PA Environment Digest

An Update On Environmental Issues In PA

Edited By: David E. Hess, Crisci Associates

Winner 2009 PAEE Business Partner Of The Year Award

Harrisburg, Pa September 13,

2010

EPA Announces Public Meetings On Chesapeake Bay Watershed TMDL Strategy

The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency is scheduled to hold 18

public meetings this fall to discuss the draft Chesapeake Bay Total
Maximum Daily Load (TMDL) – a strict “pollution diet” to restore
local waters and the Chesapeake Bay.
Four of the meetings will be in Pennsylvania in October--
-- October 18-- Lancaster, 2 p.m. – 4 p.m.
-- October 19-- State College, 2 p.m. – 4 p.m.
-- October 20 -- Williamsport, 2 p.m. – 4 p.m. (Meeting also broadcast online via webinar)
-- October 21 -- Ashley, 2 p.m. – 4 p.m.
“We encourage the public to continue to provide input as EPA moves forward in
finalizing and implementing this blueprint for restoration,” said EPA Regional Administrator
Shawn M. Garvin. “Restoring the Chesapeake Bay and the waterways that connect to it will not
be easy, and every citizen in the Bay watershed has a stake and a role in this process.”
The Bay TMDL will set binding limits on nitrogen, phosphorus and sediment pollution
throughout the 64,000-square-mile watershed to meet clean water standards for the Bay and its
tidal tributaries and help restore local rivers and streams.
At the public meetings, EPA officials will outline the draft Bay TMDL and highlight key
provisions designed to ensure that by 2025 all practices that are necessary to fully restore the bay
are in place, with 60 percent of the actions taken by 2017.
EPA will also receive comments and answer questions from the public at the meetings,
which are part of an official 45-day public comment period on the draft TMDL ending
November 8.
In addition, officials from the respective states and D.C. are expected to participate in the
meetings to discuss their draft implementation plans to achieve and maintain the necessary
pollution reductions. The implementation plans were submitted to EPA last week and are being
used to help the agency shape details of the TMDL.
The draft Bay TMDL will be issued on September 24. Instructions for submitting formal
written comments to EPA will be included on the Bay TMDL webpage and contained in an
upcoming Federal Register Notice. A final Bay TMDL will be established by December 31,
2010.
The public meetings will be held across the six watershed states, Virginia, Maryland,
Pennsylvania, Delaware, West Virginia and New York, and the District of Columbia from late
September to early November. One meeting in each state will be accessible online via webinar.
The Department of Environmental Protection will also be scheduling public meeting on
the draft Watershed Implementation Plan it submitted last week. Visit the DEP Chesapeake Bay
webpage for more information.
Complete information on the meetings, including venues, directions and webinar
registration links, can be found on the EPA Chesapeake Bay TMDL webpage.
NewsClips: States Seek Federal Money For Big Chesapeake Bay Cleanup Plans
Op-Ed: Good Legislation Protects Farmer, Chesapeake Bay

CBF's Matthew Ehrhart Named Outstanding Alumnus By Penn State College Of Ag

Sciences

Penn State's College of Agricultural Sciences has honored Matthew J.

Ehrhart of Brickerville with a 2010 Outstanding Alumni Award. The
award recognizes alumni for their achievements and provides opportunities
for recipients to interact with the college's faculty, students and other
alumni.
Ehrhart is the Pennsylvania executive director of the Chesapeake
Bay Foundation. A 1991 graduate in Environmental Resource
Management who earned a master's degree in Environmental Science in
1996, he oversees the agricultural restoration program of the Pennsylvania area of the
Chesapeake watershed. His leadership has resulted in the establishment of 2,100 miles of forest
buffers and 4,500 acres of wetlands to improve water quality.
He has worked to building partnerships and funding to promote alternative uses of
manure and implement precision dairy feeding. He recently secured $14.8 million in federal
funding for agricultural best management practices in conjunction with conservation districts and
private businesses.
Ehrhart's job often calls on him to work with local and state governments. He was heavily
involved in the 2008 federal farm bill and in the related creation of the Fair Share for Clean
Water Coalition, which is a collaboration among several Pennsylvania associations and
committees. The coalition successfully pushed for $1.2 billion in bond funding and a $10 million
tax credit program to address Pennsylvania environmental issues.
A recipient of the Pennsylvania Governor's Award for Watershed Stewardship, Ehrhart
serves on the Pennsylvania Water Resource Advisory Committee and the state Department of
Environmental Protection Chesapeake Bay Advisory Committee. He also is a member of the
board of the Penn State Ag Council.

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Senate/House Agenda/Session Schedule

Here are the Senate and House Calendars and Committee meetings showing bills of interest as
well as a list of new environmental bills introduced--

Session Schedule

Senate Fall Session

September 20, 21, 22, 27, 28, 29, 30
October 12, 13, 14
November 18 (Ceremonial Session to Elect an Interim President Pro Tempore)

House Fall Session

September 13, 14, 15, 20, 21, 22, 27, 28, 29
October 4, 5, 6
November 8, 9, 10, 15, 16

Calendars

House (September 13): House Bill 80 (Vitali-D-Delaware) expanding the Alternative Energy
Portfolio Standards and authorizing a carbon sequestration network; House Bill 894 (Phillips-R-
Northumberland) establishing a Lyme Disease Task Force and assigning responsibilities to the
Department of Conservation and Natural Resources without funding; House Bill
2405 (DePasquale-D-York) which would increase the solar mandate provisions of the
Alternative Energy Portfolio Standards and provide for carbon sequestration facilities.

Senate (September 20): All items were Tabled.

Committees
House: the Environmental Resources and Energy Committee meets to consider House Bill
381 (Mundy-D-Luzerne) providing for the tracking of wastewater from gas wells, House
Resolution 826 (Goodman-D-Schuylkill) memorializing the U.S. EPA to uniformly enforce
RCRA on all hazardous waste reclamation companies, House Resolution 864 (Mundy-D-
Luzerne) memorializing Congress to pass the Fracturing Responsibility and Awareness of
Chemicals Act; the Consumer Affairs Committee holds a hearing on Senate Bill
168 (Brubaker-R-Lancaster) authorizing boroughs to contract for electric service; the Labor
Relations Committee holds a hearing on workplace and safety issues relating to Marcellus
Shale operations in Scranton.

Senate: the Urban Affairs and Housing Committee holds a hearing on House Bill
712 (J.Taylor-R-Philadelphia) authorizing urban land banks for the conversion of vacant or tax-
delinquent properties at the Penn State Beaver Campus.

News From The Capitol

House Consumer Committee Hears Testimony On Regulation Of Gas Pipelines

Rep. Curt Schroder (R-Chester) told the House Consumer Affairs Committee this week
communities and the property rights of individual citizens are being infringed upon by the
federal government and big gas companies.
Rep. Schroder is proposing legislation to establish a regional interstate compact that will
take the responsibility of siting interstate gas pipelines away from the Federal Energy Regulatory
Commission.
"From what I have seen and based upon the experience of Chester County residents and
municipalities, the current system of siting natural gas pipelines is broken," Rep. Schroder said.
"It works just fine from the perspective of the pipeline company because FERC acts primarily as
a rubber stamp to accommodate the wishes of the pipeline company to take the least expensive
route to their destination.
"When this happens, individual and commercial property owners lose," he said. "Their
land is devoured by pipeline easements and natural and historic resources are often threatened.
The individual is left with little recourse except to plead their case to a distant and unresponsive
federal bureaucracy whose only mission seems to be to facilitate the pipeline company's desires."
House Bill 1817 would establish the Mid Atlantic Area Natural Gas Corridor Compact.
Rep. Schroder told the committee his legislation would bring decision making closer to the
people and force pipeline companies to be more responsive to the needs and concerns of the
community.
Rep. Schroder's legislation would take into consideration the presence of protected areas
such as agricultural land, monuments, historic sites, wilderness areas, scenic rivers and
waterways. It would also consider the potential impact on the environment, fish and wildlife.
In addition, House Bill 1817 would address concerns raised by property owners in his
district who have had their land taken by eminent domain to accommodate a pipeline. Rep.
Schroder's bill would require rights of way be minimized to lessen the impact on property
owners.
 "The presence of a regional compact would protect citizens, commercial interests and the
environment from a gas industry that places a higher premium on expediency and a federal
government that seems to support that approach," said Rep. Schroder. "There are very real
human and environmental concerns that need to be addressed and those concerns have been
ignored for far too long. My bill would change that."

