Pa Environment Digest Oct. 23, 2017

Issue #695 Crisci Associates, Harrisburg, PA Oct.
23, 2017
PA Environment Digest Blog Twitter Feed
House Passes Tax Code Bill With NO Environmental Riders, Returns To Senate
A bipartisan vote of 70 Republicans and 32 Democrats Tuesday was enough to pass a Tax Code
bill-- House Bill 542 (Thomas-D- Philadelphia)-- another attempt at putting a revenue package
on the Governors desk to support the $31.9 billion General Fund budget the General Assembly
passed in June.
House Majority Leader David Reed (R-Indiana) said the bill authorizes the
Commonwealth Financing Authority to borrow $1.5 billion by securitizing or liquidating the
Tobacco Settlement and possibly some other General Fund monies, would apply the Sales Tax to
online marketplaces ($43.5 million) and impose a new 12 percent assessment on fireworks
purchases ($31.7 million).
Also included are provisions related to the Net Operating Loss in the event of an adverse
PA Supreme Court decision*, changes to the timing and withholding of individual and lease
taxes, a deduction for manufacturing innovation and reinvestment was added along with
establishing two film production tax credit districts and an entertainment economic enhancement
program tax credit for rehearsal areas.
There is no commercial storage, hotel or natural gas severance tax. Click Here for more
on the severance tax.
There are no environmental riders and the Wild Resource Conservation Tax Checkoff is
also extended indefinitely.
Click Here for a House Fiscal Note and summary.
The bill now goes back to the Senate for a concurrence vote.
Senate Majority Leader Jake Corman (R-Centre) said Wednesday the Senate will give the
House revenue package serious consideration over the next few days and hopefully come back
next week ready finish work on the budget, adding there is a lot of value in getting this done.
He said amending what the House sent over and returning it and expecting success was a
longshot at best.
Gov. Wolfs office said the House proposal does not meet the Governors targets for new,
recurring revenues and again urged the General Assembly to pass a natural gas severance tax.
The Governors Office expressed the hope this proposal will serve as a launching point
for the next, and hopefully final, round of budget negotiations.
Other Budget Pieces
The other parts of Majority Leader Reeds revenue package, but not yet scheduled for
action by the House, are--
-- Administrative Code Bill-- House Bill 118 (Kaufer-R-Luzerne)-- was approved Wednesday
without changes and sent to the Governor who is expected to sign in or let it become law. It does
include environmental riders that concern may groups, but it also extends the $2/ton Recycling
Fee indefinitely and requires solar energy credits under the Alternative Energy Portfolio
Standards Program to be purchased within Pennsylvania. Click Here for more;
-- $300 million in special fund transfers (picked by the Governor in some options) to the General
Fund using any one of several bills as potential vehicles; and
-- $200 million as a result of gaming expansion possibly using House Bill 271 (Ortitay-R-
Allegheny) now in the Senate Rules Committee.
Rep. Reed also said it was a House Republican goal to pass funding for state-related
universities.
Whats Next?
House Republicans Thursday canceled voting session for the week of October 23 saying
they were waiting for the Senate to act on budget bills. While the Speaker put members on a
12-hour call, the next scheduled session days for the House start the week of November 13, after
the election.
The Senate is still set to return to voting session October 23, then they too will be off
until November 13.
There are likely to be more twists and turns in the bumpy 115 day ride to finishing the
state budget.
Then, in just over 3 months, Gov. Wolf presents his FY 2018-19 budget and we start all
over again!
NewsClips:
Frye: Hunting, Fishing License Fees Seem Unlikely To Increase
AP: Natural Gas Severance Tax Gets Life In House [Nothing For Environment]
Meyer: Severance Tax OKd By Committee, May Hit Wall [Nothing For Environment]
Lawmaker Says Severance Tax Will Crush Jobs [Nothing For Environment]
Thompson: House Passes Budget Balancing Plan, No Finality In Sight Yet
Meyer: Democrats, Moderate Republicans Push A Shale Tax
Murphy: Halting Progress Continues On Budget Front As Exasperation Grows
Meyer: House Budget Plan Disliked By Senate, But Being Considered
Could Latest PA Budget Plan Be As Good As It Gets?
Editorial: Free-Spending Legislature Shortchanges Citizens
What It Looks Like When An industry Controls A States Politics (PA)
Related Stories:
House Sends Admin Code Bill To Governor WITH Environmental Riders
House Finance Committee Reports Out Natural Gas Severance Tax, Minimum Royalty Bill
* The PA Supreme Court ruled Wednesday against Nextel and requiring the state to refund tax
money they paid.
[Posted: Oct. 17, 2017]
House Sends Admin Code Bill To Governor WITH Environmental Riders

The House Wednesday concurred in Senate amendments to the Administrative Code bill that is
part of the Senate budget package-- House Bill 118 (Kaufer-R-Luzerne). The action sends the
bill to the Governor for his action.
The bill contains a series of environmental riders, including--
-- Recycling Fee Extension: Removes the sunset date for the $2/ton municipal waste recycling
fee and funds will remain in the Recycling fund for grants.
-- Solar Borders: Requiring solar energy credits under the Alternative Energy Portfolio
Standards to be purchased within Pennsylvania. [Senate Bill 404 this session, House Bill 2040
last session.]
-- Manganese Standard: Directs the Environmental Quality Board to adopt a proposed
manganese standard within 90 days that includes the 1 milligram/liter manganese standard
established under 25 Pa Code Chapter 93.7 and insure the standard is met at the point of intake
for water suppliers (25 Pa Code Chapter 96.3). The 1 milligram/liter standard is 20 times the
level of manganese that water suppliers are allowed to have in their water supplies, according to
EPAs secondary maximum contaminant level.
-- Conventional Oil & Gas Wastewater Treatment: Requires water treatment facilities
providing water disposal services exclusively to conventional oil and gas wells shall be allowed
to operate under existing permits through December 31, 2019. [Supported by conventional oil &
gas drilling industry and applies to three privately-operated conventional wastewater treatment
facilities.]
-- Wyoming County State Park: Requires DCNR to conduct a feasibility study for the
establishment of a state park in Wyoming County, including an appraisal of the fair market value
of property proposed for a state park. [No funding provided.]
Sen. John Yudichak (D-Luzerne), Minority Chair of the Senate Environmental Resources
Committee, said this about passage of the bill--
By providing a permanent funding mechanism, we are not only supporting our local
government recycling collection programs, we are also fueling our local economies by aiding
markets for waste industry employers and our manufacturing sector, which frequently relies on
recyclable materials, said Sen. Yudichak.
We are making significant progress in our clean energy sector with nearly 70,000 jobs
statewide. Renewables are filling energy needs throughout the state, including in Carbon County,
which boasts the states largest solar park that will ultimately produce enough electricity to fuel
3,000 homes, Sen. Yudichak added.
Click Here for a copy of the House Fiscal Note and summary. Click Here for a copy of
the Senate Fiscal Note and summary.
NewsClips:
Related Stories:
House Passes Tax Code Bill With No Environmental Riders
House Finance Committee Reports Out Natural Gas Severance Tax, Minimum Royalty Bill
[Posted: Oct. 18, 2017]
Sen. Yudichak Introduces Resolution Requiring Independent Performance Evaluation Of

Chapter 102, 105 DEP Permit Programs
Sen. John Yudichak (D-Luzerne), Minority Chair of the Senate

Environmental Resources and Energy Committee, Thursday introduced
Senate Resolution 226 to require the Legislative Budget and Finance
Committee to do an independent performance evaluation of DEPs
Chapter 102 (Erosion and Sedimentation) and Chapter 105 (Water
Obstruction and Encroachment) permit programs.
Sen. Yudichaks co-sponsor memo to colleagues said, All too frequently,
regulated communities have expressed concerns about inconsistency or
delays in the DEPs permitting processes.
While they certainly recognize the need for environmental protection,
permit applicants maintain that delays result in unnecessary work
interruptions and economic losses for both businesses and surrounding communities.
In response, DEP has undertaken efforts to facilitate permitting and improve outcomes
including conducting their own internal reviews and audits to identify program or permit
deficiencies.
Specifically, this resolution will call for a thorough performance evaluation of DEPs
two largest permitting programs that are administered on a statewide basis and that affect nearly
all projects that include construction and development Chapter 102 permits (Erosion and
Sediment Control) and Chapter 105 permits (Water Obstruction and Encroachment).
These two DEP permit programs account for about 6,000 of the 30,000 permit
applications DEP reviews every year and are critical to any land development project undertaken
in the Commonwealth.
To establish a fair and objective baseline in this debate, it is clear that an independent
review of DEPs permitting programs must be completed.
Accordingly, under this resolution, LBFC would consider the efficiency and
effectiveness of permitting programs by examining varied outlooks, including resources and
workloads (overall and by office), performance levels, policies and procedures, fee and incentive
structures, applications and outcomes, input and efforts by DEP and applicants, and best
practices. Recommendations for practical legislative solutions would be provided in a report to
the Senate within one year.
While not said, this proposed independent evaluation to identify the real problems-- from
all sides-- with two of DEPs critical permit programs would be a responsible alternative to the
permit changes included in the Senate-passed budget revenue package now in the House for
consideration.
The text of the resolution follows--
Directing the Legislative Budget and Finance Committee to conduct an independent
performance evaluation of certain Statewide environmental permitting programs administered by
the Department of Environmental Protection.
WHEREAS, The Department of Environmental Protection is charged with the protection
of this Commonwealths air, land and water from pollution, as well as the environmental health
and safety of residents; and
WHEREAS, Federal and State laws and regulations require the Department of
Environmental Protection to review environmental permit applications and make determinations
for approval, including the Clean Streams Law, the Dam Safety and Encroachments Act, the
Federal Clean Water Act and related statutes; and
WHEREAS, Municipalities and industry and business communities that perform
activities subject to environmental regulation and permitting have raised concerns about the cost,
economic impairment and missed opportunities for job creation resulting from instances of
inconsistent review of environmental permit applications and unreasonable delays in
environmental permit review and issuance by the Department of Environmental Protection; and
WHEREAS, The Department of Environmental Protection has undertaken considerable
efforts to address concerns raised regarding its environmental permit review process and
continues to work to identify problems and implement technical solutions within available
resources; and
WHEREAS, Continued concerns expressed by stakeholders on all sides of the
environmental permitting process deserve the attention of the General Assembly, which may be
addressed through an independent, thorough and impartial performance evaluation; and
WHEREAS, Such a review of Statewide environmental permitting programs by the
Legislative Budget and Finance Committee, with assistance from impartial experts, is necessary
to establish a fair baseline from which additional administrative and legislative policies may be
established; therefore be it
RESOLVED, That the Senate direct the Legislative Budget and Finance Committee to
conduct an independent performance evaluation of environmental permitting under the Erosion
and Sediment Pollution Control Program and the Water Obstruction and Encroachment Program
administered by the Department of Environmental Protection and county conservation districts;
and be it further
RESOLVED, That the Legislative Budget and Finance Committee, in conducting the
evaluation, shall seek assistance, through cooperation or contract, from impartial individuals who
have recognized experience and expertise in the oversight and implementation of environmental
laws and regulations and environmental or energy engineering or sciences, including, but not
limited to, individuals from accredited academic institutions; and be it further
RESOLVED, That the Legislative Budget and Finance Committee include the following
elements in its evaluation of permitting under the Erosion and Sedimentation Program and Water
Obstruction and Encroachment Program:
(1) consideration of concerns for permitting programs expressed by stakeholders,
including the Department of Environmental Protection and regulated municipality, business and
industry representatives;
(2) an analysis and comparison of total and individual resources and workloads for the
permitting programs and all offices charged with administration of the programs, including
central and regional offices of the Department of Environmental Protection and county
conservation districts;
(3) a comparison of permit review times, performance levels and goals for each office of
the Department of Environmental Protection and a representative sample of county conservation
districts charged with administration of the permitting program;
(4) a review of the appropriateness and effectiveness of applicable policies, procedures or
guidance for permit review and issuance, including the permit decision guarantee program and
related fee structures;
(5) an analysis of permit application procedures and outcomes, including the examination
of random samples of applications and interviews with permit applicants and appropriate
program staff of the Department of Environmental Protection and conservation districts;
(6) an evaluation of recent and ongoing efforts and initiatives by the Department of
Environmental Protection or conservation districts to remove obstacles to effective and efficient
permit reviews and improve outcomes for applicants;
(7) a review of similar permitting programs administered in this Commonwealth or other
states in an effort to identify best practices or offer suggestions for improving review
performance without sacrificing environmental protection; and
(8) recommendations for practical administrative or legislative actions that improve
administration, timing and outcomes of the permitting programs; and be it further
RESOLVED, That the Legislative Budget and Finance Committee provide a
comprehensive report of its findings and recommendations to the Senate not later than one year
after the adoption of this resolution.
Click Here for a copy of the co-sponsor memo.
[Posted: Oct. 19, 2017
Bills On Governor's Desk
The following bills were given final approval by the Senate and House and are now on the
Governor's desk for action--
Budget - Administrative Code: House Bill 118 (Kaufer-R-Luzerne) amends the Administrative
Code with the Senate-passed budget revenue package-- WITH a series of environmental riders.
One provision removes the sunset date for the $2/ton Recycling Fee. A House Fiscal Note and
summary is available. The bill now goes to the Governor for his action. Click Here for more.
Construction Code: House Bill 176 (Pickett-R-Susquehanna) amending the Construction Code
to exempt roadside farm stands. A House Fiscal Note and summary is available.
Construction Code: House Bill 409 (Evankovich-R- Allegheny) making changes to the process
for adopting amendments to the Uniform Construction Code. A Senate Fiscal Note and
summary is available.
Senate/House Bills Moving Last Week
The following bills of interest saw action last week in the House and Senate--
House
Budget - Administrative Code: House Bill 118 (Kaufer-R-Luzerne) amends the Administrative
Code with the Senate-passed budget revenue package-- WITH a series of environmental riders--
was reported from the House Rules Committee and passed by the House without amendment.
One provision removes the sunset date for the $2/ton Recycling Fee. A House Fiscal Note and
summary is available. The bill now goes to the Governor for his action. Click Here for more.
Construction Code: House Bill 176 (Pickett-R-Susquehanna) amending the Construction Code
to exempt roadside farm stands was reported from the House Rules Committee and concurred in
by the House. A House Fiscal Note and summary is available. The bill now goes to the
Governor for his action.
Budget - Tax Code: House Bill 542 (Thomas-D-Philadelphia) was amended with another
compromise tax and revenue plan was referred into the House Rules Committee, amended and
reported out and passed by the House 102 to 88. The bill does NOT have environmental riders
that were a concern and includes permanent extension for the Wild Resource Conservation Tax
Checkoff. A House Fiscal Note and summary is available. The bill now returns to the Senate for
concurrence. Click Here for more.
Natural Gas Pipeline Protection: Senate Bill 242 (Baker-R-Luzerne) adding unconventional
and larger conventional natural gas gathering lines to the PA One Call utility safety program was
removed from the Table, amended on the House Floor, referred into and out of the House
Appropriations Committee and was passed by the House. A House Fiscal Note and summary is
available. The bill returns to the Senate for a concurrence vote.
Stormwater Exemption: House Bill 1486 (Zimmerman-R-Lancaster) exempting high tunnel

greenhouse structures on farms from the Stormwater Management Act was referred into and out
of the House Appropriations Committee and passed by the House. A House Fiscal Note and
summary is available. The bill now goes to the Senate for action.
Recycling Fee Extension: Senate Bill 646 (Killion-R-Delaware) extending the $2/ton Recycling
Fee for one year until January 1, 2021 was referred to the House Appropriations Committee
since language in House Bill 118 eliminated the sunset date. Click Here for more.
Severance Tax: House Bill 1401 (DiGirolamo-R-Bucks) which amends the Tax Code to impose
a sliding scale natural gas severance tax, in addition to the Act 13 drilling impact fee, on natural
gas production was amended to divert all revenues to the General Fund and NO money for
environmental programs and add provisions related to minimum landowner oil and gas royalties
and reported out of the House Finance Committee and Tabled (as is the usual practice).
General Assembly Approval Of Regulations: House Bill 1237 (Keefer-R- York) which
amends the Regulatory Review Act requiring the General Assembly to specifically approve
economically significant final regulations approved by the Independent Regulatory Review
Commission. If the General Assembly fails to adopt a resolution approving a regulation, it dies.
The bill was reported out of the House Commerce Committee with a recommendation it be
referred to the House State Government Committee.
Vehicle Emissions Inspection: House Bill 86 (Lawrence-R-Chester) eliminate vehicle

emissions testing for vehicle model years 1992-1995 was amended and reported from the House
Transportation Committee and is now on the House Calendar for action.
Delaware Drilling Moratorium: House Resolution 515 (Fritz-R-Wayne) urging the Delaware
River Basin Commission to suspend its consideration of a moratorium on natural gas drilling in
the Delaware Watershed (sponsor summary) was removed from the Table and adopted by the
House 101 to 82 along party lines (Republicans supporting). Click Here for more background on
the issue.
Senate
Noxious Weeds: House Bill 790 (Pashinski-D-Luzerne) repeal the Noxious Weed Control Law
and replace with the Controlled Plant and Noxious Weed Act was reported from the Senate
Appropriations Committee, amended on the Senate Floor and passed by the Senate. The bill
now returns to the House for a concurrence vote.
Construction Code: Senate Bill 663 (Langlin-R-Erie) amending the PA Construction Code to
provide for third party contracts to enforce the Code was amended on the Senate Floor and
passed by the Senate. The bill now goes to the House for action.
Chesapeake Bay Funding: Senate Bill 799 (Alloway-R-Franklin) was amended to make the
program outlined in the bill optional and was reported from the Senate Environmental Resources
and Energy Committee and referred to the Senate Appropriations Committee.
Vehicle Emissions Testing: Senate Resolution 168 (Langerholc-R-Cambria) directing the Joint
State Government Commission to establish an advisory committee to review the vehicle
emissions inspection program was amended and reported from the Senate Environmental
Resources and Energy Committee and is now on Senate Calendar for action.
Senate/House Agenda/Session Schedule [Updated]/Govs Schedule/ Bills

Introduced
Here are the Senate and House Calendars for the next voting session day and Committees
scheduling action on bills of interest as well as a list of new environmental bills introduced--
Bill Calendars
House (Nov. 13): House Bill 86 (Lawrence-R-Chester) eliminate vehicle emissions testing for
vehicle model years 1992-1995; House Resolution 284 (Moul-R-Adams) urging Congress to
repeal the U.S. Environmental Protection Agencys MS4 Stormwater Pollution Prevention
Program (sponsor summary); Senate Bill 181 (Mensch-R-Montgomery) providing for a
performance-based budgeting (exempting appropriations to the General Assembly and the
Judiciary) and creating a Performance-Based Budget Board (House Fiscal Note and summary);
<> Click Here for full House Bill Calendar.
Senate (Oct. 23): Senate Resolution 168 (Langerholc-R-Cambria) directing the Joint State
Government Commission to establish an advisory committee to review the vehicle emissions
inspection program; House Bill 1490 (Turzai-R-Allegheny) placing the Pittsburgh Water and
Sewer Authority under the regulation of the Public Utility Commission. <> Click Here for full
Senate Bill Calendar.
Committee Meeting Agendas This Week
Note: This is still budget season. House and Senate committees can add and cancel meetings
with little notice.
House: <> Click Here for full House Committee Schedule.
Senate: the Rules Committee meets to consider Senate Bill 242 (Baker-R- Luzerne) adding
unconventional and larger conventional natural gas gathering lines to the PA One Call utility
safety program (House Fiscal Note and summary); the Game and Fisheries Committee meets
to consider Senate Bill 935 (Scarnati-R-Jefferson) which would limit the term of the Executive
Director of the Fish and Boat Commission to eight years; the Labor and Industry Committee
meets to consider House Bill 1469 (Heffley-R-Carbon) further providing for the use of
third-party agencies to enforce Uniform Construction Code requirements (House Fiscal Note and
summary); the Environmental Resources and Energy Committee holds a hearing on Senate
Bill 800 (Alloway-R-Franklin) creating a new Waste Electronic Equipment Recovery Act to
replace the 2010 Covered Device Recycling Act; the Community, Economic and Recreational
Development Committee meets to consider Senate Bill 234 (Blake-D-Lackawanna) would
authorize local governments to create energy improvement districts to help fund energy
efficiency, renewable energy and water conservation projects by commercial and industrial
buildings to reduce their operating costs (sponsor summary); the Consumer Affairs and
Professional Licensure Committee meets to consider Senate Resolution 227 (Aument-R-
Lancaster) urging the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission to quickly implement policies to
ensure baseload electricity generation (like coal and nuclear) are compensated for all the positive
attributes they provide to the electric system (sponsor summary); the Aging and Youth and
Health and Human Services Committees hold a joint hearing on Lyme Disease Task Force
Report. <> Click Here for full Senate Committee Schedule.
Bills Pending In Key Committees
Check the PA Environmental Council Bill Tracker for the status and updates on pending state
legislation and regulations that affect environmental and conservation efforts in Pennsylvania.
Bills Introduced
The following bills of interest were introduced last week--
Act 129 Opt-Out: Senate Bill 805 (Boscola-D-Lehigh) allows large commercial and industrial
electricity users to opt-out of the Act 129 Energy Efficiency and Conservation Program (sponsor
summary).
Limiting Term Of Fish & Boat Commission Executive Director: Senate Bill 935
(Scarnati-R-Jefferson) would limit the term of the Executive Director of the Fish and Boat
Commission, who is selected by the Commission Board, to 8 years. The Senate Game and
Fisheries Committee is scheduled to consider this bill October 24. Click Here for more.
PA Natural Gas Exports: Senate Resolution 214 (Greenleaf-R-Montgomery) urging

Pennsylvania natural gas producers to export gas to European countries in an effort to curtail the
natural gas monopoly that Russia has on the region (sponsor summary).
Delay MS4 Stormwater Program: Senate Resolution 216 (Folmer-R-Lebanon) urging

Congress to delay and review EPAs MS4 Stormwater Pollution Prevention Program (sponsor
summary)
Review Of DEP Permitting Programs: Senate Resolution 226 (Yudichak-D-Luzerne) require

the Legislative Budget and Finance Committee to do an independent performance evaluation of
DEPs Chapter 102 (Erosion and Sedimentation) and Chapter 105 (Water Obstruction and
Encroachment) permit programs (sponsor summary).
Coal, Nuclear Power Electricity Pricing: Senate Resolution 227 (Aument-R-Lancaster) and
House Resolution 576 (Pyle-R-Armstrong) urging the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission to
quickly implement policies to ensure baseload electricity generation (like coal and nuclear) are
compensated for all the positive attributes they provide to the electric system (sponsor
summary). The Senate Consumer Affairs & Professional Licensure Committee has scheduled a
meeting on October 24 to consider this resolution. Click Here for more.
Session Schedule [Updated]
Here is the latest voting session schedule for the Senate and House--
Senate
October 23, 24, 25
November 13, 14, 15
December 11, 12, 13, 18, 19, 20
House [Updated]
Members on a 12-Hour call
October 23, 24, 25
November 13, 14, 15, 20, 21, 22,
December 4, 5, 6, 11, 12, 13, 18, 19, 20
Governors Schedule
Gov. Tom Wolf's work calendar will be posted each Friday and his public schedule for the day
will be posted each morning. Click Here to view Gov. Wolfs Weekly Calendar and Public
Appearances.
News From The Capitol
House Passes Utility, Natural Gas Pipeline Safety PA One Call Bill, Returns To Senate
The House Wednesday gave final approval to Senate Bill

