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August 25, 2013

Houston Environmental News Update August 27, 2013

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Houston Environmental News Update August 27, 2013

CEC NOTES

  1. Sophany Touch, Global Community Leader
  2. Volunteer!

COALITION NOTES

  1. Save Deer Park Prairie
  2. RDA Civic Forums: Environmental Challenges Facing the Houston Region Over the  Next 25 Years
  3. Cypress Creek Greenway Case Study Presentation
  4. Buffalo Bayou Park – Discovery of the “Cistern.”
  5. Oiled Wildlife Response Training Workshop
  6. KPC Labor Day Butterfly Count
  7. H-GAC Requests More Information on Parks
  8. The Wetlands Center and Baytown Nature Center Volunteer Orientation
  9. USGBC Construction & Demolition UnConference
  10. Urban Harvest Class: Rainwater Harvesting and Cisterns
  11. Exploration Green: a New Star in the Clear Lake Area
  12. Texas Gulf Coast Gardener Classes Return
  13. Support CEC Member Groups at OKRA Charity Saloon
  14. Applications sought for Annual Parks Awards
  15. Join Galveston Bay Foundation for Redfish Raft-Up
  16. Campus RainWorks Challenge
  17. The Opposition Speaks: Why the Memorial Park Demonstration Project for Buffalo Bayou Is Not the Answer
  18. Texas Citizen Planner Program
  19. MEMEnomics: Explore the Next Generation Economic System
  20. Applications sought for Annual Parks Awards

COMMUNITY NOTES

  1. Gulf Coast Ecosystem Restoration Council to Vote on Clean-up Plan
  2. Beach Buster Cleanup in Galveston
  3. Economic Justice Conference.
  4. Public Comment Period for Houston Superfund Site
  5. The Piney Woods Wildlife Society (PWWS) is moving
  6. SSPEED Center Conference: Hurricane Ike 5 Years Later
  7. Concrete Batch Plant Air Quality Hearing
  8. Hydrological Restoration Projects Wanted
  9. TCEQ’s The Advocate now available
  10. TCEQ Commissioners Meeting, September 4, 2013
  11. Urban Photography Contest
  12. 2013 National Reuse Contest
  13. Urban Photography Contest
  14. TCEQ’s Texas Environmental Excellence Awards
  15. TV: Texas Parks & Wildlife
  16. Air Quality Forecast

NEWS HEADLINES

  1. Whistleblower, Landowners: TransCanada is Botching the Job on Keystone XL Pipeline (Priscilla Mosqueda – Texas Observer, 8/9/2013)
  2. Houston at risk: Rising sea level projected to increase flooding costs (Texas Climate News, 8/26/2013)
  3. In the Garden With Urban Harvest: That swath of lawn proves not so green after all (Chris LaChance – Houston Chronicle, 8/23/2013)

GREEN JOBS

  1. Westchase District Farmers Market seeks Manager
  2. NEW! Scenic Houston seeks Development Coordinator
  3. NEW! Scenic Houston seeks Executive Assistant/Office Manager
  4. Texas Campaign for the Environment seeks Campaign Staff
  5. Buffalo Bayou Partnership seeks Park Wide Supervisor
  6. The Woods Project seeks Club Program Instructors
  7. Air Alliance Houston seeks Teaching Artist
  8. National Wildlife Federation seeks Regional Development Manager (Austin)
  9. Texas Living Waters seeks Attorney (Austin)
  10. Harris County Flood Control District seeks Field Technician
  11. Recipe for Success seeks Seed-to-Plate Nutrition Educator
  12. H-GAC seeks Air Quality Coordinator

UPCOMING EVENTS

SUBSCRIBE/UNSUBSCRIBE INSTRUCTIONS

CEC NOTES

  1. Sophany Touch, Global Community Leader. Mr. Sophany Touch, an experienced international community leader, is spending the next three months working with the CEC while developing skills and knowledge that he can bring back to The Wildlife Society in Cambodia. When he returns to Chi Phat in Cambodia, he will be working to develop the community-based eco-tourism program in the Cardamom mountains. (Think elephants!) In particular, he will be developing a zero-waste management program for the community in order to increase tourism and, ultimately, protect the environment and the community in this amazing natural area. Long term, he will also be working on community-based agriculture, forestry, and fishery management. While he is here, Sophany is available to help with a local project related to zero-waste management, his long-term goals, and/or eco-tourism in general. If you are interested in working with Touch this fall, please contact Sophany at sophany@cechouston.org or at 713-524-4232. Learn more about Sophany and the Community Solutions program in the press release. The Community Solutions Program fellowship is funded by the U.S. Department of State’s Bureau of Educational and Cultural Affairs and implemented by IREX.
  2. Volunteer! Many CEC member organizations use VolunteerMatch to recruit  volunteers. Visit the VolunteerMatch.org website (filtered for environmental  opportunities in the Houston region) to see what you can do. Right now, member groups with opportunities posted include Galveston Bay Foundation, Bayou Land Conservancy, Memorial Park Conservancy, Armand Bayou Nature Center, Urban Harvest, TWRC Wildlife Center, Buffalo Bayou Partnership, Houston Audubon Society, Nature Discovery Center, and the CEC itself.

