Pa Environment Digest July 30, 2018

Issue #735 Harrisburg, PA July 30, 2018
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EPA Releases Assessment Of Chesapeake Bay Restoration; Lack Of PA Progress Leaves A

Hole
The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency

Friday released a midpoint assessment of efforts
by Delaware, Maryland, New York,
Pennsylvania, Virginia, West Virginia, the
District of Columbia and federal partners to
reduce nitrogen, phosphorus, and sediment
pollution to the Chesapeake Bay and its
watershed.
It will come as no surprise that
Pennsylvania’s evaluation shows we are
significantly behind in meeting our target reductions.
Collectively, the Bay Watershed jurisdictions have made considerable progress in
reducing pollution to the Bay and the local waters that lead to the Bay. That progress has been
demonstrated in measurable ways, including record acreage of underwater grasses and the
highest estimates of water quality standards attained in more than 30 years.
According to data submitted by the Chesapeake Bay jurisdictions, overall
watershed-wide restoration efforts exceeded the 60 percent goals for reducing phosphorus and
sediment as measured under the current suite of modeling tools, but additional work is needed to
meet the 2017 goal for reducing nitrogen.
“Working together with our partners at the state and local levels has led to considerable
progress toward restoring water quality in the Chesapeake Bay,” said EPA Regional
Administrator Cosmo Servidio. “As we move into the next phase, we’re confident we will
optimize strategies that will ultimately achieve the TMDL goals.”
Click Here for a fact sheet on the midpoint assessment. Click Here to read the full
evaluation for Pennsylvania. Click Here to read the full assessment.
Reaction
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The Chesapeake Bay Foundation found important progress, but troubling trends as well.
Specifically, Pennsylvania’s poor progress in reducing pollution threatens local rivers and
streams as well as the recovery of downstream waters of the Chesapeake Bay in Maryland and
Virginia.
“This is a critical moment for Bay restoration. Halfway to the Chesapeake Clean Water
Blueprint’s 2025 goal, it’s time to get serious about finishing the job,” said CBF President
William C. Baker. “Pennsylvania is far behind. The Commonwealth must fund proven clean
water initiatives specifically associated with helping farmers. If the state legislature does not
fund efforts to reduce pollution in its next session, EPA must hold Pennsylvania accountable.”
All states in the Bay watershed, except New York, have met goals for reducing pollution
from sewage treatment plants. Maryland and Virginia are close to reaching overall goals, but are
significantly behind in reducing pollution from urban/suburban runoff.
Pennsylvania is significantly off track meeting its goals for agriculture and
urban/suburban runoff.
Maryland, Pennsylvania, and Virginia, which are together responsible for achieving
roughly 95 percent of the remaining pollution, have fallen short in reducing nitrogen pollution
from agriculture.
“Progress reducing pollution from agriculture must be accelerated. Many farmers are
taking steps to reduce pollution, but they lack the resources and funding to do more. Legislation
proposed by Senators Casey and Van Hollen as part of the federal Farm Bill could help make
that happen,” said Beth McGee, CBF Director of Science and Agricultural Policy. “Progress in
reducing pollution from urban and suburban runoff not only continues to lag, but it is the only
major source of pollution that is increasing.”
Nature is signaling that the Chesapeake Clean Water Blueprint is working: Dead zones
are shrinking; Underwater grasses are at record levels; Crabs and oysters are making a
comeback.
However, Pennsylvania’s lack of progress threatens success.
Recognizing this, in early 2016 the Commonwealth announced a reboot of its strategy to
clean up its waterways. While this has made some important headway, many challenges remain.
The biggest barrier continues to be inadequate investment from Pennsylvania.
“In the next legislative session, Pennsylvania must enact a dedicated cost-share program
for farmers that supports conservation practices like streamside forested buffers. This would
directly help family farms by keeping vital soils and nutrients on the land instead of in the
water,” said CBF Pennsylvania Executive Director Harry Campbell. “The result would be
cleaner streams and healthier, more productive soils. It’s a win-win. But unless Pennsylvania’s
legislature increases investment in reducing pollution, EPA will have no choice but to act.”
“The Chesapeake Clean Water Blueprint is working because it has teeth,” Mr. Baker said.
“If EPA holds Pennsylvania accountable, we may see the greatest environmental success story of
our time: Saving the Chesapeake Bay and its local rivers and streams.”
For more on Chesapeake Bay-related issues in Pennsylvania, visit the Chesapeake Bay
Foundation-PA webpage. Click Here to sign up for Pennsylvania updates (bottom of left
column). Click Here to support their work.
For more information on Pennsylvania’s efforts on the Bay, visit DEP’s Chesapeake Bay
Plan webpage.
NewsClips:
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PA Far Behind In Meeting Goals To Stop Chesapeake Bay Pollution
AP: EPA: Chesapeake Bay Cleanup Effort Is Mostly On Track
Op-Ed: States Must Focus On How Much Is Left To Do, Not How Much Has Been Done
Latest From The Chesapeake Bay Journal
Click Here to subscribe to the free Chesapeake Bay Journal
Click Here to support the Chesapeake Bay Journal
Follow Chesapeake Bay Journal On Twitter
Like Chesapeake Bay Journal On Facebook
Related Stories:
Agriculture, Forestry Workgroups Present Key Recommendations To Meet PA’s Chesapeake
Bay Pollution Reduction Obligations
Bay Journal: Midpoint Assessment For Chesapeake Bay Cleanup: Only 40% Of Nitrogen Goal
Met
Start Submitting Applications For REAP Farm Conservation Tax Credits Beginning Aug. 6 For
This First-Come, First-Served Program
Green Infrastructure Offers Triple Benefits, Cost Effective Solutions To Stormwater Pollution,
Reducing Flood Damage
DCNR/PennVEST Accepting Applications For Multifunctional Riparian Stream Buffer Grants
Starting Aug. 1
NRCS-PA: Applications For Conservation Funding In Clinton, Centre, Lycoming Counties Due
Aug. 10
Take Action:
How Good Is The Water Quality In Streams In Your Community? Take A Look, Then Act
[Posted: July 27, 2018]
DEP Orders Well Operators To Plug 1,058 Abandoned Oil & Gas Wells
The Department of Environmental Protection Wednesday announced it has issued administrative

orders requiring three oil and gas companies-- Alliance Petroleum Corporation, XTO Energy
Inc., and CNX Gas Company LLC-- to plug 1,058 abandoned conventional oil and gas wells
across Pennsylvania.
“With Pennsylvania’s legacy of oil and gas extraction, DEP has an inventory of
thousands of abandoned oil and gas wells,” said DEP Secretary Patrick McDonnell. “It is critical
that all operators adhere to state laws to mitigate the environmental and public health and safety
hazards and not add to the costly orphaned and abandoned well inventory that would otherwise
fall on the shoulders of Pennsylvania citizens.”
The Pennsylvania Oil and Gas Act states that a well is abandoned if it “has not been used
to produce, extract or inject any gas, petroleum or other liquid within the preceding 12 months.”
The Act requires owners and operators to plug wells upon abandonment.
Alliance, XTO, and CNX self-reported wells that did not produce oil or gas during the
2017 calendar year.
Each company has failed to plug its self-reported abandoned wells and has not provided a
schedule to DEP for doing so.
Copies of the orders and a listing of the wells required to be plugged are below--
-- Alliance (a wholly owned subsidiary of Diversified Gas and Oil) – 638 abandoned wells
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-- CNX – 327 abandoned wells
-- XTO – 93 abandoned wells
Companies must also provide schedules to DEP that prioritize plugging activities for
wells that pose the greatest environmental or public health and safety risk.
The orders include deadlines by which each company must plug their abandoned wells.
The order also directs each company to provide copies of well inspection records, document the
plugging activities, and remediate each well site according to state regulations.
An amendment to the 2012 Pennsylvania Fiscal Code set bonding amounts for
conventional oil and gas wells at $2,500 per well or a blanket bond of $25,000 for all wells
owned by an operator.
Costs can vary greatly depending on the well conditions, but generally run between
$10,000 and $100,000 per well.
DEP estimates that hundreds of thousands of oil and gas wells have been drilled in
Pennsylvania since 1859, much of this activity predating applicable regulations or the existence
of DEP or its predecessor agencies.
While it is not known how many orphaned and abandoned wells exist, estimates range
from 100,000 to 560,000 wells. DEP works with communities and nonprofits to identify and map
these wells.
DEP has plugged 3,066 wells from 1989-2017 and provides incentives for
non-government entities to expedite well plugging.
For more information on abandoned and orphaned wells, visit DEP’s Abandoned &
Orphan Well Program webpage.
NewsClips:
DEP Orders Operators To Plug 1,058 Abandoned Oil & Gas Wells
3 Operators Ordered To Plug 1,058 Abandoned Gas & Oil Wells In PA
Sisk: DEP Orders Companies to Plug 1,058 Abandoned Oil & Gas Wells
DEP Orders CNX To Plug 144 Abandoned Gas Wells In Greene County
Related Stories:
DCNR Releases 2nd Monitoring Report On State Forest Shale Gas Drilling
Opportunity To Bid On DEP Project To Plug Gas Wells In Clearfield County
Environmental Groups Reach Settlement With DEP On Mariner East 2 Pipeline Appeals
Take Action:
The Department of Conservation and Natural Resources

Wednesday released its second report monitoring the
environmental impacts of gas drilling on the 138,866 acres
of State Forest land leased specifically for shale gas
development.
The first Shale Gas Monitoring Report was issued
in April of 2014 and covered shale gas drilling operations
on State Forest land from 2008 to 2012.
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The second report builds of information in the first and compares the different time
periods to illustrate changes and trends.
However, the new report cautions, “While after more than eight years we can begin to see
some trends, natural resource monitoring is a long-term endeavor, and it may take longer to
discern other trends in resource change and conditions.”
The conversion of State Forest land to shale gas infrastructure has slowed since the first
report due to market conditions. The first report found 1,425 acres of State Forest had been
converted to gas drilling infrastructure compared to 334 acres in the new report totalling 1,769.5
acres since 2008.
The report also noted the current shale gas leases are only about 30 to 35 percent built
out, meaning there is much more gas infrastructure development to come in State Forests.
The 200-page monitoring report covers impacts to infrastructure, flora, forest health,
invasive species, water, soil, air, incidents, fauna, recreation, community engagement, timber,
energy, revenue and forest landscapes.
“Ensuring sound management of our state forests and park lands is one of the ways
DCNR carries out the responsibility as trustee of the Commonwealth’s natural resources,” said
DCNR Secretary Cindy Adams Dunn. “Using science to monitor how we manage our lands,
specifically related to gas development, is an important way to assess the impacts of this activity,
and adapt management practices to minimize those impacts to our state forests.”
Among the findings in report are--
-- Balance Drilling With Recreation: We need to continue to work to balance shale gas
development with the full range of recreational experiences on state forest. While shale gas
infrastructure can increase visitor access and improve roads and bridges, it can also have the
potential to impact the recreational experiences of visitors who may seek more primitive,
undeveloped recreational experiences.
-- Invasive Plants: Invasive plants are of increasing concern as their presence and quantities are
on the rise. Disturbed sites are ideal for the establishment of invasive plants that often emerge
early in the spring and outcompete native plants through their rapid reproduction.
The report found over 87 percent of the 238 infrastructure pads monitored contained
invasive species like bull thistle, crown-vetch and spotted knapweed. Once populations are
established, their seeds can spread rapidly to access roads and new pad sites.
Implementation of an Early Detection and Rapid Response Program has detected 71
populations of high-threat invasive plants.
The bureau [of Forestry] is constantly on the look-out for invasive plants and prioritizing
the control of these plants based on the species and population size.
-- No Significant Water Quality Concerns: Water quality monitoring efforts by the bureau and
its partners have not raised significant concerns on state forest headwater streams to date.
However, these are still relatively short-term results and may not be indicative of long-term or
cumulative effects that can only be detected through long-term monitoring efforts.
-- Minimized Forest Fragmentation: We have thus far, through planning and careful siting,
minimized forest fragmentation caused by additional shale gas infrastructure. The report notes
an additional 9,913 acres of forest edge has been created along with a reduction in the amount of
large core forest blocks.
Many areas of state forest subject to shale gas development are also valued from a
statewide and regional level for interior forest conditions and habitat. As development proceeds
5
under historic leases or where mineral rights are not owned by the Commonwealth, we need to
continue our efforts to minimize forest fragmentation.
-- Only 30-35 Percent Of Leases Developed: Shale gas development will be an activity on the
state forest for many years to come. While there is currently a moratorium of the leasing of
additional acres, many tracts of state forest are subject to gas activity through severed mineral
rights ownership. Additionally, many state forest leased tracts are only built out by
approximately 30 to 35 percent.
Click Here for a copy of the new report. A separate Technical Summary on Water
Quality Monitoring and the Shale Gas Monitoring Manual on preparing the report are also
available.
For more information on gas drilling on State Forest land, visit DCNR’s Natural Gas
Management webpage. Click Here for a DCNR fact sheet on shale as leasing in State Forests
generally.
NewsClips:
Cusick: Natural Gas Development In State Forests Has Slowed Significantly
AP: Gas Drilling Not Damaging State Forest Waterways, DCNR Finds
Legere: Shale Gas Slowdown Muted Drilling Impacts On State Forests, DCNR Says
Related Stories:
DCNR Releases First Report On The Impacts Of Drilling In State Forest Lands
Bay Journal: Marcellus Drilling Producing More Than Natural Gas-- Free Ride For Invasive
Plants
PSU: Shale Gas Development Spurring Spread Of Invasive Plants In PA Forests
Related Story This Week:
DEP Orders Well Operators To Plug 1,058 Abandoned Oil & Gas Wells Statewide
Take Action:
Three environmental groups announced Friday

they have reached a settlement agreement around
the Mariner East 2 Pipelines with the Department
of Environmental Protection.
The settlement resolves an appeal of
construction-related permits for Sunoco Pipeline
L.P.’s (Sunoco) Mariner East 2 pipeline project
that has been pending before the Environmental
Hearing Board for nearly a year and a half.
The groups include the Clean Air Council,
Delaware Riverkeeper Network, and Mountain Watershed Association.
The agreement calls for DEP to create and enhance protective policies to address the
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public health and the environmental impacts from pipeline projects.
This agreement will also lead to increased transparency, better access to permit
application materials, additional opportunities for public participation, and improved
communication with impacted residents along project routes.
Among the provisions in the agreement are--
-- Pipeline Applications Online: DEP will post all non-privileged, non-confidential pipeline
permit application materials and supporting documents and related decision documents online
no later than February 1, 2019;
-- Pipeline Construction BMPs: DEP will convene a balanced group of stakeholders to develop
technical guidance related to-- Erosion & Sedimentation Permits and Alternatives Analysis;
horizontal directional drilling (HDD) Construction and Operation; Operational Measures related
to training plans, landowner pre-application communication and restoration plantings.
-- ESCGP-e Application Workshop: The appellants will have the opportunity to designate a
technical representative on this group related to the general permit for earth disturbance
associated with oil and gas facilities.
“DEP is pleased that we were able to reach an amicable agreement with the appellants,
resolving all claims related to the issuance of these permits while incorporating new processes to
ensure that future pipeline projects learn from the mistakes made by Sunoco in implementing this
project,” said DEP Secretary Patrick McDonnell. “To be clear, DEP will continue to conduct
vigorous oversight to ensure compliance with the conditions of the permits and will issue
enforcement actions as necessary.”
The settlement does not alter any of the 20 permits in the appeal. Each permit was
lawfully issued after a thorough environmental review involving approximately 35 DEP and
County Conservation District staff over the course of nearly two years.
Click Here for a copy of the agreement.
Background
Mariner East 2 Pipelines consist of two large-diameter pipelines that would carry highly
volatile hazardous liquids at very high pressure 350 miles across Pennsylvania to be shipped for
sale overseas.
In February 2017, Clean Air Council, Delaware Riverkeeper Network, and Mountain
Watershed Association appealed DEP’s decision to issue permits to Sunoco to construct the
Mariner East 2 pipelines.
Within half a year of the appeal, the EHB preliminarily determined that Sunoco’s
horizontal directional drilling (HDD) activity imperiled the environment, and it temporarily shut
down all permitted activity at every HDD site across the Commonwealth.
The groups reached a partial agreement last summer that resulted in significant
improvements to Sunoco’s plans for construction of the rest of the pipelines.
Nonetheless, when Sunoco was allowed to resume construction, sinkholes opened up in
residents’ backyards, and Sunoco’s HDD practices have so far resulted in over 180 separate
spills of drilling fluid-- an industrial waste and pollutant-- into Pennsylvania land and waters.
“This settlement marks the successful resolution of just one part of the many issues with
the destructive Mariner East pipelines,” said Joseph Otis Minott, Executive Director and Chief
Counsel of Clean Air Council. “There are many other issues that still must be addressed. Due to
the negligence and carelessness of Sunoco in constructing these pipelines, opposition to the
Mariner East pipelines is accelerating and the Council, its partners, and the many residents that
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have been harmed by these pipelines will continue to strongly resist them.”
“Sunoco has been among the worst actors in the pipeline industry but they are by no
means alone. The mass proliferation of pipelines being allowed to cut through our forests,
creeks, private properties, public lands, and communities is inflicting tremendous and irreparable
harm,” said Maya van Rossum, the Delaware Riverkeeper and leader of the Delaware
Riverkeeper Network. “This agreement is an important step towards protection, but what is
really needed is for Pennsylvania to end the practice of fracking for gas from shale in the state.”
“The devastation that Sunoco caused is indefensible and should never have occurred,”
said Melissa Marshall, Community Advocate for Mountain Watershed Association. “This
settlement is a critical first step towards preventing tragedies such as those we’ve seen with
Mariner East 2 from ever happening to anyone again.”
Click Here for a copy of the agreement.
NewsClips:
Cusick: DEP Reaches Settlement With Environmental Groups On Mariner East 2 Pipeline
DEP, Environmentalists Settle Mariner East 2 Pipeline Dispute
Delaware County Commissions Long-Debated Study Of Mariner East 2 Pipeline
Mariner East 2 Pipeline Drilling In Lebanon County To Resume Despite Risk
Kummer: Nuns Lose Federal Appeal To Stop Atlantic Sunrise Pipeline On Their Lancaster Farm
Appeals Court Rejects Lancaster Nuns’ Religious-Freedom Lawsuit Against Atlantic Sunrise
Pipeline
AP: Court Strikes Blow To Lancaster Nuns’ Atlantic Sunrise Pipeline Fight
Human Billboard Of Pipeline Protest In Lebanon County
As Pipelines Are Completed, More Efficient Movement Of Gas to Market Will Boost Industry
Bay Journal: FERC OKs Potomac Pipeline Carrying Gas From PA To West Virginia
Integrated Vegetation Management A Plus For Pollinators And Pipelines
Related Stories:
PUC Lifts Shutdown Order On Mariner East 1 Pipeline; Mariner East 2, 2x Pipeline
Construction Remains Shut Down In Chester County
PUC, DEP: There Needs To Be A Serious Conversation On Legislation Controlling Pipeline
Siting
Related Stories This Week:
DEP Has New Stream Work Permit Guide; Storm Recovery Information Available For
Individuals, Flooded Communities
The Department of Environmental Protection has

available a new resource for understanding the
permit and notification requirements affecting
those working in or adjacent to streams impacted
by flooding called Guidelines For Maintaining
Streams In Your Community.
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The guide is a first step in determining what regulatory requirements may apply before
beginning a project.
It contains a "green, yellow, and red light” list of potential stream activities to indicate
whether permits are likely to be required, and additional sections titled “Good Rules of Thumb”
and “Myth vs. Reality.”
Stream work that is not properly designed and permitted can inadvertently cause
conditions to worsen in the next flood event, also impacting downstream neighbors.
The new guide is intended to proactively share information with the public so that stream
work is done in an environmentally-sensitive manner, and in a way that reduces the likelihood of
future problems.
Click Here to download a copy.
Much More Info
DEP has other information available in dealing with storm-related impacts to drinking
water wells, water testing, flood recovery, managing debris, problems with flood-damaged
storage tanks and much more.
Visit DEP’s Storm-Related Information webpage.
Related Stories:
PUC Stresses Utility Safety, Caution For Homeowners & Businesses Impacted By Flooding
Gov. Wolf Announces Federal Aid For Survivors Of Severe Storms In Southwest PA; Outreach
Centers Open
Gov. Wolf Announces Federal Aid For Damage Caused By July 2 Floods In Blair County;
Outreach Center Opening
Dept. Of Health Reports First Human Case Of West Nile Virus This Season In Allegheny
County
DEP To Conduct Aerial Mosquito Spraying July 30 As Flood Water Recedes In Cumberland,
Dauphin, Lebanon Counties
DEP: West Nile Virus Found In 8 More Counties Bringing Total To 48 This Season
Starting Aug. 1
Aug. 10
Registration For PA Assn. Of State Floodplain Managers Conference Sept. 18-19 In Harrisburg
Now Open
PA Assn. Of Conservation Districts Awards Water Pollution Reduction Education Grants To 26
Counties
Western PA Conservancy’s Garden Captures Stormwater In Pittsburgh’s Hill District
Center For Watershed Protection: Helping PA Municipalities Work Together To Achieve
Cleaner Water
DEP Holds Aug. 2 Stormwater Education Workshop For Educators In Beaver County
Statewide Partnership Launches Major Effort To Plant 10 Million Trees To Cleanup
Pennsylvania’s Streams, Rivers
NewsClips:
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AP: Death Toll In PA Floods Hits 2 After Body Found
Murphy: Flood Victims Find Out First-Hand A Disaster Brings Out The Good In People
AP-Scolforo: Water Starts Receding In PA After Days Of Floods
Meyer: Officials Preach Caution, But Say Worst Of Flood Likely Over
Rain Returns Friday, Could Continue Into Next Week
AP: 5 Days Of Heavy Rain Devastate Schuylkill County, Central PA
Schuylkill County Town Recovers After Devastating Floods
Schuylkill County Official Warns Public To Avoid Flood-Stressed Moon Lake Dam
Shelter Opens For Flood Victims In Schuylkill County
Adams County Coroner Blames Teen’s Drowning Death On Flooding
Body Found In Conewago Creek Identified As Woman Swept Downstream
National Weather Service: Central PA Flooding Reaches Historic Levels
Atmosphere Is Shifting Gears, And The Weather Pattern Is Changing, Or Is It?
Popular Ricketts Glen State Park Trail Still Closed After Flooding
Hersheypark, Knoebels To Reopen Friday After Flooding
Conowingo Dam Spill Gates Opened Leading To Worry About Contaminating Chesapeake Bay
Conowingo Dam Gates Open After Susquehanna Reaches Flood Levels
Flooding Closes Trail At Ricketts Glen State Park
Hersheypark, Knoebels To Remain Closed Thursday
Flood Waters Breach River, Roads In Lycoming County
Creek Levels Rise As Centre County Faces More Rain
Flash Flooding Wreaks Havoc Across Luzerne County
Roads Closed, Power Outages Due To Heavy Rain In Luzerne County
Council Member Questions Solomon Creek Flood Wall Project Progress
On Lehigh Valley Farms, It’s Rain, Rain, Go Away… But Not For Too Long
Downpour Floods Vandergrift Streets, Homes
Why Some Creeks Have No Flood Warnings: No Flood Gauge, No Data
State Officials Warn Of Possible West Nile Virus Outbreak
Too Many Flood Warning Calls In Lycoming Could Spur Change In System
Emergency Responders Standing By In Case Of Severe Floods
New Sinkholes Open In Palmyra As Rains Continue
Rising Susquehanna Affecting Construction Of Thruway Bridge
Boil Water Advisory Issued After Water Main Break & Sinkhole Opens In Cumberland County
How Flooding Is Affecting PA Wildlife
Flooded Latrobe Church Asks City To Expand Storm Inlet
AP: Weak Tornado Touched Down In Lehigh Valley During PA Storm
I-81 In Lebanon Closed Due To Flooding
Restaurant Patrons Rescued After Flash Flooding Strikes Chester County
Water Rescues Ongoing During Chester County Flash Flooding
AP: Storm Knocks Out Power To Thousands Of Customers
Williamsport Mayor To Propose Regional Approach to Managing Levee Costs
Williamsport To Authority Levee Transfer Talks Still To Be Had
Lycoming County Considers Floodplain Zoning Ordinance Change
As Flood Waters Abate, Lycoming Commissioners Offer Praise
Editorial: Flash Flooding A Common Danger Ignored At Our Peril
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U.S. House Extends National Flood Insurance Thru Hurricane Season
Take Action:
County
Pennsylvania’s first probable human case of West

