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 November 5, 2012

DEP Publishes Final No Strikes Permit Decision Guarantee Policy On November 3 the Department of Environmental Protection published a notice in the PA Bulletin announcing the availability of final guidance implementing Gov. Corbetts Executive Order 2012-11 creating the DEP Permit Review Process and Permit Decision Guarantee Program. Because of DEP's emergency response work related to Hurricane Sandy, the final policies will not be implemented until November 14. DEP finalized the policies after reviewing the hundreds of comments submitted during the public comment period on the draft decision guarantee and permit coordination policies, which ran from September 1 to October 1. The final policies were also accompanied by comment-and-response documents for each policy. "These policies deliver on Gov. Corbett's promise to reform how state government works," DEP Secretary Mike Krancer said. "We are making clear to those who seek permits that we need to see quality applications. That is key. Then, we will do our part to deliver efficient and complete reviews in a predictable time frame." The policies implement Gov. Corbett's July 24 Executive Order, outlining the process DEP will use to guarantee an efficient timeframe in which the agency will make a decision on complete applications for 278 types of permits and authorizations. In reviewing its permitting procedures, DEP found that 40 percent of permit applications submitted to the agency were deficient, meaning they lacked the full information needed for DEP's permit reviewers to make a sound decision. "The result of this was a waste of time and resources for all involved," Krancer said. Under the new process, if a permit lacks necessary information, DEP may deny the application. If a complete permit application is technically deficient, requiring it to be returned twice, DEP may deny it. Agency staff will point to specific statutes or regulations when citing deficiencies in the application. Permit Review Priorities The final policy, like the draft, sets priorities for reviewing applications by DEP and would eliminate any first-in-first-out review policies unless required by law. The proposed priorities include-1. Applications for projects necessary for the protection of public health, safety and the environment; 2. Applications for projects necessary for economic development; 3. Applications within Permit Decision Guarantee;

4. Those applications that have been excluded from the Permit Decision Guarantee but are necessary for economic development projects that create jobs and enhance communities; and 5. Lastly, any remaining applications will be reviewed on a first-in-first-out basis. No Strikes Rule The final policy, like the draft, says that only permit applications determined to be complete and without technical deficiencies will be covered by the permit decision guarantee. If technical deficiencies are found in the permit application during the technical review, the deficiencies will void the permit decision guarantee. Applicants will have one opportunity to correct the deficiencies DEP identifies in a deficiency letter and a deadline is established for responding to the deficiency letter. If the applicants response corrects the deficiencies, the application will then be subject to what DEP calls an Elevated Review Process where DEP sets a new deadline for decisions. The final Permit Review Process and Permit Decision Guarantee strongly encourages pre-application conferences between DEP staff and applicants to discuss expectations and obligations. The final policy also provides guidance to DEP managers on how to prioritize workload for the review of permits. "This is not about rushing permits through," Krancer said. "It is about efficiently using our time and our applicants' time and resources, and it is about predictable time frames. "Every complete and technically adequate application we receive will be reviewed thoroughly," he said. "DEP will issue permits that meet all legal requirements that are in place which protect the environment and public health and safety." The companion Permit Coordination policy outlines how staff should coordinate projects that require multiple permits. During the first year of implementation, DEP staff will review the policies' effectiveness quarterly and propose necessary adjustments. In addition to using a paperless "completeness notification process" through eFACTS on the Web, a tool to track permits and sites across the state, the agency is developing electronic permitting tools to further improve the process. Webinars In the coming weeks and months, DEP will host web-based information sessions for both eFACTS on the Web and its many program areas, such as air quality and mining. The programspecific webinars will discuss how each program is implementing the new permitting process. To register for the webinars and review the final policies and executive order, visit DEPs Permit Decision Guarantee webpage. DEP Offers Tips for Removing, Processing Storm Debris, Waives State Landfill Fees The Department of Environmental Protection is reminding homeowners how to properly dispose of and process debris left behind from Hurricane Sandy. If homeowners encounter debris from the hurricane in or near creeks and streams, it can be removed without obtaining one of our Water Obstruction and Encroachment permits, DEP Secretary Mike Krancer said. The hurricane affected us all in some way, and DEP is helping homeowners and businesses assure a safe and effective cleanup by offering guidance. Even though small debris can be removed without a permit, large woody debris that requires operating machinery in the stream to remove it, or removal of a gravel bar, will require written authorization from DEP.

Property owners can remove trees and tree limbs wherever possible to protect their own property as well as public roads and bridges that could be damaged. Owners can cut up trees in place and remove them from the creek, or pull the tree trunks and branches out of the water before cutting them up. To dispose of limbs and woody debris, property owners are encouraged to utilize local composting services. To assist communities that have been affected by the recent storm events, DEP is temporarily waiving certain disposal fees and waste vehicle registration requirements and providing flexibility in other aspects of waste management to facilitate the collection and disposal of storm debris. The requirement for a waste hauler to display an authorized Act 90 sticker on the hauling vehicle has been temporarily waived statewide to allow facility operators to accept storm debris waste from vehicles without Act 90 authorizations. DEP is also waiving the state portion of the tipping fees for the disposal of storm debris; authorizing extended operational hours at landfills; allowing the use of temporary waste staging areas for collecting waste prior to transportation to disposal facilities; and authorizing increased daily volumes of waste that facilities can receive and dispose. These provisions will be effective until January 31, 2013, unless no longer necessary or extended by DEP. Items that may have been affected by flooding, such as propane tanks, refrigerators, heating oil tanks, electronic equipment, tires, gasoline or paints should be separated and stored in a safe, dry location for separate collection in the future. This will allow haulers to focus on removing the most problematic debris and waste. Homeowners, business owners and municipal officials who have questions about cleaning up storm debris should contact the DEP regional office that serves their area. For more information on flood recovery, visit DEP's Flood Recovery webpage. NewsClips: Corbett: PA Dodged A Bullet With Superstorm 14 Deaths Blamed On Hurricane Sandy In PA Corbett Appeals For Federal Emergency Aid Patience Short, Gas Lines Long In PA Post-Sandy EPA Waives Clean Diesel Fuel Standards For NY, PA Scramble To Restore Fuel Deliveries U.S. Tries To Get Fuel To Storm-Hit Northeast U.S. Releases Heating Oil Reserves For First Time Rules Bent As Gasoline Hard To Come By After Sandy New Jersey To Use Odd-Even Gasoline Rationing Sandy Creates Near Record Power Outages PA Power Outages Could Last A Week Utility Says Power Outage Could Send Untreated Sewage Into River Evacuation Ordered Near Speedwell Forge Dam What To Do When Sandy Leaves DEP Waives Fees To Speed Hurricane Cleanup Dry Summer Means Rainfall Causes Little Flooding In West Hurricane Deductibles Will Not Be Applied To Residential Damage

