pa environment digest april 30, 2012

8/2/2019 Pa Environment Digest April 30, 2012

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PA Environment DigestAn Update On Environmental Issues In PAEdited By: David E. Hess, Crisci Associates

Winner 2009 PAEE Business Partner Of The Year Award

Harrisburg, Pa April 30, 2012

Study Suggests Shale Gas Development Causing Rapid Landscape Change

As the Marcellus natural-gas play unfolds in Pennsylvania, several trends are becoming

increasingly clear, according to researchers at Penn State.

First, most of the development is occurring on private land, and the greatest amount of

development falls within the Susquehanna River basin. Second, a regional approach to sitingdrilling infrastructure is needed to help minimize development in core forest and productive

agricultural lands and to decrease the potential risk to waterways.

Patrick Drohan, assistant professor of pedology in the College of Agricultural Sciences,

was lead investigator on a study that examined the early effects of Marcellus gas development on

landcover change and forest fragmentation in the Keystone State.

Drohan estimates that slightly more than half of the well pads in Pennsylvania occur on

agricultural land; most of the rest are on forestland, but many of those are on core forest that is

privately owned.

The loss of agricultural land to shale-gas development presents some concern because, in

some areas, drilling is now competing with food production for space on the landscape, the study

states.

"Our results suggest," said Drohan, "that shale-gas development could substantially alter

Pennsylvania's landscape. The development of new roads to support drilling could affect forest

ecosystem integrity via increased fragmentation."

The fragmentation of forestland, especially northern core forest, places headwater

streams and larger downstream waterways at risk of pollution, the study suggests. Based on the

intensity of development in the Susquehanna River basin, future expansion of shale-gas

production in this basin could become a significant land- and water-management challenge for

Chesapeake Bay water quality and ecosystem services.

The concentration of existing core forest in the northern part of the state -- and the focus

of drilling in this area, largely on private land -- led the researchers to conclude that remainingareas of public land are key refuges for the protection of wildlife, ecosystems and associated

ecosystem services.

"These areas should receive further protection," Drohan said. "An organized effort across

government and private entities may be a way to manage development."

Coauthors of the study, which was published in the March 25 issue of the journal

Environmental Management, were Margaret Brittingham, professor of wildlife resources; Joseph
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Bishop, research associate in geography; and Kevin Yoder, former field assistant in the School of

Forest Resources.

The research was sponsored by the Heinz Endowments, Marcellus Center for Outreach

and Research and the USDA-NRCS Soil Survey program.

A copy of the study is available online. Professor Drohan can be contacted by sending

email to:[email protected].

Renew Growing Greener: Help Rescue The Keystone Fund For Earth Week

The Renew Growing Greener Coalition, the largest coalition of conservation, recreation and

historic preservation organizations in the Commonwealth, called on the Legislature to celebrate

Earth Week by rescuing programs that benefit Pennsylvanias parks, farms and open space from

budget cuts.

There is no better way to celebrate Earth Day than by saving the programs that protect

our land, air and water right here in Pennsylvania, said Andrew Heath, executive director of the

Renew Growing Greener Coalition. The legislature should reject the Governors proposed cuts

to these programs and make long-term, meaningful investments in our parks, farms and openspace that ensure they will be around for many more Earth Days to come.

Under the current state budget proposal, the Corbett administration has recommended:

-- Transferring $30 million from the Keystone Recreation, Park and Conservation Fund to the

general fund, and permanently eliminating this popular and important conservation and

recreation program. This is the largest cut in conservation funding in state history.

-- Diverting the states cigarette sales tax from its historical purpose of funding farmland

preservation to funding the general fund. This is a permanent diversion that will eventually kill

this critical program.

-- Continuing the flawed practice of using the Environmental Stewardship Fund to pay the

Growing Greener II bond debt service, leaving just $23 million available for Growing Greenerprograms and projects, the lowest amount of funding in recent decades.

[Over the last 10 years over $1.8 billion have been cut or diverted from environmental

programs to balance the state budget or fund programs which could not get funding on their

own.]

