Pa Environment Digest May 30, 2016

PAEnvironmentDigest
AnUpdateOnEnvironmentalIssuesInPennsylvania
EditedBy:DavidE.Hess,
CrisciAssociates
WinnerOf
PAAssociationofEnvironmentalEducators
BusinessPartnerOfTheYearAward
PAEnvironmentDigestDailyBlog
TwitterFeed
Issue#622Harrisburg,PAMay30,2016
PenncrestHighSchool,DelawareCountyWins2016PAEnvirothon
Theteamfrom
PenncrestHigh
SchoolinDelawareCounty
wonthe33rdannual
PennsylvaniaEnvirothon,
scoring548.3pointsofa
possible600.
Thisyearscompetition
washeldat
Susquehanna
University
and
CampMount
Luther
onMay2425.
TheDelawareCounty
teamearnedthehonorto
representPennsylvaniaatthe
NCFEnvirothonNorth
American
competition.
FollowingcloseontheheelsofPenncrestaretheothertopwinnersinthecompetition
SecondPlacePalmyraAreaHighSchool,LebanonCounty,withascoreof538.7
ThirdPlaceCarmichaelsAreaHighSchool,GreeneCounty,withascoreof522.7
FourthPlaceNeshaminyHighSchool,BucksCounty,withascoreof516.7
FifthPlaceYHSAHomeschoolers,YorkCounty,withascoreof512.3
SixthPlaceNorthEastHighSchool,ErieCounty,withascoreof479.7
SeventhPlaceOleyValleyHighSchool,BerksCounty,withascoreof471.3
EighthPlaceCumberlandValleyHighSchool,CumberlandCounty,withascoreof461.3
NinthPlacePleasantValleyHighSchool,MonroeCounty,withascoreof453.3and
TenthPlaceCoudersportHighSchool,PotterCounty,withascoreof453.
ThePennsylvaniaEnvirothonalsoawardedscholarshipstothefirst,second,andthird
placeteams.ThescholarshipsweresponsoredbyPennsylvaniasCountyConservationDistricts
andShellOil.
Eachofthetoptenteamsreceivedaplaqueandotherprizes.Thehighstationwinners,
withscoresinclude:
Soils/LandUseBerksCounty,withascoreof97
AquaticEcologyLebanonCounty,withascoreof98
ForestryDelawareCounty,withascoreof94
WildlifeLebanonCounty,withascoreof81
CurrentIssueGreeneCounty,withascoreof94and
OralPresentationComponentDelawareCounty,withascoreof96.3.
Highschoolstudentsfrom65Pennsylvaniacountiesparticipatedinthisyearsevent.
PennsylvaniahaswontheNorthAmericaneventin1988,1989,1990,1991,1994,1997,
2000,2001,2003,2005,and2009.
AttheEnvirothon,fivememberteamsparticipateinaseriesoffieldstationteststhat
focusonfivetopicareassoilsandlanduse,aquaticecology,forestry,wildlife,and
environmentalissues.
The2016currentenvironmentalissuefocusedonInvasiveSpecies.
Theteamsalsoprepareanddeliveroralpresentationstopanelsofjudgeswhoevaluate
eachteamonitsproblemsolvingcapabilities,oralpresentationskillsandrecommendationsto
helpsolvethespecificenvironmentalchallenge,whichrelatestothecurrentenvironmentalissue.
Teamsparticipatingrepresentthebestandthebrightestofthethousandsofhighschool
teenswhohavecompetedincountyEnvirothoncompetitionssponsoredbyconservationdistricts
fromacrossthestate.
SecretaryAgricultureRussellRedding
AgricultureSecretaryRussellReddingrecognizedtheachievementsof335Pennsylvania
highschoolstudentsfortheireffortsasapartofthe2016stateEnvirothoncompetition.
WhilevisitingSusquehannaUniversityWednesdayafternoon,Reddingspoketothe67
teams,stressingthevalueoftheirEnvirothonpreparationandhowtheexperiencelaysastrong
foundationforfuturecareeroptionsintheagricultureandfoodindustry.
Todayismorethanapplyingclassroomlearningtoscenariosthatshowcasethereallife
environmentalchallengesweface.Youregainingtheexperiencethatwillmakeyouourfuture
leadersanddecisionmakers,andIthankyoufortakingthiscommitmentseriously,Redding
saidduringyesterdaysawardsceremony.
TheEnvirothonteachesstudentstobecritical,strategicthinkersinaworldthats
dependentonscience,technology,engineeringandmaththeSTEMstudies,Reddingnoted
whilespeakingwiththestudents.JobsintheseSTEMfieldsareexpectedtogrowindemandby
morethan10percentinthenext10years.Yourpreparationtodaysetsyouupforyourfuture
positioninaworkforcethatwillneedyourpassionandinsighttohelpsolvechallengessimilarto
theonesyouexploreasapartofthiscompetition.
Withananticipated75,000jobsopeninginthefoodandfiberindustryinthenextdecade,
thedepartmentisworkingcloselywiththeDepartmentofEducationtointroducestudentsto
careeropportunitiesinagriculture.
Wecurrentlylackthepipelineofworkerswhowillbeneededtofilltheseanticipated
employmentgapsinourindustryoverthenextdecade,Reddingsaid.Programslikethe
Envirothonhelpopenstudentstopossibleagriculturalcareersthattheyneverrealizedwere
available.
Thedepartmenthasidentifiedthetop25mostindemandpositionsamongthose
anticipatedvacanciesapproximately60percentofwhicharecurrentlyheldbyindividualswith
anassociatesdegree,professionalcertification,highschooldiplomaorless.These
mostindemandpositionsspansectorssuchasproductionagricultureanimalhealthand
veterinaryserviceslandscapingfoodmanufacturing,forestry,lumberandwoodproductsand
conservationandnaturalresources.
Tohelpmakemorestudentsandschoolguidancecounselorsawareofopportunities
withintheindustry,thedepartmenthasdeveloped
AgricultureandFoodCareersin
Pennsylvania:ADeskGuideforEducatorsandCounselors
.Thisguideoffersdetailed
informationontheknowledge,skills,andabilitiesrelatedtothese25indemandpositions.
Formoreinformationaboutthedepartmentsagricultureeducationandworkforce
initiatives,visitAgricultures
WorkforceDevelopment
webpage.
PAEnvirothon
Atthestatelevel,theEnvirothonissponsoredbyPennsylvaniassixtysixcounty
conservationdistricts,theStateConservationCommission,andthePennsylvaniaAssociationof
ConservationDistricts.
Theprogramismanagedbyaboardofdirectorsrepresentingthosesponsors.
Technicalexpertiseisprovidedbythefollowingpartners:DepartmentofAgriculture,
DepartmentofEnvironmentalProtection,DepartmentofConservationandNaturalResources,
GameCommission,FishandBoatCommission,U.S.D.A.NaturalResourcesConservation
Service,andthePennsylvaniaSeaGrant.
Sponsorsandpartnersofthe2016EnvirothonareShellOilCompany,PPLCorporation,
EQTFoundation,PhiladelphiaInsuranceCompanies,Weis,SWN,ChiefOil&GasLLC,2005
CanonEnvirothonChampionTeamPenncrestHighSchool,NationalConservationFoundation
Envirothon,andPennsylvaniaDepartmentofEducation.
TheEQTFoundation,HersheyCompany,DwightLewisLumber,LewisLumber
Products,PPL,andCargillarecorporatestationsponsors.
The2016PennsylvaniaEnvirothonchampionswillrepresenttheCommonwealthatthe
28thNorthAmericancompetitionplannedforJuly24July29atTrentUniversity,
Peterborough,OntarioCanada.
Morethan46states,eightCanadianprovinces,andoneCanadianterritoryhaveinitiated
EnvirothoncontestsbasedontheprogramthatwasoriginallydevelopedbyPennsylvanias
conservationdistricts.
FormoreinformationontheEnvirothonprogram,contactyourcountyconservation
districtorcontactthe
PennsylvaniaEnvirothon
byphone8146237900ext.111orsendemail
to:
lsteach@envirothonpa.org
.
ClickHere
tosignupregularupdatesfromPAEnvirothon.
NewsClips:
CBFPA:SusquehannaWatershedEducationProgram
FairfieldStudentsCanoeForEnvironment
Newsmaker:EdSchrothDuquesneUniversity
HickoryStudentWinsWatershedArtContest
TeachingCityKidsTheValueOfGreenSpaces
ErieStudentsTransformClassroomIntoRainForest
PhippsConservatory,BotanicalGardensBowtieGala
RelatedStory:
RegistrationNowOpenFor2016YouthWaterEducatorsSummitSept.22InHarrisburg
EPAAdministratorMcCarthyCallsPAsLaggingChesapeakeBayCleanupDiscouraging

ByRonaKobell,
ChesapeakeBayJournal
U.S.EnvironmentalProtectionAgencyAdministratorGina
McCarthyacknowledgedWednesdaythatPennsylvaniahadnot
doneenoughtocontrolpollutionflowingintotheChesapeakeBay,
andsaidthatheragencyneededtocoordinatewithagriculture
officialstochangethecourse.
Pennsylvaniaslackofprogressisdiscouragingatthevery
least,McCarthytoldhundredsofenvironmentalactivists,
governmentofficialsandfoundationleadersattendingthe
Choose
CleanWaterCoalition
conferenceinAnnapolis.
ClickHere
toreadtheentirestory.
IneedtotalktotheUSDAaswell,sheadded,toapplause,
becausethereisworkthatneedstobedone.
EPAofficialsandthestatesinvolvedintheBaycleanuphaveknownforyearsthat
Pennsylvanialaggedbehind.
ButareportreleasedlastJuneshowedtheKeystoneStatewouldneedtodoublethe
numberoffarmacresundernutrientmanagementandplantseventimesasmanyacresofforest
andgrassbuffersasitdidin2014tomeetitsinterimreductiontargetsunderEPAsTotal
MaximumDailyLoadpollutiondiet.
PennsylvaniacontributesalargeshareofthepollutionloadstotheChesapeakeBay,and
agricultureisthebulkofthat.
Thestatehas35,000farmsinthePotomacandSusquehannawatersheds,accordingto
RichardBatiuk,associatedirectorofscience,analysisandimplementationfortheChesapeake
BayProgram.
Manyofthesefarmsaresmalldairyfarms,exemptfromtheCleanWaterActregulations
ofanimalfarmsbecausetheyaretoosmalltomeetthethresholds.SomearealsoAmishandOld
OrderMennoniteoperations,andthosefarmersarehesitanttotakegovernmentfundsto
modernizetheiroperationstocontrolpollution.
Pennsylvaniaofficialsunveiledearlierthisyearaplanto
rebootthestateslaggingBay
cleanupeffort
byvastlyincreasingfarminspectionsandfindingnewsourcesoffunding.
Butthestatesenvironmentalleadershipgotajoltlastweek,when
JohnQuigley,
secretaryofEnvironmentalProtection
,resignedfollowingdisclosureofaprofanitylacedemail
fromhimurgingenvironmentalgroupstopressurelegislatorsopposingadministrationinitiatives.
Quigleysdeputy,
PatrickMcDonnell,hasbeennamedActingSecretary
.
TheEPAadministratoraddressedPennsylvaniascleanupperformanceattheChoose
CleanWaterconferenceonlybecausestaffofthe
ChesapeakeBayFoundation
submitteda
questionaboutit.
Conferenceorganizerssaidtheadministratorhadtimeforjusttwoquestionsfollowing
herremarkstheotherwasaboutenvironmentaljustice.
Environmentalgroupsandthe
ChesapeakeBayCommission
recentlycomplainedto
MarylandU.S.Sen.BenCardin(DMD),thatunderthelatestFarmbill,farmersinBaystates
aregettingfarlessfinancialhelpfromUSDAtoinstallconservationpracticesthantheydbeen
ledtobelievewouldbespentintheregion.
McCarthyscommentsabouttheUSDAwerewhatweneededtohear,saidCBF
MarylandDirectorAlisonProst.Allthegoodintentions,Prostadded,wonthelpPennsylvania
doitspartifthestatedoesntreceiveenoughmoneytoputtherightprogramsinplace.
McCarthysaidEPAresourcesarefairlyminimal,andProstsaidthatsespeciallytrue
givenUSDAsvastresources.
Inrecentyears,presidentshavebudgetedwellover$100billionforthedepartment.The
EPAsbudgetshoveraroundonetenthofthat,andtheagencyhaslimitedauthorityoverfarms
evenwhentheiroperatorsdischargeintolocalwaterways.
EPAsbudgetisafractionofwhatsneededtodothejobinPennsylvania,Prostsaid.
Weneededhertosaywhatshesaid.
Andinsixmonths,whentheChesapeakeBayExecutiveCouncilonwhichMcCarthysits
meets,ProstsaidhergroupplanstoaskhowthatconversationwentwithUSDA.
NicholasDiPasquale,directorofthe
ChesapeakeBayProgram
office,echoedhisbossin
hisownremarkstothecoalitionaudience.
ImgoingtosaythisasclearlyasIcan.IfPennsylvaniadoesnotsucceed,werenot
goingtosucceed.Itsassimpleasthat,hesaid.
BatiuksaidPennsylvaniaschallengeisanorderofmagnitudemorethantheother
states,butthatthereisnoreasontheycantgetthere,andwehavetohelpthem.
McCarthyalsospokeabouttheFlintwatercrisis,andblameditonsystematicneglectand
disinvestment.ItishappeningnotjustinFlint,shesaid,butinlowincomecommunitiesall
acrossthenation.
Investmentsintransportationandhousing,sheargued,arealsoinvestmentsinthe
environment,andthenationneedstomakemoreofthose.
FormoreonChesapeakeBayrelatedissuesinPennsylvania,visitthe
CBFPA
webpage.
ClickHere
tosignupforPennsylvaniaupdates(bottomofleftcolumn).
NewsClips:
EPAChiefCallsPAsLaggingChesapeakeBayCleanupDiscouraging
WaterMonitorsSeenAsKeyToChesapeakeBayCleanup
PennFuture:DemandConservationDistrictsProtectWaterQuality
OpEd:StateNeedsFarmers,PrivateSectorToSolveRunoffProblem,ByRonKreider
Analysis:BionOnKreiderFarmCantPayBackA$7.7MPennVESTLoan
TheWarOverTheChesapeakeBay
RelatedPaEnvironmentDigestStories:
CBFPAWelcomes$25MillionGrowingGreenerInvestmentInCleanWaterProjects
PAGrowingGreenerCoalitionOutlinesPrioritiesForComingStateBudgetTalks
DCNR:PAMustInstall95KAcresOfForestBuffersInChesapeakeBayWatershedIn9Years
ChesapeakeBayFoundationPA:PAUpdate,TakingPrideInPlantingTrees
ChesapeakeBayJournal:DespiteProgress,StatesToFallShortOfBayCleanupTargets
DEP,ConservationDistrictsWorkOnFarmInspectionsInChesapeakeBayWatershed
DEPTellsHouseCommitteesChesapeakeBayProgramFacesInadequateResources,Data
DamsOnSusquehannaAreUndoingProgressInReducingPollutionToChesapeakeBay
AgenciesUnveilNewChesapeakeBayCleanupStrategy
DCNRLeadingStatewideForestBufferEffortToImproveWaterQuality
PACoalitionEmergesToSupportFarmersInEffortToCleanUpChesapeakeBay
CBFPA:LackOfFundingForFarmersDefeatsEffortToMeetCleanWaterCommitment
CBFOpEd:FarmBureauCanChooseToBeASoreLoserOrPartOfTheSolution
RockLititzProjectReducesSediment,NutrientRunoffWithoutTaxpayerMoney
(Reprintedfromthe
ChesapeakeBayJournal
.
ClickHere
tosignupforyourowncopy.)
CBFPACallsForCleanWaterProgressInWakeOfQuigleyResignation
LeeAnnMurray,assistantexecutivedirectorforthe
ChesapeakeBayFoundationin
Pennsylvania
,issuedthisstatementMondayfollowingtheresignationofJohnQuigleyas
secretaryoftheDepartmentofEnvironmentalProtection
TheturnoveroftheDEPSecretarycomesatanextremelybadtime.Pennsylvaniawas
juststartingtoaddressthefactitremainssignificantlyofftracktowardreachingitscleanwater
goals.
NowitisincumbentupontheWolfAdministrationtoensuretheworktoreduce
pollutioninlocalriversandstreamsremainsatoppriorityandDEPandotheragencies
accelerateeffortsandgetbackontrackwiththisimportanttask.
About19,000milesofPennsylvaniawatersarepollutedandtheCommonwealthhasa
CleanWaterBlueprinttorestorethem.Thetimeformeaningfulprogressisnow.CBFlooks
forwardtoworkingwithActingDEPSecretaryPatrickMcDonnelltoachievethecleanwater
thatPennsylvaniansdeserve.
CBFPA
webpage.
ClickHere
NewsClips:
RelatedPaEnvironmentDigestStories:
CBFPAWelcomes$25MillionGrowingGreenerInvestmentInCleanWaterProjects
PAGrowingGreenerCoalitionOutlinesPrioritiesForComingStateBudgetTalks
DCNR:PAMustInstall95KAcresOfForestBuffersInChesapeakeBayWatershedIn9Years
ChesapeakeBayFoundationPA:PAUpdate,TakingPrideInPlantingTrees
ChesapeakeBayJournal:DespiteProgress,StatesToFallShortOfBayCleanupTargets
DEP,ConservationDistrictsWorkOnFarmInspectionsInChesapeakeBayWatershed
DEPTellsHouseCommitteesChesapeakeBayProgramFacesInadequateResources,Data
DamsOnSusquehannaAreUndoingProgressInReducingPollutionToChesapeakeBay
AgenciesUnveilNewChesapeakeBayCleanupStrategy
DCNRLeadingStatewideForestBufferEffortToImproveWaterQuality
PACoalitionEmergesToSupportFarmersInEffortToCleanUpChesapeakeBay
CBFPA:LackOfFundingForFarmersDefeatsEffortToMeetCleanWaterCommitment
CBFOpEd:FarmBureauCanChooseToBeASoreLoserOrPartOfTheSolution
RockLititzProjectReducesSediment,NutrientRunoffWithoutTaxpayerMoney
Rep.Everett:ResolutionForWaterUseFeeStudyToFundWaterQualityImprovements
Rep.GarthEverett(RLycoming),whorepresentsPennsylvaniaonthe
ChesapeakeBayCommission
,Tuesdayintroducedabipartisan
resolution
HouseResolution908
callingforastudyofanewwateruse
feetofundwaterqualityimprovementprograms.
TheresolutionwascosponsoredbyRep.DavidMillard
(RColumbia),Rep.CurtisThomas(DPhiladelphia),Rep.JeffWheeland
(RLycoming),Rep.MarkRozzi(DBerks),Rep.MichaelOBrien
(DPhiladelphia)andRep.SandraMajor(RSusquehanna).
AsamemberofthePennsylvaniaDelegationoftheChesapeake
BayCommissionandtheEnvironmentalResources&Energy,Game&
FisheriesandAppropriationsCommittees,Iamacutelyawareofthe
challengesfacingourwaterresourcesandwaterqualityhereinPennsylvaniaandtheneedto
comeupwithinnovativefundingmechanismstoreinvestinourlandandwaterandtheprograms
andagencieschargedwiththeirstewardship,saidRep.Everett.
Pennsylvaniaisestimatedtohavemorethan86,000milesofstreamsandrivers,nearly
4,000lakescovering161,455acres,and80trilliongallonsofgroundwater,explainedRep.
Everett.Thecommercialdemandforthesewaterscontinuestogrow,withdailywithdrawalsof
billionsofgallonsoftheCommonwealthssurfaceandgroundwater.
Thewaterdirectlywithdrawnfromourstreams,lakesandriversisownedbythe
citizensoftheCommonwealthandweareallowingthisvaluableassettobeutilizedby
commercialandindustrialusersatnocost,notedRep.Everett.Someofthiswaterisnever
returnedtothewatercycleandmuchthatisreturnedisinadegradedconditionfromwhenitwas
withdrawn.
