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 April 23, 2012

On Earth Day, Explore Pennsylvania's Natural Resources

By Susan Corbett First Lady of Pennsylvania To honor Earth Day on Sunday, I am excited to take a moment to recognize some of the amazing educational facilities and outdoor attractions in Pennsylvania that showcase our continued conservation efforts and make the commonwealth a premier destination for eco-tourism and environmental education. Pennsylvania is home to 117 state parks and more than 2 million acres of forests, along with national parks and recreational areas. We have been a model for forestry and conservation throughout our nation's history, beginning with former Gov. Gifford Pinchot. Pinchot was Pennsylvania's 28th governor and first ever chief forester of the U. S. Division of Forestry. Today, our state continues that tradition, offering access to top-notch educational facilities and programming, as well as developing new sites and conservation centers that highlight the efforts to protect and conserve our natural resources. For instance, visitors can experience nature firsthand at the Pocono Environmental Educational Center located within the Delaware Water Gap National Recreation Area in the scenic Pocono Mountains. That center is one of the most respected and recognized residential environmental education centers in the northeastern United States, promoting sustainable living, environmental education and appreciation for nature. The center offers educational programming for visitors ranging from outdoor enthusiasts to the novice traveler looking to learn more about the region's natural surroundings. Another premier destination for eco-tourism and environmental education is the Tom Ridge Environmental Center in Erie. Known as the "gateway to Presque Isle," the center serves as a visitor center and research facility, offering interpretive exhibits, a theater, research laboratories and more, all with the goal of teaching visitors about the unique eco-systems of Presque Isle State Park. A scenic, 3,200-acre peninsula on the southern shore of Lake Erie, Presque Isle is a National Natural Landmark with sandy coastlines, picturesque views of Lake Erie and numerous opportunities for outdoor recreation including swimming, boating, fishing, birding, hiking and bicycling. In addition to the diverse outdoor activities, the state offers a variety of options to sleep under the stars in our parks. Visitors will find many different options from traditional camping

and Mongolian-style yurts to a unique stay at the new, eco-friendly Nature Inn at Bald Eagle State Park near State College. The first of its kind in Pennsylvania's state park system, the Nature Inn invites visitors to enjoy an inside alternative to camping with the cozy feel of a bed and breakfast. The Nature Inn recently received a Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design gold certification by the U.S. Green Building Council for the project's reduced storm water runoff, habitat restoration, rainwater harvesting system, guest room energy monitoring and programs that focus on outdoor recreation and stewardship. Inside, the inn features work by local artisans and prints by John James Audubon, the world-renewed ornithologist, naturalist and artist, as well as themed rooms that correspond with the premier interpretive birding opportunities in the park. Outside, visitors can step into Bald Eagle State Park to hike, boat, fish, hunt, view wildlife and more. Pennsylvania is truly blessed with rich natural resources and successful conservation facilities. As we celebrate Earth Day, I hope you will take a moment to get outside and explore our great Commonwealth. Links: DCNR Secretary: Elimination Of Keystone Funds Is Permanent Governor's Budget Cuts Environment Again, Keystone Fund Zeroed Out $1.8 Billion Cut/Diverted From Environmental Programs Over Last 10 Years

Chesapeake Bay Foundation: Earth Day, Clean Water And What You Can Do
By Matthew Ehrhart PA Office Director, Chesapeake Bay Foundation Spring has sprung and that means it's time to get outside and enjoy Pennsylvania's vast natural spaces and endless miles of rivers and streams. This year we have plenty of ways to celebrate clean water. This month we celebrate Earth Day; in June we celebrate Rivers Month; and 2012 marks the anniversary of two milestone clean water lawsthe 40th anniversary of the federal Clean Water Act and the 75th anniversary of Pennsylvania's Clean Streams laws. Our rivers are certainly healthier today because of these laws. But having them in place does not mean that our waterways are free from pollution, nor does it mean that our fisheries are thriving. CBF works locally and regionally with both state and federal officials to safeguard our waterways from pollution threats. A significant threat to the Clean Water Act is again making its way through Congress: The Chesapeake Bay Program Reauthorization and Improvement Act would undo the years-long process developed by the states and the Federal government to restore clean water to the region. CBF and our many partners oppose H.R. 4153 and encourage our members, advocates, and friends to contact congressional officials in support of clean water by sharing your own viewpoints on the proposal. Many organizations, like CBF, are collaborating with state and federal agencies to establish a viable plan to restore balance to our waters. Pennsylvania DEP recently submitted the

second phase of their watershed-wide plan to meet federal EPA clean water requirements, as outlined in the Clean Water Act. Our staff has reviewed the plan and submitted our comments to DEP. We are confident that the Commonwealth will take the necessary steps to restore our streams and rivers, and to ensure clean water for all. But we cannot rely solely on our government to solve our water quality problems. Earth Day reminds us that we must care for our environment every day, which means doing our individual parts to protect local waterways, whether that's the stream in your backyard, the Susquehanna River, or the Bay. For more on how you can get involved, check out the rest of the stories in this month's enewsletter, and then forward it on to your friends and family and encourage them to sign-up for the newsletter, too! The PA Office of CBF also has many volunteer opportunities throughout the summer. Contact our office if you'd like to participate. NewsClips: Chesapeake Bay Gets D+ In New Report Card Krancer Rejects Request To List Susquehanna River As Impaired EPA Director Tours Lycoming Chesapeake Bay Cleanup Efforts Doc Fritchey TU Chapter Launches Tree Planting All Aboard For New Expedition Chesapeake Education Initiative Susquehanna River, Tributaries Hit Drought Levels Lack Of Snow, Rain Prompt PA Drought Concerns It's Not A Drought, But... Drought Curbing Gas Drilling In PA SRBC Suspension Of Water Withdrawals Slows Talisman Check U.S.G.S. Drought Monitoring Webpage (Reprinted from the April/May issue of the Bay Bound newsletter published by the Chesapeake Bay Foundation. To receive your copy, send an email to: member@cbf.org.) Gov. Corbett Announces 2012 Environmental Excellence Award Winners Gov. Tom Corbett Wednesday announced that 17 environmental projects from across the state will receive the 2012 Environmental Excellence Award. These businesses, schools and organizations have demonstrated a commitment to reducing our impact on the environment, and I commend them for their efforts, Corbett said. The winning projects raise the bar for all of us to be more environmentally conscious. Department of Environmental Protection Secretary Mike Krancer will be the keynote speaker at an awards dinner by Pennsylvania Environmental Council award event at the Hilton in downtown Harrisburg. Innovation is paramount to our ability to craft sensible environmental policy, Krancer said. We applaud all the award winners for their spirit of innovation and their passion for improving the environment. Gov. Corbett and DEP urged any Pennsylvania business, school, government agency, trade organization, non-profit organization or agribusiness involved in efforts to promote

environmental stewardship and economic development to apply for the award. DEP and the nonprofit Pennsylvania Environmental Council then reviewed the applications and made selections. The winning projects include those focused on abandoned mine reclamation, alternative energy, energy management and the creation of a public compressed natural gas refueling station. The winners are: Allegheny County -- Giant Eagle Giant Eagle Delivering a Clean Future, CNG Project -- Propel Schools Sunflower Fields Forever -- Southwestern Pennsylvania Commission Regional Traffic Signal Program Berks County -- Anthony Rymar UGI-PNG former Water Street Manufactured Gas Plant Butler County -- Connoquenessing Watershed Alliance Inc. Thorn Creek Habitat Improvement Project Centre County -- Bald Eagle Area School District Wingate Complex Renovation with Solar, Geothermal and Environmental Center Clinton County -- Trout Unlimited West Branch Recovery Benchmark Project Franklin County -- Chambersburg Area School District CASD Energy Management, Conservation and Energy Star Partnership Lancaster County -- ElectroCell Technologies Inc. ElectroCell Technologies/Snavely Farms Green Cycle Nutrient Trading and Odor Reduction Project -- Mount Joy Borough Authority Nutrient Credit Trade and Class A Implementation Program Luzerne County -- Earth Conservancy Espy Run Wetlands Enhancement Project Montgomery County -- Greener Partners Longview Center for Agriculture Philadelphia County -- ARCA Advanced Processing LLC First URT Refrigerator Recycling Plant in the United States -- PECO, in partnership with the Franklin Institute and the National Energy Education Development Project PECO Energizing Education Program -- Zoological Society of Philadelphia Bird Lake Wetland York County -- PA Apiculture Inc. PennApic Learning Center and Public Outreach Program -- Sunnyside Farm Farming without Petroleum 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--

PA Environment Digest Twitter Feed: On Twitter, sign up to receive instant updates from: PAEnviroDigest. PA Environment Daily Blog: provides daily environmental NewsClips and significant stories and announcements on environmental topics in Pennsylvania of immediate value. Sign up and receive as they are posted updates through your favorite RSS reader. You can also sign up for a once daily email alerting you to new items posted on this blog. PA Environment Digest Video Blog: showcases original and published videos from environmental groups and agencies around the state. Sign up to receive as they are posted updates through your favorite RSS read. You can also sign up for a once daily email alerting you to new items posted on this blog. PA Capitol Digest Daily Blog to get updates every day on Pennsylvania State Government, including NewsClips, coverage of key press conferences and more. Sign up and receive as they are posted updates through your favorite RSS reader. You can also sign up for a once daily email alerting you to new items posted on this blog. PA Capitol Digest Twitter Feed: Don't forget to sign up to receive the PA Capitol Digest Twitter feed to get instant updates on other news from in and around the Pennsylvania State Capitol. Senate/House Agenda/Session Schedule/Bills Introduced Here are the Senate and House Calendars and Committee meetings showing bills of interest as well as a list of new environmental bills introduced-Session Schedule Here is the latest voting session schedule for the Senate and House-Senate April 30 May 1, 2, 7, 8, 9, 21, 22, 23 June 4, 5, 6, 11, 12, 13, 18, 19, 20, 25, 26, 27, 28, 29 House April 30 May 1, 2, 7, 8, 9, 21, 22, 23 June 4, 5, 6, 11, 12, 13, 18, 19, 20, 21, 22, 25, 26, 27, 28, 29 Bill Calendars

House (April 30): House Resolution 438 (Cruz-D-Philadelphia) urging Philadelphia to establish a waste tire removal and disposal program; House Resolution 423 (Petri-R-Bucks) directing the Legislative Budget and Finance Committee to study state funding formulas and how they impact counties; House Resolution 505 (Preston-D-Allegheny) disapproving the PUC regulation on natural gas competition. <> Click Here for full House Bill Calendar. Senate (April 30): Senate Bill 1136 (Rafferty-R-Montgomery) requiring certain state buildings to comply with green building standards; Senate Bill 477 (Browne-R-Lehigh) providing for compelled removal of noncomplying billboards; Senate Resolution 265 (Brubaker-R-Lancaster) urging Congress to support continued and increased importation of Canadian oil; House Bill 807 (Sonny-R-Erie) further providing for standards for biodiesel fuel, enforcement and penalties; House Bill 2151 (Gabler-R-Clearfield) further providing for the snowmobile, ATV registration. <> Click Here for full Senate Bill Calendar. Committees Note: The Senate and House are on break until April 30. House: <> Click Here for full House Committee Schedule. Senate: <> Click Here for full Senate Committee Schedule. Bills Introduced The following bills of interest were introduced this week-Gas Lease Recording: House Bill 2320 (Pickett-R-Bradford) establishing the Recording of Release from Oil and Natural Gas Lease Act.

News From The Capitol

Industry Leaders Join Rep. Geist's Call For Action On Transportation Funding Flanked by leaders of Pennsylvania business, industry and labor, Rep. Rick Geist (R-Blair), Majority Chair of the House Transportation Committee, Monday called for a unified effort to create jobs in the Commonwealth by rebuilding and repairing roads and bridges. The House recently passed public-private partnership (P3) legislation contained in House Bill 3. Rep. Geist said that is only the beginning of the overall mission. Similar legislation- Senate Bill 344 (Rafferty-R-Montgomery)-- passed the Senate in December and is still in the House Transportation Committee. Now that the House has passed the P3 bill, I call on the Senate to continue the progress and for the governor to sign it, said Rep. Geist. There is no more pressing issue in transportation than the need to fund the repair, maintenance and expansion of our Commonwealths transportation infrastructure. The solid support of the business, industry and

labor communities underscores how important this mission is. It is an issue that transcends political lines as there is bipartisan support for action. Rep. Geist was joined by Bob Latham, executive vice president of Associated Pennsylvania Constructors; Sean Good, Pennsylvania Chamber of Business and Industry; Pam McCormick, Greater Philadelphia Chamber of Commerce; Frank Rapaport, partner and head of the public-private partnership practice at McKenna, Long & Aldridge, LLP; Joe Gerdes, principal with BUILD Consultants; Pat Krebs, Bike Pennsylvania; Abe Amaros, Laborers International Union of North America; and representatives from Associated Pennsylvania Contractors; American Council of Engineering Companies/Pennsylvania Chapter and the Keystone Funding Coalition. Rep. Geist said the P3 issue marks the beginning of a process of fulfilling one of the recommendations of the 2011 Transportation Funding Advisory Commission. He called it a blueprint for generating an additional $2.7 billion in revenue over a five-year period, designed to deal with the repair and replacement of nearly 5,000 structurally deficient bridges, the highest number in the nation. Additionally, there approximately 8,000 miles of roadway in very poor condition in Pennsylvania. A 2010 study by the State Transportation Advisory Committee stated an additional $3.5 billion per year is needed to fully meet the Commonwealths transportation infrastructure needs. APC and its membership stands squarely with Chairman Geist in his recognition of the immediate and enormous challenge that is before us with regard to adequately funding Pennsylvanias transportation system, said Latham. Everyone understands that addressing this problem will require increasing user fees, but many do not realize that the cost of not addressing the problem can be even greater. Latham added the cost of fuel and the amount of it spent has to be taken into consideration. If you waste as little as two to three gallons per week because of traffic congestion or detours, youre paying an additional $8 to $12 per week and as gas prices go up, the more you pay, said Latham. The cost of fixing the problem is only 70 cents per week initially, increasing eventually to $2.50 per week, so we can pay to fix the problem or pay more to continue having the problem. Eric Madden, executive vice president of the American Council of Engineering Companies of Pennsylvania saluted Geist for continuing to press for action. Chairman Geist has been a leader in the field of infrastructure for many years, said Madden. He has always fought for the safe and convenient travel of our citizens and tourists, while promoting the necessities of keeping our economy moving on an efficient transportation system. NewsClips: Slow Drumbeat For Transportation Funding GOP Getting Impatient For Transportation Funding House Lawmaker Says, Politely, Transportation Funding Overdue Business Leaders Press Corbett For Transportation Funding Op-Ed: Legislators Support Wealthy Over Mass Transit Editorial: State Stalls On Battered Road To Nowhere Senate Bill Would Require Soil Scientists To Be Licensed

To better protect public health and safety, Sen. Mike Brubaker (R-Lancaster) introduced legislation Thursday to require soil scientists to be licensed and registered in Pennsylvania. Soil scientists help identify, characterize and map soil types to identify and protect against potential public health hazards. The practice is particularly important for land use planning to protect water quality, reduce pollution, ensure safe sewage and waste disposal and treatment, control erosion and preserve land for agricultural use. Soil science helps protect against serious threats to local communities, including water contamination, structural instability of buildings and the loss of prime farmland, said Sen. Brubaker, who worked as an agronomist prior to his election to the Senate. Proper land use planning is vital to build strong, sustainable communities, and that effort starts with ensuring soil scientists meet the highest standards of professional training and education. Many local, state and federal ordinances require input from qualified soil scientists for a variety of land uses, such as farming, mining and drilling operations, home construction and waste management. However, Pennsylvania currently lacks a clear definition regarding the qualifications of a soil scientist. Senate Bill 1506 would require soil scientists to be licensed and meet necessary education and training guidelines to properly recognize soil types. Sen. Brubakers bill would add soil scientists to the list of professions that must be licensed and registered under the Engineer, Land Surveyor and Geologist Registration Law. Since the measure would only add members to the existing State Registration Board, the bill would not create any new governmental entity. If the bill becomes law, Pennsylvania would join 16 other states that require soil scientists to be licensed. Latest Environmental Synopsis From Joint Conservation Committee Now Available The April issue of Environmental Synopsis from the Joint Legislative Air and Water Pollution Control and Conservation Committee is now available. This edition features a summary of the recent appearance of DCNR Secretary Richard Allan at an Environmental Issues Forum, the U.S. rank in the Environmental Performance Index, electronic waste disposal and much more. Rep. Scott Hutchinson (R-Venango) serves as Chair of the Committee.

