We removed plastic meso- and macro-litter (PML) during a beach clean-up practice on a protected Mediterranean sandy beach in central Italy from the high tide line to a berm half-way up the beach and from the berm to a sand dune the rest of the way up the beach. Plastic fragments, cotton buds, and expanded polystyrene (EPS) fragments were the most common categories constituting about 90% of total abundance. We separated sand from PML and found that the weight of the sand was about 14% of the total weight removed. Although our data may be affected by local factors, they have general implications for management actions. Environmental practitioners who develop projects in beach cleaning should pay attention when removing PML since a significant amount of sand could be unintentionally removed resulting in unnecessary material in landfills or other disposal, and over time potentially could significantly affect sandy beaches.

Environmental Practice 18: 242–246 (2016)

A flow and mass transport model simulated two low-energy groundwater remediation strategies: 1) a permeable reactive barrier and 2) non-pumped wells with filter cartridges in a backfilled trench. Both structures occupied a linear transect 5 m downgradient of the leading tip of a contaminant plume and perpendicular to the local hydraulic gradient. In each of four simulated homogeneous and heterogeneous settings, models identified the shortest permeable reactive barrier (measured lengthwise, normal to the ambient hydraulic gradient) or locations of the smallest number of non-pumped wells necessary to contain and remove a contaminant plume. Results suggest that non-pumped wells emplaced in trenches backfilled with aquifer material (when allowed from a regulatory perspective) may be a viable alternative to more costly permeable reactive barriers in some settings.

Environmental Practice 18: 247–252 (2016)

Industrial symbiosis (IS) aims to couple industrial development and environmental protection through the conservation of energy and resources. Conservation of resources is achieved through synergies with industries, which mainly occur through the reuse of waste and water. The promotion and implementation of IS highly depends on the policies adopted at the national and European Union levels. The present study explores the adequacy of the current institutional framework applied in Greece for the practical implementation of IS and highlights its strengths and weaknesses. Despite providing some opportunities for attaining eco-industry, the legislation also imposes restrictions. Specifically, the absence of a comprehensive and specialized legislation and the difficulty of implementing the current regulations effectively pose barriers towards the adoption of the IS model. Considering this, the present legislative and institutional framework needs to be further integrated, while coordination among stakeholders and simplified procedures should be applied so as to realize IS in Greece.

Environmental Practice 18: 253–259 (2016)

Art is a powerful tool for conveying ideas. It transcends various modes of communication, allowing it to trigger mental, emotional, and physical responses from its target audience. Its effectiveness as a tool for environmental advocacy, however, is limited by the sustainability of the practice and the materials used. Contemporary art practices in the Philippines have found ways to support the campaign for environmental sustainability by using repurposed materials that result in a decreased carbon footprint in the art production process, while conveying environmental themes. This evaluative article presents two case studies tackling the new-found indigenous art practice of the Talaandig tribe in the province of Bukidnon, Philippines, and the contemporary art practice of select assemblage artists from Metro Manila using found objects. This article illustrates how Filipino artists in both the indigenous and contemporary art scenes are supporting the global campaign of environmental conservation in message and action.

Environmental Practice 18: 260–266 (2016)

The beneficial reuse of environmentally contaminated properties in Rhode Island remains a vast opportunity for practitioners to consider grant applications, creative financing, transactional cleanups, and/or Court-supervised cleanups. There are hundreds of re-developed, formerly contaminated sites all over the state of Rhode Island, which can be remediated under the Rhode Island Department of Environmental Management’s Brownfields program. In September of 2015, the RIDEM’s Brownfields program was significantly enhanced by state administration, providing for grants to conduct investigation and cleanup of contaminated sites. Funds are and will be available for pre-development planning, remedial investigation, redevelopment and marketing plans, remedial design, construction of remedies, and associated work. The trigger for any Brownfields remediation, and in turn, eligibility for funding, continues to be notification of a release of hazardous materials. Once under RIDEM’s jurisdiction, any responsible party must adhere to the site remediation site management process.

The grant money may be applied to investigation of soil, groundwater, soil gas, indoor air and infrastructure/building materials. Funds are also available for site assessment, remediation, hazardous material abatement, waste disposal, long term monitoring, institutional controls, environmental consulting costs, and marketing. The Brownfields grant program provides new and diverse opportunities for environmental professionals to assist their clients in the Brownfields process.

Environmental Practice 18: 267–269 (2016)

Government agencies, environmental consultants, and the public alike are frustrated by poor the coordination between agency planning and environmental impact assessment (EIA). Contracts for project design, construction, and management too often fail to provide for EIA, or to accommodate its results. A systematic review of standard contract documents and guidelines used by one major U.S. government agency revealed that they seldom took into account the need for EIA or provided for integrating the results of EIA into planning. Correcting these deficiencies was not very difficult. Other agencies may be well advised to undertake similar reviews.

Environmental Practice 18: 270–273 (2016)