Nile Virus infection in 2018 has been detected in
an Allegheny County resident. Samples are being
sent to the Centers for Disease Control and
Prevention for confirmatory testing.
The Departments of Health and Environmental
Protection strongly recommend that all residents
minimize their exposure to mosquitoes.
“Detecting the first human case of West Nile Virus
this year serves as a great reminder for
Pennsylvanians to take the proper precautions
when they are outside or near areas where
mosquitoes are prevalent,” Secretary of Health Dr. Rachel Levine said. “With our recent heavy
rains, Pennsylvanians may see an increase in mosquito activity. There are some simple steps you
can take to protect yourself and your loved ones from mosquito-related diseases.”
Although mosquitoes can bite at any time of the day or night, the mosquitoes that
transmit WNV are most active at dawn and dusk. When outdoors, people can avoid mosquito
bites by properly and consistently using DEET-containing insect repellants and covering exposed
skin with lightweight clothing.
To keep mosquitoes from entering a home, make sure window and door screens are in
place and are in good condition.
The Department of Environmental Protection conducts regular surveillance and control to
manage mosquito populations around the state. So far, DEP has detected WNV-infected
mosquitoes in 48 counties.
“Today’s announcement reminds all Pennsylvanians to be vigilant and take precautions
to protect against mosquito bites. Using a personal insect repellant or staying indoors during
dawn and dusk will help prevent exposure to mosquitoes,” said Secretary Patrick McDonnell.
“DEP monitors mosquito populations across Pennsylvania for the presence of disease.”
For more information about West Nile virus and the state's surveillance and control
program, please visit the West Nile Virus website.
NewsClips:
Allegheny County Man Is First West Nile Virus Case In 2018
Experts: Invasive Tick Species Found In Neighboring States Likely In PA
Mosquito Spraying Set For Tuesday, Wednesday In York County
Crews Will Spray For Mosquitoes Thursday In Westmoreland
Ticks And Lyme Disease: 3 Factors Determine Risk Of Infection
Related Stories:
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DEP: West Nile Virus Found In 8 More Counties Bringing Total To 48; Wet Weather Offers
Perfect Mosquito Breeding Conditions
DEP To Conduct Aerial Mosquito Spraying July 30 As Flood Water Recedes In

Cumberland, Dauphin, Lebanon Counties
The Department of Environmental Protection

Friday announced it will conduct aerial treatments
to control large populations of mosquito larvae on
Monday, July 30 in parts of Cumberland, Dauphin
and Lebanon counties affected by recent flooding.
These mosquito populations could carry
West Nile Virus (WNV). Residents are also
strongly encouraged to eliminate mosquito habitat
from their property
“The heavy rains have left large tracts of
stagnant water that will produce an extraordinary
number of mosquitoes if not treated quickly,” said DEP Secretary Patrick McDonnell. “Rather
than wait for adult mosquitoes to emerge, DEP will eliminate mosquito larvae through aerial
applications using environmentally friendly control products.”
DEP Vector Management staff have determined that the treatment is necessary due to
high levels of West Nile Virus detected in mosquito populations this year.
“Given the intensity of WNV activity, these suppression efforts are even more important
with the onset of warmer weather and the widespread damp conditions caused by last week’s
floods,” said McDonnell. “In addition, DEP strongly recommends that residents eliminate
possible mosquito breeding habitat from their property using simple, common sense steps.”
2018 has seen increased levels of WNV-positive mosquito samples, with WNV-infected
mosquitoes and birds found in 48 Pennsylvania counties.
Beginning at approximately 7:00 a.m. on Monday, July 30, Helicopter Applicators Inc. of
Gettysburg will spray a granular larvicide over almost 3,000 acres in Cumberland, Dauphin and
Lebanon counties.
The larval mosquito control product, Vectobac GS, is not a chemical pesticide; rather, it
is a species-specific bacterial agent that targets mosquito and black fly larvae when added to
stagnant water.
Certain species of mosquitoes carry West Nile Virus, which, when transmitted to people,
can cause West Nile encephalitis, an infection that can result in an inflammation of the brain.
According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, all residents of areas where
virus activity has been identified are at risk of getting West Nile encephalitis; people over 50
have the highest risk of severe disease.
Eliminate Breeding Areas
In addition to the aerial spraying, DEP strongly encourages residents to eliminate
standing water, where mosquitoes can breed, from around their homes. Additional tips include:
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-- Dispose of tin cans, plastic containers, ceramic pots or similar water-holding containers that
have collected on your property.
-- Pay special attention to discarded tires. Stagnant water in tires is where most mosquitoes
breed.
-- Drill holes in the bottom of recycling containers left outdoors.
-- Have clogged roof gutters cleaned every year, particularly if the leaves from surrounding trees
have a tendency to plug up the drains. Roof gutters can produce millions of mosquitoes each
season.
-- Turn over plastic wading pools when not in use. Stagnant water in a wading pool becomes a
place for mosquitoes to breed.
-- Turn over wheelbarrows and don't let water stagnate in birdbaths. Both provide breeding
habitats for domestic mosquitoes.
-- Aerate ornamental pools or stock them with fish. Water gardens can become major mosquito
producers if they are allowed to stagnate. Clean and chlorinate swimming pools not in use. A
swimming pool left untended by a family on vacation for a month can produce enough
mosquitoes to result in neighborhood-wide complaints. Mosquitoes may even breed in the water
that collects on pool covers.
It is not necessary to limit any outdoor activities, unless local officials advise you
otherwise. However, you can and should try to reduce your risk of being bitten by mosquitoes.
In addition to reducing stagnant water in your yard, make sure all windows and doors
have screens, and that all screens are in good repair.
If West Nile virus is found in your area, here are some ways you can protect yourself--
-- Take normal steps to prevent insect bites.
-- Wear shoes, socks, long pants and a long-sleeved shirt when outdoors for long periods of time,
or when mosquitoes are most active.
-- Consider the use of mosquito repellent, according to directions, when it is necessary to be
outdoors. Wash all treated skin and clothing when returning indoors.
To report concerns about mosquitoes and West Nile Virus, please find the appropriate
contact at DEP West Nile Virus website.
NewsClips:
Related Stories:
County
DEP: West Nile Virus Found In 8 More Counties Bringing Total To 48; Wet Weather Offers
Perfect Mosquito Breeding Conditions
DEP Has New Stream Work Permit Guide, Storm Recovery Information Available For
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DEP: West Nile Virus Found In 8 More Counties Bringing Total To 48; Wet Weather
Offers Perfect Mosquito Breeding Conditions
The Department of Environmental Protection’s West Nile

Virus Program website Friday listed positive surveillance
sampling results in 8 more counties this week-- Elk,
Fulton, Greene, Huntingdon, Indiana, Snyder, Somerset
and Washington bringing the total to 48 counties with
positive results.
The other counties with positive surveillance results,
include the previously reported counties of-- Adams,
Allegheny, Beaver, Bedford, Berks, Blair, Bucks,
Cambria, Carbon, Centre, Chester, Clearfield, Clinton,
Columbia, Cumberland, Dauphin, Delaware, Erie, Fayette, Forest, Franklin, Juniata,
Lackawanna, Lancaster, Lawrence, Lebanon, Lehigh, Luzerne, Lycoming, Mercer, Montgomery,
Montour, Northampton, Northumberland, Philadelphia, Schuylkill, Union, Westmoreland,
Wyoming and York.
DEP Secretary Patrick McDonnell warned this week the very wet weather experienced
around the state has led to almost perfect mosquito breeding conditions and citizens should take
steps to eliminate mosquito-breeding areas.
Certain mosquito species carry the West Nile virus, which can cause humans to contract
West Nile encephalitis, an infection that can result in an inflammation of the brain. According to
the Department of Health, all residents in areas where virus activity has been identified are at
risk of contracting West Nile encephalitis.
Individuals can take a number of precautionary measures around their homes to help
eliminate mosquito-breeding areas, including:
-- Dispose of cans, buckets, plastic containers, ceramic pots, or similar containers that hold
water.
-- Properly dispose of discarded tires that can collect water. Stagnant water is where most
mosquitoes breed.
-- Drill holes in the bottom of outdoor recycling containers.
-- Have clogged roof gutters cleaned every year as the leaves from surrounding trees have a
tendency to plug drains.
-- Turn over plastic wading pools when not in use.
-- Turn over wheelbarrows and don't let water stagnate in birdbaths.
-- Aerate ornamental pools or stock them with fish.
-- Clean and chlorinate swimming pools not in use and remove any water that may collect on
pool covers.
If a resident has stagnant pools of water on their property, they can buy Bti (short for
Bacillus thuringiensis subspecies israelensis) products at lawn and garden, outdoor supply, home
improvement and other stores. This naturally occurring bacterium kills mosquito larvae, but is
safe for people, pets, aquatic life and plants.
Additionally, these simple precautions can prevent mosquito bites, particularly for people
who are most at risk:
-- Make sure screens fit tightly over doors and windows to keep mosquitoes out of homes.
14
-- Consider wearing long-sleeved shirts, long pants and socks when outdoors, particularly when
mosquitoes are most active at dawn and dusk, or in areas known for having large numbers of
mosquitoes.
-- When possible, reduce outdoor exposure at dawn and dusk during peak mosquito periods,
usually April through October.
-- Use insect repellents according to the manufacturer's instructions. An effective repellent will
contain DEET, picardin, or lemon eucalyptus oil. Consult with a pediatrician or family physician
for questions about the use of repellent on children, as repellent is not recommended for children
under the age of two months.
For more information about West Nile virus and the state's surveillance and control
program, please visit the West Nile Virus website.
NewsClips:
Related Stories:
County
The Public Utility Commission Friday encouraged

homeowners and businesses impacted by recent
flooding across the state to consider the following
utility-related safety tips as they begin clean-up and
recovery--
Flooding and electric power--
-- Avoid downed utility lines, along with flooded
homes or businesses – submerged wires, power
outlets or appliances may energize standing water.
-- Do not touch electric panels, outlets or appliances
if you are wet or standing in water.
-- If your basement floods, do not enter unless you are sure the water is not in contact with a
source of electricity. Call a qualified electrician to disconnect the power before you enter a
flooded basement.
-- Utilities will inspect flooded areas and will assess when it is safe to restore service to their
systems – but homeowners and businesses should work with licensed electricians regarding
repairs to customer-owned lines and appliances.
-- If the utility removed your electric meter and cut power to your home due to flooding, the
utility may require you to have your system inspected by a licensed electrician before it restores
15
power (contact your utility for any clarification).
-- Do not attempt to plug in or turn on any water-damaged appliances until they have been
inspected by a qualified electrician and determined to be safe.
-- Consult professionals regarding the need to repair or replace any water-damaged devices.
Flooding and natural gas safety--
-- If you are outside a building and you smell gas, do not enter the building. Call 9-1-1 and your
gas company from a safe location.
-- If you are inside a building and you smell gas, leave immediately. Call 9-1-1 and your gas
company from a safe location.
-- If your home or business has flooded and any of your natural gas appliances (including
furnaces, boilers, water heaters and dryers) have been affected, contact a licensed professional to
clean, repair and test all appliances and pipes.
-- Do not attempt to restart natural gas appliances yourself – contact a professional.
-- If flood waters rose above your gas meter and regulator, contact your gas utility to inspect
those systems before use.
Related Stories:
Centers Open
Now Open
Gov. Wolf Announces Federal Aid For Survivors Of Severe Storms In Southwest PA;
Outreach Centers Open
Gov. Tom Wolf Tuesday announced the U.S. Small Business Administration approved his
request to declare a disaster in Allegheny and Westmoreland counties after significant flood
damage to homes and businesses following severe storms in late June.
Residents of the neighboring counties of Armstrong, Beaver, Butler, Cambria, Fayette,
Indiana, Somerset, and Washington may be eligible for low-interest loans through the SBA
Disaster Loan Programs.
“Low-interest loans are an important tool for those impacted by these storms,” said Gov.
Wolf. “We are grateful that SBA is making loans available to survivors.”
Homeowners, renters and businesses impacted by the June 20 and 21 storms in Allegheny
and Westmoreland counties, as well as neighboring counties.
Low-interest loans of up to $200,000 are available to homeowners to repair or replace
damaged or destroyed real estate. SBA regulations permit loans up to $40,000 to repair or
replace personal property.
Businesses and nonprofits can borrow up to $2 million to restore damaged or destroyed
buildings, inventory, equipment and assets. Loan amounts and terms are set by the SBA and are
16
based on each applicant’s financial qualifications.
The SBA will establish a Disaster Loan Outreach Center (DLOC) in both Allegheny and
Westmoreland counties to assist anyone who wishes to apply for a loan, but applicants may visit
either location for assistance.
The DLOC will be open at the following location and times:
-- Allegheny County: Bethany Presbyterian Church, 740 Washington Ave., Bridgeville; and
-- Westmoreland County: Ligonier Township Municipal Complex, One Municipal Park Dr.,
Ligonier.
Hours of operation--
-- Opening:Thursday, July 26 at 11 a.m.
-- Days: Monday through Friday, 9 a.m. - 6 p.m., Saturday, July 28, 10 a.m. - 2 p.m.
-- Closed: Sunday, July 29
-- Closing:Thursday, August 2 at 4 p.m.
SBA customer service representatives will be on hand at the disaster loan outreach center
to issue loan applications, answer questions about the disaster loan program, explain the
application process and help individuals to complete their applications.
Individuals and businesses unable to visit the center in person may obtain information
and loan applications by calling the SBA’s Customer Service Center at 1-800-659-2955
(1-800-877-8339 for the hearing impaired), or by emailing: disastercustomerservice@sba.gov.
Loan applications can also be downloaded. Applicants may apply online using the
Electronic Loan Application (ELA) via the SBA’s secure website.
Completed applications should be returned to the DLOC or mailed to: U.S. Small
Business Administration, Processing and Disbursement Center, 14925 Kingsport Road, Fort
Worth, TX 76155.
The filing deadline to return applications for physical property damage is September 24,
2018. The deadline to return economic injury disaster loan applications is April 24, 2019.
Related Stories:
Starting Aug. 1
Aug. 10
Now Open
Counties
17
Cleaner Water
Take Action:
Outreach Center Open
Gov. Tom Wolf late Wednesday announced the U.S. Small Business Administration approved
his request to declare a disaster in Blair County after significant flood damage to homes and
businesses after a severe storm on July 2, 2018.
Homeowners, renters and businesses impacted by the July 2 storm in Blair County, as
well as neighboring counties Bedford, Cambria, Centre, Clearfield, and Huntingdon may be
eligible for low-interest disaster loans through the SBA Disaster Loan Programs.
“These storms damaged property and disrupted lives,” said Governor Wolf.
“Low-interest loans will go a long way in helping those affected by the storms.”
Low-interest loans of up to $200,000 are available to homeowners to repair or replace
damaged or destroyed real estate. SBA regulations permit loans up to $40,000 to repair or
replace personal property.
Businesses and nonprofits can borrow up to $2 million to restore damaged or destroyed
buildings, inventory, equipment and assets. Loan amounts and terms are set by the SBA and are
based on each applicant’s financial qualifications.
The SBA will establish a Disaster Loan Outreach Center to assist anyone who wishes to
apply for a loan. The DLOC will be open at the following location and times:
-- Blair County Department of Emergency Services, 615 4th St., Altoona, PA 16602 (Parking
available at the corner of 6th Ave. & 5th St.)
Hours of operation--
-- Opening: Saturday, July 28, 2018 at 10 a.m. – 2 p.m.
-- Closed: Sunday
-- Days: Monday through Thursday, 9 a.m. – 6 p.m., Friday, August 3, 2018, 10 a.m. – 4 p.m.
-- Closing: Friday, August 3, 2018 at 4 p.m.
SBA customer service representatives will be on hand at the disaster loan outreach center
to issue loan applications, answer questions about the disaster loan program, explain the
application process and help individuals to complete their applications.
Individuals and businesses unable to visit the center in person may obtain information
and loan applications by calling the SBA’s Customer Service Center at 1-800-659-2955
(1-800-877-8339 for the hearing impaired), or by emailing: disastercustomerservice@sba.gov.
Loan applications can also be downloaded. Applicants may apply online using the
Electronic Loan Application (ELA) via the SBA’s secure website.
Completed applications should be returned to the DLOC or mailed to: U.S. Small
18
Business Administration, Processing and Disbursement Center, 14925 Kingsport Road, Fort
Worth, TX 76155.
The filing deadline to return applications for physical property damage is Sept. 24, 2018.
The deadline to return economic injury disaster loan applications is Apr. 25, 2019.
Related Stories:
Centers Open
Starting Aug. 1
Aug. 10
Now Open
Counties
Cleaner Water
Take Action:
Green Infrastructure Offers Triple Benefits, Cost Effective Solutions To Stormwater

Pollution, Reducing Flood Damage
With the recent heavy rainfall this week, green

infrastructure is proving to have an obvious
impact on flood reduction.
Regional solutions, such as floodplain
restoration, inherently decrease impacts that
extend beyond a single parcel of land.
Reduced flooding and improved water
quality are generally observed downstream as
well and include the protection of infrastructure
19
such as roads, bridges, structures as well as homes and businesses.
From a technical standpoint, the energy in the system-- floodway flows-- is reduced, and
with the use of instrumentation, flood reduction can be quantified.
Here are three green infrastructure projects that are making a real difference in Lancaster
County.
Lititz Borough
Within the past few years the Lititz Borough Flood Committee completed a streambank
stabilization of Lititz Run and recently created floodplain wetlands along the stream. The project
is located upstream of the North Oak Street Bridge.
You will see from the video footage taken on Thursday, July 26 this green infrastructure
project allows the rain water to be dispersed into the floodplain.
In doing so, much of the water’s energy is dissipated, protecting the bridge and other
infrastructure along the stream valley from excess flow damage.
Also, it helps to filter out sediment and nutrients, reducing pollution and improving water
quality of Lititz Run.
Rock Lititz
A 17-acre floodplain restoration project at Rock Lititz located in Warwick Township
restored 3,136 linear feet of the Santo Domingo Creek by removing sediment from the valley
bottom and increasing floodwater storage potential.
The project helps to reduce stream bank erosion and promotes the infiltration and
filtration of runoff resulting in water quality benefits.
The increase of flood storage, and the resulting peak rate reduction benefited the property
owners by eliminating the need for traditional stormwater basins and increasing the amount of
usable space for development.
The township and neighboring borough benefit from the regional green infrastructure
project with a reduction of flooding downstream and increase in water quality.
Brubaker Run
To meet stormwater management requirements for a phased land development project, an
11.5-acre floodplain restoration was completed on Brubaker Run in East Hempfield Township.
It restored 4,750 linear feet of stream length and 8.4 acres of wetlands and native plant
communities were created.
The benefits include flood reduction, enhanced groundwater recharge, pollutant
reductions, and significant ecological and aesthetic improvements.
This restoration approach exceeded the stormwater management requirements of the
development, but also helped East Hempfield Township meet their MS4 Chesapeake Bay
pollution reduction goals at no cost to taxpayers.
For more information, visit the LandStudies website or contact Laurel Etter Longenecker,
717-726-4440 or send email to: laurel@landstudies.com. Click Here to sign up for green
infrastructure updates. LandStudies is certified as a Women’s Business Enterprise (WBE),
Minority Business Enterprise (MBE) and Disadvantaged Business Enterprise (DBE) based in
Lititz, Lancaster County. Follow LandStudies on Twitter, Like them on Facebook.
(Photo: Video of Lititz Run project taken July 26, 2018]
Related Stories:
Rock Lititz Project Reduces Sediment, Nutrient Runoff Without Taxpayer Money
Spotlight On Success: Brubaker Run-Lime Spring Square Green Infrastructure Project
20
Investing In Green Infrastructure Offers Triple Benefits: Reduces Flooding, Nutrient, Sediment
Runoff
Wyoming Valley Sanitary Authority Leads MS4 Stormwater Effort To Safe Communities More
Than 50% In Compliance Costs
Related Stories From This Week:
Starting Aug. 1
Aug. 10
Cleaner Water
Counties
Take Action:
DCNR/PennVEST Accepting Applications For Multifunctional Riparian Stream Buffer

Grants Starting Aug. 1
The Department of Conservation and Natural

Resources and the PA Infrastructure Investment
Authority will be accepting grant applications
starting August 1 through September 28 to help
landowners install multifunctional riparian forest
stream buffers.
Nearly any individual, organization (for-profit or
nonprofit), or government entity is eligible to apply
for this funding. However, due to restrictions associated with the funding source, all applicants
need to undergo financial review to determine if they qualify for a grant.
Those that qualify for a grant may apply for this funding opportunity. For this reason,
prequalification is required.
A multifunctional buffer is a riparian forest buffer that provides opportunities for
harvesting products such as nuts, berries, woody florals, forbs, and potentially woody biomass.
Inputs such as fertilizer or manure would not be permitted, and harvesting would not be
21
permitted in the first 15 feet of the buffer from the edge of the streambank. An overall minimum
width of 35 feet is recommended.
Click Here to watch an archived webinar about the grants. $1 million in funding will be
available this year from PennVEST.
Prequalification information, an FAQ and other information on the program is available
on DCNR’s Rivers Conservation Grants webpage. Questions can be directed to Kelly Rossiter by
sending email to: krossiter@pa.gov or by calling 717-772-3319.
Related Stories:
Aug. 10
DCNR, PASA Seeking Recipes For Streams. Trees. Food. Conservation Cookbook Made With
Ingredients Grown In Multi-Use Stream Buffers
Cleaner Water
Counties
Take Action:
Start Submitting Applications For REAP Farm Conservation Tax Credits Beginning Aug.
6 For This First-Come, First-Served Program
The Department of Agriculture will begin

accepting applications for the Resource
Enhancement and Protection (REAP) farm
conservation tax credit program on August 6.
$10 million is available for FY 2018-19
tax credits in this first-come, first-served program.
The tax credits can help those in
production agriculture offset the costs of
implementing best management practices (BMPs),
like planting forested stream buffers or purchasing
22
on-farm conservation equipment.
Farmers may receive tax credits of up to $150,000 per agricultural operation for 50 to 75
percent of the project’s cost.
The most commonly approved projects are for no-till planting and precision ag
equipment, waste storage facilities, conservation plans, nutrient management plans, and
protecting barnyards and other areas with animals.
Cover crops and riparian stream buffers are also popular REAP-eligible practices.
REAP can be used in conjunction with other funding sources, such as the Environmental
Quality Incentive Program (EQIP) or the Chesapeake Bay Program to help install BMPs.
For projects that include the proposed purchase of equipment, the equipment must be
delivered by June 30, 2019.
For projects involving the implementation of structural BMPs, all BMPs and BMP
components must be complete by June 30, 2020 to be eligible.
What’s New
There are several new elements to the FY 2018-19 REAP Program--
-- Cover Crops: Farmers can now apply for up to 3 years of proposed cover crop plantings. In
addition, applicants are eligible to receive credits on the same acreage more than once.
Applicants are no longer required to provide detailed field-level maps of where the crops are
planted.
-- Riparian Forested Buffer Maintenance: Maintenance activities such as replanting, mowing,
and herbicide treatments are now eligible for REAP credits. Applicants must fill out the REAP
Riparian Buffer Maintenance Worksheet (p15 of the REAP application) and provide details
regarding other public funding (if applicable).
-- Legacy Sediment: The Commission is interested in getting involved in a legacy sediment
project in 2018-19. We are looking for an opportunity to test how REAP could potentially help
install water quality BMPs involved in a remediation project.
-- Low-Disturbance Residue Management Equipment (Vertical Tillage): Modified vertical
tillage equipment is not eligible for REAP tax credits. The REAP guidelines pertaining to this
equipment remain the same. However, equipment that has modified to meet the guidelines will
not be accepted.
The program is administered by State Conservation Commission, which provides support
and oversight to the state's 66 county conservation districts.
Since the program began in 2007, REAP has awarded tax credits to more than 4,800
projects totaling more than $68 million. Public and private investments in REAP have
contributed to the conservation projects, worth more than $165 million.
The 2017-18 REAP application packet, as well as other information about REAP, is
available on Agriculture’s Resource Enhancement and Protection webpage or by contacting Joel
Semke at 717-705-4032 or jsemke@pa.gov.
Related Stories:
Starting Aug. 1
Aug. 10
23
Take Action:
NRCS-PA: Applications For Conservation Funding In Clinton, Centre, Lycoming Counties

