PAEnvironmentDigest

AnUpdateOnEnvironmentalIssuesInPA
EditedBy:DavidE.Hess,CrisciAssociates
Winner2009PAEEBusinessPartnerOfTheYearAward Harrisburg,PaMay6,2013 Gov.RidgeToBeHonoredBy10,000FriendsForSmartGrowthInitiatives 10,000FriendsofPennsylvaniaishonoringGov.TomRidgewiththe MarkC.SchneiderAwardforhisSmartGrowthinitiativesandto celebratehisaccomplishmentsasGovernoraspartofitsCommonwealth AwardsProgram. AspecialeventwillbeheldonJune19attheCrownePlazain HarrisburgtohonorGov.Ridge. AmongthelandmarkachievementsofGov.Ridge'sgubernatorial administrationwerethecreationofthe21stCenturyEnvironment Commission,theInteragencyLandUseTeam,theGrowingGreenerinitiativeandnumerous departmentalinitiativestopreserveopenspaceandgreenspace,promotesoundlanduse,andreinvest programmaticallyinexistingcommunities. Ashisadministrationadvancedenvironmentaland"green"initiativesbeforetheywere commonplaceandcommonlyaccepted,pleasejoinusinhonoringtheleadership,vision,commitment, anddedication Gov.Ridgehasshownthroughalifetimeofserviceingovernment,asanelectedofficial,andin theprivatesectortothecauseofprotectingandpreservingPennsylvania'snaturalresources,promoting responsiblelanduse,andrevitalizingourexistingcommunities. 10,000Friendsistheleadingstatewidevoiceforgreatplacestoliveandwork.Astheleading advocateforresponsiblelanduse,weworkwithcitizens,organizations,andpublicofficialstocreate landuse,infrastructure,andgovernancepolicies,projects,andpracticesthatprotectourresources, strengthenoureconomy,andimproveourqualityoflife. Thegroupsupportslocalandstategovernmentagencies,regionalandcommunityleaders, privatefirmsandpractitionersworkingtopreserveorbuildgreatplaces. TheMarkC.Schneideraward,formerlyknownsimplyasthe"FriendofPennsylvania"award, is10,000Friends'highesthonor.Theaward,whichhonorstheexemplaryserviceandcontributionsof ourlatefriendandBoardChairman,isexclusiveonlysevenhavebeenawardedsincethe CommonwealthAwardsbeganin2003. TheMarkC.SchneiderAwardisgiven"InRecognitionofExemplaryandOutstanding ContributionstoPoliciesandProjectsthatAdvancetheVisionandMissionof10,000Friendsto ImprovetheQualityofLifeforallPennsylvaniansthroughResponsibleandEfficientLandUse."

DEPReleasesInitialSusquehannaRiverSamplingResults TheDepartmentofEnvironmentalProtectionThursdayreleasedaninitialSusquehannaRiverSampling Report,explainingthelatestresultsfromanaggressivesamplingeffortacrosstheSusquehannaRiver. Workiscontinuingacrossthewatershedthisspringandsummerasthescopeofthestudy broadenstoincludemoretributariesofthethreemainsectionsoftheSusquehannawatershed:the JuniataRiver,MainStemandWestBranchoftheSusquehanna. Theresultsofthe2012reportspeaktothecomplexityofthisissueandtheneedtocontinueto keeppushingforwardwithourpartnersattheFishandBoatCommission,theSusquehannaRiverBasin CommissionandtheU.S.GeologicSurvey,DEPActingSecretaryChrisAbruzzosaid. Werenotataplaceyetwheredatasupportsonetheoryoveranotherasitrelatestothe conditionsexperiencedbythesmallmouthbass,butwereleavingnostoneunturnedaswecontinueto searchforanswers,Abruzzosaid.Waterqualitydatadoesnotatthistimesupportanimpairment designationofthelowerSusquehanna,andsuchadesignationdoesnotcomewithanyguaranteeof federalfundingorresources. SamplingReportWebinar DEPwillholdawebinartodiscusstheresultsonMay9,from2to3p.m.ClickHereto registerforthisevent. The2012report,availableonline,discusseswhatdataDEPbiologistscollectedateightsitesin theSusquehannabasin,twoofwhichwerealongtheJuniataRiver,andatonecontrolsiteinthe DelawareRiver.DEPstaffspent187daysontheriverlastyearcollectinghundredsofsamples. Alldissolvedoxygenlevelsacrosstheeightsiteswereacceptablecomparedwiththecurrent dissolvedoxygencriteria.Phosphorus,nitrogenandnitratelevelswerehigherattheDelawareRiver controlsitethanatanysiteintheSusquehannaRiver.WithintheSusquehannaRiverbasin,sample resultsforthesepollutantswerehigherattheJuniataRiversites. DEPbiologistsalsoappliedanestablishedwaterqualityindexmethodthatusesthenumberand diversityofaquaticinsectsasabarometer.TheresultsindicatetheSusquehannaRivernorthof Harrisburgwaterqualityisbetweenfairandgood,accordingtotheindex,withgreaterrichnessof aquaticlifethantheDelawareRiversite.DEPrecognizesthissamplingmethodandresultsareonlya startingpoint,asmanymoresitesneedtobesampledandthefishcommunityasawholeneedstobe evaluatedthroughouttheriver. SamplestakennearHarrisburgshowthatwaterqualitycanvarygreatlyacrossone crosssectionoftheriver,representativeofthethreelargewaterwaysthatmakeuptheSusquehanna watershed:theJuniataRiver,MainStemandWestBranch. DEPrecentlyannounceditsworkplanfor2013,broadeningthescopeofthestudyandthe 2012sampling.The2013workplanincludesgreaterstudyoftheJuniataandadditionalsamplingacross thetributariesofthethreemajorwaterways. DEPisprovidingregularupdatesonitswebsiteaboutitandPFBCsongoingefforts,which includeanalysisofwaterquality,waterflow,sediment,pesticides,hormones,invertebrates,fishtissue andotherareasofstudy. Portionsofthestudyfocusonareasoftheriveroritstributarieswheresmallmouthbass reproduce. DEPcontinuestowaitforfinalapprovalfromtheU.S.EnvironmentalProtection

Agencyofitsfinal2012IntegratedWatersreport,abiannualassessmentofthestatesriversand streamsthatthefederalCleanWaterActrequires. Thereportdescribesthehealthofvariouswaterwaysinthestateand,whereappropriateand basedonsoundscience,DEPproposeslistingwaterwaysasimpaired. Toreadthereportandformorebackgroundinformation,visitDEPsSusquehannaRiver Samplingwebpage. IndependentFiscalOffice:PAFaces$520MillionDeficitInCraftingFY201314Budget TheIndependentFiscalOfficeissueditslateststaterevenueestimatesWednesdaysayingbudget makerswillfacea$520milliondeficitindevelopingtheFY201314statebudgeta$242million deficitfromFY201213anda$278milliondeficitinFY201314. TheGovernorsBudgetOfficepredicteda$238millionsurplusfromFY201213andahigher growingrateinFY201314leadingtomorerevenue. Pennsylvaniacollected$3.6billioninGeneralFundrevenueinApril,whichwas$31.7million, or0.9percent,morethananticipated,SecretaryofRevenueDanMeuserreportedWednesday.Fiscal yeartodateGeneralFundcollectionstotal$23.9billion,whichis$67.2million,or0.3percent,above estimate. AspokepersonfortheDepartmentofRevenueagreeditwasnowunlikelytheAdministrations predictionofanFY201213budgetsurpluswillmaterialize,butsaidtheydonotknowwhatthe numberwillbe.Shesaidtheyaretakinganotherlookatthenumbers. Sen.JakeCorman(RCentre),MajorityChairoftheSenateAppropriationsCommittee,said hethoughttherewouldbenosurplusfromFY201213anditpresentsthebudgetnegotiatorswiththe challengeofmakingmorecutsoraddingrevenuetomeettheGovernorsprojectednumbers. Sen.Cormanaddedthismakesitevenmoredifficulttoconsideranyadditionaleducation fundingorexpandingMedicaid.Inaddition,hesaidthecompletephaseoutoftheCapitalStockand FranchiseTaxmaywellbedelayed. Pensionreformisalsoanothermajorissue.Gov.CorbettsbudgetassumestheGeneral Assemblywillenactpensionreformlegislationandincludedanover$300millionsavingsinhisbudget basedonthatassumption. ThenextrevenueestimatebytheIFOwillcomeonJune17. ClickHereforacopyofthefullreport.ClickHereforacopyoftheIFOpresentation. NewsClips: IndependentFiscalOfficeForecasts$520MillionShortfall StateRevenueGrowthNotPanningOut StateRevenuePictureNotLookingAsRosy DidYouKnowYouCanSearch8YearsOfDigestsOnAnyTopic? Didyouknowyoucansearch8yearsofbackissuesofthePAEnvironmentDigestondozensof topics,bycountyandonanykeywordyouchoose.Justclickonthesearchpage.

