Schuylkill Action Network

SAN Agriculture Workgroup Meeting
2024-07-11 10:30 - 12:00 (America/New_York)
Join us for a hybrid 3rd quarter 2024 SAN Ag workgroup meeting
In person at the Berks County Agriculture Center (1238 County Welfare Road, Leesport, PA) or
online via Zoom
Share project updates, upcoming events and outreach opportunities and connect with your colleagues in the watershed.
Meeting agenda (including Zoom connection details) will be shared via the SAN email listserv a few weeks ahead of the meeting.
In-person attendees are encouraged to stay for lunch at the Berks County Fair (just around the corner from the Ag Center) with your workgroup partners!

Invasive Species Scavenger Hunt
2024-06-30 11:00
The Pennsylvania iMapInvasives Program will once again be hosting its annual “Invasive Species Scavenger Hunt”
During the month of August, challenge yourself to identify, search for, and report your findings of five invasive species as part of a special statewide event. A webinar training on Tuesday, July 30 at 11am will highlight the checklist of species and explain how to report observation data to iMapInvasives. After the webinar concludes, resources will be provided to participants on how to identify each of the five species as well as the habitats they reside in. For reference, this year’s species list will include:
Bamboo (any variety) (Phyllostachys/Pseudosasa spp.)
Swallow-wort (any species) (Cynanchum spp.) (syn. Vincetoxicum spp.)
Hammerhead worms (any species) (Bipalium spp.)
English ivy (Hedera helix)
Black jetbead (Rhodotypos scandens)
Participants will be given the entire month of August to search in their local natural areas and document their findings in iMapInvasives for these species, including both presence and absence findings. All participants who complete their checklist (i.e., report at least one presence/absence record in iMapInvasives for each of the five species) will be entered into a drawing to win a prize package of outdoor-related gear and an invasive species field guide. Three lucky people will be randomly chosen as the winners of this year’s event.
If you’re interested in participating as an on-the-ground surveyor, register to attend the July 30 webinar session. Can’t attend live? Register, and after the webinar you will receive a link to watch the webinar at your convenience.
Register for the 2024 Invasive Species Scavenger Hunt.

Jumping Worm Jamboree
2024-06-27 11:00 - 12:00
The Pennsylvania iMapInvasives Program is pleased to be hosting a new survey event this summer called the “Jumping Worm Jamboree”. The event invites natural resource professionals and members of the public to search for and report their findings of invasive jumping worms (Amynthas-Metaphire spp.), species that negatively impact our state’s economic and ecological resources. By participating in this event, individuals are asked to survey in residential settings and natural areas with all findings being submitted to iMapInvasives. This event is scheduled to take place throughout the month of July.
An instructional webinar to discuss the event with details on how to participate will be offered on Thursday, June 27, 2024 from 11:00am-12:00pm. As part of the webinar, Dr. Annise Dobson, Director of Research Programs and Associate Research Scientist from the Yale School of the Environment, will provide a comprehensive overview on jumping worms. PA iMapInvasives Program staff will provide details on how to take part in the event.

Register for the 2024 Jumping Worm Jamboree here.

EPA Webinar: Ecosystem and Human Health Risks from Tires as a Complex Pollutant
2024-06-26 14:00 - 15:15
Check here for more information
Attendees will have the option of receiving a certificate of attendance for live webinars. Acceptance of certificates is contingent on state and/or organization requirements—EPA cannot guarantee acceptance.

EPA ORD Water Research Webinar: Emerging Environmental Impacts of Tire Wear Particles and Their Chemical Cocktails
2024-06-26 14:00 - 15:15
Click here to register

Webinar: Infrastructure Funding for Water Reuse
2024-06-26 13:00 - 14:00
The EPA’s Water Reuse Program is hosting a webinar on June 26, 2024 from 1:00 p.m. to 2:00 p.m. (Eastern time) on infrastructure funding for water reuse. Join the webinar to learn about how programs across the federal government can be used to fund water reuse projects. Presenters will be sharing information from the from US EPA, USDA, FEMA, and Bureau of Reclamation. For more information and to register for the webinar, click here.

