, presenting “An Appalachian Year.”

The $30 registration fee includes all sessions and a gourmet lunch. Exhibitor tables and poster space is still available. Please see the information below.

For additional information, please call (814) 863-5100 or visit the program website at ColdWater Conservation.

Exhibitor Information:

Table Space:

Non-profit and Government Agencies $25

For Profit $ 125

To register for exhibitor space, please fill out the attached registration form. Exhibitors must also register for the conference.

Poster Session:

Posters are invited from watershed organizations, Trout Unlimited Chapters, and any other group that has a project to share with other participants. No Charge for Posters. Posters should be no larger than 4′ X 5′. Easels will be provided, but you must provide your own poster board. Deadline for submission is February 1, 2004.

Abstracts and titles for posters should be submitted to:

Nancy Eckard, Conference Planner

The Pennsylvania State University

225 The Penn Stater Conference Center Hotel

University Park PA 16802-7005

 

27 Delaware Riverkeeper Network ’04 Schuylkill Watershed Congress Set 2004-01-16 23:34:07

Saturday, March 6th,

Penn State University Great Valley Campus, Malvern, PA

With Watershed Tours, Sunday, March 7th

___________________________________

The Schuylkill Watershed Congress is a gathering of citizens interested in

understanding, protecting and restoring local watersheds and streams.

26 sessions offer a wide variety of topics including:

• Watershed research
• Fund raising ideas for watershed groups
• Watershed education
• Stormwater ordinances
• Shad restoration
• Suburban water quality trends
• Enforcing environmental laws
• Watershed assessment approaches
• Stormwater best management practices
• Understanding TMDLs
• Planning riparian restoration projects
• Usable water quality monitoring
• Retrofitting detention basins
• Bird monitoring…and more! Join us as a representative of your local stream.

Scholarships and & PSU Continuing Education credit available!Visit our website for complete details and registration information:2004 Schuylkill Watershed Congress.Questions? Contact:Chari TowneSchuylkill OfficeDelaware Riverkeeper NetworkP.O. Box 459Saint Peters, PA 19470PH: 610-469-6005FX: 610-469-6025Chari Towne

 

26 Earth Conservancy Donates Land to Huber Breaker Society 2004-01-16 23:12:29

Ashley, Pa – On January 16, the Huber Breaker Preservation Society (HBPS) took a significant step in bringing to life the abundant heritage of the Huber Breaker, when the Earth Conservancy deeded 3 acres of abandoned mine land to the Society for the future home of the Huber Breaker Park. The Huber Breaker Society, EPCAMR, the Luzerne Conservation District, the Delaware and Lehigh National Heritage Corridor and the Earth Conservancy have worked in partnership with residents, civic groups and elected officials to make this transition a reality.“The mission of the Earth Conservancy is not only to reclaim the mine-scarred lands of Luzerne County but, when possible, to help those groups that want to reclaim the history of the area,” said Michael A. Dziak, president and CEO of the Earth Conservancy. “By donating this land to the Huber Breaker Preservation Society we are helping the Huber group take that first important step.”“The Huber Breaker Preservation Society has worked tirelessly to get to this point where we can begin the process of calling attention to the important heritage this site holds for all residents of this area,” said Dr. Anthony J. Mussari, president of the HBPS Board of Directors.“The ideas that have been generated for preserving our history can now begin the long process of becoming a reality. Much work is yet needed to bring the museum to life and we welcome and encourage continued support by all those interested in the mining history we share.”Considered at the time of its construction in 1938 and ’39 to be one of the most technologically advanced breakers in the country, Huber employed 6,000 men and boys at its peak and processed more than 7,000 tons of coal per day. The 65-year-old site is eligible for National Register of Historic Places status. The 3 acre site being turned over to the HBPS will become a park overlooking the Huber Breaker. Eventual plans include interpretive signage that was conceptually designed by the Luzerne Conservation District’s District Manager, Walt Chamberlain,and a museum highlighting the influential coal-mining history of the area and the restoration of the breaker itself.EPCAMR has provided funding over the last few years to the Huber Breaker Preservation Society to produce full-color brochures about the Breaker to increase their publicity and outreach efforts as well as a way to increase their general membership in the organization. EPCAMR also provided $3000 to the HBPS to reclaim a major portion of the 3 acres that was deeded to them by the EC that will eventually become the Park and Recreation Area in front of the Breaker.“As a site eligible for inclusion in the National Register of Historic Places register, it is important that each of us do what we can to help this project succeed,” said Rhea Simms, chairperson of the Earth Conservancy Board of Directors and president of Lewith & Freeman Real Estate, Inc. “It is essential for groups such as the Earth Conservancy and the Huber Breaker Preservation Society to work together in preserving our area’s heritage.”While the EC mission focuses efforts on reclaiming mine-scarred lands, it also seeks to assist in the preservation of historically significant components of our local heritage when possible. Preservation and restoration of the Huber Breaker is one such project warranting inclusion in the area’s heritage inventory. Donating the land to the Society will help the group to realize its goal of preserving the Breaker and promoting its importance both locally and in the larger context of our regional and national heritage.The Huber Breaker, a steel and glass structure built by the Blue Coal Corporation to process anthracite, is perhaps one of the most prominent structures in the Wyoming Valley today. Located in Ashley, Luzerne County, it is one of only three remaining coal breakers of its size and type in Pennsylvania. Its vast size makes it is visible for miles, particularly from Interstate 81, bearing testament to the Wyoming Valley’s mining heritage.The largest breaker of its kind, it was built to process anthracite from several local collieries, and used the then-most modern Menzies Cones to separate coal from the waste by-products like culm and silt. The Huber Breaker incorporated technological advancements as well as past architectural milestones that made it useful well beyond the demise of deep mining in our area. This testament of longevity is precisely why the Huber is one of the last remaining coal breakers of that bygone era.The Huber Breaker’s construction was also practical, incorporating the use of numerous large, paned windows in order to capitalize on natural daylight to illuminate the building interior and the tar-coated sheet metal to protect the breaker from the elements. This rust proofing is cited in architectural tests as the reason the building remains structurally sound, making it a candidate for restoration. However, since it’s final closing in 1976, the Huber Breaker has endured the ravages of time. Weather and vandalism have threatened its very existence.The cause to save the Huber Breaker began in the early 1990’s, and the present Huber Breaker Preservation Society (HBPS) has established itself as a 501(c)(3) non-profit corporation, elected a nine-person Board of Directors and enjoys a growing active membership.“Everybody knows someone who is in some way related to this breaker or the mining industry of this area,” Mussari said. “That is why preserving it is so important, and why people should participate in reclaiming our shared history.” The breaker is known to all who live in the area, and it has garnered much citizen support since the formation of the HBPS and its efforts to begin restoration of the site.The cost to fully restore the breaker and transform it into a working museum will cost millions of dollars. This land transfer is the first step in that process.Check out EC and HBPS.

