PA Environment Digest

An Update On Environmental Issues In PA

Edited By: David E. Hess, Crisci Associates
Winner 2009 PAEE Business Partner Of The Year Award Harrisburg, Pa June 13, 2011

Dr. James K. Bissell To Receive 2011 John C. Oliver Environmental Leadership Award Dr. James K. Bissell is the winner of the 2011 John C. Oliver Environmental Leadership Award from the Friends of the Tom Ridge Environmental Center. Dr. Bissell will be honored at the Sunset Celebration on June 16 from 6:30 p.m. to 8:30 p.m. at the Tom Ridge Environmental Center in Erie. Gov. Tom Ridge is the guest speaker and will present the award to Dr. Bissell. Dr. Bissell has an extensive environmental career spanning over 40 years in botany, and the protection of natural heritage resources. At the Cleveland Museum of Natural History, he currently serves as the Curator of Botany and Director of Conservation. Jim has the most acute awareness of habitat potential of any field biologist I have ever known; its like he has a special sense for knowing where in a swamp theres going to be a rare plant community, said Dr. J. Michael Campbell, Professor of Biology, Mercyhurst College and President of the Lake Erie Region Conservancy and the Pennsylvania Academy of Science. Dr. Campbell added, Jim has been active in PA state-level rare plant management work for at least two decades, and he has never stopped being a key resource in educating the public about the rich botanical resources we enjoy in this region, through free nature hikes and other activities in which people are directly engaged in invasive plant control work, at sites where invasives imperil rare and endangered plants. Jim is responsible for the majority of our modern knowledge on the flora of Erie County, with particular emphasis on the flora of Presque Isle State Park. Jim has discovered the first populations of several plant species previously unknown to Pennsylvania. Since beginning his work on Presque Isle in 1984, he has found 80 species of Pennsylvania threatened, rare, or endangered plants. All of this helps make him the foremost botanical expert in the area, said Christopher Tracey, Ecologist and Conservation Planning Coordinator for the Western Pennsylvania Conservancy. The award is named in honor of John C. Oliver, the first Secretary of the Department of Conservation and Natural Resources, the first Board Chair of the Friends of TREC, and lifelong environmental leader.

Prior winners of the Award include Jean Stull Cunningham in 2010 and Dr. Robert W. Light in 2008. Dr. Bissell was selected by the Board of the Friends of TREC to recognize his significant environmental leadership & impact at TREC, Presque Isle, and Western Pennsylvania. To register for the June 16th Sunset Celebration, call 814-835-1384 or visit the Friends of the Tom Ridge Environmental Center website. Foundation For PA Watersheds Receives $3.5 Million In Penalty Settlement The Foundation for Pennsylvania Watersheds this week received $3.5 million from a federal Clean Water Act penalty assessment related to the Conemaugh Generating Station near Johnstown. The penalty is to be used to fund restoration and preservation projects in the Conemaugh River Watershed, which is the area affected by the Conemaugh Station's water quality violations. Its with a great sense of responsibility that the Foundation for Pennsylvanias Watersheds will be able to address some of the worst of the worst polluting sites and preserve the best of the best in the Conemaugh Watershed through the use of this settlement monies, stated John Dawes, Executive Director of the Foundation for Pennsylvanias Watersheds. Funding for watershed restoration projects is badly needed in Pennsylvania since the Growing Greener Program has been allowed to all but run out of money for projects like these. With diminishing funds from Growing Greener, and other sources this money is crucial to continuing site specific restoration work. It is important to note the this is settlement funding, not tax-payer money that will fund the projects, said Dawes. GenOn Northeast Management Company, a subsidiary of GenOn Energy, Inc., and owner of Conemaugh, must pay a total of $3.75 million in penalties as a result of a legal action brought by PennEnvironment, the Sierra Club, the Community Foundation for the Alleghenies and several of their local members. The penalty is the largest ever imposed in Pennsylvania history against a water polluter under the federal Clean Water Act's citizen enforcement provisions. Projects slated for funding consideration may include addressing the Inclined Plan discharge. Though this discharge isnt particularly large, its impact is highly visible, and the water chemistry is treatable. The issue at hand is finding a way to get the discharge to an area with ample treatment space. The Greater Johnstown Watershed Association and its partners have been working diligently to address this problem, all while creatively exploring the potential for using the discharge and its associated mine pool for creating a downtown, geothermal heating and cooling district. Projects like these make sense, and have potential to take liabilities and turn them into assets, Dawes stated. We continue a dialogue with the United States Army Corps of Engineers and the Pennsylvania Fish and Boat Commission about how we can improve river access within Johnstown. As the water continues to be improved via this delivery mechanism and others, it is important that we find ways to reconnect people to this resource that was once too degraded to

be utilized, commented Mike Kane, Executive Director of the Community Foundation and Foundation for Pennsylvania Watershed Chairperson. With the work of numerous groups, the Johnstown area and surrounding watersheds are making a come-back. Recent work to implement a Quemahoning Reservoir conservation release for the purposes of conservation and recreational development has positively impacted Greenhouse Park. Remining permits on the books have the potential to significantly reduce mining impacts to the Little Conemaugh. And work continues to revitalize the downtown. Efforts like these have made Quemahoning Creek, the Stony, and the Conemaugh Rivers bodies of water on the mend. With limited funding resources, this dedicated funding will mean less competition for projects in Bedford, Blair, Huntingdon, Somerset, Washington, and Fayette Counties for example. This will assist some grantees in finding the competitive edge they need to be successful, and assist us in providing more funds to valuable project within those regions, said Branden S. Diehl, Earth Wise Consulting owner and Grant and Project Consultant to Foundation. Diehl further stated, It is an exciting time for the Foundation and our partners. Spending $3.5 million is a welcomed challenge. Applications For Funding Prospective grantees should keep an eye to the Foundations website for grant process details, and a proposed timeline. At this moment, the Foundation is still developing its funding strategy, but expects the process will closely mirror its existing grant-making model. Background On Settlement The settlement agreement reached by the plaintiff groups and the company is embodied in a proposed consent decree, which was filed in federal court in Pittsburgh today and awaits approval by United States Magistrate Judge Robert C. Mitchell. In March, Judge Mitchell ruled that GenOn had committed 8,684 violations of the federal Clean Water Act by discharging illegal levels of five different pollutantssome of them toxicinto the Conemaugh River since 2005. Judge Mitchell had scheduled a June 1 trial to determine how much to penalize the company for its violations and how to bring the power plant into compliance with the law. Under the terms of the consent decree filed in court Monday, GenOn has agreed to achieve compliance with its permit limits in a timely fashion and to pay heavy, automatic penalties for any future permit violations. In addition, GenOn must perform tests to gauge the toxicity of its wastewater discharges and provide that information to the Department of Environmental Protection. In 2007, the environmental groups alleged that GenOn had been in continuous violation of its Clean Water Act discharge permit, discharging more than three million gallons of wastewater per day containing elevated levels of selenium, manganese, aluminum, boron, and iron into the Conemaugh River. The limits in GenOns permit were set by the DEP specifically to protect against degraded conditions in the river, and to help restore the river to health. On occasion, the company has exceeded its permitted pollution limits by over 1,000 percent, or more than ten times allowable levels. In 2004, DEP entered into an agreement with the company not to enforce the pollution limits at issue in this case until 2011 or laterand DEP has already extended part of that

agreement until 2012. In the citizen groups lawsuit, however, the federal court ruled on three separate occasions that this side agreement with DEP does not shield GenOn from its obligation to comply with federal law or with the companys Clean Water Act permit. While this historic penalty will send a strong message to other companies in Pennsylvania and throughout the region, it is equally important that the company is now committed, at long last, to complying with its legal discharge limits and to reducing its pollution of the Conemaugh River, stated PennEnvironment Director David Masur. This was a David and Goliath-style fightand the Davids were able to deliver a critical victory to the people of Pennsylvania. The Clean Water Act allows citizens to take legal action against chronic polluters when state and federal officials are unableor unwillingto protect water quality, said Thomas Au, the Conservation Chair of the Pennsylvania Chapter of Sierra Club. This is a significant victory for the people who live in the Conemaugh River watershed. NewsClips: Conemaugh Watershed To Get Restoration Funds Conemaugh Settlement Might Help Clean River GenOn To Pay $5 Million Conemaugh Pollution Settlement State Faces Dangerous Scenario, Environmental Stewardship Funds Urgently Needed Renew Growing Greener Coalition Executive Director Andrew Heath provided testimony at the House Democratic Policy Committee hearing on the Growing Greener Environmental Stewardship Fund this week. The following are excerpts from Heaths remarks: When Gov. Ridge first signed Growing Greener into law in 1999, we all thought that it was a program with potential, but none of us could have imagined the impact this essential initiative has had over the past 12 years. In 2005, Gov. Rendell expanded this program by creating Growing Greener II, a bond initiative that infused an additional $625 million worth of investments over five years. As you know, the Growing Greener Environmental Stewardship Fund is a statewide program that provides funds to communities and non-profit organizations to help restore and protect local watersheds, clean up abandoned mines, preserve and acquire farmlands and open spaces, and lessen non point source pollution from entering waterways and the Chesapeake Bay. Growing Greener also provides funds for maintaining our award-winning state park system, for heritage conservation and for the development of multipurpose trails, greenways and parks in our communities. The Environmental Stewardship Fund if the lifeblood of Growing Greener. Without money in that fund, we cannot continue to support local watershed groups and conservation efforts. This is a dangerous scenario, especially at a time when Pennsylvania is about to embark on the largest natural gas drilling boom in our states history. Rep. Quinn (R-Bucks) has introduced House Bill 1700 (not yet online), legislation that calls for a graduated impact fee that would provide funding for local governments, the states infrastructure and also provide a significant portions for Growing Greener through the Environmental Stewardship Fund. Rep. Quinns bill is the first impact fee to come from the

House and appears to be a simpler approach to addressing the impact the natural gas industry on local communities and our natural resources. Additionally, Rep. Quinns approach appears to establish an impact fee based on well production, which we believe is a plan the Governor can support while keeping his promise not to raise taxes. It is imperative that we all work together to ensure that this fiscal year is not the last for Growing Greener. Others testifying at the hearing included Patricia Elkis, associate director, Delaware Valley Regional Planning Commission; Maura McCarthy, executive director, Friends of the Wissahickon; and Todd Baylson, associate director, Pennsylvania Horticultural Society. A copy of the testimony presented to the Committee will be available online. A copy of Health's complete remarks is available online. Visit the Renew Growing Greener Coalition website to learn how you can help. Renew Growing Greener Coalition Encouraged By Rep. Quinn Impact Fee Proposal The Renew Growing Greener Coalition this week commended Rep. Marguerite Quinn (R-Bucks) for putting forth a local impact fee proposal that includes funding for the states Growing Greener program-- House Bill 1700 (not yet online). Coalition Executive Director Andrew Heath issued the following statement: The Renew Growing Greener Coalition is encouraged by the proposal put forth by Rep. Quinn that would provide dedicated funding for the states Growing Greener program through the Environmental Stewardship Fund by establishing a local impact fee on natural gas drillers. Rep. Quinns impact fee is the first to come from the House and appears to be a simpler approach to addressing the impact of the natural gas industry on local communities and our natural resources. Additionally, Rep. Quinns approach appears to establish an impact fee based on well construction, which we believe is a plan the Governor can support while keeping his promise not to raise taxes. The Coalition looks forward to learning the full details of the plan. We are hopeful that other legislators will recognize the potential of Rep. Quinns proposal and join her in sponsoring the legislation to keep this important process moving forward and in protecting our environment, promoting conservation and enhancing recreation for future generations. Growing Greener is a bipartisan program established in 1999 under Gov. Tom Ridge and later expanded by Governors Schweiker and Rendell. Since its establishment, Growing Greener has created a legacy of success, preserving more than 33,700 acres of Pennsylvanias family farmland, conserving more than 42,300 acres of threatened open space, adding 26,000 acres to state parks and forests, and restoring over 16,000 acres of abandoned mine lands. In 2002, a dedicated source of revenue for Growing Greener was identified in an increase in the states tipping fee, the fee charged for dumping trash in Pennsylvanias landfills. Those funds were supplemented by a $625 million bond approved by voters in 2005, called Growing Greener II. Unless action is taken, those funds will be largely exhausted as of June 30th, with most of the Growing Greener I tipping fees going to the debt service on the Growing Greener II bonds.

More than 80 Pennsylvania municipalities and counties have passed resolutions urging the Governor and legislature to renew Growing Greener funding. Counties passing resolutions include: Blair, Cambria, Erie, Fayette, Greene, Indiana Lackawanna, Lawrence, Lehigh, Luzerne, Lycoming, Monroe, Philadelphia, Pike, Somerset, Sullivan, Susquehanna, Washington, Westmoreland, Wyoming and York. The Renew Growing Greener Coalition is the Commonwealths largest coalition of conservation, recreation and environmental organizations representing nearly 300 organizations and government entities. Rep. Tobash Calls For Action On Marcellus Shale Impact Fee With natural gas drilling in the Marcellus Shale formation growing exponentially across the state, and the potential to find the resource locally, Rep. Mike Tobash (R-Schuylkill) says the House should act sooner rather than later to assess an impact fee on the industry. Drilling in the Marcellus shale is already delivering a boost to job creation and the economy in Pennsylvania, but it also is having an impact on infrastructure and the environment, Rep. Tobash said. Lets learn from past experience and act now to ensure those drilling for natural gas are held responsible for returning our land and water to the same condition in which it was found. Rep. Tobash noted that while Gov. Tom Corbett originally stated his opposition to a severance tax on natural gas drilling, he has indicated more recently a willingness to at least consider an impact fee. This is coupled with the fact that the gas industry is adding substantial and growing income to the states bottom line. In fact, natural gas drillers are paying sales and use taxes, corporate net income taxes and the Capital Stock and Franchise Tax. In 2010, natural gas drillers paid $214 million in state taxes. So far this year, in just four months, they paid $238 million. The good news is that we have the potential to increase much-needed revenue while not putting additional pressure on our taxpayers and driving up the cost of doing business in our state. Furthermore, because of improvements in technology we are now ready to take advantage of this tremendous resource for the benefit of our citizens, Rep. Tobash said. My hope is that with proper oversight we can protect the areas where drilling takes place, improve our local environment and infrastructure by freeing up dollars now being spent on impacted areas, and position Pennsylvania as a business leader by propagating low energy costs. In discussions with people in the drilling industry, Rep. Tobash said it is clear to him that they are prepared to pay an impact fee to address any environmental and infrastructure issues that may develop. It has even been stated to me that the implementation of a reasonable fee will result in some stability that does not exist right now while this debate continues, Rep. Tobash said. Its time to move forward with this issue. In reviewing impact fee proposals in the Legislature, Rep. Tobash said he is looking for measures that ensure the revenue is specifically directed to addressing drilling impacts. The last thing we need is for the impact fee to become another excuse to funnel money to Philadelphia and Pittsburgh, Rep. Tobash said.