Flower Punk Festival
2024-06-21 20:00 - 2024-06-22 02:00
Join Laura and the Storm and collaborating artists at Cosmic Arts Studio (310 E High St Pottstown, PA 19464) for an incredible celebration of the Summer Solstice! Tickets are $20 per person.
Click here to learn more and purchase tickets

Protecting Water Quality On and Around Horse Farms (Webinar)
2024-06-20 12:00 - 13:00
Horse farms have the potential to affect nearby surface water like streams and ponds. Runoff from farms can contain manure nutrients and soil, which are considered pollutants and impair nearby water quality. Join this Lunch and Learn webinar to discover how you can protect surface water quality on and around your farm!
Click here to learn more and register

Webinar: Testing Emerging Contaminant Mixtures in Pennsylvania Private Wells
2024-06-19 13:00 - 14:30
Join Penn State Extension for this free webinar. Despite the growing concern of the occurrence of contaminants of emerging concern (CECs) such as per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS), pharmaceuticals and personal care products (PPCPs), and pesticides in drinking water in the United States, there is limited focus on private wells despite serving over 13 million people in the US and approximately 26% of the population in Pennsylvania. Many CECs are endocrine disruptors that have potential to cause human and/or ecological health effects at trace-level concentrations. This study evaluated potential links between occurrence of CECs in drinking water from private wells and corresponding toxicological impacts. By partnering with the Pennsylvania Master Well Owner Network (MWON), water samples were collected from 70 private wells across PA and analyzed for a suite of PFAS, PPCPs, and pesticides. To assess the potential ecological and human-health impacts of the detected compounds a wide range of cell-based bioassays as well as exposure-activity ratio (EAR) and Toxicological Prioritization index (ToxPi) was used prioritizing CECs, sites, and hazard concerns in these water samples.
Click here to register

2024 Annual Conference of the Pennsylvania Water Environment Association (PWEA)
2024-06-16 08:00 - 2024-06-19 17:00
The 2024 Annual Conference of the Pennsylvania Water Environment Association (PWEA) will be held at the Penn Stater Conference Center, State College, PA from June 16-19, 2024.
This event boasts an average annual attendance of roughly 700 water quality professionals across Pennsylvania.
Click here to learn more and register.

Watershed Land Collaborative + Schuylkill Highlands Cluster Meeting
2024-06-13 11:30 - 14:00
Join us for the SAN Watershed Land Collaborative + Schuylkill Highlands Cluster Meeting at Berks Nature/The Nature Place. This in-person event brings together stakeholders passionate about preserving our watershed land and enhancing the Schuylkill Highlands.
Network, share ideas, and collaborate on ways to protect our natural resources.
Click here to register. Lunch will be provided for all who register.

The Partnership for the Delaware Estuary, which administers the SAN, is committed to providing equal access to information about its programs, events and activities, including document translation services for all individuals. If you require accommodations to participate in this event please contact us at least 1 week before the event.
Any requests for reasonable accommodations or questions about any of PDE’s non-discrimination programs, policies, or procedures can be directed to PDE’s designated civil rights coordinator: Brian Yerger, Director of Business Operations, 110 South Poplar St. Suite 202 Wilmington DE 19801, 302.655.4990 Byerger@delawareestuary.org

SAN Pathogens & Point Source and Stormwater Workgroups Tour
2024-06-10 10:00 - 12:00
Join us in-person at Venice Island Performing Arts and Recreation Center (7 Lock St, Philadelphia, PA 19127) for a tour of the Manayunk Canal and discussion of Philadelphia Water Department’s Flatrock Dam Improvement Project. This in-person event offers a fantastic opportunity to delve into PWD’s ongoing infrastructure rehabilitation efforts to improve water quality, spotlighting GSI at Venice Island Performing Arts Center, the Flat Rock Dam Project and the Freshwater Mussel Reintroduction Pilot Study.
Additional Details:
Metered parking (approx. $6.50 for 2 hours) is available on-site at the Venice Island Performing Arts & Recreation Center and free street parking is available in the surrounding area. We encourage carpooling when possible
Please dress for the weather and wear shoes suitable for walking long distances
Please come prepared to walk along uneven terrain
Coffee and light refreshments will be provided in the morning, but please pack your own water and snacks
Click here to register
The Partnership for the Delaware Estuary, which administers the SAN, is committed to providing equal access to information about its programs, events and activities, including document translation services for all individuals. If you require accommodations to participate in this event, please contact us at least 1 week before the event.
Any requests for reasonable accommodations or questions about any of PDE’s non-discrimination programs, policies, or procedures can be directed to PDE’s designated civil rights coordinator: Brian Yerger, Director of Business Operations, 110 South Poplar St. Suite 202 Wilmington DE 19801, 302.655.4990 Byerger@delawareestuary.org

