Thursday, February 25, 2016

DuPage County Stormwater Management Internships


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DuPage County Stormwater Management has open intern positions for the summer of 2016.  Below are the links to each position, please forward to anyone that may be interested.

Stormwater Management Wetland Intern posting

Stormwater Management Water Quality Intern posting

Stormwater Management Communications Intern posting

Monday, February 22, 2016

Wildlife Conservation Research in South Africa



Nkonzo Bush Academy, a terrestrial wildlife conservation training team based in South Africa.  Conservation training experiences focus on the ethical well-being of all wildlife, and a positive future for our environment.  Our team is making a genuine impact in the eco-tourism conservation industry. 

Our program helps participants gain the following knowledge –


• dangerous game approach methods
• bush survival skills, tracking and reading animal signs
• assist in conservation and wildlife management efforts on the reserve
• examine the status of the highly endangered Cape leopard population
• non-invasive wildlife approach methods
• ethics and safety of both humans and wildlife 
• work in the bush both on foot and in a vehicle
• data collection, entry and analysis
• gain the experience you need to design and conduct your own research projects

Conservation projects (subject to data collection needs and environmental factors) –

• large mammal home ranges                
• zebra stripe patterns
• hippo submersion intervals
• impala vigilance
• buffalo release behaviour

Our Team has unrestricted access to a natural reserve spanning 11 000 hectares (26 000 acres).  The African wildlife is free roaming, and amongst the many game you’ll find the Big 5.  This spectacular reserve that lies at the foothills of the Langeberg and Outeniqua Mountain ranges, is comprised of Fynbos and grass plains.  The Fynbos is endemic to the Western Cape region, and exists nowhere else in the world.





ENVS Book Launch, Dwelling in Conflict: Negev Landscapes and the Boundaries of Belonging

Environmental Studies Program Director Melissa Lenczewski is proud to introduce Emily McKee, an ENVS professor from the Anthropology department, and her book, Dwelling in Conflict: Negev Landscapes and the Boundaries of Belonging. Please join us as we support Emily McKee and Mark Schuller during this exciting time! 

Thursday, February 18, 2016

Midewin Job Opportunity



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JOB OUTREACH NOTICE and ANNOUNCEMENT


TEMPORARY POSITION

Visitor Services Information Assistant (GS-1001-05)
USDA Forest Service - Eastern Region
Midewin National Tallgrass Prairie
Wilmington, Illinois 60481

The Midewin National Tallgrass Prairie will soon be advertising to fill three TEMPORARY GS-1001-5 Visitor Services Information Assistant position. The official duty station is Wilmington, Illinois located about 45 miles southwest of Chicago. Midewin was established in 1996 as the first national tallgrass prairie in the country and in the National Forest System. It is also the largest open space in the six-county Chicago metropolitan area.

This temporary positions hours worked is not to exceed 1039 hours per year.

The official duty station is Wilmington, Illinois.

The General Scheduled Pay Scale in this area for a GS-05 starts around $16.75 per hour

If you are Interested in this Position: I am certain you will find a refreshing approach to leadership in natural resource management. If you are looking for an opportunity to do ground-breaking, nationally recognized work please respond to this outreach using the following method: Please respond by using the Web-based Response Form located at:

https://fsoutreach.gdcii.com/ and navigate to this positions outreach notice using the following directions:
1)     Once at the site find you should see the title “Current and Upcoming Forest Service Jobs Opportunities”
2)     Under that title locate a subsection titled “Duty Station Search”
3)     Under that title locate the words that say “Within City, State” then Click on the circle to the left of that statement
4)     A box will appear to the right of the Within City, State statement you selected
5)     Then in that box type in Wilmington, IL
6)     Then find the “Perform Search” tab in the bottom left “Current and Upcoming Forest Service Jobs Opportunities” and click on it.
7)     The link to the outreach notice will appear below that tab
8)     Click on the link that says “VSTR SRVCS INFO ASST” (Grade 05) and the information requested will be presented to you
9)     Then Click on the “Respond” tab at the bottom right and provide the information requested
10)   NOTE be sure to Click on the “Submit Response” tab when you are done with entering your information

*NOTE:  By doing this you are only showing that you are interested in the position.  This DOES NOT COUNT AS APPLYING for the position.  We will forward you the usajobs.gov link to apply for the position.