House Environmental Committee Meets To Consider Drilling, Hazardous Waste Bills

House Environmental Resources and Energy Committee meets September 14 to consider bills
related to natural gas drilling and hazardous waste facility regulation.
The bills include--
-- House Bill 381 (Mundy-D-Luzerne) providing for the tracking of wastewater from gas wells;
-- House Resolution 826 (Goodman-D-Schuylkill) memorializing the U.S. EPA to uniformly
enforce RCRA on all hazardous waste reclamation companies; and
-- House Resolution 864 (Mundy-D-Luzerne) memorializing Congress to pass the Fracturing
Responsibility and Awareness of Chemicals Act.
Rep. Camille "Bud" George (D-Clearfield) serves as Majority Chair and Rep. Scott
Hutchinson (R-Venango) serves as Minority Chair.

News From Around The State

Rendell Sets His Priorities For Using Natural Gas Production Severance Tax

After making campaign-style appearances at stops in Western and Eastern

Pennsylvania to promote the adoption of the Marcellus Shale natural gas
production tax, Gov. Rendell told the Philadelphia Inquirer he was not
confident legislators would meet the October 1 deadline to pass the tax.
A spokesperson for Senate Majority Leader Dominic Pileggi (R-
Delaware) said Senate Republicans are working to meet the deadline. The
Senator's office said they would like to see a significant portion of the
funding generated by the tax go to local governments and environmental
programs, specifically a refocused Growing Greener.
At the events, the Governor said a series of accidents and environmental concerns
illustrate the challenges the natural gas industry poses to the state and the reason why drilling
companies need to pay their fair share to address them.
“Travel virtually anywhere throughout southwestern Pennsylvania and you’ll see that
there’s been a phenomenal resurgence in drilling activities as big oil and gas companies seek to
extract the trillions and trillions of cubic feet of natural gas that is a mile beneath our feet in the
Marcellus Shale,” said Gov. Rendell. “There’s no doubt that this activity and this industry is
creating new economic opportunities for our state, but it also creates a lot of new challenges for
the host communities and poses a threat to our environment.
“The public recognizes this, and that’s why eight out of 10 Pennsylvanians recently
polled said that they favor a tax on gas companies to fund programs that will protect our
environment and help local governments handled increased demands on their services,” Gov.
Rendell added, noting that 413 permits have been issued and 244 wells have been drilled in
Washington County as part of the Marcellus “play” since the beginning of 2009.
The drilling activity has also resulted in dangerous incidents that have required action by
local emergency responders. He pointed to a hydraulic fracturing wastewater pond that ignited in
the spring of 2010 in the county’s Hopewell Township. The resulting cloud of black smoke could
be seen for miles.
The Governor also cited the June 2010 well blowout in Clearfield County, which sent
natural gas and fracking fluid into the air for 16 hours before the well could be brought back
under control.
“In each of these instances, local emergency responders such as firefighters, police
officers, medics and hazmat crews were called to manage the emergencies until gas company
experts could further address the situations,” said the Governor. “That created considerable costs
to the municipalities and taxpayers that support those crews. It underscores the reason we need a
robust severance tax—so the communities where drilling is taking place get the financial help
they need to tackle these problems.”
At least 45 incidents required an emergency response by the Department of
Environmental Protection in the last year. According to PennDOT, Marcellus drillers have
bonded 1,722 miles statewide and of those, 1,067 miles, or 62 percent, have been damaged, with
380 miles needing significant repairs or reconstruction.
He also said a similar share should go to environmental programs and organizations such
as county conservation districts and the Fish and Boat Commission. The Governor was joined by
John Arway, the commission’s executive director, and Commissioner Tom Shetterly.
“These gentlemen made the trip here today because they know what is at stake, and want
to make sure our streams and gamelands are protected for today’s sportsmen, sportswomen, and
for our sons and daughters,” said Gov. Rendell.
Gov. Rendell also said on August 18 $70 million from the severance tax was needed to
fill a $280 million hole in the state budget this year caused by a decrease in federal funding for
Medicaid.
Earlier this year, Gov. Rendell proposed implementing a severance tax on natural gas
extraction that would be modeled after West Virginia’s levy — straight 5-percent on sales, plus
an additional 4.7 cents for each thousand cubic feet of gas produced.
As part of the state budget deal reached in July, the General Assembly agreed to enact a
severance tax by October 1.
“Pennsylvania quickly becoming one of the top 10 states for natural gas production in the
country—up from 15th just a few years ago—but is the only major fossil fuel producer that does
not levy a tax on natural gas extraction,” Gov. Rendell told the crowd. “That’s just not fair. With
your help, we are going to change that.”
"The natural gas industry is up and running strong in Pennsylvania and has many of the
world's largest energy companies backing it," Gov. Rendell said, citing multibillion dollar deals
by Exxon Mobil and Dutch Royal Shell, among others, to access Marcellus Shale natural gas
reserves. "These gas companies are paying top dollar because they know they can earn record
profits. Exxon Mobil reported a record $45.2 billion profit in 2008, and the company's most
recent financial statement does not report any taxes paid to the IRS.
To date this year, 1,885 natural gas wells have been drilled in Pennsylvania. Of that total,
897 have been drilled to access gas deposits in the Marcellus Shale.
 The Department of Environmental Protection has also issued nearly 4,549 drilling
permits this year, of which 1,976 were for Marcellus development. The department is on track to
issue approximately 2,700 Marcellus permits this year — a 36-percent increase over permits
issued in 2009.
The House returns to session on September 13 and so far has not mustered the votes
needed to pass one of several versions of the severance tax now in the House. The Senate has
said he will not deal with the issue until the House passes a bill.
NewsClips: Rendell Says Agreement Unlikely On Marcellus Shale Tax
Governor Not Confident Of Meeting Oct. 1 Marcellus Tax Deadline
Rendell: Candidates Need To Level With Public On Taxes
Marcellus Shale Production Data Exceeds Expectations
Rendell Asks Support For Drilling Tax
Governor Pushes For Passage Of Marcellus Shale Tax
Rendell Pays Visit, Pitches For Drilling Tax
Governor Pushes For Severance Tax On Gas Drillers
Groups Seek Growing Greener Funding From Marcellus Shale
Onorato: Tom Corbett And Marcellus Shale Development
Onorato Hits Corbett's Shale Tax Opposition
Onorato Says Natural Gas Tax Needed To Protect Environment
Rendell Says Gas Drilling Moratorium Won't Happen Here
Game Commissioners Panel Backs Severance Tax
Pro-Drilling Groups Critical Of Natural Gas Drilling Moratorium
Column: Marcellus Shale Gas Drilling Critics Get Whammied
Editorial: State Lawmakers Play Shale Game
Editorial: Try Catching Up To WV On Gas Drilling Tax

Game Commission Board Approves Marcellus Shale Tax Resolution

The Board of Game Commissioners this week approved a resolution to support the efforts to
implement a severance tax on Marcellus Shale gas extraction, and encouraged legislators to
ensure that a portion of those funds are directed to the state’s four resource agencies, including
the Game Commission, to help fund the monitoring of the environmental impacts of the drilling
processes.
“As the Pennsylvania Game Commission’s financial position continues to weaken, the
Board of Game Commissioners needed to take action to support the agency’s mission and
Marcellus Shale issues relating to the State Game Land System,” said Board President James
“Jay” Delaney.
Following is a copy of the resolution approved by the Board.

Resolution by the
Pennsylvania Game Commission Board of Commissioners

A resolution expressing the Pennsylvania Game Commission Board of Commissioners support

for a Severance Tax on Marcellus Shale Gas by the Pennsylvania Legislature.
 Whereas; Pennsylvania has the largest and most active deposit of Marcellus Shale Gas in
the United States.
Whereas; by 2014, Pennsylvania is expected to produce 10 percent of all natural gas
consumed in the United States
Whereas; Pennsylvania Department of Environmental Protection has issued 4,600
Marcellus Shale drilling permits of which at least 244 have been drilled and approximately 636
are currently being developed.
Whereas; Legislation is set for late September, early October to include a severance tax
around 5 percent at wellhead production.
Whereas; Time being of the essence: 50 percent of gas produced from wells historically
peaks during the first five years of production
Whereas; The Pennsylvania Game Commission would benefit from a minimum of 2.0
percent of the total revenues from a severance tax.
Whereas; In addition to the Commonwealth, many State and Local agencies as well as
Pennsylvania resource agencies including Department of Environmental Protection, Department
of Conservation and Natural Resources and the Pennsylvania Fish and Boat Commission have
come forward in support of a severance tax in an effort to help fund the monitoring of the
environmental impacts of the drilling processes.
Now Therefore; Be it resolved that the Pennsylvania Game Commission supports
legislation designed to levy a severance tax on revenues for the benefit of the people and wildlife
of the Commonwealth through the equitable distribution of a portion of these specific funds to
the resource agencies.
The Board of Game Commissioners currently is comprised of the following: James “Jay”
Delaney, Wilkes-Barre, Luzerne County, President; Ronald Weaner, Biglerville, Adams County,
Vice-President; David Schreffler, Everett, Bedford County, Secretary; Thomas Boop, Sunbury,
Northumberland County; Gregory J. Isabella, Philadelphia; David J. Putnam, Centre Hall, Centre
County; Robert Schlemmer, Export, Westmoreland County; and Ralph A. Martone, New Castle,
Lawrence County.
NewsClip: Game Commissioners Panel Backs Severance Tax

