Seventh Annual PennFuture Watershed Workshop:

Seventh Annual PennFuture Watershed Workshop:
Bold Action to Protect Water Quality in Philadelphia and Beyond

Saturday, April 17, 2010, at Friends Center in Philadelphia

The Philadelphia Water Department has some of the most exciting and ambitious plans and regulations in the country to protect and improve water quality. Reserve your spot to learn about these cutting edge initiatives and how they might catch on in other parts of Pennsylvania.

This workshop will update watershed groups, conservancies, municipal government officials, and interested residents on the changes Philadelphia is making to ensure the health of our waterways. These changes can serve as a model for other municipalities who not only seek to better manage their stormwater, but also want to build their economy by simultaneously improving their overall physical environment. Hear from the folks behind this new approach to stormwater management and from those who are making the change happen.

* Christine Marjoram, manager of the Stormwater Plan Review & Incentive Program at the Philadelphia Water Department (PWD), will review stormwater management regulations and how they are changing;
* Joanne Dahme, program manager, PWD Office of Watersheds and PennFuture’s own Brian Glass, staff attorney, will explain the changes that are being made to the commercial stormwater charge and why it is it likely to result in better stormwater management;
* Maggie Allio of the Trans-Pacific Engineering Corp andJoanne Dahme of PWD Office of Watersheds will discuss the need for and strategies around implementing integrated watershed management planning;
* Marc Cammarata, manager of watershed planning and engineering for PWD and Brian Glass will delve into Philadelphia’s bold combined sewer overflow long term control plan update, Green City, Clean Waters and the benefits it offers over other plans being put forward across the country;
* PennFuture’s own Rachel Vassar, Philadelphia outreach coordinator will take a look at Marcellus Shale natural gas drilling, and why it is relevant to southeastern Pennsylvania’s water quality;

Other highlights of the day include:

* A guided tour of the Friends Center green roof and other water management practices incorporated into the facility;
* A chance to win a rain barrel to manage stormwater management at home; and
* Light breakfast, lunch and materials!

The cost of the workshop is FREE to PennFuture members; $10 for non-members. Space is limited and registration is required by Friday, April 9, 2010; register online today or by calling 717-214-7920.

Saturday, April 17, 2010, from 9:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. at Friends Center at 1501 Cherry St. Philadelphia, PA. Directions are available here.

Space is limited - register today!