PA Environment Digest

An Update On Environmental Issues In PA

Edited By: David E. Hess, Crisci Associates
Winner 2009 PAEE Business Partner Of The Year Award Harrisburg, Pa SRBC Hosts 2 Hearings On Natural Gas Regulation Changes The Susquehanna River Basin Commission is reminding the public of two hearings to be conducted on August 2 and August 4 to explain and receive public comments on proposed regulatory revisions, most of which regard the approval of natural gas projects, addition of new definitions, renewals of expiring approvals, restructuring of water source approvals and incorporation of certain policies and practices into regulation. The two public hearings will be held on: -- August 2, 10:00 a.m., Rachel Carson State Office Building, 400 Market St., Harrisburg, Pa. -- August 4, 7:00 p.m., Holiday Inn Binghamton Downtown, 2-8 Hawley St., Binghamton, N.Y. Persons planning to present oral testimony at one or both public hearings should provide prior notice, if possible, to Richard Cairo, General Counsel, Susquehanna River Basin Commission, 1721 North Front Street, Harrisburg, PA, 17102, Phone: 717-238-0423, ext 306, Fax: 717-238-2436 or send email to: rcairo@srbc.net. The deadline for comments August 23. The proposed regulatory changes and a summary are available on SRBCs website. NewsClip: SRBC Expands Water Withdrawal Ban On Drillers, Other Sources Did You Know You Can Search 7 Years Of Digests On Any Topic? Did you know you can search 7 years of back issues of the PA Environment Digest on dozens of topics, by county and on any key word you choose. Just click on the search page. Also take advantage of these related services from Crisci Associates-Twitter Instant Updates: On Twitter, sign up to receive instant updates from : PAEnviroDigest. PA Environment Daily: provides daily environmental NewsClips and significant stories and announcements on environmental topics in Pennsylvania of immediate value. Sign up and receive as they are posted updates through your favorite RSS reader. You can also sign up for a once daily email alerting you to new items posted on this blog. PA Environment Digest Video Blog: showcases original and published videos from environmental groups and agencies around the state. Sign up to receive as they are posted August 1, 2011

updates through your favorite RSS read. You can also sign up for a once daily email alerting you to new items posted on this blog. PA Capitol Digest Blog to get updates every day on Pennsylvania State Government, including newsclips, coverage of key press conferences and more. Sign up and receive as they are posted updates through your favorite RSS reader. You can also sign up for a once daily email alerting you to new items posted on this blog. Senate/House Agenda/Session Schedule/Bills Introduced Here are the Senate and House Calendars and Committee meetings showing bills of interest as well as a list of new environmental bills introduced-Session Schedule Here is the latest voting session schedule for the Senate and House-Senate September 19, 20, 21, 26, 27, 28 October 17, 18, 19, 24, 25, 26, 31 November 1, 14, 15, 16 December 5, 6, 7, 12, 13, 14 House September 26, 27, 28 October 3, 4, 5, 17, 18, 19, 24, 25, 26, 31 November 1, 2, 14, 15, 16, 21, 22, 23 December 5, 6, 7, 12, 13, 14 Bill Calendars House (September 26): Senate Bill 303 (MJ White-R-Venango) providing for the disposition of fines under the Hazardous Sites Cleanup Act; Senate Bill 304 (MJ White-R-Venango) requiring the posting of the state air quality implementation plan on the Internet; House Resolution 70 (Harhart-R-Lehigh) requesting the Department of Transportation to study the potential use of quarry and other mining waste in highway and civil engineering projects. <> Click Here for full House Bill Calendar. Senate (September 19): <> Click Here for full Senate Bill Calendar. Committees House: the Consumer Affairs Committee holds two informational meetings on the status of competitive energy markets in Pennsylvania; the House Democratic Policy Committee hearing on Marcellus Shale issues in Waynesburg. <> Click Here for full House Committee Schedule.

Senate: <> Click Here for full Senate Committee Schedule. Bills Introduced The following bills of interest were introduced this week-Gas Gathering Pipeline: House Bill 1796 (Mundy-D-Lackawanna) providing a definition of gathering natural gas line under regulated public utility. Oil & Gas Amendments: House Bill 1800 (George-D-Clearfield) amendments to the Oil and Gas Act to deal with Marcellus Shale issues.

News From The Capitol

Rep. Baker Unveils Marcellus Shale Legislation Rep. Matt Baker (R-Tioga) Tuesday said he is developing legislation to amend the Pennsylvania Oil and Gas Act to reflect some of the recommendations contained in the report. The 30-member Marcellus Shale Commission spent several months and hundreds of man hours gathering information that ended up in the 137-page report. Within the document were nearly 100 recommendations that focused heavily on environmental and safety issues. As a member whose legislative district is in the heart of Marcellus Shale territory, Rep. Baker has been following the progress of the commission closely and agrees with many aspects of the final report that clearly shows a need to update the state's Oil and Gas law to keep up with the growth of the industry. "When the Oil and Gas Act was signed into law back in 1984, accessing areas such as the Marcellus Shale formation were not necessarily contemplated and neither were the technologies that are now available," said Rep. Baker. "That being said, I think now is the time to engage in legislation that updates the Oil and Gas Act to reflect today's industry methodology." Proposed changes to the Pennsylvania Oil and Gas Act contained in Rep. Baker's legislation include: -- Extending the operator's presumptive liability from 1,000 to 2,500 feet and extending the time frame for when the damage was to have occurred from six months to 12 months; -- Requiring operators to provide notice and a copy of the plat plan to the property owner, the host municipality or any municipality within 2,500 feet of the proposed well; -- Requiring the operator to indicate on its plat plan the location of the well, well site and access roads; -- Increasing the mandatory distance restriction between a natural gas well and private water wells; public water supply; and streams, ponds and other bodies of water; -- Requiring comprehensive tracking of hydraulic fracturing waste from water withdrawal to disposal at high-volume wells; -- Increasing penalties for violations by well operators; -- Increasing the civil and criminal penalties currently in the Oil and Gas Act;

-- Providing the Department of Environmental Protection with the authority to enter into contracts with well control specialists to provide proper response in the event of a well control emergency; -- Holding harmless well control specialists from damages arising from their emergency well control actions, unless proven the action was due to negligence; and -- Requiring DEP to post and provide regular updates of well inspection reports through an Internet-based reporting system. "These updates, inspired by the commission's report, make the most sense for updating the Oil and Gas Act and making sure that our environmental resources are adequately protected and appropriate safety protocols are put in place," said Rep. Baker. "The updates also reflect a greater accountability for all parties involved in the natural gas drilling and permitting process." Rep. Baker's legislation is currently being circulated for member support and will be formally introduced in the near future.