One impact fee proposal that has garnered significant attention in the Legislature has been introduced by Senate President Pro Tem Joe Scarnati of northwestern Pennsylvania. The bill is also expected to be introduced soon in the House by Rep. Jim Marshall of Beaver County. Under the proposal, revenue from the impact fee would be distributed in three ways: -- Conservation districts -- $2.5 million in the first year, $5 million in the second year and $7.5 million in the third and subsequent years. -- Local governments 60 percent of the impact fee for local governments would be deposited into a newly established account. It would be divided between: 1. counties with producing unconventional gas wells. 2. municipalities with producing unconventional gas wells. 3. municipalities located in counties with producing unconventional gas wells. The funds may be used for reconstruction, maintenance and repair of municipal roads and bridges; preservation and improvement of municipal water supplies. -- Statewide environmental and infrastructure impacts. Rep. Tobash is also co-sponsoring a similar bill authored by Rep. Marguerite Quinn (RBucks) to help move the discussion forward. The best approach to this issue is one that ensures the environmental and infrastructure impacts of gas drilling will be addressed while also allowing sustainable revenue growth, Rep. Tobash said. The natural gas industry, as it currently stands, cannot and should not be viewed as a quick fix for our present budget shortages, but if managed properly, the industry can play a vital role in creating a brighter future for Pennsylvania.

Opinion We Have At Least 5 Chances To Save Growing Greener, But Will We?
By David E. Hess, Former Secretary, Department of Environmental Protection Everyone agrees-- the Growing Greener Program-- a national model created in 1999 to protect the environment while growing business at the local level, is the most effective environmental program ever adopted by the Commonwealth. It empowered tens of thousands of people all across the state to be directly involved in the restoration and protection of the environment in their own communities. They restored their watersheds, reclaimed abandoned mines, preserved local farms and open space, improved recreation opportunities and upgraded drinking water and wastewater infrastructure. For every dollar Growing Greener provided, local watershed groups contributed $1.25 or more, doubling the investment made by the state. Growing Greener gave people the tools to make these projects happen. I saw it first-hand when I was Secretary and visited every one of Pennsylvania's 67 counties twice to see these local projects. No nameless, faceless bureaucracy came in to their communities to do a project and leave. They did it locally by building partnerships and contributing their talents to make a lasting, positive impact on their environment. So, if everyone loves Growing Greener, why is it broke?

The Growing Greener II bond issue, which capped the program in 2005, is out of money. Fees from the disposal of municipal waste in Pennsylvania, which were meant to provide a steady stream of funding for Growing Greener, now almost all go to pay debt service for these bonds. Funding has dropped by over 82 percent, from $100 million in 2002-03 to just $27.4 million for project funding next year, now split between five agencies. Legislators from both parties in both the House and Senate have proposed fees or a severance tax on Marcellus Shale natural gas production to fund Growing Greener at one level or another. President Pro Tempore Joe Scarnati (R-Jefferson) has proposed an impact fee on Marcellus Shale drilling, Senators John Yudichak (D-Luzerne) and Ted Erickson (RDelaware), Rep. Kate Harper (R-Montgomery), Rep. Marguerite Quinn (R-Bucks), Rep. Mike Tobash (R-Schuylkill), Rep. Nick Miccarelli (R-Delaware) and Rep. Camille George (DClearfield) have all proposed different versions of a Marcellus Shale production severance tax to fund programs, including Growing Greener. There is a proposal by Sen. Don White (R-Indiana) to use the proceeds from Marcellus Shale leases and the development of minerals on lands owned by state agencies other than the Department of Conservation and Natural Resources to fund Growing Greener. The royalties from the development of existing State Forest land Marcellus Shale leases will increase from $64 million next year to an estimated $300 million in the next 10 years which could also support Growing Greener-type projects. There have also been proposals to make natural gas mineral holdings taxable, like coal, to offset local costs imposed by drilling, including local environmental improvement projects. By my count that's at least five different options, with variations on each, that could be used together or separately to fund Growing Greener-type projects. Pennsylvania still has 16,000 miles of polluted streams, 189,000 acres of abandoned mine lands needing reclamation, 110,000 acres of farmland and open space disappearing every year and federal mandates to upgrade wastewater treatment plants and control farmland and stormwater runoff in the two-thirds of Pennsylvania in the Chesapeake Bay. Clearly, the need is there and Growing Greener should be refocused on these core responsibilities. So, what are we waiting for? The General Assembly has less than 12 voting days to act before the June 30 deadline for a new budget and there is every indication the Governor, Senate and House want an on-time budget. For the last eight years, over $1.3 billion in environmental funding has been diverted to balance the state budget or given to programs that could not get funding on their own. $1.3 billion. Environmental leadership is not about who can cut the least, it's about funding effective programs that give people the tools they need to restore and protect the environment where they live. Growing Greener, which won multiple national and state awards, has been that program in Pennsylvania. The General Assembly and the Governor need to act now to support this amazing program.

For more information, visit the Renew Growing Greener website. David E. Hess served as Secretary of the Department of Environmental Protection from 2001 to 2003 under Governors Tom Ridge and Mark Schweiker. He has been involved in state environmental issues professionally for over 32 years and helped guide the response in the Quecreek Mine Rescue and the crash of Flight 93 in Somerset County. He can be contacted by sending email to: DHess@CrisciAssociates.com. Did You Know You Can Search 7 Years Of Digests On Any Topic? Did you know you can search 7 years of back issues of the PA Environment Digest on dozens of topics, by county and on any key word you choose. Just click on the search page. Also take advantage of these related services from Crisci Associates-Twitter Instant Updates: On Twitter, sign up to receive instant updates from : PAEnviroDigest. PA Environment Daily: provides daily environmental NewsClips and significant stories and announcements on environmental topics in Pennsylvania of immediate value. Sign up and receive as they are posted updates through your favorite RSS reader. You can also sign up for a once daily email alerting you to new items posted on this blog. PA Environment Digest Video Blog: showcases original and published videos from environmental groups and agencies around the state. Sign up to receive as they are posted updates through your favorite RSS read. You can also sign up for a once daily email alerting you to new items posted on this blog. PA Capitol Digest Blog to get updates every day on Pennsylvania State Government, including newsclips, coverage of key press conferences and more. Sign up and receive as they are posted updates through your favorite RSS reader. You can also sign up for a once daily email alerting you to new items posted on this blog. Senate/House Agenda/Session Schedule/Bills Introduced Here are the Senate and House Calendars and Committee meetings showing bills of interest as well as a list of new environmental bills introduced-Session Schedule Here is the Senate and House schedule-- 12 voting days until budget deadline. Senate June 13, 14, 15, 20, 21, 22, 23, 24, 27, 28, 29, 30 House

June 13, 14, 15, 20, 21, 22, 23, 24, 27, 28, 29, 30 Bill Calendars House (June 13): House Bill 807 (Sonney-R-Erie) further providing for biodiesel standards and blending requirements and establishing fees for enforcement of biodiesel mandate; House Resolution 70 (Harhart-R-Lehigh) requesting the Department of Transportation to study the potential use of quarry and other mining waste in highway and civil engineering projects <> Click Here for full House Bill Calendar. Senate (June 13): Senate Bill 341 (Greenleaf-R-Montgomery) establishing a automotive fuel testing program; Senate Bill 469 (Argall-R-Schuylkill) Allows walking, jogging, bicycling, exercising and horseback riding on nature trails as a recreational purpose by limiting liability and was changed by a technical amendment; Senate Bill 995 (Baker-R-Luzerne) requiring gas well operators to post certain 911 response information at the entrance to each well site; <> Click Here for full Senate Bill Calendar. Committees House: <> Click Here for full House Committee Schedule. Senate: the Environmental Resources and Energy Committee meets to consider the nomination of Bernard Labuskes to the Environmental Hearing Board; the Community, Economic and Recreational Development Committee meets to consider Senate Bill 276 (Argall-R-Schuylkill) making changes to the Downtown Location Law <> Click Here for full Senate Committee Schedule. Other: Joint Legislative Conservation Committee hears a presentation on establishing a network of public charging stations for electric vehicles. Bills Introduced The following bills of interest were introduced this week-Clean Energy Project: Senate Bill 698 (Farnese-D-Philadelphia)amending the Alternative Energy Investment Act to include facilities for the development or commercialization of materials for use in solar, energy efficient lighting and displays. Coal Refuse Disposal: Senate Bill 1108 (D.White-R-Indiana) amending the Coal Refuse Disposal Control Act to all the Coal Bed Methane Review board to hear objections to the location of natural gas wells. Drilling Wastewater: House Bill 1645 (Reese-R-Fayette) amending the Oil and Gas Act to require drilling wastewater to be stored in sealed tanks.

Marcellus Impact Fee: House Bill 1650 (Marshall-R-Beaver) establishing a Marcellus Shale impact fee.

Senate/House Bills Moving

The following bills of interest saw action this week in the House and Senate-House Bioenergy Mine Reclamation: House Bill 608 (Brooks-R-Crawford) encouraging the use of bioenergy crops to reclaim surface mine sites was reported out of the House Appropriations Committee and was passed by the House. The bill now goes to the Senate for action. Cycling, Pedestrian Advisory Committee: House Bill 864 (Geist-R-Blair) would add members to the Pedalcycle and Pedestrian Advisory Committee was passed by the House and now goes to the Senate for consideration. Rain Forest Awarness: House Resolution 318 (Donatucci-D-Delaware) designating May 2011 as Rain Forest Awareness Month was adopted by the House. Recycling Mining Waste: House Resolution 70 (Harhart-R-Lehigh) requesting the Department of Transportation to study the potential use of quarry and other mining waste in highway and civil engineering projects was removed from the Table and is now on the House Calendar for action. Biofuels: House Bill 807 (Sonney-R-Erie) further providing for biodiesel standards and blending requirements and establishing fees for enforcement of biodiesel mandate was removed from the Table and is now on the House Calendar for action. Infrastructure Replacement: House Bill 1294 (Godshall-R-Montgomery) authorizing the PUC to establish a distribution system improvement charge (DSIC) as an alternative to regular rate cases to recover costs associated with replacing pipelines and other utility infrastructure was amended and reported from the House Consumer Affairs Committee and referred to the House Rules Committee as bills are at this time of year. Senate Oil & Gas Leases: Senate Bill 460 (Yaw-R-Bradford) requiring when payment is made for oil or gas production to an interest owner, itemized deduction information will be included on the check stub or an attachment to the form payment was passed by the Senate. The bill now goes to the House for action.

Supporting Data: Senate Bill 263 (Erickson-R-Delaware) requiring the use of empirical, replicable and testable supporting data in developing regulations was passed by the Senate and now goes to the House for action. EQB Counsel: Senate Bill 618 (Yudichak-D-Luzerne) providing independent counsel for Environmental Quality Board was referred to the Senate Appropriations Committee. Act 319 Amendments: House Bill 143 (Major-R-Susquehanna) amending Act 319 to authorize the splitting off of land for noncoal mining, House Bill 144 (Pickett-R-Bradford) amending Act 319 to authorize taxation of oil and gas well production and Senate Bill 301 (Yaw-R-Bradford) amending Act 319 to authorize the splitting off of land for noncoal mining were referred to Senate Appropriations Committee. Capital Budget: Senate Bill 1054&nbsp;(Corman-R-Centre) providing for a 2011-12 Capital Budget was passed by the Senate and now goes to the House for consideration.

News From The Capitol

Oil And Gas Invoice Itemization Bill Passes Senate Senate Bill 460 (Yaw-R-Bradford), requiring natural gas producing companies to list production detail and all deductions on royalty check stubs unanimously, passed the Senate this week. The bill, sponsored by Sen. Gene Yaw, will require companies producing natural gas to show on each check stub, attachment to a payment form, or other remittance invoice, the total barrels of crude oil or number of MCF (1,000 cubic feet) of gas purchased or volume of natural gas liquids sold; the price received per barrel, MCF or gallon; the total amount of deductions and other production taxes, as well as the interest owners' share of the total value of sales prior to any tax or other deduction, in addition to other items. "This legislation will provide clear and concise information regarding payment deductions that impact a lessee's overall royalty checks," Sen. Yaw said. "In addition, I have no doubt it will provide uniformity throughout the industry as royalty payments are distributed." Currently, Pennsylvania does not require gas companies to list deductions from royalties paid to landowners on monthly payments. Senate Passes Bill To Ensure State Regulations Based On Reliable Data

The Senate this week passed Senate Bill 263 (Erickson-R-Delaware), legislation to help ensure state regulations are based on reliable data and sound science was unanimously approved by the state Senate this week. The would expand the scope of review by the Independent Regulatory Review Commission to include the examination of the quality of data, studies, reports and information underlying state regulations being implemented. "Regulations have a wide, lasting impact, and government agencies should be required to demonstrate that the regulation is based upon empirical, replicable and testable information," said Sen. Erickson. The state agency seeking to implement a regulation would have the responsibility to provide to the IRRC a sufficient description of any data upon which the regulation is based as well as a detailed explanation of how the data was obtained and why the data is acceptable. "Reasonable regulations are a part of governing, but the data driving them needs to be clear and verifiable. That's the best way to prevent over regulation that stifles job growth and places an unnecessary burden on citizens," said Sen. Erickson. The Senate approved similar legislation last session, but it did not receive consideration in the House.

News From Around The State

WPCAMR Hosts DEP Secretary Tour Of Projects In Washington, Allegheny Counties Michael Krancer, Secretary of the Department of Environmental Protection, recently made time in his busy schedule to spend a day touring abandoned mine sites and restoration projects throughout Washington and Allegheny Counties. Staff from the Western Coalition for Abandoned Mine Reclamation lead an engaging and informative tour that highlighted the major challenges that the AMD/AML restoration and reclamation community currently faces. Secretary Krancer was able to immerse himself into our community, witness a few of the many AMD/AML success stories, and provide valuable feedback to the issues that were presented to him. In addition, a background paper was presented to Secretary Krancer outlining state and federal policies which impede the cleanup of abandoned mine sites and make them more costly without creating meaningful environmental benefits. Three main topics dominated the discussions at tour stops: -- Building mutually-beneficial partnerships between the watershed community and the energy industry; -- Protection of Pennsylvania's investment in water quality improvement; and -- Funding needs for further water quality improvements.