Rep.Everettsresolutiondirectsthe
LegislativeBudgetandFinanceCommittee
to
conductastudyoftheestablishment,implementation,andadministrationoffeesforthe
consumptiveuseandtheuseandreturnofwatersoftheCommonwealthbyindustrialand
commercialusers.
Thestudywouldlookattheestablishmentofbotharoyaltyfeefortheconsumptiveuse
ofwaterandaroyaltyfeeforwaterusedandreturned.Itwouldexamineproposedand
successfulattemptsofotherstatestoassessfeesfortheuseofwateridentifytheusestowhich
thefeeswouldapplyestimatetherevenuegeneratingpotentialofthefeesandevaluatehowto
assess,collect,andmanagetheproceedsoftheroyaltyfees.
ThestudywouldalsomakerecommendationsoncreatinganewWaterQuality
ImprovementFundandonhowtheproceedsofthefeesmightbeapportionedamongthemajor
watershedsintheCommonwealthandthedepartmentsandagenciesinvolvedinwaterquality
effortsinPennsylvania.
ExamplesmightbefundingforGrowingGreener,waterqualityimprovementstomeet
ourChesapeakeBayandotherTMDLrequirementsandcleanupofourmanyimpairedstreams.
Pleasejoinmeinthepursuitofconstructivesolutionstomeetourconstitutional
obligationtothecitizensofPennsylvaniatoprovidepurewaterandtothepreservethenatural
valuesofourenvironmentbycosponsoringthisResolution,saidRep.Everettinhiscosponsor
memotocolleagues.
A
sponsorsummary
isavailable.
TheresolutionwasreferredtotheHouseEnvironmentalResourcesandEnergy
Committeeforconsideration.
Rep.JohnMaher(RAllegheny)servesasMajorityChairofthe
HouseEnvironmental
Committee
andcanbecontactedbysendingemailto:
jmaher@pahousegop.com
.Rep.Greg
Vitali(DDelaware)servesasMinorityChairandcanbecontactedbysendingemailto:
gvitali@pahouse.net
.
Thetextoftheresolutionfollows
AResolution
DirectingtheLegislativeBudgetandFinanceCommitteetoconductastudyoftheestablishment,
implementationandaadministrationoffeesfortheuseofwaterforthepurposeofcreatinga
WaterQualityImprovementFund.
WHEREAS,Pennsylvaniaisawaterrichstateandisestimatedtohave7percentofthe
nationswaterwayswithmorethan86,000milesofstreamsandrivers,nearly4,000lakes
covering161,455acresand80trilliongallonsofgroundwaterand
WHEREAS,ResidentsofthisCommonwealthrelyuponcleanwaterfordrinking,a
wealthofrecreationalactivities,tourismand,formany,theirlivelihoodand
WHEREAS,PreventingpollutionofthewatersofthisCommonwealthandreclaiming
andrestoringourwaterwaysisessentialtothesepurposesand
WHEREAS,Pennsylvaniasabilitytoattractgrowingbusinessesandtoprovideahealthy
environmentforresidentsrequirestheprioritizationofcleanwaterinfrastructureandfundingto
ensuretheprotectionofcleanwatersourcesforresidentsofthisCommonwealthand
WHEREAS,Cleanwaterprovidesgreaterhealth,strongercommunitiesandthriving
economiesinallregionsofourCommonwealthand
WHEREAS,Article1,section27oftheConstitutionofPennsylvaniaprovidesinpart
that,Pennsylvaniaspublicnaturalresourcesarethecommonpropertyofallthepeople...and
WHEREAS,ThewatersofPennsylvaniaareoneofthesenaturalresourcesownedjointly
bytheresidentsofthisCommonwealthand
WHEREAS,Thedemandforwatercontinuestogrowwithdailywithdrawalsofbillions
ofgallonsofthisCommonwealthssurfacewaterandgroundwaterand
WHEREAS,Ofthewaterwithdrawn,someisconsumedandnotreturnedtothe
watershedfromwhichitcameandmoreisusedanddischargedtotheenvironmentinadegraded
conditionand
WHEREAS,TheCommonwealthreceivesnocompensationforthewithdrawalanduse
ofitswater,whetherforconsumptiveortemporaryuseand
WHEREAS,Article1,section27oftheConstitutionofPennsylvaniaprovidesinpart
that,Thepeoplehavearighttocleanair,purewater...and
WHEREAS,ThisCommonwealthhasapproximately19,000milesofriversandstreams
thatdonotmeetbasicwaterqualitystandardsasaresultofwaterpollutionfromavarietyof
sourcesandhasroughly16%ofthenationsimpairedwatersand
WHEREAS,Pennsylvaniafacesmanywaterqualitychallengesincluding,butnotlimited
to,EnvironmentalProtectionAgencyimposedChesapeakeBaymandates,acidminedrainage,
urbanandsuburbanstormwaterrunoff,sewageandindustrialdischarges,fertilizerandnutrient
runofffromagriculturaloperationsandothernonpointsourcedischargesand
WHEREAS,Pennsylvaniacurrentlyhasnodedicatedfundingmechanismtoaddress
thesewaterqualityissuesandinsteadreliesonitsGeneralFundand
WHEREAS,VariabilityoffundingthroughtheGeneralFundfromyeartoyearand
administrationtoadministrationandavailabilityoffundsduetoeconomicconditionsmakeit
difficulttoconsistentlyandadequatelyfundwaterqualityprogramsand
WHEREAS,Tomeetitsconstitutional,statutoryandregulatoryobligations,
PennsylvanianeedsadedicatedsourceofrevenueforaWaterQualityImprovementFund
thereforebeit
RESOLVED,ThattheHouseofRepresentativesdirecttheLegislativeBudgetand
FinanceCommitteetostudytheestablishmentofafeeforboththeconsumptiveuseandtheuse
andreturnofwaterandbeitfurther
RESOLVED,Thatthestudyexaminehowotherstatesassessfeesfortheuseofwater
andbeitfurther
RESOLVED,Thatthestudyexaminehowotherstateshavedirectedtheestablishment
anduseofadedicatedfundforenvironmentalandwaterqualityprotectiontoservetheregional
needsofitsresidentsandresourcesandbeitfurther
RESOLVED,Thatthestudyincludeanevaluationofanylegislationintroducedinthe
GeneralAssemblythatwouldimposeawaterusefeeandbeitfurther
RESOLVED,Thatthestudydeterminethepracticalityofassessingfeesonwateruseby
examiningafixedfeescaleclassificationbasedonpergallonwithdrawal,pergallonuse
andotherfeeassessmentmethodologiesandbeitfurtherRESOLVED,Thatthestudyidentify
whether&minimumthresholdorthresholdsshouldapplytotheassessmentofafeeandbeit
further
RESOLVED,ThatthestudyrecommendwhethertheCommonwealthshouldconsider
anyexemptionsfromthepaymentoftheassessmentofwithdrawalfeesandbeitfurther
RESOLVED,Thatthestudyestimatetherevenuegeneratingpotentialofvariousfee
assessmentsandmethodologiesandbeitfurther
RESOLVED,Thatthestudyevaluatehowbesttocollectanyassessedfeesandbeit
further
RESOLVED,Thatthestudyrecommendanappropriateadministrativeentity,newor
existing,toadministeraWaterQualityImprovementFundtoreceiveanddisburserevenue
generatedfromwaterusefeesforthepurposesofwaterqualityprotectionandrestorationandbe
itfurther
RESOLVED,ThattheLegislativeBudgetandFinanceCommitteebeauthorizedtoseek
andemploycontractorsorconsultantstoassistinthisstudyandbeitfurther
RESOLVED,ThattheLegislativeBudgetandFinanceCommitteereportallfindingsand
conclusionsonthisissuetotheHouseofRepresentativeswithin12monthsoftheadoptionof
thisresolution.
NewsClips:
StudyFindsSupportForFrackingGrowsWithImpactFee
Hunting,FishingLicensesFeesCouldGoUp
Wolf:VeryDifferentToneInBudgetNegotiations
AP:BillsToExpandGamblingToInternet,Bars,AirportsFail
Esack:PensionReform,InternetGamingRolledIntoBudgetTalks
Analysis:10OpportunitiesToMakePennsylvaniaAnEnvironmentalLeaderAgain
Whilemanypeoplearecaughtupinthesoap
operaofthelatestchangeinDEPSecretaries,
fewarefocusedontherealissuehowtomake
Pennsylvaniaaleaderagaininprotectingand
restoringtheenvironment.
PennsylvaniasAirPollutionControlAct,
surfaceminereclamation,brownfields,waste
management,radiationprotection,deepmine
safetyandGrowingGreenerprogramshaveall
beenmodelsotherstates,thefederalgovernment
andevenothercountrieshaveadopted.
TheeFACTSpermitinformationsystemledotherstatesandEPAtousetechnologyto
notonlymanageprograms,butsharecomplianceandotherinformationwiththepublic.
DEPusedtowinawardsforitspublicparticipationandenvironmentaleducationefforts.
Therealissueiswhatstepsarewetakingtoconfrontandsolvetheissueswenowface?
10Issues/10OpportunitiesForLeadership
Theissuesaremanyandcritical,butnotunsolvablewiththerightkindofExecutiveand
Legislativeleadership.
Hereare10issuesthatpresent10opportunitiesforleadershipandcreativeproblem
solving
Budget/Staff:
SinceFY200203DEPhasseenitsGeneralFundsupport
cutbymorethan40
percent
andithaslostover20percentofitsstaffpositions.WhileDEPsGeneralFundbudget
hasgoneupinthelastfewyears,thosefundsrepresentessentiallyacosttocarrybudgetasstate
personnelcostsincrease.
TheFY201516budgetwasthe
13thyearinarow
DEPsbudgethasbeencut.
Anyonewhodoesntthinkthishasntledtoareductioninservicetopermitteesandin
DEPsabilitytoprotectpublichealthandtheenvironmentisntlivingintherealworld.
Andyet,throughitall,DEPsoverburdenedstaffstillmakesitsPermitDecision
Guaranteedeadlines
89percentofthetime
.
FederalagencieshavewarnedPennsylvania
theAirQuality,DrinkingWater,Surface
MiningandWaterQualityprogramsaredangerouslyunderresourcedandarenotmeeting
minimumstandardstocontinuedelegationifstepsarenttaken.
DEPSecretariesfromMcGintytoQuigley,andfrombothparties,keptwarningaboutthe
impactoftheseconstantcuts,butnothinghasbeendoneanditkeepsgettingworse.
Reversingthistrendisnotonlyneeded,itsnecessary.
InformationTechnology:
ThebackboneofanymodernbusinessandagencyisitsIT
capacity.Withoutit,initiativeslikeonlinepermittingtoreducestaffingcosts,onlinereporting
bypermitteesandsharinginformationwiththepublictheyhavearighttoknowcantbeendone.
The
eFACTSsystem
,DEPsbasicpermitmanagementandinformationsharingsystem,
isnearly20yearsoldandcantbeupdated.
ModestproposalshavebeenmadetoimproveDEPsITcapacity,butnoneadopted.
MeetingCleanWaterObligations:
Pennsylvaniahas
19,000milesofpollutedstreamsand
rivers
thatdontmeetstateorfederalcleanwaterstandards.
EPAAdministratorGinaMcCarthysaid
justthisweekPennsylvania
isfarbehindin
meetingitsowncommitmentstocleaningupstreamscontributingwatertotheChesapeakeBay.
Therehavebeen
nocredibleproposalsfordealing
withtheseobligationsfromsuccessive
GovernorsortheGeneralAssembly.
ThisisoneofthebiggestopportunitiesforenvironmentalleadershipPennsylvaniahas.
Rep.GarthEverett(RLycoming)wantstostudyonenewidea
onhowtosupportwater
qualitycleanupinatargetedway.
AdequateReviewOfNaturalGasPipelineImpacts:
Inthenext10yearsDEPexpects
30,000moremilesofnaturalgaspipelinestobebuilt.
InFebruarythe
GovernorsPipelineInfrastructureTaskForce
made184
recommendationssomegood,someweakfordealingmoreeffectivelywiththeenvironmental
impactsandpublicsafetyissuesfromallthisdevelopment.
Whowillimplementtheserecommendationsandwhen?Willtherelevantagencieshave
theresourcestocarrythemout?Goodquestions.
UpdatingConventional/UnconventionalDrillingRegulations:
DEPsrequirements
coveringconventionalandunconventionaloilandgasdrillingoperationsneedtobeupdated,yet
theGeneralAssemblyisonthevergeofkillingDEPsfinal
Chapter78and78aregulations
.
Thisissueneedstoberesolvedwithoutrollingbackenvironmentalprotectionandgiving
awaythestore.
PreventingCoalIndustryBankruptciesFromIncreasingTaxpayerReclamation
Liabilities:
Thecoalindustryisfacingdifficulttimes.Bankruptciesareincreasing.The
likelihoodoftaxpayersagainbeingstuckwiththecostofreclaimingminelandsandpermanently
treatinganyminedischargesisincreasing.
BillsarenowbeingintroducedintheGeneralAssemblylike
HouseBill1967
(GablerRClearfield)
tomakeiteasierforcoaloperatorstowalkawayfromtheiroperations.
AreDEPslandreclamationfinancialguaranteesuptodate?Dotheycoverallthecosts
theyneedto,ifthereisanotherwaveofcoalcompanybankruptcies?
Thishashappenedbeforeandtaxpayersgotstuck.Thesearecriticalquestionsthatneed
answers.
PreventingImpactsFromUndergroundCoalMining:
Inadditiontonaturalgasdrilling
andpipelines,undergroundcoalminingisstillhavingamajorimpactonsurfaceand
groundwaterandcausingdamagetosurfacestructures.
Itsbeen
morethanayearsincethelastAct54report
ontheimpactsofunderground
miningfound
40percentofstreamsunderminedbydeepcoalmining
showadverseimpactsand
anunacceptablenumberhaveneverrecoveredfromthoseimpacts.
DEPsCitizensAdvisoryCouncilmadeanumberofrecommendations
forfollowingup
onthefindingsinthereport,buttherehasbeenverylittlefromDEPonwhatwillactually
changeinresponse.
TheAct54reportandtheCouncilsrecommendationsneedrealanswers.
UpdatingOnlotSepticSystemRegulations:
Foratleastthelast6yearsDEPhasbeenurged
bymanygroups,including
DEPsCitizensAdvisoryCouncil
,toupdatetheagencysregulations
coveringtheconstructionandmanagementofonlotsepticsystems.
Theseregulationsdeterminehowandwherehomesnotconnectedtomunicipalsewer
systemsarebuilt,whichcoversalotofPennsylvania.
DEPsSewageAdvisoryCommittee,whichissupposedtobeinvolvedintheprocess,
hasbeenmarginalized,onlymeetingoncein2015andsofarjusttwicethisyear.
ThisisaclassicexampleofhowbudgetandstaffcutshavehamstrungDEPswater
qualityprograms,andonhownottodealwithanadvisorycommittee.
Whilesomeprogressisbeingmade,itneedstobebroughttoasuccessfulconclusion.
ImprovingPublicParticipation:
InNovemberof2014,DEPsCitizensAdvisoryCouncil
adoptedaseriesofrecommendations
onhowtoimproveDEPsinteractionwithand
managementoftheagencys22advisorycommittees.
Overall,advisorycommitteesreportedapositiveexperiencewithDEP,buttherewere
significantdifferencesinhowDEPstaffdealtwithcertaincommittees.
OnegoaloftheCouncilrecommendationswastohelptheagencyidentifyissuessoit
couldupdateits1998AdvisoryCommitteeGuidancewhichgovernsinteractionswiththe
advisorygroups.
That1998guidancehasnotbeenupdated.AlthoughDEPhasmadesomeadjustmentsto
thewayitinteractswithadvisorycommittees,clearlytherehavebeenfailures.
DEPshouldrelookatthe
Councilsrecommendations
andthe1998policytoseewhere
theycanimprove.
DontContinueToIgnoreTheObvious:
Pennsylvaniahasbeenandcontinuestobealeader
inproducingelectricity,inenergyefficiencyandindevelopingcleansourcesofenergy,butthe
wayweproduceanduseelectricityischangingrapidly.
ThesechangespresentsignificantopportunitiesforbusinessinvestmentinPennsylvania
andcanbeanimportanteconomicdriverandjobcreator
Cheapnaturalgas,inparticular,isreplacingcoalbyactionofthemarketplace.
Truthbetold,
Pennsylvaniawontevenhavetostretch
tomeetEPACleanPower
ClimatePlanrequirements,becausenaturalgasisreplacingcoalatsucharapidrateinpower
generation.
AttemptstoforestallthesechangesarelikethelittleDutchboywithhisfingerinthedike
lookingupata100foottsunamiwave.
NoonehasbegunaseriousdiscussionofhowPennsylvaniacanbenefitfromthese
changes.Folkshavebeentoobusytryingtodefendtheirownpieceofapiethatisshrinking.
WouldntitbehelpfulifsomeonecalledaSummitonPennsylvaniasEnergyFutureto
lookatsomeofthesekeyissues
Howtotakefulleconomicadvantageofthechangefromcoaltogas.(Youcandothiswithout
hurtingcoal.)
Howtoencourageenergyefficiencytofurtherreduceenergydemandtoboostthecompetitive
positionofPennsylvaniabusinesses
Whatpublicpoliciescanweadopttopromotesustainablepracticeswithoutrespecttowhere
theenergycomesfromand
HowtodealwiththeeconomicdislocationcausedbyALLthesechanges.Withthousandsof
coalminersbeingputoutofwork,noonehasthoughttocreatespecialprogramstohelpthem?
Nowondertheyfeelabandoned.
Thisisallaboutleadership.AboutbeingfocusedonhowtomakePennsylvaniaan
environmentalleaderagain.
HavingsixSecretariesinsixyearshashurtDEPsignificantly.Thirteenyearsofbudget
cutsand20percentstaffcutshavehurtmore.
Whydontwefocusonbeingleadersandnotonhowtorollbacktheenvironmental
protectionswehave?
Wehaveachoiceandhavemadechoicesonalltheseissues,justmanywrongones.
Wecanstandandlookatthewaveorgosurfing.
Idrathergosurfing.
Editor:DavidE.Hess,formerDEPSecretary
NewsClips:
AP:DEPOfficialsEmailUrgedGroupsForPushbackOnDrillingRegs
Bumsted:ExDEPSecretaryEmailMixesProfanity,CriticismOfEnviroGroups
ExpletiveLadenedEmailPrecededQuigleyResignation
FmrDEPsSecretarysToxicEmailOnDrillingRegs
ResignedDEPSecretarysToxicEmailFullOfTaunts
Sen.YudichakInHotSeatOverQuigleysExit
WhyWolfsDEPSecretaryHadToQuitAfterHeHitSend
Sen.AumentCallsForInvestigationIntoFmrDEPSecretary
QuerulousQuigleyJoinsEmailHallOfShame
QuigleysEmailAndHamletsPlan
WhatsThe(bleep)ingProblemWithCaringAboutTheEnvironment?
Micek:EnvirosRushToDefendOustedDEPBossQuigley
Letter:EnvironmentalProtectionWillSufferWithQuigleyResignation
Cartoon:HeresWhyQuigleyHadToResign
OpEd:HireAnotherQuigleyAtDEP
OpEd:OustedDEPSecretaryQuigleyRailroaded
EmailThatLedToResignationOfWolfsEnvironmentalSecretary
Editorial:NotEasyBeingGreenAtCapitol
Editorial:QuigleyResigns,HeHadToGo
PAEnvironmentDigestGoogle+Circle,Blogs,TwitterFeeds
PAEnvironmentDigestnowhasaGoogle+Circlecalled
GreenWorksInPA
.Letusjoinyour
Circle.
Google+nowcombinesallthenewsyounowgetthroughthePAEnvironmentDigest,
Weekly,Blog,TwitterandVideositesintooneresource.
YoullreceiveasithappenspostingsonPennsylvaniaenvironmentalnews,daily
NewsClipsandlinkstotheweeklyDigestandvideos.
