PaEnvironmentDigest122517 PDF

Issue #704 Crisci Associates, Harrisburg, PA Dec.
25, 2017
PA Environment Digest Blog Twitter Feed PaEnviroDigest Google+
Have a Happy Holiday Season and a Wonderful, Healthy New Year!
137 More Stories In 2017 About Hundreds Of Great PA Environmental Stewards
Since June of 2004, the PA Environment

Digest has printed over 1,297 stories about
thousands of businesses, farmers, schools,
local governments, students of all ages,
nonprofit groups, organizations and
individuals just like you recognized for
doing great things to protect and restore
Pennsylvania’s environment in every corner
of the Commonwealth.
Here are the 137 stories we published
during 2017.
Will we find YOU on this list in 2018?
PRC Announces 2016 Lens On Litter Photo Contest Winners, 2017 Contest Opens
10,000 Friends To Recognize Drexel University, SEPTA, Philadelphia Water Dept. Jan. 24
DEP’s Craig Burda Receives ECHO Award From Federal Office Of Surface Mining
Western PA Environmental Lifetime Achievement Awards: John Dawes, John Schombert
Dickinson College #4 In National AASHE Campus Sustainability Ranking
DCNR Secretary: 2016 Was Exciting, Rewarding And Challenging

Allegheny River Named Pennsylvania’s 2017 River of the Year
Nature Conservancy’s Mike Eckley Wins Natural Resource Education Champion Award
Montour Trail Named Pennsylvania's 2017 Trail Of The Year
Watch Anti-Graffiti Student Videoes In PA Parks & Forests Foundation Contest
South Mountain Partnership Celebrates 10 Years

DCNR Recognizes Black History And Its Connection To Conservation
Delaware Highlands Conservancy Land Trust Accreditation Renewed
Keep PA Beautiful, Local Affiliates Working In 14 Counties Earn National Recognition
PA Resources Council Honors 10 Organizations With Zero Waste Awards In Pittsburgh
PEMA Announces Winners Of ReadyPA.org Severe Weather Student Video Contest

Winners Of 11th Annual PA Parks & Forests Foundation Awards Announced
Jim Clark, McKean County, Receives Keep PA Beautiful President’s Award
Aqua PA’s Roaring Creek Drinking Water Treatment Plant Receives National Honors
Keep Erie County Beautiful Becomes Newest Keep America Beautiful Affiliate
Brodhead Watershed Assn. Founder Edie Stevens Receives Lifetime Achievement Award
5 Women To Receive 2017 Women In Conservation Awards On April 7
PEMA: Winning Turn Around, Don’t Drown Student PSA Now Airing
Keep America Beautiful 2016 Recycle-Bowl School Standings In Pennsylvania
PA Environmental Professionals Announce Winners Of Karl Mason, Walter Lyon Awards
Keith Welks Receives PA Bar Environmental & Energy Law Section Achievement Award
DEP, PennDOT Receive National Recognition From Keep America Beautiful
PA Assn. Of Environmental Educators 2017 Award Recipients Honored
DCNR Names The Watershed Farm, Westmoreland County, Green Park Award Winner
DCNR State Forester Daniel Devlin Earns Penn State Distinguished Alumni Honor
PA Historical & Museum Commission OKs Historian Markers, 2 Related To Environment

Marking The PUC’s 80th Anniversary Of Ensuring Safe, Reliable Utility Service
3 Entries From PA Make Viewer’s Choice Chesapeake Bay Photo Contest Voting
Stroud Water Research Center Honors Eagle Scout Payton Shonk For Education Kiosk
Dominion, PEC Announce Winners Of Western PA Environmental Awards, Lifetime
Awards
PEMA: Winners Of Student Weather Safety Poster Contest Announced

Recyclebank Green Schools Program Funds 44 Eco Projects
KEEA Energy Education Fund Recognizes Schools Saving 2.9 Million Kwh Of Electricity
Reading-Based Penske Truck Leasing Collects 5th Straight EPA SmartWay Affiliate
Challenge Award
Winners Of Let’s Clear The Air Poster Challenge In Western PA, Vote For People’s
Choice
House Congratulates PA National Guard For Army Environmental Sustainability Award

National Mining Hall Of Fame & Museum To Induct PA’s Tom Falkie
99 Streams Added To List Of Wild Trout Streams By Fish & Boat Commission
Pittsburgh 2030 District Saves Nearly $53 Million In Energy, $4 Million In Water Costs
Center for Responsible Shale Development Recertifies Shell, CONSOL Drilling Operations
Southmoreland High School Wins Westmoreland County Envirothon

Winners Of 2017 Governor’s Environmental Excellence Awards Honored At Dinner
KPB Affiliates In Huntingdon, Juniata, Mifflin, Perry Counties Receive Governor’s
Environmental Excellence Award
Stroud’s WikiWatershed Receives Governor’s Award For Environmental Excellence
DCNR Designates Dead Man’s Hollow In Allegheny County As Wild Plant Sanctuary
U.S. Dept. Of Education Names Green Ribbon Schools, 2 In PA

Keep PA Beautiful Report On Partner, Affiliate Accomplishments In 2016
Keep PA Beautiful, Local Affiliates Recognize Outstanding Volunteers, Groups
Three Winners Announced For The 2017 Shale Gas Innovation Contest
Frick Environmental Ed Center To Receive Green Building Alliance Leadership Award
Schuylkill Action Network Recognizes Miquon School Students In Montgomery County

PA Senior Environment Corps Honored With PAEP Walter Lyon Award
EPA’s Patti Kay Wisniewski Honored With James McGirr Kelly Award
PA Land Trust Assn. Honors Union County, Tom Kerr For Protecting Natural Resources
House, Senate Recognize 50th Anniversary Of Chesapeake Bay Foundation
Hawk Mountain Sanctuary Receives International Accessibility Award For Silhouette

Trail
Union County-Based Pik Rite Receives National Small Business Environmental
Stewardship Award
Keep Chester Beautiful, Delaware County, Becomes Newest Keep America Beautiful
Affiliate
Dominion, PEC Honor Winners Of Western PA Environmental Awards, Lifetime Awards
Gov. Wolf Honors Forestry Wildfire Fighters For Combatting 16 Mile Fire In Pike,
Monroe Counties
Hawk Mountain Sanctuary Receives Highest Charity Navigator Rating For 3rd Year
D&L National Heritage Corridor Earns Smithsonian Institution Partnership
Local Partners, DCNR, DCED Celebrate Montour Trail As PA Trail Of The Year
Energy Efficiency Advocate Liz Robinson Steps Down After 33 Years Leading Energy
Coordinating Agency In Philadelphia
Food Guy Adventures Offers Pittsburgh’s 1st Sustainability-Focused Food Tour On 3 Days
This Summer
Slippery Rock Watershed: 20+ Years Of Reclamation, How The Waters Have Improved!
EPA Recognizes Dow Chemical, Montgomery County, With Green Chemistry Challenge
Award
Tim Danehy Recognized With National Reclamationist Of The Year Award
Ardmore Students Devin & Roldan Kramer Win President’s Environmental Youth Award
PA American’s West Shore Regional Water Treatment Plant Recognized With National
Award
Carol Collier Recognized With PEC’s Winsor Award In Philadelphia

Southwest PA Launches CEOs For Sustainability To Advance Economic, Social Prosperity
For Region
Keep PA Beautiful Thanks Thousands Of Participants In 2017 Great American Cleanup
Of PA
Keep PA Beautiful Announces Winners Of Great American Cleanup of PA Video Contest
28 Fewer Illegal Dumpsites In Northeast PA Thanks To PEC, Partners & Many Volunteers
PA Anthracite Outdoor Adventure Area In Northumberland Earns National Recognition

Delco, Philadelphia Schools Celebrated As U.S. Dept. Of Education Green Ribbon Schools
Cherry Springs State Park Nationally Recognized As Stargazing Site
Federal Facilities In Altoona, Wilkes-Barre Recognized For EPA Federal Green Challenge
Achievements
Susquehanna Greenways: Winners Of 2017 Photo Contest, Vote On People’s Choice
Winner
Ed Wytovich Receives 2017 Mayfly Award From PA Abandoned Mine Reclamation

Conference
Tom Grote Receives 2017 Mayfly Award At PA Abandoned Mine Reclamation Conference
Premiere: Ned Smith Gone For The Day WITF Documentary Aug. 11 At Ned Smith
Center, Dauphin County
DCNR Recognizes Employees Going Above And Beyond To Support Agency Mission
PA Resources Council: Pennsylvania’s Act 101 Recycling Law Turns 29!
Fmr DEP Engineer Mike Korb Honored By Society For Mining, Metallurgy And
Exploration
DEP Mobile App For Oil & Gas Inspections Is Finalist In National Awards Program
Lacawac Sanctuary To Honor 4 With Lifetime Achievement Awards Aug. 12, Wayne
County
PA’s Penncrest High School Team Winners Of International Envirothon Competition
Northeast PA Environmental Partners Announce 2017 Award Winners
Western PA Conservancy Earns National Land Trust Accreditation Renewal

Delaware County Recognizes Brandywine Conservancy For Preserving Land, Protecting
Water
Pennsylvania’s AML Program Receives Top Honors In National Abandoned Mine
Reclamation Awards
Delco Brothers, Philadelphia School Teacher Honored By EPA In Presidential
Environmental Ed Awards Program
September 3: Happy 53rd Anniversary Of The Wilderness Act Of 1964!
A Horticultural Society, Philly Airport Announce Finalists In Landscape Design

Competition
Westmoreland Conservation District Presents Outstanding Conservation Service Awards
Sept. 13
In Memoriam: Dr. Douglas Ayers, Lifelong Active Conservationist In Northeast PA
Exelon Named To Dow Jones Sustainability Index For 12th Consecutive Year
DEP Earns ECOS Innovation Award For Brownfields To Playfields Program
Sustainable Pittsburgh Announces Winners Of The 2016-17 Green Workplace Challenge

Fort Indiantown Gap Environmental Program Wins 2016 Army Environmental Award
For Sustainability
10,000 Friends Of PA Honors Smart Growth Projects, Leaders With Commonwealth
Awards Dec. 7
Walter N. Heine, First Director Of OSM, Recognized For 34 Years Of Service To DEP’s
Citizens Advisory Council
PA Horticultural Society Names Gardening & Greening Contest Winners
30th Anniversary Of Militia Hill Hawk Watch Celebrated At Fort Washington State Park
PJM Interconnection, Federal, State Officials Mark 90th Anniversary Of The Power Pool
PA Coal Alliance Recognizes Mining Companies For Exemplary Surface Mine
Reclamation
Stroud Water Research Center: Prince Of Monaco: Watershed Should Bring Us Together
PA Resources Council To Honor 4 For Environmental Stewardship Nov. 9
Jim Lanning, Spring Creek Trout Unlimited Centre County, Wins National Honors
DCNR Names Weiser State Forest HQ After Fmr Sen. Edward Helfrick In Columbia
County
PA’s Harvey Mine Team Places Second In 2017 National Coal Mine Rescue Contest
DEP Grant Application System Increasing Efficiency, Improving Review Timelines
DCNR OKs Delaware Watershed Conservation Plan, Adds Watershed To Rivers Registry
Officials Salute PA Outdoor Corps Accomplishments At Pinchot State Forest

Weis Markets Continues To Reduce Environmental Impact, Releases 2016 Sustainability
Report
Philly Green City, Clean Waters: 1,000 Greened Acres Keep Nearly 28 Million Gallons Of
Polluted Runoff Out Of Rivers
Brodhead Chapter Trout Unlimited Volunteers Contributed Over 2,100 Hours Over Past
Year, Plans For Next Year
PA Horticultural Society Honors Devoted Philadelphia Flower Show Exhibitor, Other
Leaders
PUC Chairman Gladys Brown Named Government Lawyer Of The Year By PA Bar
Association
PUC Joins Wolf Administration, State Agencies, Utilities To Highlight Importance Of
Veterans In The Utility Workforce
15 Centre County 5th Grade Students To Be Honored On America Recycles Day Nov. 15
Berks County Master Watershed Stewards Receive County Award
Springside Chestnut Hill Academy In Philadelphia Receives NWF Green Flag Award
Abington Twp. Environmental Advisory Council Receives Montgomery County Award

Students Shine In Annual Westminster College Student Symposium On The Environment
Lycoming College's Hellbender Research Helps Advance Senate Bill For First Ever State
Amphibian
(Photos: Top- TreeVitalize Urban Tree Planting, York Watershed Stewards, Bottom- PA
Resources Council Stream Stewards, Berks County Farm Stewards)
Related Stories:
Over 1,160 Stories On Thousands Of PA Environmental Stewards, 160 In 2016 Alone
2017 Environmental Legislation Scorecard, The Naughty And Nice List
[Posted: Dec. 22, 2017]
2017 Environmental Legislation Scorecard, The Naughty And Nice List
The first half of the 2017-18 legislative session saw