The intricacies of each topic were described by a varied group of watershed volunteers, DEP staff, professional engineers, landowners, energy representatives, and multiple partnering organizations and agencies. Watershed groups know that successful projects require partnerships in many forms; diversified funding, technical knowledge, and connections to name a few. The best partnerships are those that satisfy multiple needs. The tour highlighted a star project when it comes to partnerships: the North Fork Montour Run AMD Treatment System. Here, DEP funded the treatment system through the Montour Run Watershed Association who partnered with the Pittsburgh International Airport and the Pennsylvania Turnpike Commission, and others. Secretary Krancer, being an aviation enthusiast, was impressed by what the diverse partners were able to accomplish in proximity to the Pittsburgh airport. The tour also stressed the value of working with the energy industry as a partner in watershed restoration. They bring connections, expertise, and financial incentives to the table while providing jobs, supplying our energy demands, and aiding the economy. There are several challenges facing mutually-beneficial partnerships with the Energy Industry that the tour brought to light including; solving wetlands permitting and banking challenges; supporting the beneficial use of coal ash; encouraging remining and coal waste piles as alternative energy, GFCC permitting cost issues; and promoting the use of AMD as frac water. Pennsylvania has, by far, invested more money and resources than any other Appalachian State into AMD/AML remediation and reclamation. Amazingly, Pennsylvania now has close to 300 AMD passive treatment systems constructed, operated, and maintained by Good Samaritans including watershed organizations, private landowners, state agencies, and Conservation Districts. This effort has lead to nearly 65 miles of stream removed from the Environmental Protection Agency's Impaired Waters List for abandoned mining related pollutants. Improvements have been made in over 30 watersheds. Keeping these successes in mind, we continued to express our concerns to the Secretary about the possible negative effects that the Keeley Decision and EPA's proposed conductivity benchmark would have on our community. We also stressed to the Secretary that, while the construction of all these treatment systems has been a major "shot in the arm" for western Pennsylvania's environment, the followup care of these systems is equally as important. The Operation, Maintenance, and Replacement of these valuable treatment systems plays a vital role in maintaining our healthy waters. Without attention and a dedicated effort to secure funding for O,M&R of existing systems, much of the improvement made could be lost. In spite of the difficult economic times, the watershed community remains confident that funding for future AMD treatment will continue in some form. Secretary Krancer heard from several participants about how the Growing Greener Grant program has been vital to the creation of these treatment systems and subsequently, in the improvement of our streams. Growing Greener has also been largely responsible for the funding for the Conservation District Watershed Specialist Program--an indispensable link between the environmental community and State agencies.

In addition to Secretary Krancer and his staff, WPCAMR would like to specifically thank and acknowledge everyone involved in the tour. -- Presto-Sygan Abandoned Mine Discharge: Margaret Dunn, Cliff Denholm, Shaun Busler, Buck Neely, and Laurie Popeck, Stream Restoration Inc.; -- Gladden Discharge: Rich Beam and Eric Cavazza, DEP BAMR; Amy Smith, South Fayette Conservation Group; Tom Gray, TetraTech o Champion Waste Coal Pile: Raymond Bologna, Ray Bologna, and Tony Bologna, Landowners; Vicky Michaels, Raccoon Creek Watershed Association; Gary Stokum and Jennifer Halachak, Washington County Conservation District; -- North Fork Montour Run AMD Treatment System: Kevin Gurchak, Pittsburgh International Airport; Mark Fedosick, Montour Run Watershed Association; Mike Houser, Pennsylvania Turnpike Commission; Stream Restoration Inc. Staff; Amy Meyers, Allegheny County Conservation District, Ron Horansky, DEP; and -- McCaslin Road AMD Treatment System: Mark Fedosick, Montour Run Watershed Association; Chris Caruso, Findlay Township Public Works; Stream Restoration Inc. Staff; Amy Meyers, Allegheny County Conservation District, Ron Horansky, DEP (Written By Anne Daymut, Watershed Coordinator, and posted on WPCAMR's Abandoned Mine Posts.)

Spotlight
EPCAMR Summer Intern Helps With Several Mine Reclamation Projects Justyna Sacharzewska, who is a 2010 Wilkes University graduate with a major in Earth and Environmental Science, will be working as a summer intern by the Eastern Coalition for Abandoned Mine Reclamation. During her time at Wilkes she was a part of the Ground Deformation Survey Team which has assessed relative ground displacement due to volcanic activity in Yellowstone National Park by use of survey-grade GPS receivers. She has also assisted with a research on carbon isotope analysis of plants, vertebrates and invertebrates found on a Superfund site in Palmerton, Carbon County, PA. As her senior project at Wilkes, she has worked on assessing the special distribution of macro-nutrients in soils within the Harveys Lake watershed in Dallas, Pa using high accuracy GPS receivers and GIS analysis. The findings of the senior project were then summarized into a report for the Environmental Advisory Council of Harveys Lake. Justyna is a native of Poland and has lived in the Mountain Top, Pa area for the last decade. Robert E. Hughes, Executive Director-EPCAMR explains, that many Polish immigrants came to Northeastern PA to work in the Anthracite coal mines. Justyna will have the opportunity to learn about not only our Anthracite History, but the history of her past culture and its influence on coal mining and contributions to our Region from a cultural and socioeconomical perspective. Justyna will be working part-time, fulfilling about 20 hours per week, working with the EPCAMR Staff. She is familiar with GIS and has already completed in her first day on the job a

GIS map of a complete list of municipalities in the Wyoming Valley where EPCAMR is actively monitoring boreholes into the underground abandoned mines to measure the elevations of the mine pool water over the next year or so in partnership with the Susquehanna River Basin Commission. EPCAMR is preparing to conduct a Borehole Awareness Campaign within these communities so that these very important monitoring locations, many of which are right in the middle of municipal streets or along the shoulders of the municipal roads, are not paved over by their local road departments. She will also be putting together another similar list and GIS Map for the Lackawanna Valley. Justyna has come on board just in time for us to begin to prepare for our 13th Annual Abandoned Mine Reclamation Conference in August and our 15th Anniversary Dinner/ Fundraiser on August 4th, 2011. She will be assisting the EPCAMR with planning and preparations as we close in on those dates. Shell be assisting with putting together EPCAMRs photo collage of past news media publicity and articles in the newspapers or magazines that weve appeared in over the last 15 years to showcase our positive work in the Anthracite Region and Northern Tier Bituminous Region of Northeastern PA. She will also be assisting us with any Summer Environmental Education Programs that may come up and with processing, harvesting, drying, packaging, and marketing our iron oxide that is for sale and distribution. Robert goes on to sayput it this way, any opportunity that comes up for her to get her some hands-on, up close, personal experiences in the abandoned mine reclamation field, will be presented to her, and itll be up to her to make the most out of the experience and make some integral connections with our partners that might lead her to a full time job. Were glad to have her on board and three days in she has already sampled over 20 boreholes in the Wyoming Valley, created a GIS Map for EPCAMR that was needed, and got a chance to go on a kayak trip on the Susquehanna North Branch from Tunkhannock to see several streams flow into the River, one of which, EPCAMR has had a hand in assessing and creating a Coldwater Heritage Conservation Plan, in Wyoming County, Bowmans Creek Watershed. It is a watershed that has been impacted heavily by acid deposition and episodic acidification and EPCAMR has worked with the Bowmans Creek Watershed Association, South Mountain Land Association, Wyoming and Luzerne County Conservation Districts, Stanley Cooper Chapter Trout Unlimited, and the Fish & Boat Commission on for many years to improve the water quality and fish habitat conditions of the watershed. For more information, visit the EPCAMR website. DEP Soliciting Comments On TMDLs For 2 Snyder County Watersheds The Department of Environmental Protection this week published notice soliciting public comments on a proposed Total Maximum Daily Load (TMDL) Plan for the Potato Valley Run and Silver Creek watersheds in Snyder County. (PA Bulletin page 3057) DEP said copies of the proposed TMDLs are available on the DEP TMDL webpage. Contact Gary Gocek, DEP, at 717-772-1674 or send email to: ggocek@state.pa.us for more information.

Aqua America CEO: Water-Energy Will Play Role In Future Environmental Opportunities Speaking before the Citi Climate Change and Water Conference this week in London, England, Aqua America, Inc. Chairman and CEO Nicholas DeBenedictis said that the water-energy nexus will play a large role in future of the company with respect to environmental and business opportunities. Marcellus Shale has the potential to provide Pennsylvania with an economic boost well into the future if its done right environmentally, said DeBenedictis. Electricity is generally the largest expense of any public water utility, second only to labor. When you couple that with the fact that our business was created out of concern for the environment and public health, it makes perfect sense that water companiesparticularly those in the private sectorwould pursue sustainable clean energy sources, such as solar, as a complement to traditional power, said DeBenedictis. Aqua Americas largest subsidiary, Aqua Pennsylvania, built a 4.5 acre, 1.0 megawatt photovoltaic solar farmone of the largest on the East coast--to power its Ingrams Mill Water Treatment Plant in East Bradford Township, which serves drinking water to the West Chester, Pennsylvania area. The project has earned the company two awards: the Green Power: Turn it On! award from PennFuture as well as the Governors Award for Environmental Excellence, which is presented each year by the Department of Environmental Protection to highlight the best in environmental innovation and expertise throughout the Commonwealth. The Pennsylvania subsidiary has plans to build a similar solar facility at its Pickering water treatment complexthe largest among all of the companys treatment facilitieslocated in Schuylkill Township, Chester County. Its New Jersey subsidiary is planning the construction of two solar facilities to power well stations in that state later this year. The new facilities are expected to produce 3 million kWh the first year and yield electricity expense savings of approximately $300,000. DeBenedictis said the company is prepared to take a responsible and active role in what is becoming the next energy boom in Pennsylvania and some other statesnatural gas drilling, particularly Marcellus Shale. He explained that shale drilling is a very water intensive business and has created significantly increased truck traffic, creating problems for small towns in the area of drilling operations. Marcellus Shale has the potential to provide Pennsylvania with an economic boost well into the future if its done right environmentally, said DeBenedictis. We are focusing on the clean water aspects of the drilling business. Just as we do for our traditional customers, we are investing in the infrastructure necessary to provide water to the drillers in a responsible fashion. We are providing water filling stations in suitable locations to help move truck traffic out of towns and neighborhoods, said DeBenedictis. The company has two stations currently in operation in the western part of the state and another scheduled to be open in that area in early summer. An additional station is currently open in the northeastern part of Pennsylvania, with two additional stations scheduled to open there this summer.

DeBenedictis said the company will continue to pursue the water-energy nexus and is looking for other growth opportunities in the shale drilling industry, which is thought to be at the dawn of its life. Clean Water Webcast June 16: Roof Tops To Rivers, Urban And Suburban Stormwater On June 16, Harry Campbell, Senior Scientist for the PA office of the Chesapeake Bay Foundation will share these solutions with Pennsylvania municipal officials, via webcast starting at 11:30 a.m., courtesy of the PA State Association of Boroughs. The next time it rains, watch where the water goes. Everywhere, water is on its way to the nearest stream, river, lake, or wetland. Some of it soaks into the ground but much of it runs off the land where it carries pollutants, like nitrogen, phosphorus, bacteria, dirt, and even litter. This polluted runoff is a leading cause of pollution to Pennsylvanias streams and to the Chesapeake Bay, but solutions exist that can beautify communities and increase property values while improving the environment. Successfully facing the economic and environmental challenges we face necessitates every level of government, every business, and every citizen be involved in water quality improvement and protection efforts, and I look forward to working in partnership with PSAB to help municipal officials get the information and tools they need to deal with the issues they face on a very local level, said Campbell. As a presenter at PSABs annual meeting, I found the level of interest in effectively dealing with the challenges of urban stormwater runoff very encouraging. Campbell has over fifteen years of experience in protecting ecological and human health through comprehensive water quality protection and restoration, and provides scientific support on technical, regulatory, litigation, and policy initiatives and works with local governmental, businesses, and concerned citizens. PSAB is offering the June 16 presentation as part of their monthly webcast series. Participants get a live, real-time, interactive audio presentation via phone line and an enhanced PowerPoint presentation via the Internet. Webcasts bring people together to experience outstanding education and training programs without leaving the borough office - saving money, time, and travel, said Ed Knittel, PSAB Director of Events and Information Services. We received a number of calls and email requests after Mr. Campbells April presentation at our annual meeting everyone wanting to learn more or receive a copy. Offering the webcast to an online audience seemed the best way to share the information broadly. Federal water quality regulations require all levels of government, the private sector, and residents to do their share to improve water quality in Pennsylvanias streams and rivers. Campbells presentation offers a valuable educational opportunity for municipal officials to learn more about their role in the efforts, and provides tools they can use to protect water quality for their residents. For 100 years PSAB has represented the interests of boroughs and has helped to shape the laws that have laid the foundation for boroughs and other municipal governments. Today, PSAB represents over 900 boroughs and more than 9,100 borough officials who represent more than 2.1 million residents.