Watch Out For Crooks During Cleanup Diesel Fuel And Gasoline Distribution Severely Disrupted By Hurricane Sandy On Monday Hurricane Sandy forced the closure of two-thirds of the refineries in the Northeastern U.S., its largest pipeline and most major ports making it very difficult, if not impossible, to ship in supplies of diesel fuel and gasoline for the region. Now with the damage caused by the hurricane blocking distribution of fuel products and demand for diesel and other fuels rising to run generators at key facilities, there are now significant shortages of these fuels in New York, New Jersey and in Pennsylvania. The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency did issue a temporary waiver from clean diesel fuel standards for New York and Pennsylvania to allow more flexibility in the sources supplying diesel fuel for the region. The U.S. Department of Energy also authorized the release of heating oil from the northeast heating oil reserve to be used for diesel fuel for emergency equipment and building generators. State Agencies Announce Fuel Waivers The Departments of Environmental Protection and Agriculture announced Saturday the Commonwealth has made available one temporary fuel waiver and requested two additional temporary waivers due to fuel shortages from Hurricane Sandy. DEP requested that the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency waive the federal requirements on the use of Ultra Low Sulfur Diesel (ULSD) fuel in mobile non-road generators and pumps as well as the requirements for diesel-powered highway and other equipment needed for emergency response and disaster recovery. Because of the widespread effects of Hurricane Sandy, there is an insufficient amount of this fuel in Pennsylvania, DEP Secretary Mike Krancer said. These waivers are necessary to avoid fuel disruptions and continue everyones ongoing storm recovery efforts. With these waivers, the use of heating oil in diesel-powered, on-road vehicles involved in emergency response efforts in Pennsylvania will be allowed with DEP approval. The waivers would also allow the use of heating oil supplies for generators and other off-road equipment. DEP approval is not required for that use. The waivers would place restrictions so that the home heating fuel is only used to operate equipment that is compatible with the sulfur levels of heating oil. The Department of Agriculture also granted a waiver for a temporary suspension of Pennsylvanias two-percent biodiesel content requirement for on-road diesel fuel. The suspension will be in effect until midnight on Thursday, November 12. Hurricane Sandy has impacted the supply and demand of diesel fuel, Agriculture Secretary George Greig said. Temporarily lifting this requirement will keep trucks on the road and allow food and materials to get to Pennsylvanians who are in need due to power outages. Since 2010, the Biofuel Development and In-state Production Incentive Act has required that every gallon of on-road diesel fuel sold in Pennsylvania contain at least two percent biodiesel. Retailers may accept diesel fuel that is not compliant with the mandate and sell it to consumers through November 12. Diesel fuel supplies that meet the two-percent requirement may continue to be sold. NewsClips: Patience Short, Gas Lines Long In PA Post-Sandy

PA Waives Clean Diesel Fuel Standards For NY, PA Scramble To Restore Fuel Deliveries U.S. Tries To Get Fuel To Storm-Hit Northeast U.S. Releases Heating Oil Reserves For First Time Obama Orders Fuel Sent To Areas Hit By Sandy Rules Bent As Gasoline Hard To Come By After Sandy NJ Drivers Seek Gasoline In Pennsylvania New Jersey To Use Odd-Even Gasoline Rationing Motorists From NY, NJ Trek To Poconos For Gasoline CBF: Hurricane Sandy Puts Spotlight On Stormwater Management Chesapeake Bay Foundation senior water quality scientist Dr. Beth McGee issued this statement on the impact of this week's storm on the Chesapeake Bay. "As many in the region are dealing with the damage caused by this week's storm, initial indications are that the impacts on the Chesapeake Bay may not be as severe as some feared. Water flow from the Susquehanna River at the Conowingo dam is far short of what we saw during last year's late summer storms. "Timing is also very important. Pollution from storm events in the late winter and spring tend to drive the summer dead zones. Last year's storms Irene and Lee significantly increased pollution in the Bay, yet this summer's dead zone was the second smallest since record keeping began in 1985. This is a clear indication that the Bay can handle a fall assault. "While we can't control Mother Nature and the timing of storm events, the clean water blueprints the states have developed all call for improving stormwater management as well as reducing agricultural runoff. When implemented, those actions will decrease local flooding, as well as pollution delivered to the Bay from local rivers and streams throughout the 64,000 square mile watershed." StormwaterPA Offers Advice On Reducing Flooding, Stormwater Impacts The StormwaterPA website Wednesday published a new case study on managing the flooding and water quality impacts of stormwater in Plum Run, Chester County. Click Here for details. 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 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 November 14 (Leadership Elections) 2013 January 1, 22, 23, 28, 29, 30 February 4, 5, 6, 11, 12, 13 March 11, 12, 13, 18, 19, 20 April 8, 9, 10, 15, 16, 17, 29, 30 May 1, 6, 7, 8, 9, 13, 14 June 3, 4, 5, 10, 11, 12, 17, 18, 19, 24, 25, 26, 27, 28 House November 13, 14 Bill Calendars House: No more voting days scheduled for this session. <> Click Here for full House Bill Calendar. Senate: No more voting days scheduled for this session. <> Click Here for full Senate Bill Calendar.

Committees House: <> Click Here for full House Committee Schedule. Senate: <> Click Here for full Senate Committee Schedule.

News From The Capitol

Senate Hearing Looks At Housing Issues In Marcellus Shale Region The Senate Urban Affairs and Housing Committee held a public hearing in State College this week to seek further input on the impact the natural gas industry is having on housing in Pennsylvania, according to committee Chairman Sen. Gene Yaw (R-Bradford). Among those who testified were representatives from the Penn State Marcellus Center for Outreach and Research, The Center for the Study of Community and the Economy at Lycoming College, community action agencies, housing and redevelopment authorities and organizations from Northeastern and Southwestern Pennsylvania, and representatives from federal and state government. Yaw said the hearing was a follow-up to related hearings that were held over the past two years. One of the things that has happened since our very first public hearing to discuss the natural gas industrys impact on housing was passage of the Pennsylvania Housing Affordability and Rehabilitation Enhancement Act also known as PHARE, Yaw said in his opening statement. For the first time in two years, the PHARE fund now has a dedicated source of revenue with monies from Marcellus Shale development that will create, rehabilitate and preserve affordable housing across the state. Bryce Maretzki, who testified at the hearing on behalf of the Pennsylvania Housing Finance Agency (PHFA) said, For the initial year of drilling operation (2011) there will be deposited $2.5 million and for 2012 and beyond there will be $5 million deposited annually into PHARE. In addition, PHARE will receive any excess spillover funds from local municipalities. Maretzki added that PHFA has established a goal for PHARE of returning to each county, and the most heavily impacted municipalities, the amount of funding that they have deposited into the PHARE program from the presence of active wells. In addition to PHARE, the hearing highlighted workforce and development patterns of the natural gas industry. Its important to understand that there are hot spot vs. overall development, said Jim Ladlee, Associate Director of the Penn State Marcellus Center for Outreach and Research. When we started shale here in Pennsylvania primarily, people were thinking that it was going to occur everywhere, all at once, at one time, and in fact that is not the case. Seventythree percent of all wells spud, according to the (DEP) spud report from 2009 until today, have been in just six counties in Pennsylvania. Those counties are Washington and Greene in Southwestern Pennsylvania and of course Lycoming, Bradford, Tioga and Susquehanna in Northeastern and central Pennsylvania. There have been drilling in a variety of locations but the vast majority have occurred in those six counties specifically. Ladlee agreed that drilling for natural gas in Pennsylvania is likely to last for several generations. There are several things that you can do to look at that particular concept of how long this drilling will last. Were not just talking about Marcellus anymore, were talking about

a variety of upper Devonian, were talking about the Ordovician Shales, with the Utica and the Point Pleasant. So were just talking about a lot more opportunities. A number of those testifying recommended that legislators and state officials work with financial institutions to provide financing for residential projects and housing development. The banks, being very conservative as they are, are reluctant to make investments until they know that the industry is here, is permanent and is going to have a local impact where they do their business, said Perry OMalley, Executive Director of the Housing and Redevelopment Authorities of the County of Butler. The banks do need to loosen the credit and the feds need to loosen the restraints on them so they can do that and of course the community reinvestment act is the only thing that drives investment in low and moderate markets. The Marcellus Shale industry has brought jobs and economic development to our area at a time when many communities are struggling, Yaw said. Our goal is to ensure that as the industry continues to grow, our municipalities can provide the resources and infrastructure needed to accommodate both current residents and new workers. Act 13 funding and PHARE funding will assist greatly with that effort.