News From Around The State

SRBC Suspends 17 Water Withdrawals Due To Low Stream Flows The Susquehanna River Basin Commission Wednesday announced 17 separate water withdrawals approved by SRBC are temporarily suspended due to localized stream flow levels dropping throughout the Susquehanna basin. The withdrawals are in Bradford (4), Luzerne (1), Lycoming (4), Susquehanna (1) and Tioga (2) counties.

Hydrologic conditions have been on a steady decline for some time following a winter with very little snow and below normal rainfall this spring, said SRBC executive director Paul Swartz. As a result of low streamflows in many portions of the basin, 17 individual water withdrawals affecting 10 companies in 5 Pennsylvania counties have been temporarily suspended by virtue of the Commissions passby flow restrictions. The majority of those suspended withdrawals are related to water for natural gas development. Under SRBCs passby flow restrictions, when streams drop to pre-determined protected low flow levels, project sponsors who are required to meet the agencys passby requirement must stop taking water. They cannot resume taking water until streams have recovered above the protected level for at least 48 hours. SRBC and its regulated project sponsors monitor real-time streamflow data generated by stream gages maintained and operated by the U.S. Geological Survey. Based on unseasonably low streamflow conditions, SRBCs passby requirements actually began kicking in as early as February 2012 for certain water withdrawals in northern Pennsylvania. Regulated project sponsors are required to install tamper-proof water meters that automatically record their water withdrawals on a daily basis. SRBC also monitors the USGS gages daily to determine which ones have triggered, and SRBCs field staff conducts frequent spot-inspections to verify compliance with passby requirements. Pennsylvania Department of Environmental Protections Water Management Deputy Secretary Kelly Heffner said, The department has been closely monitoring the key hydrologic parameters, including streamflows, groundwater levels, and precipitation deficits as well as soil moisture indexes. Among the protocols that DEP follows is the 90-day trigger of much below normal precipitation. Swartz said, If rainfall shortages persist, the Commission anticipates more water withdrawals being suspended, as was the case in 2010 and 2011. The Commission does not wait for drought declarations to temporarily halt water withdrawals. Our science-based stream protection system kicks in well before streams drop to critical low levels. Not all SRBC approvals contain passby restrictions. Those are the withdrawals where the approved withdrawal amounts are so small that they will not affect the protective levels of streams. In those cases, companies can continue to take water during low flow periods. The suspended water withdrawals include: Bradford County -- Chesapeake Energy: Sugar Creek -- Healthy Properties: Sugar Creek -- Talisman Energy: Fall Brook at Bense, Seeley Creek at Jones, Sugar Creek at Hoffman, Wappasening Creek at Adriance, unnamed tributary to North Branch Sugar Creek -- Tennessee Gas Pipeline: Towanda Creek Luzerne County -- Eagle Rock Community Association: Abandoned Quarry associated with unnamed tributary to Tomhicken Creek Lycoming County -- EXCO Resources: Muncy Creek at McClintock -- Hughesville-Wolf Township Joint Municipal Authority: wastewater from treatment plant -- Keystone Clearwater Solutions: Lycoming Creek -- XTO Energy: Lick Run, Little Muncy Creek

Susquehanna County -- Carrizo: unnamed tributary to Middle Branch Wyalusing Creek Tioga County -- Keystone Clearwater Solutions: Babb Creek -- Tennessee Gas Pipeline: unnamed tributary of North Elk Run The full announcement will be posted on SRBC's website. NewsClips: Susquehanna River, Tributaries Hit Drought Levels Lack Of Snow, Rain Prompt PA Drought Concerns It's Not A Drought, But... Experts Fret Over Water Levels In Western PA Drought Curbing Gas Drilling In PA Check U.S.G.S. Drought Monitoring Webpage Chesapeake Bay Gets D+ In New Report Card Krancer Rejects Request To List Susquehanna River As Impaired EPA Director Tours Lycoming Chesapeake Bay Cleanup Efforts Doc Fritchey TU Chapter Launches Tree Planting All Aboard For New Expedition Chesapeake Education Initiative All Counties With Producing Marcellus Wells Have Adopted Drilling Fee A total of forty-two counties have said they will adopt the drilling impact fee authorized by Act 13. The Corbett Administration said the fee will generate approximately $180 million in 2012, climbing to $211 million in 2013 and $264 million in 2014. The counties include: Allegheny (9 wells), Armstrong (112 wells), Beaver (1 well), Bedford (1 well), Berks (0 wells), Blair (6 wells), Bradford (1,008 wells), Butler (109 wells), Cambria (6 wells), Cameron (14 wells), Carbon (0 wells), Clearfield (136 wells), Clinton (85 wells), Columbia (3 wells), New- Crawford (0 wells), New- Dauphin (0 wells). Elk (58 wells), Erie (0 wells), Fayette (185 wells), Forest (6 wells), Greene (415 wells), Huntingdon (2 wells), Indiana (43 wells), Juniata (0 wells), Lawrence (2 wells), New- Lebanon (0 wells), NewLuzerne (2 wells), Lycoming (473 wells), McKean (53 wells), New- Mercer (0 wells), Monroe (0 wells), Perry (0 wells), Montour (0 wells), Potter (76 wells), New- Somerset (19 wells), Sullivan (41 wells), Susquehanna (462 wells), Tioga- (693 wells), Venango (1 well), Washington (560 wells), Wayne (4 wells) and Westmoreland (191 wells), Wyoming (98 wells) counties. 4,344 of the 4,982 producing Marcellus Shale wells in Pennsylvania are in just 11 counties: Bradford-1,008, Tioga-693, Washington-560, Lycoming- 473, Susquehanna-462, Greene-415, Westmoreland-191, Fayette-185, Clearfield-136, Armstrong-112 and Butler-109. All have adopted the fee ordinance. For more information, visit the PUC's Act 13 Drilling Fee and Drilling Fee Public Documents webpages. NewsClips: All Counties With Producing Marcellus Wells Adopt Fee Drilling Law Goes Into Effect Bringing Impact Fee, Regulations Drilling Law Means New Money, More Regulations Court Denies Drilling Industry, Legislators Motion To Intervene In Drilling Law Challenge

Senior Commonwealth Court Judge Keith Quigley denied the petition by representatives from the gas drilling industry and legislators to intervene in a legal challenge to Act 13 Marcellus Shale law, according to the Delaware Riverkeeper Network and seven municipalities who filed the challenge. In his ruling, Judge Quigley found that both the industry and the legislators were already being adequately represented by the State Attorney General and documents regarding the passage of the legislation already in the legislative history created during the passage of the law. This is an important ruling by Judge Quigley, he is honoring the importance of keeping the focus on the facts and the law when it comes to Act 13 rather than allowing the challenge to turn into a drawn out media circus filled with the obfuscation and the misrepresentation the gas drillers are attempting to bring to the action, said Maya van Rossum, the Delaware Riverkeeper and plaintiff in the legal action. As for the PA legislators, giving them two bites at the apple on this legislation would simply be adding insult to injury against the public these legislators have already so damaged with their wholesale handover to the gas drillers of the health, safety and quality of our Pennsylvania communities, history and environments, van Rossum added. The interests of the gas drilling industry are adequately represented by the Commonwealth," said Jordan Yeager, Esq., representing the Delaware Riverkeeper Network, Nockamixon Township and Yardley Borough. "To suggest that the gas industry isnt adequately represented by the government is like arguing that Phillies fans arent adequately represented at Citizens Bank Park or the Pittsburgh Steelers fans are not adequately represented at Heinz Field. The gas drillers are fully enmeshed in our state government and the state government can represent them just fine." NewsClip: Judge Keeps Gas Industry, Republicans Out Of Marcellus Lawsuit Penn State: Pre-Drilling Water Data Demonstrates Need For Private Well Testing Water testing by the natural gas industry in the Marcellus Shale region is affirming the need for all rural Pennsylvanians to regularly test their private water supply. State law defined in the Oil and Gas Act of 1984 regulates oil and gas drilling in the commonwealth. Recent amendments to the law have refined the act to account for the unique circumstances involved with developing unconventional oil and gas resources from shale. An important section (208) of the law addresses the protection of drinking water supplies. The law requires operators to follow specific practices to protect ground and surface water supplies while developing the natural gas resource. Perhaps the most important aspect of the law presumes operators to be responsible (for up to a year after a gas well is drilled) for any impairment of a private water supply within 2500 ft of their drilling operation. Furthermore, the law requires an operator to restore or replace any private or public water supply deemed impaired by the Pa. Dept. of Environmental Protection. As a result, responsible operators make efforts to limit their liability by collecting predrilling water samples from landowners near proposed gas well locations. Typically, a landowner is asked to grant access to a consultant hired by the driller to collect the samples before drilling occurs in the area. Once collected, the consultants deliver the samples to an accredited laboratory for analysis.

While the samples are collected and analyzed in a legal context to protect the driller, the results also have utility for the landowner. A landowner may duplicate or extend this testing on their own, but must use a third party sampler and a DEP-accredited laboratory for results to be considered as legal evidence of their pre-drilling water quality. In the absence of state law regarding water well construction standards and minimum consumptive quality standards, Penn State Extension has long advocated for the wise management of private water systems. Perhaps the most common theme to our educational message has been to encourage landowners to routinely test their private water supplies. Testing, and reacting appropriately to any contaminant found at harmful levels, remains the measure of our educational objectives and impact. Penn State research prior to Marcellus shale development has found that only half of the private water supplies in the state have been tested, and fewer still have been tested regularly. A result of the natural gas development has been a significant number of private water systems being tested for the first time. Statewide to date, tens of thousands of water tests have been completed by the natural gas drilling companies. One company alone has collected over 18,000 samples in Tioga, Bradford, Susquehanna and Sullivan Counties. Other companies, working in the same area, have added significantly to the total number of tests run. The collective water quality data provided by the industry correlates closely with previous studies conducted in the area by Penn State Extension. Previous studies and current results show that many private water supplies in Pennsylvania fail at least one water quality standard - and many of these pre-existing conditions warrant the attention of the homeowner. Manganese, for example, is detected above the recommended maximum contaminant level in approximately one-third of the industry samples locally; while iron is in excess of the recommended drinking water standard in about a quarter of the samples collected by the industry. Statewide, Penn State data found a 27 percent and 20 percent exceedance rate for manganese and iron, respectively. But, while manganese and iron are considered secondary (not health threatening) contaminants, other naturally-occurring health-adverse contaminants like arsenic and barium show up in about 1 of every 30 water wells tested by the industry in northeastern Pennsylvania. Penn States research shows about a 1 percent incidence rate for barium and 4 percent for arsenic. Lead detections above the drinking water standard occur in about 3 percent of the local wells according to one operators data set and another operator, also working in the area, reports a 6 percent lead exceedance rate, albeit with a much smaller data set. Statewide, about 6 percent of lead tests exceed the standard according to Penn State Extensions research. Methane, rarely tested by private landowners nor by Penn State Extension before Marcellus shale drilling came to Pennsylvania, was detected in approximately 20+ percent of the water wells tested locally by industry prior to drilling while our most recent Penn State research, funded by the Center for Rural Pennsylvania, revealed a similar finding across the study area (about 20 percent). Methane levels below 10mg/L are generally considered safe and the 98 percent of the detections by Penn State Extension were below this level. The gas industry usually doesnt test for bacteria but we know from previous studies that bacteria are the most prevalent contaminant of private water supplies, and in Pennsylvania, Penn States research suggests 33 - 40 percent of the wells fail this water quality parameter. Although

limited, the data available from the natural gas industry matches the Penn State Extension findings. Regardless of how its paid for, or the impetus for it to occur, (regular) testing is key to the good management of a private water supply. For some, the testing provided by the natural gas industry is the first test of their private water supply. For others, the more extensive array of parameters analyzed by the industry might have expanded upon previous tests done by the homeowner. The identification of excessive contaminant levels in pre-drilling water samples is arguably an unaccounted for benefit of Marcellus shale development. Problems discovered by the testing can now be corrected. The impact of the previously unknown contaminant(s) will most likely remain unknown. In the future, pre-drill water testing presents a continuing opportunity to help landowners discover the quality of their water and to determine management strategies and appropriate treatment options. And, to that extent it may improve the health and well-being of many rural Pennsylvanians living in the shale fields. For more information on Marcellus Shale visit the Natural Gas website or the Water Resources Marcellus Shale website that focuses on Marcellus related water issues. (Reprinted from Penn State Extension Watershed Winds newsletter, written by: Mark Madden, County Agricultural Agent) PA Medical Society Issues Statement On Drilling Law Disclosure Requirements The following is a statement issued Wednesday by Marilyn J. Heine, MD. Dr. Heine is president of the Pennsylvania Medical Society and a practicing oncologist and emergency medicine specialist from suburban Philadelphia. "Pennsylvania's new law regulating unconventional wells that use hydraulic fracturing to extract natural gas has understandably raised some very important questions among physicians, especially those whose medical practices are located in the heart of this burgeoning industry. "As physicians, our first priority is the health of our patients. We applaud the Corbett administration and the legislature for enacting a law that forces natural gas drillers to publicly disclose the chemicals they use as part of the hydraulic fracturing process. More importantly, language in Act 13 demonstrates their concern for public safety by empowering physicians, when they need to treat patients, with the ability to obtain from drilling companies "proprietary chemical compounds" not otherwise publicly disclosed. "We appreciate Speaker of the House Sam Smith's recent statement that the language in Act 13 will not interfere with a physician's ability to appropriately treat patients, and will in fact facilitate that process. While PAMED agrees that Act 13's disclosure language is as strong as any in the nation, we also reached out to the Corbett administration to clarify physicians' confidentiality obligations under the new law with respect to proprietary information disclosed to them for treatment purposes. "Corbett administration officials, along with the Department of Health responded quickly to our query. In a letter to PAMED President Marilyn Heine, Secretary of Health Eli Avila explained:

