LACKAWANNA RIVER CORRIDOR ASSOCIATION

LACKAWANNA RIVER CORRIDOR ASSOCIATION
10TH ANNUAL MEETING
Mayfield, Pennsylvania October 2, 1997

SUSTAINABLE DEVELOPMENT: Remarks by J. Glenn Eugster, U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, Office of Sustainable Ecosystem & Communities, 401 M Street, S.W. (Mail Code 2183), Washington, D.C. (20460). Telephone 202-260-2772 or Internet: “Eugster. Glenn@EPAMAIL.EPA GOV.”

I. Introduction: How are you doing ? How is the Lackawanna River doing?

First introduction to your group was a meeting in 1987. We talked about the river and its past, current condition and future. Pete Horger held up a very large bottle of river water---with fish swimming inside--and talked about how the river was coming back. The meeting’s large turnout and Pete’s symbolic gesture made a serious impression on me. What has the health of the river/ watershed been? What is it now? What does it need to be in the future? How will you achieve ecological health while working to meet the economic and social goals or your communities?. How will you compete with other areas in your state, other regions of the U.S. ?

I suggest that you take a close look at sustainable development as an approach to use to help you achieve river and watershed protection and restoration while you maintain community vitality and achieve economic I suggest that you take a close look at sustainable development as a way to maintain regional competitiveness.

Key premise is that until we establish a healthy stable economy we can never be sure that we will achieve or maintain a healthy river or watershed. Environmental protection and economic development do in fact go hand-in-hand. Not only do we have to hope for good economic development we need to help promote development which is sustainable and will help us to achieve our river protection and restoration goals.


So what does sustainable development mean?

Is it a trendy term ? A boutique government program? What we do already ? My personal interpretation is that sustainable development reflects a convergence of thinking among and between our agencies and organizations. It is an evolution of our thinking about how environmental, community and economic activity fits together---an evolution of our collection experience in the way that we manage people, land, water and development.

More and more community-based environmental protection practitioners agree that the formula for successful and sustainable action must:
1. Base goals and action on sound science
2. Emphasize community-level decision-making consensus
3. Target place-based development and management strategies and actions
4. Give Priority to help communities take action to help themselves protect and prosper community-based action
5. Simultaneously achieve environmental, community and economic objectives.
6. Monitor and publicize progress, outcomes and results!


II. SUSTAINABILITY DEFINITIONS: TIED TO MEETING ENVIRONMENTAL, COMMUNITY & ECONOMIC GOALS SIMULTANEOUSLY

Sustainable development: “To meet the needs of the present without compromising the ability of future generations to meet their own needs”.Source: “Our Common Future”, The World Commission on Environment and Development, 1987.

Multi-objective concept: “Recognize all legitimate beneficial public and private uses which have the least adverse impact on environmental, community and economic resources and reflect a high degree of public involvement and consensus at all stages of decision-making. Source: “Multi-Objective River Planning and Management” Eugster, J. Glenn, 1987.

Non-sustainable behavior: Development, or land and water activities, management or uses, which limit the ability of humans and ecosystems to live sustainably by destroying or degrading ecological values and functions, diminishing the material quality of life, and diverting economic benefits away from where they are most needed. Source: 1997 U.S. EPA Sustainable Development Challenge Grant Guidance, Washington, DC, 1997.


III. PROJECT SPECIFIC EXAMPLES:

The Lackawanna Valley is filled with good examples of community-based projects such as the Heritage Valley, the National Environmental restoration Institute, the Corps of Engineer’s examination of non-structural flood loss reduction alternatives, Steamtown National Historic Site, and obviously the work of the Lackawanna River Corridor Association. These and other Lackawanna Valley efforts are some of the many, many exciting local initiatives going on around the country. Some other community efforts you might find useful to examine include:

1) Case Study: CAPE CHARLES, VA. SUSTAINABLE TECHNOLOGIES INDUSTRIAL PARK: Using a principal of nature, “ Waste equals food and energy”, Cape Charles is developing a new type of industrial park that will develop environmentally compatible businesses that employ local people.