Alsotakeadvantageoftheserelatedservicesfrom
CrisciAssociates
PAEnvironmentDigestTwitterFeed
:OnTwitter,signuptoreceiveinstantnewsupdates.
PAEnvironmentDailyBlog:
providesdailyenvironmentalNewsClipsandsignificantstories
andannouncementsonenvironmentaltopicsinPennsylvaniaofimmediatevalue.Signupand
receiveastheyarepostedupdatesthroughyourfavoriteRSSreader.Youcanalsosignupfora
oncedailyemailalertingyoutonewitemspostedonthisblog.
NEW!
Addyourconstructive
commenttoanyblogposting.
PACapitolDigestDailyBlog
togetupdateseverydayonPennsylvaniaStateGovernment,
includingNewsClips,coverageofkeypressconferencesandmore.Signupandreceiveasthey
arepostedupdatesthroughyourfavoriteRSSreader.Youcanalsosignupforaoncedaily
emailalertingyoutonewitemspostedonthisblog.
PACapitolDigestTwitterFeed
:Don'tforgettosignuptoreceivethe
PACapitolDigest
Twitter
feedtogetinstantupdatesonothernewsfrominandaroundthePennsylvaniaState
Capitol.
Senate/HouseAgenda/SessionSchedule/GovsSchedule/BillsIntroduced
HerearetheSenateandHouseCalendarsandCommitteemeetingsshowingbillsofinterestas
wellasalistofnewenvironmentalbillsintroduced
BillCalendars
House(June6):HouseConcurrentRegulatoryReviewResolution#1
todisapproveDEPs
finalconventional(Chapter78)andunconventional(Chapter78a)drillingregulations
House
Resolution60
(EmrickRNorthampton)directingtheLegislativeBudgetandFinance
Committeetoconductacomprehensivereviewofthestatesprogramtoregulatethebeneficial
useofsewagesludge
SenateBill307
(YudichakDLuzerne)providingforanindependent
counselfortheEnvironmentalQualityBoard
SenateBill1071
(BrowneRLehigh),the
agreedtopensionreformbill.
<>
ClickHere
forfullHouseBillCalendar.
Senate(June6):
SenateBill289
(FontanaDAllegheny)fundingtoassisthomeownerswith
deterioratingprivatesewerlaterals(
sponsorsummary
)
SenateBill1041
(SchwankDBerks)
amendingAct101toauthorizealllocalgovernmentstochargearecyclingservicefee(
sponsor
summary
)
SenateBill1011
(HutchinsonRVenango)killingDEPsfinaldrillingregulations
coveringconventionaloilandgaswellsandstartingtherulemakingprocessover
SenateBill
1166
(StefanoRFayette)authorizingtheGameCommissiontoadoptfeeschargedbythe
agencyratherthanhavethemsetbytheGeneralAssembly(
sponsorsummary
)
SenateBill1168
(EichelbergerRBlair)authorizingtheFishandBoatCommissiontoadoptfeeschargedbythe
agencyratherthanhavethemsetbytheGeneralAssembly(
sponsorsummary
)
SenateBill1195
(WhiteRIndiana)tofurtherdelayaPennsylvaniaplanformeetingEPAsCleanPowerClimate
PlanrulebychangingtheGeneralAssemblysreviewdatesunder
Act175of2014
HouseBill
1241
(R.BrownRMonroe)exemptingresortsofferingwaterandsewageservicesfrom
definitionofpublicutility(
HouseFiscalNote
andsummary)
HouseBill1325
(MustioRAllegheny)allowingtownshipsofthesecondclasstochargestormwatermanagement
fees
HouseBill1394
(MustioRAllegheny)authorizingboroughstochargestormwater
managementfees
HouseBill1661
(MustioRAllegheny)authorizingfirstclasstownshipsto
chargeastormwatermanagementfee
HouseBill1712
(R.BrownRMonroe)establishinga
PrivateDamFinancialAssuranceProgram(
HouseFiscalNote
andsummary)
HouseBill1895
(MetzgarRBedford)changingthemembershipoftheUndergroundStorageTank
IndemnificationBoardfromappointmentsonlybytheGovernortoappointmentsbyboththe
GeneralAssemblyandtheGovernor.<>
ClickHere
forfullSenateBillCalendar.
CommitteeMeetingAgendasThisWeek
House:
<>
ClickHere
forfullHouseCommitteeSchedule.
Senate:
<>
ClickHere
forfullSenateCommitteeSchedule.
BillsPendingInKeyCommittees
Checkthe
PAEnvironmentalCouncilBillTracker
forthestatusandupdatesonpendingstate
legislationandregulationsthataffectenvironmentalandconservationeffortsinPennsylvania.
HerearelinkstokeyStandingCommitteesintheHouseandSenateandthebillspendingin
each
House
Appropriations
Education
EnvironmentalResourcesandEnergy
ConsumerAffairs
GamingOversight
HumanServices
Judiciary
LiquorControl
Transportation
LinksforallotherStandingHouseCommittees
Senate
Appropriations
EnvironmentalResourcesandEnergy
ConsumerProtectionandProfessionalLicensure
Community,EconomicandRecreationalDevelopment
Education
Judiciary
LawandJustice
PublicHealthandWelfare
Transportation
LinksforallotherStandingSenateCommittees
BillsIntroduced

Thefollowingbillsofinterestwereintroducedthisweek
AEPSCloseTheBorder:
HouseBill2040
(F.KellerRSnyder)amendingtheAlternative
EnergyPortfolioStandardstoclosetheborderforcountingsolarenergycreditstoAEPS
standard(
sponsorsummary
).
NaturalGasSeveranceTax:
HouseBill2103
(SturlaDLancaster)providingforanaturalgas
severancetax(
sponsorsummary
).
DrillingWasteReporting:
SenateBill1273
(VogelRBeaver)wouldrequireunconventional
oilandgaswelldrillerstosubmitawastereporttoDEPevery6months,DEPcurrentlyrequires
drillersto
filewastereportmonthly
(
sponsorsummary
).
SessionSchedule
HereisthelatestvotingsessionschedulefortheSenateandHouse
Senate
June6,7,8,13,14,15,20,21,22,23,24,25,26,27,28,29,30
House
June6,7,8,13,14,15,20,21,22,23,24,25,26,27,28,29,30
GovernorsSchedule
Gov.TomWolf'sworkcalendarwillbepostedeachFridayandhispublicschedulefortheday
willbepostedeachmorning.
ClickHere
toviewGov.WolfsWeeklyCalendarandPublic
Appearances.
Senate/HouseBillsMoving
ThefollowingbillsofinterestsawactionthisweekintheHouseandSenate
House
RegulatoryReview:
SenateBill562
(GordnerRColumbia)amendingtheRegulatoryReview
Acttoprovideadditionallegislativeoversightoftheregulatoryprocesswasreportedfromthe
HouseStateGovernmentcommitteeandTabled.
NewsFromTheCapitol
Sen.AumentCallsForInvestigationIntoConductOfFmrDEPSecretaryJohnQuigley
Sen.RyanAument(RLancaster)TuesdaycalledforaninvestigationintotheconductofJohn
Quigley,formerSecretaryoftheDepartmentofEnvironmentalProtection,who
resignedfrom
Gov.WolfscabinetonMay20
.
SecretaryQuigleysquickdeparturefromleadingoneofourCommonwealthsmost
importantexecutivedepartmentsraisesseriousquestionsabouthisconductwhileservingasthe
chiefoperatingofficeroftheDEP,saidSen.Aument.Giventherecentdiscoveryofincendiary
emails,Ibelieveweneedathoroughreviewtodetermineifanythinginappropriatehasoccurred
relativetotheapplicationofregulationsinafairandtransparentmannerorintheissuanceof
environmentalpermitsduringSecretaryQuigleystenure.
Sen.AumentreferencedthepublicreleaseofaprivateemailSecretaryQuigleysenttoan
environmentaladvocacyfirmheonceworkedforcitinghisfrustrationthatenvironmentalgroups
werenothelpingpushthroughmorestringentenvironmentalrulesconcerningoilandnaturalgas
production.
ThisemailraisesseriousandsubstantivequestionsaboutSecretaryQuigleysabilityto
appropriatelyapplyenvironmentallawthroughregulationduringhistenure,saidSen.Aument.
AsIsaidwhenIvotedagainstMr.Quigleysnominationlastyear,regulatoryagenciesshould
notbeledbyadvocatesorideologues.Thepeople,businessesandindustrythatare
environmentallyregulatedareentitledtoafairhearingforpermitsandshouldexpectthat
regulationsareenactedthatimplement,notsupplant,thelawsofPennsylvania.
Sen.Aument,joinedbythreeothermembersoftheSenate,votedagainstconfirming
SecretaryQuigleyonJune3,2015.
Atthetime,Sen.AumentnotedthathehadseriousconcernsaboutMr.Quigleysability
tostrikeanappropriatebalancebetweenenvironmentalregulationandeconomicdevelopment,
andthathewouldtakeanextremeapproachwithlocalfarmersonissueslikefederalpollution
reductionmandates.
Sen.AumentalsorecountedthatMr.Quigleydeclinedtoanswerwrittenquestionsthat
weresubmittedtohim,leaving,doubtastohisintentionstopursueabalancedenergy
strategyinhisnewpost.
Unfortunately,recenteventshaveprovenmyearlypredictionsaccurate,saidSen.
Aument.
Sen.AumentsaidthathehasheardfrommanyconstituentsinLancasterCountyand
industriesacrossPennsylvaniawhoexpressedfrustrationwiththeDEPsincehetookoffice
relativetothedevelopmentofresponsibleandappropriateenvironmentalregulationsandthefair
issuanceofenvironmentalpermits.
GivenSecretaryQuigleysopenadvocacyagainstanyDemocratorRepublican
lawmakerwhohappenstodisagreewithhispersonalpositions,itnaturallyraisesquestionsabout
whetherheusedhisinfluenceastheheadoftheDEPtomanipulateregulationsoreffect
environmentalpermits,saidSen.Aument.
Basedonwhatwenowknow,weoweittothepeopleofPennsylvaniatoinvestigatethe
mattertoensureourCommonwealthsregulatorsareactingappropriately,saidSen.Aument.
Theindividualswholeadourstateagenciesanddepartmentsareresponsibleformanaging
billionsoftaxpayerdollarsandmeetingtheneedsofmillionsofresidents,andshouldactina
mannerbefittingthoseseriousresponsibilities.
NewsClips:
RelatedStory:
NewsFromAroundTheState
CBFPAApplaudsCentreCountyForJoiningCleanWaterCountsCampaign
The
ChesapeakeBayFoundationPA
applaudstheCentreCountycommissioners,foradoptinga
CleanWaterCounts
resolution,callingonstateofficialstomakecleanwateratoppriorityfor
theCommonwealth.
CBFandthe
PAGrowingGreenerCoalition
launchedtheCleanWaterCountscampaign
in2014,urginglocalgovernmentsacrosstheCommonwealthtopassresolutionsandjoinin
callingonlegislatorsinHarrisburgtoinvestinlocalcleanwaterprogramsandpractices.
Centreisthe18thcountytoadoptaCleanWaterCountsresolution,meaningtheeffort
nowrepresentsmorethanonethirdofPennsylvania'spopulation.
Theother17countiestosignonareBerks,Cumberland,Erie,Fayette,Greene,Indiana,
Jefferson,Luzerne,Northumberland,Philadelphia,Schuylkill,Somerset,Venango,Washington,
Westmoreland,Wyoming,andYork.
Roughly
19,000milesofPennsylvaniawatersareimpaired
.Agricultureisthelargest
sourceofpollutiontotheCommonwealth'sstreamsandrivers.Thatpollutionoccurswhen
nitrogen,phosphorus,andsedimentrunofffarmfieldsintolocalwaterways.
ThesecondleadingsourceofpollutioninPennsylvaniaisacidminedrainagefromthe
legacyofcoalmininginpartsofthestate.
AccordingtotheDepartmentofEnvironmentalProtection,thereare300milesof
impairedwaterwaysinCentreCounty.
About140milesarepollutedbyabandonedminedrainage.Justover60additionalmiles
ofwaterwaysinCentreCountyaredegradedbyagriculture.
"Healthyfamilies,strongcommunitiesandathrivingPennsylvaniaeconomydependon
cleanwater,"saidHarryCampbell,CBF'sPennsylvaniaexecutivedirector."Weapplaudand
thankthecommissionersinCentreandtheothercountiesforpubliclyvoicingtheirsupportfor
cleanwaterintheKeystoneState."
"WehopeCleanWaterCountscontinuestobuildmomentum,"GrowingGreener
CoalitionExecutiveDirectorAndrewHeathadded."Thecentralregionisextremelyimportantto
motivatinggreaterleadershipfromHarrisburgoncleanwaterissuesandwelookforwardto
workingwiththeothercountiesinadoptingresolutions."
CentreCountyisrepresentedintheGeneralAssemblybySen.JakeCorman(R)and
Rep.KerryBenninghoff(R),Rep.ScottConklin(D),Rep.MichaelHanna(D),Rep.RichIrvin
(R).
Bysupportingthe
CleanWaterCounts
campaign,Centreandothercountiesaretelling
lawmakersinHarrisburgthatcleanwaterisintegraltoPennsylvania'seconomy,communities,
andhumanhealth.It'salegacyworthleavingfuturegenerations.
Formoreinformationandfindouthowcleanstreamsareinyourcounty,visitCBFPAs
CleanWaterCountsInPennsylvania
webpage.
CBFPA
webpage.
ClickHere
NewsClips:
NRCSInvitesApplicationsForPAConservationInnovationGrants
USDA'sNaturalResourcesConservationServiceisnowacceptingapplicationsforupto
$150,000infundingthroughits
PAConservationInnovationGrants
topromotethedevelopment
andadoptionofinnovativeapproachestocroppingsystemsandgrazingmanagementin
Pennsylvania.
ApplicationsaredueJune24.
Grantswillbeawardedforprojectsbetweenoneandthreeyearsdurationwithindividual
awardsnotexceeding$75,000.
Eligibleapplicantsincludestateandlocalunitsofgovernment,nongovernmental
organizations,andindividualsinterestedinapplyingforthesecompetitivegrants
Thisyear,NRCSisseekingproposalsfocusedonsoilhealth,legacysediments,
integratedpestmanagement,waterqualityandprojectsbenefitinghistoricallyunderserved
producers.
CIGdoesnotfundresearchprojectsbutmakesanexceptionforonfarmconservation
researchasdefinedinthefundingannouncement.
Projectsmustinvolvelandownerswhomeeteligibilityrequirementsforthe
EnvironmentalQualityIncentivesProgram(EQIP).
CIGsexploreonthegroundconservationpilotsandfielddemonstrationsthatcanoffer
newopportunitiesfortechnologytransfertocommunities,governmentsandotherinstitutions,
saysNRCSStateConservationistDeniseColeman.Wehaveprovidedover$1.1Millionin
fundingfor19stateprojectssince2010,andlookforwardtoworkingwithourpartnersonthe
nextcropofCIGstoofferPennsylvaniafarmersmoreoptionsforsustainableproduction
methods.
GrantawardswillbeannouncedbySeptember1.
ApplicationsmustbeemailedinPDFformattoNoelSoto,PennsylvaniaCIGProgram
Manager,at:
noel.soto@pa.usda.gov
.Packagesmayalsobesubmittedelectronicallyonthe
Grants.gov
website.
Applicationssubmittednearthedeadlinemaybehanddeliveredorexpressmailedtothe
followingaddress:USDA,NaturalResourcesConservationService,ConservationInnovation
GrantsProgram,359EastParkDrive,Suite2,Harrisburg,PA17111.
Formoreinformation,visittheNRCS
PAConservationInnovationGrant
webpage.
NewsClips:
OpEd:StateNeedsFarmers,PrivateSectorToSolveRunoffProblem
FarmsInGreene,WashingtonShrinkingByStillPrevalent
PAHighlandsCoalitionHostingDamRemovalWebinarJune10
The
PAHighlandsCoalition
willbehostingawebinar
onJune10startingat2:00p.m.onthe
Historyand
ImportanceofDamRemovalandtheSuccesses,
ChallengesandOpportunitiesinPennsylvania
.
Theconversationwillbeledby
Dr.LauraCraig
,
DirectorofScienceandEconomics&RiverRestoration
at
AmericanRivers
,and
KristieFach
,Directorof
EcologicalRestorationat
WildlandsConservancy
.
Webinarattendeeswilllearnaboutthehistory
andecologicalimportanceofrestoringstreamsand
riversthroughdamremovalacrosstheUnitedStates,and
alsodiscusslogisticalchallenges,opportunities,andsuccessstoriesremovingdamsandrestoring
waterwaysathomeinthePennsylvaniaHighlands.
Afterthepresentation,attendeeswillhavetheopportunitytopresentquestionsand
commentsontheprogram.
ClickHere
toregisterforthiswebinar.
Formoreinformation,visitthe
webinarwebpage
.Thewebinarwillberecordedand
madeavailableonthe
PAHighlandsCoalition
website.
NewsClip:
WayneCountyDamProjectsMovingSlowly
BuoyToProvideOnlineWaterQualityInfoAboutPresqueIsleBayInErie
TheDepartmentofEnvironmentalProtectionrecently
installedanew
waterqualitybuoyinPresqueIsleBay
in
Erie.Thebuoywillprovideinformationaboutthedailyconditionsofthebayandhelpstaffin
monitoringforharmfulalgalblooms.
Thebuoyrecordstemperature,dissolvedoxygen,pH,conductivity,turbidity,andtotal
algaeevery20minutes.Itwaspurchasedwithfederal
GreatLakesRestorationInitiative
funds.
Thebuoyisoneofseveraldeployedinpartnershipwiththe
RegionalScience
Consortium
,
PennsylvaniaSeaGrant
,FishandBoatCommissionand
ErieCountyHealth
Department
toprovideinformationforboaters,anglersandswimmersaboutchangesin
environmentalandweatherconditions.
Toaccessthedata,visitthe
TomRidgeEnvironmentalCenter
RegionalScience
Consortium
webpage.
(Reprintedfromthe
May26DEPNews
.
ClickHere
DEPCelebratesLakeAppreciationMonth
Mayis"LakeAppreciationMonth,"atimesetasidebythe
DepartmentofEnvironmentalProtectiontoappreciatethe
valueofPennsylvania'slocallakesandstreams.
DEPstaffregularlytestthehealthoflakesthroughoutthe
commonwealth.
Recently,SherrillLeap,awaterpollutionbiologistfrom
DEP'sWilkesBarreOfficetookasamplefromLillyLake
nearShickshinnyinLuzerneCountyforchlorophyllA,a
groupofrelatedgreenpigmentsfoundinbacteriathataids
inthegrowthofalgaeandinvasiveplantsinbodiesof
water.
Formoreinformation,visitDEPs
LakeAssessmentReport
webpage.Youcanalsovisit
the
PALakeManagementSociety
tolearnmoreaboutissuesrelatedtoprotecting
Pennsylvaniaslakes.
(Reprintedfromthe
May26DEPNews
.
ClickHere
NewGuideHelpsCitizenGroupsAddressHarmfulBacteriaInWaterways
The
CenterforWatershedProtection,Inc.
hasreleasedanewguide
forcitizensciencegroupsandwatershedorganizationsacrossthe
nationtotakearoleinfindingandeliminatingsourcesofharmful
bacteriaintheircommunities.
Bacteriaisoneofthemostcommonpollutantsinournations
waterways.Researchersandregulatoryagencieshavedeterminedthat
monitoringbacteriainwaterwayscanhelpidentifyhumanhealthrisks
associatedwithdrinkingwater,shellfishconsumption,and
recreationalwatercontact.
Harmfulbacteriafromsewerleaks,illegaldumpingand
failingsepticsystemsposeaseriousthreattohumanhealth,saidHye
YeongKwon,executivedirectoroftheCenter.SafeWaters,HealthyWaterswillhelpcitizen
scientistsandcommunityorganizationslearnmoreaboutharmfulbacteriaintheirwaterways
andwhattheycandoaboutit.