News From Around The State

Williamsport Hosts Marcellus Shale Industry Jobs Discussion Local residents in Williamsport, Pa. joined area leaders and business owners Wednesday for a community discussion focused on natural gas training programs and the impact of workforce development in the region, as well as the industrys commitment to safe and responsible development of the Marcellus Shale. The Marcellus Shale Coalition and Americas Natural Gas Alliance jointly hosted the public event held at the Sooner Pipe headquarters in Williamsport. Sen.Gene Yaw (R-Bradford), Lycoming County Commissioner Jeff Wheeland, and Williamsport/ Lycoming Chamber of Commerce President and CEO Vince Matteo participated in a panel discussion, which offered insight into the economic value the natural gas community brings to the Appalachian region. Other panel members included Larry Michael, executive director of workforce and continuing education at Pennsylvania College of Technology and member of the development team of the comprehensive online recruiting tool ShaleNET, and Mary Wolf, a spokeswoman for Anadarko Petroleum Corporation, a natural gas producer operating in the area. The Marcellus Shale, one of the largest sources of natural gas in the United States, brought the natural gas industry to Pennsylvania, which has led to a flurry of investment in the region and created economic and job opportunities across the state. The event focused on economic development opportunities for local business, educational programs to build the local workforce, and the industrys commitment to operating in the interest of the community through safe and responsible development. The natural gas community has brought a tremendous boost to our region in economic benefit and employment, said Matteo. Pennsylvania has been one of the hardest hit states economically in recent years. The natural gas industry has helped change that by bringing thousands of well-paying jobs to the region, and will continue to bring jobs to our area in the future. We need to start training Pennsylvania now for the natural gas jobs to come.

Wolf discussed the industrys commitment to safe and responsible development and to the communities where they operate. As part of this commitment, companies are working alongside community organizations and representatives to ensure environmental safety, maximize job creation and bring an economic boost to the region. To be the catalyst for economic development and job creation, chambers of commerce, elected officials, trade associations, educators and natural gas companies must work together to communicate what is needed and valued, said Wolf. By accomplishing this, this next generation can be prepared to lead Pennsylvanias economic recovery and earn our countrys energy independence. This community discussion was the first of three that will be held in Pennsylvania this summer. For more information on this event, and natural gas development opportunities in the state, please visit the Marcellus Shale Coalition or the Friends of Natural Gas in PA websites. EPA Proposes Air Pollution Standards For Oil, Gas Production The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency Thursday proposed standards to reduce harmful air pollution from oil and gas drilling operations. These proposed updated standards - which are being issued in response to a court order would rely on cost-effective existing technologies to reduce emissions that contribute to smog pollution and can cause cancer while supporting the administrations priority of continuing to expand safe and responsible domestic oil and gas production. The standards would leverage operators' ability to capture and sell natural gas that currently escapes into the air, resulting in more efficient operations while reducing harmful emissions that can impact air quality in surrounding areas and nearby states. "This administration has been clear that natural gas is a key component of our clean energy future, and the steps announced today will help ensure responsible production of this domestic energy source," said Gina McCarthy, assistant administrator for EPA's Office of Air and Radiation. "Reducing these emissions will help cut toxic pollution that can increase cancer risks and smog that can cause asthma attacks and premature death - all while giving these operators additional product to bring to market. The proposal would cut smog-forming volatile organic compound (VOC) emissions from several types of processes and equipment used in the oil and gas industry, including a 95 percent reduction in VOCs emitted during the completion of new and modified hydraulically fractured wells. This dramatic reduction would largely be accomplished by capturing natural gas that currently escapes to the air and making that gas available for sale through technologies and processes already in use by several companies and required in some states. Natural gas production in the U.S. is growing, with more than 25,000 new and existing wells fractured or re-fractured each year. The VOC reductions in the proposal are expected to help reduce ozone nonattainment problems in many areas where oil and gas production occurs. In addition, the VOC reductions would yield a significant environmental benefit by reducing methane emissions from new and modified wells. Methane, the primary constituent of natural gas, is a potent greenhouse gas - more than 20 times more potent than carbon dioxide. Todays proposed changes also would reduce cancer risks from emissions of several air toxics, including benzene.

EPAs analysis of the proposed changes, which also include requirements for storage tanks and other equipment, show they are highly cost-effective, with a net savings to the industry of tens of millions of dollars annually from the value of natural gas that would no longer escape to the air. The also proposal includes reviews of four air regulations for the oil and natural gas industry as required by the Clean Air Act: a new source performance standard for VOCs from equipment leaks at gas processing plants; a new source performance standard for sulfur dioxide emissions from gas processing plants; an air toxics standard for oil and natural gas production; and an air toxics standard for natural gas transmission and storage. EPA is under a consent decree requiring the agency to sign a proposal by July 28, 2011 and take final action by Feb. 28, 2012. As part of the public comment period, EPA will hold three public hearings, in the Dallas, Denver and Pittsburgh areas. Details on the hearings will be announced soon. PA Reaction There has been a growing concern among residents and leaders about unhealthy air pollution from gas drilling, said PennEnvironments Erika Staaf. While much of the focus has been on hydraulic fracturing and water contamination, there have been an increasing number of residents living near gas drilling operations who have experienced health risks from this industrial sector. Sadly but not surprisingly, the polluters in the oil and gas industry are pressuring the EPA to delay moving ahead with these critically important proposals to protect public health. For the health of our most vulnerable populations, we must move forward. If the industry feels its more important to continue the status quo and put their pollution ahead of the publics health, they can offer comments during the public comment period, concluded Staaf. Kathryn Z. Klaber, president and executive director of the Marcellus Shale Coalition issued this statement in response: While we understand that EPA is required by law to periodically evaluate current standards, this sweeping set of potentially unworkable regulations represents an overreach that could, ironically, undercut the production of American natural gas, an abundant energy resource that is critical to strengthening our nations air quality As this process moves forward, we look forward to providing EPA with fact-based information regarding our best practices and industry-leading operations, which are ensuring that the regions air quality is not impacted. In fact, Pennsylvania Department of Environmental Protection studies have determined that Marcellus activities do not present any air-related health issues. Our state regulators are keeping an eye on the ball. However, its not clear if EPA is as well. A copy of the proposal is available online. NewsClips: EPA Proposes Limit To Gas Drilling Air Emissions EPA Eyes Controls On Air Pollution From Drilling EPA Proposes New Drilling Emission Rules Air Pollution From Drilling To Be Studied Passive Mine Drainage Treatment Operation/Maintenance Assistance Now Available