The Chesapeake Bay Foundation is the largest independent conservation organization in the mid-Atlantic, and works for effective, science-based solutions to water pollution issues throughout the 64,000-square-mile watershed of the Chesapeake Bay, its rivers, and streams. The 90-minute webcast begins at 11:30 a.m., and is offered free to all municipal officials, with the potential for general audience participation if space allows. For more information about the webcast series visit the PSAB webcast webpage or to sign-up for the June 16th webcast by contacting Ed Knittel by sending email to: eknittel@boroughs.org. Delaware Riverkeeper Network Seeking Citizen River Monitors The Delaware Riverkeeper is looking for citizen volunteers to become river monitors and attend special training on June 25 in Starlight, Pa in Wayne County. This hands-on training is designed for local citizens living in the Marcellus Shale areas (priority areas: Wayne County, Pa and Sullivan, Delaware, and parts of Broome County NY) of the Delaware River watershed willing to become a part of a corps of volunteers in the Upper Delaware collecting field data for streams that are threatened by natural gas drilling. Volunteer monitors have performed monthly testing for 45 stations in Pennsylvania since March 2010. Information collected is provided to Delaware Riverkeeper Network and has been used to testify and provide important comment about the conditions of Upper Delaware tributaries and what may be lost if drilling is permitted in the Basin. The protocols are available online. These techniques are being used across the state of Pennsylvania and were developed in partnership with Alliance for Aquatic Resource Monitoring (ALLARM), and Pennsylvania Council of Trout Unlimited. There are still unmonitored streams in NY and PA where Delaware Riverkeeper Network is seeking reliable volunteer teams to collect data. Consider being a volunteer monitor to learn the tools you will need to help accomplish this vital river protection. Streams in need of coverage include: Faulkner Brook, Weston Brook, Sherman Creek, Pea Brook, Oquaga Creek, Hoolihan Creek, Abe Lord Creek, Sands Creek, Cadosia Creek and many more on both the PA and NY side of the Delaware Watershed in Wayne County PA, Sullivan, Delaware, and parts of Broome County NY. Volunteers need to live locally so they can monitor these streams monthly before drilling and more frequently if drilling is allowed to begin in the Delaware Basin. No prior experience is necessary but monitors should live within the Upper Delaware to monitor regularly and year-round. DRN has monitoring kits available for loan. Groups or individuals may sponsor kits to help with this important effort. These monitoring workshops are made possible by a grant from the William Penn Foundation. Pre-order kits in advance to have additional equipment available by the training kits cost $150 (and include electronic Lamotte Meter, chloride test kit, and calibration solution). For questions related to stream sampling locations, expectations of volunteers, and the monitoring program, please contact Faith Zerbe at 215-369-1188 ext 110. Full Marcellus Shale Commission Meets June 17, Over 100 Recommendations Submitted

Work groups for the Governor's Marcellus Shale Advisory Commission this week began the process of sorting through and considering over 100 recommendations submitted by members of the Commission, including state agency members, on environmental, public health, local impacts, infrastructure and economic issues. In addition, the work groups continued to hear presentations on Marcellus-related issues. The presentations will be posted on the work group webpages. The next meeting of the full Marcellus Shale Advisory Commission will be June 17. NewsClips: Update Oil And Gas Act With DEP Suggestions Editorial: DEP Identifies Drilling Law Flaws, Fix Them Editorial: Adopt Higher Bonding For PA Gas Drillers Editorial: Tighten Drilling Rules As DEP Recommends Hundreds At Capitol Rally For Action On Marcellus Drilling Hundreds of Pennsylvania residents rallied at the State Capitol this week protesting the state legislatures inaction on Marcellus Shale drilling. The coalition of groups holding the rally called it the largest that Harrisburg has seen to date protesting Marcellus Shale gas drilling. The coalition called for: -- A moratorium on further drilling in Pennsylvania until a full cumulative impact analysis on gas drilling in the Marcellus Shale is conducted; -- Improved protections from gas drilling for drinking water supplies and rivers; -- Ensuring that gas drillers pay their fair share in taxes, and utilizing these funds to restore cuts to the DEP budget; -- Require full disclosure by gas drillers of all chemicals used; and -- Maintain the moratorium on further leasing of State Forest land for gas drilling. Groups sponsoring the rally and lobby day included: PA Campaign for Clean Water, Sierra Club, Clean Water Action, Delaware Riverkeeper Network, PennEnvironment, Gas Truth of Central PA, League of Women Voters of PA, Physicians for Social Responsibility Philadelphia, Marcellus Protest, EARTHWORKS Oil and Gas Accountability Project, Green Party of Philadelphia, Mountain Watershed Association, Responsible Drilling Alliance. Crystal Stroud, a resident of Towanda, Pa, in Bradford County, described her health problems caused by drinking water contaminated with barium and other toxins from nearby gas drilling. No one is receiving help from our DEP, local, state or federal governments. Our family has become collateral damage! We are just 1 of the 33 percent failure rate of these gas companies. The failure to keep the residents of Bradford Countys wells contaminant free, she stated. Other speakers at the rally included Josh Fox, the creator of the film documentary, GASLAND, and Craig Saunter, a resident of Dimock, Pa, where considerable water contamination from drilling has occurred. Also speaking was Jonathan Jeffers, a former worker in Pennsylvania for Bronco Drilling, who described the neglect he saw for health, safety, and the environment while working on gas drilling jobs.

Myron Arnowitt, PA State Director for Clean Water Action, stated, Drilling has been going on for nearly four years now, but still our state legislature has taken no action to protect residents from harm. Legislators should take note that the crowds in the Capitol calling for action keep getting bigger. In addition to attending the rally, protesters made over 160 appointments with state representatives and senators, covering almost every corner of the state. Several legislators attended the rally, many of whom have introduced legislation on the issue. Sen. Daylin Leach (D-Montgomery) stated, We are the only state that doesn't tax them. 70 percent of Pennsylvanians understand this and want a tax. Last year and half alone, drillers racked up over 1500 violations. A severance tax will hold the industry accountable and ensure that the people of Pennsylvania are not left footing the bill. "The people of Pennsylvania are alarmed at the growing list of pollution incidents at gas drilling sites across the state," said Jeff Schmidt, Director of the Sierra Club Pennsylvania Chapter. "They are here today because they know that Pennsylvania's gas drilling law and regulations don't provide enough protection for our health or the environment. We don't need an industry-dominated Marcellus Shale Advisory Commission, whose roll has been to stall the needed reforms. We call on the Pennsylvania General Assembly to immediately enact amendments to our antiquated Oil and Gas Act legislation, such as House Bill 971 (George-DClearfield), to protect our communities," he concluded. Every day, the gas industry succeeds in making its voice heard, trying to convince us and our decision-makers that Marcellus Shale drilling isnt the biggest public health and environmental threat to hit Pennsylvania in a generation, said Erika Staaf with PennEnvironment. Yet poll after poll tells us that the majority of Pennsylvanians want industry to pay its fair share in taxes and want clean air and clean water. Were here to make our voices heard and tell our leaders exactly that. The elected officials of Pennsylvania need to listen to the people who live and work here -- we need protection from the gas industrys out of control violations through a statewide drilling permit moratorium, said Tracy Carluccio, Deputy Director, Delaware Riverkeeper Network. "Elected officials heard loudly and clearly today that they have a duty to protect communities from the rush to drill," said Nadia Steinzor, Marcellus Regional Organizer for Earthworks Oil & Gas Accountability Project. "Citizens are simply asking for health and the environment to be given priority over industry profit." NewsClips: Blog: Stop Shale Drilling Now Capitol Rally Protesters Want Ban Or Levy On Booming Gas Industry Gasland Director Leads Sit-In Outside Governor's Office Anti-Drilling Protesters Try, Fail To Meet With Corbett Clinton County Natural Gas Task Force: Marcellus And Beyond

The Clinton County Natural Gas Task Force recently distributed the following article on natural gas resources in the Pennsylvania and Clinton County written by James R. Ladlee, Director for the Penn State Cooperative Extension in Clinton County and Director of Special Initiatives for the Marcellus Shale Education and Training Center. The Marcellus Shale, by current estimates, is the largest unconventional natural gas field in United States and the second largest unconventional field in the world. The Marcellus is estimated to contain 489 trillion cubic feet of extractable natural gas from a formation that likely contains nearly 1.5 quadrillion cubic feet of natural gas. At 489 trillion cubic feet of extractable natural gas the Marcellus Shale ranks second only to a natural gas field in Iran. Drilling for conventional gas and oil in the United States isnt new; it started in 1859 near Titusville, Pennsylvania. Conventional natural gas formations are generally found in some type of porous rock, such as sandstone, that will allow gas to flow with limited efforts to enhance the fracture network in the natural gas reservoir. Unconventional natural gas formations, like the Marcellus Shale, are rocks that tightly bind natural gas and require some form of reservoir enhancement to release the natural gas. Reservoir enhancement technologies use a variety of material such as water, nitrogen, propane, and CO2, to form relatively small cracks in the rock that helps liberate natural gas. Based on current technology, some form of reservoir enhancement is required to enable unconventional shale natural gas formations to produce natural gas. With the creation of new reporting requirements, we can now see a conservative estimate of how productive a Marcellus well can be. The estimate is conservative because many of the reporting wells are likely not producing at full capacity. During the last reporting cycle of July December, 2010, the highest producing well in the state was in Greene County and had averaged over 19 million cubic feet of natural gas per day. Lycoming County had a Marcellus well producing 17.85 million cubic feet of natural gas per day, and Clinton Countys top reporting well came in at 5.67 million cubic feet of natural gas per day. To put 5.67 million cubic feet of natural gas in perspective, we can turn to information found at the United States Energy Information Administration. In 2007, the EIA estimated 56.68 million homes used natural gas for heating and 4.722 trillion cubic feet of natural gas was used for residential homes, indicating the average home with a natural gas heating system used slightly less than 100,000 cubic feet of natural gas per year. What we can learn from the EIA is the Marcellus well in Clinton County produced enough natural gas in just one day to meet the natural gas needs for between 45 to 65 homes for an entire year. The level of production we are currently seeing from a Marcellus well is precisely why some geologists and engineers are talking about the Marcellus as the first of several potential shale plays in Pennsylvania.

An exploration and production company refers to the shale in Pennsylvania as a triple play of Marcellus, Utica and upper Devonian shale (Geneseo or Burkett). Likely, the Marcellus will drive natural gas development, but once natural gas infrastructure (well pads, pipelines, compressor stations, processing, etc.) is in place other shale formations will become far more economical to develop. The developing story across much of Pennsylvania, eastern Ohio, New York, northern West Virginia, and southern Canada is rapidly becoming the Utica Shale. The Utica Shale formation is actually at least 2,000 feet deeper than the Marcellus. The Utica Shale is also thicker than the Marcellus and is anticipated to top more than 500 feet thick in some areas. Although the footprint of the Utica is similar or even slightly larger than the Marcellus Shale, it will likely have a different development footprint based on total depth, thickness of the shale and thermal maturity. Thermal maturity is a representation on how Mother Nature has cooked the shale formation. A shale formation that has been undercooked will produce more oil, propane, butane, ethane, etc with the methane (natural gas). When Mother Nature cooked a formation to perfection, we would expect to see the production of pipeline quality (dry) methane (natural) gas. Pipeline quality natural gas is what is found in the Clinton County Marcellus formation. When nature overcooked a formation, essentially all of the hydrocarbons (gas, oil, propane, etc) are cooked-out of the formation and very little, if any, gas or oil will be produced. Currently, most experts think Utica development will focus in western Pennsylvania and eastern Ohio. Early Utica wells drilled in eastern Ohio and Canada appear to indicate strong production potential. In fact, one well in eastern Ohio is reported to be producing more than 1.5 million cubic feet of natural gas per day leading to early speculation the Utica may meet or exceed the development potential of the Marcellus. For those interested in Utica development for Clinton County, the early indications are the Utica may be too far along the thermal maturity scale or overcooked, but far more geologic data is needed before any definitive statements on the potential of Utica in Clinton County or anywhere in the formation can be made. Much more Utica data will likely be available over the next several months. The final ingredient in the Pennsylvania triple play is the upper Devonian shale. Generally, combinations of several thinner shale formations like the Genesseo/Burkett are lumped together when people discuss the upper Devonian shale(s). As an upper Devonian formation, these shale(s) are generally found just above the middle Devonian Marcellus. Similar to both the Marcellus and the Utica, the productivity of the upper Devonian shales will likely vary significantly across the state. To date only one company has reported drilling into the upper Devonian shale and the well has yet to report production results. Until more exploration is completed on the triple shale play formations, especially Utica and the upper Devonian shale(s), many of the rumors will remain only rumors. There is clearly momentum building for new shale exploration in some areas, especially the Utica, but not all shale will have the same production potential across Pennsylvania, nor will development be evenly distributed across Pennsylvania. More opportunities appear to be forming on the horizon, but more geological data is definitely needed. For more information on other shale development, visit the Penn State Marcellus Center for Outreach and Research website.

PUC Considers Changes To Regulatory Guidelines To Promote Natural Gas Competition The Public Utility Commission this week voted to propose changes to the final rulemaking to promote competition for natural gas suppliers. The Commission voted 5-0 to approve the proposed changes to the final rulemaking adopted January 13. Based upon input from the Independent Regulatory Review Commission and the comments submitted to the IRRC, the Commission voluntarily withdrew the rulemaking in order to give consideration to the various clarification issues raised by IRRC and related comments. Commissioner Tyrone J. Christy issued a statement. The goal of the rulemaking is to foster a competitive retail marketplace for natural gas service. The final rulemaking will: -- Reformulate the price to compare used by consumers to judge whether the price offered by a competitive natural gas supplier is better than the one being offered by the incumbent natural gas distribution company; -- Make permanent rules for establishing voluntary purchase of receivables programs; and -- Provide guidance to ensure that the release, assignment or transfer of capacity by an NGDC to a NGS is nondiscriminatory and is at the applicable contract rate. Parties are invited to file comments to these proposed changes by June 16 by submitting them to PUC Secretary, P.O. Box 3265, Harrisburg, PA 17105-3265. This action is part of the Commissions ongoing implementation of an action plan designed to increase effective competition in the retail market for natural gas supply. The action plan was approved on September 11, 2008. This followed a Commission finding that effective competition did not exist in the retail natural gas supply market statewide. The PUC then convened natural gas industry stakeholders to examine avenues to increase competition. The name SEARCH (Stakeholders Exploring Avenues for Removing Competition Hurdles) was adopted for these group meetings.

Spotlight
The Link To Your Drink At 2011 PA Children's Water Festival Wherever you are, you are standing in a watershed and your actions have an impact on the water you drink. This was the take-home message at the "Link to Your Drink" activity presented at the 2011 PA Childrens Water Festival. The festival, a national event was held on May 24 at Gettysburg College in Gettysburg, Pa. Master Well Owner Network Coordinator, Misha Cleveland; MWON volunteer Julie Brooks; and Extension Educators Thomas McCarty, Jennifer Fetter and Diane Oleson used models convey the message that our drinking water comes from ground and surface water sources that have recharge areas in need of protection from pollution.

Students used an Enviroscape model to observe the connection between activity on the watershed and contaminants entering the surface water. Cocoa powder, and red and green gelatin became pollutants that were washed into the surface water with squirt bottle rain. A groundwater model, with help from a carrot, toy bunny and M&Ms was employed to visualize the movement of water through the soil and its connection to drinking water. Students came to realize that their drinking water comes from a recharge area around a well and that the soil acted as a filter between the surface water and their drinking water. At the 2011 PA Childrens Water Festival, over 300 volunteers and presenters hosted activities for approximately sixteen hundred fourth and fifth grade students, their teachers, and chaperons from York and Adams counties. The Festival is held annually, in different states. Activities are designed to allow students to: explore water through interactive and dynamic activities, learn about drinking water, groundwater, watersheds, surface water, and water quality, and gain a better understanding of their water supply and a better understanding of what a truly precious resource water is. The Water Systems Council holds a Children's Water Festival in a different state every year, the intent being to educate students about the importance of their water resources. (Reprinted from Penn State Cooperative Extension Watershed Winds Newsletter.) Wissahickon Watershed Assn. Special Events June 19 At Evans-Mumbower Mill Open House Bring your family and friends to join the Wissahickon Valley Watershed Association at the Evans-Mumbower Mill on June 19 between 1:00 and 4:00 p.m. in Montgomery County. The Mill is near the intersection of Swedesford and Township Line Roads in Upper Gwynedd. The Open House is free of charge but donations are welcomed. A special Fathers Day program will be offered, focusing on mechanisms for moving grain around the mill using the power of the waterwheel. In addition, the recently restored sack hoist will be demonstrated for the first time. It is a perfect activity for all generations! After 81 years, the Evans-Mumbower Mills waterwheel is finally turning and the millstones are grinding again. WVWAs dedicated Mill volunteers have worked for 24 years to achieve this milestone. The Wissahickon Creek was an important center of industry providing waterpower for over seventy mills in the 18 and 19th centuries. The Evans-Mumbower is the only remaining mill in Montgomery County that is operational and open to the public. It is listed on the National Register of Historic Places. Please call 215-646-8866 or send email to: info@wvwa.org for more information. Public Meetings Set For Slippery Rock Creek Watershed Conservation Plan The Slippery Rock Creek Watershed Coalition and its partners have scheduled public meetings for June 29 and 30 on the final Slippery Rock Creek Watershed Conservation Plan.