Thenewlyreleased,
SafeWaters,HealthyWaters:AGuideforCitizenGroupson
BacteriaMonitoringinLocalWaterways
,outlineshowtoidentifyareaswithhighbacteria,
narrowdownpotentialsourcesandsharefindingswiththepublic.
Theguideprovidesstepbystepinstructionstocreateacustomizedbacteriamonitoring
program,methodstoinvestigatepotentialpollutantsources,andresourcesforputtingcollected
datatouse.
Itfocusesespeciallyonhumansewagesourcesandmonitoringtechniquesthatare
simple,reliableandlowcost.
ThecontentofthisdocumentdrawsupontheCentersworkoverthepastdecade
investigatingsewageleaksandotherillicitdischargessuchasstormdrainsthathave
measurableflowduringdryweathercontainingpollutantsorpathogensthatarefartoo
commoninthenationsstreams,riversandlakes.
Theguideincludesstepbystepinstructionsonhowtoproperlycollectbacteriasamples,
andseveralcasestudiesdetailingsuccessfulmonitoringprogramsandtheactionsthatresulted
fromthem.
Inonecasestudy,StreamWatch,acommunitybasedwatermonitoringorganizationin
centralVirginia,noticedthatastretchofstreaminahighlyurbanareatestedveryhighforE.coli
threemonthsinarow.
Uponseeingtheseresults,StreamWatchstaffcontactedtheenvironmentalofficialsfrom
theCityofCharlottesville.Thecityrespondedimmediatelyandtestedtheareaforleakingsewer
lines,whichquicklyrevealedabrokenundergroundsewerpipeonprivateproperty.Withindays,
thelandownerhadthepipefixedtostopthesewageleak.
Itisclearfromthesefindingsthatmanylocalgovernmentsneedhelptoeffectively
addresssewagedischarges,summarizedKwon.Citizenmonitoringprogramscanhelpto
samplewhereotheragenciesarenttestingorprovidedatatoconvincelocalagenciestoestablish
monitoringprograms.Itisalsoaneffectivewaytoimprovethepublicsknowledgeofthesafety
oftheirwaterandtoactasawatchdogtoensurethatlocalagenciesareaddressingthe
problem.
ClickHere
todownloadafreecopyofthisGuide.
Fundingfortheresearchanddevelopmentofthisguidewasmadepossiblebythe
Ittleson
Foundation
andthe
CornellDouglasFoundation
.
FormoreinformationabouttheSafeWaters,HealthyWatersguide,contactLaurel
Williamson,StormwaterandWatershedPlanner,
CenterforWatershedProtection
,bysending
emailto:
lw@cwp.org
.
May23WatershedWindsNewsletterFromPennStateExtension
The
May23WatershedWinds
newsletterisnowavailablefromPennStateExtensionfeaturing
articleson
CongressmanThompsonSpeaksAtPAGroundwaterSymposium
LocalGovt.AdvisoryCommitteeToHelpRestoreChesapeakeBayWatershed
WolfAdministrationInvesting$25.1MInProjectsToImproveWaterResources

RegistrationOpenFor2016YouthWaterEducatorsSummitSept.22
ClickHere
tosignupforyourowncopy.
SusquehannaRiverBasinCommissionMeetsJune16ToAdoptFY2017FeeSchedule
The
SusquehannaRiverBasinCommission
isscheduledtomeetinJune16inLancasterto
consideradoptionofitsFY2017regulatoryprogramfeeschedule.
(
formalnoticeandagenda
)
Alsoontheagendaare
amendmentstotheSRBCComprehensiveWaterResourcesPlan
andapresentationonthelowersusquehannasubbasin.
ThemeetingwillbeheldattheDoubleTreeResortinLancasterstartingat9:00a.m.
Formoreinformation,visitSRBCs
PublicParticipationCenter
webpageorcontact
Jason
E.Oyler,GeneralCounsel,7172380423,Ext.1312.
PAAmericanWaterPlantInDauphinCountyAchievesHighestLevelOfPerformance
PennsylvaniaAmericanWaters
G.C.SmithWater
TreatmentPlant,whichservesapproximately19,000
customersinDauphinandLebanoncounties,has
receivedtheprestigiousPresidentsAwardfromthe
PartnershipforSafeWater
.
Theprogramisavolunteerinitiative
developedbytheU.S.EnvironmentalProtection
Agency,DepartmentofEnvironmentalProtection,
AmericanWaterWorksAssociationandother
organizationsrepresentingwatersuppliersthat
continuouslyprovidewaterqualitythatsurpassesregulatorystandards.
(Photo:TheawardwinningteamatPennsylvaniaAmericanWater'sG.C.Smith
TreatmentPlantareNateKoch,AlMidlick,JustinBrame,MikeBarger,ShawnWiley,Ricky
Bitting,MikeRager,JonPrawdzik,SteveGrizzleandChrisAbruzzo.)
PennsylvaniaAmericanWatersfacilityhasbeenparticipatinginthePartnershipsince
1996.
TheHersheyareaplantreceivedtheDirectorsAwardin1999,andisthefifth
PennsylvaniaAmericanWaterfacilitytoearnthePresidentsAward.Only15watersystems
acrossPennsylvaniahavebeenachievedthishighestlevelofperformance.
ThePresidentsAwardsgoalsarethehighestpossiblelevelofperformancethatcanbe
achievedinthefourphaseprogram.TheawardrecognizesachievingPhaseIVsstringent
individualfilterperformancegoalsforturbidity(cloudiness).
Companyofficialshostedarecognitionceremonythisweektohonorthetreatment
plantsprofessionalstaffforachievingthemilestone.
OurHersheyteamworkedveryhardtoearnthePresidentsAward,andthisrecognition
isatestamenttotheirexpertiseanddedicationtobetterserveourcustomers,saidChris
Abruzzo,seniordirectorofwaterqualityandenvironmentalcomplianceforPennsylvania
AmericanWater.Reachingthiselitestatusisasignificantachievementinourongoingeffortsto
notonlymeetstringentperformancegoalsbutalsoimprovethequalityofourwater.
The
isavoluntaryselfassessmentandoptimizationprogram
forwatertreatmentplantanddistributionsystemoperation.
Morethan250utilitysubscribers,collectivelyservingmorethan100millionpeople,are
committedtothePartnershipsgoalsofprovidingsafe,highqualitydrinkingwaterthrough
achievingoperationalexcellenceinwatertreatment.
Partnershipmembersparticipateinarigorousfourphaseselfassessmentandpeerreview
process,developedbyindustryexpertsandarerecognizedfortheircommitmenttodelivering
safewatertotheircommunities.
ThePartnershipforSafeWaterissponsoredbytheAmericanWaterWorksAssociation,
AssociationofMetropolitanWaterAgencies,AssociationofStateDrinkingWater
Administrators,U.S.EnvironmentalProtectionAgency,NationalAssociationofWater
Companies,andtheWaterResearchFoundation.
webpage.
NewsClips:
PAHealthDept.ToLaunchCancerStudyNearBucks,MontcoWells
8MoreMontco,BucksWaterWellsClosedAfterEPATightensRules
HorshamCommunityMeetingFocusesOnWaterSafety
WhatsGoingOnWithTaintedWaterNearMontcoBases?
SourceOfMontcoCreekPollutionRevealed
FederalHealthReviewCallsCompoundsInDimockWaterAConcern
CapitalRegionWaterLooksToLevelPlayingFieldOnConstructionContracts
RegistrationNowOpenFor2016YouthWaterEducatorsSummitSept.22InHarrisburg
RegisternowforPennStateExtensions
2016YouthWaterEducatorsSummit!
The
DiveDeeperIII:YouthWaterEducators
SummitwillbeheldSeptember22at
The
CentralHotelandConferenceCenter
,800
EastParkDriveinHarrisburg.
Thisbiennialprofessional
developmentconferenceisanoneday
eventnottobemissed.Anyonefromacross
theMidAtlanticregionwhoisinterestedinteachingyouth(andadults)aboutwatershould
attend.
TheSummithasanamazinglineupofpresentationsandexhibitsthatfeatureinnovative
teachingstrategies,newtechnologytools,newlessonplansandcurriculum,anduptodate
informationaboutwaterissuesinourcommunities.
Thekeynoteaddress:ThinkingDifferentlyAboutWater.Dr.DerekCabreraofthe
CabreraResearchInstitute
and
ThinkWater
willsharehisexpertiseonusingsystemsthinkingto
makearealimpactwhenteachingaboutwater.
ConcurrentSessiontopicsincludeWatersheds,EnvironmentalLiteracy,Stormwater,
DrinkingWater,Groundwater,GreenSchools,InvasiveSpecies,CitizenScienceandmore!
Thefirst100peopletoregisterwillreceiveaFREERaintoDrain,SlowtheFlow
educationalkit,whichwillbedemonstratedintheafternoongeneralsession.
ThankstosupportfromtheDepartmentofEnvironmentalProtection,thecostofthese
kitsthroughtheirEnvironmentalEducationgrantprogram.
Youcanalsoregistertobringasampleofyourhouseholddrinkingwaterforafreetest
bythePennStateExtensionWaterResourcesTeam(foreducationalpurposesonly,not
laboratorycertified).
Savemoney,registerearlytoreceivetheearlybirddiscount.Thedeadlinefor
registrationisSeptember16.
Thankstooursponsor,
CapitalRegionWater
,forhelpingtokeepthecostofregistration
affordable.
Formoreinformationandtoregister,visitthe
2016YouthWaterEducatorsSummit!
webpageorcontactJenniferRFetter,PennStateExtensionWatershed/YouthDevelopment
Educator,bysendingemailto:
jrf21@psu.edu
orcall7179218803.
NewsClips:
RelatedStory:
PenncrestHighSchool,DelawareCountyWins2016PAEnvirothon
(Reprintedfromthe
May23WatershedWinds
fromPennStateExtension.
ClickHere
tosignup
foryourowncopy.)
BrodheadWatershedAssn,PennStateMasterGardenerWorkshopJune2InStroudsburg
The
BrodheadWatershedAssociation
willhosta
PennStateMasterGardener
WorkshoponJune
2tosharethesecretsofgardeningwithnativeplants.Theworkshopwillstartat7p.m.at
HughesLibrary,1002N.NinthSt.,Stroudsburg.
Theeventisfree.Registrationisnotrequired.
JenBradley,mastergardenerandBrodheadWatershedAssociationmember,willdiscuss
whynativeplantsarebest.Theseplantsareadaptedtothelocalenvironment,whichmakesthem
easiertocarefor,hardyandbeneficialtowildlife.
Bradleywillhavegrowingtips,aswellassuggestionsforplantspeciestofitany
gardeningsituation.
TheworkshopisheldinconjunctionwithBWAspopularannual
NativePlantSale
,
whichwillfeaturerareandsoughtafternativeplantsandshrubsthatoftenarentavailableat
commercialretailers.
ThesalewillbeheldJune34,atPoconoTownshipFireCompanyscarnivalbuilding
onRoute611,Tannersville.Fridayssale,5:30to7:30p.m.,isforBWAmembersonly.
Signupformembershipatthesaleandreceivea10percentdiscountonplantpurchases.
Saturdayssale,9a.m.to3p.m.,isopentothepublic.
Questionsontheworkshop?CallBrodheadWatershedAssociationat5708391120or
sendemailto:
info@brodheadwatershed.org
,orcallthelibraryat5704210800.
Forinformationontheseandothereventsandinitiatives,visitthe
BrodheadWatershed
Association
website.
ClickHere
tosignupforregularupdatesfromtheAssociation.
AwardWinner:ConnoquenessingWatershedAlliance,ButlerCounty
TheConnoquenessingWatershedAlliancebasedin
ButlerCountywasoneoffiveawardwinners
recognizedatthe2016
Dominion
,
PAEnvironmental
Council
WesternPAEnvironmentalAwards
ceremonyonMay26
attheWestinConvention
CenterindowntownPittsburgh.
DepartmentofConservationandNatural
ResourcesSecretaryCindyAdamsDunnprovided
theeveningskeynoteaddress.
Sheapplaudedtheawardeesachievementsin
DCNRskeyissueareasofclimatechange,water
resources,andgreeninfrastructure.
SecretaryDunnalsopraisedthegrowthofWesternPennsylvaniaasoneofthebestplaces
forcollegegraduatestolive,work,andplaybasedonfactorsofjobs,affordability,andlife
outsideofwork,atestamenttoeachoftheeveningsawardees.
Thatisthetrails,andtherivers,andthegreenspaces,andtheplacesthatthepeoplein
thisroomhelpedtobuild,shesaid.
TheConnoquenessingWatershedAlliancewasformedin1999asagrassroots,volunteer
organizationmadeupofordinarypeoplewhoshareacommonconcernforthequalityofwaterin
theirwatershed.
AmongmanyprojectsundertakenbytheAlliance,wasthereplantingofariparianbuffer
alongsevenmilesofsewerlinecrossingsfollowingthecompletionofamajorhabitat
improvementprojectinThornCreek.
Theoriginalintentoftheprojectoriginatedfromcitizensconcernsovertheeffectofthe
constructionofthenewsewerlinealongandthroughtheThornCreekfloodplain.
Ateachstreamcrossing,30nativetreeandshrubseedlingswereplantedonbothsidesof
thestreambank,withatotalofover1,500seedlingsplanted.Fourinstreamdeviceswere
constructedtocreateanimmediatefishhabitat.
Morethan30instreamhabitatdeviceshavebeeninstalled,stabilizingover5,000feetof
streambankandleveragingover$300,000inwatershedimprovementsthroughgrants,
donations,andpartnerships.
ThepropertyownerattheprojectsitehassignedanagreementwiththeFishandBoat
Commissiontokeepthispropertyopenforpublicfishing,andincreasedanglerusagehasbeen
documentedduetotheincreasedfishingopportunitiesavailablewiththeimprovedhabitats.
Besidesstockedtrout,fisherysurveysattheprojectsitehaveshownthrivingpopulations
of16differentnativefishes,includingrockbass,whitesuckers,andnumerousotherforagefish
species.
LedbyprojectleaderDavidAndrews,amiddleleveleducatorinthe
ButlerAreaSchool
District
,thisareahasturnedintoatremendousenvironmentaleducationresourceforthelocal
community.
Studentsandteachersfromlocalschools,localmunicipalbusinessleadersandother
concernedcitizenshavebeengiventoursofthesitetolearnfirsthandhowtheimprovementsare
benefittingthestreamandpreviewfutureplansforthesite.
ButlerJuniorHighSchoolinitiatedaWaterDayenvironmentaleducationfield
experienceatthesite,involvingover40studentsinvariouswatershedactivities.
Studentsreleasedfingerlingbrooktroutinthestreamfromthe
TroutintheClassroom
project,assistedtheFishandBoatCommissionwithanelectrofishingsurveyofthecreek,
completedaquaticmacroinvertebratesurveyswiththe
ButlerCountyConservationDistrict
,and
plantedtreesandshrubsfromtheGameCommissiontohelprepairtheriparianbufferdamaged
duringconstructionactivities.
Thisprojecthasbroughttogethermanystateandlocalpartners,includinggovernment
agencies,localmunicipalities,internationalcorporations,concernedcommunitymembers,local
businesses,andaschooldistrict.
Thusfar,closeto20differentgroupsorindividualshavebeenactiveparticipantsinthe
project.
TheAllianceandotherpartnersreceivedtheGovernorsAwardForEnvironmental
ExcellencefortheThornCreekProjectin2012.
MoreinformationontheAllianceisavailablebycontactingDavidAndrews,
7243600290orsendemailto:
bearfisherman@yahoo.com
.
Formoreinformationonprograms,initiativesandspecialevents,visitthe
PA
EnvironmentalCouncil
website,visitthe
PECBlog
,follow
PEConTwitter
or
LikePECon
Facebook
.
ClickHere
toreceiveregularupdatesfromPEC.
RelatedStories:
AwardWinner:PittsburghGreenBuildingAlliance
AwardWinner:GardenClubOfAlleghenyCounty
AwardWinner:CrawfordCountyRiparianRestorationProgram
AwardWinner:PittsburghBotanicGarden,ImmersingPeopleInOutdoorWonders
AwardWinner:EdSchroth,DuquesneUniversity,EnvironmentalEducator,Biologist
NewsClips:
AwardWinner:GardenClubOfAlleghenyCounty
Foroveracentury,the
GardenClubofAlleghenyCounty
hasbeenaguidinghandinenvironmentaleducationand
conservation,stewardship,andhorticulturewhosegoalis
theestablishmentofvaluesandpracticesthatsupportand
sustaincivicimprovement.
TheClubwasgivenspecialrecognitionatthe2016
Dominion
,
PAEnvironmentalCouncil
WesternPA
EnvironmentalAwards
ceremonyonMay26
attheWestin
ConventionCenterindowntownPittsburgh.
DepartmentofConservationandNaturalResources
SecretaryCindyAdamsDunnprovidedtheeveningskeynoteaddress.
SheapplaudedtheawardeesachievementsinDCNRskeyissueareasofclimate
change,waterresources,andgreeninfrastructure.
SecretaryDunnalsopraisedthegrowthofWesternPennsylvaniaasoneofthebestplaces
forcollegegraduatestolive,work,andplaybasedonfactorsofjobs,affordability,andlife
outsideofwork,atestamenttoeachoftheeveningsawardees.
Thatisthetrails,andtherivers,andthegreenspaces,andtheplacesthatthepeoplein
thisroomhelpedtobuild,shesaid.
Foundedin1914byasmallgroupofmenandwomenwhorecognizedtheimportanceof
gardeningandhorticultureinreclaimingPittsburghsindustrialurbanlandscape,GCAChas
remainedsteadfasttoitsmissionofrestoringandprotectingtheenvironmentthroughoutthe
region.
GCAChasbeeninvolvedatboththelocalandnationallevelswhereverthereisaneedto
stimulatetheknowledgeandloveofgardeningthrougheducation,conferences,publications,and
grants.
Workingwithawiderangeoflocalpartners,includingthe
WesternPennsylvania
Conservancy
,the
AudubonSociety
,TreePittsburgh,the
PittsburghParksConservancy
,the
AlleghenyLandTrust
,
NineMileRunWatershedAssociation
,
PhippsConservatory
,andmany
others,GCAChasraisedanddistributedmillionsofdollarsbackintothecommunityfor
programsandprojectsthatadvancethecauseofenvironmentalstewardshipandbeautificationin
andaroundthePittsburgharea.
Throughoutitshistory,GCAChasbeenadrivingforceincommunitygardeningto
providesustainablesourcesoffreshproduceininnercityneighborhoods.
GCACworkedinassociationwiththeGardenClubofAmericainleadingthewayto
addresssightpollutionwiththeBillboardsMustGohighwaybeautificationprojectinthe
1920s,halfacenturybeforethefirstEarthDayfocusedpublicattentiononthisproblem.
Morerecently,GCACcelebratedits100yearsofservicetotheregionwithaspecial
centennialprojectat
PointStatePark
.
WiththehelpoftheWesternPennsylvaniaConservancyandtheDepartmentof
ConservationandNaturalResources,GCACplantedawaystationthatwillemphasizeplants
nativetothesiteandthatalsoservesasahabitattobirdlife,butterflies,andotherfauna.
Thisprojectalsoincludesabioswaletodemonstratecurrentbestpracticesformanaging
stormwaterrunoff.
Withamembershipofonly170members,theworkoftheGCAChasattractedthe
involvementandsupportofsomeofPittsburghsgreatestbenefactorsandcontinuestobean
importantassetforensuringtheeffectiveutilizationofphilanthropicresourcesforenvironmental
conservationintheregion.
Theseresourcesfundawidevarietyofcommunitygardenprojects,conservationand
educationprograms,scholarships,andlocalrenovationandrestorationprojects.
GCACssignaturefundraisingevent,PIZZAZZ,attractsthousandsofvisitorsforthree
dayseachOctober.Throughthisevent,over$1millionhasbeendonatedforPittsburgharea
environmentalprogramsandprojects.
PA
website,visitthe
PECBlog
,follow
PEConTwitter
or
LikePECon
Facebook
.
