International Water Association (IWA) December Newsletter

This December newsletter from the IWA showcases many of their accomplishments. For example, if you click on Articles you will find
an enormous number of publications. Just the Sustainability category has about 27 articles in itself. Almost any interest in the
water resources field is represented here. You can also leave comments on any article, and help strengthen the dialogue.

IWA is a worldwide organization with a number of offices, and a great amount of its activity is in cyberspace. This is a very
valuable resource for any water resources professional.

Tim Smith
Sustainable Water Resources Coordinator
Government Web Site, http://acwi.gov/swrr/
Archive Web Site, http://sites.google.com/site/sustainablewaterresources/

Group Spaces: Your Experiences

The European Commission is funding the collaborative project PREPARED: Enabling Change. Over a period of five years, PREPARED will
work with urban utilities to develop advanced strategies to meet anticipated challenges in the water supply and sanitation sectors
brought about by climate change.

PREPARED: Enabling Change

To help facilitate communications, PREPARED have set up their own group work space on the WaterWiki. The group are using this space
to circulate minutes from meetings, presentations, and country profiles.

It was important that the space should be access controlled. Project Management Team member, Bianca Van der Wolf, says:

"We already have a website for public purposes. But the Wiki is being used by the PREPARED partners for sharing documents and
deliverables which are not suitable for public viewing".

The Watch space feature <http://iwawaterwiki.us1.list-manage.com/track/click?u=a578d2ab39eceebc7c8842973&id=ddae8f32a5&e=57c889369e>
has been particularly useful to the group - this lets all members of PREPARED know when a new document is uploaded:

'This is useful as you can see when a page has been updated'.

Would you like to set up a private work space on the WaterWiki?
just contact Victoria Beddow <mailto:vbeddow@iwap.co.uk> , the WaterWiki Community Manager.

Copyright (C) 2010 International Water Association (IWA) All rights reserved.

Did you know we now have over 600 articles on all areas of water, wastewater and environmental science?

We recently met Dr Alireza Yazdani from Cranfield University who specialises in water distribution systems analysis. He says:

"I use the WaterWiki to look up technical water-related terms and topics which cannot be found in Wikipedia and other online
resources ... looking for them in books, papers and other printed matter takes time! so I find the Water Wiki an extremely handy and
reliable information source".

Carbon Dioxide Levels Continue to Rise and Charles Keeling

MAUNA LOA OBSERVATORY, Hawaii — Two gray machines sit inside a pair of utilitarian buildings here, sniffing the fresh breezes that
blow across thousands of miles of ocean.

They make no noise. But once an hour, they spit out a number, and for decades, it has been rising relentlessly.

The first machine of this type was installed on Mauna Loa in the 1950s at the behest of Charles David Keeling, a scientist from San
Diego. His resulting discovery, of the increasing level of carbon dioxide in the atmosphere, transformed the scientific
understanding of humanity's relationship with the earth. A graph of his findings is inscribed on a wall in Washington as one of the
great achievements of modern science.

Yet, five years after Dr. Keeling's death, his discovery is a focus not of celebration but of conflict. It has become the touchstone
of a worldwide political debate over global warming.

http://www.nytimes.com/2010/12/22/science/earth/22carbon.html?_r=2&pagewanted=1&nl=todaysheadlines&emc=a2

EPA Administrator Jackson regarding Her Meeting with 10 U.S. Senators on Chromium-6

WASHINGTON – Yesterday, EPA Administrator Lisa P. Jackson met with
Senators Richard Durbin (IL), Mark Kirk (IL), Debbie Stabenow (MI), Bob
Casey (PA), Ben Nelson (NE), Bill Nelson (FL), Daniel Akaka (HI), Dianne
Feinstein (CA), Jeff Bingaman (NM), and Jeff Merkley (OR) to brief them
on the issue of chromium-6 in drinking water as it relates to this
week's Environmental Working Group (EWG) report.

The following is a statement from Administrator Lisa P. Jackson
regarding that meeting:

"Yesterday, I briefed members of the Senate on chromium-6 in drinking
water supplies as it relates to the recent Environmental Working Group
report. EPA has already been working to review and incorporate the
ground-breaking science referenced in this report. However, as a mother
and the head of EPA, I am still concerned about the prevalence of
chromium-6 in our drinking water.

Today, I am announcing a series of actions that the EPA will take over
the coming days to address chromium-6 in our drinking water. It is clear
that the first step is to understand the prevalence of this problem.
While the EWG study was informative, it only provided a snapshot in
time. EPA will work with local and state officials to get a better
picture of exactly how widespread this problem is. In the meantime, EPA
will issue guidance to all water systems in the country to help them
develop monitoring and sampling programs specifically for chromium-6.
We will also offer significant technical assistance to the communities
cited in the EWG report with the highest levels of chromium-6 to help
ensure they quickly develop an effective chromium-6 specific monitoring
program.