AlsotakeadvantageoftheserelatedservicesfromCrisciAssociates PAEnvironmentDigestTwitterFeed:OnTwitter,signuptoreceiveinstantupdatesfrom: PAEnviroDigest. PAEnvironmentDailyBlog:providesdailyenvironmentalNewsClipsandsignificantstoriesand announcementsonenvironmentaltopicsinPennsylvaniaofimmediatevalue.Signupandreceiveas theyarepostedupdatesthroughyourfavoriteRSSreader.Youcanalsosignupforaoncedailyemail alertingyoutonewitemspostedonthisblog. PAEnvironmentDigestVideoBlog:showcasesoriginalandpublishedvideosfromenvironmental groupsandagenciesaroundthestate.Signuptoreceiveastheyarepostedupdatesthroughyour favoriteRSSread.Youcanalsosignupforaoncedailyemailalertingyoutonewitemspostedonthis blog. PACapitolDigestDailyBlogtogetupdateseverydayonPennsylvaniaStateGovernment,including NewsClips,coverageofkeypressconferencesandmore.Signupandreceiveastheyareposted updatesthroughyourfavoriteRSSreader.Youcanalsosignupforaoncedailyemailalertingyouto newitemspostedonthisblog. PACapitolDigestTwitterFeed:Don'tforgettosignuptoreceivethePACapitolDigestTwitterfeed togetinstantupdatesonothernewsfrominandaroundthePennsylvaniaStateCapitol. Senate/HouseAgenda/SessionSchedule/BillsIntroduced HerearetheSenateandHouseCalendarsandCommitteemeetingsshowingbillsofinterestaswellasa listofnewenvironmentalbillsintroduced SessionSchedule HereisthelatestvotingsessionschedulefortheSenateandHouse Senate May6,7,8,9,13,14 June3,4,5,10,11,12,17,18,19,24,25,26,27,28 House May6,7,8,13,14,15 June3,4,5,10,11,12,17,18,19,20,24,25,26,27,28 BillCalendars

House(May6):HouseBill302(MoulRAdams)transferringfundsfromtheOilandGasLeaseFund toDEPforacompetitivegrantprogramtoconvertsmallmasstransitbusfleetstonaturalgasHouse Bill303(MoulRAdams)transferringfundsfromtheOilandGasLeaseFundtoDEPforacompetitive grantprogramtoconvertlargemasstransitfleetstonaturalgasHouseBill304(MarshallRBeaver) fundingconversionsoftransitbusestonaturalgasHouseBill306(PickettRBradford)redirectingthe AlternativeFuelsIncentiveFundtocreatetheKeystoneFuelIncentiveProgramtofundconversionsof vehiclestonaturalgasHouseBill308(SaylorRYork)redirecting$6millionannuallyfromtheClean AirFundtofinancevehicleconversionstonaturalgasHouseResolution129(CauserRForest) directingtheLegislativeBudgetandFinanceCommitteetoinvestigatecombiningtheGameandFishand BoatCommissions.<>ClickHereforfullHouseBillCalendar. Senate(May6):SenateBill738(YawRLycoming)providingfornaturalgasdistributionsystem extension,expansionplansandSenateBill739(YawRLycoming)authorizingtheCommonwealth FinancingAuthoritytoprovide$15millionforschool,hospital,smallbusinessestoobtainaccessto naturalgas.<>ClickHereforfullSenateBillCalendar. CommitteeMeetingAgendasThisWeek House:theConsumerAffairsCommitteemeetstoconsiderHouseBill1047(GodshallR Montgomery)repealthesunsetprovisionsonChapter14relatedtoutilityterminationandreconnection, HouseBill1188(PayneRDauphin)providingforadjustmentstothecostofnaturalgas.<>Click HereforfullHouseCommitteeSchedule. Senate:theConsumerProtectionandProfessionalLicensureCommitteeholdsahearingon utilitystormresponse.<>ClickHereforfullSenateCommitteeSchedule. Other:EnvironmentalIssuesForumbytheJointLegislativeAirandWaterPollutionControland ConservationCommitteefeaturingFishandBoatCommissionExecutiveDirectorJohnArwaywitha presentationentitledFishandBoatCommissionFiscalSlope:SpendingReallocationPlanandRevenue GeneratingOptions. BillsPendingInKeyCommittees HerearelinkstokeyStandingCommitteesintheHouseandSenateandthebillspendingineach House Appropriations Education EnvironmentalResourcesandEnergy ConsumerAffairs GamingOversight HumanServices Judiciary

LiquorControl Transportation LinksforallotherStandingHouseCommittees Senate Appropriations EnvironmentalResourcesandEnergy ConsumerProtectionandProfessionalLicensure Community,EconomicandRecreationalDevelopment Education Judiciary LawandJustice PublicHealthandWelfare Transportation LinksforallotherStandingSenateCommittees BillsIntroduced Thefollowingbillsofinterestwereintroducedthisweek TransportationFunding:SenateBill1(RaffertyRMontgomery)acomprehensivetransportation fundingplanwhichraisesabout$2.6billioninannualfundingbyFY201718summary.

Senate/HouseBillsMoving
ThefollowingbillsofinterestsawactionthisweekintheHouseandSenate Senate LymeDisease:SenateBill177(GreenleafRMontgomery)establishingataskforceonLyme diseaseandrelatedmaladieswaspassedbytheSenateandnowgoestotheHouseforconsideration. AsummaryandSenateFiscalNoteareavailable. CapitalBudget:SenateBill680(CormanRCentre)itemizedprojectlistforFY201213Capital BudgetwasamendedontheSenateFloorandpassedbytheSenate.AsummaryandSenateFiscal Noteareavailable.ThebillnowgoestotheHouseforconsideration. NaturalGasServiceExtension:SenateBill738(YawRLycoming)providingfornaturalgas distributionsystemextension,expansionplansandSenateBill739(YawRLycoming)authorizingthe CommonwealthFinancingAuthoritytoprovide$15millionforschool,hospital,smallbusinessesto obtainaccesstonaturalgaswerebothamendedandreportedoutoftheSenateEnvironmental ResourcesandEnergyCommitteeandarenowontheSenateCalendarforaction.

NewsFromTheCapitol
SenateEnvironmentalCommitteeApprovesNaturalGasServiceAreaExtensionBills TheSenateEnvironmentalResourcesandEnergyCommitteeWednesdayapprovedtwobillsdesigned tomakenaturalgasserviceavailabletomorePennsylvanians,accordingtoSen.GeneYaw (RLycoming),MajorityChairoftheSenateEnvironmentalResourcesandEnergyCommittee.The billsinclude SenateBill738(YawRLycoming)providingfornaturalgasdistributionsystemextension,expansion plansand SenateBill739(YawRLycoming)authorizingtheCommonwealthFinancingAuthoritytoprovide $15millionforschool,hospital,smallbusinessestoobtainaccesstonaturalgas ThislegislationwillprovidePennsylvaniahomeowners,businesses,schoolsandhospitalswith analternativetotheircurrentheatingsourcebyencouragingnaturalgasutilitiestoidentifyareasthatare presentlynotservedbynaturalgasandexpandorextendinfrastructureintothoseareas,Sen.Yaw said.Improvingtheaccessibilityandavailabilityofnaturalgasservicethroughoutthestatewillgive moreresidentstheopportunitytobenefitfromthislowcostfuel.Itwouldbeanoption,notamandate, forthemtousenaturalgasortoswitchfromtheircurrentheatingsource. PennsylvaniaisfortunatetohaveanabundanceofaffordablenaturalgasintheMarcellusShale formation,saidSen.DominicPileggi(RDelaware)acosponsorofthebills.Thesebillsmakesmart investmentswhichwillcutcostsforhomeownersbyallowingthemtotakeadvantageofthisnewenergy supply.Thebillswillalsoencourageeconomicgrowthbygivingthatsameopportunitytobusinessesand nonprofitorganizationsallacrossPennsylvania. SenateBill738,knownastheNaturalGasConsumerAccessAct,willrequireeverynaturalgas distributionutilityoperatinginPennsylvaniatosubmitathreeyearplantothePublicUtilityCommission, outliningtheutilitysplansforextensionandexpansionprojects.ThePUCwillhavetheoptiontoreject, reviseorordertheutilitytosubmitarevisedplanforadequacyandcompletenessanddoperiodic reviews. SenateBill738willalsocreateasystemprovidingforexpeditedextensionorexpansion projectsifaneconomicdevelopmentagencyoralargenumberofresidential,commercialorindustrial entitieswanttoseektoobtainnaturalgasservice. SenateBill739willamendtheAlternativeEnergyInvestmentActtoprovidefor$15millionfor grantstoschools,hospitalsandsmallbusinessestoobtainaccesstonaturalgasservice.Thefundingwill comefromexisting,underutilizedprograms.GrantsmadeunderSenateBill739mayprovideuptohalf ofthecostofaproject. Thereiswidespreadinterestinseeinglocallyproducednaturalgasusedlocallytobenefitour areabusinessesandhomeowners,Sen.Yawadded.Sen.PileggiandIcommendtheCommitteefor approvingthesebills. ThebillsnowgotothefullSenateforconsideration. Sen.JohnYudichak(DLuzerne)servesasMinorityChairoftheCommittee. NewsClips:

NaturalGasServiceBillsClearSenatePanel SenatePanelApprovesNaturalGasServiceExpansionBills Sen.FerloAnnouncesLegislationEnactingAShaleDrillingMoratorium Sen.JimFerlo(DAllegheny)announcedhisintentiontointroducelegislationtoenactamoratoriumon shalegasdrillingTuesdayatarallywhereadvocatesdelivered100,000signedpetitionstoGov. Corbett. "Iamproudtobetheprimesponsoroflegislationwhichwillclosedownfrackingoperationsso thattheirenvironmentaleffectscanbestudiedinanunbiasedfashion.Wehavebeenforcedtostandby andwatchwhileourwater,air,andlandhavebeenravagedbyoilandgasdevelopment,andwemust takeastepbacktodeliberatelyandthoughtfullydirectourpathintothefuture,Sen.Ferloremarked. Sen.FerlocirculatedacosponsorshipmemotohisSenatecolleaguesonTuesdayaskingthem tojoinhisefforttoestablishatemporarynaturalgasdrillingmoratorium.Thebillwouldprohibitthe DepartmentofEnvironmentalProtectionfromissuingnewpermitsandpreventingdrillingatsiteswhere permitsweregranted,butwheredrillinghasnotyetbegun. Anunbiased,nonpartisanstudycommissionwouldbeestablishedunderthelegislation,andthey wouldaddressnumerousissueswhichhavearisenasaresultofdrillingintheCommonwealth,including: protectionofrivers,streamsanddrinkingwaterairqualityregulationspermittingandinspection standardspropertyrightsoflandownersandlesseesandthecumulativeimpactofexistingand proposeddrilling. Theindustrialcapitalismoftheoilandgasindustryhashadlasting,deleteriouseffectsonour Commonwealth.We,ascitizens,havespentbillionsinbothpublicandprivatefundstocopewiththe falloutfromthefossilfuelmininganddrillingindustry.Notonlyhavewepaidthepricewithour hardearneddollars,wehavepaidthepricewithourhealth,withourland,withourcrops,withour animals,andevenwithourlives,Sen.Ferlowentontosay. Speakersincludingmembersofthefaith,environmental,andpublichealthadvocacy communitiesjoinedtogetherinsupportofSen.FerlosmoratoriumlegislationonTuesday.Aformergas drillingworkeralsospokewithconvictionabouthisownpersonalsufferingandthepainandloss experiencedbyotherworkers. Activistsdeliveredpetitionssignedby100,000citizenstotheGovernorsOfficeatthe conclusionoftherally. GeneraldrillingmoratoriumbillshaveneverseenactionintheGeneralAssembly,evenunder Gov.RendellandaDemocraticallycontrolledHouse. TheonlyexceptionsweretheDemocraticHousedidpassamoratoriumonfurtherleasingof stateforestlandsin2010andtheRepublicanSenateandHousepassedamoratoriumondevelopment oftheNewarkShaledepositsintheSoutheastaspartoflastyear'sbudgetpackage. ButinthosecasesanexecutiveorderbyGov.Rendellafewdaysbeforethe2010 gubernatorialelectionimposedamoratoriumonleasingmorestateforestlandthatremainsinplace todayandnooneatpresentisseriouslyproposingtodeveloptheNewarkShales. Sen.YudichakTalksAboutJobCreationPotentialOfMarcellusShale

Sen.JohnYudichak(DLuzerne),MinorityChairoftheSenateEnvironmentalResourcesandEnergy Committee,ThursdayspokeabouttheopportunitiesforNortheasternPennsylvaniabusinessesto expandandcreatejobsbypartneringwithPennsylvania'sMarcellusshaleindustry. Sen.YudichakwasoneofthemanyspeakerstotakepartintheEnergyDayinNEPAeventat theHiltonHotelandConferenceCenterinDowntownScranton.Theeventgavelocalbusinessesan opportunitytointeractwithindustryexpertsandfindoutmoreinformationondoingbusinesswithshale companiesandunderstandingthesupplychainprocess. "TherearefewbetteropportunitiestospureconomicdevelopmentandputNEPAfamiliesback toworkthantheonesavailableintheMarcellusShaleindustry,"Sen.Yudichaksaid."Itisestimated thatittakesmorethan400individualswithinnearly150differentoccupationstocompleteandproduce gasfromaMarcelluswellproofthattherearemanydifferentwaysforNEPAbusinessestogrow alongwiththeindustry." Yesterday,theSenateEnvironmentalResourcesandEnergyCommitteeapprovedtwobills SenateBill738(YawRLycoming)andSenateBill739(YawRLycoming)whichaimtoextendand expandnaturalgasdistributionsystemstounservedandunderservedresidential,commercialand industrialsites. Sen.Yudichak,theDemocraticchairmanofthecommittee,votedforthebillsbutplanstooffer anamendmentsothatthebillreflectsmoreofapublic/privatepartnershiptosharethecostofnatural gasexpansion. "Therearegreateconomicandenvironmentalbenefitsthatcanresultfromtheincreaseduseof Pennsylvaniaproducednaturalgasbutwecannotasthebillcurrentlyreadsmakeconsumersfoot themajorityofthecostsassociatedwithexpansion,"Sen.Yudichaksaid."Myamendmentwouldoffer financialincentivestonaturalgasutilitycompaniestoencouragetheexpansionofnaturalgaslinesto underservedareasandtokeeptheconsumercostsdown." EnergyDayinNEPAwascohostedbytheregionalchambersofcommerceAmerica's NaturalGasAlliancetheAmericanPetroleumInstitutetheMarcellusShaleCoalitionandthePA IndependentOil&GasAssociation. PECUrgesQuickActionOnRegulationsImplementingDrillingLawToHouseCommittee ThePennsylvaniaEnvironmentalCouncilThursdaytestifiedbeforetheHouseDemocraticPolicy Committeeregulationsimplementingthedrillinglawpassedlastyearshouldbeexpeditedtoprovide additionalenvironmentalprotectionmeasuresfortheenvironment,accordingtoJohnWalliser,vice presidentforLegalandGovernmentalAffairs. WalliseralsosaidthenewlycreatedCenterforSustainableShaleDevelopment,apartnership betweenthedrillingindustryandPECandotherenvironmentalgroups,isdevelopingenvironmental protectionbestpracticeswhichgobeyondstatelawsandregulations. PECstestimonyalsoaddressedaseriesofotherissues:drillingwatermanagementplans,well sitingsetbacks,wateruseinwelloperations,useofwaterimpoundments,monitoringofdrinkingwater supplies,frackingchemicaldisclosure,onsitedisposalofdrillcuttings,disposalofwastefluidsandthe adequacyofDEPsstaffingandbudgetlevelswhichhavebeenconsistentlycutforadecade. Commentingonthehearing,Rep.GregVitali(DDelaware),MinorityChairoftheHouse EnvironmentalResourcesandEnergyCommitteesaid,"Wegatheredexpertsinfourkeyareaswater,

air,surfaceandpublicdisclosuretogiveusdirection.Nowwehavetoanalyzetheirtestimonyand craftitintolegislationandpolicy." Othertestifiersatthehearingincluded:JohnHanger,formerDEPSecretaryandannounced candidatefortheDemocraticnominationforGovernorwho,duringtheRendellAdministration, consistentlycutDEPstaffandbudgetforeightyearsinarowandfurloughedagencystaffPennFuture PolicyDirectorSteveStromanCleanAirCouncilattorneyJayDuffyPennsylvaniaSierraClub ConservationChairmanTomAu,LafayetteCollegeGeologyProfessorDruGermanoski,Kevin HeatleyfromResponsibleDrillingAlliance,environmentalattorneyLaurenWilliamsJillKriesky, associatedirectoroftheSouthwesternPAEnvironmentalHealthProjectandUniversityofPittsburgh GraduateSchoolofPublicHealthProfessorEmeritusDr.BernieGoldstein. Representativesoftheoilandgasindustry,thedepartmentsofEnvironmentalProtectionand ConservationandNaturalResourceswereinvitedtotestify,butdeclined. AcopyofPECstestimonyisavailableonline.ClickHereforacopyofalltestimonypresented atthehearing. NewsClip:CriticsWantMoreOversightOfGasIndustryFromHealthDept.

