The Municipal EcoLink
An e-bulletin from the NH Department of Environmental Services
April 2014
Find out what's happening in Concordfor free with the latest updates from Patch.
The Municipal EcoLink is a monthly e-bulletin designed to inform you of the latest environmental ideas, trends, grants, rules and more from the New Hampshire Department of Environmental Services (NHDES).
Got Permits?
Find out what's happening in Concordfor free with the latest updates from Patch.
NHDES has updated the "Got Permits?" poster/guide for land development projects, to help quickly and easily identify what type of permit may be needed. Potential applicants are also encouraged to visit the NHDES website to access some easy to use on-line tools to determine if you need a permit. Both the Got Permits? poster and the on-line tools are available on the Land Resources Management Program webpage: http://des.nh.gov/organization/divisions/water/lrm/index.htm
Citizen Science Lecture Series – May 7
The NHDES’s Jody Connor Limnology Center is pleased to offer a Citizen Science Lecture Series. This series aims to provide citizen scientists with current information in the fields of limnology, biology, ecology, wildlife, and environmental science. The 2014 series includes one lecture in the spring, summer, fall and winter in different areas of the state. The New Hampshire Fish and Game Department’s Reptile and Amphibian Reporting Program will be the topic of the spring lecture. On May 7, from 6 to 7pm, Michael Marchand will summarize the reptiles and amphibians that are found in New Hampshire and discuss how citizens can become involved in tracking their distribution and abundance. The lecture will be held at NH Fish & Game headquarters in Concord (11 Hazen Drive).
Criminal Background Checks are now required for Youth Skills Camp Personnel
New legislation became effective in January of this year establishing the NHDES as overseer of a new program to track and require criminal background checks for select staff at youth skill camps. This program is not a licensing program; it requires criminal background checks to be conducted for all personnel who may be left alone with children. The camp owner must obtain these checks and submit certification of completion to NHDES with a $25 fee on a yearly basis (the fee is not required for political subdivisions).
New rules are currently being adopted which define “youth skill camp” as a non-profit or for-profit program with a specific curriculum that has been developed to impart a specific skill to minors. It is taught by one or more knowledgeable and experienced instructors and includes the teaching of sports, the arts, and scientific inquiry. For more information visit; http://des.nh.gov/organization/divisions/water/dwgb/youth-skills/index.htm
NHDES Wetland Program Rulemaking and Process Improvement Effort
The NHDES Wetland Bureau has initiated a significant, multi-year effort to improve the technical standards as well as the operating and decision-making processes used the Bureau. For more information on this effort as well as an up-to-date schedule of listening sessions taking place around the state, visit:
http://des.nh.gov/organization/divisions/water/wetlands/process-improvement.htm
Solid Waste Operator Workshops held on the second Friday of each month.
These workshops satisfy the requirement for continuing education to renew certification. For a complete list, go to: http://des.nh.gov/organization/divisions/waste/swrtas/workshop.htm.
Clean Diesel Project Grants NOW AVAILABLE
NHDES announces the availability of federal Diesel Emission Reduction Grant funds through the Air Resources Division. This is a continuation of the popular federal grant program that began in 2008. To date, NHDES has awarded over $900,000 for projects ranging from idle reduction equipment retrofits to new vehicle purchases. For more information, visit http://des.nh.gov/organization/divisions/air/tsb/tps/msp/diesel-vehicles/index.htm or contact Felice.Janelle@des.nh.gov
Registration Opens for Free Fleet Manager Workshop.
The third biennial Green Your Fleet! is scheduled for June 6 at Lakes Region Community College, Laconia. This free all-day workshop features the latest in petroleum reduction strategies including alternative fuels, vehicles, idle reduction and reducing miles traveled. Fleet managers from throughout the region will discuss their experiences with petroleum reduction, providing tips and best practices. The event offers a large vehicle display, vendor tables, lunch and workshop breakout sessions. Register today! http://www.granitestatecleancities.nh.gov/calendar/2014/documents/green-your-fleet.pdf
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