Due Aug. 10
The U.S.D.A. Natural Resources Conservation

Service-PA, in partnership with the Chesapeake Bay
Foundation-PA, through USDA’s Regional
Conservation Partnerships Program, has announced a
second application cut-off date for fiscal year 2018
funding-- August 10.
The goal of the RCPP project is to help agricultural
producers in Centre, Clinton and Lycoming Counties,
Pennsylvania, improve water and air quality, build
healthier soil, and achieve other environmental
benefits.
Through CSP, farmers who have achieved a required level of conservation can apply for
further assistance to enhance conservation on their operation by implementing additional
conservation activities that help to ensure the sustainability of their entire operation.
Examples of conservation activities include continuous no-till planting, diverse crop
rotations, planting multi species cover crops, and Integrated Pest Management (IPM).
These activities will help to promote soil organisms and biodiversity, which will improve
plant productivity by improving access to soil nutrients, reducing demands for supplemental
fertilizer, increasing soil water holding capacity, and protecting from drought and high-volume
rain events.
Producers interested in applying should contact one of the local USDA NRCS Service
Centers listed here--
-- Centre and Clinton Counties: Mill Hall NRCS Field Office, 216 Spring Run Road, Room
102, Mill Hall, PA. 570-726-3196 ext. 3; and
-- Lycoming County: Montoursville NRCS Field Office, 542 County Farm Road, Suite 204,
Montoursville. 570-433-3902 ext 3.
For more information on programs, initiatives, funding and technical assistance, visit the
Natural Resources Conservation Service-PA webpage.
Related Stories:
Starting Aug. 1
DCNR, PASA Seeking Recipes For Streams. Trees. Food. Conservation Cookbook Made With
Ingredients Grown In Multi-Use Stream Buffers
24
Cleaner Water
Counties
Take Action:
Phipps Conservatory & Botanical Gardens Recognized For Global Sustainability

Leadership
On July 17 the Business Intelligence Group

announced it has awarded Phipps Conservatory and
Botanical Gardens in Pittsburgh a Sustainability
Leadership Award in the 2018 Sustainability
Awards Program.
The Sustainability Awards honor those
people, teams and organizations who have made
sustainability an integral part of their business
practice or overall mission. In total, 43 people,
projects and organizations were awarded for driving sustainability efforts.
Celebrating 125 years, the Conservatory has evolved into one of the most vibrant,
thriving cultural attractions and a leading advocate for advanced green-building practices,
sustainable gardening and environmental awareness nationally.
Phipps demonstrates that people, plants, health, planet and beauty are inextricably
connected, and that sustainable actions — from the construction of one of the world’s greenest
buildings to the planting of a raised vegetable garden bed — are vital to ensuring that these
critical interconnections are harmonious, mutually beneficial and preserved for future
generations.
Sustainability highlights include:
-- Phipps increased its renewable energy generation, adding a 60kW solar array and bringing
generation capacity to 200kW.
-- While expanding the campus, Phipps has reduced CO2 emissions from 2005 levels by 56
percent per square foot, exceeding the Paris Climate Agreement goals.
-- Phipps began construction of the Exhibit Staging Center, revitalizing a former public works
building on a brownfield. Designed to be net-positive energy and net-zero water, upon
completion, Phipps’ Living Campus will include new construction (Center for Sustainable
25
Landscapes), modular (Nature Lab) and renovated (Exhibit Staging Center) green building
designs.
-- Phipps took additional steps to educate professionals on the benefits of embracing a holistic,
sustainable commitment. The organization launched a new Sustainability Training Workshop
program, with the next public workshop available Oct. 9 – 10, 2018, providing professionals
with personalized tools and hands-on training on green buildings. The organization also
developed a free online Green Building Toolkit Series that details the process behind Phipps’
green project certifications as a resource for others.
-- To show guests that everyone can make a difference in addressing critical issues like climate
change, Phipps launched the Make the Switch at Phipps! Green Power Drive. This partnership
with a green energy provider encourages guests to switch their home electricity supplier to 100
percent renewable energy. Those that do are given a free membership to Phipps. To date, more
than 3,000 households have participated in the program, preventing 24,000 tons of CO2
emissions — the equivalent of 55 million miles driven by an average passenger car.
Learn more about Phipps’ sustainability leadership, innovation and impact by visiting the
Phipps Conservatory Green Innovation webpage.
(Photo: Phipps Center for Sustainable Landscapes. )
Related Stories:
Quaker Valley Council Of Governments Conducting Statewide Municipal Solar Initiative Survey
PA Wilds Center Receives West Penn Power Sustainable Energy Fund Education Grant
New Study Shows PA Middle Of The Road For Tapping Into Clean Energy
More Than 86,000 Pennsylvanians Work In Clean Energy, Energy Efficiency Jobs
Bipartisan Bill To Authorize Community Solar Energy Projects Being Circulated
PennLive.com Op-Ed: Community Solar Is Long Overdue In PA, Lawmakers In Harrisburg Can
Fix That
DEP Invites Comments On Draft Plan To Increase PA’s Solar Electric Generation To 10% Of
Consumption By 2030
Lacawac Sanctuary Honors Dr. Clyde Goulden, William Leishear, The Dime Bank For
Conservation Leadership Aug. 11
The Lacawac Sanctuary in Wayne County will honor

2 individuals and a company who have given
tirelessly to Lacawac and its growth at the 3rd
Annual Farm To Plate Dinner on August 11 at the
Watres Lodge at the Lacawac Sanctuary, 94
Sanctuary Road in Lake Ariel, Wayne County.
The Lifetime Achievement in Research will be
given to Dr. Clyde Goulden, The Academy of
Natural Sciences of Drexel University, Philadelphia;
the Lifetime Achievement in Education to The
Dime Bank; and the Lifetime Achievement in Preservation will be given to William
Leishear, Lacawac Trustee.
“This is a great opportunity for the community to come together,” state Craig Lukatch
26
President, “and honor those who are making a difference in the lives of those in our community.
Without the support of our friends and volunteers, Lacawac would not be able to provide quality
education programs for PreK through 12th grade students and shape the next generation of Earth
stewards.”
More On The Awardees
-- Dr. Clyde Goulden was born in Kansas City, Kansas (November 30, 1936). He attended and
graduated with a Bachelor’s degree (1958) and Master’s degree (1959), Emporia State
University, Emporia, Kansas. Goulden received is doctoral (Ph.D.) degree, Indiana University,
Bloomington, Indiana in 1962 and completed a post-doctoral at Yale University (1962 to 1966)
with Professor G. Evelyn Hutchinson.
He served as an exchange Scientist (January, 1966 to September, 1966) sponsored by U.S
National Academy of Sciences and Academy of Sciences of the USSR (Russia with research at
Academy of Sciences, Leningrad, USSR and The Institute of Inland Water Biology, Upper
Volga River, USSR) and was an Associate Curator at the Academy of Natural Sciences (ANSP).
Goulden served on the board of directors of Lacawac Sanctuary and receive a National
Science Foundation Grant to conduct research on Lake Lacawac. Currently he served as the
Curator Emeritus at the Academy of Natural Sciences, Drexel University.
-- The Dime Bank believes in relationships. As a community bank based in Northeast PA with
branches in Pike, Wayne, and Lackawanna counties, the bank wants to be the customer’s total
financial partner by offering a full complement of financial services. Since 1905, they have been
making a difference in the lives of those they touch by helping generations of customers realize
their goals and dreams.
The Dime Bank employees do their best to assist their customers, their community, as
well as one another. Employees participate in many fundraising events to support local wildlife
sanctuaries, educational programs for students, and non-profits through United Way, to name a
few.
The Dime Bank supports organizations in the area with financial donations to enrich the
lives of everyone living here. The Dime Bank employees and board members volunteer their
time and support to local community projects including charities, health organizations, civic
groups, churches and synagogues, and more.
-- William Leishear grew up in Northeastern Pennsylvania and spent a lot of time in the Lake
Wallenpaupack area since the mid 1950’s. His love for the area in Wayne and Pike counties
continued to grow over the years.
After 30 years in the Philadelphia area at school and working with an engineering
company, he bought a house in Pike county in 1989 and moved back to the area full time in
1999. In that year he was introduced to Lacawac.
Meeting with Arthur many times, his interest in Lacawac and its mission statement
increased. He joined the board of directors in 1999 and served on the operations committee.
Bill now serves on the board of Trustees helping in the finance committee as well as the
operations committee. He has been involved in many projects at Lacawac.
Farm To Plate Dinner
On August 11, guests sit down surrounded by the forest to a delicious stationed-style
supper that celebrates truly local cuisine. Dine al fresco at Lacawac's 115-year old Watres
Lodge. Enjoy deliciously prepared and sustainably grown farm food by Settlers Hospitality
Group.
27
The 2018 dinner will feature cocktails, dinner stations at the Historic Watres Lodge, live
music, and a silent auction. Cost per person is $85 and can be purchased in advance by calling
Lacawac at 570-689-9494 or by purchasing tickets online.
For more information on programs, initiatives and other upcoming events, visit the
Lacawac Sanctuary website. Click Here to sign up for regular updates (right panel). Follow on
Twitter. Like on Facebook. Click Here to support their work.
Final Policy For Development, Publication Of DEP Technical Guidance Now Available
The Department of Environmental Protection published notice in the July 28 PA Bulletin it has
finalized the Policy For The Development And Publication Of Technical Guidance (DEP
ID: 012-0900-001).
Revisions made in response to the comments the Department received include: removing
unused definitions; clarifying the relationship between technical guidance documents and
regulatory requirements; changing the online location of the Non-Regulatory Agenda; providing
a distinction between policies and technical guidance documents; and noting that Department's
Director of External Affairs can help Department staff identify stakeholders for additional
outreach opportunities.
Click Here for the final guidance. Click Here for the Comment/Response Document.
Questions regarding this document should be directed to Abbey Cadden, Policy Office at
acadden@pa.gov or 717-705-3769.
Note: DEP has not yet finalized the other two guidance documents related to public
participation-- the Policy for the Development and Review of Regulations or the Advisory
Committee Guidelines.
Related Story:
DEP Proposes Changes To Process For Developing Regulations, Technical Guidance And Using
Advisory Committees
Senate/House Agenda/Session Schedule/Gov’s Schedule
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 (Sept. 12): House Bill 107 (Godshall-R- Montgomery) providing a mechanism to cover
costs of extending natural gas distribution systems; House Bill 1401 (DiGirolamo-R-Bucks)
which amends Title 58 to impose a sliding scale natural gas severance tax, in addition to the Act
13 drilling impact fee, on natural gas production (NO money for environmental programs) and
includes provisions related to minimum landowner oil and gas royalties; House Bill 1446
(Quinn-R- Bucks) encouraging infrastructure for electric and natural gas fueled vehicles; House
Resolution 284 (Moul-R-Adams) urging Congress to repeal the U.S. Environmental Protection
Agency’s MS4 Stormwater Pollution Prevention Program (sponsor summary); Senate Bill 1172
28
(Vulakovich-R-Allegheny) further providing for enforcement of price gouging provisions during
an emergency declaration (Senate Fiscal Note and summary). <> Click Here for full House Bill
Calendar.
Senate (Sept. 24): Senate Bill 820 (Aument-R- Lancaster) providing liability protection for
owners and operators of on-farm agritourism activities (sponsor summary); Senate Bill 917
(Dinniman-R-Chester) amends Act 101 Municipal Waste Planning and Recycling Act to include
spent mushroom compost under the definition of “compost materials to encourage its reuse
(sponsor summary); Senate Bill 930 (Dinniman-D- Chester) sets notification requirements
related to pipeline emergencies (sponsor summary); Senate Bill 931 (Dinniman-D-Chester)
requires the installation of automatic or remote controlled safety values in natural gas pipelines
in densely populated areas; Senate Bill 1199 (Rafferty-R- Montgomery) providing for a
landowners’ bill of rights in cases of eminent domain, including by private entities like pipeline
companies (sponsor summary); Senate Resolution 104 (Bartolotta-R- Washington) resolution
urging the Governor to end the moratorium on new non-surface disturbance natural gas drilling
on state forest land (sponsor summary); Senate Resolution 373 (Rafferty-R-Montgomery) is a
concurrent Senate-House resolution to establish a Senate-House legislative Commission to Study
Pipeline Construction and Operations and to recommend improvements for the safe transport of
oil, natural gas and other hazardous liquids through pipelines; House Bill 544 (Moul-R-Adams)
further providing for liability protection for landowners opening their land for public recreation;
House Bill 927 (Rader-R-Monroe) amends Act 101 Municipal Waste Planning and Recycling
Act to eliminate the mandate on smaller municipalities to have a leaf waste collection program
(House Fiscal Note and summary); House Bill 1550 (Klunk-R-York) amending the Agricultural
Area Security Law to allow for a residence for the principal landowner (House Fiscal Note and
summary). <> Click Here for full Senate Bill Calendar.
Committee Meeting Agendas This Week
House: <> Click Here for full House Committee Schedule.
Senate: <> 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.
Session Schedule
Here is the latest voting session schedule for the Senate and House--
Senate
Recessed to the call of the President Pro Tempore
September 24, 25, 26
October 1, 2, 3, 15, 16, 17
29
November 14
House
Recessed to the call of the House Speaker
September 12, 13, 24, 25, & 26.
October 1 (Non-Voting), 2 (Non-Voting), 9, 10, 15, 16, & 17.
November 13
Governor’s 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. Wolf’s Weekly Calendar and Public
Appearances.
News From The Capitol
July Joint Conservation Committee Environmental Synopsis: 10 Million Trees Partnership
The July Environmental Synopsis newsletter is

now available from the Joint Legislative Air and
Water Pollution Control and Conservation
Committee featuring stories about--
-- Keystone 10 Million Trees Partnership Initiative
-- Commercial Energy Efficiency DOE Better
Plants Challenge - Martin Guitar
-- Reducing Nutrient Pollution In Urban Waters
-- Energy Storage For The Electrical Grid
-- Fossil Fuels Dominate U.S. Energy
-- Ecological Impact Of Insectivorous Birds
-- Outdoor Safety Reminder - Deer Ticks
-- 25 Years Ago Keystone Recreation, Park & Conservation Fund Established.
Sen. Scott Hutchinson (R-Venango) serves as Chair of the Joint Conservation
Committee.
For more information, visit the Joint Conservation Committee website, Like them on
Facebook or Follow them on Twitter. Click Here to sign up for regular updates from the
Committee.
Related Stories:
Starting Aug. 1
Aug. 10
30
Cleaner Water
Counties
Take Action:
The Feds
DEP, AG, Health & Environmental Groups Oppose EPA Plan To Weaken Car Emission
Standards
Department of Environmental Protection Secretary Patrick

McDonnell, Attorney General Josh Shapiro and leaders
from the health and environmental communities
Wednesday expressed their opposition to the Trump
administration’s plan to weaken federal vehicle efficiency
standards.
Secretary McDonnell was joined by representatives of
Physicians for Social Responsibility and Conservation
Voters of Pennsylvania to condemn the proposed
weakened rules.
“If EPA follows through with these planned changes, it will hurt Pennsylvanians’ lungs
and their wallets,” said Secretary McDonnell. “Pennsylvania has made great strides in improving
our air quality, and these rules would undercut that progress, as well as hamstring economic
growth in new technologies.”
Transportation contributes nearly a quarter of all greenhouse gas emissions in
Pennsylvania, and 37 percent of emissions of nitrogen oxides.
Pollution from car exhaust can trigger asthma attacks, especially in children, and lead to
an increase in ground-level ozone, which can cause dangerous conditions for children, elderly
residents, and people with breathing disabilities.
Asthma-related illness costs the Pennsylvania economy $2.6 billion every year, according
to a Department of Health estimate.
“The Wolf administration is not going stand idly by while President Trump and the EPA
try to make our air quality worse. DEP and Attorney General Josh Shapiro have both signed on
to a lawsuit challenging these rules, and will keep fighting for cleaner air,” said McDonnell.
"Pennsylvanians have a constitutional right to clean air and pure water,” said Attorney
General Josh Shapiro. “Right now, over 6 million Pennsylvanians are breathing harmful air. I
strongly oppose the Trump administration’s plans to roll back clean car standards, which are
critical to protecting Pennsylvanians’ health.”
31
Pennsylvania does not have the authority to set fuel-efficiency standards for cars and
trucks, but can and does incorporate the emissions regulations of California, which does have
that authority. The Trump administration has recently announced it would formally challenge
California’s ability to set its own emissions regulations.
"Clean cars are a triple win for Pennsylvanians because they're good for our health, save
us money in our pocketbooks, and protect our environment," noted PennEnvironment Executive
Director David Masur. "We need to be putting the pedal to the metal and promote more clean
cars and fuel efficiency, not putting the brakes on a successful and time-tested policy."
While DEP cannot set fuel-efficiency standards, there are several programs aimed at
reducing emissions from transportation.
The Alternative Fuel Incentive Grants (AFIG) [grant application deadline December 14]
and Alternative Fuel Vehicle Rebate program encourage businesses, local government, and
consumers to choose vehicles that reduce emissions.
The new Driving PA Forward initiative includes a grant and rebate program for electric
vehicle charging infrastructure as well.
(Photo: Secretary McDonnell.)
NewsClips:
Meyer: PA Prepares To Sue Over Expected Trump Vehicle Emission Changes
AP: PA Officials Attack EPA Plan To Relax Vehicle Mileage Rules
Meyer: State Prepares To Sue Over Expected Trump Vehicle Emission Changes
Op-Ed: It’s Past Time To Clear The Air In Allegheny County
Uber And Lyft Are Hurting Bus Ridership And Worsening Traffic, New Study Finds
Related Stories:
DEP Joins 9 Other States, DC In Opposing EPA Rollback Of EPA Vehicle Fuel Standards
PA AG, 12 Other States Challenge Rollback Of Federal Vehicle Emission Standards
News From Around The State
Registration For PA Assn. Of State Floodplain Managers Conference Sept. 18-19 In

Harrisburg Now Open
The PA Association of State Floodplain Managers will

hold their Annual Conference September 18-19 at the
Central Hotel & Conference Center in Harrisburg.
This year's theme is Floodplain Management:
The Next Generation, Tools and Rules for Meeting Day
To Day Challenges.
The National Flood Insurance Program is
celebrating its 50th anniversary this year and a lot has
changed and evolved over the last five decades.
This year the Conference will focus on new and
exciting trends and tools in floodplain management and flood mitigation, changes to policy and
subsequent impacts, the evolution of risk communication, and the future of the program.
Among the topics to be discussed are--
32
-- Integration of floodplain management into other planning mechanisms (historic, greenways,
land use, transportation, stormwater, etc.)
-- Joint stormwater and floodplain management planning and implementation
-- Local solutions to flood insurance changes
-- Planning for climate change and future conditions
-- Legislation and policy discussion, reform, impact, and improvement
-- Mapping/GIS tools or applications for risk identification and mitigation
-- Social science and risk communication
-- Pairing/utilizing funding and/or resources to improve floodplain management
Sponsorship opportunities are still available.
To register or for more information, visit the PASFM Annual Conference webpage.
NewsClips:
Related Stories:
Centers Open
Starting Aug. 1
Aug. 10
Counties
Cleaner Water
Take Action:
DEP Accepting Small Business Advantage Grants, Including Farm Conservation Projects,
Starting Aug. 1
33
The Department of Environmental Protection Monday announced it has $1 million of grant
funding available to Pennsylvania farmers and small business for pollution prevention, energy
efficiency and natural resource protection projects through the Small Business Advantage grants.
DEP will begin accepting applications August 1 through September 28.
Applications will be considered on a first come, first served basis, and will be accepted
until fiscal year 2018-19 funds are exhausted, or April 12, 2019, whichever occurs first.
For the first time, grants will be available to farmers and ranchers for projects that reduce
and prevent pollution on working lands.
“In keeping with the pollution prevention goals of the program, new opportunities for
small business owners in the agricultural sector to implement natural resource protection projects
are available for the first time,” said DEP Secretary Patrick McDonnell. “These projects are
designed to strengthen our commitment to protect the Commonwealth’s soil and water
resources.”
Natural resource protection projects include the opportunity to plant riparian buffers,
install streambank fencing to keep livestock out of streams, and agricultural stormwater
management projects, with the goal of reducing sediment and nutrient loads in our waterways.
Eligible projects are those that adopt or acquire equipment or processes that reduce
energy use or pollution.
Examples of eligible projects are HVAC and boiler upgrades, high-efficiency lighting,
solvent recover and waste recycling systems, and auxiliary power units deployed as anti-idling
technology for trucks.
Last year, 150 small businesses were awarded more than $953,000 in grants for their
projects.
“Pennsylvania’s Small Business Advantage Grants provide funding for projects which
cut operating costs and boost competitiveness, while simultaneously protecting the
environment,” said Secretary McDonnell. “We are committed to assisting those small business
owners who want to become energy efficient, increase their profitability, and help the
environment.”
Pennsylvania-based small business owners with 100 or fewer full-time employees are
eligible. Projects must save the business a minimum of $500 and 25 percent annually in energy
consumption, or pollution related expenses.
Businesses can apply for 50 percent matching funds of up to $9,500 to adopt or acquire
energy-efficient or pollution prevention equipment or processes. Only costs incurred between
July 20, 2018 and June 30, 2019 are eligible.
All applications must be submitted through the Commonwealth’s Single Application for
Assistance website. Printed, faxed, and mailed applications are not accepted.
The complete Grant Application package, which includes step-by-step instructions for
completing the online application as well as all related forms, is available by visiting the DEP
Small Business Ombudsman’s Office website.
To contact the Small Business Ombudsman’s Office about this program, call
717-772-5160 or send email to: epadvantagegtrant@pa.gov.
Related Story:
DEP Now Accepting Small Business Advantage Grant Applications For Water Quality
Improvement Projects
34
PA Assn. Of Conservation Districts Awards Water Pollution Reduction Education Grants
To 26 Counties
The PA Association of Conservation Districts Thursday awarded nearly $43,000 for 26 pollution
reduction projects in 26 counties.
These projects promote water pollution prevention activities through the Nonpoint Source
Pollution Prevention Educational Mini-Grant Program. The projects will take place over the next
8 months.
“Today, Pennsylvania’s conservation districts received funding from the Pennsylvania
Department of Environmental Protection for educational projects. These projects are held
locally. They invite citizens to learn how they can make a difference to reduce pollution,” said
Brenda Shambaugh, Executive Director for the Pennsylvania Association of Conservation
Districts (PACD).
Funding for the grants, up to $2,000 each, is provided through the Department of
Environmental Protection under Section 319 of the Clean Water Act, administered by the U.S.
Environmental Protection Agency.
Click Here for a list of projects funded.
For more information on programs, initiatives and upcoming events, visit the PA
Association of Conservation Districts website.
Related Stories:
Starting Aug. 1
Aug. 10
Cleaner Water
Now Open
Take Action:
Register Now For CBF-PA Veterans On The River Kayak Fishing Event Aug. 25 In York
County
The Chesapeake Bay Foundation-PA, Trout

