Environmental Ed holds an Associate Degree in the Natural Sciences and a Bachelors Degree in Environmental Resource Management.  Ed also has various certifications in natural resource management with a emphasis on erosion control.  
    Over twenty years of technical assistance to landowners regarding natural resource concerns and problems, related to soil, water, air, plant, and animal resources.  Extensive background in dealing with environmental concerns as they relate to government and private industry.  Environmental Ed is the father of 2 - Justin and Sara and wife Sue - brother of Jon.  

    If you would like to have Environmental Ed answer a question for you, just email him and he will answer here in the column.  Your questions may also be used on the radio show, Talkin' Pets.  

 Email Environmental Ed HERE!!

Good Morning Ed!

I am currently a student at IUPUI. I am taking an environmental geology class and I have an assignment that I could use your help with. I am supposed to attend a Service Learning Project and write an outline regarding it. I am not aware of any volunteer projects in my community. The project should concern a problem within an environmental context. If you have any suggestions, I would gladly appreciate them!!

Thank you for your time and your help!
Vanessa Trattner

ANSWER:

Hi Vanessa:

I have a couple of suggestions. You may want to check with you local County Conservation District. They are involved in a variety of conservation initiatives dealing with the environment and may be able to help you along. I'm sure you can find their number in the local telephone directory. Also, your state in all probability has an Environmental Resources Department, they should be aware of possibilities on the government level and in many cases at the private level as well.  You may also want to check with your local Department of Transportation they are constantly involved in geological investigations related to road construction. Don't be afraid to check out web sites, you might be surprised what you can find close to home. I wish you well!

Environmental Ed

Question:

Ed,

    How can I get environmental history and/or reports for a specific area?  In the last 8 years there have been 5 case's of cancer in my neighborhood, including my wife. Three of the cases are neighbors (3 houses in a row) and the other 2 are directly across the street.  I tried the EPA website, but did not get much out of it. Is there anyway I can find out if this area was used as a dump site in the past?

Thank-you, Larry

ANSWER:

Hi Larry:

I must admit that I would also be concerned over the high rate of cancer that seems to be occurring in your neighborhood. If the cancer is similar in nature there may be a universal link to the cause. As for any development history related to the site, I would suggest that you start at the local courthouse and research the history of the deed. There should be a past history of the property that may provide some leads.  

    The local planning commission may also have a record of any developmental changes in the area of concern. I believe that if your going to find an answer you need to concentrate your efforts locally. A small dump site would probably not show up on any EPA list of hazardous dump sites.  I wish you luck with your research and hope that the cancer victims receive proper care for their condition. If you keep an open mind and pursue all possibilities I'm certain you will find some answers.

Good Luck!

Environmental Ed

Question:

Hi Ed,

I was wondering if you may be able to help me? I am planning on going back to school in the fall, but I'm not sure what to take. I have a real interest in animals and the environment. Someone suggested to me environmental landscaping or zoology. I am writing to you to see if you know anything about either of these?

thank you,

Carrie

ANSWER:

Hi Carrie:

First of all I would like to wish you good luck next year. You are certainly faced with a dilemma which has affected countless other students over the years. It might be wise for you to enroll as an undeclared student and take some courses toward a career that interests you the most.

There are many possibilities for employment that relate to your interests. I would encourage you to seek out an internship that will allow you to acquire some practical experience. Don't be afraid to volunteer your services, it may allow you to acquire the information you will need to further your education.

I wish you well!

ENVIRONMENTAL ED

A New El Nino Weather Pattern is predicted for 2002,

El Nino, the weather phenomenon that unleashed devastating floods and droughts, is likely to return this spring, but how harmful it might be is unclear.

Forecasters at the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration made the prediction based on readings of warmer water in the Pacific Ocean.

The last El Nino episode in 97/98, was considered extremely severe.El Nino, meaning ``boy child'' in Spanish, is an abnormal warming of waters in the eastern Pacific Ocean that usually happens once every two to seven years.  El Nino can have a major impact on wind and rainfall patterns around the world causing storms, droughts and crop failures.