DEP Investigating Source Of Methane Bubbles In Susquehanna River

The Department of Environmental Protection is continuing to investigate the source of stray

methane gas detected in the Susquehanna River and at six private water wells in Wilmont
Township, Bradford County, late last week.
"Chesapeake Energy has been working at the direction of DEP to determine the source or
sources of the stray gas," said DEP Secretary John Hanger. "Gas migration is a serious,
potentially dangerous problem. Chesapeake must stop the gas from migrating."
Chesapeake has six Marcellus Shale gas wells located on the Welles well pads one three
and four, located two to three miles northwest of the Susquehanna River. These wells are
believed to be the source of stray gas that was detected on August 4 at a residence located on
Paradise Road in Terry Township.
DEP issued a notice of violation to Chesapeake and required it to provide and implement
a plan to remediate. Progress has been made, but, to date, this violation has not yet been fully
resolved.
 While neither DEP nor Chesapeake have been able to conclusively show that the Welles
wells are the source, DEP believes that they are the most likely source.
The wells were drilled between December 2009 and March of this year; however the
wells have not been fractured or "fracked" and are not producing Marcellus gas. For that reason,
DEP believes that any stray gas migrating from these wells is not from the Marcellus Shale
formation, but from a more shallow rock formation.
Chesapeake has screened 26 residences within a one-half mile radius of the river and
found six water wells to have elevated levels of methane. Chesapeake monitored each of the
houses served by an impacted water well and found no indication of methane gas in the homes.
On September 3, high levels of methane were detected in the crawl space under a
seasonal residence. Emergency responders were contacted to ventilate below the home and gas
and electric utilities were shut off to eliminate any potential for ignition.
Chesapeake has equipped water wells with high levels of methane with ventilation
systems and installed five methane monitors in the homes associated with the impacted wells.
Additionally, Chesapeake has provided potable water to the effected residents.
No residents have been evacuated from their homes.
DEP first received information about water bubbles in the Susquehanna River late on
September 2, with additional reports received the next morning of bubbling in two private
drinking water wells nearby. In response, DEP sent two teams of inspectors to investigate the
source of stray methane gas on September 3.
One team of DEP inspectors went to the Susquehanna River near to Sugar Run where
bubbling had been reported. DEP collected samples of the gas for isotopic analysis which is used
to identify the source. Analysis of the lab results will be complete within 2 weeks.
Biogenic methane gas is formed at shallow depths from the natural organic
decomposition of waste, such as one would find in swamp gas. Thermogenic methane gas is
produced in deeper geologic formations and is the gas typically developed for economic
purposes.
Both DEP and Chesapeake have taken gas samples from the water well heads and the
natural gas wells. The results will help to determine if the source of the stray gas detected at the
river and in the water wells is the Welles wells.
Anyone who notices unusual bubbling in surface or well water should notify DEP
immediately by calling 570-327-3636.

Duquesne Professors Conduct Marcellus Shale Environmental Study

A Duquesne University group led by Dr. John Stolz, director of the DU Center for
Environmental Research and Education, will participate in an environmental study of the
Tenmile Creek Watershed in Washington County to serve as baseline information in advance of
Marcellus Shale drilling in the area.
To this point, no water and environmental assessments have been conducted in this area
in advance of drilling that removes natural gas from shale formations, thus no claims of fouled
water and environmental impact from the drilling can be easily verified, Stolz explained.
The Heinz Endowments provided a grant of nearly $2 million to a local academic
consortium, including an $87,320 grant to Duquesne, to complete the study.
 “The Endowments’ grant will fund surveys of wildlife and other data collection that
establishes a baseline of ecosystem health. This will enable more accurate evaluation of changes
in conditions when natural gas extraction in the Marcellus Shale formation moves into full
production,” said Caren Glotfelty, director of the Endowments’ Environment Program.
“We are interested in doing an assessment of Tenmile Creek Watershed in areas where
there has been drilling and where drilling hasn’t yet started,” Stolz said. “Will there be an impact
if it is drilled? If so, what is that impact?”
Stolz will study select microbes. Colleagues in the Department of Biological Sciences,
Dr. Brady Porter will examine fish, and Drs. Kyle Selcer and Sarah Woodley will inventory
salamanders. The field studies will be conducted at three points in time— low, high and normal
flow periods—on this Monongahela River tributary.
Their information will become part of a larger database. Collaborators from the
University of Pittsburgh will maintain a public website for the information at
www.fractracker.org, and those from CMU will conduct elemental analysis.
The grant will fund the study through June 2011.

DEP Releases Preliminary Marcellus Shale Production Data

The Department of Environmental Protection this week released preliminary production data for
Marcellus Shale natural gas wells in the state.
Under Act 15 of 2010, Marcellus operators were required to report their well production
totals from July 1, 2009 to June 30, 2010 by August 15.
According to DEP, 18 of the state’s 74 Marcellus Shale operators had yet to submit the
required information as of September 7. The secretary has said the department will pursue
whatever enforcement action is necessary to ensure compliance with the law.
“Gov. Rendell signed legislation in March that does away with provisions in the Oil and
Gas Act that required production data to be kept confidential for five years, removing a much-
criticized layer of secrecy and giving the public and government unprecedented access to this
information,” said DEP Secretary John Hanger. “This action modernizes our data collection and
reporting processes and gives the public and policymakers a clear picture of how much natural
gas is being generated by the rapidly-growing Marcellus Shale industry.”
Secretary Hanger added that beginning November 1, the public will be able to search all
oil and natural gas production data statewide, including historic production data, and will also be
able to track how much drilling waste and wastewater is being generated at drilling sites.
Under Act 15, all other oil and gas production besides Marcellus wells must be reported
annually. Updated reports will be made available every six months.
A copy of the production data is available online.

PA Clean Water Campaign Marcellus Shale Citizen Action Day September 21

The PA Clean Water Campaign is sponsoring a Marcellus Shale Citizen Action Day on
September 21 in Harrisburg with a lobby day and a rally at noon in the Capitol Rotunda.
The Campaign is urging legislators to: Moratorium on drilling, Fair Taxation – a
severance tax to fund environmental protection programs, No Forced Pooling – residents should
not be forced to sign gas leases they don’t want, Protections for our drinking water, Require
inspections at drilling sites – increase monitoring and enforcement, Require full disclosure of
hazardous chemicals used and Protect our State Forests.
The event is sponsored by: PA Campaign for Clean Water, Sierra Club, Clean Water
Action, Delaware Riverkeeper Network, Earthworks Oil and Gas Accountability Project and
PennEnvironment.
For more information, visit the PA Clean Water Campaign website or contact Steve at
412-765-3053, x210 or Erin at 215-545-0250.

Marcellus Shale Coalition Launches Online Marcellus Jobs Headquarters

The Marcellus Shale Coalition this week launched an interactive website dedicated to connecting
job seekers with its member companies operating throughout the Marcellus region.
The webpage offers in-depth descriptions of the broad range of jobs available in the
industry, as well as current openings and employment opportunities.

Lancaster County Clean Water Consortium Chesapeake Bay Cleanup Seminar On Sept.
21

The Lancaster County Clean Water Consortium will hold a seminar on September 21 to hear an
update on efforts by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency and Department of
Environmental Protection to reduce nutrients and sediments flowing into the Chesapeake Bay.
Barry Smith, Manor Township Manager, will discuss a recent MS4 stormwater
regulatory audit. There will also be a panel of local stakeholders to discuss why it is critical for
Lancaster County to control its own water quality destiny and the role of the Consortium in
accomplishing this goal.
The seminar will be held from 10:00 a.m. to 11:30 a.m. at the Manheim Township Public
Library located in the Overlook Community Park.
The mission of the Consortium is to devise a proactive, efficient and cohesive
countywide strategy to accomplish restoration of the waterways of Lancaster County and
ultimately address pollution reduction targets for the Chesapeake Bay.
The Consortium is open to all municipalities, authorities, non-profit organizations,
businesses, agricultural operators, developers, landowners, school districts and other interested
stakeholders.
The Conservation Foundation of Lancaster County is helping to fund the Consortium.
For more information, contact Marylou Barton by sending email to:
maryloub@hublaw.com.

