Triad Engineering, Inc.’s Post

JOINT COMMENT LETTER: Draft Subsequent Environmental Impact Report for the Draft Ravenswood Business District/Four Corners Specific Plan Update 📣 📄 To City of East Palo Alto Read the full letter at https://lnkd.in/gG7VSBxK "We recognize the critical role that the Ravenswood Business District/4 Corners Specific Plan Update will play in shaping the future of East Palo Alto and its natural resources along the San Francisco Bay. We have participated in community meetings, engaged with local residents, community groups and City staff/consultants, and commented to the Planning Commission and City Council throughout the planning process. In this letter, we will first address a few overarching points that apply to the overall DSEIR, followed by noting a few errors/omissions in the document that should be corrected in the final report. Then we will address our concerns regarding individual CEQA-related environmental factors." . . . #sierraclub #sierraclublomaprieta #lomaprietachapter #bayalivecampaign #sierraclubbayalivecampaign #lomaprietabayalivecampaign #sealevelrise

🌱 Exciting news out of Michigan! The state is making significant strides in environmental justice by applying for federal funding aimed at tackling health and environmental disparities in underrepresented communities. Here's a closer look at what this means and why it's essential. Michigan is competing for valuable grants from the EPA's Environmental Justice Small Grants program and the Brownfields Program. These initiatives are crucial as they specifically target communities in Detroit, Flint, Muskegon, Grand Rapids, and Saginaw—areas that have long faced the brunt of pollution and health issues. 🔍 The Environmental Justice Small Grants seek to empower communities with up to $200,000 for local projects. These projects focus on addressing dire public health and environmental challenges that disproportionately impact low-income and minority groups. 🏗️ Likewise, the Brownfields Program is about transformation—revitalizing contaminated lands into productive properties, with Michigan aiming for up to $600,000 in grants. Both programs aim not just at cleanup but also at fostering education, outreach, and community planning to ensure sustainable futures. 🤔 Have you witnessed similar initiatives in your area? How effective do you think these programs are in addressing environmental justice? 💬 Let's discuss how strategic funding and community involvement can turn the tides toward healthier and more equitable environments. #EnvironmentalJustice #CommunityDevelopment #Sustainability #EPA #Michigan 📢 Share your thoughts and experiences! Let’s learn from each other on how best to advocate for and implement these crucial environmental justice initiatives. https://lnkd.in/gMgTPVc8

Here’s to the next chapter of CLF!

The Massachusetts Trial Court Community Service Program (CSP) will commemorate Earth Day with tree plantings at several courthouses across the state, beginning Thursday, April 25th. The CSP Earth Day Tree Planting project is resuming after being on hiatus during COVID. The tree plantings will take place: Thursday, April 25th Fall River Justice Center, 186 Main Street, Fall River Wednesday, May 8th Framingham District Court, 600 Concord Street, Framingham Thursday, May 16th, Chicopee District Court, 30 Church Street, Chicopee The plantings of Shad trees—a tree that produces white flowers when in bloom-- will be performed by probationers and court-involved individuals who have been sentenced by a judge to perform community service. Prior to the Pandemic, CSP crews planted nearly a dozen trees at courthouses across the Commonwealth from Hingham to Pittsfield, according to Vincent Lorenti, Executive Director of the Office of Community Corrections, a department of the Massachusetts Probation Service. OCC oversees the CSP. All of the trees, except for one, remain standing, said Mr. Lorenti. “I know that these types of activities can be seeds for success. A young man on probation told me that he and his mom drove by the courthouse all the time. He said he couldn’t wait to tell her that he helped plant the tree right in front. Imagine how you would feel if your son had legal troubles and had that kind of enthusiasm about being able to give back. I believe that these opportunities for meaningful service can help people see themselves in a different way.,” Mr. Lorenti commented. Earth Day was first introduced by Wisconsin Senator Gaylor Nelson in 1970 and has become a prominent global event to promote environmental protection and stewardship. CSP has conducted numerous environmental clean-up projects over the past two decades- including: litter pick-up at state parks, highways, and beaches and plantings at the Rose Kennedy Greenway in Boston. In addition to the tree plantings, the CSP has developed a "Beach Brigade" modeled after one developed at the Center for Coastal Studies in Provincetown. The Beach Brigade Project will include a written inventory or “Trash Tally” of found debris that can help researchers understand the best ways to prevent debris contamination and effect clean up when necessary. This environmental project is in collaboration with the MA Department of Conservation and Recreation, Clean River Project, Mass Audubon, and Trustees of Reservations. If you have questions or suggestions about tree planting, the Beach Brigade, or any other environmental stewardship project that can support probation participants, please contact community.justice@jud.state.ma.us #MassachusettsTrialCourt #MassachusettsProbationService #CommunityService #EarthDay