 

25 COALition for a Coal Miner’s Commemorative Postage Stamp Newsletter 2004-01-16 22:09:37

The COALition newsletter publication date has up toward the beginning of the month so the news and activity reports are fresher.

The New Year also means new sessions of Congress and state legislatures, and that means time to start their email campaign to expand support from elected officials. Once again they will be emailing the members of all 50 state legislatures, as well as the US Congress, asking for their support and for action on the coal miners’ stamp.

You can help by taking two minutes to email your own elected officials. Even if you’ve done so before, we need you to do it again as each legislative session starts with a blank slate.

All you need to do is visit our homepage at www.coalminerstamp.com

We need volunteers, now more than ever, to contact their state and federal elected officials asking for their support for the Coal Miners Stamp. We also need people to send us articles, electronic or print, on the COALition’s efforts, as we don’t have Rhea to do the daily web searches.

As most of you know, we are a totally volunteer organization comprised of people with work and family responsibilities. Anything you can do will be greatly appreciated by us and more importantly, by all the coal miners living and dead whom we are trying to honor.

=================================

Rhea Malone

=================================

There is a tribute to Rhea Malone on the website at Tribute to Rhea. If you have memories of Rhea that you’d like included in a scrapbook we are making for her family, please email them to Diane Rooney. If you would like to make a donation for her fund, which will be given to UMWA charities, please mail your check to:

Rhea Malone Memorial Fund

c/o Diane Rooney

300 Third Street #1106

San Francisco, CA 94107

=================================

In the News

=================================

December 1. The Times-News (Lehighton, PA) reported on new construction at the Coaldale Miners Memorial Park in Coaldale. State Rep. David Argall helped secure a $10,000 grant for the revitalization of the park, located on Route 209. The park began some years ago with a historic marker honoring Mother Jones, as well as a bus shelter decorated with historic signs and slogans. In the background are the old wash shanties and the entrance to the former Lehigh Coal & Navigation Company No. 8 mine, which employed more than 2000 people in peak production years. Read the article at: Coaldale Miners Memorial Park.

=================================

Media Coverage

=================================

December 1. The Times-News (Lehighton, PA) published a letter from COALition member Diane Rooney commenting in their recent series, Legacy of the Mines and A Miner’s Story and encouraging readers to contact elected officials and newspapers in support of the coal miners’ stamp effort.

December 4. The Times-News (Lehighton, PA) published a letter from COALition member Rhea Malone on Emma Smith’s Coal Dust Country CD and her efforts to raise awareness for the miners stamp effort.