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COALITION NOTES

  1. Save Deer Park Prairie. Bayou Land Conservancy has been working on raising funds to purchase the Deer Park Prairie, a 50-acre home to meadowlarks, pocket gophers, and more than 300 species of unique plants – tucked between subdivisions and just 3 miles south from the Deer Park refineries. After last week’s incredible fundraising and media blitz, $3.2 million dollars was raised from individuals to help save the Deer Park Prairie. Due to the record number of individual donors who came forward, the Deer Park landowner agreed to extend the deadline from August 20 to September 10, 2013, providing three more weeks to raise the remaining $800,000 necessary for the $4 million purchase. Donors are still needed! Visit http://savecollegeparkprairie.ning.com/ to donate now. Also, buy a drink on August 29, 2013, 4-9pm, at the Kung Fu Saloon (5317 Washington Ave #A). Kung Fu Saloon will be donating 15% of all happy hour drink proceeds to Bayou Land Conservancy.
  2. RDA Civic Forums: Environmental Challenges Facing the Houston Region Over the Next 25 Years. The last RDA Forums, presented by the Rice Design  Alliance, will feature nationally known scientists, researchers, and public policy experts who will discuss air, water, land, and health issues. Challenges of competing land uses, environmental justice, and public health on August 28, 2013. The forum will be held at 6:30 in the Brown Auditorium at the Museum of Fine Arts, Houston. Moderated by Thomas Colbert, Associate Professor, Gerald D. Hines College of Architecture, University of Houston, and CEC Board Member Extraordinaire. More information available at http://ricedesignalliance.org/category/civic-forums.
  3. Cypress Creek Greenway Case Study Presentation. About a month ago, the Houston Parks Board and partners successfully completed the Cypress Creek Greenway Case Study with funding support from the Houston-Galveston Area Council. Through significant public input, and additional research with expert consultants, the report analyzes land uses and values, provides an overview of public governance in the area, and explains the positive economic impact from pursuing a project like the Cypress Creek Greenway. Join HPB on August 28 for a brief overview of the results of the study. RSVP to save a spot. You may review the written report on the Houston-Galveston Area council website.
  4. Buffalo Bayou Park – Discovery of the “Cistern.” Join BBP and host Architecture Center Houston for a presentation with Guy Hagstette, BBP consultant and project manager for Buffalo Bayou Park – Shepherd to Sabine and Douglas Smith, Vice President of SmartGeoMetrics to discuss what was found below the future site of The Water Works Sky Lawn along Buffalo Bayou and Sabine Street. The “Cistern,” as it has been dubbed, was the City of Houston’s first underground drinking-water reservoir. The event will be held on August 29, 2013 at AIA Houston (315 Capitol St, Suite 120). A reception will be held at 6pm, and the presentation will begin at  6:30pm. Free. http://cechouston.org/
  5. Oiled Wildlife Response Training Workshop. The Wildlife Center of Texas will be conducting an oiled wildlife response training workshop on Friday, August 30, 2013 from 9am-4pm sponsored by the Texas General Land Office Oil Spill Prevention and Response Division. The workshop takes place at the Gladys Porter Zoo in Brownsville, Texas and will certify and train personnel that are interested in assisting The Wildlife Center of Texas Oiled Wildlife Response Team during a spill. Lunch will be provided courtesy of CITGO Petroleum Corporation. Certification and training are required for anyone who may participate in any role during an oiled wildlife response. The workshop will cover topics such as the effects of oil on wildlife, initial intake and exam of oiled wildlife, an introduction to OSHA training, wildlife rehabilitation’s role in the Incident Command System and an actual hands on cleaning of oiled feathers in which participants will practice by washing an unoiled white duck. There is no cost for the workshop but space is limited. Please register via email at WildlifeResponse@WildlifeCenterofTexas.org or by phone at 713-861-9453 x 170. http://cechouston.org/
  6. KPC Labor Day Butterfly Count. Love butterflies and science? Join members of the Butterfly Enthusiasts of Southeast Texas in their effort to document as many species of butterflies as possible on the Katy Prairie. Come out and learn about butterflies while you help gather important information on the types and numbers of butterflies on the prairie. The count will be held on September 2, 2013 at 9am at Paul Rushing Park. $3 per participant 12 and older (12 and under are free). Come prepared wearing pants, long sleeves, a hat, and comfortable closed-toe shoes. http://cechouston.org/
  7. H-GAC Requests More Information on Parks. Do you have a park that is part of the Parks Viewer, or will you be submitting information about a park to be included?
    H-GAC has created a Parks Data Collection Form to gather detailed information from you. The Parks Data Collection form will allow H-GAC to include information about ownership, park size, amenities, and other pertinent data about the parks in our region that will be included in the viewer.
  8. The Wetlands Center and Baytown Nature Center Volunteer Orientation. The Wetlands Center and Baytown Nature Center are looking for you! Join a fantastic volunteer team. The Volunteer Orientation & Training will be held on September 4, 2013, 8:30am-3:30pm at The Eddie V. Gray Wetlands Education & Recreation Center. Teach classes, assist teachers, and represent the Wetlands Center/Baytown Nature Center at outreach events. Get involved with shoreline cleanup, trail maintenance, and garden maintenance. For reservations or more information, call 281-420-7128 or email maryalice.trumble@baytown.org.
  9. USGBC Construction & Demolition UnConference. The USGBC-Texas Gulf Coast Recycling Committee is preparing for a series of UnConferences designed to increase diversion rates in Houston. These UnConferences will be highly interactive, designed to bring together those who need Recycling help and those who can provide it. If you’re wanting to recycle more but have challenges that you’d like help in overcoming, these UnConferences are for you! Email recycling@usgbctexasgulfcoast.org if you have any questions! The next UnConference will be held on September 4, 2013. http://usgbctexasgulfcoast.org/
  10. Urban Harvest Class: Rainwater Harvesting and Cisterns. Come learn about very low-cost methods of absorbing water on your property, as well as more expensive methods such as rainwater cisterns. This class will be held on September 7, 2013, from 9-11:15am, at Westbury Community Garden. The cost is $24 Urban Harvest members and $36 non-members. For more info: 713-880-5540 or http://www.urbanharvest.org/.