242 (Baker-R-Luzerne) adding unconventional and larger
conventional natural gas gathering lines to the PA One
Call utility safety program.
There are now an estimated 100,000 miles of unmapped
natural gas pipelines in Pennsylvania vulnerable to hits
from construction and digging equipment.
Prime sponsor Sen. Lisa Baker (R-Luzerne) noted in a
background memo on the bill there are more than 6,000
incidents of striking utility lines every year, with
approximately half involving natural gas lines because facility owners do not join the PA One
Call program or for other reasons. Click Here for more.
The bill now returns to the Senate for a concurrence vote. A House Fiscal Note and
summary is available.
NewsClips:
State Oversight Of Gas Pipeline Construction Drilling Gets Bipartisan Criticism
Companies Tout Benefits Of Natural Gas Pipelines In Harrisburg
Lawmakers Seek To Halt Drilling After More Mariner East 2 Pipeline Spills
Cusick: Nearly 30 Arrested Protesting Atlantic Sunrise Pipeline In Lancaster
Crable: Protesters Arrested After Blocking Construction Of Atlantic Sunrise Pipeline
Protesters Arrested As Atlantic Sunrise Pipeline Begins Construction
Truck Carrying Atlantic Sunrise Pipeline Equipment Collides With Minivan
Crable: Protesters Try To Block Atlantic Sunrise Pipeline Construction In Lancaster
Crable: Photo Book Chronicles Places In Lancaster Before Atlantic Sunrise Pipeline Built
Op-Ed: Altering Laurel Pipeline Flow Would Bring Cheaper Fuel To PA
PennEast Pipeline Backers Tout Lower Energy Prices In Fighting Green Groups
FERC Chair Sets Pipelines, Grid Resilience As Priorities
[Posted: Oct. 18, 2017]
House Finance Committee Reports Out Natural Gas Severance Tax, Nothing For The
Environment
The House Finance Committee Wednesday amended and voted 16 to 9 to report out House Bill
1401 (DiGirolamo-R-Bucks) which amends the Tax Code to impose a sliding scale natural gas
severance tax, in addition to the Act 13 drilling impact fee, on natural gas production.
Revenue from the severance tax would go to the General Fund.
The bill also includes language to set a minimum royalty for gas production for property
owners who lease natural gas drilling rights.
The bill now goes to the full House for consideration.
Rep. Bernie ONeill (R-Bucks) serves as Major Chair of the Committee and can be
contacted by sending email to: boneill@pahousegop.com. Rep. Jake Wheatley (D-Allegheny)
serves as Minority Chair and can be contacted by sending email to: jwheatley@pahouse.net.
NewsClips:
[Posted: Oct. 18, 2017]
Senate Environmental Committee Makes Chesapeake Bay Funding Bill Optional
The Senate Environmental Resources and Energy Committee Tuesday amended and reported out
legislation which makes a program to fund Chesapeake Bay nutrient pollution reductions
optional for communities.
Also amended and reported out was a resolution directing the Joint State Government
Commission to study the vehicle emission program.
The bills include--
-- Senate Bill 799 (Alloway-R-Franklin) was amended to make it optional; and
-- Senate Resolution 168 (Langerholc-R-Cambria) directing the Joint State Government
Commission to establish an advisory committee to review the vehicle emissions inspection
program.
Senate Bill 799 was then referred to the Senate Appropriations Committee and Senate
Resolution 168 is on the Senate Calendar for action.
Sen. Gene Yaw (R-Lycoming) serves as Majority Chair of the Senate Environmental
Committee and can be contacted by sending email to: gyaw@pasen.gov. Sen. John Yudichak
(D-Luzerne) serves as Minority Chair and can be contacted by sending email to:
yudichak@pasenate.com.
[Posted: Oct. 17, 2017]
Bill Allowing The General Assembly To Kill A Regulation By Doing Nothing Was
Reported For Referral To Another House Committee
The House Commerce Committee reported out House Bill 1237 (Keefer-R-York) which amends
the Regulatory Review Act requiring the General Assembly to specifically approve
economically significant final regulations approved by the Independent Regulatory Review
Commission.
The bill was reported out with a recommendation to re-refer the bill to the House State
Government Committee which has been working on the regulation reform issue
The bill requires the Senate and House to each pass a concurrent resolution approving a
final regulation which has an estimated direct or indirect cost of $1 million or more to the
Commonwealth, political subdivisions and to the private sector.
While not specifically referenced in the bill, Section 9 of Article III of the state
Constitution requires a concurrent resolution to be presented to the Governor for his action to
sign or veto.
If the Senate and/or House fail to each pass a concurrent resolution, a final regulation
would be deemed disapproved and could not go into effect.
Since there was no action needed by the General Assembly to kill a regulation, the
Governor would not have an opportunity to sign or veto their action in the usual checks and
balances established in the state Constitution between the Executive and Legislative branches of
government.
The bill also requires estimates of cost impacts to the verified by the Independent Fiscal
Office prior to submitting a proposed regulation to the IRRC for review. There is no similar
requirement for final regulations.
All other provisions of the Regulatory Review Act requiring a review at the proposed and
final regulations by Senate and House Committees and the IRRC and follow-up actions of an
IRRC-approved final-form regulation are not changed by the bill.
This legislation is similar to a bill-- Senate Bill 561 (DiSanto-R-Dauphin)-- passed on
June 13 by a party-line vote (Republicans supporting) also allowing the General Assembly to kill
regulations by doing nothing. This bill is in the House State Government Committee. Click
Here for more.
A 2013 study by Rutgers University presented to the House State Government
Committee found Pennsylvanias regulatory adoption process is already more complex and has
more veto points than the federal government does. Click Here for more.
Rep. Brian Ellis (R-Butler) serves as Majority Chair of the Committee and can be
contacted by sending email to: bellis@pahousegop.com. Rep. Curtis Thomas (D-Philadelphia)
serves as Minority Chair and can be contacted by sending email to: cthomas@pahouse.net.
[Posted: Oct. 16, 2017]
Agriculture Reports Nearly 1,500 Properties Infested With Spotted Lanternfly Populations
In Eastern PA
The Senate and House Agriculture and Rural Affairs

Committees Wednesday held a joint hearing on the
impact of the Spotted Lanternfly in quarantine areas in
Eastern Pennsylvania reporting that 1,462 properties
have infestations so far.
Click Here to watch a video of the hearing.
Russell Redding, Secretary of Agriculture, told the
Committees his agency has been working since 2014 to
deal with the Spotted Lanternfly with Berks County as
the epicenter of the fight.
With spotted lanternfly, we are facing a new threat
whose behavior and biology continues to unfold over the three years we have watched it. Across
the Commonwealth, we have a rich and diverse landscape: forests, towns, cities, parks, thriving
businesses, and productive agricultural lands, said Redding. Unfortunately, each of these are at
risk today given the spotted lanternfly's destructive behavior.
At the Department of Agriculture, we have already devoted an estimated half-million
dollars in staff time responding to this pest, while the USDA has provided $5.5 million in direct
local support, in addition to research funding, explained Redding. Our partners in government,
universities, business, and communities have spent their own funds to control spotted lanternfly,
as well.
While the expense of responding to this threat mount, it is important to remember that
the costs to our economy could be far, far greater ultimately. This pest threatens to destroy $18
billion of plant based commodities here. It also threatens our interstate and international export
industry.
Sven-Erik Spichigar, Entomology Program Manager for the Department of Agriculture
and Dana Rhodes, State Plant Regulatory Official with PDA provided an overview and more
detail of issues related to the lanternfly.
Matthew Rhoads, Executive Director of Plant Health Programs at the U.S. Department of
Agriculture, summarized U.S.D.A. efforts to deal with the lanternfly and said their focus is to
develop effective control measures including pesticide, herbicide, tree removal, biological
controls and other tools.
Emelie Swackhamer, Penn State Extension, described their efforts to educate the public
on the lanternfly, including public meetings to train people to educate others to identify and deal
with the threat.
Marianna Lieberman of Maple Springs Vineyard and Calvin Beekman of Beekman
Orchards, both from Berks County, described their efforts to deal with hundreds of thousands of
spotted lanternflies and the impact it has had on their operations.
Click Here to watch a video of the hearing.
For more background information, visit the Department of Agricultures Spotted
Lanternfly webpage.
Sen. Elder Vogel (R-Beaver) serves as Majority Chair of the Senate Agriculture
Committee, and can be contacted by sending email to: evogel@pasen.gov. Sen. Judy Schwank
(D-Berks) serves as Minority Chair and can be contacted by sending email to:
SenatorSchwank@pasenate.com.
Rep. Martin Causer (R-Cameron) serves as Majority Chair of the House Agriculture
Committee and can be contacted by sending email to: mcauser@pahousegop.com. Rep. Eddie
Day Pashinski (D-Luzerne) serves as Minority Chair and can be contacted by sending email to:
epashins@pahouse.net.
NewsClips:
Rodale Institute: The Birthplace Of Organic Farming In The U.S.
Hearst Will Acquire Rodale Publishing In Lehigh Valley
PA Developing Plan To Help Save The Bees
Crable: 4 More Farms Preserved By Lancaster Farmland Trust
Thousands Of Gallons Of Manure Spill Into Lancaster Creek, Clean Up Continues
Related Story:
Agriculture Expands Spotted Lanternfly Quarantine Area Into 26 More Municipalities
[Posted: Oct. 19, 2017]
Sen. Boscola Introduces Bill To Allow Large Electric Users To Opt-Out Of Act 129 Energy
Efficiency Program
Sen. Lisa Boscola (D-Lehigh) Thursday introduced legislation-- Senate Bill 805-- to allow large
commercial and industrial electricity users to opt-out of the Act 129 Energy Efficiency and
Conservation Program.
The bill would remove the cost recovery surcharge on those deciding to opt-out of
funding the program. They would also be removed from the electric distribution companys
targets for energy conservation and no longer be eligible to receive grants or other benefits under
the Act 129 program.
To enhance their business or survive the host of headwinds facing manufacturers since
the 1990s, these large and sophisticated customers have been implementing energy efficiency
for years, including many projects that were initiated and completed years prior to Act 129
implementation in anticipation of the expiration of electric rate caps, said Sen. Boscola.
Because of these realities, the vast majority of these large customers are being forced to
participate in EE&C Plans that promise them no benefit while still costing between 2 percent and
5 percent of their total electricity spend.
Act 129 Has Saved $2.2 Billion
The most recent Public Utility Commission annual report on the Act 129 Program
documents a total of $2.2 billion in savings for consumers and 3.3 million megawatt hours of
electricity over 3 years.
The report found for every $1 invested in energy efficiency through the Act 129
programs, $1.70 was achieved in energy savings for consumers.
These initial results and determinations for Phase II demonstrate the success of the
EE&C programs, said Chairman Gladys M. Brown in a statement at todays meeting. I
commend Commission staff, the EDCs, and the energy efficiency service providers across the
state for their continued work in this arena.
The report confirms, once again, that Pennsylvania's Act 129 energy efficiency
programs are making the Commonwealth more energy efficient -- reducing energy use and
helping businesses and residents save money, said Matt Elliott, Keystone Energy Efficiency
Alliance. Better yet, the programs are cost-effective and deliver net benefits to everyone that
pays an electric bill.
"In addition to saving energy and saving money, the federal Department of Energy
recently reported that energy efficiency supports 62,431 jobs in Pennsylvania, Elliott explained.
In fact, despite economy-wide ups and downs, Pennsylvania's energy efficiency industry has
seen an average annual job growth rate of 7.5 percent year after year, for the past 7 years.
Todays report demonstrates that smart state energy policy like Act 129 can deliver cost
savings while also creating tens of thousands of jobs, said Elliott. These are local
Pennsylvania jobs - many of which could never be outsourced - and we applaud the legislature
for having the foresight to enact 129, and to continue to support the programs over the years as
energy savings and job creation add up, year over year.
A copy of the report is available online.
For more information, visit the PUCs Act 129 webpage or the Keystone Energy
Efficiency Alliances Act 129 webpage.
[Posted: Oct. 20, 2017]
Senate Bill Limiting The Term Of Executive Directors Of Fish & Boat Commission To Be
Considered Oct. 23
The Senate Game and Fisheries Committee has scheduled a meeting for October 23 to consider
Senate Bill 935 (Scarnati-R-Jefferson) which would limit the term of the Executive Director of
the Fish and Boat Commission to eight years.
Executive Directors are now selected by the Commission Board. The current Executive
Director-- John Arway-- was named to the position by the Board in March of 2010.
Arway has been a leading advocate for the Resource First policy, protecting and restoring
watersheds and for taking steps to put the Fish and Boat Commission on a sound financial
footing.
The bill was introduced late Thursday.
The meeting will held in the Rules Room, off the floor, meaning there is no set time for
the meeting, but it will occur at some point after the Senate convenes Monday at 1:00.
Sen. Patrick Stefano (R-Fayette) serves as Majority Chair of the Committee and can be
contacted by sending email to: pstefano@pasen.gov or call 717-787-7175. Sen. James Brewster
(D-Allegheny) serves as Minority Chair and can be contacted by sending email to:
brewster@pasenate.com or call 717-787-5580.
NewsClip:
[Posted: Oct. 20, 2017]
Electronics Waste Recycling Bill Subject Of Oct. 24 Senate Environmental Committee

Hearing
The Senate Environmental Resources and

Energy Committee is scheduled to hold a
hearing on Senate Bill 800
(Alloway-R-Franklin) to create a new Waste
Electronic Equipment Recover Act to replace
the 2010 Covered Device Recycling Act that
provides for the collection and recycling of
electronics waste.
A Joint Conservation Committee hearing
in March of 2016 found the states electronic waste program has all but collapsed and needs
major changes.
The bill continues the existing ban on disposing of electronic waste in landfills, with a
limited exception for old cathode ray tube (CRT) televisions and monitors. The bill allows
leaded glass to be managed at a facility permitted for the storage or dedicated retrievable cells for
leaded glass that complies with EPA waste regulations.
Companies or governments are prohibited from charging for the collection and recycling
of electronic waste, except a seller of electronic equipment shall collect a fee from consumers
equal to 0.5 percent of the full retail prices, excluding Sales Tax, to be used to administer and
implement the program outlined in the Act.
The Department of Environmental Protection is required to establish a network of
convenience centers available in every county as a collection point for electronic waste through a
Request For Expression Of Interest process to solicit proposals from counties and municipal
authorities.
Grants would be available to set up the convenience centers from revenue collected from
the consumer fee.
After the convenience centers are established, DEP is required to issue an invitation to
bid on recycling electronics waste from these convenience centers. Electronics equipment
manufacturers are required to cover the full cost of recycling the electronics waste through the
convenience centers.
Electronic equipment manufacturers may petition DEP to set up a convenience center
network for recycling electronic waste.
The hearing will be held in Room 8E-A East Wing of the Capitol Building starting at
10:00. Hearings are typically webcast through the Committees webpage.
NewsClips:
State Efforts Help Growing PA Towns Build Curbside Recycling Programs
Rep. Kaufer Announces E-Waste Recycling Event In Luzerne
[Posted: Oct. 17, 2017]
Senate Committee To Consider Bill To Fund Energy Efficiency Projects Thru Property
Assessed Clean Energy Programs Oct. 24
The Senate Community, Economic and Recreational Development Committee is scheduled to

meet on October 24 to consider Senate Bill 234 (Blake-D-Lackawanna) would authorize local
governments to create energy improvement districts to help fund energy efficiency, renewable
energy and water conservation projects by commercial and industrial buildings to reduce their
operating costs (sponsor summary).
The Property Assessed Clean Energy program is a proven-successful economic
development tool that enhances property values and employment opportunities; lowers the cost
of doing business; and expands the use of energy saving technologies, said Sen. John Blake
prime sponsor of the bill. Our legislation would give Pennsylvania businesses an opportunity to
make costly energy-saving upgrades with a creative, market-driven funding mechanism that does
not spend a dime of taxpayer money.
Under Senate Bill 234, PACE financing which can be used to purchase new heating and
cooling systems, lighting improvements, solar panels, water pumps and insulation would be
repaid in the form of a voluntary property tax assessment on the specific, improved building.
PACE is a commonsense, voluntary program, that doesnt cost taxpayers a penny.
PACE increases the use of energy-saving and environmentally-conscious technology, saves
businesses money, and will create family-sustaining jobs throughout the commonwealth because
of sales and installations, said Sen. Guy Reschenthaler (R-Allegheny) a co-sponsor of the bill.
I look forward to working with my colleagues and the dozens of organizations that support the
proposed PACE legislation.
A local government would be able to choose to participate in or develop a PACE
financing program.
PACE financing would not require any public funds; participating local communities
would be tasked with collecting the assessment on the improved building and remit it for
payment on the debt incurred from the buildings energy-efficiency and clean energy technology
upgrades.
A companion bill-- House Bill 1722 (Harper-R-Montgomery)-- is pending in the House
Local Government Committee.
The meeting will be held in the Rules Room off the Senate Floor at the call of the Senate
President at some point after the Senate convenes Tuesday.
Sen. Mario Scavello (R-Monroe) serves as Majority Chair of the Committee and he can
be contacted by sending email to: mscavello@pasen.gov. Sen. Larry Farnese (D-Philadelphia)
serves as Minority Chair and can be contacted by sending email to: farnese@pasenate.com.
Related Story:
Senate Bill Funds Energy Efficiency Thru Property Assessed Clean Energy Programs
[Posted: Oct. 20, 2017]
Senate Consumer Affairs Committee To Consider FERC Coal/Nuclear Electric Pricing

Resolution Oct. 24
The Senate Consumer Affairs & Professional Licensure Committee is scheduled to meet on
October 24 to consider Senate Resolution 227 (Aument-R-Lancaster) urging the Federal Energy
Regulatory Commission to quickly implement policies to ensure baseload electricity generation
(like coal and nuclear) are compensated for all the positive attributes they provide to the electric
system (sponsor summary).
The resolution was introduced by Sen. Ryan Aument (R-Lancaster) and Sen. Donald
White (R-Indiana) the chairs of the Nuclear Energy and Coal Caucuses. The text of the
co-sponsor memo introducing the resolution said--
As the House co-chairs of the Nuclear Energy and Coal Caucuses, we have been raising
concerns over the loss of nuclear and coal power plants in Pennsylvania.
Our concerns have been focused on several issues, including the economic impact of
premature plant closures, the potential loss of coal and nuclear plants as a strategic asset for the
bulk power system, the environmental consideration of losing the largest and most reliable
carbon-free and other fuel-diverse electricity production, and the long-term impacts to consumers
should the overall electric grid become overly dependent on any one generation source.
Pennsylvania is fortunate to be a top electricity producer from many sources, including
nuclear, coal, gas and hydroelectric power. Together, coal, nuclear and hydroelectric power
produce 67 percent of our Commonwealths electricity and create fuel diversity in our supply of
energy.
As such, the loss of these fuel-secure resources matters greatly. For those who are not
aware, fuel-secure generation resources are unique in that they are capable of storing fuel for
their plants onsite for long periods of time.
On September 28, 2017, the United States Department of Energy (DOE) took a
significant step forward in addressing the loss of fuel-secure generation by issuing a new rule
directing the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission (FERC) to ensure that fuel-secure
generators are adequately compensated so that they can remain a viable component of the bulk
power system.
In its rule, DOE noted the following:
The resiliency of the nations electric grid is threatened by the premature retirements of
power plants that can withstand major fuel supply disruptions caused by natural or man-made
disasters and, in those critical times, continue to provide electric energy, capacity, and essential
grid reliability services. These fuel-secure resources are indispensable for the reliability and
resiliency of our electric grid-and therefore indispensable for our economic and national security.
It is time for the Commission to issue rules to protect the American people from energy outages
expected to result from the loss of this fuel-secure generation capacity.
We agree, which is why we are seeking your support.
In the very near future, we will be introducing a concurrent resolution urging the FERC
to swiftly consider DOEs proposed Grid Resiliency Pricing Rule and implement policies and
adopt tariffs to ensure fuel-secure generation resources receive proper compensation for the
positive attributes they provide our nations and Commonwealths electric system in this case,
reliability and resiliency.
Our goal is to promote Pennsylvanias energy resources to the betterment of our
economy, people and overall prosperity and to protect against unforeseen challenges that could
threaten our electric grid, such as the polar vortex in 2014.
We are all aware of the challenges that the coal and nuclear sectors of our energy
economy have been facing in recent years. Please join us to encourage the federal government to
finally address these very serious issues.
An identical resolution has been introduced in the House-- House Resolution 576
(Pyle-R-Armstrong).
The meeting will be held in Room 461 starting at noon.
Sen. Robert Tomlinson (R-Bucks) serves as Majority Chair and can be contacted by
sending email to: rtomlinson@pasen.gov. Sen. Lisa Boscola (D-Lehigh) serves as Minority
Chair and can be contacted by sending email to: boscola@pasenate.com.
NewsClips:
Three Mile Island Returns To Full Power
FERC OKs Pumped Hydro Electric Feasibility Studies In Northeast
FERCs Powelson Rejects Polar Vortex Arguments For DOE Coal, Nuclear Cost Recovery Plan
Editorial: No Evidence Inadequate Fuel Supply Ever Caused Power Grid Disruptions
Editorial: Clean Power Plans Demise: Innovation, Competition Clear The Air
[Posted: Oct. 20, 2017]
Senate Environmental Committee Holds Oct. 30 Hearing On Lead Exposure, Mitigation In

Luzerne County
The Senate Environmental Resources and Energy Committee is scheduled to hold a hearing on
lead exposure and mitigation October 30 in Pittston, Luzerne County.
The Senate unanimously passed Senate Resolution 33 sponsored by Sen John Yudichak
(D-Luzerne), Minority Chair of the Committee, creating a bipartisan task force to investigate the
scope of Pennsylvanias lead exposure problem.
Sen. Yudichak introduced the resolution earlier this session because lead exposure can
threaten the health and wellbeing of every Pennsylvanianespecially senior citizens and
children.
The task force report will advance cooperative efforts to arm the General Assembly with
better information and best practice recommendations to develop new lead abatement programs
that more aggressively mitigate lead exposure in Pennsylvania, said Sen. Yudichak.
The resolution establishes a Task Force on lead exposure comprised of the chairs of the
Environmental Resources and Energy Committee and the Health and Human Services
Committee and two members appointed by the Senate President pro tempore and the Minority
Leader.
The Joint State Government Commission is also directed to establish an Advisory
Committee to conduct a comprehensive review of Pennsylvania law and public policy related to
lead exposure and abatement practices and then submit a report to the Task Force and full Senate
within 18-months.
The report must assess the age of housing and infrastructure, lead exposure threats, and
identify the prevalence of lead in structures where children spend significant time.
The October 30 hearing is an effort to aid the work of the Task Force and Advisory
Committee in their work. Witnesses are expected to include state and local officials and private
sector individuals experienced with the effects of lead poisoning and remediation.
Sen. Yudichak wants to ensure input from Northeast PA in this process which may have
older infrastructure than many areas of the state presenting more of a lead poisoning threat.
The hearing will be held in the John P. Cosgrove Center, Pittston Memorial Library, 47
Broad Street in Pittston, Luzerne County starting at 11:00.
For more background on the lead issue, visit DEPs Lead In Drinking Water webpage
and the Department of Healths Lead Poisoning webpage.
NewsClips:
From Flint To Pittsburgh, Children Need Protection From Lead
Harmer Authority Interested In Buying Cheswicks Water System
Related Story:
Aqua America Offers Customers Video, Tips To Minimize Lead Exposure
[Posted: Oct. 17, 2017]
News From Around The State
DEP Project Provides Drinking Water To 148 Homes, Businesses In Clearfield County
Affected By Abandoned Mine
Department of Environmental Protection Monday announced funding for an Abandoned Mine