Please take just a few minutes and write a Letter to the Editor of your local newspaper. There is a sample letter you can use on our website at:Sample Letter to the Editor

.

If your newspaper has published a Letter to the Editor supporting the Coal Miners Stamp, please let us know the details via email to: Editor

=================================

Coal Dust Country

=================================

Promotional activities are underway for the launch of Emma Smith’s new CD, Coal Dust Country. A reminder that Emma will be appearing in early February at the Society for the Preservation of Bluegrass Music of America in Nashville, TN. The jacket of Emma’s CD features the COALition’s logo and background material on our effort. Emma notes, “I will be performing my new CD titled “Coal Dust Country” in honor of all the coal miners out there. The COALition for a Coal Miners Commemorative Postage Stamp has a project to put a coal miner on a United States postage stamp. I knew my song about coal dust country and the miner’s stamp project was a perfect fit.”

The SPBGMA event is February 5-8 at the Sheraton Hotel in Nashville.

You can purchase the CD directly from Emma at Emma’s CD. A portion of the proceeds goes to support UMWA charities.

=================================

Events Happening Now!

=================================

January 17. Anthracite Living History members will present an overview of anthracite coal history and explain the story of their coal mining artifacts and miner mannequins. The event takes place from 2-5PM at the Guardian Elder Care Center, 147 Newport Street, Nanticoke, PA 18634. Contact Loretta Chumura at 570-735-7300 for more information.

January 22-25. There will be a series of events commemorating the 45th anniversary of the Knox Mine Disaster near Pittston, PA. On January 22 events sponsored by the Greater Pittston Historical Society include an exhibit opening, candlelight vigil, lecture by Dr. Bob Wolensky (author of “The Knox Mine Disaster), and an open discussion of the event by survivors and eyewitnesses. The program takes place from 3-8:30PM at the Pittston Hospital Conference Room on the second floor of the Overlook Professional Center, 200 Overlook Drive, Pittston, PA.

On January 24, the Anthracite Heritage Museum in McDade Park, Scranton, will present a special program on the Knox disaster including eyewitness accounts, film and photography, and a new song written about the infamous event. The program starts at 2PM.

On January 25, there will be a mass in remembrance at 9AM at St. Joseph’s Church, Main St., Pittston, PA..

More info at:

Events.

=================================

What Petition Signers Are Saying

=================================

The Online Petition continues to gain signatures. Here are some recent comments:

>From Sondra in Kentucky: My grandfather lost his life in coalmines and my father had to go to work in the mines at age 14 to feed his mom and siblings, as I’m sure so many others did.

>From Joyce in Kentucky: My Mother’s grandfather died in a Slate Fall in a coal mines when he was in his 70’s. Her father was a coal miner who had to stop working because of Black Lung. My father got his leg crushed in a coal mining accident. My husband had a heart attack while working in the Kentucky Coal Fields. These hardworking men deserve our honor and respect.

>From Marianne in Pennsylvania: I’m proud to be the granddaughter, great-granddaughter, grand-niece and cousin of coal miners of western Pennsylvania. I’m forwarding the link to this site to other cousins who share that heritage, as I know they too will support this effort.

=================================

Mining History

=================================

The Knox Mine Disaster, near Pittston, PA, took place on January 22, 1959. It took the lives of 12 miners, as well as the remaining life of the coal industry in the Wyoming Valley. As this is the 45th anniversary, Knox is rightly in the news this month. An excellent summary of this event by Dr. Bob Wolensky can be read at:

Knox Mine Disaster History

This month is also the 100th anniversary of the Harwick mine disaster, which took place January 25, 1904 in Cheswick, PA (Allegheny County). The explosion took the lives of 179 miners. Harwick was an American mining melting pot: Miners of English, Hungarian, Irish, Italian, Polish, Scots, Swedish, Welsh, and American nativity lost their lives. They ranged in age from 16 to 58. Read historic documents on this event, including the mine inspector’s report and casualty list, at:

Harwick Mine Disaster

The Harwick Mine Disaster prompted Pittsburgh steelmaker Andrew Carnegie to establish the Carnegie Hero Fund to recognize ordinary citizens who perform extraordinary acts of heroism, as two of the victims had entered the mine after the explosion in ill-fated rescue attempts. Within three months of the disaster, Carnegie had set aside $5 million under the care of a commission to recognize “civilization’s heroes” and to provide financial assistance for those disabled and the dependents of those killed helping others. More at:

Carnegie Hero Fund

Are you looking for info on coal mining museums and monuments for upcoming travel? The Mine Safety and Health Administration has an excellent listing by state. Access it on the web at:

MSHA Museums and Monuments.