  11. Exploration Green: a New Star in the Clear Lake Area. A new star is forming in the Clear Lake area where families of space explorers, oil explorers, and knowledge explorers will discover nearly 200 acres of green space available for recreation and much-needed flood control. The Clear Lake City Water Authority, supported by numerous partners, is creating a world-class flood detention system based on the analyses of experts in the field and a new green space in the heart of the Clear Lake, designed by conservancy professionals to shine like other beautiful new parks. The dual-use area will be named “Exploration Green,” akin to downtown Houston’s hugely successful Discovery Green. By choosing the name “Exploration Green,” the CLCWA Board decided to honor local exploration legacy and future, and also decided to pursue a partnership with the local Galveston Bay Foundation to ensure an environmentally sound approach to the area. The board voted in support of the non-profit conservancy to manage the design, development, and creation of recreation and environmental amenities in Exploration Green. Read more at http://www.yourhoustonnews.com/.
  12. Texas Gulf Coast Gardener Classes Return. The Mercer Arboretum & Botanic Gardens is offering the Texas Gulf Coast Gardener classes this fall! Registration is open August 1 – September 6, 2013. For more information, visit themercersociety.org.
  13. Support CEC Member Groups at OKRA Charity Saloon. Bayou Preservation Association and Houston Habitat for Humanity–both CEC member groups–are amoung four charities chosen by OKRA Charity Saloon for the month of August. 100% of the bar’s proceeds are donated to a different Houston-based organization or social cause each month. Bar patrons help determine the recipient of the award. Learn more at http://friedokra.org/charity-bar.html.
  14. Applications sought for Annual Parks Awards. H-GAC’s The 2013 Parks and Natural Areas Awards application is now available online. This awards program seeks to recognize best practices in parks planning, programming, and policy found in our region. The submissions are due Friday, August 30, 2013, at noon. Please see the application for details. For more information, contact Kelly Porter at  713-993-4529.
  15. Join Galveston Bay Foundation for Redfish Raft-Up! Redfish Raft-Up will be held Sunday, September 1, 2013. Now in it’s 9th year, the Redfish Raft-Up cruise has a huge following of fans that come to spend the day partying on Galveston Bay and enjoying the music of Kelly McGuire. The Star Gazer yacht will cruise 8 miles to Redfish Island where it will drop anchor surrounded by hundreds of boats of all shapes and sizes. Proceeds from Redfish Raft-Up are used to bring awareness to Galveston Bay and to help fund GBF program projects, including our wetlands restoration projects and Boater Waste Education Program.
  16. Campus RainWorks Challenge. The USEPA’s Office of Water is pleased to announce the 2nd annual Campus RainWorks Challenge for college and university students. Once again, EPA is inviting student teams to design an innovative green infrastructure project for their campus showing how managing stormwater at its source can benefit the campus community and the environment. This year, EPA is pleased to introduce two design categories: a Master Plan category and a Site Design category. Registration is open from September 9, 2013 – October 7, 2013. More at http://water.epa.gov/.
  17. The Opposition Speaks: Why the Memorial Park Demonstration Project for Buffalo Bayou Is Not the Answer. September 11, 2013, at the Houston Arboretum. Refreshments at 6:45 PM, Program at 7:15 PM. Hosted by the Endangered Species Media Project and Houston Regional Group Sierra Club. The Harris County Flood Control District (HCFCD), the River Oaks Country Club, and the City of Houston propose to jointly fund a $6 million project along Buffalo Bayou for 1.5 miles from the South Picnic Loop through the Hogg Bird Sanctuary. Hear concerns about hazards that may be posed to the environment by this project. Learn more at http://houston.sierraclub.org.
  18. Texas Citizen Planner Program. Starting September 25, 2013, local officials can turn to a new training program for local planning and development issues. The Texas Coastal Citizen Planner (TCCP) is an eight course program that covers trends and best practices concerning community planning and development. The program is designed specifically for local and appointed officials. The evening courses will be held in the Houston-Galveston and the Corpus Christi regions, and will address concerns important to coastal communities. Local officials enter public life with an ethic of service, but they may lack the planning know-how to turn a community’s vision and plan into reality. This program is designed to address that knowledge gap. A range of legal authorities and planning practices are available to Texas communities, and the course will provide a comprehensive overview of options available to them. Instructors from a range of disciplines will lead each TCCP course and offer Texas-based case studies of planning in action. Course time will be dedicated to fostering peer-based learning. The program is administered as a joint project between Texas AgriLife, Texas Sea Grant, and the Texas Coastal Watershed Program. Information about the program can be found online at CitizenPlanner.tamu.edu. Early registration ends September 18, 2013.
  19. MEMEnomics: Explore the Next Generation Economic System. Per Howard Putnam, Former CEO of Southwest Airlines – “If you want to be on the leading edge of transformation here is your opportunity.” In conjunction with Transition Houston, the 3rd Coast Center for Human Emergence has invited a group of speakers to Houston who are concerned with long-term cultural and economic sustainability. MEMEnomics in Houston will take place from September 19-24, 2013. Workshops include: What if Leaders Understood the Nature of Change?; Building Regional Resilience with a MeshWORKSâ„¢ Approach; MEMEnomics – The Next Generation Economic System; and Spiral Dynamics Level One Training & Certification. Learn more about each event and register at http://thirdcoastcomplexity.eventbrite.com/.
  20. Explore in a Kayak with Artist Boat. Artist Boat is establishing a Coastal Heritage Preserve on Galveston Island and is looking for people who want to explore by kayak. Public trips are available for $10 per person–an incredible value. For a schedule of events and to register for a trip, check out the website at www.artistboat.org.
  21. Applications sought for Annual Parks Awards. H-GAC’s The 2013 Parks and Natural Areas Awards application is now available online. Due Friday, August 30, 2013, at noon. For more information, contact Kelly Porter at 713-993-4529.

