Request for Qualifications: Partridge Lake – Preparation for In-Lake Phosphorus Treatment

The Partridge Lake Property Owners Association (PLPOA) is soliciting Request for Qualifications (RFQ) responses from interested consulting firms to provide deliverables related to planning for in-lake treatment of Partridge Lake for the purpose of preventing cyanobacteria blooms.

Partridge Lake is a 99-acre waterbody located in the towns of Littleton and Lyman, New Hampshire. Partridge Lake is on the NHDES 2022 303(d) list as impaired for Primary Contact Recreation due to cyanobacteria blooms. According to the Partridge Lake Watershed Restoration Plan, 55 percent of the phosphorus in Partridge Lake is from internal sources (benthic sediments).

The PLPOA seeks a qualified consultant to evaluate in-lake management approaches and design a treatment plan to reduce nutrient loading to the lake from internal sources.

Completed RFQ packages are due to Tom Norris, PLPOA, on July 31, 2023, by 4:00 PM (thosnoss@gmail.com).  For additional details about the project and RFQ submittal, please see the RFQ document at the link below.

Partridge Lake Request for Qualifications July 2023

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2024 Watershed Assistance Grants Available

The Watershed Assistance Section is proud to announce funding opportunities for Water Quality Implementation and Planning Grants.

Watershed Assistance Section 319 Grants

Each year NHDES solicits projects to address nonpoint source (NPS) pollution through the implementation of watershed-based plans in priority watersheds. Projects must comprehensively address NPS problems and must have a quantitative way to assess progress and determine success. The watershed-based plan must have a clear water quality goal and include the nine, minimum elements (a) through (i) required by the United States Environmental Protection Agency (EPA). Funded projects must make reasonable progress toward achieving the water quality goal established in the watershed-based plan.

NHDES’ Watershed Assistance Section has released the 2024 Watershed Assistance Grants’ Pre-proposal request for proposals (RFP) to support local initiatives to restore impaired waters or protect high quality waters. Pre-proposals are due by 4 PM, September 15, 2023.

For more information, contact: 

Funds for this grant are appropriated through the US Environmental Protection Agency under Section 319 of the Clean Water Act.

Water Quality Planning 604(b) Grants

Water Quality Planning 604(b) grants are available for water quality planning purposes. The 2024 Request for Letter of Intent (LOI) is now available. An approximate total award amount of $155,000 is available, of that, $25,000 will be prioritized for Designated River Corridor Management Plans. LOIs are due by 4 PM, September 15, 2023.

2024 Water Quality Planning 604(b) Letter of Intent   .pdf Icon

Section 604(b) of the EPA Clean Water Act requires funds to be allocated for conducting water quality planning, including:

  1. Identifying the most cost effective and locally acceptable facility and nonpoint source (NPS) measures to meet and maintain water quality standards.
  2. Developing an implementation plan to obtain state and local financial and regulatory commitments to implement water quality plans.
  3. Determining the nature, extent, and causes of water quality problems in the state.
  4. Determining those publicly owned treatment works which should be constructed, taking into account the relative degree of effluent reduction attained and the consideration of alternatives to such construction.

Other eligible projects that address the above water quality concerns may include but are not limited to: developing corridor management plans for designated rivers; conducting monitoring to address specific water quality concerns; planning stormwater retrofits to address water quality impairments; green infrastructure projects that manage wet weather to maintain or restore natural hydrology; working with municipalities committed to adopting specific model ordinances and/or meeting regulations (MS4 Permits) to address priority water quality planning concerns; and/or developing watershed-based plans in accordance with U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) criteria requiring nine key elements (a) through (i) for watershed-based plans.

For more information, contact:  Andrea Bejtlich (603) 271-8475 or andrea.l.bejtlich@des.nh.gov

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updates to the Cyano Harmful Algal Bloom (HAB) Program

NHDES is using a new bloom report form to track potential cyanobacteria activity. If you see a potential bloom, take pictures and submit it through the form (it will capture your location!). You can find the bloom report form by searching “NHDES HAB”, navigating to our page, and scrolling to the “See a bloom?” section.