Land project to construct a public waterline to serve 148 homes and businesses with public
drinking water.
The Pine Grove Waterline Project will eliminate health and safety hazards to the
community and provide a safe, reliable public drinking water supply, said DEP Secretary
Patrick McDonnell. Residents here have struggled with diminished water supply and degraded
water quality for too long.
Existing water supplies in the area do not meet minimum state and federal drinking water
standards due to impacts of legacy underground and surface coal mine operations.
The project will include the construction and installation of a pump station and water
storage tank, and construction of approximately 69,300 linear feet of waterline. The tank and
pump station will facilitate future expansion of the waterline service.
This project not only promotes public health by providing safe drinking water to
residents, but it also promotes economic development by providing vital infrastructure to support
businesses, making future development in the area possible, said McDonnell.
The Pine Grove Waterline Project is part of the Abandoned Mine Land Reclamation Pilot
Program, funded by $30 million from the Office of Surface Mining Reclamation and
Enforcement, U.S. Department of Interior. Projects were chosen for their strong potential for
combined community, economic, and environmental outcomes.
Joining Secretary McDonnell in discussing the importance of this project at the event and
touring the waterline route in Lawrence Township, Clearfield County, were Congressman Glenn
Thompson and representatives from OSMRE, the Foundation for Pennsylvania Watersheds, the
Clearfield Municipal Authority, and Bee Kind Winery.
For more information on abandoned mine reclamation, visit DEPs Bureau of Abandoned
Mine Reclamation webpage.
NewsClip:
Earth Conservancy, PSU WB Offering Environmental Workforce Training
[Posted: Oct. 16, 2017]
Montour Run Watershed Assn. Receives $100K S. Kent Rockwell Foundation Maintenance
Grant For Mine Drainage Treatment Projects
The Montour Run Watershed Association Monday

announced it has been selected to receive a $100,000 grant
by the S. Kent Rockwell Foundation which will allow the
MRWA to perform necessary maintenance on its passive
water treatment systems.
The S. Kent Rockwell Foundation Inc. is dedicated to
working with others in finding solutions to the problems
that exist with our natural resources and wildlife areas.
A goal of the S. Kent Rockwell Foundation is to continue to
help the world provide resources to continue to fight against
its own self-inflicted flaws and obstruction.
The foundation believes that it is important not only to protect the existing resources that
we have, but to also continue to work together to repair the damages that have occurred as our
world has continued to develop.
It is our hope to continue to help spread awareness in the importance of promoting
Conservation, Community, Education, and Innovation so that our goals for continued
improvement can also be seen by others, explained Rockwell Trustee Kris Rockwell.
And this grant to the MRWA falls squarely within our mission. We are pleased to be
able to help the MRWA maintain a viable fishery with improved water quality. Because of the
MRWA efforts, the Pennsylvania Fish Commission now stocks the stream with trout annually,
he said.
Mark Fedosick, President of the MRWA, expressed his gratitude to the S. Kent Rockwell
Foundation and explained Our passive treatment systems are in need of repair after being in
place for as much as 15 years. Without the Foundations generous grant, pollutants of iron and
acid would be coming back into Montour Run and would jeopardize its clean water and fishery
status. We plan to use the funding to clean out and repair the North Fork, McCaslin Road,
Boggs Road and Clinton Road projects.
Click Here for more on these projects.
The Montour Run Watershed is located in the southwest corner of Allegheny County
approximately 12 miles from downtown Pittsburgh and is comprised of portions of six
communities, Coraopolis, Imperial, and Findlay, North Fayette, Moon and Robinson Townships.
Established in April 2000, the Montour Run Watershed Association was incorporated as
a nonprofit organization in order to protect the Montour Run, to remediate threats to the stream
and its environ, and provide long-term stewardship of the Montour Run Watershed.
This includes land, water, and biological resources of the watershed, as we strive to make
the Montour Run valley healthier for all its residents.
We accomplish our goals through formal and informal partnerships with citizens groups;
businesses; local, regional, state and federal governmental agencies; elected officials; the general
public; and foundations such as the S. Kent Rockwell Foundation.
The MRWA actively conducts watershed assessment projects, public outreach and
education projects, and stream improvement projects.
For more information, visit the Montour Run Watershed Association website.
(Photo: North Fork Project.)
NewsClip:
[Posted: Oct. 16, 2017]
Growing Greener Funds Wetland Restoration, Education Project In Columbia County
Department of Environmental Protection Executive

Deputy Secretary Ramez Ziadeh and Northcentral
Regional Director Marcus Kohl Thursday toured a
recently completed restoration project funded
through the Growing Greener program at Camp
Victory, a nonprofit camp providing services to
children with special needs, in Millville, Columbia
County.
We are thrilled to have supported such an
important project. It demonstrates how landscapes
and aquatic resources can be managed to maximize
benefit to the environment and to people, said Ziadeh. This is a win-win for all involved.
The project included the restoration of a pond system and adjacent wetlands to provide
increased recreational opportunities, and to improve water quality and habitat. A
handicapped-accessible boardwalk was also constructed.
Prior to project construction, Camp Victorys pond system was impacted by excessive
sediment, algae, and invasive plants, making recreational use impossible.
One pond was dredged to restore recreational use, and the dredged sediment was used to
reconstruct wetlands on another pond. Thermal and sediment impacts to water quality on the
stream flowing through the pond and wetland system have been improved.
Camp Victory has also partnered with experts from Lycoming College and Bucknell
University to study the aquatic system on their property before, during, and after project
construction, and will utilize the ponds, wetlands, and boardwalk to enhance their environmental
education programming.
We are especially pleased that the $165,448 in Growing Greener grant funds were
invested in a long-lasting, living laboratory where campers and their families can learn about the
importance of clean water while they experience its joys, said Kohl.
Representatives from DEP, Camp Victory, and their contractor, Natural Waterscapes,
provided a tour of the site and discussed the projects innovative techniques and beneficial
outcomes.
Click Here to view photos of the restoration process.
Camp Victory partners with nonprofit organizations to offer customized camping
experiences for special needs campers, including children with chronic health conditions and
mental and physical disabilities, and their families.
They have served nearly 30,000 people since opening 24 years ago, and serve 1,500
people annually.
To learn more about the Growing Greener Program, visit the Keep PA Growing Greener
website.
NewsClips:
Growing Greener Funds News Wetlands At Camp Victory
Pittsburgh Water Authority Ramps Up Its Green Infrastructure Program
Aspinwall Gets ALCOSAN Grant To Eliminate Sewer Overflows
Volunteers Planted 1,000 Trees In Honor Of 2 Organizations Celebrating Their 50th Anniversary
Lycoming Official: Projected Stormwater Compliance Costs Scares The Bejesus Out Of
Everyone
[Posted: Oct. 19, 2017]
Restoration Project Restores Tom's Run In Michaux State Forest, Cumberland County
Department of Conservation and Natural Resources

Secretary Cindy Adams Dunn Friday joined partners
in a visit to Camp Michaux in the Michaux State
Forest in Cumberland County to view a project to
restore Toms Run to its historic location.
DCNRs Bureau of Forestry implements practices
that promote the long-term health of our forests in
Pennsylvania for many values, including clean
water, Dunn said. Forests and trees play an incredible role in slowing the flow of water during
storms, and removing or filtering pollutants that would end up in our waterways.
Dunn noted that Toms Run is now reconnected to its historic floodplain, which lessens
the impacts of heavy storm events.
Along Toms Run, there was a diversion channel on the waterway which took the stream
flow and diverted it into an impoundment created by a dam previously used as a swimming hole.
The project involved:
-- Filling in a section of the concrete diversion sluiceway, allowing the stream to continue
downstream through its original location;
-- Native streambed material was used to line the new channel and give it an appearance of a
natural stream channel;
-- Some fish enhancement and stream structures were included in the project; and
-- The swimming area, which had filled up with sediment, will be allowed to convert to a
wetland
Toms Run is a Class A trout stream that flows into Mountain Creek. Brook trout are the
official state fish, are indicators of superior water quality, and provide recreational fishing
opportunities, Dunn said. Dams in general are barriers to aquatic organism passage, elevate
water temperatures, and reduce dissolved oxygen content. By bypassing the impoundment,
Toms Run will benefit as a cold-water fishery.
Dunn noted that the project is included in the Wolf Administrations clean water
initiative.
The project cost amounted to around $97,000 and was supported by a DEP Growing
Greener grant, The Nature Conservancy-PA, and DCNR.
Brook trout are one of the poster species for climate change impacts and some studies
have shown that warming stream temperatures in Pennsylvania are already impacting them,
Dunn said This project fits in with a climate change adaptation strategy to increase habitat
connectivity and develop corridors that help facilitate the movement of species.
The climate change adaptation strategy for DCNR lands will be completed by the
beginning of next year.
DCNR has a goal of removing five dams on its lands by 2020 as part of its water strategic
initiative.
Last year, Long Run dam in Bald Eagle State Forest, and Olyphant dam #1 in Pinchot
State Forest were removed.
Toms Run and Long Run are both in the Chesapeake Bay watershed.
Camp Michaux has an unusual history including as a church camp; working farm; as a
Civilian Conservation Corps camp during the Great Depression; and as a secret prisoner of war
interrogation camp during World War II.
Learn more in the Camp Michaux Self-Guided Walking Tour booklet from the
Cumberland County Historical Society.
Pennsylvanias 2.2 million acres of well-managed state forest lands provide critical
habitat for brook trout and thousands of stream miles.
Michaux State Forest is more than 85,000 acres in the South Mountain landscape named
for French botanist Andre Michaux.
DCNR also has a Brook Trout Conservation Plan for state forest lands.
For more information on state parks and forests and recreation in Pennsylvania, visit
DCNRs website, Click Here to sign up for the Resource newsletter, Visit the Good Natured
DCNR Blog, Click Here for upcoming events, Click Here to hook up with DCNR on other
social media-- Facebook, Twitter, YouTube and Flickr.
NewsClips:
Everyone
[Posted: Oct. 20, 2017]
DCNR Awarded $750K Grant For Stream Buffers In Chesapeake Bay Watershed
The Department of Conservation and Natural Resources

Friday announced it was awarded a National Fish and
Wildlife Foundation Chesapeake Bay Stewardship Grant for
$750,000 to help plant forested buffers along streams to
improve water quality.
DCNR will match that funding with $2,144,550 for a
total project value of $2,894,550.
DCNRs Stream ReLeaf project will focus on
bringing partners together and providing additional
momentum to the work the department is leading to plant
stream buffers along waterways, DCNR Policy Director
Sara Nicholas said at an event today at Future View Farm in
Lancaster County. The overall goal is to streamline the
entire riparian forest buffer process from start to finish to improve local water quality and
wildlife habitat, and to reduce nutrient and sediment pollution flowing from Pennsylvania into
the Chesapeake Bay.
Pennsylvania has a goal of planting 95,000 acres of riparian forest buffers by 2025.
Elements of the work funded by the NFWF grant include:
-- Formalization of a partnership of leaders in riparian forest buffer implementation through the
Riparian Forest Buffer Advisory Committee.
-- Developing new community-focused and producer-led marketing and outreach materials to
recruit new landowners
-- Increasing technical assistance capacity and training opportunities
-- Funding riparian buffer plantings over 3 years on lands that do not qualify for other funding
sources in a seven county pilot area
-- Creating a formalized mechanism for tracking new Riparian Forest Buffers planted across
Pennsylvania to help with planning, prioritizing, and appropriately crediting riparian buffer
implementation
This project initially will include, Adams, Cumberland, Franklin, Fulton, Huntingdon,
Lancaster, and York counties.
Materials developed will initially be used in the seven-county pilot area to test
effectiveness, adjusted as needed, and made available to all riparian forest buffer outreach and
implementation partners in Pennsylvania.
The Western Pennsylvania Conservancy will serve as a key administrative partner with
DCNR on this project, helping conservation districts and conservation organizations working
within the seven-county pilot area to contract private landowners willing to plant riparian forest
buffers on their properties.
The Department of Environmental Protection, Agriculture, and DCNR are leading a
partnership of stakeholders in developing Phase 3 of the state plan to clean up local waters in the
43 Pennsylvania counties in the bay watershed.
"The foundation's generous support for projects that reflect deep local knowledge will
restore the health of dozens more stream and river locations in our part of the Chesapeake Bay
watershed," said DEP Secretary Patrick McDonnell. "This is tremendous, and underscores the
great bottom-up momentum that DEP, DCNR, the Department of Agriculture, and our many
committed partners are bringing to Phase 3 of Pennsylvania's plan for the watershed. Partner by
partner, project by project, we aim to clean up our local waters."
NFWFs funding for the Stream Releaf project reinforces the importance of riparian
buffers and other best management practices that farmers are employing to protect water
quality, said Agriculture Secretary Russell Redding. There is still a long road ahead. But
thanks to the effective partnerships between local, state and federal agencies as well as
organizations like Stroud Water Research Center, the Lancaster Farm Trust, and the broader
agriculture community our collective efforts are making a difference in the watershed.
For more information on stream buffers, visit DCNRs Forest Buffers Along Waterways
webpage.
For background on Chesapeake Bay Watershed cleanup in Pennsylvania, visit DEPs
PAs Chesapeake Bay Plan webpage.
NewsClips:
Everyone
Related Story:
Chesapeake Bay Stewardship Fund Awards $3.79 Million In Grants For Projects In PA
[Posted: Oct. 20, 2017]
Stroud Water Research Center Helps Lead New Task Force To Boost Watershed
Education, Stewardship
The Stroud Water Research Center in Chester

County recently entered into a cooperative
agreement with the National Oceanic and
Atmospheric Administrations Chesapeake Bay
Program Office and Pennsylvania partners to
improve and expand environmental literacy and
watershed education and stewardship among Pennsylvania K-12 students and educators.
While Pennsylvania is home to 86,000 miles of streams and rivers, second most to only
Alaska, many of them are degraded by pollution from agriculture, stormwater runoff, and
insufficient wastewater management.
In turn, Pennsylvania waterways provide an opportunity to contribute to watershed
restoration efforts in the Chesapeake Bay and beyond.
In 2014, the Chesapeake Bay Watershed Agreement outlined an environmental literacy
plan that would educate citizens about their freshwater resources and how to protect them.
The Stroud Centerled project assembles a task force of representative leaders across the
commonwealth to address environmental literacy.
It does so by increasing the use of Meaningful Watershed Educational Experience
programming that is, locally relevant, hands-on programs that promote experiential learning,
critical thinking, and actions to improve freshwater resources.
The Pennsylvania Watershed Education Task Force brings together approximately 20
collaborators from a mix of state agencies, leading informal environmental education
organizations, business and industry leaders in the environmental workforce, postsecondary
institutions, and K-12 schools.
On the leadership team, the Stroud Center is joined by the Department of Environmental
Protection, Department of Education, PA Association of Environmental Educators, DCNR
Bureau of State Parks, and Millersville University.
The task force will meet and be present at the Pennsylvania Science Teachers Association
and PAEE conferences over the next three years. Individuals from around the commonwealth are
encouraged to speak with task force members and explore resources at these events.
With a three-year grant from NOAA, the task force will expand partnerships for
advancing environmental literacy, increase the number of NOAA Bay Watershed Education and
Training (B-WET) grant proposals, research and promote high-quality MWEEs, and provide
training for approximately 400 watershed education professionals and traditional K-12 educators
all throughout the commonwealth.
Stroud Center Director of Education Steve Kerlin, Ph.D., the grants principal
investigator, said, One of the most exciting parts of this statewide capacity-building project is
the establishment and strengthening of collaborative partnerships toward the shared goal of
increasing environmental literacy.
Stroud Water Research Center one of the three Pennsylvania projects receiving a
total of about $300,000 in NOAA funding this year helps implement high-quality K-12
environmental education programs. We're proud to support projects like this that develop
students into the next generation of scientists and Chesapeake Bay stewards, said Sean Corson,
acting director of the NOAA Chesapeake Bay Office.
"With 121 Pennsylvania State Parks and 2.2 million-acres of state forests, clean water is
important to DCNR. Improving water quality, increasing the amount of healthy riparian buffer
zones, and protecting high-value streams can only be accomplished by educating our citizenry
about these issues, said DCNR Secretary Cindy Adams Dunn. As a part of this grant, DCNR
will be utilizing our award-winning Watershed Education curriculum and the nationally
recognized Project WET curriculum in order to educate teachers about the value of clean water.
Through teachers, we reach thousands of Pennsylvania students who hold the future of water in
their hands."
Millersville Universitys Watershed Education Training Institute is pleased to partner
with Stroud Water Research Centers NOAA grantfunded project to improve K-12 students
environmental literacy and stewardship. The project intends to build capacity across the
Commonwealth to offer high-impact environmental programming. As a member of the projects
PA Watershed Education Task Force Leadership Board, I look forward to connecting with a
diverse group of stakeholders with a shared mission to advance environmental literacy in
Pennsylvania, said Nanette Marcum-Dietrich, Ph.D., WETI co-coordinator and professor at
Millersville University.
John Wallace, Ph.D., professor at Millersville University and founder of WETI, said, To
date, WETI has cultivated a strong and valuable collaboration with Stroud Water Research
Center on a variety of watershed education programs. The multistate NOAA-funded grant
focused on a Meaningful Watershed Educational Experience that includes a diverse suite of
collaborating agencies, organizations and schools is in line with the WETI mission of fostering
watershed stewardship via innovative science-based programs. As co-coordinator and founder of
WETI, I applaud and congratulate Dr. Nanette Marcum-Dietrich and our Stroud Center partners
in this award and look forward to the training this grant provides in the education of our future
watershed ambassadors.
For more information on programs, initiatives and special events, visit the Stroud Water
Research Center website, Click Here to subscribe to UpStream. Click Here to subscribe to
Strouds Educator newsletter. Click Here to become a Friend Of Stroud Research, Like them on
Facebook, Follow on Twitter, include them in your Circle on Google+ and visit their YouTube
Channel.
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[Posted: Oct.. 18, 2017]
Bloomsburg U, Chesapeake Conservancy Partner On Restoring Susquehanna River Health
Bloomsburg University in Columbia County is

partnering with Chesapeake Conservancy to restore
the health of the Susquehanna River and the
Chesapeake Bay.
Steven Rier, professor of biological and allied health
sciences, is representing Bloomsburg in the
three-year project named Precision Conservation.
Precision Conservation, funded by the National Fish
and Wildlife Foundation, is aiming to restore the
ecological health of the Susquehanna River, a main
contributor to the Chesapeake Bay.
The Susquehanna River dumps approximately 20 billion gallons of fresh water into the
bay every day. Much of this freshwater contains excess nitrogen and phosphorus sediment that is
disrupting the ecosystem of the bay.
Chesapeake Conservancy has determined that agriculture within the Susquehanna River
watershed is responsible for much of the excess sediment and nutrients entering the bay.
The goal of the project is to build riparian buffers, rows of trees and shrubs, along bare
streams exposed to agricultural sites. Using high-resolution technology and satellite images,
Chesapeake Conservancy can determine where to place these buffers efficiently.
Until now, people recognized the importance of buffers but there was no consistent
strategy for prioritizing the placement of individual projects, says Dr. Rier. `Precision
Conservation` allows for a more precise way to pinpoint where you can get the most value
regarding stream restoration.
Bloomsburg has taken on the role of analyzing water chemistry and ecosystem functions
like metabolic activity and nutrient uptake of the local streams and tributaries connecting to the
Susquehanna River.
Rier, with the help of biology graduate students Jennifer Tuomisto and Corey Conville,
and biology undergraduate senior Aaron Gordon-Weaver, collects water from tributaries and
streams that are deemed as high priority areas by Precision Conservation technologies.
Dr. Rier and his students are then responsible for measuring how much excess sediment
is coming into the stream and ultimately determining if the buffers are working in restoring the
streams health.
Precision Conservation is not just improving the water quality of the Susquehanna River
and Chesapeake Bay. It is improving the waterways ecosystem as a whole and benefitting
landowners who allow buffers to be built on their property.
The riparian buffers built during this project could potentially improve recreational
fishing and hunting, improve the aesthetics of landowners properties, maintain health of
farmers livestock and maximize farmers crop production.
Precision Conservation is also providing experiential learning to BU students. Grants
from the project are supporting Bloomsburgs biology graduate students, covering many research
costs and providing valuable research experience that will benefit them after BU.
The project is piloting in Centre and Clinton counties with plans to be a statewide in the
near future.
Bloomsburgs current restoration sites can be found along streams and tributaries
connecting to Pine Creek and Elk Creek in Centre County.
Additional project partners in Precision Conservation include Susquehanna University,
Chesapeake Bay Foundation, EPAs Chesapeake Bay Program, Department of Conservation and
Natural Resources, National Fish and Wildlife Foundation and the U.S. Environmental
Protection Agency.
For more information on the project, visit the Chesapeake Conservancy Precision
Conservation webpage.
NewsClips:
Everyone
Related Stories:
Chesapeake Conservancy, Bloomsburg Release Tool For Precision Conservation In Centre,
Clinton Counties
Chesapeake Conservancy Releases Vision Document For Susquehanna River Conservation
[Posted: Oct. 19, 2017]
Student Journal: Summer 2017 Chesapeake Bay Watershed Education Experience
By Emma Stone, Junior, Carlisle High School, Chesapeake Bay Foundation Blog
Note: Emma Stone, was among 75 student leaders from the Bay watershed
states of Pennsylvania, Maryland, and Virginia who engaged in a six-day
summer course with CBF. Emma shares a journal of her impressions
during this experience.
Monday, July 10, 2017
We visited a farm in Cumberland County. The owner, farmer
Denny Garman, is a third-generation dairy farmer. Five people, all family,
work on the farm of about 200 acres, and I find that very impressive.
Denny sought out help from the Cumberland County Conservation
District to make sure his farming practices weren't harming the waterways.
He also wanted to implement additional best management practices on his
property.
Later in the day, we canoed on the Conestoga River into the
Susquehanna River and docked on Small Indian Rock and Big Indian
Rock. There, we saw petroglyphs from Native Americans. The carvings are
1,000 years old.
It was so cool to see things left behind from so many years ago, and we learned a lot
about the drawings carved into the granite and mica rock.
There were carvings of serpents that pointed to the sun during the summer and winter
solstice and autumnal and spring equinox. It's so interesting that they knew when the longest and
shortest days were without the technology that we have today.
Tuesday, July 11, 2017
In Maryland, we packed up from Elk Neck State Park and headed to Harborview Farms.
We got to bed around 11 last night. The ground was more uncomfortable than it looked! Then we
were up around 6-6:30 a.m.
At Trey Hill's Harborview Farm, we had so much fun. He taught us a lot about the
logistics of farming, his crop choices, cover crops, and the pesticides he uses. We got to go
inside one of the grain bins that had corn in it. It was kind of like quicksand. I was up to my
knees.
People were making corn angels, diving in, and seeing if they could run. It was definitely
a highlight.
Then, at CHINO Farms, we checked out amazing grasslands. They are supposed to help
bring back the Bobwhite quail and other quail species. The quail were hunted a lot in the 1900s,
so there aren't as many now.
A total of 276 grass species were planted on the farms, and hundreds of birds come to
these grasslands.
Wednesday, July 12, 2017
This morning, it was relaxing to walk through the woods at Tuckahoe State Park in
Maryland and observe. I liked having that time with nature. Last night when we were sleeping,
we heard multiple barred owls.
Most of us liked falling asleep to the noises they were making.
The ride on the boat, Loni Carol II, to Port Isobel Island, near Tangier Island in the Bay,
was nice and windy.
We set out crab potskissing the fish, twisting it in half, and putting it in the pot (it's
called "the kiss and twist"). It felt like we were fishing forever. The thing about being on the
island of Port Isobel, is that we're on "Island Time."
That's when we never really check the time, and events come and go. "It's free-spirited,
non-planned, and can be spur-of-the-moment," fellow student Anna Pauletta said. Abby
Hebenton liked it, "because I don't want to be forced to follow set plans if it doesn't make sense
in the conditions."
Thursday, July 13, 2017
I'm on "Island Time" right now, so I don't know what time it is. I woke up to watch the
sunrise. I love these CBF trips because we are in a different environment, so we get to observe
new things.
I went back to bed, but by 7 a.m. the CBF staff was blaring a "Lion King" song to wake
us up. After breakfast, we went marsh mucking. We had two layers on and it was super hot. It
did feel nice wading in the water though.
On Tangier Island, we walked to the museum and learned island history. It was
interesting to compare how things were back then, to now. It was hot so we got ice cream from a
place called Four Brothers.
There were golf carts everywhere because that's the easiest way to get around.
Then we picked up the crab pots that we set the day before. We caught a lot of crabs!
After dinner, which Abby, Anna, Mary Martin, and I made, we dug into the Old Bay covered
crabs.
They were so good, and Isaiah McCready, a student who lives on Tangier, taught us the
best ways to crack them open. Afterwards, we went on a nighttime walk. It was pitch black, but
really cool.
Friday, July 14, 2017
More people got up for the sunrise. We went up to the dock to watch, and it was very
pretty.
We filled out two pages of a Port Isobel book. Everyone that stays on the island gets to
fill out a few pages. On the boat ride back we jammed to some music.
At the Philip Merrill Center in Annapolis, we worked on our display board for Saturday.
It was raining, dark, scary, and stormy. Some people here love thunderstorms. I'm not a fan at all,
and was moderately shaken up.
Saturday, July 15, 2017
At the culminating event at the Merrill Center, students from all the week-long courses
from across the watershed came together. We prepared a presentation of our trip with photos and
artifacts.
Guests gallery-walked through our presentations. Many of the folks stopped to ask
questions about our experiences from the week.
It was a good day of reflection on all the activities. The closing event was a big hit. A
band played for the student leaders and everyone was dancing and having a good time, mingling,
and getting to know each other.
The week was the most fun I had all summer. I got so many amazing opportunities and
met other student leaders who are interested in the same things I am. Overall, the trip was a total
success. I can't wait to see what they have planned for us next year.
Click Here for more on CBFs professional and student education programs.
For more information on Chesapeake Bay issues, visit the Chesapeake Bay Journal
website, Click Here to subscribe to the Journal, Follow Chesapeake Bay Journal On Twitter or
Like Chesapeake Bay Journal On Facebook. Click Here to support the Journals work.
(Reprinted from the Chesapeake Bay Foundation Blog.)

