July 15, 2005
#247
1) Company Withdraws Grand Bay Drilling Plan
2) Forever Wild Commits $15 Million Toward New Land Acquisitions
3) ADEM Emergency Response Numbers
4) Alabama Homebuilders Nationally Recognized Stormwater Program
5) BEN Notes: Alabama Power Foundation Tree Grants, ADEM 2005 Pollution Prevention Applications, 2005 Vehicle Emissions Testing Schedule, Ruffner Mountain Edible Plant Workshop, Alabama Coastal Birdfest, Wilderness Book Signing, Southern Environmental Center/Princeton Baptist Medical Center Healing Garden
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1. Company Withdraws Grand Bay Drilling Plan
According to the Mobile Register, Colorado-based Duncan Oil Inc. last month withdrew its application to drill an exploratory gas well among the seagrass beds in Grand Bay. The controversial proposal called for moving barges and supply boats through a fragile area, scientists call "one of the most biologically productive" estuaries on the Gulf.
The pine forests that ring the bay represent one of the largest blocks of relatively undisturbed slash pine savanna in the United States, and the bay's submerged grassbeds have been described as among the largest and healthiest in the northern Gulf of Mexico, according to the Register.
To learn more about the history of this issue go to the Alabama Coastal Foundation's website at http://www.alcoastalfoundation.org
2. Forever Wild Commits $15 Million Toward New Land Acquisitions
Earlier this month, the Forever Wild land Trust voted to spend $15 million to pursue the purchase of several tracts for activities ranging from hunting to wildlife watching. The following are descriptions of the tracts:
The Coosa Hancock Tract - Located in Coosa County, the 10,000 acre tract which is already leased for hunting as part of the Coosa Wildlife Management Area contains important mountain longleaf habitat. The area property also straddles two watersheds, the Weogufka and Hatchett. According to State Lands, there are rare communities of flora and fauna and several active and inactive colonies of the endangered red-cockaded woodpecker.
Coldwater Mountain Tracts - These two 20 acre tracts in the Coldwater Mountain area near Anniston and Oxford, also contains mountain longleaf habitat and habitat for the rare pygmy sculpin fish.
Alabama River Cut-off Tract - Located in the Mobile Delta, this bottomland hardwood habitat in Baldwin County will be added to the Upper Delta Wildlife Management Area. Part of the funding for the project will come from a North American Wetlands Conservation Act $1 million grant.
Post Oak Flat Tract - Located in Jackson County, this 3,760 acre tract adjoins the popular Walls of Jericho and is near the Skyline Wildlife Management Area.
To learn more about Forever Wild go to - http://www.alabamaforeverwild.com
3. ADEM Emergency Response Numbers
When you think of the Alabama Department of Environmental Management (ADEM), seldom does the topic of emergency response come up. In most cases, ADEM is the "frontline" agency in Alabama when it comes to responding to emergency spills or releases of oil and hazardous materials resulting from manmade, natural and technological disasters, as well as fish kills. It is a 24 hour/7 days a week job. According to ADEM's latest Environmental Update, the agency responded to 415 emergency response scenarios in 2004. Here is a breakdown of those responses:
Water Program responses - 171
Land Program responses - 215
Air Program responses - 29
For more information about this vital program, contact ADEM at 334-271-7700.
4. Alabama Homebuilders Nationally Recognized Stormwater Program
The Home Builders Association of Alabama (HBAA) is helping protect Alabama's environment through its nationally recognized Qualified Credentialed Inspector (QCI) program. The program which had been recognized by the Environmental Council of the States (ECOS) as an innovation in stormwater management, is being used as a model program in other states.
Since its inception in 1999, the QCI program has trained more than 3000 individuals and companies throughout Alabama. Partnering with the Alabama Road Builders Association and the Alabama Associated General Contractors, HBAA has provided training to the Alabama Department of Transportation, Alabama Power Company, Alabama Gas Corporation, Tennessee Valley Authority and the Birmingham Water Works Board, among other organizations. In 2004, ADEM, CH2M Hill and the HBAA were jointly awarded the National Association of Home Builder's State & Local Governmental Affairs Recognition Award.
For more information about the QCI program, contact Jason Reid at 334-834-3006 or email jasonreid@hbaa.org
5. BEN Notes: Alabama Power Foundation Tree Grants, ADEM 2005 Pollution Prevention Applications, 2005 Vehicle Emissions Testing Schedule, Ruffner Mountain Edible Plant Workshop, Alabama Coastal Birdfest 2005, Wilderness Book Signing, Southern Environmental Center/Princeton Baptist Medical Center Healing Garden
Alabama Power Foundation Tree Grants
The Alabama Power Foundation, in partnership with the Alabama Urban Forestry Association (AUFA) is accepting applications for the 2005 Urban and Community Tree Assistance Program. Over the past six year, more than $300,000 has been distributed in tree grants to 320 Alabama cities, counties, schools and community groups. The deadline to apply for a grant is August 31st. For more information about the grant program, or to obtain an application via mail, please call the Alabama Power Foundation at 205-257-2508. Information and applications are also available online at http://www.alabamapowerfoundation.com or http://www.aufa.com
ADEM 2005 Pollution Prevention Applications
ADEM is currently accepting applications for its 2005 Pollution Prevention (P2) Awards. Pollution prevention encourages businesses and industries to develop and implement practices that reduce or eliminate the creation of pollutants at their source. The application deadline is September 2nd. Application packages can be obtained from the ADEM webpage at http://www.adem.state.al.us or by contacting Gary Ellis with the ADEM Pollution Prevention Program at 334-394-4352 or by email at gle@adem.state.al.us
2005 Vehicle Emissions Testing Schedule
Alabama Partners for Clean Air has released its vehicle emissions testing schedule for "summer 2005." Dates and locations can be found at http://www.alabamacleanair.com/vets.html
Ruffner Mountain Edible Plant Workshop
Mark your calendars - Ruffner Mountain Nature Center in Birmingham will be holding an "Wild Edible Plants" Workshop Saturday, July 23 at 10:00 am. For more info call 205-833-8264 or go to http://www.ruffnermountain.org .
Alabama Coastal Birdfest 2005
The schedule for the Alabama Coastal Birdfest has been released. Make sure to "Save the Date" - October 20-23. Check out the lineup at http://www.alabamacoastalbirdfest.com
Wilderness Book Signing
Author John Randolph will be holding a book signing for his book "The Battle for Alabama's Wilderness" at the Little Professor in Homewood on Weds. July 20th from 11 to 2. For more info call 205-870-7461 or go to http://www.uapress.ua.edu/NewSearch2.cfm?id=133035
Southern Environmental Center/Princeton Baptist Healing Gardens
Birmingham Southern College's Southern Environmental Center and Princeton Baptist Medical Center will be holding a "ribbon cutting" ceremony opening their first healing garden adjacent to the hospital. The event will be held on Monday, July 18th at 9:30 am. For additional details call 205-226-4934 or visit http://www.bsc.edu/communications/news/active/20050713_garden.htm
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