Pennsylvania Invasive Species: Aquatic Invasive Species
2024-06-07 13:00 - 14:00
Pennsylvania has identified over 150 invasive plants, insects, pathogens, and animals that significantly impact both the environment and agricultural production, resulting in annual economic losses amounting to hundreds of millions of dollars. The Pennsylvania Invasive Species webinar series is committed to addressing this critical issue Throughout the session, we will highlight some of the most problematic invasive species found in Pennsylvania, examine their methods of establishment, and discuss effective strategies to mitigate their spread. By delving into the complexities of invasive species challenges, our goal is to empower communities and spotlight the ongoing efforts led by state agencies. Join us as we showcase ongoing efforts and empower communities to combat this threat. Register here

Tools and Techniques for Increasing Traffic to Your Website and Improve Accessibility
2024-06-06 14:00 - 15:00
Our organizations put a lot of work into keeping our website up-to-date, so how can we increase traffic to our website to more people? Join this webinar, presented by Rob Pierson of Piercing Digital, to learn more about free and low-cost tools to market your website, improve your search engine ranking, and make your website more accessible.
June 6, 2024, at 02:00 PM Eastern Time (US and Canada)
Register Now: Save Your Spot Here

Webinar - Planting for the Future: Native Plants, Green Jobs, and Equitable Climate Resilience
2024-06-06 13:00
Landscapes planted with native, locally-adapted plants have wide-ranging benefits including ecosystem connectivity, soil health, water infiltration, and more. As adoption of native, locally-adapted landscaping grows nationwide, the availability of suitable seed, plant starts, and skilled, knowledgeable tradespeople to plan, install, and maintain these landscapes presents an obstacle. At the same time, harmful effects of climate change are already impacting communities, often hitting hardest for those already impacted by social and environmental inequities. In this webinar, convened speakers will discuss the growing need for skilled workers to grow, plant, and maintain native and rewilded landscapes; opportunities to work toward equity in frontline communities through workforce development and livable wage careers; climate resilience, disaster preparedness, and fostering a “deep bench” of local knowledge and skillsets; and more.
Click here to register

EPA Informational Webinar: Proposed Water System Restructuring Assessment Rule
2024-06-05 13:00
EPA will provide an overview of the proposed Water System Restructuring Assessment Rule (WSRAR) which outlines a framework for states, public water systems, and the communities they serve to evaluate options for restructuring to help ensure safe, reliable drinking water. Water system restructuring changes may include operational changes, upgrades to or replacement of water system infrastructure, interconnection with another system, consolidation, or transfer of ownership. This webinar will identify the primary elements of the rulemaking, key principles of restructuring, and identified topics for public comment on the proposal.
Click here to register

ACAP Ag Conservation Con
2024-06-04 11:00 - 2024-06-06 11:30
Where: Toftrees Golf Resort, One Country Club Lane, State College, Pennsylvania 16803
Registration deadline: May 31, 2024, 11:45 p.m.
Click here to register
This conference is designed for conservation district employees, agricultural conservation professionals from the public and private sectors, and anyone associated with the Agriculture Conservation Assistance Program or other conservation financial assistance programs.
Participants can:
Stay up to date on the Agriculture Conservation Assistance Program and other conservation financial assistance programs.
Refresh basic engineering skills and knowledge on the new job approval authority program.
Learn about upcoming changes to the manure management plan and how to choose the correct plan for agricultural operations.
Improve resource concern identification skills and knowledge of practices to solve these concerns.
Gain essential skills for working with farmers and agricultural producers.
Conference organizers also will offer a variety of field trips enabling participants to explore conservation practices and increase their agricultural literacy. In addition, an evening banquet and awards ceremony will feature Pennsylvania Secretary of Agriculture Russell Redding and State Conservation Commission Executive Secretary Douglas Wolfgang.
The early registration fee of $45 is available through May 10. After May 10, the registration fee will be $55. Participants must register by May 31. Students can register for $30.
Various levels of event sponsorships are available, which include conference registrations, recognition in the banquet program and other perks.
Click here to register

