PA Environment Digest

An Update On Environmental Issues In PA

Edited By: David E. Hess, Crisci Associates
Winner 2009 PAEE Business Partner Of The Year Award Harrisburg, Pa October 1, 2012

Sen. Scarnati Working On Marcellus Shale Health Advisory Panel Bill Sen. Joe Scarnati (R-Jefferson) circulated a memo to members of the Senate this week announcing his intent to develop legislation to create a Marcellus Shale Health Advisory Panel. The panel, he said, would be tasked with thoroughly investigating and studying advancements in science, technology and public health data in order to provide Pennsylvania elected officials, regulators and the general public with information, analysis and recommendations regarding the safe, efficient and environmentally responsible extraction and use of unconventional natural gas reserves in the Commonwealth. Sen. Scarnati noted, There has been much discussion regarding the potential effects of Marcellus Shale drilling on public health and safety. The creation of an advisory panel composed of experts from a wide range of fields including doctors, scientists, academics and industry leaders will provide Pennsylvania with a critical asset in addressing any current or future impacts arising from the development of Marcellus Shale. The creation of a permanent health advisory panel was a suggestion of the Governors Marcellus Shale Advisory Commission he explained. In fact, the language used by Sen. Scarnati to describe his proposal advisory panel was very close to the recommendation in the Commission report-In recognition of the tremendous breadth and scope of issues affected by Marcellus Shale natural gas, as well as the significant pace of technology and best management practice advancements occurring within the industry, the Commission strongly encourages Governor Corbett to consider creating a permanent advisory panel or committee to monitor the impacts of this industry, thoroughly investigate advancements in science, public health data and technology, and provide the Commonwealths elected officials, policymakers, regulators and members of the public with real-time information, analysis and recommendations regarding the safe, efficient and environmentally responsible extraction and use of unconventional natural gas reserves in Pennsylvania. The Commission also recommended the Commonwealth establish a health registry to track the any impacts drilling was having around well sites-- The Department of Health should create, or oversee the creation of, a population-based health registry with the purpose of characterizing and following over time individuals who live in close proximity (i.e. one mile radius) to gas drilling and production sites. Sen. John Yudichak (D-Luzerne), Minority Chair of the Senate Environmental Resources and Energy Committee, proposed supporting the creation of a health registry as part of his drilling fee proposal in Senate Bill 1519.

He said he would propose a panel consisting of nine members including the Secretary of Health and individuals appointed by the Governor, President Pro Tempore of the Senate, Speaker of the House and House and Senate Minority Leaders. Sen. Scarnati led the effort to establish a responsible drilling fee and additional environmental protection standards during both the Rendell and Corbett Administrations. A copy of Sen. Scarnatis memo is available online. NewsClips: Sen. Scarnati Proposing Shale Health Advisory Panel Top Republican Floats Proposal For Marcellus Health Panel Editorial: Independently Assess Drilling Impact On Health PEC Urges Action On Senate Stormwater Bill, Opposes House Bill On Selling Parklands The Pennsylvania Environmental Council Friday issued a legislative alert on two important bills moving toward final action in the General Assembly. Senate Bill 1261 Senate Bill 1261 (R-Erickson) does one simple thing it clarifies existing law to ensure that, if they so choose, local governments have the opportunity to establish a Municipal Authority to address the challenges of stormwater management. This legislation passed the Senate unanimously in March of this year, and now awaits a vote in the House Local Government Committee before it can be considered for final passage. PEC presented testimony before the Committee in support of this key legislation last week. Concerned members of the public are urged by PEC to contact members of the House Local Government Committee to move the bill out of Committee and to contact their own member of the House urging the bill be sent to the Governor. House Bill 2224 House Bill 2224 (Cutler-R-Lancaster), now on the Senate Calendar for final action, would remove current legal restrictions so that counties and municipalities could more easily sell parks and public greenspaces. At present, Pennsylvania law requires local governments to apply to Orphans Court in order to sell a park or greenspace that the local government has deemed to have no public benefit. House Bill 2224 would remove this requirement, putting many of our parks and greenspaces at risk of being converted to cash -- erasing years of public benefit in exchange for a short-term financial fix. While PEC understands the desire to improve the current process local governments must follow to dispose of public properties that no longer serve the public good, House Bill 2224 greatly oversteps this goal. Handing local governing boards the ability to quickly undo decades of decisions and commitments by previous boards is poor public policy. Although officials can be held accountable in the next election, a sold park cannot be saved. As a compromise, PEC is advocating to amend the bill to ensure the public has a voice by requiring local governments to provide for a referendum on any sale of parks, trails, farmland or open space. A referendum is a simple and democratic method to determine whether the public land is viewed by the community as serving a public purpose. This is a reasonable check on potentially shortsighted and irreversible decision-making.

PEC is urging the public to contact their Senator urging them to oppose House Bill 2224. NewsClips: Bill Would Place Parks At Whim Of Pols Did Lawmakers Get Hoodwinked On Public Land Sales Bill Did You Know You Can Search 8 Years Of Digests On Any Topic? Did you know you can search 8 years of back issues of the PA Environment Digest on dozens of topics, by county and on any key word you choose. Just click on the search page. Also take advantage of these related services from Crisci Associates-PA Environment Digest Twitter Feed: On Twitter, sign up to receive instant updates from: PAEnviroDigest. PA Environment Daily Blog: provides daily environmental NewsClips and significant stories and announcements on environmental topics in Pennsylvania of immediate value. Sign up and receive as they are posted updates through your favorite RSS reader. You can also sign up for a once daily email alerting you to new items posted on this blog. PA Environment Digest Video Blog: showcases original and published videos from environmental groups and agencies around the state. Sign up to receive as they are posted updates through your favorite RSS read. You can also sign up for a once daily email alerting you to new items posted on this blog. PA Capitol Digest Daily Blog to get updates every day on Pennsylvania State Government, including NewsClips, coverage of key press conferences and more. Sign up and receive as they are posted updates through your favorite RSS reader. You can also sign up for a once daily email alerting you to new items posted on this blog. PA Capitol Digest Twitter Feed: Don't forget to sign up to receive the PA Capitol Digest Twitter feed to get instant updates on other news from in and around the Pennsylvania State Capitol. Senate/House Agenda/Session Schedule/Bills Introduced Here are the Senate and House Calendars and Committee meetings showing bills of interest as well as a list of new environmental bills introduced-Session Schedule Here is the latest voting session schedule for the Senate and House-Senate October 1, 2, 3, 15, 16, 17 November 14 (Leadership Elections)

House October 1, 2, 3, 4, 15, 16, 17, 18 November 13, 14, 19, 20 Bill Calendars House (October 1): House Bill 272 (Hess-R-Bedford) establishing a task force on Lyme disease and related maladies; House Bill 1926 (Preston-D-Allegheny) further providing for regulating natural gas gathering lines; House Bill 1659 (Pyle-R-Armstrong) providing for a uniform permit review and consideration process within DEP; Senate Bill 1480 (Corman-RCentre) providing for the 2012-13 Capital Budget; House Resolution 438 (Cruz-D-Philadelphia) urging Philadelphia to establish a waste tire removal and disposal program; House Resolution 423 (Petri-R-Bucks) directing the Legislative Budget and Finance Committee to study state funding formulas and how they impact counties; House Resolution 505 (Preston-D-Allegheny) disapproving the PUC regulation on natural gas competition; Senate Resolution 246 (WozniakD-Cambria) Concurrent resolution memorializing Congress to re-evaluate the enhanced vehicle emission inspection program. <> Click Here for full House Bill Calendar. Senate (October 1): House Bill 2224 (Cutler-R-Lancaster) further providing for the disposition of municipally-owned property <> Click Here for full Senate Bill Calendar. Committees House: the Local Government Committee meets to consider Senate Bill 1261 (Erickson-RDelaware) authorizing the formation of stormwater management municipal authorities <> Click Here for full House Committee Schedule. Senate: the Environmental Resources and Energy Committee considers the nomination of Steven Beckman to the Environmental Hearing Board; the Appropriations Committee meets to consider House Bill 1813 (Tobash-R-Berks) authorizing a financial guarantee option covering mine reclamation; the Game and Fisheries Committee holds a hearing on PA Sea Grant-Pharmaceuticals in Water Program and Asian Carp in Erie. <> Click Here for full Senate Committee Schedule. Bills Introduced The following bills of interest were introduced this week-Vehicle Emissions Inspection: House Bill 2643 (Everett-R-Lycoming) exempting counties with fewer than 116,500 residents from the vehicle emission inspection program.

Bills On Governor's Desk

The following bills were given final approval by the Senate and House and are now on the Governor's desk for action--

Drilling On Other State Lands: Senate Bill 367 (D.White-R-Indiana) authorizing the leasing of mineral rights on other state lands. Proceeds from drilling on State System of Higher Education lands would remain with the state universities. Proceeds from drilling on other state lands (not including those owned by the Department of Conservation and Natural Resources and the Fish and Boat and Game Commissions) would be allocated according to this formula: 60 percent to the Oil and Gas Lease Fund; 25 percent to the PA Infrastructure Investment Authority with language authorizing the funding of non-point source best management practices to implement the Chesapeake Bay Watershed Implementation Plan or TMDL watershed plans; and 15 percent to the drilling agency.

Senate/House Bills Moving

The following bills of interest saw action this week in the House and Senate-Senate Property Disposition: House Bill 2224 (Cutler-R-Lancaster) further providing for the disposition of municipally-owned property was reported from the Senate Appropriations Committee with the Democrats and Senators Greenleaf (R-Montgomery) and Vance (RCumberland) voting against the bill and is now on the Senate Calendar for action. Maurice K. Goddard: Senate Resolution 352 (Argall-R-Schuylkill) recognizing the contributions of Dr. Maurice K. Goddard to environmental conservation in the Commonwealth was adopted by the Senate. House Drilling On Other State Lands: Senate Bill 367 (D.White-R-Indiana) authorizing the leasing of mineral rights on other state lands. Proceeds from drilling on State System of Higher Education lands would remain with the state universities. Proceeds from drilling on other state lands (not including those owned by the Department of Conservation and Natural Resources and the Fish and Boat and Game Commissions) would be allocated according to this formula: 60 percent to the Oil and Gas Lease Fund; 25 percent to the PA Infrastructure Investment Authority with language authorizing the funding of non-point source best management practices to implement the Chesapeake Bay Watershed Implementation Plan or TMDL watershed plans; and 15 percent to the drilling agency. The House concurred in the bill and it now goes to the Governor for his action. Emissions Inspection: Senate Resolution 246 (Wozniak-D-Cambria) Concurrent resolution memorializing Congress to re-evaluate the enhanced vehicle emission inspection program was reported from the House Rules Committee and is on the House Calendar for action. Extending Permits: House Bill 2470 (Evankovich-R-Armstrong) amending the Fiscal Code to extend the deadline for extending permits which would otherwise expire until July 2, 2018 was reported from the House Rules Committee and Tabled.

Natural Gas Pipelines: House Bill 1926 (Preston-D-Allegheny) further providing for regulating natural gas gathering lines was removed from the Table and is now on the House Calendar for action. Program Accountability: House Bill 726 (Saylor-R-York) providing for accountability in state agency program performance was reported from the House Rules Committee and Tabled. Composting Facilities: Senate Bill 1298 (Smucker-R-Lancaster) providing for composting facilities under Act 319 was removed from the Table and was referred to the House Appropriations Committee. Lyme Disease Task Force: House Bill 272 (Hess-R-Bedford) establishing a task force on Lyme disease and related maladies was removed from the Table and is now on the House Calendar for action. Maurice K. Goddard: House Resolution 849 (Longietti-D-Mercer) recognizing the contributions of Dr. Maurice K. Goddard to environmental conservation in the Commonwealth was adopted by the House.