NewsFromAroundTheState
ChesterCountyDistrictReceivesDelawareWaterResourcesAssociationAward TheChesterCountyConservationDistrictreceivedtheGovernmentAwardfromtheWaterResources AssociationoftheDelawareRiverBasinonApril17attheDowntownClubinPhiladelphia. TheDistrictreceivedtheawardforexcellenceinimplementingprogramstoaddressnatural resourceconservationissuesbypromotingthesustainableuseofthoseresourcestothecitizensof ChesterCountythrougheducationandtechnicalassistance. ChristianE.StrohmaieracceptedtheawardasDistrictManagerandonbehalfoftheBoardof Directors.UnitedWaternominatedtheDistrictfortheprestigiousaward. UnitedWaterandtheCityofNewark,DEworkedwiththeDistrictandlocalfarmer,Barclay Hoopes,toinstallbestmanagementpracticesonthefarm.UWsinterestinprovidingfundingforthis workarosefromaneedtoreducelevelsofCryptosporidium(aharmfulparasitethatlivesinthe excrementofwarmbloodedmammals)fromenteringthewatersupply. Asaresult,approximately1500linearfeetofstreambankfencing,oneacreofriparianforest buffer,twolivestockcrossings,andonewateraccesswereinstalled.TheseBMPswillreduceexcess manurefromenteringthestreamandsignificantlyreducestreambankerosion. NatureAboundsCelebrates5YearAnniversary NatureAbounds,aCentralPennsylvaniabasednationalnonprofitorganizationwiththefocuson bringingpeopletogetherforahealthyplanet,celebratedtheirfiveyearanniversaryonMay1aswellas theimpacttheyhavemadeinthatshorttime. "NatureAboundslaunchedourfirsttwosignatureopportunities,IceWatchUSAandWatchthe Wild,inlate2008andinMarch2009,respectively.Bothopportunitiesgetpeopleoutsideandengaged

intheircommunitieswhilealsocollectinginformationonwildlife,weather,andseasonalchanges,tothen beanalyzedforenvironmentalindicatorssuchasclimatechange.Todate,wehavevolunteersinallfifty statesengaged",saidNatureAboundsPresidentMelindaHughesWert. Inearly2010,NatureAboundsenteredintoacontractwiththeUSEnvironmentalProtection Agency,andinconjunctionwiththeDepartmentofEnvironmentalProtection,torevitalizeandexpand thePennsylvaniaSeniorEnvironmentCorps,aprogramthathadlostitsfundinganditscoordinating agency. Threeyearslatertheprogramisonceagainthriving,withSECvolunteersengagedin twentyonePennsylvaniaCounties.ThisyeartheprogramhasalsoexpandedintoMaryland,andthere arealsoSECsinAlabama,Florida,andMontana. NatureAboundswillaccepta2013WesternPennsylvaniaEnvironmentalAwardfortheSEC programonMay23attheWestinConventionCenterHotelindowntownPittsburgh. NatureAboundshasbeenactiveonmanyenvironmentalaspects.TheyheldtwoForest Summitsin2012,oneinClearfieldCountyandoneinPhiladelphia.They'vealsoheldseveralcleanups. Thisyear,workingwithcitizensandofficialsaroundtheLakeErieBasinonClimateChange. Amongsomeoftheotherissuesthey'vebeenmostactiveoverthelastfewyearsinclude:the ChesapeakeBay,theGreatLakesRegion,fracking,geneticallymodifiedfoodlabels,turtleawareness, invasivefloraandfauna,wildlifeissues,oilspills,andmore. HughesWertcontinued,"Inourfiveyearhistory,NatureAboundshasalreadyengaged3,500 citizensinbeinggoodstewardsofournaturalworld.Wereallyareachievingwhatwesetoutto do...bringingpeopletogetherforahealthyplanet." Formoreinformation,visittheNatureAboundswebsiteorcall8147651453.Nature AboundsisbasedinDuBois,Pa. WesternPAConservancysAlleghenyRiverSojournJune1 TheWesternPAConservancywillhosttheAlleghenyRiverSojournonJune1,thisyearwiththetheme BacktotheAllegheny:AFloatThroughTimewhichwillincludeactivitiesandpresentationsthatwill exploretheregionshistory,presentandfuture. TheupperAlleghenyRivermeandersthroughtownssuchasWarren,IrvineandTidioute,Pa.,a regionthatwasthesiteofNativeAmericansettlements,Europeanimmigration,thefirstmanmadeoil wellandtheKinzuaDam.Thiscombinationofculturalandecologicalheritagehasshapedthepresent stateoftheAlleghenyRiver. Participantsarewelcometoregisterfortheeventatthecostof$65perperson.A$65 registrationfeeincludesmeals,snacksandwater,canoerental,shuttlingfortheeventandeducational programs. RegistrationrunsthroughMay16. SponsorsforthesojournincludePAOrganizationforWatershedsandRivers,Allegheny OutfittersandtheWesternPAConservancy. Onlineregistrationisavailable.ClickHeretolearnthedatesandtimesforotherriversojourns inPennsylvania. AlcoaRecycledArtCANtestWinnersAnnouncedByPAResourcesCouncil

The1stAnnualAlcoaRecycledArtCANtestwinnershavebeenannouncedbythePAResources Councilthisweek. StudentsfromalloverSouthwesternPennsylvaniacreatedworksofarttoemphasisthe importanceofrecyclingspecificallyaluminumcans!Grades1through8wereaskedtocreatea posterthateitherencouragesschools,communities,and/orthepublictorecyclespecificallyaluminum cansorcreateaposterthatshowstheenvironmentalbenefitsofrecyclingaluminumcans. Highschoolstudentsweretaskedwithcreatingsculpturesoutofaluminumcans.Wereceiveda lotofgreatentriesandourjudgeshadadifficulttimedecidingonthewinners. PosterCANtestWinners: 1stthrough3rdgradeLowerElementary,AlexisWolfePittsburghGiftedCenter 4ththrough5thgradeUpperElementary,KatieSpalloneNorveltElementary 6ththrough8thgradeMiddleSchool,JennaMorettiSouthBrookMiddleSchool RecycledArtCANtestSculptureWinner: 9ththrough12thgradeHighSchoolTiaBradleyValleyHighSchool YoucanseethewinningpostersbyvisitingthePRCwebsite.Thankyoutoallwho participated,students,teachersand,ofcourse,theAlcoaFoundationformakingtheCANtestpossible. 2.2TonsOfTrashRemovedInKeepWashingtonCountyBeautifulCleanup IncelebrationofEarthDay,onApril22,KeepWashingtonCounty Beautiful,anaffiliateofKeepPennsylvaniaBeautiful,partneredwith MarkWestLibertyMidstream&Resources,LLCfora70person volunteerroadsidecleanup. Onagorgeousspringday,thevolunteersworkeddiligently toremovelitterfromapproximately10milesofroadalongState Route519(beginningwiththeintersectionfromPikeStreetin HoustontotheintersectionwithStateRoute50inHickory), approximately1.5milesofroadalongMeddings,and1.5miles alongPaxtonRoadbothinChartiersTownship. PolicefromChartiersandMt.PleasantTownshipprovidedtrafficcontroltoensurethe volunteerssafety.ChartiersTownshipPublicWorksDepartmentcrewspickedupthecollectedtrash bagsthatcontainedatotalof2.2tonsoftrashremovedaswellas81tires. ThepartnershipeffortsbetweenKeepWashingtonCountyBeautiful,KeepPennsylvania Beautiful,ChartiersTownship,MountPleasantTownship,andMarkWestenabledthiscleanuptobe themostsuccessfulvolunteerroadsidecleanupsincetheinceptionofKeepWashingtonCounty BeautifulbackinJulyof2009. ThiscleanupalsoranksasoneofthetopcleanupsinthestateforEarthDaythisyearfor numberofvolunteersandmilesofroadsidecleaned. QuehannaBootCampLitterCrewHelpsInGreatAmericanCleanupofPA QuehannaBootCampsCommunityWorkPrograminClearfieldCountywillparticipateintheGreat

AmericanCleanupofPAbyremovinglitterfromlocalhighwaysonMay6throughMay10,2013, prisonSuperintendentStevenGluntannouncedTuesday. TheCommunityWorksProgramengagesinmatesinworkprojectsthatbenefitnonprofit organizations,localcommunities,andotherstateagencies.Theworkcrewiscomprisedofinmateswho aresupervisedbyaDepartmentofCorrectionsstaffmember. Oneofthemostrecognizableprojectsistheworkdonebycrewspickinguplitteralongthe stateshighways.FromJuly2003throughJune2012,stateprisoninmateshaveworked1,227,090 hourstokeeptheroadsidesclearofdebris. The2013GreatAmericanCleanupofPAhasbegunMarch1andwillendonMay31. CentreCountyCollectsNearly45,000PoundsInHouseholdHazardousWasteEvent Folksfrom876householdstookadvantageofCentreCountysHouseholdHazardousWaste CollectionProgramthisweekendattheCentreCountyRecycling&RefuseAuthority. Approximately44,893poundsofmaterialwascollectedduringthe2dayevent.Inall,827 vehiclesbroughthazardouschemicalsfrom876households.Residentsfrom33ofthecountys35 municipalitiesparticipated.Wealsohadafewdozenpeopledriveinfromoutofcountytoparticipate. VolunteersfromPennStateEnvironmentalHealthandSafetywereonsitetoassistinchecking vehiclesandtheAlphaFirePolicehelpedwithdirectingtraffic. TheeventwascosponsoredbyCentreCountyRecycling&RefuseAuthority,theDepartment ofEnvironmentalProtectionandtheDepartmentofAgriculture.MXIofVirginiawasthesuccessful contractor. CentreCountyresidentsshowedupinforceandreallyshowedtheirenvironmentalcaring. saidJoanneShafer,CentreCountysDeputyExecutiveDirector/RecyclingCoordinator.Theamount ofparticipantswasupfromlastyear,showingthatCentreCountianshavereallyembracedthereduce, reuse,recycleethic.Everymethodoftransportationwasusedfrombicycle,tomotorcycle,tocarsto minivanstohelpreducethecarbonfootprint.Manyneighborshelpingneighborswereevident. Collectionanddisposalcostsofall44,893poundswillbesplitbetweentheHousehold HazardousWasteFund,DEP&CHEMSWEEP.Weevencollectedoverahalfoftonofcardboard duringtheevent. EmployeesvolunteeredtoselltheDelectableDelightsfromtheDumpcookbooksandsold75 duringthetwodaysaswellascollectedover$500indonationswhichwillallbedonatedtothechildren ofSammyBoob. Ifyoumissedthiscollection,lookforinformationnextspring.TheCentreCountyRecycling& RefuseAuthoritywillbeholdinganotherHouseholdHazardousWasteCollectionEventin2014. AttorneyGeneralFilesIllegalDumpingChargesInNorthamptonCounty AttorneyGeneralKathleenG.KaneannouncedTuesdaychargeshavebeenfiledagainstaNewJersey manandthreeNewJerseybusinesses,accusedofdumpingcontaminatedsoilattwolocationsin NorthamptonCounty. KanesaidthatArthurFletcher,ofBayonne,NewJersey,disposedofsoilfromtheexcavation ofaformergasstationintheBronx,NY,byillegallydumpingitattwolocationsinthePoconosWind