"Inherent in [physicians'] right to receive this [proprietary] information is the ability to share the information with the patient, with other physicians, and providers including specialists assisting and involved with the care of the patient. Further, reporting and information sharing with public health and regulatory agencies such as the Department of Health is necessary and permitted. In short, the information can be utilized in whatever manner is necessary to respond to the 'medical needs asserted' by the health care professional." "We are gratified by the strong public assurances from the Department of Health, Speaker Smith and House Majority leader Mike Turzai (R-Allegheny) that their intent in drafting the law was for physicians to be able to speak freely with their patients, other health care providers involved in the care of their patients, and appropriate public health officials. Those statements clearly demonstrate their commitment to the health and welfare of all Pennsylvanians. "As the unconventional gas drilling industry matures in Pennsylvania, and our understanding of this technology evolves, we're confident that the administration and legislature will continue to be responsive to physicians' concerns for protecting patient health and preserving the patient-physician relationship." NewsClips: Senate Bill Addresses Drilling Law Impact On Doctors PA Health Official Clarifies Position On New Drilling Law Editorial: Drilling And Public Health Link: PA Environmental Council On Marcellus Law Chemical Disclosure Provisions Marcellus Coalition Supports Study Using Mine Water In Fracking Operations Marcellus Shale Coalition President Kathryn Z. Klaber Wednesday highlighted conclusions released this week by the RAND Corporation in support of the use of coal mine water in hydraulic fracturing operations in the Marcellus Shale and other regional shale plays in the Appalachian Basin. The MSC commissioned RAND report follows a roundtable hosted by RAND in late 2011, at which researchers, hydraulic fracturing operators, industry representatives, the Western Pennsylvania Coalition for Abandoned Mine Reclamation, legal experts, and regulatory representatives from Pennsylvania and neighboring states addressed the feasibility of using mine water for drilling and hydraulic fracturing of shale gas wells. Klaber issued the following statement on the studys conclusions: The Marcellus Shale Coalitions mission is underpinned by Guiding Principles that leverage innovation and environmental protection to promote responsible shale gas development in Pennsylvania and throughout our region. "The prospect of using mine water is just one more way that our industry is working to preserve water resources, reduce transportation and logistical burdens, and even more closely connect the economic and environmental benefits of American natural gas development. "Members of our coalition look forward to working with all stakeholders from industry and environmental groups to academics and government officials on policy initiatives that advance the use of this technology in a safe and sustainable manner. Key findings outlined in the report include:

-- The use of coal mine drainage for hydraulic fracturing activities is technically viable because the water source is abundant, many sites are close to drilling areas, and much of the water would require modest pre-treatment, if any. -- Site-specific characteristics will determine the technical and economic viability of hydraulic fracturing with coal mine drainage. Targeted research could clarify the feasibility of using this source from specific coal mines and at specific shale gas wells. -- Existing laws and regulations may discourage the use of coal mine drainage for hydraulic fracturing. However, any legal and regulatory changes intended to encourage this use must be carefully considered. -- The broader context of watershed quality in the region needs to be considered, and a permanent water remediation infrastructure needs to be established, in order to achieve a longterm remediation of coal mine drainage. A copy of the report is available online. Penn State Broadcasting Offers New ExploreShale.org Website The Marcellus Shale runs under more than half of Pennsylvania, and conversations about its potential as an energy resource and its environmental impacts continue to take place. In an effort to help inform the public on the topic of Marcellus Shale, Penn State Public Broadcasting has created Exploreshale.org: an interactive website where visitors can discover how the entire process of natural gas drilling works. The public can scroll beneath the surface, learn more about hydraulic fracturing, or fracking, and how land and water are used in the process. Marcellus Shale is on the front page of every newspaper and on the forefront of discussion in Pennsylvania, said Casey Fenton, project manager at PSPB. There are lots of opinions on both sides of the issue and we felt like people would benefit from foundational knowledge they needed to talk about it constructively. Educators and students have generated the most traffic on the website, Fenton said. PSPB has extended the project for school districts by providing posters to Pennsylvania science teachers and developing a segment on the website where teachers can share how theyre using these resources in the classroom. Exploreshale.org also targets Pennsylvania citizens who want to understand and converse with others about Marcellus Shale, but dont know where to find accurate or unbiased information. We see this project as a springboard of sorts, Fenton said. Its just the science and its not telling you how to think. After going on the site, a lot of people will feel more comfortable going out there and forming their own opinions. PSPB also created five short videos that feature basic questions and answers about the process of fracking Marcellus Shale. The videos have begun to air on WPSU-TV, and will be offered to public TV stations across Pennsylvania. Explore Shale was made possible with support from the Colcom Foundation. Penn State Public Broadcasting, licensed to Penn State, produces non-commercial television, radio and online media. Our public service media programming and complementary outreach materials address important societal issues for Pennsylvania, the nation and the world.

Casey Introduces Bill To Help Farmers, Foresters In Chesapeake Bay Watershed U.S. Senator Bob Casey (D-PA) introduced new legislation to aid farmers and foresters in the Chesapeake Bay Watershed. Caseys bill, the Chesapeake Bay Watershed Fairness Act, would reauthorize and fund the Chesapeake Bay Watershed Initiative and give the U.S. Department of Agriculture additional authority to provide technical assistance to the farmers and foresters who live throughout the watershed. The Potomac and Susquehanna River Basins are critical to Pennsylvanias economy. This bill will ensure farmers and foresters will continue to thrive, provide Pennsylvanians with local foods and drive the Commonwealths economy, Casey said. The National Farmers Union praised Caseys bill, saying, NFU supports Senator Caseys legislation, the Chesapeake Bay Watershed Fairness Act. As farmers are increasingly answering the call to improve the Chesapeake Bay watershed, it is only sensible that the federal government equally steps up to the challenge by providing technical and financial assistance as well as facilitating strategies like market-based solutions. We are appreciative of Senator Caseys leadership on behalf of farmers in the Chesapeake Bay watershed. The Chesapeake Bay watershed is home to nearly 17 million residents and covers more than 64,000 square miles. Pennsylvanias watersheds contribute more than half of the fresh water flowing to the Chesapeake Bay. The Bay is the largest estuary in the United States and its tributaries, such as the Susquehanna River, are important to the region's economy, culture, and outdoor recreation. Twenty-five percent of lands within the watershed are used for agricultural purposes. Caseys bill is designed to help farmers and foresters improve the quality of water throughout the watershed, boosting local and regional economies. Specifically Caseys bill would: -- Reauthorize and fund the Chesapeake Bay Watershed Initiative through 2018; -- Allow USDA to better assist States in developing their water quality goals; -- Allow USDA to help farmers prepare to participate in water quality trading programs and help States prepare for interstate trading; and -- Enable farmers and foresters in the watershed to better compete for federal funds under the Rural Energy for America Program (REAP) and the Environmental Quality Incentives Program (EQIP). NewsClips: Chesapeake Bay Gets D+ In New Report Card Krancer Rejects Request To List Susquehanna River As Impaired EPA Director Tours Lycoming Chesapeake Bay Cleanup Efforts Doc Fritchey TU Chapter Launches Tree Planting All Aboard For New Expedition Chesapeake Education Initiative Susquehanna River, Tributaries Hit Drought Levels Lack Of Snow, Rain Prompt PA Drought Concerns It's Not A Drought, But... Drought Curbing Gas Drilling In PA SRBC Suspension Of Water Withdrawals Slows Talisman Check U.S.G.S. Drought Monitoring Webpage

3 Workshops In Dauphin County On Homeowner Habitat, Stormwater Control Lower Paxton Township residents in Dauphin County can learn how to beautify their backyards and protect Paxton Creek at three upcoming workshops. These workshops will focus on how to garden with nature and the water cycleand an give you an opportunity to win a rain barrel and some starter plants! The workshops will be held: -- April 26: Healthy Yard, Healthy Environment; -- April 27: The Good, Bad And Ugly Plants; and -- April 28: Rain Water Harvesting. For example, at these workshops you will learn: -- The benefits of having a rain garden and a rain barrel; -- How to pick plants that are well-suited for our Pennsylvania environment; -- How you can save time, money and the environment by gardening differently; -- Where we are in the Paxton Creek and opportunities to help improve water quality; and -- About opportunities to plant trees and stream bank restoration in Brightbill Park. These workshops are being offered in conjunction with the Brightbill Park Stream Restoration Project that is currently underway. The project involves reinforcing stream banks and building new stream beds to lessen the impact of stormwater that wears down stream banks sending tons of sediment and nutrient pollution downstream to Paxton Creek and then the Susquehanna River and finally to the Chesapeake Bay each year. Each workshop is sponsored by the Alliance for the Chesapeake Bay, Lower Paxton Township Parks and Recreation, Paxton Creek Watershed Association and the Dauphin County Conservation District. See attached flyer for times and how to register. Looking forward to seeing you there! Click Here to download a flyer with all the details. Paxton Creek Stream Restoration Project Under Construction In Dauphin County Construction has begun on the restoration of two small headwater streams of Paxton Creek that flow through Lower Paxton Townships Brightbill Park in Dauphin County. Headwater streams are the small swales, creeks and streams that are the origin of most rivers. These small streams join together to form larger streams and rivers or run directly into larger streams and lakes. Restoration opportunities in headwater streams like these are good environmental and an economic investment, said Donna Morelli, Director of the PA office of the Alliance for the Chesapeake Bay. The stormwater issues facing streams in Brightbill Park affect all of downstream Paxton Creek. All water flows downhill, so restoring at the top makes sense. The Lower Paxton Township Parks & Recreation Department and the Alliance for the Chesapeake Bay are working together on the projects that will alleviate the impacts of stormwater and improve water quality in the Paxton Creek and reduce flooding on neighboring properties.

This is a cooperative effort involving governmental and private organizations in an effort to improve Brightbill Park, neighboring properties, and the environment downstream stated Brian Luetchford, Director of Parks and Recreation for Lower Paxton Township. The restoration of 640 linear feet of one of the streams and the daylighting of another will help alleviate some of the erosive power of stormwater that wears down stream banks sending tons of sediment and nutrient pollution downstream to Paxton Creek and then the Susquehanna River and finally to the Chesapeake Bay each year. Stormwater runoff from parking lots and buildings builds power and picks up pollution and can form new streams, like in the baseball fields and playgrounds of Brightbill Park, as it runs across these surfaces. When sites like Brightbill Park were developed, much of the natural drainage was diverted through pipes to try and contain wet areas. The stream near the Berwyn Drive parking area will be dug up and removedthus daylightingand creating and a natural stream channel. As part of this project, the Alliance for the Chesapeake Bay and partners will be hosting educational workshops to help surrounding landowners control their stormwater through gardening and other rainwater harvesting efforts. Volunteers will also be needed to plant forested buffers, re-vegetate restored banks, and restore interior forests and wetlands. Volunteers will be needed to take part in fun outdoor activity that will beautify Brightbill Park, protect water quality and help the forest ecosystem. Partners in this project include the Paxton Creek Watershed Education Association, Lower Paxton Township Parks and Recreation and the Dauphin County Conservation District. The Brightbill Park Stream Restoration Project is generously funded by the Chesapeake Bay Small Watershed Grants Program, administered by the National Fish and Wildlife Foundation. To volunteer or more information, please contact the Alliance for the Chesapeake Bay by sending email to: dmorelli@allianceforthebay.org or call: 717-737-8622. Mapping Tool Useful For Manure Management On Pennsylvania Farms Pennsylvania farms that are developing Manure Management Plans now have a new tool to make this task much easier. All Pennsylvania farms that produce or use manure must have a written plan to prevent manure runoff to streams and other water bodies from land application, barnyards, spillage, storage overflow or leakage. These plans must include maps detailing field boundaries, acreages, stream and water features, wells, sinkholes, manure storage, application setbacks and buffers, soils, and more. With the PAOneStop program, farmers or consultants may generate detailed maps with aerial imagery, calculate field acreages, and delineate manure application setbacks. Rick Day, of Pennsylvania Cooperative Extension, explained that these field acreage calculations will be useful to the farms in many other ways. "Accurate field acreage measurements are critical to estimate chemical, fertilizer and manure applications, or to determine yields," he added. Day reported that 1,209 people have established accounts to map 19,525 fields on 2,956 farms, and "we are getting very positive feedback from farmers that the system is definitely working." It doesn't require specialized software and the maps are stored online for future access

or changes. He emphasized, "All individual farm information is securely protected and not shared with anyone without their consent." PAOneStop will become even more useful this summer when it includes a component for Erosion and Sediment Control Planning to help farmers meet state and federal requirements. This will integrate soil type, topography and climate information to calculate soil loss on a field by field basis across crop rotations. Users will be able to modify conservation and crop management practices to compare the benefits for soil loss reduction and water quality, and make sure that they are meeting requirements for erosion and sediment control. Penn State Cooperative Extension is conducting workshops throughout the state, so contact your local Extension Office if you are interested. For more information, see the PAOneStop program website or call toll-free 877/722-4724. (Reprinted from the April/May issue of the Bay Bound newsletter published by the Chesapeake Bay Foundation. To receive your copy, send an email to: member@cbf.org.) ARIPPA, Mine Reclamation Coalitions Offer Grants To Watershed Organizations The Eastern and Western Coalitions for Abandoned Mine Reclamation have partnered with the Anthracite Region Independent Power Producer's Association to offer grants to watershed organizations working on Abandoned Mine Land and Abandoned Mine Drainage remediation projects. Applications are due April 30. Grants at a maximum of $5,000 will be awarded to at least one eligible environmental organization or Conservation District in the Anthracite Region and one eligible environmental organization or Conservation District in the Bituminous Region in the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania actively working on AML/AMD issues. Grant proposals should be for on-the-ground AML/AMD construction projects with a completion date between August 2011 and August 2013. The amount granted is dependent upon demonstrated need. Applying organizations must support the mission of ARIPPA, including the removal and conversion of waste coal into alternative energy and the beneficial use of CFB ash for AML/AMD reclamation. You can obtain the official Request for Proposals and supporting documents from the WPCAMR website. (Reprinted from the April 20 Abandoned Mine Posts online newsletter.) DEP Rejects Fish Commission Request To Designate Part Of Susquehanna As Impaired The Department of Environmental Protection Monday rejected a request by the Fish and Boat Commission to designate a 98 mile stretch of the Susquehanna River from Sunbury to the Holtwood Dam as impaired because the information submitted by the Commission they said does not support it.