several critical environmental bills signed into law,
including permanently reauthorizing the $2/ton
Recycling Program fee, an update of the PA One Call
Program to include natural gas gathering lines,
requiring solar credits to come from only inside
Pennsylvania, reauthorization of storage tank cleanup
programs, a resolution creating a Senate lead exposure
task force and making permanent the Wild Resource Conservation Tax Checkoff.
But, there were also several environmental provisions that became law or almost became
that would make Santa’s naughty list, including a roll back of stream protections from
underground coal mining, setting a less restrictive standard for manganese discharges into rivers
and streams and banning plastic bag bans, which was vetoed by the Governor.
The FY 2017-28 budget given final action on October 30 failed to address any of the
major or minor environmental funding shortfalls identified during the Senate and House budget
hearings, including in DEP’s Safe Drinking Water Program criticized by EPA for failing to have
the resources needed to meet even minimum federal requirements and funding to meet
Pennsylvania’s obligations to cleanup our rivers and streams. Click Here for more.
The failure to provide the resources needed for environmental protection programs
fundamentally undermines enforcement of environmental protection laws and statutes.
The budget also transfers money from DCNR’s Oil and Gas Lease Fund to support State
Park and Forest administrative costs, the Environmental Stewardship (Growing Greener) Fund
and the Hazardous Sites Cleanup Fund, something the PA Supreme Court said in June violated
the public trustee provisions of the Environmental Rights Amendment. Click Here for more.
The budget also transferred all of the $30.5 million from the Attorney General’s
settlement of Volkswagen air pollution violations to the General Fund to balance the budget, cuts
funding for the Susquehanna and Delaware river basin commissions and transfers $300 million
from yet unidentified special funds to the General Fund to balance the budget.
DEP’s General Fund budget appropriation-- $147.7 million-- is $17.9 million BELOW
what it was in 1994-95-- $165.6 million-- and 40 percent BELOW what it was in 2002-03--
$245.6 million.
This means DEP will have to continue to rely on permit fee increases on those it regulates
to fund its programs.
The 2018 half of the session will again see a major budget crisis with the Independent
Fiscal Office projecting a $1 billion deficit. Click Here for more.
A remedy which will no doubt surface again will be transferring money out of special
funds. House Republicans have a hearing on this issue set for DEP and DCNR on January 25.
Click Here for more.
Other legislation pending in the new year includes an overhaul of the Electronics Waste
Recycling Program, bills authorizing the adoption of local stormwater management fees, a lawn
fertilizer regulation/education bill, legislation protecting the existing Act 13 drilling impact fee
income, increasing penalties for littering, authorizing local clean energy project funding and
letting the Game and Fish and Boat commission boards set their own fees.
Last, but not least, is naming the Eastern Hellbender Pennsylvania’s state amphibian and
symbol for clean water in the Commonwealth.
Here are links to the naughty, nice and pending environmental bills that saw action in
2017--
Good Bills
-- Sunset For $2/ton Recycling Fee Eliminated: Part of the Administrative Code bill-- House
Bill 118-- that became law included a provision eliminating the sunset date on the $2/ton
Recycling Fee ensuring financial stability for the state’s local Recycling Program into the future.
Of course, this does not eliminate the threat of a raid on the Recycling Fund next year to balance
the budget. The bill was signed into law as Act 40. Click Here for more.
-- Natural Gas Gathering Pipelines: Senate Bill 242 (Baker-R-Luzerne) adding unconventional
and larger conventional natural gas gathering pipelines to the PA One Call utility safety program
is a major win. The bill was signed into law as Act 50. Click Here for more.
-- Storage Tanks: House Bill 290 (Metzgar-R-Bedford) providing for legislative appointments
to the Underground Storage Tank Indemnification Board, fills a gap in funding for DEP’s
Storage Tank Program and extends the sunset date for the environmental cleanup programs for
storage tanks. A House Fiscal Note and summary is available. The bill was signed into law as
Act 61.
-- Closing Solar Borders: A provision requiring solar energy credits under the Alternative
Energy Portfolio Standards to be purchased within Pennsylvania also became law as part of
House Bill 118. This change should encourage more solar energy in the state and increase the
value of solar credits. The bill was signed into law as Act 40.
-- Lead Exposure Task Force: Senate Resolution 33 (Yudichak-D-Luzerne) was passed by the
Senate creating a bipartisan task force to investigate the scope of Pennsylvania’s lead exposure
problem, including in drinking water. Click Here for more.
-- Wild Resource Conservation Tax Checkoff: This checkoff was permanently reauthorized as
part of the Tax Code bill-- House Bill 542-- that became law. It helps assure funding for
DCNR’s Wild Resource Conservation Program. The bill was signed into law as Act 43.
Naughty Bills
-- Roll Back Stream Protections From Mining: Senate Bill 624 (Scarnati-R-Jefferson)
retroactively rolling back protections for streams from deep coal mining. A House Fiscal Note
and summary is available. (Click Here for more.) Gov. Wolf allowed this bill to become law
without his signature as Act 32.
-- Manganese Standard: Included in the Administrative Code bill-- House Bill 118 (Kaufer-R-
Luzerne)-- is a provision which directs the Environmental Quality Board to adopt a proposed
manganese standard within 90 days that includes the 1 milligram/liter manganese standard
established under 25 Pa Code Chapter 93.7 and insure the standard is met at the point of intake
for water suppliers (25 Pa Code Chapter 96.3). The 1 milligram/liter standard is 20 times the
level of manganese that water suppliers are allowed to have in their water supplies, according to
EPA’s secondary maximum contaminant level. The bill was signed into law as Act 40. Click
Here for more.
-- Banning Plastic Bag Bans: House Bill 1071 (Farry-R-Bucks) to prevent the imposition of a
ban, fee or surcharge on recyclable plastic bags (House Fiscal Note and summary). This bill was
vetoed by the Governor-- Veto No. 1.
Other Bills That Became Law
-- Funding Sewer/Water Laterals: A section of the Fiscal Code bill-- House Bill 674-- that
became law allows public municipal authorities to use funds to replace private water and sewer
laterals. This was proposed originally to help the Pittsburgh Water Authority deal with lead
service lines. The bill was signed into law as Act 44.
-- Water Authorities Under PUC: House Bill 1490 (Turzai-R-Allegheny) placing the
Pittsburgh Water and Sewer Authority under the regulation of the Public Utility Commission. A
House Fiscal Note and summary is available.) The bill was signed into law as Act 65. Click
Here for more.
-- Alternative Septic Systems: Senate Bill 144 (Yaw-R-Lycoming) amending Act 537 on
include alternative on-lot sewage systems in sewage plans. A House Fiscal Note and summary is
available. The bill was signed into law as Act 26.
-- Construction Code: House Bill 409 (Evankovich-R- Allegheny) making changes to the
process for adopting amendments to the Uniform Construction Code, including energy efficiency
standards. A Senate Fiscal Note and summary is available. Signed into law as Act 36. Click
Here for more.
-- Natural Gas Vehicles: Senate Bill 589 (Langerholc-R-Bedford) increasing maximum
allowable weight for natural gas vehicles. A House Fiscal Note and summary is available. The
bill was signed into law as Act 31. Click Here for more.
-- Noxious Weeds: House Bill 790 (Pashinski-D-Luzerne) repeal the Noxious Weed Control
Law and replace with the Controlled Plant and Noxious Weed Act. A House Fiscal Note and
summary is available. Signed into law as Act 46.
-- Timber On Federal Land: House Bill 1494 (Rapp-R-Forest) authorizing the state to enter
into a cooperative agreement with federal agencies for the purpose of selling timber on federal
land. A Senate Fiscal Note and summary is available. The bill was signed into law as Act 25.
-- Performance-Based Budgeting: Senate Bill 181 (Mensch-R-Montgomery) providing for a
performance-based budgeting (exempting appropriations to the General Assembly and the
Judiciary) and creating a Performance-Based Budget Board. A House Fiscal Note and summary
is available. Signed into law as Act 48. Click Here for more.
Good Bills Pending
-- Protect Existing Act 13 Drilling Impact Fee Income: A Commonwealth Court decision in
March on the definition of stripper well in Act 13 threatens to reduce revenue from the Act 13
drilling impact fee by another 10 percent ($16 million) a year. Although the Public Utility
Commission is appealing the decision, Rep. Pam Snyder (D-Fayette) introduced House Bill 1283
in April to fix the problem (sponsor summary). The bill is in the House Environmental
Resources and Energy Committee. Click Here for more.
-- Local Stormwater Fees: In June the House voted overwhelmingly to give communities the
ability to fund local stormwater and flood prevention projects by passing 4 bills-- House Bill 913
(Everett-R- Lycoming) providing for the adoption of stormwater fees by incorporated towns,
House Bill 914 (Everett-R- Lycoming) providing for the adoption of stormwater fees by
boroughs, House Bill 915 (Everett-R-Lycoming) providing for the adoption of stormwater fees
by first class townships and House Bill 916 (Everett-R-Lycoming) providing for the adoption of
stormwater fees by Cities of the Third Class. Click Here for more.
The bills are necessary because the House and Senate continue to cut funding for local
stormwater and watershed improvement projects.
They are sponsored by Rep. Garth Everett (R-Lycoming) one of Pennsylvania’s members
on the interstate Chesapeake Bay Commission.
-- Lawn Fertilizer Regulation/Education: Senate Bill 792 (Alloway-R-Franklin) regulating the
application of fertilizer by homeowners, golf courses and athletic fields was reported out of the
Senate Appropriations Committee on October 25 and is now on the Senate Calendar for action
(Senate Fiscal Note and summary). The bill is sponsored by Sen. Richard Alloway, one of
Pennsylvania’s representatives on the Chesapeake Bay Commission. Click Here for more.
-- Local Clean Energy Funding: House Bill 1722 (Harper-R-Montgomery) would authorize
local governments to create energy improvement districts to help fund energy efficiency,
renewable energy and water conservation projects by commercial and industrial buildings to
reduce their operating costs is pending in the House Local Government Committee (sponsor
summary). Thirty-three other states have adopted similar PACE Programs.
A companion bill is in the Senate Community, Economic and Recreational Development
Committee-- Senate Bill 234 (Blake-D-Lackawanna)-- was reported out of Committee on
October 24, amended on the Senate Floor and is now in the Senate Appropriations Committee.
-- Electronics Waste Recycling Program Reform: On October 30 the Senate Environmental
Resources and Energy Committee held a hearing on Senate Bill 800 (Alloway-R- Franklin)
which totally revamps the whole electronics waste recycling law and put in its place a new
system that he believes will fix many of the problems. Click Here for more.
The Senate Environmental Resources and Energy Committee held a hearing on the bill
on October 23. Click Here for more.
-- Littering Penalties: On July 8 the Senate passed Senate Bill 431 (Scavello-R-Monroe) to
significantly increase fines for littering. Currently, fines for littering under Title 18 (Crimes and
Offenses) run from $50 to $300 for a first-time offense, and $300 to $1,000 for a second and
subsequent offense. Under Senate Bill 431, fines would be increased up to $2,000 for multiple
offenses, based on the size and weight of litter. Click Here for more.
-- Game, Fish Commission Fees: Legislation passed the Senate in March giving the Game and
Fish and Boat Commissions the ability to set their own fees by regulation is now stalled in the
House Game and Fisheries Committee.
Senate Bill 30 (Eichelberger-R-Blair) authorizing the Fish and Boat Commission to adopt
its own fees saw no action on the bill in Committee. Senate Bill 192 (Stefano-R-Fayette)
authorizing the Game Commission to adopt its own fees was Tabled in the Committee. Click
Here for more.
-- Designating Eastern Hellbender PA’s State Amphibian: A project of the Chesapeake Bay
Foundation’s Student Leaders group, Sen. Gene Yaw (R-Lycoming), one of Pennsylvania’s
members on the interstate Chesapeake Bay Commission, introduced Senate Bill 658 in May to
name the Eastern Hellbender as Pennsylvania’s state amphibian.
The bill was reported out of the Senate State Government Committee on June 14, passed
the Senate November 15 and is now in the House Environmental Resources and Energy
Committee. Click Here for more.
Shortly after the Senate action, House Majority Leader David Reed (R-Indiana)
circulated a co-sponsor memo to colleagues announcing his intention to introduce legislation
naming the Wehrle’s Salamander as the state’s official amphibian.
Rep. Reed said this salamander was discovered by R. W. Wehrle, a jeweler, businessman,
and naturalist from Indiana, Pennsylvania in 1911. He was known for his submissions of animal
specimens to museums and for providing outdoors experiences for area boys through his Boy’s
Naturalist Club. In 1917, the salamander he discovered was named after him.
So far, Rep. Reed has not introduced the bill.
The Hellbender bill prompted Associated Press reporter Marc Levy @timelywriter to do
a 24-hour poll on Twitter pitting the Hellbender against the Wehrle’s Salamander. The
Hellbender won handily with 90 percent of the vote with 144 votes counted.
Check the PA Environmental Council Bill Tracker for the status and updates on pending
state legislation and regulations that affect environmental and conservation efforts in
Pennsylvania.
Related Story:
137 More Stories In 2017 About Hundreds Of Great PA Environmental Stewards
[Posted: Dec. 20, 2017]
PA Resources Council Offers 5 Green New Year's Resolutions For 2018
The PA Resources Council offers 5 easy ways to

reduce your environmental impact throughout the
coming year:
-- Avoid Toxins In Your Home: Switch to green
cleaning products, which are safer for you, your
children and your pets. Click Here to learn more.
-- Learn More About Your Environment: Attend a
composting or rain barrel workshop and/or enjoy
PRC’s “Wild and Scenic Film Fest” to learn how
everyday decisions impact the environment. Click
Here to learn more.
-- Become A More Savvy Consumer: Think about your purchases and how they impact the
environment. Ask questions such as: Do I “need” this item? Can I purchase a comparable item
with less packaging? Is a refurbished option available? Click Here to learn more.
-- Make Reuse A Household Word: Whether you find a new way to use something you already
own or you make a commitment to donating items you no longer need, “reuse” makes lasting
environmental, social and economic impacts. Live by the principle throughout the year – and
attend PRC’s annual “ReuseFest” on Earth Day. Click Here to learn more.
-- Share With Your Friends: You don’t need to become an environmental crusader…but by
sharing stories about how you consider your environment in daily life, you help others to
recognize the many available opportunities. Take advantage of spending time with friends by
volunteering together for an environmental project or event. Click Here for more.
For more information on programs, initiatives and special events, visit the PA Resources
Council website. Click Here to sign up for regular updates, follow PRC on Twitter or Like them
on Facebook. Click Here for PRC’s Events Calendar. Click Here to support their work.
[Posted: Dec. 21, 2017]
Registration Now Open For Keystone Coldwater Conference Feb. 23-24 In State College
Register now for the 2018 Keystone Coldwater Conference to be held in

State College at the Ramada Inn Conference Center on February 23-24.
The Conference theme is “Goldwater Resource Conservation and
Education: Rising to the Changes, Embracing the Opportunities.”
The Conference is an opportunity for grassroots conservation
organizations, sportsmen’s groups, environmental professionals, college
faculty, staff, and students to share ideas, concepts, and network in order
to protect, conserve and restore Pennsylvania's coldwater resources.
A primary objective of the conference is to promote collaboration and an
exchange of ideas among diverse groups with shared interests,
motivations, and passions.
Conference sponsors include: Aquatic Resource Restoration- Brook
Trout; Earth Conservancy- Rainbow Trout; Western PA Conservancy- Rainbow Trout
(committed); and PA Environment Digest- Brown Trout.
Exhibitors include: Clean Creek Products and the Stroud Water Research Center.
This Conference possible only with the generous support of sponsors like you! If you are
interested in sponsorship opportunities, please contact Tali MacArthur.
To register or for more information, visit the 2018 Keystone Coldwater Conference
website.
[Posted: Dec. 21, 2017]
Bills On Governor's Desk
The following bills were given final approval by the Senate and House and are now on the
Governor's desk for action--
Water Authorities Under PUC: House Bill 1490 (Turzai-R-Allegheny) placing the Pittsburgh
Water and Sewer Authority under the regulation of the Public Utility Commission. A House
Fiscal Note and summary is available. The bill was signed into law as Act 65.
Storage Tanks: House Bill 290 (Metzgar-R-Bedford) providing for legislative appointments to
the Underground Storage Tank Indemnification Board, fills a gap in funding for DEP’s Storage
Tank Program and extends the sunset date for the environmental cleanup programs for storage
tanks. A House Fiscal Note and summary is available. The bill was signed into law as Act 61.
Senate/House Agenda/Session Schedule/Gov’s Schedule

Here are the Senate and House Calendars for the next voting session day and Committees
scheduling action on bills of interest as well as a list of new environmental bills introduced--
Bill Calendars
House (Jan. 2): House Bill 1401 (DiGirolamo-R-Bucks) which amends Title 58 to impose a
sliding scale natural gas severance tax, in addition to the Act 13 drilling impact fee, on natural
gas production (NO money for environmental programs) and includes provisions related to
minimum landowner oil and gas royalties; House Resolution 284 (Moul-R-Adams) urging
Congress to repeal the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency’s MS4 Stormwater Pollution
Prevention Program (sponsor summary). <> Click Here for full House Bill Calendar.
Senate (Jan. 2): Senate Bill 792 (Alloway-R- Franklin) requiring law fertilizer applicators to be
certified in application techniques and creates an education program; Senate Bill 799
(Alloway-R- Franklin) a voluntary program to allow municipalities to pay for nutrient
reductions. <> Click Here for full Senate Bill Calendar.
Committee Meeting Agendas This Week
House: <> Click Here for full House Committee Schedule.
Senate: <> Click Here for full Senate Committee Schedule.
Bills Pending In Key Committees
Check the PA Environmental Council Bill Tracker for the status and updates on pending state
legislation and regulations that affect environmental and conservation efforts in Pennsylvania.
Session Schedule
Here is the latest voting session schedule for the Senate and House--
Senate
January 2, 22, 23, 24, 29, 30, 31
February 5, 6 (Governor's Budget Address), 7
Budget Hearings: Feb. 20 - March 9
March 19, 20, 21, 26, 27, 28
April 16, 17, 18, 23, 24, 25, 30
May 1, 2, 21, 22, 23
June 4, 5, 6, 11, 12, 13, 18, 19, 20, 25, 26, 27, 28, 29
House
January 2 (non-voting), 22, 23, 24
February 5, 6, 7
March 12, 13, 14
April 9, 10, 11, 16, 17, 18, 30
May 1, 2, 22, 23
June 4, 5, 6, 11, 12, 13, 18, 19, 20, 21, 25, 26, 27, 28, 29, 30
Governor’s Schedule
Gov. Tom Wolf's work calendar will be posted each Friday and his public schedule for the day
will be posted each morning. Click Here to view Gov. Wolf’s Weekly Calendar and Public
Appearances.
News From The Capitol
Pumped Storage Hydro Topic Of Jan. 22 Joint Conservation Committee Environmental

Issues Forum
The Joint Legislative Air and Water Pollution Control

and Conservation Committee will hold an
Environmental Issues Forum January 22 on the issue of
pumped storage hydroelectric facilities in
Pennsylvania.
Adam Rousselle, president of Bucks County-based
Merchant Hydro Developers, will discuss his
company’s plans to develop 20 pumped storage
facilities across the Commonwealth, some utilizing
abandoned mines as water reservoirs.
Pumped storage is increasingly viewed as a way to increase grid reliability during peak
times of electric consumption.
Pumped storage hydro projects generate power by moving large amounts of water
between two reservoirs typically covering 100 or more acres each, one located upgradient from
the other so the fall of the water from the upper reservoir drives turbines that generate electricity
as it moves to the lower reservoir.
The water is then pumped back up to the upper reservoir overnight or during off-peak
times to start the process all over again.
There are closed loop systems that recycle the same water over and over again and open
loop systems that use primarily new water for each generation cycle.
There are two pump storage hydroelectric projects now in Pennsylvania with a generating
capacity of 1,583 megawatts-- FirstEnergy Seneca, 513 MW in Kinzua Township, Warren
County using 3.4 million gallons and Exelon’s Muddy Run, 1,070 MW in Drumore, Lancaster
County using water from a 11.4 billion gallon lake.
There are now 5,718.3 megawatts of all types of hydroelectric power generation in the
state or 3.1 percent of all electric generation capacity in Pennsylvania.
The Forum will be in Room 8E-A East Wing of the Capitol Building starting at Noon.
Sen. Scott Hutchinson (R-Venango) serves as Chair of the Joint Conservation
Committee.
For more information, visit the Joint Conservation Committee website, Like them on
Facebook or Follow them on Twitter. Click Here to sign up for regular updates from the
Committee.
(Photo: FirstEnergy Seneca 513 MW pumped storage hydro facility in Kinzua Township,
Warren County.)
Related Stories:
Is Pumped Storage Hydro The Next Wave Of Energy Development In PA? One Company
Submits 17 Applications To FERC
[Posted: Dec. 22, 2017]
December Environmental Synopsis Newsletter Available From Joint Conservation

Committee
The December Environmental Synopsis newsletter

is now available from the Joint Legislative Air and
Water Pollution Control and Conservation
Committee featuring articles on--
-- PA Invasive Species - Hydrilla
-- Environmental Impacts Of Handling Gift
Returns
-- EPA Helping Municipalities With Green
Infrastructure To Control Stormwater Pollution
-- Report On Conowingo Dam, Sediment
Pollution Going To Chesapeake Bay
-- Significant Increase In Renewables Need To Meet States Alternative Energy Standards
-- Hyper Accumulators’ Could Bolster Pollution Cleanup Efforts
Environmental Issues Forum
The Committee has scheduled an Environmental Issues Forum for January 22 to hear a
presentation on pumped storage hydropower by Adam Rousselle of Merchant Hydro Developers.
The Forum will be in Room 8E-A East Wing of the Capitol Building starting at Noon.
Sen. Scott Hutchinson (R-Venango) serves as Chair of the Joint Conservation
Committee.
For more information, visit the Joint Conservation Committee website, Like them on
Facebook or Follow them on Twitter. Click Here to sign up for regular updates from the
Committee.
Related Story:
Pumped Storage Hydro Topic Of Jan. 22 Environmental Issues Forum
[Posted: Dec. 22, 2017]
News From Around The State
Farm Show To Feature Master Gardener, Watershed Stewards Exhibits
Those interested in home gardening, preserving their

own food and protecting water quality in their region
will have an opportunity to learn more about these
topics by visiting the Penn State College of Agricultural Sciences exhibit at the Pennsylvania
Farm Show, January 6-13 in Harrisburg.
Other college-related displays and activities will highlight 4-H youth-development
programs offered statewide through Penn State Extension.
The College of Agricultural Sciences' exhibit in the Main Hall will be the site of
presentations throughout the week featuring Penn State Extension horticulture and food safety
educators, Master Gardeners and Master Watershed Stewards.
Master Gardeners and Master Watershed Stewards are volunteers who receive in-depth
training from Penn State and, in return, help to educate their local communities, thus amplifying
the impact of Penn State Extension's expertise and programs.
Sessions led by food-safety extension educators will cover the basics of home food
preservation. A display area will feature free publications on freezing, canning and other topics,
and Penn State Extension experts will be on hand to answer visitors' questions.
The full schedule of presentations will be available online.
Visitors at the main Penn State exhibit also will be able to engage with students and
advisers from the College of Agricultural Sciences, who will be on hand throughout the show to
answer questions about the college's academic programs and the many educational and career
opportunities available in agriculture and related fields.
Prospective students and their families can learn more about the college's 17 diverse
majors, career paths, internships, student clubs and activities, and travel opportunities.
Pennsylvania 4-H — which is administered by Penn State Extension — also will have a
large presence at the Farm Show, with educational and informative exhibits highlighting the
opportunities that 4-H offers to youth, ages 5-18, in topics such as robotics, plant and animal
sciences, entomology, and family and consumer sciences.
Many 4-H members enter their projects in Farm Show youth livestock shows and other
competitive events, including the 4-H Potato Judging contest that takes place on January 9. In
addition, youth members who comprise the 4-H State Council will represent the organization at
several events during the week, including the opening ceremonies.
At the 4-H Ag Learning Station, youth visitors will explore citizenship by identifying
how their home county contributes to the state's agricultural economy. Visitors will receive a
"passport" of fun facts about their county, Pennsylvania and 4-H.
Throughout the complex, many other Farm Show events and activities depend on
behind-the-scenes contributions from College of Agricultural Sciences personnel.
Each year, more than 100 faculty members, county-based extension educators, and staff
from the college lead and participate on Farm Show committees, develop displays, and
coordinate competitive exhibits and shows ranging from dairy cattle and poultry to maple
products and mushrooms.
The college's role at the Farm Show is part of Penn State's land-grant partnership with the
state.
Sponsored by the Department of Agriculture, the Pennsylvania Farm Show is the largest
indoor agricultural event in America, with 24 acres under roof, spread throughout 11 buildings
and three arenas.
Farm Show officials expect more than 500,000 spectators, some 6,000 animals, more
than 10,000 competitive exhibits, and about 300 commercial exhibitors at the eight-day event.
The show is held at the Farm Show Complex and Expo Center, at the corner of Cameron
and Maclay streets in Harrisburg, just off exit 67 of Interstate 81. Hours are 8 a.m. to 9 p.m. Jan.
6-12 and 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. on Jan. 13. Admission is free, and parking is $15.
For more information, visit the Farm Show website.
(Reprinted from Penn State News.)
NewsClips:
Defending The Delaware: One Year After The Delaware River Basin Conservation Act
Crable: Penn State Looking For Stream Samplers For Bass/Water Quality Study In Susquehanna
[Posted: Dec. 20, 2017]
By Madeline Urbish, Coalition For The Delaware River Watershed
This past Saturday we celebrated the one-year