For additional information:
Please contact Wendy Tresouthick by phone at (815) 423-6370 or by email at wltresouthick@fs.fed.us

Summary of Position Duties:
Assists in developing specific objectives for interpretive programs and displays, providing input to the annual plan of work.  Inventories and prepares reports on the annual volumes of use, trends in public information needs, and public response to existing information output.  Makes regular visits to the various public schools and social groups.  Makes presentations on subjects such as fire safety, environmental awareness, recreation activities, and litter prevention.  Maintains inventory of existing publications for public use.  Prepares or assists in the preparation of informational exhibits which include photos, maps, etc.  Maintains the Forest video, film, and slide library and audio-visual equipment.  Meets visitors and independently replies, either verbally or in writing, to phone and mail inquiries requesting general information about Forest Service activities, programs, and policies.  Responds to a variety of questions covering all services that the forest/district may offer.  Coordinates forest service presence with local and community special events, including parades, holiday activities, fairs, shows, and celebrations.  Monitors local newspapers for articles related to the Forest Service.  Clips and routes articles to the appropriate staffs.  Responsible as the forest/district collection officer for the sale of forest maps, passes and product permits.  Maintains accurate records of sales to account for monies collected; prepares bill for collections, and transfers funds in a timely and accurate manner to lockbox.  May work with the public affairs staff to develop informational publications, including information regarding the various forest permits (firewood, Christmas trees, etc), special events, recreational opportunities, travel management information.  May develop, revise and update recreation opportunity guides using the latest technology to make information user friendly and timely.

Midewin National Tallgrass Prairie Area
Midewin National Tallgrass Prairie was established in 1996 as part of the peace time conversion of the former Joliet Army Ammunition Plant and is administered by the USDA Forest Service.  It is also the largest open space in the six-county Chicago metropolitan area. Midewin is implementing its first Land and Resource Management Plan to accomplish the four purposes outlined in the establishing legislation:
·         To manage the land and water resources to conserve and enhance native populations and habitats of fish, wildlife, and plants;
·         To provide opportunities for scientific, environmental, and land use education and research;
·         To allow continued agricultural use under certain conditions; and
·         To provide a variety of recreation opportunities.

Midewin operates in an unusually integrated manner with a wide variety of partners.  It is the largest contiguous open space, at approximately 19,000 acres in northeastern Illinois.  Check out our website at http://www.fs.usda.gov/midewin to gain an overview of what's current and planned at Midewin.

Midewin is located 45 miles southwest of Chicago, the third largest metropolitan area in the country; a rural atmosphere predominates throughout the small to mid-sized farming communities that surround Midewin.  There are numerous schools, hospitals, doctors, churches, and communities to choose from and cultural opportunities are nearly limitless.

Wilmington, Illinois is a full service community with a population of 5,000 and is located adjacent to the Kankakee River.  Fishing is quite popular along the Kankakee and throughout various other rivers and small lakes that surround the area.  The climate in this area is defined by four distinct seasons.  Summer temperatures can reach over the 90’s, accompanied with, high humidity and heat index in the 100s or more.  Spring and fall have average temperatures in the 60’s and 70’s.  Winter temperatures will frequently dip below freezing and it is not unusual to see several inches of snow covering the ground November through March.

The Midewin headquarters is located along State Highway 53, two miles north of the town of Wilmington, Illinois. Midewin team members live in many area communities, ranging from the more urban Joliet, population 83,000, to smaller communities tucked around the surrounding farm fields, like Essex, 500, or nearby Elwood, 1,000 For more information on Wilmington, there is a community website available at http://www.wilmington-il.com/ Many options for residing in larger communities are available within an easy half hour commute. There is no public transit available to the Midewin office. The closest Metra station providing access to Chicago is in Joliet.   

For more information on Wilmington, there is a community website available at http://www.wilmington-il.com/  Many options for residing in larger communities are available within an easy half hour commute.  There is no public transit available to the Midewin office.  The closest Metra station providing access to Chicago is in Joliet.


Medical facilities are plentiful, including easy access to nationally-recognized institutions in Chicago.  Cultural events range from performances at the historic Rialto Square Theater in Joliet, to playhouses at local universities, to a variety of festivals celebrating local heritage, to the wide theater, restaurant, and museum options of Chicago.

Thursday, February 11, 2016

DuPage County Stormwater Department Internships

DuPage County Stormwater Management has open intern positions for the summer of 2016.  Below are the links to each position.