For information about Cape Charles Park ( a video tape of the Sustainable Technologies Industrial Park is available for $15.00) or the Northampton County Sustainable Development Plan contact Northampton County, 16404 Courthouse Road, P.O. Box 66, Eastville, VA. 23347. For information on the County-wide effort contact Tom Harris, County Administrator (757) 678-044. For information on the Cape Charles effort contact Tim Hayes, Director of Sustainable Development, (757) 331-8130at 23 Park Row, Cape Charles, VA 23310. Also, The Nature Conservancy’s Virginia Coast Reserve is developing compatible sustainable economies. For information about work in Virginia or the EPA-assisted compatible economies project contact The Nature Conservancy, Brownsville, P.O. Box 158, Nassawaddox, VA. 23413. Steve Parker (757) 442-3049.

2) Case Study: RETHINK DETAILS/ SMALL DECISIONS OF OUR DESIGN: WATERSHED PROTECTION DESIGN GUIDELINES, WATERSHED CENTER, SILVER SPRINGS, MD. The Center for Watershed Protection, a private non-profit group, is working with governments and the private sector to revise development standards to achieve greater quality of life, environmental protection and cost savings.

Practical Watershed Protection/ Site Planning Guidelines have been developed through a series of Site Planning Round tables with representatives from the National Home Builders Association, private development companies, the American Public Works Association, the Natural Resource Defense Council, U.S. EPA, the Urban land Institute, The Conservation Fund, and The National Realty Committee. For information contact Tom Shyuler, Director, (301) 589-1890 at The Center for Watershed Protection, 8737 Colesville Road, Suite L105, Silver Springs, MD. 20910.


3) Case Study: ACID MINE DRAINAGE STEAM RESTORATION, SOUTHWEST PENNSYLVANIA, ALLEGHENY MOUNTAIN HERITAGE DEVELOPMENT CENTER, HOLIDAYSBURG, PA. The Center, long known for work in heritage conservation and tourism, is using small locally supported wetlands creation projects to restore water quality and stimulate small business activity.

The Kiski-Conemaugh River Basin Alliance, in collaboration with the Heinz Foundation, the Commonwealth of PA and Allegheny Heritage Development Corporation, are developing creating small wetland treatment ponds to help restore the quality of South Western PA’s streams. For information contact Randy Cooley, Director (814) 696-9380 AHDC, P.O. Box 565, 105 Zee Plaza, Holidaysburg, PA. 16648. ; or Robert McCombie , Project Manager, (814)539-2466, Kiski-Conemaugh River Basin Alliance, 1334 Franklin Street, P.O. Box 907, Johnstown, PA. 15907-0907.

4) Case Study: BUSINESS TECHNICAL ASSISTANCE TO ACHIEVE POLLUTION PREVENTION IN MAINE. Coastal Enterprises Inc., through a pollution abatement grant from EPA, provides small business loans, energy and pollution audits and technical assistance to businesses to achieve creative solutions to economic development and pollution prevention.

For information on pollution prevention opportunities for businesses contact Ronald Phillips, Coastal Enterprises, Inc. Water Street, P.O. Box 268, Wiscasset, Maine 04578. By telephone call (207)882-7552 or use E-mail: rip@ceimaine.org.


5) Case Study: SUAWANNEE RIVER WATER MANAGEMENT DISTRICT IN FLORIDA COMBINES HERITAGE EFFORTS WITH WATER QUALITY PROTECTION AND RESTORATION. Using Florida’s Iinnovative approach to defining and protecting the essential natural infrastructure required for a healthy watershed, the Suawannee River District is conserving heritage, stimulating cultural and ecological tourism opportunities and protecting water quality without imposing burdens on landowners, businesses and local governments.