ClickHere
RelatedStories:
AwardWinner:PittsburghGreenBuildingAlliance
AwardWinner:CrawfordCountyRiparianRestorationProgram
AwardWinner:ConnoquenessingWatershedAlliance,ButlerCounty
AwardWinner:PittsburghBotanicGarden,ImmersingPeopleInOutdoorWonders
AwardWinner:EdSchroth,DuquesneUniversity,EnvironmentalEducator,Biologist
NewsClips:
KeepPABeautifulUrgesAdoptionOfLocalRoads,Parks,OtherAreasToFightLitter
KeepPennsylvaniaBeautiful
inviteslocalresidents,organizations,civicgroups,andbusinesses
tojoin
programstoadoptlocalareas
,suchasmunicipalroads,communities,parks,
neighborhoodblocks,greenways,waterwaysandtrailstokeepthemlitterfree.
AccordingtoKeepAmericaBeautifuls2009
NationalVisibleLitterSurveyandLitter
CostStudy
,littercleanupcoststheU.S.morethananestimated$11.5billioneachyearwith
municipalitiesspendingmorethan$790millionandcountiesspending$185millioneachyear.
Manycommunitiesdependonvolunteerstocleanuplitter.KeepPennsylvaniaBeautiful
workshandinhandwithlocalmunicipalitiesandcountiestoprovideresidentswiththetoolsand
resourcestheyneedtokeepourcommunitiescleanandbeautiful,saidShannonReiter,
PresidentofKeepPABeautiful.OuradoptionProgramhelpsmitigatethecostsassociatedwith
cleaningupandencouragespartnershipsbetweenlocalresidentsandmunicipalities.Itsa
winwin.
Thereisnofeetoparticipateandgroupsmustagreetomakesafetyatoppriority,
scheduletwocleanupsperyearandreportresultstoKeepPennsylvaniaBeautifulaftereach
cleanup.KeepPennsylvaniaBeautifulwillseeksupportfromthelocalproperty
maintainer/ownerbeforeproceedingwithanadoption.
Weallwanttoliveinacleancommunity.Adoptinganareaisaprovenandeffective
waytoaddresspersistentdumpingandlitteringandhelpskeeptheseareastrashfree.Allittakes
isaconcernedpersonorgroupofvolunteersandacommitmenttobepartofthesolutionto
keepingPennsylvaniaclean,explainedReiter.
FormoreinformationvisitKPBs
AdoptionPrograms
webpageorcontactStephanie
Larsonbysendingemailto:
slarson@keeppabeautiful.org
or7248364121x104.
ForinformationaboutadoptingastatemaintainedroadvisitPennDOTs
Highway
BeautificationProgram
webpage.
Keep
PennsylvaniaBeautiful
website.
ClickHere
tosignupforregularupdatesfromKPB,
Likethem
onFacebook
,
FollowonTwitter
,
DiscoverthemonPinterest
andvisittheir
YouTubeChannel
.
Alsovisitthe
IllegalDumpFreePA
websiteformoreideasonhowtocleanup
communitiesandkeepthemcleanandKPBsnew
ElectronicsWaste
website.
Signupnowforthe
2016GreatAmericanCleanupofPA
andsetupyourowncleanup
andbeautificationeventthroughMay31.
NewsClip:
CheltenhamReportsAnotherIllegalDumpIntoTookanyCreek
VolunteersRemove91TonsOfTrashIn24CleanupsAcross3Counties
The
organizedvolunteersto
conduct24illegaldumpsitecleanupsinPotter,Susquehanna
andWaynecountiesresultingintheremovalofover91tons
oftrash.
With20organizationsandsevenmunicipalities
partneringwithPEConthesecleanups,11ofthe24illegal
dumpsiteswereimpactingwaterways,withtrashfoundin
and/orontheshoresofawaterway.
Atotalof177volunteerscleanedup23ofthesites,
whileonesitethatwasdeemedunsafeforvolunteerswas
cleanedupbyacontractorhiredbyPEC.Volunteersworkedover800hoursinvariouselements
fromsnow,rain,andwarmweathertogetthejobdone.
Withover91tonsoftrashwereremovedandtakentolandfills,andmorethan13tonsof
scrapmetaland1,098tireswererecycledasapartofthecleanupprojects.
Inkinddonationswerereceivedfromourpartners,KeepAmericaBeautifuland
Keep
PennsylvaniaBeautiful
,whilelocaldonationswerereceivedfromtheDepartmentof
Transportation,KeystoneLandfill,HerrsDistributor,PepsiBottlingCompany,andUtz
DistributionCenter.
PotterCounty
PECsongoingpartnershipwiththe
PotterCountyConservationDistrict
resultedinthe
cleanupoftensites.Asaresult,2.8tonsoftrash,60poundsofscrapmetal,and141tireswere
removedby41volunteersworkingatotalof146hours.
VolunteerscamefromtheLEEKHuntingandMountainPreserve,UpperAllegheny
WatershedAssociation,VFWPost6611,PotterCountyConservationDistrict,andPotterCounty
ProbationOfficeandWorkReleaseProgram.
ParticipatingmunicipalitiesincludedtheCoudersportBoroughandOswayoBorough.
SusquehannaCounty
EightsiteswerecleanedupinSusquehannaCountyas91volunteersfromBoyScout
Troop89,FriendsofStarruccaCreek,GirlScoutTroop50215,NEPARailTrailCouncil,
SouthwesternEnergyMarcellusVolunteerCouncil,theArmitageFoundationandtheRoaring
RunHuntingCampworked576hourstocleanupsevensites.
OnesitewasdeterminedtobeunsuitableforvolunteerssoPEChiredJSWright
Excavationthroughacompetitivebidprocesstocleanupthesite.
Intotal,nearly84tonsoftrashwasremovedfromtheseeightsitesandtakentoalandfill,
while11tonsofscrapmetaland810tireswererecycled.
HarmonyTownship,SouthGibsonTownship,andtheSusquehannaDepotBorough
partneredwithPEConthesecleanupsbyprovidingvarioustypesofsupportand/orservices.
WayneCounty
SixsiteswerecleanedupinWayneCountyandeachwerecleanedupthroughvolunteer
efforts.With45volunteerslogging160totalhours,nearlyfivetonsoftrashwasremovedand
1.7tonsofscrapmetaland147tireswererecycled.
ParticipatingorganizationsincludedtheFriendsofStarruccaCreek,BucksCoveRod&
GunClub,ShadyLanePorchPartyFriends,andtheBeachLakeFishingandHuntingClub.
PECspartnersinthecleanupincludedAldenvilleLog&Lumber,WayneCounty
ProbationOffice,WayneCountyWorkRelease,CanaanTownship,andClintonTownship.
PA
website,visitthe
PECBlog
,follow
PEConTwitter
or
LikePECon
Facebook
.
ClickHere
NewsClip:
RelatedStory:
RecordParticipationInChesterRidleyCrumWatershedCleanup
The
ChesterRidleyCrumWatershedsAssociations
19th
AnnualCRCStreamsCleanupinChesterandDelaware
countiesonApril30featuredarecordsettingcrowdof693
volunteers,themosteverintheeventshistory.
Thevolunteersmetatthirtysitesthroughoutthe
regionandcollectednearly15,000poundsoftrash.
Thisyearstotalbringsthecumulativeamountof
trashremovedduringthe19cleanupstonearly620,000
pounds.
Volunteersalwaysfindsomebizarreitemsandthis
yearwasnodifferent.Highlightsincludedascooter,hulahoop,lawnmower,sink,grocery
cart,bicycle,wheelbarrow,andseverallawnchairs.
EventorganizersranintoawonderfulanduniqueproblemthisyearinRidleyPark,
wheremorethan150participantspreregisteredtovolunteeratRidleyParkLake.Sensingthat
thiscrowdwouldoverwhelmthesite,organizerscreatedadditionalcleanupsitesnearbyand
wereabletoreassignlargegroupsofvolunteerstocoverotherareasinneed.
ChrisTownend,theeventchairandmemberoftheCRCboard,commented,Thisyears
cleanupwasagrandsuccess.Itisapleasuretoseetheworkofsomanypeoplecometogetherto
helpourstreamsandcommunities.Theeventcouldnthappenwithoutthegreatsupportof
sponsors,andthecommitmentof30volunteersitecoordinators,theCRCboard,andhundredsof
volunteersonthedayoftheevent.Thankyoutoallwhomadethisdaypossible.Ihopeeveryone
willjoinusnextspringforour20thAnnualCRCStreamsCleanup.
Formoreinformationonprograms,initiativesandotherupcomingevents,visitthe
ChesterRidleyCrumWatershedsAssociation
website.
NewsClip:
RelatedStory:
DEPJoinsFederal,LocalOfficialsInHazardousWasteEmergencyTraining
Sixteenindividualsfromvariouscounty,stateandfederal
agenciesrecentlycompleteda40hourHazardousWaste
OperationsandEmergencyResponse(HAZWOPER)
courseatDEP's
NorthcentralRegionalOffice
in
Williamsport.
Thisfivedaycourseisdesignedforpersonnelinvolved
withtheinvestigationandremediationofuncontrolled
hazardouswastesitesandresponsetoaccidentsand/or
releasesinvolvinghazardousmaterials.
Thecourseprovidesfundamentalinformationrequiredto
meetthe40hourtrainingrequirementsofOSHAsTitle
29regulations.
Courseworkincludedinstructionanddiscussionofpersonalprotectiveequipment(PPE),
analyticalinstrumentationandfielddetectionmethods,decontaminationofpersonneland
equipment,hazardrecognitionandcontainment/remediation,aswellaspracticalapplication
exercisesinvolvingLevelBPPE.
TrainingwasprovidedbyHazTrainofWaldorf,MDinconjunctionwiththefederal
EnvironmentalProtectionAgency.TherewasnocosttotheCommonwealthforthiscourse.
(Reprintedfromthe
May26DEPNews
.
ClickHere
May26DEPNewsNowAvailable
TheMay26DEPNewsisnowavailablefromthe
DepartmentofEnvironmentalProtectionfeaturingarticles
on
Gov.WolfAppointsPatrickMcDonnellActingSecretary
OfDEP
Gov.WolfAwards$25.1MillionInGrantsToProtect,
ImprovePAsWaterResources
June20Meeting,HearingOnChangesToAirpermitFor
LackawannaGasPowerPlant
DEPJoinsFederal,LocalOfficialsInHazardousWaste
EmergencyTraining
UniversityFacultyLearnToTeachAboutEnergy
EfficiencyAtDEPFundedCourse
BuoyToProvideWaterQualityInfoAboutPresqueIsleBay
DEPCelebratesLakeAppreciationMonth
PenncrestHighSchoolWins2016PAEnvirothon
DEPStaff,VolunteersHelpFalconsTakeTheirFirstFlights
ClickHere
tosignupforyourowncopy.
NominationsNowBeingAcceptedForSustainablePhiladelphiaAwardsThruJune2
SustainPHL
isnowacceptingnominationsforthefirst
SustainPHLAwards
torecognize
individuals,businesses,nonprofitandcivicgovernmentorganizationsforthesustainability
efforts.NominationsaredueJune2.
SustainPHLislookingfornomineeswhohavemadeanimpactontheenvironment,
socialimpactorciviccauses.
ClickHere
forallthedetails.
SustainableEnergyFundAnnouncesSpeakersForEnergypath2016July2829
SustainableEnergyFund
WednesdayannouncedtheadditionofEmergingTechTalksto
Energypath2016Conference
tobeheldJuly2829inStateCollege.
Thisseriesoflectures,tobeheldthemorningofJuly29,willfeatureprominentthought
leadersinthesustainableenergyandtechnologyindustries.EmergingTechTalkswillprovide
insightintorapidlychangingtechnologies,trendsandbusinessmodels.
Technologyisconstantlyevolving.Innovationandtheabilitytofindcreativesolutions
areparamounttoovercomingchallenges,saidJohnCostlow,presidentandCEOofSustainable
EnergyFund.Wereproudtohosttopexpertsandbusinessleadersintheenergyand
technologyspacestodiscusstheirexperiencesandtheaccomplishmentstheyhaveachievedin
theirfields.WehopethatEmergingTechTalkswillserveasapointofinspirationforthose
dedicatedtobuildingasustainableenergyfuture.
Featuredthoughtleadersinclude:
BrentAlderfer,CEOandcofounderofCommunityEnergy
PaulEisenhuth,PresidentandCEOofCEWATechnologies
KenOkrepkie,RegionalManagerPoconoNortheast,BenFranklinTechnologyPartners
JimNigg,founderConstructisLLC
GregDonworthandAsherBreverman,FoundersofWindigoTurbineand
DavashreeGhosh,SustainabilityStrategist,GreenerByDesignLLC.
Energypath2016willfeaturepaneldiscussions,presentations,asciencefairformiddle
andhighschoolstudents,andpreconferenceEnergyCamps,whichwillcoveravarietyof
sustainableenergytechnologiesandpractices.
Theconferencealsofeatures
EnergySprout
,acompetitionforinnovativeproductsand
businessmodels.Thecompetitionwillawardatopgrantof$100,000toabusinessorindividual.
Energypath2016Conference
website.
NewsClips:
WindTurbinesProposedInPennForestTwp
SEPTAApprovalsDealForHybridBuses
OpEd:ReplaceFossilFuels?AllOfTheAboveStrategyIsBest
OpEd:ReplaceFossilFuels?ItsAlreadyHappening
LocalCoOpGetsGreenerByDeliveringByBicycle
SolarImpulseLandsAtAllentownAirport
SeeTheSolarImpulseCloseUpAtAllentownAirportSaturday
SolarImpulseFlightToAllentownAirportStillOn
SolarPoweredPlanesLatestLeg:OhioToPA
HellertownWomanAdmitsGuiltIn$54MGreenEnergyPonziScam
PennTAPPollutionPrevention,EnergyEfficiencyWebinarJune16

The
PATechnicalAssistanceProgram
willhosta
PollutionPreventionEnergyEfficiency
webinaronJune16startingatnoon.
PennTAPwilldiscussopportunitiestosavemoneythroughpollutionprevention/energy
efficiency(P2/E2)assessmentsandhowexaminingyouraircompressors,pumps,motors,
boilers,heating/ventilation/AC(HVAC),water,andwastestreamscanleadtocostsavings.
Ifyouareinterestedinalternativeenergysuchassolar,biomass,andcombinedheatand
power(CHP),thesetopicswillbeincludedaswell.
PennTAPwillalsooutlinethebenefitsofreducingenergyandwastecostswhile
increasingprofitability.
ClickHere
formoreinformationandtoregister.
OtherupcomingenergyandenvironmentfromPennTAPinclude:
August18:
SolidWasteRemanufacturingExclusion
October20:
SaveMoneythroughEnergyManagementSystems
December15:
E3Overview:EconomyEnergyEnvironmentProcess
February16:
PollutionPreventionandLeanManufacturingwithaFocusonFood
Manufacturing
Formoreinformationonotherupcomingevents,servicesandinitiatives,visitthe
PA
TechnicalAssistanceProgram
website.
ClickHere
tosignupforregularupdatesfrom
PennTAP.
UniversityFacultyLearnToTeachAboutEnergyEfficiencyAtDEPFundedCourse
Nineuniversityfacultyattendedafreethreedayworkshop
thisweekatTheNavyYardinPhiladelphiatolearnhowto
instructacoursetitled"
LeadershipinBuildingEnergy
Efficiency
."
Theworkshopisforparticipantstoreturntotheir
respectivehighereducationinstitutionsandteachmodules
fromtheclassorthewholecourse,whichfocusesonthe
identificationoflowandnocostenergysaving
opportunitiesincommercialbuildingsviaaprocesscalled
retuning.
Retuningisasystematicprocessthatidentifiesoperationalproblemsbyleveragingdata
collectedfromabuildingwalkdownandcorrectingthoseproblemsatnoorlowcost.
Thecourseintroducesthetopicsofenergymanagementthroughnocostandlowcost
operationalmeasuresinthefollowingmajorfocusareas:lighting,buildingenvelope,hot
water/steamsystems,HVAC,compressedair,indoorenvironmentalqualityandplugloads.
DevelopmentofthecoursebyPennState'sArchitecturalEngineeringfacultywasfunded
throughDEP'sU.S.DepartmentofEnergyStateEnergyProgramfunds.Theworkshopitself
wasalsopaidforvia
CommunityEnvironmentalProject
penaltyfunds.
EnergyEfficiencyandPollutionPrevention
webpage.
(Reprintedfromthe
May26DEPNews
.
ClickHere
WinnersOf2016BenFranklinShaleGasInnovationContestAnnounced
BenFranklin
ShaleGasInnovation&CommercializationCenter
Tuesdayannouncedthe4
winnersofthe
5thAnnualShaleGasInnovationContest
whoeachwalkedawaywithawinners
checkfor$20,000
ArideaSolutions:
Developinganondemandpneumatic,actuatedvalvesystemoperated
throughaproprietarysoftwareinterfaceviatheinternet(IoT),allowingremotecontrolathardto
accessmidstreamsites.
CompassNaturalGas:
Buildingcompressionstationstoaccesssignificantvolumesof
naturalgastoproduceCNGfordeliveryviatruck/trailertosmallthroughlargeindustrial
customersintheregionthatcurrentlydonthaveaccesstopipelinenaturalgas.
EpiphanyWaterSolutions:
Providingawellpadbased,hybridpowered(solar,NG,or
hardwired)waterremediationsolutionthatusesaproprietarycrystallizingchamberenablingall
thecontaminantsinthewatertodropout.Thisleavesonlypuresteamthatcanbefurther
evaporatedforzerodischarge.
HalenHardy,LLC:
ProvidingtheSPILLTRATIONproductline,madefrom
postconsumerandpostindustrialmaterials,engineeredtoabsorbandcontainoilbasedleaks
andspillswhileallowingcleanwatertobefilterthrough.Theproductscanbereusedaftertheoil
isremovedforrecycling.
Thisyearsfinalistsonceagainshowedthediversityofideasbroughttothetableby
entrepreneursandsmallcompaniesintheregiontohelpadvancetheshaleenergyplay,saidBill
Hall,DirectoroftheBenFranklinShaleGasInnovation&CommercializationCenter.
Innovationsaremorethanevercriticallyimportanttotheindustryaswemanagethroughthis
downturn.Continuousinnovationisneededineverysectoroftheindustryandallalongthevalue
chain.ThisisexactlythespacethattheBenFranklinSGICCworksineveryday.
Thisyearthecontestalsoincludedapostersessionshowcasingcuttingedgeresearchand
technologiesunderdevelopmentbyfourregionaluniversities.Threeposterswerechosenas
winnersof$500prizes:
PolicyOptionsfortheDetectionandAbatementofMethaneEmissionsfromtheU.S.
NaturalGasSystem
ErinMayfield,CarnegieMellonUniversity
IntegratingMembraneDistillationwithWasteHeatSourcesforAffordableProduced
WaterTreatmentinPennsylvania
OmkarLokare,UniversityofPittsburghand
HighEfficiency,LowCostHybridSystemforProducedWaterDistillationand
Evaporation
DaveSnyder,PennStateUniversity.
ClickHere
formoreinformationonthewinnersandfinalists.
This5thAnnualShaleGasInnovationContestsGOLDsponsorwasBenFranklin
TechnologyPartners.
Industrysponsorsincluded:ChevronTechnologyVentures,EQTCorporation,First
NationalBank,GETransportation,LPREnergy&LPRLandServices,MarcellusShale
Coalition,PPGIndustries,Praxair,Steptoe&JohnsonPLLC,andWilliams.
NonProfitsponsorsincluded:CarnegieMellonUniversitysScottInstituteforEnergy
Innovation,PennStateUniversitysInstituteforNaturalGasResearch,theUniversityof
PittsburghsCenterforEnergy,andWestVirginiaUniversitysEnergyInstitute.
TheMediasponsorforthisyearseventwastheMarcellusBusinessCentral.
Formoreinformationonprograms,initiativesandotherupcomingevents,visittheBen
Franklin
ShaleGasInnovation&CommercializationCenter
website.