News From Around The State

Applications Now Being Accepted For WPC, Dominion Watershed Mini-Grants The regions grassroots watershed groups could find financial assistance through the 2012-2013 Watershed Mini Grant Program administered by the Western Pennsylvania Conservancy and funded through the Dominion Foundation. Applications are due December 14. The program offers funding to watershed organizations in Allegheny, Armstrong, Beaver, Blair, Bucks, Butler, Cambria, Cameron, Clarion, Clearfield, Clinton, Crawford, Elk, Fayette, Franklin, Greene, Indiana, Jefferson, Juniata, Lawrence, Mercer, McKean, Potter, Somerset, Tioga, Venango, Washington and Westmoreland counties. The Watershed Mini Grants cover expenses in three areas: operating costs, watershed restoration and organizational promotion and outreach. A cash or non-cash match is preferred but not required. Grants of up to $1,000 may be awarded for operating expenses and grants of up to $2,500 may be awarded for restoration or promotion and outreach projects. This years program includes a showcase project, which may award one $5,000 grant for a larger restoration project that focuses on stream corridor and water quality improvement technologies. The grant application and proposal guidelines may be viewed online. Please contact the Western Pennsylvania Conservancy to have an application mailed to your organization or to ask questions regarding the application and its required information. Grant applications should be mailed to: Western Pennsylvania Conservancy, c/o Alex Rudowski, 1067 Philadelphia Street, Suite 101, Indiana, PA 15701, call 724-471-7202 x 5109 or send email to: arudowski@paconserve.org Lancaster Clean Water 301 Seminar Set For Nov. 8 The Lancaster County Clean Water Consortium will hold the third seminar in its three-part series What's Clean Water and How Do We Get It Back? on Nov. 8 from 9 a.m. to noon.

The seminar will focus on how municipalities can establish a Source Water Protection Program. It will be held at the Farm & Home Center, 1383 Arcadia Road, Lancaster. Called Clean Water 301, the seminar will include information on: -- The role of the Department of Environmental Protection in Source Water Protection, led by Cathy Port, Geologic Specialist, PADEP. -- Source Water Protection Resources, led by Matt Genchur, Source Water Protection Program Manager, Pennsylvania Rural Water Association; John Van Zant, Water Program Specialist, PADEP; and Julie Kollar, Project Director, Water Resources Education Network. -- Source Water Protection and Neighboring Municipalities, led by Bob Rissler, Superintendent, Terre Hill Borough. -- Susquehanna River Basin Commission (SRBC) and Source Water Protection in the Lower Susquehanna, led by Andy Gavin, Manager of Monitoring and Protection, SRBC. -- Lancaster County Water Suppliers Coalition, led by Nathan Merkel, Membership Circuit Rider, Pennsylvania Rural Water. There will also be a panel discussion with Herb Mattern, Superintendent, East Petersburg Borough; Mark Stivers, East Hempfield Township; and Mike LaSala, Lancaster Inter-Municipal Committee. The Lancaster County Clean Water Consortium is a resource organization that supports local stakeholders responsible for meeting stringent state and federal pollution-reduction standards. Its mission is to develop a proactive, efficient and cohesive countywide strategy to restore the waterways of Lancaster County, which will, in turn, enhance compliance with federal and state regulations related to the cleanup of the Chesapeake Bay. For more information and to register for the seminar, visit the Consortium website or contact Marylou Barton at 717-299-7254. DEP Publishes Final TMDLs For Christina River Basin The Department of Environmental Protection published a notice detailing the final Total Maximum Daily Loads for the tributaries and main stem of the Christina River Basin in Chester County. (PA Bulletin page 6956) CBF, Partners Host Mill Creek Tree Planting Nov. 17 In Lancaster County The Chesapeake Bay Foundation and its partners will host a tree planting in the Mill Creek Watershed in Lancaster County starting at 9:00. For more information and to sign up, Click Here. Friends Of Wissahickon Reschedule Cresheim Creek Planting Day For Nov. 11 The Friends of the Wissahickon has rescheduled the Planting Day at Cresheim Creek in Montgomery County, cancelled due to Hurricane Sandy, for November 11 from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. FOW is partnering with REI Conshohocken and Philadelphia Parks & Recreation for this project.

Volunteers will plant native plants along a portion of Cresheim Creek near the Telner/ St. Martin's Bridge that was recently restored through a joint effort by the Philadelphia Water Department and PPR. The original stone bridge at the site was destroyed by storms in 2004. PWD built a new bridge in 2011 and planted native shrubs and plants on the banks of Cresheim Creek. Necessary repairs to the bridge earlier this year resulted in a loss of vegetation at the site that volunteers will replace during the Planting Day with natives donated by PPR. Volunteers should wear clothes suitable for outdoor work and sturdy boots. The terrain at the site is mildly steep, but easy to traverse with proper shoes. FOW will provide tools, gloves, water, coffee, and a light snack. Volunteers will be given a brief description of the project and a lesson on proper planting technique before being organized into work groups. To register, contact FOW Volunteer Coordinator Dan Mercer by sending email to: mercer@fow.org. Big Spring Creek Habitat Project Meeting Rescheduled For Nov. 5 The Fish and Boat Commission has rescheduled to November 5, its informational meeting to discuss the agencys habitat and fisheries management plan for Cumberland Countys Big Spring Creek. The meeting will be held from 7-9 p.m. at the Big Spring Event and Activities Center, located at 2 Chestnut Street, Newville, PA 17241. Guests should enter the facility from the High Street side entrance and come down the steps to the lower level. The purpose of the meeting is to present the agencys habitat management plan for Big Spring Creek using funds provided by the PA Turnpike Commission as mitigation for environmental impacts associated with one of their planned construction projects in Cumberland County, said Charlie McGarrell, the PFBC biologist leading the project. We will describe the overall habitat project and will discuss how it will improve the overall fishery of the creek. After the presentation, the public will have the opportunity to ask questions. The Turnpike Commission has provided $586,000 for the habitat project, which will be located downstream of a large habitat project completed in 2010 on the creek. The project is currently in the design phase. Construction of the project is expected to begin by next summer and be completed by fall 2013. The meeting is free and parking is available: on Chestnut Street, along Rt. 233, also known as High Street (fold mirrors in if parking here),across from the Event Center (across Route 233) on East Liberty Avenue behind the Newville Historical Society, and at the Boy Scout facility on Vine Street. Guests may only park in business lots near the center (Big Spring Pharmacy, Big Spring Physical Therapy, J. P. Wolfe Insurance, and Graham Medical Center) if the business is closed. The Big Spring Center can be reached at 717-776-1065 or 717-331-7391. Limited Number Of Free Water Test Kits Available For Dairy Farmers Penn State Extension still has about 80 free water test kits available for Pennsylvania dairy producers. These kits are part of an extension educational program that in part encourages livestock producers to regularly test their water supply. Click Here for details.

Penn State Extension: Nov. 13 Workshop On Interpreting Water Test Results Penn State Extension will hold a workshop, Water Test Result Interpretation, on November 13 at the Loyalsock District Office, 6735 Route 220, Dushore, Sullivan County from 6:00 - 8:00 p.m. Participants will learn how to understand water test reports, as well as drinking water standards, chain-of-custody, various water test parameters, and comparing test results with standards. Bryan Swistock, Penn State Extension Associate, and Mark Madden County Agricultural Agent, will discuss the management of private water supplies and interpretation of test reports There is no registration fee, but pre-registration is required by November 9, and is limited to 50 participants. Online registration is available. If you do not have Internet access, please contact Jessica at the Sullivan County Extension Office to register to attend at 570-928-8941. Delaware Estuary Partnership Fall Newsletter Available The Fall issue of the Delaware Estuary Partnership newsletter is now available. Click Here to download your copy. SRBC Holds Nov. 15 Hearing On Water Withdrawal Requests The Susquehanna River Basin Commission will conduct a public hearing on November 15 to accept public comments on water withdrawal and consumptive use project applications. The hearing is scheduled for November 15, Capitol Building, Room 8E-B, East Wing, Commonwealth Avenue, Harrisburg, PA. The hearing will begin at 2:30 p.m. and end at 5:00 p.m. or when the public testimonies conclude, whichever comes first. The list of 35 project applications, 3 rescissions, 1 compliance action and options for submitting comments electronically are available on SRBCs Public Participation Center. Persons planning to present oral testimony at the public hearing are asked to notify SRBC prior to the hearing of their intent to testify and to indicate which projects they plan to comment on. The notices are to be directed to Richard Cairo, General Counsel, Susquehanna River Basin Commission, 1721 North Front Street, Harrisburg, PA 17102, Telephone: 717-238-0423, ext. 306, Fax: (717) 238-2436, E-Mail: rcairo@srbc.net. SRBC will also accept written comments until November 26. Comments may be submitted via the Internet or mailed or faxed to Mr. Cairo. SRBC is scheduled to vote on these and other action items at its next business meeting, which is scheduled for December 14. SRBCs rules of conduct for public hearings include (see full set of rules on the web site): -- All persons must sign-in and show photo identification. -- Signage, posters, banners or other display media will be permitted only in designated areas. -- The press will be permitted to set up and use video and recording devices in a designated area. -- The public will be permitted to use small, hand-held devices that remain in their possession and are used in a non-disruptive manner. The Susquehanna River Basin Commission published a notice in the November 3 PA Bulletin detailing the actions taken on water withdrawals at its September 20 meeting. Rep. White Calls For Investigation Into DEP Drilling Water Testing Program