BioMost, Inc. and Stream Restoration Inc. are pleased to announce the availability of the Passive Treatment Operation and Maintenance Technical Assistance program supported by a partnership with the Department of Environmental Protection and the Foundation for Pennsylvania Watersheds. This program, which is available free-of-charge to watershed groups, nonprofits, conservation districts, and state agencies, has been created to provide technical assistance related to the operation, maintenance, and rehabilitation/replacement (OM&R) of passive systems for abandoned coal mine drainage treatment. The goal is to empower watershed organizations by providing them with the tools and knowledge necessary to operate and maintain their passive systems and to assist when needed. Services that can be provided include, but are not limited to: -- Evaluate and troubleshoot maintenance and/or design issues related to treatment performance; -- Resolve minor maintenance issues such as unplugging pipes/treatment media, cleaning spillways and ditches, etc. and performing minor upgrades such as replacing valves, installing baffle curtains, etc.; -- Determine appropriate solutions to major maintenance/performance issues and assist watershed organizations with obtaining funding to address these major issues; -- Assist watershed organizations in establishing a trust fund for long-term OM&R; -- Evaluate passive systems for the potential of resource recovery to offset future OM&R costs; -- Provide educational opportunities to enable organizations to acquire the skills needed to conduct operation and maintenance on their passive treatment systems; and -- Provide educational opportunities for watershed groups and other organizations to learn how to use Datashed, a user-friendly, online, GIS-enabled database to assist with the management of water quality data and the operation and maintenance of passive systems. In order to receive technical assistance, the organization must be a watershed group, nonprofit, conservation district, or state agency that maintains at least one passive treatment system. Members, personnel, etc from the requesting organization are strongly encouraged to participate/assist and learn (as appropriate) during site visits, O&M activities, water monitoring, etc. To learn more, please contact Cliff Denholm at Stream Restoration Incorporated by phone 724-776-0161 or send email to: sri@streamrestorationinc.org. Wilkes-Barre School District Receives Watershed, AMD Curriculum Grant The Eastern PA Coalition for Abandoned Mine Reclamation was recently awarded a $7,500 Department of Environmental Protection Environmental Education Grant to work in partnership with the Wilkes-Barre Area School District. EPCAMR will teach 34 Science Teachers, through this In-Service Project, principles of watershed restoration, environmental education, environmental action projects, stream restoration, abandoned mine drainage and AMD remediation projects that are located within the School District and provide them with a focused and State approved curriculum supplement on AMD. Click Here for many more details. Conservation Groups, Policymakers Team Up To Cool Upper Delaware

Cooperation between conservation groups and government policymakers helped stave off a water temperature crisis on the Upper Delaware River during last weeks heat wave. As air temperatures spiked to nearly 100 degrees in the region on July 22, water temperatures at Lordville, NY, reached 78 degrees and were expected to continue to climb. It was the first water alert of the summer under a modified reservoir water release plan that took effect on June 1. Members of Friends of the Upper Delaware River, a nonprofit conservation group, scrambled to find relief for the cold water ecosystem, including its trout, according to its board chairman, Dan Plummer. Under the Delaware River Basin Commissions new Flexible Flow Management Program, releases from Cannonsville Reservoir were fixed at 500 cubic feet per second for the summer months and bumped up to 600 cfs a few weeks ago. The new release plan is providing nearly twice as much water than had been released the past four years under the old program. The 600 cfs figure is sometimes called the "FUDR number," due to the fact that the original FUDR board has for years advocated a minimum flow of 600 cfs out of Cannonsville. River temperatures depend largely on the amount of cold water released from the reservoirs. Releases come from the bottom of the reservoirs at temperatures as low as 42 degrees, and at sufficient levels this keeps the rivers cool for miles downstream. But it became clear that 600 cubic feet per second was insufficient with air temperatures approaching triple digits and with climbing water temps recorded by the river gauge at Lordville. The conservation group discussed its options. The 600 cfs out of Cannonsville should take care of the fishery most of the summer, but it is a minimum release figure, not an ideal, said Bob Bachman, a Pennsylvania Fish and Boat Commissioner and FUDR board member. There will be times when we'll need more cold water, and last week was a perfect example. With all three Delaware River reservoirs at more than 90 percent of capacity, FUDR and its partners in the Delaware Watershed Conservation Coalition decided to ask government policymakers to temporarily increase the Cannonsville releases to 1,000 cfssomething that has been done only rarely in the past. With soaring air temps, rising water temps threatening the trout, and plenty of water in the system, said Diane "Dee" Maciewjewski, chairman of the New York State Council of Trout Unlimited, weve got to ask for the extra water. Other groups that supported the effort included Theodore Gordon Flyfishers, Federation of FlyFishers, and the PA Council of Trout Unlimited. Jeff Zimmerman, FUDRs attorney, contacted DRBC commission members--government officials from New York, Pennsylvania, New Jersey and Delaware--to explain the situation. As a result, the conservation groups got their extra cold water. The water spigot was opened on the afternoon of July 22. Within 36 hours, the rivers temperature downstream at Lordville had dropped by more than 10 degrees, to the mid-60s. Plummer said any of the DRBC commissioners could have vetoed the increased flow. He credited the support of Paul Rush, with the New York City Department of Environmental Protection, and John Hines of the Pennsylvania Department of Environmental Protection. These two guys took the lead and got it done, Plummer said. He noted that Rush followed up with a phone call to make sure all knew the increased flow plan had been executed