GapandBangorBorough. Accordingtothecriminalcomplaint,Fletcherconvincedtwolandownersthathewasgoingto buytheproperties,filltheminwithcleanfill,installlandscapingandsolarpanels,andoperatearecycled soilbusiness. Fletchersignedagreementsofsaleforbothpropertiesbutnevermadeanypayments,according toinvestigators.Fletcher,withoutthepermissionoftheowners,allegedlybroughtthefilltothesesites anddumpedthecontaminatedsoil. OfficialsfromtheDepartmentofEnvironmentalProtectionwarnedFletcherseveraltimesthathe wasnotallowedtodumpanythinginPennsylvaniawithoutapermit,accordingtoinvestigators. However,trucksfromIke'sEnterprises,LLC,CuencaCoronelTruckingInc.,andJ&JBrothers Truckingallegedlycontinuedtodumpillegally. ThepropertywhereFletcherandthetruckingcompaniesdumpedinBangorBoroughisowned bytheBangorBoroughMunicipalAuthority.Officialssayiteventuallycost$50,000tocleanupthe contaminatedsoil,aprocessknownasremediation. KanethankedtheDEPfortheirassistancewiththeinvestigation. Asummaryofthechargesisavailableonline. NewsClip:NJBusinessmanChargedWithDumping 10PACommunitiesReceiveCocaColaRecyclingBinGrants KeepAmericaBeautifulandCocaColaannouncedtherecipientsofrecyclingbinsdesignedspecifically forplacementatpublicspacesandschoolsanduniversities.Therecyclingbinsarethankstoagrant madepossiblebyKeepAmericaBeautifulandTheCocaColaFoundation. TherewereatotaloftenrecipientsinPennsylvania.Therecipientsinclude: BoroughofGreenTree,Pittsburgh BoroughofMalvern,Malvern BoroughofMunhall,Munhall CambriaCountySolidWasteAuthority,Ebensburg CookWissahickonElementary,Philadelphia HumanServicesCenter,NewCastle MCTIInteractClub,Bartonsville PennTownship,ChesterCounty,WestGrove WestDonegalTownship,Elizabethtown WyalusingAreaSchoolDistrict,Wyalusing KeepAmericaBeautifulandCocaColawereverygeneroustoPennsylvaniaorganizations, municipalities,andschools,saidKeepPennsylvaniaBeautifulPresident,ShannonReiter.These grantswillplayakeyroleinnotonlyimprovingrecyclinginourcommunitiesbutalsowillleverage additionalinvestmentinpublicspacerecyclingacrosstheCommonwealth. ThroughoursupportoftheBinGrantprogramandourlongstandingpartnershipwithKeep AmericaBeautiful,wearehelpingtobringsustainabilitytolifeinlocalcommunitiesacrossthecountry, saidLoriGeorgeBillingsley,vicepresident,communityrelations,CocaColaNorthAmericaGroup. Byincreasingaccesstorecyclingtoday,webuildsustainablecommunitiesforthefuture.

Oneofthemainbarrierstorecyclingisconvenience.Providingarecyclingbinhelps communitiesovercomethatbarrier,saidMatthewM.McKenna,presidentandCEO,KeepAmerica Beautiful.WearetrulygratefulforCocaColassupportandcommitmenttorecycling,andforits supportandcommitmentoftheBinGrantProgram. ThetenPennsylvaniarecipientswereoneof156localgovernment,schools,collegesandother communitygroupsnationwidetoreceiveagrant.RecipientswerechosenbyKeepAmericaBeautiful basedonanumberofcriteriaincludinglevelofneed,recyclingexperienceandtheabilityofapplicants tosustaintheirprograminthefuture. TheBinGrantprogramawardsrecyclingbinsdirectlytorecipientsandleveragesvolumebuying discounts.Initssevenyearsofoperation,theBinGrantprogramhasplacedmorethan29,000recycling binsinmorethan500communitiesin48statesandtheDistrictofColumbia. Formoreinformation,visittheRecyclingBinGrantProgramwebpage. DEPAnnouncesAirQualityAwarenessWeek PennsylvaniawilljoinstatesacrossthenationthisweekinrecognizingApril29throughMay3asAir QualityAwarenessWeek. AirQualityPartnershipteamsacrossthestatewillhosteventstoteachthepublichowtostay safeonairqualityactiondaysandhowtoreduceairpollution.TheDepartmentofEnvironmental Protectionswebsitelistsdetailsofvariousevents. Throughsmartandsensiblepolicies,wevecontinuedtoseeairqualityimproveacrossthe state,DEPActingSecretaryChrisAbruzzosaid.Buttherearestillsomedayswhentheairqualityis poor,andsoweworkwithourpartnerstoforecastandadvisePennsylvanianstotakeprecautions. DEPmakesairqualityforecastsforfineparticulatematteryearroundandforozoneinthe springandsummermonths.AirQualityAwarenessWeekwillmarkthereturnofozoneforecastingin Pennsylvaniafor2013. Theforecasts,developedinconjunctionwithlocalAirQualityPartnerships,useacolorbased airqualityindex.Greensignifiesgoodyellowmeansmoderateorangerepresentspollutionlevelsthat couldtriggerhealtheffectsforsensitivepeople,suchastheveryyoung,theelderlyandthosewith respiratoryailmentsandredwarnsofpollutionlevelsthatcouldtriggerhealtheffectsforallmembersof thepopulation. TheseforecastsareprovidedincooperationwiththeAirQualityPartnershipoftheDelaware Valley,theSouthwestPennsylvaniaAirQualityPartnership,theLehighValley/BerksAirQuality PartnershipandtheSusquehannaValleyAirQualityPartnership. InJuly2012,DEPannounceditwouldforecastforozoneineightadditionalareas:Altoona, Erie,Johnstown,Scranton/WilkesBarre,StateCollegeandWilliamsportcitiesandMercerandIndiana counties. Tosignuptoreceiveairqualityforecastsviaemail,visittheAirQualityNotificationswebpage. Formoreinformationaboutairqualityorthelocalpartnerships,visitDEPsAirQuality Partnershipwebpageorcall7177879495. DelawareValleyAirQualityPartnership:May1OfficialStartOfOzoneSeason

Aswarmerweatherapproaches,sodoestheonsetofgroundlevelozone.Highlevelsofozonepose healthrisksforeveryone,andlargesegmentsofthepopulationareconsideredespeciallysensitiveto groundlevelozone. Fortunately,ozonelevelsarebeingmonitoredandthepubliccanbealertedwhenlevelsbecome dangerous. TheAirQualityPartnership,aprogramoftheDelawareValleyRegionalPlanningCommission, educatesresidentsaboutthedangerouseffectsofgroundlevelozoneandprovidesairqualityforecasts tothepublic. May1marksthestartoftheAQPsozoneseason,whichrunsthroughSeptember.Currently, GreaterPhiladelphiadoesnotmeetthefederalairqualitystandardsforgroundlevelozone. Inthesummer,sunlightandhightemperaturesbakepollutantsemittedbymotorvehicles, powerplantsandothersources,toformhighlevelsofgroundlevelozone,commonlyknownassmog. TheAQPprovidessummertimegroundlevelozoneforecastsandencouragesactionstoreduce airpollution,suchas: Taketransitorrideshare. Donttopoffyourgastank.Spillageaddstwotonsofpollutiontotheaireachday. Refuelattheendoftheday.Ozonelevelsarehighestinmidtolateafternoon. Besuretocleanoutyourtrunk,sinceanextra100poundsreducesgasmileagebyupto2%and wastesfuel. Triplinkwhenpossible.Combiningerrandswithyourdailycommutewillsavetime,money,andthe environment. Followregularmaintenanceschedulesforyourcar.Aproperlyrunningvehicleemitslesspollution andsavesgas.Checkyourownersmanualandproperlyinflateyourtires.Properlyinflatedtirescan improveyourgasmileageupto3.3percent.Whenchangingyouroil,useamanufacturerrecommended grademotoroiltoimprovefueleconomyby12percent. Businesses,nonprofits,localgovernments,andindividualsallplayimportantrolesinreducing airpollutionbycuttingwaste,conservingenergy,andmakingwisetransportationchoices,said DVRPCsExecutiveDirector,BarrySeymour.Cooperationbetweenpeopleandorganizationsthat careabouttheairwebreathepresentsourgreatestopportunitytoensurecleanerairforourregion. Tosignupforairqualityalerts,visittheAirQualityPartnershipwebsite.Dailyairquality forecastsandhelpfultipsarealsoavailableonthewebsiteorbycalling18008727261. DCNRWebinarOnLoyalsockStateForestDrillingIssuesAvailableOnline DepartmentofConservationandNaturalResourcesofficialsparticipatedinafree,webbasedseminar offeredbyPennStateExtensiononMarcellusShaleissuesintheLoyalsockStateForest,Lycoming County,onApril25. InformationonPotentialLoyalsockStateForestNaturalGasDevelopmentisavailableonline aspartofaseriesofonehourwebinarsconductedbyPennStateonnaturalgasdrilling. DCNRhasheardfromnumerousindividualsandorganizationsonthisissuethroughletters, phonecallsandinameetingthismonthwithlocalstakeholders,DCNRSecretaryRichardAllansaid. Thiswebinarprovidedusanadditionalopportunitytoexchangeinformationandrespondtoquestions aboutpotentialgasdevelopmentintheLoyalsock,wherethestatedoesnotownthesubsurfacegas