Earlier this week we shared a post from #Hoboken Mayor Ravi Bhalla about the City's commitment to combating the effects of #climatechance through #stormwatermanagement and a system of #resiliencyparks. 🌊🌳 Today, let's take a look at one park we were intimately involved with, Northwest Resiliency Park, which opened to the public last year. 🏗 Northwest Resiliency Park 📍 City of Hoboken, NJ The Firm assisted the City in its landmark acquisition of three parcels comprising a total of 6 acres of real property in Northwest Hoboken, which is being developed into a #resiliencypark. ⛲ The $30 million transaction involved evaluating and assessing environmental liability, drafting and negotiating complex environmental provisions in the Purchase and Sale Agreement, assuring compliance with applicable federal and state environmental laws, rules and regulations, working with a Licensed Site Remediation Professional to confirm that the planned remediation of the property would be protective of human health and the environment, and assisting in the procurement of environmental insurance for the City’s protection. The resiliency park will provide a detention system capable of collecting up to 1 million gallons of #stormwater in order to address the City’s flood concerns consistent with the City’s comprehensive sustainability and water management strategy known as “Resist, Delay, Store, Discharge.” ☔ #Hoboken #HobokenNJ #stormwatermanagement #climateresiliency #environmentalpolicy #environmentallaw #redevelopmentlaw #njredevelopment #environmentalremediation #njlawfirm #njlawyers

What is a “Brownfield” and why does it matter? 🤷♀️ A brownfield is a site (like an old abandoned building) where the presence or potential presence of contamination makes reuse or redevelopment difficult. Many communities, including rural communities like Schuyler, Nebraska, often lack the resources to take on the redevelopment of these sites, or even to assess what might be there. This $500k US Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) Brownfields Assessment Grant will help Schuyler determine what they might find inside these old buildings, like the municipal power plant, and come up with a reuse plan to benefit the community! #brownfields #thatspower #epa #region7 #grants #schuyler #nebraska

The Environmental Services Team at Communities Unlimited (CU) in Tennessee plays a vital role in resolving water system issues. Technical Assistance Providers (TAPs) identify problems, organize records, and work with regulators to address non-compliance issues, ensuring communities have access to safe and reliable water. CU’s TAPs are dedicated to public health and environmental care, demonstrating their ability to tackle complex challenges even in tough conditions. These two projects exemplify CU’s commitment, teamwork, and problem-solving expertise. https://lnkd.in/gn_dwwES

"[A] wetland is more than just the sum of its parts." #Attorney Jane Landretti and Law Clerk Klara Henry explain the #DNR’s consideration of “other significant adverse #environmental consequences ... [beyond just] the physical footprint of the proposed fill itself" for #wetland fill permitting. Learn more in our blog post about the recent #Wisconsin #appellate #court decision and its important ramifications—click to read it! https://lnkd.in/gDEkb9Gc

Incredible news for Colorado! The EPA has awarded over $8 million to six communities for environmental cleanup and redevelopment projects. This significant funding aims to transform contaminated sites into economic opportunities. For example, Northglenn will remediate a 7-acre property with high levels of lead and arsenic, preparing it for new uses. Greeley and Kersey will use their grants for environmental assessments and cleanup, respectively, with plans for new community amenities like a restaurant and brewery. Additional funds will support cleanup efforts in Pueblo, Monte Vista, and Lakewood, ensuring a cleaner and healthier environment for residents across the state. These projects not only address historical pollution but also lay the groundwork for future economic growth and community revitalization. Kudos to the EPA and local leaders for their commitment to making Colorado a cleaner, safer place to live and work. #EnvironmentalCleanup #EPA #Redevelopment

How do we move from a national conversation about community benefits to local, community based action? Read on to learn more.