Houston Environmental News Update July 14, 2015

Happy Shark Awareness Week!

Have you ever been curious about sharks in the region?

The Flower Garden Banks National Marine Sanctuary, off the Texas coast, is host to a variety of sharks. The Sandbar Shark is a regular visitor at Stetson Bank, but you may also see Nurse Sharks, Scalloped Hammerhead Sharks, and even Whale Sharks on any visit to the sanctuary. Learn more about sharks in the Sanctuary and in the gulf at flowergarden.noaa.gov.

While the hoopla during shark week seems to focus on sharks eating (or threatening to eat) people, you might be just as interested in people eating sharks. In the past few years, the State of Texas has taken regulatory action relating to sharks.

Most recently, the Texas Legislature passed HB 1579, which will go into effect July 1, 2016. The bill bans the buying or selling of shark fins in Texas, which are a commodity in China due to their use in shark fin soup. Although the practice is banned federally, the state hopes this new regulation will curb the practice since, as of right now, about half of U.S. shark fin trade comes from Texas, according to an article in the Texas Tribune.

In 2013, the Texas Department of State Health Services issued a Fish and Shellfish Consumption Advisory (#48) which includes all species of shark off the Texas Gulf Coast because of the presence of mercury at concentrations exceeding health assessment guidelines established by the State. They recommend eating no more than 2 shark meals a month (none for young children and women of childbearing age). The advisory has similar or more stringent recommendations for blackfin tuna, blue marlin, bonito, crevalle jack, king mackerel, swordfish, and wahoo.

CEC NOTES

1. CEC’s New Volunteer Program 
   On Wednesday, July 29, 2016, our Shell Summer Intern Morgan Greeves will be sharing what she learned as she developed CEC’s new volunteer program.If your organization is building a volunteer program of its own or looking to make changes to an existing program, Morgan can help give you ideas to get you started as well as share what the process has been like for her. Our discussion will start at 12pm, so bring your brown-bag lunch and your questions, and learn a little more improving your volunteer program. The presentation will be at the CEC office at 751 Silver Street. Please RSVP to volunteer@cechouston.org to get more specific directions.If you are interested in volunteering with the CEC, you can learn about some of our volunteer opportunities by visiting Volunteer Houston or VolunteerMatch.org, or by contacting volunteer@cechouston.org.
   We’d like to extend a big THANK YOU to the Shell Summer Intern Program and to Volunteer Houston for their support of this program.
2. Mid-Year Environmental Top Ten
   

   The year is more than half over, but we are already thinking about end-of-the-year top ten lists. What would you include on lists of the most most significant local environmental events, news articles, controversies, collaboration, or issues so far in 2015? Or how about a list of sleepers–the things most important to our environmental community that nobody knows about? Send suggestions to rachel@cechouston.org

3. New Subscribers
   

   Thank you to our new subscribers: Mary, Helena, Kylah, Jacob, Douglas, Rosalin, Jillian, Sara, Jovanna, Michelle, Debora, Barbara, Candace, and Armando. We hope you enjoy our emails. Please consider liking us on facebook.

4. CEC Events–Save the Dates
   • September 3, 2015: Environmental Forum for Contested At-Large City of Houston Council races. Please contact rachel@cechouston.org if you would like to be a planning or promotional partner for the event.
   • November 17, 2015: CEC holiday open house
   • January 28, 2016: Wild & Scenic Film Festival On Tour
   • March 24, 2016: CEC’s Greater Houston Environmental Summit
5. Newsletter Schedule
   

   CEC will not publish a newsletter on Tuesday, July 28, 2015. It will resume the following week on a new day: Wednesday! We will continue to post events and news on the website. As always, please send information about events and announcements to news@cechouston.org.

6. City of Houston Electoral Forums–save the dates
   

   City of Houston is holding elections for a new mayor and for several city council positions. You may have seen our save the date notice for the environmental forum that CEC is hosting with several partners on September 3, 2015, for at-large council positions. (More info to follow!)