IFOReport:NaturalGasProductionUp12.8%,15.4%GrowthInNumberOfGasWells
The
latestnaturalgasproductionreport
fromtheIndependentFiscalOfficeshowsnaturalgas
productioninPennsylvaniaisup12.8percentsofarin2016over2015productionlevels.The
numberofproducingwellshasalsoincreased15.4percent.
TheIFOsaidproductiongainsweredrivenbywellsdrilledin2014,1,006ofwhich
startedproducinginthefirstquarterof2016.
Intotal,thereare8,700unconventionalgaswellsinPennsylvaniaofwhich6,584are
producingnaturalgas,accordingtothereport.
ClickHere
foracopyofthereport.
PJMCapacityAuction:NearlyHalfOfMWWereFromNewNaturalGasPowerPlants
Resultsof
PJMInterconnection's
secondauctionwithstringentpayforperformancestandards
attractedasignificantamountofnewresourcesatcompetitivepricestothePJMfootprint.
Inaddition,theauctionforpowersupplyresourcesattractedcontinuedstrong
participationfromrenewableresourcesanddemandresponse.
Nearlyhalfofthe10,348MWofdemandresourcesclearedintheauctionwerefromnew
naturalgasfiredgeneration5,074MW.Therewere335MWofsolargenerationcapacitythat
clearedalongwith969MWofwindgenerationcapacity.
PJMprocured167,306megawattsintherecentauctiontoensureelectricitycapacityfor
theJune1,2019May31,2020,deliveryyear.Theclearingpricewas$100/megawattdayforthe
majorityoftheregion.
"Priceswerelowerthansomeanalystshadexpectedandlowerthanthelastyear'sauction
resultssimplybecauseofmarketfundamentalsofchangesinsupplyanddemand,"saidStu
Bresler,seniorvicepresidentMarkets."Theloadforecastislower,andtherewasalarge
amountofnewgasfiredcombinedcyclegenerationclearingforthefirsttimeintheauction."
PJMprocuresresourcesthreeyearsinadvancetoensurereliableelectricitysupplywill
beavailableduringextremeweatherorothersystememergenciestomeetconsumers'demandfor
electricity.
Underthenew"noexcuses"CapacityPerformancestandards,resourcescommitto
performwhenneededorfacesteepnonperformancepayments.Tomeetthatrequirement,
generators,forexample,ensurefirmfuelsuppliesoraremakingimprovementstotheir
equipment.
"Theresultsdemonstrateinvestors'continuedhighdegreeofconfidenceinthe
competitivenessofnaturalgasfiredgenerationandnaturalgaspricesgoingforwardandthat
theyarewillingtobeartheriskofthatinvestment,"Breslersaid."Themarketenablesconsumers
tobenefitfromassuredreliabilityatthemostcompetitive,economiccost."
Atotalof10,348MWofdemandresourcesclearedinthe2019/2020auctionwith613.7
MWclearingascapacityperformance.
Theauctionattracted5,074MWofnewgasfiredgeneration.
Inaddition,1,515MWofEnergyEfficiencyclearedintheauctionwith1,058MW
clearingascapacityperformance.Therewere335MWofsolargenerationcapacitythatcleared
alongwith969MWofwindgenerationcapacity.
Inthreeconstrainedareas,theEasternMAAC,BaltimoreGas&ElectricandComEd
locationaldeliveryareas,thepriceforcapacityishigher.
ForEasternMAACtheCapacityPerformancepriceis$119.77/MWdayinBGEthe
capacityperformancepriceis$100.30/MWdayand,inComEdthepriceis$202.77/MWday.
(ComEdisinnorthernIllinois.EasternMAACconsistsofPublicServiceElectricandGas
Company,JerseyCentralPowerandLightCompany,PECO,AtlanticCityElectric,Delmarva
PowerandRocklandElectricCompany.).
Thecapacityprocuredisa22.4percentreservemargin.Thisyear,atleast80percentof
capacityprocuredhadtomeettheCapacityPerformancecriteria.Theremainingcapacitywas
purchasedasbasecapacitywhichhasthesameperformancerequirementsasCapacity
Performance,butonlyduringthesummermonths.
Areportoftheresultsis
availableonpjm.com
.
NewsClips:
PowerPlantOperatorsSeeRatesPlunge
PowerAuctionSetsLowerPrices,,LowerProfitsForNuclearPlants
AlleghenyFront:HowDidCoalFallSoFar,SoFast?
Centralia,TheGhostTown,ThenAndNow
UtilitiesQuietlyTurnToHerbicidesToManageBrush
NewsGroupsWinFightOverPPLPowerOutageRecords
Editorial:CourtFindsThePublicInPUCPPLCase
Union:TalenEnergyPlanningJobCutsAt3PowerPlants
Trump:MoreDrilling,MoreCoal,LessRegulation
RelatedStory:
Exelon:ZeroCarbonThreeMileIslandDidNotClearPJMCapacityAuction
Exelon:ZeroCarbonThreeMileIslandDidNotClearPJMCapacityAuction
ExelonCorporation
WednesdayannounceditsQuadCitiesandThreeMileIslandnuclearplants
didnotclearinthe
PJMcapacityauction
forthe20192020planningyearandwillnotreceive
capacityrevenueforthatperiod.
ThisisthesecondconsecutiveyearthatThreeMileIslandUnit1failedtoclearthePJM
capacityauction.AlthoughtheplantiscommittedtooperatethroughMay2018,theplantfaces
continuedeconomicchallengesandExelonisexploringalloptionstoreturnittoprofitability.
WhileaportionoftheByronnuclearplantscapacitydidnotclearintheauction,the
plantiscommittedtooperatethroughMay2020.
ThecompanysothernuclearplantsinPJMclearedintheauction,exceptOysterCreek,
whichisscheduledtoretirein2019anddidnotparticipateintheauction.Theauctionresults
takeeffectJune2019.
Thecapacitymarketalonecantpreservezerocarbonemittingnuclearplantsthatare
facingthelowestwholesaleenergypricesin15years,saidChrisCrane,presidentandCEOof
Exelon.Withoutpassageofcomprehensiveenergylegislationthatrecognizesnuclearenergy
foritseconomic,reliabilityandenvironmentalbenefitstoIllinois,wewillbeforcedtoclose
QuadCitiesandClinton,resultinginthelossofjobsandeconomicactivity,higherenergyprices
forconsumers,andadramaticincreaseincarbonemissionsthatwillmakeitharderandmore
expensiveforIllinoistomeetitscleanenergygoals.
Earlierthismonth,ExelonannouncedthatitwouldretireitsQuadCitiesandClinton
nuclearfacilitiesifadequatelegislationisnotpassedduringthespringIllinoislegislativesession
scheduledtoendMay31.
QuadCitiesandClintonhavelostacombined$800millioninthepastsevenyears,
despitebeingtwoofExelonshighestperformingplants.
ClintonoperatesintheMISOmarket.DespiteclearinginMISOsrecentoneyear
forwardcapacityauction,Clintonwillnotreceiveenoughrevenuetoavoidcontinuedlosses.
TheNextGenerationEnergyPlanlegislationwouldpreservethetwoatriskIllinois
nuclearplantsandtheirzeroemissionsbenefits,aswellasstrengthentheeconomyandpromote
developmentofcleanenergyinthestate.
TheNGEPincludesimplementationofazeroemissionstandardthatwouldspecifically
targetatrisknuclearplants,makingIllinoisoneofthefirststatestorecognizethezerocarbon
benefitsofnuclearenergy.
Thelegislationwhichhasstrongbipartisan,communityandlaborsupportwould
nearlydoubleenergyefficiencyprogramsandjumpstartsolardevelopmentwithrebatesand
$140millionperyearinnewfunding.
Thelegislationwouldpreservemorethan$1.2billionineconomicactivityand4,200
directandindirectjobsassociatedwithQuadCitiesandClinton.Withoutit,consumerswillpay
moreforelectricity.
Astudycommissionedbythestatefoundthatshutteringthetwoplantswouldcause
wholesaleenergypricestoriseby$439millionto$645millionannuallyforhomesand
businessesintheregion.
PreservingIllinoisnuclearfacilitiesalsoisessentialtomaintainingthestatesroleasa
cleanenergyleader.
TheearlyretirementofQuadCitiesandClintonwouldincreasecarbonemissionsby
morethan20millionmetrictonstheequivalentofputtingmorethan4millioncarsontheroad.
Thesocietalcostsoftheincreasedemissionswouldreachnearly$10billionbetween
2020and2029,thestatereportconcluded.
CapacityauctionsareheldannuallybygridoperatorPJMtoensureenoughpower
generationresourcesareavailabletomeetdemandinitsregioncoveringallorpartof13states
andtheDistrictofColumbia.
Thisisthefourthcapacityauctionheldundercapacityperformancereformsorderedby
theFederalEnergyRegulatoryCommissiontoincreasepowerplantreliabilityandstrengthenthe
regionsenergysupply.
Thereformswereanimportantstepinrecognizingnuclearenergyforitsyearround
reliabilityinallweatherextremes,butQuadCitiesandotheratrisknuclearfacilitiescontinueto
faceeconomicchallengesduetolowenergypricesandotherfactors.
ExelonCorporationSustainability
webpage.
NewsClips:
RelatedStory:
PJMCapacityAuction:NearlyHalfOfMWWereFromNewNaturalGasPowerPlants
CleanPowerCoalitionDisappointedByHouseVoteOnBillToSlowRegulatoryProcess
The
CleanPowerPACoalition
,representingPennsylvania'senvironmental,cleanenergy
businessandconservationcommunity,todaycriticizedtheHouseStateGovernmentCommittee
forpassing
SenateBill562
(GordnerRColumbia)
,abillthatwouldgivelegislatorsexcessive
powertointerveneinPennsylvania'sregulatoryprocess.
TheCoalition,including:PennEnvironment,PennFuture,NaturalResourcesDefense
CouncilandSierraClub,issuedthefollowingstatementregardingSenateBill562:
"SenateBill562isanegregiouspowergrabbythePennsylvaniaGeneralAssemblyto
overrulethedivisionofourthreeindependentbranchesofgovernment,aseparationofpowers
whichiscrucialtoaneffectiveandfairdemocracy.Pennsylvania'slegislaturealreadyhasthe
abilitytocomment,intervene,andengageintheCommonwealth'sregulatoryprocess,whichhas
workedeffectivelyforyears.
"SenateBill562allowslegislatorstoblockcriticalenvironmentalstandardsthathave
broadpublicsupport,suchasthedevelopmentofastateplantotackleclimatechangeor
implementingmuchneededprotectionsforourfamiliesandchildrenfromfracking.Ifapproved,
SenateBill562wouldallowanypowerfulpolluterorspecialinteresttowieldtheirimmense
influenceinpoliticstoconvincealegislatortoputthebrakesonapolicythattheydon'tlike.
Puttingthismuchpowerintothehandsofafewafterthepublichashadtheirvoiceheardand
theregulatoryprocesshasbeenproperlyfollowedisundemocratic.
"SenateBill562wouldalsomakeitmoredifficultforcitizenstolearnaboutand
commentonnewregulationsbynolongerrequiringthepublicationof'StatementsofPurpose.'
Thesestatementsexplaininlayperson'stermswhataproposedregulationwilldo,andgivethe
publicthenecessaryinformationandtoolstoparticipateintheprocessaroundnewlyproposed
regulations.
"WeurgethefullHousetorejectSenateBill562becausethelegislationundermines
broadsupportforcriticalenvironmentalprotectionsandwouldallowimportantinformationtobe
hiddenfromthepublic."
TheCleanPowerPACoalitionisagroupofcleanenergy,business,faith,and
communityleaderscommittedtoprotectingPennsylvania'senvironmentandpoweringits
economythroughcleanenergy.
ThecoalitionincludestheNaturalResourcesDefenseCouncil(NRDC),PennFuture,
CleanAirCouncil,MomsCleanAirForce,PennEnvironment,NextGenClimateAmerica,
ConservationVotersofPA,CleanWaterAction,VocesVerdes,theSierraClub,theUnionof
ConcernedScientists,AudubonPennsylvania,PhysiciansforSocialResponsibilityPhiladelphia
andClimateParents.
CleanPowerPACoalition
website.
NewsClips:
DEPStaff,Interns,VolunteersHelpHarrisburgFalconsTakeTheirFirstFlights
Allthreeoftheyoungperegrinefalconsthathatched
lastmonthinanestonthe15thflooroftheRachel
CarsonStateOfficeBuildinginHarrisburgtook
theirfirstflightsthisweek.
DEPstaff,summerinternsandagroupofdedicated
volunteerswatchoutforthebirdsastheylearnto
fly.
Thebirdssometimeslandonrooftopsandledgesof
othernearbybuildingsandneedtoberescuedif
theyencountertrouble.Whenthey'rerescued,DEP
staffdoaquickchecktolookforanysignsofinjury
ordisease,thenreturnthemtotheroofofthe
buildingwheretheyresumeflying.
Tolearnmoreabouttherescueeffortsandthefalcons'firstflights,watchanewvideoon
DEP'sYouTubeChannel
.
ClickHere
towatchlivevideooftheHarrisburgfalconnest.
NewsClips:
CatchTheValue!KayakPackage&MoreGiveaway
LatestGenerationOfPhillyCityHallPeregrineFalcons
BirdBandingEventSetAtLacawacSanctuary
TheNatureConservancyHelpsRestoreSturgeonToDelawareRiver
PAHuntersSeekSundayPreyTime
MayIsLymeDiseaseAwarenessMonth
(Reprintedfromthe
May26DEPNews
.
ClickHere
TomRidgeEnvironmentalCenterMarks10thAnniversaryInErie
Itbeganwitharibboncuttingonasoggydayin2006,butthe
TomRidgeEnvironmentalCenter
at
PresqueIsleStatePark
in
ErieopeneditsdoorstothepubliconMay26thatyearwithsunny
aspirationstobethepeninsulasprimeplacefornaturelearningandinterpretation.
Listeningtotheimpressionsfromstaffandvisitorsin2016,ithasntdisappointed.
Sinceitwasopened,theTREChasgrownintoahubofenvironmentaleducationand
research,AssistantParkManagerHollyBestsaid.Thepartnerswithinthebuildingnotonly
leasespace,butjointogethertocreateworkgroupsandasynergytoaddresschallenging
environmentalissues.
The65,000squarefootcenterwasbuiltasapremiergreenbuildingwithin
Pennsylvaniasstateparksystem.ItwasdesignedtoachieveasilverLEED(Leadershipin
EnergyandEnvironmentalDesign)ratingfromtheU.S.GreenBuildingCouncil.
LEEDLeadershipinEnergy&EnvironmentalDesignisagreenbuildingcertification
programthatrecognizesbestinclassbuildingstrategiesandpractices.ToreceiveLEED
certification,buildingprojectssatisfyprerequisitesandearnpointstoachievedifferentlevelsof
certification.
Asthegovernmentagencywithaconservationmission,DCNRisleadingbyexample,
DCNRSecretaryCindyAdamsDunnsaid.Aspartofastrategicinitiativeongreen
infrastructureandsustainability,weareaimingtoincreaseby50percentthenumberof
highperformingbuildingslikeTRECinoursystem,shareourexpertise,andalignourgrant
programstohelpsupportprojectsthatfurthersustainablepractices.
Currently,DCNRhas13LEEDcertifiedbuildings,4morearecurrentlygoingthrough
thecertificationprocesswhile4areintheplanningstage.
Astorymapisavailable
tohighlightsomeofthesetypesofbuildingswithinDCNR.
IncorporatedintotheCentersdesignandfunctionareenvironmentalfeaturessuchas:
NaturalventilationAninverted
rooftocollectrainwater
Materialsmadefromrecycled
contentNativelandscaping
RenewableenergyusageA
porousasphaltparkingareaand
Panelsthroughoutthecenter
explainthegreenfeatures.
TRECoffersvisitors
informationalongaselfguided
tourwhichpointsoutthevarious
featuresofthe
environmentallyfriendlybuilding,suchas:
Usinglocalproductsandrenewablebuildingmaterials
Collectingandreusingrainwaterandsurfacerunoff
Utilizinganoteworthysunshadesysteminthesummerand
Providingaccommodationsforemployeeswhowanttobeasgreenaspossible(likeabike
rackandashowerforthosewhochoosetobikeintowork).
TheCenterwasnamedinDecember2002asatributetoformerGov.TomRidge,who
grewupinErie,workedattheparkasayoungmanandprovidedfundingforthecenterand
numerousPresqueIsleprojectsduringhisadministration.
Thecenterincludesaprominent,75foottower,andissituatedrightattheentrancetothe
statepark,providingvisitorswithaneasywaytolearnmoreaboutsustainabilityandhowgreen
structuressaveenergyandreduceresources.
Morethan1.1millionvisitorshavevisitedTRECsinceitopened.Andthosevisitorshave
takenawayastoryDCNRismorethanhappytoshare.
Besidesbeingapublicfacility,thestaffoftheTRECreachesbeyondthewallsofthe
buildingtoexpandthemessageofenvironmentaleducationthroughoutthecommunity,Best
said.
Thecenterisalsopopularforitsuniquedisplaysandfeatures,including:
Whirligigtowers,whichhighlightnature,historyandrecreationspotsfromaroundPresque
Isle
Origamimobiles,whichfeaturespeciallycraftedbirdsblendingart,scienceandnature
Floatingfloors,whichactuallysittwofeetoffthefloortoprovideeasyaccesstoutilities,
reducingtheamountofwastewhenrepairsneedtotakeplaceandimprovingaircirculation
Renewableflooring,likecorkandmarmoleum(plantbased),ratherthanpetroleumbased
flooring
Tocelebrateits10thbirthday,TheTomRidgeCenteratPresqueIsleStateParkwillhost
anopenhouseonJune4from10:00a.m.to6:00p.m.
Thedaywillincludeanativeplantsale,toursoftheaqualab,greenbuildingandnatural
historymuseumnottypicallyopentothepublic,GoGreenstorytimeandacraftforkids,and
acoyoteandfoxtalk.
Formoreinformationonthecenterortheopenhouse,visitthe
TomRidge
EnvironmentalCenter
websiteforupdatesorcall8148337424.
NewsClips:
PennDOTBikeMayUseful,ButMoreDetailsNeeded
PittsburghRiverlifeStakeholdersForgePlanForRiverfrontPark
StandingStoneTrailNamedPAsTrailOfTheYear
VolunteersMakeTheSchuylkillRiverTrailSafer
HikersChaseSpringOnAppalachianTrailInPA
PresqueIslePreparesForStartOfSummerSeason
LackawannaStateParkDedicatesNewPoolComplex
PAParks&ForestsFoundation:TakeFiveFridaysWithPam
PittsburghToExpandParkRangerProgram
(Reprintedfromthe
May25editionofDCNRsResource
newsletter.
ClickHere
tosignupfor
yourowncopy(bottomofthepage.)
PhippsConservancyBioBlitzFestivalJune5InPittsburgh
OnJune5the
PhippsConservancyand
BotanicalGardens
atOneSchenleyParkin
Pittsburghwillhostitsfirstever
BioBlitz
Festival
tobringtogethervolunteerscientists,,
families,students,teachersandcommunity
memberstoconductabiologicalsurveyofallof
thelivingspeciesinagivenarea.
Thisimportantnewformofcitizenscienceaidsthedocumentationofregional
biodiversityandallowsscientiststolearnmoreabouttheenvironmentandhowwecansupport
itsconservation.
Byparticipating,you'llwitnessfirsthandtheamazingbiodiversityrighthereinourlocal
parks,participateinrealtimescience,createuniqueart,browselocalvendors'productsand
goods,engagewithinteractiveexhibits,enjoylivemusicandmuchmore!
Thiseventisfreetothepublicandnoadvanceregistrationisrequired.
Formoreinformation,visitthePhippsConservancy
BioBlitzFestival
webpageorcontact
LorrenKezmoh,ScienceEducationandResearchOutreachCoordinator,bysendingemailto:
lkezmoh@phipps.conservatory.org
.
LacawacSanctuaryJunePrograms:Bats,AmazingGeoRace,NatureFest,More
The
LacawacSanctuaryandBiologicalFieldStation
inWayneCountyFridaypublisheditslist
ofupcomingJuneprogramsandevents.