The request was made last year, and reenforced recently, as part of the process leading up to the release of the 2012 Integrated Water Quality Monitoring and Assessment Report which is now available for public comment. The Fish and Boat Commission made its request, in part, based on disease outbreaks in adult smallmounth bass in that segment of the river. DEP's response noted research on the issue, including by the Commission, has so far failed to identify the cause of the problem. NewsClip: Krancer Rejects Request To List Susquehanna River As Impaired EQB Gives DEP OK To Study Water Quality Classification In Upper Delaware Wednesday the Environmental Quality Board voted 13-5 to give the Department of Environmental Protection the green light to further study an upgrade petition for the Delaware River that was submitted by 24 organizations and 150 watershed citizens on December 9, 2011 to upgrade the Delaware River and tributary streams to Exceptional Value. DEP presented to the Board that the petition was administratively complete, therefore requesting the Board vote to move the petition through the next regulatory step of review. Kelly Heffner, DEP Deputy for Water Management, presented a map of the proposed upgrade area that includes over 1,600 square miles of the Basin, of which the majority of those streams have high quality designation currently and are located in mostly forested and rural areas of Wayne, Pike and Monroe counties. Petitioners include a broad array of organizations and several were present at the meeting to answer questions from the Board before the vote was taken. Petitioners also delivered additional letters of support from the community, including another 27 businesses and organizations and more than 80 citizen letters that were gathered over the weekend. Petitioners highlighted the science, diversity, water quality, and national recreational significance in this region that they say merits the upgrade. "The upper reaches of the Delaware River and the tributaries that feed it are irreplaceable sources of clean, fresh and healthy waters, with an enviable natural beauty," said Maya van Rossum, the Delaware Riverkeeper. "Despite all the good intentions and good rhetoric, if we don't apply the laws we have on the books to protect them from pollution and harm, then we cannot honor our commitment to present or future generations of children and families of passing on a resource that is as healthy as it was when delivered into our hands. "Ensuring Pennsylvania's Exceptional Value Status is given to those reaches of the Delaware and tributaries we have petitioned for is a vital step in ensuring all of our communities can continue to benefit from these waterways and the healthy drinking water, sustainable jobs, and unparalleled family fun they provide," added Maya van Rossum. Exceptional Value status makes sense on so many levels," said Dan Plummer, Board Chairman of Friends of the Upper Delaware River. "The fishery and habitat of our streams and rivers will benefit, and local economies will see a payoff from any increased recreational usage and tourism generated by these pristine waters," said Plummer, adding he has found unanimous community support along the Upper Delaware for EV status. "Everyone seems to see this initiative for what it is: another level of protection to keep these valuable natural resources clean, cold and pure forever," he said.

Exceptional value protection in the Delaware Basin will ensure the opportunities of clean water: vibrant livelihoods, safe recreation and healthy drinking water. These are values consistent with national and state investments that help communities thrive, said Liz Garland, American Rivers. "By upgrading the status of the Upper and Middle Delaware to Exceptional Value, we are making a smart investment in the protection of this critical resource, as well as in the future of the 22 billion dollar a year recreational tourism industry that it supports", said Cathy Frankenberg, Appalachian Mountain Club. "The Clean Streams Law of PA was written to protect streams from further degradation from the moment the law was passed. If data shows that the Upper Delaware watershed meets the criteria for Exceptional Value status, then under the law it should receive that designation in Pennsylvania's environmental rulemaking. We know that Clean Water Action members will support DEP when, after its review, they find that the Upper Delaware should have received this status long ago," said Brady Russell, Eastern PA Director, Clean Water Action. PRC/Coca-Cola Workshops In Pittsburgh In May, June Offer Free Rain Barrels The PA Resources Council is partnering with Coca-Cola to provide a free rain barrel to anyone attending an upcoming PRC Rain Barrel Workshop in May or June. Barrel vouchers will be distributed on April 27 from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. at the Coca-Cola tent in Market Square, Pittsburgh. PRCs standard $35 workshop fee covers admission to the workshop and all parts EXCEPT the barrel. The value of the barrel is $25. Three workshops are scheduled in May and June (participants pay the $35 registration fee ($45 for a couple) and then receive a free barrel). Workshop openings and barrel quantities are limited and are offered on a first come, first served basis so sign up early! For more information and a list of workshop dates and locations please visit PRCs Zero Waste Pittsburgh website. Growing Greener Project To Improve Little Shamokin Creek Watershed In Northumberland A Growing Greener grant for $195,153 will enable the Northumberland County Conservation District to undertake three projects along the Little ShamokinCreek Watershed to reduce sediment and nutrient runoff. Sen. John R. Gordner (R-Columbia) presented the Conservation District with the grant last week. He was accompanied by Representatives Lynda Schlegel Culver (R-Northumberland) and Kurt Masser (R-Columbia). Little Shamokin Creek is listed by the Department of Environmental Protection as impaired due to siltation and nutrient runoff, partly caused by nearby beef and pork farms. Senator Gordner said the Growing Greener Grant will enable the Conservation District to implement best management practices at three farms to reduce the nonpoint pollution. "Improved manure storage, stream bank fencing, planting of additional vegetation along the banks of the creek and improved stream crossings will reduce nutrients entering the

watershed and help improve bank erosion," said Sen. Gordner. "These improved conservation techniques will assist the farmers and improve the watershed." Growing Greener, authorized by the General Assembly in 1999, provides funding for watershed restoration and abandoned mine reclamation through the Department of Environmental Protection, farmland preservation projects through the Department of Agriculture, State Park improvements through the Department of Conservation and Natural Resources and water and sewer system improvements through PennVEST. Partnership For Delaware Estuary Spring Newsletter Now Available The Spring edition of the Partnership for the Delaware Estuary newsletter is now available online. Susquehanna U. To Host Canon International Envirothon In July, Sponsorships Available 2012 marks the 25th anniversary of Envirothon, the international competition in which teams of high school students from the U.S. and Canada test their knowledge of the environment. And what better way to celebrate than to have the anniversary celebration in Pennsylvania where Envirothon started! The 2012 Canon Envirothon will be held at Susquehanna University in Sellinsgrove, Pa from July 22-27. In last year's competition, 54 teams represented almost every state and several Canadian provinces and were hosted by Mount Allison University in Sackville, New Brunswick, Canada. In Pennsylvania, high school teams compete at the county-level to represent the Commonwealth at the national Envirothon. In 2011, Penncrest High School from Delaware County took the honors. Pennsylvania has won the national Envirothon 11 times in the last 23 national competitions-- 1988, 1989, 1990, 1991, 1994, 1997, 2000, 2001, 2003, 2005, and 2009. Sponsorship Opportunities Canon Envirothon and Pennsylvania Envirothon are seeking partners and sponsors for this historic event. Opportunities include exhibit and display areas during the preliminary presentations. For details on this unique opportunity, contact Seleen Shives, District Manager, Fulton County Conservation District by calling 717-485-3547 ext. 121 or send email to: seleen_feed@pa.net. Download a Partner/Sport form. The deadline for sponsorships is April 30. DEP Awards Grants For Environmental Education And Stewardship The Department of Environmental Protection announced Friday it is awarding $642,835 in environmental education grants to 147 schools, universities, non-profit organizations and conservation districts across Pennsylvania. These grants help build the foundation for educating communities about their environmental resources and how to protect and sustainably use them, DEP Secretary Mike Krancer said. Teaching moments like these give all Pennsylvanians a better understanding of our beautiful state.

Grant recipients will use the funding for various initiatives, including environmental field trips for students, implementing environmental education curriculum at schools, purchasing new recycling containers to reduce waste, developing workshops on how to build rain barrels and planting community gardens. The grant program was established by the Environmental Education Act of 1993, which mandates setting aside five percent of the pollution fines and penalties DEP collects annually for environmental education in Pennsylvania. A list of grants awarded is available online. For more information, visit DEP's Environmental Education webpage, or call 717-772-1828. Nominations Now Being Accepted For Bartlett Environmental Education Award Applications are now being accepted for the Richard C. Bartlett Environmental Education Award. Nominations are due June 8. A visionary, Richard C. Bartlett (1935-2011) inspired environmental educators nationwide. He believed that education is critical to preserving the natural world for future generations. His commitment to conservation and environmental education spanned over four decades. The National Environmental Education Foundation seeks to honor an outstanding high school teacher who successfully integrates environmental education into their curriculum and engages students in interdisciplinary solutions to environmental challenges. The award recognizes an educator who can serve as an inspiration and model for others. Teachers serving grades 9-12 in the United States are eligible to apply. The winning teacher will receive an award of $5,000 to support their work in environmental education. The award will be announced in August 2012. Two teachers will win $750 merit awards. Nominate yourself or a teacher you know today! The Richard C. Bartlett Environmental Education Award is made possible through the generous support of Baxter Healthcare Corporation. Click Here for more information. Famed Author Wendell Berry To Open Forestry Conference May 18-19 At Allegheny College Wendell Berry, renowned author and sustainability and land ethic advocate, will open the Foundation for Sustainable Forestrys Loving the Land through Working Forests conference on May 18 and 19 with a program at Allegheny College in Meadville. The program, A Conversation with Wendell Berry will be held at 7 p.m., May 18 in the Vukovich Center Theatre. It is free and open to the public. Joining in the conversation with Berry will be WQLNs Tom Pysz; Sarah Galloway, sustainability coordinator for the City of Erie; James Finley, Ph.D., the Ibberson Chair in Forest Resource Management and Associate Director School of Forest Resources, Penn State University; and Troy Firth, founder and president of the Foundation for Sustainable Forests. The audience will also have the opportunity to enter the conversation.

Berry, recipient of the National Humanities Medal in 2010, is acknowledged by critics and scholars alike as a master of many genres; but whether writing poetry, fiction or non-fiction, his message is always one of living in harmony with nature. Berry will also be participating in the conferences in-the-field sessions at the Foundations Blooming Valley Forest north of Meadville on May 19. Participation Saturday is without charge, however pre-registration is required since lunch will be provided. To register send email to: Info@FoundationForSustainableForests.org with conference registration in the subject line and list the names and complete contact information for each participant in the body. Those who register will be sent detailed information including directions. Saturdays program opens with three concurrent sessions at 9:30 a.m.: -- For the Birds, focusing on management techniques to benefit birds and other non-game wildlife and includes a bird walk; -- Reading the Under Story, which takes a look at forest wildflowers and other understory plants and what they mean for forest health; -- Taking Hints from Nature, focusing on the Foundations forestry techniques that use nature as the guide and minimal disturbance harvesting. There will be demonstrations of horse logging throughout the day. -- Lunch will be served from 11:30 a.m. till 1:30 p.m. -- Forest Management as a Land Ethic is the afternoon session that opens at 1:30. This is a wideranging session from the practical to the philosophical that discusses a land ethic and the importance of managing forests to benefit the land. -- Childrens programming throughout the day will be provided courtesy of Butterflies for Kids, an Erie-based nonprofit dedicated to environmental education and forestland protection. In addition to Berry, speakers at Saturdays sessions include: Charles Bier, Senior Director Conservation Science, Western Pennsylvania Conservancy; James Finley,, Ph.D.; Jim Shallow, Director of Conservation and Policy, Audubon Vermont; Sarah Sargent, Director of Important Bird Areas for Audubon Pennsylvania; Cecile Stelter, District Forester, Pennsylvania Bureau of Forestry; and Troy Firth. Conference partners are Audubon Pennsylvania, the Western Pennsylvania Conservancy and Allegheny College. The Foundation for Sustainable Forests is a nonprofit land trust and sustainable forestry education and advocacy organization. The Foundations mission is to protect forested land and ecosystems and support rural communities through working forests; to raise awareness of the importance of preserving intact forested ecosystems; and to highlight sustainable forestry and practices for the benefit of the land. As a land trust, the Foundation acquires forested land and manages it for ecosystem health and native biodiversity. Through careful harvesting of timber and other earnings from the land, the Foundation becomes operationally self-sustaining. By actively managing the land as a working forest, the foundation also supports rural jobs and communities. More information can be found at the Foundations website. DCNR, TreeVitalize To Assist With Tree Plantings At Flight 93 Memorial

Department of Conservation and Natural Resources Secretary Richard Allan Thursday announced DCNR and TreeVitalize will be assisting with a large tree planting effort over the next two weekends at the Flight 93 National Memorial in Somerset County. In addition to their many environmental benefits, trees are a symbol of life and growth, so important at a site that requires reflection on the brave sacrifice made by the 40 passengers and crew of Flight 93, Allan said. DCNR will join the National Park Service, many partner agencies and hundreds of volunteers on April 20-21 and 27-28 as they plant more than 13,800 seedlings at the site. DCNRs Bureau of Forestry is providing a total of 2,000 native white and pitch pine, and quaking aspen seedlings grown at the departments Penn Nursery in Centre County. In addition, 100 American red pine and 100 red maple seedlings donated by listeners last fall in a partnership between TreeVitalize and WITF public radio in Harrisburg will be planted. TreeVitalize is a DCNR partnership effort to plant one million trees across Pennsylvania to address the loss of tree cover. Twenty DCNR foresters will be on site during the four days acting as team leaders and providing information on how to plant seedlings. Construction is ongoing at the Flight 93 National Memorial, which marks the spot where the plane went down in a field near Shanksville after the crew and passengers thwarted a plan by terrorists to crash in to the U.S. Capitol. The memorials first features were dedicated last September to mark the 10th anniversary of the 2001 terror attacks. NewsClips: Tree Planting To Begin At Flight 93 Memorial 150,000 Trees To Dot Flight 93 Memorial Site PA Community Forestry Hosts May 1 Webinar The PA Community Forestry Initiative hosts another in its series of lunchtime webinars on May 1. This time the topic will be Selecting Trees for Your Community. The webinar will start at noon. Join us as we prepare to read the landscape where we establish or replace trees. We will then show how to select nursery stock that suits the purpose we intend, and mention some favorite trees used in Pennsylvania public and commercial landscapes. Scott Sjolander, a Penn State Extension Urban Forester, will be the featured presenter. This webinar was developed through a partnership of Penn State Extension, DCNR Bureau of Forestry, and Pennsylvania Community Forests. Register for the webinar through the Penn State Extension and School of Renewable Natural Resources webpage. Follow the directions for setting up an account if you do not already have one. For more information, contact Vinnie Cotrone, Urban Forester, Penn State Cooperative Extension at 570-825-1701 or send email to: vjc1@psu.edu. Native Plant Sale Set For April 28 In Lancaster The Manheim Township Recreation and Park Planning Department and HabitatMT is having their first annual native plant sale April 28, 9-12, at Stauffer Mansion, 1241 Lititz Pike, Lancaster, Pa.