   CEC is not the only one hosting a forum related to environmental issues. Here’s a rundown of other forums of which we know being hosted by CEC member organizations–more details to follow:

   • Brays Bayou Association -  Mayoral Forum - Monday, August 17, 2015, at 7:30 at the Gathering Place 5310 South Willow Drive
   • Blueprint Houston – Mayoral Forum - Saturday, September 26, 2015, 9:30 AM at the HCC Main Campus
   • About 15 Organizations – Mayoral Forum - Thursday October 1, 2015, in the evening at Hermann Park Garden Center
   • League of Women Voters – Mayoral Debate – October 16, 2015

   A few other events are being considered; we’ll keep you posted.

COALITION NOTES

1. San Jacinto River Coalition Meeting. In order to better serve the communities, the San Jacinto River Coalition will host two meetings in July. The first meeting will be held on July 7, 2015, at 6:30pm at the Highlands/San Jacinto Community Center (604 Highland Woods). The second meeting will be held on July 14, 2015, at 6:30pm at J.D. Walker Community Center (7613 Wade Rd). The meetings will cover the same topics so it is not necessary to attend both. Important updates and information will be presented at the meetings but the overall focus will be water quality. Additionally, Texas Quality Water has volunteered to test the basic parameters of local resident’s water at the meetings. To collect your water sample to bring to the meeting: Thoroughly wash and rinse the collection container under warm, running water. In a clean sink / collection area free of any dishes, food, dust, or other potential contaminant, prepare to collect the water sample. Remove any faucet mounted filters, screens, aerators, etc. from the faucet where collecting the sample. Wash and rinse hands thoroughly with soap and warm water. Allow cold tap water only to run for at least 60-seconds to clear the line of any warm water or loose debris and collect a good sample. Fill the sample collection container with at least 8 oz. or more of cold tap water and cap tightly. Don’t allow sample to get exposed to excessive heat or cold. (Don’t leave it in your car or place in the refrigerator.) Bring the water sample to a July meeting to have it tested onsite for free! www.texanstogether.org
2. Village Green Project. The Village Green Project is a community-based activity to demonstrate the capabilities of new real-time monitoring technology for residents and citizen scientists to learn about local air quality. The goal of the project is to provide the public and communities with information previously not available about their local air quality and engage communities in air pollution awareness. The monitoring technology is built into a park bench made from recycled materials and includes sophisticated instruments to measure two common air pollutants — fine particle pollution called PM2.5 and ozone – and meteorological conditions such as wind speed, temperature, and humidity. Weather conditions are important for understanding air quality. These projects can be found in numerous cities throughout the country, but not in Houston. However, Air Alliance Houston is trying to change that. There is currently a GoFundMe page where supporters can back the project. You can donate at www.gofundme.com. Learn more at www.houstoniamag.com.
3. Buffalo Bayou Park as the “Best Urban Trail.” Buffalo Bayou Park was nominated in USA TODAY’s 10Best for “Best Urban Trail” in the Readers’ Choice Travel Awards. Cast your vote and help Buffalo Bayou Partnership get to #1! You can vote once per day until Monday, July 20, 2015, at noon ET. Vote by visiting www.10best.com.
4. Solid Waste Management Grant Application Workshop. H-GAC plans to release the next Solid Waste Management Grant Program application in the fall. To prepare for this grant release, H-GAC is hosting a Solid Waste Management Grant Application Workshop on Thursday, July 16, 2015, from 9:30-11:30am at H-GAC Conference Room B, Second Floor. Participants will learn how to conduct a self assessment to identify needs and qualities of a good application. A past grantee will share information on the preparation that goes into developing a project idea and application and what to expect during the implementation phase. Attendance at the workshop is not required to participate in the application process; however, anyone considering submitting an application is encouraged to attend. For more information, contact Erin Livingston at 832-681-2525 or visit www.h-gac.com.