Rep. Jesse White (D-Washington) Thursday called for state and federal law enforcement agencies to investigate the Department of Environmental Protection for alleged misconduct and fraud revealed by sworn testimony given by a high-ranking DEP official. The Tribune Review reported DEP defended its water testing. The battery of analyses we order during investigations are thorough and give us the results we need to make sound determinations, which we fully stand behind, spokesman Kevin Sunday said in a statement. DEP takes very seriously instances where we do determine gas migration has occurred from drilling. Sunday said Smiths letter misrepresents the deposition transcripts by selective quotation and the lawyer either misunderstands how a laboratory functions or is intentionally misrepresenting how one does. White said he received a letter and corresponding documents highlighting the sworn testimony of DEP Bureau of Laboratories Technical Director Taru Upadhyay, who was deposed in a lawsuit alleging nearby natural gas drilling operations contaminated drinking water supplies in Washington County, causing serious health issues. In the deposition, Upadhyay said that the DEP was clearly aware of water impacts from Marcellus Shale drilling, but no notices of violation were filed a violation of the states Oil & Gas Act. Of more critical concern to Pennsylvania residents, according to White, was that the deposition revealed that the DEP developed a specialized computer-code system to manipulate the test results for residents whose water was tested by the DEP over concerns of adverse effects from gas drilling operations. According to the transcripts, which have been filed as exhibits in a related lawsuit in Washington County Court of Common Pleas (Haney et al. v. Range Resources et al., Case No. 2012-3534), the DEP lab would conduct water tests using an EPA-approved standard, but the DEP employee who requested the testing would use a specially designed Suite Code which limits the information coming back from the DEP lab to the DEP field office, and ultimately to the property owner. The code in question, Suite Code 942, was used to test for water contamination associated with Marcellus Shale drilling activities, yet specifically screens out results for substances known to be hazardous and associated with Marcellus Shale drilling. Similar codes, Suite Code 943 and 946, are also used by the DEP in similar circumstances; both of these codes omit the presence or levels of drilling-related compounds. As a result, if Suite Code 942 is applied, the report generated for the homeowner by DEP only includes eight of the 24 metals actually tested for: Barium, Calcium, Iron, Potassium, Magnesium, Manganese, Sodium and Strontium. The homeowner would not be given results for: Silver, Aluminum, Beryllium, Cadium, Cobalt, Chromium, Copper, Nickel, Silicon, Lithium, Molybdenum, Tin, Titanium, Vandium, Zinc and Boron. This is beyond outrageous. Anyone who relied on the DEP for the truth about whether their water has been impacted by drilling activities has apparently been intentionally deprived of critical health and safety information by their own government, Rep. White said. There is no excuse whatsoever to justify the DEP conducting the water tests and only releasing partial information to residents, especially when the information withheld could easily be the source of the problem. This goes beyond incompetence; this is unlawful and reprehensible activity by the DEP. If these allegations are true, there needs to be a thorough and objective investigation to

determine if someone belongs in a jail cell. Rep. White continued: I am not releasing this information to hurt Marcellus Shale development in Pennsylvania, but to help ensure the reality matches the rhetoric. The Marcellus boom was built on the assumption that the DEP was competent and capable of balancing the positive impacts of the industry with its job of keeping residents safe and secure, but we now know that simply isnt the case. Like most of us, I want the Marcellus Shale industry to succeed by doing things the right way, so it is crucial to find out what exactly the DEP was up to. If the system is indeed rigged, we must do everything in our power to root out corruption and restore public confidence in our ability to have an honest conversation with one another about developing a responsible energy policy for Pennsylvania. Due to the strong possibility of unlawful conduct, Rep. White is calling on the U.S. Attorneys office, the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, state Attorney General Linda Kelly and any other appropriate law enforcement agency to pursue an investigation of the DEP to discover the scope and depth of this scheme to withhold important information from Pennsylvanians. Rep. White is also sending a letter to the National Environmental Laboratory Accreditation Program (NJ-NELAP), to investigate whether the DEPs conduct and practices violated the accreditation standards for the DEP laboratories. If accreditation standards were violated, White is requesting the DEPs accreditation be stripped, rendering the agency unable to conduct and certify its own tests. The Pittsburgh Post-Gazette reported: DEP responded in an email, noting its water testing lab received a "glowing" peer review last year from the Association of Public Health Laboratories, and saying, "Jesse White is ideologically opposed to responsible drilling regulations which is evidenced by, among other things, his vote against Act 13," a state law that regulates Marcellus Shale drilling and gas production. "The battery of analyses we order during investigations are thorough and give us the results we need to make sound determinations, which we fully stand behind," Kevin Sunday, a department spokesman, said in the email. "DEP takes very seriously instances where we do determine gas migration has occurred from drilling." Rep. White said he is sending a letter to DEP Secretary Michael Krancer seeking a summary of how many constituents in his legislative district, which includes communities with high levels of Marcellus Shale drilling activity, had DEP tests done using Suite Codes 942, 943 or 946. Rep. White also intends to make a blanket request on behalf of his constituents that DEP release the full testing data directly to the individual property owners in question. Any Pennsylvania resident who received water quality test results from the DEP should look for the number 942, 943 or 946 as a Suite Code or Standard Analysis. White encouraged anyone with questions to contact his district office at 724-746-3677 for more information and noted that the property owner should be entitled to the complete testing results from DEP. This isnt a technicality, and it isnt something which can be ignored, Rep. White said. We are talking about peoples health, safety and welfare. The sworn testimony from inside the DEP about a scheme to withhold vital information about potential water contamination is truly alarming. An investigation is necessary to answer these serious allegations. The letter sent to Rep. White alerting him of these issues is available online. The deposition of TaruUpadhyay, technical director of DEP Laboratory is available online. NewsClips: Lawsuit Questions DEP Water Testing For Drilling Contaminants Rep. White Calls For Probe Of DEP Water Testing Reports