News From The Capitol

Bill Providing For Drilling On Other State Lands Goes To Governor Senate Bill 367 (D.White-R-Indiana) allowing the leasing of property owned by the state and the State System of Higher Education for mining or removal of valuable coal, oil, natural gas, coal bed methane, limestone and mineral resources received final legislative approval Tuesday and is headed to the Governor for enactment into law. Rep. Matt Baker (R-Tioga) introduced similar legislation in the House. I appreciate my colleagues support of this bill. This legislation does not require the state or SSHE to lease or sell any property rights, Sen. White said. It simply provides a new opportunity to generate revenue, while helping students, supporting Pennsylvanias environmental protection efforts and boosting our state economy through the creation of new jobs. Senate Bill 367 would give the Department of General Services the option to make and execute the contracts or leases. Currently, only a few state agencies such as the Department of Conservation and Natural Resources, Game Commission and Fish and Boat Commission are authorized by law to enter into leases for resource development. Those agencies and their leases are not affected by Senate Bill 367. Proceeds from drilling on State System of Higher Education lands would remain with the state universities. Proceeds from drilling on other state lands (not including those owned by the Department of Conservation and Natural Resources and the Fish and Boat and Game Commissions) would be allocated according to this formula: 60 percent to the Oil and Gas Lease Fund; 25 percent to the PA Infrastructure Investment Authority with language authorizing the funding of non-point source best management practices to implement the Chesapeake Bay Watershed Implementation Plan or TMDL watershed plans; and 15 percent to the drilling agency.

This distribution formula provides equitable funding and promotes our efforts to maintain and improve Pennsylvanias environment and infrastructure improvement efforts, Sen. White said. Perhaps the best component of the formula is the requirement that 15 percent be set aside for scholarships, which will allow students and their families to directly benefit from this as well. Our universities are more financially strapped than ever with decreasing state funds and mounting educational costs, said Rep. Baker. This legislation will provide a way for the universities to benefit from the lands on which they are located. Several of the schools are positioned well for the extraction of coal or natural gas in particular, and the universities are in favor of the proposal. Our local economy has benefitted greatly from the development of the natural gas industry and, in fact, Mansfield University is now offering a program to help train prospective employees for work in the industry. In fact, 6,000 people have already completed the program offered by the Marcellus Institute at Mansfield University., said Rep. Baker. It only makes sense that the university should also be able to take advantage of the mineral rights associated with their property. NewsClip: Bill Will Allow Mining, Drilling On Other State Land Rep. Grove Introduces Natural Gas Vehicle Tax Credit Bill Rep. Seth Grove (R-York) announced Monday he is introducing House Bill 2620 which would improve air quality in Pennsylvania, reduce the cost of shipping goods and allow Pennsylvania companies to rely on domestic fuel by creating a tax credit program for businesses replacing diesel vehicles with natural gas vehicles. "Natural gas vehicles are more environmentally friendly, cost effective and durable," said Rep. Grove. "By encouraging businesses to invest in natural gas vehicles, we will be laying the groundwork to support natural gas fueling stations throughout the state. Once these are in place, we will start to see NGVs available for family and commuter vehicles. This will be a monumental step toward ending our dependence on foreign oil." House Bill 2620 would institute a tax credit for businesses of up to $12,500 per heavyduty NGV purchased. The program would last for three years. Rep. Grove noted that replacing one diesel trash truck with a natural gas trash truck is the equivalent of removing more than 500 cars from the road. According to the U.S. Department of Energy, NGVs produce between 60 percent to 90 percent less smog and between 30 percent to 40 percent less greenhouse gas emissions. Nearly 90 percent of natural gas is produced in the United States. "Natural gas is a very inexpensive fuel source, and as we watch gasoline prices tick closer to $4 per gallon, it is an attractive alternative for us all," said Rep. Grove. "Because natural gas is being produced right here in Pennsylvania, supporting this industry also supports job creation in the Commonwealth." In years past, Pennsylvania offered $500 rebates to consumers who purchased hybrid vehicles. This program spurred many residents to invest in more fuel-efficient hybrid vehicles. House Bill 2620 is awaiting the consideration of the House Finance Committee. Rep. Mundy Seeks Better Coordination Of Floodplain Management Ordinances

In the wake of last years destructive flooding, Rep. Phyllis Mundy (D-Luzerne) convened a meeting Tuesday to discuss a better approach to floodplain management. A year after the flooding, some Luzerne County residents have made expensive repairs to their flood-damaged homes but may not be in compliance with existing national flood insurance program requirements, putting them at risk of losing their flood insurance. Coming into compliance may require them to pay tens of thousands of dollars more to make further structural and utility changes. Rep. Mundy said she wants to avoid a repeat of this needless expense and heartache. So she convened a meeting of county, state and federal officials to begin exploring ways to better administer floodplain management ordinances and explain them to residents. "What we are doing now isn't working," Rep. Mundy said "We need to find a way to do it better." Most Pennsylvania municipalities administer their own floodplain ordinances, putting the burden of enforcing and explaining the ordinance on local elected officials. "They are basically volunteers," Rep. Mundy said, adding many of those officials have full-time jobs and are under a tremendous strain when they have to deal with the wake of a disastrous flood. Rep. Mundy suggested transferring the responsibilities of floodplain management enforcement and outreach to counties, which have more resources. Lycoming County already does that work for its municipalities, and Lebanon County does it for several of its municipalities. Dan Fitzpatrick, director of the National Flood Insurance Program in the state Department of Community and Economic Development, said some of the best floodplain management is done when there is some county oversight. Fitzpatrick said he will work with the Federal Emergency Management Agency to find better ways to administer floodplain ordinances in flood-prone counties. "We know which counties are most at risk," Fitzpatrick said. Fitzpatrick said DCED would be able to reimburse the counties for half the cost of enforcing the ordinances. Another idea that emerged from the meeting was having third-party contractors administer floodplain ordinances, but FEMA Planning Specialist Nicole Lick suggested that liability issues may be a deterrent to that. Lick said West Virginia county government administers floodplain ordinances, and she'll look to see how it works there. Doug Hill, executive director of the County Commissioners Association of Pennsylvania, said he'll continue to explore options to address the issue. Also attending the meeting were Rep. Karen Boback (R-Luzerne), Rep. Eddie Day Pashinski (D-Luzerne), DCED's Director of Legislative Affairs Barry Wickes, Pennsylvania Emergency Management Agency Legislative and Policy Director Vince Hudock, and representatives from the offices of Reps. Mike Carroll (D-Luzerne) and Tarah Toohil (RLuzerne) and Sen. John Yudichak (D-Luzerne). NewsClip: Rep. Mundy Convenes Meeting On Floodplain Management

News From Around The State

Dents Run Mine Reclamation Project Wins National Recognition

Department of Environmental Protection Monday accepted the U.S. Office of Surface Mining Reclamation and Enforcements 2012 national Abandoned Mine Land Reclamation Award for the Dents Run Aquatic Ecosystem Restoration Project in Benezette Township, Elk County. DEP staff members are attending the National Association of Abandoned Mine Land Programs national conference in Des Moines, Iowa. The agencys engineers and experts will make presentations to other state programs from around the country at the conference, highlighting mine reclamation work taking place across the state. This award recognizes the innovative approach DEP, our partners in industry, local grass roots groups and sister government agencies used to restore water quality in Dents Run and create habitat for the states elk herd, DEP Deputy Secretary for Active and Abandoned Mining John Stefanko said. This effort restored a native trout stream and enhanced the rangeland for Pennsylvanias growing elk herd in one of the states most scenic areas. DEPs Director of the Bureau of Abandoned Mine Reclamation Eric Cavazza will also accept the U.S. Office of Surface Minings Dave Bucknam Outstanding Instructor Award, given to a public servant who exemplifies dedication, leadership, compassion and commitment. Cavazza has served DEP in various capacities for 27 years and currently leads Pennsylvanias reclamation efforts, including the award-winning remediation work. The Dents Run Restoration Project, which began in 2002 and was completed in March 2012, is one of the most comprehensive reclamation programs DEP has ever undertaken. Using innovative technologies, the agency and its partners remediated dangerously steep highwalls, water impoundments, mine openings and hundreds of acres of barren, unstable, acidic mine spoil. The project created more than 320 acres of additional habitat for Pennsylvanias growing elk herd, most of it on state game lands. It also restored nearly five miles of the lower Dents Run stream by neutralizing acid mine water, marking the first time in more than a century the stream can support aquatic life, such as native trout. Dents Run also supports a healthy native wild trout population upstream of the project. More than half a million tons of limestone were mined at the site and used to neutralize the thousands of gallons of acidic mine water that was flowing through the site from 14 different discharge points. This represents the largest use of alkaline materials to neutralize acid mine drainage in Pennsylvania history. More than 5,000 cubic yards of waste coal were removed from the site and used as fuel at a coal-fired power plant, providing electricity to homes and businesses. DEPs Bureau of Abandoned Mine Reclamation worked with the Bennett Branch Watershed Association; Game Commission; U.S. Army Corps of Engineers; U.S. Office of Surface Mining; Department of Conservation and Natural Resources; Elk County Conservation District; Rocky Mountain Elk Foundation; Elk County Commissioners; Western Pennsylvania Conservancy; local mining companies P&N Coal Co. and Original Fuels; and contractors Stream Restoration Inc. of Pittsburgh, Gannett-Fleming Consultants of Clearfield County; and Berner Construction Inc. of Lancaster County. Mining began at the site in the late 1800s and continued through the 1960s, when the site was abandoned, leaving devastating environmental degradation. The project, which is part of broader efforts to restore the entire Bennett Branch watershed, won the federal award, beating out entries from Arkansas, Illinois, Indiana, Kentucky, Maryland, Montana, New Mexico, Ohio, Virginia, West Virginia and Utah. This is the tenth year that a DEP mine reclamation project has been recognized by the U.S. Office of Surface Mining

and the second year in a row that a project has won the national award. In 2011, a reclamation project in Newport Township, Luzerne County, won. DEP worked to reclaim 36 acres of abandoned mine lands at the Newport North site and re-graded more than 3,150 feet of dangerous highwalls that were up to six stories in height. Most importantly, the reclamation filled in a hazardous water-filled pit that stood at the foot of one of the now re-graded highwalls that had claimed the lives of six people over the years who had been off-roading at the site in 4x4 vehicles. A surprise change in federal law in July will reduce federal Abandoned Mine Reclamation Funds coming to Pennsylvania by over $200 million over the next 10 years. Penn State Extension Water Testing Lab Products Available Pennsylvania is fortunate to have a Department of Environmental Protection accredited water testing laboratory at Penn State University. Very few Universities have the capacity to assist the general public in identifying and documenting the quality of their water resources. The Penn State Water Lab also plays an important role in supporting water research and extension educational efforts. There are four main water testing products available, a pond and lake water test, a drinking water test, an irrigation water test, and a livestock water test available to the agricultural community. Penn State Water Extension Educators are listed on each of the water testing lab reports, as possible consultants for individuals needing help in interpreting their water test results. Statewide, from October 1, 2011, to September of 2012, a total of 971 water tests were conducted, including 828 drinking water tests, 61 pond and lake water tests, 49 irrigation water tests, and 33 livestock water tests. Water testing kits with sample bottles and instructions are available at your local Penn State Extension Office. (Written By: James A. Clark, Extension Educator, Cameron/Elk/Jefferson/McKean/Potter District, and reprinted from Penn State Extension Watershed Winds newsletter.) Dept. Of Agriculture Offers Tips To Manure Haulers, Brokers Manure haulers and brokers and agricultural producers are reminded to exercise caution when managing animal waste to minimize health risks. Hazardous levels of gases, including ammonia, carbon dioxide, hydrogen sulfide and methane, can accumulate when manure is stored, especially in confined spaces like underground covered waste storage tanks. Open air waste storage facilities and lagoons can also develop and release hazardous levels of these gases, especially during the agitation and pump-out process. Recently concerns have been raised by the U.S. Department of Agriculture Natural Resource Conservation Service that the use of gypsum for bedding may increase the production of hydrogen sulfide in manure storage facilities. Gypsum is a low cost byproduct of drywall and contains sulfur. Producers are urged to use extra caution when managing manure storage facilities on operations where gypsum is used. Hydrogen sulfide can cause discomfort, headaches, nausea and dizziness. At levels above 200 ppm, collapse, coma and death due to respiratory failure can occur within seconds after only a few inhalations.