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COMMUNITY
NOTES

  1. Gulf Coast Ecosystem Restoration Council to Vote on Clean-up Plan. The Gulf Coast Ecosystem Restoration Council will meet on Wednesday, Aug. 28, 2013, at 1:00 p.m. CDT to vote on the Initial Comprehensive Plan: Restoring the Gulf Coast’s Ecosystem and Economy (Plan). The public is invited to attend. U.S. Secretary of Commerce, and chair of the Council, Penny Pritzker, will preside over the meeting. Louisiana Governor Bobby Jindal will be in attendance as a Council member and host of the meeting. Council representatives from the other Gulf States and participating federal agencies will be in attendance. Texas Commission on Environmental Quality Commissioner Toby Baker is Governor Rick Perry’s designee to the Gulf Coast Ecosystem Restoration Council, and will represent the state at the meeting. Meeting materials, including agenda, the Plan, the Response to Public Comments, and a Programmatic Environmental Assessment, are available on the Council’s website: www.restorethegulf.gov/.
  2. Beach Buster Cleanup in Galveston. When you’re out driving on the freeway, do you ever notice all the trash on the side of the road? Walking out from stores, or even the beach? Although there is a Coastal Cleanup Day, why wait until it comes around again? Come out and have fun at the Beach Buster Cleanup on August 31, 2013 at noon at 7777 Ocean Water Bay Galveston, TX 77550. There will be free food and drinks. Learn more and RSVP at https://www.facebook.com/.
  3. Economic Justice Conference. Saturday, September 7, 2013, at the University of Houston-Hilton Hotel, 4800 Calhoun, Houston Texas 77004. The keynote speaker is Dean Baker, Co-Director of the Center for Economic & Policy Research, Washington, DC. The workshop includes eleven afternoon breakout session, including environmental justice and living sustainably. Student Registration is free. Visit the Houston Peace and Justice Center website to learn more about the conference and to register online.
  4. Public Comment Period for Houston Superfund Site. In response to a community request during the August 6 public meeting, the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) is extending the public comment period for the proposed cleanup plan amendment for the South Cavalcade Street Superfund Site in Houston, Texas. The comment period will now conclude on September 23, 2013. The extension for public comment will allow the community more time to review the Agency’s proposal and provide valuable input to shape our proposed plan. More at http://www.epa.gov/.
  5. The Piney Woods Wildlife Society (PWWS) is moving! Beginning with its September meeting, PWWS will hold its monthly meetings at the new Dennis Johnston County Park at 709 Riley Fuzzel Road in the Big Stone Lodge. This new County Park is located in Harris County a short distance from Spring Creek and Old Town Spring. The next meeting will be on September 17, 2013. The September program will be given by Kingwood resident Paul Gregg who has traveled extensively after retiring from the military. He and his wife, Carol, traveled to Iceland recently and came back with some fabulous photographs. Paul will be teaching photography classes at both Kingwood Lone Star College and Atascocita LSC this fall including Digital Photography, Adobe Lightroom, Basic Wildlife and Travel Photography. http://cechouston.org/
  6. SSPEED Center Conference: Hurricane Ike 5 Years Later. At this year’s SSPEED Center conference: “Hurricane Ike: 5 Years Later,” top experts in the field will discuss hurricane protection for Houston, Hurricane Sandy risk and response, and post Hurricane Katrina activities. Keynote speakers include Houston Mayor Annise Parker, Chairman Janiece Longoria of the Port of Houston Authority, Bill Read, former director of the National Hurricane Center and Professor Ning Lin from Princeton University who specializes in climate change and severe weather events. The conference will highlight the SSPEED Center’s proposed Centennial Gate, designed to protect the Houston Ship Channel. This session will include a description of the gate, surge modeling, legal issues, finance strategies, land use and ship channel environmental risk and tank stability. The conference will address emerging federal thinking on non-structural alternatives and the SSPEED Center’s formation of the Lone Star Coastal National Recreation Area and creation of the ecosystem services exchange. The conference will take place from September 24-25, 2013 at the Rice University BioScience Research Collaborative (BRC). Register at https://signup.rice.edu/.
  7. Concrete Batch Plant Air Quality Hearing. Legacy Precast, LLC, has applied to the Texas Commission on Environmental Quality (TCEQ) for an Air Quality Standard Permit for a Concrete Batch Plant with Enhanced Controls Registration Number 111819 to authorize the operation of a concrete batch plant. The facility is proposed to be located at 8725 Farm-to-Market Road 362, Pattison, Waller County, Texas 77423. A public comment meeting will be held on September 30, 2013, in Brookshire. Public comments may be submitted at any time up to the close of the meeting. Please visit the TCEQ website for more information.
  8. Hydrological Restoration Projects Wanted.
    Texas Sea Grant in partnership with NOAA and other Gulf-wide Sea Grant programs are working to build an inventory of Hydrological Restoration Projects.  Potential projects need to fit the following definition, “To remove or modify anthropogenic barriers to restore historic tidal estuarine and freshwater exchange to benefit coastal and marine fisheries habitat.”  Projects can have a budget up to 5 million dollars but smaller budgets may have a better chance at receiving funding.  Also, the projects should restore 5 acres or more and have a lifespan of at least 20 years.  Once projects are identified, they are placed in a database where they can be found by different funding agencies.
    Contact Karla Dunlap karla.dunlap@tamu.edu (814) 4450-5732 or Karen Bishop Karen.bishop@tamu.edu (210) 557-6795 with potential projects or questions.
    For more information http://masgc.org/gulfhydrorestoration/index.htm
  9. TCEQ’s The Advocate now available. TCEQ’s quarterly publication for and about small businesses and local governments affected by environmental regulations is now available on the Advocate website. Articles include a legislative update, a list of approved television manufacturers, investigations of underground storage tanks, and water systems.
  10. TCEQ Commissioners Meeting, September 4, 2013. In addition to routine items, the agenda covers the following:
    • Recommendation regarding the appointmnet of a Watermaster for the Trinity River Basin, the Trinity-San Jacinto Coastal Basin, the San Jacinto River Basin, or the San Jacinto-Brazos Coastal Basin. In three of the four options to be considered by the Commissioners, TCEQ staff is recommending a watermaster program.
    • Consideration of the adoption of the renewal, with amendment, of the Texas Pollutant Discharge Elimination System (TPDES) general permit number TXG830000, authorizing the discharge of waters contaminated with petroleum fuel or petroleum substances into water in the state and consideration of adoption of the Response to Comment.
    • Consideration of a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) between the Texas Commission on Environmental Quality (TCEQ, agency) and TxDOT addressing the TCEQ environmental reviews of TxDOT highway (transportation) projects.
    • Consideration of issues relating to the establishment of environmental flow standards included in a permit or amended water right in the river and bay systems consisting of the Nueces River and Corpus Christi and Baffin Bays; the Rio Grande, Rio Grande estuary, and Lower Laguna Madre; and the Brazos River and its associated bay and estuary system.

    Read more on the TCEQ agenda.