Thanks for reading this issue. If you have a coal miner’s story or other material you would like to share with us, please email us at:info@coalminerstamp.com

 

24  Finding and Choosing Environmental Education Materials 2004-01-16 21:16:16

SLIPPERY ROCK, PA – Module II: Finding and Choosing Environmental Education Materials, part of the Essentials of Environmental Education for Pennsylvania series, is now available from the Pennsylvania Center for Environmental Education (PCEE).

The primary goal of this publication is to provide information on how to use basic technical skills to locate environmental education (EE) resources. Module II examines numerous tools used to choose and evaluate EE materials and offers information (including Web site links) on PA and national EE resources.

Topics in this module include:

• Locating and using EE resources on the Internet
• Selecting appropriate EE materials
• Information on PA, community and national resources
• Examples of EE Internet search termsFinding and Choosing Environmental Education Materials is one of three modules being developed by the center to enhance professional development in the state.Module I: The History & Philosophy of Environmental Education is also currently available.Module III: Teaching About Environmental Issues is in development. All modules are appropriate for non-formal and formal educators as well as students in pre-service teacher preparation programs.For more information on the Essentials of EE project or to obtain copies of the modules, contact the PCEE at pcee@sru.edu or 724-738-4555, or visit the PCEE Web site at PCEEand click on “Essentials of EE” under “Resources for EE.”Editor’s Contact: Carrie Hartz, Project Manager, PCEE724-738-4527Carrie Hartz

23 ECO/EPA Community Intern Program funded by EPA/OEJ 2004-01-10 02:42:59

ECO is currently accepting project applications for summer 2004

Community Intern Program from grassroots, nonprofit community organizations across the country. Since the program was created in 2000, more than 100 students have interned directly with community organizations and experienced environmental issues at a grassroots

level.

After the applications are reviewed, 40 community organizations will be selected to receive a student intern from ECO. These interns will receive a $450 per week stipend, plus $500 for relocation or project travel.

The application deadline is January 30, 2004.Download the application

Click Here For DetailsOrganizations can also view the program announcement at this site, as well as more

information on this program. The Community Intern Program is for local, grassroots, non-profit, community organizations only. Tribal and local governments, colleges, universities, or other educational institutions

are not eligible to apply. The Community Intern Program is available each year, generously funded by the OEJ.

Josephine D. XiongInternship Program Coordinator179 South Street, 5th FloorBoston, MA 02111ph: 617-426-4783, x142fax: 617-426-8159

 

22 Five-Star Restoration Challenge Grants 2004-01-10 02:27:17

The National Association of Counties, the National Fish and Wildlife Foundation and the Wildlife Habitat Council, in cooperation with the EPA, the Community-Based Restoration Program within NOAA Fisheries, and other sponsors (e.g., Office of Surface Mining), are soliciting applications for the Five-Star Restoration Challenge Grant Program.

The Five-Star Program provides modest financial assistance on a competitive basis to support community-based wetland, riparian and coastal habitat restoration projects that build diverse partnerships and foster local natural resource stewardship through education, outreach and training activities. In 2003, 56 projects received grants of, on average, $10,000. Approximately 240 applications were received.Projects must involve diverse partnerships of at least five organizations that contribute funding, land, technical assistance, workforce support, and/or other in-kind services. Preference is also given to projects that meet certain guidelines – for example, projects that are part of a larger watershed or community stewardship effort.

Applications must be postmarked by March 1, 2004. For more information, including project guidelines, please visit EPA’s website, at 5-Star Restoration Challenge Grants

 

21 SRBC & PPL CORPORATION TO PROVIDE NEW STREAMSIDE CLEANUP FUNDS 2004-01-10 02:13:10

Training and Funding Assistance Available To Nonprofits, Municipalities and County Conservation Districts

HARRISBURG, Pa. – The Susquehanna River Basin Commission (SRBC) today announced the availability of funding and training, for local nonprofit organizations to conduct streamside cleanup projects in 2004. The funding and training is part of the Susquehanna River Basin Streamside Cleanup Training Academy and Assistance Program, which is administered by SRBC, in partnership with PPL Corporation, Pennsylvania Department of Environmental Protection and PA CleanWays.The funding can be used toward new or existing cleanup projects to encourage and help others to remove man-made litter along waterways in the Susquehanna basin. The program is funded largely by a grant from DEP’s Growing Greener Program and a generous donation from PPL Corporation.SRBC Executive Director Paul Swartz said, “The Streamside Cleanup Program is intended to educate people on the importance of removing litter from their waterways and to empower local groups and officials to find long-term solutions by addressing the problem of illegal dumping in their watershed.”Organizations interested in receiving up to $2,000 in funding for their streamside cleanup project should submit their requests to SRBC no later than February 13, 2004. Eligible organizations include municipalities, county conservation districts, watershed organizations and other local non-profit groups located in the Pennsylvania portion of the Susquehanna River Basin. Funding request forms are available from SRBC and at 717-238-0423″PPL’s Project Earth Program was established with exactly this kind of community involvement in mind,” said Bob Barkanic, PPL’s manager of environmental management. “Like Project Earth, the Streamside Cleanup program funds and educates groups of people with the purpose of bringing them together and ultimately realizing what Robert Louis Stevenson said of the Susquehanna River – the beauty of the name seemed to be part and parcel of the beauty of the land.”In mid-March, SRBC and PPL Corporation will announce the projects selected to receive Streamside Cleanup funds. Then, those organizations will have from late-March through November 2004 to conduct their streamside cleanups.During the training component of the Susquehanna River Basin Streamside Cleanup Training and Assistance Program, participants will learn the key steps to organizing and conducting a cleanup event. Four training sessions will be held in April 2004:

• April 7, Williamston Inn, Towanda
• April 8, Best Western Eden Resort Inn, Lancaster
• April 13, Clearfield-Days Inn, Clearfield
• April 14, Holiday Inn Express, AltoonaEach workshop will be held from 6:00 to 9:00 p.m., and focus on several key issues:
• How to raise funds and obtain donated services
• How to recruit volunteers
• How to ensure the safety of your volunteers
• How to dispose of and recycle collected materials
• How to highlight the educational and community outreach benefits of the cleanup
• How to monitor your cleanup sites and dissuade future dumping

Jerry Zona, PA CleanWays Northwest Regional Coordinator said, “These workshops are great opportunities for anyone who is interested in learning about the simple things they can do to clean up their environment and get involved as active stewards for their communities.”The Susquehanna River Basin Commission is the governing agency established by the federal government and the states of New York, Pennsylvania and Maryland to protect and wisely manage the water resources of the Susquehanna River Basin. The Susquehanna River starts in Cooperstown, N.Y., and flows 444 miles to Havre de Grace, Md., where the river meets the Chesapeake Bay.CONTACTS:

• Mattie BuskirkSRBC Marketing and Communications SpecialistOffice: (717) 238-0423, x304Connie WalkerPPL Corporate CommunicationsOffice: (610) 774-4256Jerry ZonaPA CleanWays Northwest Regional CoordinatorOffice: (717) 654-2129

19 Finding and Choosing Environmental Education Materials 2004-01-10 01:52:11

SLIPPERY ROCK, PA – Module II: Finding and Choosing Environmental Education Materials, part of the Essentials of Environmental Education for Pennsylvania series, is now available from the Pennsylvania Center for Environmental Education (PCEE).

The primary goal of this publication is to provide information on how to use basic technical skills to locate environmental education (EE) resources. Module II examines numerous tools used to choose and evaluate EE materials and offers information (including Web site links) on PA and national EE resources.Topics in this module include:

* Locating and using EE resources on the Internet

* Selecting appropriate EE materials

* Information on PA, community and national resources

* Examples of EE Internet search termsFinding and Choosing Environmental Education Materials is one of three modules being developed by the center to enhance professional development in the state. Module I: The History & Philosophy of Environmental Education is also currently available, while Module III: Teaching About Environmental Issues is in development.All modules are appropriate for non-formal and formal educators as well as students in pre-service teacher preparation programs. For more information on the Essentials of EE project or to obtain copies of the modules, contact the PCEE at PCEE or 724-738-4555, or visit the PCEE Web site at PCEE and click on “Essentials of EE” under “Resources for EE.”Editor’s Contact:Carrie HartzProject ManagerPCEE724-738-4527

 

17  Audenreid AMD Tunnel RFPs Being Sought by the SCD 2004-01-10 01:26:15

The Schuylkill Conservation District is requesting proposals for engineering services for the Audenreid Mine Tunnel Abandoned Mine Drainage (AMD) Abatement Project, funded by an EPA-319 Nonpoint Source Pollution Grant. Proposals will be accepted for the work listed, but not necessarily limited to: site basemap development, conceptual design details, and alternatives, final system design, project permitting package, construction bid package, construction oversight, as-built site plans, and operations and maintenance manual for the abandoned mine drainage treatment system. The project site is located approximately 2.6 miles west of the town of Sheppton, East Union Township, Schuylkill County, Pennsylvania.