If you’re interested in checking if a location has a cyanobacteria alert or advisory in place, check out our updated Healthy Swimming Mapper. There is also a widget to find the bloom report form on this link as well.

You can sign up for statewide weekly updates here, by selecting the “Healthy Swimming Updates” email list.

For questions contact:

Kate Langley Hastings, Cyanobacteria HAB Program Coordinator
Watershed Management Bureau, Water Division
New Hampshire Department of Environmental Services
29 Hazen Drive, P.O. Box 95, Concord, NH 03302-0095
603-848-8094   kate.l.hastings@des.nh.gov
she/her

Current Cyanobacteria Advisories
Cyanobacteria History

General Cyanobacteria Information

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2023 PRE‐APPLICATION INVITATION-Deadline June 1, 2023!

NH CLEAN WATER STATE REVOLVING FUND LOAN PROGRAM

NHDES is now accepting Pre‐applications for the 2023 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.

A sizable increase in CWSRF appropriations has been made available over the next five years with the passage of the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law (BIL). BIL includes the CWSRF base capitalization grant, as well as new capitalization grant with supplemental funding, and funds for addressing emerging contaminants.

Deadline for CWSRF pre‐applications: Thursday, June 1, 2023.

The 2023 CWSRF Pre-Application is once again available as an electronic form. The form has been updated to align with the 2023 Ranking Criteria. 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 2023 Ranking Criteria documents are essential to completing pre-applications. Ranking criteria apply to planning and/or infrastructure projects for both wastewater and stormwater:

2023 Ranking Criteria for Wastewater Planning and Infrastructure Projects

2023 Ranking Criteria for Stormwater Planning and Infrastructure Projects

ADDITIONAL SUBSIDY

NH CWSRF plans to offer additional subsidy for projects funded from the 2023 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 2023 pre‐applications and all 2022 loan applications are received, NHDES will be able to determine the principal forgiveness available for 2023 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 and 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.

Emerging Contaminants 100% Additional Subsidy/Principal Forgiveness:

NH CWSRF is applying for the 2023 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.

REMINDERS:

2022 LOAN APPLICATIONS are due June 30, 2023.  If your community is not submitting a loan application for any of the projects awarded funding on the 2022 PPL, be sure to submit new Pre‐applications for those projects to be considered for the 2023 PPL and financial incentives.

SAVE THE DATE August 3, 2023, 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.

Posted in Watershed Restoration (Impaired Waters) | Comments Off on 2023 PRE‐APPLICATION INVITATION-Deadline June 1, 2023!

NHDES Awards Watershed Assistance Grants-$510,000 Provided to Seven Projects

Concord, NH – The New Hampshire Department of Environmental Services Watershed Assistance Section has awarded seven Watershed Assistance Grants for watershed protection and restoration projects totaling $510,000.

Watershed Assistance Grants focus on nonpoint source (NPS) pollution prevention and reduction. NPS pollution occurs when rainfall, snowmelt, or irrigation waters travel through the ground or across land, transporting pollutants to rivers, lakes and coastal waters. Funding for the program is provided through Clean Water Act Section 319 funds from the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency. Proposals received for Watershed Assistance Grants are ranked based on criteria including: water quality improvement or protection; cost/benefit ratio; local capacity to complete the project; relative value or significance of the water body; priority ranking in the NHDES Nonpoint Source Management Plan; and general quality and thoroughness of the proposal.

Each year the Watershed Assistance Grant program requests applications for projects that will accomplish important work to reduce NPS in the state’s waterbodies. The grant selection process is typically very competitive with numerous proposals submitted for worthy projects. Eligible applicants are encouraged to submit their project proposals during the annual proposal period. The following projects were selected in 2022 based on the results of the ranking process and available federal grant funding levels.