Those who manage animal waste should take the following precautions: -- Always have a first aid equipment nearby; -- Wear personal protective equipment, including air packs and face masks, a nylon line with snap buckles, safety harness, floatation devices, safety signs and hazardous atmosphere testing kits or monitors. -- Do not enter a manure pit unless absolutely necessary and only then if the pit is first ventilated, air is supplied to a mask or a self-contained breathing apparatus, a safety harness and attached rope is put on and there are two people standing by; -- To minimize hazards, agitation of manure is best done on windy days; -- Understand the symptoms and effects of gas poisoning; and -- During agitation and pump out operations, ensure non-essential workers or bystanders are away from the manure storage facility. In addition to the above tips, farmers should: -- Have an emergency action plan, including telephone numbers of local emergency personnel; -- Train all family members and employees in first-aid, CPR techniques and safety procedures; -- For open storage facilities, put a fence around it and post Keep Out signs that warn of the hazard; and -- Give special instructions to children and those who cannot read in the dangers of manure storage facilities. Commercial manure haulers and brokers must be certified by the Department of Agriculture to ensure manure generated by agricultural operations is safely transported and applied. Applicants must complete training and pass an exam to receive initial certification and then complete continuing educational programs. For more information, visit Agricultures Manure Hauler and Broker Certification webpage or call 717-772-5218. For more information about manure storage safety, visit the USDA Manure Management webpage. StormwaterPA Offers Two New Video Case Studies The StormwaterPA website this week offered two new video case studies on effective stormwater management strategies. Porous Paving: Another piece of the City of Brotherly Love's stormwater management puzzle has been put into place, this time on the 800 block of Percy Street in South Philadelphia's Bella Vista neighborhood. The city's first porous "green street" replaces traditional impervious asphalt and reduces the amount of polluted runoff entering city sewers by allowing stormwater to infiltrate the surface and be stored in a stone bed until it can be absorbed by the soil. The project was a collaboration between the Philadelphia Water Department and the Philadelphia Streets Department and has the added benefit of keeping homeowners basements dry where in the past, flooding often occurred. Click Here to watch the case study. Meadow Mowing: Many open spaces, including municipal parks, are covered by groomed lawn. Most people think these mown areas are "green and tidy." But, in reality, they often act like parking lots. The underlying soil is so compacted that rain runs off almost as though the grass

was paved. Letting mown areas become natural meadows returns them to functional parts of the water system. These meadows prevent flooding, create habitat, and are beautiful to behold. Click Here to watch the case study. Visit the StormwaterPA website for more information on stormwater management solutions. Whitaker Center Hosts Expedition Chesapeake Sustainability Seminar Oct. 10 Officials from Penn State University and Dauphin County will join with experts from GreenWorks Development and Property Management Services, a division of Corporate Office Properties Trust, for a free seminar on Sustainability Planning at Whitaker Center for Science and the Arts in Harrisburg as part of their Expedition Chesapeake project from 9:00 to 11:45 a.m. October 10. Speakers for the seminar bring decades of experience in sustainable planning, development and construction. Whitaker Center is hosting the seminar in collaboration with Penn State Institutes of Energy and the Environment and with support from the Harrisburg Regional Chamber & CREDC. The seminar will include presentations from: -- Denise Heller Wardrop, Senior Scientist and Professor of Geography and Ecology at Penn State University and Interim Director, Penn State Institutes of Energy and the Environment. She co-chaired the team that developed PSUs Sustainability Strategic Plan. -- Doug Neidich, Chief Executive Officer of GreenWorks Development, LLC. GreenWorks focuses on enhancing the quality of life in the region by creating new communities in previously developed urban areas and is a leader in LEED certified buildings and has implemented sustainable practices their internal business operations. -- Elaine Mottilla, LEED AP, RPA, FMA, who serves as a property manager for Corporate Office Properties Trust, a Real Estate Investment Trust and leader in sustainable real estate development and management of existing buildings. -- J. Scott Burford, Deputy Chief Clerk for Dauphin County, a leader in public sector sustainability initiatives. The seminar will be moderated by Tom Richard, Ph.D., Director of Penn State Institutes for Energy and the Environment. It is Expedition Chesapeakes fourth seminar in a series dedicated to exploring challenges that confront the Chesapeake Bay watershed. Expedition Chesapeake is a $12 million project anchored by a giant screen film that will star Jeff Corwin, an Emmy winner who has hosted shows on Animal Planet and ABC. The initiative includes an online curriculum, a travelling, 4D science exhibit, and a madefor-television documentary designed to educate and engage the 17 million residents of the watershed. Were thrilled to have this type of participation from the community. We are in the heart of this watershed and Expedition Chesapeake reflects our mission to serve as an educational resource for the greater community, said Dr. Michael Hanes, President and CEO of Whitaker Center. Seating is limited and advanced registration is required. Register now by contacting Shelly Communications at 717-724-1681 or by email to: lstiles@shellycommunications.com. For more information, visit the Expedition Chesapeake website.

Gov. Corbett Supports National Estuaries Day, Commends Chesapeake Bay Foundation In recognition of National Estuaries Day, Gov. Corbett this week issued a commendation expressing his gratitude to Restore Americas Estuaries and the Chesapeake Bay Foundation for their efforts to preserve Pennsylvania natural resources. The text of the commendation follows-It is my pleasure to join with Restore Americas Estuaries in support of National Estuaries Day in the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania. I express my gratitude to all those who have joined together in support of this cause. RAEs mission is to preserve the nations network of estuaries by protecting and restoring the lands and waters essential to the richness and diversity of coastal life. I commend everyone involved with RAE and the Chesapeake Bay Foundation for their efforts to preserve Pennsylvanias natural resources and encourage citizens to explore the Commonwealths natural beauty. I hope this day is successful in promoting the importance of estuaries. As Governor, and on behalf of all Pennsylvanians, I am pleased to support National Estuaries Day in Pennsylvania. Please accept my best wishes for a successful and memorable day. A copy of the commendation is available online. DEP, EPA Fine Mobile Home Park Owner More Than $1.3 Million The Department of Environmental Protection announced Friday that, along with the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, it has signed a $1,339,000 joint consent decree with GSP Management Co., Frank T. Perano and related companies, due to drinking water and wastewater issues at 73 mobile home parks, 70 of which are in Pennsylvania. The consent decree addresses specific violations at 32 of the Pennsylvania mobile home parks. At the agencies direction, the company has agreed to take various corrective measures. This consent decree covers a pattern of serious, repeated violations GSP committed all across Pennsylvania, DEP Secretary Mike Krancer said. This should be a message to all DEP is going to come down hard on those who show this type of disregard for our environmental protection laws. DEP and U.S. Environmental Protection Agency inspectors discovered violations at the mobile home parks during five consecutive years. The wastewater violations include illegal discharge of partially treated or untreated sewage into nearby streams and failure to properly operate and maintain wastewater treatment facilities. The drinking water violations include exceeding federal drinking water standards for certain pollutants and failing to notify residents about drinking water problems. The consent decree also requires GSP to take these numerous actions to achieve compliance and ensure park residents have access to clean water: -- Conduct environmental audits at all the mobile home parks, including those that do not have any permits from DEP, by an independent auditor; -- Implement specific corrective actions at the Village at Pleasant Hills in Hamburg, Berks County, and Cedar Manor near Middletown, Dauphin County;

-- Hire an environmental consultant to develop an environmental management system that will help GSP achieve environmental compliance through control and monitoring of its operations; and -- Conduct monthly evaluations at all 73 mobile home parks and report the results every four months to DEP and EPA. The companys actions constitute violations of the Clean Streams Law and Safe Drinking Water Act. The penalty will be divided between DEP and EPA. The consent decree is subject to Federal District Court approval and will be published at a later date in the Federal Register, which will begin a 30-day public comment period. Lt. Gov. Cawley Tours Clarion Marcellus Water Treatment Plant Lt. Gov. Jim Cawley Wednesday toured the Clarion Altela Environmental Services plant in Clarion to see firsthand how the local Marcellus Shale industry is creating jobs in the area. The plant is currently under construction and will purify the wastewater generated at natural gas drilling sites. Marcellus Shale is creating tens of thousands of family-sustaining jobs across the state and right here in Clarion County. These jobs are not just at the drill sites, the opportunities are coming in ways we never anticipated, said Cawley. The plant represents a $10 million investment and is expected to be fully operational later this fall. It is a joint venture between ACI, Inc., parent company of the Piney Creek Power Plant and Altela, Inc., a company based in New Mexico. The technology that purifies the wastewater at the plant uses a process of evaporation and condensation to remove salts and other materials from the water. It is similar to the natural process of making rainwater from the oceans saltwater. This is a win-win for Pennsylvania. The plant will not only provide jobs but also protect our environment by effectively treating and recycling wastewater from the drill sites, Cawley said. The plant will treat a minimum of 100,000 gallons of wastewater every day. The purified water can then be reused at the drill sites or by the power plant. We take water quality very seriously in Pennsylvania. We have some of the toughest standards in the country and CASE will have to meet them, Cawley said. Altela is constructing a similar plant in McKean County and their technology is already being used in a plant near Williamsport. NewsClip: Lt. Gov. Cawley Tours Marcellus-Related Water Treatment Plant EPA Fines Company For Illegally Disposing Of 228,000 Gallons Of Brine Waste The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency Friday announced a Consent Agreement and Final Order requiring Swamp Angel Energy, LLC, to pay a civil penalty of $54,324 and plug a well that was used illegally for dumping oil production brine waste. The well is located in Pennsylvanias Allegheny National Forest where Swamp Angel operates oil production wells. The federal Safe Drinking Water Act complaint alleged that in 2007 and 2008, a former part-owner of Swamp Angel and a former site supervisor dumped approximately 228,000 gallons of contaminated brine into two pre-existing wells in the Allegheny National Forest without a