DEP Employee Says Agency Withholds Water Test Results Conservation Groups Host Tours Of Pipeline Projects In Pike County Nov. 4 & 11 On November 4th and 11th, residents can join concerned community groups, legislators and local leaders to tour the Tennessee Gas Pipelines 300 Line project located on public lands in Pike County, Pa. The group will visit sections of the gas pipeline that were installed almost a year ago. Pipelines that have been installed in the region, as highlighted in this tour, are proving our point, that installation of pipelines, individually and collectively, is a hazard for Pennsylvania, the Delaware River, our streams, our communities and our ecosystems. Pipeline proposals that would cross the state and region are proliferating at an increasing rate to serve the shale gas drilling industry. As a result, we are on the cusp of a new and yet-to-berecognized environmental hazard for our communities. The level of land disturbance and inwater construction the pipelines will require, the volumes of methane that pipelines are known to leak, the noisy and polluting air compressor stations that pipelines bring, and the many dozens of violations recent pipelines have imposed on our environment and communities, have raised a red flag of concern for citizens and legislators alike, said Maya van Rossum, the Delaware Riverkeeper. The 300 Line Project was completed in November of 2011, and the environmental groups say the region is still suffering its impacts, citing the companys mitigation techniques were inadequate and as a result problems are continuing almost a year later. Despite the record of the 300 Line project, TGP is applying to build more pipeline loops with the Northeast Upgrade Project, which would harm more critical and forested lands and begin as soon as this November if all permits are granted. Part of the NEUP involves a loop known locally as the Milford Loop that would cross over into Sussex County NJ from Pike County -- crossing the Delaware River -- as well as two additional loops in Bradford County, Pa and Passaic and Bergen Counties, New Jersey. This pipeline project will have devastating impacts on the region, and we need to work together to stop this new line from being built. This line goes through some of our most environmentally sensitive areas to deliver gas to a region where demand for gas is dropping. This tour is an opportunity for concerned citizens and neighbors to learn more and will offer ways they can get involved in opposing and defeating the project in its entirety, because we do not need to expand this infrastructure to carry more gas produced through the dangerous technique of fracking, said Kate Millsaps, Conservation Program Coordinator, NJ Sierra Club. This proposed pipeline is just one of many, including the Keystone XL Tar Sands pipeline, where communities across the nation are organizing against extreme energy infrastructure and demanding clean energy alternatives, stated Matt Smith, 350 NJ. The Federal Energy Regulatory Commission (approved the NEUP at the end of May, but the Delaware Riverkeeper Network, NJ Sierra Club, and NJ Highlands Coalition are challenging the approval, represented by the Columbia Environmental Law Clinic, and have requested a rehearing. The project has not yet received all permits from DEP and the Army Corps of Engineers for impacts to wetlands and flood hazard areas. The environmental coalition is also asking elected officials and citizens to request a review of the NEUP and all pipelines proposed in the Delaware Watershed by the Delaware

River Basin Commission who has the authority to regulate these projects: see Delaware River Basin Commission Jurisdiction Over Pipelines. We want to ensure the Milford, Pa community understands that Tennessee Gass path of destruction will affect all of us, not just those living along the pipeline route. We believe many people have been uninformed or misinformed, said Jolie DeFeis, Save Cummins Hill. NorthJersey Pipeline Walkers has witnessed numerous negative environmental impacts over the last 16 months, and it is our opinion the Tennessee Gas Pipeline reps have not lived up to their promise of transparency when questioned on these impacts. NorthJersey Pipeline Walkers feels this pipeline project should not to be allowed to carry on through state parks or near any sensitive water areas. TGP should in no way be granted more waivers or exemptions in the State of New Jersey, and we feel that TGP has not earned the right to self-regulate, stated Beverly Budz, NorthJersey Pipeline Walkers. Fracking and the infrastructure that accompanies it can be of great value to our nation but only if it is done in a way not to cause extreme damage to the environment and in particular to our clean streams, rivers, lakes, drinking water and the air we breathe. The Twin and Walker Creeks Watershed Conservancy is proud to partner with the Delaware Riverkeeper Network and other concerned groups for an educational tour of the present and future gas pipelines crossing our region, commented Chet Dawson, President, Twin & Walker Creeks Watershed Conservancy. Suppliers have produced a glut of natural gas, but actual industrial, commercial, and residential customer demand remains flat. The 2010 U.S. Energy Information Administration International Energy Outlook found that between 1999 and 2009, total natural gas consumption for all sectors decreased by 13.3 percent in New Jersey and 10.4 percent in New York. The glut of natural gas is also causing prices to drop, to the point where Chesapeake, the second largest natural gas producer, announced they were scaling back production in 2012 due to the low price. The company recently sold gas reserve assets at a low price because of the need to recapitalize. This is one of at least twelve new pipelines or pipeline expansions being proposed to cross the Delaware River Watershed, which will impact our water supplies, forests, and open spaces. The Delaware River Watershed serves as drinking water for over 17 million people. Last summer, I crossed major pipeline construction three times on my way to work as a grounds technician. The most frustrating part is seeing the poorly remediated scars across my hometown they left in their wake, especially because my trade is to make this area a more beautiful, valuable place to live, said Alex Lotorto, Energy Justice Network. The tour will begin at 10 a.m. on November 4 and 11 rain or shine. Legislators and local leaders are also invited to attend. Participants are asked to wear hiking shoes, dress for the weather, and meet up at the Pike County Park off Schocopee Road (off Rte 6) in Milford PA (Pike County). If you are interested in attending the tour, find out more, Click Here to register. Aqua Chairman To Students: Marcellus Shale Offers Promise Of Jobs Aqua America, Inc. Chairman and CEO Nicholas DeBenedictis told a group of Drexel University students that the natural gas industry will become the biggest economic driver in Pennsylvania since the heydays of coal and steel, and that along with it will come a bounty of

energy careers and jobs. I believe the natural gas industry, and the Marcellus Shale specifically, offers you and your peers one of the most bountiful career tracks there are, and will be, over the next decade or more. His remarks were made today at the 2012 Energy/Utility Forum sponsored by the Public Utility Commission and Drexel University, the latter of which hosted the forum. DeBenedictis spoke as a member of the Marcellus Shale Natural Gas Industry and Opportunities panel. Pennsylvania is literally sitting on massive amounts of natural gas. If managed correctly, we have the opportunity to renew the energy industry in the Commonwealth and provide cleanburning, environmentally friendly fuel that can play a significant role in reducing our nations dependence on foreign oil, said DeBenedictis, whose company has made a commitment to turning over much of its vehicle fleet to compressed natural gas (CNG). DeBenedictis said he is very impressed with the Department of Environmental Protections work in creating regulations and an enforcement team to ensure that the Marcellus Shale industry is managed correctly. When it comes to the environment, you dont get many second chances. Today, we have the opportunity to show the world how to use this land in a way that is good for people, the economy and the earth, unlike a century or more ago when many coal companies grabbed the coal and left the land in worse shape than they found it, DeBenedictis said. He told the mostly engineering, science and information technology students that they are the worlds next innovative thinkers, researchers, inventors and environmentalists and that their energy would be needed to help renewing Pennsylvanias reputation as one of the most energy-rich states in the nation. DeBenedictis added,I believe the natural gas industry, and the Marcellus Shale specifically, offers you and your peers one of the most bountiful career tracks there are, and will be, over the next decade or more. Opinion: Marcellus Shale Making Pennsylvania Responsible Energy Capital By Michael Krancer, Secretary, Department of Environmental Protection and Patrick Henderson, Governor's Energy Executive Recent reports from Standard & Poor's and ITG Investment Research show the amount of recoverable gas in the Marcellus Shale play may be much greater than any previous government estimate. This is good news. Real American energy security and a real force in American job growth are available to us right now -- if we continue to make the right decisions to obtain and use what we have right here. Both studies confirm that Pennsylvania's Marcellus Shale formation is the global superstar of natural gas formations. The Marcellus Shale will help make Pennsylvania the energy capital of the nation and spark the rebirth of our petrochemical and manufacturing base. Production from Marcellus wells is exceeding expectations, and some of the wells are among the most productive in the world. We already have 240,000 jobs related to our oil and natural gas extraction activities. When it comes to production numbers, Standard & Poor's own words confirm that this is a "mere drop in the bucket" of the Marcellus' full potential. These reports also say the potential natural gas liquids recoverable from the Marcellus are proportionally higher than any other shale gas formation. This is terrific news for Pennsylvania,