South Mountain Speakers Series Highlights Forests, Land Use In Chesapeake Bay
Watershed
 Learn about the unique role that the South Mountain landscape plays in the
Chesapeake Bay watershed during the next South Mountain Speakers
Series on September 16, from 6 to 9 p.m. at Harrisburg Area Community
College's Wildwood Conference Center in Harrisburg.
The event, entitled, "From Mountain to Sea: The Chesapeake Bay,"
is free and open to the public. It will start with an informational fair at 6
p.m. on current activities and work being done throughout the mid-state on
the Chesapeake Bay.
At 7 p.m., Dr. Claire Jantz, associate professor of geography from
the Geography and Earth Science Department at Shippensburg University,
will discuss the relationships and impacts of local land use and human activity on the
Chesapeake Bay ecosystem.
The Bay is both the largest and historically most productive estuary in the U.S., and
Professor Jantz will discuss how sustainable development and smart growth strategies can help
restore the bay's health and productivity.
After the lecture, a panel including Dr. Jantz; Harry Campbell, science advocate at the
Chesapeake Bay Foundation; and Donna Morelli, Pennsylvania director at the Alliance for the
Chesapeake Bay, will discuss contemporary environmental issues facing the bay and respond to
questions from the audience.
The South Mountain Speakers Series is organized in the spirit of the Michaux Lectures, a
series of talks given by Joseph Rothrock as part of his work to restore Pennsylvania's forests
during the late 19th century.
The series is led by the South Mountain Partnership, which is a unified group of private
citizens, businesses, not-for-profit organizations and government representatives in Adams,
Cumberland, Franklin and York counties.
The partnership works to advance agricultural, forest and freshwater conservation by
encouraging best-management practices in agriculture and forestry, and supporting land and
watershed conservation.
The South Mountain Partnership, the Department of Conservation and Natural Resources,
the Nature Conservancy and Harrisburg Area Community College are sponsoring this event.
Next Event November 4
The next event in the speakers series will be "Growth in the Garden: Food and
Sustainability," on November 4, from 6 p.m. to 9 p.m. at Dickinson College in Carlisle.
To learn more about the speaker series, visit southmountainspeakers.blogspot.com or
contact Kim Williams at 717-258-5771.
The South Mountain Partnership was sparked by DCNR's Conservation Landscape
Initiative — an effort to engage communities, local partners, state agencies and funding
opportunities to conserve the high-quality natural and cultural resources while enhancing the
region's economic viability.
The 400,000-acre South Mountain region is at the northern end of the Blue Ridge
Mountains.
For more information about the partnership, visit the South Mountain Blog or call the
Appalachian Trail Conservancy at 717-258-5771.
TreeVitalize Riparian Forest Buffer Workshops Set For September 11, 22

The Alliance for the Chesapeake Bay has scheduled a TreeVitalize Riparian Forest Buffer
Workshop for September 11 at the York County Annex in York, Pa and September 22 at the
Lancaster County Conservation District Farm and Home Center in Lancaster, Pa.
The workshops are designed for community groups, schools and municipal leaders who
want to learn more about how to plan, plant, protect and pay for forested riparian buffers in their
watershed.
The workshops are free, but pre-registration is requested for planning purposes. The
workshops will start at 9:00 a.m. and run through noon.
For more information on the York workshop, call 717-737-8622 or send email
to: dmorelli@acb-online.org.
For more information on the Lancaster workshop, contact Matt Kofroth at 717-299-5361
ext. 124 or by sending email to: matt.kofroth@pa.nacdnet.net.

Adams County Marsh/Rock Creek Water Resources Management Plan Meeting Sept. 21

The Interstate Commission on the Potomac River Basin and the Department of Environmental
Protection will hold a kick-off meeting for the pilot Water Resources Management Plan for
Marsh and Rock Creek watersheds in Adams County on September 21.
The meeting will be held at the Adams County Agricultural Center in Gettysburg starting
at 7:00 p.m.
Local input from the watershed's many stakeholders (local government, water suppliers,
agricultural users, citizens watershed groups, anglers) working together will best direct future
water policy in this watershed.
As one of the first of its kind in this Commonwealth, the assessment will examine the
challenges to clean, sustainable water supplies in the watershed, assess the amounts that can be
safely used, and find ways to deliver a sustainable water supply while maintaining water quality
and other community values. Additionally, a successful process in this watershed can be used as
a template in other areas of this Commonwealth.
The purpose of this meeting is to: introduce the project to prospective advisory
committee members and the general public; identify participants' concerns on issues facing the
watersheds; discuss ways for developing recommendations as an outcome of this project; and
nominate project advisory committee members for consideration by the Potomac Regional
Committee.
DEP said more information on this meeting will be published on its Public Participation
Center webpage. (formal notice)
For more information, contact Jay Braund, Water Planning Office, P. O. Box 2063,
Harrisburg, PA 17105-2063, 717-783-2402 or send email to: jbraund@state.pa.us.

DEP Awards Coastal Zone Management Grants

 Organizations that work to protect and preserve Pennsylvania's
coastal zones along Lake Erie and the Delaware Estuary will
benefit from $1.4 million in Coastal Zone Management Grants that
were announced this week by Environmental Protection Secretary
John Hanger.
The next round of applications for Coastal Zone
Management Grants is October 15.
The annual grants, largely funded by the National Oceanic and Atmospheric
Administration, were awarded to 30 non-profit organizations and governmental agencies in
counties that border Pennsylvania's coastal zones or have a direct impact on water quality in
those areas.
"The restoration and protection of the Delaware Estuary and the Lake Erie shoreline is
critical to the quality of life in coastal communities," Secretary Hanger said. "The organizations
receiving these grants are working to conserve and protect these coastal resources and provide
opportunities for long-term development strategies that will preserve and improve economic and
recreational opportunities."
Coastal Zone Management Grants are intended to support programs that measure the
impact of various pollution sources, improve public access, preserve habitat, and educate the
public on the benefits of the state's coastal zones.
A list of grants awarded is available online.
For more information, visit DEP's Coastal Zone Management Program webpage.

Save The Date: PA Floodplain Managers Annual Conference October 25-26

The PA Association of Floodplain Managers will hold their annual conference October 25-26 in
Williamsport.
The agenda includes a status and plans for national and state floodplain management
programs and Marcellus Shale development and permitting in floodplains. Attendees will
receive continuing education credits for participating.
For more information, contact the Conference Manager at 717-763-0930 or send email
to: klougee@psats.org.

EPA Challenges Colleges To Recycle At Football Games

As part of the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency’s 2010 Game Day Challenge, colleges
across the country will compete to see who can reduce, reuse, and recycle the most waste.
Registration for the competition is now open and the winning colleges will be announced
in November. Any college or university in the U.S. with a football team can compete, and
register through September 30.
The challenge is for schools to design a waste reduction plan for one home football game
in October and measure the results. Schools can collect common materials for recycling
including paper, beverage containers, cardboard, and food to be donated and composted. The
amount of waste generated and recycled will determine which school is the greenest.
 Schools can win in several categories: least amount of waste generated per attendee;
greatest greenhouse gas reductions; highest recycling rate; highest organics reduction rate (i.e.,
food donation and composting); and highest combined recycling and composting rate.
Winners will be publicized on EPA’s website.
The competition is sponsored by EPA’s WasteWise program, a voluntary program
through which organizations eliminate costly municipal solid waste and select industrial wastes,
benefiting their bottom line and the environment. Launched in 1994, the program has more than
2,700 members.
To register, visit the EPA Game Day Challenge webpage, visit the EPA WasteWise
program for more information on waste reduction.
Learn more about solutions to other press problems on Challenge.gov, a new online
platform that empowers the federal government to bring the best ideas and top talent to bear on
our nation’s most pressing problems.
On Challenge.gov, entrepreneurs, leading innovators and citizen solvers can provide
novel solutions to tough problems and, at the same time, take pride in engaging with their
government to advance national priorities.

PA Professional Recyclers Host Organics Roundtable October 19

The Professional Recyclers of Pennsylvania will host an Organics Roundtable on October 19 in

Wilmington, DE with a field trip to Longwood Gardens.
The program will begin at the Peninsula Compost Group's Wilmington Organic
Recycling Center in Wilmington, DE.
Participants will then drive to Longwood Gardens in Kennet Square, Pa and enjoy lunch,
a brief business meeting followed by a tour of Longwood's composting and recycling areas.
For more information, RSVP to Jan Arnold by calling 800-769-7767 or send email to:
jarnold@proprecycles.org.

