Requesting Applications for 2024 New Hampshire Coastal Resilience Grant Projects

Posted on April 23, 2024 by sally.soule

The New Hampshire Department of Environmental Services (NHDES) Coastal Program is requesting 2024 Coastal Resilience Grant (CRG) applications for projects. For the purposes of the CRG funding opportunity, coastal resilience is the capacity of a coastal community or coastal system to adapt in a changing climate—not only measured by the capacity to “bounce back” quickly from shocks and stresses like storms, but also, and perhaps more importantly, measured by the capacity to “leap forward” by fostering sustained and equitable achievement of community goals and ensuring the social, economic, environmental, and cultural wellbeing of all peoples and habitats over the long-term.

The CRG funding opportunity supports projects that build capacity, advance planning, and develop designs to increase coastal resilience, with specific focus on community and/or habitat resilience. Projects must take place in one or more of New Hampshire’s Coastal Zone communities which include Dover, Durham, Exeter, Greenland, Hampton, Hampton Falls, Madbury, New Castle, Newfields, Newington, Newmarket, North Hampton, Portsmouth, Rollinsford, Rye, Seabrook, and Stratham. Eligible applicants include coastal municipalities, quasi-governmental organizations, non-governmental organizations, academic institutions, and state agencies.

Approximately $100,000 in CRG funding is available. Applicants must request a minimum of $9,000 and no more than $30,000 per project. Funds are made available to the NHDES Coastal Program through the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration Office for Coastal Management, under the Coastal Zone Management Act.

For instructions, evaluation criteria, and to access the Application Form, visit the CRG website. Applications must be submitted using the NHDES Application Form no later than 4:00 pm EDT on Friday, May 31, 2024. An informational webinar about the CRG funding opportunity will take place on Monday, April 29, 2023 at 10:00 AM EDT. You can register for the webinar at this link. A recording of the webinar will be made available on the CRG website.

This funding opportunity marks the eighth time that the NHDES Coastal Program has offered competitive grant funds for coastal resilience projects. Since 2014, 25 projects have been funded throughout NH coastal communities totaling $1,069,747 in federal grant funds and $498,730 in match commitment from grantees. Projects previously funded by the CRG opportunity are summarized on the CRG website.

Questions about the 2024 CRG request for applications are welcome. Please contact NHDES Coastal Program Resilience Coordinator Kirsten Howard at (603) 559-0020 or kirsten.b.howard@des.nh.gov with any questions. Questions must be received by 4:00 PM EDT on Friday, May 24, 2024 and all questions and responses will be made publicly available at the CRG website. Additionally, you may sign up for office hours to discuss project ideas, answer questions, and workshop applications. Office hours will take place with NHDES Coastal Program staff and will be held Thursday, April 25; Wednesday, May 15; and Tuesday, May 28 from 1-3PM EDT. You can sign up for office hours at this link or by emailing Kirsten Howard at kirsten.b.howard@des.nh.gov.

Posted in Watershed Restoration (Impaired Waters) | Leave a comment

2024 PRE‐APPLICATION INVITATION NH CLEAN WATER STATE REVOLVING FUND LOAN PROGRAM

Posted on April 5, 2024 by Katie Zink

NHDES is now accepting Pre‐applications for the 2024 Clean Water State Revolving Fund (CWSRF) for wastewater, stormwater, and nonpoint source projects. CWSRF funding is available for water pollution control, watershed protection and restoration, and estuary management projects that contribute to the protection of public health, water quality and the environment.

An increase in CWSRF appropriations was made available over a five-year period with the passage of the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law (BIL) in 2022. BIL includes the CWSRF base capitalization grant, as well as capitalization grant with supplemental funding, and funds for addressing emerging contaminants.

Deadline for CWSRF pre‐applications: Friday, May 31, 2024.

The 2024 CWSRF Pre-Application is available as an electronic form. The form has been updated to align with the 2024 Ranking Criteria.

New this year, CWSRF Pre-Applications must be signed by a representative from the municipality proposing the project.  For consultants who prepare pre-applications on behalf of their clients, when planning 2024 pre-application submissions, please make sure you allow enough time to incorporate this additional action.