[Posted: Oct. 17, 2017]
PEC Blog: A Day Of Discovery On The Delaware River
By Patrick Starr, Executive Vice President Southeast Region, PEC
Ive been trekking in various vessels on the Delaware

River since 2000, and never before have I learned so
much as I did late last month when I joined the
Upstream Alliance (aka Don Baugh and family) on a
3-day paddling odyssey.
The trip was organized for leaders interested in
stewardship of the Delaware River, ranging from NGO
environmental educators to elected freeholders to the
chair of the William Penn Foundation board of
directors.
My kayak-mate turned out to be none other than
Cindy Adams Dunn, Secretary of the PA Department of
Conservation and Natural Resources.
Amazing people aside the learning too was amazing! We dropped a net at the rivers
edge as we launched out from Beverly, New Jersey. Just feet from the rivers edge we found
dozens of wriggling fish including the babies of signature fish such as striped bass, shad and
perch.
The shad fry in particular appeared energetic and ready for their long migration to their
juvenile and adult lives in the oceans before they return to the Delaware for spawning.
The views and historic sites along the river as we paddled were extraordinary. I have
previously studied many important sites such as Glen Foerd and Andalusia but was
introduced on this trip to the Red Dragon Canoe Club, among the oldest groups of its kind in the
nation.
I also encountered the oldest fishing club, the incongruously named State of the Schuykill
Club, which now overlooks the Delaware. That quaint old board and batten structure built in
1732 was relocated in the mid-19th century due to the deteriorated water quality on the lower
Schuylkill.
With a dramatic change in the weather intensified by the squeeze between a Canadian
high and Tropical Storm Maria off the coast, we had an intense day of paddling.
Winds were a consistent 10-15 miles per hour with greater gusts, and at times the sky
darkened like a winter squall.
Seventeen miles of paddling on flat water (albeit with the tide) is challenging, but in
those windy conditions, it was HARD!
We managed nonetheless to make it on schedule to Palmyra Cove for lunch and a
freshwater mussel identification exercise.
I have long heard about the value of mussels to water quality, but little did I realize that
the tidal stretch of the Delaware has some of the richest mussel habitat in the watershed, and it
appears to be growing if not thriving.
We were challenged to collect mussel shells and identify them from a written description.
Though we found several species of native mussels, perhaps the most eye-opening finding was
that 80 percent of the shells we collected belonged to one non-native species: the Asian clam.
I had begun the exercise thinking well, this is easy, only to find out that all of the
specimens in my bucket were Asiatic invaders!
Approaching Center City, we entered a familiar landscape of industrial artifacts,
dominated by the huge former power plants at Port Richmond and Penn Treaty Park, as well as
the amazing Reading Railroad coal gangway and, of course, the majestic bridges.
As much as I love the Ben Franklin, the Tacony-Palmyra Bridge provides a
cross-sectional view akin to an enormous cathedral knave it is spectacular viewed from the
new Kensington-Tacony Trail or from a river kayak.
It was a great day! At the end, we shared words about what we saw: Opportunity!
Majestic! Changing! were just some of the words shared. Im amazed how much I learned
about the Tidal Delaware, and I thought I already knew a lot. Thanks, Captain Baugh!
(Photo: Patrick Starrs kayak-mate DCNR Secretary Cindy Adams Dunn holding some shad
fry.)
For more information on programs, initiatives and special events, visit the PA
Environmental Council website, visit the PEC Blog, follow PEC on Twitter or Like PEC on
Facebook. Visit PECs Audio Room for the latest podcasts. Click Here to receive regular
updates from PEC.
NewsClips:
PEC Blog: A Day Of Discover On The Delaware, Patrick Starr
Delaware RiverKeeper Oct 20 RiverWatch Video Report
Patrick Starr is Executive Vice President of the Southeast Region for the PA Environmental
Council and can be contacted by calling 215-545-4570 or by sending email to: pstarr@pecpa.org.
[Posted: Oct. 20, 2017]
Westmoreland Conservation District Hosts First AmeriCorps Member: Alyssa Harden
Alyssa Harden isnt in the military, but she is serving our

nation. In fact shes one of more than 80,000 citizens who
are volunteering their time, energy, and talents in service to
America through a program called AmeriCorps at the
Westmoreland County Conservation District.
Similar in philosophy to the Peace Corps, but focused within our own country,
AmeriCorps members do a lot of good things for other Americans.
Some offer help during hurricanes, forest fires, and other disasterssome build houses
for people living in povertyand, some like Alyssa, focus their energies on improving our
environment.
Since joining AmeriCorps in August, Harden has been in Greensburg with the staff of the
Westmoreland Conservation District, and her goal is to help improve the water quality in
Westmoreland County.
In the past few months, shes been involved with the Conservation Districts projects to
reduce the amount of soil that gets into streams from unpaved roads in the county. And shes
also been providing support for the water-quality efforts of area watershed and trail groups.
The August graduate of the University of Pittsburgh likes the program and the work.
I majored in geology, which is more about rocks and earth structures, Harden said, but
I always also liked environmental science, which is more conservation-oriented.
She especially enjoys the fieldwork and hopes to do even more during her tenure with the
program, which continues until August of 2018.
This is the first AmeriCorps member the 68-year-old Westmoreland Conservation
District has hosted.
Some of our sister agencies, such as the Armstrong County Conservation District, have
hosted AmeriCorps members for many years and always spoken very highly about the program,
said Westmoreland Conservation District Manager/CEO Greg Phillips.
Then, a few years ago, our District hired Chelsea Walker, who had just finished her
service as an AmeriCorps member with the Armstrong County District. Chelsea came to us very
well prepared for her watershed position with our District, and has worked out beautifully. It is
clear that AmeriCorps is a very beneficial program for our country and the members -- and I
feel certain that we will host a member again in the future.
Harden, a 2014 graduate of Plum Senior High School, lives in Holiday Park, Allegheny
County.
For more information on programs, initiatives, education, assistance and upcoming
events, visit the Westmoreland County Conservation District website.
(Photo: Alyssa Harden stands on a pedestrian bridge over Cherry Creek on the campus of
Westmoreland County Community College. Conservation practices have been put in place here
over the past few years to improve water quality.)
[Posted: Oct. 20, 2017]
Audubon Society of Western PA Seeking Volunteers For Tree Planting Project Nov. 18 In
Butler County
The Audubon Society of Western Pennsylvania is

seeking volunteers to support a 21-acre reforestation
project in Sarver, Butler County on November 18
from 9:00 a.m. to noon.
Project goals include carbon sequestration
and habitat improvement.
The work will be conducted at Zeloyle
Sanctuary, one of ASWPs conservation properties that is not typically accessible to the public.
Meeting location and parking instructions will be emailed to registrants in advance of the event.
No experience is necessary. All materials will be provided.
For more information or to register, visit the reforestation project webpage or send an
email to: skoenig@aswp.org.
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California Wildfires Kill 42, Cause At Least $1 Billion In Damages, Burn 7,000 Buildings
Editorial: Wildfires & Regulations, Fuel For Thought
[Posted: Oct. 19, 2017]
Presentation Call: 2018 Keystone Coldwater Conference Extended To Oct. 27
The 2018 Keystone Coldwater Conference has extended its call for
presentation proposals and posters through October 27. The Conference
will be held in State College on February 23-24.
The Conference theme will be Goldwater Resource Conservation and
Education: Rising to the Changes, Embracing the Opportunities.
A very diverse group of individuals attend the conference including
members from nonprofit organizations such as Trout Unlimited,
sportsmens groups and watershed associations, along with environmental
professionals, and college faculty and students.
A primary objective of the conference is to promote collaboration and an
exchange of ideas among diverse groups with shared interests,
motivations, and passions.
Based on past attendance, we expect a turnout of over 200 people.
Proposals are welcome on topics related both to todays challenges to conservation,
protection, restoration and stewardship of coldwater resources in Pennsylvania and to the
opportunities for and examples of successes meeting these goals.
Proposals that address such challenges as a changing climate, impacts of new and
proposed policy changes, threats associated with exotic and invasive species, and water quality
impacts associated with development as well as proposed or actual action to overcome and
succeed in conserving and restoring coldwater resources and their watersheds will receive
priority.
The Conference organizers are especially interested in proposals about successful
innovative and non-traditional education, outreach and stewardship initiatives for both youth and
adults.
Conference participants will also want to hear about-- current research, successful
on-the-ground projects; effective monitoring efforts; community stewardship successes; outreach
and advocacy efforts and outcomes; unique approaches to environmental education; Innovative
funding sources; and partnerships, measuring and building upon successes.
Click Here for all the details on submitting proposals.
For more information on the conference, including sponsorship opportunities, visit the
2018 Keystone Coldwater Conference website.
(Note: PA Environment Digest is a Conference sponsor.)
[Posted: Oct. 20, 2017]
Center For Watershed Protection September Science Bulletin Now Available
The September issue of the Watershed Science Bulletin from

the Center for Watershed Protection is now available
featuring four perspectives on the primary drivers of stream
restoration, design approaches and techniques and restoration
potential.
One of the featured perspectives is an interview with
Drew Altland, Manager of Water Resources with Rummel,
Klepper & Kahl, LLP, a York-based engineering firm.
Click Here for a copy of the Science Bulletin.
For more information about programs, training
opportunities and upcoming events, visit the Center for
Watershed Protection website.
[Posted: Oct. 17, 2017]
PennVEST Approves $90.6M In Grants/Loans For Water Infrastructure Projects In 12

Counties
The PA Infrastructure Investment Authority Wednesday approved $74.7 million in loans and
$16.9 million in grants for 15 drinking water, wastewater, stormwater and nonpoint sources
projects in 12 counties.
PennVEST continues our commitment to clean water with the approvals of these loans
and grants for a variety of water quality improvement projects in all corners of the
commonwealth. said Gov. Tom Wolf. These projects benefit the environment, economic
development, and public health and will further our shared goal of a clean and safe environment
for our families to enjoy, as well as, my vision for a better Pennsylvania, both now and for years
to come.
A list of project summaries follows:
Drinking Water Projects
-- Bucks County: Warminster Township Municipal Authority received a $11,583,000 loan to
construct 12 units to treat the water to levels of "Non-Detect" level for Perfluorinated
compounds.*
-- Cambria County: Reade Township Municipal Authority received a $1,570,000 loan to
replace approximately 1,350 feet of distribution line, 8,750 feel of raw water transmission line,
and 420 residential meters.
-- Clearfield and Jefferson Counties: Falls Creek Borough Municipal Authority received a
$1,329,200 loan and $670,800 grant to construction an interconnection with the City of DuBois,
a control meter vault, pressure reducing valve vault and 12,600 feet of water transmission line.
Wastewater Projects
-- Cambria County: Ebensburg Municipal Authority received a $9,000,000 loan to replace
60,500 feet of main line piping, manholes and laterals comprising most of the wastewater
collection system.**
-- Hastings Area Sewer Authority received a loan of $9,520,899 and $3,154,101 grant to
replace approximately 56,000 feet of existing sewer mains, 275 manholes, 695
laterals/observation ports and all other necessary appurtenances.**
-- City of Johnstown received a $10,900,000 loan to construct 33,900 feet of sewer line, 8,400
feet of pipe liner, 205 manholes and 510 lateral inspection ports.**
-- West Taylor Township received an $856,623 loan and $343,377 grant to rehabilitate sewer
lines, manholes, and extension of service.
-- Elk and Jefferson Counties: Brockway Area Sewer Authority received a $2,993,603 loan
and $1,510,765 grant to upgrade components at the wastewater treatment facility, replace sewer
lines, pump stations and force main.
-- Erie County: Lake City Municipal Sewer Authority received a $4,612,000 loan to upgrade
and expand their wastewater sewer facilities, provide a new lift station and force main. This
project supports the retention of 420 local commercial and industrial jobs.
-- Fayette County: Fairchance-Georges Joint Municipal Sewage Authority received a
$15,759,284 loan and $4,247,716 grant to expand the capacity of the existing treatment facility,
as well as a pump station and 89,750 ft. of sewer line extension into Georges Township. **
-- McKean County: Bradford Sanitary Authority received a $4,652,200 loan and $2,347,800
grant to construct two new aerobic digesters, new chlorine building, extended outfall diffuser,
sludge dewatering, belt filter presses, activated sludge pumps and other related treatment facility
rehabilitation and upgrades.
-- Monroe County: White Oak Country Estates Property Owners Association received a
$775,000 loan to construct a new pre-cast concrete in ground package plant.
Nonpoint Source Projects
-- Allegheny County: Homestead Borough received a $1,209,656 loan to install green
infrastructure in a partnership with Steel Valley School District. The project will capture and
infiltrate all the runoff from the site through the installation of four infiltration trenches with
18,900 cubic feet of storage.
Stormwater Projects
-- Cumberland County: Mount Holly Springs Borough received a $1,640,650 grant to install
approximately 2,088 feet of storm sewer pipe, 245 feet of grass drainage swales, installation of
26 inlets and installation of one rain garden and adjacent bollards.
-- Northampton County: Bangor Borough received a $1,986,826 grant to eliminate the existing
slate box culvert and replace it with a 66 storm sewer adequately sized to convey storm flows
and prevent further property damage.
The funding comes from a combination of state funds approved by voters, federal grants
to PennVEST from the Environmental Protection Agency, and recycled loan repayments from
previous PennVEST funding awards. Funds for the projects are disbursed after bills for work
have been paid and receipts submitted to PennVEST.
For more information on water infrastructure funding programs, visit the PennVEST
website.
* denotes projects that have Drinking Water State Revolving Funds
** denotes projects that are funded with Clean Water State Revolving Funds
[Posted: Oct. 19, 2017]
Aqua America Offers Customers Video, Tips To Minimize Lead Exposure
Aqua America, including Aqua Pennsylvania, is encouraging customers to be mindful of

potential sources of lead in drinking water during Lead Poisoning Prevention Week, October 22
28.
To help raise awareness, Aqua released a lead education video that helps its customers
who are homeowners to understand the important role they play in ensuring their water is lead
free.
While Aqua routinely tests water to ensure that it is safe to drink, we are taking this
opportunity to educate customers on the significant dangers of lead exposure and making sure
customers understand the importance of safeguarding their homes.
Each day, Aqua strives to deliver clean, safe drinking water to our customers, said
Christopher Crockett, chief environmental officer at Aqua America. While Aqua routinely tests
water to ensure that it is safe to drink, we are taking this opportunity to educate customers on the
significant dangers of lead exposure and making sure customers understand the importance of
safeguarding their homes.
There are two main sources of lead contamination in drinking water: lead service lines
that deliver water directly into homes from the water mains in the street, and household
plumbing containing lead solder and brass fixtures.
Lead in either of these sources can cause damage to the brain and kidneys and
interference with the production of vital red blood cells. Infants, young children and pregnant
women are particularly vulnerable to the effects.
Aqua owns service lines from the water main to the customer's curb. If lead service lines
are found during maintenance and construction, the company takes responsibility to replace them
with modern service lines made without lead.
If Aqua detects lead in the portion of the service line owned by the customer, the
company alerts the customer and provides support to resolve the issue. Customers are
encouraged to work with a licensed plumber to identify and replace lead-based pipes, fixtures
and other materials in their homes.
Aqua recommends the following tips for customers whose water shows elevated levels of
lead or who have concerns about possible lead exposure:
-- If your water hasnt been used for several hours, run the tap for 30 seconds to two minutes
before using it for drinking or cooking.
-- Use cold water to cook and prepare baby formula. Do not boil water to reduce lead. Lead
dissolves more easily into hot water so boiling water will not make it safe to drink.
-- Use National Sanitation Foundation approved water filtration devices for effective lead
reduction. You can contact NSF International at 800-NSF-8010 or NSF.org to learn more about
approved water filters.
-- Be aware that brass faucets, fittings and valves even those advertised as lead free might
contribute lead to drinking water. The law allows end-use fixtures, such as faucets, with wetted
surfaces containing a maximum weighted average of 0.25 percent lead to be labeled as lead free.
-- If you are concerned about exposure, contact your local health department or healthcare
provider to find out how you can get tested for lead.
For more information on reducing lead exposure in your home, view the educational
video Aqua developed here. Aqua customers can also call 877-987-2782 for information about
having their water tested for lead.
For more background on the lead issue, visit DEPs Lead In Drinking Water webpage
and the Department of Healths Lead Poisoning webpage.
NewsClips:
Related Story:
Senate Environmental Committee Holds Oct. 30 Hearing On Lead Exposure, Mitigation In
Luzerne County
[Posted: Oct. 19, 2017]
PA Housing Agency, PennVEST Expands Loan Program To Include Sewer Connections

For Homeowners
The PA Infrastructure Investment Authority and the PA Housing Finance Agency are expanding
a program intended to help homeowners with repairs and connections to septic and sewer
systems.
The goals are to help homeowners deal with the unexpected expenses related to this work
and to protect water quality in Pennsylvania.
The Homeowner Septic Program previously covered repairs to residential septic systems
and first-time connections to a public sewer. It now is being expanded to include loans for
repairs to existing sewer line connections to homes.
This latest enhancement is in addition to other improvements made to the loan program in
the last two years.
For instance, it was previously announced that the loan program now has expanded
eligibility requirements, can approve loan amounts up to $25,000 (including loans for
manufactured homes), and has increased the number of local and regional lending participants.
"We're excited to be expanding this program for homeowners who already are connected
to a public sewer system but need to repair the lateral from their house to the main line," said
PennVEST Executive Director Brion Johnson. "The cost of these repairs can be burdensome, but
now homeowners have someplace to turn for help."
PHFA's Executive Director and CEO Brian A. Hudson Sr. added, "What makes these
sewer line repairs so challenging for homeowners is that they usually are an unexpected expense,
and they can be costly. So the fact that we offer an affordable loan to help soften the financial
impact should be welcome news for homeowners."
The lenders who originate the Homeowner Septic Program loans are: Liberty Mortgage
Corporation, Erie; The Muncy National Bank, Muncy; Widget Financial Credit Union, Erie;
American Bank, Allentown; Erie FCU, Erie; and Members' Choice Financial Credit Union,
Danville.
Together they make the Homeowner Septic Program available statewide. PHFA expects
to have additional lenders joining the program in coming months.
Homeowners who want more information or want to start the PennVEST application
process should contact one of these participating lenders. They can also call PHFA at
1-855-U-Are-Home (827-3466), and then press "0" to be connected with the agency's Customer
Solutions Center.
Information is also available on PHFA's website.
Lenders interested in participating in the Home Septic Program may also contact Roberta
Schwalm with PHFA at 717-780-3838.
[Posted: Oct. 17, 2017]
DEP Outlines New Procedures For Handling PAG-02 Stormwater General Permits
Starting In December
DEP Executive Deputy Secretary for Programs Ramez Ziadeh told the Citizens Advisory
Council Tuesday the agency will have new procedures for handling applications for the PAG-02
NPDES General Permit covering stormwater discharges from construction activities starting
December 8.
[Note: DEP published notice of these changes in the October 21 PA Bulletin.]
Ziadeh said the existing PAG-02 expires on December 7, but will be administratively
extended by DEP for one year to allow time for the agency to update PAG-02 where needed.
Permittees now covered by an approved PAG-02 can continue to operate under its
provisions. When the new PAG-02 is finalized, after public review, DEP will send a letter to
existing PAG-02 holders advising them of any changes to requirements in the new PAG-02 they
are required to comply with. They will not have to reapply for a new permit.
New applicants applying for a PAG-02 General Permit after December 7 and during the
extension period will apply on the same form, with the same permit review fee and the same
review process, but after DEP or county conservation districts review the application and
approve it, the agency or district will issue an individual NPDES Water Quality permit, not a
PAG-02 General Permit.
DEP is preparing a notice for the PA Bulletin outlining the handling of the PAG-02
General Permit.
Ziadeh said DEP is also taking steps to develop a new PAG-01 NPDES General Permit
covering small, low potential impact projects on five acres or less that would have otherwise
been covered by the PAG-02 or a full NPDES Water Quality permit.
When DEP did an evaluation of its workload and the applications it receives, they found
as many as 40 or 50 percent of the permit applications covered projects of five acres or less.
Ziadeh said the proposed PAG-01 General Permit will be discussed with the Water
Resources Advisory Committee on October 25. Click Here for more.
For the latest status on the PAG-02 and PAG-01, contact Ramez Ziadeh at 717-787-6490
or send email to: rziadeh@pa.gov.
Ziadehs comments were prompted by a question about the PAG-02 by Council member
John Over, an engineering consultant who works with more than 50 municipalities and
authorities in Western Pennsylvania.
The next Council meeting, and the last for 2017, is scheduled for November 14.
For more information, visit the DEP Citizens Advisory Council webpage. Questions
should be directed to Lee Ann Murray, Executive Director Citizens Advisory Council,
717-787-8171 or send email to: LeeMurray@pa.gov.
Related Story:
Water Resources Advisory Committee To Discuss New E&S General Permit For Small Projects,
Water Permit Fee Increases Oct. 25
[Posted: Oct. 18, 2017]
Water Resources Advisory Committee To Discuss New E&S General Permit For Small
Projects, Water Permit Fee Increases Oct. 25
The DEP Water Resources Advisory Committee is scheduled to meet on October 25 to discuss a
new proposed PAG-01 General Permit covering erosion and sedimentation from small projects
and a proposal to increase water quality permit review fees.
Small Project PAG-01
The recommendations for a new general permit covering small projects-- five acres or
less-- came out of 7 listening sessions DEP held earlier this year with consultants and permit
applicants on the Chapter 102 erosion and sedimentation control and NPDES permitting process.
All projects of one acre or more in size had been covered by the existing PAG-02 General
Permit for stormwater discharges associated with construction activities or an individual NPDES
Water Quality permit.
When DEP did an evaluation of its workload and the applications it receives, they found
as many as 40 or 50 percent of the permit applications covered projects of five acres or less.
The new General Permit is being proposed to cover smaller, simpler, low impact
projects, like a farmer putting up a barn on level ground.
The intent is to allow DEP to focus its limited staff resources on projects that are larger
and have more potential to negatively impact on the environment.
Permit Fee Increases
DEP had discussed fee increase proposals covering Chapter 91 (Water Quality
Management) and 92a (NPDES) permit starting in March of 2016, including one that would
phase-in fee increases over five years.
An updated analysis of funding and costs for these programs by DEP shows revenue will
be needed much sooner just to maintain the existing program given the loss of other state
funding. DEP will be discussing an option to take out the proposed phase-in.
The meeting will be held in Room 105 Rachel Carson Building starting at 9:30.
For more information and available handouts, visit the DEP Water Resources Advisory
Committee webpage. Questions should be directed to Diane Wilson by calling 717-787-3730 or
send email to: diawilson@pa.gov.
Related Story:
DEP Outlines New Procedures For Handling PAG-02 Stormwater General Permits Starting In
December
[Posted: Oct. 18, 2017]
Comments Invited On Changes To DEP Triennial Review Water Quality Standard Regs
The Environmental Quality Board published notice of proposed changes to Chapter 93 Water
Quality Standards under the Triennial Review of Water Quality Standards for public review in
the October 21 PA Bulletin (starting on page 6609) and giving notice of three public hearings.
Among the proposed changes are an update to the ammonia criteria, fecal coliform-based
water quality criteria, chloride criteria, human health and aquatic life criteria for toxic
substances, an authorization for DEP to develop site-specific water quality criteria and
corrections to drainage lists.
Three public hearings will be held starting at 2:00 p.m. at the following locations--
-- December 6: DEP Northeast Regional Office, 2 Public Square, Wilkes-Barre;
-- December 8: DEP Southcentral Regional Office, 909 Elmerton Avenue, Harrisburg; and
-- December 14: DEP Southwest Regional Office, 400 Waterfront Drive, Pittsburgh.
[Note: This is an EQB-corrected list of hearing locations from the notice published.]
Persons wishing to present testimony at a hearing are requested to contact the
Environmental Quality Board, P.O. Box 8477, Harrisburg, PA 17105-8477, 717-787-4526 at
least 1 week in advance of the hearing to reserve a time to present testimony. Oral testimony is
limited to 5 minutes for each witness.
Witnesses are requested to submit three written copies of their oral testimony to the
hearing chairperson at the hearing. Organizations are limited to designating one witness to
present testimony on their behalf at each hearing.
The deadline for comments is December 29. Comments will be accepted through DEPs
eComment webpage where you can also find a copy of the proposed changes, by email to:
RegComments@pa.gov or by mail to Environmental Quality Board, P.O. Box 8477, Harrisburg,
PA 17105-8477. Express mail should be sent to the Environmental Quality Board, Rachel
Carson State Office Building, 16th Floor, 400 Market Street, Harrisburg, PA 17101-2301.
Click Here for the full notice, a summary of the changes and other information. Click
Here for more background from the April 18, 2017 EQB meeting.
Related Story:
DEP Invites Comments On Water Quality Toxics Strategy Changes
[Posted: Oct. 20, 2017]
DEP Invites Comments On Water Quality Toxics Strategy Changes
The Department of Environmental Protection published notice in the October 21 PA Bulletin