Municipal Waste Roundtables Set For October 12, 14

The Professional Recyclers of Pennsylvania Municipal Committee is sponsoring two Municipal

Roundtables, one on October 12 in New Kensington and October 14 in Palmyra.
The Municipal Roundtable/West is scheduled for October 12 from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. at the
Allegheny Valley Habitat for Humanity’s ReStore, 1170 Industrial Blvd., New Kensington, Pa.
After the Roundtable, attendees will have the opportunity to peruse the store.
The Municipal Roundtable/East is scheduled for October 14 from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. at the
North Londonderry Township building, 655 East Ridge Road, Palmyra, Pa. A tour of the
Township’s yard waste facility will also occur so please wear appropriate shoes.
Both Roundtables are open to all municipal personnel, County Recycling Coordinators
and staff, and those interested in learning more about recycling and organics collections as well
as grant specifics.
Please contact Jan Arnold, PROP Program Manager, by sending emailt to:
jarnold@proprecycles.org or call 1-800-769-PROP for more information or to RSVP. The
RSVP deadline for both Roundtables is October 7.
Clean Technology Resource Center Now Available For PA Small Businesses

The Pennsylvania Small Business Development Centers have established a Clean Technology
Resource Center to help small businesses looking to develop and commercialize clean
technology.
The Center was developed with the help of a $125,000 Small Business Clean Technology
grant from the U.S. Small Business Administration,.
Small businesses in Pennsylvania that are developing new clean technologies or use
renewable energy sources, such as wind and solar energy, can tap the Clean Technology
Resource Center for expanded business management assistance.
Services include evaluating market opportunities, developing business plans, sourcing
material and securing financing, including funds available through Small Business Innovation
Research and Small Business Technology Transfer programs.
"Demand for clean technology is driving the growth of an emerging global industry
sector," Christian Conroy, State Director of the Pennsylvania SBDC, said. "The Clean
Technology Resource Center underscores the SBDC's commitment to help small firms compete
by harnessing the enormous potential of technologies that will position Pennsylvania as a leader
in technology development."
Clean technology is a fast-growing investment area that is both economically competitive
and productive. By using less material and energy, clean technology generates less waste and
causes less environmental damage than its alternatives. Technologies span a range of industries,
including energy, water, manufacturing, advanced materials and transportation.
Pennsylvania is one of three states to receive the federal clean tech grant award. The
state has an abundance of renewable resources, especially in the areas of biomass, wind and
solar. Specific sectors stand to benefit.
Manufacturers in the wood and manufactured housing sectors could, for instance, turn
biomass-rich waste materials from an expense to a revenue generator. The agricultural sector
may also have additional uses for its residues, including manures and spent-mushroom soil.
The Clean Technology Resource Center contributes to the SBDC's efforts to equip small
businesses facing increasing energy costs and diminished resources. Electricity costs are
expected to rise, making renewable energy and energy-saving technologies extremely attractive
options.
SBA Administrator Karen Mills said, "[The] Small Business Development Centers are
well positioned to help equip small businesses with energy efficiency tools and information. It's
a win-win because a small business saves on energy bills while contributing to the growth of
green jobs in other local businesses."
For more information, visit the Clean Technology Resource Center webpage or contact
1-877-771-CTRC (2872).

Nature Abounds Opens Office In Clearfield

Nature Abounds, a national environmental non-profit organization, opened a new office in

Clearfield, and the staff has been working hard to get it ready for visitors.
Since incorporation in 2008, Nature Abounds has engaged approximately 1,500
volunteers across the country in 49 states. Volunteers have been engaged in Nature Abounds
citizen-science opportunities IceWatch USA and Watch the Wild, observing and reporting on
weather, wildlife, seasonal changes, as well as ice and snow measurements in addition to
research projects and various projects in their workplaces and gatherings.
Nature Abounds is also working with the Pennsylvania Senior Environment Corps to
revitalize and expand the program where senior volunteers (55+) monitor the commonwealth’s
streams and waterways. This project is funded in part by the U.S. Environmental Protection
Agency with guidance of the Department of Environmental Protection.
Currently, Nature Abounds is working on a new program called the Going Green Corps,
where they will engage and train volunteers to work with community members and local
businesses on making the best choices for themselves while keeping the planet in mind as well.
They hope to launch the program in the Spring of 2011.
“Nature Abounds looks forward to working more with communities across the state,
working to make the area as environmentally-friendly as possible while promoting a strong
economy," said Nature Abounds President Melinda Hughes-Wert. "In talking to Pennsylvania
residents, they really want to do what’s right for the community as well as the planet.”
Nature Abounds educates and empowers citizens to sustain their community through
environmental stewardship such as watershed protection, conservation of native flora and fauna,
and overall "going green.".
For more information, visit the Nature Abounds website.

DCNR Designates Wild Plant Sanctuaries In Four Counties

The Department of Conservation and Natural Resources this week announced the dedication of
properties in Chester, Montgomery, Washington and Westmoreland counties as Wild Plant
Sanctuaries.
DCNR will designate Duff Park in Murrysville, Westmoreland County, and Robison
Acres, a private property in Washington County, as Pennsylvania in a public ceremony on
September 15 at 7 p.m. at the Murrysville Municipal Building, 4100 Sardis Road, Murrysville.
Duff Park is an extraordinary place located less than 20 miles east of Pittsburgh.
Murrysville's first community park, this 147-acre conservation-oriented park occupies a forested
hillside above Turtle Creek. The park supports over 60 species of wildflowers and rare old
growth woodlands that draw a steady stream of visitors to its five miles of trails.
Robison Acres encompasses 33 acres owned by John and Betty Robison. It is mostly
wooded with oak, hickory and varieties of maple including black maple. A spring-fed stream
provides a home for salamanders, frogs and even a few snapping turtles. Its woods and fields
support Christmas and maidenhair ferns, Solomon's seal, wild columbine, butterfly weed,
penstemon and a long list of other native plants.
The agency will also designate portions of three preserves owned by Natural Lands Trust
in Chester and Montgomery counties as sanctuaries--
-- The Unionville Barrens on Natural Lands Trust's ChesLen Preserve (Newlin Township,
Chester County). Situated along the West Branch of the Brandywine Creek, the 1,263-acre
ChesLen Preserve is the largest private nature preserve in southeastern Pennsylvania. Serpentine
barrens derive their name from the presence of serpentinite, a type of rare, greenish bedrock from
which the soils are weathered. The soil's peculiar chemical characteristics— high in magnesium
and nickel and low in calcium— make it inhospitable to all but a few tenacious plant species that
have adapted to these extreme conditions.
-- The Sugartown Serpentine Barrens on Natural Lands Trust's Willisbrook Preserve (Willistown
Township, Chester County). The 126-acre preserve includes just over 20 acres of serpentine
barrens that support a diversity of rare plants. NLT preserves and maintains this unique
ecosystem through periodic controlled burning of the grassy barrens, which prevents the
neighboring woodlands from overtaking the rare ecosystem.
-- The Fulshaw Craeg Preserve (Salford Township, Montgomery County). The 298-acre Fulshaw
Craeg Preserve is situated in a wild and rugged valley. Ridge Valley Creek, edged by beautiful
wildflower meadows, runs through the property. The meadows support a variety of plant species
of special concern, as well as butterflies and birds that rely on the habitat for food and shelter.
Many of the plants found on the three Natural Lands Trust, or NLT, sites are species of
special concern. NLT has been actively managing these preserves to protect the unique
ecological features that allow the rare species to thrive. The sites also provide habitat for a
number of threatened or endangered butterfly species.
"When it comes to conservation, it's important to have good role models," DCNR
Secretary John Quigley said. "We are pleased to recognize these landowners for their voluntary
work protecting our diversity of plants, and happy to point to them as examples for others to
follow."
"We are thrilled to have three of our nature preserves designated as Wild Plant
Sanctuaries," said Molly Morrison, NLT's president. "We believe that protecting open spaces
from development is only the first step in conservation; we are equally committed to managing
and restoring our lands to ensure ecological excellence and sustainability. The presence of these
rare plants at our preserves is a wonderful validation of our land stewardship practices."
NLT owns and manages 41 nature preserves totaling over 21,000 acres, and holds
conservation easements and other restrictions exceeding 18,000 acres.
The Wild Plant Sanctuary Program was created through the Wild Resource Conservation
Act of 1982 to establish a voluntary statewide network of native plant sanctuaries. Landowners
agree to protect the area and educate others about the importance of native and wild plants and
habitats. In return, they receive assistance with a management plan if needed, and have access to
technical assistance and ecological checkups.
Other wild plant sanctuaries include a 7.6-acre property owned by Michael and Barbara
Yavorosky in Lackawanna and Wayne Counties, designated in June 2009, and the Ned Smith
Center for Nature and Art, a 500-acre site near Millersburg that was designated on July 22, 2010.
For more information about the Wild Plant Sanctuary Program, contact DCNR's Bureau
of Forestry at 717-787-3444 or send email to: RA-PAPlandSanctuary@state.pa.us, or visit
DCNR's Wild Plant Sanctuaries webpage.