CDRW Farm Bill Webinar
2024-06-03 15:00 - 16:00
Uncover the profound impacts of the Farm Bill on conservation efforts and communities. Join us as we navigate its implications together.
June 3, 2024 at 03:00 PM Eastern Time (US and Canada)
Register Now: Save Your Spot Here

Coalition for the Delaware River Watershed: Farm Bill Webinar
2024-06-03 15:00
Join the Coalition for the Delaware River Watershed (CDRW) in collaboration with the National Audubon Society and National Wildlife Federation (NWF) on June 3 at 3PM for an insightful webinar on the Farm Bill. Delve into the critical aspects of this legislation and its profound implications for conservation initiatives and communities across the nation. Don’t miss out on this chance to gain valuable insights into the Farm Bill and its pivotal role in shaping conservation efforts.
Register here

EPA Water Affordability Needs Assessment
2024-06-03 13:00 - 15:00
You are invited to join EPA for a public listening session on water affordability needs for households and utilities. Water affordability is a growing issue that impacts millions of households throughout the United States. Low-income households are struggling to pay their water bills, and some utilities also struggle to meet rising costs for operations and maintenance and upgrading aging infrastructure.
A cornerstone of EPA’s work to address water affordability will be the development of a Water Affordability Needs Assessment and Report to Congress. The report will characterize the extent and scope of water burden impacts to households and utilities across the country.
This listening session will focus on hearing from communities, utilities and advocacy groups who have not yet been involved in the report’s development. We invite you to share your experiences, perspectives, and ideas regarding these questions:
How are people in your community impacted by water affordability challenges?
What recommendations do you have for how EPA can support communities where households struggle with water bills?
What do you think is important for EPA to understand about water affordability?
Your feedback is crucial as we gather input that will help inform the Report to Congress. Please join us on June 3, 2024, from 1 – 3pm EDT!
Register for the listening session – HERE

Redefining “Disadvantaged Communities” in a New Water Infrastructure Era
2024-05-30 14:30 - 16:00
The Source Water Collaborative is hosting its 4th webinar as part of the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law (BIL) Webinar Series on May 30, 2024 from 2:30 – 4:00 PM Eastern Time titled Redefining “Disadvantaged Communities” in a New Water Infrastructure Era.
Please register for the webinar here.
BIL created a number of opportunities for equitable outcomes for disadvantaged communities in the financing of water infrastructure. The law now requires SRF programs to provide 49% of BIL money to disadvantaged communities as principal forgiveness loans or grants. This allows additional communities that have struggled to access water infrastructure funding to receive the support they need. This webinar will share:
how the SRF programs are given authority to determine what constitutes a “disadvantaged community” and this varies greatly across the country.
how states have ensured their definitions bring about the most equitable outcome possible.
the role public participation requirements had in modifying their definitions.
challenges states have had in implementing the funding.
what clean water advocates can do to help states achieve the most equitable process possible for source water protection in their programs.
Speakers:
Michael Grange, Infrastructure Funding Section Manager for the Utah Department of Environmental Quality’s Division of Drinking Water
Shannon Fisher, Program Manager for the North Dakota Drinking Water State Revolving Fund Program
Marissa Jacobi, Public Health Treatment Program Administrator for the Delaware Department of Health and Social Services’ Drinking Water State Revolving Fund program
Sean Jackson, National Water Campaigns Coordinator for Clean Water Action (Facilitator)
Expected Webinar Audience: The webinar is targeted to states, water utilities, source water protection staff, state BIL funding program staff, source water collaboratives, federal agencies, and other water stakeholders.
BIL Learning Exchange
Visit the BIL Learning Exchange to access recorded webinars and other resources to help water stakeholders use the new BIL funding for source water protection. The Learning Exchange:
Provides information to member networks and others to spur increased use of BIL funding to support source water protection
Highlights types of source water protection and green infrastructure projects eligible for funding
Identifies and addresses barriers for using BIL Emerging Contaminants funding for source water protection
Develops best practices for funding mechanisms to obtain and use BIL funds, and
Highlights case studies or example projects.
Sign up here to receive notification about future BIL-related information and other news from the national Source Water Collaborative.
There is no cost to participate in this webinar. Please share this information with your colleagues.