and hoped it was having the intended results. The flow rate was backed down to 600 cfs after the heat wave passed. FUDR received many emails and calls congratulating everyone who had helped secure the cold water. A message from Andy Boyar of the Catskill Flyfishing Center summed it up: On behalf of the trout, aaaaaah! Thanks. Plummer said conservationists and policymakers alike are still sorting out how the new release program will play out in the long run. But he said the conservation groups appreciate the current working relationship with all parties involved. &nbsp; "Things are looking good, Plummer said. Guides and fishermen up and down the river are claiming this is the best season we have had in a long, long time. For more information, visit the Friends of the Upper Delaware River website. Penn State: TreeVitalize Can Help With Riparian Buffers, Workshops Set A riparian buffer is a simple project that even private landowners can do to help preserve their property and water quality. As an awareness of environmental stewardship increases many are using buffers on their own properties. Many workshops, such as TreeVitalize in Lewisburg on August 31and Lancaster on September 22, are being held to reach out to those interested in developing sound riparian buffers including tips on design, where they can be used, and native plants that can enhance the ecology of the land. Riparian buffer zones are vegetated strips of land along stream banks that are designed to reduce pollutant risks to the stream. In light of current efforts to restore the Chesapeake Bay, and surrounding watershed sub-basins, riparian buffers zones have become a hot topic. They are relatively easy to establish and inexpensive compared to more invasive methods of stream restoration. The beauty of riparian buffers is they act as a waterways first line defense against nonpoint source pollutants for a waterway. The primary target pollutants mediated by riparian buffers include nutrient pollutants, such as nitrates and phosphates, as well as excess sediment runoff. In addition they contribute ecological diversity, habitat, canopy cover, and aesthetic value. Riparian buffers can be thought of as the infantry in the war against non-point source pollution. Buffer strips work by creating a barrier between the stream corridor and the land area draining into the stream. Surface runoff coming from developed land, whether agricultural, urban, or residential, carries an increased threat of being tainted by nutrient due to decreased infiltration. The vegetation and water demands created in a riparian buffer cause a reduction in runoff velocity and increased soil water infiltration. Reducing velocity has a direct correlation to reducing runoff erosion. This is aided by plant and tree root structure holding the soils in place. Soil water Infiltration captures pollutants in soils and plants before they can reach the stream. This is why when designing a riparian buffer it is always better to develop it as wide as possible to facilitate the most infiltration. The recommended riparian buffer width is between 50-150 feet on either side of the stream channel; however, in situations with land space constraints even smaller buffers have proven effective.

TreeVitalize is being put together by the Alliance for the Chesapeake Bay, an organization with much past success in implementing programs such as this. Coordinator Rebecca Wertime has worked hard assembling the event and is excited to see the benefits that will come from it. Wertime said, Our goal has been to coordinate projects in the public eye to attract the communitys attention and get them involved. The success of the project is not only how receptive the public has been, but the overwhelming support we are beginning to receive from local government and municipalities. TreeVitalize workshops will be held in Lancaster September 22 More information, visit the TreeVitalize website or the PA TreeVitalize Streams webpage. (Written By: Justin Kauffman, Conewago Creek Conservation Initiative Intern, and reprinted from Penn State Cooperative Extension Watershed Winds newsletter.) Save The Date: Chesapeake Bay Watershed Forum September 30 to October 2 The 2011 Chesapeake Bay Watershed Forum will be held in Shepherdstown, WV September 30 to October 2. Click Here for more information. Aqua Pennsylvania Emlenton Water Plant Joins Safe Water Partnership Aqua Pennsylvania, Inc. announced Tuesday its Emlenton water treatment plant has joined the Partnership for Safe Watera voluntary cooperative effort between the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, the American Water Works Association and other drinking water organizations, representing more than 200 surface water utilities throughout the United States. Emlentons participation in the partnership represents a true 180-degree turn for the facility, which was purchased by Aqua in December 2008. At the time, the plant had been under a Department of Environmental Protection boil order eight monthsan order that was instituted April 29, 2008 during previous ownership of the system. Within less than a month of its purchase, Aqua had made the repairs necessary to have the boil order lifted. Aquas improvements continued and since that time has invested $2.8 million for construction of a new 288,000-gallon per day water treatment plant; $925,000 to replace 11,400 feet of old water main; and $392,000 of improvements to the existing finished water reservoir, including the installation of a dome roof. These improvements led to Aqua satisfying the requirements of the DEP consent order agreementwhich it inherited when it purchased the system17 months before the final completion date of July 1, 2012. Other state agencies, including the Public Utility Commission, worked cooperatively with Aqua to improve Emlentons water quality. It was the result of an emergency order from the PUC on November 21, 2008 under which Aqua became the certified operator for Emlenton with full operational control of Emlentons water supply treatment plant and distribution system. We are very pleased to have our Emlenton plant be part of the Partnership for Safe Water, said Aqua President Karl Kyriss. Because of all of the hard work and extensive

investment we completed at this plant, we expect to soon see this plant performing at the highest standards established by the Partnership. The addition of the Emlenton Water Treatment Plant to the Partnership completes the list of Aquas 11 surface water treatment plants that now participate in the Partnership for Safe Water. The company completed enrollment of its 10 plants in November 2008. Since then, its Roaring Creek treatment plant in Shamokin achieved the Partnerships Phase III Directors Award of Recognition. The Directors Award is presented for successfully completing the Self-Assessment and Peer Review phase of program, which consists of identifying factors that limit treatment plant performance. Aqua America Chairman and CEO Nicholas DeBenedictis said, I want to personally thank Pennsylvania PUC Commissioner Jim Cawley and Department of Environmental Protection Regional Director Kelly Birch for their guidance and support during the construction process. I also want to offer special thanks to Pennsylvania Senator and Chair of the Senate Environmental Resources and Energy Committee Mary Jo White (R-Venango County) and Pennsylvania Representative and Majority Chair of the House Environmental Resources and Energy Committee Scott Hutchinson (R- Venango County). Without the effort of these legislators to obtain PennVEST funds, the successful turnaround of the Emlenton water system would not have been possible. Weve invested tens of millions of dollars in our treatment facilities and consistently strive to outperform regulatory standards, said Kyriss. We soon expect to see other Aqua treatment plants achieve the Phase III award, which was received by our Roaring Creek plant, and that they will then target Phase IV. The Emlenton water system serves approximately 1,200 people in portions of Emlenton Borough and Richland Township, Venango County in western Pennsylvania. Aqua Pennsylvania serves approximately 1.4 million people in 30 counties throughout Pennsylvania. For more information, visit the DEP Partnership For Safe Water webpage. Natural Biodiversity: Become An Earth Friendly School, Grants Available Natural Biodiversity is now offering assistance through the Earth Friendly School Initiative for schools in the counties of Bedford, Blair, Cambria, Indiana, Somerset and Westmoreland. Deadline to submit an application is 4:00 p.m. September 2. Schools are often the leading consumers of energy and water, as well as the leading producers of waste and greenhouse gas emissions. This assistance is available to help a school or school district go green by developing a Sustainability Plan with operating procedures and practices for the districts buildings and grounds. The program will also include steps to become a Bronze Level National Wildlife Federation Eco-School, and will ensure students play an active role in greening their school. The recipient will receive technical assistance from Natural Biodiversity along with other experienced professional partners in addressing issues such as energy and water conservation, recycling and waste reduction, local and worldwide environmental curriculum, school transportation, sustainable agriculture and food, and outdoor green space, along with assistance up to $1800 in project materials for project implementation.

