New ED at TTF, Proposed water quality protections to Delaware River & funding for local water projects

Here’s the latest green news in the region.

Tookany/Tacony-Frankford Watershed Partnership (TTF) has announced Justin DiBerardinis as its new executive director, taking the reins from Julie Slavet as ED since 2011. DiBerardinis previously served as Senior Director of Programs and Partnerships at Bartram’s Garden in Southwest Philadelphia, as Director of FDR Park in South Philadelphia and ran as a Philadelphia City Council at-large candidate in 2019. 

The EPA is proposing changes to Water Quality Standards to Protect Aquatic Life in the Delaware River, including two species of sturgeon. Public comments are accepted through February 20, 2024 and public hearings are scheduled for early February. The changes would revise the aquatic life designated use and dissolved oxygen water quality criteria applicable to Zone 3, Zone 4, and the upper portion of Zone 5 of the Delaware River (in total, river miles 108.4 to 70.0; approximately from Philadelphia, PA to Wilmington, DE). 

The new Mayor is taking on litter and dumping. Many advocates are skeptical, while others are optimistic. (WHYY)

Green Building United has an open call for sessions for its 2024 Symposium.

The Philadelphia Water Department received a $25 million grant to improve infrastructure, including Northeast Effluent Pump Station Infrastructure Project, the Queen Lane Raw Water Pump Station Power Resilience Project, and the 21st Street Storm Sewer Improvement. It also received funding for GSI projects from DEP including rain gardens in North Philadelphia.

The Pennsylvania Department of Environmental Protection (DEP) received $3 million to develop a Priority Climate Action Plan focused on reducing greenhouse gas emissions from the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA). Industry in PA accounts for over 30% of the state’s total GHG emissions.

Cover photo: Water Department on Flickr. Check presentation for American Rescue Plan Act H2O on 1/24/24

---