permit. Wastewater from Swamp Angels oil production wells in the ANF was supposed to be disposed of at an authorized treatment facility. Since then, Swamp Angel applied for and received a SDWA permit from EPA to use one of the wells for disposal of brine generated during oil production. As part of the settlement, Swamp Angel will plug the other well to prevent contamination of underground sources of drinking water. The SDWAs Underground Injection Control Program seeks to protect underground sources of drinking water from unpermitted disposal of wastes underground. The use of these two wells for brine disposal raised particular concern because EPA was provided little information about the wells construction, condition or integrity, and had not granted a permit or authorization. Proper plugging of the remaining unpermitted well will prevent the potential for oil and gas wastes to flow between the oil formations up into an underground source of drinking water, or for surface contamination to flow into the well and migrate into underground formations. In 2010, a criminal case involving the company's former part-owner and site supervisor was resolved when these individuals pled guilty to violating the SDWA through the illegal disposal of brine into these wells in 2007 and 2008. The owner received 10 months of home detention, three years probation, a $5,000 fine, and 100 hours of community service. Swamp Angels former site supervisor was sentenced to eight months home detention, three years probation, a $4,000 fine, and 80 hours of community service. Swamp Angel is headquartered in Wichita, Kansas. As part of the administrative settlement, the company did not admit or deny the violations. Philadelphia Council Calls For Overturning Marcellus Drilling Law Activists and community leaders from across the Philadelphia area praised the Philadelphia City Councils resolution Thursday opposing Pennsylvanias Marcellus Shale drilling law-- Act 13. The resolution opposes Act 13 and affirms the Commonwealth Courts decision to strike down a portion of that law that attempted to strip all state municipalities of their ability to protect the health and safety of their residents by passing bans, moratoria, or even the most moderate zoning restrictions on any aspect of heavy industrial shale gas drilling. The resolution approved by City Council supports the Commonwealth Court decision which found Act 13 unconstitutional because it removes the ability of local governments to legislate to protect the health, safety, and welfare of its residents regarding gas and oil operations. The legal challenge to the law was brought by seven municipalities, the Delaware Riverkeeper Network, and Dr. Mehernosh Khan in March of this year. In July, the Commonwealth Court declared the municipal pre-emption provisions of Act 13 null, void, and unenforceable, and allowed an injunction on its implementation to remain in place while the case proceeds to the Pennsylvania Supreme Court. Philadelphia City Council joins over 70 local government units supporting the overturning of the law and several Friends of the Court who have filed amicus briefs in defense of the Commonwealth Court ruling. Philadelphia City Council has taken decisive action today to protect the drinking water for its residents and the region by casting a vote against Act 13, the law that pushes gas and oil operations into every corner of every municipality in the state. The City is throwing its support behind the communities of Pennsylvania instead of drilling and fracking special interests. This critical support is much appreciated as we go to the Supreme Court to defend the overturning of

Act 13, said Maya van Rossum, the Delaware Riverkeeper, an original plaintiff in the lawsuit. With todays resolution, the Philadelphia City Council has asserted what should have been obvious to Governor Corbett and the state legislature: municipalities have a constitutional right to regulate activities within their bounds, especially when it comes to inherently dangerous practices such as hydraulic fracturing, said Sam Bernhardt, an organizer with Food & Water Watch, a consumer rights group. It should also be obvious to the governor that the people of Pennsylvania have a right to clean air and clean water, rights that fracking doesnt allow for. Act 13s attack on democratic rights, health and safety managed to outrage a broad spectrum of the population from firefighters to farmers, including the great city of Philadelphia, which happens to be full of people who drink water, breathe air and recognize a terrible law when they see one. The Philadelphia City Council has done a great job of standing with residents and environmental advocates across the state in opposing this unjust law, said Iris Marie Bloom, executive director of Protecting Our Waters. Were delighted to see the council once again show positive leadership and resist fracking. City Councils vote to oppose Act 13 sends a clear message that Philadelphia defends a Pennsylvania municipalitys right to make decisions that protect residents public health and quality of life. City Council recognizes how imperative it is for local governments to have the power to decide where, or even if, the shale gas industry can operate equipment that emits air pollution in peoples backyards and that accelerates climate change, said Matt Walker, community outreach coordinator with Clean Air Council. Opinion: Marcellus Shale Find Transforms Pennsylvania By Kathryn Z. Klaber, Marcellus Shale Coalition Philadelphia's access to key waterways and markets - bolstered by the Commonwealth's rich natural resources - has long positioned Southeastern Pennsylvania as a powerful economic engine. Philadelphia's piers, and the region's economy, have long been sustained by coal, petroleum, and other energy resources. The city's natural-gas history is also deep. In 1836, according to the Philadelphia Gas Works, "Forty-six natural gas lights along Philadelphia's Second Street were lit for the first time by employees of the newly formed Gas Works." Today, thanks to the tightly regulated development of American natural gas, our region's economy is on the upswing. For consumers, expanded natural-gas production from the Marcellus Shale is leading to lower, more affordable energy costs. And as more clean-burning natural gas is safely produced, more consumer savings will be realized. Inquirer headlines over the years underscore this shift: "PGW Seeks 12 Percent Rate Hike," June 1990; "PGW Gas Rates To Rise By About 24 Percent," November, 2000; "Lowerincome customers especially anxious about PGW hike," October, 2005. The headlines changed after Marcellus Shale production began in 2005 "Shale gas is shaving bills," December, 2011; and "PGW announces lower natural gas rates," June 2012. As further proof of this positive impact, the region's largest natural gas utilities - PECO, NFG, PGW, Columbia, Equitable, UGI, UGI Penn, and Peoples - averaged a 41.25 percent cut in rates for consumers from 2008 to 2011, equating to nearly $3,200 in average savings per customer during that period.

We've entered a new chapter of American history. Our nation is now isolated from major swings in natural-gas prices and is dramatically more secure and competitive. Consumers are clear winners of responsible shale gas development, and so too is our region's manufacturing base. Philadelphia's refinery sites are experiencing new life that few could have predicted just a few years ago - buoyed by abundant supplies of natural gas, a fundamental building block for a strong manufacturing sector. Energy Transfer Partner's acquisition of Sunoco and the Carlyle Group's Sunoco investment are proof of the undeniably positive impact that shale-gas development continues to have on greater Philadelphia's economy. Thousands of jobs will be saved. The prospects for leveraging Marcellus Shale natural gas are indeed promising for Sunoco's Marcus Hook refinery, especially in light of this week's announcement, and may well be a lifeline for hundreds of jobs. Despite the current economic difficulties, the long-term regional outlook is shifting - for the better. And while we're still in a relatively early stage of Marcellus Shale - considered to potentially be the world's second-largest natural-gas field - the results are staggering. According to the state Department of Environmental Protection, Marcellus production has soared by more than 80 percent, year over year, with 895 billion cubic feet of natural gas produced over the first six months of this year. For perspective, 637 billion cubic feet of natural gas was consumed in the commonwealth in 2010. From a revenue standpoint - in addition to the hundreds of millions of dollars in state and local taxes produced, as well as infrastructure and road investments our industry has made Marcellus companies recently paid more than $200 million in newly enacted annual impact fees for local communities, the commonwealth, and other environmental programs. Marcellus development is creating tens of thousands of jobs at a time when they're most needed. According to state data, nearly 239,000 jobs across the commonwealth are tied to our industry. At the same time, the federal Energy Information Agency recently reported that, thanks in large part to expanded natural-gas use, carbon-dioxide emissions in the United States are at a 20-year low. More natural gas is being used to generate electricity and fuel our transportation needs, resulting in cleaner air. What an exciting time for Pennsylvania: More jobs, economic activity, tax revenue, and domestic energy. Better air quality. Lower electricity and heating costs. This historic transformation is happening before our eyes. Kathryn Z. Klaber is the president of the Pittsburgh-based Marcellus Shale Coalition. CHEMSWEEP Safely Disposes Of Two Million Pounds Of Old Pesticides CHEMSWEEP, a Department of Agriculture program that collects old pesticides from farms and pesticide application businesses, has safely disposed of two million pounds of unwanted or unusable product across the state. The milestone was reached Tuesday at the Caristone Farm in Lebanon County.

For nearly 20 years, the CHEMSWEEP waste pesticide disposal program has provided the farming community with a safe, responsible and economical way to clean up old pesticides. The program also provides pesticide disposal services to homeowners through the Department of Environmental Protections Household Hazardous Waste program. Today we not only celebrate this major milestone, but also the farm families who work each day to protect our rich natural resources, Agriculture Secretary George Greig said. Every year, many pesticide products are discontinued, phased out or become unusable, leaving growers, commercial establishments and applicators with potentially dangerous and toxic materials that cannot be placed in landfills. The unwanted pesticides often become a safety hazard and an environmental concern through long-term storage in garages, barns or other areas. CHEMSWEEP has helped our farmers find a safe outlet for chemicals that have the potential to become a liability to them and the environment, Chuck Wertz, Lebanon County Conservation District manager said. I encourage other farmers and counties to participate in this program because it has done a lot to safeguard our natural resources. The CHEMSWEEP program makes collections in different counties each year. Licensed pesticide applicators, pesticide dealers and commercial pesticide application businesses in these designated counties are eligible to participate. An independent contractor hired by the state agriculture department collects and packages all waste pesticides at each participating location, primarily for incineration at facilities approved by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency. CHEMSWEEP covers the disposal cost for the first 2,000 pounds per participant. Above that level, participants are billed at the agriculture departments contracted price. The program is funded through annual registration fees paid by pesticide manufacturers and applicators. For more information, visit Agricultures CHEMSWEEP webpage. Chatham University Offers New Sustainability Track For Business Degree Complementing sustainability programming within Chatham Universitys School of Sustainability and the Environment, the business and entrepreneurship department now offers a new sustainable business track in the Master of Business Administration. Specialized course work will include Business and Sustainability, Sustainability Assessment and Reporting, and Sustainable Supply Chain Management. Students also have the opportunity to gain international field experience and work directly with sustainable business consultants. The program is now accepting applications for the spring and fall 2013 semesters. Becoming sustainable is an increasingly important aspect of doing business in the United States and around the world, says Bruce Rosenthal, director of Chathams business programs. Clients, shareholders, suppliers, and governments are increasingly demanding that companies become accountable for theirimpacts on socio-ecological systems, such as air, water, waste, community health, and employee welfare. The Chatham MBA in Sustainable Business provides students with the skills and knowledge to become essential members of the corporate strategy teams which address these all important issues. Coinciding with the new MBA sustainability track is the arrival of Chathams first cohort to its new Master of Sustainability program within the School of Sustainability and the Environment. Applying a problem-based learning approach, students study in cohorts across a variety of disciplines and explore material through case studies, required internships and group

projects, hands-on problem solving, and systems-thinking strategies. Sustainability principles are growing in importance from local to global scale and across social, political and economic sectors. Individuals and organizations increasingly seek the knowledge and practical skills necessary to understand and manage complex sustainability challenges. Through the Master of Sustainability program, Chatham educates leaders who can identify and solve these challenges. Through the program, students will develop an academically sound, yet professionally oriented understanding of how to simultaneously improve economic, social, and environmental well-being. Members of the inaugural class have the unusual opportunity to help design Chathams Eden Hall Campus, which will eventually house the school. After taking courses in the foundations of sustainability, each student will then complete a summer internship and develop expertise in a focus area of interest. With both on-campus and online programs, graduate and undergraduate students will be equipped to solve complex, real-world sustainability and environmental challenges through immersion in a range of topics, including food studies, agriculture and land use, energy and water management, green development, social and economic issues, and the business of sustainability. Chathams School of Sustainability and the Environment provides a teaching atmosphere of a liberal arts college, but approaches problem-solving and challenges in the same fashion as research universities, says Michael Finewood, Ph.D., assistant professor of sustainability. In this sense, it is the best of both worlds for professors and students. For more information about the Master of Sustainability or the Sustainable Business MBA track, contact Ashlee Bartko by sending email to: abartko@chatham.edu. Applications Now Being Accepted For DEP Environmental Education Grants Applications for the 2013 Environmental Education Grants Program are now available from the Department of Environmental Protection. The deadline for applications is December 13. (formal notice) The grants provide funding to public and incorporated private schools, colleges and universities, county conservation districts, incorporated nonprofit organizations, along with incorporated conservation and education organizations and institutions, businesses, municipalities and municipal authorities to create or develop projects that support environmental education. Grants will provide environmental education on timely and critically important topics, including the following: --Chesapeake Bay and Watershed EducationOrganizations are encouraged to develop environmental education programs that promote the reduction of nonpoint source pollution, such as nutrient and sediment loads, along with other water-related education programs. --Air QualityOrganizations are encouraged to develop air quality education and outreach programs.