inviting comments on a revised Chapter 16 Water Quality Toxics Management Strategy and
giving notice of three public hearings on the changes.
The hearings will be held starting at 1:00 at these locations--
-- December 14: DEP Southwest Regional office, 400 Waterfront Drive, Pittsburgh.
Persons wishing to present testimony at the Chapter 16 hearings are requested to contact
Thomas A. Barron at 717-787-9637 or send email to: tbarron@pa.gov at least 1 week in advance
of a hearing to reserve a time to present testimony.
Oral testimony is limited to 5 minutes for each witness. Witnesses are requested to
submit three written copies of their oral testimony to the hearing chairperson. Organizations are
limited to designating one witness to present testimony on their behalf at each hearing.
ecomment@pa.gov or by mail to Department of Environmental Protection, Policy Office, Rachel
Carson State Office Building, P.O. Box 2063, Harrisburg, PA 17105-2063.
Click Here for the full notice, a summary of the changes and other information.
Related Story:
Comments Invited On Changes To DEP Triennial Review Water Quality Standard Regs
[Posted: Oct. 20, 2017]
Susquehanna River Basin Commission Invites Comments On Right-To-Know Policy
The Susquehanna River Basin Commission published notice in the October 21 PA Bulletin of
proposed changes to its Access To Records [Right-To-Know] Policy for public comment and
notice of a November 2 public hearing in Harrisburg.
The proposed rule is designed to enhance the Commissions commitment to open and
transparent operations and accessibility of records to the public.
The Commission has a longstanding practice of providing information to the public in
much the same manner as its member states.
The Commission first promulgated its Freedom of Information Policy on January 11,
1979, and then updated its open records policy by adopting its Access to Records Policy on
September 10, 2009.
We believe our policy has been successful in satisfying records requests. Over the past
several years, the Commission provided records to more than 100 formal records requests and
more than 50 distinct requests for data or information, as well as innumerable informal
information requests, said Andrew Dehoff, Commission executive director. Over the years, the
Commission has also implemented significant improvements to the data and information
available on its website.
The Commission will continue this long tradition of transparency by further formalizing
the key elements of its Access to Records Policy in duly promulgated regulations.
Through this action, the Commission will be codifying its commitment to public access
to records in a way that instills these new regulations with the status of law that can be
enforceable against the Commission.
Public Hearing
A public hearing on the proposed policy will be held on November 2 from 2:30 to 5:00 in
Room 8E-B East Wing of the Capitol Building in Harrisburg.
Those wishing to testify are asked to notify the Commission in advance, if possible, by
contacting Jason E. Oyler, Esq., General Counsel, telephone: 717-238-0423, ext. 1312; fax:
717-238-2436; or send email to: joyler@srbc.net.
The deadline for public comments is November 13.
Comments may be mailed to: Jason E. Oyler, Esq., General Counsel, Susquehanna River
Basin Commission, 4423 N. Front Street, Harrisburg, PA 17110-1788, or by email to
regcomments@srbc.net . The public hearing is located in Harrisburg, Pennsylvania, State Capitol
(East Wing, Room 8E-B), Commonwealth Avenue, Harrisburg, PA 17120.
For more information, visit SRBCs Public Participation Center webpage. Follow SRBC
on Twitter, visit them on YouTube.
[Posted: Oct. 20, 2017]
U.S. Army Corps Of Engineers: F.J. Sayers Dam & Reservoir Study Comment Response
Now Available
The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers Tuesday announced a comment response document is now
available for the F.J. Sayers Dam and Reservoir Study responding to comments received during
an August 30 workshop and associated comment period.
The 1,730-acre Sayers lake is the focal point for water-based recreation in Bald Eagle
State Park. DCNRs Nature Inn At Bald Eagle overlooks the lake.
The Corps and the Susquehanna River Basin Commission is undertaking a study to
evaluate the current operations at F.J. Sayers Dam and Reservoir near Howard, Centre County is
to understand if revising the operations plan for the dam will provide improved environmental
conditions for in-lake and/or downstream aquatic species and their habitat during low flow or
drought conditions.
Technology and science have advanced since time the reservoir was built and this study
provides an opportunity to determine if operations can be adjust ices without impacting the
project's primary purposes of flood risk management, recreation and water quality.
Visit the Corps F.J. Sayers Dam and Reservoir Study webpage for a copy of the
comment response document and other background on the project.
[Posted: Oct. 17, 2017]
Biogas, Food Waste Recycling, CHP & Wastewater Treatment In Philadelphia Workshop
Oct. 24
The PA Biomass Energy Association and the

Philadelphia Water Department will host a Biogas,
Food Waste Recycling, CHP and Wastewater
Treatment in Philadelphia Workshop on October 24 at
the Northeast Water Pollution Control Plant with
Biogas Co-gen Facility, 3899 Richmond Street in
Philadelphia from 8:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m.
This half-day workshop will be held at a water
pollution control plant, involve classroom teaching, a
tour of an existing facility anaerobic digester and
combined heat and power system (CHP), and lunch.
Come learn how Philadelphia could merge their zero waste goal with existing wastewater
infrastructure, food waste collection and recycling and biogas production. 2 PDHs Available.
Click Here for all the details.
For more information on programs, initiatives and other upcoming events, visit the The
PA Biomass Energy Association website.
[Posted: Oct. 16, 2017]
KPB: Huntingdon, Juniata, Mifflin, Perry Counties Tire War Collects Nearly 4,500 Tires
Keep PA Beautiful reported Keep

Huntingdon County Beautiful, Keep Juniata
County Beautiful, PA CleanWays of Mifflin
County, and Keep Perry County Beautiful
collected 4,326 tires as part of their annual
Tire War, a friendly competition to compete for the most tires collected.
Keep Huntingdon County Beautiful remains the champion with 1,998 tires collected.
Keep Juniata County Beautiful came in second place, collecting 964 tires, PA CleanWays of
Mifflin County collected 759 tires, and Keep Perry County Beautiful earned the Flat Tire
award with 605 tires collected.
The collections, sponsored in part by the Department of Environmental Protections
HHW/Small Business Hazardous Waste Collection Program, have gathered and recycled 40,000
tires from local County residents since 2006.
All tires collected are recycled. Tires that are improperly disposed leach toxic chemicals
that contaminate soil and water. They also provide breeding grounds for mosquitoes, increasing
the risk of West Nile Virus and Zika Virus.
It is obvious from the continued participation that there is a need for convenient,
low-cost tire disposal within our local communities. The tires that are collected at these events
wont end up over the hill where they would be difficult and costly to remove, said Shannon
Reiter, President of Keep Pennsylvania Beautiful. Keep Pennsylvania Beautiful is grateful to
our affiliates for hosting special collections and to the community members who want to do the
right thing.
For more information on programs, initiatives and special events, visit the Keep
Pennsylvania Beautiful website. Click Here to become a member. Click Here to sign up for
regular updates from KPB, Like them on Facebook, Follow on Twitter, Discover them on
Pinterest and visit their YouTube Channel.
Also visit the Illegal Dump Free PA website for more ideas on how to clean up
communities and keep them clean and KPBs new Electronics Waste website.
(Photo: Courtesy Keep Perry County Beautiful.)
NewsClip:
AP: Philadelphia City Council Toughens Illegal Dumping Penalties
[Posted: Oct. 19, 2017]
DEP Warns Public Not To Dispose Of Tires At Luzerne County Business That Has No
Permit
Department of Environmental Protection Friday issued a warning to the public not to dispose of
old or recycled tires at Nationwide Tire Recycling, Inc. in Duryea, Luzerne County.
The company does not have the proper department-issued permit to accept the tires and
anyone who does dispose of tires there could be participating in unlawful activity.
In addition, the accumulation of the tires at the site poses environmental issues.
DEP wants tires disposed at locations that have the proper permits. When the public
drops old tires off at volunteer tire-recycling events, they should be sure the tires are going to
approved facilities, said Mike Bedrin, Director of DEPs Northeast Regional Office in
Wilkes-Barre. We are offering this advice so people wont put themselves in danger of violating
state regulations.
NTRs most recent waste management permit allowing it to accept waste tires expired in
2016.
Since that time, DEP inspections at the business have determined that more than 10,000
waste tires have been dumped at the site, which is considered a violation of the Solid Waste
Management Act.
People who dispose of tires at the site could be contributing to the unlawful activity at the
site.
In October 2016, DEP issued a Compliance Order to NTR that required it to remove all
tires at its location within 90 days. The company has not responded, and DEP is evaluating
enforcement options.
The accumulation of waste tires poses the potential for a tire fire, which could burn for
extended periods of time, causing the rubber to decompose and pollute ground and surface water,
and create air quality issues from noxious fire fumes.
Rainwater also accumulates in tire piles, creating an ideal environment for mosquitoes,
which are known to transmit West Nile Virus.
Click Here for a list of DEP-permitted waste tire processors in Pennsylvania. Please note
that inclusion of a facility on this list does not constitute the department's recommendation or
endorsement.
Questions should be directed to Colleen Connolly, DEP Northeast Regional Office,
570-826-2035 or send email to: coconnolly@pa.gov.
NewsClip:
[Posted: Oct. 20, 2017]
PA's Square One Markets, Rutter's, Sheetz Stores Featured In National Recycling, Litter
Reduction Guide
Keep America Beautiful and the National

Association of Convenience Stores have
partnered to produce the new resource,
Being a Good Neighbor: A Guide to
Reducing Litter, Managing Trash and
Encouraging Recycling.
The guide provides quick and easy
tips for convenience stores to improve
their customers experience, help the
environment and, ultimately, enhance their reputation and bottom line.
It includes information from Keep America Beautifuls landmark Litter in America
research from 2009comprised of the National Visible Litter Survey and Litter Cost
Studyas well as from jointly developed consumer and retailer surveys and audits conducted
this year by NACS and Keep America Beautiful.
The guide includes a checklist to examine litter management practices at convenience
stores as well as practical tips to help retailers reduce and ultimately eliminate litter in and
around their stores.
It also provides recommendations for recycling bin and trash receptacle placements to
help make proper disposal of packaging items easy and accessible. And retailers also share
techniques to engage employees, customers and the greater community.
With convenience stores comprising 34 percent of all retailer business, convenience
store operators can play an instrumental role in providing customers with convenient trash and
recycling containers to lessen litter and improve recycling at their locations, said Brenda Pulley,
Keep America Beautifuls senior vice president, recycling. Keep America Beautiful is pleased
to team up with the NACS to provide best practices for managing trash and recycling with the
new Being a Good Neighbor guide.
According to Keep America Beautiful research, the most people properly dispose of trash
in receptacles. But nearly one in five disposals (17 percent) ends up as litter. Packaging,
including fast food, snack, beverage and tobacco packaging, comprises nearly half (47 percent)
of items in the visible litter stream, according to Keep America Beautiful research.
Meanwhile, NACS research shows that consumers overwhelmingly say that convenience
store appearance is important: 84 percent of consumers fueling up say cleanliness of the store is
an important factor when considering whether they will shop at a particular store.
The new resource guide shares best practices that help retailers manage waste to keep
their properties clean, including placement and design of trash receptacles.
Litter impacts how people perceive your brand, even if they litter a cup with your logo
on it somewhere else, said Lisa DellAlba, one of the many retailers surveyed for the guide.
DellAlba is president & CEO of Square One Markets (Bethlehem, Pennsylvania) and a member
of the NACS Board of Directors.
Also highlighted in the Guide are Rutter's Farm Stores and Sheetz stores.
Click Here for a copy of the Guide.
For more information on programs, initiatives and special events, visit the Keep
Pennsylvania Beautiful website. Click Here to become a member. Click Here to sign up for
regular updates from KPB, Like them on Facebook, Follow on Twitter, Discover them on
Pinterest and visit their YouTube Channel.
Also visit the Illegal Dump Free PA website for more ideas on how to clean up
communities and keep them clean and KPBs new Electronics Waste website.
NewsClips:
[Posted: Oct. 16, 2017]
PA Resources Council, PA American Water Host 3 Drug Take-Back Events Oct. 28 In

Allegheny County
The PA Resources Council and PA American Water

are hosting 3 Drug Take-Back Day Events in
Allegheny County on October 28 as part of the U.S
Drug Enforcement Agency National Drug Take-Back
Day initiative.
This semi-annual nationwide event gives the
public an opportunity to prevent pill abuse and theft by
ridding their homes of potentially dangerous expired,
unused and unwanted prescription drugs.
This program provides a safe, convenient and
responsible means of disposing of prescription drugs, while also educating the general public
about the potential for abuse of medications, according to PRC Regional Director Justin
Stockdale. People should not flush medications down the toilet or throw them in the trash since
improper disposal poses a very real threat to the environment.
The October 28 collection events in Allegheny County will run from 10:00 a.m. to 2 p.m.
include--
-- Green Tree: Green Tree Borough Building, 10 W. Manilla Avenue, Pittsburgh;
-- Mt. Lebanon: Medical Rescue Team South, 315 Cypress Way, Pittsburgh; and
-- Robinson: The Mall at Robinson, Sears parking lot, 100 Robinson Centre Drive, Pittsburgh
Building off of the success of past collections, PRC will again collaborate with the DEA
and local law enforcement to provide residents with a safe and convenient option, thanks to the
support of our many sponsors, said Stockdale. PRC is proud to collaborate with PA American
Water as well as the Borough of Green Tree, Municipality of Mt. Lebanon, Robinson Township,
The Mall at Robinson and the University of Pittsburgh School of Pharmacy.
For more information, visit the PRCs Drug Take-Back Day Events webpage or call
412-488-7452.
For more information on programs, initiatives and special events, visit the PA Resources
Council website. Click Here to sign up for regular updates, follow PRC on Twitter or Like them
on Facebook. Click Here for PRCs Events Calendar. Click Here to support their work.
[Posted: Oct. 18, 2017]
4th Annual Centralia Clean Up Oct. 21 In Columbia County
The Eastern PA Coalition for Abandoned Mine

Reclamation and its partners will hold the 4th Annual
Centralia Clean Up on October 21 in Centralia,
Columbia County starting at 9:00 a.m.
Please wear sturdy shoes and protective clothing.
All children must be accompanied by an adult, parent or
guardian. Refreshments and lunch will be provided.
Click Here for more information. Questions should
be directed to Robert Hughes, Executive Director of
EPCAMR by email to: rhughes@epcamr.org or call 570-371-3522.
For more information on programs, initiatives and other upcoming events, visit the
Eastern PA Coalition for Abandoned Mine Reclamation website.
NewsClip:
[Posted: Oct. 19, 2017]
Last Major Pittsburgh Steel Mill Site Reborn As Hazelwood Green
With key infrastructure elements and land

remediation at or near completion at the 178-acre
Almono site in Hazelwood, Allegheny County
elected officials, community leaders and Almono
LLC Project Director Rebecca Flora gathered
October 13 to announce a new name for the site - Hazelwood Green.
The new name kicks off the official start of direct marketing efforts to attract business
and prospective tenants to the site, and to launch the design process for the sites first public
space, a 2.5-acre area that will be open to the community.
Project leaders and collaborators came together to rename the site in a way that honors its
legacy, tracing back to the Hazelwood trees that once populated the site.
The new name was created to reflect that the site is an established part of the surrounding
community, and captures the sites riverfront location and commitment to sustainability. Almono
LLC will remain the name of the partnership of the sites foundation owners.
Key milestones in the effort to clear what was formerly the site of LTV Steel and the
Jones & Laughlin Steel Co. have included: placement of one million cubic feet of fill; grading of
the site; environmental remediation, including Act 2 Brownfield Site Permitting; and the
installation of green infrastructure to ensure that all rainwater that falls on the site is
accommodated, eliminating stormwater runoff into the Monongahela River.
Discussions with prospective tenants interested in the site, and the iconic Mill 19
building, are already underway.
In 2018, construction will begin on the sites urban-designed Main Street; an integrated
energy service provider will be selected to advance the energy goals for the site; and work will
continue toward achieving LEED for Neighborhood Development Plan certification, a process
engineered to help create better, more sustainable, well-connected neighborhoods.
We are here today to celebrate a new beginning - for this site and its neighborhood.
Together, we are creating a new model for sustainable development that will advance our
regions place in the global innovation economy, said Rebecca Flora, Almono LLC project
director. As such, this site will serve as a living laboratory for innovation that is resilient to
changing markets and adaptive to new technologies and practices. I am honored to be advancing
this vision on behalf of the Almono LLC Members - the Benedum Foundation, The Heinz
Endowments and the Richard King Mellon Foundation.
The kickoff brought together civic and community leaders who have collaborated to
ensure that Hazelwood Green will be a development that is integrally connected to the
Hazelwood neighborhood.
The day included a symbolic handoff of a new street sign that now connects and extends
Hazelwood Avenue out into the heart of the site, ending what separated the tract of land from the
Hazelwood and greater Pittsburgh community.
For many years, the people of Hazelwood have waited for new life to be breathed into
this part of the neighborhood. As plans have unfolded, we have watched with a mix of hope,
skepticism and anticipation to see if new development will mean new opportunity for the entire
community, says Sonya Tilghman, executive director of the Hazelwood Initiative. The
partnerships that have been established as part of this project, and the plans for community
access and connection that we celebrate today, demonstrate a commitment to making Hazelwood
Green an asset for the people living on its doorstep.
Hazelwood Green will be developed to house a mix of offices, research and development,
light manufacturing, housing, retail, parks and public green spaces, trails and transportation, and
will offer significant potential for advancing the regions innovation economy.
This is an exciting announcement for our county and region. We know that we have a
unique opportunity to become a top global destination for technology and to continue to build on
the businesses and organizations which already call this county home, said County Executive
Rich Fitzgerald. Working cooperatively, as we have always done in this region, we can build
upon the work done by the Brookings Institute to attract new companies and investment to this
region. Hazelwood Green, and the opportunities it presents for us, is an important part of that
attraction.
The plans for Hazelwood Green also align with and will serve to advance key priorities
for the City of Pittsburgh.
It took great vision for the partners behind Almono to purchase this property 15 years
ago, and prepare it for the world-class opportunities the site has at its disposal today, Mayor
William Peduto said. Almono has long aligned with plans the city of Pittsburgh and its partners
have forged to create an innovative, 21st century economic model that equally weighs people,
planet, place and performance.
Future development of Hazelwood Green will align with key sustainability goals
established for the project, including commitments to energy efficiency.
The master plan for the site will follow LEED for Neighborhood Development objectives
that prioritize reuse of land in urban infill locations; create well connected, walkable
communities; and are resource-efficient in operation.
It has long been documented that LEED buildings operate much more efficiently and
retain tenants longer, and the objectives laid out by LEED and others are proven to create places
that are highly marketable with lasting value. The use of LEED at a site-wide development scale
will produce the same results in a greater scale by attracting tenants that are seeking quality
places designed for people and the environment, that are resilient to fast-changing conditions,
and efficient to operate and maintain, said Flora.
Learn more about the project by visiting the Hazelwood Green website.
NewsClip:
Pittsburghs Last Major Steel Mill Site Renamed Hazelwood Green
[Posted: Oct. 17, 2017]
New Radiological Health And Radon Certification Fees Now In Effect
The Environmental Quality Board published notice of final Radiological Health and Radon
Certification Fee increases in the October 21 PA Bulletin.
This final regulation increases permit fees for the licensing and inspection of radioactive
materials, radon testing and mitigation certification, inspection of x-ray facilities and other
activities.
The new fees are expected to raise an additional $2.1 million to support the Radiological
Health and Radon Programs.
Click Here to review the fee changes. Click Here for more background information from
the June 20 EQB meeting where final action was taken on the regulation.
[Posted: Oct. 20, 2017]
EQB OKs Noncoal Mining Fee Increases, Storage Tank Reg Updates For Public Comment
The Environmental Quality Board Tuesday approved for public comment proposed permit
review fee increases for the Noncoal (mineral) Mining Program and updates to the Storage Tank
regulations required by recent federal changes.
The proposed noncoal mining fee increases would be phased in over six years both on
permit reviews and an annual permit administration fee that DEP hopes will raise about $1.2
million to fully fund the program. The total annual cost of the program is about $3 million.
Another change would index future annual increases to a U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics
index.
The fee schedule, phasing in the increases and the indexing were recommendations made
by DEPs Aggregate Advisory Board.
The proposed update to the Storage Tank regulations contain changes required by the
federal Leaking Underground Storage Tank Program for Pennsylvania to keep authority to
administer that program.
For underground tanks, these changes include: adding secondary containment
requirements for new and replaced tanks and piping; adding operator training requirements;
adding periodic operation and maintenance requirements for UST systems; removing certain
deferrals; adding new release prevention and detection technologies; updating codes of practice;
and making editorial and technical corrections.
The proposal would, among other changes, shorten the in-service inspection cycle for
aboveground tanks.
The last major update to the programs regulations was 10 years ago.
There are currently about 7,100 storage tank owners with over 12,600 storage tank
facilities in the state.
DEPs Storage Tank Advisory Committee recommended the changes be presented to the
EQB for action.
For copies of the proposed regulation changes and related documents, visit the
Environmental Quality Board webpage. Questions should be directed to Laura Edinger by
calling 717-772-3277 or sending email to: ledinger@pa.gov.
Related Story:
PA Aggregates & Concrete Assn Issues Statement On Proposed DEP Permit Fee Increases
[Posted: Oct. 17, 2017]
PA Aggregates & Concrete Assn Issues Statement On Proposed DEP Permit Fee Increases
The PA Aggregates and Concrete Association Monday issued the following statement on
proposed DEP permit fee increases to be considered at the Environmental Quality Board meeting
Tuesday--
The natural aggregates industry (crushed stone and sand/gravel) in Pennsylvania is the
bedrock of our society. It is fundamental to modern life and drives economic prosperity.
Natural aggregate production is utilized as inputs in commercial products, public
transportation projects, residential products, engineered products in asphalt and concrete, snow
and ice control, golf courses, railroad ballast, roofing granules, and a myriad of other uses.
Industrial minerals are mined in each and every county in Pennsylvania, and because the cost of
transporting aggregates is extremely high, the majority of aggregates are consumed within a
relatively small radius of where they are extracted. Unlike some industries, the aggregates
industry cannot pick up and move its operations.
Pennsylvania is currently rated second in national production of crushed stone,
according to the U.S. Geologic Survey, and consistently ranks in the top five producing states.
Together with Texas and California, Pennsylvania produces over 25 percent of the nations
crushed stone needs. The natural aggregates industrys largest customers in Pennsylvania are
PennDOT, the Turnpike Commission and local governments.
In Pennsylvania, the natural aggregates industry itself has a $2.1 billion total economic
effect and a total natural aggregates industry jobs impact of 15,112.
Safety is of prime concern and there have been no fatal accidents in the noncoal industry
since March 2015, according to the PA Department of Environmental Protection and the Mine
Safety and Health Administration.
On the agenda of the October 17, 2017 Environmental Quality Board meeting is
proposed rulemaking for increasing fees for the noncoal mining program. The members of the
Aggregate Advisory Board (AAB) worked together in good faith with the Department of
Environmental Protection in developing a fee package that supports nearly 100 percent of the
noncoal mining program.
The fee package, approved by the AAB, is based on the Departments financial
information and is a three-phase package over six years, followed with a pricing adjustment
every two years.
The AAB-approved package also included a written commitment by the Department to
resolve ten industry issues.
As an industry, we do not agree with DEPs business model and related costs, but we do
understand the value of an efficient complement within the mining program to support industrys
needs to do business.
We understand the need for accurate, focused training for new and transferred
employees. We are willing to explore with the Department an expedited review process that
would include higher fees under specific circumstances.
We support the Departments move to electronic permitting to allow for easier review of
permit applications.
We look forward to resolving two issues with the proposed rulemaking and moving
forward in working together with the Department.
For more information on programs, initiatives and upcoming events, visit the PA
Aggregates and Concrete Association website.
Related Story:
EQB OKs Noncoal Mining Fee Increases, Storage Tank Reg Updates For Public Comment
[Posted: Oct. 16, 2017]
Nov. 2 DEP Hearing On Proposed Berks County Natural Gas-Fired Power Plant
The Department of Environmental Protection Wednesday announced it will hold a public hearing
November 2 on permits related to the proposed Birdsboro Power LLC natural gas power
generation facility. (formal notices Oct. 21 PA Bulletin, page 6562)
The hearing will be held beginning at 6:30 p.m. at the Boone Area Library, 129 N. Mill
Street, Birdsboro, PA 19508.
The hearing will focus on the applications submitted for the Chapter 105 Water
Obstruction and Encroachment Permits by Birdsboro Power LLC, DTE Midstream Appalachia
LLC, and the related water supply line proposed by Reading Area Water Authority, in addition
to the Erosion and Sediment Control General Permit (ESCGP-2) and the request for Water
Quality Certification by DTE for the proposed natural gas transmission pipeline.
During the hearing, each speaker will have the opportunity to present up to five (5)
minutes of verbal testimony. Relinquishing of time to other speakers will be prohibited and
groups are asked to designate one speaker.
Presenters are asked to keep all comments relevant and on topic. All presenters should
bring at least one copy of their written comments and exhibits for submission to DEP.
Those who wish to present testimony are asked to register in advance by contracting John
Repetz, DEPs community relations coordinator for the South-central region at 717-705-4904 or
send email to: jrepetz@pa.gov.
Registration will be taken through noon on Wednesday, November 1. Individuals will be
called to testify in the order they registered. If time permits, those who did not register in
advance will be given an opportunity to testify.
DEP will also accept written comments on the Chapter 105 Water Obstruction and
Encroachment permit applications and the Water Quality Certification request through Monday
November 6, 2017, and written comments on the ESCGP-2 application until November 20,
2017.
Comments may be emailed to RA-EPWW-SCRO@PA.GOV or mailed to PA
Department of Environmental Protection, Southcentral Regional Office, Waterways and
Wetlands Program, 909 Elmerton Avenue, Harrisburg, PA 17110.
Questions should be directed to John Repetz, DEP Southcentral Regional Office,
717-705-4904 or send email to: jrepetz@pa.gov.
[Posted: Oct. 18, 2017]
DEP Issues Water Quality Certification For Equitrans Gas Pipeline Replacement In
Greene County