Together, the Keystone, Growing Greener and Farmland Preservation programs have

supported thousands of park and trail projects throughout the Commonwealth, preserved

thousands of acres of family farmland, conserved thousands of acres of threatened open space

and protected hundreds of miles of streams and waterways.

In addition, they have contributed and leveraged billions of dollars to the Pennsylvania

economy by helping to boost tourism, create jobs and generate revenue.

Keystone Fund grants to communities protect our most important open spaces. As landcontinues to be developed, the parks, greenways, trails and wildlife habitats protected by

Keystone become all the more essential to our quality of life, said Andy Loza, executive

director of the Pennsylvania Land Trust Association. Keystone creates lasting public assets.

We cannot afford to lose it.

Pennsylvanias land, air and water is facing significant challenges that must be addressed,

including:

-- A $400 million list of major maintenance projects at state parks and forests;
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-- More than 2,000 family farms waiting to be preserved; and

-- More than 16,000 miles of polluted streams that are unfit for swimming or fishing.

Without funding to preserve our family farms, we risk losing locally produced food and

the dollars it generates for our economy, said Karen Martynick, executive director of Lancaster

Farmland Trust. These losses will have long-term consequences for communities across the

Commonwealth.Sign The Petition

Earlier this month, the Renew Growing Greener Coalition announced the launch of a

petition drive to urge the General Assembly to reject Governor Corbetts proposed cuts to, and

elimination of, essential conservation and recreation programs in the Commonwealth. The

petition generated more than 5,000 signatures on the first day of its launch.

Our Legislature needs to rescue these programs from the chopping block, said Kim

Woodward, executive director of the Pennsylvania Recreation and Park Society. As we

celebrate Earth Day, we encourage Pennsylvanians to tell our lawmakers to save our parks so our

children and grandchildren have places to play.

The Stop the Cuts petition is available online.

The Renew Growing Greener Coalition is the largest coalition of conservation, recreationand historic preservation organizations in the Commonwealth, representing more than 350

organizations and government entities from across the state.

More than 150 government entities, including 37 counties, representing more than eight

million Pennsylvanians, have passed resolutions calling for a dedicated source of funding for the

Growing Greener Environmental Stewardship Fund.

NewsClips: Legislature Has $184 Million In Reserve Audit Shows

PUC Delays Final Act 13 Drilling Fee Action

Lancaster Farmland Trust Targets State Budget Cuts

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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

April 30

May 1, 2, 7, 8, 9, 21, 22, 23

June 4, 5, 6, 11, 12, 13, 18, 19, 20, 25, 26, 27, 28, 29

House

April 30

May 1, 2, 7, 8, 9, 21, 22, 23June 4, 5, 6, 11, 12, 13, 18, 19, 20, 21, 22, 25, 26, 27, 28, 29

Bill Calendars

House (April 30): House Resolution 438 (Cruz-D-Philadelphia) urging Philadelphia to establish

a waste tire removal and disposal program; House Resolution 423 (Petri-R-Bucks) directing the

Legislative Budget and Finance Committee to study state funding formulas and how they impact

counties; House Resolution 505 (Preston-D-Allegheny) disapproving the PUC regulation on

natural gas competition. Click Here for full House Bill Calendar.

Senate (April 30): Senate Bill 1136 (Rafferty-R-Montgomery) requiring certain state buildingsto comply with green building standards; Senate Bill 477 (Browne-R-Lehigh) providing for

compelled removal of noncomplying billboards; Senate Resolution 265 (Brubaker-R-Lancaster)

urging Congress to support continued and increased importation of Canadian oil; House Bill