ProgramsincludeBanding,BagelsandBirds,BatsInTheNight,NatureFestJune11,
LivingWithWhiteTailDeer:TheTruthAboutLymeDisease,UnearthYourInnerArtist,
WellnessInNatureandtheAmazingGeoRaceJune25.
ClickHere
toreadacopy.
HolidayWeekendGreatOpportunityToHikePennsylvaniaTrails,Walkways
DepartmentofConservationandNatural
ResourcesSecretaryCindyAdamsDunn
WednesdayannouncedDCNRispartneringwith
the
KeystoneTrailAssociation
toofferguided
hikesacrossthestateduringtheweekstarting
May28.
Acalendarofhikescanbefoundat
ExplorePAtrails.com
.
DunnurgedPennsylvanianstoembrace
healthylifestyleswhileenjoyingtheoutdoors
duringtheannualHikingWeek,whichstepsoff
May28throughJune5,andincludesNationalTrailsDayonJune4.
Thewelcomematisouttonovicesandtrailhardenedveteransalike,invitingthemto
hikeinourstateparks,forestsandmunicipalgreenwaysinthisannualsalutetohealthyexercise
andtheourspecialoutdoorsplaces,Dunnsaid.Hikingiseasyandinexpensive,allyouneedis
apairofcomfortableshoesandsomewater.Theholidayweekendprovidesagreatopportunity
togetahikein.
Dunnnotedguidedhikesofferagreatopportunityfornonhikerstolearntheskills
necessaryforasafedayoutdoors.
"Pennsylvaniastrailsoffersomethingforeveryoneflatandeasyfootpathstoleisurely
stroll,strenuousandchallengingclimbstotestyourlimits,andeverythinginbetween.Alongthe
waytheviewsvaryfrompastoraltobreathtaking,thankstothediversityofflora,fauna,and
geographyintheKeystoneState,"saidKeystoneTrailsAssociationExecutiveDirectorJoseph
Neville."Thetrailsthroughourparksandforestsareprimarilyfreefromthesightsandsoundsof
themechanizedworld.Wecanenjoyourstate'splentifulresourceswhileweunplug,stretchour
legs,andconnectwithnature.JoinusoutonthetrailsduringPennsylvaniaHikingWeek."
SpecialeventsplannedbyDCNRandtheKTAwilltakeplaceinparks,forests,citiesand
townsacrossthestate.Allofthescheduledhikeshaveleadersandincludeavarietyoflengths
andterrain.
Specialhikesincludewildflowerwalkshikestoshowappreciationforveteransandpet
andgeologywalks.
SecretaryDunnwillparticipateinaneventthatincludesahikeattheStandingStone
TrailinHuntingdonCountybeginningat9:30a.m.atGreenwoodFurnaceStateParkon
Tuesday,May31.
StandingStoneTrail
isthe2016TrailoftheYear.Dunnalsowillspeakat
anofficial
NationalTrailsDayevent
onJune4attheColumbiaRiverfrontParktrailheadofthethe14mile
long
NorthWestLancasterCountyRiverTrail
inColumbia,LancasterCounty.
Thiseventwillcelebratethecompletionofa2milesectionoftrailbetweenColumbia
andChickiesRockCountyPark.
Pennsylvaniasstatewideoutdoorrecreationplanidentifieswalkingforpleasureor
fitnessasthemostpopularoutdoorrecreationactivityinPennsylvania.
Agoalofthatplan,whichwasjustnamedbestinthenationforthesecondtime,isto
provideatrailwithin15minutesofeveryPennsylvanian.
Organizedin1956,KTAisa1,306memberumbrellaorganizationmadeupof44hiking
andoutdoorsorganizationsinandaroundPennsylvania.
Fordetailsonhikingclubsacrossthestate,visitthe
KeystoneTrailAssociation
website.
NewsClips:
RelatedStory:
NewSeason,NewExperiencesAwaitVisitorsToManyPAStateParks
NewSeason,NewExperiencesAwaitVisitorsToManyPAStateParks
WhentheMemorialDayholidayweekendushersinthe
traditionalstartofthecampingseason,stateparkvisitors
willfindmoreareasopentopets,moresmokingcontrols
onswimmingbeaches,andarevampedreservation
systemthatmakesiteasiertosampletheseandother
majorchangesatmanyof
Pennsylvanias121stateparks
.
TheDepartmentofConservationandNaturalResourceshasannouncedcamperswillbe
abletobringtheirpetstoselectedcampgroundsthiscomingweekendinfivenewstateparks.
Meanwhile,the2016campingandswimmingseasonushersinSmokeFreeBeaches
at12newstateparksacrossPennsylvania.
"Weknowthathavingapetalongisanimportantpartofavacationformanypeople,and
overtheyears,sinceapilotprogramwasbegun,wehaveheardrepeatedcallstoallowpetsin
morestateparkcampgrounds,DCNRSecretaryCindyAdamsDunnsaidThursday.
NewstateparkpetcampingsiteshavebeenprovidedthisseasonatHynerRun,Clinton
CountySinnemahoning,CameronCountyandPymatuning,Crawford.Cabinswillbeprovided
atBaldEagleStatePark,CentreCounty,andNockamixonStatePark,BucksCounty.
"We'rerespondingtothewishesofourcustomersvisitorstoourstateparks,Dunn
said,withanexpandingprojectthatcontinuestojudgeitseffectiveness,andgaugehowpark
campers,bothwithandwithoutpets,likethischange."
Surveys,feedbacktoparkmanagerialstaff,andreservationinformationallplayedakey
roleinthedepartmentsdecisiontocontinueexpandingapetspolicythatbeganin2001with
nineparks.Additionoffivethisseasonbringsthetotalofparticipatingstateparksto55.
ItwasthissameongoingbidtogaugethepulseofthepublicthatledourBureauofState
ParkstoalsoexpanditsSmokeFreebeachlocations,Dunnnoted.Fromtheoutsetofthis
programinMay2013beachrestrictionsconsistentlyhavebeenhailedbyvisitorsfor
significantlyimprovingairqualityandreducingcigarettebuttlitter.
Successofourinitialgoals,aswellasfeedbackfromparkvisitorsacrossthestate,
encouragedustoexpandtheSmokeFreeBeachareasthisseason.
Withtheadditionofsmokingrestrictionsat12newstateparks,atotalof21parksnow
haveSmokeFreeBeaches.
LatestadditionswereHillsCreek,TiogaCountyLymanRun,PotterCountyR.B.
Winter,UnionPresqueIsle,EriePymatuning,Crawford,LaurelHill,SomersetCounty
WhippleDam,HuntingdonCountyGiffordPinchot,YorkCountyCowansGap,FultonCounty
Gouldsboro,MonroeCountyRickettsGlen,LuzerneCountyandWorldsEnd,Sullivan.
Withthesechanges,improvedRVaccessibility,newfacilitiesandothermajor
improvementsatmanystateparks,thesummerof2016shouldbeanexcitingoneforourstate
parkvisitors,Dunnsaid.Andtokeepthosefolksbetterinformed,weveenhancedour
reservationsystemtobetterhelpthemselecttheperfectfacilityfortheirovernightvisit.
Visitorsnowcansearchforfullhookupsitesorpetfriendlysites,fromthecomfortof
homeorwiththeirmobiledevice.Bettercampsitedescriptions,enhancedmapsandphotosof
eachsitegivevisitorsamoreaccurateviewofthesitepriortoarrival,ensuringtheyhavea
qualitystateparkexperience.
TheDCNRsecretarynotedpetownersatselectedstateparksitesmustcomplywith
manyprogramregulations.Theygovernleashingbarkingandothernoisemaximumnumberof
petsallowed(two,whenthesizeofacatorlarger)aggressivebehaviorpropercleanupand
disposaloffecesvalidlicensingwhenrequiredandneededvaccinations.
Violationscouldrequirecamperstoremovetheiranimalsfromparkgrounds.Park
officialsareempoweredtodeterminewhetheranimalsmeetthedefinitionsof"pet,"whichare
commonlykeptinhouseholdcaptivity,and"cagedpets,"whichwillnotbereleasedfromtheir
cagewhileatthepark.
Smokingconstraintsatdesignatedparkseliminatessmokingonbeachesandswimming
areas.Forvisitorswhosmokeandstillwanttousethesebeaches,designatedareasadjacentto
thebeachareprovided.
Therestrictionincludescigarettes,pipes,cigarsandtheincreasinglypopularecigarettes.
Staffatnewlyaffectedparkshavebeenpreparingforthechangebypurchasingandinstalling
buttdisposalunitsinstallingnewsignageestablishingdesignatedsmokingareaswithseating
andinformingparkuserandsupportgroups.
VisitDCNRs
VisitPAParks
websiteformoreinformation.
ClickHere
forinformation
onDCNRsFirstTimeCamperProgram.
NewsClips:
RelatedStory:
HolidayWeekendGreatOpportunityToHikePennsylvaniaTrails,Walkways
LehighValleyGreenwaysConservationLandscapeAwardsMiniGrants
LehighValleyGreenwaysConservationLandscape
announced15localrecipientsofstateminigrant
conservationawardsataceremonyonMay10at
UpperSauconTownshipCommunityParkin
LehighCounty.
TheeventincludedremarksbySecretaryCindy
AdamsDunnoftheDepartmentofConservation
andNaturalResources,aswellasrepresentatives
fromLehighCountyandNorthamptonCounty.
TheminigrantawardsarepartofLehighValley
GreenwaysConservationLandscapeprogram,
administeredbythe
Delaware&LehighNationalHeritageCorridor
andfundedbyagrantfrom
theDepartmentofConservationandNaturalResources,BureauofRecreationandConservation,
EnvironmentalStewardshipFund.
The2016applicationroundclosedinFebruaryandattractedalargegroupofapplications
requestingjustshyof$130,000total.
LehighValleyGreenwaysawardedtheavailable$77,000to15recipientsthroughoutthe
twocountyregiontoadvancethegoalsof:landconservation,outdoorrecreation,community
revitalization,andlocaleducation.
The2016minigrantrecipientsinclude:
WatershedCoalitionoftheLehighValley
,$10,000tosupport
MasterWatershedSteward
projectsconstructingraingardensinPlainfieldTownshipandPenArgylBorough,completinga
greenroofdisplayandworkshopwith
,anddevelopinganeducational
displayatIllicksMillincollaborationwithmultiplepartners
CityofAllentown
,$10,000tocompleteaPhaseIIEnvironmentalSiteAssessmenttoadvance
connectionof
CedarCreekParkway
and
LittleLehighParkwayPath
LehighCounty
,$8,000toupdatesignageandcompletestreamprotectionat
TrexlerNature
Preserve
MuhlenbergCollege
,$8,000toprovideenvironmentalfieldtripsforurbanhighschool
studentsat
PooleWildlifeSanctuary
andMuhlenbergCollegecampus
BethlehemTownship
,$7,500toinstallsigns,fencingandenhancementsatthe
Delaware&
LehighTrail
,FarmersvilleRoadTrailhead
CityofEaston
,$5,000toinstalldirectionalsignsalongtheTwoRiversTrailSystemin
partnershipwithTownshipsofForksandPalmerandBoroughsofTatamyandWilson
UpperMtBethelTownship
,$5,000toenhancethecommunityparkentrancewithnative
plantsandheritagesignage
UpperSauconTownship
,$5,000toembarkonacomprehensivesignreplacementand
wayfindingprojecttomakesignsmoreuniformtoparkvisitors,provideeasiernavigationalong
parktrails,andimprovewayfindingforthe
SauconRailTrail
MooreTownship
,$4,250tocreateastewardshipandaccessplanfor168acreAppalachian
Park
BushkillTownship
,$3,500toplantanativegrassandwildflowermeadowatBallasTract
NurtureNatureCenter
,$2,395tocreateaninteractivewatershedexhibitforongoingeducation
programs
LafayetteCollege
,$2,300tobuildaneducationalbioretentionareaoncampus
LehighGapNatureCenter
,
$2,040tosupportariparianrestorationprojectinAllentowns
FountainParkledbylocalstudentsfromRobertoClementeCharterSchooland
LehighGapNatureCenter
,$2,015tocoordinateschoolgardenworkshopsforeducators
PennStateExtension
,$2,000toimplement4Henvironmentalscienceworkshops.
LehighValleyGreenwaysisoneofsevenConservationLandscapessupportedbyDCNR
andincludesmorethan25organizationsandmunicipalpartnersinLehighandNorthampton
Countiesdedicatedtotheconservationofandconnectiontoournaturalresources.
Formoreinformation,visitDCNRs
LehighValleyGreenwaysConservationLandscape
webpageorcontactClaireSadlerat6109233548ext226orsendemailto:
claire@delawareandlehigh.org
.
NewsClips:

May25DCNRResourceNewsletterNowAvailable
The
May25editionoftheResource
newsletterisnowavailablefromtheDepartmentof
ConservationandNaturalResourcesfeaturingarticleson
TomRidgeEnvironmentalCenterMarks10thAnniversary
PAOutdoorRecreationPlanRecognizedAsNationsBestFor2ndTime
DCNRExtendsInvitationToVisitRenovatedPoePaddyTunnel,MidStateTrail
LackawannaStateParkPoolReadyForSwimmers
HolidayWeekendGreatTimeToHikePATrailsWalkways
PennDOTAnnouncesNewBikeRouteMappingTool
GovernorThanksWildfireFightersForAJobWellDone
MyBikeProgramProvidesKidsWithDisabilitiesAChanceToTakeASpin
PrescribedFire,WoodlandTourSlatedForDauphinCountyGameLand
ClickHere
tosignupforyourowncopy(bottomofthepage).
PALandTrustAssnHonorsFmrDCNRSecretaryJohnOliverWithLeadershipAward
The
PALandTrustAssociation
awarded
JohnC.OliverIIIwiththeLifetime
ConservationLeadershipAwardatan
awardsdinnerinStateCollegeonMay20.
John,anavidoutdoorsmanandlover
ofthenaturalworld,washonoredforhis
dedicationandexemplaryachievementsin
protectingPennsylvaniaslandandwater.
Hiscareerofover30yearsandhis
additionalvolunteercommitmentsresultina
profoundlegacyofconservationwork.
(Photo:TomSaunders,
President/CEOofWesternPAConservancy
andPALTADirectorAndyLoza,PALTAExecutiveDirectorJohnOliverReneeCarey,
ExecutiveDirectorofNorthcentralPAConservancyandPALTAVicePresidentJeffMarshall,
PresidentofHeritageConservancyandPALTAPresident.)
Johnservedasalongtimestaffmemberofthe
WesternPennsylvaniaConservancy
as
wellasitsPresident.Hewaslaterappointed,byGov.TomRidge,asthefirstSecretaryofthe
DepartmentofConservationandNaturalResources.
ThroughJohnsleadershipasPresidentofWesternPennsylvaniaConservancyandas
SecretaryoftheDepartmentofConservationandNaturalResources,over206,000acresofland
wereconservedforthebenefitofallPennsylvaniansforalltime.
TheselandsrepresentedadditionstoPennsylvaniasstateparks,forestsandgamelands,
aswellasadditionsto
AlleghenyNationalForest
.
DuringJohnspresidencyofWesternPennsylvaniaConservancy,over126,000acresof
landwerepermanentlyprotected.
Afewofhismajoraccomplishmentsincludethedesignationofthefirstfederal
wildernessareainPennsylvaniathe9,400acre
HickoryCreekWildernessArea
inthe
AlleghenyNationalForestandtheadditionofover12,000acrestostategamelands.
ThroughouthiseightyearsatthehelmofDCNR,80,000acresoflandwereprotected
andaddedtostateparksandforests.
AsDCNRSecretary,JohnledthewayforPennsylvaniatobecomeanationalleaderof
sustainableforestrypracticesthroughcertificationofPennsylvaniasstateforests,enabledthe
trailandgreenwaysystemsinPennsylvaniatoflourishandbecomeoneofthelargestrailtrail
systemsinthecountryandmademajorimprovementstocommunityparksystems.
JohnadvancedthecreationofPAsGrowingGreenerProgram,whichremainsthelargest
singleinvestmentinenvironmentalfundinginthestate.
Throughthisandothergrantprograms,DCNRsfundingunderJohnsleadershiphelped
communitiesandconservationorganizationstorealizenumeroussuccessesinopenspace
protection,riversconservation,revitalizingcommunityparksandplaygrounds,andcreating
trailsandgreenwaysacrossthestate.
JohncurrentlyservesasMayoroftheBoroughofSewickleyHeights(Allegheny)and
continuestoservethemissionsofvariousconservationorganizations.
Johnswarmth,graceandhelpfulnessintroducedmeto,andkeptmeintheworkofland
conservation.Forthat,Icantthankhimenough,saidAndyLoza,ExecutiveDirectorofthePA
LandTrustAssociation.Thisaward,giventoonly12others,isintendedtohonorextraordinary
people,likeJohn,whoseconservationworkandachievementshaveresultedinaprofoundand
everlastingimpactfortodaysandfuturegenerations.
Theawardwaspresentedinconjunctionwiththe2016PennsylvaniaLandConservation
ConferenceheldinStateCollege.
Johnwasjoinedbyhiswife,SylviaDallas,andseveralofhisformercolleaguesfrom
WesternPAConservancy.
Formoreinformationonprograms,initiativesandupcomingevents,visitthe
PALand
TrustAssociation
website.
ClickHere
tosignupforregularupdatesfromtheAssociation.
WestLampeterTwpHonoredByPALandTrustAssnForConservationLeadership
The
PALandTrustAssociation
honored
West
LampeterTownship
,LancasterCounty,withthe
2016GovernmentConservationLeadershipAward
fordemonstratedleadershipintheconservationof
ourspeciallandscapesandcriticalnatural
resources.
WestLampeterTownshiphasbeenand
continuestobealeaderinemployinginnovative
methodstocosteffectivelyimprovethequalityof
localwaterwaysandtheChesapeakeBay.The
townshiphasadoptedaprogressivelandusepolicy
thatprotectsbothagriculturalandnaturalresources.
(Photo:JeffreyMarshall,President/CEOofHeritageConservancyandPALTA
PresidentAndyLoza,PALTAExecutiveDirectorDeeDeeMcGuire,WestLampeterTownship
ManagerJeffSwinehart,DeputyDirectorofLancasterFarmlandTrustandPALTAPolicy
CommitteeMember.)
ManymunicipalitiesdonotviewtheagriculturalindustryasabenefittomeetingMS4
requirements.Frequentlytownshipsprefertoparceloutagriculturallandshowever,agricultural
landshavethemostcosteffectivebestmanagementpractices(BMPs)available.
WestLampeterTownshipembracedthisphilosophyandusedittoachievesuccess.
Throughauniquepublic/privatepartnershipwithLancasterFarmlandTrust,thetownship
completedatownshipwideassessmentoffarmstodocumentBMPs,createanaccuratebaseline
database,identifyfarmsthatdonothaveconservationplans,identifyfarmsforadditionalBMP
implementation,andeducateandimproverelationshipswithlocalfarmers.
WestLampeterTownshiphasconsistentlyrecognizedtheimportanceofagriculturetoits
residents,localeconomy,andtherich,culturalheritageofthemunicipality.
Informationcollectedduringtheassessmentsetthestageforanew,innovativemodelto
improveoverallstormwaterandrunoffissuesconcerningnutrientandsedimentloadingtolocal
waterways,andultimately,theChesapeakeBay.
WestLampeterTownshipisalsothefirsttownshipinLancasterCountyotherthanthe
cityofLancastertohaveastormwatermanageronstaff.Thetownshipsharesthepositionwith
neighboringEastLampeterTownship.Thispositionensuresconsistencyinreportingacrossthe
watershed.
WestLampeterTownshipscomprehensiveplanhighlightsfarmlandpreservationandthe
importanceofagriculturalresources.
Thankstothetownshipsleadership,over2,000acresoffarmlandhavebeenpreservedin
thetownshipandanadditional2,510acresareenrolledinAgriculturalSecurityAreas.