anniversary of the Delaware River Basin
Conservation Act’s enactment. On December 16,
2016, President Barack Obama signed the DRBCA
into law establishing, for the first time, a federal
program dedicated to protecting and restoring the
Delaware River Basin.
After over six years of tireless work from our
advocates in the environmental community and
champions in Congress, the Delaware River Basin was given the recognition it was denied for so
long.
The river basin covers the four-state, 13,500 square-mile region that drains into the
Delaware River. Across Delaware, New Jersey, New York, and Pennsylvania, the Delaware
River Basin supplies clean, reliable drinking water to over 15 million people, supports $25
billion in annual economic activity, and provides over $21 billion in ecological services each
year.
At a time when Congress seems to be doing less and less – fewer than 3 percent of bills
were passed and signed into the law since 2010 – moving the DRBCA across the finish line was
an unprecedented accomplishment.
The DRBCA created the non-regulatory Delaware River Basin Restoration Program
(DRBRP) and directs the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service to bring partners from the nonprofit
community, state and local governments, universities, and other sectors to comprehensively
address some of the region’s greatest challenges.
The program identifies and prioritizes projects to restore natural resources, monitor water
quality, and ensure public access along the river, among others. Importantly, the DRBRP also
includes a grant component to provide money to local communities for on-the-ground projects
such as tree planting, water quality monitoring, and wetlands restoration.
This work can help improve our streams, protect our community from flooding, and
restore previously decimated fish populations.
In a normal time, funding this program would be a no-brainer. It is clear that we are not
operating under normal circumstances.
In September, the House of Representatives approved $5 million for the DRBRP. Since
then, Congress has passed two continuing resolutions to keep the government open, but they
have not included this funding.
Now, a bipartisan group of Senators and Representatives have sent a letter to leadership
calling on them to include DRBRP funding in whatever final spending package is approved
before the next budget deadline (currently December 22nd).
We must continue advocating for our region and our river. Now is the time for the public
to contribute their voice to protecting the Delaware by contacting members of Congress and
urging them to support the Delaware River Basin Restoration Program this December.
The Delaware River provides so much for so many, and it’s our responsibility to
safeguard its future.
Click Here to complete an action alert to help ensure funding for the DRBRP today!
For more information on programs, initiatives and upcoming events, visit the Coalition
For The Delaware River Watershed website. Click Here to sign up for updates from the
Coalition. Follow them on Twitter. Click Here to support their work.
NewsClips:
AP: Boats Made By Philly Kids Save Reenactment Of Washington Crossing The Delaware
PA American Water Installing Large Supply Pipe In Scranton
Delaware RiverKeeper Dec. 22 RiverWatch Video Report
[Posted: Dec. 18, 2017]
Join 5,000+ Philadelphians Who Have Installed Stormwater Mgmt Tools On Their
Properties
The Philadelphia Green City, Clean Waters

Program is hosting 4 workshops in January to
help residents learn how they can join more
than 5,000 Philadelphia residents who have
installed stormwater management tools on
their properties to stop pollution from entering
local waterways.
Click Here to start managing stormwater and
step through the planning process.
The first step is determining which stormwater pollution reduction tool will work for you.
Rain Barrels and some other tools may be free or provided at reduced cost. Click Here to find
out which tool is right for you.
The Rain Check Program’s workshops will be held--
-- January 9: 6:30 p.m. Penn Alexander School, 4209 Spruce St., Philadelphia;
-- January 10: Noon. PA Horticultural Society Meeting Room, 100 N. 2th Street;
-- January 11: 5:30 p.m. PA Horticultural Society Meeting Room, 100 N. 2th Street; and
-- January 13: 11:00 a.m. PA Horticultural Society Meeting Room, 100 N. 2th Street
Click Here to sign up for a workshop. Questions should be directed to: 25-988-8767 or
send email to: RainCheck@pennhort.org.
The RainCheck Program is a collaboration of the Philadelphia Water Department, PA
Horticultural Society and the Sustainable Business Network of Greater Philadelphia.
For more information, visit the Rain Check Program website.
NewsClips:
Stormwater Salvation: Could Your Faith-Based Group Get Help To Go Green & Save?
Crable: Lancaster Fined $135K, Will End Decades Of Polluting Conestoga River
Plan Will Correct Stormwater Runoff Problem In Ashley
[Posted: Dec. 19, 2017]
Bethesda Presbyterian Church sits on a large plot

of land in Northeast Philadelphia’s Bustleton
neighborhood.
The church’s monthly stormwater fees-- higher
than they would like-- reflected the property's
large proportion of impervious surfaces, which put
a considerable burden on the local sewers during
storms.
Fortunately, Joan Wilson, a church elder, was
determined to reduce that stormwater charge.
"Financially, we needed to take a look at what could be done," Joan said. "I prayed a lot
about what we should do as a church."
Those prayers were answered when a congregation member put her in touch members of
the Philadelphia Water Department’s Stormwater Management Incentives Program team.
This program offers grants to non-residential property owners, including nonprofit
institutions like churches, interested in improving their property with green stormwater
infrastructure investments.
While many green stormwater installations simply look like gardens to most people, they
actually protect local waterways by soaking up polluted runoff from parking lots, roofs and other
rain-repelling surfaces.
In addition to receiving grant funding and design assistance, participating churches can
get credits toward their stormwater fees—credits that, in the eyes of Bethesda Presbyterian,
seemed heaven sent.
Bethesda’s Path to Stormwater Salvation
After getting approved for a SMIP grant, they called AKRF, an engineering firm that
specializes in green projects and has offices on Walnut Street.
The firm’s experts came out to survey the church grounds and followed up by drafting
plans for a rain garden.
After many visits and tweaking the plans to fit Bethesda’s needs, they settled on their
goal: four rain gardens fed by downspouts that would funnel rain from the roof and parking lot.
During every step, the church was intimately involved.
Every month, Joan updated her fellow church elders, held quarterly church-wide town
hall meetings, and provided updates in the Beacon, their church bulletin. The Garden
Committee—a natural fit for the effort—even worked alongside the engineers, picking plants
and trees to be planted in the gardens.
It was through this process that Bethesda’s congregation began to see the project as
something more than a way to save money on their water bill.
Green stormwater tools, they learned, come with extensive environmental benefits; the
church’s rain gardens would help to keep over 35,000 gallons of polluted stormwater away from
the Pennypack watershed during a typical, 1-inch rainstorm.
Over the course of a year, that adds up to more than 1.5 million gallons of runoff
managed right there in the church gardens.
Given that urban runoff represents one of the biggest sources of pollution impacting local
rivers and creeks today, doing so much to help Philadelphia’s waterways is now a point of pride
at Bethesda: their gardens cut back on that pollution, minimize stream bank erosion, and reduce
flooding.
‘For the Community We Serve’
On top of all the good the gardens are doing for local waterways-- the source of
Philadelphia’s drinking water-- they’re also a beautiful, natural addition to the church grounds.
Buzzing with important pollinator species like honey bees and butterflies, the
flower-filled bowls of landscaped green space even provide an opportunity for youth and other
members of the community to learn about nature and the importance of protecting our water.
It wasn’t easy, but they learned so much along the way in creating this new green space in their
community.
"Suddenly, I found myself being an environmental person, and a partial engineer!" Joan
said. "I learned a lot in the beginning, and then I prayed some more."
They also had a "wonderful team of people that really worked with Bethesda Church
because they were committed to make this project work, and they went above and beyond."
Joan’s faith played a huge role in keeping her motivated throughout the project.
"On this journey, I can say, as the Lord is my witness, that I felt God was leading us to do
this, for this church, for the community that we serve, and for the broader population, because
anyone who can positively influence the water supply-- what’s going into our rivers, our
streams-- should do what they can," said Joan.
"Every time I went, 'Why did you allow yourself to get involved in this?' the Lord put
someone in my path to help me. He wanted this to happen here. I believed that in my heart, and I
still do."
Tips from a Green Stormwater Disciple
Joan has a few recommendations for other faith-based organizations thinking of installing
green stormwater tools (often called GSI by engineers and developers) on their properties.
First, she says to make sure you know what you can truly commit to, financially.
She also reminds churches to be flexible, remembering that there will be changes that
impact cost and time frame.
Finally, she says, "Recognize that it’s not only savings, but environmentally how
important this is to the community that we’re all a part of, and will continue to be, going
forward…And pray!"
Did you know…
Green infrastructure grants are just one way that faith-based and nonprofit organizations
can get help from the Philadelphia Water Department. Your church or house of worship can also
get a 25-percent charity discount, just for being a nonprofit. Click Here for more.
To learn how you can get a grant for managing stormwater at your church or nonprofit
institution, read more or contact Erin Williams.
You can also get SMIP-inspired by checking out our Stormwater Pioneers honorees.
These businesses and organizations were recognized by the City and PWD for using green
stormwater investments to protect our waterways and improve their communities.
NewsClips:
(Reprinted from the Philadelphia Water Department Watersheds Blog.)

[Posted: Dec. 20, 2017]
2018 Schuylkill Action Network Student Street Art Contest Now Accepting Entries
The Schuylkill Action Network is now accepting entries for

the 2018 Schuylkill Street Art Contest. The deadline for
entries is February 28.
Any student in grades 6-12 who attends public, private, or
home school within Berks, Chester, Montgomery, or
Schuylkill counties is eligible.
Students should create an original drawing, incorporating a
storm drain in your artwork, showing how we can all make
the environment cleaner.
There will be a 1st, 2nd, and 3rd place winner for each of the four counties: Berks,
Chester, Montgomery, and Schuylkill County. Prizes include--
-- 1st Place Winners: Artwork transformed into street art and a $100 gift card.
-- 2nd Place Winners: $75 gift card
-- 3rd Place Winners: $50 gift card
Submit your original drawing with the entry form to: Partnership for the Delaware
Estuary, 110 South Poplar Street, Suite 202, Wilmington, DE 19801
Click Here for all the details. Questions should be directed to Virginia Vassalotti by
sending email to: VVassalotti@DelawareEstuary.org or call 302-655-4990 x 121.
For more information on programs, initiatives and upcoming events, visit the Schuylkill
Action Network website.
(Photo: 1st Place Montgomery County 2016 Winner, Kristin Olinger, Phil-Mont Christian
Academy.)
NewsClip:
Op-Ed: Dredge The Schuylkill, Or Risk The Lights On Boathouse Row Going Dark
Related Story:
Schuylkill Action Network Unveils 2016 Student’s Stormwater Street Art
[Posted: Dec. 19, 2017]
Delaware River Basin Commission Now Accepting Entries For Winter Photo Contest
The Delaware River Basin Commission Tuesday announced

it is now accepting entries for its Winter Photo Contest. The
deadline for entries is February 1.
The contest is designed to highlight amateur and professional photography that conveys
the beauty, diversity, function, and significance of the water resources of the Delaware River
Basin, a 13,539 square mile watershed.
“From the headwaters to the ocean and everywhere in between, winter brings a different
perspective to the basin’s water resources, and this contest provides an opportunity to capture,
share, and showcase winter’s beauty through your photographs,” said DRBC Executive Director
Steve Tambini.
The winning image, to be selected by a panel of judges at DRBC, must be taken in the
Delaware River Basin. It will be published in the commission’s annual report, on its social
media pages, and will also be featured on its website. All entrants will receive a certificate of
appreciation from the commission.
Click Here for complete contest details, including instructions on how to submit your
original, high resolution photographs.
For more information on programs, initiatives and upcoming events, visit the Delaware
River Basin Commission website. Click Here to sign up for regulator updates. Follow DRBC
on Twitter. Visit them on YouTube.
(Photo: Upper Delaware Scenic and Recreational River, Beach Lake, PA Courtesy of Sandra
Schultz.)
NewsClips:
[Posted: Dec. 19, 2017]
Lancaster Agrees To Curb Discharge Of Sewage, Other Pollutants To Conestoga River In

EPA, DEP Settlement
The City of Lancaster, Pennsylvania has agreed to comprehensive measures to end discharges of
untreated sewage and other pollutants to local waterways from the City’s combined storm and
sewage system, U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, the U.S. Department of Justice and the
Department of Environmental Protection announced Wednesday.
The settlement, which was filed in federal district court in Philadelphia resolves a
simultaneously filed complaint brought by the Department of Justice on behalf of the EPA and
DEP, alleging the discharge of untreated sewage into the Conestoga River in violation of the
Clean Water Act.
Under the settlement, the City of Lancaster has agreed to implement measures to
significantly reduce combined sewer overflows, or CSOs. These include improving pump
stations and reduction of flow through a comprehensive long-term plan to improve the ability of
the entire system to handle flow.
“We are proud of the close collaboration between EPA and PADEP over the course of
these investigations and negotiations,” said EPA Regional Administrator Cosmo Servidio. “This
settlement, which will improve local water quality and protect human health, was achieved in
large part because of the strong cooperation between our two agencies.”
"This outcome is good for the people of Lancaster and everyone that uses the Conestoga
River,” said DEP Secretary Patrick McDonnell. “Reducing sewer overflows makes our streams
and rivers cleaner and better places for fish, wildlife, and people.”
The Clean Water Act complaint, filed with the proposed consent decree, alleged unlawful
pollution discharges caused by numerous overflows of untreated wastewater from Lancaster’s
combined sewer system.
This system carries rainwater runoff, domestic sewage, and industrial wastewater in the
same sewer pipes to a wastewater treatment plant, where it is treated before discharge to a water
body.
During periods of heavy rainfall or snowmelt, the water volume exceeds the system’s
capacity – causing combined sewer overflows.
The City has five CSO outfalls, which overflowed at least 392 times in the past five
years, discharging nearly 3.8 billion gallons of untreated, polluted water into the Conestoga
River, a tributary of the Susquehanna River and the Chesapeake Bay.
These CSOs contain not only stormwater but also untreated human and industrial waste,
toxic materials, and debris.
The settlement between the Department of Justice and the city of Lancaster resulted from
several years of investigation of alleged violations by EPA and DEP, followed by extensive
federal-state negotiations with city officials.
The City of Lancaster will pay a $135,000 civil penalty, split equally between the U.S.
and Pennsylvania, and implement a $1.8 million supplemental environmental project. This
project involves the restoration of a 1,350-foot segment of a local waterway called Groff’s Run
that will reconnect wetlands to the Conestoga River, protecting water quality and reducing
localized flooding.
The consent decree is subject to a 30-day public comment period and court approval.
Click Here for a copy of the consent decree.
NewsClip:
[Posted: Dec. 20, 2017]
Choose Clean Water Coalition Conference Now Accepting Presentation Proposals
The Choose Clean Water Coalition is now accepting

presentations proposals for its May 22-23, 2018
Conference to be held at the Lancaster Marriott. The
deadline for proposals is January 12.
Each year, the Coalition’s Choose Clean Water
Conference brings together a comprehensive and
diverse group of more than 300 people from
throughout the Chesapeake Bay region.
The Conference provides a 2-day forum for
participants to learn about the most important and up-to-date Chesapeake restoration issues,
network with fellow Chesapeake Bay supporters and activists, develop strategies to advance
federal, regional and local restoration goals, and learn from successes.
The Coalition is currently soliciting proposals for 1-hour sessions and field trips. This
unique gathering offers a tremendous opportunity to gain broad exposure for a wide range of
issues facing the Chesapeake.
Any person or organization with valuable experience is invited to submit an application
to conduct a session at the Conference.
Click Here for all the details and to submit a proposal.
For more information on programs, initiatives and upcoming events, visit the Choose
Clean Water Coalition website. Click Here to become a member.
[Posted: Dec. 19, 2017]
Western PA Conservancy Conserve Magazine: Our Impact On The Chesapeake Bay

Watershed
The Winter issue of Conserve magazine from the Western Pennsylvania

Conservancy is all about the Conservancy’s activities in the
Pennsylvania-portion of the Chesapeake Bay Watershed, featuring
articles on--
-- Why The Chesapeake Bay Watershed Matters
-- WPC Work In The Chesapeake Bay Watershed
-- Farmers Embrace Practices To Help Reduce Runoff
-- WPC, Partners To Boost Tree Plantings Along Waterways
-- Studying Plants, Animals, Landscapes Of PA’s Susquehanna River
Watershed
-- Conserving Land & Habitat Around The Chesapeake Bay Watershed
-- Click Here to sign up for your own copy.
More information is available on programs, initiatives and special events at the Western
PA Conservancy website. Like them on Facebook, Follow them on Twitter, add them to your
Circle on Google+, join them on Instagram, visit the Conservancy’s YouTube Channel or add
them to your network on Linkedin. Click Here to support their work.
NewsClips:
Op-Ed: Chesapeake Bay Jurisdictions' No-Action Climate Policy Puts Restoration In Peril
Farm Show To Feature Exhibits On Gardening, Protecting Water Quality, Preserving Food
Latest From The Chesapeake Bay Journal
Click Here to subscribe to the Chesapeake Bay Journal
Click Here to support the Chesapeake Bay Journal
Follow Chesapeake Bay Journal On Twitter
Like Chesapeake Bay Journal On Facebook
[Posted: Dec. 18, 2017]
December UpStream Newsletter Now Available From Stroud Water Research Center
The December UpStream newsletter is now

available from the Stroud Water Research Center
in Chester County featuring articles on--
-- Our Pursuit Of Clean Fresh Water Never Stops
-- Meet The Farmers: Bud And Marilyn Miller
(photo)
-- Stroud Educators Have A Combined 231 Years Of Experience
-- Éclat Chocolate Stroud Chocolate Bar
-- Farm At Doe Run “Mayfly” Cheese To Protect Streams And Rivers
-- Calendar Of Events
-- Click Here to sign up for your own copy.
For more information on programs, initiatives and special events, visit the Stroud Water
Research Center website, Click Here to subscribe to Stroud’s Educator newsletter. Click Here
to become a Friend Of Stroud Research, Like them on Facebook, Follow on Twitter, include
them in your Circle on Google+ and visit their YouTube Channel.
[Posted: Dec. 18, 2017]
NRCS Now Accepting Applications For Conservation Innovation Grants
USDA's Natural Resources Conservation Service

is now accepting applications for $10 million
nationwide in the Conservation Innovation Grants
Program to fund conservation projects in three
focus areas: grazing lands, organic systems and
soil health. The deadline for applications is
February 26.
"Conservation Innovation Grants play a critical role in developing and implementing new
methods to help our customers conserve natural resources, strengthen their local communities,
and improve their bottom lines," said Rob Johansson, Acting Deputy Under Secretary for Farm
Production and Conservation. "Today's announcement supports our efforts to help producers
build economically-strong and resilient farms and ranches by providing producers tools to utilize
across their working farmlands.”
The NRCS uses CIG to work with partners to accelerate transfer and adoption of
promising technologies and approaches that address some of the nation’s most pressing natural
resource concerns. This year, NRCS is focusing funding in these areas:
-- Grazing Lands: Helping livestock producers make grazing management decisions,
encouraging prescribed burning as a grazing management practice, and improving access to
conservation planning tools used for developing grazing management plans.
-- Organic Agriculture Systems: Helping organic producers develop innovative cropping and
tillage systems, edge-of-field monitoring, crop rotations and intercropping systems.
-- Soil Health: Supporting both cropping and grazing systems, in a variety of climatic zones, that
incorporate soil health management systems for addressing specific resource concerns like
nutrients and availability. Evaluating multiple soil health assessment methods to assist in the
development of new soil health indicators and thresholds.
“Every sector of American agriculture has its unique conservation challenges,” said
Johansson. “CIG enables USDA to help support new, innovative tools and techniques which
have helped U.S. agriculture become the powerhouse we see today, leading the world in both
production efficiency and conservation delivery.”
All U.S.-based entities and individuals are invited to apply, with the sole exception of
Federal agencies. Up to 20 percent of CIG funds will be set aside for proposals from historically
underserved producers, veteran farmers or ranchers or groups serving these customers.
CIG is authorized and funded under the Environmental Quality Incentives Program.
Projects can last up to three years. The maximum award amount for any project this year is $2
million.
Jan. 11 Webinar
NRCS is hosting a webinar for potential CIG applicants on January 11 at 4 p.m. Click
Here for more information on how to attend.
Click Here for all the details.
For more information on funding, technical assistance and other services from the NRCS,
visit the Pennsylvania NRCS webpage.
NewsClips:
4 Lancaster Farms Added To State Farmland Preservation Program
[Posted: Dec. 20, 2017]
DEP Extends Comment Period For Toxics Strategy, Triennial Review Of Water Quality
Standards
The Department of Environmental Protection Wednesday sent out an eNotice extending the
comment period for changes to the Water Quality Toxics Management Strategy and the Triennial
Water Quality Standard regulations to February 16.
DEP held three hearings on each of the proposals earlier in December with a comment
deadline of December 29.
Click Here for more information on the proposed changes to the Toxics Strategy. Click
Here for more information on the changes proposed in the Triennial Water Quality Standard
regulations.
For more information, to submit comments and to review copies of the proposals, visit
DEP’s eComment webpage.
Sign Up For DEP’s eNotice: Did you know DEP can send you email notices of permit
applications submitted in your community? Notice of new technical guidance documents and
regulations? All through its eNotice system. Click Here to sign up.
[Posted: Dec. 21, 2017]
Nearly 14,000 Volunteers Removed Over 860,000 Pounds Of Trash During 2017
International Coastal Cleanup Of PA
Keep Pennsylvania Beautiful Thursday reported nearly