Employment Opportunity: Seasonal/Internships

Title: Stormwater Management Wetland Intern
Posting No.: 0470
Closing Date: Until Filled
Department: Stormwater Management
Hours:  Temporary: Monday-Friday 37.5 hours/week between the hours of 8:00 a.m.-4:30 p.m., evening and weekend hours as required
Salary: Undergraduate: $10.00/hour and .50/hour increase for returning Interns; Graduate: $10.50/hour and .50/hour increase for returning Interns
DuPage County Department of Stormwater Management is seeking a Wetland Intern for the summer 2016. The position provides an excellent opportunity to gain experience in wetland techniques as well as local and federal regulations.
Responsibilities include: 
• Assisting the Wetland Specialists with a wide range of activities in the field and office
• Conducting field inspections at locations throughout DuPage County
• General office duties - filing, copying, note taking, data entry, research
• Completing requests for information
Requirements include the following experience or equivalent combination of training and experience:
• A current full-time college student with one-year minimum course work in biology, botany, soil science, environmental science, natural resources, or a related field
• Ability to work outdoors under adverse weather conditions
• Current and valid Driver’s License
The preferred candidate will:
• Have experience using: Microsoft Word, Excel, Power Point
• Have strong written and oral communication skills
A pre-employment background check is required.
Applications accepted until position is filled.
DuPage County is an Equal Opportunity Employer


Employment Opportunity: Seasonal/Internships

Title: Stormwater Management Water Quality Intern
Posting No.: 0471
Closing Date: Until Filled
Department: Stormwater Management
Hours: Temporary: Monday-Friday 37.5 hours/week between the hours of 8:00 a.m.-4:30 p.m., evening and weekend hours as required
Salary: Undergraduate: $10.00/hour and .50/hour increase for returning Interns; Graduate: $10.50/hour and .50/hour increase for returning Interns
DuPage County Department of Stormwater Management is seeking a Water Quality Intern for the summer 2016. The position provides an excellent opportunity to gain experience in water quality field techniques as well as local and federal regulations.
Responsibilities include: 
• Assisting the Water Quality staff with a wide range of activities in the field and office
• Conducting field inspections at locations throughout DuPage County
• General office duties, data entry and analysis, research
• Periodic interaction with members of the public
Requirements include the following experience or equivalent combination of training and experience:
• Actively taking undergraduate or graduate level courses at an accredited institution to obtain an Associate’s, Bachelor’s, Master’s or Doctorate degree in biology, botany, chemistry, geography, environmental science, natural resources, or a related field
• Ability to work outdoors under adverse weather conditions
• Current and valid Driver’s License
The preferred candidate will:
• Have computer skills and Geographic Information Systems experience
• Have strong written and oral communication skills
• Have attention to detail and organizational skills
Applications accepted until position is filled.
DuPage County is an Equal Opportunity Employer


Employment Opportunity: Seasonal/Internships

Title: Stormwater Management Communications Intern
Posting No.: 0472
Closing Date: Until Filled
Department: Stormwater Management
Hours: Temporary: Monday-Friday 37.5 hours/week between the hours of 8:00 a.m.-4:30 p.m., evening and weekend hours as required
Salary: Undergraduate: $10.00/hour and .50/hour increase for returning Interns; Graduate: $10.50/hour and .50/hour increase for returning Interns
Responsibilities include:
• Write and edit various publications and communications including press releases, newsletters, brochures, social media, etc. under direction of staff
• Maintain and update department’s webpage under the direction of staff
• Assist with managing community events for the department, including scheduling, preparation and staffing of events
• Assist with the production of short videos, such as public service announcements and interviews
• Work on special projects that may require data development and analysis, report preparation, presentations, fieldwork and/or project reporting
• Assist with general office duties
Requirements include the following experience or equivalent combination of training and experience:
• Actively taking undergraduate or graduate level courses at an accredited institution to obtain an Associates, Bachelors, Masters or Doctorate degree, or a recent graduate (within the past year)
• Working knowledge of Microsoft Office Suite
• Strong written and verbal communications skills, as well as organizational and time management skills
• Strong analytical and interpersonal skills
• Ability to work outdoors
The preferred candidate will have:
• Experience with Adobe Creative Suite
• Experience with video editing software
A pre-employment background check is required.
Applications accepted until position is filled.
DuPage County is an Equal Opportunity Employer

Ecosystem Field Studies Abroad


Illinois Groundwater Association Grant

IGA STUDENT GRANTS

The IGA offers small grants to partially support student research on groundwater or related topics. Applications are evaluated on the basis of scientific merit, capability of the applicant, and the level of requested funding as it relates to the proposed work.  These grants are open to any graduate or undergraduate student registered at an accredited Illinois college or university.  A condition of the grant is that grant recipients present the findings of their research at an IGA meeting. 