807 (Sonny-R-Erie) further providing for standards for biodiesel fuel, enforcement and

penalties; House Bill 2151 (Gabler-R-Clearfield) further providing for the snowmobile, ATV

registration. Click Here for full Senate Bill Calendar.
http://pacapitoldigestcrisci.blogspot.com/http://www.twitter.com/PaCapitolDigesthttp://www.legis.state.pa.us/cfdocs/billinfo/billinfo.cfm?syear=2011&sind=0&body=H&type=R&BN=0438http://www.legis.state.pa.us/cfdocs/billinfo/billinfo.cfm?syear=2011&sind=0&body=H&type=R&bn=423http://www.legis.state.pa.us/cfdocs/billinfo/billinfo.cfm?syear=2011&sind=0&body=H&type=R&bn=505http://www.legis.state.pa.us/WU01/LI/SC/HC/0/RC/SCHC.HTMhttp://www.legis.state.pa.us/cfdocs/billinfo/billinfo.cfm?syear=2011&sind=0&body=S&type=B&BN=1136http://www.legis.state.pa.us/cfdocs/billinfo/billinfo.cfm?syear=2011&sInd=0&body=S&type=B&bn=477http://www.legis.state.pa.us/cfdocs/billinfo/billinfo.cfm?syear=2011&sind=0&body=S&type=R&BN=0265http://www.legis.state.pa.us/cfdocs/billinfo/billinfo.cfm?syear=2011&sind=0&body=H&type=B&BN=0807http://www.legis.state.pa.us/cfdocs/billinfo/billinfo.cfm?syear=2011&sind=0&body=H&type=B&BN=0807http://www.legis.state.pa.us/cfdocs/billinfo/billinfo.cfm?syear=2011&sind=0&body=H&type=B&BN=2151http://www.legis.state.pa.us/WU01/LI/SC/SC/0/RC/CAL.HTMhttp://www.legis.state.pa.us/WU01/LI/SC/SC/0/RC/CAL.HTMhttp://www.legis.state.pa.us/cfdocs/billinfo/billinfo.cfm?syear=2011&sind=0&body=H&type=B&BN=2151http://www.legis.state.pa.us/cfdocs/billinfo/billinfo.cfm?syear=2011&sind=0&body=H&type=B&BN=0807http://www.legis.state.pa.us/cfdocs/billinfo/billinfo.cfm?syear=2011&sind=0&body=H&type=B&BN=0807http://www.legis.state.pa.us/cfdocs/billinfo/billinfo.cfm?syear=2011&sind=0&body=S&type=R&BN=0265http://www.legis.state.pa.us/cfdocs/billinfo/billinfo.cfm?syear=2011&sInd=0&body=S&type=B&bn=477http://www.legis.state.pa.us/cfdocs/billinfo/billinfo.cfm?syear=2011&sind=0&body=S&type=B&BN=1136http://www.legis.state.pa.us/WU01/LI/SC/HC/0/RC/SCHC.HTMhttp://www.legis.state.pa.us/cfdocs/billinfo/billinfo.cfm?syear=2011&sind=0&body=H&type=R&bn=505http://www.legis.state.pa.us/cfdocs/billinfo/billinfo.cfm?syear=2011&sind=0&body=H&type=R&bn=423http://www.legis.state.pa.us/cfdocs/billinfo/billinfo.cfm?syear=2011&sind=0&body=H&type=R&BN=0438http://www.twitter.com/PaCapitolDigesthttp://pacapitoldigestcrisci.blogspot.com/


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Committees

House: Click Here for full House Committee Schedule.

Senate: Click Here for full Senate Committee Schedule.

Capitol News

Sen. Ferlo To Push For Stronger Gas Drilling Law

Sen. Jim Ferlo (D-Allegheny), pointing to what he calls questionable business practices and

lopsided influence in Pennsylvania, announced draft legislation that would impose a reasonable

Marcellus Shale severance tax, toughen environmental and health protections, and restore local

zoning powers.

"Since the enactment of Act 13, practically a sweetheart deal for the lucrative gas drilling

industry, we have seen alarming examples of drilling companies engaged in dishonest business

practices, bullying communities where they drill and manipulating Pennsylvania's medical

community," Sen. Ferlo said.