Hard-to-find straight species of native plants found locally in Pennsylvania such as Canada lily, Turk's cap lily, longflower alumroot, spicebush, pussy willow and more will be available to purchase. In addition to native plants for sale, exhibits include the Pa. Bluebird Society, Audubon Pa. Birdtown, Master Gardener's Pollinator Display, Gochnauer's Wood Turning. Bee boxes, bat houses and green roof birdhouses will be available to purchase. Click Here for more information. Over 225 Turnout For Fort Washington State Park Volunteer Day Over 225 people of all ages joined the annual Volunteer Day at Fort Washington State Park in Montgomery County on April 14. The Friends of Fort Washington State Park organize this important daylong project that brings together volunteers to make a difference in their local state park. Volunteers completed 15 projects including spreading 44 tons of new sand on two volleyball courts, improving playground surfaces, assembling 12 new picnic tables, clean up from the 2011 storms, deer fence repairs, poison ivy removal and general trash and debris removal. Branches collected were re-purposed to create animal habitat areas. Generous local merchants donated food for the picnic for all volunteers, which included scout troops, members of Greater Philadelphia Search and Rescue, Wapiti Archers of PA, Militia Hill Hawk Watch and over 30 Germantown Academy students and staff. Nearly a half million people visited Fort Washington State Park in 2011 and it is through the efforts of volunteers that the park can maintain its natural beauty and the wonderful outdoor recreational opportunities it provides. DCNR Announces Major Expansion Of Ibberson Conservation Area, Dauphin County Department of Conservation and Natural Resources Secretary Richard Allan Wednesday announced 433 woodland acres currently known as the Alpha Tree Farm will be added to the Joseph E. Ibberson Conservation Area in Dauphin County as the result of a generous donation by Mr. Ibbersons estate. The original 350 acres of the conservation area were donated to DCNR by Ibberson, a former state employee, in 1998. He died last year. Mr. Ibberson was fondly known for his forest conservation and philanthropy, and we are thrilled to receive this land as a gift to the citizens of Pennsylvania to be held in the public trust, with minimal development, as was his desire, Allan said. The original Ibberson Conservation Area contains centuries-old timber stands. The Alpha Tree Farm, which is separate from the original area and will be known as the western portion, is located on the north slope of Peters Mountain in Halifax, Dauphin County. It's amazing that a modestly-paid employee of DCNR could contribute so much to the forestry profession and to the people of Pennsylvania, said Dr. Henry Gerhold, co-executor of the Ibberson estate. Besides giving the properties which he loved dearly, he made substantial gifts to support the education of the next generation of foresters. We had the pleasure of working with this fellow Penn Stater over much of his productive career, and we recognize Ibberson's gift to the Commonwealth as an intrinsic measure

of this gentleman's profession, his love of forests and his desire to share this particular gem with his fellow citizens of Pennsylvania. Long may his virtues live and contribute to the lives of others, co-executor Dr. Charles Strauss said. DCNR intends to improve the current public access area on the farm and will work to add connecting trails to the nearby Appalachian Trail. After graduation from Yale in 1948, Ibberson was recruited and hired by the Department of Forests and Waters, Bureau of Forestry, to develop the first forest management plans for the then 2-million acres of Pennsylvania state forest land. By 1955, all of the forests were mapped and had management plans. Ibberson then created the Division of Forests Advisory Services which further expanded the management plans and targeted the preservation of endangered species and wetlands. From this work grew the Division of Forest Pest Management, which became a recognized leader in rearing and releasing predators and parasites to effectively control forest pests. Ibberson was instrumental in establishing the service forester program and now there are foresters in many counties to aid private citizens in managing their forested land. Beginning in 1962, Ibberson began buying land in Dauphin County to create a tree farm on which he practiced various forms of forest management. In 1977, he retired as the chief of the Division of Forestry Advisory Services for the Pennsylvania Department of Forest and Waters, now known as DCNR, but continued to actively tree farm his own property and serve as a forestry consultant. Mr. Ibberson passed away on April 23, 2011. Conservation areas are managed in the state park system, but differ slightly as they are donated and protected as open space for passive recreation, with no through roads. For more information, visit the Joseph E. Ibberson Conservation Area webpage. NewsClip: More Land Donated To Ibberson Conservation Area Preservation Board Protects Nearly 2,200 Acres Of Prime Farmland An additional 2,198 acres of prime farmland across the state were protected from development Thursday during a meeting of the Pennsylvania Agricultural Land Preservation Board. The 22 newly preserved farms are located in Allegheny, Berks, Blair, Bucks, Chester, Cumberland, Fayette, Lackawanna, Lancaster, Lebanon, Montgomery, Northampton and York counties. "Pennsylvania farm families know the importance of preserving our farmland and ensuring the viability of Pennsylvania agriculture for future generations," said Agriculture Secretary George Greig. "Agriculture is a $5.7 billion industry and Pennsylvania's number-one industry the cornerstone of our economy. I thank the families preserving their farms for their foresight in keeping Pennsylvania growing." During the program's 24-year history, state, county and local governments have invested more than $1.1 billion to safeguard 461,206 acres on 4,265 farms. Pennsylvania's nationally-recognized farmland preservation efforts work through the Pennsylvania Agricultural Conservation Easement Purchase Program, which was developed in 1988 to help slow the loss of prime farmland to non-agricultural uses. It enables state, county and

local governments to purchase conservation easements, also called development rights, from owners of quality farmland. For more information, visit Agriculture's Farmland Preservation webpage. Landscape Conservation Cooperatives Include Three Covering Pennsylvania Pennsylvania is included in three of the national Landscape Conservation Cooperatives focusing on advancing a landscape level approach to natural resources conservation including the challenges of climate change and a wide variety of stresses acting on our natural resources at a large-scale level. LCCs covering Pennsylvania include the North Atlantic LCC which addresses part of SE Pennsylvania, the Appalachian LCC covering the vast majority of Pennsylvania, and the Upper Midwest and Great Lakes LCC which includes part of the Lake Erie watershed. A recent national workshop on LCCs brought together nearly 400 conservation professionals and highlighted the diverse work of this national network of 22 LCCs such as analysis of species vulnerability, GIS tools for landscape modeling, conservation decision support tools, development of critical databases on conservation lands, and regional conservation approaches such as in the northeast that will provide critical support for Pennsylvania conservation planning. The national network of LCCs was initiated by the Department of the Interior and includes a broad partnership of state natural resource agencies, a diverse array of federal agencies, non-governmental conservation organizations, and tribes. All 50 state fish and wildlife agencies are involved in the LCCs. Each LCC is led by a steering committee that includes leaders from all major partner conservation organizations operating in the area of the LCC. The LCC network covers all U.S. lands and works in areas as diverse at the Arctic tundra, the Caribbean coral reefs, deserts of the southwest and the distant islands of the south Pacific. Important partnership with Canadian and Mexican conservation agencies help to address trans-border natural resource challenges. A comprehensive fact sheet on LCCs is available online and the national LCC coordinator, Dr. Doug Austen, formerly Executive Director of the Pennsylvania Fish and Boat Commission, can be contacted by sending email to: doug_austen@fws.gov. May Is Take Me Fishing In PA Month The Fish and Boat Commission has highlighted May as the month to get out and enjoy fishing. As part of that celebration, the PFBC is hosting three Family Fishing Festivals on Saturdays in May. Family Fishing Festivals are educational events designed for families with little or no fishing experience. Families will learn basic fishing skills and have an opportunity to practice those skills while fishing together during the program. Family Fishing Events are a convenient way to introduce friends and family to the sport of fishing, said PFBC Executive Director John Arway. While we offer Family Fishing Programs throughout the year, the May events call more attention to the importance of fishing in the lives of many Pennsylvania families. Through the events, former and new anglers can try

fishing at no cost. We know that once people try it, particularly kids, they will see that fishing is a great recreational activity and they will want to do it more. These events lead up to the Memorial Day holiday on May 28, which serves as the first of the two statewide Fish-for-Free Days. Family Fishing Festivals will be hosted by the PFBC from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. on these dates: -- May 5: Gifford Pinchot State Park, York County; Conewago Day Use Area on Alpine Road off route 74. The Department of Conservation and Natural Resources (DCNR), Bureau of State Parks, is a co-sponsor. -- May 12: Keystone State Park, Westmoreland County; Pavilion # 1. DCNR Bureau of State Parks is a co-sponsor. -- May 19: Lake Luxembourg in Core Creek County Park, Bucks County; near the boat launch. Bucks County Parks and Recreation is a co-sponsor. The PFBC is waiving the fishing license requirement during the program for registered Family Fishing Festival participants 16 and older. The program is open to all ages. However, the program is designed for children ages 5 and up. The PFBC is providing equipment, bait, and tackle, and PFBC staff will be present to teach skills and assist those who fish. Preregistration is required. Visit the Take Me Fishing In PA website to register or learn more about these events. Space is limited and there will be no registration taken the day of the event. In addition, PFBC partners will be hosting events throughout the month. These events can also be viewed at this website. Game Commission Seeks Assistance With Heron Colony Count The Game Commission has launched its periodic colonial nesting waterbird survey and is asking for the publics assistance now through the end of May. This survey is a key tool to monitor heron and egret populations and their distribution in the state. The survey focuses chiefly on great blue herons, black-crowned night-herons and yellow-crowned night-herons, all of which are state Wildlife Action Plan priority species, said Patti Barber, Game Commission endangered bird specialist. Many heron colonies have been identified across the Commonwealth, and each needs to be visited to update our information. Residents may know about additional colonies that need to be surveyed to improve our understanding of heron populations and nesting colonies, which can and have changed suddenly in Pennsylvania. We are primarily interested in the location of colonies, number of active nests in a colony and the type of habitat theyre found in. Participants also are asked to document threats to colonies. Great blue herons are listed as a maintenance concern species in the Pennsylvania Wildlife Action Plan, because they are fairly secure in Pennsylvania, but for which the Pennsylvania Biological Survey recommends management attention. They still are abundant and fairly secure and serve as an indicator for high-quality habitats. Yellow-crowned and black-crowned night-herons, both of which are state-listed endangered species, are listed as Pennsylvania vulnerable in the Pennsylvania Wildlife Action

Plan. These two species are most at risk and are experiencing dramatic declines within Pennsylvania, but are not at risk at the regional, national or global level. This survey is not new; its conducted periodically about once every five years, Barber said. This appeal is being made because participation of the states birding community, as well as the general public, will strengthen the survey by providing better coverage of the Commonwealths more than 46,000 square miles for nesting herons. Together, we can improve this snapshot of Pennsylvanias current heron population and distribution statewide. The information also will be used to update the Pennsylvania Natural Heritage Program database and help us to better assess the status of these priority species. Barber noted that filling out the survey form is a fairly easy undertaking. Herons are large enough to be easily observed and identified at a distance. Their nests should be monitored with binoculars from a safe distance. Please do not approach nests, Barber said. But, if you know where herons are nesting, wed appreciate hearing from you. Dont assume someone else will report local nests. &nbsp; To help, download the Heron Colony Observation Data Sheet. Those interested in participating should read the Heron Colony Observation Protocols to understand how to approach this fieldwork without disrupting nesting herons. Completed forms can be submitted via email to Don Detwiler, who is project coordinator and is managing the survey data, at: herondata@gmail.com. For information on the natural history and conservation of night-herons in Pennsylvania, please review the Endangered and Threatened Species webpage on the Game Commissions website. EPA Recognizes State College For Curbside Food Recycling The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency Tuesday marked the beginning of Earth Week by recognizing State College Borough for its curbside food recycling program. State College is the only town in the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania that is conducting curbside food waste collection for composting. The program began as a pilot and is slated to go borough-wide in 2013. During the ceremony at the State College's composting facility, EPA Regional Administrator Shawn M. Garvin also welcomed the borough and Centre County Recycling and Refuse Authority as the newest members to join EPA's Food Recovery Challenge. Earth Week is an excellent time to raise awareness about the importance of recycling food waste. By diverting food waste away from landfills, the borough is saving money on disposal fees, reducing harmful air emissions and producing a valuable soil product when it is composted. EPA is pleased to recognize State College Borough and Centre County and welcome them into our Food Recovery Challenge, said EPA Regional Administrator Shawn M. Garvin. EPA's Food Recovery Challenge encourages organizations to reduce waste, donate, and recycle as much of their unspoiled food waste as possible. This saves money, feeds the needy and helps protect the environment. State College Borough has a well-established yard and garden waste collection and now collects food waste as part of a pilot program which will become borough-wide next year. The food and garden waste is turned into compost, which is used throughout the borough and is also

available for purchase. The borough uses and sells approximately 3,000 cubic yards of compost per year. Food waste is the largest waste category in the U.S. In 2010, 34 million tons of food waste was generated. Of that, 97 percent was sent to landfills or incinerators. When excess food, leftover food, and food scraps are disposed of in a landfill, they decompose rapidly and become a significant source of methane, an extremely potent greenhouse gas which contributes to climate change. Landfills and the food waste in them account for more than 20 percent of all methane emissions in the U.S. In addition to composting, food that is not spoiled can help to feed the hungry because much of it is not waste at all but actually safe, wholesome food that could potentially feed millions of Americans. Food donations from supermarkets and restaurants are now redirecting these valuable resources to food cupboards and other hunger relief organizations. For more information, visit EPA's Food Recovery Challenge webpage. NewsClip: Editorial: Keep Your Grub Out Of Garbage Philadelphia ShopRite Stores, Philabundance Welcomed To EPA Food Recovery Challenge The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency Wednesday officially welcomed new members from the Philadelphia area into its Food Recovery Challenge. EPAs Food Recovery Challenge encourages organizations to reduce, donate, and recycle as much of their excess food as possible, which saves money, feeds the needy, and helps protect the environment. The new members include: Ten Philadelphia area ShopRite stores, owned and operated by the Brown Family; Philabundance, the Delaware Valley's largest food bank; and Organic Diversion, of Marlton, N.J., an organic recycler. The official signing ceremony took place at the ShopRite of Parkside in West Philadelphia. "With Earth Day approaching, this is an excellent time to raise awareness of two issues which go hand-in-hand: food waste and hunger. Composting food waste not only creates a valuable soil product but diverts food waste from the landfill where it can produce harmful gases that contribute to climate change. But much of the food that is thrown away is actually safe and wholesome, and could potentially feed millions of Americans. EPA is working with the grocery industry and hunger-relief organizations to increase food donations. The Brown Family, Philabundance and Organic Diversion are all helping to solve our food waste problems and we're pleased to welcome them as Food Challenge members," said EPA Regional Administrator Shawn M. Garvin. Food is the largest waste category in the U.S. going into landfills. In 2010, 34 million tons of food waste was generated. When excess food, leftover food, and food scraps are disposed of in a landfill, they decompose rapidly and become a significant source of methane, a potent greenhouse gas, which contributes to climate change. Browns ShopRites began a composting partnership with Organic Diversion in 2011 and since then have diverted more than 170 tons of food waste away from local landfills and into composting bins. Browns has also been donating unspoiled food to hunger relief organizations for more than 20 years. Since January, Browns ShopRites have donated 42 tons of fresh food, equal to 85,000 meals, to help feed the needy in the Philadelphia area.