14,000 volunteers from 35 counties removed 861,655
pounds of trash and tires from waterways and coastal
regions during the 2017 International Coastal Cleanup of
PA preventing litter and debris from making its way
downstream.
The top five types of trash, documented by volunteers,
included: Cigarette Butts – 28,209; Food Wrappers – 9,206;
Plastic Bottles – 8,047; Bottle Caps – 5,817; and Tires –
2,507.
The International Coastal Cleanup is the world’s largest volunteer effort to improve the
health of the world’s oceans and waterways. The cleanup gives citizens around the world the
opportunity to clean up their local waterways and to be a part of a larger movement.
Keep Pennsylvania Beautiful coordinates the effort in Pennsylvania.
The French Creek Valley Conservancy based in Crawford County participates annually
in the International Coastal Cleanup. What started as a small group of volunteers has grown into
a major community event with hundreds of volunteers cleaning miles of French Creek, its
tributaries, inland lakes and waterways and conserved lands.
“Thanks for supporting our cleanup with bags and gloves. It makes a huge difference.
We are grateful for the work that Keep Pennsylvania Beautiful does!” said Peggy Mogush,
French Creek Valley Conservancy. This year, 762 volunteers collected 32,844 pounds of trash
during this year’s community cleanup event.
“We are honored to partner with the Ocean Conservancy to provide support for our local
individuals and groups, such as French Creek Valley Conservancy, to coordinate cleanups that
help improve the health of our waterways,” said Shannon Reiter, President of Keep Pennsylvania
Beautiful. “We are grateful to all the volunteers who give up their personal time to get wet and
dirty to help keep our waterways clean.”
Funding for the International Coastal Cleanup coordination in Pennsylvania is provided
by the Department of Environmental Protection Bureau of Waste Management and Coastal
Resource Management.
More information about the program is available by visiting the International Coastal
Cleanup of PA webpage.
For more information on programs, initiatives and special events, visit the Keep
Pennsylvania Beautiful website. Click Here to become a member. Click Here to sign up for
regular updates from KPB, Like them on Facebook, Follow on Twitter, Discover them on
Pinterest and visit their YouTube Channel.
Also visit the Illegal Dump Free PA website for more ideas on how to clean up
communities and keep them clean and KPB’s Electronics Waste website.
(Photo: French Creek Valley Conservancy volunteers.)
Related Story:
Keep PA Beautiful: Nearly 133,000 Volunteers Participated in 2017 Great American Cleanup Of
PA
[Posted: Dec. 21, 2017]
DEP Now Accepting Applications For Host Municipality Inspector Reimbursements
The Department of Environmental Protection published notice in the December 23 PA Bulletin it

is now accepting applications for reimbursements under the municipal and hazardous waste Host
Municipality Inspector Program. Applications are due by March 31.
Upon application from any host municipality, the Department shall award
reimbursements for authorized costs incurred for the salary and expenses of up to two certified
Host Municipality Inspectors.
The reimbursement shall not exceed 50 percent of the approved costs of salaries and
expenses. Reimbursement is available only for Host Municipality Inspectors trained and certified
by the Department.
For more information, visit DEP’s Host Municipality Inspector Program webpage.
Questions should be directed to Tim Gilbert at 717-787-2388.
Related Stories:
DEP Accepting Applications For New Round Of Local Recycling Implementation Grants,
Deadline April 7
Early Registration: Professional Recyclers Of PA Annual Conference, Harrisburg July 25-27
[Posted: Dec. 22, 2017]
Deadline April 7
The Department of Environmental Protection published

notice in the December 23 PA Bulletin opening the next
round of Section 902 Local Recycling Program
Implementation Grants. Applications are due April 7.
All municipalities are eligible to apply for
funding during this solicitation period. Applicants must
be in compliance with Act 101 and the implementing
regulations, the Department's Guidelines for Proper
Management of Recyclable Materials and any previous
grant contract provisions to be eligible to receive grant
funding.
All applicants are required to complete the Sustainability Plan portion of the application
that includes definitive actions and strategies for optimizing program self-sufficiency.
The plan shall include, at a minimum, strategies for reducing costs and generating
revenues, provisions for establishing incentives associated with waste reduction and recycling,
mechanisms for public outreach and stakeholder input, and tracking mechanisms to document
progress toward sustainability milestones until optimum sustainability is realized. Click Here for
more information.
The following elements will receive priority for funding:
-- Development and implementation incentive-based pricing and collection programs designed to
increase the quantities and types of recyclable materials and reduce the quantity of waste
collected.
-- Development and implementation of multi-municipal collection, processing and/or a materials
marketing program where capital costs are reduced and/or recycling marketability is enhanced
due to intergovernmental cooperation.
-- Development and implementation of collection methods that will provide greater marketability
and value to collected recyclable materials.
In addition, communities whose existing recycling programs contain the following
components will receive additional consideration:
-- Publicly provided or municipally contracted waste and recycling services.
-- The collection of six or more of the following materials: newsprint, office paper, corrugated
paper, other marketable grades of paper, aluminum cans, steel or bimetallic cans, colored glass
containers, clear glass containers and plastics.
-- Incentive-based pricing and collection programs designed to increase the quantities and types
of recyclable materials and reduce the quantity of waste collected.
Potential applicants must contact the appropriate Department regional planning and
recycling coordinator to schedule a pre-application conference to discuss application
requirements and program particulars. Applications will be returned to municipalities that fail to
schedule a pre-application conference.
Click Here for the full notice with more details.
For more information, visit DEP’s Recycling Grants webpage [which will be updated].
Questions should be directed to Mark Vottero, Recycling Grants Coordinator, 717-772-5719 or
send email to:mvottero@pa.gov.
NewsClips:
Expanded Recycling In Pittsburgh Could Include Blue Bins, Weekly Pickup
Leechburg To Spend $6,750 For Recycling Center Improvements
Related Stories:
Early Registration: Professional Recyclers Of PA Annual Conference, Harrisburg July 25-27
[Posted: Dec. 22, 2017]
Early Registration: Professional Recyclers Of PA Annual Conference, Harrisburg July

25-27
The Professional Recyclers of

Pennsylvania are now accepting early bird
registration for the 28th Annual Recycling
& Organics Conference to be held on July
25-27 at the Best Western Premier in
Harrisburg.
Conference attendees can sharpen your skills, catch up on the latest trends and
technology and connect with solid waste and recycling professionals from throughout
Pennsylvania and surrounding states.
Early registration rates expire on January 20.
Click Here to view the Conference Program. Click Here for exhibitor and sponsorship
information. Call Jennifer, Jason or Doug in the PROP office with any questions you have at
717-441-6049.
To register or for more information, visit PROP’s 28th Annual Recycling & Organics
Conference webpage.
For more information on programs, initiatives and special events, visit the Professional
Recyclers of PA website. Click Here to sign up for regular updates from PROP. Click Here to
become a member.
NewsClips:
Related Stories:
Deadline April 7
[Posted: Dec. 22, 2017]
EPA, DEP $1.5 Million Penalty Settlement With ArcelorMittal Monessen Coke Coal Plant
The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency and the Department of Environmental Protection
Wednesday announced they have settled a federal court case against ArcelorMittal Monessen
LLC, involving alleged Clean Air Act violations at AMM’s coke (purified coal) plant in
Monessen, Westmoreland County.
The proposed consent decree, filed in U.S. District Court in Pittsburgh, resolves a joint
federal-state complaint against AMM, which is a subsidiary of ArcelorMittal, the world’s largest
steelmaking company.
“This settlement demonstrates how EPA can work with our state partners to implement
the Clean Air Act to reduce harmful air pollutants in communities,” said EPA Mid-Atlantic
Regional Administrator Cosmo Servidio. “Because of the Act, Americans breathe less pollution
and face lower risks of premature death and other serious health effects.”
Under the settlement, AMM will pay a $1.5 million penalty divided equally between the
U.S. and Pennsylvania, and implement an estimated $2 million in air pollution controls to limit
particulate and sulfur compound emissions. The settlement also resolves a separate citizens’ suit
filed by PennEnvironment, an environmental group that represented residents in the surrounding
neighborhood.
“This settlement will reduce harmful air pollutants, benefiting the health and environment
of residents around the Monessen coke plant,” said Acting Assistant Attorney General Jeffrey H.
Wood for the Environment and Natural Resources Division of the Department of Justice. “The
Department of Justice will continue to work with the EPA and other federal and state agencies to
ensure that companies comply with the Clean Air Act.”
“DEP’s joint enforcement with EPA exemplifies an effective collaboration between
federal and state agencies,” said DEP Secretary Patrick McDonnell. “Citizen engagement,
coupled with inspections and enforcement at the agency level, is key to effective oversight that
fosters real improvements to air quality.”
“Bringing ArcelorMittal Monessen into compliance was the air quality priority in this
region, and ArcelorMittal’s recent cooperation and the state/federal enforcement efforts have
already lead to improvements at the facility,” said DEP Acting Southwest Regional Director,
Ronald Schwartz. “Remedial measures underway and memorialized in this consent decree
provide an avenue for continued operations at the facility and improvements to the air and
quality of life for Mon Valley residents.”
The complaint alleges Clean Air Act violations based on inspections by the EPA and the
Department of Environmental Protection, as well as follow-up requests for information.
The alleged violations include excessive emissions of particulate matter from industrial
operations.
Particulate matter emissions include microscopic solids or liquid droplets that can cause
serious health problems when inhaled, particularly impacting children, the elderly, and those
suffering from respiratory problems.
The consent decree is subject to a 30-day public comment period and court approval.
Click Here for the proposed consent decree.
NewsClips:
ArcelorMittal To Pay $1.5 Million Penalty For Pollution Violations
AP: ArcelorMittal Agrees To Pay $1.5 Million In Coke Plant Lawsuit
ArcelorMittal Agrees To $1.5M Settlement Over Pollution At Monessen Plant
Frazier: Coke Coal Plant Agrees To $1.5 Million Penalty For Air Pollution
Record Settlement Reached Over Monessen Plant Emissions
[Posted: Dec. 20, 2017]
Jan. 31 Hearing On Air Quality Permit At Sunoco Marcus Hook Facility Delaware County

will hold a public hearing on January 31 (snow date February 1) on the proposed issuance of an
air quality permit for the Sunoco Partners facility in Marcus Hook, Delaware County. (PA
Bulletin page 7702)
The hearing will be at the Marcus Hook Community Center, 7 W Delaware Ave, Marcus
Hook, from 6:00 to 8:00 p.m.
The public hearing will be held to receive oral and written testimony regarding the DEP’s
intent to issue Air Quality Plan Approval, No. 23-0119H to SPMT for the construction and
operation of a flare to combust low- volume continuous or intermittent emissions of sweep gases,
operational gases or maintenance gases from various sources at its facility as well as those from
Braskem facility and to safely remove of large quantities of gases from during emergency
situations from both facilities.
Contact Virginia Cain, DEP Environmental Community Relations Specialist at 484-250-
5808 to register to speak or to inquire if a hearing will be held. The last day to pre-register to
speak at the hearing will be at 3:00 p.m. on January 24, 2018.
The Department maintains the right to cancel this public hearing if we do not receive any
pre-registered speakers by January 24, 2018, or if the Department determines that there is not a
significant interest.
Persons unable to attend the hearing, if it is held, may submit three (3) copies of a written
testimony and exhibits within 10 days thereafter to James Rebarchak, Environmental Program
Manager, Pennsylvania Department of Environmental Protection, Southeast Regional Office, 2
East Main Street, Norristown, PA 19401.
Written comments will be accepted until January 21.
The Air Quality Plan Approval application and draft Plan Approval are available for
review at the Marcus Hook (Mary M. Campbell) Public Library, 1015 Green Street, Marcus
Hook, PA 19061, Telephone No. 610.485.6519 or by appointment at PA DEP’s Southeast
Regional Office, 2 East Main Street, Norristown, PA 19401, Telephone No. 484.250.5910.
See the PA Bulletin notice for all the details. (PA Bulletin page 7702)
[Posted: Dec. 22, 2017]
Feb. 8 DEP Hearing On RACT II Air Quality Plan For Jeraco Enterprises, Inc. Milton
Plant, Northumberland County

will hold a hearing February 8, if requested, on a proposed RACT II Air Quality Plan for the
Jeraco Enterprises, Inc. Milton Plant in Northumberland County. (PA Bulletin page 7765)
To request a hearing, to register to speak at a hearing, or to inquire if a hearing will be
held, contact Megan Lehman at 570-327-3659. The last day to preregister to speak at a hearing,
if one is held, will be February 1, 2018.
The hearing, if held, will be at DEP's Northcentral Regional Office, 208 West Third
Street in Williamsport starting at 10:00.
All pertinent documents are available for public review between 8 a.m. and 4 p.m. at the
Northcentral Regional Office, 208 West Third Street, Suite 101, Williamsport, PA 17701.
Appointments for scheduling a review may be made by calling the Department at (570)
327-0550.
See the PA Bulletin notice for all the details. (PA Bulletin page 7765)
[Posted: Dec. 22, 2017]
DEP Will Do An Estimated 2,000 More Oil & Gas Inspections In 2017
The Department of Environmental Protection

Monday announced it is on track to compete an
estimated 2,000 more Oil and Gas Program
inspections in 2017 compared to 2016, as a result
of a GO-TIME project that replaced years of paper
forms with a mobile app.
“Making the inspection process completely
electronic has transformed the way our inspectors
do their job, increasing productivity, customer
service, and transparency,” said DEP Deputy
Secretary for Oil and Gas Management Scott Perry.
“This project is a great example of how agencies can work together on common
challenges,” said Sharon Ward, director of the Governor’s Office of Transformation, Innovation,
Management and Efficiency (GO-TIME). “We are leveraging the award-winning mobile
technology cultivated at PennDOT so that other agencies can modernize how they perform their
own field inspections.”
DEP oil and gas compliance inspections have increased more than 300 percent in the past
decade, from 10,566 in 2007 to almost 35,000 in 2016. All inspections were done with paper
forms in the field, followed by data entry in the office.
“We wanted to switch to all electronic inspections for a while. It wasn’t until the
GO-TIME initiative that everything came together,” said Perry.
The DEP Office of Oil and Gas Management and Bureau of Information Technology
teamed up with PennDOT in 2016 to build off existing technology at PennDOT to create a
mobile app with preloaded operator and well information; photo and voice recognition
capability; and a connection to eFACTS, the DEP inspection and compliance management
database.
Duplicate entry has been virtually eliminated, and trips between field sites and offices are
significantly reduced.
The first phase of the app–for surface activities—launched in February 2017, and by
November, surface inspectors were using it to conduct more than 99 percent of their inspections.
In early fall, functionality for subsurface activities was added. Considerable gains have been
achieved:
-- DEP is on pace to complete at least 2,000 more surface inspections in 2017 than in 2016, for
an 11.5 percent increase.
-- Inspectors’ productivity has increased an average of 16 percent since April and 29 percent in
the fourth quarter of 2017.
-- DEP will achieve over $500,000 in productivity savings — roughly equivalent to adding six
additional inspectors.
-- Because the app records results in real time, inspectors can provide outcomes to well operators
sooner, in some cases the same-day.
-- More inspection data are available to the public on the DEP website, and more quickly,
because the app enables inspectors to collect more robust data and the inspection reports are
posted immediately.
For more information on oil and gas enforcement in Pennsylvania, visit DEP’s Oil and
Gas Programs webpage.
NewsClips:
DEP: IPads, New App Means Staff Can Do More Oil & Gas Inspections
New App Helps State Conduct 2,000 More Oil & Gas Inspections In 2017
[Posted: Dec. 18, 2017]
Gov. Wolf Meets With Opponents Of Mariner East 2 Pipeline
In a face-to-face meeting with Gov. Tom Wolf Wednesday,

residents from across Chester and Delaware Counties urged
the governor to use his executive authority under Title 35
[Health and Safety] to immediately halt construction and
operation on Sunoco’s troubled Mariner East 2 Pipelines,
and to assess the risk the project poses to the safety of
communities along the route.
The residents, all members of the bi-county, bipartisan
coalition Del-Chesco United for Pipeline Safety,
additionally demanded that the Commonwealth mitigate that
risk to vulnerable populations impacted by the hazardous, highly volatile liquid export pipeline.
The safety advocates were bolstered by state representatives Leanne Krueger-Braneky
and Carolyn Comitta, who joined the residents in solidarity, and who also asked Gov. Wolf to
halt pipeline construction.
The Governor was presented with letters urging action from Congressman Patrick
Meehan (R), Senators Andrew Dinniman (D-Chester) and John Rafferty (R-Montgomery),
Representatives Becky Corbin (R-Chester), Duane Milne (R-Chester), and Carolyn Comitta
(D-Chester).
During the meeting, residents repeatedly stressed the urgent need to address the threat to
densely populated communities, and once again handed Gov. Wolf a petition containing over
6,000 signatures asking him to protect the safety of schools.
Bibianna Dussling is a resident of Middletown Township, Co-President of the
Middletown Coalition for Community Safety and a member of the Del-Chesco United Advocacy
Committee.
After the meeting, Ms. Dussling said “We’ve seen a rapidly growing bipartisan consensus
to halt the construction and properly assess the risk of the Mariner East project. We hope the
Governor will take these concerns seriously and take immediate action to protect our safety.”
The 350 mile long Mariner East 2 pipelines are proposed to cross 17 counties, with
Mariner 1 already operational in close proximity to numerous schools, hospitals, and private
homes.
Additional proposed Mariner East pipelines could carry up to 750,000 barrels a day of
highly volatile ethane, propane, and butane, which, if leaked, would become highly combustible,
heavier than air gas.
During its construction operations, Sunoco has caused over 100 drilling spills,
contaminated numerous wells, and destroyed at least one aquifer. The so-called “Mariner East 1”
leaked highly volatile liquids at least three times in one year.
“We expect the Governor to take swift action, to use his authority to protect us, as
mandated by his oath and his office,” said Caroline Hughes, resident of East Goshen Township
and a member of the leadership team of Goshen United for Public Safety, a unit of the
Del-Chesco United organization. “Citizens are prepared to escalate our voices and demand
representative action.”
NewsClips:
Chester County Lawmakers: Mariner East 2 Pipeline Construction Must Stop
Maykuth: Sunoco Resolves Mariner East 2 Pipeline Dispute With PUC
PUC Ends Injunction Against Mariner East 2 Pipeline In Chester County
Crable: FERC Orders Atlantic Sunrise Pipeline To Fix Noise, Lighting Problems
Op-Ed: What Happens When A Pipeline Is Built In Your Backyard
FERC, Saying Much Has Changed, Will Review Natural Gas Pipeline Policy
FERC To Review Federal Pipeline Approval Process
FERC Announces Pipeline Review, Cyber, Fast-Start Reforms
[Posted: Dec. 21, 2017]
PUC Seeking Nominations For PA One Call Utility/Pipeline Damage Prevention