The Suwannee River Water Management District can be contacted for additional information at 9225 CR 49, Live Oak, Florida 32060. By telephone call Peg McPherson at (904)362-1001 for a copy of the Suwannee River Region’s Heritage Area Progress Report for 1997. Contact Mark Benedict of the 1,000 Friends of Florida/ The Conservation Fund at 524 East College Avenue, P.O. Box 5984, Tallahassee, FL 32314-5948 for information about Florida’s natural infrastructure effort. By telephone call (904) 222-6277.


IV. SOURCES OF INFORMATION & ASSISTANCE
tCommunity-Based Environmental Protection: U.S. EPA Region III (DE, MA, VA, WV, PA, DC) Dominique Lueckenhoff (215) 566-2738, or visit EPA’s Community-Based... Internet Home Page at http://earth1.epa.gov/ecosystems/. For copies of “People, Places and Partnerships: A Progress Report on Community-Based Environmental Protection”call 513-489-8190 or by mail, write to: NCEPI, 11029 Kenwood Road, Building 5, Cincinnati, OH 45242. For a copy of “Community-Based Environmental Protection: A Resource Book for Protecting Ecosystems & Communities” contact the EPA’s Sustainable Ecosystems & Communities Clearinghouse at (202)260-7069.

TNC Compatible Economies Project: The Nature Conservancy, with assistance from EPA, is working with communities to create economic development strategies compatible with the protection of key ecological resources. Contact Bill Painter, Deputy Director, U.S. EPA Office of Sustainable Ecosystems & Communities, Washington, (2183) DC 20460. (202) 260-5498.

Joint Center for Sustainable Communities: EPA, the National Association of Counties and the U.S. Conference of Mayors are partnering to foster movement toward sustainable communities by providing local elected officials with advise, information and financial support. Contact Charlotte White, U.S. EPA, Office of Sustainable Ecosystems & Communities (2183), Washington, DC 20460. (202) 260-8559.

Green Communities Assistance Kit: A guide to help community leaders solve problems and make decisions in ways that integrate environmental, social and economic issues at the local level. U.S. EPA Region III, Philadelphia, PA. Dominique Lueckenhoff (215) 566-2738, or visit EPA’s Internet Green Communities Home Page at www.epa.gov/region03/greenkit.

EPA Sustainable Development Challenge Grant Program: Matching grants are available, on an 80% federal and 20% non-federal basis, for community-based sustainable development projects. For information contact: Pam Hurt, U.S. EPA Office of Air and Radiation (6101), Washington, D.C. 20460; or EPA Region III, Mindy Lemoine, 841 Chestnut Building, Philadelphia, PA 19107. Projects selected for FY 1996 Sustainable Development Challenge Grants included:

Community Supported Agriculture in the Mid-Atlantic Region - Establishes a network of 26 organic farms to grow food on a contract basis for local urban residents in the mid-Atlantic region. While helping to provide people with a pesticide-free food supply, the emphasis on organic farming also helps improve water quality -- agricultural runoff accounts for 40% of the nitrogen in Chesapeake Bay. The arrangement also helps save agricultural land from development in a region where over 1,000 farms are being sold every year.

Washington Smart Wood Certification Program - Establishes a State wood products certification program to recognize and reward sustainable timber production in the marketplace. Using market forces as an alternative to regulation, the project involves defining and promoting those practices that can improve environmental quality while also improving the industry’s long-term viability. The project is designed to encourage broad participation by all players in the wood products production chain -- certification is offered to foresters, landowners, mill operators, manufacturers, and retailers.

Sustainable Craft Industry in Appalachia - Demonstrates how native grasses can be grown to create a source of materials for a growing and lucrative regional industry -- hand-made crafts. The North Carolina Arboretum and its partners will research and develop a prototype natural materials garden that can be replicated by individuals or communities interested in promoting hand-woven basketry as a sustainable economic activity. Emphasis will be placed on investigating production techniques to protect the land and water, such as siting gardens along riparian areas to reduce polluted runoff and increase natural buffering capacity, cutting pesticide and fertilizer use to protect water quality, and selecting plants that allow artists to reduce their reliance on artificial chemical dyes.