  11. Urban Photography Contest. CBRE is accepting submissions for its 2013 Urban Photographer of the Year competition “Cities at Work.” Deadline is Aug. 31, 2013. For more information, visit http://ijnet.org/ and http://www.cbrephotographer.com/.
  12. 2013 National Reuse Contest. Deadline is Aug. 31, 2013. A complete list of rules,
    participating stores and photos of previous contest winners, is available online.
  13. Urban Photography Contest. CBRE is accepting submissions for its 2013 Urban Photographer of the Year competition “Cities at Work.” Deadline is Aug. 31, 2013. For more information, visit http://ijnet.org/ and http://www.cbrephotographer.com/.
  14. TCEQ’s Texas Environmental Excellence Awards. Due October 4, 2013. To nominate an exemplary environmental effort for the 2014 awards, apply online at www.TEEA.org.
  15. TV: Texas Parks & Wildlife. Broadcast on KUHT Channel 8 at 3:00 PM each Saturday and on cable channels in Baytown, Deer Park, Seabrook, and on HCC. More info on the TPWD website (* indicates a segment about the Houston area).
    • Office in the Ocean
    • Tommy Martin, Fishing Hall of Famer
    • Resaca de le Palma State Park
    • Playing the Turkey Game
  16. Air Quality Forecast. http://www.tceq.texas.gov/airquality/monops/forecast_today.html.Houston Clean Air Network and Realtime Ozone Mapping: http://houstoncleanairnetwork.com.
    • August 27, 2013: Yellow–Moderate–Ozone. Winds may be light enough and incoming background levels high enough for ozone to reach “Moderate” levels on the west and northwest side of the Houston area with highest concentrations in the afternoon and early evening.
    • August 28, 2013: Yellow–Moderate–Ozone. Winds may be light enough and incoming background levels high enough for ozone to reach “Moderate” or possibly higher levels on the north and northwest side of Houston area with highest concentrations in the afternoon and early evening.
    • August 29, 2013: Yellow–Moderate–Ozone. Winds may be light enough and incoming background levels high enough for ozone to reach “Moderate” or possibly higher levels on the north and northwest side of the Houston area with highest concentrations in the afternoon and early evening.

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ECONOTES Featured News
Articles–For dozens of additional headlines, visit the CEC website.
(You can let us know about articles, too. E-mail news@cechouston.org).

  1. Whistleblower, Landowners: TransCanada is Botching the Job on Keystone XL Pipeline (Priscilla Mosqueda – Texas Observer, 8/9/2013)
    TransCanada has long contended that Keystone XL will be the safest pipeline ever built. But in East Texas, landowners are growing increasingly alarmed by what they’ve seen first-hand: multiple repairs on pipeline sections with dents, faulty welds and other anomalies. The Oklahoma-to-Texas segment of Keystone XL is 90 percent complete, according to the company, and is expected to come online later this year.
    http://www.texasobserver.org/
  2. Houston at risk: Rising sea level projected to increase flooding costs (Texas Climate News, 8/26/2013)
    A new World Bank study and cautionary comments by a Rice University oceanographer both warn that Houston, like Galveston, is also threatened by flooding because of the sea-level rise that scientists say manmade global warming will propel through the century. The World Bank study projected that among the world’s 136 biggest coastal cities, Houston will have the seventh-largest percentage increase in average annual losses from sea-level rise by 2050.
    http://texasclimatenews.org/
  3. In the Garden With Urban Harvest: That swath of lawn proves not so green after all (Chris LaChance – Houston Chronicle, 8/23/2013)
    When we say the word landscape, most of us conjure up that big swath of a perfectly mowed, managed, monoculture. In fact, more than 40 million acres, roughly the size of the state of New York, are covered in it, making lawns, or turf grass, our largest irrigated crop. As much as 238 gallons of water per person, per day is applied to turf grasses in America. For homeowners, because lawn care does not consume much of their household budget, they tend to use more, lots more. With much of the country experiencing drought, lawns have been under attack for the copious amounts of water it takes to maintain them. Some cities have initiated program to pay residents to remove their turf. Austin fines its residents $475 if they are caught irrigating their yards during daylight hours. Restrictions for outside water use in the Houston area always are looming.
    http://www.chron.com/
  4. Scoop.it Page. The CEC is now maintaining a page on Scoop.it. Check it out! http://www.scoop.it/t/citizens-environmental-coalition-houston.

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GREEN JOBS Tell them you heard about it from us! Job listings can be found at CEC’s Green Jobs page.