Redefining "Disadvantaged Communities" in a New Water Infrastructure Era
2024-05-30 14:30 - 16:00
On May 30, 2024, from 2:30 – 4:00 PM Eastern Time, the Source Water Collaborative is hosting the 4th webinar in its Bipartisan Infrastructure Law (BIL) Webinar Series titled, Redefining “Disadvantaged Communities” in a New Water Infrastructure Era.
The Bipartisan Infrastructure Law created a number of opportunities for equitable outcomes for disadvantaged communities in the financing of water infrastructure. The law now requires State Revolving Fund (SRF) programs to provide 49% of BIL money to disadvantaged communities as principal forgiveness loans or as grants. This allows additional communities that have struggled to access water infrastructure funding to receive the support they need.
The SRF programs are given authority to determine what constitutes a “disadvantaged community” and this varies greatly across the country. Many states have forged ahead and have worked diligently to ensure their definitions bring about the most equitable outcome possible and reach those communities most in need. In this webinar, representatives from Utah, Delaware, and North Dakota Drinking Water SRFs will discuss how they approached redefining disadvantaged communities to meet the spirit of the BIL, the role public participation requirements had in modifying their definitions, and the degree to which these approaches have changed their programs. We will also discuss the challenges states have had in implementing the funding, and what clean water advocates can do to help states achieve the most equitable process possible for source water protection in their programs.
Expected Webinar Audience: The webinar is targeted to states, water utilities, source water protection staff, state BIL funding program staff, source water collaboratives, federal agencies, and other water stakeholders. Register here

CERC Webinar Collaborate and Elevate: Building and Maintaining Strategic Partnerships
2024-05-30 13:00
Please join the CERC National webinar, “Collaborate and Elevate: Building and Maintaining Strategic Partnerships,” on Thursday, May 30 at 1 p.m. ET. This webinar will focus on how to identify potential partners, establish productive relationships and collaborate effectively across organizations. This webinar has been approved by ASFPM for 1 CEC.
Please register through Zoom: https://ogilvy.zoom.us/webinar/register/WN_LMnjwBCGTJuIaX5IQ-lg_w#/registration
* Please plan to sign in five minutes early. If you experience a problem, please send a description of the issue (and a screenshot, if possible) to CERCTraining@ogilvy.com. If you have questions, please reach out to fema-ctp-admin@fema.dhs.gov.

Advancing Harmful Algal Bloom Treatment with Microbiology
2024-05-30 11:00 - 12:00
Join the Great Lakes HABs Collaborative for a webinar focused on HABs treatment and remediation through bacteria and their by-products. Contact Connor Roessler at croessler@glc.org if you have any questions.
Speakers List:
Mrs. Brianna Fernando, Research Biologist, USACE ERDC
Dr. Lyndsay Carrigee, Research Microbiologist, USACE ERDC
Learn more and register here

EPA Water Cybersecurity Assessment Tool (WCAT) Training
2024-05-29 14:00 - 16:30
EPA’s Water Infrastructure and Cyber Resilience Division is offering a webinar training for utilities to understand how to use the WCAT tool.
Applications have been submitted for all water and wastewater operators to receive continuing education units (CEUs) for participating in the training. Please check the registration pages for the most up-to-date list of state CEU approvals.
Register Here