Appalachian Audubon Society Native Plant Sale September 18 Near Harrisburg

The Appalachian Audubon Society will host its 4th Annual Native Plant Sale on September 13
from 11:00 a.m. to 4 p.m. The sale will take place at Meadowood Nursery, 24 Meadowood Dr.
Hummelstown, Pa rain or shine.
Meadowood carries over 300 varieties of native plants - trees, shrubs, perennials, and
more.
Pennsylvania native plants provide essential food, shelter, and nesting sites for the birds,
butterflies, and beneficial pollinators that live in our area at just the right time in their life cycles.
They are adapted to our climate, soil, and moisture levels and provide reduced maintenance.
Also pick up information on the Audubon at Home recognition program to help
homeowners develop healthy bird habitats. To qualify, a property should include 25 percent or
more native plants, as well as sources of water, food, shelter, and nesting sites. A simple
application can be filled out at the event.
The top 10 plants for birds and wildlife from Dr. Douglas Tallamy's best-selling book
"Bringing Nature Home; a Case for Native Gardening" will also be available.
You can also learn how to make a rain garden to capture and hold your roof and yard
runoff to help save local streams.
All proceeds from the sale are used for nature and environmental education and
scholarships for people in our community. Cash or checks only, please.
More information on the Native Plant Sale or the upcoming Birdseed Sale, visit the
Appalachian Audubon Society or call 717-732-5615.

Fall Issue Of Western PA Conservancy Conserve Newsletter Now Online

The new issue of Conserve, the Western PA Conservancy newsletter is now online and full of
interesting articles on watershed conservation, land preservation, environmental education and
other activities by WPC and its members.

DEP Now Accepting Applications For Alternative Fuels Electric Vehicle Grants

The Department of Environmental Protection is now accepting applications for grants under a
special electric vehicle infrastructure solicitation of the Alternative Fuels Incentive Grant
Program. Applications are due November 12.
The Department is seeking applications for the installation and operation of eligible
electric vehicle charging stations in densely populated areas of this Commonwealth.
Funding is available for school districts, municipal authorities, political subdivisions,
incorporated nonprofit entities, corporations, limited liability companies or partnerships
incorporated or registered in this Commonwealth for the installation of eligible electric vehicle
charging stations in targeted areas of high population density.
Project costs cannot be incurred before July 1, 2010. (formal notice)
DEP said program guidelines and applications will be posted online.

Dominion Employees Putting Energy To Work For The Environment In Projects

As part of their annual "Putting Our Energy to Work For the Environment" project, employees of
Dominion energy completed 12 projects in their service territory, including one in Pennsylvania.
The Pennsylvania project was recreating the Backyard Habitat Garden, building a split
rail fence and creating a pathway at the Beechwood Farms Nature Reserve, in conjunction with
the Audubon Society of Western Pennsylvania, in Fox Chapel.
"Dominion does more than just supply the energy that powers homes, schools and
businesses in our neighborhoods," said William C. Hall Jr., vice president-Corporate
Communications and Community Affairs. "Our employees take great pride in donating their time
– and a lot of sweat – to step out of their normal work routines and build or spruce up those civic
projects that only get done with volunteer help."
The Dominion Foundation, the philanthropic arm of the company, donates $2,500 to each
project to cover the cost of needed supplies and equipment.

PPL Electric September 23 Lighting Programs Webinar

PPL Electric Utilities is sponsoring a free webinar on September 23 to help its business,
government and institutional customers take full advantage of the company’s E-power lighting
programs.
The online event, which will run from 9-10 a.m., is an effort to ensure larger, non-
residential customers know about all the energy-saving opportunities and financial incentives
available under the various E-power lighting initiatives.
“Lighting can be a significant portion of the energy bill for these customers,” said
Thomas C. Stathos, director of customer programs and services for PPL Electric Utilities. “The
E-power lighting programs offer a variety of ways to help customers save energy and money,
which can have a positive impact on their bottom line and the environment. This webinar will
provide them with program information, and helpful tips for submitting the proper rebate forms
and other documentation.”
PPL Electric Utilities held a successful webinar in late June that provided an overview of
E-power programs for business customers. “We had a lot of participation in that event, and we’re
pleased to be able to offer this as a follow-up,” Stathos said.
Register online for the webinar.
All customer groups, including residential customers, should remember that most rebate
programs are retroactive to July 1, 2009. Funding is limited, however, so customers should act
quickly.
For more information, visit the E-power programs webpage.

Demand-Response Programs Offer Ways Businesses Can Manage Electricity Use

PPL EnergyPlus has programs that allow commercial and industrial customers to reduce their
energy costs by creatively managing energy use in ways that enable them to make money by
curtailing electricity use when demand for power is high.
“Demand-response programs provide a market-based option for businesses to ‘sell’ their
ability to reduce electricity usage into the market. In this way, their electricity use becomes a
business asset that can have significant value,” said Gene Alessandrini, senior vice president-
Marketing for PPL EnergyPlus.
This option is not for every business, he explained. To benefit from a demand-response
option, businesses must be able and willing to cut back on electricity or run stand-by generation
when power use on the grid is at high levels.
“Industrial and commercial customers who cut their usage during times of high demand
can be paid as if they were generating the same amount of power in the wholesale market,” he
said. “And businesses only have to be able to curtail a minimum of 100 kilowatts to participate in
the program.”
 Demand-response options have broader benefits as well. They improve overall reliability
of the power grid, reduce the need for new power plant construction and help limit wholesale
electricity prices by curbing the need to run more costly generating units when demand for
electricity is high.
Members of the PPL EnergyPlus retail team have the expertise to help customers
consider if a demand-response program is right for them. Businesses throughout Pennsylvania
where generation rate caps are about or have expired can work with PPL EnergyPlus, regardless
of which utility delivers their electricity.
The company offers three demand-response programs, each with opportunities to receive
revenue, based on a business’s ability to curtail load.
“Our programs allow our retail customers to take advantage of open, retail and wholesale
markets by giving them the flexibility to respond to their own energy needs as market prices
change over time,” Alessandrini said. “Our goal is to provide our customers not only the best
commodity products but also other market products, like demand response, and energy services
— all with the intention to save energy costs across the board.”
PPL EnergyPlus has partnered with Enerwise Global Technologies, a Comverge
company, to provide tools and information to enable participation in demand-response programs.
Businesses interested in learning more should contact a PPL EnergyPlus energy expert at
1-888-289-7693.
For more information, visit the PPL EnergyPlus webpage.

DEP Acts To Repeal Unlawful Mercury Rule Covering Coal-Fired Power Plants

On August 31, the Environmental Quality Board voted to approve a rulemaking repealing the
Pennsylvania-specific rule setting limits on mercury emissions from coal-fired power plants.
The final-omitted rulemaking was necessary as a result of a 2009 PA Supreme Court
decision saying the rule was "unlawful, invalid and unenforceable."
The controversial rule was adopted in 2006 after a nasty public campaign and as the
centerpiece of the Rendell Administration's environmental agenda at that time.
Visit the EQB webpage for more background and a summary of other actions taken at the
August 30 meeting.

Opportunity To Bid On DEP Water Restoration Project In Clearfield County

The Department of Environmental Protection published notice of an opportunity to bid on a

water restoration project in Clearfield County.