Proposals will be accepted no later than 4:00 PM Friday, January 30, 2004. Proposals should be sent or delivered to the Schuylkill Conservation District. Refer to page 10 of “Request for Proposals” for proposal requirements and submission guidelines.Also, there is an optional site visit on Tuesday, January 20, 2004 (weather permitting) to the Audenreid Project Site. The site tour will meet at the Schuylkill Conservation District Office, and the tour will leave promptly at 9:00AM. Transportation is on your own, and Four-wheel drive vehicles are required to reach the project site, regardless of the weather!For more information and a copy of the RFP contact the Schuylkill Conservation District at:

Schuylkill Conservation District

1206 AG Center Drive

Pottsville, PA 17901

(570) 622-3742 Ext. 122

Contact: Ryan Koch- Watershed Specialist

 

16 Western PA Conservancy’s WAC Workshop on 2-4-04 2004-01-10 01:04:19

The workshop, entitled, “Key Steps to A Successful Project” will be held on February 4th at 9:30am at the Lycoming County Conservation District.

This presentation is part of a Growing Greener Technical Assistance Grant. The workshop will focus on key subject areas including: project planning, proposal preparation, developing requests for proposals and consultant contracts, and working with consultants.The workshop is designed to give watershed specialists, watershed managers and watershed groups a holistic approach to restoration and long-term sustainability. This is a hands-on, cost-free workshop. Registration is required. The Lycoming Conservation District has agreed to host the workshop supported by the Pennsylvania Association of Conservation Districts (PACD) using their DEP/EPA Section 319 grant for Education & Outreach.  To register, please complete the following information and return it to Kathleen Banski at PACD or fax: (717)-238-7201

Name:

Organization:

Address:

City:

State:

Zip:

E-mail:

Phone number:

Fax number:

 

15 Available! A New Guidance Tool to Monitor and Maintain Restoration Project 2004-01-10 00:44:35

Delaware Riverkeeper Network is pleased to announce the release of the Adopt-A-Buffer Toolkit, Monitoring and Maintaining Restoration Projects. This 133-page manual is designed for local watershed groups, restoration practitioners and volunteer monitors who implement stream restoration projects and who are seeking inexpensive, effective volunteer-based monitoring techniques to assess restoration projects.

Delaware Riverkeeper Network has field-tested protocols with volunteer monitors and is using this Toolkit for the foundation of their own Adopt-A-Buffer Initiative to help monitor over eighty restoration projects in the Delaware Watershed. The Toolkit is packed with useful information and includes a menu of monitoring protocols to choose from based on the type of restoration project implemented and the project goals. In addition, the Toolkit also includes a series of Maintenance Factsheets to help address common issues that can arise at restoration projects.

Monitoring protocols included are a visual assessment (Restoration Project Survey), photo-monitoring, macroinvertebrate monitoring, bank pin and stream cross section monitoring, and a wildlife survey.

A limited number of hard copies are available to local watershed groups who are actively implementing restoration projects at no cost. Others can obtain a hard copy for $15.00 plus shipping or a CD for $5.00 by calling 215-369-1188; or download a free pdf version of the toolkit by accessing the Delaware Riverkeeper Network monitoring link below, scrolling down the page to “Adopt-A-Buffer Initiative” and clicking on “Adopt-A-Buffer Toolkit”.

Delaware RiverKeeper Monitoring

For more information about this initiative, please e-mail Faith Zerbe, the Delaware Riverkeeper Network Monitoring Coordinator or call 610-469-6005

This work was funded by the Pennsylvania Growing Greener Program and the William Penn Foundation.

 

14 OSM Study Finds 3.5 Million Americans Are Surrounded by AML 2004-01-06 14:39:21

On-line inventory with maps, information available

More than 3.5 million Americans live less than a mile from health and safety hazards created by abandoned coal mines, according to a recent analysis by the US OSM.

Nearly 1.2 million live less than half a mile from dangerous high-priority hazards.

Abandoned Mine Land (AML) problems are classified into five priorities, with the vast majority of restoration efforts addressing sites considered either Priority 1 (extreme danger to public health, safety, and general welfare) or Priority 2 (adverse effects to public health, safety, and general welfare). Hazards that often cause death or injury include highwalls, mine shafts or openings, water impoundments, landslides and mine fires. Many such sites become “attractive nuisances” where people come to swim, ride four-wheelers or explore and risk serious or even fatal injury.

In 1977 Congress passed the Surface Mining Control and Reclamation Act (SMCRA) requiring that coal operators reclaim mined lands and assessing a fee on current coal production to pay for the cleanup of mine lands abandoned before the law was passed. The Department of the Interior’s Office of Surface Mining (OSM) is the federal agency responsible for overseeing State implementation of SMCRA, including cleanup of hazardous sites.

“During the past 25 years we have eliminated abandoned mine dangers on over 180,000 acres of mine sites,” said Jeff Jarrett, director of OSM. “But we estimate this is only about 20 percent of the hazards throughout the country. It’s important for people to become aware of the dangers and keep out of abandoned mines while we continue the important job of reclaiming the remaining hazardous abandoned mine sites.”