Committee
The Public Utility Commission Wednesday announced it is

seeking nominations for individuals to serve on the PUC’s
PA One Call utility and pipeline Damage Prevention
Committee, which is a key element of new PUC efforts to
safeguard underground utilities across the state.
Creation of the committee was authorized by Act 50 of
2017, which enhances Pennsylvania’s Underground Utility
Line Protection Act-- also known as the “One Call Law” –
which will be enforced by the PUC.
The DPC will meet regularly to review alleged violations of the Act and make
determinations as to the appropriate response including, but not limited to, the issuance of
warning letters or administrative penalties.
Modeled after successful programs in other states, the focus of the committee – and the
broader PUC enforcement provisions of the One Call Law – is a reduction in the number of
“hits” on underground utilities. T
here are approximately 6,000 hits per year reported on underground lines across the state,
each resulting in added risks to contractors, utility workers and bystanders. The goal of the
PUC’s enforcement program is to cut the number of incidents by 50 percent over the next five
years.
In accordance with Act 50, membership on the DPC is comprised of a spectrum of
organizations, including: non-municipal owned or affiliated facility owner industries, such as the
electric, natural gas or petroleum pipelines, telephone, water or wastewater and cable television
industries; excavators; municipal governments; and municipal authorities.
Appointments to the DPC will begin in 2018.
DPC nominations will be accepted until January 19. Nomination forms and instructions
are available on the PUC website.
(Photo: What happens when a backhoe hits a natural gas line.)
NewsClips:
Related Story:
Sen. Baker’s Natural Gas Pipeline Safety, PA One Call Bill Signed Into Law
[Posted: Dec. 20, 2017]
Judge Rejects Challenge To Natural Gas Royalty Case Brought By Attorney General
Attorney General Josh Shapiro Wednesday announced a significant step

towards economic justice for Pennsylvania landowners in his lawsuit
against Chesapeake Energy, Inc. and Anadarko Petroleum Company.
Bradford County Common Pleas Court issued an opinion and
order denying preliminary objections raised by the defendant companies.
The Office of Attorney General’s lawsuit seeks to recover for
thousands of Pennsylvania landowners the money wrongfully deducted
from fracking royalty checks by Chesapeake Energy and Anadarko
Petroleum – in violation of the Unfair Trade Practices and Consumer
Protection Law.
The Attorney General’s complaint alleges that landowners who
entered into leases with the defendants believed they would receive royalties from the sale of
natural gas without post-production costs -- but were charged deductions for refinement,
transportation and other costs associated with processing the natural gas.
“Our case against these gas companies is about fighting for landowners, who have a right
not to be subjected to unfair and deceptive conduct when leasing their land,” Attorney General
Josh Shapiro said. “As Attorney General, I’m standing up for Pennsylvanians and ensuring
businesses operating in our Commonwealth are obeying the law. Our case now moves forward.”
The Bradford County court held:
-- Chesapeake Energy and Anadarko Petroleum are subject to the Pennsylvania Unfair Trade
Practices and Consumer Protection Law;
-- The lawsuit filed by the Office of Attorney General Shapiro is in the public interest; and
-- The defendants’ oil and gas leasing practices are also subject to the Unfair Trade Practices
law.
The court held the Office of Attorney General is “invested with the broad responsibility
for policing the marketplace and protecting the people of Pennsylvania from unfair and deceptive
business practices.”
The lawsuit alleges that landowners were denied the benefit of competition for leases in
the form of higher royalty rates and signing bonuses when Chesapeake Energy and Anadarko
Petroleum agreed not to compete against each other in securing oil and gas leases from
landowners.
The impact of the unfair and deceptive practices is not limited to the Marcellus Shale, but
applies also to Utica Shale and any deeper natural gas formations or layers under Marcellus and
Utica Shale.
Senior Deputy Attorney General Joseph Betsko of the Antitrust Section led the
opposition to the energy company’s preliminary objections. Chief Deputy Attorney General
Tracy Wertz and Senior Deputy Attorney General Norman Marden of the Antitrust Section are
also working on the case.
NewsClips:
Legere: Judge Rejects Challenge To Natural Gas Royalty Case Brought By AG
Maykuth: Shale Gas Was Going To Make Them Rich, Then The Checks Arrived
Cusick: Attorney General’s Lawsuit Over Royalty Payments Advances
[Posted: Dec. 20, 2017]
Accelerated Infrastructure Improvement Plans Approved By PUC For PPL, Aqua

Pennsylvania, UGI Electric
The Public Utility Commission Thursday approved the second Long-Term Infrastructure
Improvement Plans for PPL Electric Utilities Corp. and Aqua Pennsylvania Wastewater, Inc.
(Aqua PA), and the first LTIIP for UGI Utilities, Inc. – Electric Division, further accelerating the
replacement of aging utility infrastructure across the state.
The Commission voted 5-0 to approve each of the three LTIIPs, which are authorized
under Act 11 of 2012 (Act 11) which enables electric, natural gas and water/wastewater
companies under the PUC’s jurisdiction to use a Distribution System Improvement Charge
(DSIC) to increase the pace of infrastructure improvements.
DSICs reduce the frequency and the associated costs of base rate cases while maintaining
a high level of customer protections, but do require a utility to file a LTIIP – which serves as a
“roadmap” for infrastructure improvements.
Since 2013, the Commission has approved 25 utility LTIIPs, resulting in a $2.3 billion
investment in infrastructure improvement projects through year-end 2016.
The LTIIPs actual and projected investments total nearly $8 billion in needed
infrastructure improvements by 2023, further enhancing public health and safety while ensuring
reliability and effective service for millions of customers across Pennsylvania.
The Commission thoroughly reviews all filed LTIIPs as well as the required Annual
Asset Optimization Plans of the utilities. Additionally, the Commission conducts a periodic
review of LTIIPs, as required by law. The Commission’s review through these processes
determines if the LTIIP:
-- Specifies the way it accelerates or maintains an accelerated rate of infrastructure repair,
improvement or replacement.
-- Is adhered to by the utility.
-- Is sufficient to ensure and maintain adequate, efficient, safe, reliable and reasonable service.
-- Contains measures to ensure that projected annual expenditures are cost-effective.
-- Meets all state regulations.
Docket Nos.: P-2017-2622393. P-2017-2619834 and P-2017-2622818
For more information on this utility infrastructure program, visit the PUC’s Distribution
System Improvement Charge webpage.
[Posted: Dec. 22, 2017]
PUC Issues Tentative Order Implementing Geographical Limits For Solar Credit
Generation
The Public Utility Commission Thursday approved a Tentative Implementation Order for Act 40
of 2017, which establishes geographical limits for solar photovoltaic (solar PV) systems that can
qualify for the solar PV requirements under the state’s Alternative Energy Portfolio Standards
(AEPS).
The action, approved by a 5-0 vote by the Commission, details a proposed interpretation
of Act 40, along with the implementation process, and seeks comment from interested parties.
Additionally, a joint statement by Chairman Gladys M. Brown and Vice Chairman
Andrew G. Place requests comment on supplemental interpretations of certain provisions of Act
40, which reflect a more narrow interpretation of the law, effectively “closing Pennsylvania’s
borders” and fostering in-state solar development.
Pennsylvania’s AEPS Act requires Electric Distribution Companies (EDCs) and Electric
Generation Suppliers (EGSs) to source a specific percentage of electricity from alternative
resources in the generation that they sell to Pennsylvania customers.
That percentage increases annually, and will require 0.5 percent of the electricity supplied
by Pennsylvania’s EDCs and EGSs to come from solar PV resources by 2021.
While Act 40 does not change the solar requirements under the AEPS Act, it does modify
the requirements that facilities must meet to qualify for Pennsylvania’s solar PV carveout.
The Tentative Implementation Order approved by the Commission addresses the
eligibility of existing and future solar PV systems.
Under the Commission’s Tentative Order, solar systems that received a Pennsylvania
certification to meet solar PV requirements prior to Oct. 30, 2017 (the effective date of Act 40)
will continue to qualify.
Systems receiving certification after that date must meet the geographical limits
established by Act 40 to qualify for solar PV credits, or meet one of the qualifying criteria such
as an existing contract.
Under the supplemental interpretations offered by Chairman Brown and Vice Chairman
Place, qualifying facilities must be located within Pennsylvania – with no “grandfathering” of
out-of-state facilities that were certified prior to October 30, with comments requested regarding
treatment of already generated or ‘banked’ credits from out-of-state facilities.
The Tentative Implementation Order will be published in the Pennsylvania Bulletin and
posted on the PUC’s website. Additionally, copies of the Order will be distributed by the PUC’s
Office of Competitive Market Oversight (OCMO) to OCMO’s Committee Handling Activities
for Retail Growth in Electricity.
Written comments should be submitted within 30 days of publication in the Pennsylvania
Bulletin. Comments should reference Docket No. M-2017-2631527.
They can be filed through the Commission’s e-File System, or sent to the following
address: Secretary Rosemary Chiavetta, Public Utility Commission, 400 North Street,
Harrisburg, PA 17120
Click Here for a copy of the tentative order.
NewsClip:
Federal Tax Bill Would Boost Oil & Gas Drilling, Also Support Renewable Energy
[Posted: Dec. 22, 2017]
Why Carbon Capture? PEC Convenes Meeting On Carbon Capture, Utilization, Storage
By Lindsay Baxter, PEC Program Manager For Energy & Climate
On December 12th, the PA Environmental Council convened a meeting of

20 on the topic of carbon capture, utilization, and storage (CCUS) at
Harrisburg University of Science and Technology. (To learn more about
what CCUS is, see our earlier blog post.)
Attendance was diverse, including representatives of national and
international NGOs along with university researchers and state agency
employees.
Why, you might be asking, would PEC explore CCUS in
Pennsylvania? We think there are a few good reasons:
First, nearly all national and international deep decarbonization strategies include some
role for carbon capture and storage (CCS) and a deep decarbonization strategy without CCS will
cost significantly more.
For example, the most recent IPCC assessment found the overall cost of carbon
mitigation under a 2° C scenario would cost 138 percent more if CCS were excluded.
Second, the Department of Conservation and Natural Resources undertook an assessment
of CCS opportunities and concerns in 2009. Because significant time and expense has already
gone into this work, it is worth revisiting.
Third, with PA’s considerable natural gas reserves, we need to ask whether that gas can
be utilized in a way that is consistent with international climate recommendations. Further,
because Pennsylvania’s economy is already producing many of the components of a CCUS
supply chain — including many component parts already in use in the natural gas
industry–advancing CCS could play a role in an overall economic development strategy.
Finally, and perhaps most importantly, while CCS/CCUS may be used in conjunction
with fossil fuels in the near term, it can to the economic commercialization and deployment of
advanced technologies for deep decarbonization, including direct air capture of CO2 and
bioenergy with CCS (BECCS.
While some critics are skeptical of CCS/CCUS due to its association with fossil fuels,
expense, or perception of risk, there is no energy source without controversy.
For example, opposition to planned expansion of transmission lines, like that which will
be necessary to build out renewables to 80 percent and beyond, is already occurring in south
central Pennsylvania.
My point is not to pit renewables against CCS, or against other zero-carbon energy
sources, like nuclear, but rather to point out that there’s no free lunch. The strongest, most
cost-effective zero-carbon energy system will include a diversity of resources.
It’s also important to note that this is only the beginning of a much larger conversation. A
key point of discussion at last week’s session was the role for carbon capture at industrial
sources, beyond the power sector alone.
Emissions resulting from the manufacture of steel, cement, and even food products in
Pennsylvania can be captured and either stored or recycled into useful products. Switching to a
100 percent renewable future will not eliminate these non-power related industrial emissions, but
capture technologies can.
As is our style, PEC is thoughtfully investigating this issue with the intention of
developing some recommended next steps. Stay tuned for more information on our deep
decarbonization work.
More information is available on PEC’s Achieving Deep Carbon Reductions webpage.
For more information on programs, initiatives and special events, visit the PA
Environmental Council website, visit the PEC Blog, follow PEC on Twitter or Like PEC on
Facebook. Visit PEC’s Audio Room for the latest podcasts. Click Here to receive regular
updates from PEC.
NewsClips:
A Look At Pittsburgh’s Latest Climate Action Plan
A Future With Electric Vehicles: Pittsburgh Is Plugging Away
Letter: Bethlehem Moves To Reduce Carbon Emissions
Op-Ed: Arguments Used To Say Climate Change A Hoax Were Used By Others
New DEP Oil & Gas Methane Rules Called Just A Start
Reuters: Green Groups Sue Trump Over Delay Of Methane Rule
Utilities Closed 27 Coal-Fired Power Plants, 22 Gigawatts Of Capacity In 2017
Energy-Related Carbon Dioxide Emissions Decreased In Most States 2005-2015
EPA Floats Possible Replacement For Obama Climate Rule
EPA Notice: Replacement For Obama Climate Rule
Trump Will Drop Climate Change From U.S. National Security Strategy
Global Warming Boosted Hurricane Harvey’s Rainfall By At Least 15 Percent
[Posted: Dec. 20, 2017]
Profile: Christine Martin, PPL Public Affairs & Sustainability Vice President
PPL Currents recently published this interview with PPL Public

Affairs and Sustainability Vice President Christine Martin on how
natural curiosity and abandoning a traditional career plan can help build a successful career.
When Christine Martin joined PPL in 2003 she found herself a long way from where she
started as a student of political science and international studies with visions of working for the
federal government abroad or in D.C.
As an executive for a FORTUNE 500 company, her approach to success was not about
climbing a ladder, but focusing on personal fulfillment and excellence.
What does personal fulfillment have to do with success and how do you find it?
For as long as I can remember, I have been curious. I’m always asking questions and
trying to learn new things.
Growing up, my family did a lot of traveling, which exposed me to different cultures,
particularly my European roots. At home, we weren’t sheltered from the news — it was always
on and we had a lot of discussions about current events. I always gravitated toward world
politics more than domestic issues, but was keenly aware of both. I asked a lot of questions and
was challenged to think and have opinions.
This influenced my interest in government and international politics and led me to pursue
an undergraduate degree in this area.
I had a phenomenal opportunity to study abroad in France and work as an intern at the
European Parliament in Luxembourg as part of an exchange program established by the Indiana
University of Pennsylvania.
I was exposed to people from around the world and the inner workings of a huge
international governing body. I got to work on briefings for upcoming trade missions and was
able to observe meetings of foreign ministers.
My work sparked my interest in public administration and policy. I knew that policy was
something I could really sink my teeth into. I also wanted to have practical education in how to
be an administrator – from organizational development and employee relations to budgeting and
finance.
So I pivoted to pursue a new, intriguing sector of government. I came back to the U.S.
and got a Master of Public Administration degree from the Pennsylvania State University.
It was through a management program for recent master’s degree recipients that I started
working in the Pennsylvania state government at the Department of Environmental Protection
(DEP), which became my launching pad to bigger opportunities. This was far from where I
started my freshman year in college.
So, at an early age, my curiosity helped me get a sense of where my interests were and I
continued to peel back the layers to shape and mold my experiences to what I really liked to do.
When you like what you’re doing, you naturally feel satisfied and fulfilled – no matter what
stage you’re at in your career.
It seems like you had a strong idea of what your career path would be from an early
age. Did you always see yourself transitioning to the private sector and working for an
energy company?
I never had a traditional five-year plan. The way I approached my career was to pursue
opportunities that I was interested in – whether they were over my head or not. I wanted to work
on exciting projects that made a difference, and I was always testing my limits. When I saw
opportunities to stretch myself, I would go for them.
After the management program, I took a job working in civil service at the DEP. It was a
comfortable job, but it wasn’t pushing me intellectually or creatively. I saw an opening for a
policy role in the governor’s office and I knew I wanted it – it was a big step up from my current
role. It had high visibility and a lot of responsibility. I knew it was a risky move to go work on
policy for a second-term governor, when most likely I would be out of a job in two years. I took
the opportunity anyway.
I started to see that I could do more and I could really excel if I stepped out of my
comfort zone.
Later, I moved into the role as Deputy Secretary for Water Management in the DEP.
There, I worked on landmark water resources legislation that afforded me the opportunity to
work with many different stakeholders and balance competing interests. I had to know where to
give and when to push.
This experience led me to consider a career in government relations. The thought of
honing my skills and expertise and rallying around one set of messages was exhilarating. I
wanted the opportunity to help influence from a different perspective.
If I hadn’t continued to pursue new opportunities with the Commonwealth, I wouldn’t be
where I am today. You see, it wasn’t a deliberate path, but it was intentional in the fact that I
followed where my interests led. Today, I’m still working in areas that I love and working on
issues that inspire me, like sustainability.
Can you leave us with your top tips for a successful career?
For me, career success always goes hand-in-hand with my personal satisfaction. I have
achieved success at all stages of my career – from student to intern to executive – because I
stayed true to my core interests and always challenged myself to reach higher. My advice is
simple:
-- Let your curiosity guide you – Ask lots of questions and explore new things to find what you
love to do. Let go of anyone else’s expectations for you.
-- Abandon the plan – Don’t worry about milestones or climbing a ladder. Focus on pursuing
the things that excite and challenge you. Tackle them with all your gusto and new opportunities
will present themselves to keep you moving forward.
-- Don’t be afraid to pivot – No job or career move should feel like a life sentence. If you don’t
like what you’re doing, hone in on the aspects you do like and adjust your course.
-- Don’t let yourself get too comfortable – If you are just coasting, then you aren’t growing. If
you aren’t growing, then you aren’t succeeding. Seek out new projects or ask for different work.
Above all else, don’t be afraid of change.
Christine Martin is Public Affairs and Sustainability vice president at PPL Corporation, where
she oversees the corporation’s advocacy and policy development, corporate communications and
sustainability efforts. She also chairs PPL’s employee political action committee, People for
Good Government.
Before coming to PPL, she was Deputy Secretary for Water Management in
Pennsylvania’s Department of Environmental Protection, where she was responsible for
statewide water resources management and policy.
Martin also served as senior policy manager for environmental, infrastructure, energy and
regulatory issues for Governors Tom Ridge and Mark Schweiker and as executive policy
specialist for Governor Ridge.
A native of Pennsylvania, Martin serves on the boards of the Pennsylvania Chamber of
Business and Industry, the Pennsylvania Chamber PAC, the Public Affairs Council, the Baum
School of Art and the Pennsylvania State System of Higher Education Foundation, Inc. She is
the immediate past president of the Utilities State Government Organization board.
For information on PPL’s sustainability initiatives, visit the PPL Sustainability webpage.
NewsClips:
Crable: Three Mile Island Installs Safety Measure In Case Of Tornado Debris
Op-Ed: No, Three Mile Island Doesn’t Deserve A Government Bail Out
Letter: Keeping Baseload Energy Sources Will Save Customers Millions
Smart Electric Meters Will Push Some Western PA Businesses To Hourly Rates
Maykuth: Veolia Energy Gets 5.2% Rate Increase In Philly
Nuclear Power Bailout Plan Could Mean Higher Costs For New Jersey Ratepayers
U.S. EIA: Natural Gas Power Plants Make Up Largest Share Of U.S. Generation
Georgia Power Commission Gives OK For Nuclear Power Plant To Continue Construction
Trump’s Busy Year On Energy And Environment
[Posted: Dec. 20, 2017]
Sustainable Development In Law Practice: A Lens For Addressing All Legal Problems
By John C. Dernbach, Widener University-Commonwealth Law School
While it is widely recognized that lawyers have an important role to