Unlimited-PA and Heroes On The Water-Central PA
Chapter are partnering on a Veterans On The River
35
Kayak Fishing Event August 25 at Shank's Mare Outfitters in Wrightsville, York County from
1:00 to 5:00 p.m.
Veterans and their families are invited to this fun and educational event to learn more
about fishing, kayaking and about how to keep our waterways healthy. All the gear participants
need will be provided, along with a kayak and guides.
In addition to the fishing/kayaking event, there will be a dinner from 5:30 to 7:30.
Click Here to register and for more information.
For more on Chesapeake Bay-related issues in Pennsylvania, visit the Chesapeake Bay
Foundation-PA webpage. Click Here to sign up for Pennsylvania updates (bottom of left
column). Click Here to support their work.
Related Stories:
Starting Aug. 1
Aug. 10
Cleaner Water
Counties
Take Action:
The Department of Environmental Protection and its

partners will hold a Weathering The Storm Workshop for
Teachers on August 2 from 8:30 a.m. to 3:30 p.m at the
Beaver County Conservation District Office, 156 Cowpath
Rd in Aliquippa, Beaver County.
Registration is required by July 30.
Stormwater runoff pollution is a widespread challenge for
communities across Pennsylvania. In an effort to combat
this problem, the Department of Environmental Protection
has broadened its outreach efforts accordingly by educating
educators about the issue in a series of workshops called “Weathering the Storm.”
“Stormwater runoff has no boundaries. All Pennsylvanians contribute to the problem of
nonpoint source pollution getting into streams and rivers, and we all need to be part of the
solution,” said DEP Secretary Patrick McDonnell. “Educators can help by providing children and
36
adult learners hands-on lessons on small things they can do in their daily lives that make a big
difference.”
In 2016, DEP labeled approximately 19,900 miles of rivers and streams in Pennsylvania
impaired for water supply, aquatic life, recreation, or fish consumption. Stormwater runoff
pollution is one of the biggest sources of this impairment.
Over the past 100 years, roads, parking lots, sidewalks, and roofs have become a major
part of our communities. As a result, rain that should naturally soak into the ground instead goes
into storm drains and, from there, directly into rivers and streams.
Stormwater carries significant pollution, including sediment, car oil, lawn fertilizers,
pesticides, pet poop (and viruses and bacteria), and cigarette butts.
DEP is working to raise awareness of stormwater pollution and support actions by
municipalities, businesses, community organizations, and citizens to reduce it, through Growing
Greener Grants, Small Business Grants, and Chesapeake Bay Watershed Stormwater Special
Project Grants.
A downloadable “Be Stormwater Smart, PA” video, a stream maintenance guide for
property owners, and mapping tools are currently available, while training webinars are being
developed.
The DEP Environmental Education Center launched the “Weathering the Storm” series
last fall, and since then has offered workshops in Dauphin, Erie, and Westmoreland counties,
teaching formal and informal educators from more than 30 entities, such as Erie County;
Philadelphia, Pittsburgh, and Indiana school districts; the Allegheny County Parks System; and
Westinghouse.
DEP is partnering with Penn State Extension, the Department of Conservation and
Natural Resources, and Beaver County Conservation District.
Teachers, municipal personnel, informal educators, homeschoolers, and scout and youth
group leaders are invited. Teachers are eligible for Act 48 credit hours.
Please register at Ticketleap or by contacting Bert Myers, DEP Environmental Education
Director, at 717-705-3767 or send email to: gimyers@pa.gov.
(Photo: NOT a good stormwater practice, obviously.)
Related Stories:
Starting Aug. 1
Aug. 10
Counties
Cleaner Water
Now Open
37
Take Action:
Janet Thomas is passionate about

gardening and loves the rush of watching
plants grow and bloom. A former
manager of a community garden in
upstate New York, Janet moved to
Pittsburgh’s Hill District in 2015.
Sadly, her new home didn’t have
adequate outdoor lighting or soil, making
gardening nearly impossible.
That’s when she noticed the Western
Pennsylvania Conservancy’s community flower garden at the corner of Centre and Herron
avenues about one mile from her new home.
“I saw construction workers in the garden and I was very curious,” said Janet. “I also
noticed there was a nightmare of erosion along the garden’s hillside. But I found out that they
were working on fixing exactly that!”
Janet was witnessing the beginning stages of a new bioswale installed within WPC’s
community garden in the Hill District.
A bioswale is a trench added to a natural landscape that slows stormwater runoff,
allowing it to filter and be absorbed into the ground instead of rushing into roadways and sewer
drains.
For many Pittsburgh residents, ponding, flooding and sewer overflows after heavy rain
events are a common occurrence. Pittsburgh’s Hill District neighborhood is no different.
The Conservancy’s community flower garden is flanked by two steep slopes located at
the intersection of Centre and Herrons avenues, making the location ideal for stormwater
drainage solutions.
“I’ve noticed flooding at this intersection before,” explains Janet. “It’s essentially a basin
at the intersection.”
In 2014, the Conservancy performed site analyses for three existing community gardens
to identify opportunities for stormwater capture using green infrastructure strategies, such as
bioswales and rain gardens.
“Thanks to a Google Community grant, we identified the Centre and Herron garden as
having the largest potential for rain capture,” explains Art DeMeo, director of community
greenspace services at the Conservancy.
The City of Pittsburgh and the Pittsburgh Water and Sewer Authority also identified the
Hill District as a priority area for green infrastructure solutions in its Citywide Green First Plan.
With funding from PWSA and additional support from ALCOSAN’s GROW Grant
program, the Conservancy joined PWSA to complete the 585-linear-foot bioswale last month.
“We’re so happy to expand this garden to not only beautify the neighborhood, but also
provide long-term stormwater prevention,” said DeMeo.
38
More than 200 local volunteers joined the Conservancy in completing the greening for
the bioswale, which included planting more than 13,000 perennials, 87 shrubs and 25 trees over
the 1.2 acre site.
Along with an underground storage tank, inlets and other infrastructure, rocks, soil and
plant roots will help to slow and filter the stormwater runoff.
The Conservancy will continue to maintain the landscaping and garden at the Centre and
Herron bioswale with Janet’s help.
Janet now receives her gardening “fix,” serving as a volunteer garden steward at the
Centre and Herron bioswale.
Garden stewards help provide weekly maintenance at each community flower garden.
WPC relies on garden stewards to tend a garden once it is planted and keeps it looking beautiful
throughout the growing season.
“This is a positive project for the area,” said Janet “My hope is to get some of my
neighbors and their kids involved in the garden. You really get a sense of ownership and pride.
It’s beautiful.”
Click Here to see more photos of the project.
[The Western PA Conservancy still needs] more help with the Centre and Herron
bioswale. If you’d like to join Janet as a garden steward, please contact Lynn McGuire-Olzak at
412-586-2324 or send email to: LMcGuire-Olzak@paconserve.org.
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 Conservancy’s YouTube Channel or add them to your network on Linkedin.
Click Here to support their work.
Related Stories:
Starting Aug. 1
Aug. 10
Counties
Cleaner Water
Now Open
Take Action:
39
Cleaner Water
In Pennsylvania, many local jurisdictions are

grappling with the complexities of stormwater
and watershed restoration practices as they
develop and implement Pollution Reduction
Plans as part of their EPA National Pollutant
Discharge Elimination System (NPDES)
stormwater permit requirements.
In some parts of Pennsylvania, local regulated
jurisdictions are uniting at the county-level to
combine resources and identify the projects that
are most cost-effective and beneficial to the
larger community.
The Blair County Intergovernmental Stormwater Committee (ISC) is an example of such
a collaborative.
The Intergovernmental Stormwater Committee consists of eleven Blair County
governments and each government appoints a representative to serve on the committee.
The Committee is made up of appointees from the following communities Allegheny
Township, Antis Township, Bellwood Borough, Blair Township, City of Altoona, Duncansville
Borough, Frankstown Township, Freedom Township, Hollidaysburg Borough, Logan Township
and Blair County.
The function of the Committee to work collectively to achieve our individual and group
needs in addressing Federal and State Stormwater regulations.
In 2017, the Center for Watershed Protection worked with the ISC to develop and submit
a Pollution Reduction Plan that covers all the MS4 permitted jurisdictions in the County.
The Center worked closely with Township and Borough representatives to assemble
geographic data to define the sewersheds and determine existing baseline loads from which to
measure pollutant reductions.
Then, using information provided by the Committee, combined with field observations,
the Center determined the reductions from existing Best Management Practices (BMPs). The
Center evaluated the potential of the BMPs to be retrofitted for cost-effective pollutant
reductions to achieve permit requirements.
The Center provided the Committee with a list of BMPs and the specific calculation
details that achieve the required reductions as part of the final Pollution Reduction Plan.
The Center coordinated a meeting between committee representatives and Department of
Environmental Protection to discuss the specific components of the plan and the load reduction
calculations for specific BMPs.
The Plan was submitted, reviewed, and approved by the DEP. The ISC has since begun
implementation of financing strategies and high priority projects.
The Alliance for the Chesapeake Bay was instrumental in pulling the Stormwater
Committee together and contracted with the Environmental Finance Center of the University of
Maryland to work on funding issues for the Committee. Click Here for the case study developed
from this project.
Other partners in assisting the Stormwater Committee was the National Fish and Wildlife
40
Foundation and American Rivers.
Click Here for more specifics on the ISC Stormwater Committee efforts.
For more information on programs, initiatives, assistance and upcoming events, visit the
Center for Watershed Protection website.
(Reprinted in part from the July 2018 Runoff Rundown newsletter from the Center for Watershed
Protection.)
Related Stories:
Starting Aug. 1
Aug. 10
Wyoming Valley Sanitary Authority Leads MS4 Stormwater Effort To Safe Communities More
Than 50% In Compliance Costs
Counties
Now Open
Take Action:
DCNR, PASA Seeking Recipes For Streams. Trees. Food. Conservation Cookbook Made
With Ingredients Grown In Multi-Use Stream Buffers
The Department of Conservation and Natural Resources and the PA

Association for Sustainable Agriculture are now accepting recipes for a
Streams. Trees. Food. Cookbook to celebrate the diversity of native
foods that can be found growing in multi-use riparian stream buffers.
The deadline for entries is September 7.
The cookbook will share information on native trees and shrubs
that enhance our landscapes, as well as recipes that use the fruits and
nuts produced in stream buffers.
The species such as elderberries, walnuts, and Pawpaw they hope
you will include in the recipes are suitable to integrating into riparian
buffers-- protective vegetative areas near streams-- wildlife plantings, or
hedges.
A listing of suggested fruits, nuts and syrups are included in the cookbook entry
webpage. Part of the entry includes information on whether you currently grow these products.
The groups invite you to submit your favorite recipes that include berries, fruits, and nuts
41
that are native to Pennsylvania and the mid-Atlantic region.
They hope is that by sharing recipes, they can encourage productive conservation and
reconnect to native bounty.
Click Here for all the details and information on how to submit your entry.
To learn more about multi-use riparian buffers, visit DCNR’s Forest Buffers Along
Waterways webpage.
Buffer Grants
DCNR and the PA Infrastructure Investment Authority will be accepting grant
applications starting August 1 through September 28 to help landowners install multifunctional
riparian forest stream buffers. Click Here for more. Click Here to watch an archived webinar
about the grants. Questions can be directed to Kelly Rossiter by sending email to:
krossiter@pa.gov or by calling 717-772-3319.
For more information on state parks and forests and recreation in Pennsylvania, visit
DCNR’s 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.
More information on programs, initiatives and upcoming events related to sustainable
agriculture is available at the PA Association for Sustainable Agriculture website.
Related Stories:
Starting Aug. 1
Aug. 10
Cleaner Water
Counties
Take Action:
Trout Unlimited, Forest Service Stream Design Approach For Aquatic Organism Passage
Workshop Oct. 22-26 In State College
Trout Unlimited and the U.S. Forest Service are

hosting a Stream Simulation Design Approach for
Providing Aquatic Organism Passage At
42
Road-Stream Crossings Training Workshop on October 22-26 at the Toftrees Resort and
Conference Center in State College.
The workshop will present the USDA Forest Service’s stream simulation method, an
ecosystem-based approach for designing and constructing a channel through the road-stream
crossing structure that reestablishes physical and ecological continuity along the stream corridor.
There is no registration fee. There is a 60 person maximum for the Workshop.
Lodging is available for $79/night (+tax) at the Toftrees Resort and Conference Center.
Reservations must be made by calling Toftrees at 1-814-234-8000 and mentioning “US Forest
Service Training” for the group rate.
Click Here to download a flyer on the Workshop. Click Here to download the Workshop
agenda.
To register for the workshop, return the spreadsheet with your name, affiliation, phone
number, email and title on the spreadsheet registration form as soon as possible to Amanda
Kunzmann by email to: akunzmann@fs.fed.us.
Related Stories:
Starting Aug. 1
Aug. 10
Cleaner Water
Counties
Take Action:
Montour Run Watershed Assn. Starts Construction On Milk Run Mine Discharge
Treatment Project In Allegheny County
Construction started recently on the $1.1 million

private-public Milk Run abandoned mine drainage
treatment project in North Fayette Township, Allegheny
County.
The project, spearheaded by the Montour Run
Watershed Association, is designed to annually remove
72,000 pounds of acid and 7,000 pounds of aluminum
43
from the MKR3 abandoned mine drainage.
Earth moving and construction equipment are being moved to the site this week followed
by the start of construction.
All necessary permits for construction of the passive treatment system have been
obtained by MRWA's contractor, BioMost, Inc. After delaying the start of work due to the
excessively wet spring, clearing of vegetation at the site began in early July.
This project was made possible with funding by Range Resources Corporation
($949,089), the federal Office of Surface Mining Reclamation and Enforcement ($180,000), and
The Foundation for Pennsylvania Watersheds ($20,000).
The Department of Environmental Protection; the Allegheny County Conservation
District; the not-for-profit Stream Restorations, Inc.; Independence Conservancy; landowners
Continental Communities, LLC and Great Rentals, LLC; and the Washington County
Conservation District have also been instrumental in seeing the project come to fruition.
BioMost, Inc., a design-build firm that specializes in passive treatment systems and has
constructed other facilities within the Montour Run Watershed.
For more information on the Montour Run watershed and other MRWA projects, visit the
Montour Run Watershed Association website.
(Photo: MKR3 abandoned mine discharge.)
Resource Link:
Milk Run Abandoned Mine Drainage System Project
Related Story:
Montour Run Watershed Moving Forward With $1.1M Mine Water Treatment Project In
Allegheny County
Related Stories From This Week:
Starting Aug. 1
Aug. 10
Cleaner Water
Counties
Take Action:
PA Sea Grant Program Receives $800,000 For Aquatic Invasive Species Prevention,
44
Control Projects
The PA Sea Grant Program Friday announced it

has received an $800,000 grant from the U.S. Fish
and Wildlife Service will support a two-year
effort to control and prevent the spread of aquatic
invasive species across Pennsylvania, with an
emphasis on the Lake Erie Basin.
The funding, through the Great Lakes Restoration
Initiative, supports efforts to implement
Pennsylvania’s Aquatic Invasive Species (AIS)
Management Plan.
It will directly support nine field projects to prevent or control the spread of aquatic
invasive species, including--
-- Pymatuning Lake: Targeted control of Hydrilla (Hydrilla verticillata) in Pymatuning Lake.
Hydrilla is an aquatic perennial with stems that grow as long as 30 feet. The species, which first
appeared in Pymatuning Lake in 2014, displaces native plants, disrupts fish populations and
tangles in boat propellers.
-- Presque Isle Bay: The removal of red-eared slider turtles from Presque Isle Bay. These
turtles, which most likely were introduced through the pet trade, prevent native species from
using basking sites.
-- Surveys of Natural Heritage Areas within the Lake Erie watershed. These sites, which
contain critical ecological resources such as threatened or endangered species, are at risk to
invasive populations. Survey data can help biologists and conservation officers develop targeted
control and monitoring plans to restore native species.
“This funding is critical to prevent the introduction and spread of aquatic invasive species
in Pennsylvania,” said Sarah Whitney, director of Pennsylvania Sea Grant. “It will enable us to
work on different aspects of the issue, including prevention, early detection, rapid response and
control of aquatic invasive species.”
The U.S. Fish and Wildlife funding will allow Pennsylvania Sea Grant to develop a
consistent and coordinated approach to controlling aquatic invasive species outbreaks across the
state by training resource managers to implement Pennsylvania’s AIS Rapid Response Plan.
The grant also includes funding for the continued development of an online database and
mapping program that will record aquatic invasive species threats across the Great Lakes
watersheds.
The Western Pennsylvania Conservancy will lead that project and coordinate targeted
control of aquatic invasive species – including plants that impact water resources – in the Lake
Erie watershed.
Additional funding will be used to develop a smartphone app for “Pennsylvania’s Field
Guide to Aquatic Invasive Species,” a resource developed by Pennsylvania Sea Grant in 2013.
The app will serve as a mobile companion to the printed guide, which is used by
conservation officers, biologists, volunteer monitors and others who work in Pennsylvania
waters.
“Preventing the spread of aquatic invasive species is the first priority, and everyone can
help in that effort,” Whitney said. “If you spend time on the water, make sure you don’t move
45
plants or animals from one body of water to another. By taking steps to ‘clean, drain and dry’
equipment, you can reduce the risk of spreading aquatic invasive species.”
The collaborative approach is a key component of the federal grant: The work will be
overseen by Pennsylvania Sea Grant, a partnership of Penn State, the Commonwealth of
Pennsylvania and the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration.
Other agencies and organizations will provide essential support, including the
Department of Conservation and Natural Resources, the Fish and Boat Commission, the Ohio
Department of Natural Resources, the Department of Agriculture, the Crawford County
Conservation District and the Western Pennsylvania Conservancy.
Each of those agencies needs the expertise of the others.
Nearly 200 invasive species already have been found in the Great Lakes, from zebra and
quagga mussels to round gobies and starry stonewort. A new species appears in the watershed
every six to eight months.
Click Here to learn more about aquatic invasive species.
Pennsylvania Sea Grant is part of a national network of 33 Sea Grant Colleges and
Universities, which develop research and promote education, training and extension projects
geared toward the conservation and practical use of the coastlines, watersheds, and Great Lakes.
Penn State Erie-The Behrend College, administers the Pennsylvania Sea Grant College
Program.
(Photo: Removal of hydrilla.)
NewsClips:
PA Sea Grant Receives Money To Fight Invasive Species
Pitt’s Latest Weed Eaters Are Quiet, And Adorable Too
Editorial: Wildlife At Risk From Trump Administration
Related Stories:
Fish & Boat Commission Issues Alert To Contain Invasive New Zealand Mudsnail In Lehigh
County
PA Sea Grant Program Awards Nearly $1 Million In Aquatic And Watershed Research Grants
DCNR Blog: Managing Healthy Lakes To Support Thriving Wildlife And Recreation
PA Lake Management Society Offers Mini-Grants To Reduce Nutrient Loading, Address
Invasive Species [Deadline August 17.]
[Posted: July 27 2018]
The Department of Environmental Protection published notice in the July 28 PA Bulletin of the
opportunity to plug gas wells in Clearfield 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
46
proposals for construction projects in State Parks and State Forests available online. Click Here
for the list.
Related Stories:
Exploring Urban Ecology With The Academy Of Natural Sciences Aug. 22 In Philadelphia
The Academy of Natural Sciences Of Drexel

University will host an Exploring Urban Ecology
With The Academy on August 22 at The Academy of
Natural Sciences, 1900 Benjamin Franklin Parkway in
Philadelphia from 6:00 to 8:00 p.m.
Find out how the Academy of Natural
Sciences – the oldest natural science research
institution and museum in America – makes an impact
on the world today and turns the city of Philadelphia
into a laboratory for studying biodiversity and
environmental challenges.
President Scott Cooper will share his vision for furthering the Academy’s historic
partnership with Drexel, and researchers will give guests an inside look into how they’re
working with Drexel students, faculty and co-ops to build knowledge, spark curiosity, and
inspire solutions to ensure a healthy future.
Speakers include:
-- Scott Cooper, PhD, President, Academy of Natural Sciences
-- Rick McCourt, PhD, (moderator)Professor, Department of Biodiversity, Earth &
Environmental Science, Associate Curator of Botany & Director of the Center for Systematic
Biology and Evolution, Academy of Natural Sciences of Drexel University
-- Greg Cowper, Curatorial Assistant in the Department of Entomology at ANS
-- Stefanie Kroll, PhD, Assistant Research Professor in the Department of Biodiversity, Earth &
Environmental Science at Drexel, and Project Science Director and Acting Macroinvertebrate
Section Leader at the Patrick Center of Environmental Research at ANS
-- Roger Thomas, Section Leader at the Patrick Center for Environmental Research at ANS.
Academy of Natural Sciences Of Drexel University website.
Keep Norristown Beautiful Becomes Newest Keep America Beautiful Affiliate In PA
On July 12, Keep Norristown Beautiful in Montgomery

County became the 14th Keep America Beautiful
affiliate in Pennsylvania. The certification of this new
affiliate marked the culmination of a public-
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private-civic partnership process that began in late 2017.
Keep Norristown Beautiful initiated the affiliate process by conducting Keep America
Beautiful’s Community Appearance Index (CAI), which is done to gather data annually by
surveying a random, statistical sample of roadways.
Keep Norristown Beautiful based its CAI on different neighborhoods across the city. The
annual results will be used to develop a local plan to change attitudes and behaviors regarding
litter, recycling, beautification, and related issues.
Brandon Ford, Special Assistant to the Municipal Administrator, serves as Executive
Director for the Keep Norristown Beautiful affiliate.
“We are extremely proud and appreciative of this opportunity to partner with Keep
America Beautiful and Keep Pennsylvania Beautiful to form KNB as the first local affiliate in
Montgomery County. The creation of Keep Norristown Beautiful was guided by the vision of the
Municipal Council and positions both Council and the Municipal staff to more effectively
collaborate with residents, local businesses, and other organizations to address environmental
issues in our community,” said Crandall Jones, Municipal Administrator of Norristown.
“Keep Norristown Beautiful has already hit the ground running with an overwhelmingly
successful community-wide clean-up event this past Spring, an equipment sharing program that
is in place to connect residents with the tools they need to organize their own neighborhood
events, and a planned riparian buffer restoration project with the local Audubon Center, William
Penn Foundation, and Norristown Area School District at our Riverfront Park later this summer,”
Jones added.
“Keep Pennsylvania Beautiful congratulates and welcomes Keep Norristown Beautiful.
By affiliating with Keep America Beautiful, Keep Norristown Beautiful will have access to the
tools, resources and program opportunities KAB has to offer,” explained Shannon Reiter,
President of Keep Pennsylvania Beautiful.
Keep Norristown Beautiful is a coalition dedicated to empowering people to make a
difference in Norristown through conservation, education, and beautification efforts.
The organization is a program of the Municipality of Norristown, completely funded
through a recycling rewards program, and consists of an Executive Director to oversee
operations and an advisory board representing Norristown’s Municipal Council, the Norristown
Chamber of Commerce, the John James Audubon Center at Mill Grove, and other community
leaders.
The group’s overall strategic plan for the next three years includes litter control and
education, recycling, combating illegal dumping, and community wide cleanup programs.
For more information, visit the Keep Norristown Beautiful webpage or contact Brandon
Ford, Executive Director, by sending email to: knb@norristown.org.
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 KPB’s Electronics Waste website.
(Photo: First Row-- S ue Smith, National Trainer, Keep America Beautiful; Councilwoman
Valerie Scott-Cooper; Councilwoman O livia Brady; Brandon Ford, Executive Director, Keep
Norristown Beautiful; Kym Ramsey, President, Norristown Chamber of Commerce; G eorge
48
Nave, Superintendent Norristown Public Works; Second Row-- Carrie Barron, Assistant
Director & Communications Manager, John James Audubon Center at Mill Grove; H eidi
Pedicone, Director of Programs, Keep Pennsylvania Beautiful; and R
ashaad Bates, KNB
Advisory Board Member.)
NewsClips:
Hopey: Survey Finds Hundreds Of Illegal Dumps In Allegheny County
Keep Norristown Beautiful Becomes Affiliate Of Keep America Beautiful
Meet The Garbage Lady, Others Cleaning Up Pittsburgh’s North Side
Group Clears Trash Along Little Juniata
Letter: Cigarette Smokers Are Trashing Scenic Erie Bayfront
Editorial: Dangers Of Illegal Dumps
Editorial: Stop Using The World As Your Cigarette-Butt Can
Volunteers Of America Seeks Public’s Help To Combat Illegal Dumping In Luzerne
Related Stories:
Clinton County CleanScapes Completes 120th Cleanup With Many Partners, Volunteers
Save The Date: French Creek Watershed Cleanup Sept. 8 In Crawford County
Speaker Turzai To Host Free Prescription Drug Take Back & Paper Shredding Event Aug. 8 In
Pittsburgh
PA Resources Council 2017 Annual Report Highlights Work In Litter Prevention, Collection
Events, Zero Waste, Recycling, Watershed Protection, Education
DEP: Application Complete For Phase II Elcon Hazardous Waste Treatment, Storage Facility In
Bucks County
Northeast Recycling Council Fall Conference Oct. 30-31, The Future Of MRFs
On Thursday, Clinton County CleanScapes