The purpose of the plan is to provide the general public, municipalities, watershed community, and government agencies with a concise, easily read and used, repository of the natural, historical, cultural and recreational resources while emphasizing opportunities for stewardship and economic growth within the Slippery Rock Creek Watershed. The SRCWCP has been supported by local stakeholders, including county and local government agencies, businesses, watershed and community service groups, non-profit organizations, and interested citizens. In addition, surveys have been collected throughout the grant period from local citizens and representatives of local businesses and agencies. The SRCWCP will strive to be a useful document to help address the interests, issues, and concerns provided in each of the surveys. The final plan has been completed and sent to DCNR for approval. Public meetings are scheduled at two locations and each public meeting will begin at 7 p.m.--- June 29 at Boyers Sportsmans Club, 1103 Boyers Road, Boyers, Pa; and -- June 30 at Slippery Rock Township Municipal Building, 155 Branchton Road, Slippery Rock, Pa. The Slippery Rock Creek Watershed Coalition has partnered with Stream Restoration Incorporated, a nonprofit organization, to complete the Watershed Conservation Plan. The Slippery Rock Creek Watershed is about 410 square miles and covers parts of Beaver, Butler, Lawrence, Mercer, and Venango Counties. Funding was provided by the Department of Conservation and Natural Resources Community Conservation Partnerships Program and the Pennsylvania Foundation for Watersheds. For more information, please contact: Stream Restoration Inc., 434 Spring Street Extension, Mars, PA 16046, phone 724-776-0150, fax 724-776-0166 or send email to: srcwcp@streamrestorationinc.org. 22nd Annual Tex Mex Connection 5K Race For Open Space June 22 In Wissahickon The Wissahickon Valley Watershed Association celebrates the 22nd annual Tex Mex 5K Race for Open Space on June 22 in Montgomery County. WVWA is the beneficiary of this sold-out annual event that is the areas premier weeknight run and includes a 5K race, 1-mile fun run and walk and festive party following the race. The Tex Mex Connection is a family owned 2-star certified green restaurant and has been giving back to the North Wales community since 1984. They recycle, compost and have implemented many other environmentally friendly changes over the years. WVWA is grateful for the loyal and outstanding support of the Tex Mex Connection and is proud to be the beneficiary of their cornerstone charity event which raises tens of thousands of dollars each year, contributing to the $100,000 + Tex Mex Connection contributes to local charities every year. In addition WVWA is proud to once again welcome National Label Company of Lafayette Hill as the lead sponsor. Other top level sponsors include Amica Insurance; First Niagara Bank; North Wales Running Company; D.E. Walker Heating & Air Conditioning; Point

Tire, William R. May Funeral Home, Inc.; Commonwealth Agency, Inc.; National Penn Bank; BDU; Bottom Dollar Food and James J. Reis Real Estate. For more information, visit the Tex Mex 5K Race webpage. PECO Awards Green Region Grants To 20 Municipalities PECO has chosen 20 municipalities across the Greater Philadelphia region to receive a total of $150,000 in grant funding as part of PECO Green Region, the companys municipal open space grant program. PECO Green Region provides grants for projects focusing on open space preservation, improvements to parks and recreation resources, and conservation. Since 2004, PECO has provided about $950,000 toward qualifying projects. In partnership with Natural Lands Trust, the regions leading land conservation organization, PECO will award grants to the following municipalities: -- Bucks County: Langhorne Borough ($10,000), Chalfont Borough ($10,000), and Warrington Township ($10,000). -- Chester County: East Whiteland Township ($10,000), Uwchlan Township ($10,000), and Malvern Borough/Willistown Township ($10,000). -- Delaware County: Parkside Borough ($5,000), Media Borough ($7,500), Chester Heights Borough ($5,000), Upper Darby Township ($5,000), and Middletown Township ($7,500). -- Montgomery County: Cheltenham Township ($7,500), Lower Providence Township ($5,000), Upper Pottsgrove Township ($7,500), Schwenksville Borough ($5,000) and Plymouth Township ($5,000). -- Philadelphia: Four organizations in Philadelphia will receive Green Region funding for open space projects this year. Philadelphia Parks and Recreation and South of South Neighborhood Association, each will receive $10,000. Schuylkill River Development Corporation and Urban Tree Coalition will each receive $5,000. PECO Green Region Grants support an array of green projects including the development of recreation trails, the purchase of open space, planting of trees and other vegetation, and park planning. Municipalities can apply for a Green Region grant of up to $10,000 per project each year. A committee with representatives from PECO, Natural Lands Trust, county agencies and conservation organizations reviews each application and selects the projects to receive funding. The projects and programs supported by the Green Region program are innovative, community focused and environmentally responsible, said Denis OBrien, PECO president and CEO. I commend our community partners and our local leaders for partnering with PECO to help green our region and preserve our open space. Open space preservation and access to outdoor recreation are essential to the livability and prosperity of our communities, said Molly Morrison, president of Natural Land Trust. That is why Natural Lands Trust has been so honored to be a partner in PECOs Green Region program. It is a wonderfully effective way to help our regions municipalities invest in their own future. PECO's grant programs support the company-wide effort to be an environmental leader, through renewable energy, LEED-certified buildings, hybrid vehicles and a 45,000 square foot green roof at our Philadelphia headquarters.

Environmentally-focused contributions include more than $950,000 in grants to townships and municipalities through PECO Green Region and more than $1 million to PECO Energizing Education, a project-based energy education program for middle schools. For more information, visit PECO's Green Region webpage. Direct Energy Funds Alliance To Save Energy's Green Schools Program Thanks to a donation from Direct Energy, eight schools in the North Penn School District north of Philadelphia and eight charter schools in the Pittsburgh area will use energy efficiency to work to cut their electricity costs by 5 to 15 percent under the auspices of the Alliance to Save Energy's Green Schools Program. Over a two-year period encompassing the 2011-12 and 2012-13 school years, the program goal is to help students, teachers, administrators and custodial staff make their use of energy more efficient. In addition, the program will reach beyond school walls with distribution of energy efficiency and conservation tips in the surrounding communities. Program participants will learn by doing and come to see that small, individual actions undertaken daily over time can add up to significant impacts, in terms of both dollars and pollution reduction. Students will learn that small changes such as promoting energy-efficient vending machines and working with custodians to ensure that building lights are turned off when not in use can save thousands of dollars in avoided electricity costs. "Through basic changes in operational and maintenance routines, Green Schools will help 16 Pennsylvania schools in Allegheny and Montgomery Counties save between 5 and 15 percent on their electricity costs," said Alliance Vice President of Education Merrilee Harrigan. "In addition to the savings, Green Schools offers K-12 students high-quality learning opportunities by integrating energy efficiency information into their science, math and language arts curricula." Chris Weston, CEO of Direct Energy, sees the long-term advantages of this program. "We aren't just teaching how to conserve energy at these schools, we are teaching a whole generation how to conserve energy for life." He also noted that the Montgomery Country schools alone are estimating saving over $12,000 a year. Harrigan added, "After salary-related expenses, energy is usually the largest cost for U.S. school districts, with cash-strapped schools routinely spending tens of thousands of dollars to heat and light antiquated buildings. And even the newest buildings can achieve energy savings when building occupants are educated about energy efficiency." The new Pennsylvania program has four over-arching goals: -- Save energy and lower school energy costs by having students implement no-cost behavior and operational changes; -- Strengthen student learning by integrating energy topics into K-12 curricula and creating student advocates for energy efficiency who understand the links among energy, the environment and the economy; -- Educate the whole school community about the value and cost of energy, and involve that broad community in savings projects to create sustainable institutional awareness and participation that will endure beyond the Green Schools program; and

-- Engage students as advocates for energy efficiency improvements in their homes and communities. The Pennsylvania Green Schools will be supported by local project leaders from the communities who will help the schools implement the program's goals and support the students as they develop their energy-saving projects. The eight Pittsburgh charter schools operated by Propel, a nonprofit school organization in Western Pennsylvania, are: Propel Montour, Propel Homestead, Propel McKeesport, Propel East, Propel Northside, Propel Braddock Hills, Propel Braddock Hills HS, and Propel Andrew Street. The eight participating schools in the North Penn School District are: North Penn High School, Penndale Middle School, Pennbrook Middle School, Bridle Path Elementary School, Gwyn-Nor Elementary School, Oak Park Elementary School, Hatfield Elementary School and A M Kulp Elementary School. Begun by the 34-year-old Washington, D.C.-based Alliance in 1996, the Green Schools Program encourages building occupants to change behaviors and encourages schools to get energy efficiency retrofits, install efficient technologies and bring the energy efficiency message to students' homes and into the wider community. Electric Utilities, Grid Managers Highlight Reliability For Summer Months At PUC Hearing The Energy Association of Pennsylvania, the Electric Power Generation Association, PJM Interconnection and Duquesne Light Co. this week advised the Public Utility Commission they are expecting normal demands for electricity during the summer months while maintaining enough power for emergencies. "We are confident that our generation supply is adequate due in large part to our base load generation," said Chairman Robert F. Powelson during opening remarks. "Pennsylvania also is in a very unique position as we focus on implementing Alternative Energy Portfolio Standards and integrating renewable energy into the mix." "We continue to take reliability very seriously when working with legislators and while making our decisions as a Commission," said Commissioner Wayne E. Gardner in his remarks. "We've taken action to make it clear that this a priority." The presenters discussed forecasted load and capacity; inspection practices; environmental considerations; plant additions and retirements; and utility mutual assistance during storms. Duquesne Light Co. provided an overview of the Mid-Atlantic Mutual Assistance Group and how they work together during storms. Duquesne provides electric service to more than half a million customers in southwestern Pennsylvania. PJM, based in Pennsylvania, is the electricity grid operator for 13 states and the District of Columbia. PJM expects to be able to reliably serve expected peak loads, as peak loads are expected to be slightly higher this summer compared to last summer. The Energy Association of Pennsylvania member companies serve over 5.6 million retail electric and natural gas customers in the Commonwealth. EAP noted EDCs take a broad array of actions to ensure safe and reliable electric service including encouraging customers to conserve electricity on peak usage days during the summer.

The Electric Power Generation Association noted they have more than adequate generating capacity to serve its load this summer. The EPGA is a regional trade association of major electric generating companies that supply wholesale power in Pennsylvania and surrounding states. The PUC's Bureau of Conservation, Economics, and Energy Planning (CEEP) discussed how smart grid technologies and projects affect reliability. DEP, Turnpike Seek Applications For Electric Vehicle Infrastructure The Department of Environmental Protection and the PA Turnpike Commission published notice soliciting proposals for electric vehicle infrastructure grants under the Alternative Fuels Incentive Grant Program. Proposals are due July 29. Click Here for a copy of the notice. Antaris Solar Opens U.S. Solar Panel Operations In Cumberland County Leading international photovoltaic company Antaris Solar, GmbH CEO and Founder Dr. Michael Goede proudly announced the opening of a U.S. branch in Mechanicsburg, Cumberland County. "I am excited to take the next step in business development," stated Dr. Goede. A Germany native, Dr. Goede owns several solar operations in Europe, and felt that the United States was the next logical choice. With U.S. operations headquartered in Mechanicsburg, Pennsylvania, the company is located in a central northeast corridor. The company services Pennsylvania, Delaware, New Jersey, New York, and the Washington, D.C. area. Antaris Solar recently made its debut as corporate sponsors at the regional PV America solar tradeshow, held in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania from April 3rd-5th. Over 3,000 solar industry professionals from all over the U.S., both exhibitors and attendees, met to discuss a brighter future. A Regional Sales Manager, Vincent Agnihotri, was hired to spearhead efforts in the northeast region. Agnihotri, who has 10 years of experience in the solar industry, including consulting projects and international installations, announced, "I couldn't be more excited to be joining Antaris Solar." The Antaris Solar Group is one of the leading providers of cutting edge solar technology. Antaris Solar combines wholesale services with large-scale turnkey projects, ranging from project development and planning to project implementation. With headquarters located in Germany, the group also has subsidiaries in Switzerland, the Czech Republic, Italy, France, and the UK. For more information about solar panel installation, visit the Antaris Solar website. Nominations Now Being Accepted For the 2011 Karl Mason Award

The PA Association of Environmental Professionals is now accepting nominations for its annual Karl Mason Award. Nominations are due July 29. Nominations can be made in two categories: An individual who demonstrated exemplary leadership in the field of environmental management; or an organization, project or program that made a significant contribution toward maintenance or restoration of Pennsylvanias environmental quality. Karl Mason served as Pennsylvanias first State Environmental Administrator from 1952 to 1966. Karls holistic vision of environmental management embraced essential, but conflicting, needs associated with waste disposal and community environmental protection. The general framework established by Karl serves as the foundation for Pennsylvanias environmental protection programs to this day. Karl believed and put into practice the notion that environmental protection is primarily the business of professionals who have the skills, by virtue of their scientific training, to manage the technical and scientific complexities of maintaining a safe, healthy and clean environment. He was committed to the belief that continuing education was an essential part of the career of every environmental professional. When Karl passed away, a group of his colleagues decided to commemorate Karls vision of a strong, professionally managed environmental program by creating the Karl Mason Award. The award is presented to Pennsylvanians who made a unique and creative contribution to the field of environmental management in Pennsylvania with preference given to the fields of administration, law, regulation and community organization. A list of past winners of the award are available online. PAEP is also sponsoring a photo contest for its members. Click Here for more information. EPA Invites Students, Software Writers To Submit Apps For The Environment The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency this week announced its Apps for the Environment challenge to encourage the development of innovative environmental applications for people and communities. Entries are due by September 16. The challenge invites the information technology community to create applications that help people make informed decisions about environmental issues that can affect their health. EPA is engaging students, colleges and universities, and developers across the U.S. to develop and submit an app. "By harnessing American ingenuity we can find new ways every day to better protect our health and environment," EPA Administrator Lisa P. Jackson said. "Blending technology with a wide range of environmental data, Apps for the Environment will help present useful information in a user-friendly way for our families, neighbors and communities. Im excited to see the innovations that professional software developers and high school students alike can create."