The recipient will play a leadership role in providing a working model and demonstration site for their district and outside counterparts. A pre-requisite for selection is an agreement by the school to provide a June 2012 workshop for other school district personnel to attend, outlining the sustainability plan and implementation so other schools can learn how to go green. The grant recipient will be notified around September 30. The assistance year is from October 1, 2011 through June 30, 2012. For more information, download the formal Request for Proposals and an Information Packet on the Earth Friendly School Initiative or call Kristina Strosnider at 814-534-0204. Penn State Drafting Strategic Plan For Sustainability, Seeks Ideas In response to the multiple ecological, economic and social crises affecting the world today, Penn State is drafting its first strategic plan for sustainability. The development of a sustainability plan will involve students, faculty, staff, leadership, alumni, supporters and corporate partners. The council writing the plan wants to hear the public's ideas now to help make it the best possible plan. Penn State's University Sustainability Council -- whose members include Penn State students, faculty, staff and administrators and who are guided by an advisory board -- defines sustainability not just in the usual "green" sense of a healthy, protected environment, but as the pursuit of economic well-being, human health and prosperity, and environmental quality in a manner that balances the needs of present and future generations. The council's plan aims to make all Penn State practices sustainable, from the office to the classroom, from the research lab to the residence hall, from the campus to society. Goals under consideration: -- Ensure that Penn State graduates have a deep understanding of sustainability; -- Engage the Penn State community in learning about and pursuing sustainability; -- Create an integrated living laboratory for global sustainability; -- Develop, advance and deploy the knowledge, science and art of sustainability; and -- Advance sustainability within the larger society. In short, Penn State will become a living laboratory of sustainable ideas and behaviors that will help transform how we teach, research and share knowledge, to improve the lives of the people of Pennsylvania, the United States and the world. Everyone within and outside Penn State is encouraged to submit their best ideas to an ongoing set of Facebook notes -- one for each goal, to be posted weekly -- or by email to: sustainablestate@psu.edu. The original note about the plan-in-progress is online. The note detailing the first goal, "Ensure that Penn State graduates have a deep understanding of sustainability," is online. Ideas submitted by no later than October 16, will be shared in a timely manner with the University Sustainability Council for their thoughtful consideration during the planning process. NewsClip: Wind Turbine Installed At Penn State PUC Launches 2nd Phase Of Competitive Electric Market Investigation

The Public Utility Commission Thursday announced details of the second phase of its investigation into the states competitive electricity retail market. The Commission voted 5-0 to launch the second phase of the statewide investigation. I am pleased today that the Commission is taking another step towards completion of its investigation into Pennsylvanias retail electricity market, said PUC Chairman Robert F. Powelson in a statement. The Commissions goal is to make Pennsylvania the most competitive electricity market in the country. I believe the order being voted on today provides an excellent roadmap for the Commissions next steps toward achieving that goal. The Commission has reviewed the various comments submitted during the first phase of the investigation, and will initiate the second phase by organizing technical conferences to be headed by the Commissions Office of Competitive Market Oversight. OCMO will be tasked with studying how best to address and resolve the issues identified by the Commission as being most relevant to improving the current retail market. Upon conclusion of the investigation, OCMO will provide recommendations outlining specific courses of action to be taken by the Commission to improve the retail electricity market. As part of this second phase, additional en banc hearings will be held to review the issues involved. The first technical conference has been scheduled for August 10 in Harrisburg to address organizational issues and also to begin substantive discussions on some of the key issues involved. The next en banc hearing has been scheduled for October 27. An agenda for that hearing will be provided at a later date. Interested parties who wish to be placed on the distribution list to receive electronic communications regarding the investigation should send their contact information, including name, company/organization affiliation, email address and telephone number via email to: raRMI@state.pa.us. The phrase RMI Distribution List should be placed in the subject line. On April 28, 2011, the Commission voted 4-1 to approve a joint motion by Chairman Robert F. Powelson and Vice Chairman John F. Coleman to officially launch the statewide investigation, first announced during the Commissions approval of the FirstEnergy/Allegheny Power merger on Feb. 24, 2011. The Commission is conducting the investigation in two phases. The first phase was designed to assess the status of the current retail market and explore what changes need to be made to allow customers to best realize the benefits of competition. As part of the second phase, the Commission will now examine and address how to best resolve the issues raised and implement the prudent changes identified based upon its review of the comments received. During the first phase of the investigation, the Commission conducted an en banc hearing on June 8, 2011, in Hearing Room 1 of the Commonwealth Keystone Building, Harrisburg. Submitted comments and testimony provided at that hearing are available on the Commissions website. DEP Accepting Applications For Recycling Performance Grants The Department of Environmental Protection is now accepting applications for Section 904 Recycling Performance Grants through December 30. (formal notice) For more information, visit DEP's Recycling Financial Assistance webpage.