validating Royal Dutch Shell's announcement that it is exploring the construction of an ethane cracker facility in Beaver County, a project that would account for 10,000 jobs in the construction phase alone. Also reported is a dramatic and historic change in the direction of natural gas flows in America. Flows have always been from the west or southwest United States to the east. Not anymore. Pennsylvania became a natural gas exporter in 2010 and is perfectly located to be the supplier to the tremendous growth markets of the northeastern United States. This new energy revolution is also being seen in Philadelphia. Refineries that were just recently pronounced dead have new life -- in no small part because of hydraulically fractured, domestic oil and natural gas. The result is thousands of jobs and cleaner air from the use of natural gas and lower-sulfur domestic Bakken crude oil at the refineries Pennsylvania oversees this development responsibly under its effective oversight and comprehensive set of laws and regulations. Through Act 13, Gov. Tom Corbett and the Legislature have not only enhanced environmental protection standards but also put in place a per-well impact fee, with an initial distribution of $204 million to Pennsylvania municipalities and commonwealth agencies. From encouraging wastewater recycling to one of the most progressive hydraulic fracturing fluid disclosure laws in the nation, the state's oil and gas program assures responsible, protective development of natural gas. Pennsylvania has more than doubled the number of oil and gas inspectors, who have conducted more than 20,000 inspections just this year. Every Pennsylvanian is already benefiting from the Marcellus Shale. We are only at the beginning of building Pennsylvania into the energy center of the world and the jobs center of the country. NewsClip: Op-Ed: Marcellus Shale Making PA Responsible Energy Capital Registration Now Open For Green Ribbon Schools Competition The Department of Education is now accepting applications for the Green Ribbon Schools and School District Sustainability Award programs through December 20. Schools are a logical place for children to begin learning about their connection to the environment. Many public and private schools across Pennsylvania are implementing green practices, technologies and curricula that help students develop their understanding of the effect of our actions on our natural resources. Last year, Pennsylvania had the most schools of any state in the nation47to submit applications for the U.S. Department of Educations Green Ribbon Schools Program. Four Pennsylvania winners were chosen, the most allowed in the competition. This comprehensive recognition program celebrates schools that have made significant achievements towards increasing environmental and sustainability literacy, reducing the schools environmental footprint and creating a healthy community for students and staff. The application process, coordinated by the Pa. Department of Education, is now open for the 2013 awards. If a school in your community is making strides toward energy efficient buildings and a healthy school environment, suggest to school administrators they apply to this program. Read more about last years winners and how to apply by visiting the Pathways To Green Schools website.

Penn State: Dive Deeper Environmental Ed Summit Participants Eager To Gather Again Youth Water Educators from around the Mid-Atlantic Region gathered together in Harrisburg, Pa for a day of learning, networking, and sharing resources. The Dive Deeper Summit, hosted by Penn State Extension on September 27, 2012, was the first of its kind for most participants. A total of 83 educators from a wide variety of backgrounds (conservation districts, cooperative extension offices, schools, nature centers, government agencies, scouting organizations, and more) all reported that they were motivated to use ideas from the summit in their educational programming in the next 12 months. Those ideas included a better understanding of the current state of our water resources in the Mid-Atlantic Region and the use of inquiry-based learning in science education as presented by keynote speakers and Penn State Extension Educators, Bryan Swistock and Edward Bender, respectively. More than half of the attendees left the event indicating they had a much better understanding of one or both of these important topics. Attendees also gained valuable knowledge and resources by attending workshops throughout the day, presented by innovative speakers such as Christina Medved from Stroud Water Research Center, Estelle Ruppert and Amy Hill from the PA Department of Conservation and Natural Resources, Bob Manbeck from United Water, Melinda-Hughes Wert from Nature Abounds, Judith Purnell and Vivian Williams from PA Sea Grant, and Lori Lauver from the Whitaker Center for Science and the Arts. The day closed with Jennifer Fetter, Penn State Extension Educator and Conference Organizer, speaking on the importance of making connections between youth and their local small watershed. No matter what type of water education we are providing to youth, if we want them to become good future water stewards it is important for us all, as educators, to help those youth make connections to the water that they are impacting on a daily basis as well as to the water that is directly impacting their lives says Fetter. With 86 percent of the attendees able to state specific new plans they had as a result of the summit; including trying new curriculum, continuing networking with newly discovered colleagues, and incorporating more science driven approaches into their water education, it is likely that future Dive Deeper Summits will be held in the region. For more information about the Dive Deeper Summit and Penn State Extensions Youth Water Programming, visit the 4-H Stream Teams website or contact Jennifer Fetter by sending email to: 4Hwater@psu.edu or 717-921-8803. (Reprinted from Penn State Extension Watershed Winds newsletter.) Keep PA Beautiful Reschedules Affiliate, Recognition Dinner For Dec. 11 Keep PA Beautiful has rescheduled its affiliate and recognition dinner for December 11 at the Fred Rogers Center, Saint Vincent College in Latrobe. For those that RSVPd to attend previously, additional information will be available next week. If you have any questions, please call 724-836-4121 or 1-877-772-3673.

New Report Chronicles Anti-Litter, Cleanup, Prevention Activities In PA Find out how groups and volunteers all across Pennsylvania are working to prevent, cleanup and keep the state litter free in the most recent issue of Beautiful newsletter from Keep PA Beautiful. DEP Accepting Applications For Clean Diesel Grant Program The Department of Environmental Protection will begin accepting applications for the Clean Diesel Grant Program on November 5. Applications are due December 19. (formal notice) The Department is seeking applications for projects that will replace, repower or retrofit fleet diesel-powered highway and nonroad vehicles. Funding is available for public and private entities that operate diesel-powered fleets throughout this Commonwealth. These entities may include school districts, municipal authorities, political subdivisions, other State agencies, nonprofit entities, corporations, limited liability companies or partnerships incorporated or registered in this Commonwealth. Projects must use technologies certified or verified by the EPA or the California Air Resources Board to lower diesel emissions. The technology may be a single technology or a combination of available technologies. The majority of the fleet's annual operation time must occur within this Commonwealth. More information will be published on DEPs Clean Diesel Retrofit webpage. PEC Awards Pocono Conservation Landscape Grants The PA Environmental Council has awarded 17 grants totaling $100,000 to communities and organizations that are working to protect and promote the cultural and natural assets in the six counties that make up the Pocono Forest and Waters Conservation Landscape in Northeast Pennsylvania. The landscape, which includes Carbon, Lackawanna, Luzerne, Monroe, Pike and Wayne Counties is noted for a rich and diverse past that includes early Colonial settlements along its rivers and valleys; industrial development and extractive uses that fueled the industrial revolution; and outdoor leisure and vacation activities and is the watershed for both the Delaware and Susquehanna Rivers. The funded projects work to connect the regions public lands; parks, forests, waterways, game lands and conserved properties, to their local communities through: partnerships that promote sound land use planning; natural resource conservation; and heritage, cultural and nature based recreation. These small grants help communities enhance their sense of place and expand their regional economies by capitalizing on their close-to-home natural resources, according to Carol Hussa, PFW CLI Coordinator. Mini-grant funds encourage local economic development by funding projects that promote trail usage, outdoor recreation and heritage tourism; to support educational and conservation efforts; hold outdoor festivals; develop promotional guides for sportsmen and green lodging; and much more. The Pocono Forests and Waters initiative is among seven statewide conservation landscape programs overseen by the Department of Conservation and Natural Resources to engage communities and local partners with state agencies and funding partners with the shared