The system requires users to create a self-registered nForm account. The account will allow you, as a user, to save an incomplete form and return to edit it later, share forms and have continued electronic access to the forms after submittal.  Register for an account and access the CWSRF Pre-Application at: Clean Water State Revolving Fund (CWSRF) Pre-Application.

The CWSRF 2024 Ranking Criteria documents are essential to completing pre-applications. Ranking criteria apply to planning and/or infrastructure projects for both wastewater and stormwater:

2024 Ranking Criteria for Wastewater Planning and Infrastructure Projects

2024 Ranking Criteria for Stormwater Planning and Infrastructure Projects

It is important that the pre­application is completed in its entirety, including all supplemental attachments, to ensure the project is accurately scored.

ADDITIONAL SUBSIDY

NH CWSRF plans to offer additional subsidy for projects funded from the 2024 CWSRF PPL in the form of loan principal forgiveness. Principal forgiveness awards are generally a percentage of loan disbursements at the time of the initial principal and interest repayment. Principal forgiveness is available based on affordability score and other special initiatives described below.

Affordability:

The increased funding comes with an increase in the amount of additional subsidy available to NH communities. Once 2024 pre‐applications and all 2023 loan applications are received, NHDES will be able to determine the principal forgiveness available for 2024 projects. This process includes consideration of the number and dollar amount of pre‐applications from the various communities in NH.

NH CWSRF plans to continue offering the following incentives:

Planning, 100% up to $100,000:

NH CWSRF plans to award 100% principal forgiveness, up to $100,000, for wastewater and/or stormwater planning evaluations. Submit CWSRF Pre-applications to be considered for any available funding in this category.

For more information please reference:

CWSRF Wastewater Planning Guidance Document

CWSRF Stormwater Planning Guidance Document.

Asset Management, 100% up to $30,000:

NH CWSRF will award 100% principal forgiveness, or grant up to $30,000, for wastewater and/or stormwater asset management projects. Submit CWSRF Pre-applications to be considered for any available funding in this category.

Please reference the CWSRF Asset Management Guidance Document.

Comprehensive Energy Audit Measure Implementation, 50% up to $250,000:

NH CWSRF plans to award 50% principal forgiveness, up to $250,000, on disbursements for project components that implement recommendations from comprehensive energy audits. Up to $500,000 in energy audit implementation project expenditures may be approved for 50% principal forgiveness. Submit CWSRF Pre-applications to be considered for any available funding in this category.

Loan recipients must apply for electric and gas utility incentives to qualify for the NH CWSRF principal forgiveness. CWSRF principal forgiveness will be calculated on the total project cost (prior to incentives from the electric or gas utility). CWSRF principal forgiveness may be reduced if the combination of the two incentives brings the cost of the project to the loan recipient to less than $0.

Projects for renewable energy (i.e. solar arrays) are only eligible once all energy efficiency recommendations are implemented from the respective comprehensive energy audit.  The energy efficiency measures can be accomplished independently, prior to submitting an application for a renewable energy project, or concurrently on one combined energy efficiency/renewable energy project.

Emerging Contaminants 100% Additional Subsidy/Principal Forgiveness:

NH CWSRF is applying for the 2024 Capitalization Grant to address emerging contaminants. Currently, NHDES intends to focus on PFAS and utilize these funds for loans with principal forgiveness for treatment of landfill leachate from municipally owned landfills that discharge to a municipal wastewater treatment plant. NHDES is also interested in projects that evaluate and demonstrate regional or state-wide solutions to reduce or eliminate PFAS in wastewater residuals.

REMINDERS:

PLEASE JOIN US April 9th-12th for the 2024 Water Infrastructure Funding Workshop.

SAVE THE DATE August 1, 2024, Water Infrastructure Programs Annual Public Hearing

Please contact Kathie Bourret (Kathleen.Bourret@des.nh.gov or 603-271-2902) or Beth Malcolm (Beth.Malcolm@des.nh.gov or 603-271-2978) with any questions.

For more information please visit our webpage: Clean Water State Revolving Fund.