5. TWRC Wildlife Center Guest Speaker Series: Attracting the Widest Varity of Birds to Your Yard. The next presentation of the TWRC Wildlife Center Guest Speaker Series will be held on July 16, 2015, from 7-8pm at the TWRC Wildlife Center. If you love watching birds, then you want to make sure they return to your yard again and again! If they find a relatively safe habitat with fresh food and water, chances are they will come back – frequently. The best way to attract a variety of birds is by providing the four elements to create a habitat  – water, food, nesting and shelter. Get the inside scoop on different kinds of feeders and feed, importance of water and how to provide nesting opportunities and shelter from an industry expert. The cost is $5 for members and $10 for non-members. To RSVP, email education@twrcwildlifecenter.org. More at www.twrcwildlifecenter.org.
6. H-GAC Brown Bag Lunch Series: “The Coming Resin Boom to the Gulf Coast.” You are invited to join H-GAC for the July Brown Bag Lunch Series presentation by Mr. Gary Furneaux. Gary leads the Supply Chain Capital Projects Group for ExxonMobil Chemical Company and is responsible for supporting major capital projects, designing logistics facilities and integrating new production into existing supply chains. His 13 years with ExxonMobil have included various Supply Chain assignments in Houston and Singapore. Gary will discuss how the “Resin Boom” will affect freight transportation in our region. His presentation will also cover: a review of the Gulf Coast Chemical/Plastics growth; identification of logistics challenges expected with significant export growth; and potential industry solutions to export challenges. The presentation will be held on July 20, 2015, 12-1pm at the H-GAC offices. This event is open to the public (RSVPs not required). More at www.h-gac.com.
7. Texas A&M AgriLife Watershed Workshop in League City. There will be a Texas Watershed Steward workshop in League City on July 21, 2015, 8am-noon at Clear Falls High School. This free, one-day educational workshop is designed to help watershed residents improve and protect their water resources by getting involved in local watershed protection and management activities. The workshop will provide an overview of water quality and watershed management in Texas. It will primarily focus on water quality associated with Dickinson Bayou, including efforts by the Dickinson Bayou Watershed Partnership, Texas Sea Grant, Texas A&M Extension, and area residents to help improve water resources and the health of the surrounding watersheds. Continuing Education Credits available for: professional engineers, certified crop advisors, certified planers, landscape architects, professional geoscientists, Texas Department of Agriculture pesticide license holders, certified teachers, certified floodplain managers, and select TCEQ occupational license holders. Register for the workshop at http://tws.tamu.edu. Please submit your registration at least 4 days prior to the training date.
8. AIA+2030 Kickoff. The AIA + 2030 Series program is the result of a partnership between the American Institute of Architects Seattle, Architecture 2030, BetterBricks, and the City of Seattle. AIA Seattle and Architecture 2030 are now bringing the Series to other AIA chapters, including AIA Houston. AIA+2030 trains green-collar workers in the architecture and engineering fields to design buildings that use 60% less energy. The AIA+2030 Professional Series™ is a comprehensive, ground-breaking curriculum that includes ten, 4-hour sessions teaching strategies to reach 60% reduction in fossil fuel greenhouse gas emissions. AIA+2030 gives design professionals the knowledge and leverage to create next-generation, super-efficient buildings—and provide firms with the skills that will set them apart in the marketplace. The AIA+2030 program was launched in Seattle in 2009, and has been extremely successful. The program will kickoff on July 22, 2015, 5:30-7pm at Architecture Center Houston. The following sessions will be held on Fridays from 8am-noon (breakfast provided). A total of 40 AIA learning units may be earned with 4.0 HSW (SD) hours earned per session. You may self-report your credits for GBCI. Learn more at https://aiahouston.org.
9. 31st Annual Mayor’s Proud Partner Awards – Call for Entries. It’s that time again! Keep Houston Beautiful is now accepting award applications for the 2015 Mayor’s Proud Partner Awards. Gather your organization’s leaders together and select that special project you would like to submit demonstrating your commitment to keeping Houston beautiful! ALL applications must be submitted online and are due no later than 5pm on July 27, 2015. Learn more and submit an entry at www.houstonbeautiful.org.