Last year, OSM began a series of discussions with its State and Tribal partners on what performance measures should be established for the AML program. As a result, OSM and its partners set a goal of reducing “the number of people at risk for Priority 1 & 2 Abandoned Mine Land hazards.” A preliminary analysis was conducted by OSM staff to determine the universe of approximately how many individuals were at risk from Priority 1 & 2 AML sites on State and Tribal lands at the present time.

To estimate the number of Americans potentially at risk from Abandoned Mine Land hazards, OSM staff compared census information for 2000 with OSM’s AML Inventory system. Estimates were compiled by determining the approximate number of people living one-half mile and a mile from an AML site.

OSM’s findings show that nearly 1.2 million Americans live within a half mile of an abandoned mine land site considered a Priority 1 or 2 hazard to health and safety. More than 3.5 million Americans live a mile or less from a hazardous abandoned mine site. At both distances, more people are at risk in the eastern United States, particularly in the Appalachian coal-mining region where there are more abandoned mining sites and denser population patterns.

For example, in portions of Allegheny County, Pennsylvania, near Pittsburgh, thousands of people are potentially at risk from nearby abandoned mine hazards. But the problem is not limited to urban areas. In another county in rural Pennsylvania with a total population of about 80,000, about 13,000 people –16 percent of the county’s population—could be at risk.

In conducting its analysis, the OSM made several assumptions. First, OSM staff decided to use census tracts for the basis of its study. Census tracts are geographically plotted in square miles, or portions thereof. Second, since only the entire population of each tract is known, not the exact geographic location of each person, OSM had to assume the population within census tracts was evenly distributed. Third, OSM assumed that AML sites are geographic points on the ground represented by latitude and longitude; a half-mile north, south, east or west of that point would constitute one square mile.

The study is the initial step in OSM’s analysis of people impacted by Priority 1 & 2 AML sites. OSM intends to further develop its statistical measures in conjunction with other databases to refine its analysis in the future.

The Office of Surface Mining maintains an on-line inventory of known Abandoned Mine Land hazards that States have listed as priorities. Anyone with internet access can examine the Abandoned Mine Land Inventory System (AMLIS) and produce customized maps and information about specific areas. The AMLIS can be found at AMLIS.

OSM’s white paper, “People Potentially at Risk from Priority 1&2 AML Hazards,” is available on-line at People Potentially at Risk from Priority 1&2 AML Hazards or by calling (202) 208-2565.

For additional information about abandoned mine dangers see KEEP OUT!!

Printed copies of a brochure Keep Out, Old Mines Are Dangerous, can be ordered electronically at Keep Out, Old Mines Are Dangerous! or by contacting the Office of Surface Mining, 1951 Constitution Avenue N.W., Washington, D.C. 20240, (202) 208-2719.

OSM’s on-line mine hazard inventory, the Abandoned Mine Land Inventory System, quickly and easily generates maps of known safety and health hazards from abandoned coal mine sites

 

13  New PA Watershed Circuit Riders Join CVI 2004-01-06 14:16:45

Two new Pennsylvania watershed circuit riders bring “smart growth,” facilitation, and environmental policy skills to Canaan Valley Institute

Clearfield, PA.—Two new watershed circuit riders—Adam Fletcher and Haley Sankey—have joined the staff of Canaan Valley Institute and will be working with watershed groups throughout the organization’s Pennsylvania service area, which includes all of the state north to south, and from the Appalachian Piedmont in the east to the Ohio River in the west.

ADAM FLETCHER, a native of LaVale, MD, graduated from Allegheny College in Meadville, PA, with a bachelor’s degree in environmental studies and a minor in geology. Adam brings to his new position a strong academic background in land use, planning, and “smart growth.” Adam spent much of 2002 and 2003 studying growth patterns, potentials, and alternatives in greater Meadville and developed a plan for adopting smart growth patterns for the area.

HALEY SANKEY, a native of Clearfield County, is a graduate of Juniata College, in Huntingdon, PA, with a degree in environmental policy. Haley joins CVI after four years experience working out of the Strasburg, PA, and Springfield, VA, offices of Kleinschmidt Associates, an energy and water resource consulting firm.

At Kleinschmidt, Haley was on the relicensing team where she worked with stakeholders in coordinated efforts to reach licensing agreements for FERC-regulated hydroelectric projects. Stakeholder meetings were held to identify issues and concerns such as recreational use, wildlife management, water quality, and wetland preservation. As a licensing coordinator, Haley gained experience working directly with community members and stakeholder groups. She also brings to her new job with CVI experience in preparing documents such as RFPs, proposals, study scopes, water quality reports, and relicensing documents, a vital skill in the nitty-gritty of getting things done and bringing about positive change.