The science behind chromium-6 is evolving. EPA is already on a path
toward identifying and addressing any potential health threats from
excessive, long-term exposure with its new draft assessment released
this past fall. This assessment still needs to be reviewed by
independent scientists as an essential step toward tightening drinking
water standards for chromium-6. Strong science and the law will continue
to be the backbone of our decision-making at EPA. EPA takes this matter
seriously and we will continue to do all that we can, using good science
and the law, to protect people's health and our environment."

Meeting Readout:

In yesterday's meeting with the 10 U.S. senators, Administrator Jackson
described EPA's current chromium-6 risk assessment, which is a review
EPA immediately started in response to new science in 2008 showing a
link between chromium-6 ingestion and cancer. This risk assessment –
which would be the first step to updating the drinking water regulations
– will be finalized after an independent scientific peer review in 2011.
Administrator Jackson told the senators that based on the draft risk
assessment, EPA will likely revise drinking water regulations to account
for this new science. These revisions would only take place after an
independent science panel has verified the underlying science.

Administrator Jackson told the senators that EPA currently requires
testing for total chromium which includes chromium-6. She noted that the
testing does not distinguish what percentage of the total chromium is
chromium-6 versus chromium-3, so EPA's regulation assumes that the
sample is 100% chromium-6. This means the current chromium-6 standard
has been as protective and precautionary as the science of that time
allowed.

Administrator Jackson told the senators that according to the most
recent data, all public water facilities are in compliance with the
existing total chromium standards, but she agrees that chromium-6 is a
contaminant of concern. She also told the senators that people can have
their water tested and install home treatment devices certified to
remove chromium-6 if they are concerned about the levels of chromium-6
in their drinking water.

The administrator concluded the briefing by making the following points
and commitments:

1) While provocative, the EWG report is a self-described
"snapshot" in time and does not provide a full, long-term picture of the
prevalence of chromium-6 in our drinking water. EPA will work with state
and local officials to better determine how wide-spread and prevalent
this contaminant is.

2) Meanwhile, EPA will issue guidance to all water systems on
how to test for and sample drinking water specifically for chromium-6.
This guidance will provide EPA-approved methods and other technical
information.

3) EPA will also offer technical expertise and assistance to the
communities cited in the EWG study with the highest levels of chromium.
This assistance will include providing technical experts to work with
water system operators and engineers to ensure the latest testing and
monitoring is being utilized.

4) Once EPA's chromium-6 risk assessment is finalized, EPA will
work quickly to determine if new standards need to be set. Based on the
current draft assessment, which has yet to undergo scientific peer
review, it is likely that EPA will tighten drinking water standards to
address the health risks posed by chromium-6.

More information on chromium:
http://water.epa.gov/drink/contaminants/basicinformation/chromium.cfm

To track the status of the ongoing risk assessment:
http://cfpub.epa.gov/ncea/iristrac/index.cfm?fuseaction=viewChemical.showChemical&sw_id=1107

Position Vacancy: Director, Scientific Programs and Chief Science Advisor, NOAA, Silver Spring, MD

From
http://jobview.usajobs.gov/GetJob.aspx?JobID=94592531&aid=68690665-201210&WT.mc_n=125

National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration

Job Title: Director, Scientific Programs and Chief Science Advisor
Department: Department Of Commerce
Agency: Commerce, National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration
Sub Agency: National Marine Fisheries Service
Job Announcement Number: NOAA#11-05.NJH

SALARY RANGE:
$119,554.00 - $179,700.00 /year

OPEN PERIOD:
Friday, December 17, 2010 to Friday, March 11, 2011

SERIES & GRADE:
ES-0480-00/00

POSITION INFORMATION:
Full-Time Permanent

PROMOTION POTENTIAL:
00

DUTY LOCATIONS:
1 vacancy - Silver Spring, MD

WHO MAY BE CONSIDERED:
Applications will be accepted from all groups of qualified
individuals who are U.S. Citizens.

JOB SUMMARY:
This position is located in the National Marine Fisheries Service
(NMFS), Office of the Assistant Administrator. NMFS administers
programs for the stewardship of marine ecosystems, including commercial
and recreational use of living marine resources. The program provides
services and products and conducts research to support: fisheries
management; recovery of protected resources; conservation and
enhancement of habitat; international fisheries affairs; fishery
development, trade, and industry assistance activities; and, the
scientific and technical aspects of NOAA's marine fisheries resources
programs.

More information at
http://jobview.usajobs.gov/GetJob.aspx?JobID=94592531&aid=68690665-201210&WT.mc_n=125

USDA Offers Conservation Funding to Organic Producers

From: Environmental News and Announcements

USDA
Release No. 0669.10
Contact:
Office of Communications 202-720-4623

USDA Offers Conservation Funding to Organic Producers
Initiative in its Third Year

WASHINGTON, December 20, 2010 - Agriculture Deputy Secretary Kathleen
Merrigan today announced USDA will provide funding to help organic
producers and those transitioning to organic production implement
resource conservation practices on their agricultural operations.

"Increasing consumer demand for organically grown foods is providing new
opportunities for small and mid-size farmers to prosper and stay
competitive in today's economy," Merrigan said. "The 2008 Farm Bill
calls for this assistance, and we want to help these farmers protect the
natural resources on their land and create conditions that help foster
organic production."