  1. NEW! Westchase District Farmers Market seeks Manager. Westchase District works to enhance economic development within the Westchase District boundaries through a variety of programs that improve mobility, public safety, beautification, marketing, and long-range planning. The Farmers Market will serve as a community gathering place, while providing the citizens of West Houston access to high quality, locally-produced, seasonal fresh foods. Westchase District is seeking a highly motivated individual to serve as Market Manager, working under the direction of Westchase District’s Vice President of Communication. The position is part-time and does not include benefits. Annual wage for manager is budgeted at $30,000. The manager will be responsible for all day-to-day operations of the Westchase Farmers Market, including: recruiting vendors, making farm visits, and maintaining vendor records; coordinating the physical requirements of opening and closing the market; enforcing the market operating rules; handling emergencies and complaints; maintaining a market information booth; keeping a weekly market log and collecting vendor fees; and more. If interested, please send your resume to 713-780-8025 (fax) or hiring@westchasedistrict.com. No phone calls please.
  2. NEW! Scenic Houston seeks Development Coordinator. Scenic Houston is a small non-profit doing big work for Houston. For decades, their dedicated team has successfully collaborated with government, business, and community leaders to beautify Houston’s streetscapes in significant ways. Growing support for their efforts has allowed them to expand their team. They are currently seeking a Development Coordinator to assist the President in the implementation of our strategic growth plan. The Coordinator will plan and direct a broad range of development activities that support Scenic Houston’s continued success including interface with potential individual, corporate and foundation funders, planning fundraising events, grant writing and the development of an effective public relations strategy. The candidate should be a highly creative and dynamic individual with a passion for the mission and the ability to communicate that passion successfully to a wide range of high-level professionals. To find out more about Scenic Houston, please visit their website www.scenichouston.org. If you are interested in applying for this position, please send your cover letter and resume to info@scenichouston.org. No phone calls, please.
  3. NEW! Scenic Houston seeks Executive Assistant/Office Manager. Scenic Houston is currently seeking an Executive Assistant/Office Manager to assist the President in the management of all aspects of the operation. The Executive Assistant will plan, coordinate and direct a broad range of activities that support Scenic Houston including the administration of financial activities and support services, database management, coordination of special events and generally ensuring that the entire office runs smoothly. To find out more about Scenic Houston, please visit their website www.scenichouston.org. If you are interested in applying for this position, please send your cover letter and resume to info@scenichouston.org. No phone calls, please.
  4. Texas Campaign for the Environment seeks Campaign Staff. Seeking a job that fully recognizes and utilizes your personal power to create positive change? Texas Campaign for the Environment is hiring passionate people to join their campaign staff. Be part of a team of like-minded individuals who are here for more than just a paycheck. TCE staff share a vision for a more sustainable, just society, and believe that grassroots organizing, or canvassing, is the best way to affect positive change; communicate with people in such a way that motivates them to get involved. Both full time and part time positions are available. To apply, visit the employment page at http://www.texasenvironment.org/jobs.cfm to complete the Houston application and submit it to the Office Manager, suzan@texasenvironment.org.
  5. Buffalo Bayou Partnership seeks Park Wide Supervisor. Buffalo Bayou Partnership (BBP) is
    overseeing major enhancement of Buffalo Bayou Park – Shepherd to
    Sabine, a 2.3 mile long, 160-acre City Park west of downtown Houston.
    The organization is seeking a Park Wide Supervisor for Shepherd to
    Sabine. Some of the essential functions include: Examine new or
    existing landscape sites and irrigation systems, examine repairs or
    modifications to ensure trades work and materials conform to prescribed
    quality and standards; Obtain evidence of failure to comply by
    sketching or photographing locations and features of deviations; Check
    irrigation system components including, but not limited to, water
    distribution lines, sprinkler heads, valves, pumps, nozzles and
    backflows devices for defects; Oversee the supervision of personnel,
    which includes work allocation, training, and problem resolution:
    evaluates performance and makes recommendations for personnel actions;
    motivates employees to achieve peak productivity and performance;
    Oversee turf and irrigation management activities in compliance with
    park standards; Oversee and coordinate tree care program, including all
    pruning, plant diagnosis, tree removal, and replacement, tree repairs,
    and tree hazard evaluations; and more. If interested, please send Cover
    Letter and Resume to: jobs@buffalobayou.org or Mr. Gregg Burks, BBP –
    S2S Park Director / 1113 Vine Street, Suite 200 / Houston, TX 77002. No
    phone calls please.