rights. AllanaddedthatDCNRisintheprocessofplanninganupcomingpublicmeeting.Detailswill besharedinthecomingweeks. DCNRsaidthewebinarisavailableonlinethroughthislink.DCNRpreviouslypublishedlogin informationthroughthislink. NewsClip:Letter:PublicIsGettingItsSayOnLoyalsockGasDrilling (ReprintedfromDCNRsMay1Resourcenewsletter.) DelawareCountysHaverfordTownshipWinsDCNR/PRPSGreenParkAward TheDepartmentofConservationandNaturalResourcesBureauofRecreationandConservation DirectorLaurenImgrundrecentlypresentedHaverfordTownshipinDelawareCountywiththefourth annualGreenParkAwardsponsoredbyDCNRandthePARecreationandParkSociety. ImgrundparticipatedinaceremonialtreeplantingonApril21withtownshipofficials. HaverfordTownshipwaschosenforitsexemplaryintegrationofgreenandsustainablepark practicesattheHaverfordReserveandCommunityRecreationandConservationCenter. In2002,theTownshippurchased209acresofthelandsoftheformerHaverfordState Hospital.ThiswasthelargestremainingundevelopedtractalongtheDarbyCreekinDelawareCounty. Thetownshipprotected124acresasopenspace,designated45acresasactivecommunityrecreation andsoldtheremaining40acresforover55housing. Theproceedsofthissaleallowedthetownshiptobuildthreenaturalgrassfieldsasyntheticturf fielda12,000squarefootfullyaccessibleplaygroundandthe35,000squarefootcommunitycenter. TheCommunityRecreationandEnvironmentalCenteropenedinJune2012,onabrownfield, wherethestatehospitalscoalburningfacilityusedtostand.ItisaLEEDGoldCertifiedbuilding poweredby40geothermalwells. Thethoughtfulconservationofwaterwasatoppriorityatthesite.Headwaterstreamswere protectedbytheinstallationofriparianorvegetatedbuffers.Perviouspavementwasextensivelyused andanyadditionalrunoffgeneratedatthesiteiscapturedinbioswales,seepagebedsandretention pondsplantedwithnativespecies.Theroofofthecenterhasrainchainsthatfeedinfiltratingwater gardensandthebuildingisoutfittedwithnumerouswatersavingdevices. Thetownshiprecycledalltheconcreteandmasonryfromthedemolishedhospitalbuildingsand usedthematerialforroadsandinfrastructure.Deckplanksaremadefromacompositematerialmade outofrecycledplasticbottles.Thetrackandgymfloor,theplaygroundsurfacematerialandthe 130,000squarefootsyntheticturffieldaremadeoutofrecycledmaterial.Allwoodusedonthesite wasdesignatedascertified. Otherhighlightsoftheparkincludefivemilesofwalking/mountainbikingtrailsandanatural materialsplayground.Anaturalareasstewardshipplanwasdevelopedtoguidethetownshipsactionin managingavarietyofwildlifehabitats,combatinginvasivespeciesandprotectingarareorchid. Programmaticallytherecreationdepartmentconnectsfolkstonaturebysponsoringtrailruns, seasonalhikesandthemedprogramsforschoolchildren,environmentaleducationforallagesaswellas seminarsandcoursesonenvironmentaltopics.

Thegreenthemealsoisanimportantconsiderationinthedaytodayoperationsofthesite.All newplantingsarenativetotheareareducingwateringandcareneeds.Theylimitturfmowingandhave plantedthehillsideswithnativegrasses. Compostisusedextensivelythroughoutthesitefromthetownshipleafcollectionprogram,and alllightingfixturesareEnergyStarratedandhavesensorsortimerstolimitwastedenergy. Finally,environmentalmessagingisusedthroughoutthesite.Signagedescribestheelementsof theLEEDcertifiedbuilding,energyuse,materialsandhowvisitorscanreducetheircarbonfootprintat home. Thetownshipreceivedawallplaque,treeandcommemorativemarkertobeplacedinthe vicinityofthetreeinrecognitionofitseffortsatthesite. FormoreinformationonDCNRsGreenandSustainableParkInitiative,seetheDCNRBureauof RecreationandConservationGreenandSustainableParkpage. (ReprintedfromDCNRsMay1Resourcenewsletter.) GameCommissionSeeksInputOnPeregrineFalconPlan TheGameCommissionisseekingpublicinputonitsdraftperegrinefalconmanagementplan,whichcan bereviewedontheagency'swebsite. PubliccommentsontheperegrinemanagementplanwillbeaccepteduntilMay29throughthe websiteanemailaddressperegrinecomments@pa.govorbyU.S.Mailto:PeregrineFalcon ManagementPlan,GameCommission,2001ElmertonAvenue,Harrisburg,PA171109797. "Weareseekingpubliccommentontheperegrinefalconmanagementplantoensurethefinal managementplanconsidersallmeaningfulinputandconcernsaboutthisspeciesputforthby Pennsylvanians,"saidCalvinW.DuBrock,GameCommissionBureauofWildlifeManagementdirector. "Aswritten,theplanissciencebased,progressiveandpromotesresponsiblemanagementofperegrine falcons.We'reinterestedinhearingfromPennsylvanianswhowouldliketooffercomments,andtosee ifwe'vemissedsomethingoriftheyshareourmanagementvisionforthefuture." Developedbybiologistswiththeagency'sWildlifeDiversityDivision,theperegrinefalcon managementplanestablishesmanagementgoalsthrough2021.Themissionofthisplanistorestore peregrinestotheirecologicalrole,maintainaselfsustainingpopulationandprovidethepublicwiththe opportunitytoenjoythem. "Thecriteriatoconsiderperegrinesrecoveredisaselfperpetuatingnestingpopulationofat least22pairswithaproductivityrateofatleast1.5fledglingspernestingpairandhalfofnests successfuloverathreeyearperiod,"saidDanBrauning,WildlifeDiversityDivisionchiefandcoauthor ofthemanagementplan. TheperegrinefalconwasremovedfromthefederalendangeredspecieslistbytheU.S.Fish andWildlifeServicein1999,becausedelistinggoalshadbeenachieved,buttheyremainlistedasa stateendangeredspeciesinPennsylvania. Pennsylvaniasbreedingpopulationofperegrinesnumberedasmanyas44pairsintheearly decadesofthe20thcenturybeforecompletelydisappearingfromtheeasternUnitedStates.Thedecline ofthespecieshere,andworldwide,islargelyattributedtopoisoningfromDDTandother organochloridepesticides.

ThePeregrineFundpioneeredthereintroductionofthisfederallyendangeredspeciesintothe easternUnitedStates.ItusedthreereintroductionlocationsinPennsylvaniaduringthe1970sand 1980s,andtheGameCommissionreleasedbirdsatfourlocationsinthestateduringthe1990s. By2003,theeasternUnitedStatespopulationhadgrowntomorethan330nestingpairsby 2012atleast32nestswereknowninPennsylvania. Formoreinformation,visittheGameCommissionsEndangeredSpecieswebpage. FishForMillionsContestStartedMay4AtCabelasHamburgStore StartingMay4,Pennsylvaniaanglerswillhaveachancetofishfor,andwin,millionsofdollarsincash andprizesinCabela's"FishforMillions?"contest. Asa"warmup"totheMay4conteststartdate,theFishandBoatCommissionhostedan exhibitatthePennsylvaniaCabela'sstoreinHamburgonMay34.PFBCstaffwillbepresentto providefreepublications,postersandeducationalmaterials,includingthelistofPennsylvaniacontest waters. Asaspecialoffer,Cabelasisprovidingitsyardstickfishingdecalasafreegiveawayduringthe instoreevent. CabelasstartedacceptingregistrationsonitswebsiteonApril15.ThecontestbeginsonMay 4andendsJuly7.Thepremiseissimple:catchspeciallytaggedfishandwinprizesrangingfrom Cabelasgiftcardsto$2million. Allrulesandrequirements,aswellascontestdetailsandregistrationinformation,canbefound atCabelascontestwebsite. Remember,youvegottofishtowin,andyourfishinglicenseisyourgatewaytoparticipatingin thethirdyearofthiscontest. Formoreinformation,visittheFishforMillions?webpage. GameCommissionConductsControlledBurnsInCentreCounty TheGameCommissionThursdayresumedcontrolledburnsontheScotiaBarrensonStateGameLand 176inPatton,FergusonandHalfmoontownships,CentreCounty,toimprovehabitatconditionswithin thisuniqueecosystem. Dependingonconditions,theGameCommissionplanstoburnonetotwounitstotaling136 acres. Thepurposeistorestorethepitchpine/scruboakecosystemontheScotiaBarrens. ControlledburnsalsoareusedbytheGameCommissiontoimproveotherplantandwildlifehabitats, andreducethechanceofwildfire. GameCommissionBureauofWildlifeHabitatManagementdirectorBillCapouilleznotedthat residentsmightseesmokeemergingfromtheScotiaBarrensduringtheburning. Peoplebecomeupsetwhenthereissmokeintheairiftheydontknowthereasonforthefire, Capouillezsaid.Thatswhyweretryingtogetthewordoutaboutprescribedfire.Ifwecarefullyplan andconductaburnwhenweatherconditionsfavorsmokedispersal,thisreducessmokerelated problems.Dealingwithalittlebitofsmokenowisinfinitelybetterthantryingtocontrolaragingwildfire later.