goal to conserve and protect regional natural resources. Grant awards ranged from $1,500 to $16,800 with each awardee providing a dollar-fordollar local match. Funds are provided by DCNRs Bureau of Recreation and Conservation Community Conservation Partnerships Program administered through the PA Environmental Councils Conservation Assistance Program. The program was launched at The Ledges Hotel in Hawley; one of the establishments participating in the Delaware Highlands Conservancys Green Lodging initiative being funded through this grant program. The following are the mini-grant award recipients and projects: -- Center for Landscape Design and Stewardship, Inc. - Green Roof Project; -- Delaware & Lehigh National Heritage Corridor, Inc. - Connecting Nature to Commerce Guide; -- Delaware Highlands Conservancy - Green Lodging Partnership Project; -- Friends of Cherry Valley - Cherry Valley Festival; -- Friends of Stroud Region Open Space and Recreation Commission - Stroud Region Bike Ped Network; -- Greater Hazleton Area Civic Partnership - Heath Barren Signage; -- Grey Towers Heritage Association - Tree Trail Signage; -- Lackawanna Heritage Valley Authority - Companion Guidebooks Project: Lackawanna River -- Heritage Trail Guidebook and Pennsylvania's Northeast Treasures; -- Natural Lands Trust, Inc. - PFW CL Mapping Project; -- Pike Co. Office of Community Planning - Good to Great; -- Pike Co. Office of Community Planning - Pike Outdoors; -- Rail Trail Council of NEPA, Inc. - D & H Trailhead Enhancement; -- Wayne County Historical Society - Towpath to Trail Phase 4; -- Western Wayne School District - Middle School Environmental Education Camp at Varden; -- Wildlands Conservancy, Inc. - Maple Tract Forest Conservation and Trail Plan; -- Wilkes-Barre Family YMCA - 2012 Downtown WB Bicycle & Pedestrian Count; and -- Wilkes-Barre Family YMCA - 2013 Keystone Active Zone Passport Program for Luzerne County. For more information, visit the Pocono Forest and Waters Conservation Landscape webpage or contact Carol Hussa, 570-718-6507. Western PA Conservancy Acquires Property Along Bennett Branch In Elk County A property recently acquired by the Western PA Conservancy will provide the public access to an Elk County stream that was once a dead, red-stained waterway but now is in the midst of remediation. The Conservancy acquired more than 24 acres along the Bennett Branch of the Sinnemahoning River in Benezette Township this month. The undeveloped, forested property near State Route 555 contains 2,400 feet of stream frontage and is in the heart of the Pennsylvania Elk Range. By acquiring this land, were providing public access to a historically significant stream, ensuring future generations can enjoy fishing, boating and other outdoor recreation, said WPC President and Chief Executive Officer Thomas D. Saunders.

The Bennett Branch, which flows through Clearfield, Elk and Cameron counties, was once a nationally noted trout fishing stream that was a favorite of U.S. President Ulysses Grant. Acid mine drainage impacted Bennett Branch, however, and heavy metals polluted the waterway. The Bennett Branch Watershed Association has worked to remediate the stream; this acquisition by the Western Pennsylvania Conservancy builds on past projects. In 2008, the Conservancy facilitated a nearby 80-acre land purchase, on which a $14 million acid mine drainage treatment facility was built near the Clearfield-Elk County line. The late Dr. Colson Blakeslee, a former WPC board member, had long called for increased public access to the stream. He believed the large public investment in the remediation project also should include an initiative to develop public access to ensure residents and visitors would be able to recreate in Bennett Branch. This acquisition is a first step toward fulfilling Dr. Blakeslees vision, said Matt Marusiak, a land protection specialist with the Conservancy. The Fish and Boat Commission, the Headwaters RC&D Council Sinnemahoning Endowment and the Richard King Mellon Foundation provided financial support for this project. PA Parks And Forests Foundation Newsletter Now Available The Fall issue of the PA Parks and Forests Foundation newsletter is now available. Click Here to download your copy. iConservePA Video: Tips On Pruning Damaged Or Newly Planted Trees Department of Conservation and Natural Resources Forester Andy Duncan offers tips on how to prune trees is this new video offered through iConservePA.org website. The principles can be applied to trees damaged by Hurricane Sandy. Click Here to watch the video. Holly Cairns Named Acting Director, DEP Office Of Environmental Advocate The Department of Environmental Protection Friday named Holly Cairns Acting Director of the Office of Environmental Advocate. In announcing the appointment, Alisa Harris, DEP Special Deputy Secretary for External Affairs, said, Hollys extensive experience and successful leadership in community engagement makes her the ideal choice to lead DEPs efforts to involve all citizens in the permitting process. For the past 10 years, Holly has served as the Environmental Advocate in DEPs Southwest Regional Office in Pittsburgh. Throughout her tenure there, she successfully worked to bring together community stakeholders, industry representatives, nonprofits groups and local government agencies on numerous high-priority projects, and in 2005, won the Western Pennsylvania Environmental Award for Government. A native of Waterford, Erie County, Holly holds a masters degree in counseling and a bachelors degree in psychology from Edinboro University of Pennsylvania. An active community volunteer, she was the 2010 recipient of the Greater Pittsburgh YMCAAllegheny branch Volunteer of the Year award.

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 November 7-- CANCELED. DEP Sewage Advisory Committee meeting. The next scheduled meeting of the Committee is March 6. (formal notice) November 13-- CANCELED. DEP Air Quality Technical Advisory Committee meeting. Room 105 Rachel Carson Building. 9:15. (formal notice) (cancellation notice) November 14-- NEW. No Agenda Yet. DCNR Conservation and Natural Resources Advisory Council meeting. Room 105 Rachel Carson Building. 10:00. (formal notice) November 15-- CANCELED. DEP Oil and Gas Technical Advisory Board meeting. Room 105 Rachel Carson Building. 10:00. (formal notice) November 15-- NEW. DEP Cleanup Standards Scientific Advisory Board Land Recycling Program Technical Guidance Manual Ad Hoc Workgroup meeting. 14th Floor Conference Room, Rachel Carson Building. 10:00. (formal notice) -- Develop revisions to the Land Recycling Program Technical Manual. November 15-- Susquehanna River Basin Commission hearing on water withdrawal requests. Room 8E-B East Wing, Capitol Building, Harrisburg. 2:30. (formal notice) November 16-- Public Utility Commission Act 129 On-Bill Financing Working Group meeting. Hearing Room 1, Keystone Building. 1:00. (formal notice) November 20-- No Agenda Yet. Environmental Quality Board meeting. Room 105 Rachel Carson Building. 9:00. November 20-- Agenda Released. DEP Citizens Advisory Council meeting. Room 105 Rachel Carson Building. 11:00. -- Discussion of proposed Title V Air Qaulity Fee Increase -- Air Quality 5-Year Report -- Bureau of Conservation & Restoration Action Plan -- Major Concerns With Act 54 Report, Steve Kunz, Citizens Coal Council -- CAC Strategic Planning Discussion -- 2013 meeting dates: January 15, February 19, March 19, April 16, May 22, June 18, July 16, September 17, October 15, November 19. <> Click Here for available handouts December 6-- CANCELED. DEP Cleanup Standards Scientific Advisory Board meeting. (formal notice) December 11-- New Location. DEP Oil and Gas Technical Advisory Board meeting. Conference Room 5ABC, Forum Place, 555 Walnut St. 10:00. (formal notice)

-- Discussion of Chapter 78 Drilling Environmental Protection Performance Standards December 13-- NEW. No Agenda Yet. DEP Air Quality Technical Advisory Committee meeting. Room 105 Rachel Carson Building. 9:15. (formal notice)

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. November 16-- POWR/DCNR River Of The Year November 16-- Delaware Estuary Project Registry November 19-- EPA Brownfields Grants December 1-- PHMC Historical Marker Nominations December 13-- DEP Environmental Education Grants December 14-- EPA College Campus RainWorks Challenge December 14-- Coldwater Heritage Partnership Grants December 14-- NEW. WPC, Dominion Watershed Mini-Grants December 19-- NEW. DEP Clean Diesel Grant Program December 20-- NEW. PA Green Ribbon Schools, District Sustainability Award December 28- DCNR, PRPS Green Park Award January 7-- EPA Environmental Justice Small Grants January 9-- West Penn Sustainable Energy Fund Financing January 16-- Great American Can Roundup School Challenge January 31-- Fish & Boat Commission Photo Contest 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-State: Apply Early For Home Heating Bill Assistance Budget Column: Use Marcellus Shale To Address Pension Crisis Other Securing Windmills In Noxen Township From Storm New Standards Threaten Waste Coal Operations Westmoreland Couple Lives Off The Grid Students Learn Benefits Of Locally Grown Food PA 5th Most Likely State For Vehicle-Deer Hits Owls Admired At Nature Center Event Two Groups Combine Quecreek Rescue Tributes