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Town of Sunapee Request for Qualifications for Engineering Services: Perkins Pond Watershed Management Plan

Posted on April 1, 2024 by Katie Zink

The Town of Sunapee, New Hampshire, is soliciting Statements of Qualifications (SOQs) from interested consulting firms to develop a watershed management plan that meets the United States Environmental Protection Agency (USEPA) requirements for nine-element (a-i) watershed management plan to mitigate phosphorus loading in the watershed of Perkins Pond in Sunapee NH.

Perkins Pond has an extended history of high phosphorus and chlorophyll levels, and while we have had minimal Cyanobacteria blooms, we would like to identify the contributing factors for these elevated levels so that mitigation may begin. Perkins Pond also experienced increasing sedimentation at the bottom of the pond and identified that its depth is rapidly decreasing. Additionally, during the past decade, there is a significant amount of accumulated road debris that has been deposited in the pond. In 1939, Perkins Pond was 15 feet deep according to NHDES. It is now just over 9 feet. Understanding the sources and causes of this accumulating infill and road debris is critically important. Current and future potential water quality degradation due to climate change with accompanying increases in precipitation/storm severity and occurrence increase the need to address stormwater runoff issues.

The goal of this project is to address external and internal phosphorous loading as well as the transportation of road debris into the lake to develop a management plan that identifies necessary steps to reduce nutrient, sediment and road debris loading.

Please read the Request for Qualifications of Engineering Services for more information.

Questions concerning this RFQ must be submitted via e-mail to Skylar Hathorn at
skylar@town.sunapee.nh.us no later than 12 April 2024. Any questions about this RFQ raised by an individual/firm will be answered in a summary digest. The summary digest will be provided to those who request to be put on an e-mail list to receive the digest and will be posted on the Town’s website. Please email Skylar Hathron to be placed on the email distribution list.

Due Date: Complete submittals should be sent by email in digital format (PDF) to Shannon Martinez, Town Manager, Town of Sunapee, NH, at manager@town.sunapee.nh.us by 12:00 p.m. EST on 10 May 2024. Please enter Perkins Pond RFQ Submittal as the subject line.

 

Posted in Announcements/Events, General, Hiring a Consultant | Leave a comment

Get your Fluvial Geomorphology Skills Sharpened and Achieve Equilibrium with a 3-Day, Virtual, Short Course with Dr. John Field. Spring and Fall Course Options Available!

Posted on February 27, 2024 by Steve Landry

Field Geology Services is pleased to offer a three-day online short course entitled “Using Fluvial Geomorphology to Improve Stream Restoration and Watershed Management.”  Given the positive response from participants in past years, the course will be offered twice during 2024 – first from April 30-May 2, 2024 and second from November 18-20, 2024.  An optional virtual field trip will follow each short course on May 3 and November 21, 2024.  This course covers the basic principles of fluvial geomorphology and their use in watershed assessments and the design of stream restoration projects.  The virtual field trip will be to the Chesapeake Bay region with additional locations potentially added based on the interests of course registrants.  The course is being organized and hosted by the River Management Society (RMS).  A brief course description is found below with more details available on the RMS website along with registration information and pricing: https://rms.memberclicks.net/april-2024-fluvial-geomorphology (a link to the November course for registration is on this page but the general information other than the dates is all the same).

Feel free to call Dr. Field at 207-491-9541 or e-mail jfield@field-geology.com for further information on registration or course content.  An early registration discount is available prior to March 30th (for the April-May course) and October 18th (for the November course).  An additional discount is available for RMS members (and for those that join during registration).  Please call or email regarding additional discounts for students and groups of three or more.  We look forward to seeing you in one of the courses!  Please pass this announcement to others that might be interested in the course.