--Energy EducationOrganizations are encouraged to develop educational programs on energy efficiency and conservation, as well as natural gas, coal, wind, solar and other energy sources and technologies. --BrownfieldsOrganizations are encouraged to develop education and outreach programs for students, youth, educators, community members, community groups, developers, property owners and others that are interested in brownfield redevelopment and sustainable communities, along with developing green spaces. --Environmental Literacy Planning and ProgrammingOrganizations are encouraged to engage educators and stakeholders in content standards and field-based environmental education. Areas of specific focus should include: graduation requirements, professional development on environmental education content knowledge and field-based pedagogy, assessment and evaluation, partnering to build capacity, identifying existing resources and sustainability of programs. Additionally, projects may focus on high performing green schools and buildings; providing high quality programming for children, youth or adults, or both (programs to include STEM, outdoor education, service learning, ensuring access for participants with disabilities); professional development for formal and nonformal educators; environmental service learning programs for youth and adults; and environmental careers/green jobs. --Formal and Non-formal EE CertificationOrganizations are encouraged to develop and implement institutionalized and community-based certification programs designed for teachers, naturalists and educators working in schools and environmental education facilities at parks, county conservation districts, nature/EE centers, conservancies and more. It gives educators in these arenas access to a formal credential that standardizes and upgrades professional development, allowing educators to address academic standards in a meaningful and relevant way. --STEM EducationOrganizations are encouraged to develop environmental education programs integrating STEM program instruction (Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics) into programs. --Curriculum Integration ProjectsOrganizations are encouraged to articulate the Academic Standards for Environment and Ecology into the formal K-12 curriculum, including Energy Education, for the entire school district, private school or charter school, using the model developed by the Department of Education's Office of Environment and Ecology. --Curriculum Revision ProjectsOrganizations are encouraged to revise current (or write new) lesson plans or units to meet the changes identified in the alignment to the Environment and Ecology Standards, Energy Education and provide a means for classroom assessment. --Outdoor Learning Resource ProjectsOrganizations are encouraged to develop resources such as trails, agricultural demonstration areas, energy demonstration areas, ponds, wetland areas, sheltered learning stations, and the like, as well as similar nearby community resources as a framework within which students can learn about natural systems and the interrelationship

among natural and man-made communities. The Program was established by the Environmental Education Act which mandates setting aside 5 percent of the pollution fines and penalties collected annually by the Department for environmental education in this Commonwealth. Environmental Education Grant awards are limited to $7,500. Applications for the 2013 program will be available on DEPs Environmental Education webpage or by contacting the Department of Environmental Protection, Environmental Education Grants Program, P.O. Box 2063, Harrisburg, PA 17105-2063 or call 717-772-1828. Put Cans To Work For Your School And The Environment Registration is now open for the 3rd Annual Great American Can Roundup School Challenge which takes place from America Recycles Day-- November 15-- to Earth Day-- April 22, 2013. The Can Manufacturers Institute is awarding $1,000 to the K-12 school in each state and the District of Columbia recycling the most aluminum cans per student and an additional $5,000 to the champion per capita recycling school nationwide that is on top of value of the aluminum cans. Show your schools green spirit and environmental leadership. Click Here for all the details. Remember to register before January 16. EPA Honors Green Power Partners, Including Philadelphia The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency presented its 12th annual Green Power Leadership Awards to 24 Green Power Partners and three suppliers for their achievements in advancing the nations renewable electricity market. In Pennsylvania, the City of Philadelphia was recognized in the Green Power Purchasing category. The fifth-most populous city in the U.S., Philadelphia is uniquely poised to lead by example with its green power use. In the spring of 2009, Mayor Michael Nutter released Greenworks Philadelphia, an ambitious plan to transform the city into the greenest city in America. The Greenworks plan pledges that 20 percent of the electricity used in Philadelphia will come from alternative energy sources, and the city government is setting an example by purchasing enough renewable energy to meet this goal internally. The City of Philadelphia is purchasing 127 million kilowatt-hours (kWh) of renewable energy certificates sourced from wind annually, along with generating 300,000 kWh from on-site solar panels. Philadelphias first City-owned solar array came online in mid-2011, a 250 kilowatt project at the Southeast Water Pollution Control facility. In addition, in March 2012 at the same facility, the Philadelphia Water Department installed a geothermal unit, which uses sewage as a sustainable heat source for the plant and is the first installation of its kind in the nation. Additionally, Philadelphia recently successfully embarked on a community-wide campaign to become an EPA Green Power Community in June 2012. Local dignitaries, including Mayor Nutter, announced the citys GPC designation and subsequent green power challenge at a press event hosted by Major League Baseballs Philadelphia Phillies, one of several Philadelphia-area Green Power Partners.

Looking ahead, the City plans to actively support a greater level of local renewable energy generation by purchasing RECs from local projects. In doing so, Philadelphia will not only support the green power market, but will be investing in local job creation, reduced grid congestion, increased fuel source diversity, and reductions in Scope 2 carbon emissions. For most municipalities, electricity usage is the single-largest source of greenhouse gas emissions. By using green power, communities and businesses can dramatically reduce greenhouse gas emissions, create local jobs, and improve public health. Our 2012 Green Power Leadership Award winners have not only demonstrated commendable civic leadership in their efforts to use renewable energy sources, theyve also helped to reduce our carbon footprint and cut back on pollution all while supporting America's growing renewable energy industry, said EPA Administrator Lisa P. Jackson. Thanks to their commitment -- and the commitment of all of our Green Power Partners -- our country is one step closer to a cleaner, more sustainable energy future. Green power is electricity generated from renewable resources, such as solar, wind, geothermal, biogas and low-impact hydro, and produces no net increase of greenhouse gas emissions. From purchasing 100-percent green power to installing large-scale solar panel arrays, the award winners help demonstrate that green power makes sense not only for Americans' health and environment but for business' bottom lines. For more information, visit EPAs Green Power Partners webpage. Barnes Foundation Office Awarded LEED Platinum Certification The Barnes Foundations new building will be the first major art and education institution in the country to achieve the highest level of environmental certification from the U.S. Green Building Council. The building was certified as Platinum under the USGBCs LEED (Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design) rating system at a press event on September 27. The award was presented by USGBC President and CEO Rick Fedrizzi. The USGBC Green Building Council is excited to award the Barnes its LEED Platinum certification because we believe that inspired, beautiful design can also perform to high environmental standards, and this building proves it, said Fedrizzi. From diverting 95 percent of construction waste from landfills as it redeveloped this brownfield site to a building with anticipated energy savings of 44 percent over a traditionally designed equivalent, its a marquee project not only for Philadelphia but the country. Philadelphia Mayor Michael Nutter agrees. The Barnes Foundations new building is a wonderful addition to Philadelphias iconic Parkway, not only for the benefits it brings to Philadelphia and the larger community, but for its attention to environmental design standards, said Nutter. Its a project that shows that Philadelphia is a city that cares deeply about the arts and sustainability. I am thrilled to accept the LEED Platinum award on behalf of the Barnes and in recognition of the Barnes Board and staffs commitment to build a beautiful, functional and sustainable home for the Barnes Collection in Philadelphia, said Derek Gillman, Executive Director and President of the Barnes Foundation. Special thanks and deep gratitude goes to Tod Williams and Bilie Tsien and the whole design team who worked so diligently and creatively to achieve this goal. The most apparent example of this is the lighting of the art collection at the Barnes, which has been greatly

improved. The immensely sophisticated filtering of natural light throughout the building and galleries is not only stunning, it also reduces electrical usage. Tod Williams Billie Tsien Architects designed the new campus, collaborating with Landscape Architects OLIN on the 4.5 acre site design and plantings, Fisher Marantz Stone on the lighting design, and Associate Architects Ballinger on the projects LEED effort. In addition to site selection that focused on redevelopment and accessibility, other green project elements include significant energy use reduction, a vegetated roof, materials selection of rapidly renewable, local, and recycled contentincluding floors reclaimed from Coney Islands boardwalkand water efficiency measures both inside and outside the building. A design that will reduce potable water consumption by 44 percent, will work in concert with plants in the beautiful gardens surrounding the building which were chosen in part for their hardiness and drought-tolerance. Janet Milkman, Executive Director of the Delaware Valley Green Building Council, the USGBCs local chapter, believes that buildings like the Barnes Foundations can make a difference in how people perceive an urban environment. Visitors from around the world will get to experience a legendary art collection in a unique setting. The architects use of natural light, careful materials selection and the quality of air are exactly the kinds of green building practices that we advocate for at DVGBC, and in this case they also greatly enhance the experience of the art. The mission of our organization is to inspire, connect, and educate people around green building practices, and the Barnes Foundations building hits the mark on all three of those goals. In addition to the LEED award, the Barnes Foundation will receive a significant rebate from PECO as part of PECO Smart Construction Incentives a program that rewards commercial and industrial customers (including businesses, government institutions and non-profits) with rebates for the use of energy efficient building products. The program encourages building designers, developers, engineers and architects to incorporate energy-efficient measures into their designs. The result is a building that surpasses building standards, uses less energy, saves money, and helps protect the environment. Highmark Cumberland County Office, Data Center Earn Energy Star Certification Highmark announced Thursday it has earned the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency's Energy Star certification for its 1800 Center Street and Data Center buildings. This award signifies that each building performs in the top 25 percent of similar facilities nationwide, meeting strict energy efficiency performance levels set by the EPA. "Highmark is pleased to be recognized with EPA's Energy Star certification in response to our energy efficiency efforts," said Highmark Sustainability Coordinator, Phyllis Barber. "We are committed to sustainable, eco-friendly business practices and continually look for means to lower energy use and decrease our footprint on the environment." Commercial buildings that earn EPA's Energy Star certification use an average of 35 percent less energy and also release 35 percent fewer greenhouse gas emissions into the atmosphere than similar buildings across the country. "Improving the energy efficiency of our nation's buildings is critical to protecting our environment," said Jean Lupinacci, director of the commercial and industrial branch for Energy Star. "From the boiler room to the board room, organizations are leading the way by making their buildings more efficient and earning EPA's Energy Star certification."