(page 6563) it has issued the final Section 401 State Water Quality Certification for the Equitrans
Natural Gas Pipeline Replacement Project for 5 miles of 12-inch pipeline in Greene County.
Nov. 20 DEP Hearing On RACT II Air Quality Plan For Foam Fabricators Columbia
County
The Department of Environmental Protection published notice of a November 20 public hearing

(if requested) on the proposed RACT II Air Quality Emissions Control Plan for Foam
Fabricators in South Centre Township, Columbia County. (formal notice Oct. 21 PA Bulletin
page 6561)
If requested, the hearing will be held at the DEP Northcentral Regional Office, 208 West
Third Street, Suite 101 in Williamsport starting at 10:00 a.m.
To request a hearing, to register to speak at a hearing, or to inquire if a hearing will be
held, please contact Megan Lehman at 570-327-3659 or send email to: meglehman@pa.gov. The
last day to pre-register to speak at a hearing, if one is held, will be November 20, 2017.
Any updates made to any aspect of the hearing, including whether a hearing will be held,
will be posted on the DEP Northcentral Regional Office webpage.
For more information see the formal notice Oct. 21 PA Bulletin page 6561) or contact
Muhammad Zaman, DEP Northcentral Regional Office, 570-327-3648.
[Posted: Oct. 20, 2017]
Lawmakers Join Southeast PA Residents In Call For Stronger Pipeline Safety Measures
Sen. Andy Dinniman (D-Chester) was joined Tuesday by fellow legislators and dozens of
residents from Chester and Delaware counties in calling for stronger safety measures on pipeline
routes and during pipeline construction.
We understand the economic benefits of the Marcellus Shale but they should not come
at the expense of the health, safety, and well-being of our communities, Sen. Dinniman, who
serves on the Senate Environmental Resources and Energy Committee, said. A company does
not have the right to take our land, to jeopardize our access to clean air and water, and to
endanger our homes and families to make a profit.
Sen. Dinniman was joined by Senators John Rafferty (R-Montgomery) and Daylin Leach
(D-Montgomery), as well as Rep. Carolyn Comitta (D-Chester) in calling for better regulation of
the pipeline placement and drilling process to safeguard schools, communities, and residential
neighborhoods.
Sen. Dinniman, who serves on the Senate Environmental Resources and Energy
Committee, unveiled a bipartisan package of bills aimed at strengthening the pipeline regulatory
process to give counties, municipalities, and local communities the tools they need to better
address related safety concerns.
They include these bills (not online yet):
-- Senate Bill 928, legislation that requires pipeline companies to apply to the Public Utility
Commission for authorization regarding the siting or placement pipelines to be constructed
under safety and environmental standards. It also requires consultation with Department of
Environmental Protection (DEP), the countys local governing body, and the local emergency
management organization coordinators in evaluating each standard.
-- Senate Bill 929, legislation that allows local municipalities to levy a fee on pipelines to fund
increased emergency response services and related expenses, such as training, equipment, and
planning.
-- Senate Bill 930, legislation that requires pipeline companies to meet with county emergency
coordinators to identify and share vital information regarding a potential pipeline emergency.
Currently, the PUC is prevented from disclosing this information due to security concerns.
-- Senate Bill 931, legislation that calls for incorporating automatic or remote shutoff valves on
pipelines in high consequence areas throughout Pennsylvania.
Sen. Rafferty said he introduced legislation-- Senate Bill 604-- to centralize pipeline
safety inspection under PennDOT because currently there are just too many agencies involved in
the regulatory process.
Right now, it isnt working and its time to catch up so we can better manage the
process, Sen. Rafferty said. We have a responsibility as legislators to put into law legislation
that will protect you, us, the companies, and the workers.
Sen. Leach said it was high time that stronger safety precautions be put in place on
pipelines. We need to get this done. This should have been done long ago, he said.
Rep. Comitta said she was working on legislation in the House, similar to Sen.
Dinnimans Senate Bill 930, to allow pipeline companies and public utilities to share important
public safety information with emergency management professionals.
David Mano of West Whiteland brought two samples of water from his well that were
contaminated after Sunoco damaged an underground aquifer while drilling the Mariner East II
pipeline over the summer.
Wed been giving this water to our pets. Wed been using it in our organic garden he
said, displaying a jar of murky water for his home on Valley Stream Drive. We have no idea
whats in it or what its been doing to us. We shouldnt have to be living like this. We shouldnt
have to be drinking this.
Eric Friedman discussed the potential dangers of pipelines carrying liquified natural gas
products and called on Gov. Wolf to halt the Mariner East pipelines until a thorough risk
assessment could be completed.
Melissa DiBernardino discussed her concerns as a mother with having potentially
hazardous pipelines near local schools, daycare facilities, playgrounds, parks, and
neighborhoods.
After the press conference, Sen. Dinniman led the group to the governors reception room
where they delivered a petition containing more than 4,400 signatures calling for a halt to the
Mariner East pipelines until adequate safety measures are in place. In addition, several young
children delivered handwritten letters to the governor in decorated shoeboxes.
Click Here to watch a video of the press conference. Click Here to read full packet for
pipeline legislation.
NewsClips:
[Posted: Oct. 18, 2017]
DEP Oil & Gas Advisory Board To Discuss Area Of Review Policy, Water Supply
Replacement Nov. 1
The DEP Oil and Gas Technical Advisory Board is scheduled to meet on November 1 to discuss
the Area of Review, Water Supply Replacement and Deep Coal Mining/Gas Drilling technical
guidance needed to implement the Chapter 78a regulations.
The Area of Review guidance provides further guidance on how drilling companies
identify and deal with the threats posed by abandoned water and oil and gas wells near new
operations.
The Marcellus Shale Coalition has challenged DEPs legal authority to require this type
of review. The PA Supreme Court heard argument on the case in Pittsburgh on Wednesday.
Also on the agenda is--
-- Presentation: Class IID Injections Wells And How They Are Regulated
-- Discussion: Guidelines for Chain Pillar Development & Longwall Mining Adjacent to
Unconventional Wells
-- Discussion: Water Supply Replacement Technical Guidance
-- Update on Technical Guidance Development
The meeting will be held in Room 105 Rachel Carson Building starting at 10:00. Click
Here to join the meeting online through WebEx.
For available handouts and more information, visit DEPs Oil and Gas Technical
Advisory Board webpage. Questions should be directed to Todd Wallace 717-783-9438 or send
email to: twallace@pa.gov.
NewsClips:
Legere: PA Supreme Court Urged To Put Drilling Rules To ID Abandoned Wells Into Effect
PLS Reporter: PA Supreme Court Hears Arguments On Drilling Rules
[Posted: Oct. 19, 2017]
State Agencies Announce City Of Harrisburg Sinkhole Buyouts Project Moving Forward
The PA Emergency Management Agency and Department of Community and Economic

Development Tuesday announced the first round of buyouts for residents impacted by sinkholes
along 14th Street in the City of Harrisburg are underway.
These homeowners have been waiting a long time for this, and we are proud that local,
state, and federal levels of government worked together and were able to find eligible funding for
this project, said PEMA director Richard D. Flinn, Jr. Permanently moving people out of
harms way is the best way to avoid damages and death or injury in the future.
In the past, sinkholes were not eligible projects for federal pre-disaster mitigation grant
funding through the Federal Emergency Management Agency. In light of the situation in
Harrisburg and after much hard work from elected officials and state personnel, FEMA now has
a policy that allows for sinkhole projects.
PEMA worked with the city to submit an application under the new policy and was
awarded $2.2 million in grant funding, which was not enough to cover all costs of the projects.
PEMA and DCED then collaborated to use United States Department of Housing and Urban
Development (HUD) funding to pay for the rest of the project.
DCED worked with the city and its engineers to help tie the sinkhole disaster to the 2011
Hurricane Irene and Tropical Storm Lee, which allowed DCED to reprioritize these homes in
imminent danger to health and safety as an eligible buyout activity.
DCED worked closely with HUD to ensure their concurrence through this process and
receive $3.1 million in Community Development Block Grant-Disaster Recovery funding.
This project is great news for the residents of Harrisburg who have suddenly found their
homes and their families in danger due to these sinkholes, DCED secretary Dennis Davin said.
Its a great example of how putting our heads together with other state and federal agencies
enabled us to find a solution that works for the people of Pennsylvania. DCED will provide
ongoing support to residents going through this process by offering technical assistance and
relocation assistance.
Both the FEMA and DCED grants will pay for the acquisition and closing fees for the
buy-outs, demolition and minimal site restoration. The location will be deed restricted so
structures or any improvements cannot be placed on the site, which must remain open space.
NewsClips:
McKelvey: Harrisburg Nears End Of Sinkhole Saga With Purchase Of Homes
Harrisburg Sinkhole Incident First To Be Granted Pre-Disaster Relief
Settlement Reached in Oklahoma Drilling/Earthquake Lawsuit
[Posted: Oct. 17, 2017]
Phipps Conservatory In Pittsburgh Creates Green Walls To Showcase Vertical Gardening
Phipps Conservatory and Botanical Gardens in Pittsburgh

has created a display of LiveWall green walls to showcase
vertical gardening as an option for growing local produce
in urban areas.
Limited space is a significant challenge for urban
gardening, said Michael Bechtel, display horticulturist,
Phipps Conservatory and Botanical Gardens. With our
green walls, we have the opportunity to study, evaluate and
learn about growing edibles on space-efficient vertical
gardens. This forward-thinking approach enables Phipps to
offer education and assistance to homeowners, schools and
community organizations on planning, installing and maintaining their own green walls so that
they can benefit from fresh produce.
Green walls, also known as living walls, are structural and horticultural systems that
attach to existing walls and transform them into vertical gardens, said Dave MacKenzie,
president of LiveWall. Growing vegetables and herbs on its green wall display is an innovative
way for Phipps to demonstrate how families and community groups can grow their own fresh,
healthy produce even if they do not have areas for large garden plots.
Phipps offers a variety of adult and youth programs, classes, and events to educate
visitors about the benefits of greener gardening, raised-bed vegetable gardening techniques, local
food production, and healthy eating.
In addition, Phipps sponsors Homegrown, its outreach program dedicated to increasing
community access to fresh produce, promoting better food choices, and improving the overall
health of families.
Since 2013, the program has established more than 200 vegetable gardens in urban and
underserved neighborhoods.
The latest step in Phipps important outreach mission is the installation of the LiveWall
Green Wall display of vertical gardening. In the spring, beets, carrots, collard greens, kale, and
kohlrabi grow on the green walls. Summer plantings include basil, rosemary, thyme, celery root,
and various peppers.
Starting in 2015, Phipps tested LiveWall Inspire Living Wall Panels alongside several
other living wall systems on the south facing wall of its Production Greenhouse Facility.
The standardized panels are 4-feet wide and 7-feet, four inches tall. Each has 24 molded
plastic modular planter boxes. After completing initial testing, Phipps installed nine more Inspire
standard panels.
According to Bechtel, LiveWall proved to be the system of choice because of its soil
volume and depth for growing and sustaining plants on the sunny wall, its integrated irrigation
components, and the strength and durability of its materials.
Click Here to watch a short video about the Phipps green wall.
Founded in 1893, Phipps has been Pittsburghs green oasis for more than 120 years. The
conservatory is a green leader among public gardens -- widely recognized for its leadership and
commitment to sustainability including environmental conservation, renewable energy, green
building design, and healthy living.
LiveWall, LLC is the leading designer of practical and sustainable living wall system
solutions for vertical gardening.
For more information on sustainability initiatives, visit the Phipps Green Innovation
webpage.
NewsClips:
[Posted: Oct. 19, 2017]
44 Farms, More Than 3,600 Acres Added To PA Farmland Preservation Program
On October 12, the PA Agricultural Land Preservation Board voted to permanently preserve
3,620 acres on 44 farms for agricultural production.
The board preserved farms in 20 counties: Adams, Berks, Bucks, Butler, Chester,
Cumberland, Dauphin, Erie, Franklin, Greene, Lancaster, Lawrence, Lehigh, Lycoming, Mercer,
Monroe, Montgomery, Northampton, Washington and Westmoreland.
Pennsylvania is a rich and diverse state, and our agriculture industry reflects that in its
people, its products, and its farms, said Agriculture Secretary Russell Redding. In each corner
of our state and everywhere in-between, agriculture is unique, important, and threatened by
pressures of development, challenging markets, and a host of other factors. Despite these
challenges, the 40 families who stepped forward today to preserve their operations did so
because they want to see their land remain in production agriculture in perpetuity. They are
committed to the future of agriculture here, so were committed to investing in them.
Redding added the meeting resulted in the greatest number of farms and acres being
preserved in a single meeting for the program in three years.
The PA Agricultural Conservation Easement Purchase Program, as it is formally known,
identifies properties and slows the loss of prime farmland to nonagricultural uses. It enables
state, county and local governments to purchase conservation easements, or development rights,
from owners of quality farmland.
Since the program began in 1988, federal, state, county and local governments have
invested nearly $1.4 billion to preserve 542,800 acres on 5,213 farms in 59 counties for future
agricultural production. The state continues to lead the nation in the amount of farms and
farmland preserved for use in production agriculture.
In some cases, federal funding helps to preserve these lands. In 2016, the department
signed a cooperative agreement with the U.S. Department of Agricultures Natural Resources
Conservation Service that allows Pennsylvanias program to submit farms for consideration by
the federal Agricultural Conservation Easement Program.
The department secured $1,725,650 in funds under its most recent cooperative agreement
to preserve eight farms totaling 1,652 acres, with the potential for additional funding in 2018.
For more information, visit the PA Farmland Preservation Program webpage.
NewsClips:
[Posted: Oct. 16, 2017]
DCNR Continues To Aid Other States In Wildfire Fighting, Hurricane Relief

reported Tuesday Pennsylvania has mobilized eight
20-person crews so far this year to fight wildfires in
California, Montana and other states, marking it as one of the
busiest in the history of the Wildland Fire Crew Program.
Since the mutual support program began in 1973,
there have been nine years in which that number was
exceeded, topping out at 11 crews in1994 and 2000.
In addition, DCNR had two fire engines on
assignment to eastern Montana from late July through early September. Each engine crew is
staffed by four persons, and three crews cycled through each engine during that time.
There were also 56 highly-trained and specially-skilled personnel that were ordered as
single resources to fill logistical, operational, and command positions. This is one of the
highest numbers of single resources ever sent out of Pennsylvania in a single year.
Between crews, engines and single resources, Pennsylvania has deployed 241 personnel
to assist other states, one of the highest on record, and the year is not over.
Many years, like last year, the southern United States has an active fall fire season, and
DCNR will send resources to assist our southern neighbors as needed.
The total number of personnel continues to rise as DCNR and PEMA send incident
management teams (IMTs) to various locations supporting hurricane relief efforts. DCNR has
been working with PEMA to send IMTs to New Jersey, Florida, and now South Carolina,
bumping that number up to 259.
For more information on wildfires in Pennsylvania, visit DCNRs Wildfire webpage.
NewsClips:
20 PA National Guard Soldiers Sent To Virgin Islands For Maria Relief Efforts
Editorial: FEMA Secondary To Local Preparedness In Coping With Natural Disasters
[Posted: Oct. 17, 2017]
Time To View Fall Foliage In PA Slipping Away, Here A Some Trip Tips
The Department of Conservation and Natural

Resources Thursday issued its latest Fall Foliage
Report showing the time to see fall foliage in many
areas of the state at its peak is slipping away.
Pennsylvania forests continue to show excellent
color, with central, northeastern, east-central and
northwestern counties grabbing the spotlight.
Above-average temperatures last week seemed to
suspend the fall foliage season, adding extended
viewing time throughout the Commonwealth.
The recent and quite noticeable change to more fall-like temperatures should push foliage
toward peak throughout the state. Expect the lower one-third of the state to enter peak foliage by
the end of the week. It is also exciting to note that the oak-beech peak is yet to come in several
central regions.
Click Here for some suggestions on where you can do to catch the splendor of Fall in PA.
For more information on the status of foliage around the state, visit DCNRs Fall Foliage
Reports webpage.
NewsClip:
Fall Foliage Peaks At Historic Kinzua Bridge State Park
[Posted: Oct. 19, 2017]
Still Time To Fill Out Survey On The Future Of PA State Parks!
Department of Conservation and Natural Resources

Secretary Cindy Adams Dunn Tuesday reminded
Pennsylvanians that the online survey about planning for
the future of state parks will close at the end of this month.
Weve already heard from more than 14,000 people about
what will help improve and sustain Pennsylvanias 121 state
parks, but want to make sure everyone interested has a
chance to make their voice heard, Dunn said. This
information will help in the creation of a strategic plan to
ensure the Pennsylvania state park system will remain as
relevant and valuable to future generations as it has been to current and past generations.
The public can take the Penns Parks for All Planning for the State Parks of
Tomorrow survey online. The online survey also is available in Spanish.
Survey questions include:
-- Should current outdoor recreation opportunities or experiences be changed?
-- Should park overnight accommodations be changed?
-- How should state parks be financed?
-- How can state parks best be protected?
-- Should state parks offer modern conveniences?
-- Are you satisfied with park services, facilities and activities?
Click Here to take the survey. Click Here to watch a presentation on State Park Strategic
Planning before the Joint Conservation Committee on October 16.
Bureau of State Parks officials say their goal will be to have a preliminary report,
influenced by the information gathered this year, available in the fall of 2018, with a final report
in 2019.
Additional engagement efforts during the planning process will include a phone survey of
a statistically-significant sampling of Pennsylvanians that can be extrapolated to represent the
states population; a targeted, online survey for minority and young adult audiences; and
stakeholder input meetings to focus on specific selected topics.
Pennsylvanias 121 state parks total almost 300,000 acres. Together with DCNRs state
forest system, they are one of the largest expanses of public lands in the eastern United States
and a winner of national recognition.
NewsClip:
Editorial: Have Your Say On Future Of PA State Parks
[Posted: Oct. 17, 2017]
DCNR Reschedules Public Meetings On ATV Trail Study In Clinton County To Dec. 12, 19

Thursday announced it is rescheduling public meetings
planned to review a study under way in Sproul State Forest
to address feasibility of closing a trail gap and determining
the best way to connect the Bloody Skillet and Whiskey
Springs ATV trail systems, near Renovo, Clinton County.
The meetings will now be held on December 12 and 19
from 6:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. at the Durrwachter Center on
the campus of Lock Haven University, Lock Haven, Clinton
County.
The meetings had been scheduled for October 26 and November 9.
The bureau has engaged Larson Design Group to study connecting the two trails and
charged it with establishing feasibility of constructing a motorized trail that would connect the
existing Bloody Skillet ATV trail system in northeastern Centre County to the Whiskey Springs
ATV trail system in western Clinton County.
The contractor is doing a field review of conceptual routes, with the intent of having the
connector pass through the town of Renovo.
The feasibility studys first component consisted of meetings that began early this year
with local and statewide stakeholders to understand their concerns and aspirations involving a
potential trail connector.
Comments collected during these meetings and through email efforts February through
April are available in the Whiskey Springs Bloody Skillet Feasibility Study Stakeholder Review.
One of 11 designated, state forestland ATV riding trail systems across the state, Bloody
Skillet now offers 38 miles of trails to riders. It is off Route 144, about 19 miles north of the
Snow Shoe Exit of Route 80.
When combined with nearby Whiskey Springs ATV Trail System in Clinton County,
reopened after extensive mine reclamation work, the trails now offer more than 120 miles for
ATV riding within an hour of Renovo.
In addition to Whiskey Springs and Bloody Skillet, riders visiting the region also are
encouraged to try the Denton Hill ATV Trail System and the Haneyville ATV Trail.
DCNR maintains 273 miles of designated ATV trails on state forestlands.
(Photo: Bloody Skillet Trail.)
NewsClips:
USA Today: Top 10 Best Tourist Attractions
Crable: Old Safe Harbor RR Trestle Could Be Key To Regional Trail Network
Presque Isle State Park Reviewing Policy For Weddings
Leaving The War In The Woods, Wounded Veterans Nurtured By Nature
Hopeless, He Rolled His Wheelchair Off Codorus Park Dock
AP: Man Using Wheelchair Die After Rolling Off Codorus State Park Dock
Color-Blind Artist Captures Lehigh Valley Nature Scenes With Oil Paintings
Crable: Susquehanna Water Shuttle Would Like Lancaster, York By Boat
[Posted: Oct. 19, 2017]
Western PA Conservancy Accepting Applications For Canoe, Kayak Access Grants
The Western Pennsylvania Conservancy is now

accepting applications for 2018 Canoe Access
Development Fund Grants, which supports projects that
will improve canoe and kayak access to the regions
waterways.
The deadline for applications is November 17.
Recipients will be notified by December 15.
WPCs Canoe Access Development Fund helps make the regions rivers and streams
more accessible for outdoor recreation by providing grants to watershed organizations or other
community groups to develop rustic access sites for canoers and kayakers. Currently, 45
fund-supported projects are completed and open to the public.
When we started canoeing, access to some of the streams in Western Pennsylvania was
problematic, said Roy Weil, co-founder of the fund. We established the CADF with the
Conservancy to help organizations improve primitive walk-in access sites in their local
communities. We hope that making it easier for people to canoe the streams will get them
involved in preserving the great natural heritage of the area.
Proposed new access sites should be located along a stream or river featured in Canoeing
Guide to Western Pennsylvania and Northern West Virginia, a similar guidebook or resource, or
be recognized as a paddling waterway in Western Pennsylvania.
Qualified grant recipients will receive up to $4,000 per site for the construction and
enhancement of canoe and kayak access locations. Grant funding could be used in multiple ways,
including stabilizing access areas to rivers or streams, adding nearby parking areas or purchasing
riverside access.
Thanks to this fund, we assisted several organizations with more than 45 projects over
the past seven years, said Eli Long, a watershed manager and the funds coordinator at the
Conservancy. Its great to see these groups planning and creating new paddling trips for the
public by connecting other funded access sites.
To apply and for all the details, visit the WPCs 2018 Canoe Access Development Fund
Grants webpage. Questions should be directed to Eli Long at WPCs Watershed Conservation
office by sending email to: elong@paconserve.org or call 724-471-7202, ext. 5105.
More information is available on programs, initiatives and special events at the Western
PA Conservancy website. Click Here to sign up for regular updates from the Conservancy, Like
them on Facebook, Follow them on Twitter, add them to your Circle on Google+, join them on
Instagram, visit the Conservancys YouTube Channel or add them to your network on Linkedin.
Click Here to support their work.
[Posted: Oct. 16, 2017]
Register Now For Get Outdoors PA Regional Summits In Lehigh, Montour Counties
The PA Recreation and Park Society and DCNR are

hosting two Get Outdoors PA Regional Summits on
November 2 in Lehigh County and November 13 in
Montour County.
If you are involved in recreation and conservation, you
are invited to register to attend free, engaging regional
workshops exploring these topics.
The workshops provide opportunities for networking with fellow recreation and
conservation professionals and environmental educators, as well as offer informative
presentations on outdoor programming, education, and more.
Click Here to register for November 2 at the Wildlands Conservancy, 3701 Orchid Place,
Emmaus, Lehigh County. 8:30 to 2:30.
Click Here to register for November 13 at the Montour Preserve/Environmental Education
Center, 700 Preserve Road, Danville, Montour County. 8:30 to 2:30.
For more information on programs, initiatives, special events, workshops and grant
opportunities, visit the PA Recreation and Park Society webpage. Click Here to sign up for
regular updates from the Society and Like them on Facebook. Click Here to become a member.
NewsClips:
(Reprinted from the October 18 DCNR Resource newsletter. Click Here to sign up for your own
copy.)
[Posted: Oct. 19, 2017]
Volunteer Now For Philadelphia Love Your Park Fall Service Day Nov. 4
Philadelphia Parks and Recreation, Fairmount Park