Thank you,

Dr. John Field

Using Fluvial Geomorphology to Improve Stream Restoration and Watershed Management

This 3-day short course (from 10am-5pm Eastern Time each day) with an optional virtual field trip will provide an overview of fluvial geomorphology with a thorough discussion of key concepts such as the principles of equilibrium, channel classification methods, channel evolution, and sediment transport capacity.  A number of examples and case studies from New England, the Pacific Northwest, the Chesapeake Bay region and elsewhere in the country will demonstrate how an understanding of fluvial geomorphology can be used in watershed assessments to identify the underlying causal mechanisms for erosion and flooding problems responsible for significant infrastructure damage and environmental degradation.  Additional case studies will be used to reveal common errors made in stream restoration projects when the basic principles of fluvial geomorphology are not taken into consideration. The course will conclude with a discussion of the appropriate settings and conditions within which to employ a variety of widely used stream restoration techniques.  The virtual field trip will visit degraded streams where future restoration projects may be completed and to already completed stream restoration sites in order to illustrate and reinforce the fluvial geomorphology concepts and stream restoration techniques discussed in the course.

The short course will consist of visual presentations, small group exercises, and activities that will provide participants with practical experiences and examples to recognize unstable channel reaches in a watershed and identify the most appropriate stream restoration techniques that will best address the identified instabilities, if present.  The course is designed for government officials, environmental and engineering consultants, construction contractors, non-profit watershed groups, educators, students, and others dealing with flooding, erosion, nutrient loading, and habitat issues along rivers and streams.

Posted in Announcements/Events, General, Grant Match, Hiring a Consultant, Other Funding Sources, Public Involvement/Outreach, QAPPS, Reporting, Stuff that Didn't Work, Stuff that Worked, Watershed Protection (High Quality Waters), Watershed Restoration (Impaired Waters), Watershed-based Plans | Comments Off on Get your Fluvial Geomorphology Skills Sharpened and Achieve Equilibrium with a 3-Day, Virtual, Short Course with Dr. John Field. Spring and Fall Course Options Available!

Please join us on March 29, 2024 for the fourteenth hosting of the 2024 Wild & Scenic® Film Festival at the Bank of New Hampshire Stage (including five days of video-on-demand) or online from the comfort of your home. Tickets on sale now (75 seats already taken!). What are you waiting for?

Posted on January 31, 2024 by Steve Landry

Each year, the New Hampshire Rivers Council brings one of the largest environmental film festivals to Concord. This year, we have more room for everyone at the Bank of New Hampshire Stage!

Friday, March 29, 2024.
Reception starts at 6:00 PM.
Showtime is 7:00 sharp.

Get your tickets NOW by visiting Film Festival 2024 – New Hampshire Rivers Council (nhrivers.org)

If you can’t be part of the big night or want to re-watch the films—there’s good news: your ticket price includes five days of video-on-demand.

This is the fourteenth year that the New Hampshire Rivers Council will host this sold-out event. The Wild & Scenic® Film Festival provides environmentally-conscious organizations with an opportunity to showcase films as a way to reach their communities and inspire citizens to effect environmental change. The Festival offers a way for viewers to get energized and empowered to work in the community and get involved in the Council’s initiatives and other projects.

Do you want to take your support to the next level and see your business or organization logo on all event media platforms and on the BIG screen during the film festival?

The event includes a number of ways to showcase national sponsors as well as local business partners, including a reception. Click here for the WSFF NHRC 2024 sponsorship information and pledge form to learn how you can be one of them.

The ticket cost for introductory film festival-goers (first time members only, please) includes a one-year membership to the New Hampshire Rivers Council and all the associated benefits.

As always, members receive special pricing and can renew when they purchase their tickets.

Hope to see MANY of you at the Film Festival!

Posted in Announcements/Events, General, Grant Match, Hiring a Consultant, Other Funding Sources, Public Involvement/Outreach, Watershed Protection (High Quality Waters), Watershed Restoration (Impaired Waters), Watershed-based Plans | Comments Off on Please join us on March 29, 2024 for the fourteenth hosting of the 2024 Wild & Scenic® Film Festival at the Bank of New Hampshire Stage (including five days of video-on-demand) or online from the comfort of your home. Tickets on sale now (75 seats already taken!). What are you waiting for?

NHDES Cyanobacteria Plan Webinar Announcement

Posted on January 24, 2024 by sally.soule

Overview of the State Cyanobacteria Plan 

On Wednesday, January 31, 2024 at 7pm NHDES will host a webinar to provide an overview of the newly released Cyanobacteria Plan: A Statewide Strategy. David Neils, NHDES Chief Aquatic Biologist, will discuss the major components of the plan and answer questions from the public. The webinar is open to anyone interested in learning more about cyanobacteria.