Executive Director Elisabeth Lynch McCoy
provided an update on CleanScapes recent
activities in their July newsletter, including the
120th cleanup completed by the group since
2010. Here’s her report--
Lycoming County Ridge & Valley
Homecoming
CleanScapes is the Clinton and Lycoming
County affiliate member of Keep Pennsylvania
Beautiful (KPB).
Between the years of 2010 through 2011, and as
the CleanScapes Project Director, I was
contracted by KPB to survey every public road
in Clinton and the western portion of Lycoming County.
The eastern Lycoming County survey was performed by the Lycoming County Planning
and Community Development Department.
Our objective was to locate illegal dumpsites on public land and report our findings to
49
KPB. We did not document dump piles generated on private property. The survey focused on
sites where unassuming landowners — both public and private — are the victim of illegal
dumping activities.
With funding provided by the PA Department of Environmental Protection, KPB’s
statewide mission began in 2005. In 2013, the Keep Pennsylvania Beautiful Illegal Dump Survey
Program completed surveying every county in the state.
The final report identified 6,487 illegal dumpsites containing an estimated 18,516.83 tons
of trash. The report can be viewed here.
Final results for CleanScapes territory:
-- 50 dumpsites were located in Clinton County and 50 were located in Lycoming County;
-- Total calculated tons of trash in Clinton is documented at 65;
-- Lycoming County total calculated tonnage is 107;
-- The majority of dumpsites are located less than 50 feet from a waterway. Some sites are
“active” – new material is added periodically;
-- Most sites are known as “legacy” dumpsites – the material appears weathered with no new
material added recently.
Six years later, in 2016, I revisited seven of the Lycoming County Sites.
The homecoming road trip was splendid. Slender winding roads lead up, down, and
around forested ridges channeled with free-flowing creeks and out-of-the-way homes and
farmsteads.
And then there they were. Silently, the inanimate objects stared back at me.
Tires, lawn furniture, refrigerators, rain soaked mattresses… They taunted and dared me
to figure out how they were to be removed considering they rested in a ridge valley 50 feet
straight down from my roadside vantage point.
Removed they were. In 2018 CleanScapes returned with a force of 36 community
members.
On April 28th we climbed up, down, and through forested ridge and valley terrain
flushing out 1.73 tons of tires and 1.38 tons of trash in 2 hours.
The combined 3.11 tons (6,220 lbs.) was lifted at least 4 times — raised off the valley
floor then carried, rolled and trudged up to the roadway. From the roadway items were lifted into
a truck bed and then they were unloaded into a roll-off dumpster.
Collectively we lifted 24,880 pounds in 2 hours. Aleve® anyone?
Beaten down? No Way!
At the end of this adventure I experienced emotions that are universally shared when one
completes any purposeful, extreme outdoor challenge. Relief, smiles, captured camaraderie…
and then the self-imposed question returns.
It’s heard by anyone who feels unsettled until they are looking down at the next mountain
of tires to extract, “The next CleanScapes challenge is…?”
Post-script. This event’s success was made possible by the continued support and event
attendance by CleanScapes volunteer participants. They all share a steadfast lack of leniency for
littered landscapes and waterways.
Rounding out the cleanup team was our dedicated and highly-skilled veteran
CleanScapes team “R&R” (Rick Barner and Raymond Mosser) and Joanne Heimer. They attend
events year after year and their work ethic and sense of joy inspires and safely leads the newbies.
We also acknowledge and express our gratitude to the local supervisors of Piatt
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Township and Watson Township. Employees Mark Deitrick, Allen Green and Jim Seltzer drove
trucks and took on refuse transportation responsibilities admirably.
Unloading their trucks was the Lock Haven University “M&M” team made up of Mark
Amoroso from Bethlehem and Michael Mayfield from Port Matilda.
Documenting every item collected was veteran CleanScaper and Mechanicsburg-based
Don Lysle. Assisting me to plan the event was graduate student Patrick Smith from Lock Haven.
The Jersey Shore Ridge and Valley community cleanup funding was provided by a 2017
grant awarded to CleanScapes from the Roscoe M. & Edith M. Wolf Fund at the First
Community Foundation Partnership of Pennsylvania.
Event insurance was sponsored by the Clinton County Community Foundation.
Supplemental funding was provided by CleanScapes’ $100+ 2018 cleanup event sponsorship
donations; American Legion Post 36, Elizabeth Brobst, Fraternal Order of Eagles No. 970, Let
George Do It, City of Lock Haven, Judith and Thomas Leidy, Loyalsock Creek Watershed
Association, Brenda and Donald Lysle, Trout Unlimited-Lloyd Wilson Ch. 224, Pine Creek
Twp., Pinerows LLC, Sons of Italy No. 146, and Wayne Twp.
Partners providing discounts and donations were A-1 Portable Toilets in Montoursville,
Pizza 2 Go in Jersey Shore, Nan’s Donuts in Loganton, Wayne Twp. Landfill/Solid Waste
Authority, Keep PA Beautiful and PennDOT Dist. 2.
Thank you all for making our 120th clean up event fun and successful!
Click Here for more photos from the column.
Next Cleanup
The next Clinton County CleanScapes cleanup will be on September 8 -- West Branch
Susquehanna River in Colebrook and Bald Eagle Townships.
For more information on programs, initiatives, upcoming events, visit the Clinton County
CleanScapes website.
NewsClips:
Related Stories:
Pittsburgh
Bucks County
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The French Creek Valley Conservancy will

hold its annual French Creek Cleanup on
September 8 with a volunteer picnic at the
Cochranton County Fair Grounds, 125 Pearl
Street in Cochranton, Crawford County.
Join the biggest day of volunteer stewardship
in the French Creek watershed!
It’s year 26 for the Annual French Creek
Cleanup! Once again, volunteers will come
together on the first Saturday after Labor Day
to make the French Creek watershed an even
better place to live, work, and play!
Any waterway in the French Creek Watershed is fair game-- trash all flows downstream,
after all! You can walk the banks or walk in shallow tributaries, or where appropriate, you can
clean by kayak or canoe!
Your team can start cleaning any time the morning you would like on the day of the
Cleanup.
After cleaning your section of the watershed, bring your trash to the Cochranton
Fairgrounds for the Volunteer Picnic and Weigh-In, both which begin at noon, but you must
weigh in by 4:00 to be considered for prizes.
While you’re cleaning, keep your eye out for that unique find and bring this special
treasure to the picnic for a Most Unusual Find contest! The picnic goes until 4:30.
Click Here to register or for more information.
For more information on programs, initiatives, other upcoming events and how you can
get involved, visit the French Creek Valley Conservancy website.
NewsClips:
Related Stories:
Pittsburgh
52
Bucks County
Speaker Turzai To Host Free Prescription Drug Take Back & Paper Shredding Event Aug.
8 In Pittsburgh
House Speaker Mike Turzai (R-Allegheny) will be

teaming up with the Town of McCandless Police
Department to host a free Prescription Drug Take Back
Day on August 8 at the McKnight Elementary
School/North Allegheny Intermediate parking lots at 500
Cumberland Road in Pittsburgh from 4:00 to 6:00 p.m.
“Prescription Drug Take Back Day aims to provide a
safe, convenient and responsible means of disposing of
prescription drugs, while also educating the public about
the potential for abuse of medications,” said Speaker
Turzai. “To reduce the risk of these drugs falling into the wrong hands, it’s important that you
clean out your medicine cabinet and properly dispose your unwanted and expired medicines.”
Medications that will be accepted for the event include prescription medications,
over-the-counter drugs, pet medications, patches, vitamins and supplements, and inhalers.
Those items not approved for disposal include IV bags, blood or infectious waste,
nebulizers, oxygen tanks and mercury thermometers.
In addition to the drug disposal service, the event will serve as a location to shred
confidential documents properly. Residents can drop off three to five boxes per household of
unwanted documents that contain personal information.
The materials to be shredded should not include newspapers, magazines or books. Paper
clips and staples need not be removed before shredding. This event is for personal shredding
only.
“By shredding paperwork that contains birth dates, Social Security numbers, bank
account information and other sensitive or identifying information, we can better protect
ourselves from identity thieves,” said Speaker Turzai. “I encourage area residents to take
advantage of this free service.”
For more information, call Speaker Turzai’s district office at 412-369-2230.
NewsClips:
Drug Take-Back Van In Susquehanna County Keeps Leftover Prescriptions Off The Streets
Related Stories:
53
Bucks County
PA Resources Council 2017 Annual Report Highlights Work In Litter Prevention,

Collection Events, Zero Waste, Recycling, Watershed Protection, Education
The PA Resources Council Thursday released a

copy of its 2017 Annual Report which highlights
the Council’s accomplishments in litter prevention,
household hazardous waste and hard-to-recycle
collection events, zero waste services, watershed
protection, education and much more.
Among the 2017 highlights are--
-- Celebrating the 15th anniversary of PRC’s hard
to recycle and household chemical events, which
collected 700,000+ pounds of electronic waste,
tires, household chemicals and more — solidifying
PRC’s position as the leader in this important area;
-- Hosting successful Act 101 recycling roundtables
at both ends of the Commonwealth that engaged recycling industry stakeholders and local
citizens in discussions about the future of funding recycling in Pennsylvania;
-- Expanding PRC’s work in watershed stewardship and stormwater management as a partner in
the William Penn Foundation Delaware River Watershed Initiative;
-- Reaching approximately 600,000 citizens via Zero Waste Pennsylvania at community events,
institutions and more;
-- Engaging 1,000+ citizens from 87 neighborhoods regarding litter prevention and community
cleanups through Not in Philly — a project nominated for a SustainPHL Award;
-- Initiating the Stream Smart Stormwater House Call Audit Program and conducting 45 audits in
the Darby-Cobbs Watershed to educate property owners on best practices to manage stormwater
and protect local water quality;
-- Installing 10 rain gardens in Haverford Township through the Hav-a-Rain Garden Program;
-- Hosting a sell-out crowd at PRC’s 3rd annual Wild & Scenic Film Festival held in partnership
with Allegheny CleanWays.
Click Here for a copy of the report.
Of course, all this would not have been possible without the hard work and dedication of
PRC’s former Executive Director Robert Jondreau who passed away in May.
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
54
on Facebook. Click Here for PRC’s Events Calendar. Click Here to support their work.
Related Stories:
Pittsburgh
Bucks County
Register now for the Northeast Recycling

Council Fall Conference October 30-31 at the
Sheraton Hartford South Hotel in Rocky Hill,
Connecticut
Given the variety of factors impacting
recycling markets, it's the perfect time to
discuss The Future of MRFs. The Conference
will feature sessions presented by some of the most well-respected names in sustainable
materials management. They include:
-- The State & Future of Northeast MRFs - Perspectives on the changing landscape and
anticipated future for the region’s MRFs
-- Bob Cappadona, Vice President, Casella Recycling, LLC
-- Susan Robinson, Federal Public Affairs Director & Director of Public Sector Services,
Waste Management
-- Frank Chimera, Area Senior Manager, Municipal Sales, Republic Services
-- Trends & Economics – How MRFs can succeed given the challenging economics they are
facing today and in the future
-- Eileen Berenyi, President, Governmental Advisory Associates (GAA)
-- Michael Timpane, Principal & Vice President Process Optimization & Material Recovery,
Resource Recycling Systems (RRS)
--Mitch Kessler, Principal, Kessler Consulting, Inc.
-- Operations Safety & Technology - Lithium batteries & fires; robotics; and more…
Lithium Batteries in the Recycling Stream – Todd Ellis, Northeast Regional Account Manager,
Call2Recycle
-- MRF Fire Trends - Ryan Fogelman,Vice President National Accounts, Fire Rover
Technology & Future Economics - Nat Egosi, President & Chief Executive Officer, RRT Design
and Construction
-- Impact of Growing Ecommerce - Shifting materials streams and potential implications and
solutions for future recycling systems
-- Implications of Ecommerce for Packaging Recovery Systems - Kyla Fisher, Program
Manager, Ameripen
55
-- Tackling Contamination - Clear messaging and other strategies to engage the public and
monitor contamination
-- CT MRFs Get Involved – (TBD)
-- Municipalities & MRF’s Working Together – Chris Coady, Technical Assistance Specialist,
Recycling Partnership
-- Measuring Contamination – John Culbertson, Vice President, MSW Consultant
Click Here for the agenda.
To register and more information, visit the Northeast Recycling Council Fall Conference
webpage.
NewsClips:
Kummer: Why Recycling Is Now A Money Loser, Not A Moneymaker For Philly
WITF Smart Talk: China Not Taking Recyclables Impacts Midstate
(Possible) Future Of Electronics Recycling Laws In Pennsylvania
Union County Residents Can Bring Household Hazardous Waste To Collection Event Aug. 4
Yukon Landfill Owner Plans Expansion In Westmoreland
Harmar Quashes Plan To Offer Free Garbage Collection To Residents
Aramark Vows To Reduce Single-Use Disposable Plastics By 2022
Related Stories:
Pittsburgh
Bucks County
DEP: Application Complete For Phase II Elcon Hazardous Waste Treatment, Storage
Facility In Bucks County
The Department of Environmental Protection Thursday announced it has determined the Phase II
Part B portion of Elcon Recycling Services, LLC’s commercial hazardous waste treatment and
storage facility application in Falls Township, Bucks County to be administratively complete.
The application will now undergo a 10-month technical review which will include
opportunities for public participation.
DEP conducted a series of administrative completeness reviews on the hazardous waste
application, resulting in two DEP administrative deficiency letters dated May 30, 2017, and
January 9, 2018.
In response to those review letters, Elcon supplemented the application with responses
received by DEP on October 13, 2017, and May 9, 2018.
The responses were intended to address the comments noted in DEP’s two administrative
56
deficiency letters and supplemented the application by providing additional information and/or
revisions to pages, forms, reports or drawings submitted in the application.
Additional DEP application submittals are expected for this project.
A copy of the hazardous waste application, correspondence on the project, opportunities
for public participation, as well as other project updates can be found at DEP’s Elcon Permit
webpage.
Related Stories:
Pittsburgh
DEP Committee Discusses Regulating VOCs, Ammonia In Allegheny, Delaware, Lebanon

Counties Aug. 2
The DEP Air Quality Technical Advisory Committee is scheduled to meet on August 2 to
discuss changes to Chapters 121 and 127 that would regulate volatile organic compounds and
ammonia as precursors to fine particulate matter (PM2.5) in Allegheny, Delaware and Lebanon
counties.
Those three counties have been designated as nonattainment areas for PM2.5, although
DEP is preparing maintenance plans and attainment redesignation requests to be submitted to
EPA for Delaware and Lebanon counties and Allegheny County Health Department is doing the
same for Allegheny County.
The meeting is in Room 105 of the Rachel Carson Building starting at 9:15. Click Here
to register to attend the meeting by webinar. A call-in option is also being provided: Call in
Number 1-650-479-3208, Access Code/Event Number (if necessary) 643 126 832, Event
Password (if necessary) GaQnvE@7.
For more information and available handouts, visit DEP’s Air Quality Technical
Advisory Committee webpage. Questions should be directed to Kirit Dalal, 717-772-3436, or
send email to: kdalal@pa.gov.
NewsClips:
Sustainable Pittsburgh Challenge Workshop: Engaging Employees & Community For

Lasting Change Aug. 16
57
Sustainable Pittsburgh will host a Workshop on
Engaging Employees and Community For Lasting
Change on August 16 at the Energy Innovation
Center, Room 115, 1435 Bedford Avenue in
Pittsburgh from 8:30 to 11:30 a.m.
Many sustainability initiatives require team effort,
whether among employees within your organization,
or as a broader community.
Join Sustainable Pittsburgh for this workshop to
uncover how other organizations have successfully
engaged employees to reduce waste, improve
commuter impacts, reduce energy and water consumption, and more.
Learn how to incorporate sustainability principles into existing employee engagement
initiatives, and how organizations can benefit through collaboration.
Then, join the Sustainable Pittsburgh Challenge team in a few fun engagement activities
that you can use in your own organization.
For more information on programs, initiatives and upcoming events, visit the Sustainable
Pittsburgh website. Click Here to sign up for regular updates. Like them on Facebook, Follow
them on Twitter. Click Here to support their work.
To learn more about green innovation in the Pittsburgh Region, visit the Pittsburgh Green
Story website.
Related Story:
Help Wanted: Sustainable Pittsburgh Executive Director
PUC: Utility Consumers Begin Receiving Federal Tax Reform Savings Of $400+ Million
Per Year
The Public Utility Commission Friday reported consumers across the state have begun receiving
savings on their utility bills – triggered by changes in federal tax rates – now valued at more than
$400 million per year.
Earlier this year the PUC ordered 17 major electric, natural gas, and water and
wastewater utilities to begin adding credits or “negative surcharges” to monthly customer bills,
effective with their July 2018 bills, because of substantial decreases in federal corporate tax rates
and other tax changes under the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act (TCJA) of 2017.
Based on original estimates, the tax savings were expected to reduce consumer bills by
approximately $320 million per year, but those calculations have since been revised upward.
Utilities are are now expected to return $400 million in annual savings.
The Commission’s action followed an extensive investigation into the effects of federal
tax reform on the rates charged by Commission-regulated utilities-- which, among other things,
reflect annual taxes owed both to the federal and state governments.
Under the PUC’s order, electric utilities will be returning $277 million per year to
consumers, which will result in an average reduction of 4.74 percent in distribution charges on
58
monthly bills; natural gas utilities will be returning nearly $83 million per year, reducing
monthly distribution charges by an average of 4.92 percent; and water/wastewater utilities will
be returning almost $40 million per year to their customers, resulting in an average 2.57 percent
reduction in monthly distribution charges.
The percentage decrease in distribution charges varies from utility to utility, depending
on the revenue and tax impact for each utility. The actual dollar savings for consumers will vary
depending on their individual usage and rate class.
Public utilities required to return federal tax savings to consumers include Citizens’
Electric Company of Lewisburg, Metropolitan Edison Company, Pennsylvania Electric
Company, Pennsylvania Power Company, Pike County Light & Power Company, PPL Electric
Utilities Corporation, Wellsboro Electric Company, West Penn Power Company, PECO Energy
Company (Gas Division), National Fuel Gas Distribution Corporation, Peoples Gas Company
LLC, Peoples Natural Gas Company LLC - Equitable Division, UGI Central Penn Gas Inc., UGI
Penn Natural Gas Inc., UGI Utilities, Inc.- Gas Division, Pennsylvania-American Water
Company and Pennsylvania-American Water Company - Wastewater.
Additionally, several other utilities were not required to take immediate action because
they currently have rate cases pending before the Commission, and any tax savings will be
considered as part of the broader evaluation of their rates.
These include UGI Utilities, Inc. (Electric), Columbia Gas of Pennsylvania, Inc.,
Duquesne Light Company, PECO Energy Company (Electric), York Water Company, Suez
Water Pennsylvania, Inc. and Aqua Pennsylvania, Inc.
Click Here for a PUC listing of returns by each utility.
Construction Complete On Hummel Station Power Plant Coal To Natural Gas

Replacement In Snyder County
Bechtel Monday announced it has completed the

Hummel Station Power Plant in Shamokin Dam, Snyder
County for Panda Power Funds.
The 1,124-megawatt natural gas-fueled combined-cycle
power facility will supply electricity to more than 1
million homes in the region.
Bechtel provided project management, engineering,
procurement, construction, and startup services for the
plant, while its consortium partner, Siemens, was
responsible for core power elements, including the
natural gas and steam turbines, generators, and heat recovery steam generators.
"Bechtel and Panda Power Funds have powered millions of homes with cleaner, natural
gas transforming the region," said Andy Gillespie, operations manager for Bechtel's global
Infrastructure business. "Hummel Station is the fifth facility we've built together, bringing
cleaner energy and jobs to communities across the United States. I would like to thank all team
members for their commitment and hard work on delivering this world-class facility."
The Hummel Station power facility is located at the site of the retired Sunbury coal-fired
power plant, and is one of the largest coal-to-natural gas power replacement projects in the
59
United States.
The project created approximately 1,000 construction jobs, and the plant will retain more
than 30 long-term jobs to support its operation.
"The systems and people Bechtel mobilized to the Hummel Station site were the best of
the best. They brought strong, recent experience from other Panda projects," said Royce
Stricklan, Panda Power Funds, Hummel Station project manager. "This experience and resource
depth was illustrated in their overall execution and responses to the challenging situations you
face on projects of this magnitude."
(Photo: DEP Secretary Visits Nearly Complete Panda Hummel Natural Gas Power Plant In
Snyder County.)
NewsClips:
Final Permit Issued For Natural Gas-Fired Hatfield’s Ferry Power Plant In Greene County
Natural Gas Power Plant In Jessup Eyes The Finish Line
PA’s Largest Natural Gas-Fired Power Plant In Jessup Now Partially Online
Northampton County Offers Financial Support For Fish-Friendly Hydropower Plant In Easton
Pennsylvania Plans On Solar Future
Russian Hackers Infiltrated Utility Control Rooms, DHS Says
How Vulnerable Is The Grid To Cyberattacks, Really?
Related Stories:
Food & Water Watch Issues List Of 48 New, Planned Natural Gas-Fired Power Plants In PA
U.S. EIA: Pennsylvania To Add 5.2 Gigawatts Of Natural Gas-Fired Electric Generating
Capacity In 2018
PUC Releases Summer Readiness Reports; PA Added 1.247 Gigawatts Of New Electric
Generation
The PA Wilds Center for Entrepreneurship, Inc. Monday

announced it has received a $32,800 grant from West
Penn Power Sustainable Energy Fund to develop, produce,
and distribute educational videos that showcase the
deployment of sustainable energy technologies and their
impact in the Pennsylvania Wilds region.
“Sustainable energy and stewardship is a core theme of
the PA Wilds work; our brand principles talk about the
importance of ‘cultivating the relationship between people
and the environment’ and the PA Wilds Design Guide
promotes practical, energy efficient building designs,” said Tataboline Enos, Executive Director
of the PA Wilds Center. “So many people on the ground are carrying the torch of sustainability
and stewardship in the Pennsylvania Wilds, from the private sector to the public sector, and
private citizens.
“We’re excited to have WPPSEF’s continued support to help tell stories of sustainable
energy work in the region and its impact,” added Enos.
The PA Wilds Center is planning the locations and subjects for filming this year,
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focusing on feature sites in the Pennsylvania Wilds that showcase the deployment of sustainable
energy technologies with a demonstrated positive impact. The videos will debut in 2019.
“The video format allows us to really tell a story, both in words and visually, on the
power of sustainable energy practices and to build awareness and understanding,” said Enos.
“Consider how many of our communities and small businesses struggle with how to revamp
these old buildings in our downtowns. These structures have so much character but they can be a
real challenge to bring up to code and make energy efficient on a small business’ budget.
“We know there are folks in the region working on this, and WPPSEF is a resource to
some of those projects, so that is a subject we hope to start to capture – how are they doing it,
what’s working?” explained Enos. “There are powerful stories to be told, and we’re grateful to
have the platforms and financial support to tell them.”
WPPSEF has teamed up with PA Wilds Center in the past, helping it create marketing
materials to better tell the story of several high-performance conservation visitor facilities that
have come online in the Pennsylvania Wilds in the past few years.
Those facilities include the Elk Country Visitor Center, Wildlife Center at
Sinnemahoning State Park, Bald Eagle Nature Inn and the visitor center at Kinzua Bridge State
Park.
All of the facilities are owned by the Department of Conservation and Natural Resources,
a longtime partner in the effort to grow nature tourism in the region. WPPSEF also featured PA
Wilds Center as part of its Quiet Ones video series.
“WPPSEF’s ‘Quiet Ones’ video series actually inspired us to start a multi-year video
series of our own to help tell the Wilds story through the great work of our many community
partners,” Enos said. “People and organizations in our region are marrying conservation and
economic development in the most incredible, innovative, practical and inspiring ways, and we
really look forward to telling that overarching story and helping spread their good ideas and best
practices.
“We plan to call the series “The Wilds Are Working” – a nod to the fact that we are hard
at work here in rural PA, figuring out how to revitalize our communities,” said Enos. “With
WPPSEF’s help, we’ll be able to focus in on a few energy- themed stories. There are many other
topics important to the Wilds work, and we look forward to tackling those in coming years, too,
with other funders’ support.”
“The WPPSEF is a proud supporter of the PA Wilds Center’s efforts to showcase
sustainable energy across the PA Wilds landscape,” said Joel Morrison, WPPSEF Director. “We
hope that these videos will be inspire communities, businesses, and individuals across the PA
Wilds region to think about their energy choices and how that choice will impact the region and
their families.”
The Pennsylvania Wilds region includes the counties of Warren, Forest, Elk, Potter,
McKean, Tioga, Clinton, Lycoming, Clearfield, Jefferson, Cameron and Clarion, Northern
Centre.
Learn more about the programs and services for communities by visiting the PA Wilds
Center website.
For more information on sustainable practices in State Parks and Forests, visit DCNR’s
Sustainable Practices webpage. For more on green practices for community parks, visit DCNR’s
Green and Sustainable Community Parks webpage.
(Photo: Wildlife Center at Sinnemahoning State Park, Potter County.)
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NewsClips:
Solarize Philly Celebrates 150 Homes Switching To Solar, More To Come
Scranton Solar Company Eyes National Market
WITF Smart Talk: Finding PA’s Solar Future
Related Stories:
Phipps Conservatory & Botanical Gardens Recognized For Global Sustainability Leadership
Fix That
Consumption By 2030
Quaker Valley Council Of Governments Conducting Statewide Municipal Solar Initiative