Opinion

A Fiscal Conservative's Approach To The Natural Gas Severance Tax

By Rep. Garth Everett
You may have heard quite a bit of buzz about implementing a "severance
tax" on Marcellus natural gas production in Pennsylvania. Just to be clear,
a "severance tax" is a tax imposed on a nonrenewable resource, such as oil
or natural gas, at the time the resource is extracted or "severed" from the
earth.
Most gas-producing states levy a severance tax of some sort on
natural gas production that is based on the volume and/or value of the gas
that is produced. Generally, landowners pay their share of the gas
severance tax based on their royalty percentage and will see these taxes
deducted on their monthly royalty revenue statements. Then the gas companies pay the balance
of the tax.
Despite Pennsylvania being the birthplace of the oil and gas industry, we have never
instituted a severance tax on either oil or gas. However, the increase of Marcellus Shale natural
gas production in Pennsylvania along with the slumping revenues from the state's traditional
sources of revenue for the General Fund, mainly sales and income taxes, have made the subject
of whether to institute a severance tax in Pennsylvania an issue of hot debate in the General
Assembly.
One of my main concerns is not the tax itself but what we, as a state, do with the
proceeds of both the tax and the royalties the state receives from its leasing of state-owned land. I
believe that the Marcellus Shale gives us a unique opportunity to make some wonderful long-
term investments that will help put Pennsylvania on a solid financial footing for generations to
come.
First, let me simply say that I do not believe that the Commonwealth's proceeds from the
Marcellus Shale, whether they be tax revenue or royalty payments, should go into the General
Fund or otherwise be used for day-to-day operations of state government. This revenue is only
going to last for a finite period of time and we should not become reliant upon it to operate our
government, nor should we establish new programs to be funded by it.
I think that it is obvious that the first priority for any revenue from Marcellus gas should
be used to deal with the direct, local impacts of its development.
I suggest we initially put all the state's Marcellus Shale proceeds in a restricted "impact
fund" to be used only for compensation for the direct impacts of gas development.
For example, if the Department of Environmental Protection, the Pennsylvania Fish and
Boat or Game commissions or county conservation groups need more people on staff to monitor
and enforce regulations related to the development of the Marcellus Shale, they apply to the
fund, explain why they need the funding and get funded if it is deemed that their need is directly
related to Marcellus development.
Likewise, PennDOT, a county, a local municipality, a non-profit conservation group, or
even a housing, medical, educational or social service agency, which could identify an impact or
need resulting from Marcellus development, could apply to the fund.
All this would be done through a non-partisan and unbiased agency which would monitor
and administer the fund. This way, we could ensure that all impacts of the development are
addressed and treated fairly.
During the fiscal year, any amount in excess of $250 million would be transferred from
the "impact fund" into a restricted "investment and debt reduction fund." This fund would be
used to do exactly what the name implies - make investments in Pennsylvania's infrastructure
and environment and pay down our existing state debt.
After dealing with the direct impacts of the development, we should use any gas revenue
for long-term infrastructure investments and environmental remediation in Pennsylvania that will
benefit us, our kids and our grandchildren, and relieve future generations of the debt load with
which we have already saddled them.
Locally, these funds could potentially be used for required upgrades to sewer systems
resulting from the Chesapeake Bay initiative, expanding sewer and water systems to further
clean up our streams and spur economic development, encourage the development of alternative
energy production, clean up land and streams damaged by coal mining and make many other
long-term infrastructure investments in transportation, communications and technology.
We need to learn from the lessons that Texas and other energy-producing states have
often failed to learn from - the "boom-and-bust" cycle. If we become dependent on the gas
revenue to fund day-to-day operations of government and to institute new spending programs,
what happens when the gas revenue is gone and what will we have to show for it?
We have a great opportunity here in Pennsylvania. We need to make sure we use it
wisely.

Rep. Garth D. Everett (R) represents Lycoming County and is Minority Chair of the House
Environmental Resources and Energy Subcommittee on Energy. He can be contacted through
his website.

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.

September 13-- Natural Biodiversity Photo Contest

September 17-- DEP Growing Greener, Flood Protection Grants
September 24-- The Sprout Fund Western PA Biodiversity Grants
September 24-- Game Commission State Wildlife Grants
September 30-- DEP Recycling Performance Grants
September 30-- PROP GreenSylvania School Recycling Contest
October 1-- Friends Of The Wissahickon Photo Contest
October 15-- DEP Coastal Zone Management Grants
October 15-- NOAA Chesapeake Bay Watershed Education & Training Grants
October 22-- PEMA Volunteer Fire Company, Ambulance Service Grants
October 25-- DEP Power Plant Air Pollution Control Technology Grants
November 12-- NEW. DEP Alternative Fuels Electric Vehicle Grants
ASAP-- NRCS Health Forest Reserve Program Grants
December 31-- Fish & Boat Commission 2010 Photo Contest
February 15-- PennVEST Water Infrastructure Funding
June 30-- DEP Nitrogen Tire Inflation System Grants
Other Funding Programs
-- DEP PA Sunshine Solar Energy Rebates
-- CFA High Performance Building Financing (Program Link)
-- CFA Solar Energy Financing (Program Link)
-- CFA Geothermal, Wind Energy Projects (Program Link)

-- Visit the DEP Grants and Loan Programs webpage for more ideas on how to get financial
assistance for environmental projects.

Quick Clips

Here's a selection of NewClips on environmental topics from around the state--

Budget
State Agencies Weigh Budget Cuts
Rendell: Candidates Need To Level With Public On Taxes
Senate GOP Wants Overhaul Of Gas Laws With Severance Tax
Rendell Says Agreement Unlikely On Marcellus Shale Tax
Rendell Asks Support For Drilling Tax
Rendell Pays Visit, Pitches For Drilling Tax
Governor Pushes For Severance Tax On Gas Drillers
Groups Seek Growing Greener Funding From Marcellus Shale
Governor Pushes For Passage Of Marcellus Shale Tax
Governor Not Confident Of Meeting Oct. 1 Marcellus Tax Deadline
Environmentalists Seek Funding From Marcellus Shale Taxes (Video)
Onorato Hits Corbett's Shale Tax Opposition
Onorato Says Natural Gas Tax Needed To Protect Environment
Onorato: Tom Corbett And Marcellus Shale Development
Fish & Boat Commission Seeks Severance Tax Funds
Game Commissioners Panel Backs Severance Tax
Column: Tax Shale Gas And Greedy CEOs
Gas Experts' Opinions Differ, Skeptical On Oct Severance Tax Deadline
Critics Question Constitutionality Of Proposed Oil Profits Tax
GOP Lt. Gov. Candidate- No Severance Tax For Marcellus Shale
Column: Marcellus Shale Gas Drilling Critics Get Whammied
Editorial: State Lawmakers Play Shale Game
Editorial: Try Catching Up To WV On Gas Drilling Tax
Editorial: Rendell's Gas Leases, Public Be Damned
PA School Districts Sit On $2.75 Billion, Rendell Gives Them More
Op-Ed: Marcellus Shale Severance Tax Could Fund Education
Other
Widner Law School Looks At Sustainability Record Of Candidates
Nature Prominent In Erie Montessorie School
Westmoreland CleanWays Offers Safe Disposal Of Medications
Tackling Illegal Dumps A Work In Progress
Editorial: Close Down Illegal Dumps
Dauphin County Recycling Center Adds Hours
EPA Challenges Colleges To Recycle At Football Games
Native Plants, Backyard Composting Classes Offered In Pittsburgh
Op-Ed: State Bill Would Reduce Sulfur In Heating Oil
Company's Clients Save Green By Going Green
State To Aid Phoenixville Schools With Energy Conservation
Midstate Clean Energy Projects Net State Grants
Old Braddock Gas Station May Pump Biofuels
Another Solar Farm Slated For Hubley
Seismic Shift Could Spark Improvements At Peach Bottom
Op-Ed: Nuclear Power Is Not A Green Power Source
Op-Ed: Nuclear Power Is Clean, Safe And Reliable
Proposal To Hand Government Reins To Counties Stalls
State Park System Reaches Out To Affluent
Blair County's Treasured Trail A Fragile Place
PA Urging Action To Protect Great Lakes From Asian Carp
Game Commission Advises Motorists To Watch For Deer
Firms Plead For Lock, Dam Upgrades
Lower Mon Project Work Continues On And On
Editorial: Congress Should Make Locks, Dams Priority
PA Homeland Security Documents Possible Environmental Extremists
Expect Larger Crowds At Shanksville On 9/11

Marcellus Shale NewsClips

Here are NewsClips on topics related to Marcellus Shale natural gas drilling---

Click here for this week's Marcellus Shale Examiner newsletter from DEP.

DEP Looks At Drilling As Susquehanna River Bubbles Up

Rendell Asks Support For Drilling Tax
Rendell Says Agreement Unlikely On Marcellus Shale Tax
Governor Pushes For Passage Of Marcellus Shale Tax
Governor Not Confident Of Meeting Oct. 1 Marcellus Tax Deadline
Environmentalists Seek Funding From Marcellus Shale Taxes (Video)
Marcellus Shale Production Data Exceeds Expectations
Governor Pushes For Severance Tax On Gas Drillers
Rendell Touts Shale's Economic Potential
Groups Seek Growing Greener Funding From Marcellus Shale
Onorato: Tom Corbett And Marcellus Shale Development
Onorato Hits Corbett's Shale Tax Opposition
Onorato Says Natural Gas Tax Needed To Protect Environment
Fish & Boat Commission Seeks Severance Tax Funds
Game Commissioners Panel Backs Severance Tax
Column: Tax Shale Gas And Greedy CEOs
Column: Marcellus Shale Gas Drilling Critics Get Whammied
Editorial: State Lawmakers Play Shale Game
Op-Ed: Marcellus Shale Severance Tax Could Fund Education
Gas Experts' Opinions Differ, Skeptical On Oct Severance Tax Deadline
Rendell Says Gas Drilling Moratorium Won't Happen Here
Editorial: Rendell's Gas Leases, Public Be Damned
Are Voluntary Disclosures Sufficient To Protect PA's Water?
Violations Found In Hundreds Of Trucks Serving PA Drilling Industry
Drilling Suspected In Bradford County River Bubbles
Rural PA Town Fights Big Gas
Lawrenceville Has Its Say On Drilling
Lightening May Have Sparked PA Gas Well Fire
Dallas Twp. Ponders Gas Pipeline Easement
Four Companies Exploring For Natural Gas In Wyoming
Drilling Chemical, Wastewater Worries Brought To Fell Twp.
Gasland Documentary About Drilling In PA A National Hit
EPA Wants To Know Chemicals Used In Gas Drilling
Gas Boom Economic Engine For Company
Open Door Impact Great In Drilling Areas
Environment To Be Studied Before Drilling Work Begins
Westmoreland Authority Vows Safety Of Water Source From Drilling
A Burning Debate Over Natural Gas Drilling
Column: Marcellus Shale Gas On The Burner
Leaders See Job Growth From Marcellus Shale
New Marcellus Money Demands Professional Advice
PA Homeland Security Documents Possible Environmental Extremists