SGL176currentlycontains6,231acresinFerguson,HalfMoonandPattontownships. Formoreinformationoncontrolledburns,visitDCNRsPrescribedFirewebpage. DEPCitizensAdvisoryCouncilChangesMay22MeetingTime TheDEPCitizensAdvisoryCouncilmeetingonMay22willstartat10:00insteadof11:00duetothe cancellationoftheEnvironmentalQualityBoardmeetingonthatsameday.Themeetinglocation remainsthesameRoom105RachelCarsonBuilding,Harrisburg.

Your2Cents:IssuesOnAdvisoryCommitteeAgendas
Thissectiongivesyouacontinuouslyupdatedthumbnailsketchofissuestobeconsideredinupcoming advisorycommitteemeetingswheretheagendashavebeenreleased May7AgendaReleased.DEPEnvironmentalJusticeAdvisoryBoardmeeting.DelawareRoom16th FloorRachelCarsonBuilding.8:30. Presentation:EnvironmentalJusticeMonitoringMatrix Presentation:CovantaRx4SafetyPrescriptionDrugCollectionProgram,JohnWaffenschmidt Oil&GasUpdates UpdatebyAlisaHarris,DEPSpecialDeputy CitizensAdvisoryCouncilUpdate DiscussionofEnvironmentalJusticeLetterWriting EnvironmentalJusticeListeningSession WorkingGroupreportdiscussion <>ClickHereforavailablehandouts May7AgendaReleased.DEPCleanupStandardsScientificAdvisoryBoardmeeting.Room105 RachelCarsonBuilding.10:00.(formalnotice) LandRecycleProgramUpdate ProposedchangestoChapter250 VaporIntrusionWorkGroupReportDraftLanguage TGMWorkGroupRecommendations NIRStandardOperatingProcedures <>ClickHereforavailablehandouts May78DelawareRiverBasinCommissionpublichearing/meeting.WashingtonCrossingHistoric ParkVisitorCenter,WashingtonCrossing,Pa.(agendaformalnotice) May8CANCELED.DEPWaterResourcesAdvisoryCommitteemeeting.Thenextscheduled meetingisAugust14.(formalnotice) May16DEPSolidWasteAdvisoryCommitteemeeting.Room105RachelCarsonBuilding.10:00.

May21DEPClimateChangeAdvisoryCommitteemeeting.Room105RachelCarsonBuilding. 10:00. May22CANCELED.EnvironmentalQualityBoardmeeting.ThenextscheduledmeetingisJune18. (formalnotice) May22TimeChange.DEPCitizensAdvisoryCouncilmeeting.Room105RachelCarsonBuilding. 10:00. May23NEW.SusquehannaRiverBasinCommissionhearingonproposedactionsrelatedtowater withdrawalrequests.Agenda.Room8EBEastWing,CapitolBuilding,Harrisburg.2:30.(formal notice) June5DEPCoastalZoneAdvisoryCommitteemeeting.10thFloorConferenceRoom,Rachel CarsonBuilding.9:30. June11DEPStorageTankAdvisoryCommitteemeeting.Room105RachelCarsonBuilding. 10:00. June12Noagendayet.DEPOilandGasTechnicalAdvisoryBoardmeeting.Room105Rachel CarsonBuilding.10:00. June13DEPAirQualityTechnicalAdvisoryCommitteemeeting.Room105RachelCarson Building.9:15. ClickHereforlinkstoDEPsAdvisoryCommitteewebpages. DEPCalendarofEvents[DEPNoLongerPublishesasingleCalendarofagencymeetings]

Grants&Awards
Thissectiongivesyouaheadsuponupcomingdeadlinesforawardsandgrantsandotherrecognition programs.NEWmeansnewfromlastweek. May10CFAHighPerformanceBuildingFunding May10CFAAlternative,CleanEnergyFunding May13EPATRIUniversityChallengeGrants May17FriendsOfTheLehighRiverNominations May17KeepAmericaBeautifulNationalYouthAdvisoryCouncil May23DCNRVolunteerFireAssistanceGrants May24KPBGreatAmericanCleanupOfPAVideoContest

May28EcoExpressRainGardenVideoTeachingMaterialsContest May31DEPSection902RecyclingGrants May31PROP2013WasteWatcherAwardNominations May31KeepPABeautifulSurveillanceCameraGrant NoDeadlineDEPAlternativeFuelVehicleRebates(orbeforeiffundsrunout) NoDeadlinePAGrazingLandsConservationInitiativeEducationMiniGrants June7ToyotaTogetherGreenFellows,InnovationGrants June28CFAPennWorksWaterSupply,WastewaterFunding June30ARIPPAAbandonedMineReclamationGrants July12PROPRecyclingFilmFest July19CFAHighPerformanceBuildingFunding July19CFAAlternative,CleanEnergyFunding July31CFAAct13AbandonedMine,Watershed,RecreationFunding August1DPWChildCareCenterEnvironmentalHealthGrants August9FoundationforPAWatershedGrantsLOI September15CFAHighPerformanceBuildingFunding September15CFAAlternative,CleanEnergyFunding September30DEPRecyclingPerformanceGrant September30ProjectLearningTreeClassroomGrants October31PRCLensOnLitterContest December31DEPPASunshineRebates(orbeforeiffundsrunout) VisittheDEPGrantsandLoanProgramswebpageformoreideasonhowtogetfinancialassistance forenvironmentalprojects.

Budget/QuickClips
Here'saselectionofNewClipsonenvironmentaltopicsfromaroundthestate Budget DrillingImpactFeesFracturePennsylvania HowTownsSpendTheirAct13DrillingFees ScarnatiFrustratedByFocusOnPrivatization,NotBudget StateBudgetIssuesGetMoreChallenging IndependentFiscalOfficeForecasts$520MillionShortfall StateRevenueGrowthNotPanningOut Other StudentsGoForTheGreenInEnvirothon LenapeStudentsTake1stAtEnvirothon DEPOffersMoreTimeToCommentOnOnlotSewageRules NJBusinessmanChargedWithDumping MontcoCuttingEnergyUseInHalf HearingsOnNorthPoconoPowerLinePlanned

80TurnOutForHearingOnProposedPowerLine TMIScrutinySteppedUpAfterFloodSafetyFailure FedsWantNuclearPlantsToCheckStorageSafety PrideOfTheSusquehannaGoingGreen CompaniesSueStrohsOverSouthWhitehallSuperfundCleanup CourtAffirmsLegalityOfPittsburghBillboardOrdinance OpEd:TreesAreNotTheProblem HBGDebtCrisisImminentWithIncineratorSale,ParkingLease AlleghenyCountyOKsChangesToPollutionPlan BigPlansInProgressAtSuccopConservancy RareHummingbirdDrawsCuriousToDenverArea LimitedChangesToWildlifeManagementUnits ForestsConferenceOfferedInCrawfordInMay BrushFiresSpreadOver12AcresInLackawannaCounty Editorial:DamReplaced,DEPRebuked NEPAAudubonTripToWetlandsPreserveMay4 OutForShadOnDelawareRiver PointStateParkFountainReturnsForArtsFestival AppalachianTrailMuseumNames2013HallOfFamers CentralPAWeeksAwayFromCicadasEmergence

MarcellusShaleNewsClips
HereareNewsClipsontopicsrelatedtoMarcellusShalenaturalgasdrilling HowTownsSpendTheirAct13DrillingFees Governor:CrackerPlantDecisionNextYear ActivistsDeliverAntiDrillingPetitionsToGov.Corbett DEP:WellSiteSpillSeepsIntoHouse,HorseFarm DEP:DrillingNotToBlameForFranklinForksWaterWoes DrillingNotToBlameForFranklinForksWellContamination OpEd:ConfrontingMisconceptionsOnGasDrilling DEPAllowsDrillerToContinueOperationsDespite2Accidents Letter:PublicIsGettingItsSayOnLoyalsockGasDrilling DrillingSlowdownImpactsWaterDeliveryDeal CriticsWantMoreOversightOfGasIndustryFromHealthDept. NaturalGasServiceBillsClearSenatePanel SenatePanelApprovesNaturalGasServiceExpansionBills MarcellusWellPlannedInCambriaCounty PPLBattlesHomeownersOverDrillingRoyaltyChecks LocalGovernmentsSlowToMoveToNaturalGasVehicles RevolvingDoorWithFormerDEPSecretaryKrancer