The first region of the world to feel the impact of a new El Nino would be the tropical Pacific. Forecasters said the U.S. Pacific Northwest is likely to experience wetter-than-normal conditions in the fall if El Nino develops as predicted, and from the state of Louisiana eastward to Florida, and possibly southern California, they could also be drenched with above average rainfall, while the northern Great Plains would see warmer temperatures.

Question:

Hi, Ed.  I sometimes collect water from the roof that runs off after a big rain for my fish pond, but notice that some fish sometimes die after adding this water...  What is the difference between this roof water and the water that falls directly from the sky...

I await your response...

            Patrick

ANSWER:

Hi, Patrick.  I could use a little more information, but I'll give it a shot.  There are quite a few factors that can influence the quality and temperature of the water that runs off your roof.  The type of roof material could be affecting the ph, lowering it to a point that it's too acidic for the fish.  Also, the roof temperature could be causing the water to heat up, affecting the amount of dissolved oxygen in the water.  Airborne pollutants can also land on the roof and end up in the runoff.

As you can see there are many reasons why the could be happening.  I suspect that the ph spikes might be the problem.  You can monitor the runoff with a simple test kit.  There are methods to filter the water if you plan to use it.  I wish you the best!

            Environmental Ed

QUESTION:

Dear EE,

I live in the southeast of the country and we have had a very cold winter here. Do you have any suggestions on how to protect our plants outside in our landscaping. We normally do not get such bitter cold conditions but our plants are taking a beating... What can we do...

Thanks for your help...

Joan

ANSWER:

I happen to live in the Northeast and the winter hasn't gotten any warmer here so I assume your plants are still fighting the cold. Your question is tough for me to answer, in that, I could use more information.

Plant variety obviously has an impact on my answers. Annuals are much more vulnerable to the cold than most perennials. Aside from covering them or using some type of artificial heat there is not much you can do. The cold will take it's share and you will have to replace what doesn't survive.  As for the perennials, I would try and cover those that would be very difficult to replace and you could supply heat, but this can get expensive.  Keep in mind that some varieties will hold up to very cold weather and this should impact your decisions. You can check with a local nursery and they can provide information on the tolerance level of your plants. You can also find this information over the internet.

For future protection don't forget to mulch around your plants. If you keep the soil covered and allow the sunshine to warm the soil, it will hold heat and provide protection during cold spells. The use of black plastic does warm the soil, but don't forget to allow for infiltration of rainfall.

I wish you well!

Environmental Ed

QUESTION:

Dear Ed,

Why is getting laws passed to help prevent marine sedimentation such a major ordeal? Its not like it has a pro side. 

Jeanne

ANSWER:

Jeanne:

You have a very legitimate concern. I am certain there are many others who sympathize with your position. Unfortunately, the legislative process that allows for changes to our environmental laws tends to be a lengthy and difficult process. Change does not come easy. Our democracy allows us to voice our concerns, like you have done today.

There is little doubt that sedimentation results in environmental damage of varying degrees. I am certain that there are environmental organizations that would be happy to discuss this matter. You may want to surf the web as a place to locate contacts. I encourage you to pursue the answers to this concern. If you continue to promote environmental awareness, others will take up the cause and people may be more willing to voluntarily work toward less sedimentation of our waterways.

I wish you well!

Environmental Ed

QUESTION:

Hi Ed,

I don't know if you get involved with this but...I am an informal educator in Northern Michigan, searching the internet for region specific environmental education programs for a 4th grade, summer-time audience.

Know any programs or good links to region-specific,,easy to learn, teach, etc.?

 Thanks,
 M

ANSWER:

M:

Since your interest seems to center around the science of geology, I would suggest that you start with a search of the web site of the US Geological Society.  If nothing stands out, don't be afraid to send them an email explaining your interests.  Other federal governmental departments such as USDA may also be able to help.  I'm sure they will be very helpful and point you in the right direction.

Your state government may also have a web page that you may find helpful.  I wouldn't give up on the internet.  The information you seek is definitely there you just need to find the right web site. 

I wish you luck with your search.

Environmental Ed