Consider applying for a student grant! Multiple NIU students have received this grant. Applications are due the 4th Friday in April. Details can be found at: www.illinoisgroundwater.org/sgrants.html

Restoration Ecology Paid Internship DeKalb

2016 Intern Opportunities in Restoration Ecology
DeKalb County Forest Preserve District
DeKalb County Illinois

The DeKalb County Forest Preserve District carries out a broad range of ecological restoration activities related to our core mission:  “preserve, protect and restore the flora, fauna and natural beauties of our lands, as near as may be, in their natural state and condition, for the education and recreation of our citizens”.  This position will be full time from mid-May to mid-August.  Wage rate is $9.50/hour.

Primary duties and activities:

1.       Invasive species control, including spraying (back-pack or vehicle mounted) or wicking herbicides, weed-eater operation, mowing, and hand-pulling. 
2.       Native plant community restoration and reconstruction, including propagation, planting, seeding, watering, weeding, barrier construction and predation control.
3.       Seed collection, and assisting volunteers during seed collection activities.
4.       Inventory and assessment activities including plant and animal identification, data collection, mapping and report preparation.
5.       Assist with monitoring and inventory of rare or endangered species.  This may include the use of telemetry and GIS equipment, and frequent wading in steams, marshes or ponds.
6.       Maintain a daily log, including activities and, as directed by the supervisor, species lists.  The log will be reviewed periodically by the Natural Resources Manager.
7.       Other tasks.  Occasionally, interns will assist staff with other related tasks. 

Requirements: 
1.       College student or recent graduate with education or background in biological sciences, forestry, ecology, botany, horticulture, environmental sciences or similar disciplines.
2.       Ability to carry out physically demanding tasks on a routine basis, while tolerating exposure to heat, humidity, insects, poison plants, and allergens.  In other words, working outdoors in native plant communities in Northern Illinois during the summer, all day long. 
3.       Obtain an Illinois Pesticide Operator’s License through the Illinois Dept. of Agriculture.  This must be obtained within two weeks of hire, preferably before.
4.       Valid Driver’s license.

Applicants should submit a resume and contact information for two references by March 4th, 2016 to:
Terry Hannan, Superintendent
DeKalb County Forest Preserve District
200 N. Main Street
Sycamore IL, 6017
                 thannan@dekalbcounty.org                
( 815) 895-7191

Sea Turtle Protection Volunteer Opportunity Greece



The following placements are now announced:

During the year 2016 nesting season (mid-May to mid-October) on Zakynthos, Crete and Peloponnesus: Volunteers are involved in fieldwork, public awareness and maintenance. Volunteers stay in basic designated campsites.

All year round at ARCHELON’s Rescue Centre, situated in Athens: Volunteers are involved in sea turtle rehabilitation, public awareness and maintenance work. Accommodation is provided at the Centre.

Amvrakikos Project (July-August): The project’s objective is to capture, collect data and tag sea turtles. This activity is quite physically
demanding and often takes place over long hours.

Volunteers cover their own travel and food costs as well as other personal expenses and sometimes their accommodation (depending on the project).

If you would like to use your volunteering period with ARCHELON as an internship for your
college/university, then it is necessary to inform ARCHELON when you submit your application.

Please note that no project data can be used for any report you may have to write.

Monday, February 8, 2016

Environmental Educator Wanted


Here is a great part time job opportunity guys. It's good to build up your experience for carriers you wish to pursue to in the future!

Environmental Educator
wheatonparks/onlineapp/

Position Type:
Lincoln Marsh/Environmental Educator

Date Posted:

  2/2/2016
Location:
Lincoln Marsh
Environmental Educator
 
 
General Purpose This part-time position is responsible for the preparation, presentation and evaluation of adventure and environmental educational programs at the Lincoln Marsh Natural Area and traveling outreach programs.
 
Qualifications
Substantial progress towards and/or a bachelor’s degree in environmental education or life sciences preferred or an equivalent combination of training, certification, and experience in environmental interpretation.  Skills and knowledge of environmental education required with experience in coordinating and presenting environmental education programs to diverse audiences including children 18 months through high school, adults and community groups.  Knowledge of nature-related activities and crafts recommended.  Should have experience working with children in both classroom and outdoor settings.  A working knowledge of parks and recreation field is preferred. Knowledge of local flora and fauna preferred. Ability to handle captive educational animals.  Enthusiasm, reliability, ability to take initiative and flexible schedule required. Must possess a valid Illinois driver’s license and first-aid/CPR certification (training provided).
 