COMMUNITY NOTES

1. Plan Houston Public Meetings. Mayor Annise Parker has kicked off efforts to create a general plan for the City of Houston. The purpose of the plan is to establish a common vision and goals to guide the city’s future and high level strategies to help city leaders achieve those goals. Learn more about the plan and the 12 policy directives proposed to achieve the community’s vision and goals by visiting http://planhouston.org. There will be multiple opportunities to provide your input. The Planning Commission will be holding public meetings to hear from residents and business owners. All meetings are from 6-7:30pm.
   • July 14, 2015: Tracy Gee Community Center (3599 West Center Drive)
   • July 21, 2015: Trini Mendenhall Community Center (1414 Wirt)
2. Houston Bike Plan – Online Activities Extension. Many people have participated in the Houston Bike Plan, including nearly 1,900 surveys, over 300 map comments, and 55 discussion forum comments. Haven’t sent in your thoughts yet? There’s still time! The availability of online activities has been extended to July 20, 2015. There are several ways to participate:
   1. Survey – Take the survey about your preferences for biking in Houston (available in English or Spanish).
   2. Mapping Activity – What would make Houston’s bike network better? Make a map comment!
   3. Discussion Forum – Make a comment about your vision for biking or like other comments.
3. Laurel Wilt Disease in Texas. Michael Merritt, Region Urban Forestry Coordinator with Texas A&M Forest Service, released the following information about Laurel Wilt Disease: ‘Bayou Laurel wilt is a vascular disease caused by the fungus Raffaelea lauricola, which is transmitted by the invasive redbay ambrosia beetle, Xyleborus glabratus. The disease affects and kills members of the laurel family, including principally redbay, but also sassafras and avocado… Infected redbay trees have been detected by a U. S. Forest Service pathologist in Hardin County, Texas and the red bay ambrosia beetle was trapped in the same vicinity shortly thereafter. Currently, the disease has been found in southeast Texas only in Hardin and Jasper counties, but it may well be more widely spread. Signs and symptoms of laurel wilt are easy to recognize and include discolored foliage and staining of the sapwood. Often, noodle-like exudations of sawdust are visible where the small ambrosia beetles penetrate the wood. Anyone observing dying or dead redbay or sassafras trees with these characteristics should notify the nearest Texas A&M Forest Service office or Regional Forest Health Specialist Allen Smith (lasmith@tfs.tamu.edu). Avoid transporting the disease over long distances by not moving redbay firewood that may be infected. The funicide propiconizole has shown some efficacy as a preventive measure for laurel wilt in redbay trees.’
4. EPA Extends Public Comment Period on Draft EJ 2020 Action Agenda Framework to July 14, 2015. As a result of robust feedback from stakeholders, the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) is extending the public comment period on the draft EJ 2020 Action Agenda (EJ 2020) framework until July 14, 2015. EPA is seeking public comment on EJ 2020, its next overarching strategic plan to advance environmental justice through EPA’s programs, policies and activities, and will support the cross-agency strategy on making a visible difference in environmentally overburdened, underserved, and economically-distressed communities. Stakeholders and the general public can review the framework and submit comments, by visiting  www.epa.gov/environmentaljustice/ej2020.
5. OHBA Learn About the Design, Construction, & Maintenance of Hermann Park’s McGovern Centennial Garden. Learn about the McGovern Centennial Gardens at this OHBA event on July 16, 2015, 11am-1pm. The cost is $25 for OHBA members and $40 for non-members. Learn more and register at www.eventbrite.com.
6. The 2015 Eco-Summit Series. The Teaming With Wildlife Coalition: True to Texas is hosting a regional Eco-Summit in the area. The Coalition wants to facilitate collaboration at the local, regional, and state-wide levels to accomplish good things for the natural resources of our state. Do you have an idea that would help wildlife? Want to know more about conservation priorities in our area? Do you need partners for your natural resource-related cause? Want to find out more about the Texas Conservation Action Plan? Register now and participate for FREE. At each Eco-Summit there will be listening sessions and facilitated collaboration between local and regional organizations. Attendees will include individuals involved in creating the Texas Conservation Action Plan (TCAP), such as land owners, TPWD biologists, academia, conservation organizations, and elected officials. You’ll also have a chance to talk about your priorities for your area, and to work with others to advance your goals, and that of natural resources in Texas. The Houston Eco-Summit will be held on August 11, 2015, 8am-4pm at the Houston Zoo. Learn more and register at www.teamingtxwildlife.com.