Highmark implements strategies throughout its facilities to reduce energy consumption and greenhouse gases. The company's energy conservation efforts such as the installation of energy-efficient lighting and the reduction of lighting, heating and air conditioning usage resulted in an average 5.6 percent decrease in energy consumption for the company and a savings of approximately $250,000 in energy costs in 2011. The 612,000-square-foot building located at 1800 Center Street in Cumberland County, has undergone renovations designed in accordance with Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED) standards. Renovations feature energy-efficient HVAC systems and motion-detector lighting. Highmark also implemented power usage reduction software that allows computers at individual workstations to automatically be put into sleep mode when not in use during the hours of 5:30 p.m. to 6 a.m. The Data Center located near Hershey, Pa, operates efficiently on a daily basis by utilizing state-of-the-art systems to manage power, water consumption and more. Natural light is used in 93 percent of occupied areas of the building, and 80,000 gallons of water is stored underneath the facility from rain water collected off the roof to cool the building naturally. "The Data Center received LEED Silver Certification for New Construction in 2005. Its energy efficient systems and equipment have reduced our energy consumption and operating costs," said Tammy Petrasic, director of facilities management at Highmark. "We are pleased with the results at our facilities and are hopeful to further increase these numbers in the future." For more information, visit Highmarks Environment webpage. Ben Franklin Partners Launch PA Energy Economy Map Ben Franklin Technology Partners Monday launched the Pennsylvania Energy Economy Map, an interactive web-based map detailing Pennsylvania's energy sector companies, corporations, organizations and academic assets. The Pennsylvania Energy Economy Map dynamically catalogues Pennsylvanias robust energy assets in a manner that creates a tool for companies, academics, economic development and public officials to identify opportunities for collaboration and industry growth, said RoseAnn B. Rosenthal, President & CEO of the Ben Franklin Technology Partners of Southeastern Pennsylvania. BFTP/SEP piloted the Map for Southeastern Pennsylvania; its development as a statewide resource was a collaborative product of the statewide BFTP network, and it is partially funded by the Department of Community and Economic Developments Alternative Energy Development Program. Philadelphia-based Azavea, a geographic data and spatial analysis firm, was the technology consultant. Pennsylvania is at the center of the energy revolution that is growing our economy and creating jobs for our citizens, said DCED Secretary C. Alan Walker. Interactive tools like the PA Energy Economy Map will connect our traditional and alternative energy markets with our colleges and universities to further grow the states energy sector. With a diverse energy portfolio ranging from natural gas and coal to wind, solar and geothermal, there is a great opportunity for collaboration that will further strengthen the states energy position, said Gov. Corbetts Energy Executive Patrick Henderson. The Energy Economy Map pulls together all facets of energy development under a single web-based location.

The energy community is encouraged to enter new information by selecting Add Asset in the upper right corner of the site. The Map currently includes over 2000 assets in energy sectors including Shale Gas, Renewable Energy, and Production and Distribution. It includes information on energy related research projects and facilities from 17 universities, colleges and community colleges. Information can be searched, sorted and viewed using the interactive map and table views. To learn more about the Pennsylvania Energy Economy Map, contact: David L. Cohen, AICP, Senior Manager of Program Analysis & Development, Ben Franklin Technology Partners of Southeastern Pennsylvania, send email to: david.cohen@sep.benfranklin.org or call 215- 9726700 ext. 3222 PUC Releases Retail Electric Markets Discussion Document The Public Utility Commission Thursday released a summary document for its Investigation of Pennsylvanias Retail Electricity Market designed to initiate the final phase of discussion prior to issuing a proposal for the end state of default service in the state. The Commission voted 4-1 to make the RMI (Retail Market Investigation) End State Proposal available for comment and further discussions between staff from the PUCs Office of Competitive Market Oversight and RMI stakeholders. Staff will then develop a Tentative Order for consideration by the Commission at its Nov. 8, 2012, public meeting. Chairman Robert F. Powelson issued a statement and video comments are available on the Commissions website. The discussion document issued today reaffirms that the underlying default structure in Pennsylvania needs to be changed in order to reap the full benefits of competition, said Chairman Robert F. Powelson. Intermediate changes are under way or on the horizon through the implementation of consumer education, customer referral and retail opt-in initiatives. Our end state proposal is geared toward ensuring that Pennsylvanias consumers will continue to receive the benefits of the competitive retail electricity market while providing the regulatory certainty the marketplace needs in order to continue growing. Commissioner James H. Cawley issued a dissenting statement. It does not appear that merely changing the underlying supply portfolio will have a significant impact on encouraging most customers to shop for lower cost supply alternatives that are readily available on the Commissions website and actively marketed daily by numerous suppliers, said Commissioner Cawley. It is only by removing the barriers related to the current default service market structure that the full benefits of competitive markets can be delivered to consumers. Topics addressed in the discussion document include:Default service providers; Default service product; Timing of transition; Consumer protections; Low-income customers; Consolidated billing; Accelerated switching; Metering services; Energy efficiency and conservation plans; Long-term contracts; Consumer education; and Regulatory costs/ assessments. In putting forth its end state proposal, the Commission envisions electric distribution companies remaining in the default service role unless the PUC approves an alternative Default Service Provider. If adopted in its current form, the transition would be planned to occur on June 1, 2015, following the expiration of EDC default service plans that are currently pending review/ approval by the Commission.

The Commission assured consumers that, as part of any changes to the current market structure, all consumer protections will be maintained, and that the Commission will work with EGSs and other key stakeholders to ensure consumers are kept apprised of ongoing changes. On April 28, 2011, the Commission launched the RMI, which is being conducted in two phases. The first phase was designed to assess the status of the current retail market and explore what changes need to be made to allow customers to fully realize the benefits of competition. On July 28, 2011, the Commission directed the OCMO to hold technical conferences to address intermediate and long-term issues pertaining to the competitive retail electricity market and provide specific proposals for changes to the existing retail market and default service model. This second phase has examined and addressed how to best resolve the issues raised and implement the prudent changes identified based upon information gathered during the Investigation. A copy of the Electric Retail Market Investigation End State Proposal is available online. Ground Broken For New $4.8 Million Jacobsburg Environmental Education Center Department of Conservation and Natural Resources Secretary Richard Allan, along with other state and local officials, broke ground Monday on a new $4.8 million project to construct a new Jacobsburg Environmental Education Center in Belfast, Northampton County. DCNR is proud of its recent major building projects successfully combining energy conservation with environmental education, and this facility will set another benchmark, Allan said. The new center is designed to provide environmental education services to a growing stream of visitors in an area expected to see a 22 percent population increase by 2030. Overseen by the Department of General Services and general contractor Lobar Inc. of Dillsburg, the new 9,300-square-foot center will cost nearly $4.8 million in capitol budget funds and offer environmental education space for interpretive programming, offices for center staff, and modern public restrooms for park visitors. Construction is scheduled to be completed by August 2013. The building will include a green roof planted with vegetation, solar panels, geothermal heating and cooling, onsite storm-water infiltration, water conserving plumbing fixtures, regionally purchased materials and high recycled-content materials. The secretary noted the center also will be a keystone of public outreach and education efforts related to Lehigh Valley Greenways landscape conservation work. One of seven such efforts across the state, the greenways program is designed to encourage and help shape openspace preservation efforts on a regional scale. People have been coming to Jacobsburg for years because of our well-maintained trails and the diversity of programs we offer here, said Jacobsburg Manager Robert Neitz. This new building will enhance our ability to interact and provide services to our visitors. This day is a milestone for so many partners in the region who have supported the need for a building at Jacobsburg for many years, said Sherry L. Acevedo, conservation coordinator with the Delaware & Lehigh National Heritage Corridor, Inc. We look forward to future educational opportunities in the Lehigh Valley Greenways Conservation Landscape Initiative and beyond. DCNR has invested almost $15 million in grant funds in the Lehigh Valley Greenways project, leveraging an additional $20 million in matching funds to meet its goals.

By 2015, Allan said, Lehigh Valley Greenways planners hope to see trails and greenways connecting natural and cultural resources across the Lehigh Valley, and linking urban areas to outdoor experiences; increased protection of watersheds; and retention of the character of the regions landscapes, heritage and community life. For more information, visit the Jacobsburg Environmental Education Center webpage. Register Now For Conservation Landscape Summit October 29-30 Department of Conservation and Natural Resources Secretary Richard Allan Friday announced a conference to highlight the accomplishments of conservation, recreation and economic development at the landscape level and to advance best practices to other areas of the state will be held in Harrisburg in October. The "Conservation Landscape Summit: Naturally Connecting People and Places" is scheduled for October 29-30 at the Best Western Premier, 800 East Park Drive. "Extraordinary work is being done at a regional level to build sustainable communities; conserve land and water; make trail connections; enhance visitor experiences; and improve outdoor recreation opportunities," Allan said. "Conservation landscape work is helping to build a better Pennsylvania and improve the quality of life for people living in these regions. "This summit will provide opportunities for networking and sharing information; shine a spotlight on the successes; and develop a set of practices and policies so that these efforts can be duplicated in other regions," Allan said. A conservation landscape is a place where vibrant communities draw strength from their natural assets to sustain their quality of life; where citizens care about protecting the special qualities of a region; where people and partners band together to envision a better economic future, tackle shared challenges and care for the natural, scenic, heritage and recreational resources that define the place they call home. The conference aims to: -- Bring together a diverse group of partners - state and local government officials; business, conservation, economic development and tourism leaders; and recreation and trail groups to advance regional landscape partnerships across the state; -- Build a further understanding of and enthusiasm for packaging conservation, recreation and economic development interests in large landscapes that have significant natural resources and state investment, i.e. parks, forests, trails and land protection; and -- Develop and share a set of best practices and policies that will support further development of a regional approach to conservation, recreation and economic development across the state. Plenary as well as breakout sessions will offer attendees the opportunity to hear about broad policies, strategies and successes. Diverse state and national speakers will exemplify how landscape work is changing the approach to conservation and tourism. The conference, expected to draw about 200-250 people, will be divided into several tracks that categorize topics based on an attendee's interest: conservation, tourism, visitor experiences and communications. A conference white paper will summarize next steps, best practices and key resources. The summit is sponsored by DCNR, the Pennsylvania Environmental Council, and the William Penn and Richard King Mellon foundations. For more information and to register, visit the Conservation Landscapes Summit website.

Heritage Conservancy Showcases Land Preservation In Cooks Creek The Heritage Conservancy in Bucks County hosted its inaugural Farm to Table Dinner Party in Upper Bucks County on September 22nd at Historic Kirkland Farm in Springtown, PA. A forecast of rain and thunderstorms did not discourage nearly 200 guests from attending the Conservancys Art of Preservation event, which included an outdoor cocktail reception and sit-down dinner underneath open tents amidst 180 acres of large open fields, pastures and woods. Members, business members, board and staff of Heritage Conservancy were in attendance, as well as representatives and supervisors from Springfield Township, and guests who were interested in learning more about the organization. During the event, Heritage Conservancys President, Jeffrey Marshall, presented Zach Fuller with an accolade in honor of his parents, landowners Peter and Joan Fuller, for their early leadership of Land Conservation in the Cooks Creek Watershed. Robin and Marty Staff, owners of Historic Kirkland Farm located in Cooks Creek Watershed, graciously hosted the event as a way to showcase the land preservation work Heritage Conservancy has completed in the area. Over the past three years, the Conservancy has assisted in permanently preserving over 4,460 acres of land in Springfield and Durham Townships in Upper Bucks County. "Since 2007, Heritage Conservancy has been the open space consultant for Springfield Township, and has provided important insight and guidance into our land preservation program. Springfield Township contains miles of rolling agricultural fields, and beautiful natural areas. The Conservancy has aided us in making great strides in protecting these natural resources," said Dave Long, Township Supervisor for Springfield Township. "Our goal is to have preserved approximately 5,000 acres within the township in the next few years, and we look forward to continuing to work with the Conservancy well into the future." The Cooks Creek Watershed in Upper Bucks County is not only one of the most pristine watersheds in the county in terms of water quality, but it also contains prime farmland and is an important agricultural resource in Pennsylvania, said Jeffrey Marshall, President of Heritage Conservancy. Its wonderful to see this outpouring of support for our work as we continue to move forward in preserving the natural resources of this region. Lead corporate sponsor of the event was PPL Corporation. Corporate sponsors included Dale Koller Farms, Johnson, Kendall & Johnson, Inc., Clemons Richter & Reiss, PC, Coopersburg Kenworth, Travelda Farms, LLC, C. Robert Wynn Associates Inc., Carol C. Dorey Real Estate, Embassy Bank, FEET FIRST, Jerry Fritz's Linden Hill Gardens, Kimberton Whole Foods, Margaret Pook Interior Design, The Little Farm Store, and WPB Enterprises, Inc. For more information, visit the Heritage Conservancys website. DCNR Offers Fall Foliage Updates The Department of Conservation and Natural Resources is making key personnel in the Bureau of Forestry available to the news media to serve as regional experts on fall foliage. Foliage is expected to peak over the next several weeks across Pennsylvania. DCNR has weekly fall foliage reports on its website. NewsClips: Eries Fall Colors Still Up In The Air