The challenge is a step towards a longer term objective of engaging developers and raising awareness about the availability and usefulness of EPAs data. Applications for the challenge must use EPAs data and be accessible via the web or a mobile device. EPA experts will select finalists and winning submissions based their usefulness, innovation, and ability to address one or more of EPA Administrator Lisa P. Jacksons seven priorities for EPAs future. In addition, the public will be able to vote for a Peoples Choice winner. Winners will receive recognition from EPA on the agencys website and at an event in Washington, D.C. in the fall, where theyll be able to present their apps to senior EPA officials and other interested parties. For more information, go to EPA's Apps for the Environment webpage. EPA Announces Brownfields Assessment, Redevelopment Grants, Including 2 In PA The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency this week announced more than $76 million in new investments across the country that will redevelop contaminated properties, boost local economies and help create jobs while protecting public health. Two grants were awarded in Pennsylvania: North Side Industrial Development Company, Inc. $1,000,000 to do brownfields assessment and Washington County Redevelopment Authority, $400,000 for brownfields assessment. Brownfields initiatives demonstrate how environmental protection and economic development work hand-in-hand, said Shawn M. Garvin, regional administrator for EPAs midAtlantic region. Along with generating jobs, these grants will help southwestern Pennsylvania communities convert vacant industrial properties into assets for the community, the environment, and the economy. The North Side Industrial Development Company, which serves Allegheny and Westmoreland Counties, will receive two grants totaling $1 million that will be used to assess abandoned industrial sites in multiple communities along the Ohio and Allegheny Rivers in and around Pittsburgh. The assessments are expected to facilitate the redevelopment of brownfields into advanced manufacturing facilities for new technologies such as robotics, medical devices, and precision instruments. The Washington County Redevelopment Authority will receive two grants totaling $400,000 to assess Washington County properties that once thrived as an industrial and coal mining center. Plant closings have resulted in significant job losses that left behind hundreds of acres of vacant and underused contaminated lands. There are 136 brownfields sites in the county, the majority of which are former industrial facilities and mine-scarred lands. The brownfields assessments are expected to facilitate the countys comprehensive cleanup and sustainable redevelopment plan to transform sites into community parks, reuse existing buildings, and incorporate green building techniques. EPAs brownfields grants are used to assess and clean up abandoned industrial and commercial properties like deserted gas stations or closed smelters. There are an estimated 450,000 abandoned and contaminated waste sites in America. In 2002, the brownfields law expanded the definition of what is considered a brownfield, so communities may now focus on mine-scarred lands, sites contaminated by petroleum, or sites contaminated as a result of manufacturing and distribution of illegal drugs (e.g. meth labs).

For more information, visit the EPA Brownfields and the EPA Brownfields Success Stories webpages. Ross Levin Wins Keep Pennsylvania Beautiful Sue Wiseman Scholarship Keep Pennsylvania Beautiful would like to congratulate Ross Levin, age 18, from PlymouthWhitemarsh High School in Plymouth Meeting, Montgomery County, who was chosen as the 2011 Sue Wiseman Scholarship recipient. Ross designed, developed, and implemented a student run, organic vegetable garden to provide locally grown, healthy food to the student body while educating the broader community. The garden, which has been incorporated into the schools curriculum, includes sustainable practices such as composting and the use of collected rainwater. Produce harvested during the summer months will be sold at a local natural foods store. Expanding the garden, increasing sustainable practices, and incorporating it as a hands-on learning experience for additional grade levels are all part of the long-term plan. When asked what makes his project extraordinary, Ross replied, We as students have asserted our rights politically and environmentally, which is a powerful message of community strength and change. What makes our project extraordinary is that ordinary people have come together and built something that makes us proud and directly improves our community, and weve done it in a manner that builds our own self-esteem and our respect for others and the environment. Ross plans to attend Wesleyan University in the fall. Applicants were judged on initiative and self-motivation, ability to demonstrate leadership, commitment to the environment, use of local resources, partnerships formed, and the projects ability to educate the public. Keep Pennsylvania Beautiful extends many thanks to a panel of judges including: Sue Wiseman, founder of PA CleanWays (which is now Keep Pennsylvania Beautiful); David Hess, former Secretary, Department of Environmental Protection and Keep Pennsylvania Beautiful Board Member; and Bonnie Griffith, Keep Pennsylvania Beautiful Board Member. The Sue Wiseman Scholarship is an annual $1,000 award that recognizes the individual accomplishments of young people who have demonstrated outstanding commitment and dedication to the environment. The scholarship is open to High School seniors who have initiated and carried out a personal project that addresses one of Keep Pennsylvania Beautiful focus areas and programs. Applications and project requirements are due May 1st of each year. Application forms are available online. Electronics Recycling Event In Delaware County June 17 The Delaware County Solid Waste Authority is sponsoring the first ever Electronic Friday Recycling Event on June 17 from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. at the Delaware County Community College on Route #252 in Media, Pa. While the Authority has collected computers, portable TVs and cell phones for recycling in the past, this event has a bit of a twist to it as we will be accepting the above as well as almost any other small appliance you may wish to recycle.

This one-day event is a great opportunity to dispose of those items you know could/ should be recycled. Some of the items we will accept include: microwaves, toasters, coffeemakers, electric can openers, hair dryers, curling irons, electric toothbrushes, power tools with a cord or cordless but not gas powered, computers, peripherals, copiers, printers, monitors, cell and cordless phones, TVs, modems, stereo/tape/CD and DVD players, record players, speakers, electric typewriters, electronic cash registers and adding machines, Dictaphones, paper shredders, computer, cable and power cords just to name a few. The EXCEPTIONS include: large appliances; appliances with Freon or mercury; and appliances with gasoline. This event is open to Delaware County residents as well as businesses wishing to dispose of unwanted electronics. However, businesses wishing to participate are required to call to register prior to the event. For more information, visit the Electronic Friday Recycling Event webpage or call 610-892-9627. Chester County Electronics, Household Hazardous Waste Collection Event June 24 For the third time since the Household Hazardous Waste Collection Program began in 1998, seventy-one Chester County municipalities are hosting a Household Hazardous Waste and Computer Collection Event for Chester County residents on June 24. The event will be held at the Center for Arts and Technology Brandywine Campus, 1635 East Lincoln Highway, Coatesville. The collection site will be open at 9:00 a.m. and will close at 3:00 p.m. sharp. Residents may bring as many as three old computers and peripherals and no more than 220 pounds or 25 gallons of Hazardous Products per household. Hazardous cleaning and maintenance products will have the following cautionary words on the label: poisonous, caustic, toxic, flammable, ignitable, corrosive, reactive, caution, warning, danger or hazardous. Unacceptable materials are latex paint, used motor oil, tires, asbestos, explosives, gas cylinders greater than 20 lbs, household alkaline batteries, PCBs, medical waste, unidentified waste, commercial and industrial, explosives, ammunition and appliances containing Freon. LATEX PAINT IS NOT HAZARDOUS WASTE! Residents should not bring latex paint to Household Hazardous Waste Collection Events. Solidify latex paint by either air drying small quantities or pouring the paint into a plastic trash bag with sawdust, clay-based kitty litter or rags and placing the bag and the opened can in the trash. Oil-based paint should be brought to a Household Hazardous Waste Collection Event. For more information, visit the Household Hazardous Waste and Computer Collection Event webpage or call 610-273-3771 ext. 228 for information on how to properly handle unacceptable materials and for the other regional collection events scheduled. 7 Household Hazardous Waste & Electronics Collection Events In Butler County There are seven remaining Butler County hazardous waste/electronics collection events this year for area-wide residents. Collection dates are: June 25, July 16, August 6 and 27, September 17, October 1 and 29.

Those interested in dropping off hazardous waste and/or electronics must call our contractor ECS&R toll-free at 1-866-815-0016 to pre-register to participate and nominal fees apply. This program was made possible by the Board of Butler County Commissioners and the Department of Environmental Protection. For detailed information on these events, please call the Butler County Department of Recycling & Waste Management at 724-284-5305, check the Department's webpage or send email to: skelly@co.butler.pa.us. 180 Waste Trucks Put Out Of Service In May By State Police Inspections of commercial waste haulers last month resulted in more than 500 traffic citations issued and 180 trucks and 18 drivers were placed out of service, according to the Pennsylvania State Police. State police motor carrier enforcement teams worked with safety inspectors from the Department of Environmental Protection, said Frank Noonan, State Police Commissioner. The inspections were conducted at landfills and waste transfer stations across the state and focused on the identification of safety defects that can lead to crashes. Noonan said the teams conducted 1,298 inspections of waste haulers in May, resulting in 564 traffic citations and 1,408 written warnings. Unsafe brakes and improperly secured loads were among problems the inspection teams found. Personnel also weighed 3,546 waste trucks to determine their compliance with state vehicle weight restrictions, resulting in the issuance of 12 additional traffic citations, Noonan said. A list of actions by State Police Troop is available online. River Sweep Volunteers Needed June 18 In Western PA Volunteers are needed for the 21st Annual River Sweep on June 18 from 8 a.m. to noon in Allegheny, Armstrong, Beaver, Washington and Westmoreland counties. This event teaches river awareness and respect for our natural resource, said Betsy Mallison, Pennsylvania River Sweep Coordinator. We want families to come out and participate in this cleanup event which falls on the Saturday of Fathers Day weekend. Get involved and help Dad take out the trash as we clean up our area waterways. The River Sweep, an annual six-state effort to clean up litter and debris in the Ohio River watershed, is the largest organized volunteer river cleanup effort in the country. The event winds through Ohio, Pennsylvania, Kentucky, Indiana, West Virginia and Illinois, covering more than 2,400 miles of shoreline. In Pennsylvania, it is sponsored by the Department of Environmental Protection (DEP), the Ohio River Valley Water Sanitation Commission and a number of Pennsylvania corporate sponsors including Duquesne Light, Dominion Foundation, Duke Energy, Koppers, PPG Industries Foundation, Neville Chemical Company, Talisman Energy USA and Babst, Calland, Clements and Zomnir, P.C.

Last year, more than 600 volunteers collected 45 tons of the trash and debris along the Ohio, Allegheny, Beaver, Monongahela and Youghiogheny rivers and their tributaries at 23 cleanup sites. Volunteers who participate receive trash bags and a souvenir T-shirt. Residents can find out more about area River Sweep cleanup locations, by checking the Ohio River Valley Water Sanitation Commission. PEMA Seeking Applications For Fire Company, Ambulance Services Grants The PA Emergency Management Agency is now accepting applications for its Volunteer Fire Company and Volunteer Ambulance Services Grant Program. (formal notice) Applications are due September 1. Click Here for more information. North Pittsburgh School Wins National Pennies For The Planet BioBash Prize After raising over 163,470 pennies to contribute $1,634.70 for Audubons Pennies for the Planet campaign, nearly 900 elementary and middle school students and teachers in the School District of Hermitage in Mercer County were treated to an Audubon BioBash event. The assembly of environmental fun and learning took place May 31. Hermitage raised more money than any other school in the nation this year by Audubons May 16 deadline. In return, Billy B, The Natural Science Song and Dance Man as well as musician, puppeteer, and Audubon naturalist Chris Rowlands joined Audubon educators to lead the school in an engaging performance of environmental fun and learning. Pennies for the Planet is a powerful tool for motivating kids of all ages to learn about and become engaged in protecting biodiversity. Kids not only learn more about conservation, but also directly help protect it by raising funds and conducting environmental projects in their own communities. By teaching young people about threatened ecosystems and wildlife, Pennies for the Planet strives to connect young people and families with the environment and provide ideas about how they can help protect it. Over $75,000 has been raised through Pennies for the Planet in the past three years. Funds contributed during the 2010-2011 school year will be divided equally among three Audubon conservation projects that protect migrating wildlife and the habitats they depend on, including Monarch butterflies in Arizona, migrating birds in Nebraska, and coastal habitat in Mississippi. It is vital that we give children everywhere the chance to get involved in conservationand to see how their actions can really make a difference to conserve our wild species and spaces, said Audubon President David Yarnold. Pennies for the Planet links environmental education with environmental action, which we hope starts young people on a lifelong journey toward environmental stewardship. Over the last decade, in conjunction with several other environmental organizations, Pennies for the Planet has helped tens of thousands of young people nationwide raise thousands of dollars to support species and habitat conservation. Pennies for the Planet is made possible by support from TogetherGreen, an Audubon initiative in alliance with Toyota.