Project Information:

Nature Conservancy: Oyster River-Caldwell Brook, Emerald Acres Culvert Replacement, Phase II, Aquatic Organism Passage/Geomorphic Compatibility/Water Quality, $125,000

  • This project will restore aquatic organism passage and geomorphic compatibility at Topaz Drive’s crossing of the Oyster River in Barrington. The current perched culvert will be replaced with a 30-foot bridge. The project will result in 5.2 miles of fully reconnected upstream habitat, improvement of a dissolved oxygen impairment upstream of the culvert, and mitigated flood risk.

Country Pond Lake Association: Country Pond Watershed Management Plan Implementation Phase 1: Direct Drainage Area – Newton Boat Ramp and Concannon Road BMPs, $15,000

  • Country Pond is on the state’s impaired waters list for Primary Contact Recreation (swimming) due to frequent cyanobacteria blooms. The primary cause of algal blooms in Country Pond is high phosphorus levels caused by development around the lake and excess stormwater runoff. This project will allow the Country Pond Lake Association to implement two best management practices (BMPs) at the Newton Town Boat Ramp and on Concannon Road to divert and infiltrate stormwater runoff.

Winnisquam Watershed Network: Winnisquam Watershed Based Plan Implementation Phase 1: Demonstration BMPs Demonstration BMPs at Gale Ave Park, Deer Park, and Kaulback Road, $125,000

  • This grant will allow the Winnisquam Watershed Network (WWN) to design and install structural BMPs at three sites that discharge excess sediment and nutrients to Lake Winnisquam. The project sites include Gale Ave Park, Laconia; Deer Park Association Beach, Meredith; and  Kaulback Road, Sanbornton. The WWN will partner with the City of Laconia, Deer Park Association and the Town of Sanbornton to manage stormwater runoff, erosion and drainage at each site.

Lake Winnipesaukee Association: Moultonborough Bay and Winter Harbor Watershed Management Plan Implementation Phase 1: Melvin River BMPs, Northwood Road. BMP, and Winter Harbor BMP Designs, $110,000

  • Nutrient loading to Lake Winnipesaukee is over 300% natural background levels, which has led to the lake being listed on the NHDES 303(d) list as impaired for aquatic life use. A direct relationship exists between increased levels of nutrients in the lake and aquatic plant and algal growth, and cyanobacteria abundance. This project will implement BMPs at three priority sites in the Moultonborough Bay watershed to reduce sediment and nutrient loading. This project includes conceptual designs for culverts along Whitegate Road, Wolfeboro, and the installation of bioswales and rain gardens to reduce stormwater runoff.

Acton Wakefield Watersheds Alliance: Implementation of the Pine River Pond Watershed Protection Plan Phase 1: Residential and Road BMPs, Septic System Replacements, Outreach, $75,000

  • In 2019, Pine River Pond began experiencing blooms of benthic cyanobacteria mats spreading on the rocky and sandy substrates of several shallow areas. Through this project, BMPs will be installed on private camp roads and residential properties around the pond to eliminate sources of stormwater runoff and sediment pollution. This project also includes a septic system cost-share replacement program for lake residents, to assist homeowners with septic construction costs. This program gives priority to replacements that have the greatest impact on pond quality by reducing nutrient loading. BMPs and new septic systems will decrease nutrient loading into Pine River Pond. By preventing significant increases in nutrient loading, Pine River Pond will experience water quality improvement and become more resilient to other factors that put pressure on the ecosystem.

New Hampshire Rivers Council: Winnicut River Watershed Restoration and Management Plan: Greenland Central School multi-disciplinary implementation (phase I), $15,000

  • The Winnicut River is one of seven major tributaries to Great Bay. The Winnicut River and several of its tributaries are impaired due to low levels of dissolved oxygen and elevated levels of E. coli. The water quality and habitat of the Winnicut River and several of its tributaries have been degraded by increased nonpoint source (NPS) pollution resulting from rapid land development in the watershed over the past 20 years. This project will install a 400 square foot rain garden at Greenland Central School to infiltrate runoff from the parking lot. The project described will reduce phosphorus and nitrogen pollutant loading into the Winnicut River and Great Bay.