Foliage Experts Say Well Get Nice Show Nature Abounds Announces Speakers For Oct. 10 Forest Symposium There is still time to sign up for the October 10 Forest Symposium at the John Heinz National Wildlife Refuge in Philadelphia. Sessions and speakers for the event include: -- Pennsylvania Forest Overview History and Current Threats - Joseph Frassetta, Pennsylvania Department of Conservation and Natural Resources, Bureau of Forestry From his days as a merchant marine to his career in forestry, everything about Joe Frassetta is the outdoors. In his current role as District Forester for the William Penn Forest District, Joe leads several award-winning projects and initiatives. Through vision, staff collaboration, and the development of partnerships, Joe continuously takes forestry from the deep woods to the backyard. When not working in the outdoors, Joe is, well, in the outdoors volunteering. Joe keeps his passion for nature and water alive by serving as a certified sawyer for the Appalachian Trail and island steward for the Susquehanna River Trail. Yep, for Joe as a forester every day is Earth Day. He can also be found hiking or canoeing with his family and their canine companion, Izzy the boxador. -- Assessing the Urban Forest: Understanding the Ecosystem Value of Forests in Urban Environments Sarah Low, US Forest Service Sarah Low works for the US Forest Service as Coordinator of the new Philadelphia Field Station. She focuses on bridging the gaps between policy, planning, and science, specifically as it relates to the interaction of people and nature. Her passion for the natural world drives her interest in environmental conservation and community engagement. She holds a Bachelor of Science in Fish and Wildlife Conservation and a Master of Science in Watershed Science and Management from the University of Massachusetts Amherst. Prior to taking the position with the USDA Forest Service, Sarah Low founded Strategic Nature, LLC, where she specialized in strategic planning around urban and community forestry, park planning, ecological restoration, and trail design. She has worked in ecological restoration, community forestry, and park management for over ten years and has worked for consulting companies, non-profit organizations, and government agencies. -- Climate Change and Pennsylvania Melinda Hughes-Wert, Nature Abounds Melinda Hughes-Wert is the President and Co-founder of Nature Abounds. Formed in 2008, Nature Abounds has approximately 2,600 volunteers engaged in environmental volunteering through programs such as IceWatch USA, Watch the Wild, and the Senior Environment Corps. Before leading Nature Abounds, Melinda most recently worked for the National Wildlife Federation managing several community programs across the nation as well as NWF's awardwinning Coastal Louisiana Habitat Restoration Initiative. Just prior to working for NWF, Melinda was the National Programs Director at the Environmental Alliance for Senior Involvement, another environmental international volunteer non-profit that focused on involving seniors in improving the environment. She has also worked for the Clearfield County Planning Commission, concentrating on environmental issues. Over her career, Melinda has worked on several environmental issues including climate change, watershed management, brownfields, environmental planning, habitat restoration,

endangered species, and wildlife issues. Melinda also had the privilege of being part of the US delegation to the World Water Forum 2003 in Kyoto, Japan. For more information, visit the Forest Symposium webpage. Space is limited, so please register now. For questions, please contact Nature Abounds at 814-765-1453 or send email to: forests@natureabounds.org. Additional State Forest Roads Opening For Hunting Season Hunters heading into Pennsylvanias state-owned woodlands this season will find additional roads open in 18 of the 20 state forest districts, the Department of Conservation and Natural Resources announced Friday. More than 400 miles of state forest roads normally open only for administrative use will be available to hunters in state forestlands this year, said DCNR Bureau of Forestry Director Daniel Devlin. The Bureau of Forestry hopes to improve accessibility while promoting hunting where it is needed to benefit forest regeneration and the overall ecosystem. More than 3,000 miles of state forest roadways are open during the states main archery season, which opens Saturday and closes November 12. They will continue to stay open through the rest of the hunting seasons until January 2013. Whether their quarry is deer, bear or turkey, hunters in our state forests will find more than 90 percent of that land now is within one-half mile of an open road, said Devlin. Many state parks, especially those in the 12-county Pennsylvania Wilds region, offer inexpensive camping and access to top-quality hunting in nearby public forestlands. Primitive camping on state forestlands is also an option, giving hunters a backcountry camping or hunting experience. Camping permits, issued by the managing forest district, will be required when camping on state forestlands. Many of these campsites are close to state parks and forestlands enrolled in the Deer Management Assistance Program, permitting hunters to take one antlerless deer or more when properly licensed. Hunters are advised to check with state forests district headquarters or state park offices about availability. Hunters traveling to some north central areas of the state are reminded some hunting areas and travel routes may be impacted by Marcellus Shale-related activities. Some state forest roads may be temporarily closed during drilling operations or other peak periods of heavy use to reduce potential safety hazards. To avoid potential conflicts on state forest roads during times of high public use, DCNR will attempt to limit or restrict truck traffic at the outset of major hunting and fishing seasons. Some state forest roads only will be opened for the second week of the traditional rifle season because they cannot withstand the expected heavy traffic of the first week. Two- or three-month long openings will be in effect only where there is minimal threat of damage or deterioration to road surfaces or forest surroundings. A complete listing of open roads, effective dates and district office telephone numbers can be obtained on DCNRs website. For more information on hunting in state forests, visit the White-tailed deer in Pennsylvanias forests webpage. OpenTreeMap App Released To Support Urban Forestry Projects

Azavea has released the source code for the first smartphone version of its OpenTreeMap urban tree inventory software. OpenTreeMap enables organizations to collaborate with the general public to map trees in the urban forest and explore the economic and environmental benefits they generate for the community. Available online, the OpenTreeMap Mobile code provides access to an OpenTreeMap database via smartphone and tablet devices. The OpenTreeMap Mobile code is now available for iPhones, and an Android version is currently under development and should be available later this fall. The first application of the new OpenTreeMap Mobile iPhone was released in late August and provides mobile access to PhillyTreeMap, a web-based map database of trees in the greater 13-county, 3-state Philadelphia region. The app can be downloaded for free from iTunes. Urban street trees have proven benefits for communities including providing shade, improving air quality, assisting with stormwater runoff, raising property values, decreasing utility bills, and enhancing the look and feel of communities. While tree inventories ensure that municipalities have data to consult when managing the urban forest, creating a complete inventory is a time consuming and resource intensive process. OpenTreeMap provides an easy-to-use public inventory platform that enables individuals, organizations, and governments to collaboratively contribute to an interactive and dynamic map of a communitys tree population. The benefits of using mobile technology for tree inventories were demonstrated this past summer as interns at the Delaware Valley Regional Planning Commission used PhillyTreeMap to conduct a survey of over 1,500 trees in South Philadelphia. Accessing the site via iPads, the interns were able to add trees and edit data directly in PhillyTreeMap and then export their survey results for further spatial analysis. OpenTreeMap is currently in use in five cities across the country. Along with Philadelphia, OpenTreeMap is used in San Francisco, Sacramento, San Diego and Grand Rapids. OpenTreeMap and OpenTreeMap Mobile are open source projects. For more information about OpenTreeMap or to download the code, visit the OpenTreeMap website. Senate, House Recognize The Accomplishments Of Maurice K. Goddard The Senate and House this week unanimously passed identical resolutions honoring the accomplishments of Maurice K. Goddard, the father of Pennsylvanias state parks system and the first secretary of the states modern environmental protection agency. The resolutions-- Senate Resolution 352 (Argall-R- Schuylkill) and House Resolution 849 (Longietti-D- Mercer) recognized Goddards contributions this month which would have been his 100th birthday. The text of the resolutions follows-Recognizing the contributions of Dr. Maurice K. Goddard, former Secretary of Forests and Waters and Secretary of Environmental Resources, to the Commonwealth on the 100-year anniversary of his birth.

WHEREAS, Dr. Maurice K. Goddard was born in Lowell, Massachusetts, on September 13, 1912; and WHEREAS, After graduating from the University of Maine with a bachelor's degree in forestry, Dr. Goddard came to the Mt. Alto campus of The Pennsylvania State University where he taught for several years; and WHEREAS, Dr. Goddard earned a master's degree in forestry from the University of California at Berkeley and later served with distinction on the staff of General Eisenhower during World War II; and WHEREAS, After his war service, Dr. Goddard returned to The Pennsylvania State University, where he led the Mt. Alto School of Forestry, and later moved to the University Park campus where he directed the School of Forest Resources; and WHEREAS, In 1955, Dr. Goddard began his career as a public servant in this Commonwealth when he was appointed as Secretary of the Department of Forests and Waters; and WHEREAS, Dr. Goddard continued in this leadership position until 1971, when he was appointed as Secretary of the newly created Department of Environmental Resources; and WHEREAS, Dr. Goddard received many conservation awards and was recognized as a national leader in conservation policy; and WHEREAS, Dr. Goddard was so well-respected for his knowledge, commitment and professionalism that governors from both parties appointed him to conservation leadership positions over a 24-year period; and WHEREAS, Dr. Goddard worked to implement his vision of establishing a State park within 25 miles of every Commonwealth resident; and WHEREAS, Dr. Goddard helped to secure dedicated funding for natural resource conservation by facilitating the creation of the Oil and Gas Lease Fund, which receives revenue from oil and gas leases on State lands and uses these funds for conservation, recreational development and land acquisition; and WHEREAS, Dr. Goddard was instrumental in securing funds for State parks and open spaces by shepherding the passage of Projects 70 and 500, in which almost $600 million was obtained for the acquisition of property and recreational facilities; and WHEREAS, Dr. Goddard led a monumental expansion of the State park system by adding 45 State parks and 130,000 acres of State park land during his tenure; and WHEREAS, Dr. Goddard's effort in the expansion of the State park system helped him earn distinction as the "Father of Pennsylvania State Parks"; and WHEREAS, Dr. Goddard was instrumental in establishing both the Delaware and Susquehanna River Basin Commissions; and WHEREAS, Dr. Goddard's leadership for Pennsylvania's natural resources extended into his retirement from public service, as he continued to serve on the boards of various conservation groups and advocated for the creation of a separate agency for parks and forests, which occurred in 1995 with the establishment of the Pennsylvania Department of Conservation and Natural Resources; and WHEREAS, Until his death in 1995, Dr. Maurice K. Goddard worked tirelessly to protect Pennsylvania's natural resources and to provide current and future State residents with access to the natural beauty of this Commonwealth; therefore be it

RESOLVED, That the Senate recognize the contributions of Dr. Maurice K. Goddard, former Secretary of Forests and Waters and Secretary of Environmental Resources, to the Commonwealth on the 100-year anniversary of his birth. To learn more about Dr. Goddards accomplishments, visit the PA Parks and Forest Foundation Maurice K. Goddard Legacy Project webpage. You can also view a documentary on Dr. Goddards life produced by WITF-TV. Help Wanted: Briar Bush Nature Center, Beaver County Briar Bush Nature Center, Abington, Beaver County now taking applications for a Public Programs Director. The position will oversee educational programming and program staff, assessing the Briar Bushes current and future role in the community, and coordinating a multimedia marketing effort. This senior full time salaried position with excellent benefits manages three fulltime and several part-time people. Qualified applicants must possess at least a bachelors degree in education, interpretation, environmental science/education or related fields and at least four years of progressively responsible experience in a related field. Salaried with excellent benefits. Open until filled. Click Here for full job description. Please send cover letter & resume to: jobs@briarbush.org