play in fostering sustainable development, and while a growing
number of lawyers describe themselves as doing sustainability work,
it is less clear what they actually do.
This article, which is based on interviews with 26 lawyers
who practice or have practiced law related to sustainability, provides
a first assessment of what this work actually entails.
It describes what these lawyers understand sustainability or
sustainable development to mean — both as defined and as applied.
It explains who their clients are and what they do for them,
and provides insight into the dynamics of attorney-client
conversations related to sustainability.
It describes key personal and professional qualities of these lawyers — how they became
interested, and what they like and do not like about doing work related to sustainability.
Finally, by exploring what these lawyers see as obstacles to sustainability and where the
jobs are in sustainability-related law, it sheds light on the future of sustainability in law practice.
Click Here to read the full article which was published in the Denver University Law
Review on December 16, 2017.
[Posted: Dec. 21, 2017]
Gov. Wolf Signs Executive Order To Expand Invasive Species Council
Recognizing the increasing threat invasive species pose to

Pennsylvania’s economy and its people, Gov. Tom Wolf
Thursday announced an additional step to complement recent bipartisan legislation to help battle
against bad bugs and out-of-control plants that threaten Pennsylvania’s ecosystems, as well as its
agriculture and other natural resource industries.
Wednesday, Gov. Wolf signed a new executive order expanding the Governor’s Invasive
Species Council to bring additional expertise and resources to bear in protecting the
Commonwealth from new species, such as the spotted lanternfly, which has been found in 13
southeastern Pennsylvania counties.
“Invasive species are a growing problem for us in Pennsylvania – just as they are
worldwide,” said Gov. Wolf. “When a new pest or species is introduced into an ecosystem, it
disrupts the natural order, posing a threat to native species, established industries, and the quality
of life of our residents. Responding to these threats is a shared responsibility of government at all
levels, as well as the private sector and the public. This new executive order expands the
Invasive Species Council, bringing more stakeholders and resources to the table and ensuring
more parties are involved in developing coordinated response and management plans.”
Executive Order 2017-07, which updates an earlier executive order, expands public
membership on the Governor’s Invasive Species Council from 10 to 14 members.
The expanded council paves the way for adding representatives of county and municipal
governments, conservation districts and the transportation sector. Agriculture Secretary Russell
Redding will continue to serve as the council’s chairperson.
The new council will be better able to coordinate resources, develop plans, engage with
partners, and implement response strategies to new threats. This is a pressing need because a
changing climate and greater level of international trade are opening Pennsylvania to more types
of invasive species threats.
In addition to the spotted lanternfly, which could impact hundreds of millions of dollars
in Pennsylvania agricultural commodities and the quality of life in communities, the
Commonwealth is facing other threats from species such as hydrilla, an invasive plant affecting
the state’s lakes; Round Goby, a fish invading rivers, and the Great Lakes; and Palmer
Amaranth, an invasive weed affecting row crops.
Gov. Wolf’s new executive order follows his signing of the Controlled Plants and
Noxious Weeds law in October. The new law, Act 46 of 2017, takes effect next Friday, on
December 29. It was sponsored by Rep. Eddie Day Pashinski and passed both the House and
Senate unanimously.
A noxious weed is a plant or part of a plant that could harm crops, livestock, the land or
bodies of water, or that has been so designated by the federal government. A committee of 13
members is responsible for designating a weed as noxious in Pennsylvania.
The committee includes the heads of six state agencies, the House and Senate agriculture
and rural affairs committees, and representatives of a statewide farm organization, the
horticulture industry, and academia.
Act 46 repeals the previous noxious weed law in favor of a more proactive approach to
control existing and potentially noxious weeds, while maximizing resources to control invasive
species and protect Commonwealth lands.
At the same time, the new law will allow for the cultivation of some controlled plants that
have beneficial characteristics or offer economic value.
“Gov. Wolf and his administration are taking the threat of invasive species very seriously
because of what it means for this commonwealth,” said Secretary Redding. “If these pests and
these dangerous plants become established in Pennsylvania, it could be devastating for the
people whose livelihoods depend on agriculture. It could hurt our tourism industry by making
water recreation impossible. And, as we’ve seen with the spotted lanternfly, it could be an
incredible nuisance for families who live in infested areas. We want to be proactive in our
response, and these new tools will better enable us to do that.”
For more information, visit the Governor’s Invasive Species Council webpage.
(Photo: Spotted Lanternfly.)
Related Stories:
Agriculture Expands Spotted Lanternfly Quarantine Area To 13 Whole Counties, 6 New
Agriculture Reports Nearly 1,500 Properties Infested With Spotted Lanternfly Populations In
Eastern PA
[Posted: Dec. 21, 2017]
Game Commission Suspends Seedling Sales From Howard Nursery Due To Low
Inventories
Tree and shrub seedlings from the Game Commission’s Howard

Nursery in Centre County will not be offered for sale to the public in
2018 due to drastically low inventories. The seedling shortage is due
to germination failure in a couple of conifer species.
Seedlings will continue to be supplied to participants in the
Seedlings for Schools Program, as well as to landowners who open
their lands to public hunting through the Game Commission’s Hunter
Access Program, but there are too few seedlings to offer for public
sale.
The Game Commission hopes to resume seedling sales to the
public in 2019.
The Game Commission’s annual seedling sale – a way to
benefit wildlife statewide by improving habitat – has been popular
with the public. Sales typically open in mid-January, and the variety
of seedling offered varies from year to year.
Game Commission Executive Director Bryan Burhans acknowledged many will be
disappointed with the suspension of seedling sales to the public, but staff is working to build
inventory in hopes the existing shortage will result only in a one-year layoff.
“And in 2018, Pennsylvania’s state game lands as well as the Seedlings for Schools and
Hunter Access programs will continue to receive seedlings that make for better wildlife habitat
statewide,” Burhans said.
For more information on the seedlings program, visit the Commission’s Howard Nursery
webpage.
[Posted: Dec. 22, 2017]
2,093 Acres Of Farmland On 29 Farms Permanently Preserved In PA
The Department of Agriculture Tuesday announced

the PA Agricultural Land Preservation Board
approved conservation easement purchases to protect another 29 farms totaling 2,093 acres in the
Commonwealth.
The board preserved farms in 20 counties: Adams, Armstrong, Blair, Bucks, Butler,
Chester, Columbia, Dauphin, Fayette, Franklin, Lackawanna, Lancaster, Lebanon, Lehigh,
Northampton, Susquehanna, Union, Washington, Westmoreland and Wyoming.
With the acreage preserved last Thursday, Pennsylvania will end have preserved 16,237
additional acres on 197 farms in 2017, according to state Agriculture Secretary Russell Redding.
“Preserving Pennsylvania’s farmland is as important today as it was nearly three decades
ago when the program was conceived,” said Redding. “2017 has been another successful year for
safeguarding our best acreage – and our food supply – because of the commitment of farmers
and other partners. Along the way, we’ve secured federal funding, advocated for succession
planning for owners of preserved farms, and remain the national leader in farmland
preservation.”
The Agricultural Conservation Easement Purchase Program identifies properties and
slows the loss of prime farmland to non-agricultural uses. It enables state, county and local
governments to purchase conservation easements, or development rights, from owners of quality
farmland.
Gov. Tom Wolf allocated $40 million for farmland preservation in this year’s state
budget – an increase of $8 million that makes the 2017-18 fiscal year the program’s
highest-funded in a decade.
Since the program began in 1988, federal, state, county and local governments have
invested more than $1.4 billion to preserve 544,892 acres on 5,242 farms in 59 counties for
future agricultural production.
The state continues to lead the nation in the amount of farms and farmland preserved for
use in production agriculture.
In some cases, federal funding helps to preserve these lands. In 2016, the department
signed a cooperative agreement with the U. S. Department of Agriculture’s Natural Resources
Conservation Service that allows Pennsylvania’s program to submit farms for consideration by
the federal Agricultural Conservation Easement Program.
The department secured $1,725,650 in funds under its most recent cooperative agreement
to preserve eight farms totaling 1,652 acres, with the potential for additional funding in 2018.
For more information on the program, visit the Department of Agriculture’s Farmland
Preservation Program webpage.
(Photo: Lancasteronline.com.)
NewsClips:
Bryn Coed Farm Preservation Initiative In Chester County Nears Deadline
Natural Lands Trust Receives DCNR Grant To Conserve 500 Chester County Acres
Related Stories:
Western PA Conservancy: Laurel Ridge State Park Grows By 105 Acres In Westmoreland
Initial Fundraising Goal Met For Laurel Highlands Trail Shelter Restoration In Somerset
Wildlands Conservancy Adds 72 Acres To 1,300 Acre Thomas Darling Preserve In Monroe
Delaware Highlands Conservancy: Newly Conserved Lands In Pike County Protecting Clean
Water, Wildlife Habitat
[Posted: Dec. 19, 2017]
More than 105 acres of land have been added to Laurel

Ridge State Park in Westmoreland County, thanks to a
purchase made by the Western Pennsylvania
Conservancy Thursday.
This purchase brings the state park to 13,730
acres, spanning across Cambria, Fayette, Somerset and
Westmoreland counties.
The Fairfield Township property was purchased
from the Sisters of Saint Joseph of Baden, a Catholic
congregation serving primarily in Western
Pennsylvania. The tract is adjacent to a 627-acre parcel
that was first acquired by the Conservancy in 1966 and conveyed to the Commonwealth of
Pennsylvania in 1969 to become the state park.
“The Sisters of St. Joseph are grateful for this opportunity to partner with the Western
Pennsylvania Conservancy,” says Sister Mary Pellegrino, congregational moderator. “We are
pleased that this partnership allows us to advance our mission to preserve our natural resources,
respect all of God’s creation and contribute to the sustainability of Earth.”
Adding this forested land to Laurel Ridge State Park will protect the water quality in
important local, recreational fisheries in the North Fork of the Mill Creek watershed, which is a
subwatershed of Loyalhanna Creek. There is more than 3,400 feet of stream frontage on the
property.
Mill Creek is a High Quality Cold Water Fishery that supports wild brook trout, making
it a popular fishing destination for local anglers. In addition to protecting fishing opportunities in
the area, adding this parcel to Laurel Ridge State Park will expand opportunities for hiking,
cross-country skiing, bird watching and hunting.
The property is also known for hosting interior-nesting songbirds like the scarlet tanager
and cerulean warbler.
The Laurel Highlands Hiking Trail corridor, which the Conservancy played a key role in
establishing along Laurel Ridge in the 1960s and 70s, is within walking distance from the
property. Acquisition of the tract will provide additional protection of undeveloped buffers near
the trail corridor.
“We are glad to be able to acquire this property for Laurel Ridge State Park. It provides
sweeping views of the forests and ridges in the area and adds to the forest protection in this part
of the Laurel Highlands,” said Tom Saunders, president and CEO of the Conservancy.
Conservation of this land was made possible thanks to a Department of Conservation and
Natural Resources Community Conservation Partnership Program Grant, a Department of
Environmental Protection’s Riparian Access grant and the Richard King Mellon Foundation. A
gift from McFeely-Rogers Fund also assisted the purchase.
More information is available on programs, initiatives and special events at the Western
PA Conservancy website. Click Here to sign up for regular updates from the Conservancy, Like
them on Facebook, Follow them on Twitter, add them to your Circle on Google+, join them on
Instagram, visit the Conservancy’s YouTube Channel or add them to your network on Linkedin.
Click Here to support their work.
NewsClips:
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[Posted: Dec. 22, 2017]
The Wildlands Conservancy Tuesday announced

it has permanently protected 72 acres of
woodlands and wetlands situated in Tobyhanna
Township, Monroe County.
The acquired acreage expands Wildlands’
1,300-acre Thomas Darling Preserve at Two Mile
Run along Route 940 in Blakeslee.
This acquisition permanently preserves the forests
and streams that are critical to the sustained health
of the Lehigh River watershed, and, ultimately, the irreplaceable, natural resource that is the
Lehigh River.
It also protects critical wildlife habitat, provides essential connectivity between adjacent
existing natural areas and it forwards the land trust’s plans for public access along Route 940.
“With precious wetlands, abundant wildlife habitat and waterways that lead to the Lehigh
River, this special, natural area is a critical landscape that begs to be kept whole,” says
Christopher Kocher, president of Wildlands. “And thanks to the support of our giving
community and visionary partners, Wildlands is meaningfully connecting more people with
nature in Poconos, altogether inspiring a future for local conservation.”
Wildlands will next forward plans to expand Thomas Darling’s existing trail networks to
a newly established trailhead and parking lot area on the recently purchased parcel.
Wildlands acknowledged the financial support that made this additional possible,
including the giving community, especially the Department of Conservation and Natural
Resources, Monroe County, the Open Space Institute and private donations through Pocono Lake
Preserve for providing funding for the purchase of these 72 acres.
Click Here to watch a video of the work done by the Wildlands Conservancy.
For more information on programs, initiatives and special events, visit the Wildlands
Conservancy website. Like on Facebook, Follow on Twitter and Join on Instagram. Click Here
to support the Conservancy.
NewsClips:
Related Stories:
[Posted: Dec. 19, 2017]
Delaware Highlands Conservancy: Newly Conserved Lands In Pike County Protecting

Clean Water, Wildlife Habitat
An additional fifty acres in Pike County is now

permanently conserved and is protecting clean water
and wildlife habitat the Delaware Highlands
Conservancy announced Wednesday.
Tri-Angle Farm is home to beautiful 150-year-old
apple and pear trees-- the remaining part of the
orchard on the farm when it belonged to its original
owners, the Angle family. Over the last twenty-four
years, the diversity and the beauty of the land has
inspired the present owners to permanently protect this special property.
Now, most of the property is forested, with a mixture of hemlocks, oaks, and maple trees
providing important habitat for a variety of wildlife, from songbirds to white-tailed deer, bears,
and small mammals.
The hemlocks provide important shade over the stream that runs through the property a
tributary of Dingmans Creek, whose clean waters flow directly into the Delaware River and is
designated as a high quality cold water fishery for the habitat it provides for trout.
Most importantly, the property is adjacent to the 70,000-acre Delaware Water Gap
National Recreation Area and close to the Delaware State Forest. This protected property now
helps to create a corridor of unbroken, protected habitat which is important for the safe nesting
and migration of birds and wildlife.
If this property was not protected, it would likely have been developed into at least three
dozen residential lots, and the cutting of forestland would have significantly impacted the water
quality in Dingmans Creek.
The owners chose to donate this conservation easement to the Conservancy-- a generous
and meaningful gift that will ensure that no matter who owns this property, now or in the future,
it will forever remain protected.
Funding to cover the costs of the transaction was provided by the Pike County Scenic
Rural Character Preservation Program and the William Penn Foundation.
For more information on programs, initiatives and special events, visit the Delaware
Highlands Conservancy website or call 570-226-3164 or 845-583-1010.. Click Here to sign up
for regular updates from the Conservancy, Like on Facebook and Follow on Twitter. Click Here
to support their work.
NewsClips:
Related Stories:
[Posted: Dec. 20, 2017]
The PA Parks and Forests Foundation Monday announced it