Adam Fletcher and Haley Sankey bring to CVI their expertise in environmental policy, smart growth, facilitation, and documentation preparation, and other pertinent experience. As watershed circuit riders, they will work with watershed and other community groups to address local concerns and develop creative, science-based, smart-development solutions to environmental, land-use, and economic problems in the area. They will be furthering the mission of CVI and will continue to work with ongoing projects of former CVI watershed circuit rider Stacey Cromer, who relocated in June 2003.

EPCAMR welcomes Adam Fletcher and Haley Sankey to Canaan Valley Institute’s Clearfield, PA office and looks forward to working with them on watershed issues related to AMD across PA.

Canaan Valley Institute (CVI) is a nonprofit, non-advocacy organization that has been working with watershed and other community-based organizations since 1996, for the sustainability of the resources of the Mid-Atlantic Highlands. CVI’s main office is in Thomas, WV. Its regional offices are located in Charleston, WV; Staunton, VA; Clearfield, PA; and Frederick, MD. Visit CVI’s website at CVI.

 

12 Chesapeake Bay PG and the NFWF Announce Grants PG 2004-01-06 13:48:39

2004 Chesapeake Bay Small Watershed Grants Program Request for Proposals and Grant Workshop Schedule

The National Fish and Wildlife Foundation and the Chesapeake Bay Program are pleased to announce the 2004 Request for Proposals for the Chesapeake Bay Small Watershed Grants Program. This program providesmodest awards of federal funds to non-profit organizations and local governments engaged in watershed stewardship activities. For more information about current program priorities and to download an application form, please visit the NFWF website: NFWF

 

Each workshop held was provided an overview of the Small Watershed Grants Program, offered recommendations on what makes for a strong proposal, and answered any questions that potential applicants may have had about this year’s program. In addition, select grant recipients from previous years presented information about their projects. EPCAMR has maintained copies of the grant applications in our office. The Office of Surface Mining has also partnered with the NFWF to

Please contact Jonathan Mawdsley at the Foundation for more information on the chesapeake@nfwf.org or (202) 857-0166).

 

11 Stormwater Management Workshop in Schuylkill County 2004-01-06 00:06:22

Hosted by the Schuylkill Conservation District

Cost: Free—Free—Free—Free

The workshop is paid for by a grant through the Pennsylvania Association of Conservation Districts, Inc (PACD)

When:

Date: January 30, 2003

Time: 9:30-3:30

*LUNCH WILL BE PROVIDED AT NO COST*

Where:

Schuylkill County Agriculture Center (located on the Gordon Nagel between Pottsville and Cressona, next to SIBT)

Purpose of the workshop

This workshop will provide municipal representatives in Schuylkill County with information on effectively managing stormwater in their communities. The workshop will address stormwater management planning, increasing public awareness, ordinances and regulations, methods of financing, and water quality management. Professionals will be available to discuss planning activities, engineering issues, funding resources, and effective stormwater management practices.

Who is the Workshop for?

Municipal officials, municipal public works personnel, stormwater plan reviewers, consultants, civil engineers, watershed associations, and others involved in stormwater management. The workshop will provide information for individuals who are highly experienced or new to the field.

How to register:

Please provide your name(s), organization/firm/municipality you are representing, phone number, email (if applicable), and any specific question or concerns that you would like to see addressed.

Send this information to:

Tom Davidock

Coastal Nonpoint Pollution Specialist

Schuylkill Conservation District

1206 Ag. Center Drive

Pottsville, PA 19549

phone: (570) 622-3742 x120

fax: (570) 622-4009

email: tdavidock@co.schuylkill.pa.us

 

2 6th Annual PA Conference on AMR 2004-04-25

Set for June 9-12 in Western PA

 

1 EPCAMR Uploads AMD Activity/Coloring Book to the Web!! 2004-08-28

What would make the topic of abandoned mine drainage (AMD) appealing to younger elementary students who might not have been exposed to environmental science in the classroom, but have been exposed to the daily images of orange streams and black mountains surrounding their Coal Region communities, you might ask? EPCAMR Regional Coordinator talked with an friend of his who is a cartoonist/artist who works for a large newspaper company in the Scranton area in the graphics design department and asked him to collaborate with EPCAMR on creating an AMD Activity/Coloring Book to reach the students at the elementary school level of education (1st thru 6th grade). Once the Regional Coordinator got his creative juices flowing, out of abandoned mine drainage and abandoned mine land reclamation came these characters that had life to them that could tell the story of how they came to be. The characters have personalities and personas that relate to their behavior in the environment. From the cartoon characters, one can easily judge and determine who are “The Avengers” vs. “The Pollution Posse” .

Teachers and students alike can now download the AMD Avengers vs. The Pollution Posse.