Watershed NewsClips

Here are NewsClips on watershed topics from around the state--

Yough River Lake Access Restricted Due To Drought Conditions

States Seek Federal Money For Big Chesapeake Bay Cleanup Plans
Op-Ed: Good Legislation Protects Farmer, Chesapeake Bay
Pittsburgh Restaurant Creates Rooftop Garden (Video)
Middletown Seeks Funding For Rain Garden
Eachus: No Position On EPA Plan For Mine Reclamation Project
Timing Of Schuylkill Watershed Grants Troubles Critics
NJ Declares Drought Watch, PA Next?
The Lawn, Dry Summer In Lehigh Valley
No Relief Near For NE Dry Spell, Official Says
Little Relief In Forecast For Dry Spell
Dry Weather Means Increase Possibility Of Wildfires In Midstate
Weather Service Warns Of Wildfire Danger
Dry Weather, Windy Conditions Dangerous Mix In Western PA
Forestry: Conditions Right For Wildfires
Owners Of Springfield Trout Farm Worry About Mining Project

Regulations, Technical Guidance & Permits

The Environmental Quality Board published notice of regulations, the agenda for the September
21 Board meeting and the results of the August 30 Board meeting. Details below.

The EQB published notice of final changes to Hazardous Waste regulations listing of hazardous
wastes and final changes to Air Quality regulations relating to appliance and metal furniture
surface coatings.

The agenda for the September 21 Environmental Quality Board meeting includes final changes
to the lead and copper rule for drinking water, and VOC limits for flat wood paneling surface
coatings, adhesives, sealants, primers and solvents.

On August 30 the Environmental Quality Board adopted a final-omitted regulation to repeal the
unlawful rule setting mercury emission limits on coal-fired power plants. The Board also
adopted final changes to Land Recycling, Uniform Environmental Covenant, VOC and Coal Ash
regulations.
Visit the EQB webpage for more background and a summary of other actions taken at the
August 30 meeting.

Pennsylvania Bulletin - September 11, 2010

Proposed Regulations Open For Comment - DEP webpage

Proposed Regulations With Closed Comment Periods - DEP webpage

Rolling Regulatory Agenda - DEP webpage

Technical Guidance & Permits

The Department of Environmental Protection published notice of Priority List of Hazardous Sites
For Remedial Response and notice of nutrient and sediment reduction credit trades.

Technical Guidance Comment Deadlines - DEP webpage

Copies Of Draft Technical Guidance - DEP webpage

Copies of Final Technical Guidance - DEP webpage

Calendar Of Events

Upcoming legislative meetings, conferences, workshops, plus links to other online calendars.
Meetings are in Harrisburg unless otherwise noted. NEW means new from last week. Go to the
online Calendar webpage.

Click on Agenda Released on calendar entries to see the NEW meeting agendas published this
week.

September 13-- DEP Mine Families First Response And Communications Advisory
Council meeting. Lancaster Host Hotel. 3:00. (formal notice)

September 14-- NEW. House Environmental Resources and Energy Committee meets to
consider House Bill 381 (Mundy-D-Luzerne) providing for the tracking of wastewater from gas
wells, House Resolution 826 (Goodman-D-Schuylkill) memorializing the U.S. EPA to uniformly
enforce RCRA on all hazardous waste reclamation companies, House Resolution 864 (Mundy-
D-Luzerne) memorializing Congress to pass the Fracturing Responsibility and Awareness of
Chemicals Act. Room 39 East Wing. 10:00.

September 14-- House Consumer Affairs Committee holds a hearing on Senate Bill
168 (Brubaker-R-Lancaster) authorizing boroughs to contract for electric service. Room 39 East
Wing. 9:00.

September 14-- CANCELED. DEP Storage Tank Advisory Committee meeting. Next
scheduled meeting is December 7. (formal notice)

September 15-- DEP Air Quality Technical Advisory Committee meeting. 2nd Floor Training
Room, Rachel Carson Building. 9:15. (formal notice)

September 15-- CANCELED. DEP Sewage Advisory Committee meeting. Next scheduled
meeting is November 10. (formal notice)

September 15-- Delaware River Basin Commission meeting/hearing. West Trenton, NJ.
(formal notice)

September 15-- DEP Coastal Zone Management Program Evaluation public meeting. Tom
Ridge Environmental Center, Erie. 6:30.  (formal notice)

September 15-- CANCELED. DEP Board of Coal Mine Safety. Next meeting is October 26.
(formal notice)
September 16-- House Labor Relations Committee holds a hearing on workplace and safety
issues relating to Marcellus Shale operations. Career Technology Center of Lackawanna
County, Scranton. 1:00.

September 16-- Senate Urban Affairs and Housing Committee holds a hearing on House Bill
712 (J.Taylor-R-Philadelphia) authorizing urban land banks for the conversion of vacant or tax-
delinquent properties. Penn State Beaver Campus. 10:00.

September 16-- Agenda Released. DEP Oil and Gas Technical Advisory Board meeting. DEP
Southcentral Regional Office, Harrisburg. 10:00.

September 16-- Susquehanna River Basin Commission meeting/hearing on water resources

projects, compliance issues and actions on water diversions and consumptive uses. Radisson
Hotel Corning, NY. 8:30. (formal notice)

September 16-- Location Change. DEP Oil and Gas Technical Advisory Board meeting. DEP
Southcentral Regional Office, Harrisburg. 10:00. (formal notice)

September 21-- Agenda Released. Environmental Quality Board meeting. Room 105 Rachel
Carson Building. 9:00.

September 21-- CANCELED. DEP Climate Change Advisory Committee Tourism and
Outdoor Recreation Working Group meeting. (formal notice)

September 22-- NEW. Joint Legislative Budget & Finance Committee meets to release
performance audit of Fish & Boat Commission. Room 8E-A East Wing. 10:15.

September 24-- Location Change. DEP Board for Certification of Water and Wastewater
System Operators now a regular meeting, not a conference call. 10th Floor Conference Room,
Rachel Carson Building. 10:00. (formal notice)

September 27-- Environmental Issues Forum on Carbon Trading. Joint Legislative Air and
Water Pollution Control and Conservation Committee. G-50 Irvis Building. Noon.

September 28-- Senate Urban Affairs and House Committee holds a hearing on impact of
natural gas industry on housing in Northcentral PA. Room 8E-A East Wing. 10:00.

September 30-- NEW. DEP Climate Change Advisory Committee Tourism and Outdoor
Recreation Working Group meeting. Fish and Boat Commission, Harrisburg. (formal notice)

October 4-- NEW. Last Day To Register To Vote For November 2 Election.

October 26-- NEW. DEP Board of Coal Mine Safety meeting. Fayette County Health Center,
Uniontown. 10:00. (formal notice)
November 17-- CANCELED. DEP Small Water Systems Technical Assistance Center Advisory
Board. There are no further meetings scheduled in 2010. (formal notice)

DEP Calendar of Events

Environmental Education Workshop/Training Calendar (PA Center for Environmental

Education)

Senate Committee Schedule House Committee Schedule

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

Office Space Available, 204 State St., Harrisburg

Office space is available from Crisci Associates at 204 State St. in Harrisburg, just down the
street from the Capitol steps. Contact Tony Crisci at 717-234-1716 for more information.

Stories Invited

Send your stories, photos and videos about your project, environmental issues or programs for
publication in the PA Environment Digest to: DHess@CrisciAssociates.com.

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

of Environmental Protection and is published as a service to the clients of Crisci Associates, a
Harrisburg-based government and public affairs firm whose clients include Fortune 500
companies and non-profit organizations. For more information on Crisci Associates, call
717-234-1716.

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