has met its initial fundraising goal for the restoration of the
chimneys and fireboxes in the Laurel Highlands Hiking
Trail’s eight shelter areas.
The overwhelming public support of the project has made
additional improvements possible as well.
“The generosity of Laurel Highlands Hiking Trail enthusiasts
not only empowered the restoration of the shelter chimneys, it
will improve the overall experience while also protecting the
natural aspects of the trail,” said Marci Mowery, President of
the Pennsylvania Parks and Forests Foundation.
Over the past four years, with assistance from REI, the Laurel Highlands Ultra, the
Friends of Laurel Hill, the Ridge Runners, PPFF, the Richard King Mellon Foundation, and the
Department of Conservation and Natural Resources, five of the eight shelter areas have seen
their chimneys and fireboxes restored, with work on the final three to be completed in the Spring
of 2018.
“The Laurel Highlands Hiking Trail is among our state’s most popular trails, drawing
hikers from across Pennsylvania and far beyond,” said DCNR Secretary Cindy Adams Dunn. “It
is most gratifying, yet not surprising, that so many should rally around this trail shelter
renovation effort, spearheaded by the Pennsylvania Parks and Forests Foundation.”
“The response to this effort has been outstanding; corporate grant funding, private
donations, endowment contributions, and volunteer efforts have been the backbone behind the
funding portion of this project, said Mike Mumau, Park Manager Laurel Hill State Park
Complex. “We can’t thank all of the partners enough for their vision and generosity.”
Other much appreciated improvements will include installation of flagstone between the
chimneys and lean-tos at each shelter to eliminate muddy patches at the shelter entrances,
firewood shelters, and improvements to tenting sites.
The restoration of these Adirondack-style shelters will provide unique camping
experiences for several future generations.
“The shelters are one of the highlights of the trail, making camping much more enjoyable
for beginning and experienced hikers,” said Ted Massa, long-time volunteer maintainer, devoted
to the LHHT. “These repairs will allow future generations of hikers to enjoy the trail
experience.”
A volunteer work day, with a Rededication Ceremony is being planned for June 2, 2018.
The public can still support the expanded project by making a donation to the fund or
adopting a shelter, for which they will receive a before and after picture, an adoption certificate,
and their name in the park office at Laurel Hill State Park.
To learn more about the efforts visit the PA Parks and Forests Foundation’s Laurel
Highlands Hiking Trail Shelters Fund webpage. Checks can be sent to PPFF 1845 Market Street
Suite 202 Camp Hill, PA 17011, with LHHT in the memo or online donations at the site listed
above.
For more information on programs, initiatives and special events, visit the PA Parks &
Forests Foundation website. Click Here to sign up for regular updates from the Foundation,
Like them on Facebook or Follow them on Twitter. Click Here to become a member of the
Foundation.
NewsClips:
PA State Parks, Forests Offering Visitors A Winter Playground
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Next Phase Of Allegheny Commons Park Restoration Set To Begin
Fmr Quaker Settlement To Be Developed As A Park In Lawrence County
Blair Transportation Planning Group Recommends Antis Twp Trail Project
Weather Just Right For Lake Erie Surfing
Over The Hill Gang Smooths The Path Of Oil Creek Hiking Trail
Mayor: Protected Bike Lanes Needed In Philly, So Is Funding For Them
Skiers Stuck With Ski Lift Malfunctions, 5 Injured
One Killed In ATV Crash In Beaver County
Body Of Fisherman Recovered From Lake At Moraine State Park
[Posted: Dec. 21, 2017]
Hawk Mountain Sanctuary Fall Hawk Watch Comes To Close, Sightings 6% Below
Average
Hawk Mountain Sanctuary in Berks County Thursday

reported the autumn Hawk Watch tallied 17,012 raptors
in over 1,000 hours of effort. The overall total was 6
percent below the 10-year average.
Four species were spotted in above-average
numbers, including turkey vultures, bald eagles,
broad-winged hawks, and peregrine falcons.
The broad-winged hawk total count, 10,726, was
36 percent above average, with four days of 1,000 plus
broadwings in September. This above average count for the species helped buoy the total raptor
count to just 6 percent below average, despite the very low counts of other species.
Two of Hawk Mountain's most abundant species, the sharp-shinned and red-tailed hawk,
were recorded in low numbers, 46 percent and 52 percent below the 10-year average
respectively. Similar dips in numbers were seen in other regular migrants, as well.
Particularly notable was the 90 percent below average count of the northern goshawk, a
species that has declined in numbers for several years; this year's count is the lowest on record.
Some dips in numbers can be attributed to the lack of strong cold fronts that concentrate
migrants in October and November, along with the warmer weather in northeastern states.
The above average temperatures may have allowed some species to remain north longer,
and they may still be seen migrating past the lookouts after the official hawk watch season.
The first bird of the season was a broad-winged hawk, and the last official bird of the
season was a juvenile bald eagle. This bookends an impressive season for both species. Counters
also spotted a rare, light morph rough-legged hawk on November 11.
Non-raptor migrants also were in lower numbers than average with 51,954 other birds
counted, compared to the average of over 65,000.
A total of 68,112 non-raptors were counted, including 2,434 butterflies and 707
dragonflies. Counters tallied almost 2,200 monarch butterflies this season, including a one-day
count of 270.
Other highlights include a couple of "red-letter" warbler days and 1,334 tree swallows on
September 26. The most abundant non-raptor species for the 2017 season was the Canada Goose,
with 19,931 counted.
For more information on programs, initiatives and upcoming events, visit the Hawk
Mountain Sanctuary website or call 610-756-6961. Click Here to sign up for regular updates
from the Sanctuary, Like them on Facebook, Follow on Twitter, visit them on Flickr, be part of
their Google+ Circle and visit their YouTube Channel. Click Here to support Hawk Mountain.
NewsClips:
Chronic Wasting Disease Confirmed In 4 More Deer At Game Preserves
Penguin Chick Hatches At National Aviary In Pittsburgh
2nd Penguin Chick Hatches At National Aviary In Pittsburgh
PA Contest Winner Captures 6 Bucks In One Photo
AP: Baby Girl Attacked By Raccoon Inside Philly Apartment
AP: Snowy Owl Migration Gives Scientists Chance To Study Them
[Posted: Dec. 21, 2017]
First Ever Pennsylvania Wildlife Gala April 6 Nittany Lion Inn, State College
The Wildlife for Everyone Foundation will hold the first ever
Pennsylvania Wildlife Gala on April 6 at the Nittany Lion Inn in State
College starting at 5:30.
The Gala will include an elegant reception with open bar and hors
d’oeuvres, dinner, live music and a program by Lee Peterson, son of the
famed naturalist and artist Roger Tory Peterson. There will also be an
auction and much more.
To learn more about sponsorship and to purchase tickets, visit the
Pennsylvania Wildlife Gala webpage or contact Peg Hosterman by
calling 814-238-8138 or send email to: info@wildlifeforeveryone.org.
Early bird special drawing for tickets purchased before February 28.
Proceeds will support the Wildlife Foundation’s conservation and education efforts in
Pennsylvania.
For more information, visit the Wildlife for Everyone Foundation website. Follow them
on Twitter, Like them on Facebook. Click Here to support their work.
NewsClips:
[Posted: Dec. 21, 2017]
DEP Names Ronald Schwartz Southwest Regional Office Director
The Department of Environmental Protection Secretary Patrick

McDonnell Friday announced Ronald Schwartz, P.E., BCEE will
become the Southwest Regional Office Director effective December 23,
2017.
He will manage field operations for Allegheny, Armstrong, Beaver,
Cambria, Fayette, Greene, Indiana, Washington, Westmoreland, and
Somerset Counties.
“Ron exemplifies the role of public servant with his track record of
improving efficiency and problem solving,” said DEP Secretary Patrick
McDonnell. “I have every confidence in Ron’s leadership of the DEP
team in the Southwest Region.”
Schwartz served DEP for nearly 32 years and as the Assistant Regional Director since
2004.
In this position, he oversaw Energy and Emergency Response programs, was involved in
much of the day-to-day field operations, served periodically as acting manager for various
programs, and represented DEP to the Ohio River Valley Water Sanitation Commission
(ORSANCO) from 2004 to 2016.
In July, he took on the additional role of Acting Regional Director.
“I’m proud to work with such an experienced and dedicated team of environmental
professionals who take pride in their jobs and carrying out DEP’s mission,” said Schwartz. “I
look forward to continuing our efforts to strengthen relationships and improving operations to
benefit the environment.”
Schwartz is a licensed professional engineer, as well as a board-certified environmental
engineer. He began his tenure with DEP as a sanitary engineer, advancing to permits section
chief in the Clean Water program and, later, Air Quality Program Manager—all in the Southwest
Regional Office.
Schwartz has a bachelor’s degree in environmental resource management from Penn
State University. He and his wife, Sharon, live in Saxonburg, Butler County, and their two adult
children, Zachary and Meagan still live in the area.
For more information on programs managed from this office, visit DEP’s Southwest
Regional Office webpage.
[Posted: Dec. 22, 2017]
Public Participation Opportunities/Calendar Of Events
This section lists House and Senate Committee meetings, DEP and other public hearings and
meetings and other interesting environmental events.
NEW means new from last week. [Agenda Not Posted] means not posted within 2 weeks
of the advisory committee meeting. Go to the online Calendar webpage for updates.
Note: DEP published the 2018 meeting schedules for its advisory committees and boards.
January 4-- DEP hearing on RACT 2 Air Quality Plan for NRG Energy Center in Dauphin
County. DEP Southcentral Regional Office, 909 Elmerton Avenue, Harrisburg. 10:00. The
deadline to pre-register is December 28. To register to speak contact Thomas Hanlon at
717-705-4862. (formal notice with additional details PA Bulletin, page 7349).
January 6-- Delaware Highlands Conservancy. Eagle Day. Wallenpaupack Environmental

Learning Center, Hawley, Pike County.
January 10-- House Consumer Affairs Committee holds an informational meeting on House Bill
107 (Godshall-R-Montgomery) providing for the recovery of natural gas distribution system
extension costs (sponsor summary). Room B-31 Main Capitol. 10:00.
January 10-- DEP Technical Advisory Committee on Diesel-Powered Equipment (Coal Mining)
meeting. DEP New Stanton Office, 131 Broadview Road, New Stanton. 10:00, DEP Contact:
Peggy Scheloske, 724-404-3143, mscheloske@pa.gov.
January 10-- DEP hearing on RACT 2 Air Quality Plan for Lehigh Cement Company in Berks
County. DEP Southcentral Regional Office, 909 Elmerton Avenue, Harrisburg. 10:00. Deadline
to pre-register is January 3. To register to speak contact Thomas Hanlon at 717-705-4862.
(formal notice with additional details PA Bulletin, page 7351).
January 11-- DEP Mining & Reclamation Advisory Board meeting. Room 105 Rachel Carson
Building. 10:00. DEP Contact: Daniel Snowden, 717-787-5103, dsnowden@pa.gov.
January 11-- DEP Coal & Clay Mine Subsidence Insurance Fund Board meeting. 12th Floor
Conference Room, Rachel Carson Building. 10:00. DEP Contact: Lawrence Ruane,
717-783-9590, lruane@pa.gov.
January 11-- DCNR, PA Recreation & Park Society Grant Application Webinar. 10:00 to 11:30.
January 11-12-- Morris Arboretum. 29th Annual Landscape Design Symposium. Montgomery
County Community College, Blue Bell.
January 16-- Environmental Quality Board meeting. Room 105 Rachel Carson Building. 9:00.
DEP Contact: Laura Edinger, Environmental Quality Board, 400 Market Street, Harrisburg, PA
17101, 717-772-3277, ledinger@pa.gov.
January 16-- DEP Citizens Advisory Council meeting. Room 105 Rachel Carson Building.
10:00. Contact: Executive Director Lee Ann Murray, 717-787-8171, leemurray@pa.gov
January 17-- DEP Coastal Zone Advisory Committee meeting. 10th Floor Conference Room,
Rachel Carson Building. 9:30. DEP Contact: Stacey Box, 717-772-5622, sbox@pa.gov.
January 20-- Pocono Heritage Land Trust. Cross Country Skiing Adventure, Brodhead Creek
Heritage Center at ForEvergreen Nature Preserve, 1539 Cherry Land Rd., East Stroudsburg,
Monroe County. Noon.
January 22-- NEW. Environmental Issues Forum, Joint Conservation Committee, Pumped
Storage Hyrdo. Room 8E-A East Wing. Noon.
January 22-- PA Chesapeake Bay Watershed Planning Steering Committee meets. Room 105
Rachel Carson Building. 1:00.
January 23-- Delaware River Basin Commission. Hearing on proposed fracking ban in
Delaware Watershed. Ladore Camp, Retreat and Conference Center’s Performing Arts and
Recreation Center (PARC) Pavilion, 287 Owego Turnpike, Waymart, Wayne County. 1:00 to
4:30. Click Here to register to attend.
Delaware Watershed. Ladore Camp, Retreat and Conference Center’s Performing Arts and
Recreation Center (PARC) Pavilion, 287 Owego Turnpike, Waymart, Wayne County. 6:00 to
9:30. Click Here to register to attend.
January 24-- House Appropriations Committee holds a hearing on special funds related to the
Department of Community and Economic Development. Location, Time To Be Announced.
January 24-- DEP Small Business Compliance Advisory Committee meeting. 12th Floor
Conference Room, Rachel Carson Building. 10:00. DEP Contact: Nancy Herb, 717-783-9269,
nherb@pa.gov.
January 24-- Dept. of Labor & Industry Uniform Construction Code Review and Advisory
Council meeting. Room E-100, First Floor, Department of Labor of Industry Building, 651 Boas
Street in Harrisburg. 10:00. Contact: Cindy Holtry, Department of Labor and Industry,
717-783-4560. (formal notice)
January 25-- House Appropriations Committee hearing on Special Funds Used By DEP and
DCNR. Location, Time To Be Announced. Committee hearings are typically webcast through
the House Republican Caucus website. Click Here for more.
January 25-- DEP Water Resources Advisory Committee meeting. Room 105 Rachel Carson
Building. 9:30. DEP Contact: Diane Wilson, 717-787-3730, diawilson@pa.gov.
Delaware Watershed. DoubleTree by Hilton Hotel Philadelphia Airport, 4509 Island Ave.,
Philadelphia. 1:00 to 4:30. Click Here to register to attend.
Delaware Watershed. DoubleTree by Hilton Hotel Philadelphia Airport, 4509 Island Ave.,
Philadelphia. 6:00 to 9:30. Click Here to register to attend.
January 25-26-- Chesapeake Bay Landscape Professional Certification Level I Training.

Lancaster.
January 31-- NEW. DEP Hearing On Air Quality Permit At Sunoco Marcus Hook Facility
Delaware County. Marcus Hook Community Center, 7 W. Delaware Ave, Marcus Hook. 6:00 to
8:00.
January 31-- Pocono Heritage Land Trust. Full Moon Night Hike, Jonas Mountain Nature
Preserve, 506 Watercrest Dr. Monroe County. 6:00 p.m.
February 6-- Governor’s Budget Address.
February 6-- DEP Climate Change Advisory Committee meeting. Room 105 Rachel Carson
Building. 10:00. DEP Contact: Mark Brojakowski, 717-772-3429 or send email to:
mbrojakows@pa.gov.
February 7-10-- PA Association For Sustainable Agriculture Annual Conference. State
College.
February 8-- DEP Air Quality Technical Advisory Committee meeting. Room 105 Rachel
Carson Building. 9:15. DEP Contact: Kirit Dalal, 717-772-3436, kdalal@pa.gov.
February 8-- DEP State Board for Certification of Water & Wastewater Systems Operators
meeting. 10th Floor Conference Room, Rachel Carson Building. 10:00. DEP Contact: Edgar
Chescattie, 717-772-2814, echescattie@pa.gov.
February 8-- NEW. DEP Hearing [If Requested] On RACT II Air Quality Plan For Jeraco
Enterprises, Inc. Milton Plant, Northumberland County. DEP Northcentral Regional Office, 208
West Third Street, Suite 101, Williamsport. 10:00.
February 11--Pocono Heritage Land Trust. Winter Snowshoe Adventure, Brodhead Creek
Heritage Center at ForEvergreen Nature Preserve, 1539 Cherry Lane Rd., East Stroudsburg,
Monroe County. Noon.
February 13-- DEP Environmental Justice Advisory Board meeting. 14th Floor Conference
Room, Rachel Carson Building. 8:30. DEP Contact: John Brakeall, 717-783-9731,
jbrakeall@pa.gov.
February 13-- Dept. of Labor & Industry Uniform Construction Code Review and Advisory
February 14-- DEP Oil and Gas Technical Advisory Board meeting. Room 105 Rachel Carson
Building. 10:00. DEP Contact: Todd Wallace, 717-783-9438, twallace@pa.gov.
February 14-- DEP State Board for Certification of Sewage Enforcement Officers meeting.
Conference Room 11B, Rachel Carson Building. 10:00. DEP Contact: Kristen Szwajkowski,
717-772-2186, kszwajkows@pa.gov.
February 22-- DEP Agricultural Advisory Board meeting. DEP Southcentral Regional Office,
909 Elmerton Ave., Harrisburg. 9:00. DEP Contact: Jay Braund, 717-772-5636,
jbraund@pa.gov.
February 23-24-- Registration Open. Keystone Coldwater Conference. State College. (Note: PA
Environment Digest is a Conference sponsor.)
March 2-- Harrisburg University Center for Environment, Energy and Economy. Hosts The
Fracking Debate Author Daniel Raimi In Discussion Program. Harrisburg University, 326
Market St, Harrisburg. 11:30 to 1:00.
March 6-- DEP Storage Tank Advisory Committee meeting. Room 105 Rachel Carson Building.
10:00. DEP Contact: Dawn Heimbach, 717-772-5556, daheimbach@pa.gov.
March 6-- DEP Board of Coal Mine Safety meeting. DEP Cambria Office, 286 Industrial Park
Road, Ebensburg. 10:00. DEP Contact: Peggy Scheloske, 724-404-3143, mscheloske@pa.gov
March 6-- Dept. of Labor & Industry Uniform Construction Code Review and Advisory Council
meeting. Room E-100, First Floor, Department of Labor of Industry Building, 651 Boas Street
in Harrisburg. 10:00. Contact: Cindy Holtry, Department of Labor and Industry, 717-783-4560.
(formal notice)
March 8-- DEP Solid Waste Advisory Committee meeting. Room 105 Rachel Carson Building.
10:00. DEP Contact: Laura Henry, 717-772-5713, lahenry@pa.gov.
March 12-13-- PA Association of Environmental Educators. 2018 Annual Conference. State
College, Centre County.
March 20-- Dept. of Labor & Industry Uniform Construction Code Review and Advisory
March 22-- DEP Radiation Protection Advisory Committee meeting. Room 105 Rachel Carson
Building. 9:00. DEP Contact: Joseph Melnic, 717-783-9730, jmelnic@pa.gov.
March 29-- DEP Small Water Systems Technical Assistance Center Board meeting. Room 105
Rachel Carson Building. 9:00. DEP Contact: Dawn Hissner, 717-772-2189, dhissner@pa.gov.
April 3-- Dept. of Labor & Industry Uniform Construction Code Review and Advisory Council
(formal notice)
April 4-- DEP Cleanup Standards Scientific Advisory Board meeting. Room 105 Rachel Carson
Building. 9:00. DEP Contact: Mike Maddigan, 717-772-3609, mmaddigan@pa.gov.
April 10-- DEP Mine Families First Response & Communications Advisory Council meeting.
DEP New Stanton Office, 131 Broadview Road, New Stanton. 10:00. DEP Contact: Peggy
Scheloske, 724-404-3143, mscheloske@pa.gov.
April 10-- Center for Watershed Protection. 2018 National Watershed & Stormwater
Conference. Maryland and Virginia In-person and online.
April 12-- DEP Laboratory Accreditation Advisory Committee meeting. DEP Bureau of
Laboratories building, 2575 Interstate Drive, Harrisburg. 9:00. DEP Contact: Aaren Alger,
717-346-7200, aaalger@pa.gov.
April 17-- Dept. of Labor & Industry Uniform Construction Code Review and Advisory Council
(formal notice)
April 17-19-- National Forum On Low-Zero Energy Buildings. Wyndam Grand Hotel,
Pittsburgh.
April 24-- DEP Sewage Advisory Committee meeting. DEP Southcentral Regional Office, 909
Elmerton Ave., Harrisburg. 10:30. DEP Contact: Janice Vollero, 717-772-5157,
jvollero@pa.gov.
May 2-4-- PA Association Of Environmental Professional. Annual Conference. State College.
May 8-- 2018 PA Groundwater Symposium. Ramada Inn in State College, Centre County.
May 22-23-- NEW. Choose Clean Water Coalition. 9th Annual Clean Water Conference.
Lancaster Marriott.
July 25-27-- NEW. Registration Open. Professional Recyclers of PA. 28th Annual Recycling &
Organics Conference. Best Western Premier Hotel, Harrisburg.
September 22-- Joint meeting of DEP Recycling Fund Advisory Committee and Solid Waste
Advisory Committee. Room 105 Rachel Carson Building. 10:00. DEP Contact: Laura Henry,
717-772-5713, lahenry@pa.gov.
September 28-- DEP Low-Level Waste Advisory Committee meeting Room 105 Rachel Carson
Building. 10:00. DEP Contact: Rich Janati, 717-787-2147, rjanati@pa.gov.
October 17-21-- Passive House Western PA. North American Passive House Network 2018
Conference. David L. Lawrence Convention Center, Pittsburgh.
Visit DEP’s Public Participation Center for public participation opportunities. Click Here to sign
up for DEP News a biweekly newsletter from the Department.
DEP Regulations In Process