Conservancy and other partners are hosting a Love Your Park
Fall Service Day on November 4 in Philadelphia.
The LOVE Your Park Fall Service Day is held at 100
neighborhood parks across Philadelphia each November.
This one-day citywide event invites Philadelphia friends and
neighbors to plant trees, collect leaves for compost, and prepare
their public green spaces for the winter season.
A similar volunteer program is held during May of each year.
For more information and to register, visit Philadelphias Love
Your Park website.
[Posted: Oct. 20, 2017]
Oct. 18 Resource Newsletter Now Available From DCNR
The October 18 edition of the Resource newsletter is now

available from the Department of Conservation and Natural
Resources featuring articles on--
-- Register Now For Get Outdoors PA Regional Summits In
Lehigh, Montour Counties
-- DCNR Leading With Green Practices To Conserve Natural
Resources
-- Still Time To Fill Out Survey On PA State Parks!
-- Weiser State Forest HQ Named In Honor Of Former Senator
-- Renovation Project Underway At Wrightsville, York County Riverfront Park
-- Whitewater Release Into Tohickon Creek For Annual Boating Event In Bucks
-- Nominations For 2018 River Of The Year Now Being Accepted
-- DCNR Continues To Aid Other States In Wildfire Fighting, Hurricane Relief
-- DCNR Part Of PA Task Force To Boost Environmental Education, Stewardship
-- Check the DCNR Calendar For Special Halloween Events Near You
-- Click Here to sign up for your own copy.
DCNRs website, Visit the Good Natured DCNR Blog, Click Here for upcoming events, Click
Here to hook up with DCNR on other social media-- Facebook, Twitter, YouTube and Flickr.
[Posted: Oct. 19, 2017]
Hawk Mountain Contributes To Major Advance In Global Raptor Monitoring From Space
On October 16 an unmanned Russian supply

ship successfully docked at the International
Space Station. Along with supplies for the
astronauts aboard, the ship delivered the new
antenna that will help reduce the cost of tracking
raptors globally from more than $4000 a unit to
less than $600.
The international team of scientists,
statisticians, and movement ecologists that
helped jump start this development met to
discuss this ambitious venture in the Hawk Mountain Sanctuary Acopian Center in February of
2009.
This advancement, organized by Max Planck with the Institute for Ornithology in
Germany, will allow global conservationists and researchers to conduct raptor monitoring
programs more efficiently and cost-effectively.
The antenna is part of ICARUS, International Cooperation for Animal Research Using
Space. An ISS onboard computer will be connected and switched on after the antenna goes into
operation in February 2018. Then, communication testing begins, and by late spring 2018, the
ICARUS operational phase will commence.
In addition to the monitoring of the migration of small animals around the globe, this
observation system will also be able to investigate the spread of diseases and maybe forecast
natural disasters.
"A dream-come-true for raptor migration science owes its origins, in part, to Hawk
Mountain Sanctuary," said Director of Conservation Science and Interim President, Dr. Keith
Bildstein. "We have played a pivotal role in this great leap forward."
For more information on programs, initiatives and upcoming events, visit the Hawk
Mountain Sanctuary website or call 610-756-6961. Click Here to sign up for regular updates
from the Sanctuary, Like them on Facebook, Follow on Twitter, visit them on Flickr, be part of
their Google+ Circle and visit their YouTube Channel. Click Here to support Hawk Mountain.
NewsClips:
Learn How To Prevent Bird Strikes At Loyalhanna Watershed Program
Woolly Worms Predict Stretch Of Severe Winter Weather
5 Places To Get Your Deer Tested For Chronic Wasting Disease For Free, Southcentral PA
Schneck: When, Where Can You See Blue Trout?
Schneck: Mountain Lions In Pennsylvania? Expert Opinion
[Posted: Oct. 16, 2017]
Trout Unlimited: Volunteers Needed For Allegheny National Forest Trout Spawning Sites
Survey Nov. 12
Trout Unlimited is seeking volunteers to conduct a

trout spawning site survey on several streams in the
Allegheny National Forest in Warren County on
November 12 starting at 9:30 a.m.
Working in teams of two or more, this effort
will require hiking and/or wading a section of a
small stream in the forest, identifying redds, taking
GPS coordinates for their location and recording
your data.
Hiking/wading distance will range from one
to three miles and may include some rugged
sections.
This data will serve as baseline information to document the success of culvert
replacement projects in opening up new habitat for spawning.
Volunteers will meet in Sheffield, PA to provide training on redd identification and to
distribute supplies. Teams will then travel to their assigned stream sections to conduct their
surveys. Teams will then return to Sheffield to drop off their data sheets and supplies.
To register, please provide your name, email address, phone number and mailing address
to Jake Lemon at jlemon@tu.org or 814-779-3965. Registration will remain open until
November 6, or until all spots are filled.
For more information on programs, initiatives and upcoming events, visit the PA Council
of Trout Unlimited website.
NewsClips:
[Posted: Oct. 17, 2017]
Governor's Office Seeks Candidates To Fill Vacancy On Fish & Boat Commission Board
The Governors Advisory Council for Hunting, Fishing and Conservation Wednesday announced
it is seeking qualified candidates to fill an upcoming vacancy on the board of the Fish and Boat
Commission from the Fourth District, which includes Bedford, Blair, Cambria, Fulton,
Huntingdon, Juniata, Mifflin and Somerset counties.
All resumes and cover letters must be received by December 15.
The district has been represented with distinction by Leonard L. Lichvar, of Boswell,
Somerset County, since December 16, 2009.
The Governor is reaching out to the anglers and boaters of central Pennsylvania to find a
diverse group of qualified applicants, one of which will fill this vacancy, said Robb Miller,
director of the advisory council. Were encouraging anyone interested in volunteering on the
board to send us a letter that describes their qualifications and experience, along with a copy of
their professional resume.
Per the Fish and Boat Code, to qualify as a commissioner, the applicant must be a
resident of the district and be well informed on the subjects of conservation, restoration, fishing,
and boating.
The term of service is four years and members may serve three consecutive terms upon
being nominated by the Governor and confirmed by a majority of the members of the
Pennsylvania Senate.
While commissioners are not compensated, they do receive travel reimbursement.
Individuals interested in applying for this seat should send their materials to Robb Miller,
400 Market Street, 7th Floor, Harrisburg, PA 17101-2301. Individuals can also email the
information to Robb Miller at: robmille@pa.gov.
[Posted: Oct. 18, 2017]
Opportunity To Bid On DEP Mine Reclamation Projects In Fayette, Schuylkill Counties
The Department of Environmental Protection published notice in the October 21 PA Bulletin of

the opportunity to bid on mine reclamation projects in Fayette County and Schuylkill County.
The Department of Environmental Protection has available a current list of
Abandoned Mine Reclamation, Acid Mine Drainage, Surface Mine Reclamation, Cleaning Out
and Plugging Oil and Gas Wells, Waterways Engineering (Concrete Dams/Concrete Lined
Channels, Walls and Box Culverts, etc.), Hazardous Site Remediation, Removal and Disposal of
Underground Storage Tanks, and Wetland Restoration projects available for bidding. Click Here
for the list.
The Department of Conservation and Natural Resources has a current list of bid
proposals for construction projects in State Parks and State Forests available online. Click Here
for the list.
NewsClip:
[Posted: Oct. 20, 2017]
Help Wanted: PennTAP Energy Team Technical Advisor

The PA Technical Assistance Program, housed within Penn States Outreach and Online
Education organization, is seeking an experienced Technical Adviser that brings the combination
of technical training and business development skills to the organization.
This individual will primarily assist manufacturers throughout the Commonwealth with
reducing energy use and greenhouse gas emissions and act as a liaison to connect these entities to
the vast resources available within Penn State.
Additional responsibilities will be to promote and market all of PennTAPs service
offerings to prospective clients.
As a Technical Adviser, you will be responsible for identifying energy savings
opportunities at manufacturers and effectively communicate those opportunities to facility
representatives.
You will be responsible for, but not limited to, identifying opportunities, writing client
reports, client relationship building, student engagement and serving as a PennTAP liaison to
Penn State faculty.
You will be expected to work closely with Penn State students to provide them with
experiential learning activities outside the classroom, while also connecting manufacturers
needs to Penn State research, faculty and facilities.
Specific training, education, and experience in the areas of energy efficiency is preferred.
Competencies critical to success are: knowledge of, or ability to learn the main sources of energy
reductions; results-oriented team player that also works well independently; strong project
management skills with an ability to organize a dynamic workload; ability to establish and
maintain professional relationships with peers, vendors, and clients; and ability to analyze,
prioritize and solve unique problems.
Typically requires a Master's degree or higher plus three years of related experience, or
an equivalent combination of education and experience.
This position requires that you operate a motor vehicle as part of your duties. Some
overnight travel required. A valid drivers license and successful completion of a motor vehicle
records check will be required in addition to standard background checks.
PennTAP seeks candidates able to demonstrate experience and ability to advance
Outreach and Online Educations diversity initiative. This is a fixed-term appointment funded for
one year from date of hire with excellent possibility of re-funding.
Click Here for all the details and how to apply.
[Posted: Oct. 17, 2017]
Public Participation Opportunities/Calendar Of Events
This section lists House and Senate Committee meetings, DEP and other public hearings and
meetings and other interesting environmental events.
NEW means new from last week. [Agenda Not Posted] means not posted within 2 weeks
of the advisory committee meeting. Go to the online Calendar webpage for updates.
Note: This is still budget season. House and Senate committees can add and cancel meetings
with little notice.
October 21-- NEW. Eastern PA Coalition for Abandoned Mine Reclamation. 4th Annual
Centralia Clean Up. Centralia, Columbia County. 9:00.
October 23-- CANCELED. House Consumer Affairs Committee holds a hearing on House Bill
1782 (Delozier-R-Cumberland) providing for alternative ratemaking for natural gas and electric
distribution companies (sponsor summary). Room B-31 Main Capitol. 11:00.
October 23-- NEW. Senate Rules Committee meets to consider Senate Bill 242 (Baker-R-
Luzerne) adding unconventional and larger conventional natural gas gathering lines to the PA
One Call utility safety program (House Fiscal Note and summary). Rules Room. Off the Floor.
October 23-- NEW. Senate Game and Fisheries Committee meets to consider Senate Bill 935
(Scarnati-R-Jefferson) which would limit the term of the Executive Director of the Fish and Boat
Commission to eight years. Rules Room. Off the Floor. Click Here for more.
October 23-- NEW. Senate Labor and Industry Committee meets to consider House Bill 1469
(Heffley-R-Carbon) further providing for the use of third-party agencies to enforce Uniform
Construction Code requirements (House Fiscal Note and summary). Rules Room. Off the Floor.
October 24-- NEW. Senate Environmental Resources and Energy Committee holds a hearing on
Senate Bill 800 (Alloway-R-Franklin) creating a new Waste Electronic Equipment Recovery Act
to replace the 2010 Covered Device Recycling Act. Room 8E-A East Wing Capitol Building.
10:00. Click Here for more. Hearings are typically webcast through the Committees webpage.
October 24-- NEW. Senate Community, Economic and Recreational Development Committee
meets to consider Senate Bill 234 (Blake-D-Lackawanna) would authorize local governments to
create energy improvement districts to help fund energy efficiency, renewable energy and water
conservation projects by commercial and industrial buildings to reduce their operating costs
(sponsor summary). Rules Room. Off the Floor. Click Here for more.
October 24-- NEW. Senate Consumer Affairs & Professional Licensure Committee meets to
consider Senate Resolution 227 (Aument-R-Lancaster) urging the Federal Energy Regulatory
Commission to quickly implement policies to ensure baseload electricity generation (like coal
and nuclear) are compensated for all the positive attributes they provide to the electric system
(sponsor summary). Room 461. Noon. Click Here for more.
October 24-- Senate Aging and Youth and Health and Human Services Committees hold a joint
hearing on Lyme Disease Task Force Report. Room 156. 9:30.
October 24-- Agenda Posted. DEP Climate Change Advisory Committee meeting. Room 105
Rachel Carson Building. 10:00. DEP Contact: Mark Brojakowski, 717-772-3429 or send email
to: mbrojakows@pa.gov. (formal notice)
-- Volkswagen Air Settlement Overview
-- 2018 PA Climate Change Action Plan Update Discussion
October 24-- NEW. PA Biomass Energy Association/Philadelphia Water Department. Biogas,
Food Waste Recycling, CHP & Wastewater Treatment In Philadelphia Workshop. Northeast
Water Pollution Control Plant with Biogas Co-gen Facility, 3899 Richmond Street, Philadelphia.
8:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m.
October 25-- NEW. Agenda Posted. DEP Water Resources Advisory Committee meeting.
Room 105 Rachel Carson Building. 9:30. DEP Contact: Diane Wilson, 717-787-3730 or
diawilson@pa.gov. Click Here for more.
-- Chapter 102 Erosion & Sediment Permit Improvement Recommendations
-- Chapter 92 & 92 NPDES Water Quality Permit Fee Increase Proposal
-- Click Here for available handouts
October 25-- Agenda Posted. DEP Small Business Compliance Advisory Committee meeting.
12th Floor Conference Room, Rachel Carson Building. 10:00. DEP Contact: Nancy Herb,
nherb@pa.gov, 717-783-9269.
October 25-- CEOs For Sustainability First Speakers Series Event. Energy Innovation Center,
1435 Bedford Avenue, Pittsburgh. 7:30 to 9:30 a.m.
October 25-- Alliance For The Chesapeake Bay. Stormwater Program Communication
Workshop. Londonderry Township Building, 783 S. Geyers Church Road in Middletown,
Dauphin County. 8:30 a.m. to 2:30 p.m.
October 26-- Agenda Posted. DEP Agricultural Advisory Board meeting. DEP Southcentral
Regional Office, 909 Elmerton Ave., Harrisburg. 9:00. DEP Contact: Jay Braund,
jbraund@pa.gov, 717-772-5636. (formal notice)
-- Presentation: Improving The Chapt. 102 E&S NPDES Permit Program
-- Presentation: Water Quality Permit Fee Package
-- Update on DEP Ag Inspection Initiative
October 26-- [Agenda Not Posted] DEP Small Water Systems Technical Assistance Center
Board meeting. Room 105 Rachel Carson Building. 9:00. DEP Contact: Dawn Hissner,
717-772-2189 or dhissner@pa.gov. (formal notice)
October 26-- Northeast PA Environmental Partners Awards Dinner. Woodlands Inn and Resort
in Wilkes-Barre.
October 26-- PA Chamber of Business & Industry Valley Forge Fall Environmental Conference.
Crowne Plaza Valley Forge, King of Prussia.
October 26-- CANCELED. DCNR Public Meeting On Bloody Skillet & Whiskey Springs ATV
Trails In Centre, Clinton Counties. Durrwachter Alumni Conference Center, Lock Haven
University, Lock Haven. 6:00 to 8:00 p.m. NOTE: Rescheduled for December 12, 19 same
place same time.
October 27-- Penn State Chesapeake Stormwater Summit - Overcoming Barriers To Green
Infrastructure Solutions. Penn State - Harrisburg Campus. 9:00 to 4:00.
October 28-- PA Resources Council/PA American Water. Drug Take Back Event. Green Tree
Borough Building, 10 W. Manilla Ave., Green Tree, Allegheny County. 10:00 to 2:00.
October 28-- PA Resources Council/PA American Water.. Drug Take Back Event. Medical
Rescue Team South, 315 Cypress Way, Mt. Lebanon, Allegheny County. 10:00 to 2:00.
October 28-- PA Resources Council/PA American Water. Drug Take Back Event. The Mall at
Robinson, Sears parking lot, 100 Robinson Centre Dr., Robinson, Allegheny County. 10:00 to
2:00.
October 28-- PA Environmental Council. Potter County Cleanup Event. Hector Township along
Loucks Mill Rd., Potter County. 10:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m.
October 28-- PA Environmental Council. Potter County Cleanup Event. Bingham Township
along Rowley Rd., Potter County. 12:00 p.m. to 2:00 p.m.
October 30-- NEW. Senate Environmental Resources and Energy Committee holds a hearing on
lead exposure and mitigation. John P. Cosgrove Center, Pittston Memorial Library, 47 Broad
Street, Pittstown, Luzerne County. 11:00. Click Here for more.
November 1-- Agenda Posted. Oil and Gas Technical Advisory Board meeting. Room 105
Rachel Carson Building. 10:00. Click Here to join the meeting online through WebEx. DEP
Contact: Todd Wallace 717-783-9438 or send email to: twallace@pa.gov. (formal notice)
-- Presentation: Class IID Injections Wells And How They Are Regulated
-- Discussion: Area of Review Technical Guidance
-- Discussion: Guidelines for Chain Pillar Development & Longwall Mining Adjacent to
Unconventional Wells
-- Discussion: Water Supply Replacement Technical Guidance
-- Update on Technical Guidance Development
November 1-- DCNR, PA Recreation & Park Society Grant Application Workshop. Camp Hill,
Cumberland County, Giant Food Store Community Room. 9:00 a.m. to Noon.
November 1-- NEW. Dept. of Labor & Industry Uniform Construction Code Review and
Advisory Council meeting. L&I Building, 651 Boas Street, Room E-100, 1st Floor, Harrisburg.
10:00. Contact: Cindy Holtry at 717-783-4560. (formal notice)
November 2-- DEP Hearing On Hill Top Energy Center Natural Gas-Fired Power Plant Air
Quality Plan Approval. Carmichaels Area Senior High School Auditorium at 215 N Vine Street,
Carmichaels. Q/A -6:00, Hearing- 7:00.
November 2-- NEW. DEP Hearing On Proposed Birdsboro Power LLC Natural Gas Power
Plant. Boone Area Library, 129 N. Mill Street, Birdsboro, Berks County. 6:30. (formal notices
Oct. 21 PA Bulletin, page 6562)
November 2-- Susquehanna River Basin Commission holds a hearing on water withdrawal
projects. Room 8E-B East Wing of the Capitol Building in Harrisburg. Questions should be
directed to Jason Oyler, General Counsel, 717-238-0423, Ext. 1312, fax 717-238-2436. 2:30 to
5:00. Click Here for more. (formal notice with project list)
November 2-- NEW. Susquehanna River Basin Commission Proposed Access To Records
[Right-To-Know] Policy. Room 8E-B East Wing of the Capitol Building in Harrisburg, 2:30 to
5:00. Click Here for more. (formal notice)
November 2-- NEW. PA Recreation and Park Society/DCNR. Get Outdoors PA Regional
Summit. Wildlands Conservancy, 3701 Orchid Place, Emmaus, Lehigh County. 8:30 to 2:30.
November 2-- Capital Chapter Society For Women Environmental Professionals. Annual
Regulatory Update. DEP Southcentral Regional Office, 909 Elmerton Avenue, Harrisburg. 8:00
to 3:30.
November 3-- Schuylkill Action Network Annual Meeting. Reading Area Community College.
9:30 to 3:00.
November 3-- Creative Makers Of The Pennsylvania Wilds - A Traveling Art Show. Winkler
Gallery of Fine Art, 36 N. Brady St., DuBois, Clearfield County. 6:00 to 9:00 p.m.
November 4-- NEW. Philadelphia Parks & Recreation. Love Your Park Fall Service Day.
Philadelphia.
November 6-- Green Roofs For Healthy Cities/University of Pittsburgh. Green Roof & Wall
Symposium In Pittsburgh. University of Pittsburgh, 4200 Fifth Avenue, Pittsburgh. 8:30 a.m. to
5:00 p.m.
November 8-- CANCELED. DEP Climate Change Advisory Committee meeting. Rescheduled
for December 4. DEP Contact: Mark Brojakowski, 717-772-3429 or send email to:
mbrojakows@pa.gov. (formal notice)
November 8-- DEP Hearing On GE Transportation-Erie RACT II Air Quality Plan (if
requested). DEP Northwest Regional Office, 230 Chestnut Street, Meadville. 10:00.
November 8-- DCNR, PA Recreation & Park Society Grant Application Workshop. Nanticoke,
Luzerne County, Luzerne County Community College Educational Conference Center. 9:00 a.m.
to Noon.
November 8-- Academy of Natural Sciences Of Drexel University Delaware Watershed

Research Conference. Academy of Natural Sciences, Philadelphia.
November 9-- CANCELED. DCNR Public Meeting On Bloody Skillet & Whiskey Springs
ATV Trails In Centre, Clinton Counties. Durrwachter Alumni Conference Center, Lock Haven
University, Lock Haven. 6:00 to 8:00 p.m. NOTE: Rescheduled for December 12, 19 same
place same time.
November 9-- Sponsorships Available. PA Resources Council Annual Awards Celebration.

Villanova University Hotel and Conference Center, Philadelphia.
November 9-- Energy Coordinating Agency Fall Energy Conference. Temple University
Student Faculty Center, 3340 N. Broad Street, Philadelphia. 8:45 to 4:15.
November 10-11-- Bucknell University 12th Annual Susquehanna River Symposium. Bucknell
University Campus, Lewisburg, Union County.
November 11-- Westmoreland Cleanways & Recycling. Household Hazardous Waste

Collection Event. Westmoreland Cleanways Recycling Center, 113 Innovative Lane in Latrobe.
9:00 to 1:00.
November 12-- NEW. Trout Unlimited Allegheny National Forest Trout Spawning Sites
Survey. Sheffield, Warren County.
November 13-- Environmental Issues Forum, Joint Conservation Committee featuring a

presentation on pumped storage hydroelectric facilities. Room 8E-A East Wing. Noon. Click
Here for more.
November 13-- NEW. PA Recreation and Park Society/DCNR. Get Outdoors PA Regional
Summit. Montour Preserve/Environmental Education Center, 700 Preserve Road, Danville,
Montour County. 8:30 to 2:30.
November 13-14-- Northeast Recycling Council 30th Anniversary Fall Conference. Amherst,
Massachusetts.
November 14-- Environmental Quality Board meeting. Room 105 Rachel Carson Building.
9:00. DEP Contact: Laura Edinger, Environmental Quality Board, 400 Market Street, Harrisburg,
PA 17101, 717-772-3277, ledinger@pa.gov.
November 14-- DEP Citizens Advisory Council meeting. Room 105 Rachel Carson Building.
10:00. DEP Contact: Lee Ann Murray, Citizens Advisory Council, P. O. Box 8459, Harrisburg,
PA 17105-8459, 717-787-8171, LeeMurray@pa.gov.
November 14-- DEP Environmental Justice Advisory Board meeting. 16th Floor Conference
Room, Rachel Carson Building. 8:30. DEP Contact: Carl Jones, caejone@pa.gov or
484-250-5818 or Glenda Davidson 717-783-4759 or gldavidson@pa.gov.
November 14-- DCNR, PA Recreation & Park Society Grant Application Workshop. Clarion,
Clarion County, Trinity Point Church of God. 9:00 a.m. to Noon.
November 15-- DCNR, PA Recreation & Park Society Grant Application Workshop. Allison
Park, Allegheny County, Hampton Township Community Center. 9:00 a.m. to Noon.
November 16-- CANCELED. Oil and Gas Technical Advisory Board meeting. Room 105
Rachel Carson Building. 10:00. DEP Contact: Todd Wallace 717-783-9438 or send email to:
twallace@pa.gov. (formal notice)
November 16-- DEP Small Water Systems Technical Assistance Center Board meeting. Room
105 Rachel Carson Building. 9:00. DEP Contact: Dawn Hissner, 717-772-2189 or
dhissner@pa.gov. (formal notice)
November 16-- PA Grade Crude Development Advisory Council meeting. Location TBD.
1:00.
November 16-- DCNR, PA Recreation & Park Society Grant Application Workshop. Blue Bell,
Montgomery County, Montgomery County Community College, Central Campus. 9:00 a.m. to
Noon.
November 16-- PennTAP: How To Move Your Company Toward Sustainability Webinar.
Noon to 1:00 p.m.
November 16-- Penn State Extension. Abandoned Oil & Gas Wells, Whats A Reasonable
Estimate? Webinar. 1:00 to 2:00.
November 16-- 9th Annual Sustainability Conference: Engineering A Sustainable Economy.