Survey
The Quaker Valley Council of Governments in

Western PA is now conducting a statewide
Municipal Solar Initiative Survey to estimate the
interest and potential for aggregate solar
purchasing.
Quaker Valley is being assisted by
Solbridge Energy Advisors to determine the
operational and savings potential of small solar
installations distributed across a wide area.
Participation in the survey is open to local
governments in Pennsylvania and completion of the survey is not an obligation to conduct any
program or make any purchase.
Click Here to watch a video about the benefits of Municipal Solar.
The Quaker Valley COG includes Aleppo Township, Avalon Borough, Bell Acres
Borough, Bellevue Borough, Ben Avon Borough, Edgeworth Borough, Emsworth Borough,
Glen Osborne Borough, Glenfield Borough, Haysville Borough, Kilbuck Township, Leet
Township, Leetsdale Borough, Sewickley Borough and Sewickley Heights Borough.
To participate in the survey or learn more, visit the Quaker Valley COG Municipal Solar
Initiative Survey webpage.
(Photo: Doylestown, Bucks County municipal solar installation.)
NewsClips:
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Related Stories:
Fix That
Consumption By 2030
According to a new report released Thursday by the

PennEnvironment Research & Policy Center,
Pennsylvania has seen major increases in the amount of
electricity it gets from the sun and wind since 2008, but
the report shows that there’s still a long way to go for the
state to become a national leader.
The report, Renewables on the Rise: A Decade of
Progress Positions America for a 100% Renewable
Future, provides a state-by-state assessment of the
growth of key technologies needed to power the nation with clean, renewable energy, including
wind, solar, energy efficiency, energy storage and electric vehicles.
Within these categories, Pennsylvania ranked 18 out of all fifty states for solar electricity
generation, 19th for wind electricity generation, 11th for efficiency, 15th for number of electric
vehicles sold, and 8th for increase in battery storage.
This demonstrates that the Commonwealth is making significant headway in some areas,
but continues to lag overall as clean energy continues to grow nationwide.
Only 2.7 percent of Pennsylvania’s total energy comes from wind and solar generation -
ranking Pennsylvania 34th in the country.
"This report gives Pennsylvania a mixed report card," stated Kelly Flanigan, Global
Warming Solutions Associate for PennEnvironment Research & Policy Center. "There are
certainly some sectors where Pennsylvania is in the top tier like energy storage and electric cars,
but the state has some real work to do to tap into the growing solar and wind potential with its
average rankings."
The report describes the factors that lead to growth in each category since 2008,
including policies, improved technologies, and lower costs. All of this points to the potential for
continued rapid growth in the years to come.
“We’ve built a good foundation, working in a bipartisan fashion in Harrisburg to pass
new laws to improve Pennsylvania’s solar programs and to create new energy conservation
programs over the past year,” said Flanigan. “But Pennsylvania must build on that foundation
and pass House Bill 2132 (Rabb-D-Philadelphia) and Senate Bill 1140 (McIlhinney-R-Bucks),
which will require Pennsylvania to transition to 100 percent renewable energy by 2050.”
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“As Pennsylvanians, we have a Constitutionally-protected right to ‘clean air, pure water
and the preservation of the natural, scenic, historic and esthetic values of the environment.’ We
must continue to assert ourselves in defending and supporting those rights,” said Sen. Andy
Dinniman (D-Chester). “I want to thank PennEnvironment for being a statewide leader in those
efforts. And rest assured that I will continue to champion and support efforts to promote
renewable energy and resources.”
The report comes as a diverse group of U.S. cities, states, corporations and institutions
commit to 100 percent renewable energy.
In 2015, Hawaii became the first state in the country to set a 100 percent renewable
energy requirement, and similar bills in both Massachusetts and California have cleared major
hurdles this year.
At the local level, 61 American cities, led by a mix of Republican and Democratic
mayors, have committed to that goal, including Pennsylvania municipalities like West Chester,
Downingtown, and others. Local universities are also on the path to 100 percent renewable
energy.
“West Chester University, with commitments documented in our Climate Action Plan
and Strategic Plan, is working to reduce our carbon emissions from all sources of energy,” said
Brad Flamm, Director of Sustainability for West Chester University. “We have invested in small
solar arrays and promoted renewable energy development by buying RECs. And we’re exploring
other strategies – including renewable energy power purchase agreements – that will help us
continue on a path towards carbon neutrality. We’re proud of the progress we’ve made and ready
to do our part by continually reducing our carbon emissions.”
In addition, 131 major companies, including Bank of America, Google, and
Anheuser-Busch have committed to power their operations with 100 percent renewable energy.
“The reality is inescapable: fossil fuels pollute our air, water and land, threatening our
health and changing our climate even faster than scientists predicted. We need to seize the
moment, build on recent progress and lean into a future powered by clean, renewable energy,
said Flanigan. “Repowering our economy with clean, renewable energy can put our nation on a
healthier, more sustainable course. And with rapid improvements in technology, vast clean
energy resources, and a willing public, a future powered entirely by clean, renewable energy is
increasingly within our reach.”
Click Here for a copy of the report.
NewsClips:
Related Stories:
Fix That
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Consumption By 2030
Health Dept. To Distribute Free Potassium Iodide Aug. 9 Around PA's 5 Nuclear Power
Plants
The Department of Health Monday announced it will offer free potassium iodide, or KI, tablets
on August 9, to Pennsylvanians who live or work within 10 miles of the state’s five nuclear
power plants.
The facilities are: Beaver Valley Power Station (Beaver County), Limerick Generating
Station (Montgomery County), Peach Bottom Atomic Power Station (York County),
Susquehanna Steam Electric Station (Luzerne County), and Three Mile Island Generating Station
(Dauphin County).
Those picking up tablets will receive specific instructions from community health nurses
on-site on how many tablets they should take.
“Emergency preparedness is an important aspect of public health, and having potassium
iodide tablets for residents who live or work within 10 miles of a nuclear facility is an essential
preparedness action in the case of a radiological emergency,” Secretary of Health Dr. Rachel
Levine said. “KI helps protect the thyroid gland against harmful radioactive iodine and is safe for
everyone including pregnant women, those who are breastfeeding, and children and infants. It’s
important to remember potassium iodide should only be taken when instructed to by state health
officials or the governor, and it is not a substitute for evacuation in the case of a radiological
emergency at one of Pennsylvania’s nuclear facilities.”
KI can be taken by anyone, as long as they are not allergic to it. It is safe for pregnant
women and those who are breastfeeding, people on thyroid medication, children and infants.
Individuals who are unsure if they should take potassium iodide should ask a healthcare provider
first.
Individuals can pick up KI tablets for other family members or those who are unable to
get it on their own.
Directions explaining when to take the KI tablets and how to store it are provided with
the packages, and Department of Health staff will be available to assist those with any questions.
School districts and employers within a 10-mile radius can arrange to obtain their supply
of KI tablets from the department.
The tablets are also available year-round at county and municipal health departments or
state health centers for those who live or work near a nuclear power plant.
The state’s five nuclear facilities are closely regulated, secure, and well-maintained.
For more information, download the Department of Health’s Potassium Iodide (English)
(Spanish) fact sheet.
Information is available on emergencies and evacuation zones around nuclear power
plants from the PA Emergency Management Agency.
For information on nuclear power plant radiation monitoring, visit DEP’s Nuclear Power
Plants webpage.
NewsClips:
Potassium Iodide Tablets Available For Those Near PA’s Nuclear Power Plants
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State Health Officials To Distribute Potassium Iodide Near Beaver Valley Power Station
Exelon Generation Headquarters Mulling Move From Kennett Square
South Mountain Partnership Plans Bigger, Better Future Through A Strategic Planning
Process
The South Mountain Partnership Wednesday

announced the completion of a strategic action plan
that it will use from 2018 to 2021 to advance its
efforts and help grow the partnership.
From fall 2017 through early summer 2018, fifteen
partnering organizations from Adams, Cumberland,
Franklin, and York counties-- each serving as
members of SMP’s Leadership Committee-- worked
with a strategic planning consultant hired with
funding from the Chesapeake Bay Trust’s and
Funders Network’s Regional Capacity Building.
Each of these member organizations have pledged to
help implement the new plan.
To create the Strategic Plan, the group assessed the past organizational model and
programs. The assessment found that deepened partner engagement, clarified goals and structure,
and targeted brand awareness will help the SMP, as well as partnering organizations, to enact
bigger, better conservation goals and projects.
“One element of the Strategic Plan that is most energizing for our group is the creation of
working and advisory committees,” said Katie Hess, Director of the SMP. “We learned that,
while we are getting partners in the room together to learn and have a good time, we had no
mechanism in place to help empower them to take action and authority over projects
collaboratively or to delegate work to willing partners.
“The assessment showed that many partners desire to be more engaged in their areas of
their expertise and to take on more responsibility within the SMP. All that was missing was a
mechanism for us to activate these partners,” explained Hess. “This is addressed in our new
Strategic Plan through the creation of working and advisory committees formed around different
sectors, topics, and priorities.”
This structure will create a more collaborative framework that existing and new partner
organizations can ‘plug into’ to better promote and preserve the Landscape Resources of the
South Mountain landscape region.
The South Mountain Partnership would like to thank the following partners who were
heavily involved in the strategic planning process:
-- Adams County Planning Department
-- Appalachian Trail Conservancy
-- Capital Resource Conservation & Development
-- Center for Land Use & Sustainability, Shippensburg University
-- Cumberland Area Economic Development Corporation/Visitors Bureau
-- Cumberland County Planning Department
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-- Franklin County Planning Department
-- Franklin County Visitors Bureau
-- Land Conservancy of Adams County
-- Natural Resources Conservation Service-PA, USDA
-- Pennsylvania Audubon
-- Department of Conservation & Natural Resources
-- State Historical Preservation Office, PA Historical & Museum Commission
-- Partnership for Better Health
-- York County Planning Commission
The South Mountain Partnership is a great way for people to get more involved with
promoting and preserving the Agricultural, Cultural/Historic, Natural, and Recreational resources
that make the region so unique and the quality of life so high.
To stay informed on the strategic planning process as it moves forward, be sure to visit
the South Mountain Partnership website on a regular basis.
Visit DCNR’s South Mountain Conservation Landscape webpage for more information
on this initiative and DCNR’s Conservation Landscapes webpage for information on similar
initiatives in other areas of the state.
National Park Foundation National Trails & Wild & Scenic Rivers Grants, 1 In PA
In celebration of the 50th anniversary of the National

Trails and National Wild & Scenic Rivers systems in
2018, the National Park Foundation Friday announced
20 grants that will enhance the country's national trails
and wild and scenic rivers and provide increased
public access.
The North Country National Scenic Trail, was one of
the trails that received a grant. Pennsylvania is host to
180 miles of the trail which travels through Butler
County and meanders through the Allegheny National
Forest in Warren County.
For more information about this and other grant opportunities with the Foundation, visit
the National Park Foundation website.
Information on trails in Pennsylvania is available by visiting the Explore PA Trails
website.
(Photo: Shelter in Moraine State Park in Butler County along the North Country Trail.)
DCNR Blog: Managing Healthy Lakes To Support Thriving Wildlife, Recreation
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Do you enjoy swimming, paddling, fishing, or just simply soaking in the beauty of
Pennsylvania’s lakes during the summer?
There are many opportunities to get out and enjoy lakes across the state, especially in
state parks and forests. State parks have 55 primary recreation lakes, and state forests are home
to 99 natural and man-made lakes.
With all of these lakes of different sizes and features, DCNR, with help from our
partners, is constantly working to manage each one properly.
Lake Dredging
One large-scale practice that DCNR implements is lake dredging. Over time, sediment
from upstream and areas around the lake is deposited on the lake bed, which decreases the lake
depth and often impedes recreation.
During lake dredging, large amounts of sediment are removed from the lake bottom,
which is frequently accomplished by draining the lake completely. After dredging, the lake depth
is deeper and allows for improved recreational opportunities.
A lake dredging project was recently completed at Little Buffalo State Park in Perry
County.
Lake Depth Maps & Sediment Levels
DCNR’s Bureau of Topographic and Geologic Survey has surveyed more than half of
state park lakes using sonar to create bathymetric maps showing lake depth.
Not only are these maps extremely helpful for recreation, they help DCNR understand
pre- and post- dredging sediment levels, learn if there’s a problem with too much sediment
entering the water too quickly, and understand the concentration for any herbicides applications.
To see if this map currently exists for your favorite state park lake, select the state park
you’re interested in, and then select “Maps.”
Shoreline Stabilization
DCNR leads shoreline stabilization projects in conjunction with PFBC to create new
habitats for fish and invertebrates to thrive. When the fish can feed and reproduce easily, they
create improved conditions for birds of prey and other predators to feed.
For these projects, DCNR places items like root balls, rocks, or wood sills along the
shoreline of a lake. Then, the material is either backfilled, or the bank is re-sloped.
Not only do these projects help the aquatic habitat directly by stabilizing the shoreline,
they also decrease shoreline erosion, which can be dramatically increased by the regular use of
nearby dirt and gravel roads or parking lots.
Providing Wildlife Habitat
DCNR works to create and maintain wildlife habitat throughout the state, which impacts
lake health. The DCNR Bureau of Forestry’s new Aquatic Resource Management Plan (PDF)
was created as a set of guidelines to help maintain forest rivers, streams, lakes, and ponds for
stable living conditions of wildlife.
In this plan, DCNR focused on the habitat improvement of animals that directly impact
the lake systems. Providing adequate habitats for animals that live around the lakes will benefit
the overall quality of the wildlife and vegetation at the lakes.
Approximately 10 percent of Pennsylvania’s Species of Greatest Conservation Need use
lakes and ponds as their home. This includes 39 invertebrates, 19 bird species, and 10 fish
species.
Habitat improvement involves the restoration of native vegetation to the areas around the
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lakes and the creation of devices like nesting boxes, baskets, and cribs that create physical
habitats for the animals and fish.
Habitat Improvements In Susquehannock State Forest
In Susquehannock State Forest in Potter County, a waterfowl habitat improvement
project has been ongoing on small lakes and beaver dams. DCNR has been planting native arrow
arum on the shore, which provides a great source of food and cover for waterfowl, such as wood
ducks, mallards, and other birds.
Wood ducks are a popular gamebird commonly found in wooded areas along forest lakes.
They need a lot of greenery for cover and to nest, so for additional habitat assistance, wood duck
nesting boxes and mallard nesting baskets have been placed along a lake in the forest.
Beaver dams on nearby streams act as providers of pond and wetland habitat that
positively benefit lakes by creating valuable diversity within the habitat. Turtles, amphibians,
snakes, birds, and vegetation all benefit from the presence of beaver dams.
The planting of native arrow arum in Susquehannock State Forest provides beaver dams
with materials that improve their habitats and facilitate the growth of the ecosystem.
Although beaver dams are relatively temporary, even when abandoned, they are valuable
for habitation of the other animals in the ecosystem.
Supporting Fish Populations At Pymatuning State Park
As part of another habitat effort, Pymatuning State Park in Crawford County staff worked
with volunteers on the construction of porcupine cribs. Despite the name, these cribs support fish
populations; they get their name from appearing spiked like porcupine quills.
These installations help to build a natural fish and water ecosystem, reducing or
eliminating the need to stock the lake. It all starts with the algae that will grow on the porcupine
cribs.
Macroinvertebrates, including insects and worms, feed off the algae. Smaller fish
consume the macroinvertebrates, which serve as a food source for larger fish.
Learn more from this article about a recent Beltzville State Park (Carbon County) effort.
Suppressing Aquatic Invasive Species
Aquatic invasive species are a threat to recreation and habitat quality in lakes. These
species can be plants, fish, turtles, mussels, and others negatively impacting the aquatic
ecosystem by taking over and out-competing the native species.
Invasive plants are often introduced to the ecosystem through cross contamination from
boats and other sources.
Aquatic invasives spread incredibly fast, and can quickly become a huge threat to the
ecosystem. This can limit recreational activities on lakes by killing fish or native vegetation,
lowering biodiversity.
Removing Hydrilla
One very prominent aquatic invasive in Pennsylvania is hydrilla -- a U.S. Federal
Noxious Weed.
Hydrilla can negatively affect recreational activities by becoming entangled in boat
propellers, creating navigation difficulty for paddlers, and lower catch success for anglers.
To address the hydrilla problem, DCNR has implemented different tactics that involve
education, outreach, and suppression of the invasive species.
At Pymatuning State Park, a large volume of hydrilla has been recorded in the past few
years. DCNR has used aquatic herbicides in the lake to help eliminate the plant, but often the
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aquatic invasive will continue to spread when recreators are unaware that they can cause the
spread, too.
To alleviate this, Pymatuning created a Launch Stewardship Program to educate
park-goers about how they can help with the removal of aquatic invasives.
Park rangers and interns conduct educational programs, check boats to make sure they’ve
been properly cleaned, and provide boaters with tips on invasive removal.
Improving, Monitoring Water Quality
Through sediment removal, added habitat, and frequent water quality studies and tests,
DCNR strives to keep lakes clean so that visitors can enjoy them and the ecosystem can continue
to grow in biodiversity.
DCNR frequently works with DEP on water quality assessments. For example, at Frances
Slocum State Park in Luzerne County, DEP monitors algae concentrations, which helps alert the
park when there is an imbalance in water quality and something may be wrong.
Managers use the information to make decisions about treatments to address nutrients to
help restore balance.
Water Quality Monitoring Buoys
At Laurel Lake at Pine Grove Furnace State Park in Cumberland County, a project with
nearby Dickinson College aims to raise awareness of water quality challenges with visitors and
provide information critical to protecting Pennsylvania’s freshwater resources through the use of
water quality monitoring buoys to collect data.
After three years, the effort has expanded to eight lakes across the state. Information from
this project will be available for use by park managers and others to make lake management
decisions that will aim to improve water quality management for intended uses.
Learn More, Get Involved
If you love Pennsylvania’s lakes and other water resources, there are several ways you
can actively participate in keeping them clean and healthy: [Click Here for graphic.]
As July -- Lakes Appreciation Month -- comes to a close, remember that lakes are worth
appreciating year-round. They’re not only a ton of fun, but a very important part of our
ecosystem.
You can get involved by volunteering at your favorite state park and state forests; contact
them to find out how you can help.
You can also enjoy DCNR events at state parks and forest lakes this summer, many of
which are fun and educational.
To learn more about DCNR’s water efforts, visit DCNR’s Water Conservation webpage.
Resource Link:
PA Lake Management Society
Related Stories:
PA Lake Management Society Offers Mini-Grants To Reduce Nutrient Loading, Address
Invasive Species [Deadline August 17.]
PA Sea Grant Program Receives $800,000 For Aquatic Invasive Species Prevention, Control
Projects
70
Foundation For Sustainable Forests: Personal Stories Of Landowners Planting, Sustaining

Their Future
The Summer newsletter of the Foundation For

Sustainable Forests is now available featuring two
personal stories about how forest landowners are
planting and sustaining their future--
Teens Help Plant The Future

By Bob Slagter
Bob’s family owns a ~50 acre wooded property

along Caldwell Creek in Warren County. In 2013 Bob and his family made the significant
decision to entrust the Foundation For Sustainable Forests with the future of that land.
As part of our ongoing, cooperative stewardship, trees and shrubs were planted along the
creek bank this past spring--
It was 28 degrees on April 10, but the ground was muddy under the crust. As I looked
down my driveway about a quarter of a mile, a group of figures emerged, marching toward the
creek house.
They were 40 high schoolers the bus let off to work on a riparian buffer planting on my
property.
I was excited about the project, as my creek needs all the help we can give it, and 435
trees would certainly be a tremendous addition to water quality improvements.
But kids working on a freezing cold morning in the soggy creek bottom?
Well, the prospect seemed dismal at best. After all, if you’ve been around teenagers, you
know that their reputation for being noncommunicative tweeters is legendary.
The activities began with DCNR, NRCS, County Conservation, and, most importantly,
their wonderful teacher explaining to the kids exactly what was needed and precisely how it was
to be done.
Interjecting here, I am known by DCNR as mass murderer of seedlings, having planted
some 250 trees on my property with maybe a 10 percent success rate. If I touch a tender little
sprout, it’s curtains for that baby.
What chance would these kids have to plant trees successfully and why would they
possibly care about trees out here in the middle of nowhere?
I had a lot to learn that day about kids in the woods.
First, they listened, they were attentive and they actually did seem to care. Next, they
jumped into the work with a high level of energy. Could it be they welcomed the work?
I’m talking digging and handling wet dirt with your hands on a frosty morning. Nobody
would want to do that, and, if they did, there would certainly be a huge helping of complaining
about it.
What was it that I heard? Laughing, talking, even some singing… I was shocked! They
did exactly as instructed, planted each tree with care — almost reverence — and did not stop
until lunch when a dozen pizzas disappeared with an almost audible whoosh.
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Then after lunch, it was back to work without being asked. They completed the project by
2:30 in the afternoon, scrubbed the tools, and thanked me for letting them come out to my place
to work.
Valuable lessons here are many, not the least of which is teens minus cellular devices
equals really cool people. And, these kids do this several times a year.
If you were to add it up, the long-term good they are doing for themselves and their own
future teenagers is very significant, not just in work ethic but also in physical protection of cold
fresh water, something in dwindling supply and of the utmost importance.
If you are considering a planting project, contact any of the agencies mentioned above or
contact me, and I’ll help point you in the right direction.
You will help the forest, help the water, help the kids as they “Plant Their Future,” and
you will learn that we are leaving the world in very good hands.
Loving The Land

By Ellis Giacomelli, edited by Jane Woods
Jane Ewing Woods walked with me one early fall morning to show me special wooded spaces
and one very special hilltop.
When Jane was seven or eight years old, her father, Orlo Ewing, brought a telescope
outside in the front yard of their hilltop home in Corry, [Erie County] Pennsylvania. That
evening, through the telescope and with her father’s guidance, Jane saw the rings of Saturn: one
powerful and magical moment. Many more followed.
Jane’s father, Orlo Ewing, purchased the 184-acre Corry property in 1949. Occasional
piles of field stone along the eastern edge of the woodlot hint at the land’s historical uses; they
are a sign of pasturing for agriculture after forest clearing.
Remnants of hand-made saws and other tools have been found at a site in the woods as
well.
Even before building their hilltop home, Orlo got busy right away and planted 20,000
pine trees. When employment changes forced the young Ewing family to relocate in the
mid-1950’s, the property was sold to a church foundation for development into a campground.
Several years later when the Ewings returned to PA, Orlo learned that campground plans
had been abandoned, making the property available again. Orlo and Ruth Ewing were delighted
to repurchase their acreage, which became a place for family and friends to gather, and provided
a lovely setting for their final years.
After their passing, the open hilltop pasture acreage was sold to maintain its use and
vitality, but the forest has remained in the family for these 67 years.
Jane inherited the property in 1990 and began attending seminars and field workshops to
learn more about forest management and ecology, along with touring her woodlot with foresters
for further perspective and education.
Through these experiences, she has learned the merits of the practices and “worst-first”
forestry of Troy Firth, our [Foundation’s] founder.
Jane adamantly views herself as a “temporary guardian” of the land. “It really belongs to
God. It’s my privilege to be charged with its protection and conservation for the future,” she
said.
Click Here to read the Foundation’s entire newsletter.
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Upcoming Events
Here are several upcoming events related to the Foundation For Sustainable Forests--
-- August 14: Erie Gives Day
-- October 7: Walks In Penn’s Wood Day
For more information on programs, initiatives and upcoming events, visit the Foundation
For Sustainable Forests website. Click Here to support their work.
NewsClips:
Grant To Pay For Trees, Green Infrastructure Project In Harrison
AP: Attorney General Takes Ax To North Coventry Twp Logging Law
Lacawac Sanctuary Receives Support From Northeast PA Health Care Foundation For
Special Needs Camps
The Lacawac Sanctuary Environmental Education