The Lawrenceville Democrat pointed to a recent Reuters report detailing an odd loan

scheme where the CEO of Chesapeake Energy recently borrowed over a billion dollars using his

stake in the company's oil and gas wells as collateral. Sen. Ferlo said the questionable loan has

hurt the company's stock price and damaged confidence in the gas industry's business practices

in the Commonwealth.

He added that Chesapeake Energy, the second largest producer of natural gas, blatantly

ignored a Beaver County community's cease and desist order involving a lease dispute with local

residents.

Sen. Ferlo also expressed concern about the Pennsylvania Medical Society's suspectabout face regarding the industry's insistence that physicians adhere to strict confidentiality

agreements on the exact contents of fracking fluid.

"The Society seems resigned to accepting how Corbett bureaucrats claim the law will be

interpreted rather than demanding that the law be fixed in order to assure doctors of their

freedom to discuss potentially deadly toxins in fracking fluid," Sen. Ferlo said.

He reiterated that the state's current law, Act 13, is weak in nearly every way, shape and

form. Sen. Ferlo voted against the measure and strenuously opposed the bill at every turn in the

legislative process.

"The local fee component in the law is insignificant and grossly undersells Pennsylvania's

Marcellus shale resources," Sen. Ferlo said. "My legislation would do away with this unreliable

and inadequate fee structure, and impose a more robust severance tax like nearly every othermajor gas producing state in America has done."

Sen. Ferlo plans to offer an omnibus amendment which would also enhance existing

regulations that protect the state's environment and the public health. He added that his measure

would also restore local zoning powers that would protect smaller communities from being

legally trampled by deep-pocketed corporate interests.
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Joint Senate/House Conservation Committee Releases Annual Report

The Joint Legislative Air and Water Pollution Control and Conservation Committee has released

its 2011 Annual Report, just days after the 42nd observance of Earth Day.

The 17-member committee, a bipartisan, bicameral legislative service agency of the

Pennsylvania General Assembly, is chaired by Rep. Scott E. Hutchinson (R-Venango)."It seemed entirely appropriate to release the annual report around Earth Day, the

worldwide observance of environmental stewardship," Rep. Hutchinson said. "The Committee is

helping the General Assembly to look at long-term strategies for environmental stewardship and

helping to build a proactive, rather than reactive, vision for handling Pennsylvania's

environmental agenda. "This report details key activities and achievements of the committee in

its efforts to serve the General Assembly during the past year."

Among the issues the committee took up in 2011 chronicled in the report are:

-- an examination of the economic and potential public health impacts of natural gas drilling in

the Marcellus Shale formation;

-- the committee's ongoing studies into sustainable forestry and forest resource management, as

undertaken by the committee's long-standing Legislative Forestry Task Force;-- a fresh look at the recycling and reuse of waste tires in Pennsylvania;

-- an examination of the issue of mandatory waste collection and illegal dumping in

Pennsylvania; and

-- the possibilities of the use of slate waste products in highway construction.

The report also lists some issues which the committee may take up in the future, logs the

committee's activities and services from the past year, lists all of the available committee reports,

and provides information on the committee library, website, environmental issues forums and its

monthly newsletter - the Environmental Synopsis.

A copy of the report is available online.

News From Around The State

CBF, Partners Call On Court To Dismiss Lawsuit Against Chesapeake Bay Cleanup

The Chesapeake Bay Foundation and its partners have called on Pennsylvania federal court

Judge Sylvia Rambo to dismiss a lawsuit filed by agricultural and home building lobbyists who

are seeking to abolish scientifically developed limits on pollution that is destroying the

Chesapeake Bay.

The Fertilizer Institute, the National Chicken Council, the National Pork Producers, the

National Association of Homebuilders, and other national organizations are seeking to maximize

the economic interests of a few at the expense of all whose health and economic survivaldepends on the water quality of local rivers, streams, and the Chesapeake Bay, said CBF

President William C. Baker. Their arguments, however, are sorely lacking in both legal and

factual basis. We have asked the court to dismiss the suit and uphold the last and best chance to

restore this national treasure.
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As a result of pollution, the Chesapeake Bay is on the Clean Waters Acts impaired

waters list. Jobs have been lost, habitat destroyed, and human health is at risk. While some

progress has been made, there is still a long way to go.