Essential Duties

  1. Present, develop, coordinate, and implement environmental education and adventure programs including, but not limited to, the Wetlands Education Program, preschools, scout and school groups, summer camps, outreach programs, birthday parties, and other outdoor education programs as assigned.
  2. Assist in the preparation and implementation of special events.
  3. Assist with the production of program brochures and publicity materials.
  4. Provide proper care for captive educational animals such as fish, amphibians, reptiles and invertebrates.
  5. Maintain, organize, and inventory program equipment.
  6. Must follow, administer and implement Wheaton Park District policies and guidelines.
  7. Adhere to the standards and procedures as listed in the various Lincoln Marsh staff handbooks.
  8. Effectively communicate (via phone, email and text message) with supervisors, coworkers, and program participants in a timely manner
  9. Assure safety of program participants at all times.
  10. Supervision and enforce rules and regulations with program participants.
  11. Ability to travel to program sites at various institutions.
  12. Able to transport and safely care for captive educational animals.
 
Other Duties and Responsibilities
  1. Respond to participant’s complaints and concerns.
  2. Be familiar with Wheaton Park District emergency procedures.
  3. Attend staff in-services and staff meetings as required.
  4. Prepare written and oral reports as requested by supervisor.
  5. Be a mandated reporter for the “Abused and Neglected Child Reporting Act”.
  6. Assist Environmental Education Supervisor with special projects.
  7. Seek and interpret input from residents and the general public.
  8. Other duties as assigned.
Psychological Considerations
Must be able to demonstrate leadership qualities.  May have to deal with stressful situations.  Must be able to respond to needs of participants with special needs. Must be able to effectively resolve issues that may arise with program participants, other staff, and volunteers.  Must be a positive role model for young participants.
 
Physical Demands: 
Must be able to:
  • Remain in a stationary standing position for long periods of time.
  • Able to hike up to 2 miles over natural terrain.
  • Frequent walking, standing and carrying items up to 50 lbs.
  • Able to use a variety of program equipment.
  • Required to wear protective equipment and clothing.
  • Must carry First Aid backpack at all times while conducting programs.
  • Rare repetitive hand/arm movements such as when working with / on computer / tools.
  • Continuously position ones’ self to stoop, kneel, crouch, crawl, bend, twist, and reach.
  • Continuously lift, carry, push, pull objects weighing up to 50 pounds on your own and with assistance.
  • Continuously move objects over shoulders and head weighing up to 10 pounds on your own and with assistance.
 
Environmental Considerations: 
Will be exposed to or work in the following types of environments:
  • Insects and bugs
  • Pesticides and chemicals
  • Confined spaces
  • Poisonous plants
  • Heights of 50 feet
  • Fumes, odors, dust, or mold  
  • Extreme outside weather conditions
  • Office atmosphere with moderate noise
  • Extreme noise levels
  • Smoke-filled areas while other park district staff are performing controlled burns
  

Hours:
0-28 hours per week
Hours are dependent on program schedule
Including some evenings & weekends
Summer camp hours, Monday-Friday 8am-1pm,
Additional hours may be possible

Salary:
$9.50-$11.00 depending on experience

Wheaton Prk District is an equal opportunity employer EOE/M/F/D/V

Montana Farming Internships



Farming Internships Available in Big Sky Country This Summer
New Tool Connects Prospective Interns to Montana Farms and Ranches

Gain hands-on experience through summer internship opportunities for Environmental Science or Environmental Studies majors. Farm Link Montana's Intern Link is a new resource that connects people who are interested in learning to farm or ranch with experienced producers willing to share their expertise. 

This summer, get outdoors, get your hands dirty, and experience the tough but rewarding work of a farmer as an intern on a Montana farm. In addition to sweeping mountain views, big skies, and grizzly bears, the state of Montana boasts a rich and varied agricultural landscape producing everything from kale to cattle on farms and ranches ranging from half an acre to half a million acres.

Farm Link Montana is a new, free resource that connects prospective interns with Montana farms looking for an extra hand. The website features a map displaying farms with available internships, information about each farm, and a common application form, so that you only need to fill out a single application for all the farms you are interested in. 

Although each arrangement is different, farming and ranching internships typically run for the duration of the growing season, from May to October. Start dates vary, however, so get your applications in early to increase your chances of success!