As a participant in the Food Recovery Challenge, Brown's ShopRites have made a first year commitment to increase by at least five percent the amount of food they are already diverting away from landfills. The Brown Family will work with EPA to track waste generation and reduction activities, including changes in purchasing, food donations, and composting. Philabundance, created in 1984, provides food to approximately 65,000 people per week through direct services and a network of 500 member agencies including emergency food kitchens, food cupboards, senior centers, and more. Organic Diversion offers collection and hauling services as well as customer training to ensure successful on-going organic recycling programs. By joining the Food Recovery Challenge, Philabundance and Organic Diversion will work with EPA to help promote participation in the Food Recovery Challenge through their affiliates and suppliers. For more information, visit EPA's Food Recovery Challenge webpage. NewsClip: Editorial: Keep Your Grub Out Of Garbage Keep Pennsylvania Beautifuls Greenways Mini-Grant Winners Announced Keep Pennsylvania Beautiful Wednesday announced the grant winners of their Greenways MiniGrant Program. From now until July 30, the grant winners will transform their Greenways utilizing $500 in project supplies with 100 percent match. Designed to provide community groups with project supplies for outdoor based work events within a Greenway, the program enables the renewal of Pennsylvanias Greenways in need into something beautiful. Support for this program is provided by the Community Conservation Partnership Program, Environmental Stewardship Fund, under the administration of the Department of Conservation and Natural Resources, Bureau of Recreation and Conservation. The grant winners are as follows: -- Blair County Intermunicipal Relations Committee for recycling containers. -- Centre County Harris Township for plantings in Blue Spring Park. -- Chester County Brandywine Valley Association for the Brandywine Creek Cleanup. -- Chester County City of Coatesville for the Brandywine Creek Cleanup. -- Erie County Headwaters Park NRC Trust for park signage in Headwaters Park. -- Erie County Headwaters Park NRC Trust for maintenance equipment in Headwaters Park. -- Erie County Headwaters Park NRC Trust for a rain garden in Headwaters Park. -- Indiana County Crooked Creek Watershed Association for the Baker Trail Cleanup. -- Lehigh County Friends of the Allentown Parks for the Walking Purchase Park Uplands Cleanup. -- Lehigh County - Lower Macungie Township for the Kratzer Farm Invasive Plant Removal project. -- Montgomery County - Friends of Cynwyd Heritage Trail for renewal planting. -- Philadelphia County Keep Philadelphia Beautiful for the Baldwin School for Girls Great American Cleanup in Morris Park. -- Washington County Upper Wheeling Creek Watershed Association for their Prevent It! collection event.

-- Westmoreland County Saint Vincent College for planting and signage of their Medicinal and Culinary Herb Garden. -- York County YWCA York for their Peace Garden Beautification Day. We are pleased to support the efforts of such a diverse group of environmental stewards as they work to make their community greenways clean and beautiful, said Shannon Reiter, President of Keep Pennsylvania Beautiful. For additional information, visit Keep Pennsylvania Beautifuls Greenways Mini-Grant Program webpage or contact Heidi Pedicone at 1-877-772-3673 or send email to: hpedicone@keeppabeautiful.org. Household Hazardous Waste Collection Event April 27, 28 In Centre County The Centre County Recycling & Refuse Authority will hold a household hazardous waste collection event on April 27 from 10:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m. and on April 28 from 9:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. at the Authority office at 253 Transfer Road, Bellefonte, Pa. Here's your chance to rid your home of old or unwanted hazardous chemicals. Bring your insecticides, weed killers, pool chemicals, cleaners, poisons, corrosives, flammables, oilbased paints and many other household hazardous chemicals to Used motor oil, antifreeze, batteries, tires, latex paint, radioactive or medical material, explosives or ammunition will not be accepted. Please call our office if you have a question about your material. For additional information, download the event flyer or call the Centre County Recycling & Refuse Authority at 814-238-7005. Centre County Recycling Authority Gives Haulers Rebates Due to good recycling market conditions in 2011, especially corrugated cardboard and aluminum, the Centre County Recycling & Refuse Authority is giving recycling rebates back to our haulers and municipalities for their valiant efforts in reducing the amount of waste sent to local landfills. This year, the Authority is giving back a total of $173,070.00 in recycling rebates as a thank you to customers who have helped to make Centre County a leader in the recycling industry. This amounts to $18/ton for every ton of recyclables delivered to their facility during 2011. The Centre County Recycling & Refuse Authority would like to thank all their customers for their business and hope our markets as well as recycling volumes continue to grow in 2012. Covanta Energy Facilities Recycle Used Rechargeable Batteries, Cell Phones For Earth Day In celebration of the 42nd anniversary of Earth Day, Covanta Energy, the nation's largest operator of the energy-from-waste facilities, is collecting used rechargeable batteries and cell phones for recycling.

The collection is part of Covanta's Clean World Initiative, a company-wide sustainability movement that works to remove potentially harmful materials from the waste stream and educate the public on energy-from-waste and sustainable waste management. Covanta owns or operates energy-from-waste facilities in Dauphin, Delaware, Lancaster, Montgomery and York counties. "We are excited to help recycle used rechargeable batteries and cell phones properly and proud that all Covanta Energy sites are participating," said Meg Morris, Covanta Energy's director of environmental science and community affairs. "It's important for people to be aware of what they are throwing in the trash and know their options for disposal and recycling. Covanta is committed to providing the cleanest, most reliable source of energy from waste in the world." Rechargeable batteries are a long-lasting power source for many electronic devices, including laptop computers, cell phones, portable scanners and printers, power tools, and PDAs. These batteries should always be properly recycled due to some of their components, such as lead, cadmium, and nickel. If simply thrown into household trash cans, batteries can release these materials and can act as toxins in the environment. Covanta is partnering with Call2Recycle, the only free rechargeable battery and cell phone collection program in North America. Since 1996, 70 million pounds of rechargeable batteries have been collected through Call2Recycle. Call2Recycle is the first battery program to attain Basel Action Network e-Steward qualification, which recognizes electronics recyclers that adhere to the most stringent environmentally and socially responsible practices and upholds strict third-party standards for environmental safety and social responsibility. "We are proud to work with Covanta as they continue to put into practice their commitment to recycling in their internal business operations," said Carl Smith, CEO and president of Call2Recycle. "It is exciting to see how their employees have enthusiastically embraced our program to collect and recycle rechargeable batteries." "As with other programs that Covanta has initiated, we are working with the communities in which we operate in the recovery of rechargeable batteries. In addition, with this program, we are reaching out to our supply chain partners to create a greater influence on collection of these batteries. It is our hope that we can get others to join us in the effort," continued Morris. Since its launch in 2007, Covanta's Clean World Initiative has worked diligently to remove potentially harmful materials from the waste stream. In addition to collection efforts in support of the proper disposal of used rechargeable batteries, the company's mercury collection programs regularly collect unwanted mercury-containing devices such as thermostats and thermometers, and fluorescent light bulbs. Mercury is a known toxin that is potentially hazardous to human health if the devices in which it is contained are not properly captured. Since its inception, the program has collected over 1,400 pounds of mercury. Another success under Covanta's CWI has been the Rx4Safety program. Working with municipalities and law enforcement agencies nationwide, Rx4Safety provides the safe disposal of unwanted pharmaceuticals and medications collected by drug take-back programs free of charge. To date, this program has destroyed more than 240,000 pounds of unwanted medications, helping to keep waterways and drinking water safe, and removing these drugs from potential abuse.

Recovering energy from waste after efforts to reduce, reuse and recycle have been employed is a critical component of managing residual waste. For every ton of municipal solid waste processed at Covanta Energy's energy-from-waste facilities, greenhouse gas emissions are reduced by the equivalent of approximately one ton less of carbon dioxide emissions. This is possible due to the avoidance of methane from landfills, the offset of greenhouse gases from fossil fuel electrical production and the recovery of metals for recycling. Covanta's energy-from-waste facilities annually offset approximately 20 million tons of greenhouse gases, the equivalent of the carbon sequestered by planting 460 million trees. For more information, visit Covanta's Earth Day webpage. Agreement Signed To Restore Old Erie County Landfill Site For Commercial, Recreational Use The Department of Environmental Protection announced Wednesday it has signed a consent order and agreement with Moxie Nein LLC and Millcreek Township, Erie County, for the remediation and reuse of a former landfill site. DEP is currently cleaning up the site, which is part of the Presque Isle Bay watershed. Once remediation is complete, Moxie Nein will subdivide the property and keep four acres for commercial and industrial activity, donating the rest to the township. As part of this innovative agreement, Millcreek Township will receive 19 acres of recreational property, valued at roughly $195,000, to be used as much-needed ball fields, DEP Regional Director Kelly Burch said. The commitment and cooperation that the township and Moxie Nein have shown have been paramount to the success of this public-private partnership. Through the Hazardous Sites Cleanup Act Fund, DEP began in late March a $4.1 million cleanup to remove municipal and industrial waste from nearby Cascade Creek, consolidate the waste at the former landfill and apply a protective cap over the waste. Currie Landfill closed in 1966 and the current site owner, Erie Drive-In Theatre, has not occupied the site for a number of years and does not have the assets to remediate the property. The drive-in owner owes Erie County about $195,000 in property taxes, and there is a $55,131 mortgage on the property. Moxie Nein, an Erie-based development company, will settle the outstanding tax and mortgage issues and will have 367 days after acquiring the property to donate the recreational parcel to the township lien-free. The consent order and agreement is available for public review during normal business hours at DEPs Northwest Regional Office, 230 Chestnut St., Meadville. The 60-day public comment period on the consent order and agreement will open April 21 and close June 20. Comments may be sent to the Northwest Regional Office to the attention of the Environmental Cleanup and Brownfields program. The HSCA fund is paid for by a portion of the Capital Stock and Franchise Tax and the new Marcellus Shale drilling law. Local Governments Recognized For Strengthening Community Partnerships

Department of Community and Economic Development Secretary C. Alan Walker, on behalf of Gov. Tom Corbett, Wednesday recognized two local government organizations and three local officials in Central Pennsylvania for their dedication and leadership in strengthening the surrounding communities. Serving as local government officials you face important issues everyday and are tasked with developing solutions, Walker said. Today we celebrate and recognize your hard work; Pennsylvania communities are fortunate to have dedicated individuals whose commitment helps create better places to live and work. Among the awards presented were these for outstanding performance on environmental issues: -- The Triple Divide Watershed Coalition, Potter County, was recognized in the category of Building Community Partnerships for its work to improve water resources. The coalition is comprised of the countys nine public water supplies and numerous county agencies and organizations working collectively to identify efficiencies, lower operational costs, and protect public drinking water resources. The coalition collaboratively developed the states first approved source water protection plan for all public water supplies in the county. -- The City of Philadelphia was recognized in the category of innovative community and governmental initiatives for the citys BigBelly Solar intelligent waste and recycling collection system in Center City. In 2009, with assistance from the Department of Community and Economic Development, the City of Philadelphia replaced waste baskets with BigBelly Solar compacting litter baskets and recycling containers. The initiative helped reduce weekly trash collection from 17 times a week to 2.5, saving $1 million in annual collection costs. The program was recognized by the Climate Leadership Group as a global best practice in the waste category. Playworld Systems' Products Receive LEED Certification Lewisburg-based Playworld Systems, a leading manufacturer of imaginative playground and fitness equipment, Thursday announced its headquarters and manufacturing plant have been LEED Certified by the U.S. Green Building Council and verified by the Green Building Certification Institute. LEED is the nations preeminent program for the design, construction and operation of high performance green buildings. Playworld Systems headquarters and manufacturing plant were LEED certified under the rating system for Existing Buildings: Operations & Maintenance. The LEED certification is the latest example of Playworld Systems internal environmental improvement efforts that set the standard for the industry. Previous achievements for the company and its products include Cradle to Cradle CertifiedCM Basic, the elimination of 99.999 percent of polyvinyl chloride (PVC), and recognition from the U.S. General Services Administration. I am incredibly proud that Playworld Systems headquarters and manufacturing facility have achieved LEED certification. This accomplishment is the latest demonstration of the companys unwavering commitment to minimizing our environmental impact, said Matthew Miller, chief executive officer of Playworld Systems. Our achievements in this area are