Marcellus Shale NewsClips

Here are NewsClips on topics related to Marcellus Shale natural gas drilling--Op-Ed: Marcellus Shale Making PA Responsible Energy Capital Column: Use Marcellus Shale To Address Pension Crisis New Pipelines Means Higher Costs For Utility Customers Marcellus Wells, Water Program Nov. 5 In Fox Chapel Lawsuit Questions DEP Water Testing For Drilling Contaminants Rep. White Calls For Probe Of DEP Water Testing Reports DEP Employee Says Agency Withholds Water Test Results Part 1- Marcellus Activity Escalating In Lawrence County Part 2- Seismic Testing Going On In Lawrence County Part 3-Drilling Work Generates Tourism, Conservation Dollars

Flooding/Watershed NewsClips
Here are NewsClips on watershed topics from around the state-Flooding Corbett: PA Dodged A Bullet With Superstorm 14 Deaths Blamed On Hurricane Sandy In PA Corbett Appeals For Federal Emergency Aid Patience Short, Gas Lines Long In PA Post-Sandy PA Waives Clean Diesel Fuel Standards For NY, PA Scramble To Restore Fuel Deliveries U.S. Tries To Get Fuel To Storm-Hit Northeast U.S. Releases Heating Oil Reserves For First Time Obama Orders Fuel Sent To Areas Hit By Sandy Rules Bent As Gasoline Hard To Come By After Sandy NJ Drivers Seek Gasoline In Pennsylvania New Jersey To Use Odd-Even Gasoline Rationing Motorists From NY, NJ Trek To Poconos For Gasoline Sandy Creates Near Record Power Outages PA Power Outages Could Last A Week Utility Says Power Outage Could Send Untreated Sewage Into River Evacuation Ordered Near Speedwell Forge Dam What To Do When Sandy Leaves DEP Waives Fees To Speed Hurricane Cleanup Dry Summer Means Rainfall Causes Little Flooding In West Hurricane Deductibles Will Not Be Applied To Residential Damage Watch Out For Crooks During Cleanup Other Watershed NewsClips Hurricane Sandy Poses Threat To Chesapeake Bay Researchers Gauging Sandys Impact On Chesapeake Bay Op-Ed: PA Can Be At Forefront Of Chesapeake Bay Cleanup

Editorial: Cleaning Up The Chesapeake Bay Allegheny Communities Struggle With Sewer Projects Costs Conestoga River Quality Better, But Not Clean Enough Jacobs Creek Watershed Assn Restores Greenlick Dam Shore

Regulations, Technical Guidance & Permits

No new regulations were published this week. Pennsylvania Bulletin - November 3, 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 a notice of final technical guidance on implementing the Permit Review and Decision Guarantee Program, Policy for Permit Coordination, Best Practices in Mushroom Farming and a notice rescinding the Money-Back Guarantee Permit Review Program policy. DEP also published notice of certification requests under the Nutrient Credit Trading Program. The Susquehanna River Basin Commission published a notice detailing the actions taken on water withdrawals at its September 20 meeting. Final: DEP ID: 021-2100-001. Title: Policy for Implementing the Department Permit Review Process and Permit Decision Guarantee. Description: On July 24, 2012, Governor Corbett signed Executive Order 2012-11 ''Permit Decision Guarantee for the Department of Environmental Protection'' directing the Department to, among other things, establish a Permit Review Process and Permit Decision Guarantee. The executive order also rescinded the Money Back Guarantee created under Executive Order 1995-5. Final: DEP ID: 021-2000-301. Title: Policy for Permit Coordination. Description: The Policy for Permit Coordination, issued for comment as a revised policy on September 1, 2012, outlined how the Department will coordinate the review of multiple permits for proposed projects to ensure efficient use of its resources, thorough environmental review and consistent Department action on proposed projects before the commencement of operations, construction or other activities that require Department permits or approvals. Final: DEP ID: 254-5401-001. Title: Best Practices for Environmental Protection in the Mushroom Farming Community. Description: This is an update of the guidance manual originally published in 1997. The manual provides a person or municipality with the information necessary for the proper preparation, use, processing and disposal of mushroom compost generated in the course of normal farming operations.

Rescission: DEP ID: 013-2000-001. Title: Policy for Implementing the Department MoneyBack Guarantee Permit Review Program. Description: Created under Executive Order 19955, the Money-Back Guarantee Permit Review Program established processing times for certain Department permits. 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. November 7-- CANCELED. DEP Sewage Advisory Committee meeting. The next scheduled meeting of the Committee is March 6. (formal notice) November 8-- Public Utility Commission Winter Energy Supply Briefing. Agenda. Hearing Room 1, Keystone Building. 1:30. November 13-- CANCELED. DEP Air Quality Technical Advisory Committee meeting. Room 105 Rachel Carson Building. 9:15. (formal notice) (cancellation notice) November 13-- NEW. Wild Resources Conservation Board meeting. 6th Floor Conference Room, Rachel Carson Building. 10:00. November 14-- NEW. No Agenda Yet. DCNR Conservation and Natural Resources Advisory Council meeting. Room 105 Rachel Carson Building. 10:00. (formal notice) November 15-- CANCELED. DEP Oil and Gas Technical Advisory Board meeting. Room 105 Rachel Carson Building. 10:00. (formal notice) November 15-- NEW. DEP Cleanup Standards Scientific Advisory Board Land Recycling Program Technical Guidance Manual Ad Hoc Workgroup meeting. 14th Floor Conference Room, Rachel Carson Building. 10:00. (formal notice)

November 15-- Susquehanna River Basin Commission hearing on water withdrawal requests. Room 8E-B East Wing, Capitol Building, Harrisburg. 2:30. (formal notice) November 16-- Public Utility Commission Act 129 On-Bill Financing Working Group meeting. Hearing Room 1, Keystone Building. 1:00. (formal notice) November 28-- DEP Water Resources Advisory Committee meeting. Room 105 Rachel Carson Building. 9:30. (formal notice) December 6-- CANCELED. DEP Cleanup Standards Scientific Advisory Board meeting. (formal notice) December 11-- New Location. DEP Oil and Gas Technical Advisory Board meeting. Conference Room 5ABC, Forum Place, 555 Walnut St. 10:00. (formal notice) December 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.

Stories Invited
Send your stories, photos and links to videos about your project, environmental issues or programs for publication in the PA Environment Digest to: DHess@CrisciAssociates.com. PA Environment Digest is edited by David E. Hess, former Secretary Pennsylvania Department of Environmental Protection and is published as a service of Crisci Associates, a Harrisburgbased government and public affairs firm whose clients include Fortune 500 companies and nonprofit organizations. For more information, visit the newly updated Crisci Associates website or call 717-234-1716. PA Environment Digest weekly was the winner of the PA Association of Environmental Educators' 2009 Business Partner of the Year Award. Also sign up for these other 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: Don't forget to sign up to receive the PA Capitol Digest Twitter feed by going to: www.Twitter.com/PaCapitolDigest or click on this link for the regular daily PA Capitol Digest Blog to get other news from in and around the Pennsylvania State Capitol.

Supporting Member PA Outdoor Writers Assn./PA Trout Unlimited

PA Environment Digest is a supporting member of the Pennsylvania Outdoor Writers Association, Pennsylvania Council Trout Unlimited and the Doc Fritchey Chapter Trout Unlimited.