Building Materials Exchange in New Orleans - Establishes a program to collect waste building materials from the construction industry for reuse in inner-city housing projects. This program will provide individuals and neighborhood nonprofit organizations with a lower cost alternative for materials and an understanding of how these materials can be used for urban renewal. It will also help address regional concern over limited landfill capacity.

Sustaining Forestry in New Hampshire - Promotes better forestry management practices to protect water quality and the future of the region’s timber industry. Sustainability benchmarks will be established to measure how conditions are being improved and a handbook of sustainable practices will be developed and shared with local foresters to promote improved management.

Marketing the Economic Benefits of Sustainable Development in the Rappahannock River Watershed - Unites five local governments with private developers and conservation groups to identify, use and evaluate alternative practices for reducing development impacts. These practices, designed to reduce ecological damage and encourage more efficient land use development pattern, will be marketed aggressively throughout the watershed and made available to other communities concerned about the adverse ecological, economic, and social impacts of poorly managed development.

Preserving Sustainability in Jefferson County, Virginia -- Advances a regional bottoms-up process for better managing the rapid, sprawling development around Charlottesville, Virginia. Six local governments along with public and private interests will join together to secure written agreements on actions to be taken to carry out the community’s vision of a sustainable future, and to prepare a State of the Region report outlining the area’s most significant challenges and opportunities for improving local conditions..

EcoPark Development in Omaha -- Allows work to begin on development of an inner-city ecological park based on revitalization of an existing site. Participants will investigate potential sites, financing options, and environmentally-friendly design features, particularly use of recycled construction materials, for construction of a commercial office to house a resource conservation center, community and service organizations as well as local businesses. The building will be surrounded by an ecological park to demonstrate use of native plantings, locally-generated compost material, and other organic landscaping techniques. The project will promote and expand use of recycled materials in the design of commercial space, help create economic opportunity in a poor, inner-city neighborhood, and build a stronger working relationship between community residents, local businesses, and the local government.

Implementing a Strategic Plan for Sustainable Development in South Carolina -- Empowers officials and residents in one of the country’s largest remaining undeveloped wetland ecosystems to begin implementing a strategic plan to simultaneously protect and capitalize upon its most important asset -- world-class ecological conditions. The project will involve developing performance standards to guide development, conducting market feasibility assessments to determine the commercial value associated with fisheries, forest products, and eco-tourism; and developing educational programs to increase the public’s understanding of the areas’s unique environmental and cultural features.

Sustainable Neighborhood Design for the Desert Southwest -- Explores planning options for new neighborhood developments in Phoenix and Scottsdale that are sensitive to the natural environment, ensure quality of life for residents, minimize uses of resources, and promote economic growth. Working teams of municipal leaders and stakeholders will be established to develop implementable guidelines and model designs for sustainability. The results are to be applied locally and shared regionally with other southwestern desert communities facing competing development and sustainability pressures.


Planet Neighborhood: A Public Broadcast Service Special Broadcast hosted by Bill McDonough, Dean of the School of Architecture of the University of VA. A three part series (with sessions on the Home, Workplace, Community, and three classroom modules) looking at the latest in energy saving technology and good design. Video programs are available from Bullfrog Films, P.O. Box 149, Oley, PA. 19547 or 1-800-543-3764.

Building Healthy Communities: Resources for Compatible Development: A resource book designed to give local leaders and concerned citizens access to the understanding and resources they need to practice compatible development successfully in their own community. For information contact the Corporation for Enterprise Development, 777 North Capitol Street, NE, Suite 410, Washington, DC 20002. (202) 408-9788.