unprecedented in this industry. Playworld Systems sustainability initiative began more than 10 years ago and is now a fundamental part of our company culture. We will continue to lead the way with programs, products, materials and designs that reduce our carbon footprint and protect the planet for generations to come. Part of Playworld Systems company-wide sustainability program called Green Action led to elimination of 99.999 percent of PVC from its products. This contributed to the company becoming the only playground manufacturer to have its products Cradle to Cradle CertifiedCM Basic. Cradle to Cradle Certified is a rigorous and comprehensive environmental certification system administered by the Cradle to Cradle Products Innovation Institute that evaluates products and materials for their impact on human health and environmental health and design for future life cycles. Other sustainability practices include lean manufacturing to lessen energy consumption and eliminate material waste, conservation initiatives such as single stream recycling, and employee sustainability efforts. In 2012, Playworld Systems was the only commercial playground manufacturer to receive an Evergreen Award in the sports and recreation category from the GSA's Integrated Workplace Acquisition Center. The award recognizes the efforts of industry partners who do business in an environmentally-friendly way. The green building movement offers an unprecedented opportunity to respond to the most important challenges of our time, including global climate change, dependence on nonsustainable and expensive sources of energy and threats to human health, said Rick Fedrizzi, President, CEO & Founding Chair, U.S. Green Building Council. As a company focused on enabling everyone to enjoy healthy outdoor activity, Playworld Systems understands this. By efficiently using our natural resources, Playworld Systems makes an immediate, positive impact on our planet. Playworld Systems headquarters and manufacturing facility achieved LEED certification for energy use, lighting, water and material use as well as incorporating a variety of other sustainable strategies. By using less energy and water, LEED certified buildings save money for families, businesses and taxpayers; reduce greenhouse gas emissions; and contribute to a healthier environment for residents, workers and the larger community. Two Weis Markets Stores Achieve Environmental Milestone Two Weis Markets stores containing a new, environmentally efficient design have earned environmental certifications awards from the GreenChill Advanced Refrigeration Partnership, a voluntary U.S. Environmental Protection Agency alliance with food retailers to reduce refrigerant emissions and decrease their impact on the ozone layer and climate change. The 62,000-square-foot units are located in Forks Township, near Easton, Pa and in Bellefonte, near State College. Each unit achieved a silver GreenChill certificate by meeting tough benchmarks for cutting emissions that harm the earths protective ozone layer and contribute to global warming. Only a handful of American supermarkets have achieved GreenChill status. To meet these high standards, both stores reduced their refrigerant charges by more than 50 percent. We achieved these results by installing more efficient refrigeration systems and cases throughout

these stores and then carefully monitoring them, said Kevin Small, Weis Markets vice president, Store Construction and Development. We are grateful to be recognized as an EPA partner. We will continue to invest in programs and systems that help us reduce our overall environmental impact throughout our store base. According to the EPA, meeting or exceeding GreenChill certification criteria helps prevent deterioration of the Earths protective ozone layer and combats climate change. Ozone in the upper atmosphere protects the planet from harmful ultraviolet radiation, which can cause skin cancer, cataracts and other ailments. Even refrigerants that dont damage the ozone layer can contribute significantly to global warming. Thats why reducing store emissions are doubly important, the EPA adds. To achieve silver certification, a store must meet stringent environmental criteria, including the following: -- use refrigerants that do not damage the Earths protective ozone layer; -- reduce the size of its refrigerant charge by at least 50 percent from the industry average; -- reduce annual refrigerant emissions to 15 percent or less of total store capacity; -- test refrigeration systems for adherence to GreenChills leak tightness guidelines. PPL Customers Can Join Hunt For PA's Oldest Fridge PPL Electric Utilities is joining forces with electric companies throughout the state to kick off Pennsylvanias first Oldest Refrigerator Contest and help customers earn some extra money. To take part in the contest, PPL Electric Utilities customers simply have to sign up to have their refrigerator recycled through the utilitys E-power appliance recycling program by calling 1-877-270-3522 between April and August 2012. The program is limited to the removal of two units per household per calendar year. Refrigerators or freezers to be recycled must be in working order and between 10 and 30 cubic feet, using inside measurements. The owner of the oldest refrigerator recycled through PPL Electric Utilities appliance recycling program during the contest will receive a $250 gift card toward Energy Star product purchases and be entered to win the title of Pennsylvanias Oldest Refrigerator and an additional $1,000 gift card. The winners will be announced in September. Contest or not, anyone can save money by unplugging an energy-guzzling relic in their garage or basement. Owners of old, outdated refrigerators can save up to $150 a year in energy costs and make some extra cash with a $35 reward for choosing to recycle. Typically, the appliances recycled through the program are outdated units that either sit unused or are used for extra storage in garages and basements. But the convenience of chilling an extra six-pack and some leftovers can come at a steep price. Refrigerators manufactured before 1990 can use three times more electricity than new appliances. Many customers dont realize how much money is wasted by old refrigerators lurking in garages or basements, but we make it easy for them to part with that old unit, save money and make a little extra cash, said Thomas C. Stathos, director of Customer Programs and Services for PPL Electric Utilities. Units picked up through the program are transported to an appliance recycling facility operated by JACO Environmental in Hatfield, Montgomery County. JACO safely removes hazardous materials from the old energy-guzzlers, reclaiming 95 percent of the materials in the

appliances for reuse in manufacturing new products. Even the foam insulation is safely incinerated to generate electricity. PECO Energizing Education Program Receives Governor's Environmental Award The Pennsylvania Environmental Council has recognized PECO with the 2012 Governor's Award for Environmental Excellence for PECOs Energizing Education Program. The award was presented during a ceremony at PECs Annual Dinner in Harrisburg on April 18. PEEP is an environmental education program designed to teach Philadelphia-area school students about the science of energy, renewable and nonrenewable energy sources, and energy efficiency both at home and at school. The program was designed in partnership with the National Energy Education Development Project (NEED), the nations leading provider of energy education programs and materials for schools, and The Franklin Institute, a renowned leader in the field of science and technology. It is truly an honor to be recognized by the State and Governor Corbett for a program that has such an educational and environmental impact, said Liz Murphy, PECO vice president of Governmental and External Affairs. This program teaches students more than just how to be an environmental steward; it helps them understand the importance of being a smart energy consumer. A hands-on, project-based curriculum, PEEP explores the relationship between energy efficiency and conservation and environmental preservation. Teachers complete a two-day workshop where they receive a curriculum overview, and then bring their learning back to their classrooms. Following the classroom curriculum, teachers and students take on an environmental field trip, and students participate in a school energy audit and receive home energy audit kits. Each school also receives $1,500 in funding from PECO for a community energy efficiency project. The PEEP program began in 2009 with five local schools participating. In 2010, that number doubled, and in 2011, 14 schools signed on with a total of 1,668 students participating. The Governors Award for Environmental Excellence recognizes companies and organizations that encourage and promote environmental stewardship and contribute to the conservation of Pennsylvanias environment. With a principal focus on math, science and environmental education, PECO supports programs that encourage students from all backgrounds to stay in school, develop their talents and continue their education beyond high school. Since 1969, the company has sponsored the Philadelphia Academies' Academy of Applied Electrical Science, and contributes more than $150,000 annually in scholarships for limited income students at local colleges and universities--a great investment in our future workforce. For more information, visit PECOs Community webpage. PUC Forum To Solicit Comments On Increased Electric, Natural Gas Vehicle Use May 31

The Public Utility Commission Monday announced it will hold a Forum to examine the increased use of alternative fuel vehicles, specifically electric and natural gas at 9 a.m. May 31 at Anthony J. Drexel Picture Gallery at Drexel University, Philadelphia. Domestic natural gas production continues to grow, said PUC Chairman Robert F. Powelson. The Marcellus Shale formation has made Pennsylvania a hot-bed of activity revolving around this commodity. This activity, the corresponding drop in electric generation prices coupled with the appreciation of oil prices has clarified the need for the PUC to explore policies and regulatory frameworks that can support investments in natural gas and electric vehicles. The five PUC Commissioners as well as state Department of Environmental Protection Secretary Michael Krancer and state Department of Transportation Secretary Barry Schoch will be presiding. The public is invited to attend. An agenda for the Forum will be issued in May 2012. The Forum will explore how the PUC can foster policies and regulatory frameworks that support investments in natural gas and electric vehicles and their required infrastructure. The move toward increased use of AFVs creates numerous issues and questions, many of which impact the PUCs core functions. The PUC envisions this Forum as the first step in an ongoing discussion of AFV issues under its jurisdiction, creating a foundation for possible future action by the Commission. The PUC has established a webpage for information and issued a Secretarial Letter seeking comments on the jurisdictional issues and questions surrounding AFVs. Comments are due by May 18. Allegheny Conference Issues Report On Encouraging Natural Gas Vehicles With the ready availability of natural gas from the Marcellus Shale, escalating crude oil prices, and improving technology, commercial and public sector fleet operators are considering whether a switch to natural gas-powered vehicles makes sense. The Allegheny Conference on Community Development has prepared a new report, Encouraging Natural Gas Vehicles in Pennsylvania, that analyzes the opportunities and challenges of using natural gas as a transportation fuel. The report is part of the Conferences new natural gas vehicle website. A key component of the website is a savings calculator that offers tools to help fleet managers explore whether natural gas vehicles make sense for them. Key findings of the analysis include: -- New natural gas supplies from the Marcellus and other shale formations have shattered the traditional relationship between natural gas and oil prices. -- The price differential is so great that converting to natural gas can pay for itself in particular kinds of fleets. -- The lack of natural gas fueling infrastructure is the biggest hurdle to overcome. -- Natural gas vehicles may make sense for some kinds of public fleets but not for others, depending on their operating characteristics. DEP To Hold Energy Conservation Building Code Workshops In York, Lycoming Counties

The Department of Environmental Protection invites residential code enforcement officials, builders, contractors and designers to an April 26 workshop in York and a May 3 workshop in Williamsport on the 2009 International Energy Conservation Code. The April 26 workshop will be held from 8:30 a.m. to 4 p.m. at the Holiday Inn and Conference Center, 2000 Loucks Road, York. Registration begins at 8 a.m. The May 3 workshop will be from 8:30 a.m. to 4 p.m. at the Holiday Inn at 100 Pine St. Registration begins at 8 a.m. Breakfast and lunch will be provided as part of the $40 registration fee. The IECC is updated every three years by the International Code Council. In Pennsylvania, it is considered part of the Uniform Construction Code, according to Act 49. This workshop will focus on best-management practices in sustainable residential building. Participants will also learn about sizing of residential HVAC units according to the Manual J methodology, a protocol used to determine how much heating and cooling a home requires. Attendees will receive six UCC continuing education hours for completing the training. Mike Turns, associate director of the Pennsylvania Housing Research Center, will be the instructor. Funding for the workshop is provided by the state through a U.S. Department of Energy State Energy Program grant. For more information and to register, visit the PA Construction Codes Academy webpage or call 717-763-0930. Lower-Cost Wind Energy Comes To Duquesne Light, PECO, PPL Service Territories More and more Pennsylvanians are shopping for the best deal on electricity, and surprisingly, in some areas the cheapest electricity on the market is a 100 percent wind product. Last year, the Pittsburgh based non-profit organization Citizen Power joined up with TriEagle Energy to offer a 100 percent renewable wind electricity plan to residential customers in the Duquesne Light service territory, which covers most of Allegheny and Beaver counties. Now, similar plans are being offered in the PECO and PPL service territories. Furthermore, Citizen Power has started signing up commercial account holders as well. According to Executive Director Titus North, Citizen Power knew that wind power generation technology had developed to the point where it had become competitive in price, but saw that there were no low-priced wind alternatives available to consumers. Citizen Power has a long history of fighting on behalf of electricity consumers and the environment, and felt that it was well positioned to present a low-cost wind product to the public. TriEagle Energy agreed to create a product that would be 100 percent backed by certified wind RECs (renewable energy certificates) from Pennsylvania and neighboring states, and by utilizing Citizen Power's marketing services, offered the lowest price for customers. "Our mission is the promotion of renewable energy," said North, "and we believe that this is the most effective way to do so." North sees public concern about the environment on the rise due to nuclear crises, oil spills, fracking, and climate change. "People want to do something positive, but in this economy not many people can afford to purchase a hybrid car or put solar

panels on their roof. However, this is something that helps the environment and saves consumers money at the same time." Switching from default service can save consumers up to 26 percent off of the generation portion of their electric bills, depending on who is now their provider. The local utility (Duquesne Light, PECO, or PPL) will continue to handle the billing and line maintenance for its customers who switch. Back in the 1990s when Pennsylvania deregulated electricity, it separated electricity generation from transmission and distribution. Regardless of which electricity company generates the electricity, the local utility provides the transmission and distribution. This means that switching generation companies will not affect reliability. "The lights won't go out when the wind stops," North said. "The only change people will notice will be a lower electricity bill." To sign up for TriEagle Energy's Green Eagle wind product, visit LowCostWind.com and enroll in the Green Energy Collaborative, which is a program of Citizen Power. Membership is free, and members will then be able to sign up for the Green Eagle wind product. To find out more about this opportunity to save money while saving the environment see LowCostWind.com or call Citizen Power at 412-421-7029. EPA Recognizes Chatham University For Green Power Purchases Chatham University announced Wednesday it was recognized by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency as the 2011-2012 Individual Conference Champion for using more green power than any other school in the Presidents Athletic Conference. Since April 2006, EPAs Green Power Partnership has tracked and recognized the collegiate athletic conferences with the highest combined green power purchases in the nation. The Individual Conference Champion Award recognizes the school that has made the largest individual purchase of green power within a qualifying conference. Chatham University beat its conference rivals by using 12 million kilowatt-hours (kWh) of green power, representing 100 percent of the schools annual electricity usage. Chatham University purchases renewable energy certificates from Renewable Choice Energy, helping to reduce the environmental impacts associated with the campus electricity use. According to the U.S. EPA, Chatham Universitys green power use of 12 million kWh is equivalent to avoiding the carbon dioxide (CO2) emissions from the electricity use of more than 1,000 average American homes annually, or the CO2 emissions of nearly 2,000 passenger vehicles per year. EPA applauds Chatham University as the Presidents' Athletic Conference Champion in this years College and University Green Power Challenge, said Blaine Collison, director of EPAs Green Power Partnership. By purchasing 100 percent renewable electricity, Chatham is reducing harmful carbon dioxide emissions and showing that small schools can make a big difference for the environment. Thirty collegiate conferences and 73 schools competed in the 2011-2012 challenge, collectively purchasing more than 1.8 billion kWh of green power. EPA will extend the College & University Green Power Challenge for a seventh year, to conclude in spring of 2013. EPAs Green Power Challenge is open to all U.S. colleges, universities, and conferences. In order to qualify, a collegiate athletic conference must include at least one school that qualifies

as a Green Power Partner, and the conference must collectively purchase at least 10 million kWh of green power. Green power is electricity that is generated from environmentally preferable renewable resources, such as wind, solar, geothermal, biogas, biomass, and low-impact hydro. Purchases of green power help accelerate the development of new renewable energy capacity nationwide and help reduce greenhouse gas emissions from the power sector. We deeply appreciate the EPA recognizing Chatham for our commitment to the environment, says Mary Whitney, sustainability coordinator at Chatham. We are honored to receive this title in recognition of our efforts of reducing carbon emissions to zero by the year 2025. Chatham has purchased renewable power since 2002, and now purchases 100 percent of its total electricity usage from a Green-E Certified mix of renewable energy that is primarily wind power. Two grants were recently awarded to Chatham, allowing the installation of solar thermal water heating that is designed to lessen dependence on fossil fuels, reduce the Universitys carbon footprint, and insulate against fluctuating energy costs. The largest installation of its kind in Pennsylvania and the 8th largest solar water heating installation in the United States, according to the U.S. Department of Energys Utility Solar Water Heating Initiative project database, the project incorporates advanced microchannel technology from Solar Tomorrow, Inc. Chathams green initiatives were recognized in 2011 by the Citizens for Pennsylvanias Future. In addition to a successful schoolwide singlestream recycling program, Chatham boasts a composting program and sends waste fat to a regional biodiesel plant. Reflecting Chathams commitment to community involvement in its food, food service provider Parkhurst Dining Services purchases 20 percent of its food from local sources through its FarmSource program and coordinates a community-supported agriculture (CSA) program for the campus. The dining hall provides vegan and vegetarian selections at all meals to accommodate the large population that prefers this lowcarbon diet, as well as to reduce the campus footprint. In addition, eliminating the use of trays in 2009 has resulted in at least a 25 percent reduction of energy and encourages less food waste, and the switch to reusable take-out containers in 2011 has led to additional dramatic waste reduction. Chatham maintains a fleet of biodiesel shuttle busses, which transport students between its Shadyside and Eastside Campuses, as well as to nearby local universities. Chatham is one of the first Pennsylvania employers to offer a $20 a month tax credit to workers who bike for a substantial portion of their commute. The Bicycle Commuter Act tax credit was part of 2008s Emergency Economic Stabilization Act, and Chatham was featured in the Pittsburgh Post-Gazette for its participation. Chatham was also recently became the first university in Pennsylvania to be recognized by the League of American Bicyclists as a Bike Friendly University, receiving the bronze-level designation. Chatham was previously awarded a Bicycle Friendly Business designation by the league.

