Visualizing Earth Systems – Earth Science Week in October

Alexandria, VA – Science teachers and students can go online today to use a new educational resource of the Earth Science Week website, the “Visualizing Earth Systems” page, which features instructive visualizations of Earth science phenomena.

Educators know the power of compelling visualizations, those that graphically depict data in ways that help students grasp challenging concepts. Now Earth science teachers have a collection of such visualizations, right at their fingertips at http://www.earthsciweek.org/visualizations.

Supporting the Earth Science Week 2015 theme of “Visualizing Earth Systems,” this new page on the program website links educators and students to dozens of recommended visualizations dealing with energy, climate, minerals, water, hazards, and other topics. In addition, the page offers links to overviews of these topics provided by AGI’s Critical Issues Program at http://www.americangeosciences.org/critical-issues.

Users are invited to help improve the page by sharing their favorite Earth science visualizations. Please submit the URLs for favorite online geosciences visualizations to info@earthsciweek.org. Help strengthen Earth science education by sharing effective resources with fellow educators!

Reaching over 50 million people annually, AGI leads Earth Science Week in cooperation with the geoscience community as a service to the public. Each year, community groups, educators, and interested citizens organize celebratory events. Earth Science Week offers the public opportunities to discover the Earth sciences and engage in responsible stewardship of the Earth.

To view the visualizations page, please visit: http://www.earthsciweek.org/citizenscience/index.html.

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Earth Science Week 2015 will be celebrated October 11-17. To learn more, please visit www.earthsciweek.org. To order your Toolkits, please visit http://www.earthsciweek.org/materials. You may also call AGI Publications to place your order at 703-379-2480.

Suggestions

Get Your Drinking Water Tested
Learn About the Hazards in Your Community
Take an Online Course

Ben Franklin’s SGICC Releases Updated Study Summarizing Shale Gas Wastewater Treatment and Disposal

Ben Franklin’s SGICC Releases Updated Study Summarizing Shale Gas Wastewater Treatment and Disposal in Pennsylvania in 2014

 STATE COLLEGE, PA – In 2012 the Ben Franklin Shale Gas Innovation & Commercialization Center (www.sgicc.org) commissioned a study on the status of wastewater being produced in the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania.  Now, three years later, SGICC is updating the report, not only because of the slowdown in the drilling process across the Commonwealth, but also due to the rapid change the shale industry has made in management techniques for the wastewater from shale gas and NGL extraction. See the new 2015 report, as well as the 2012 version, on the SGICC web site at http://www.sgicc.org/research–reports.html.

SGICC hired Wunz Associates, LLC to undertake the study as a follow up to their 2012 effort. An exhaustive search of the Pennsylvania Department of Environmental Protection (PADEP) wastewater reporting records was undertaken, coupled with discussions with leading companies treating the wastewater for the industry. In addition to posting the Wunz Associate report at the link above, a second report generated by Eureka Resources, LLC regarding their Standing Stone treatment facility operations in Bradford County, PA and published in SPE International in 2015 is also available.

The most significant finding in the 2015 Wunz report is that volumes classified as “produced water” exceeded those classified as “frac fluid” in 2014.  Bill Hall, SGICC Director notes, “This has occurred largely due to the slowdown in drilling and fracturing of wells by the industry and could reverse again in the future when natural gas and NGL prices rebound and drilling picks up again. Additionally, the amount of produced water is likely to decline over time since it is generated in proportion to the amount of gas or NGLs a well is producing, and that tends to drop off fairly rapidly after the initial years of production.”

Hall also stressed that the majority of the wastewater generated as both “produced” and “frac fluid” are recycled by the industry. In fact, the PADEP records indicate that over 91% of the water is recycled by being used in a future completions project. Recycling is typically done after the water is partially treated to remove solids and other unneeded constituents.

“There may be a point in the future where total frac flowback fluid and produced water volumes do exceed the total volume of water used to fracture wells in the state. But that point has not been reached yet,” noted Hall. “The industry continues to look for innovations in the area of shale wastewater treatment and disposal to address future challenges.”