Green Development: Literature Summary and Benefits Associated with Alternative Development Approaches. The document is a culmination of examples, case studies, and issues related to implementing green development approaches in urban areas. For information contact U.S. EPA Office of Water (4504F) Washington, DC 20460

Sustainable Ecosystems & Communities Clearinghouse: Information, for communities working on solutions to environmental problems, is available through a variety of mechanisms, including a web-home-page (htt://www.epa.gov/ecocommunity); fax-on-demand (202)260-5339; or by contacting Karen Metchis at U.S. EPA at (202) 260-7069.


Regional Geographic Initiatives: Regional Geographic Initiatives (RGI) are an approach EPA Regional Offices use to work with States, local governments, private organizations, and others in specific places on problems identified as high risk to human health or ecosystems. RGI projects are different from other traditional EPA activities in that they are designed for particular places, in response to regional cooperative environmental risk assessments and other regional environmental problems. Funds were approved in FY 1996 for water quality restoration work within the Susquehanna River Basin. For information contact: EPA Region III, Henry Brubaker/ Larry Teller, 841 Chestnut Building, Philadelphia, PA 19107.

IV. Summary:

I first came to Scranton to help with the creation of the Steamtown National Historic Site but my carrer prior to that time was focused on helping communities help themselves to protect and revitalize their rivers. During a field trip we took with community leaders to Lowell, Massachusetts I spoke with Len Altier, Jr. and he expressed interest in forming a local watershed organization. From that conversation we organized a meeting in June 1987 and the participants identified the following issues as the most important problems facing the lackawanna River.

+ Flood Protection Using Non Structural Approaches
+ Image and Cleanliness of the River
+ Enforcement of existing pollution laws
+ Access to and awareness of the River corridor

The goals you set that night included:

* To protect and restore the river to look like the picture “The Lackawanna Valley” by George Innes
* To develop areas along the Lackawanna so that citizens can use the
* To provide communities with a safe and clean river
* To get people involved in the river’s future
* To think of the Lackawanna as an integral part of local resources
* To protect and restore a green space park in the City

That night the participants decided to:

+ Establish a “Save the River” organization
+ Develop public awareness, member involvement and outreach
+ Prepare a community-based river corridor plan
+ Organize support through the media
+ Build support with the City, County, Commonwealth, Congressman McDade’s Office, State Legislative Representative’s Offices and the National Park Service

You have accomplished a great deal and tonight is a time to celebrate. As you plan for the next decade you may want to consider the need to understand what the most serious water quality and land management problems are that need to be solved. In the lower reaches of the Chesapeake bay Watershed great attention has been given to dealing with a outbreak of flesh-eating bacteria along a number of Maryland and Virginia tributaries. The experience on the Pocomoke River, one of the rivers with the most significant occurrence of this problem, is ample proof that the tough problems of water quality and non-point source pollution don’t go away until you solve them.

As you begin your second decade of river conservation and restoration be ready and willing to measure your progress and share the results. Take time to identify the most important indicators of ecological, community and economic progress related to the river and your work to restore it. Whether you continue to use special riverts in the Scranton Times or public events such as your wonderful Annual Canoe Race, continue to make the health and vitiality of the Lackawanna River a topic of public interest and concern.

Finally, look at sustainable development ideas to advance valley-wide Lackawanna River coorridor and economic alternatives. It is not enough to work to protect the Lackawanna and assume that compatible development within the waterswhed will be likely to occur. As conservationists you must help your elected officials to advocate locally supported development alternatives that reduce pollution and threats to human and ecosystem health..

If your past is an indication of your future, the prospects for you, your group, and your river are very good. Thanks, congratulations on your 10th anniversary and may you have continued success in your work.


J. Glenn Eugster is a policy analyst with the U.S. EPA’s Office of Sustainable Ecosystems & Communities. He is currently helping to develop a policy and funding source for community-based environmental protection and a strategy for helping communities develop and implement alternatives to sprawl development. He recently worked for EPA’s Office of the Administrator, Office of Wetlands, Oceans and Watersheds and the Chesapeake Bay Program Office where he helped to develop the Program’s “Priorities for Land, Growth & Stewardship”.
Glenn is trained in landscape architecture and ecological planning.