In November 2023, NHDES released a statewide strategy to prevent the increase of, and eventually control, cyanobacteria blooms in New Hampshire’s surface waters. The plan was required by the state legislature and included input from a 17-person cyanobacteria advisory committee.

Included in the plan are key strategies and goals necessary to curb cyanobacteria blooms occurrences and risks. The webinar will focus on these key strategies and discuss specific action items to achieve the strategies leaving plenty of time for questions and answers.

Please use the following link to register for the webinar: https://register.gotowebinar.com/register/2124137054727556951

Once you register, you will receive an email from the NHDES Watershed Management Bureau with an access link for the webinar.

Posted in Watershed Restoration (Impaired Waters) | Comments Off on NHDES Cyanobacteria Plan Webinar Announcement

REQUEST FOR QUALIFICATIONS Issued by the City of Lebanon for the Mascoma Lake Watershed Management Plan

Posted on January 16, 2024 by Katie Zink

The City of Lebanon is soliciting Statements of Qualifications (SOQs) from interested consulting firms to develop a watershed-based management plan for Mascoma Lake Watershed located in Grafton and Sullivan counties in the central western region of New Hampshire. The watershed-based management plan shall meet the United States Environmental Protection Agency (USEPA) requirements for nine-element (a-i) watershed-based management plan to mitigate phosphorus loading in Mascoma Lake Watershed. Mascoma Lake has experienced increased harmful algal blooms (HAB’s) events in recent years resulting in beach and recreational notices or closure on Mascoma Lake.

Development of an EPA nine key element (‘a-i’) watershed-based management plan for Mascoma Lake Watershed will assess the health of the waters in Mascoma Lake, result in identification of sources of pollutants, and provide a roadmap for mitigation and protection efforts in the future. The plan will address external and internal phosphorus loading to Mascoma Lake and the subwatersheds though development of a management plan that identifies the sources and the necessary steps to reduce loading from each of the subwatersheds within Mascoma Lake Watershed.

BACKGROUND

The Mascoma River Basin Watershed is in Grafton and Sullivan counties in the central western region of New Hampshire. The watershed covers 195 square miles, which includes nine communities and major regional water bodies of Mascoma Lake, Goose Pond, Crystal Lake, and Grafton Pond. The lakes and ponds in the watershed are operated as a unit for storage of water for hydroelectric power and recreation. Based on United States Geological Survey (USGS) data, the usable capacity of the four reservoirs is 1.06 billion cubic feet. Mascoma Lake feeds the Mascoma River the only source water supply for the City of Lebanon Water Treatment Plant. Mascoma Lake is surrounded by homes and cottages and is used for recreational purposes. A dam is used to control the water level in the lake, which also serves to regulate the outflow into the Mascoma River. According to 2023 reports, the flow of the river averages 15.6 MGD with a maximum of 150.2 MGD and minimum of 2.9 MGD.

Electronic copies of your Statement of Qualification should be emailed in PDF format and received no later than Wednesday February 16, 2024 at 4pm to Robert Buras at: robert.buras@lebanonnh.gov Include “Mascoma Lake Watershed RFQ” in the subject line. Alternatively, if unable to submit electronically, two (2) hardcopies must be submitted by the closing date and time to the City of Lebanon, 193 Dartmouth College Highway Lebanon, NH 03766, Attention: Robert Buras and include “Mascoma Lake Watershed RFQ” on the outside of the package/envelope.

See the Mascoma Lake Watershed Management Plan RFQ for more information.

This RFQ can also be found here: Project overview (opengov.com)

Contact Robert Buras at: robert.buras@lebanonnh.gov with questions.

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SAVE THE DATE: NHDES 2024 Water Infrastructure Funding Workshop

Posted on January 8, 2024 by Katie Zink

Save the Date! 2024 Water Infrastructure Funding Workshop

Virtual Webinar Series
April 8-12, 2024

This workshop will include a series of sessions focusing on updates regarding funding programs administered by NHDES. Topics include: program updates, disbursements, lead and copper rule, PFAS, emerging contaminants, asset management, sustainability and more!