For more information and to apply for an internship, visit FarmLinkMontana.org/Intern-Program/

Friday, February 5, 2016

‘A failure of epic proportions’

Flint’s water crisis runs deeper under the surface, NIU professors say


tap-water

Debate is raging on Capitol Hill this week as lawmakers seek to assign blame for the crisis in Flint, Mich., that allowed lead-contaminated water to flow to thousands of residents.
The situation, says the chairman of the House Committee on Oversight and Government Reform, is “a failure of epic proportions.”
Tomoyuki Shibata, an associate professor of public health at NIU, shares that sense of disappointment.
“Everything unfortunate happened at the same time,” he says. “It’s sad. In my class, I teach students that American people are protected by policy.”
Shibata, and other NIU faculty in the multi-disciplinary Institute for the Study of the Environment, Sustainability and Energy, are closely following the issue, using it to demonstrate to students the important roles government, scientists and public health officials play in protecting society.

brown-water
A breakdown in management
Eric Zeemering is an associate professor in NIU’s nationally respected Master of Public Administration program. In that role, he teaches future city managers and professional government administrators about the fundamental role they will play in society.
Part of the blame for the crisis in Flint, he says, can be attributed to a breakdown in basic management structures.
From 2011 to 2015, the city was under state control because of the former manufacturing community’s economic collapse. The city was run by a rapidly churning succession of emergency managers appointed by Gov. Rick Snyder.
Had the emergency managers not left their positions so quickly, and had someone with more institutional knowledge been in charge, the problem in Flint might have never happened, Zeemering says.
In 2014, one of those emergency managers tasked with saving money made the move to switch Flint’s supply from water pumped in from Lake Huron via Detroit, to water directly from the Flint River.
water-towerThat decision proved disastrous. According to one recent study, the Flint River water is naturally 19 times more corrosive than the Lake Huron water.
There are simple treatments to address that issue, but they were not put into practice. Consequently, while the water was safe when it left the treatment plant, as it traveled through lead pipes leading to (and often in) homes, the corrosive water leached the deadly metal from the pipes and became contaminated.
For Shibata, that is one of the most frightening things about the situation in Flint. “This could happen anywhere in the U.S. because many households made before 1986 have lead piping,” he says.
Laws demand that state and local agencies test for lead at taps in areas likely to have older piping. That testing was not being done in Flint, where many of the homes were built before lead plumbing was banned.
Under that law, communities are required to test tap water and take action if 10 percent of these tests find lead at 15 parts per billion. In Flint, researchers from Virginia Tech University responding to resident complaints about water quality found lead levels up to 397 parts per billion in some homes. According to the EPA, the only safe level of lead is zero.

Solutions
Melissa Lenczewski (right) and an NIU student work in the field with a water level meter.As recently as 2011 a study advised communities to employ anti-corrosive additives before using Flint River water. The State of Michigan could have had access to that study, but allegedly did not pursue it.
“They made an economic decision without doing any of the scientific investigation needed,” says Melissa Lenczewski, an associate professor in the Department of Geology and Environmental Geosciences who leads NIU’s Institute for the Study of the Environment, Sustainability and Energy.
Lenczewski is hopeful that a potential solution to help avoid similar problems in the future might be on the horizon. The proposed Groundwater Monitoring Network, a data-sharing program, that is the subject of debate in Washington, D.C., would provide policymakers with hard data to guide decisions. Information to guide decisions such as whether to switch a city to river water would be more easily available.
“The United States Geological Survey publishes some data on certain parts, the state has some, the local communities have some,” Lenczewski says. “But they haven’t been linked.”
Connecting all of the nation’s data through the Groundwater Monitoring Network would be difficult, but Lenczewski says having the science ready for policymakers would be an important step toward avoiding situations like what happened in Flint.
Lessons unlearned?
tv-cameraUnfortunately, Zeemering says, the vital public administration lessons that could be learned from Flint don’t capture the public interest or media attention as much as they should.
“Management can be boring. The day-to-day oversight of programs does not receive the same interest, although it can be instrumental for a municipality,” he says. “We count on our public infrastructure every day for tasks integral to our lives.”
Zeemering worries the current attention to the crisis in Flint will bring brief furor to the issue of water quality, but no lasting changes, similar to how the 2007 collapse of the I-35W bridge in Minnesota (which killed 13), brought no real change to the issue of crumbling bridges and roads.
“Attention to infrastructure problems is very episodic,” Zeemering says. “When a bridge collapses in Minnesota, we’ll have a round of attention on bridges. We’ll have a round of attention on groundwater now.”