Center in Wayne County was recently awarded a
$10,000 grant from the Northeastern Pennsylvania
Health Care Foundation for its Nature Connection
Summer Camps: Summer experiences for Persons with
Special Needs in Lackawanna, Luzerne and Wyoming
Counties.
Nature Connections Summer Camps are therapeutically
designed day and sleep away summer Camp and Travel
programs organized to meet the social and emotional
needs of youth and young adults in Lackawanna,
Luzerne and Wyoming Counties and their families.
Our programs serve children of average to above
average intelligence who have a variety of developmental, social, emotional, and learning issues.
We serve children ages 8-19 who have diagnoses that often include Asperger syndrome,
ADD/ADHD, verbal and non-verbal learning disabilities (NVLD), HFA (including PDD-NOS),
speech and language issues, and sensory integration issues.
Some of our youngsters may also have issues related to gaps in executive function,
Tourette’s syndrome and/or Bi-Polar disorder.
“The support of the NEPA Health Care Foundation will help us further our mission of
educating the public about the environment and ways to connect to nature,” said Craig Lukatch,
President of Lacawac Sanctuary. “The Foundation’s mission aligns with our work to improve
the complete physical, mental, and social well-being of the residents of Lackawanna, Luzerne, &
Wyoming Counties. For their support we are very grateful.”
Lacawac Sanctuary website. Click Here to sign up for regular updates (right panel). Follow on
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Twitter. Like on Facebook. Click Here to support their work.
(Photo: Laura Ducceschi, SAF President/CEO, Admin of NEPA Healthcare Foundation; Craig
Lukatch, President Lacawac Sanctuary; Michele McGowan, Board Member; Donna Martucci,
Board Member.)
Related Story:
Lacawac Sanctuary Honors Dr. Clyde Goulden, William Leishear, The Dime Bank For
Conservation Leadership Aug. 11
July 25 Resource Newsletter Now Available From DCNR
The July 25 issue of the Resource newsletter is now

available from the Department of Conservation and Natural
Resources featuring articles on--
-- Managing Healthy Lakes To Support Thriving Wildlife
And Recreation
-- DCNR Releases 2nd Monitoring Report On State Forest
Shale Gas Drilling
-- DCNR, Partners Celebrate Importance Of Local Parks To
Communities In Bucks County
-- DCNR, Local Partners Celebrate Investment In
Community Revitalization In Lebanon County
-- DCNR Highlights Tick, Mosquito Awareness, Opportunities To Spend Time Outdoors
-- Good Natured Pennsylvanians: Tom & Marilyn Fye, PPFF Education Award Winners (photo)
-- DCNR Joins Senator On Last Leg Of Delaware & Lehigh Trail Trek
-- Visitor Surveys Began This Month At Beltzville State Park, Carbon County
-- S’mores And Sustainability Aug. 10 At Parker Dam State Park, Clearfield County
-- DEP Offers Stormwater Workshop For Educators Aug. 2 In Beaver County
-- DCNR, PASA Seeking Recipes For Streams. Trees. Food. Conservation Cookbook Made
With Ingredients Grown In Multi-Use Stream Buffers
-- Governor’s Advisory Council Seeks To Fill 2 Openings On Fish & Boat Commission Board
-- Click Here to sign up for your own copy
DCNR’s 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.
NewsClips:
Carbon County Couple Bikes 80 Miles On D&L Trail To Celebrate 80th Birthdays
Frye: Cabin Camping A Comfortably Unique Change Of Pace
Discover Presque Isle Celebrates State Park
Greene Township Volunteers Rebuild Playground
Mifflin Square Park In Philly In Store For Major Revitalization
The Case For Building $1,500 Parks On Vacant Lots
6-Mile Kayak, Canoe, Paddleboard Race Debuts At Three River Regatta
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More Than 2 Miles Of Lehigh Canal In Easton Drained For Repair
Editorial: Hats Off To The Engines Who Make Rec Programs Roll
Flight 93 Memorial To Hold Junior Ranger Days Friday, Saturday
New Chief Named For Delaware Water Gap National Recreation Area
Hawk Mountain Sanctuary Autumn Hawk Watch Is Off To A Flying Start
The Hawk Mountain Sanctuary in Berks County invites

visitors to watch and monitor the annual passage of
raptor migrants as they move south during the Autumn
Hawk Watch, held daily August 15 through December
15, at the Sanctuary’s famous North Lookout.
Trail fees apply for non-members and cost $10 for adults,
$7 for seniors, and $5 for children ages 6 to 12. Members
are admitted free year-round, and memberships can be
purchased online or at the Visitor Center.
Aug. 11 Kick Off
Hawk Mountain will kick off the 2018 season with an open house celebration on August
11 that includes naturalists in the Native Plant Garden, Raptors Up Close! programs in the
amphitheater at 11 a.m. and 2 p.m., and raptor identification at South Lookout, and the annual
Mountain Raffle drawing taking place at noon.
The bird feeder station, Education Building open house, membership table, and optics
specialist station are also available for guests.
During the count, Sanctuary staff, trainees, and volunteers will be stationed at the
lookouts to help visitors spot and identify raptors including broad-winged hawks, kestrels,
vultures, ospreys, and bald eagles.
An average 18,000 raptors pass the Sanctuary each autumn. For raptor enthusiasts and
those who cannot make it to Hawk Mountain, daily counts are posted throughout the season at
the Hawk Mountain website.
Equipped with binoculars and a full daypack, visitors are invited to spend the day at
North Lookout to enjoy the breathtaking autumn colors and soaring raptors. Binoculars can be
rented at the Visitor Center, and staff members there can offer tips and suggestions for trails and
lookouts.
The nearby South Lookout may be preferable to those with small children or with limited
mobility, and it can be reached using the wheelchair-accessible Silhouette Trail.
During the fall migration, there will also be weekend programs included free with paid
admission that run from September 1 through November 4.
Additionally, on Saturdays during September and October, several speakers will give
talks on their experiences and expertise as part of the Autumn Lecture Series.
Click Here for a calendar of events coming up.
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
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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:
Frye: License Fees Promise Made, But Will Politicians Keep It?
Barcaskey: Anglers Urged To Support License Increase
Hunters, Fishermen Better Hope Legislators Finally Do Right By Fish & Boat, Game
Commissions
Volunteers In Centre County Preparing For Next Water Rescue Emergency
Jefferson Hills Firefighters Begin Swift-Water Rescue Training
Catfish Expo/Mentored Youth Fishing Opportunity In Allegheny County July 28
A Beautiful Mess: Trees Necessary For Health Of Creeks, Streams [Youth Conservation Corps]
Fish Habitat Stream Improvement To Begin In Kish Park Funded By Coldwater Heritage Grant
Study: Most PA Deer Crashes Happen In Allegheny County
Consol Donates Property For Bat Conservation Area In Greene County
Delaware County Police Capture Reptile In Prospect Park Creek
Cherry Valley National Wildlife Refuge: From Golf Course To Refuge
Editorial: Respect Nature, Or Get Ready For Some Pain
Help Wanted: Berks Conservation District Urban Resource Conservationist
The Berks County Conservation District is seeking qualified candidates for an Urban Resource
Conservationist position. The deadline for applications is August 10.
This position is responsible for processing NPDES Water Quality Permits, reviewing
project erosion and sediment control plans as per the Department of Environmental Protection
guidelines.
The individual should also have experience in the Municipal Separate Storm Sewer
System (MS4) program.
The Berks Conservation Districts currently has delegation agreements with DEP for
Chapter 102, PCSM, Chapter 105 inspecting earth disturbance activities for compliance.
Individual must be energetic, professional and knowledgeable of Conservation District
Law, mission and goals.
Bachelor’s degree in Environmental Sciences, Planning, Resource Management or other
related subjects; one or more years of experience is preferred.
To apply, submit resume to Tammy Bartsch by sending email to:
Tammy.Bartsch@berkscd.com.
Help Wanted: Brandywine Red Clay Alliance Watershed Conservation Director
The Chester County-based Brandywine Red Clay Alliance is seeking qualified candidates for a
Watershed Conservation Director position. The deadline for applications is August 24. Click
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Here for all the details and how to apply.
Help Wanted: Sustainable Pittsburgh Executive Director
Sustainable Pittsburgh is seeking qualified candidates for an Executive Director position to help
the organization implement a vision for Southwestern PA with a strong economy in which all
people can live to their full potential, are engaged, and prosper within the means of a clean and
healthy environment through sustainable development.
Applications are due August 27. Click Here for all the details.
Related Story:
Sustainable Pittsburgh Challenge Workshop: Engaging Employees & Community For Lasting
Change Aug. 16
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 PaEnviroDigest Google+ to your Circle.
Nine For Nine: The Quecreek Mine Rescue In 2002

Quecreek Mine Rescue Anniversary Saturday
Allegheny Front: Mister Rogers, The Quiet Environmentalist
Air
Awards & Recognition
Susquehanna County Farmers Receive Clean Water Farm Award
Biodiversity/Invasive Species
PA Sea Grant Receives Money To Fight Invasive Species
Budget
Letter: Keep Funding Watershed Conservation Efforts
Luzerne County Council Mulls Uses For Leftover $60K In Drilling Fees
Lawrence County’s Drilling Fees, Other Funds Benefit Many
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Op-Ed: Drilling Impact Fee Pays Dividends To PA Municipalities
Op-Ed: Marcellus Shale Impact Fee Benefits Projects Statewide
Chesapeake Bay
Click Here to subscribe to the free Chesapeake Bay Journal
Click Here to support the Chesapeake Bay Journal
Citizen Action
We Are Tired Of Accepting The Worst From Our Leaders, Young Marchers Push For Climate
Action
Young People Rally In Pittsburgh For Climate Protections
Demonstration Rain Barrel Housed At Harveys Lake Boro Police Station
Climate
Action
EPA Poised To Void California’s Greenhouse Gas Emission Standards
$2 Billion Spent To influence Congress On Climate Change Drexel Study Finds
Cong. Fitzpatrick Pushes For Carbon Tax To Cut Greenhouse Gas Emissions
Coal Mining
Consol Donates Property For Bat Conservation Area In Green County
Compliance
Reading Water Authority Head Confirms Federal Investigation
Deep Mine Safety
Delaware River
Schuylkill Expedition Inspires Students To Act And Impact Local Watershed
Public Demands Action On PFAS As Groups Speak Out At EPA Listening Session
Court Dismisses Objections To Delaware RiverKeeper On Bishop Tube Site In Chester County
Delaware RiverKeeper July 27 RiverWatch Video Report
Drinking Water
Boost In Philadelphia’s Water Rates Will Take Effect In September
Philly Officials: It’s Going To Take Longer to Repair Center City Water Main Break
Grazierville Under Boil Water Notice
Duncannon Residents Issued Boil Water Advisory
Beveridge: Boil Water Advisory Lifted In Monongahela Area
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Latest Lead Tests Deliver Better Findings For Pittsburgh Water Authority
Pittsburgh Water Authority Issues Boil Water Notice For 4,600 North Side Customers
Hundreds Urged To Boil Water After Pipe Bursts In Pittsburgh’s North Side
Pittsburgh Water Authority Lifts North Side Boil Water Notice
York County Schools Might Test For Lead In Drinking Water With New Law
Op-Ed: How Steelton Is Working To Ensure Clean Water For Its Residents
Water Main Break Drains 4 Million Gallons From Easton Reservoir
EPA Hosts Marathon Meeting On PFAS Contaminated Water Supplies In Bucks, Montgomery
Feds Meet With Montco Residents On Water Contamination At Bases
Hurdle: EPA Urged To Set National Standards For PFAS Chemicals
Op-Ed: EPA Wants To Hear From You On Important Issue Of PFAS July 25, Cosmo Servidio,
EPA Regional Administrator
Economic Development
Op-Ed: Appalachian Ethane Storage Hub: Prosperity’s Next Step
Education
Action
Editorial: Valley Points YMCA Garden Helping Teens Build Relationships
Emergency Response
Barletta Urges U.S. Senate To Act On His Disaster Mitigation Bill
Energy
Russian Hackers Infiltrated Utility Control Rooms, DHS Says
How Vulnerable Is The Grid To Cyberattacks, Really?
Energy Conservation
Letter: A Real Way To Help People With Utility Bills
Environmental Heritage
Allegheny Front: Mister Rogers, The Quiet Environmentalist
Farming
Lancaster Farming: Family Roots Run Deep At Pasture Walk; Multispecies Grazing
Editorial: Valley Points YMCA Garden Helping Teens Build Relationships
Trump’s Trade War Roils Soybean Market, PA Farmers Plow Ahead
Op-Ed: Farmers Like Me Put Trump In Office, Now His Trade War Is Smothering Us
Flooding
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Meyer: Officials Preach Caution, But Say Worst Of Flood Likely Over
Rain Returns Friday, Could Continue Into Next Week
AP: 5 Days Of Heavy Rain Devastate Schuylkill County, Central PA
Schuylkill County Town Recovers After Devastating Floods
Schuylkill County Official Warns Public To Avoid Flood-Stressed Moon Lake Dam
Shelter Opens For Flood Victims In Schuylkill County
Adams County Coroner Blames Teen’s Drowning Death On Flooding
Body Found In Conewago Creek Identified As Woman Swept Downstream
National Weather Service: Central PA Flooding Reaches Historic Levels
Atmosphere Is Shifting Gears, And The Weather Pattern Is Changing, Or Is It?
Hersheypark, Knoebels To Reopen Friday After Flooding
Conowingo Dam Spill Gates Opened Leading To Worry About Contaminating Chesapeake Bay
Conowingo Dam Gates Open After Susquehanna Reaches Flood Levels
Flooding Closes Trail At Ricketts Glen State Park
Hersheypark, Knoebels To Remain Closed Thursday
Flood Waters Breach River, Roads In Lycoming County
Creek Levels Rise As Centre County Faces More Rain
Flash Flooding Wreaks Havoc Across Luzerne County
Roads Closed, Power Outages Due To Heavy Rain In Luzerne County
Council Member Questions Solomon Creek Flood Wall Project Progress
On Lehigh Valley Farms, It’s Rain, Rain, Go Away… But Not For Too Long
Downpour Floods Vandergrift Streets, Homes
Why Some Creeks Have No Flood Warnings: No Flood Gauge, No Data
State Officials Warn Of Possible West Nile Virus Outbreak
Too Many Flood Warning Calls In Lycoming Could Spur Change In System
Emergency Responders Standing By In Case Of Severe Floods
Rising Susquehanna Affecting Construction Of Thruway Bridge
Boil Water Advisory Issued After Water Main Break & Sinkhole Opens In Cumberland County
Flooded Latrobe Church Asks City To Expand Storm Inlet
AP: Weak Tornado Touched Down In Lehigh Valley During PA Storm
I-81 In Lebanon Closed Due To Flooding
Restaurant Patrons Rescued After Flash Flooding Strikes Chester County
Water Rescues Ongoing During Chester County Flash Flooding
AP: Storm Knocks Out Power To Thousands Of Customers
Williamsport Mayor To Propose Regional Approach to Managing Levee Costs
Williamsport To Authority Levee Transfer Talks Still To Be Had
Lycoming County Considers Floodplain Zoning Ordinance Change
As Flood Waters Abate, Lycoming Commissioners Offer Praise
Editorial: Flash Flooding A Common Danger Ignored At Our Peril
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Forests
AP: Attorney General Takes Ax To North Coventry Twp Logging Law
Geologic Hazards
Millcreek Twp To Appeal Court Ruling In Landslide Case
Green Infrastructure
Back Mountain Residents’ Input Sought For Upper Toby Creek Plan
Woodward Twp OKs Needed Review Of Stormwater Ordinance
Tookany/Tacony/Frankford Watershed Partnership Stormwater Videos
Hazardous Sites
EPA Hosts Marathon Meeting On PFAS Contaminated Water Supplies In Bucks, Montgomery
Feds Meet With Montco Residents On Water Contamination At Bases
Op-Ed: EPA Wants To Hear From You On Important Issue Of PFAS July 25, Cosmo Servidio,
EPA Regional Administrator
Land Conservation
Preservation Advocates Plan Next Steps After McCormick Farm Eminent Domain Case In
Cumberland County
Chester County Open Space Boss Takes On New Challenge
Land Recycling
Hazelwood Green Releases Preliminary Brownfield Land Development Plan
New Plan For Hazelwood Site Presented To Planning Commission Tuesday
Will Developers Come Calling At Prime Hazelwood Green Project?
Bethlehem: Steel Town Reinvents Itself With A Future Beyond Steel
Land Use Planning
Summit Twp. Comprehensive Plan Aims To Stop Sprawl
Littering/Illegal Dumping
81
Mine Reclamation
Study Targets Toby Creek Watershed
Oil & Gas
DEP Orders CNX To Plug 144 Abandoned Gas Wells In Greene County
Frazier: Family’s Fight With Driller Exposes Loophole In Native American, Historic Sites
Protection
Luzerne County Council Mulls Uses For Leftover $60K In Drilling Fees
Lawrence County’s Drilling Fees, Other Funds Benefit Many
Op-Ed: Drilling Impact Fee Pays Dividends To PA Municipalities
Op-Ed: Marcellus Shale Impact Fee Benefits Projects Statewide
Op-Ed: The Shale Gas Revolution Is A Uniquely American Story
Op-Ed: Appalachian Ethane Storage Hub: Prosperity’s Next Step
Jaramillo: DOE Secretary Hails Shale Gas Role In U.S. Export Growth At Cove Point
Pipelines
Cusick: DEP Reaches Settlement With Environmental Groups On Mariner East 2 Pipeline
DEP, Environmentalists Settle Mariner East 2 Pipeline Dispute
Delaware County Commissions Long-Debated Study Of Mariner East 2 Pipeline
Mariner East 2 Pipeline Drilling In Lebanon County To Resume Despite Risk
Kummer: Nuns Lose Federal Appeal To Stop Atlantic Sunrise Pipeline On Their Lancaster Farm
Appeals Court Rejects Lancaster Nuns’ Religious-Freedom Lawsuit Against Atlantic Sunrise
Pipeline
AP: Court Strikes Blow To Lancaster Nuns’ Atlantic Sunrise Pipeline Fight
Human Billboard Of Pipeline Protest In Lebanon County
As Pipelines Are Completed, More Efficient Movement Of Gas to Market Will Boost Industry
Bay Journal: FERC OKs Potomac Pipeline Carrying Gas From PA To West Virginia
Radiation Protection
Potassium Iodide Tablets Available For Those Near PA’s Nuclear Power Plants
State Health Officials To Distribute Potassium Iodide Near Beaver Valley Power Station
Exelon Generation Headquarters Mulling Move From Kennett Square
Recreation
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Carbon County Couple Bikes 80 Miles On D&L Trail To Celebrate 80th Birthdays
Frye: Cabin Camping A Comfortably Unique Change Of Pace
Discover Presque Isle Celebrates State Park
Greene Township Volunteers Rebuild Playground
Mifflin Square Park In Philly In Store For Major Revitalization
The Case For Building $1,500 Parks On Vacant Lots
6-Mile Kayak, Canoe, Paddleboard Race Debuts At Three River Regatta
More Than 2 Miles Of Lehigh Canal In Easton Drained For Repair
Editorial: Hats Off To The Engines Who Make Rec Programs Roll
Flight 93 Memorial To Hold Junior Ranger Days Friday, Saturday
New Chief Named For Delaware Water Gap National Recreation Area
Recycling/Waste
Kummer: Why Recycling Is Now A Money Loser, Not A Moneymaker For Philly
WITF Smart Talk: China Not Taking Recyclables Impacts Midstate
(Possible) Future Of Electronics Recycling Laws In Pennsylvania
Union County Residents Can Bring Household Hazardous Waste To Collection Event Aug. 4
Yukon Landfill Owner Plans Expansion In Westmoreland
Harmar Quashes Plan To Offer Free Garbage Collection To Residents
Aramark Vows To Reduce Single-Use Disposable Plastics By 2022
Renewable Energy
Stormwater
Wastewater Facilities
Watershed Protection
Lancaster Farming: Family Roots Run Deep At Pasture Walk; Multispecies Grazing
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Study Targets Toby Creek Watershed
Survey Of Grafius Run Damage In Blair Begins With Horror Tale Of Sewage
Jacobs Creek Watershed Assn. Fundraiser Offers Unrefined Feasting
Court Dismisses Objections To Delaware RiverKeeper On Bishop Tube Site In Chester County
Delaware RiverKeeper July 27 RiverWatch Video Report
Click Here to subscribe to the Chesapeake Bay Journal
Wildlife
Hunters, Fishermen Better Hope Legislators Finally Do Right By Fish & Boat, Game
Commissions
Jefferson Hills Firefighters Begin Swift-Water Rescue Training
Catfish Expo/Mentored Youth Fishing Opportunity In Allegheny County July 28
Study: Most PA Deer Crashes Happen In Allegheny County
Consol Donates Property For Bat Conservation Area In Greene County
Delaware County Police Capture Reptile In Prospect Park Creek
Editorial: Respect Nature, Or Get Ready For Some Pain
West Nile/Zika Virus
Hurricanes
Trump Energy Official Dismayed Over Politically Drive Response To Puerto Rico’s Power
Problems
Wildfires
Massive Northern California Wildfire Kills Second Firefighter
AP: Fatal Wildfire Rips Through California Towns, Residents Flee
84
Officials Urge People To Get Out As Smoke From Wildfire Fills Yosemite Valley
Federal Policy
Editorial: A Washington Insider Takes Over At EPA, Prescribing Basics
Under Pruitt, EPA Slashed $350M In Regulations, 300,000 Hours Of Red Tape
Barletta Urges U.S. Senate To Act On His Disaster Mitigation Bill
Click Here For This Week's Allegheny Front Radio Program
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: DEP published the 2018 meeting schedules for its advisory committees and boards.
July 28-- PA Resources Council. Recycling Bin Distribution Event In Pittsburgh. Point Breeze
Distribution Event, URA’s Parking Lot on Meade Street. 8:00 to 2:00. Click Here to register.
July 28-- Audubon Society of Western PA. Backyard Habitat Gardening for Pollinators and
Butterflies Workshop. Beechwood Farms Nature Reserve, 614 Dorseyville Road, Pittsburgh.
10:00.
July 28-- Celebrate The Prairie Bloom. Jennings Environmental Ed Center, 2951 Prospect Road,
Slippery Rock, Butler County. 9:00 to 6:00
August 1-- Agenda Posted. DEP Cleanup Standards Scientific Advisory Board meeting. Room
105 Rachel Carson Building. 9:00. DEP Contact: Michael Maddigan, 717-772-3609,
mmaddigan@pa.gov.
-- Update on Per- and Polyfluoralkyl Substances (PFAS)
August 2-- Agenda Posted. DEP Air Quality Technical Advisory Committee meeting. Room
105 Rachel Carson Building. 9:15: DEP Contact: Kirit Dalal, 717-772-3436, kdalal@pa.gov.
Click Here to register to attend the meeting by webinar. A call-in option is also being provided:
Call in Number 1-650-479-3208, Access Code/Event Number (if necessary) 643 126 832, Event
Password (if necessary) GaQnvE@7.
-- Draft Changes to Chapters 121 & 127 On Fine Particulate Matter, New Source Review to
regulate volatile organic compounds and ammonia as precursors to PM2.5 for the first time in
Allegheny, Delaware and Lebanon Counties.
August 2-- NEW. DEP Weathering The Storm Workshop For Teachers. Beaver County
Conservation District Office, 156 Cowpath Rd, Aliquippa, Beaver County. 8:30 to 3:30.
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August 2-- DCNR Public Meeting On Forest District Plans: Michaux State Forest District, Mont
Alto Fire Company, 517 S. Main St, Mont Alto, Franklin County. 6:00 to 8:00 p.m. Click Here
for more.
August 2-- Susquehanna River Basin Commission holds a hearing on proposed water
withdrawal requests to be considered at its September 7 business meeting. Room 8E-B East
Wing, Capitol Building, Harrisburg. 2:30. SRBC Contact: Gwyn Rowland, 717-238-0423 ext.
1316. Click Here for more.
August 4-- Sewickley Creek Watershed Association. 2nd Annual Family Field Day. Lowber
Abandoned Mine Drainage Treatment Project, Herminie-Lowber Road near Lowber,
Westmoreland County. 10:00 to 2:00
August 4-5-- Gifford Pinchot’s Grey Towers. 14th Annual Festival Of Wood. Grey Towers
National Historic Site, Milford, Pike County.
August 5-- Brodhead Watershed Association. Ramble In Cherry Valley National Wildlife
Refuge. Cherry Valley National Wildlife Refuge, 2138 Croasdale Road, Stroudsburg, Monroe
County.
August 8-- Agenda Posted. DEP Oil and Gas Technical Advisory Board meeting. Room 105
Rachel Carson Building. 10:00. DEP Contact: Todd Wallace, 717-783-9438, twallace@pa.gov.
August 8-- Agenda Posted. DEP Aggregate Advisory Board meeting. Pennsy Supply,
Thomasville Quarry Office, 55 South Biesecker Road, Thomasville, York County. 10:00. DEP
Contact: Daniel Snowden, 717-787-5103, dsnowden@pa.gov. (formal notice)
August 8-- NEW. Speaker Turzai Prescription Drug Take Back & Paper Shredding Event.
McKnight Elementary School/North Allegheny Intermediate parking lots at 500 Cumberland
Road, Pittsburgh. 4:00 to 6:00
August 9-- DEP Hearing On Cumberland Mine Coal Refuse Disposal Facility NPDES Water
Quality Permit, Monongahela and Whiteley townships, Greene County. Greensboro
VFD/Church Building, 384 Stoney Hill Road, Greensboro. 1:00 to 3:00. (J uly 7 PA Bulletin
4015)
August 9-- NEW. Dept. of Health Potassium Iodide Distribution Around 5 Nuclear Power
Plants.
August 11-- PA Resources Council. Recycling Bin Distribution Event In Pittsburgh. Fairywood
Distribution Event, B Keppel Trucking, 100 Beechnut Drive, Pittsburgh. 8:00 to 2:00. Click Here
to register.
August 11-- NEW. Lacawac Sanctuary Farm To Plate Awards Dinner. Watres Lodge, Lacawac
Sanctuary, 94 Sanctuary Road, Lake Ariel, Wayne County.
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August 14-16-- Penn State College of Agricultural Sciences Ag Progress Days. Russell E.
Larson Agricultural Research Center at Rock Springs, 9 miles southwest of State College on
Route 45 in Huntingdon County.
August 15-- Joint House and Senate Agriculture and Rural Affairs Committees informational
meeting on agriculture industry at Penn State’s Ag Progress Days. Larson Agricultural Research
Center, Theatre Area of the College Exhibits Building, 2710 W. Pine Grove Road (Route 45),
Pennsylvania Furnace, PA, Huntingdon County. 10:00.
August 15-- DEP State Board for Certification of Sewage Enforcement Officers meeting. 11th
Floor, Conference Room B, Rachel Carson Building. 10:00. DEP Contact: Kristen
Szwajkowski, 717-772-2186, kszwajkows@pa.gov.
August 15-- Agenda Posted. DEP State Board For Certification of Water and Wastewater
Systems Operators meeting. 10th Floor Conference Room, Rachel Carson Building. 10:00. DEP
Contact: Edgar Chescattie, 717-772-2814, eshescattie@pa.gov.
August 15-- DCNR Public Meeting On Forest District Plans: Gallitzin State Forest District,
Holiday Inn Express, 1440 Scalp Ave., Johnstown, Cambria County. 6:00 to 8:30 p.m. Click
Here for more.
August 16-- NEW. House Environmental Resources and Energy Committee holds an
informational meeting on Senate Bill 799 which makes significant changes to the Environmental
Stewardship (Growing Greener) Funding Programs. The bill would require programs previously
funded through the General Fund or other agencies, plus add several new initiatives that would
draw money out of the Environmental Stewardship Fund without providing any more money.
Click Here for more. R
oom 140 Main Capitol. 9:00. Committee meetings are typically webcast
through the P A House Republican Caucus webpage.
August 16-- DEP Agricultural Advisory Board meeting. Ag Progress Days, 2710 West Pine
Grove Road, Furnace, Huntingdon County. 10:30. DEP Contact: Jay Braund, 717-772-5636,
jbraund@pa.gov. (formal notice)
August 16-- NEW. Sustainable Pittsburgh Challenge Workshop: Engaging Employees &
Community For Lasting Change. Energy Innovation Center, Room 115, 1435 Bedford Avenue,
Pittsburgh. 8:30 to 11:30.
August 18-19-- Western PA Conservancy. 2018 Wild & Scenic Clarion River Sojourn. Elk and
Clarion Counties.
August 20-23-- U.S. Biochar Initiatives Conference. Chase Center on the Riverfront,
Wilmington, Delaware.
August 21-- Environmental Quality Board meeting. Room 105 Rachel Carson Building. 9:00.
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DEP Contact: Laura Edinger, 717-772-3277, ledinger@pa.gov.
August 21-- Penn State Extension. Planning, Implementing A Municipal Leaf Compost Facility
Webinar. Noon to 1:00.
August 22-- Location Added. DCNR Public Meeting On Forest District Plans: Forbes State
Forest District. Loyalhanna Watershed Association Conference Room, 6 Old Lincoln Highway
West, Ligonier, Westmoreland County. 6:30 to 8:30. Click Here for more.
August 22-- NEW. Academy Of Natural Sciences Of Drexel University. Exploring Urban
Ecology With The Academy. The Academy of Natural Sciences, 1900 Benjamin Franklin
Parkway, Philadelphia. 6:00 to 8:00
August 23-26-- PA Assn. Of Hazardous Materials Technicians. 2018 PA Hazmat Training
Education Conference. Seven Springs Resort, Somerset County.
August 25-- PA Resources Council. Hard-To-Recycle Collection Event. Century III Mall, West
Mifflin, Allegheny County. 9:00 to 1:00.
August 25-- Registration Open. Chesapeake Bay Foundation-PA. Veterans On The River Kayak
Fishing Event. Shank's Mare Outfitters in Wrightsville, York County.
August 28-- DEP Climate Change Advisory Committee meeting. Room 105 Rachel Carson
Building. 10:00. DEP Contact: John Krueger, 717-783-9264, jkrueger@pa.gov.
August 28-- DCNR Wild Resource Conservation Program FY 2018-19 Grant Applications
meeting. Commissioner Conference Room, Game Commission, 2001 Elmerton Ave.,
Harrisburg. 10:00. DCNR Contact: Jennifer Girton, 717-787-3212 or send email to:
jgirton@pa.gov or Greg Czarnecki, 717-783-1337 or send email to: gczarnecki@pa.gov. (f ormal
notice) C
lick Here for more.
September 4-- DEP Storage Tank Advisory Committee meeting. Room 105 Rachel Carson
Building. 10:00. DEP Contact: Kris Shiffer 717-772-5809 or send email to: kshiffer@pa.gov.
September 4-- DEP Board Of Coal Mine Safety meeting. DEP Cambria Office, 286 Industrial
Park Road, Ebensburg. 10:00. DEP Contact: Peggy Scheloske 724-404-3143 or send email to:
mscheloske@pa.gov.
September 6-9-- Registration Open. Delaware Highlands Conservancy. Educational Retreat For
Women Forest Landowners. Highlights Workshop Facility in Boyd’s Mill, Milanville, Wayne
County.
September 7-- Susquehanna River Basin Commission business meeting. Binghamton, New
York. 9:00. Click Here for more.
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September 8-- NEW. French Creek Valley Conservancy. French Creek Watershed Cleanup.
Cochranton County Fair Grounds, 125 Pearl Street, Cochranton, Crawford County.
September 12-- DCNR Public Meeting On Forest District Plans: Tiadaghton State Forest
District, Wheeland Center, 1201 Locust St., Jersey Shore, Lycoming County. 6:30 to 8:30 p.m.
Click Here for more.
September 17-19-- 11th Eastern Native Grass Symposium. Erie Bayfront Convention Center.
September 18-- Environmental Quality Board meeting. Room 105 Rachel Carson Building.
9:00. DEP Contact: Laura Edinger, 717-772-3277, ledinger@pa.gov. (formal notice)
September 18-- DEP Citizens Advisory Council meeting. Room 105 Rachel Carson Building.
10:00. DEP Contact: Neil Bakshi, DEP Policy Office, nebakshi@pa.gov.
September 18-19-- NEW. PA Association Of State Floodplain Managers Annual Conference.
Central Hotel & Conference Center, Harrisburg.
September 18-20-- Mid-Atlantic Chapter International Erosion Control Association. 25th