Pennies for the Planet change collected through August 2011 will continue to support this years projects. Educational materials, including a full color poster and educators guide, a newsletter for kids, and a participation form with incentives and awards are available for download. Fort Indiantown Gap To Open For Tours Of Rare Butterfly Habitat In July Visitors are invited to see the only population of rare Regal Fritillary butterflies in Pennsylvania four days in July at Fort Indiantown Gap, near Annville, Lebanon County. Free guided carpool tours will begin at 10 a.m. on July 1, 2, 8 and 9. Tours last approximately two and one-half hours, but attendees may leave earlier if necessary. Those wishing to attend should arrive at least 30 minutes early to fill out necessary paperwork and attend a mandatory safety and orientation meeting. The free tours, which have been offered for more than 10 years, allow the public to see this rare type of butterfly and its associated habitat on military training ranges, as well as many other natural spectacles on the 17,000-acre military post, which serves as the Pennsylvania National Guards headquarters. The Regal Fritillary butterfly colony at Fort Indiantown Gap continues to thrive while coexisting alongside military training equipment thanks to our exceptional wildlife staff, said Col. Samuel Hayes, commander of the Fort Indiantown Gap National Guard Training Site. These guided tours allow the public to see this rare colony first hand, as well as the many other natural spectacles that we have on post. Its truly an exciting and educational experience for all ages. Participants should meet at the Fort Indiantown Gap Recreation Center in Building 13-190, located at the intersection of Asher Miner Road, Clement Avenue and Route 443 (GPS coordinates in decimal degrees: North 40.431, West 76.591). Visitors are encouraged to wear appropriate clothing and footwear for a nature walk on well-maintained or mowed trails. No reservations are required and no rain dates will be scheduled. The tours also will include information related to current efforts to restore native grassland habitat across Pennsylvania with the ultimate goal of returning the Regal Fritillary to landholdings having a historic occurrence. In addition to the Regal Fritillary, which is considered a federal species of concern, Fort Indiantown Gap is home to 99 species of conservation concern as defined in the PA State Wildlife Action Plan. It also provides a wide variety of habitats for 36 species of mammals, 122 breeding species of birds, 34 species of reptiles and amphibians, 25 species of fish, 792 species of plants, and many notable species of invertebrates including 85 species of butterflies and 237 species of moths. The installation also features 1,000 acres of scrub oak and pitch pine scrubland and 3,000 acres of native grassland habitat the largest in the state. Fort Indiantown Gap is the only live-fire, maneuver military training facility in Pennsylvania. It balances one of the regions most ecologically diverse areas with a military

mission that annually supports 19,000 Pennsylvania National Guard personnel and more than 130,000 other states Guard, military, law enforcement, and civilian personnel each year. For more information, visit the Fort Indiantown Gap Regal Fritillary Habitat webpage. Comments Invited On Adding Susquehanna Shad To State Wildlife Action Plan The Fish and Boat Commission is inviting public comment on the addition of Susquehanna River American shad to the state Wildlife Action Plan, the document that prescribes conservation measures for species and their critical habitat before they become rarer and more costly to protect and restore. Populations of American shad have been considerably reduced throughout the East Coast, including Pennsylvania, primarily as a result of dams which have impeded movement of fish to spawning areas, said Dave Day, PFBC conservation coordinator. Adding the species to the state Wildlife Action Plan would highlight the importance of this species and would provide the Commission with more flexibility to fund, or receive funding for, projects that benefit the species within the drainage of the Susquehanna River. In September 2005, the PFBC and the Game Commission submitted the Pennsylvania Wildlife Action Plan to the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, which must approve all proposed amendments. This plan was required from each state and U.S. territory in order to continue to receive funds under the State Wildlife Grants Program. Since 2001, Pennsylvania has received nearly $20 million with an annual appropriation of approximately $2 million. This funding is shared equally between the PFBC and the Game Commission. The Fish and Boat Commission was established, in part, to protect American shad and associated migratory species and given the status of its population, it is only logical that this species be included in the Pennsylvania Wildlife Action Plan. Although the species is considered globally abundant, it has undergone significant declines over the past century. Historically, catches of American shad along the Atlantic coast have plummeted from about 50 million pounds in 1900, to less than 4 million pounds in1980, and even further to 1.5 million pounds by 1993. A moratorium on harvesting American shad in the Chesapeake Bay has been in place since 1980. A moratorium on directed harvest in ocean waters was put in place by the Atlantic States Marine Fisheries Commission in 2005. Currently, the species is under restoration in Pennsylvania, Maryland, Virginia, Delaware, North Carolina, New Jersey, Connecticut, Massachusetts, Vermont and Maine. Within Pennsylvania, the primary rivers with American shad are the Susquehanna, Lehigh and Delaware rivers. On the Susquehanna River, catch of American shad at the fish lifts at Conowingo Dam averaged 120 fish per year from 1972 to 1981, and then increased steadily to a maximum of more than 200,000 fish in 2001. Since 1989, hatchery-reared shad have predominated, representing 61 percent of the catch at Conowingo. On the Delaware River the species was incredibly abundant until the early 1900s, then declined precipitously due to overfishing and pollution. Since the 1960s, the Delaware River shad population has rebounded, creating an important sport fishery, although the runs are nowhere near the abundance of 100 years ago.

The Fish and Boat Commission is specifically recommending the addition of the American shad within the Susquehanna River drainage to the Pennsylvania Wildlife Action Plan at "Conservation Tier 5 - Maintenance Concern Level." Conservation Tier 5 contains species that are considered relatively abundant and fairly secure in Pennsylvania, but have undergone declines. The proposed American Shad amendment and American Shad Species Account are posted online. Public comments will be accepted through July 6. Comments may be submitted electronically online. Written comments must be postmarked no later than July 6 and should be sent to: American Shad/WAP/Public Comments, c/o Dave Day, Pennsylvania Fish and Boat Commission, P.O. Box 67000, Harrisburg, PA 17106-7000. Pennsylvanias Wildlife Action Plan can be downloaded from the Commission website. Fish-For-Free Events Draw Hunderds Of Friends, Families Hundreds of vacationers from across the state participated in half a dozen special fishing events held on Memorial Day, the first of two statewide Fish-For-Free Days this year hosted by the Fish and Boat Commission. This year we decided to try something different and hold the Fish-For-Free events on holidays, said PFBC Executive Director John Arway. We know that many families and their friends spend these holidays at parks and waterways. Our events made it easy for adults and kids who had never fished before to learn the basics of the sport at their favorite vacation spots. Fish-for-Free Days allow anyone (resident or non-resident) to legally fish. No fishing license is required to fish on these days. All other fishing regulations apply. The second Fish-forFree Day is Labor Day, September 5. The PFBCs staff held fishing programs, conducted demonstrations and distributed fishing and boating information at six popular waterways, including Lake Wallenpaupack (Pike and Wayne Counties), Lake Nockamixon (Bucks County), Foster Joseph Sayers Lake (Centre County), Raystown Lake (Huntingdon County), Presque Isle Bay (Erie County) and the Emsworth Pool of the Three Rivers in Pittsburgh. For a glimpse of the days activities, visit the PFBC online photo gallery. The events were held in conjunction with Cabelas Wanna Go Fishing for Millions? national contest. As part of the contest, fish were tagged in eight waters. Every tag carries a prize. The other two waters are Penns Creek in Centre County and Lake Arthur in Moraine State Park, Butler County. The Cabelas contest officially started on May 14 and runs through July 14. Anglers can register through the PFBC website for a chance at landing the $2.2 million prize. So far, anglers have landed nearly a dozen prize-winning fish from state waters. And with the popular bass season just around the corner, the PFBC expects more contest fish to be caught. Bass season officially kicks off on June 18. Just as the opening day of trout marks the start of the fishing season, the first day of bass starts the summer fishing season, said Arway, who added that he expects to see an uptick in license sales. This spring was pretty wet and cold and we saw license sales fall. But weve got a long summer ahead of us and plenty of excellent fishing available all around the state. I think anglers will be excited for the warm weather and will be out in large numbers.

More information on where to find bass and how to catch them is available on the PFBC website. Among the tools anglers can use are interactive maps, which allow users to search for waters by name or county. Also visit the Fish-For-Free Days webpage for more information on these activities. State Parks Host Get Outdoors Day Events June 11 Four Pennsylvania State Parks will host a series of special, day-long events June 11, as part of a nationwide "Get Outdoors Day" celebration. "Pennsylvania's 117 state parks and 2.2 million acres of state forestland make it fairly easy for residents to get outside to enjoy the great outdoors," Department of Conservation and Natural Resources acting Secretary Richard J. Allan said. "This third annual Get Outdoors Day celebration gives our Bureau of State Parks a chance to showcase the great features our state parks have to offer." Allan said the June 11 events are especially geared toward first-time visitors to state parks. Events will take place at the following state parks: Bald Eagle, Centre County; Moraine, Butler County; Parker Dam, Clearfield County; and Pine Grove Furnace, Cumberland County. This effort also promotes the philosophy of the American Recreation Coalition, an extensive network of outdoors-oriented governmental agencies, conservation groups, and related businesses that is working to help reconnect people with the outdoors. In support of that goal, Gov.Tom Corbett has proclaimed June as Great Outdoors Month in Pennsylvania, Allan noted. "Great Outdoors Month is a significant opportunity to help reconnect our children to nature and reverse the troubling nationwide trends of children spending half as much time outside as they did 20 years ago. Outdoor recreation is vital to the economy of the Commonwealth, and the health and well-being of its residents," Corbett's proclamation read. Kayaking, birds-of-prey exhibits, hiking and biking, special tips for first-time campers are a few of the "Get Outdoors Day" activities planned at the four state parks. Specific details -- including key contacts and registration information -- can be found at DCNR's online Calendar (select Get Outdoors PA) or visit the Get Outdoors PA website. DCNR: Open Space Permanently Preserved In Lower Susquehanna Landscape Representatives from local, state and national organizations convened June 1 to celebrate the purchase and protection of a 115-acre refuge of green pastures near the City of York. The property, which features wooded areas and open fields with impressive panoramic views, will be open to the public for passive recreational activities like hiking and picnicking. The tract, known as the Walters Farm, will be a new addition to Springettsbury Townships Camp Security Park. Funding for this acquisition was provided by the Department of Conservation and Natural Resources, Springettsbury Township, York County and The Friends of Camp Security. Camp Security Park is not just a landmark historic site, it also is an important part of a special landscape that stretches along the length of the Susquehanna River in Lancaster and York counties, DCNR Bureau Director, Brenda Barrett said. By protecting this land we honor our

past and build our future on a foundation of economic development, community sustainability and a conservation stewardship strategy for the Lower Susquehanna region. DCNR provided $1.06 million in Community Conservation Partnership Program funds to help support this acquisition. The conservation of this property, located approximately six miles from the Susquehanna River, will help fulfill Pennsylvanias commitment to protecting the Chesapeake Bay Watershed. This acquisition will enhance the quality of outdoor recreational amenities for the tens of thousands of local residents while promoting ground water infiltration and better storm water management in the area. The Springettsbury Township Board of Supervisors is thrilled with the acquisition of the Walters Property, as the expansion of Camp Security Park will help the Township further preserve open space and provide for the recreation needs of our residents for years to come, said Board of Supervisors Chairman, Bill Schenck. Residents of Springettsbury Township and surrounding communities shouldnt have to travel far to experience the outdoors, said Todd McNew, The Conservation Funds Pennsylvania Director. By working together with local, state and private partners, weve preserved a refuge within close proximity to tens of thousands of citizens, securing it as a green space for public recreation and enjoyment. The York County Board of Commissioners was happy to contribute to the preservation of this open space, said Commissioner Doug Hoke. This is an excellent example of intergovernmental cooperation along with private support to accomplish a major public project. The protected 115-acre tract, formerly known as the Rowe Farm, is located within the historic footprint of Camp Security a prisoner-of-war camp that held approximately 1,500 captured British soldiers and their families between 1781 and 1783. The site was named one of Americas 11 Most Endangered Historic Places in 2005 by the National Trust for Historic Preservation. Camp Security is one of only a handful of POW camps established during the Revolutionary War era that have not been lost to residential or commercial development. Practically undisturbed for more than two centuries, the Rowe Farm was threatened by development during the past decade. A coalition of concerned private and public groups Springettsbury Township, the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania, Friends of Camp Security, York County Heritage Trust, Historic York Inc., Susquehanna Gateway Heritage Area, Preservation Pennsylvania, The Conservation Fund and the National Trust for Historic Preservation was formed to purchase the historic site. "A decade ago The Friends of Camp Security began the effort to save and secure this Revolutionary War Site in Springettsbury Township. The purchase of the Walters Farm represents a critical milestone in this effort, said Carol Tanzola, President of The Friends of Camp Security. On behalf of the Friends of Camp Security I am delighted and honored to be a part of this important mission." Corbett Nominates Pamela Witmer To Public Utility Commission Gov. Tom Corbett this week nominated Pamela A. Witmer as a member of the Public Utility Commission.

Pam Witmer has more than 20 years of governmental experience as well as a strong background in environmental and energy issues, Corbett said. I am pleased to nominate her to the Public Utility Commission. If confirmed by the Senate, Witmer will succeed Commissioner Tyrone Christy, whose term on the PUC has expired. Witmer currently the leads the energy and environment practice for Harrisburg-based Bravo Group, a governmental and public relations firm. From 2000 to 2007, she was president and CEO of the Pennsylvania Chemical Industry Council, a trade association. She formerly served as a legislative liaison for the Pennsylvania Department of Environmental Protection. Witmer earned a bachelors degree in public service from the Pennsylvania State University. She lives in Hummelstown, Dauphin County. Ellen Ferretti Appointed DCNR Deputy For State Parks, Forests The Department of Conservation and Natural Resources announced this week Ellen Ferretti has been named Deputy Secretary for Parks and Forests. As deputy, Ferretti will assist the secretary in managing and directing the operations of the bureaus of State Parks; Forestry; and Facility, Design and Construction Ferretti will also work to develop policy on a variety of issues, including Marcellus Shale oil and gas development and drilling; along with maintaining relationships with stakeholders; enhancing outdoor recreation activities; establishing or revitalizing best practices for environmental education; and ensuring the ongoing maintenance of the infrastructure in state forest and park lands. "Ellen has tremendous experience in the private and non-profit sectors," said acting DCNR Secretary Richard Allan. In her most recent position as president of the northeast regional office of the Pennsylvania Environmental Council, she worked very closely with DCNR and its partners on landscape conservation efforts. Her wealth of knowledge will be a valuable asset to the department. She has served as Vice President, Pocono Forest and Water Initiative for the Pennsylvania Environmental Council, as a land protection specialist for The Nature Conservancy, as the Director of Environmental Management at Borton-Lawson Engineering and as a project manager at Westinghouse Environmental and Geotechnical Services, Inc. Ferretti was also a member of DCNR's Conservation and Natural Resources Advisory Council. Ferretti earned a B.S. in Environmental Science/Biology from Wilkes College in WilkesBarre. She lives in Dallas, Luzerne County. Her first day at DCNR will be June 13. NewsClip: Dallas Woman Named To State Parks Post You Are Invited To Be Part Of The Ralph W. Abele Legacy Research Project

In 1991 the Ralph W. Abele Conservation Scholarship Fund was established as a living, continuing memorial to his extraordinary dedication to conservation and education. As a leader of the Boy Scouts, Ralph Abele taught about the wonders of nature and instilled a conservation ethic in young minds with his message that the land is ours only to nurture and pass on to future generations. His commitment to education was shown by his membership on the Greenwood Area School Board. As a leader in government, Ralph showed uncommon tenacity, combined with unmatched integrity, in his efforts to protect, conserve and enhance clean air, pure water and the natural, scenic, historic and aesthetic values of the environment. Ralph served as Executive Director of the Fish and Boat Commission from 1972 and 1987 and steadfastly promoted his a resource first philosophy. Recently, the trustees of the Ralph W. Abele Conservation Scholarship Fund decided to further research Abele's conservation legacy. Mark Layser, the 2010 PAEP/ PA Historical and Museum Commission Summer Intern who conducted Maurice K. Goddard research, was hired to conduct archival research and interviews to uncover and document Abele's contributions to PA's conservation heritage. Mark's work began on June 6, 2011 and will be completed in early August 2011. Anyone who would like to share their stories of the influence Ralph Abele had on them, should contact Mark Layser by sending email to: mlayser1@comcast.net to schedule an interview. Maurice K. Goddard Historial Markers In Place Over the past several months the Maurice K. Goddard Legacy Task Force has installed 4 historical markers to commemorate the environmental leadership of Maurice K. Goddard, former Secretary of the Department of Environmental Resources. The markers are located at the Rachel Carson Building, Maurice K. Goddard State Park, Camp Hill Borough Park, and Delaware Canal State Park. A fifth historical marker will be installed at Penn State Mount Alto. Each of these markers highlights the contributions Goddard made to protecting and enhancing the environment and communities throughout the Commonwealth. A small dedication ceremony was conducted for each marker and one is being planned for the Mount Alto marker. The markers were funded by donations by many organizations and individuals. Additional projects to commemorate the environmental leadership of Goddard are being planned by the Legacy Task Force. For more information, visit the Maurice K. Goddard Legacy Project lead by the PA Parks and Forests Foundation.