Town of Exeter: Squamscott/Exeter River, Water Integration for Squamscott-Exeter (WISE) Integrated Plan:Stormwater Designs, Advanced Septic System, and Fertilizer Reduction, Exeter, New Hampshire, $45,000

  • The Exeter-Squamscott River is a major tributary to Great Bay. The Great Bay watershed has experienced population growth and an increase in development that has threatened the water quality and health of Great Bay. The project will identify locations and develop designs for structural best management practices (BMPs) within the Town to control stormwater runoff and decrease nitrogen loading, develop a septic system program to identify ideal locations for maximum nitrogen reduction, conduct resident public education and outreach, and explore financial incentives to assist private property owners with implementation of an advanced septic system aimed at nitrogen reduction; and develop a fertilizer reduction program to educate stakeholders on the effective and efficient use of fertilizer, BMPs, and the impacts fertilizer has on the Squamscott River and ultimately, Great Bay.

For more information on the NHDES Watershed Assistance Grants, visit the Watershed Assistance webpage or contact the NHDES Watershed Assistance Section Supervisor, Steve Landry, at stephen.c.landry@des.nh.gov or (603) 271-2969.

Press Release:NHDES Awards Watershed Assistance Grants | NH Department of Environmental Services

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NH LAKES is hiring a Conservation Program Assistant 

The Conservation Program Assistant role is an exciting opportunity to join our dedicated team at NH LAKES! As part of our Conservation Team, you’ll be directly involved in supporting our LakeSmart Lake-Friendly Living Program and other initiatives to advance our mission. This position is based at our headquarters in Concord and offers plenty of opportunities for statewide travel.

Position Description: https://nhlakes.org/wp-content/uploads/NH-LAKES-Conservation-Program-Assistant-Position-Description-2023.pdf

Interested candidates can apply at: https://nhlakes.org/careers/

We will review applications as they are received until May 1, 2023.

For more information contact:
Krystal Costa Balanoff
Conservation Program Manager, NH LAKES
p: 603.226.0299 | 17 Chenell Drive, Suite One | Concord, NH 03301

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REQUEST FOR BID – CULVERT REPLACEMENT

REQUEST FOR BID – GEOMORPHIC CULVERT REPLACEMENT IN BARRINGTON, NH

Bids are sought for construction services for the replacement of an existing culvert at the intersection of Topaz Road and the Oyster River in Barrington, NH. The project is being managed by The Nature Conservancy with Streamworks, PLLC serving as the project Engineers. Construction services will include the planning of select elements of the project, performing all construction efforts, selection and purchasing all materials, removal of the existing structure, temporary road bypass, and restoration of the site to pre-construction conditions.

A pre-bid site visit is scheduled for April 6th,2023 at 2:00 pm. Questions submitted in writing by April 13th, 2023 will be answered via an e-mail to the bid list by April 17th, 2023. Bid submissions are due by April 28th at 5:00 pm. Contractor selection will be based on cost, plan, and schedule. Construction may not commence until June 2023 and must be completed in full before the end of the year.

Bid documentation supplements (project requirements, description, quantities, etc.) and design plan sheets may be downloaded here:  EA BID SET 13FEB2023

Should you have any questions about this bid invitation, please feel free to contact:

Joel Ballestero, Project Engineer:  jballestero@streamworkspllc.com

Streamworks, PLLC

44 Evans Road Madbury, NH 03823

970-556-7552

 

 

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Last call to purchase tickets and reap your NH Watershed Blog benefits at the Wild & Scenic Film Festival this Friday night in Concord, NH

Last call to get tickets for the 2023 Wild & Scenic Film Festival on Friday at the Bank of New Hampshire Stage in Concord, New Hampshire. PLUS, for you, your family, and friends that purchase tickets and show up, you will receive a pair of raffle tickets by being members of the NH Watershed Protection and Restoration Blog community! You have to find Steve Landry in the lobby to claim your tickets before show time at 7:00 PM and mention this watershed blog post.