Your 2 Cents: Issues On Advisory Committee Agendas

This section gives you a continuously updated thumbnail sketch of issues to be considered in upcoming advisory committee meetings where the agendas have been released October 5-- Agenda Released (posted Sept. 27). DEP Low-Level Radioactive Waste Advisory Committee meeting. Room 105 Rachel Carson Building. 10:00. -- Election Of Officers -- Status of commercial low-level radioactive waste disposal facilities and on the planned disposal facility in Texas -- Update on NRC low-level radioactive waste activities -- Review of draft NRC policy statement on volume reduction and LLRW management -- Review of LLRW storage and disposal information for the Appalachian Compact -- Overview of DOEs draft environmental impact statement for disposal of greater than class C waste <> Copies of handouts are available online. October 10-- No Agenda Yet. DEP Technical Advisory Committee on Diesel-Powered Mining Equipment meeting. Fayette County Health Center, Uniontown. 10:00. October 10-- No Agenda Yet. DEP Water Resources Advisory Committee meeting Room 105 Rachel Carson Building. 9:30. October 11-- CANCELED. No Agenda Yet. DEP Air Quality Technical Advisory Committee meeting. Room 105 Rachel Carson Building. 9:15. (formal notice)

October 15-- No Agenda Yet. DEP Agricultural Advisory Board meeting. Hayes Livestock Evaluation Center, State College. 10:00. October 15-- CANCELED. DEP Oil and Gas Technical Advisory Board meeting. Room 105 Rachel Carson Building. 10:00. (formal notice) October 16-- No Agenda Yet. Environmental Quality Board meeting. Room 105 Rachel Carson Building. 9:00. October 16-- No Agenda Yet. DEP Citizens Advisory Council meeting. Room 105 Rachel Carson Building. 11:00. October 18-- No Agenda Yet. DEP Radiation Protection Advisory Committee meeting. Room 105 Rachel Carson Building. 9:00. October 24-- No Agenda Yet. DEP Small Business Compliance Advisory Committee meeting. 12th Floor Conference Room, Rachel Carson Building. 10:00. October 25-- No Agenda Yet. DEP Mining and Reclamation Advisory Board meeting. Room 105 Rachel Carson Building. 10:00. November 13-- NEW. No Agenda Yet. DEP Air Quality Technical Advisory Committee meeting. Room 105 Rachel Carson Building. 9:15. (formal notice) November 15-- No Agenda Yet. DEP Oil and Gas Technical Advisory Board meeting. Room 105 Rachel Carson Building. 10:00. December 11-- No Agenda Yet. DEP Oil and Gas Technical Advisory Board meeting. Room 105 Rachel Carson Building. 10:00.

Grants & Awards

This section gives you a heads up on upcoming deadlines for awards and grants and other recognition programs. NEW means new from last week. October 1-- DEP Recycling Performance Grants October 1-- Wissahickon Watershed Photo Contest October 15-- DEP Coastal Zone Management Grants October 19-- NRCS Farm Conservation Programs October 19-- PEMA Fire Company & Volunteer Ambulance Service Grants October 26-- DEP Growing Greener Grants October 30-- Schuylkill River Network Photo Contest October 31-- PA Resources Council Lens On Litter Contest November 2-- PHFA Marcellus Shale Housing Grants November 19-- EPA Brownfields Grants

December 1-- PHMC Historical Marker Nominations December 13-- NEW. DEP Environmental Education Grants December 14-- EPA College Campus RainWorks Challenge December 14-- Coldwater Heritage Partnership Grants December 31-- Fish & Boat Commission Photo Contest January 9-- West Penn Sustainable Energy Fund Financing January 16-- NEW. Great American Can Roundup School Challenge May 1-- Keep PA Beautiful Sue Wiseman Scholarship Grant -- Visit the DEP Grants and Loan Programs webpage for more ideas on how to get financial assistance for environmental projects.

Budget/Quick Clips
Here's a selection of NewClips on environmental topics from around the state-DEP Secretary: Critics Of DEP Are Outsiders Without Facts Voters Remain Sour On Corbett Corbett Approval Ratings Stay In The Basement Corbetts Sagging Polls Fuel Dems 2014 Rumors 50 Years Of Rachel Carsons Silent Spring Allegheny Colleges Big-School Sustainability Impact Electronic Devices Taken Out Of Trash Stream Lackawanna County Taking Tires For Recycling DEP Wants Fuel Oil Cleanup, Landowner Opposed DEP Concerned About Radioactive Material From Allentown Site Limerick Reactor Operator Flunked Alcohol Test Nuclear Industry Slowed By Its Own Waste Gamesa, Other Wind Jobs To Be Lost This Year Editorial: On Wind Jobs, Pols Blow It Wilkes-Barre Approves $6 Million Energy Savings Project Philly Navy Yard Looks To Energy Sector To Revive Western PA Gas Bills Expected To Keep Falling Columbia Gas Seeks 23.4% Rate Hike To Fund Pipeline Work Editorial: To EPA, Call Off The Dogs On Homer City Editorial: Allegheny County Punts On Air Code Bill Would Place Parks At Whim Of Pols Did Lawmakers Get Hoodwinked On Public Land Sales Bill Girl Scouts To Plant 100 Trees In Pittsburgh Woodlands Program Lets Forest Earn Funds Sustainably PA Forest Products Industry Argues Against Bat Protection Eries Fall Colors Still Up In The Air Foliage Experts Say Well Get Nice Show Wild Man Helms Conservancy Appeal Editorial: Game Commission Has Tools To Fight Poachers Editorial: Casey Urges Federal Action On Asian Carp

U.S. Gives $1.2 Million For Flight 93 Memorial Access Road Film To Shed Light On 9/11 In Somerset County

Marcellus Shale NewsClips

Here are NewsClips on topics related to Marcellus Shale natural gas drilling--DEP Secretary: Critics Of DEP Are Outsiders Without Facts Editorial: Drillng Concerns Deserve Respect Natural Gas Royalties In Bradford Reach $160 Million Sen. Scarnati Proposing Shale Health Advisory Panel Top Republican Floats Proposal For Marcellus Health Panel Editorial: Independently Assess Drilling Impact On Health Bill Will Allow Mining, Drilling On Other State Land Report Criticizes PA Gas Drilling Enforcement School Drilling Lease Bill Heads To Corbett Lycoming Truck Spills 3,600 Gallons Of Fracking Fluid Court Wont Hear From Gas Industry In Drilling Law Appeal Whos Filling Challenges Against Local Drilling Ordinances? PUC To Review Local Marcellus Drilling Laws Federal Agency Seeks Comment On Pipeline Project Carnegie Mellon Effort Puts Shale Data Online Several Express Opposition To Gas Pipeline Gas Products Pipeline Advance Marcus Hook Refinery Rebirth UGI Withdraws Application For Compressor Station UGI Moves On West Wyoming Compressor Station Chemical Day Heralds Industry Return In Western PA SW PA To Play Role In Export Of Gas To Europe Range Announces Marcellus Pipeline, Export Deals Lt. Gov. Cawley Tours Marcellus-Related Water Treatment Plant Western PA Gas Bills Expected To Keep Falling Recap Of Marcellus Shale Conference In Philadelphia Gas Industry, Anti-Drillers In Flap Over Logos Op-Ed: Marcellus Find Transforms Pennsylvania Financial/Other States USGS Tests Confirm Contamination From Fracking In Wyoming Supports Slips For More Rules On Fracking Decades Of Federal Dollars Helped Fuel Gas Boom With Success, Natural Gas Industry Eyes Exports Environmental Group Says States Fail To Oversee Fracking Judge Rejects NY Drilling Lawsuit Against Feds

Flooding/Watershed NewsClips
Here are NewsClips on watershed topics from around the state--

Flooding Cleanup From Storms, Flooding Continues In SW Shickshinny Fails To Pass Floodplain Ordinance Rep. Mundy Convenes Meeting On Floodplain Management Other Watershed NewsClips Sediment Spilling Over Dam Into Chesapeake Bay Toledo Stormwater Project Offers Preview For Pittsburgh Pequea Creek Watershed Will Host Mini Golf Tourney Editorial: Casey Urges Federal Action On Asian Carp Plants Reclaim Speedwell Forge Lake At Least For Now

Regulations, Technical Guidance & Permits

The Public Utility Commission published a notice formally publishing its order implementing the Alternative Energy Portfolio Standards demand side management resources and technical reference manual. Pennsylvania Bulletin - September 29, 2012 Proposed Regulations Open For Comment - DEP webpage Proposed Regulations With Closed Comment Periods - DEP webpage DEP Regulatory Agenda - DEP webpage

Technical Guidance & Permits

The Department of Environmental Protection published notice of a minor revision to guidance to requirements for cleanup response and remedial actions. The Susquehanna River Basin Commission formally published notice of projects approved for consumptive uses of water and projects rescinded for consumptive uses of water. Minor Revision: DEP ID: 262-2600-606. Title: Applicable or Relevant and Appropriate Requirements for Cleanup Response and Remedial Actions in this Commonwealth. Description: This guidance document contains a list of State standards and requirements for cleanup related activities at waste sites in this Commonwealth. Technical Guidance Comment Deadlines - DEP webpage Recently Closed Comment Periods For Technical Guidance - DEP webpage Technical Guidance Recently Finalized - DEP webpage Copies of Final Technical Guidance - DEP webpage

Calendar Of Events
Upcoming legislative meetings, conferences, workshops, plus links to other online calendars. Meetings are in Harrisburg unless otherwise noted. NEW means new from last week. Go to the online Calendar webpage. Click on Agenda Released on calendar entries to see the NEW meeting agendas published this week. October 1-- NEW. Senate Appropriations Committee meets to consider House Bill 1813 (Tobash-R-Berks) authorizing a financial guarantee option covering mine reclamation. Rules Room Off The Floor. October 2-- NEW. House Local Government Committee meets to consider Senate Bill 1261 (Erickson-R-Delaware) authorizing the formation of stormwater management municipal authorities. Room G-50 Irvis Building. 9:00. October 3-- NEW. Senate Environmental Resources and Energy Committee considers the nomination of Steven Beckman to the Environmental Hearing Board. Room 8E-B East Wing. 9:00. October 5-- Senate Game and Fisheries Committee holds a hearing on PA Sea GrantPharmaceuticals in Water Program and Asian Carp. Tom Ridge Environmental Center, Erie. 9:00. October 11-- CANCELED. No Agenda Yet. DEP Air Quality Technical Advisory Committee meeting. Room 105 Rachel Carson Building. 9:15. (formal notice) October 15-- NEW. House Game and Fisheries Committee holds an information session with the Game Commission regarding the potential for the expansion of protection of certain species of bats. Room 60 East Wing. 10:30. October 15-- CANCELED. DEP Oil and Gas Technical Advisory Board meeting. Room 105 Rachel Carson Building. 10:00. (formal notice) November 13-- NEW. No Agenda Yet. DEP Air Quality Technical Advisory Committee meeting. Room 105 Rachel Carson Building. 9:15. (formal notice) DEP Calendar of Events Note: The Environmental Education Workshop Calendar is no longer available from the PA Center for Environmental Education because funding for the Center was eliminated in the FY 2011-12 state budget. The PCEE website was also shutdown, but some content was moved to the PA Association of Environmental Educators' website. Senate Committee Schedule House Committee Schedule

You can watch the Senate Floor Session and House Floor Session live online.

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