After decades of failed efforts to reduce pollution sufficiently to restore the Chesapeake

Bay, in 2010 EPA used its authority to establish pollution limits for the Chesapeake Bay. The

Bay states and the District of Columbia then developed individual blueprints for reducingpollution to the hundreds of rivers and streams that feed it.

The lawsuit contends that EPA did not have the authority to issue the pollution limits,

that the public was not granted sufficient opportunity to review and comment, and that the limits

are based upon flawed computer modeling and input data.

EPAs obligation to develop the pollution limits is established by statute, interstate

compacts, judicial consent decrees, a binding settlement agreement, and an Executive Order. In

fulfilling that obligation, EPA held hundreds public meetings throughout the watershed to

discuss development of the pollution limits and to hear public concerns. Finally, in a letter that

assessed the use of the Bay models to develop the limits, leading Bay scientists stated that, In

our judgment, the consensus of the scientific community is that they are both useful and adequate

for these purposes.The Bays clean-up plan is critical to ensuring that future generations can enjoy a

healthy Bay that is abundant with wildlife, says Jim Murphy, Senior Counsel with the National

Wildlife Federation. The Clean Water Act mandates an end to pollution in the Bay, not that this

plan be undone or weakened to accommodate polluters.

Reducing pollution in the Chesapeake and its rivers and streams will support the

increasing number of crabs, and allow for abundant fish and oyster populations. Economic

studies have shown repeatedly that sound environmental policies and a strong economy go hand

in hand.

EPAs pollution limits and the blueprints developed by the states are the best chance to

restore the Bay, Baker said. Saving the Bay and restoring local rivers and streams will benefitour children and future generations. If we dont succeed we will continue to have polluted water,

human health hazards, and lost jobs at a huge cost to society.

CBFs partners in calling for the dismissal of the lawsuit include the National Wildlife

Federation, Defenders of Wildlife represented by the Southern Environmental Law Center,

Citizens for Pennsylvanias Future, the Jefferson County Public Service District, and the

Midshore Riverkeeper Conservancy.

NewsClips: Chesapeake Bay Standards Prompts Waynesboro Sewer Plant Project

Grants To Help Lancaster Farmers Cleanup Chesapeake Bay

Grant Aimed At Cutting Pollution From Farms In Berks

Op-Ed: Susquehanna River Clearly Needs Help

Volunteers Give Facelift To Abandoned Coal Mine In Westmoreland
http://www.therecordherald.com/news/x596785992/Chesapeake-Bay-standards-mean-Waynesboro-sewer-plant-projecthttp://lancasteronline.com/article/local/635938_Grants-help-farmers-clean-up-Chesapeake-Bay.htmlhttp://readingeagle.com/article.aspx?id=382185http://www.pennlive.com/editorials/index.ssf/2012/04/susquehanna_river_clearly_need.htmlhttp://www.pennlive.com/editorials/index.ssf/2012/04/susquehanna_river_clearly_need.htmlhttp://readingeagle.com/article.aspx?id=382185http://lancasteronline.com/article/local/635938_Grants-help-farmers-clean-up-Chesapeake-Bay.htmlhttp://www.therecordherald.com/news/x596785992/Chesapeake-Bay-standards-mean-Waynesboro-sewer-plant-project


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Each time it rains, water runs over the ground and carries with it anything that is not

being readily used by the plants or soil. Over-application of pesticides and fertilizers wont help

to make your garden greener, and will ultimately waste money and cause excess chemicals and

nutrients to enter waterways.

This pollution that impacts local streams and rivers each time it rains is called non-point

source pollution, meaning that it cannot be traced to one particular source and comes from watermoving over a large area of land.

To be sure that you are only using the amount of fertilizer that is needed in your lawn or

garden, Penn State offers soil testing to homeowners do-it-yourself kits are available at your

county Extension office. Pesticide use also requires some planning ahead.