Fiscal year (FY) 2011 marks the third year of USDA's Organic Initiative,
and up to $50 million is available this year for producers to plan and
implement conservation practices that address natural resource concerns
in ways that are consistent with organic production. For example,
organic producers may use the funding to plant cover crops, establish
integrated pest management plans, or implement nutrient management
systems consistent with organic certification standards.

Eligible producers include those certified through USDA's National
Organic Program, those transitioning to certified organic production,
and those who meet organic standards but are exempt from certification
because their gross annual organic sales are less than $5,000. In FY
2010, NRCS obligated nearly $24 million through the Organic Initiative
to help producers implement conservation practices.

Organic Initiative funding is provided through the Environmental Quality
Incentives Program (EQIP), a voluntary conservation program administered
by USDA's Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS) that promotes
agricultural production and environmental quality as compatible national
goals. The 2008 Farm Bill provided for assistance specifically for
organic farm operations and those converting to organic production.

Under Organic Initiative contracts, producers are paid 75 percent of the
cost for the organic conservation measures they implement. Beginning,
limited resource, and socially disadvantaged producers are paid 90
percent. The program provides up to $20,000 per year per person or legal
entity, with a maximum total of $80,000 over six years.

Producers interested in applying for Organic Initiative funding must
submit applications through their local NRCS Service Center, which can
be located through the Web site at
http://offices.sc.egov.usda.gov/locator/app?agency=nrcs. Applications
are accepted on a continuous basis, with the cutoff date set for March
4, 2011.

NRCS is celebrating 75 years helping people help the land. Since 1935,
the NRCS conservation delivery system has advanced a unique partnership
with state and local governments and private landowners delivering
conservation based on specific, local conservation needs, while
accommodating state and national interests.

USDA is an equal opportunity provider, employer and lender. To file a
complaint of discrimination, write: USDA, Director, Office of Civil
Rights, 1400 Independence Ave., S.W., Washington, D.C. 20250-9410 or
call (800) 795-3272 (voice) or (202-720-6382 (TDD).

December Audubon Advisory: Year in Review

 

Audubon Advisory December 2010 Vol 2010 Issue 11 ~ ~ ~ 2 0 1 0    I N    R E V I E W ~ ~ ~   Brown Pelicans, seen here preening on oil boom protecting marshland, instantly became a symbol of the tragedy. Credit: Gerry Ellis   Audubon Responds to the BP Oil Spill Audubon was the first national group to respond with volunteers on the ground. Our response to the oil spill disaster focused on volunteer work, gathering bird data, informing the public on our view from the field, and coordinating with federal agencies. Read more about the emergency response and our ongoing work in the region.     Climate change impacts the Snowy Owl's habitat and prey. Credit: USFWS   Climate Change: Disappointing with a Side of Good News The Senate failed to pass comprehensive climate change legislation, but, with help from your many letters, we were able to fend off repeated attempts to weaken the Clean Air Act. Read more.     The Arctic Ocean's shallow and highly productive sea floor allows bottom-dwelling prey to flourish, creating a buffet for walrus. Credit: USFWS   Protecting the Arctic Ocean from Careless Drilling Earlier this year, we celebrated when imminent offshore drilling was delayed in this sensitive ecosystem. With the moratorium in the Arctic Ocean lifted, Shell Oil is now poised to start drilling next summer. Read more.     Restoring the Great Lakes and Long Island Sound, home to the endangered Piping Plover, are among our highest priorities. Credit: USFWS   Audubon Conservation Priorities Come Down to the Wire The Senate is still considering some of Audubon's legislative priorities as the clock ticks down towards the end of the year. Read more.     This caribou calf, along with hundreds of species of birds and other wildlife, depends on an unspoiled Arctic Refuge. Credit: Florian Schultz   A Look Ahead at a Hostile Environment for the Environment In 2011, we will have to fight once again to protect the Arctic Refuge and other critically important habitats across our country, and to ensure that climate change pollution can be reduced for the health of our children, our families, and our planet. Read more.   Briefly Noted Nominations sought for Land and Water Conservation Fund sites. Audubon chapters testify to stop cell tower bird kills Arctic Refuge Fall Migration Birding Challenge winners announced.   December Mystery Bird Congratulations to Rochelle D., of Webb City, MO, who was randomly chosen from the entries that correctly identified last month's Common Loon, at right. Good luck with this month's challenge, below. HINT: In last year's Christmas Bird Count, 9,647 individuals of this species were reported. The winner will receive a plush Audubon singing bird and will be chosen at random from all entries received that correctly identify the species (NAS employees can play but not win). One entry per person please! Please email us your entry, being sure the words "Mystery Bird" appear in the subject line. Deadline for entering is Sunday, January 9. Photo credits: Common Loon-USFWS, Mystery Bird-Nick Saunders    The Audubon Advisory is published monthly by Audubon's Public Policy Program. 1150 Connecticut Ave NW Suite 600, Washington, DC 20036 (202) 861-2242 | audubonaction@audubon.org