  6. The Woods Project seeks Club Program Instructors. The Woods Project is seeking part-time (approximately 6 hrs/wk) Club Program Instructors to teach one or more of our weekly afterschool club programs for the 2013 – 2014 school year. The right candidate will be an outdoorsperson with experience working with high school youth, preferably some experience with low income youth. Some additional requirements are flexible weekly schedule, access to personal transportation, must be comfortable with camping/backpacking gear, enjoy being in a mentor/leadership role. Duties will include travelling to schools to teach an hour club, working with existing curriculum as well as developing new research-based lessons. Instructors must commit to the 2013-2014 school year, attend one fall and spring semester camping trip, and are highly encouraged to participate in the 2014 summer trip to places in Northern California or Montana. Ability to work independently and with confidence is a requirement of the job, as is the ability to communicate effectively, both verbally and in writing. For more information about The Woods Project and the Club Program Instructor position, please visit www.thewoodsproject.org.
    Interested candidates should contact Brittany White, Director of Programs, at brittany@thewoodsproject.org.
  7. Air Alliance Houston seeks Teaching Artist. Air Alliance Houston is the Houston region’s leading environmental health and air quality nonprofit. Their mission is to reduce air pollution in the Houston region and to protect public health and environmental integrity through research, education and advocacy. They are seeking a motivated individual to teach “Ozone Theater,” award winning, cross-collaborative lesson plans to k-8th graders in the Houston region. The Teaching Artist will work independently and in conjunction with the Education department on ongoing programs and new initiatives. This position will encompass a broad range of skills, including instruction on public health and quality of life, elementary to middle school education, data recording, paper work, and organizing. An ideal candidate will have a record of success working within the education field. Experience in all of these fields is not required, but intellectual and professional flexibility between fields and disciplines. Applications will be considered until the position is filled. Interested applicants should send complete resume and cover letter to hiring@airalliancehouston.org.
  8. National Wildlife Federation seeks Regional Development Manager (Austin). NWF is currently seeking a Regional Development Manager to primarily be responsible for the National Wildlife Federation’s philanthropic efforts in the South Central Region. The RDM has three primary functions: 1) to support and advance fundraising activities within the Region; 2) to keep abreast of and communicate both internally and externally the programmatic needs and accomplishments of the Region as they relate to broader cultivation and fundraising strategies; 3) to secure appropriate support from and collaboration with the Philanthropy Department to ensure that regional fundraising goals are met. Learn more and apply at www.nwf.org.
  9. Texas Living Waters seeks Attorney (Austin). The Texas Living Waters Project is a joint effort of the Lone Star Chapter of the Sierra Club and National Wildlife Federation as well as regional partner, Galveston Bay Foundation. Texas Living Waters is hiring an Attorney responsible for developing, recommending, and prosecuting environmental litigation (primarily in the form of participating in administrative proceedings related to water rights applications); developing and advancing changes in legal policy through regulatory and legislative venues; and assisting and coordinating with NWF Water Project staff and Texas Living Waters Project partners to improve water policy and management in Texas. The attorney will be responsible for identifying and implementing a wide range of legal and policy tools, including, but not limited to, state laws relating to management of surface water and groundwater and federal laws, such as the National Environmental Policy Act, the Endangered Species Act, the Fish and Wildlife Coordination Act, and the Clean Water Act. The position is responsible for reviewing, analyzing, and recommending revisions to existing and proposed regulations and legislation; providing legal assistance to NWF affiliates and like-minded organizations; traveling and making presentations in support of litigation and policy activities. If interested please apply on line: www.nwf.org.
  10. Harris County Flood Control District seeks Field Technician. Responsible for assisting the Storm Water Quality Department Manager in managing and monitoring environmental projects for the Storm Water Quality Department of Environmental Services Division to protect and enhance surfacewater quality in support of the District’s mission. Learn about the HCFCD
    job here    .
  11. Recipe for Success seeks Seed-to-Plate Nutrition Educator.
    Train then Teach Children’s Nutrition Education for
    award-winning non-profit. Paid training involves web-based coursework
    and on the job training in classroom. Certified Instructors teach after
    school cooking and gardening classes and mentor wellness programs in
    elementary schools. Experience: minimum 1 year culinary experience;
    organic gardening skills & early childhood education a plus.
    Education: BA or equivalent experience. P/T. Start at $15/hour. Email
    cover letter of interest and resume to molly@recipe4success.org. http://recipe4success.org/
  12. H-GAC seeks Air Quality Coordinator. Provides
    day-to-day oversight of the Clean Vehicles grant program and support to
    related programs including the region’s Clean Cities Coalition and
    H-GAC’s Drayage Loan Program. Supervises both technical and
    administrative aspects of the program, coordinates program staff, and
    tracks/analyzes metrics to ensure overall objectives are
    achieved. Reports to the Air Quality Program Manager,
    Transportation Department. More at www.h-gac.com/careers.

