Products & Services.

GIS Grants for Environmental Agencies

ESRI, a world leader in geographic information system (GIS) software, is offering grants that support the integration of GIS technology into the operations of community environmental protection organizations. The Environmental Protection Grants for Livable Communities are part of ESRI's comprehensive Solutions Grant Series, which provides applications, software solutions, data, and training to local governments and communities in 10 sectors: law enforcement, public safety, real estate assessment, community development/public works, public access, schools, public utilities, health and human services, library services, and environmental protection.

The environmental protection grants will assist local government organizations to establish organization-wide GIS projects and will promote data sharing. The program, valued at $684,500, comprises 100 software and training grants that will go to community environmental protection organizations throughout the United States.

Grant recipients will receive a copy of ESRI's ArcView GIS software for Windows, ArcView Spatial Analyst, ArcView 3D Analyst, the Water Resources CD-ROM (including the Arc View RAS tool for flood management), and ArcExplorer. Links to ESRI's ArcData Online Program are included, as are three titles from ESRI Press - Serving Maps on the Internet, GIS in Natural Resources Management, and Zeroing In. The grant package also includes a Consequence Assessment Tool Set from Science Applications International Corporation and a copy of the Global Data Standards Guide.

All public environmental protection organizations are eligible to apply for the environmental protection grants. ESRI is accepting applications through October 1, 1999. For application information, call the ESRI Solutions Grants coordinator at [phone], or send e-mail to <[e-mail]>. Descriptions and applications for the entire Solutions Grant Series also are posted at <www.esri.com/localgov>.

New High-Flow Air Sampler

The durable Buck-Genie Extra personal air sampler is ideal for applications that require high-volume sampling such as internal air quality inspections and inspections of perimeter fences. Constant-flow readings (1 to 10 liters per minute) and constant-pressure readings (5 to 800 cubic centimeters per minute) are delivered with precision accuracy (within three percent for constant flow and within five percent for constant pressure). Sensors inside the Buck-Genie Extra provide digital flow displays and automatic flow adjustments for variations in atmospheric pressure and temperature. These sensors monitor barometric pressure, temperature, differential pressure, and voltage and current.

The handheld unit weighs only 41 ounces and features batteries that recharge in two hours. Users can program the Buck-Genie Extra with or without a personal computer. The LCD provides an array of information: flow rate, measurements of back pressure from samples, battery time remaining, total volume collected, calendar information, and more.

Run data from the Buck-Genie Extra can be used to create customized sampling reports and pump histories with optional BUCKLINK software - or, with a direct printer interface, users can make a quick printout of run logs without using any software. Other features include selectable flow modes, a security keypad lock system, and 10-year lithium battery backup.

Publications on Nontoxic Pest Control

The Bio-Integral Research Center (BIRC) provides information on nontoxic and least-toxic pest control strategies through a number of publications, including the IPM Practitioner and Common Sense Pest Control.

The IPM Practitioner, published 10 times a year, offers articles on alternatives to pesticides in agriculture, horticulture, and structural pest control situations. Recent articles have covered alternative aphid control, beneficial fungi, a nontoxic herbicide, and the San Francisco IPM Ordinance. One issue a year serves as the Directory of Least-Toxic Products, providing addresses and phone numbers for suppliers of environment-friendly products. Subscriptions are $35 per year for individuals and $60 per year for businesses.

Common Sense Pest Control, a quarterly, focuses on least-toxic pest control in the home and garden. Typical articles discuss ant control, dust mites and asthma, and least-toxic termite control. The lead article in the 1999 summer issue was "Non-Toxic Weed Control for the Lawn and Garden." Subscriptions cost $30 per year.

A Dual BIRC Membership, which includes subscriptions to both publications, also is available for $55 per year.

Indoor Air Quality - NSF Conference Proceedings Available

In May, NEHA helped sponsor the First NSF International Conference on Indoor Air Health, titled "Impacts, Issues, and Solutions." The 194 participants represented public health organizations, regulatory agencies, trade associations, industry, research and testing services, media, and academic communities from seven countries, 35 states, and the District of Columbia.

The conference began with three keynote addresses:

* "Spectrum of Building-Related Health Concerns: State of the Art and Science";

* "VOCs and Emission Testing - Where Are We?"; and

* "WHO Air Quality Guidelines and Indoor Air Quality Management."

The technical program included 51 presentations given during the following five sessions:

* The "Health Endpoints" session discussed indoor air quality (IAQ) investigation questionnaires, nosocomial disease prevention, and contamination in the health care industry.

* "Occupant Characteristics and Activities" addressed hypersensitive populations in health facilities, perceived IAQ parameters and environmental parameters, and perception versus reality in engineering design.

* "Contaminants and Their Sources" covered furniture emissions standards, environmental technology verification for indoor air products, emissions of volatile organic compounds (VOCs) from carpet backings, VOCs in new automobile interiors, quantitative odor measurement, carbon monoxide from unvented natural gas fireplaces, and other indoor-contaminant issues.

* "Characteristics of the Environment" discussed automated monitoring systems, air filtration, antimicrobial preservative testing, bioaerosols, and the occupational health and safety regulations of the British Columbia Worker Compensation Board.

* "Exposure, Risk Assessment, and Modeling" addressed modeling predictions for adsorptive sinks and exposure to VOCs, residential background risk assessment for VOCs, and models for wall paint exposure.

The two-part conference proceedings are available for $95 (prepaid by check, credit card, or money order). The first volume has 33 papers. The second volume is scheduled for publication as an international journal supplement before the end of the year and will include the three keynote addresses, five featured presentations, 20 commentaries, and audience participation.

Bird Repellant is Environmentally Friendly - And Effective

Already approved by U.S. EPA for repelling geese, DCV's Flight Control[TM] bird repellent will be of interest to airport operators, park and country club administrators, lawn maintenance companies, environmentalists, and animal rights supporters. Unlike traditional bird repellents - including taste repellents, frightening agents, chemical agents, and bird predators - Flight Control is harmless to people, vegetation, birds, and other animals. It can be mixed with water for easy spray application but does not dissolve in water. As a result, Flight Control can remain active on sprayed surfaces for several months, regardless of weather conditions. Birds that ingest Flight Control experience a harmless irritation that is far more powerful than taste repellents. What's more, birds can detect Flight Control from a great distance and in very low concentrations - which helps ensure that they stay away from treated areas.