August Wilson Center, 980 Liberty Avenue in Pittsburgh. 8:00 a.m. to 3:00.
November 18-- CANCELED. Westmoreland Cleanways & Recycling. Household Hazardous

Waste Collection Event. Westmoreland Cleanways Recycling Center, 113 Innovative Lane in
Latrobe. 9:00 to 1:00.
November 18-- NEW. Audubon Society Of Western PA. Zeloyle Sanctuary Reforestation
Project. Sarver, Butler County. 9:00 to Noon.
November 20-- NEW. DEP Hearing On RACT II Air Quality Plan For Foam Fabricators
Columbia County (if requested). DEP Northcentral Regional Office, 208 West Third Street,
Suite 101 in Williamsport. 10:00.
November 21-- DCNR, PA Recreation & Park Society Grant Application Workshop. State
College, Centre County, Penn Stater Hotel and Conference Center, Deans Hall 1. 9:00 a.m. to
Noon.
December 4-- DEP Climate Change Advisory Committee meeting. Room 105 Rachel Carson
Building. 10:00. DEP Contact: Mark Brojakowski, 717-772-3429 or send email to:
mbrojakows@pa.gov. (formal notice)
December 5-- DEP Storage Tank Advisory Committee meeting. Room 105 Rachel Carson
Building. 10:00. DEP Contact: Dawn Heimbach, 717-772-5599 or send email to:
dheimbach@pa.gov. (formal notice)
December 5-- DEP Board Of Coal Mine Safety meeting. DEP Cambria Office 286 Industrial
Park Road, Ebensburg. 10:00. DEP Contact: Allison Gaida, agaida@pa.gov, 724-404-3147.
December 5-7-- National Brownfields Conference - Sustainable Communities Start Here.

LEED-certified David L. Lawrence Convention Center, Pittsburgh.
December 6-- NEW. DEP Hearing On Chapter 16 Water Quality Toxics Management Strategy
Changes. DEP Northeast Regional Office, 2 Public Square, Wilkes-Barre. 1:00.
December 6-- NEW. Environmental Quality Board Hearing On Chapter 93 Water Quality
Standards Changes Under Triennial Review. DEP Northeast Regional Office, 2 Public Square,
Wilkes-Barre. 2:00.
December 7--10,000 Friends Of Pennsylvania Commonwealth Awards Program. The Bond,

134 E. King Street, York.
December 7-- Westminster College Student Symposium On The Environment. Witherspoon

Rooms and Mueller Theater on the Westminster campus, Lawrence County.
Changes. DEP Southcentral Regional Office, 909 Elmerton Avenue, Harrisburg. 1:00.
Standards Changes Under Triennial Review. DEP Southcentral Regional Office, 909 Elmerton
Avenue, Harrisburg. 2:00.
December 12-- Environmental Quality Board meeting. Room 105 Rachel Carson Building. 9:00.
DEP Contact: Laura Edinger, Environmental Quality Board, 400 Market Street, Harrisburg, PA
17101, 717-772-3277, ledinger@pa.gov.
December 12-- NEW. DCNR Public Meeting On Bloody Skillet & Whiskey Springs ATV Trails
In Centre, Clinton Counties. Durrwachter Alumni Conference Center, Lock Haven University,
Lock Haven. 6:00 to 8:00 p.m.
December 13-- DEP Cleanup Standards Scientific Advisory Board. Room 105 Rachel Carson
Building. 9:00. DEP Contact: Michael Maddigan, mmaddigan@pa.gov, 717-772-3609.
December 13-- DCNR, PA Recreation & Park Society Grant Application Webinar. 10:00 to
11:30.
December 14-- DEP Air Quality Technical Advisory Committee meeting. Room 105 Rachel
Carson Building. 9:15. DEP Contact: Kirit Dalal, kdalal@pa.gov or 717-772-3436.
December 14- DEP State Board For Certification Of Water and Wastewater Systems Operators
meeting. 10th Floor Conference Room, Rachel Carson Building. 10:00. DEP Contact: Cheri
Sansoni, csansoni@pa.gov, 717-772-5158.
Changes. DEP Southwest Regional Office, 400 Waterfront Drive, Pittsburgh. 1:00.
Standards Changes Under Triennial Review. DEP Southwest Regional Office, 400 Waterfront
Drive, Pittsburgh. 2:00.
December 19-- NEW. DCNR Public Meeting On Bloody Skillet & Whiskey Springs ATV Trails
In Centre, Clinton Counties. Durrwachter Alumni Conference Center, Lock Haven University,
Lock Haven. 6:00 to 8:00 p.m.
January 11-- DCNR, PA Recreation & Park Society Grant Application Webinar. 10:00 to 11:30.
February 7-10-- PA Association For Sustainable Agriculture Annual Conference. State

College.
February 23-24-- Keystone Coldwater Conference. State College. (Note: PA Environment

Digest is a Conference sponsor.)
March 12-13-- PA Association of Environmental Educators. 2018 Annual Conference. State

College, Centre County.
April 17-19-- National Forum On Low-Zero Energy Buildings. Wyndam Grand Hotel,
Pittsburgh.
May 2-4-- PA Association Of Environmental Professional. Annual Conference. State College.
Visit DEPs Public Participation Center for public participation opportunities. Click Here to sign
up for DEP News a biweekly newsletter from the Department.
Sign Up For DEPs eNotice: Did you know DEP can send you email notices of permit
applications submitted in your community? Notice of new technical guidance documents and
regulations? All through its eNotice system. Click Here to sign up.
DEP Regulations In Process

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

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

Other Proposals Open For Public Comment - DEP webpage
Recently Closed Comment Periods For Other Proposals - DEP webpage
Other Proposals Recently Finalized - DEP webpage
DEP Facebook Page DEP Twitter Feed DEP YouTube Channel
Click Here for links to DEPs Advisory Committee webpages.
DEP Calendar of Events DCNR Calendar of Events
Senate Committee Schedule House Committee Schedule
You can watch the Senate Floor Session and House Floor Session live online.
Add Green Works In PA To Your Google+ Circle
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.
October 23-- SBA Flood Assistance Clearfield, Washington, 8 Other Counties

October 25-- PPL Community Roots Tree Funding Program
October 31-- CBF Pay For Success Green Infrastructure Funding
October 31-- PA Resources Council Lens On Litter Photo Contest
October 31-- Society For Mining, Metallurgy College Student Poster Contest
November 1-- Delaware River Basin Commission Photo Contest
November 1-- Society For Mining, Metallurgy K-12 Student Video Contest
November 6-- POWR, DCNR 2018 PA River Of The Year
November 9-- PennDOT Green Light-Go LED Traffic Light Grants
November 17-- NEW. Western PA Conservancy Canoe & Kayak Access Grants
November 17-- DEP Alternative Fuels Public Refueling Facilities Grant
November 17-- DCNR 2018 Pennsylvania Trail Of The Year
November 17-- Recyclebank Green Schools Project Grants (in their service territory)
November 26-- Hawk Mountain Sanctuary Digital Photo Contest
December 1-- DEP Small Business Advantage Grant Program (First-Come, First-Served)
December 1-- PA Assn. Of Environmental Educators Excellence Awards
December 15-- DEP Alternative Fuels Incentive Grants
December 15-- Coldwater Heritage Partnership Watershed Grants
December 20-- DCNR Forested Stream Buffer Grants
December 20-- DCNR Snowmobile, ATV Trail Grants
December 31-- DEP Alternative Fuel Vehicle Rebates (First-Come, First-Served)
February 1-- U.S. Healthy Watersheds Consortium Grant Program
April 1-- DEP Farm Conservation Plan Grant Chesapeake Bay Watershed
May 23-- SBA Flood Assistance Clearfield, Washington, 8 Other Counties
-- Visit the DEP Grant, Loan and Rebate Programs webpage for more ideas on how to get
financial assistance for environmental projects.
-- Visit the DCNR Apply for Grants webpage for a listing of financial assistance available from
DCNR.
Environmental NewsClips - All Topics
Here are NewsClips from around the state on all environmental topics, including General
Environment, Budget, Marcellus Shale, Watershed Protection and much more.
The latest environmental NewsClips and news is available at the PA Environment Digest Daily
Blog, Twitter Feed and add us to your Google+ Circle.
Environmental Policy
Letter: Redistricting Could Help The Environment
Op-Ed: What Will We Tell Our Grandkids About Politics And The Environment?
Air
Asbestos Charges Dropped Against Pittsburgh Man
Midstate Transit Authorities Seek Answers To Declining Ridership
Alternative Fuels
EPA Abandons Changes To Biofuel Program After Lawmaker Pressure
Trump Tells EPA To Halt Ethanol Quota Changes Amid Iowa Uproar
Trump EPA Nominees On Hold Amid Dispute Over Biofuel Mandate
Awards & Recognition
Lancaster Sewer Authority Wins National Recognition
Biodiversity/Invasive Species
Harveys Lake Seeks More Funding To Eradicate Hydrilla
Budget
Chesapeake Bay
Everyone
Latest From The Chesapeake Bay Journal
Click Here to subscribe to the Chesapeake Bay Journal
Click Here to support the Chesapeake Bay Journal
Follow Chesapeake Bay Journal On Twitter
Like Chesapeake Bay Journal On Facebook
Climate
Gore Says Trump Wont Stop Progress On Climate Change
Gore Urges PA To Shift Quickly to Renewables Over Gas, Coal
Gore: Were Getting Close To Bipartisan Action On Climate
Gore Tells Climate Activists In Pittsburgh: Were Going To Win This
Gore Brings Global Warming Message To Pittsburgh, Warns Of Its Effect On PA
Al Gore Hosts Climate Workshop In Pittsburgh This Week
Conservative Group Thanks Cong. Costello, Fitzpatrick For Leadership On Reducing Methane
Emissions
October Was Warmest On Record So Far, When Will That Change?
Weather Service Forecasts Mild Winter
Coal Mining
PA Coal Production Slows Down
Compliance Actions
Deep Mine Safety
Mine Safety Nomination Follows History As Coal Executive
Delaware River
Drinking Water
Economic Development
RAND: Marcellus Shale Growth, Retirements Will Drive Need For STEM Workers
As Gas Drilling Returns, Industry And Colleges Need To Talk
Education
Emergency Response
Energy
FERC OKs Pumped Hydro Electric Feasibility Studies In Northeast
Farming
Crable:4 More Farms Preserved By Lancaster Farmland Trust
Forests
Geologic Hazards
McKelvey: Harrisburg Nears End Of Sinkhole Saga With Purchase Of Homes
Harrisburg Sinkhole Incident First To Be Granted Pre-Disaster Relief
Green Infrastructure
Everyone
Land Conservation
Crable:4 More Farms Preserved By Lancaster Farmland Trust
Littering/Illegal Dumping
Mine Reclamation
Oil & Gas
Legere: PA Supreme Court Urged To Put Drilling Rules To ID Abandoned Wells Into Effect
PLS Reporter: PA Supreme Court Hears Arguments On Drilling Rules
Conservative Group Thanks Cong. Costello, Fitzpatrick For Leadership On Reducing Methane
Emissions
Upper Burrell Planning Commission OKs Gas Well, Other Approvals Needed
Upper Burrell Supervisor Candidates Divided On Gas Well Locations
RAND: Marcellus Shale Growth, Retirements Will Drive Need For STEM Workers
As Gas Drilling Returns, Industry And Colleges Need To Talk
UGI Utilities Starts New $35M Headquarters In Lancaster
Credit Rating Cut For Philadelphia Energy Solutions Refinery Unit
Pittsburgh Gasoline Prices See Drop This Week
Lancaster Gasoline Prices Fall For 5th Week
Oil Refiners Hope Of Trump-Promised Deregulation On Biofuels Crushed By EPA
Pipelines
Radiation Protection
Recreation
Recycling/Waste
Renewable Energy
Stormwater
Everyone
Susquehanna River
Crable; 7 Lancaster County Overlooks Along The Susquehanna River
Sustainability
Wastewater Facilities
Lancaster Sewer Authority Wins National Recognition
Watershed Protection
Everyone
Latest From The Chesapeake Bay Journal
Click Here to subscribe to the Chesapeake Bay Journal
Follow Chesapeake Bay Journal On Twitter
Like Chesapeake Bay Journal On Facebook
Wetlands
Wildlife
Other
Midstate Transit Authorities Seek Answers To Declining Ridership
Watch Stunning Meteor Shower From Your PA Backyard
Wildfires
California Wildfire Death Toll Hits 41 As Survivors Face Long Road To Recovery
California Wildfire Death Toll Reaches 40
California Wildfires Now Up To 100 Miles Wide, Threaten More Wineries
Maria
20 PA National Guard Soldiers Sent To Virgin Islands For Maria Relief Efforts
Op-Ed: The Jones (Shipping) Act Is Not Smart Policy
Op-Ed: Ending Jones Act Shipping Restrictions Would Help Puerto Rico, PA
Federal Policy
Oil Refiners Hope Of Trump-Promised Deregulation On Biofuels Crushed By EPA
Mine Safety Nomination Follows History As Coal Executive
Click Here For This Week's Allegheny Front Radio Program
Regulations, Technical Guidance & Permits
The Environmental Quality Board published notice of final Radiological Health and Radon
Certification Fee increases in the October 21 PA Bulletin.
The Environmental Quality Board published notice of proposed changes to Chapter 93 Water
Quality Standards under the Triennial Review of Water Quality Standards for public review in
the October 21 PA Bulletin starting on page 6609.
Among the proposed changes are an update to the ammonia criteria, fecal coliform-based
water quality criteria, chloride criteria, human health and aquatic life criteria for toxic
substances, an authorization for DEP to develop site-specific water quality criteria and
corrections to drainage lists.
Three public hearings will be held starting at 2:00 p.m. at the following locations--
-- December 14: DEP Southwest Regional Office, 400 Waterfront Drive, Pittsburgh.
Persons wishing to present testimony at a hearing are requested to contact the
Environmental Quality Board, P.O. Box 8477, Harrisburg, PA 17105-8477, 717-787-4526 at
least 1 week in advance of the hearing to reserve a time to present testimony. Oral testimony is
limited to 5 minutes for each witness.
Witnesses are requested to submit three written copies of their oral testimony to the
hearing chairperson at the hearing. Organizations are limited to designating one witness to
present testimony on their behalf at each hearing.
RegComments@pa.gov or by mail to Environmental Quality Board, P.O. Box 8477, Harrisburg,
PA 17105-8477. Express mail should be sent to the Environmental Quality Board, Rachel
Carson State Office Building, 16th Floor, 400 Market Street, Harrisburg, PA 17101-2301.
The Game Commission published notice of an Executive Order on Chronic Wasting Disease -
Designation of Disease Management Areas and Endemic States and Canadian Provinces Order
#3 in the October 21 PA Bulletin.
Pennsylvania Bulletin - October 21, 2017
Sign Up For DEPs eNotice: Did you know DEP can send you email notices of permit
applications submitted in your community? Notice of new technical guidance documents and
regulations? All through its eNotice system. Click Here to sign up.
DEP Regulations In Process
Proposed Regulations Open For Comment - DEP webpage
Proposed Regulations With Closed Comment Periods - DEP webpage
Recently Finalized Regulations - DEP webpage
DEP Regulatory Update - DEP webpage
August 2017 DEP Regulatory Agenda - PA Bulletin, Page 4922
Technical Guidance & Permits
Note: DEP published 64 pages of public notices related to proposed and final permit and
approval/ disapproval actions in the October 21 PA Bulletin - pages 6500 to 6564.

extending the PAG-02 NPDES General Permit for Stormwater Discharges for 1 year. The notice
also describes how existing permittees and new applicants after December 7 will be handled by
the agency. Click Here for more.
DEP published notice in the October 21 PA Bulletin inviting comments on a revised Chapter 16
Water Quality Toxics Management Strategy and giving notice of three public hearings on the
changes.
The hearings will be held starting at 1:00 at these locations--
-- December 14: DEP Southwest Regional office, 400 Waterfront Drive, Pittsburgh.
Persons wishing to present testimony at the Chapter 16 hearings are requested to contact
Thomas A. Barron at 717-787-9637 or send email to: tbarron@pa.gov at least 1 week in advance
of a hearing to reserve a time to present testimony.
Oral testimony is limited to 5 minutes for each witness. Witnesses are requested to
submit three written copies of their oral testimony to the hearing chairperson. Organizations are
limited to designating one witness to present testimony on their behalf at each hearing.
ecomment@pa.gov or by mail to Department of Environmental Protection, Policy Office, Rachel
Carson State Office Building, P.O. Box 2063, Harrisburg, PA 17105-2063.
The Susquehanna River Basin Commission published notice in the October 21 PA Bulletin of
proposed changes to its Access To Records [Right-To-Know] Policy for public comment and
notice of a November 2 public hearing in Harrisburg.
The proposed rule is designed to enhance the Commissions commitment to open and
transparent operations and accessibility of records to the public.
The Commission has a longstanding practice of providing information to the public in
much the same manner as its member states.
The Commission first promulgated its Freedom of Information Policy on January 11,
1979, and then updated its open records policy by adopting its Access to Records Policy on
September 10, 2009.
We believe our policy has been successful in satisfying records requests. Over the past
several years, the Commission provided records to more than 100 formal records requests and
more than 50 distinct requests for data or information, as well as innumerable informal
information requests, said Andrew Dehoff, Commission executive director. Over the years, the
Commission has also implemented significant improvements to the data and information
available on its website.
The Commission will continue this long tradition of transparency by further formalizing
the key elements of its Access to Records Policy in duly promulgated regulations.
Through this action, the Commission will be codifying its commitment to public access
to records in a way that instills these new regulations with the status of law that can be
enforceable against the Commission.
Public Hearing
A public hearing on the proposed policy will be held on November 2 from 2:30 to 5:00 in
Room 8E-B East Wing of the Capitol Building in Harrisburg.
Those wishing to testify are asked to notify the Commission in advance, if possible, by
contacting Jason E. Oyler, Esq., General Counsel, telephone: 717-238-0423, ext. 1312; fax:
717-238-2436; or send email to: joyler@srbc.net.
The deadline for public comments is November 13.
Comments may be mailed to: Jason E. Oyler, Esq., General Counsel, Susquehanna River
Basin Commission, 4423 N. Front Street, Harrisburg, PA 17110-1788, or by email to
regcomments@srbc.net . The public hearing is located in Harrisburg, Pennsylvania, State Capitol
(East Wing, Room 8E-B), Commonwealth Avenue, Harrisburg, PA 17120.
For more information, visit SRBCs Public Participation Center webpage. Follow SRBC
on Twitter, visit them on YouTube.
DEP Technical Guidance In Process

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

Other Proposals Open For Public Comment - DEP webpage
Recently Closed Comment Periods For Other Proposals - DEP webpage
Other Proposals Recently Finalized - DEP webpage
Visit DEPs Public Participation Center for public participation opportunities. Click Here to sign
up for DEP News a biweekly newsletter from the Department.
DEP Facebook Page DEP Twitter Feed DEP YouTube Channel
Click Here for links to DEPs Advisory Committee webpages.
DEP Calendar of Events DCNR Calendar of Events
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Issue #695 Crisci Associates, Harrisburg, PA Oct.

PA Environment Digest Blog Twitter Feed

House Sends Admin Code Bill To Governor WITH Environmental Riders

Sen. Yudichak Introduces Resolution Requiring Independent Performance Evaluation Of

Sen. John Yudichak (D-Luzerne), Minority Chair of the Senate

Bills On Governor's Desk

Senate/House Bills Moving Last Week

Stormwater Exemption: House Bill 1486 (Zimmerman-R-Lancaster) exempting high tunnel

Vehicle Emissions Inspection: House Bill 86 (Lawrence-R-Chester) eliminate vehicle

Senate/House Agenda/Session Schedule [Updated]/Govs Schedule/ Bills

Committee Meeting Agendas This Week

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

Bills Pending In Key Committees

PA Natural Gas Exports: Senate Resolution 214 (Greenleaf-R-Montgomery) urging

Delay MS4 Stormwater Program: Senate Resolution 216 (Folmer-R-Lebanon) urging

Review Of DEP Permitting Programs: Senate Resolution 226 (Yudichak-D-Luzerne) require

Session Schedule [Updated]

News From The Capitol

The House Wednesday gave final approval to Senate Bill

Senate Environmental Committee Makes Chesapeake Bay Funding Bill Optional

The Senate and House Agriculture and Rural Affairs

Electronics Waste Recycling Bill Subject Of Oct. 24 Senate Environmental Committee

The Senate Environmental Resources and

The Senate Community, Economic and Recreational Development Committee is scheduled to

Senate Consumer Affairs Committee To Consider FERC Coal/Nuclear Electric Pricing

Senate Environmental Committee Holds Oct. 30 Hearing On Lead Exposure, Mitigation In

News From Around The State

Department of Environmental Protection Monday announced funding for an Abandoned Mine

The Montour Run Watershed Association Monday

Growing Greener Funds Wetland Restoration, Education Project In Columbia County

Department of Environmental Protection Executive

Department of Conservation and Natural Resources

The Department of Conservation and Natural Resources

The Stroud Water Research Center in Chester

Bloomsburg U, Chesapeake Conservancy Partner On Restoring Susquehanna River Health

Bloomsburg University in Columbia County is

Student Journal: Summer 2017 Chesapeake Bay Watershed Education Experience

(Reprinted from the Chesapeake Bay Foundation Blog.)

PEC Blog: A Day Of Discovery On The Delaware River

By Patrick Starr, Executive Vice President Southeast Region, PEC

Ive been trekking in various vessels on the Delaware

Westmoreland Conservation District Hosts First AmeriCorps Member: Alyssa Harden

Alyssa Harden isnt in the military, but she is serving our

The Audubon Society of Western Pennsylvania is

Presentation Call: 2018 Keystone Coldwater Conference Extended To Oct. 27

Center For Watershed Protection September Science Bulletin Now Available

The September issue of the Watershed Science Bulletin from

PennVEST Approves $90.6M In Grants/Loans For Water Infrastructure Projects In 12

Aqua America, including Aqua Pennsylvania, is encouraging customers to be mindful of

PA Housing Agency, PennVEST Expands Loan Program To Include Sewer Connections

DEP Invites Comments On Water Quality Toxics Strategy Changes

The Department of Environmental Protection published notice in the October 21 PA Bulletin

Susquehanna River Basin Commission Invites Comments On Right-To-Know Policy

The PA Biomass Energy Association and the

Keep PA Beautiful reported Keep

Keep America Beautiful and the National

PA Resources Council, PA American Water Host 3 Drug Take-Back Events Oct. 28 In

The PA Resources Council and PA American Water

4th Annual Centralia Clean Up Oct. 21 In Columbia County

The Eastern PA Coalition for Abandoned Mine

Last Major Pittsburgh Steel Mill Site Reborn As Hazelwood Green

With key infrastructure elements and land

New Radiological Health And Radon Certification Fees Now In Effect

The Department of Environmental Protection published notice in the October 21 PA Bulletin