Online Training Courses

Hydraulic Fracturing (Fracking) – Environmental Issues
Hydraulic Fracturing – The Process
Industrial Water Treatment  and Underground Injection Control
Comprehensive – Petrochemical – Shale Gas Course

Susquehanna Greenway Partnership River Towns Planner Position

Susquehanna Greenway Partnership is seeking a candidate for the position of River Towns Planner (RTP) to develop and implement programs that build the capacity of local partners to envision, plan, construct and sustain riverfront parks, walking and biking trails, river accesses, green infrastructure, and greenway signs. A minimum of a bachelor’s degree in Landscape Architecture or Community Design is required. Relevant experience in community engagement strategies, community assessments, conceptual renderings, landscape design, historic preservation, graphic design, and project management is needed.

The full position description is attached. Please share with anyone you think might be interested.

To submit an application, please email tcarothers@susquehannagreenway.org your cover letter, resume, and short writing samples. PLEASE PUT “River Towns Planner” IN THE SUBJECT OF YOUR MESSAGE.
Application Deadline: September 14, 2015

About the Susquehanna Greenway

The Susquehanna Greenway is a connected landscape of walking and biking trails, river access points, unique river towns, working farms and conserved land that stretches over 500-miles along the Susquehanna River. The Susquehanna Greenway improves the quality of life for the people who live near it, enhances the economic vitality of the communities that foster it, and preserves our natural and cultural resources. It provides opportunities to exercise outdoors, experience nature and explore historic river towns. The Greenway protects our water quality and inspires stewardship and civic pride in places where people love to live, work, play and visit.

Visit www.SusquehannaGreenway.org to learn more.

Online Training Courses
Stream Restoration – Course 1 of 6.
Wetland Science Course
Sustainability
Stormwater Harvesting
Regenerative Landscape Design
Natural Approach to Stormwater Management

Go Green Efficient Lighting Conservation Save Energy

Easiest Way to Go Green and Save Some Green – Efficient Lighting and Other Ways to Save Energy

Guest Blogger – Links Compiled by http://www.architectdesignlighting.com/

Saving energy has become increasingly important, as recent research has made it clear that the world’s energy consumption is negatively impacting the environment and natural resources. Each day, we use energy to keep our homes comfortable, but there are some small changes that we can all make in order to reduce the amount of energy that we use. By following a few tips, you can reduce your energy consumption and environmental footprint.

Choose Energy-Efficient Lighting Options

When searching for energy-efficient lighting design options, there is a large selection available. Compact fluorescent bulbs are a great option, as they use up to 75% less energy than other choices, and they can also be used with dimmers and wall sconces. Compact fluorescent bulbs have a long life span, reducing your waste and saving money over the life of the bulb.

While choosing the right type of light is important for energy efficiency, you should also work on energy-saving activities at home. Keep notes near the light switches in each room to remind residents of all ages to turn off the lights when they leave a room. These simple reminders can also help your family to make positive, energy-saving decisions when they are outside of your home.

• Lighting Net Zero Buildings – A comparison of energy-efficient and traditional incandescent light bulbs.
• Energy Saving for Kids – Informative tips to help kids use and save energy.
• Energy Efficiency and Dimmer Switches – A review of the benefits of using dimmer switches to save energy at home.
• Energy-Efficient Lighting Options – An examination of the benefits to choosing LED or CFL light bulbs.
• The Best Light Bulbs for Saving Energy – Consumer Reports provides a guide to choosing LEDs and CLFs.

Use Solar Lighting

If you are looking for an energy-efficient way to power your home, investigate with an architect whether solar lighting may be able to work for you. Solar panels are made of solar cells that are arranged in grid-like patterns, and during the day, they collect sunlight and use it to create electricity. You’ll be producing your own power, so your energy bills will be dramatically lowered. However, not all buildings will be good candidates for using solar panels, so some architecture research will be needed before you can pursue this option.

Your solar energy system can also inspire others to begin producing energy, which can increase the total amount of renewable energy that is available. This makes solar energy a great way to make a difference, to improve the environment, and to become self-sufficient.

• Solar Panel Lifespan – Information from Energy Informative about the lifespan of solar panels.
• Solar Energy Savings – A review of how much you can save with solar energy.
• Solar Energy Resource Center – Information from the U.S. Department of Energy about solar power.
• Solar Tips for Homeowners – ABC News provides tips for homeowners who are considering solar energy.
• Tips for Going Solar – Forbes Magazine explains tips for adopting solar energy at home.

Improve Your HVAC Systems

When it comes to home climate control systems, many homeowners struggle to find a balance between comfort and energy efficiency. During the summer, you may be tempted to turn on the air conditioner immediately, but a few tips can actually help before you resort to this method. If it isn’t too warm, open the windows and let some fresh air into your home. However, if it is hot, keep the shades drawn and use fans to circulate air throughout your home.