By knowing exactly what pests you want to treat, and a little about their lifecycle and

habits, you can find out exactly what kind of pesticide is needed to control them and also explore

more environmentally-friendly alternatives.

Penn State has apesticide education website to help in pest identification and making

responsible pesticide choices.

Finally, if you have a private drinking water well, take special care when applying

pesticides and fertilizers to your yard or garden.The area within a 100 ft. radius around your well is known as a wellhead protection area.

Anything that happens within this radius has the potential to immediately impact your drinking

water supply, so dont apply in this area or use non-toxic alternatives.

(Reprinted from Penn State Extension Watershed Winds newsletter, written by: Susan M. Boser,

Water Quality Educator, Penn State Extension/Beaver Coounty Conservation District)

EPA Legacy Sediments Workshop Set For May 9-10 In Lancaster

The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, Franklin & Marshall College and LandStudies, Inc.are hosting a Legacy Sediment Workshop in Adams Auditorium-Kaufman Hall on the F&M

campus on Mary 9-10 in Lancaster starting at 8:30.

Legacy sediments are those sediments that have accumulated behind dams built on

streams in the late 17th through mid 19th centuries to provide water power to run various types

of mills (e.g., grain, sawmill).

These defunct and mostly in-place dams have resulted in radical modifications to

streams, including unnatural high stream bank walls and stream and wetland contours; an historic

loss of wetlands; and excess sediment scouring during storm events with a resultant increase

loading of nutrients and sediments downstream.

Legacy sediments provide opportunities to significantly improve stream water quality,

increase riparian wetlands, and reduce nutrient and sediment loads downstream. Approaches tostream restoration used today typically do not account for legacy sediments and may fail or, in

fact, exacerbate sedimentation problems.

Online Video: Mark Gutshall, LandStudies, Talks About Legacy Sediments

This workshop will discuss legacy sediment impacts, opportunities for mitigation,

restoration techniques, and implications to aquatic resource programs.

For more information, visit the Legacy Sediment Workshop webpage or contact David

Rider, U.S. EPA Region 3 by sending email to: [email protected].
http://extension.psu.edu/pesticide-educationhttp://extension.psu.edu/water/discovery-watersheds/newsletter/news/2012/every-curb-is-a-shoreline-responsible-yard-and-garden-care-to-protect-water-quality?utm_source=feedburner&utm_medium=email&utm_campaign=Feed%3A+agsci-water-watershedwinds+%28Penn+State+Watershed+Winds+Newsletter%29http://www.fandm.edu/http://landstudies.com/http://www.epa.gov/reg3esd1/wetlands/lsagenda.htmhttp://paenvirodigestvideo.blogspot.com/2007/10/mark-gutshall-landstudies-inc.htmlhttp://www.epa.gov/reg3esd1/wetlands/lsagenda.htmmailto:[email protected]:[email protected]://www.epa.gov/reg3esd1/wetlands/lsagenda.htmhttp://paenvirodigestvideo.blogspot.com/2007/10/mark-gutshall-landstudies-inc.htmlhttp://www.epa.gov/reg3esd1/wetlands/lsagenda.htmhttp://landstudies.com/http://www.fandm.edu/http://extension.psu.edu/water/discovery-watersheds/newsletter/news/2012/every-curb-is-a-shoreline-responsible-yard-and-garden-care-to-protect-water-quality?utm_source=feedburner&utm_medium=email&utm_campaign=Feed%3A+agsci-water-watershedwinds+%28Penn+State+Watershed+Winds+Newsletter%29http://extension.psu.edu/pesticide-education


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Delaware River Source Water Protection Webinar May 10

The Delaware River Basin Source Water Collaborative is sponsoring a webinaron May 10 at

10:00 a.m. on source water protection and economic worth.

The webinar is a follow-up to the March 2011 Forums held throughout the DelawareWatershed on source water protection.