7. 73rd Annual Bulb & Plant Mart. One of the largest and oldest horticultural events in Texas, the 73rd annual Bulb & Plant Mart, sponsored by the Garden Club of Houston, (GCH) will be held October 1-3, 2015, at St. John the Divine Church (2450 River Oaks Blvd). More than 500,000 top-quality bulbs from domestic and international suppliers from Amaryllis to Zantedeschia (Calla Lily) will be available at the Mart. Experienced as well as beginning gardeners will find an expanded collection of hard-to-find and unusual Crinums, Daylilies, Gingers, perennials, trees, shrubs, vines, herbs and citrus plants, including unique offerings from the gardens of GCH members, grown specifically for the Mart. Visitors to the Bulb & Plant Mart will receive a Horticultural Guide for Houston, prepared by the Club. The booklet includes the botanical names and descriptions of the items for sale, information on planting and caring for plants, as well as a planting calendar for bulbs. Over 100 different bulb varieties can be pre-ordered before the Mart. All Pre-Orders will qualify for GCH’s sales tax exemption; minimum order is $30.00 and all orders save 10%. Orders must be received by September 1st. Learn more at www.gchouston.org.
8. Grant Applications for Clean Water Act Projects. The TCEQ and the Texas State Soil and Water Conservation Board Exit the TCEQ administer federal grants for activities that prevent or reduce nonpoint source pollution. The TCEQ has released its Request for Grant Applications (RFGA) for Fiscal Year 2016 nonpoint source projects under the Clean Water Act Section 319(h) Grant Program. Applications will be accepted until September 4, 2015 (3pm CT). To access the grant application, visit the Electronic State Business Daily website. At the web site, in the “Browse Postings” section, in the line for “Agency Requisition Number,” enter 582-15-55292 and click “GO” to access this RFGA. The RFGA page contains links for “Package 1,” the RFGA instructions, ranking criteria, timetable, and other important information for applying, and “Package 2,” the application form in Word format. Learn more at www.tceq.texas.gov.
9. Flower Garden Banks National Marine Sanctuary at CAST. Flower Garden Banks National Marine Sanctuary will be part of the NOAA exhibit at Conference for the Advancement of Science Teaching (CAST). The conference will be held in Fort Worth this year, November 12-14, 2015. Sanctuary educators will be on hand at this year’s conference to let participants know what is available to help convey critical concepts to students. The theme – Defying Gravity – is perfect for an underwater based site! A guest appearance by a SCUBA diver in gear is also a likely event. For more information about this and other sanctuary events, check out the webpage at flowergarden.noaa.gov or the Facebook page at www.facebook.com/fgbnms.
10. TV: Texas Parks & Wildlife. Broadcast on KUHT Channel 8 at 3:00 PM each Saturday and on municipal access cable channels in Baytown, Deer Park, Houston, Nassau Bay, Pasadena, Seabrook, Sugar Land, and on HCC TV. More info on the TPWD website (* indicates a segment about the Houston area). For a preview, visit TPWD’s YouTube Page.
    • Fishing for Cats
    • Lone Star Land Steward: Laborcitas Ranch
    • Martin Creek Lake State Park
    • Chester’s Island
11. Air Quality Forecast. http://www.tceq.texas.gov/airquality/monops/forecast_today.html. Houston Clean Air Network and Realtime Ozone Mapping: http://houstoncleanairnetwork.com.
    • July 14, 2015: Green–Good. Moderate winds and low incoming background levels should help to keep air quality in the “Good” range.
    • July 15, 2015: Green–Good. Moderate winds and low incoming background levels should help to keep air quality in the “Good” range statewide.
    • July 16, 2015: Green–Good. Moderate winds and low incoming background levels should help to keep air quality in the “Good” range statewide.
    • July 17, 2015: Green–Good. Moderate winds and low incoming background levels should help to keep air quality in the “Good” range statewide.

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