Proposed Regulations Open For Comment - DEP webpage
Submit Comments on Proposals Through DEP’s eComment System
Proposed Regulations With Closed Comment Periods - DEP webpage
Recently Finalized Regulations - DEP webpage
DEP Regulatory Update - DEP webpage
August 2017 DEP Regulatory Agenda - PA Bulletin, Page 4922
DEP Technical Guidance In Process

Draft Technical Guidance Documents - DEP webpage
Technical Guidance Comment Deadlines - DEP webpage
Recently Closed Comment Periods For Technical Guidance - DEP webpage
Technical Guidance Recently Finalized - DEP webpage
Copies of Final Technical Guidance - DEP webpage
DEP Non-Regulatory/Technical Guidance Documents Agenda (July 2017) - DEP webpage
Other DEP Proposals For Public Review
Other Proposals Open For Public Comment - DEP webpage
Recently Closed Comment Periods For Other Proposals - DEP webpage
Other Proposals Recently Finalized - DEP webpage
DEP Facebook Page DEP Twitter Feed DEP YouTube Channel
Click Here for links to DEP’s Advisory Committee webpages.
DEP Calendar of Events DCNR Calendar of Events
Senate Committee Schedule House Committee Schedule
You can watch the Senate Floor Session and House Floor Session live online.
Grants & Awards
This section gives you a heads up on upcoming deadlines for awards and grants and other
recognition programs. NEW means new from last week.
December 29-- Western PA Conservancy Watershed Mini Grant Program

December 29-- PA Assn. Of Environmental Educators Excellence Awards
December 31-- DEP Alternative Fuel Vehicle Rebates (First-Come, First-Served)
January 1-- Governor’s Awards For Environmental Excellence
January 1-- DEP Accepting County Act 101 Waste Planning, HHW, Education Grants
January 15-- PA Land Trust Assn. Conservation Leadership Award
January 15-- Register For Western PA Let’s Clear The Air Student Poster Challenge
January 19-- 3rd Annual Western PA Zero Waste Event and Business Awards
January 20-- What Does The Delaware River Mean To You? Beauty
January 20-- CFA Solar Energy Program Grants/Loans
January 23-- Start Applying: DCNR Community Conservation Partnership Grants
February 1-- U.S. Healthy Watersheds Consortium Grant Program
February 1-- NEW. Delaware River Basin Commission Winter Photo Contest
February 1-- ExtremeTerrain’s Clean Trail Grant Program
February 2-- Green Stormwater Infrastructure Partners Excellence Awards
February 5-- PA Environmental Professionals College Science Scholarships
February 12-- PA Land Trust Assn. Government Leadership Award
February 26-- NEW. NRCS Conservation Innovation Grants
February 27-- West Penn Power Sustainable Energy Fund Clean Energy Projects RFP
February 28-- NEW. Schuylkill Action Network Student Street Art Contest
March 22-- CFA Solar Energy Program Grants/Loans
March 31-- NEW. DEP Municipal, Hazardous Waste Municipal Inspector Grants
April 1-- DEP Farm Conservation Plan Grant Chesapeake Bay Watershed
April 6-- Low-Income Home Energy Assistance Program
April 7-- NEW. DEP Local Recycling Implementation Grants
April 12-- DCNR Community Conservation Partnership Grants
May 18-- CFA Solar Energy Program Grants/Loans
May 23-- SBA Flood Assistance Clearfield, Washington, 8 Other Counties
July 20-- CFA Solar Energy Program Grants/Loans
December 31-- DEP County Act 101 Waste Planning, HHW, Education Grants
-- Visit the DEP Grant, Loan and Rebate Programs webpage for more ideas on how to get
financial assistance for environmental projects.
-- Visit the DCNR Apply for Grants webpage for a listing of financial assistance available from
DCNR.
Environmental NewsClips - All Topics
Here are NewsClips from around the state on all environmental topics, including General
Environment, Budget, Marcellus Shale, Watershed Protection and much more.
The latest environmental NewsClips and news is available at the PA Environment Digest Daily
Blog, Twitter Feed and add PaEnviroDigest Google+ to your Circle.
Air
Residents, Landowners Air Complaints About Pollution From ATI’s Harrison Steel Mill
Report: No Long-Term Harm From Air Quality Around Keystone Landfill
Developer Must Pay Record Penalty Over Mishandling Asbestos In Allegheny County
Op-Ed: EPA’s New Ozone Standards Are Gag-Worthy For PA
Alternative Fuels
Company Advancing Plans For Alternative Fueling Station In Dunmore
Op-Ed: After 10 Years: Renewable Fuel Standards Fails To Live Up To Promise
Budget
Editorial: DEP Needs The Funds To Protect The Environment, Public Health
Shale Tax Supporters Face Slow Go In House
Chesapeake Bay
Click Here to support the Chesapeake Bay Journal
Citizen Action
Climate
A Look At Pittsburgh’s Latest Climate Action Plan
Letter: Bethlehem Moves To Reduce Carbon Emissions
Op-Ed: Arguments Used To Say Climate Change A Hoax Were Used By Others
Global Warming Boosted Hurricane Harvey’s Rainfall By At Least 15 Percent
Coal Mining
AP: Software Training Program For Coal Miners Sued
Trump Signs Order To Expand Critical Minerals Production, Including Rare Earths
PSU: Extracting Rare Earth Elements From Coal Could Soon Be Economical In U.S.
Compliance Action
Developer Must Pay Record Penalty Over Mishandling Asbestos In Allegheny County
Delaware River
Drinking Water
Pittsburgh Water Authority Prioritizes Homes With Kids For Lead Line Replacements
Pittsburgh Water Authority Issue Boil Water Advisory In 8 Neighborhoods
Pittsburgh Water Authority Issues Flush And Boil Water Advisory
Boil Water Advisory Lifted By Pittsburgh Water Authority
Groups Call For Investigation Of Fmr Pittsburgh Water Authority Manager
Editorial: Major Pipe Break Shows Need For Pittsburgh Water Authority Overhaul
Energy
Smart Electric Meters Will Push Some Western PA Businesses To Hourly Rates
Maykuth: Veolia Energy Gets 5.2% Rate Increase In Philly
Farming
Forests
Master Gardening: Reducing Risk To Tick-Borne Diseases
Flames Threaten California Coastal Communities As Firefighters Mourn
Ferocious California Wildfire Grows More Erratic, Dangerous As Winds Pick Up
Wildfire Burns Beloved Burros In South Dakota’s Custer Park
Grants/Funding
Green Infrastructure
Hazardous Sites Cleanup
Letterkenny: A 35-Year, $180 Pollution Cleanup
Land Conservation
Land Use Planning
Cumberland County Counts On Continued Growth In New Plan
Mine Reclamation
Carr: LCB Loses Liquor Store Sitting Atop Unstable Mine In Monroeville
Oil & Gas
DEP: IPads, New App Means Staff Can Do More Oil & Gas Inspections
New App Helps State Conduct 2,000 More Oil & Gas Inspections In 2017
Shale Tax Supporters Face Slow Go In PA House
Study: Babies Of Mothers Living Near Fracking Sites Face Increased Health Risks
Company Advancing Plans For Alternative Fueling Station In Dunmore
Legere: Judge Rejects Challenge To Natural Gas Royalty Case Brought By AG
Maykuth: Shale Gas Was Going To Make Them Rich, Then The Checks Arrived
Cusick: Attorney General’s Lawsuit Over Royalty Payments Advances
2 Natural Gas Workers Settle Harassment, Racial Discrimination Suit
U.S. Natural Gas Production Predicted To Enter 2018 Strong
Lancaster Gasoline Prices Decline For 5th Straight Week
Pipelines
Radiation Protection
Recreation
PA State Parks, Forests Offering Visitors A Winter Playground
Dec. 22 Take Five Fridays With Pam, PA Parks & Forests Foundation
Next Phase Of Allegheny Commons Park Restoration Set To Begin
Fmr Quaker Settlement To Be Developed As A Park In Lawrence County
Blair Transportation Planning Group Recommends Antis Twp Trail Project
Weather Just Right For Lake Erie Surfing
Over The Hill Gang Smooths The Path Of Oil Creek Hiking Trail
Mayor: Protected Bike Lanes Needed In Philly, So Is Funding For Them
Skiers Stuck With Ski Lift Malfunctions, 5 Injured
One Killed In ATV Crash In Beaver County
Body Of Fisherman Recovered From Lake At Moraine State Park
Recycling/Waste
Renewable Energy
Schuylkill River
Stormwater
Susquehanna River
Waste Facilities
Report: No Long-Term Harm From Air Quality Around Keystone Landfill
Wastewater Facilities
Editorial: Scranton Sewer Authority Flushes Public Money
Water Monitoring
Crable: Penn State Looking For Stream Sampiers For Bass/Water Quality Study In Susquehanna
Watershed Protection
Wildlife
West Nile/Zika Virus
Master Gardening: Reducing Risk To Tick-Borne Diseases
Other
PennFuture Blog: Environmental Priorities For 2018
PennFuture Blog: Proxy Battles, Bad Omens, Small Victories In 2017
PA Meteorologist Wants People To Stop Calling Her A Weather Girl
Wildfires
Thomas Wildfire Now 2nd Largest In Modern California History
Flame Threaten California Coastal Communities As Firefighters Mourn
Ferocious California Wildfire Grows More Erratic, Dangerous As Winds Pick Up
Wildfire Burns Beloved Burros In South Dakota’s Custer Park
Hurricanes
Army Corps In Pittsburgh Playing Key Role In Fixing Puerto Rico’s Power
Federal Policy
Op-Ed: EPA’s New Ozone Standards Are Gag-Worthy For PA
EPA Union Leader: Records Request Was Retaliation For My Political Activities
Click Here For This Week's Allegheny Front Radio Program
Regulations, Technical Guidance & Permits
No new regulations published this week. Pennsylvania Bulletin - December 23, 2017
DEP Regulations In Process

Proposed Regulations Open For Comment - DEP webpage
Proposed Regulations With Closed Comment Periods - DEP webpage
Recently Finalized Regulations - DEP webpage
DEP Regulatory Update - DEP webpage
August 2017 DEP Regulatory Agenda - PA Bulletin, Page 4922
Technical Guidance & Permits
Note: DEP published 78 pages of public notices related to proposed and final permit and
approval/ disapproval actions in the December 23 PA Bulletin - pages 7688 to 7766.
DEP Technical Guidance In Process

Draft Technical Guidance Documents - DEP webpage
Technical Guidance Comment Deadlines - DEP webpage
Recently Closed Comment Periods For Technical Guidance - DEP webpage
Technical Guidance Recently Finalized - DEP webpage
Copies of Final Technical Guidance - DEP webpage
DEP Non-Regulatory/Technical Guidance Documents Agenda (July 2017) - DEP webpage
Other DEP Proposals For Public Review

Other Proposals Open For Public Comment - DEP webpage
Recently Closed Comment Periods For Other Proposals - DEP webpage
Other Proposals Recently Finalized - DEP webpage
Visit DEP’s Public Participation Center for public participation opportunities. Click Here to sign
up for DEP News a biweekly newsletter from the Department.
DEP Facebook Page DEP Twitter Feed DEP YouTube Channel
Click Here for links to DEP’s Advisory Committee webpages.
DEP Calendar of Events DCNR Calendar of Events
CLICK HERE To View Or Print Entire PA Environment Digest
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Issue #704 ​Crisci Associates​, Harrisburg, PA Dec.

PA Environment Digest Blog​ ​Twitter Feed​ ​PaEnviroDigest Google+

Have a Happy Holiday Season and a Wonderful, Healthy New Year!

137 More Stories In 2017 About Hundreds Of Great PA Environmental Stewards

Since June of 2004, the ​PA Environment

DCNR Secretary: 2016 Was Exciting, Rewarding And Challenging

South Mountain Partnership Celebrates 10 Years

PEMA Announces Winners Of ReadyPA.org Severe Weather Student Video Contest

PA Historical & Museum Commission OKs Historian Markers, 2 Related To Environment

PEMA: Winners Of Student Weather Safety Poster Contest Announced

House Congratulates PA National Guard For Army Environmental Sustainability Award

Southmoreland High School Wins Westmoreland County Envirothon

U.S. Dept. Of Education Names Green Ribbon Schools, 2 In PA

Schuylkill Action Network Recognizes Miquon School Students In Montgomery County

Hawk Mountain Sanctuary Receives International Accessibility Award For Silhouette

Carol Collier Recognized With PEC’s Winsor Award In Philadelphia

PA Anthracite Outdoor Adventure Area In Northumberland Earns National Recognition

Ed Wytovich Receives 2017 Mayfly Award From PA Abandoned Mine Reclamation

Western PA Conservancy Earns National Land Trust Accreditation Renewal

A Horticultural Society, Philly Airport Announce Finalists In Landscape Design

Sustainable Pittsburgh Announces Winners Of The 2016-17 Green Workplace Challenge

Officials Salute PA Outdoor Corps Accomplishments At Pinchot State Forest

Abington Twp. Environmental Advisory Council Receives Montgomery County Award

2017 Environmental Legislation Scorecard, The Naughty And Nice List

The first half of the 2017-18 legislative session saw

PA Resources Council Offers 5 Green New Year's Resolutions For 2018

The ​PA Resources Council​ offers 5 easy ways to

Register now for the ​2018 Keystone Coldwater Conference​ to be held in

Bills On Governor's Desk

Senate/House Agenda/Session Schedule/Gov’s Schedule

Committee Meeting Agendas This Week

House:​ <> ​Click Here​ for full House Committee Schedule.

Senate:​ <> ​Click Here​ for full Senate Committee Schedule.

Bills Pending In Key Committees

News From The Capitol

Pumped Storage Hydro Topic Of Jan. 22 Joint Conservation Committee Environmental

The ​Joint Legislative Air and Water Pollution Control

December Environmental Synopsis Newsletter Available From Joint Conservation

The ​December Environmental Synopsis​ newsletter

News From Around The State

Farm Show To Feature Master Gardener, Watershed Stewards Exhibits

Those interested in home gardening, preserving their

By Madeline Urbish, ​Coalition For The Delaware River Watershed

This past Saturday we celebrated the one-year

The ​Philadelphia Green City, Clean Waters

Bethesda Presbyterian Church​ sits on a large plot

(Reprinted from the ​Philadelphia Water Department Watersheds Blog​.)

The ​Schuylkill Action Network​ is now accepting entries for

The ​Delaware River Basin Commission​ Tuesday announced

Lancaster Agrees To Curb Discharge Of Sewage, Other Pollutants To Conestoga River In

Choose Clean Water Coalition Conference Now Accepting Presentation Proposals

The ​Choose Clean Water Coalition​ is now accepting

Western PA Conservancy Conserve Magazine: Our Impact On The Chesapeake Bay

The ​Winter issue of Conserve magazine​ from the Western ​Pennsylvania

The December UpStream newsletter is now

NRCS Now Accepting Applications For Conservation Innovation Grants

USDA's ​Natural Resources Conservation Service

Keep Pennsylvania Beautiful​ Thursday reported nearly

DEP Now Accepting Applications For Host Municipality Inspector Reimbursements

The Department of Environmental Protection ​published notice​ in the December 23 PA Bulletin it

The Department of Environmental Protection ​published

Early Registration: Professional Recyclers Of PA Annual Conference, Harrisburg July

The ​Professional Recyclers of

Issue #704 Crisci Associates, Harrisburg, PA Dec.

PA Environment Digest Blog Twitter Feed PaEnviroDigest Google+

Since June of 2004, the PA Environment

The PA Resources Council offers 5 easy ways to

Register now for the 2018 Keystone Coldwater Conference to be held in

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

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

The Joint Legislative Air and Water Pollution Control

The December Environmental Synopsis newsletter

By Madeline Urbish, Coalition For The Delaware River Watershed

The Philadelphia Green City, Clean Waters

Bethesda Presbyterian Church sits on a large plot

(Reprinted from the Philadelphia Water Department Watersheds Blog.)

The Schuylkill Action Network is now accepting entries for

The Delaware River Basin Commission Tuesday announced

The Choose Clean Water Coalition is now accepting

The Winter issue of Conserve magazine from the Western Pennsylvania

USDA's Natural Resources Conservation Service

Keep Pennsylvania Beautiful Thursday reported nearly

The Department of Environmental Protection published notice in the December 23 PA Bulletin it

The Department of Environmental Protection published

The Professional Recyclers of

By Lindsay Baxter, PEC Program Manager For Energy & Climate

On December 12th, the PA Environmental Council convened a meeting of

PPL Currents recently published this interview with PPL Public

By John C. Dernbach, Widener University-Commonwealth Law School

Tree and shrub seedlings from the Game Commission’s Howard

More than 105 acres of land have been added to Laurel

The Wildlands Conservancy Tuesday announced

The PA Parks and Forests Foundation Monday announced it

Hawk Mountain Sanctuary in Berks County Thursday

January 6-- Delaware Highlands Conservancy. Eagle Day. Wallenpaupack Environmental

January 25-26-- Chesapeake Bay Landscape Professional Certification Level I Training.

February 6-- Governor’s Budget Address.

DEP Facebook Page DEP Twitter Feed DEP YouTube Channel

Click Here for links to DEP’s Advisory Committee webpages.

DEP Calendar of Events DCNR Calendar of Events

Senate Committee Schedule House Committee Schedule

PA Environment Digest Blog Twitter Feed PaEnviroDigest Google+

December 29-- Western PA Conservancy Watershed Mini Grant Program

PA Environment Digest Blog Twitter Feed PaEnviroDigest Google+

DEP Facebook Page DEP Twitter Feed DEP YouTube Channel

Click Here for links to DEP’s Advisory Committee webpages.

DEP Calendar of Events DCNR Calendar of Events

PA Environment Digest Blog Twitter Feed PaEnviroDigest Google+

PA Environment Digest is edited by David E. Hess, former Secretary Pennsylvania Department

PA Environment Digest weekly was the winner of the PA Association of Environmental

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