The intended audience includes current/future loan recipients, community/financial decision makers, public works directors, city/town managers, commissioners, selectmen, municipal and regional planners, consultants/engineers, operators, and others interested in NHDES-administered funding programs.

Agenda and registration links coming soon.

Cost: FREE

Visit our funding program websites for additional program information:

Please contact the DWSRF program if you have any questions: DWSRF@des.nh.gov

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FB Environmental – Current Opening: Senior Project Manager, Freshwater Science – Dover, NH

Posted on December 14, 2023 by sally.soule

Current Opening: Senior Project Manager, Freshwater Science – Dover, NH

FB Environmental seeks a motivated and experienced Senior Project Manager to join its dynamic team in Dover, NH. As a Senior Project Manager with a focus on freshwater science, this position plays a key role in managing complex projects related to inland freshwater systems, particularly in New England, with an emphasis on lakes in New Hampshire. This client-centered position involves a combination of field and office work, requiring a high level of skill and organizational ability to execute specialized tasks accurately and efficiently. In addition to project management, this role includes business development and client relations efforts, contributing to the growth and success of the company.

Qualifications

Minimum of a BS or BA in Environmental Science, Limnology, Biology, Ecology, or related field, and 10 years’ experience (with at least five years managing projects) OR a post-graduate degree (MS or PhD) in a related field and five years’ experience (with at least 3 years managing projects).

Excellent written and verbal communication skills.

Strong scientific and mathematical skills, including proficiency in data analysis.

Responsibilities

  • Manage and oversee complex projects related to freshwater science, ensuring timely and accurate completion.
  • Direct project support staff and coordinate tasks to meet project objectives.
  • Conduct business development activities as part of a collaborative team effort.
  • Cultivate and maintain client relationships to ensure client satisfaction and project success.
  • Utilize excellent written and verbal communication skills to convey scientific information effectively.
  • Apply scientific and mathematical skills, including data analysis, to support project goals.

Compensation: $75,000 – $90,000 per year, commensurate with experience.

How to Apply: Interested candidates should submit a resume, cover letter, and three professional references to info@fbenvironmental.com. Please include “Senior Project Manager – Freshwater Science” in the subject line.

Application Deadline: Jan 5, 2024 (sooner is better)

FB Environmental Associates is an equal opportunity employer and encourages individuals from diverse backgrounds to apply.

Join FB Environmental Associates in making a positive impact on the environment and contributing to the success of our clients and communities!

 

Posted in Watershed Restoration (Impaired Waters) | Comments Off on FB Environmental – Current Opening: Senior Project Manager, Freshwater Science – Dover, NH

NHDES Request for Proposals – New Hampshire Municipal Roadway Soils Management

Posted on December 5, 2023 by sally.soule

 New Hampshire Department of Environmental Services                                         Nonpoint Source Management Program

Request for Proposal (RFP) 2023–NHMRSM

New Hampshire Municipal Roadway Soils Management (NHMRSM)

The New Hampshire Department of Environmental Services (NHDES) Nonpoint Source Management Program seeks to hire a consultant to perform a due diligence review and develop operational guidelines for materials management associated with non-hazardous roadway soils resulting from municipal roadway maintenance activities such as ditch re-establishment, street sweeping and catch basin cleaning.

This project will research and develop operational guidelines and training for materials management associated with municipal street sweeping and catch basin cleaning. The guidelines will be consistent with State of New Hampshire Solid Waste Management Bureau disposal regulations and will be encompassing of requirements described in the NH MS4 and the Great Bay Total Nitrogen general permits for these activities.

For details about the project and RFP submittal, including communication with NHDES during the RFP period, please use the link below.

NHDES_RFP Roadway Soils Mgmt_2023

Complete RFP packages must be submitted as described in the RFP on January 19, 2024 by 4:00 PM to:

New Hampshire Department of Environmental Services
Portsmouth Regional Office
222 International Drive, Suite 175
Portsmouth, NH 03801

c/o  Sally Soule – Watershed Assistance Section

Sally.A.Soule@des.nh.gov

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