Addressing Stormwater Challenges with EPA Technical Assistance and Funding
2024-05-29 13:00 - 14:00
This webinar will introduce water technical assistance (WaterTA) and funding available through the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) to address stormwater-related challenges. Participants will learn about stormwater solutions, including green infrastructure or nature-based solutions, implemented through WaterTA and EPA funding sources.
The webinar will cover the following topics:
EPA’s free water technical assistance programs (WaterTA)
BIL funding through the Clean Water State Revolving Fund (CWSRF) and Water Infrastructure Finance and Innovation Act (WIFIA)
Detailed description of how WaterTA can assist communities in identifying solutions and addressing stormwater challenges from Delta Institute, a WaterTA provider.
This webinar is intended for communities facing stormwater challenges, as represented by utility staff, stormwater program staff, municipal officials, community organizations, and other stakeholders. The content is especially relevant for underserved communities and those that have not previously accessed SRF funding. Click here to register

Healthy Watersheds Learning Exchanges
2024-05-29 13:00
EPA’s Healthy Watersheds Program is excited to announce the second meeting of our new webinar series, the Healthy Watersheds Learning Exchanges. The upcoming call on Wednesday, May 29th at 1 PM EST will feature examples of local implementation of watershed protection from the following speakers. Visit our webpage for more information about this webinar series and use this link to register. Previous webinar recordings may be found on our YouTube channel. We hope to see you there!
Wednesday, May 29, 1:00 PM EST: Local Implementation of Watershed Protection
Heather Amster, NY Department of Environmental Conservation
Emily Baldauff, PA Trout Unlimited
Ana Gonzales, City of Austin, TX Watershed Protection Department
Moderated by Brian Fontenot, EPA Region 6

EPA’s Augmented Alternatives Analysis Workshop: EPA’s Water Infrastructure Planning Tool
2024-05-29 12:30 - 16:30
This is a free, virtual half-day workshop where you will learn more about the decision-making process and engage in discussions with your peers. Utilities should attend this workshop if you are facing a large capital investment and want to learn how to engage your community and evaluate the full range of potential economic, environmental, and social benefits for your project.
Click here to register

Tour the PECO Green Roof
2024-05-22 17:30 - 18:30
Join PHS on an hour-long tour of the green roof at PECO’s downtown Philadelphia headquarters. At 45,000 square feet, the PECO green roof offers stunning views of the city. It includes an observation deck and an “intensive” area featuring large planters filled with native grasses and perennials such as switchgrass, little bluestem grass, Agastache, and Amsonia.
Register Here: Link
Other Tour Dates
June 26, 2024, at 5:30 pm – 6:30 pm
July 24, 2024, at 5:30 pm – 6:30 pm
August 28, 2024, at 5:30 pm -6:30 pm
September 25, 2024, at 5:30 pm – 6:30 pm
October 23, 2024, at 5:30 pm – 6:30 pm

U.S. EPA Small Drinking Water Systems Webinar - Technical Assistance for Lead
2024-05-21 14:00 - 15:30
Join EPA for this 2-part webinar focused on addressing lead in small community water systems. Click here to register
Service Line Inventory Technical Assistance for Small Community and Non-Community Water Systems in Wisconsin
Nearly 2,000 public water systems in Wisconsin, over 90% of which serve a population of 3,330 consumers or less, are regulated by the Lead and Copper Rule and the Lead and Copper Rule Revisions. Many of these small public water systems do not have staff with the technical expertise required to complete a service line inventory, nor the financial resources required to hire someone. This presentation will provide an overview of Wisconsin DNR’s approach to providing service line technical assistance to small community and non-community public water systems. The multi-pronged approach includes hiring limited-term employees to conduct on-site materials inspections at non-transient non-community water systems, and hiring a contractor to provide individual on-site assistance with records review to hundreds of small community public water systems. Successes so far, lessons learned, and collaborative partnerships will be highlighted.

Lead Service Line Identification, Replacement Planning, Community Engagement, and Funding Technical Assistance Programs
This presentation will include an overview of how EPA Water Technical Assistance (EPA WaterTA) can support communities with their efforts to achieve clean, safe, and reliable drinking water. It will then dive into two of EPA WaterTA’s programs focusing on the removal and replacement of lead service lines: the Lead Service Line Replacement Accelerators Program and the Get the Lead Out (GLO) Initiative. Information on how communities can request WaterTA will also be shared