AndyLoza,ExecutiveDirectorofthePALandTrustAssociationstated,WestLampeter
Townshipisamodeltoothercommunities.Wecommendthetownshipseffortstomanage
stormwater,protectproductivefarmlandandpreciouslandscapesimplementeffectoutreach
strategiestothecommunity.OnbehalfofPALTAsboardofdirectorsandmembers,I
congratulatethetownshipleadershipandthankthemfortheirefforts.
TheawardwaspresentedMay21inconjunctionwiththe2016AnnualPALand
ConservationConferenceinStateCollege.DeeDeeMcGuire,TownshipManager,acceptedthe
award.
InternsWanted:JointHouseSenateConservationCommitteeFallInterns
The
JointAirandWaterPollutionControlandConservationCommittee
isaccepting
applicationsforfullandparttime(2030hoursperweek)internshipsforthefallsemesterof
2016.ThedeadlineforapplicationsisJune30.
Theinternwillgainvaluableexperienceinthelegislativeprocessbyworkingonpolicy
issuesrelatedtotheconservationofPennsylvaniasnaturalresources.
Internshipsareunpaid,butstudentsarestronglyencouragedtoseekacademiccreditfor
theirwork.
ClickHere
forallthedetails.
Tobeconsideredforthisposition,sendaresumeandawritingsampleto
cengvall@jcc.legis.state.pa.us
.
OpportunityToBidOnDEPMineReclamationProjectInWashingtonCounty

TheDepartmentofEnvironmentalProtection
publishednotice
ofanopportunitytobidonamine
reclamationprojectinWashingtonCounty.
The
DepartmentofEnvironmentalProtection
hasavailableacurrentlistof
AbandonedMineReclamation,AcidMineDrainage,SurfaceMineReclamation,CleaningOut
andPluggingOilandGasWells,WaterwaysEngineering(ConcreteDams/ConcreteLined
Channels,WallsandBoxCulverts,etc.),HazardousSiteRemediation,RemovalandDisposalof
UndergroundStorageTanks,andWetlandRestorationprojectsavailableforbidding.
ClickHere
forthelist.
The
DepartmentofConservationandNaturalResources
hasacurrentlistofbid
proposalsforconstructionprojectsinStateParksandStateForestsavailableonline.
ClickHere
forthelist.
PublicParticipationOpportunities/CalendarOfEvents
ThissectionlistsHouseandSenateCommitteemeetings,DEPandotherpublichearingsand
meetingsandotherinterestingenvironmentalevents.
NEW
meansnewfromlastweek.
[AgendaNotPosted]
meansnotpostedwithin2weeks
oftheadvisorycommitteemeeting.Gotothe
onlineCalendar
webpageforupdates.
June1
CANCELED
.
DEPSmallWaterSystemsTechnicalAssistanceCenterBoard
meeting.
MeetingrescheduledtoJune23.DEPContact:DawnHissner,DEPBureauofSafeDrinking
Water,7177722189or
dhissner@pa.gov.
(
formalnotice
)
June2
ManadaConservancyBirdTheKittatinnyRidgeHike
.DauphinCounty.
June2
NEW
.
PennStateMasterGardenerWorkshop
.
HughesLibrary,1002N.NinthSt.,Stroudsburg.
June3
AppalachianTrailMuseum
HallOfFameBanquet
.
AllenberryResort
,Boiling
Springs,CumberlandCounty.
June35
EnvironmentRide
.PhiladelphiatoBethlehembackto
Philadelphia.
June34
AnnualNativePlantSale
.Tannersville,Monroe
County.
June4
HawkMountainSanctuaryArtTour&Sale
.BerksCounty.
June4
SalvationArmy.
River&WindChallengeGreatAlleghenyPassageTrail
.Somerset
County.
June4
GreyTowersHistoricLandscapeWalk
.
GreyTowersNationalHistoricSite
.Pike
County

June4
GreyTowersHeritageAssn.SummerLectureSeries
:TheMeansOfSeeing:
ConservationismAndTheNatureEssaysOfJohnBurroughs.
GreyTowersNationalHistoric
Site
,Milford,PikeCounty.5:30p.m.
June4
Mt.AiryLearningTreeHiddenGardensTour
.NWPhiladelphia.
June410
18thAnnualSchuylkillRiverSojourn
.
June412
ChesapeakeBayWatershedAwarenessWeek
.
June5
NEW
.
PhippsConservancyandBotanicalGarden
BioBlitzFestival
.Pittsburgh
June7
DEPStorageTankAdvisoryCommittee
meeting.Room105RachelCarsonBuilding.
10:00.
DEPContact:CharlesM.Swokel,BureauofEnvironmentalCleanupandBrownfields,
400MarketStreet,Harrisburg,PA17101,7177725806or(800)4282657((800)42TANKS)
withintheCommonwealth,
cswokel@pa.gov
.
(
formalnotice
)
June9
CANCELED.
DEPAirQualityTechnicalAdvisoryCommittee
meeting.Thenext
scheduledmeetingisAugust4.DEPContact:NancyHerb,BureauofAirQuality,7177839269
orsendemailto:
nherb@pa.gov
.
(
formalnotice
)
June9
NEW
.
DEPAggregateAdvisoryBoards
Regulatory,LegislativeandTechnical
Committeemeets.14thFloorConferenceRoom,RachelCarsonBuilding.Themeetingwillalso
beofferedbyWeb/Conferencecall.10:00.DEPContact:DanielSnowden,7177838846or
sendemailto:
dsnowden@pa.gov
.
(
formalnotice
)
June10
NEW
.
PAHighlandsLandscapeCoalitionDamRemovalWebinar
.2:00.
June1217
SusquehannaGreenway
:
SusquehannaRiverSojournLaceyvilletoShickshinny
.
June14
DEPBoardofCoalMineSafety
meeting.DEPCambriaOffice,286IndustrialPark
Rd.,Ebensburg.10:00.
DEPContact:AllisonGaida,BureauofMineSafety,Departmentof
EnvironmentalProtection,NewStantonOffice,131BroadviewRoad,NewStanton,PA15672,
7244043147,
agaida@pa.gov
.
June14or15
DEPMS4StormwaterWorkshops
.Uniontown.
June15
NEW
.
JointLegislativeBudget&FinanceCommittee
meetstoreleaseaperformance
auditontheFishandBoatCommission.Room8EBEastWing.10:00.
June15
DelawareRiverBasinCommission
holdsabusinessmeetingonwaterwithdrawal
requestsandadoptingguidelinesforcertaindeterminationsmadeundertheCommissionswater
qualityregulations.WashingtonCrossingHistoricParkVisitorCenter,1112RiverRoad,
WashingtonCrossing,PA.10:30.
(
formalnotice
)

June15
DelawareRiverBasinCommission
informational
meetingonproposedchangesto
projectreviewfeestructure
.
WashingtonCrossingHistoricParkVisitorCenter
,1112River
Road,WashingtonCrossing,BucksCounty.2:004:00p.m.
June16
DEPStateBoardforCertificationofWaterandWastewaterSystemsOperators
meeting.10thFloorConferenceRoom,RachelCarsonBuilding.10:00.DEPContact:Cheri
Sansoni,BureauofSafeDrinkingWater,OperatorCertification,400MarketStreet,Harrisburg,
PA17101,7177725158,
csansoni@pa.gov
.
June16
NEW
.
SusquehannaRiverBasinCommission
meets.DoubleTreeResort,Lancaster.
9:00.Contact:JasonE.Oyler,GeneralCounsel,7172380423,Ext.1312
(
formalnoticeand
agenda
)
Proposed2017RegulatoryProgramFeeSchedule
AmendmentToComprehensiveWaterResourcesPlan
PresentationOnLowerSusquehannaSubbasin
ClickHere
formoreinformation.
June16
3RiversWetWeather
GreenInfrastructureGroundTruthing:MonitoringResults
CaseStudiesFromAcrossTheCountryMunicipalWorkshop
.GreenTreeMunicipalBuilding,
Pittsburgh.9:0011:00a.m.
June16
NEW
.
PennTAPPollutionPrevention,EnergyEfficiencyWebinar
.Noon.
June1719
SusquehannaGreenway
:
SusquehannaRiverSojournShickshinnyToSunbury
.
June18
PAResourcesCouncil
AlleghenyCountyReuseFest.Mt.Lebanon.
June18
BerksCountyConservationDistrict
CREPMaintenanceFieldDay
.Wernersville.
June1825
DelawareRiverSojourn
.
June20
DEPPublicMeeting,HearingOnChangesToAirPermitForLackawannaEnergy
Center,LLCNaturalGasPowerPlantInJessupBorough,LackawannaCounty
.ValleyView
HighSchool,Archbald,LackawannaCounty.6:00to9:30p.m.
June21
EnvironmentalQualityBoard
meeting.DEPContact:LauraEdinger,Environmental
QualityBoard,400MarketStreet,Harrisburg,PA17101,7177723277,
edinger@pa.gov
.
June21
DEPCitizensAdvisoryCouncil
.Room105RachelCarsonBuilding.10:00.DEP
Contact:KatieHetheringtonCunfer,CitizensAdvisoryCouncil,P.O.Box8459,Harrisburg,PA
171058459,7177052693,
khethering@pa.gov
.
June21or22
.Scranton.
June22
NEW
.
DEPWaterResourcesAdvisoryCommittee
mets.DEPBureauofLaboratories
Building,2575InterstateDr.,Harrisburg.9:30.DEPContact:LeeMcDonnell,7177875017or
sendemailto:
lmcdonnell@pa.gov
.
(
formalnotice
)
June2223
2016PAAbandonedMineReclamationConference
.IndianaUniversityofPA,
Indiana.
June23
Jointmeetingofthe
ConventionalOilandGasAdvisoryCommittee
and
OilandGas
TechnicalAdvisoryBoard
.
DEPMoshannonDistrictOffice,186EnterpriseDr.,Philipsburg.
10:00.DEPContact:ToddWallace,OilandGasProgram,bycalling7177839438orsend
emailto:
twallace@pa.gov
.
June23
DEPSmallWaterSystemsTechnicalAssistanceCenterBoard
meeting.Susquehanna
Room,Fish&BoatCommissionBuilding,1601ElmertonAve.,Harrisburg.9:00.DEPContact:
DawnHissner,DEPBureauofSafeDrinkingWater,7177722189or
dhissner@pa.gov.
(
formalnotice
)
June2425
YoughioghenyRiverSymposium
.
PennStateUniversityFayette
.Uniontown.
June2429
LehighRiverSojourn
.
June25
PAResourcesCouncil
HardToRecycleCollectionEvent
.LTBA,AlleghenyCounty.
June28
NEW
.DEPpublichearingonupgradetoCalpineMidMeritLLCnaturalgaspower
plantinYorkCountyfrom760to830MW.DEPSouthcentralRegionalOffice,909Elmerton
Ave.,Harrisburg.9:00.
(
May28PABulletin,page2703
)
June28or29
.Wyomissing.
June29
StateBoardforCertificationofSewageEnforcementOfficers
meeting.11thFloor
ConferenceRoomB,RachelCarsonBuilding.10:00.
DEPContact:KristenSzwajkowski,
BureauofPointNonPointSourceManagement,400MarketStreet,Harrisburg,PA17101,
7177722186,
kszwajkows@pa.gov
.
June30
DEPSolidWasteAdvisoryCommittee
meeting.Room105RachelCarsonBuilding.
10:00.
DEPContact:KeithAshley,BureauofWasteManagement,400MarketStreet,
Harrisburg,PA17101,7177872553,
riashley@pa.gov
.
June30
NEW
.
DEPAggregateAdvisoryBoards
Regulatory,legislativeandTechnical
Committeemeets.14thFloorConferenceRoom,RachelCarsonBuilding.Themeetingwillalso
beofferedbyWeb/Conferencecall.1:00.DEPContact:DanielSnowden,7177838846orsend
emailto:
dsnowden@pa.gov
.
(
formalnotice
)
July9
PAResourcesCouncil
HouseholdChemicalCollectionEvent
.WashingtonCounty,
WashingtonCountyFairgrounds.9:00a.m.to1:00p.m.

July16
:JervisMcEntee,ThePinchot
FamilyAndTheHudsonRiverSchoolOfArt.
,Milford,
PikeCounty.5:30p.m.
July1821
PartnershipfortheDelawareEstuaryTeacherWorkshops
.PhiladelphiaRegion.
July19or20
.Lewisburg.
July21
AgendaPosted
.
DEPMiningandReclamationAdvisoryBoard
meeting.Cambria
DistrictMiningOffice,286IndustrialparkRoad,Ebensburg.10:00.DEPContact:Daniel
Snowden,BureauofMiningPrograms,400MarketStreet,Harrisburg,PA17101,7177875103,
dsnowden@pa.gov
.
July2529
TheSustainableEnergyFund
EnergypathRenewableEnergyConference,Student
EnergyCamps,ScienceFair
.PennStaterHotelandConferenceCenter,StateCollege.
July2729
PROPRecycling&OrganicsConference
.Harrisburg.
August4
DEPAirQualityTechnicalAdvisoryCommittee
meeting.Room105RachelCarson
Building.9:15.DEPContact:NancyHerb,BureauofAirQuality,7177839269orsendemail
to:
nherb@pa.gov
.
August13
PAResourcesCouncil
.AlleghenyCounty,
BoyceParkFourSeasonsSkiLodgeparkinglot.9:00a.m.to1:00p.m.
August13
LacawacSanctuary50thAnniversaryFarmToPlateDinner
.WayneCounty.
August20
PAResourcesCouncil
.WestMifflin,Allegheny
County.
August24
CANCELED
.DEP
ConventionalOilandGasAdvisoryCommittee
meeting.DEP
Contact:
ToddWallace,OilandGasProgram,bycalling7177839438orsendemailto:
twallace@pa.gov
.
August25
CANCELED
.DEP
OilandGasTechnicalAdvisoryBoard
meeting.DEPContact:
ToddWallace,OilandGasProgram,bycalling7177839438orsendemailto:
twallace@pa.gov
.
August27
:TheSpiritualityOfGifford
Pinchot.
September1518
DelawareHighlandsConservancy
WomenandTheirWoodsEducational
Retreat
.Milanville,WayneCounty.
September17
PAResourcesCouncil
.Allegheny
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September17
:TheClearestWayInto
TheUniverse:NaturesMeaningInThePhotographsOfAnselAdams.
GreyTowersNational
HistoricSite
September22
DEPRecyclingFundAdvisoryCommittee
meeting.Room105RachelCarson
Building.10:00.DEPContact:KeithAshley,BureauofWasteManagement,400MarketStreet,
Harrisburg,PA17101,7177872553,
riashley@pa.gov
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September22
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AlleghenyCounty.
October7
DEPLowLevelRadioactiveWasteAdvisoryCommittee
meeting.Room105
RachelCarsonBuilding.10:00.DEPContact:RichJanati,BureauofRadiationProtection,400
MarketStreet,Harrisburg,PA17101,7177872147,
rjanati@pa.gov
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October8
PAResourcesCouncil
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BradysRunParkRecyclingCenter.9:00a.m.to1:00p.m.
October2628
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Grants&Awards
Thissectiongivesyouaheadsuponupcomingdeadlinesforawardsandgrantsandother
recognitionprograms.
NEW
meansnewfromlastweek.
May31
$2KScholarshipsByNationalAssn.OfAbandonedMineLandPrograms
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CFAAct13OrphanOrAbandonedWellPluggingGrantProgram
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October31
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December31
DEPAlternativeFuelsIncentiveGrants
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Awards&Recognition
Budget
Wolf:VeryDifferentToneInBudgetNegotiations
AP:BillsToExpandGamblingToInternet,Bars,AirportsFail
Esack:PensionReform,InternetGamingRolledIntoBudgetTalks
ChesapeakeBay
Climate
DEPStudiesLeakyAbandonedWellsForClimateThreat
DredgingDelawareHasScientistsWorriedAboutClimateImpact
OpEd:CarbonPollutionMightBeUnconstitutional
ComplianceAction
StateDropsNearly$9MillionFineAgainstRangeResources
DEPDropsPlansFor$8.9MillionPenaltyAgainstRangeResources
Report:DEPDrops$9MillionPenaltyAgainstRangeResources
ConservationDistricts
DamSafety
WayneCountyDamProjectsMovingSlowly
DelawareRiver
DredgingDelawareHasScientistsWorriedAboutClimateImpact
DeepeningTheDelaware:WindfallOrBoondoggle?
DrinkingWater
PAHealthDept.ToLaunchCancerStudyNearBucks,MontcoWells
8MoreMontco,BucksWaterWellsClosedAfterEPATightensRules
HorshamCommunityMeetingFocusesOnWaterSafety
WhatsGoingOnWithTaintedWaterNearMontcoBases?
SourceOfMontcoCreekPollutionRevealed
EconomicDevelopment
Millvale,Etna:RediscoveredRiverTowns
Education
EmergencyResponse
BarlettaSeeksToControlCostOfFederalDisasterResponses
Energy
EnvironmentalHeritage
RachelCarsonBoardAimsToMakeHomesteadSustainable
Farming
OpEd:StateNeedsFarmers,PrivateSectorToSolveRunoffProblem
FarmsInGreene,WashingtonShrinkingByStillPrevalent
Forests
GreenBuildings/Sustainability
Video:PhippsConservancyTakesLivingBuildingChallenge
GrowingGreener
PAToInvest$25MillionToProtectWaterResources
BeaverCountyProjectReceives$180KGrowingGreenerGrant
LandConservation
9AcrePreserveDonatedtoWissahickonWatershed
Litter/IllegalDumping
MineReclamation
Oil&Gas
Crable:WilliamsPipelineStockpilingPipeInLancasterAheadOfFederalApproval
DEPStudiesLeakyAbandonedWellsForClimateThreat
DEPDropsPlansFor$8.9MillionPenaltyAgainstRangeResources
Report:DEPDrops$9MillionPenaltyAgainstRangeResources
RangeResourcesSuesSouthStrabaneOverMunceApplication
RangesResourcesCouldBeFinedIfViolationsFound
DEPRescinds$8.9MFineAgainstRangeResource
GOPPicksFightWithShapiroOverFracking
HulkActorReentersDebateOverDrilling
MemorialDayGasolineCheapestIn11Years
GasolineEdgesUpTo$2.48/GallonInPittsburgh
Pipeline
Crable:WilliamsPipelineStockpilingPipeInLancasterAheadOfFederalApproval
Recreation
Recycling/Waste
TempestOverBucksHazardousWastePlant,ThenDelay
HBGMayor:StateBuildingTrashBillCouldReduceResidentialRate
RenewableEnergy
WastewaterFacilities
LeechburgStormwater/SewerSeparationProjectsGetsExtension
WatershedProtection
PAToInvest$25MillionToProtectWaterResources
DelawareRiverKeeperMay20RiverWatchVideoReport
Millvale,Etna:RediscoveredRiverTowns
Editorial:DontMissThisChanceToFixLocks
DeepeningTheDelaware:WindfallOrBoondoggle?
LatestFromTheChesapeakeBayJournal
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Wildlife
LatestGenerationOfPhillyCityHallPeregrineFalcons
BirdBandingEventSetAtLacawacSanctuary
PAHuntersSeekSundayPreyTime
ZikaVirus
19ConfirmedCasesOfZikaInPA
PhiladelphiaResearchersRaceToDevelopZikaVaccine
Editorial:TakePrecautionsToAvoidZikaVirusExposure
Other
ChildrenLearnAboutTragedyOfFlight93
TeresaHeinz:SonsWillTakeTurnsLeadingHeinzEndowments
TeresaHeinzToTurnCharityLeadershipOverTo3Sons
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Regulations,TechnicalGuidance&Permits
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PennsylvaniaBulletinMay28,2016
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Feb.27DEPRegulatoryAgenda
PABulletin,page1123
TechnicalGuidance&Permits
TheDepartmentofEnvironmentalProtection
publishednotice
intheMay28PABulletinofa
proposedconditionalstatewaterqualitycertificationfortheArmyCorpsofEngineersState
ProgrammaticGeneralPermit(PASPGP5).
DEP/PennVEST
publishednotice
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DEPTechnicalGuidanceInProcess
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