Delaware County Collects Nearly 40 Tons Of Electronic Waste On June 17 the Delaware County Recycling Program collected 78,461 pounds-- nearly 40 tons-of electronic waste at a collection event at Delaware County Community College Campus. At the event, the County accepted not only computers and TVs (items accepted at our HHW Events) but also appliances such as microwaves, vacuums, stereos, toasters, coffeemakers, copiers, power tools, small electronic household appliances as well as electronic office equipment. The only electronic items not accepted were large appliances and items containing mercury, gas or Freon. The Delaware County Community College Campus was the perfect location with plenty of room to off-load vehicles. Upon entering the site, participants were directed to one of two lines. The recycler, Creative Recycling, has a strict policy when unloading vehicles - nothing touches the ground. As vehicles were unloaded, items were placed on designated pallets or boxes. This allowed for each item to be handled only once which was a real timesaver. For each line, one persons sole responsibility was to shrink wrap the pallets and, via a forklift truck, load the material onto their trucks. As a result, we never had a long line nor looked overwhelmed. For more information, visit the Delaware County Recycling Program webpage. Ohio Recycling Company To Open New Facility In Lehigh Valley Gov. Tom Corbett announced Monday state economic development efforts will enable Coll Materials, LLC a post-consumer and post-industrial recycling company to open a Northeast United States service facility in the Lehigh Valley, bringing 75 new jobs to the region. Our investments have led to a national recycling leader setting up shop in the Lehigh Valley resulting in new investment and significant job creation, Corbett said. By creating 75 jobs, occupying over 100,000 square feet of office space and injecting more than $4 million in private investment into the local economy, this project will positively impact the region. Coll Materials will lease a 105,000 square-foot facility in South Whitehall Township, Lehigh County, to account for rapid growth and to service the northeastern United States. The $4 million project will create at least 75 new jobs within three years. The company received a $333,750 funding offer for the project from the Department of Community and Economic Development, including a $150,000 opportunity grant, $33,750 in job-training assistance, and $150,000 in job-creation tax credits. The project was coordinated by the Governors Action Team or GAT, a group of economic development professionals who work directly with businesses that are considering locating or expanding in Pennsylvania. GAT provides site-selection assistance, coordinates the involvement of other state agencies as needed, and packages the appropriate economic development funding for the project. Coll Materials is delighted to have the opportunity to expand our business to Pennsylvania. The commonwealth, the Governors Action Team, the Lehigh Valley area economic development representatives and South Whitehall Township officials have all been tremendously helpful. Weve received competitive incentives and prompt responses to our many questions, said company president Brian Coll.

Coll Materials is a post-consumer and post-industrial plastic recycling business serving North America. Plastic waste from waste haulers, recyclers and landfills is purchased by the company, processed, and then sold to a variety of plastic manufacturers in flake and pellet form. Since its inception in 2008, the company has experienced rapid growth with estimated gross sales of $48 million in 2011. NewsClips: Plastics Recycling Company To Open In Lehigh Valley Plastics Company To Open In Lehigh Valley DEP Orders Radon Contractor To Surrender Certification, Pay $58,875 Penalty The Department of Environmental Protection Tuesday ordered Christopher Ford, of Abington Township, Montgomery County, to surrender his state radon testing certification and pay $58,875 in civil penalties for numerous violations of the Radon Certification Act and Radiation Protection Act. Mr. Ford misrepresented the type of state certification held by his firm, and allowed an uncertified employee to perform radon system work, DEP Southeast Regional Director Joseph A. Feola said. Our inspectors documented 82 violations of radon system installation standards, along with eight violations of testing and quality assurance regulations. DEP noted the violations during June 2010 inspections of 15 radon systems installed by Fords firm, Environmental Concepts Technology, and cited him for not discharging radon above roof lines; not sealing floor and wall joints; failing to conduct post-mitigation testing; and not attaching system documentation to radon system units. During a July 15, 2010, inspection of the contractors radon testing and mitigation programs, DEP inspectors found that Ford had failed to track his and his employees exposure to radon, a key component of his own quality assurance plan. He also failed to submit, analyze and monitor field samples required to ensure accurate testing and analysis, or perform duplicate testing in 2008, 2009 and 2010, which is required by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency. Following a February 18 meeting, Mr. Ford was to submit to DEP a list of all radon systems he installed between October 27, 2008, and October 27, 2010, along with business tax returns for that same period. To date, the department has not received this information. Fords mitigation certification expired October 27, 2010, and will not be renewed. DEP is seeking surrender of his testing certificate, which is due to expire December 14, 2011. For more information, visit DEP's Radon webpage. Three Year Habitat Improvement Project Planned For Erie County Game Lands Game Commission officials Monday announced the beginning of a three-year, 700-acre habitat improvement project on State Game Land 314 in the western portion of Erie County to provide "early successional" habitat for species such as the American woodcock and the blue-winged warbler. "Young forests with dense seedlings and shrubs are needed to benefit early successional dependent species such as the American woodcock and blue-winged warbler," said Howard Wurzbacher, Game Commission Northwest Region Forestry Supervisor. "These species, as well as other early successional species have exhibited dramatic declines related to habitat loss in

recent decades. Over the next three years, the habitat project will involve timber harvesting on about 700 acres, or around 20 percent of the State Game Land." Formerly known as the USX Property, U.S. Steel Property or Conneaut Farms, SGL 314 is in the extreme northwest corner of the state and borders Lake Erie and the Ohio state line. This property was acquired by the Game Commission in 1991, and contains about 3,400 acres. Many farms on the property were abandoned in the 1940s and 1950s. Through succession over the last 60 to 70 years, many old farm fields have reverted into red maple, aspen and shrubs. A variety of hardwood tree species, such as white ash, red oak, hickory and sugar maple are found in areas that were not previously farmed. They are forest stands that contain large trees with a dense shrub understory. "To benefit wildlife, we conducted commercial timber harvesting, along with 'cut and drop' non-commercial cutting, and there has also been mechanical mowing of shrub and sapling areas treated in the past," Wurzbacher said. "All past cutting has regenerated very successfully. "As part of the contract, the Game Commission will realize nearly $177,000 to be used for other wildlife management programs and habitat improvement projects throughout the State Game Lands system." The goal is to create a large amount of early succession habitat for species dependent on this habitat type. American woodcock and the blue-winged warbler are currently recognized as priority species in numerous management plans including the Pennsylvania Wildlife Action Plan, the U.S. Shorebird Conservation Plan, and Partners in Flight. Additionally, the Nature Conservancy and the National Audubon Society have identified woodcock as a crucial species of management concern because it is an important species to the public. "Hunters enjoy pursuing woodcock with dogs, and non-hunters are awed each spring by the courtship displays of males," Wurzbacher said. "They are a cryptic bird, preferring young forests and other early successional habitats for cover. "This preferred habitat also is shared by other important animal species, and, subsequently, managing habitat for woodcock benefits a plethora of birds, mammals and reptiles, including popular species such as deer and wild turkey." American woodcock are habitat specialists, preferring early forest stages, they regularly seek scrub/shrub or seedling/sapling habitat, comprised of dense cover. This range of cover on proper soils provides the habitat needs for woodcock, and it is the quality and availability of these habitats that determine population densities. Research has indicated that creating early successional forest habitat on suitable soils is beneficial in increasing populations of woodcock. Timber harvesting is expected to begin on the area in the late summer of 2011. This will involve cutting of trees within 17 blocks, which are areas marked and designated for cutting. Logging will be done using a whole-tree harvest and chipping method. The cut trees will be moved to areas near the roadside, where they will be sorted by size and species. Sawlogs, good quality large logs of desirable species, will be moved from the site to provide raw material to sawmills for the production of hardwood lumber. All other trees will be chipped on site, and the chips will be loaded onto trucks and transported to facilities for use in papermaking and manufactured panels. Harvesting is to occur during dry or frozen conditions, so work on the State Game Land can be expected during the summer and winter seasons, with the possibility of activity during periods of the spring or fall if conditions are appropriate.

