"The Dirt"
A Resource for Local Conservation 
MCCD Welcomes Two Resource Conservationists
Andrew Fenstermacher grew up in southern York county, and studied Environmental Science at Eastern University. Andrew's experience includes an internship with DEP South Central Office in Harrisburg, Monitoring Section of the Division of Water Quality Standards. Andrew worked for Davey Resource Group as an Environmental Technician on Spotted Lanternfly prevention. In his free time, Andrew enjoys the outdoors, especially fly fishing, bow hunting, hiking and soccer.
Janel Fishpaw grew up in California’s Silicon Valley and got her undergraduate at California State University, Monterey Bay. She moved to Maryland and worked at a dredge material containment facility for several years. In 2019 Janel got her master’s degree from Johns Hopkins University in Environmental Engineering and Science and moved from Maryland to Pennsylvania. In her free time Janel enjoys exploring Pennsylvania with her pup, Scout, and spending time outside with friends and family.
Free Homeowner Workshop!
Conservation and Water Pollution Prevention Workshop
Are you looking for ways to reduce stormwater runoff on your property, or to learn more about cost effective and environmentally responsible landscaping practices that can improve your property’s curb appeal, create wildlife habitat and reduce water pollution? Learn helpful tips on tree selection and planting techniques? Or perhaps you are interested in learning about how local communities can implement such practices within their public spaces and downtowns? If so, this workshop is for you! 
 
Montgomery County Conservation District, Penn State Extension, & Ambler Borough's Environmental Advisory Council are partnering to offer a free, virtual “Conservation and Water Pollution Prevention Workshop for Homeowners.”  Designed for a “novice” audience, the workshop will cover topics including:

  • Stormwater management and water conservation for homeowners
  • Rain gardens and rain barrels
  • Stream corridor management practices
  • Erosion and sediment control
  • Bio-retention and rain gardens
  • Lawn-to-meadow conversion
  • Native landscaping & proper tree planting techniques
 
This upcoming two-part virtual workshop will be held via Zoom:

Wednesday, September 23 (6:30 PM-8:15 PM)
Wednesday, September 30 (6:30 PM-8:15 PM)

Attending both workshop sessions is recommended, as each session will feature different topics.
Registration required.
Spotted Lanternfly Update

All of Montgomery County is within the known infestation and quarantine zone. The insect is now in the adult lifestage, as shown on the right, and will begin laying egg masses this fall before dying off with the first hard frost. Penn State Extension is your go-to for Spotted Lanternfly education. Click here to check out their website for more information and to learn what you can do on your own property to control the infestation.
ATTENTION FARMERS & LANDOWNERS: “REAP” the Benefit of Tax Credits for Implementing Conservation Practices
The Resource Enhancement and Protection (REAP) Program is now open for applications! The REAP Program offers tax credits to farmers, landowners and businesses who are implementing “Best Management Practices” that will improve farm production and protect natural resources. The 2020-21 REAP application period opened on August 3, 2020 and funding is given on a first-come, first-served basis. 

There are $10 million dollars available in funding this year. Applicants can receive between 50% and 75% of conservation practice project costs in the form of State tax credits. Eligible projects include (but are not limited to) animal waste storage facilities, barnyard runoff controls, riparian buffers, streambank exclusion fencing, grassed waterways, cover crops, no-till planting, precision ag equipment, conservation and nutrient management plans among others.

If you have been considering any of these projects or practices, now could be a great time to implement them - and receive tax credits for doing so! Interested in learning more? Click here for more information on REAP or contact Abby Reiter at areiter@montgomeryconservation.org or (610)489-4506 x24 
Ch. 102 Design Professionals:
E&S and PCSM Considerations for Contaminated Sites
25 PA Code §92.81(a)(5) states that General Permits may not be used for discharges of “toxic or hazardous pollutants as defined in sections 307 and 311 of the federal act (33 U.S.C.A. §§ 1317 and 1321) or any other substance which – because of its quantity; concentration; or physical, chemical, or infectious characteristics – may cause or contribute to an increase in mortality or morbidity in either an individual or the total population, or pose a substantial present or future hazard to human health or the environment when discharged into the surface waters.” If an applicant has determined through environmental due diligence that the site’s past or present land use or suspected soil contaminants provide a potential for contaminated runoff from the project site, the project site may not qualify for a General NPDES Permit for Construction Activities.

The concerns with contaminants from a Construction NPDES Permit standpoint are ones that have the ability to pollute water; either surface water or groundwater. Projects which have been remediated to the residential statewide health standard for soils and groundwater are considered clean and may apply for a NPDES general (PAG-02) permit. (..continued)
Due to COVID-19, our office remains closed to the public at this time. Thank you for your understanding.
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