During cooler winter months, wear additional layers to keep warm, and set your thermostat a few degrees cooler. Reduce the heat while you are out of the house or asleep, and turn it back up when you get home from work. However, it is important to consider the health needs of your family, as some people with chronic medical conditions may need their climate more rigorously controlled than others.

• Air Conditioner Tips – Cooling and energy saving tips for air conditioner use from the U.S. Department of Energy.
• Air Conditioner Efficiency – Tips for improving the efficiency of your air conditioner.
• Winter-Proofing and Weatherizing – Save energy by preparing your home for colder temperatures.
• Saving Energy during the Winter – Tips from the California Energy Commission Consumer Energy Center.
• Heat Pumps – Suggestions for improving the energy efficiency of your home heating system.

Conserve Water

Using water in your home will also use energy. However, there are several ways that you can reduce your water use in order to lessen energy consumption. Consider simple solutions, like turning off the water in your bathroom sink until you are ready to rinse when brushing your teeth. Choose a shower over a bath in order to conserve water, and wait until your dishwasher is full before you run a load; this tip on its own could reduce your water use by nearly 1,000 gallons each month.

Also consider using cold water as often as possible. It takes a lot of energy to heat up the water used for showering, to do laundry, or to wash your dishes, so by keeping the water cold, you’ll save energy. These tips can be followed by family members both young and old, and they can make a big difference on your monthly energy bills.

• Water Conservation Tips for Saving Energy – Information from the Public Utilities Commission of Ohio on how to save energy by conserving water.
• 49 Ways to Save Water – Simple tips for saving and conserving water used indoors.
• Saving Water at Work – How to save water in commercial and industrial workplaces.
• Conserving Water at Home and in the Yard – Tips for reducing your water use indoors and outdoors.
• Saving Water in the Bathroom – Changes that you can make to reduce your water usage in the bathroom.

Turn Off Electronics and Lights

Turning off lights and electronics when you leave a room is an essential activity for saving money and energy. Switch off your computer, radio, and TV when the items are not in use, as they will burn up energy. If you have appliances or other items that you don’t use regularly, consider unplugging them to prevent wasted energy.

At the end of the day, turn off your computer in order to cut down the amount of energy that it is using. Many homeowners don’t go through the hassle of shutting down their laptop or desktop each night, but even a computer on standby will use energy. If you are going to be away from home for a few days, unplug extension cords and surge protectors in order to further reduce your home energy use. By taking the time to complete these extra steps, you’ll be rewarded with lower energy bills.

• Energy and Computer Use – How to conserve energy when using a computer.
• Tips for Finding Energy-Efficient Appliances – The Natural Resources Defense Council provides tips for choosing energy-efficient appliances that will save you money.
• Energy-Efficient Home Improvements – This article from US News explains ten easy home improvement tips to improve energy efficiency.
• Turning off the Lights – The U.S. Department of Energy explains when you should turn off your lights.
• Five Reasons to be Energy-Efficient – The Alliance to Save Energy explains the top five reasons that you should be energy-efficient.

Guest Blogger – Links Compiled by http://www.architectdesignlighting.com/

Suggestions

1. Energy Audits – learn more.
2. Green Up Your Home or Office

3. Water – Get it tested.

Water as One Resource Webinar

Critical Issues Webinar:  Water as One Resource

Date/Time:  July 13, 2015; 12:00-1:00pm U.S. Eastern time.

With water shortages gaining prominence as a critical issue in the U.S., many water management authorities are looking at how to more sustainably manage their water. The interconnected nature of water resources means that a change in groundwater can also affect surface water, thus an important component of effective water management is a clear understanding of the linkages between surface and groundwater.  This webinar will provide an overview of how groundwater and surface water interact, what the implications of these interactions on water resources are, and how water can be more effectively managed if an understanding of these interactions is incorporated.

This webinar is co-sponsored by the National Ground Water Association, UW-Extension Wisconsin Geological and Natural History Survey, and Association of American State Geologists

Our speakers include:

• Ken Bradbury, Wisconsin Geological and Natural History Survey
• William M. Alley, National Ground Water Association
• Thomas Harter, University of California, Davis

To register for this free webinar, please use the link below:

https://attendee.gotowebinar.com/register/5749766682286339073

More Webinars and Training Courses

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