"It is important to note that the Game Commission has inserted restrictions into the timbering contract to prohibit timbering-related activity on SGL 314 on all Saturdays from October through January, and all Saturdays during spring gobbler seasons," Wurzbacher said. "This was done to avoid conflicts with the peak hunting seasons. "Other days that timbering activities will not be permitted are the first two days of regular firearms deer season, and Saturdays of all deer seasons, including muzzleloader and late archery, as well as junior hunting days." Wurzbacher said visitors to this area may, at first, be concerned about the initial visual impact to the area. However, he urged visitors to remember that re-vegetation and growth on the sites is expected to occur quickly after cutting. "The use of whole-tree harvesting for the project is designed to maximize the use and removal of woody material such as logs, trees and limbs from the site," Wurzbacher said. "This will enable land mangers to have easier access to treat areas with equipment so that the desired seedling, sapling, and shrub habitat conditions can be re-cut at 10- to 15-year intervals to maintain early successional habitats. "Also, we plan to avoid cutting in many sensitive areas, such as streamside corridors, the Lake Erie shoreline north of Lake Road, and locations of unique habitat features." Wurzbacher also emphasized that this project is unique from a number of perspectives: first, it is occurring on a State Game Lands identified as a critical habitat area for American woodcock, blue-winged warbler and other early successional dependent birds and animals; second, it is ambitious, and planned to impact a large landscape scale; and third, the use of whole-tree harvesting should allow for the maintenance of this important habitat type on a perpetual basis. State Agencies Changing Email Addresses For Employees Effective July 29, the Commonwealth will be using @pa.gov instead of @state.pa.us in all email addresses for state employees. Email addresses ending in @state.pa.us will continue to function so emails will never be interrupted, but please make a note of the change.

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. August-- EPA/American Rivers Potomac Highlands Restoration Grants August 15-- Keep PA Beautiful Greenways Mini-Grants August 26-- Foundation for PA Watersheds Grants August 26-- DEP Growing Greener/319/Local Mine Reclamation Grants August 29-- DEP Small Business Pollution Prevention, Energy Efficiency Grants September 1-- TKF Foundation Open Space Sacred Places Grants September 1-- PEMA Volunteer Fire Company Grants September 2-- NEW. Natural Biodiversity: Earth Friendly School Grant September 4-- Chester County Green Business Awards

September 6-- Coca-Cola America Is Your Park Recreation Voting/Grants September 16-- EPA Apps For The Environment Challenge October 17-- DEP Coastal Zone Management Grants November 30-- iConservePA CSI Pennsylvania Super Sleuth Sweepstakes! December 30-- NEW. DEP Recycling Performance Grants December 31-- President's Environmental Youth Awards -- Visit the DEP Grants and Loan Programs webpage for more ideas on how to get financial assistance for environmental projects.

Quick Clips
Here's a selection of NewClips on environmental topics from around the state-Patrick Henderson: Corbett's Point Man On Energy Budget Commission Report Sets Stage For Drilling Fee Debate Rep. Pashinski Introduced Marcellus Severance Tax Bill House Democrats Hold Hearing To Rally Support For Growing Greener Lawmakers Talk Environment In Whitemarsh Lawmakers Weigh Gas Drilling Policy Editorial: Marcellus Shale Report Comes Up Short Editorial: PA Must Adopt Gas Severance Tax Op-Ed: PA Transportation Investments Benefit Everyone Other ReStore Helps To Keep Tons Of Waste Out Of Landfills Dauphin County Begins Styrofoam Recycling Program Plastics Recycling Company To Open In Lehigh Valley Plastics Company To Open In Lehigh Valley Grant To Bring Environmental Classes To Coatesville Covanta Energy: Education Improvement Tax Credits Donated Column: Solar Farm Benefits Are One-Sided Wind Turbine Installed At Penn State Op-Ed: On Wind And Wildlife Coal-Fired Electricity Hits 30 Year Low, Replaced By Gas Heat Brings New Power Demand Record For PPL Chrin, PPL Unveil Landfill Gas Electric Plant Chrin Landfills Unveils Gas-To-Energy Plant Tests Show Soil Dumped In Bangor Quarry Not Contaminated New Hope Quarry Gets Permit, Lawmaker Promises Fight Protesters Demand Stricter Smog Regulations Editorial: Air Pollution Ugly Affront On Environment DEP: Crawford Tires-To-Energy Plant Would Meet Standards West Nile Virus Is Confirmed In Region

Midstate Is Leading In West Nile Virus Reports Sustainable Agriculture Helps Mercyhurst Farm Thrive It's Fresh, It's Local, It's Our Many Farmers Markets Proposals Urges Hunting Seasons Include Sundays Keystone Park Hopes To Advertise Area Corps Of 6 Teens Tackles Forbes State Forest Projects Audubon Society Plans Marcellus Shale Curriculum Teams Practice Mine Rescue Skills WJAC Talks To Rescued Quecreek Miner 9th Anniversary: Work On Quecreek Memorial Continues Quecreek Memories

Marcellus Shale NewsClips

Here are NewsClips on topics related to Marcellus Shale natural gas drilling--Marcellus Shale Commission Sticks To Preset Course Commission Report Sets Stage For Drilling Fee Debate Rep. Pashinski Introduced Marcellus Severance Tax Bill Drafts Shed Light On Commission Workings Lawmakers Differ On Shale Report Response Environment Key In New Drilling Report Marcellus Gas Report Gets Mixed Responses Shale Panel Relied Heavily On Stakeholders Critics: Marcellus Shale Recommendations Too Lenient, Narrow Lawmakers Weigh Gas Drilling Policy Op-Ed: MSC: Commission Report A Road Map To Getting It Right Op-Ed: Corbett's Marcellus Shale Panel's Suggestions A Good First Step Editorial: PA Must Adopt Gas Severance Tax Editorial: Tepid Marcellus Gas Proposal Editorial: Gas Firms Harmed By Blowing Hot Air Editorial: Gas Booms, State Doesn't Editorial: On Marcellus Why Wrongful Taking Does Not Apply Editorial: Behind-The-Curve Response On Gas Drilling Editorial: Marcellus Shale Report Comes Up Short Post-Gazette Pipeline To Focus On Marcellus Fee Future Audubon Society Plans Marcellus Shale Curriculum SRBC Expands Water Withdrawal Ban On Drillers, Other Sources EPA Proposes Limit To Gas Drilling Air Emissions EPA Eyes Controls On Air Pollution From Drilling EPA Proposes New Drilling Emission Rules Air Pollution From Drilling To Be Studied Lowball Marcellus Shale Leases Haunt PA Elected Officials Hash Out Drilling, Education