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. June 17-- Revised. DEP Alternative Fuels Incentive Grants (Revisions) June 30-- Wild Resource Conservation Program Grants June 30-- DEP Nitrogen Tire Inflation System Grants June 30-- ARIPPA, WPCAMR, EPCAMR Reclamation/AMD Grants July 11-- PROP Annual Recycling FilmFest Competition July 29-- NEW. PAEP Karl Mason Award Nominations July 31-- DCNR South Mountain Mini-Grants No Deadline-- DEP County Waste Planning Grants August-- EPA/American Rivers Potomac Highlands Restoration Grants August 26-- Foundation for PA Watersheds Grants September 1-- TKF Foundation Open Space Sacred Places Grants September 1-- NEW. PEMA Volunteer Fire Company Grants September 4-- Chester County Green Business Awards September 16-- NEW. EPA Apps For The Environment Challenge November 30-- iConservePA CSI Pennsylvania Super Sleuth Sweepstakes! December 31-- President's Environmental Youth Awards -- Visit the DEP Grants and Loan Programs webpage for more ideas on how to get financial assistance for environmental projects.

Quick Clips
Here's a selection of NewClips on environmental topics from around the state-Budget Scarnati Seeks Impact Fee Bill Vote Coalition Delivers Petition To Sen. Yaw Supporting Severance Tax Plans Abound To Assess Taxes, Fees On Drilling Companies Local Officials Fear Loss Of Control Under Impact Fee Proposal Pileggi Drilling Tax Proposal Would Reduce Taxes For Seniors Gas Drilling Tax Pressure Builds In PA Op-Ed: PA's Semantic Games On Fees vs. Taxes Op-Ed: The Real Victims Of A Severance Tax Editorial: Take Tax Bite Out Of Marcellus Shale Drilling Editorial: Drillers Tax Should Make It Part Of Next Budget Editorial: Pass Just Natural Gas Tax PA Budget Deliberations Resume John Baer: Poetry In Commotion As PA Crafts Budget Op-Ed: PA's Semantic Games On Taxes vs. Fees Other Bryn Mawr's Michael Krancer Takes The Hot Seat In Harrisburg

PA DEP Secretary Says He's Been Vilified By Foes Of Drilling Dillsburg Honors Carroll Environmental Group Volunteers Sought For Pittsburgh Rivers Sweep June 17 Editorial: Require Trash Pickup Across PA Jessup Discusses Illegal Dumping Issues Quakertown Looks To Trash For Its Energy Needs Allegheny Council Approves Adopt-A-Highway Program Editorial: Trash-Marred County Roads Deserve Adoption Too Pittsburgh Civic Arena Parts Will Be Recycled Lehigh County Inks Deal To Keep Compost Site Open Keystone Opportunity Zones Called Qualified Success Water Fix Finally Near At Ivy Park, Lackawanna County Solar Energy Output Is Outpacing PA Mandate Daniel Boone Students Share Energy Research With Legislators Caernarvon Twp Discusses Geothermal Systems Editorial: Energy Truths, Hell Freezes Over PPL Customer: You're Trapped By Higher Rates Providers Urge Wise Use Of Electricity On Sweltering Days Editorial: Electric Deregulation, Tweaks Yes, But Model Works Hershey Unveils Electric Car Station At Chocolate World GenOn To Pay $5 Million Conemaugh Pollution Settlement Conemaugh Watershed To Get Restoration Funds Conemaugh Settlement Might Help Clean River Lawmakers: Give Portland Coal-Fired Plant A Fair Shake Protest Calls For Portland Power Plant Shutdown Editorial: Time Ticking Down On Portland Power Plant Plans To Build Electric Cars In PA Stall Hope For Korean Electric Car Plant Dashed Future Nuclear Plants Would Make Less Waste NRC Inspection Raises New Issues At Limerick Nuclear Plant NRC: TMI's Safety Issues In 2010 Fixed State Could Soon Monitor Octane At Gas Pumps Ready To Clean Up With A Green Business Where A Green Frog Grows Free Homewood Woman To Lead Pittsburgh's Sustainability Efforts Green Team Adds To Festival Palette June 16 Public Meeting On Pike County Hazard Mitigation Plan AARP Opposes Infrastructure Replacement Bill Debate Pits Natural Areas vs. Farmland Drenched Central PA Is Abuzz With Mosquitoes The Harris Hawk At The National Aviary High Bacteria Count Halts Swimming At Beltzville Editorial: A Decade Of Change Has Benefitted Philly Parks Watchers Spot Rare Bird In Chester County Appalachian Trail Hikers Face Sweetest Challenge

National Designation For West Branch Susquehanna Water Trail Gifford Pinchot State Park Employees Credited With Saving Life Man Rescued From Water At Gouldsboro State Park A Coobs Creek Park Revival In Philadelphia Bicycle-Sharing Company Eyes Pittsburgh Allegheny Team To Collect DNA From Carp PA Battles Emerald Ash Borer By Releasing Wasps State Foresters Take Drastic Step To Fight Asian Pest Game Commission Finds Federal Funds For Expanded Public Access Season's First West Nile Mosquito Found In Green County Mosquito Spraying In Philadelphia To Control West Nile Allegheny County Asks Public Health To Track West Nile Wild Weather Patterns? Not Really Climate Experts Say

Marcellus Shale NewsClips

Here are NewsClips on topics related to Marcellus Shale natural gas drilling--Don't Smoke In Your Shower, Ridge Jokes On Colbert PA DEP Secretary Says He's Been Vilified By Foes Of Drilling Blog: Zero Drilling Wastewater Or Darn Close Going To Sewer Plants Update Oil And Gas Act With DEP Suggestions DEP Recommends New Regulations, Other Marcellus News DEP Oil And Gas Chief Touts State Drilling Rules, Enforcement Editorial: DEP Identifies Drilling Law Flaws, Fix Them Editorial: Adopt Higher Bonding For PA Gas Drillers Editorial: Tighten Drilling Rules As DEP Recommends Editorial: DEP Recommendations Better Late Than Never PA Health Agency Doesn't Keep Marcellus Database Cong. Murphy: EPA Must Work With DEP Op-Ed: DRBC Marcellus Shale Regulations Are Over-Reach Op-Ed: Marcellus Shale Players Does Have Environmental Conscience Cawley: No Evidence Of Pollution From Fracking Barium Levels High In Water Near Drilling Site Shale Operations Bring Contaminants To Hunting Club Spring (Video) Moshannon State Forest Spring, Trout Runs Fouled By Drilling Protecting Watersheds Placed Under Microscope Marcellus Shale Drilling Process Pumps Water Underground, Never To Return Monroe County Enters Into Creative Agreement With Drilling Company Editorial: Don't Give Environmental Polluters Any Breaks Drilling Groups Offers Paid Trip To Energy Hearing Scarnati Seeks Impact Fee Bill Vote Coalition Delivers Petition To Sen. Yaw Supporting Severance Tax

Op-Ed: PA's Semantic Games On Fees vs. Taxes Op-Ed: The Real Victims Of A Severance Tax Editorial: Take Tax Bite Out Of Marcellus Shale Drilling Blog: Stop Shale Drilling Now Capitol Rally Protesters Want Ban Or Levy On Booming Gas Industry Gasland Director Leads Sit-In Outside Governor's Office Anti-Drilling Protesters Try, Fail To Meet With Corbett Passion Evident At Marcellus Rally, But So Were Divisions (Video) Bradford County Woman Addresses Gas Rally Marcellus Shale: Here Come The Celebs Group Raising Concerns About Drilling In Brockway Hearings On Gas Issues Lie Ahead In Dallas Twp Williams Plans To Move Components Of Gas Metering Station Need For Zoning Approval Shock To Pipeline Planner Marshall Approves Drilling Ordinance Newton Gas Drilling Committee Sets Mission Altoona Authority Studies Ways To Save Watershed Land From Drilling Expansion Of Lower Tyrone Natural Gas Processing Site OK'd State Bucks National Unemployment Trends Natural Gas Impact Study Stirs Debate Shell's Getting Cracking On Ethylene Plant More Issues With Proposed Natural Gas Metering Station Former DEP Secretary Touts Marcellus Shale Gas Drilling June 16 Public Meeting On Pike County Hazard Mitigation Plan Op-Ed: What We Can Learn From Texas' Barnett Shale Other States Workshop: Emerging Issues In Law Of Marcellus Shale In PA, WV Financial Exxon Gets Into Shale Exploration By Buying 2 Companies Big Oil's Step Into Shale A No-Brainer

Watershed NewsClips
Here are NewsClips on watershed topics from around the state-Conemaugh Watershed To Get Restoration Funds Conemaugh Settlement Might Help Clean River Protecting Watersheds Placed Under Microscope Education Advocated As Solution To Improve Lititz Run Watershed PA Dairy Producers Chosen For Climate Study Mont Alto's Sewer Plant Being Upgraded To Meet Chesapeake Bay Standards Altoona Authority Studies Ways To Save Watershed Land From Drilling Perkasie Ready To Begin Creek Erosion Control Project

Anglers Anticipate Better Fishing Without Dayton Dam Brandywine Conservatory Receives DuPont Clear Into Future Grant Hear Latest At Lake Wallenpaupack On Water Quality Management Trends June 15 Debate Pits Natural Areas vs. Farmland Report: Delaware River Estuary An Economic Engine Op-Ed: New Plan A Baby Step For Delaware River Flood Mitigation Group Marks 20 Years Of Opening Pittsburgh Riverbanks

Regulations, Technical Guidance & Permits

Fish and Boat Commission published notice of the addition of 99 new waters to the Wild Trout Stream Classification. The Game Commission published notice of Voluntary Public AccessHabitat Incentives Program Final Programmatic Environmental Assessment. Pennsylvania Bulletin - June 11, 2011 Proposed Regulations Open For Comment - DEP webpage Proposed Regulations With Closed Comment Periods - DEP webpage Rolling Regulatory Agenda - DEP webpage

Technical Guidance & Permits

The Department of Environmental Protection published notice of nutrient credits certified for Bion Environmental Technologies. The Susquehanna River Basin Commission published notice of projects approved for consumptive water use. Technical Guidance Comment Deadlines - DEP webpage Copies Of Draft Technical Guidance - DEP webpage Copies of Final Technical Guidance - DEP webpage

Calendar Of Events
Upcoming legislative meetings, conferences, workshops, plus links to other online calendars. Meetings are in Harrisburg unless otherwise noted. NEW means new from last week. Go to the online Calendar webpage. Click on Agenda Released on calendar entries to see the NEW meeting agendas published this week.

June 13-- NEW. Senate Community, Economic and Recreational Development Committee meets to consider Senate Bill 276 (Argall-R-Schuylkill) making changes to the Downtown Location Law. Rules Room. Off the Floor. June 13-- Environmental Forum. Joint Legislative Conservation Committee hears a presentation on establishing a network of public charging stations for electric vehicles. Room G-50 Irvis Building. 12:00. June 14-- NEW. Senate Environmental Resources and Energy Committee meets to consider the nomination of Bernard Labuskes to the Environmental Hearing Board. Room 156. 10:00. June 14-- Agenda Released. DEP Board of Coal Mine Safety meeting. Fayette County Health Center, Uniontown. (No start time published. Other meetings started at 10:00 a.m.) June 15-- Agenda Released. DEP Agricultural Advisory Board meeting. DEP Southcentral Regional Office, Harrisburg. 10:00. June 15-- DEP Water Resources Advisory Committee meeting. Room 105 Rachel Carson Building. 9:30. (formal notice) June 21-- CANCELED. Environmental Quality Board meeting. Next scheduled meeting is July 19. (formal notice) June 21-- Agenda Released. DEP Citizens Advisory Council meeting. Room 105 Rachel Carson Building. 11:00. June 22-- Board for Certification of Water and Wastewater Systems Operators meeting. 11th Floor Conference Room, Rachel Carson Building. 10:00. (formal notice) June 23-- Susquehanna River Basin Commission meeting/hearing. Cecil College Conference Center, North East, MD. 8:30. (formal notice) June 24-- PA Energy Development Authority meeting. Room 105 Rachel Carson Building. 10:00. (formal notice) June 27-- Governor's Marcellus Shale Commission Local Impact and Emergency Response Work Group meeting. 2nd Floor Training Room, Rachel Carson Building. 10:00. June 28-- Governor's Marcellus Shale Commission Public Health, Safety and Environmental Protection Work Group meeting. Room 105 Rachel Carson Building. 10:00. June 29-- Governor's Marcellus Shale Commission Infrastructure Work Group meeting. Room 105 Rachel Carson Building. 10:00.

June 30-- Governor's Marcellus Shale Commission Economic and Workforce Development Work Group meeting. Room 105 Rachel Carson Building. 10:00. July 14-- New Location. DEP Mining and Reclamation Advisory Board meeting. Elk County Visitor Center, Benezette. 9:00. (formal notice) August 23-- DEP Oil and Gas Technical Advisory Board meeting. Room 105 Rachel Carson Building. 10:00. (formal notice) August 25-- DEP Water Resources Advisory Committee meeting. Room 105 Rachel Carson Building. 9:30. (formal notice) September 16-- CANCELED. DEP Oil and Gas Technical Advisory Board meeting. Room 105 Rachel Carson Building. 10:00. (formal notice) December 6-- DEP Oil and Gas Technical Advisory Board meeting. Room 105 Rachel Carson Building. 10:00. (formal notice) DEP Calendar of Events Environmental Education Workshop/Training Calendar (PA Center for Environmental Education) Senate Committee Schedule House Committee Schedule

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

Stories Invited
Send your stories, photos and videos about your project, environmental issues or programs for publication in the PA Environment Digest to: DHess@CrisciAssociates.com. PA Environment Digest is edited by David E. Hess, former Secretary Pennsylvania Department of Environmental Protection and is published as a service to the clients of Crisci Associates, a Harrisburg-based government and public affairs firm whose clients include Fortune 500 companies and non-profit organizations. For more information on Crisci Associates, call 717-234-1716. PA Environment Digest was the winner of the PA Association of Environmental Educators' 2009 Business Partner of the Year Award.

Supporting Member PA Outdoor Writers Assn./PA Trout Unlimited

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