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UPCOMING EVENTS
If you attend one of these events, please let them know you heard
about it here! Visit the new calendar at cechouston.org.

Tuesday, August 27, 2013

Wednesday, August 28, 2013

Thursday, August 29, 2013

Friday, August 30, 2013

Saturday, August 31, 2013

Sunday, September 1, 2013

Monday, September 2, 2013

Tuesday, September 3, 2013

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ABOUT THIS PUBLICATION This weekly update is
brought to you by the Citizens’ Environmental Coalition, established
as a 501(c)3 in 1971. CEC is a coalition of over 100 environmental
organizations dedicated to fostering dialogue, education, and
collaboration on environmental issues in the Houston / Gulf Coast
region. Visit the CEC on line at cechouston.org. Do you
know of something great going on? News? Events? Accomplishments?
Jobs? Let us know! Send submittals to news@cechouston.org. If
possible, send information by Friday for inclusion the following
Tuesday. We especially like short paragraphs, catchy titles, third
person, and links to more information, but we will work with
whatever you send us. Calendar items can be submitted up to two
years in advance. We are always looking for volunteers to help keep
our calendar up to date.

Donate Now!

CEC and other leading environmental organizations participate in payroll contribution plans at many Texas workplaces through EarthShare of Texas. Find out how you can support CEC at 800-GREENTX or www.earthshare-texas.org.

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CEC agencies receive donations when you choose Green Bank. Visit www.greenbank.com for more information about the program.

Rachel Powers, Executive Director
Sophany Touch, IREX Community Solutions Fellow/Wildlife Alliance
Page Slocum, Newsletter Editor
(713) 524-4232
news@cechouston.org
cechouston.org
www.facebook.com/cecHouston

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