A reception begins at 6:00 PM with a live band, food, beverages, and networking as the energy builds up to view 14 short films that will awe, inspire, and motivate all ages. A few glimpses of what you will see are presented here.

Don’t waste any more time! Get tickets now by visiting Film Festival 2023 | New Hampshire Rivers Council (nhrivers.org) and get your free raffle tickets when you arrive. What prizes you say?

  1. A Seastream, 10.5-foot kayak with paddle valued at $450.00 from EMS.
  2. Professional, original photos mounted on canvas of New Hampshire Loons
  3. Cozy, warm, hats, gloves, socks, etc. from Minus33
  4. Four Gift Cards to New Hampshire State Parks
  5. And, more…

You must be present to win raffle prizes on Friday and you must find Steve Landry in the lobby (where I will be volunteering at this event and selling more raffle tickets in support of our Film Festival hosts for the 13th straight year from New Hampshire Rivers Council) to claim your tickets.

I hope to see MANY of you there for an amazing evening. The films this year are solid, entertaining, moving, inspiring, and fun. PLUS, if you want to watch any of the films again, your tickets get you five days of video on demand streaming after the 31st. You cannot see these films anywhere else. Get tickets now before they are gone.

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 Last call to purchase tickets and reap your NH Watershed Blog benefits at the Wild & Scenic Film Festival this Friday night in Concord, NH

Join the Southern NH Regional Climate Workshop on April 11

Date: Tuesday, April 11 · 8:30 – 11am EDT

Location: in person at Derry Municipal Center 14 Manning Street Derry, NH 03038 or remote via Zoom

Cost: Free

Climate change is resulting in greater intensity and frequency of destructive weather events worldwide. In the Greater Manchester area, the most pressing climate risk is inland flooding due to extreme precipitation. Roadway stream crossings such as culverts and bridges are particularly vulnerable to flooding — and the failure of this critical transportation infrastructure has the potential to negatively impact our region’s economy, ecology, and quality of life.

On April 11, SNHPC is hosting a regional climate workshop that will bring together municipal officials and stakeholders to discuss key opportunities for adapting our roadways in the face of climate change. Join us for a lively discussion with state and national experts, and as well as a preview of potential funding opportunities and new resources in development. We look forward to a collaborative and interactive session that will inspire further climate leadership and action in our region.

We are excited to feature speakers from:

  • Federal Highway Administration
  • UNH Center for Infrastructure Resilience to Climate
  • The Nature Conservancy
  • Upper Valley Climate Adaptation Work Group
  • Rockingham Planning Commission

Click here to reserve your spot today!

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2023 Drinking Water Source Protection Conference

Start Date: May 16, 2023
Start Time: 9:00 AM
End Time: 2:15 PM
Location: Army National Guard Edward Cross Training Complex, Pembroke, NH

 

NHDES will hold its 2023 Drinking Water Source Protection Conference on Tuesday, May 16, in-person, at the Army National Guard Edward Cross Training Complex in Pembroke, NH.  This year’s conference will feature presentations on:

  • US EPA’s National Strategic Roadmap for PFAS.
  • State legislative and Drinking Water Program Funding Updates.
  • UNH research on the distribution and fate of PFAS in surface water.
  • How to adopt municipal water use restriction codes applicable during drought.
  • Examples and partnerships to conserve critical water supply lands.
  • Case studies on adopting effective local zoning that protects groundwater quality.
  • Public water system monitoring and response to cyanobacteria blooms.

The conference fee is $45 and includes light refreshments/lunch.

REGISTER for the event at the American Ground Water Trust website.

Registration questions? Contact AGWT: Cheryl@AGWT.org or (603) 228-5444. Other questions? Contact Pierce Rigrod at NHDES: pierce.rigrod@des.nh.gov or (603) 271-0688.

NHDES Drinking Water Source Protection Conference | NH Department of Environmental Services

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