Feature
Carnegie Mellon Report: Greenhouse Emissions Same As In 1940 In Pittsburgh

Works by famed industrial landscape artist Aaron Gorson are visual reminders of the 1940s, when Pittsburgh was the nation's steelmaking center. Surprisingly, new research from Carnegie Mellon University shows that today's carbon dioxide (CO2) emissions are as low as those of that gritty decade. CMU researchers recently published the first-ever study estimating long-term energy use and carbon dioxide emissions from 1900 to 2000 for a metropolitan area in the U.S. The sobering results suggest a need for beefed up regional strategies to avoid missing the goal of reduced CO2. The research team, led by CMU's Rachel Hoesly and H. Scott Matthews, and Michael Blackhurst of the University of Texas at Austin, found that Allegheny County's emissions (home to Pittsburgh) dropped by about 1 percent per year from 1970 to 2000. However, per capita emissions in 2000 were nearly the same as they were in 1940, according to the report published in Environmental Science and Technology. And although the countywide reductions experienced only approximate those called for by recent climate plans, the researchers point out that the Pittsburgh region experienced some extreme changes far greater than anticipated by the current plans. "Pittsburgh lost most of the energy-intensive metals industry and the jobs that went with that era by the 1980s, which led to a very large reduction in energy and carbon emissions. That's a massive shock to the social and economic structure of the region, far beyond the kinds of incremental changes that other cities are envisioning. And it only reduced the total footprint by 25 percent. Cities will need to develop more rigorous engineering and economic analysis to meet emission goals," said Matthews, a professor of civil and environmental engineering and engineering and public policy at CMU. More than 100 cities and counties in the U.S. have developed climate action plans to reduce greenhouse gas emissions, many of which have set a goal of cutting about 1 percent of greenhouse gas emissions per year. But many environmental experts question whether these action plans are sufficient to curb CO2 linked to climate changes. "The Pittsburgh region is unique. Since 1970, it experienced decreasing carbon emissions coupled with economic changes and population loss, but reducing emissions in most cases involves reversing a long history of growing emission trends. Ultimately, big reductions will require big changes, especially in areas with growing populations," said Hoesly, a Ph.D. student in CMU's Civil and Environmental Engineering Department from Manhattan Beach, Calif. "The fact that the energy footprint per person hasn't changed in 30 years is sobering news for metro areas that want to achieve similar reductions, given the devastating impacts that losing industry and population had on this area," Blackhurst said. Opportunity To Bid On DEP, DCNR Projects The departments of Environmental Protection and Conservation and Natural Resources published notices this week on the opportunity to bid on several projects. DEP published notices on the opportunity to bid on an acid mine drainage control project in Clinton County and an abandoned mine reclamation project in Somerset County.

DCNR published notice on the opportunity to bid on projects in Clinton, Perry and Tioga county.

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. April 30-- Ralph W. Abele Conservation Scholarships April 30-- NEW. WPCAMR/EPCAMR/ARRIPA Watershed Grants May 1-- Keep PA Beautiful Sue Wiseman Student Scholarships May 16-- EPA Chesapeake Bay Local Government Grants May 18-- Wildlands Conservancy Friend Of The Lehigh River May 25-- EPA/American Rivers Potomac Highlands Restoration Grants May 31-- Expedition Chesapeake Student Essay Contest June 8-- NEW. Richard C. Bartlett Environmental Education Award June 29-- DEP Act 101 Recycling Implementation, Waste Planning Grants July 6-- PROP Recycling Film Festival July 31-- DCNR Southcentral PA Natural Resource Protection Grants August 1-- PA Snowmobile Assn. Trail Improvement Grants August 24-- Foundation for PA Watershed Grants September 1-- Erie TreeVitalize Grants October 31-- PA Resources Council Lens On Litter Contest -- Visit the DEP Grants and Loan Programs webpage for more ideas on how to get financial assistance for environmental projects.

Budget/Quick Clips
Here's a selection of NewClips on environmental topics from around the state-Budget States Push Back On Federal Abandoned Mine Reclamation Funds All Counties With Producing Marcellus Wells Adopt Fee Drilling Law Goes Into Effect Bringing Impact Fee, Regulations Drilling Law Means New Money, More Regulations Drillers, Lawmakers Want To Join Impact Fee Lawsuit Editorial: Keystone Fund Delivers Value Slow Drumbeat For Transportation Funding GOP Getting Impatient For Transportation Funding House Lawmaker Says, Politely, Transportation Funding Overdue Business Leaders Press Corbett For Transportation Funding Op-Ed: Legislators Support Wealthy Over Mass Transit Editorial: State Stalls On Battered Road To Nowhere

Pennsylvania To Sell $950 Million In Bonds Moody's Gives Pennsylvania A Negative Outlook Other Stopping Illegal Dumps Presents Daunting Challenge Philly Comes Out To Cleanup Editorial: Keep Your Grub Out Of Garbage Clarks Summit To Celebrate Earth Day Saturday Celebrate Earth Day At PA's Wild And Scenic Film Festival Earth Day Baker Trail Cleanup Hosted By Watershed Group York City Goes Green For Earth Day Celebration Landis Homes Celebrates Earth Day By Living Green Waynesboro Earth Day Celebration By Renfrew Institute Giant Eagle Celebrates Earth Day With Free Reusable Bay Giveaway Op-Ed: On Earth Day, Explore PA's Natural Resources Op-Ed: Dreaming Of A Green Christmas Phillies Go Green This Weekend Just Don't Call It A Smart Meter Forum On Vehicles Using Electric, Natural Gas Set For May 31 PPL Will Rebuild Hydroelectric Plant On Little Lehigh Carnegie Mellon Report Uses History To Improve Sustainability Planning Call For Volunteers To Assist During Emergencies State Ready To Take Over Jeannette Cleanup Ex-Coke Plant Site Seeks Developers Will 15 Percent Ethanol Gas Rev Up Engine Damage Gas Pump Prices Vary State-To-State PA Gasoline Prices Are Dropping Delta Closer To Buying Refinery In Trainer PA Fracking Firm In Lead For Philly Refinery Warren Refinery Thrives While Importing Threatens Others Lancaster Completes Geologic Survey Ex-DEP Claims He Was Fired For Uncovering Fraud Teens Charged With Harassing Nesting Birds Along Susquehanna More Land Donated To Ibberson Conservation Area Erie Area Sees Increase In Butterflies Increases In Fishing License Sales Could Signal Trend Doc Fritchey TU Chapter Launches Tree Planting Tree Planting To Begin At Flight 93 Memorial 150,000 Trees To Dot Flight 93 Memorial Site Eastern PA Forest Fire Under Control After A Week Unlocking Seven Tubs Nature Area Ground Broken For Lake Erie Arboretum Building Retired Doctor Says Black Spots On Fish Could Be Cancer Volunteers Battle To Preserve Local Historic Sites

Marcellus Shale NewsClips

Here are NewsClips on topics related to Marcellus Shale natural gas drilling--Judge Keeps Gas Industry, Republicans Out Of Marcellus Lawsuit All Counties With Producing Marcellus Wells Adopt Fee Drought Curbing Gas Drilling In PA SRBC Suspension Of Water Withdrawals Slows Talisman EPA: 3rd Set Of Dimock Water Tests Show No Concerns EPA Finds Arsenic In 1 Dimock Well, Residents Refuses Water Delivery Drilling Law Goes Into Effect Bringing Impact Fee, Regulations Drilling Law Means New Money, More Regulations Drillers, Lawmakers Want To Join Impact Fee Lawsuit New Law Empowers Marcellus Gas Drillers Controversy Abounds Over New Drilling Law Op-Ed: Go Beyond Drilling Law, Acknowledge Local Needs More Water Protection From Marcellus Shale Suggested Senate Bill Addresses Drilling Law Impact On Doctors PA Health Official Clarifies Position On New Drilling Law Scarnati Aide: Drilling Foes Hijack Drilling Law Disclosure Issue Editorial: Drilling And Public Health DEP Citing Company After Drilling Mud Leaks Into Creek Editorial: EPA Acts For Cleaner Air Gas Drilling Forum Much Less Dramatic This Time Residents Question Safety, Oversight Of Compressor Station PUC: Feds Foil Training Of Pipe Inspectors Drilling Company Disregards Township Order To Stop Work Energy Firm, Beaver County Square Off On Permit Anti-Fracking Activists Protest Aqua America Pumping Station PA Fracking Firm In Lead For Philly Refinery Sunoco Refinery May Have Found At Buyer Gas Drilling Spurs Jobs In Wildlife, Software Shale Industry Welcomes Military Skills Drilling For Jobs Drilling's Economic Impact EPA Issues New Air Quality Rules For Drilling Operations Federal Well Site Waste Rules Find New Fans Financial/Other States Consol Energy: Natural Gas Production Up 13 Percent State Geologists Say Earthquake, Fracking Link Unproven Park Foundation Spends Millions On Anti-Drilling Efforts EQT Shareholders Meeting Disrupted, Inside And Out

Flooding/Watershed NewsClips

Here are NewsClips on watershed topics from around the state-Flooding Residents Frustrated By High Flood Insurance Costs Helping Flood Restoration In Shickshinny Methodist Team Help Rehab Flood-Ravaged Houses Feds: Wilkes-Barre Levee Minimally Acceptable Other Watershed NewsClips Susquehanna River, Tributaries Hit Drought Levels Lack Of Snow, Rain Prompt PA Drought Concerns It's Not A Drought, But... Experts Fret Over Water Levels In Western PA Drought Curbing Gas Drilling In PA SRBC Suspension Of Water Withdrawals Slows Talisman Check U.S.G.S. Drought Monitoring Webpage Chesapeake Bay Gets D+ In New Report Card Krancer Rejects Request To List Susquehanna River As Impaired EPA Director Tours Lycoming Chesapeake Bay Cleanup Efforts Doc Fritchey TU Chapter Launches Tree Planting All Aboard For New Expedition Chesapeake Education Initiative Students Turn Mine Waste Into Tie Dye States Push Back On Federal Abandoned Mine Reclamation Funds Officials Say Dried-Up Lake A Source Of Pollution Group Hears About Presque Isle Bay Improvements Increases In Fishing License Sales Could Signal Trend Water Test Reports Need A Translator Editorial: Control Wastewater By All Sources

Regulations, Technical Guidance & Permits

The Susquehanna River Basin Commission formally published its regulations on the review of water withdrawals related to Marcellus Shale drilling and a notice of a May 10 public hearing on a series of water withdrawal requests for drilling and non-drilling related projects. All the items on the April 17 Environmental Quality Board agenda were approved this week, including: proposed rulemaking on the Triennial Review of Water Quality Standards and measurement and reporting of condensable particulate matter, final rulemaking on noncoal mining fees and consideration of a rulemaking petition concerning the Upper and Middle Delaware River. A process for developing a proposed procedure for the withdrawal of EQB regulations from the regulatory process was discussed, but no action was taken. Pennsylvania Bulletin - April 21, 2012

Proposed Regulations Open For Comment - DEP webpage Proposed Regulations With Closed Comment Periods - DEP webpage DEP Regulatory Agenda - DEP webpage

Technical Guidance & Permits

The Department of Environmental Protection published notice soliciting comments and setting public meeting and a hearing on the Air Quality Plan Approval for Laser Northeast Gathering Company pipeline project in Susquehanna County. DEP also published notice of a draft NPDES General Permit for discharges from Aquatic Animal Production Facilities (PAG-11), notice of a draft NPDES General Permit for discharges from Aquatic Animal Production Facilities in High Quality or Exceptional Value Waters (PAG-14), notice of federal consistency under the Coastal Zone Management Act and a notice extending the public comment period on the Air Quality General Permit for Natural Gas Production and Processing Facilities. 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. April 23-- Agenda Released. DEP State board for Certification of Water and Wastewater Systems Operators. 12th Floor Conference Room, Rachel Carson Building. April 24-- Agenda Released. DEP Mine Families First Response Communications and Advisory Council meeting will be held in First Floor Conference Room, Rachel Carson Building. 9:00. (formal notice) April 25-- Agenda Released. DEP Small Business Compliance Advisory Committee meeting. Emerging Technology Applications Center Facility, Fowler Family Southside Center, 511 East Third St., Bethlehem. 10:00. (formal notice)

April 26-- Agenda Released. DEP Mining and Reclamation Advisory Board meeting. Room 105 Rachel Carson Building. 10:00. May 15-- NEW. House Republican Policy Committee holds a hearing on Marcellus Shale water issues. The Club at Shadow Lakes, Hopewell, Beaver County. 1:00. May 17-- Commonwealth Financing Agency meeting. Hearing Room 1, Keystone Building. 10:30. June 18-- Environmental Issues Forum, Joint Legislative Air and Water Pollution Control and Conservation Committee will feature a presentation by the PA Biomass Energy Association. LTBD. Noon. DEP Calendar of Events Note: The Environmental Education Workshop Calendar is no longer available from the PA Center for Environmental Education because funding for the Center was eliminated in the FY 2011-12 state budget. The PCEE website was also shutdown, but some content was moved to the PA Association of Environmental Educators' website. Senate Committee Schedule House Committee Schedule

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

Stories Invited
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