Financial/OtherStates SouthwesternEnergyBuysGasLeasesFromChesapeakeEnergy SouthwesternBuysUpGasRights,DoublesNEHoldings EQTToBuyAssets,MarcellusWellsFromChesapeake EPAMethaneReportFurtherSplitsFrackingCamps ChevronMayBuildHQInMoonTwp TechnologyHelpsNaturalGasMakeStridesAgainstRenewables

Flooding/WatershedNewsClips
HereareNewsClipsonwatershedtopicsfromaroundthestate Flooding HBGMayorUnveilsHighWaterMarkInitiative SwataraTwpAcquiresFloodDamagedHomes OtherWatershedNewsClips ChesapeakeBayRestorationGoalsMakingProgress BayRestorationGoalsOneQuarter,ToOneThirdMet Column:WaterIsProblemWithSusquehannaSmallmouthBass Editorial:WeNeedToKnowNowOnSmallmouthBassProblem Editorial:ImpairmentStatusWouldEnableFixForSusquehanna Editorial:SusquehannaRiverImpaired WarwickTwpPitchingInToSaveTheChesapeakeBay LancasterResidentsCouldPayFeesToProtectWaterQuality IncreasingHBGsTreeCoverToAbateWaterProblems OpEd:StormwaterFeesAUsefulFundingSource ImprovementsExpectedForEdinboroLakeDam AlleghenySojournWillPushOffJune1 ShadeCreekWatershedGroupsWinsGrants ReconnectWithDelawareRiverAtEcoFest OutForShadOnDelawareRiver

Regulations,TechnicalGuidance&Permits
Nonewregulationswerepublishedthisweek.PennsylvaniaBulletinMay4,2013 ProposedRegulationsOpenForCommentDEPwebpage ProposedRegulationsWithClosedCommentPeriodsDEPwebpage DEPRegulatoryAgendaDEPwebpage

TechnicalGuidance&Permits
TheDepartmentofEnvironmentalProtectionpublishedanoticeofproposedchangestotheAirQuality PermitReviewProtocolrelatedtothePermitDecisionGuaranteeProgram,anoticeinvitingcomments onPennsylvanias2014ambientairmonitoringnetworkplanandanoticeinvitingcommentsonthe proposedairmonitoringnetworkplanforPhiladelphia. TheFishandBoatCommissionpublishednoticesofproposedadditionstotheClassAWildTrout WatersandfinaladditionstotheWildTroutStreamslist. Proposed.DEPID:2752101001.Title:AirQualityOperatingPermitProtocol.Description:The Departmentbelievesthattimelyandconsistentpermitapplicationdeterminationsarenecessarytoensure thattheairqualityneedsoftheCommonwealtharefullymet.TheDepartmentwidepolicyknownas MoneyBackGuarantee(MBG)hasbeenreplacedbyPermitDecisionGuaranteeProgram(PDGP), whichsetsforthenhancedpermittingproceduresintendedtoenhancetimelinessofthepermitting processandhasalreadybeenimplemented.ThisexistingFebruary23,1996,guidancedocumentwhich providesguidanceforregionalpersonnelinreviewingplanapprovalapplicationsandconductingpermit inspectionsreferencesMBG,necessitatingamendmenttoreferencethenewPDGP.Inaddition,minor changesareincludedtoreflectcurrentprogramproceduresthathaveevolvedsince1996thatalso enhancethetimelinessofthepermitprocessing.Althoughthispolicyisbeingupdatedtoreflectthe currentplanapprovalfeesspecifiedin25Pa.Code127.702(relatingtoplanapprovalfees),there arenofeeincreasesestablishedbythispolicy.Thescopeofthepolicyislimitedtooperationofthe permittingprogram. TechnicalGuidanceCommentDeadlinesDEPwebpage RecentlyClosedCommentPeriodsForTechnicalGuidanceDEPwebpage TechnicalGuidanceRecentlyFinalizedDEPwebpage CopiesofFinalTechnicalGuidanceDEPwebpage

CalendarOfEvents
Upcominglegislativemeetings,conferences,workshops,pluslinkstootheronlinecalendars.Meetings areinHarrisburgunlessotherwisenoted.NEWmeansnewfromlastweek.GototheonlineCalendar webpage. ClickonAgendaReleasedoncalendarentriestoseetheNEWmeetingagendaspublishedthisweek. May6NEW.HouseConsumerAffairsCommitteemeetstoconsiderHouseBill1047 (GodshallRMontgomery)repealthesunsetprovisionsonChapter14relatedtoutilityterminationand

reconnection,HouseBill1188(PayneRDauphin)providingforadjustmentstothecostofnaturalgas. Room60.11:00. May6LocationAdded.EnvironmentalIssuesForumbytheJointLegislativeAirandWaterPollution ControlandConservationCommittee.FishandBoatCommissionExecutiveDirectorJohnArwaywill offerapresentationentitledFishandBoatCommissionFiscalSlope:SpendingReallocationPlanand RevenueGeneratingOptions.Thepresentationwillfocusontheagencysneedtoreduceoperating costs,andtofundinfrastructureneeds.Amongpotentialrevenuegeneratingoptionstobediscussedisa proposedfeeforconsumptiveuseanddegradationofwater.RoomG50IrvisBuilding.Noon. May7SenateConsumerProtectionandProfessionalLicensureCommitteeholdsahearingonutility stormresponse.HearingRoom1,NorthOfficeBuilding.9:30. May7CANCELED.HouseConsumerAffairsCommitteemeetstoconsiderHouseBill1188 (PayneRDauphin)providingforadjustmentstothecostofnaturalgas.RoomB31.9:15. May7AgendaReleased.DEPCleanupStandardsScientificAdvisoryBoardmeeting.Room105 RachelCarsonBuilding.10:00.(formalnotice) May7AgendaReleased.DEPEnvironmentalJusticeAdvisoryBoardmeeting.DelawareRoom16th FloorRachelCarsonBuilding.8:30. May78DelawareRiverBasinCommissionpublichearing/meeting.WashingtonCrossingHistoric ParkVisitorCenter,WashingtonCrossing,Pa.(agendaformalnotice) May8CANCELED.DEPWaterResourcesAdvisoryCommitteemeeting.Thenextscheduled meetingisAugust14.(formalnotice) May16DEPSolidWasteAdvisoryCommitteemeeting.Room105RachelCarsonBuilding.10:00. May21DEPClimateChangeAdvisoryCommitteemeeting.Room105RachelCarsonBuilding. 10:00. May22CANCELED.EnvironmentalQualityBoardmeeting.ThenextscheduledmeetingisJune18. (formalnotice) May22TimeChange.DEPCitizensAdvisoryCouncilmeeting.Room105RachelCarsonBuilding. 10:00. May23NEW.SusquehannaRiverBasinCommissionhearingonproposedactionsrelatedtowater withdrawalrequests.Agenda.Room8EBEastWing,CapitolBuilding,Harrisburg.2:30.(formal

notice) June5DEPCoastalZoneAdvisoryCommitteemeeting.10thFloorConferenceRoom,Rachel CarsonBuilding.9:30. June6HouseDemocraticPolicyCommitteeinformationalbriefingonFishandBoatCommission fiscalslope.Room418.10:00. June11DEPStorageTankAdvisoryCommitteemeeting.Room105RachelCarsonBuilding. 10:00. June12DEPOilandGasTechnicalAdvisoryBoardmeeting.Room105RachelCarsonBuilding. 10:00. June13DEPAirQualityTechnicalAdvisoryCommitteemeeting.Room105RachelCarson Building.9:15. June17EnvironmentalIssuesForumbytheJointLegislativeAirandWaterPollutionControland ConservationCommittee.Dr.DavidJ.Nowak,Ph.D,projectleaderfortheUSDAForestServices NorthernResearchStation,willdiscusstheagencysinnovativeiTreeprogram.Nowakwasthe drivingforcebehinddevelopmentofiTreessuiteofsoftwaretoolsthathelpsusersassessandmanage urbantreepopulationstomakeforeffectiveurbanforestmanagementandbetterunderstandingofthe ecosystemservicesprovidedbycommunitytrees.LTBC.Noon. DEPCalendarofEvents[DEPNoLongerPublishesasingleCalendarofagencymeetings] Note:TheEnvironmentalEducationWorkshopCalendarisnolongeravailablefromthePACenterfor EnvironmentalEducationbecausefundingfortheCenterwaseliminatedintheFY201112state budget.ThePCEEwebsitewasalsoshutdown,butsomecontentwasmovedtothePAAssociationof EnvironmentalEducators'website. SenateCommitteeScheduleHouseCommitteeSchedule YoucanwatchtheSenateFloorSessionandHouseFloorSessionliveonline.

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