Annual Conference, Workshop and Trade Show. Radisson Hotel, Camp Hill, Cumberland
County.
September 19- DEP Water Resources Advisory Committee meeting. Room 105 Rachel Carson
Building. 9:30. DEP Contact: Diane Wilson, 717-787-3730, diawilson@pa.gov. (f ormal
notice)
September 20-- DEP Solid Waste Advisory Committee & Recycling Funding Advisory
Committee meeting. Room 105 Rachel Carson Building. 10:00. DEP Contact: Laura Henry
717-772-5713 or send email to: lahenry@pa.gov.
September 22-- Joint meeting of DEP Recycling Fund Advisory Committee and Solid Waste
Advisory Committee. Room 105 Rachel Carson Building. 10:00. DEP Contact: Laura Henry,
717-772-5713, lahenry@pa.gov.
September 23-- Audubon Society of Western PA. Backyard Habitat Trees and Shrubs,
Supporting Wildlife In Winter Workshop. Beechwood Farms Nature Reserve, 614 Dorseyville
Road, Pittsburgh. 10:00.
September 25-26-- Coalition for the Delaware River Watershed. 2018 Delaware River
Watershed Forum. Cape May, NJ.
September 26-- DCNR Public Meeting On Forest District Plans: William Penn Forest District [
LTBD ] Southeast PA. Click Here for more.
September 28-- DEP Low-Level Waste Advisory Committee meeting Room 105 Rachel Carson
89
Building. 10:00. DEP Contact: Rich Janati, 717-787-2147, rjanati@pa.gov.
October 1-3-- Engineers’ Society of Western PA. PA Brownfield Conference. Sands Bethlehem
Casino, Bethlehem.
October 3-- PA Chamber Fall Regional Environmental Conference In Harrisburg.
October 6-- PA Resources Council. Hard-To-Recycle Collection Event. Settlers Cabin Park,
Robinson Township, Allegheny County. 9:00 to 1:00.
October 10-- DEP Technical Advisory Committee On Diesel Powered (Mining) Equipment.
DEP New Stanton Office, 131 Broadview Road, New Stanton. 10:00. DEP Contact: Peggy
Scheloski, 724-404-3143 or mscheloske@pa.gov.
October 17-- DCNR Public Meeting On Forest District Plans: Buchanan State Forest District,
District Office, 25185 Great Cove Road, McConnellsburg, Fulton County. 6:00 to 8:30 p.m.
Click Here for more.
October 17-- PA Chamber Fall Regional Environmental Conference In Mars, Butler County.
October 17-21-- Passive House Western PA. North American Passive House Network 2018
Conference. David L. Lawrence Convention Center, Pittsburgh.
October 18-- CANCELED. DEP Radiation Protection Advisory Committee meeting

rescheduled to November 15. DEP Contact: Joseph Melnic 717-783-9730 or send email to:
jmelnic@pa.gov. (formal notice)
October 24-- DCNR Public Meeting On Forest District Plans: Clear Creek State Forest District
[LTBD ] Clarion, Forest, Jefferson, Mercer, Venango counties. Click Here for more.
October 30-- PA Chamber Fall Regional Environmental Conference In King of Prussia.
October 30-31-- NEW. Northeast Recycling Council Fall Conference. Sheraton Hartford South
Hotel, Rocky Hill, Connecticut.
November 1-2-- PA Water And Wastewater Technology Summit. Penn Stater Conference
Center Hotel, State College.
November 8-- DCNR Public Meeting On Forest District Plans: Rothrock State Forest District,
Shaver’s Creek CFD Community Building, 8707 Firemans Park Ln, Petersburg, Huntingdon
County. 6:30 to 8:00 p.m. Click Here for more.
November 8-- DCNR Public Meeting On Forest District Plans: Weiser State Forest District,
District Office, 16 Weiser Lane, Aristes, Columbia County. 6:00 to 8:00 p.m. Click Here for
more.
90
November 15-- DEP Radiation Protection Advisory Committee meeting. Room 105 Rachel
Carson. 9:00. DEP Contact: Joseph Melnic 717-783-9730 or send email to: jmelnic@pa.gov.
(formal notice)
Related Tools ----------------
Visit DEP’s Public Participation Center for public participation opportunities.
Click Here for links to DEP’s Advisory Committee webpages.
Visit DEP Connects for opportunities to interact with DEP staff at field offices.
Click Here to sign up for DEP News a biweekly newsletter from the Department.
DEP Facebook Page DEP Twitter Feed DEP YouTube Channel
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.
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.
July 31-- Keep PA Beautiful Fresh Paint Days Grants

July 31-- Fish & Boat Commission Boating Infrastructure Grants
August 1-- Delaware River Basin Commission Summer Photo Contest
August 6-- NEW. Start Submitting Apps For REAP Farm Conservation Tax Credits
August 10-- NEW. NRCS-PA Conservation Funding Clinton, Centre, Lycoming Counties
August 15-- PA Leopold Farm Conservation Award $10,000
August 15-- DCNR Wild Resource Conservation Grants
August 17-- PA Lake Management Society Mini-Grants
August 20-- Foundation For PA Watersheds Grant Letters Of Intent
August 31-- OSMRE Not-For-Profit Acid Mine Drainage Watershed Grants
August 31-- Partnership For Delaware Estuary Schuylkill Shots Photo Contest
September 3-- American Chestnut Foundation Photo Contest
September 5-- PA Parks & Forests Foundation Photo Contest
September 7-- NEW. DCNR, PASA Recipes For Streams. Trees. Food. Conservation Cookbook
September 15-- CFA Alternative & Clean Energy Funding
September 15-- CFA Renewable Energy-Geothermal & Wind Funding
September 15-- CFA Solar Energy Funding
91
September 15-- CFA High Performance Building Funding
September 28-- DCNR Multifunctional Riparian Forest Buffer Grants
September 28-- DEP Calendar 2017 Recycling Performance Grants
September 29-- Sinnemahoning Watershed Restoration Grants
September 30-- Fish & Boat Commission Clean Vessel Act Grants
September 30-- Duquesne Light, Nissan Electric Vehicle Rebate
October 1-- DEP Small Business Advantage Grants-Water Quality Projects (first-come)
October 31-- PA Resources Council Gene Capaldi Lens On Litter Photo Contest
October 31-- Axalta, Philadelphia Eagles All-Pro Teachers Program
December 14-- DEP Alternative Fuels Incentive Grants
December 31-- DEP County Act 101 Waste Planning, HHW, Education Grants
-- 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.
Regulations, Technical Guidance & Permits
Here are highlights of actions taken by agencies on environmental regulations, technical

guidance and permits.
Regulations -----------------------
No new regulations were published this week. Pennsylvania Bulletin - July 28, 2018
Technical Guidance -------------------
The Department of Environmental Protection published notice in the July 28 PA Bulletin it has
finalized the Policy For The Development And Publication Of Technical Guidance (DEP
ID: 012-0900-001).
Revisions made in response to the comments the Department received include: removing
unused definitions; clarifying the relationship between technical guidance documents and
regulatory requirements; changing the online location of the Non-Regulatory Agenda; providing
a distinction between policies and technical guidance documents; and noting that Department's
Director of External Affairs can help Department staff identify stakeholders for additional
outreach opportunities.
Click Here for the final guidance. Click Here for the Comment/Response Document.
Questions regarding this document should be directed to Abbey Cadden, Policy Office at
acadden@pa.gov or 717-705-3769.
Permits ------------
92
Note: The Department of Environmental Protection published 64 pages of public notices related
to proposed and final permit and approval/ disapproval actions in the July 28 PA Bulletin - pages
4521 to 4585.
The Department of Environmental Protection published notice in the July 28 PA Bulletin

inviting comments on a draft NPDES General Permit for Discharges from Petroleum Product
Contaminated Groundwater Remediation Systems (PAG-05). Among the changes is an increase
in the annual installment payment form $100 to $500. A copy of the draft PAG-05 will be
posted on DEP’s eComment webpage. Comments are due August 26.
DEP published notice in the July 28 PA Bulletin (page 4581) of revisions to the list of registered
emission reduction credits.
The Fish and Boat Commission published notices in the July 28 PA Bulletin on additions to the
List Of Class A Wild Trout Waters and changes in Classification of Wild Trout Streams.
Related Tools ----------------------
Sign Up For DEP’s 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.
Visit DEP’s Public Participation Center for public participation opportunities.
DEP Proposals Out For Public Review

Other Proposals Open For Public Comment - DEP webpage
Submit Comments on Proposals Through DEP’s eComment System
Recently Closed Comment Periods For Other Proposals - DEP webpage
Other Proposals Recently Finalized - DEP webpage
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
March 3, 2018 DEP Regulatory Agenda - PA Bulletin, Page 1374
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
93
DEP Non-Regulatory/Technical Guidance Documents Agenda (July 2018)- DEP webpage
CLICK HERE To View Or Print Entire PA Environment Digest
CLICK HERE to View or Print the entire PA Environment Digest. This Digest is 94 pages long.
Stories Invited
Send your stories, photos and links to videos about your project, environmental issues or
programs for publication in the PA Environment Digest to: PaEnviroDigest@gmail.com.
About PA Environment Digest
PA Environment Digest is edited by David E. Hess, former Secretary Pennsylvania Department

of Environmental Protection. He can be contacted by sending email to:
PaEnviroDigest@gmail.com.
Did you know you can search back issues of PA Environment Digest since May 28, 2004 on
dozens of topics, by county and on any keyword you choose? Just click on the search page.
PA Environment Digest weekly was the winner of the PA Association of Environmental

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Twitter feed to get instant updates on other news from in and around the Pennsylvania State
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94
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PA Environment Digest is a supporting member of the Pennsylvania Outdoor Writers

Association, Pennsylvania Council Trout Unlimited and the Doc Fritchey Chapter Trout
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Issue #735 Harrisburg, PA July 30, 2018

PA Environment Digest Blog​ ​Twitter Feed​ ​PaEnviroDigest Google+

Click Here to View or Print This Entire Digest

EPA Releases Assessment Of Chesapeake Bay Restoration; Lack Of PA Progress Leaves A

The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency

The Department of Environmental Protection Wednesday announced it has issued administrative

The Department of Conservation and Natural Resources

Three environmental groups announced Friday

The Department of Environmental Protection has

Pennsylvania’s first probable human case of ​West

DEP To Conduct Aerial Mosquito Spraying July 30 As Flood Water Recedes In

The Department of Environmental Protection

The Department of Environmental Protection’s ​West Nile

The ​Public Utility Commission​ Friday encouraged

Green Infrastructure Offers Triple Benefits, Cost Effective Solutions To Stormwater

With the recent heavy rainfall this week, green

DCNR/PennVEST Accepting Applications For Multifunctional Riparian Stream Buffer

The Department of Conservation and Natural

The Department of Agriculture will begin

NRCS-PA: Applications For Conservation Funding In Clinton, Centre, Lycoming Counties

The U.S.D.A. ​Natural Resources Conservation

Phipps Conservatory & Botanical Gardens Recognized For Global Sustainability

On July 17 the ​Business Intelligence Group

The ​Lacawac Sanctuary​ in Wayne County will honor

Senate/House Agenda/Session Schedule/Gov’s Schedule

Committee Meeting Agendas This Week

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

Senate:​ <> ​Click Here​ for full Senate Committee Schedule.

Bills Pending In Key Committees

News From The Capitol

July Joint Conservation Committee Environmental Synopsis: 10 Million Trees Partnership

The ​July Environmental Synopsis​ newsletter is

Department of Environmental Protection Secretary Patrick

News From Around The State

Registration For PA Assn. Of State Floodplain Managers Conference Sept. 18-19 In

The ​PA Association of State Floodplain Managers​ will

The ​Chesapeake Bay Foundation-PA​, ​Trout

The Department of Environmental Protection and its

Western PA Conservancy’s Garden Captures Stormwater In Pittsburgh’s Hill District

Janet Thomas is passionate about

Center For Watershed Protection: Helping PA Municipalities Work Together To Achieve

In Pennsylvania, many local jurisdictions are

The Department of Conservation and Natural Resources and the ​PA

Trout Unlimited and the U.S. Forest Service are

Construction started recently on the $1.1 million

The ​PA Sea Grant Program​ Friday announced it

Opportunity To Bid On DEP Project To Plug Gas Wells In Clearfield County

The ​Academy of Natural Sciences Of Drexel

Keep Norristown Beautiful Becomes Newest Keep America Beautiful Affiliate In PA

On July 12, ​Keep Norristown Beautiful​ in Montgomery

On Thursday, ​Clinton County CleanScapes

The ​French Creek Valley Conservancy​ will

House Speaker Mike Turzai (R-Allegheny) will be

PA Resources Council 2017 Annual Report Highlights Work In Litter Prevention,

The ​PA Resources Council​ Thursday released a

Register now for the ​Northeast Recycling

DEP Committee Discusses Regulating VOCs, Ammonia In Allegheny, Delaware, Lebanon

Sustainable Pittsburgh Challenge Workshop: Engaging Employees & Community For

Construction Complete On Hummel Station Power Plant Coal To Natural Gas

Bechtel Monday announced it has completed the

The ​PA Wilds Center for Entrepreneurship, Inc​. Monday

Quaker Valley Council Of Governments Conducting Statewide Municipal Solar Initiative

The ​Quaker Valley Council of Governments​ in

PA Environment Digest Blog Twitter Feed PaEnviroDigest Google+

Pennsylvania’s first probable human case of West

The Department of Environmental Protection’s West Nile

The Public Utility Commission Friday encouraged

The U.S.D.A. Natural Resources Conservation

On July 17 the Business Intelligence Group

The Lacawac Sanctuary in Wayne County will honor

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

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

The July Environmental Synopsis newsletter is

The PA Association of State Floodplain Managers will

The Chesapeake Bay Foundation-PA, Trout

The Department of Conservation and Natural Resources and the PA

The PA Sea Grant Program Friday announced it

The Academy of Natural Sciences Of Drexel

On July 12, Keep Norristown Beautiful in Montgomery

On Thursday, Clinton County CleanScapes

The French Creek Valley Conservancy will

The PA Resources Council Thursday released a

Register now for the Northeast Recycling

The PA Wilds Center for Entrepreneurship, Inc. Monday

The Quaker Valley Council of Governments in

The South Mountain Partnership Wednesday

In celebration of the 50th anniversary of the National

The Summer newsletter of the Foundation For

The Lacawac Sanctuary Environmental Education

The July 25 issue of the Resource newsletter is now

The Hawk Mountain Sanctuary in Berks County invites

September 18-20-- Mid-Atlantic Chapter International Erosion Control Association. 25th

October 3-- PA Chamber Fall Regional Environmental Conference In Harrisburg.

October 18-- CANCELED. DEP Radiation Protection Advisory Committee meeting

Visit DEP’s Public Participation Center for public participation opportunities.

Click Here for links to DEP’s Advisory Committee webpages.

DEP Facebook Page DEP Twitter Feed DEP YouTube Channel

DEP Calendar of Events DCNR Calendar of Events

Senate Committee Schedule House Committee Schedule

July 31-- Keep PA Beautiful Fresh Paint Days Grants

The Department of Environmental Protection published notice in the July 28 PA Bulletin

Visit DEP’s Public Participation Center for public participation opportunities.

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

PA Environment Digest weekly was the winner of the PA Association of Environmental

PA Environment Digest is a supporting member of the Pennsylvania Outdoor Writers