Groundwater Fight Triggers Marcellus Fight In National Forest Springfield Moving Ahead With Drilling Ordinance Exeter Wants More Say Over Gas Drilling Warren County Chides Forest Service On Drilling Delays Shale Boom Compels Central Susquehanna Thruway Neighbors File Lawsuit Challenging Pipeline OK Pipeline Protest, New Marcellus Battleground? Pipeliners Having Positive Impact In Wayne County Group Sponsoring Drilling Tour In NE Exeter Wants More Say Over Gas Drilling Commonwealth Foundation Outlines Environmental Frack Attack Coal-Fired Electricity Hits 30 Year Low, Replaced By Gas Lt. Gov. Cawley Meets With Schuylkill Marcellus Task Force Altoona Water Authority Selling Water For Gas Drilling When Drillers Get A's Deliberative Theater To Tackle Marcellus Shale Natural Gas Stations To Fuel CNG Cars School Districts See Little From Gas Boom Drilling Waste Raises Concerns At Landfill Meeting Natural Gas Use Recommendation Spurs Debate Marcellus Debated At Mayor's Conference The Promise, Problems Of Shale Gas Part 1 Financial Range Resources Delivers Strong 2nd Quarter Results Cabot Oil & Gas Quarterly Earnings Marcellus Production Boosts EQT Chesapeake CEO: Utica Shale Arces Worth $15-$20 Billion Other States Marcellus Meeting Draws Hundreds In WV WV Governor Weakened Executive Order On Drilling Marylanders Waiting For Marcellus Shale Commission Study Editorial: A Tale Of Two Shale States- PA, NY

Watershed NewsClips
Here are NewsClips on watershed topics from around the state-PA Mine Cleanup Crews Look To Go Underground Program Aims To Reduce Waste Flowing To Chesapeake Bay Trout Creek Makeover Casselman River Watershed Plan Meeting August 4 Perkasie Working To Stabilize Eroding Stream On Perkiomen Creek DEP Limits Greensburg Sewage Authority Connections

SRBC Expands Water Withdrawal Ban On Drillers, Other Sources Dry Weather Strains Kinzua Dam Midstate Farmers Suffer Setbacks From Dry Weather Op-Ed: Congress Trying To Gut Clean Water Act

Regulations, Technical Guidance & Permits

The Governor's Office of Administration published an updated list of Executive Orders and Management Directives by the Governor this week. (PA Bulletin page 4106) Pennsylvania Bulletin - July 30, 2011 Proposed Regulations Open For Comment - DEP webpage Proposed Regulations With Closed Comment Periods - DEP webpage Rolling Regulatory Agenda - DEP webpage

Technical Guidance & Permits

The Department of Environmental Protection published notice of final guidance on Water Quality Toxics Management and notice of requests for nutrient credit trading certifications. DEP ID: 361-0100-003. Water Quality Toxics Management Strategy. This document was produced to provide guidance to Department staff and the public for the treatment of toxic pollutants in National Pollutant Discharge Elimination System permits for discharges to waters of this Commonwealth. Technical Guidance Comment Deadlines - DEP webpage Copies Of Draft Technical Guidance - DEP webpage Copies of Final Technical Guidance - DEP webpage

Calendar Of Events
Upcoming legislative meetings, conferences, workshops, plus links to other online calendars. Meetings are in Harrisburg unless otherwise noted. NEW means new from last week. Go to the online Calendar webpage. Click on Agenda Released on calendar entries to see the NEW meeting agendas published this week.

August 2-- House Consumer Affairs Committee informational meeting on the status of competitive energy markets in Pennsylvania. Room G-50 Irvis Building. 1:00. August 2-- NEW. House Democratic Policy Committee hearing on Marcellus Shale issues. Waynesburg High School, Waynesburg. 2:00. August 2-- Agenda Released. DEP Environmental Justice Advisory Board meeting. 16th Floor Conference Room, Rachel Carson Building. 8:30. August 3-- House Consumer Affairs Committee informational meeting on the status of competitive energy markets in Pennsylvania. Room G-50 Irvis Building. 9:00. August 17-- CANCELED. DEP Agricultural Advisory Board meeting. Next scheduled meeting is October 19. (formal notice) August 23-- DEP Oil and Gas Technical Advisory Board meeting. Room 105 Rachel Carson Building. 10:00. (formal notice) August 25-- DEP Water Resources Advisory Committee meeting. Room 105 Rachel Carson Building. 9:30. (formal notice) September 16-- CANCELED. DEP Oil and Gas Technical Advisory Board meeting. Room 105 Rachel Carson Building. 10:00. (formal notice) December 6-- DEP Oil and Gas Technical Advisory Board meeting. Room 105 Rachel Carson Building. 10:00. (formal notice) DEP Calendar of Events Environmental Education Workshop/Training Calendar (PA Center for Environmental Education) Senate Committee Schedule House Committee Schedule

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

Stories Invited
Send your stories, photos and videos about your project, environmental issues or programs for publication in the PA Environment Digest to: DHess@CrisciAssociates.com. PA Environment Digest is edited by David E. Hess, former Secretary Pennsylvania Department of Environmental Protection and is published as a service to the clients of Crisci Associates, a Harrisburg-based government and public affairs firm whose clients include Fortune 500

companies and non-profit organizations. For more information on Crisci Associates, call 717-234-1716. PA Environment Digest was the winner of the PA Association of Environmental Educators' 2009 Business Partner of the Year Award.

Supporting Member PA Outdoor Writers Assn./PA Trout Unlimited

PA Environment Digest is a supporting member of the Pennsylvania Outdoor Writers Association, Pennsylvania Council Trout Unlimited and the Doc Fritchey Chapter Trout Unlimited.