The program will feature presentations by Jerry Kaufman, University of Delaware,

highlighting the economic benefits provided by clean sources of drinking water, and how water

protection ordinances and GIS mapping can assist in the effort; Ed Hallock, Program

Administrator, Office of Drinking Water, Delaware Division of Public Health, Department of

Health and Social Services; and Vicky Binetti, Associate Director, Office of Drinking Water and

Source Water Protection, Water Protection Division, EPA Region III.

For more information, visit the webinar webpage or send email to:

[email protected].

DEP Invites Comments On Proposed TMDLs In Columbia, Schuylkill Counties

The Department of Environmental Protection is inviting comments and will hold public meetings

on proposed Total Maximum Daily Load plans for the Hemlock Creek, Columbia County, and

Mahantango Creek, Schuylkill County watersheds. (PA Bulletin page 2331)

DEP has scheduled a public meeting on the Hemlock Creek Watershed Plan for May 16

in Bloomsburg, Pa.

On May 8 DEP will hold a public meeting on the Mahantango Creek Watershed Plan in

Klingerstown, Pa.

Copies of the proposed TMDLs are available on DEP's TMDL webpage. The contact for

both these TMDL plans is Bill Brown, DEP, 717-783-2951.

Large Blooms Of Rock Snot Discovered In Delaware River

The Delaware River Basin Commission announced a staff scientist last week found extensive

mats of the aquatic alga Didymosphenia geminata (also known as Didymo or "Rock Snot"), an

invasive species, in the Delaware River.

Dr. Erik Silldorff, an aquatic biologist with the commission, on April 18 discovered large

Didymo blooms in the Delaware River over a 40-mile stretch extending from the area near the

confluence with the Lackawaxen River (river mile 279) downstream to the vicinity of Dingmans

Ferry Bridge (river mile 239).

This section of river includes portions of two National Park units: the Upper DelawareScenic and Recreational River and the Delaware Water Gap National Recreation Area.

"We knew Didymo occurred in the river," Dr. Silldorff said, "but the spatial extent and

intensity of this bloom is alarming given its potentially detrimental effect on ecosystems and the

ease in which it can be spread to nearby tributaries."

Didymo covers rock surfaces in cold, moderate to fast flowing water. Since 2007,

Didymo has been found at low concentrations during the summer months from around Hancock,

N.Y., downstream to the area around Dingmans Ferry, Pa., with high-density patches frequently
http://www.delawarebasindrinkingwater.org/http://www.delawarebasindrinkingwater.org/events/webinar-source-water-protection-economic-worth/http://www.delawarebasindrinkingwater.org/events/webinar-source-water-protection-economic-worth/mailto:[email protected]://www.pabulletin.com/secure/data/vol42/42-17/42-17.pdfhttp://www.dep.state.pa.us/watermanagement_apps/tmdl/http://www.fishandboat.com/ais/ais-action-didymo.pdfhttp://www.fishandboat.com/ais/ais-action-didymo.pdfhttp://www.dep.state.pa.us/watermanagement_apps/tmdl/http://www.pabulletin.com/secure/data/vol42/42-17/42-17.pdfmailto:[email protected]://www.delawarebasindrinkingwater.org/events/webinar-source-water-protection-economic-worth/http://www.delawarebasindrinkingwater.org/events/webinar-source-water-protection-economic-worth/http://www.delawarebasindrinkingwater.org/


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observed in the cold-water zones of the East and West branches of the Delaware River, as well as

in the colder zones of the upper main stem river.

Following the recent discovery, scientists with the National Park Service and the

Pennsylvania Department of Environmental Protection over this past week independently

documented Didymo blooms extending north of the area discovered by Silldorff to Callicoon,

N.Y. (river mile 303) as well as from Long Eddy, N.Y. (river mile 315) upstream into the Eastand West branches of the Delaware River (upstream of river mile 330).

Each biologist noted that the intensity was variable, with some areas having dense

coverage, while other sites or locations only having relatively small patches. Regardless, these

findings indicate that the blooms of Didymo now extend across more than 100 miles of river.

While Didymo is not a public health hazard, there is great ecological concern with

discovering the invasive alga to this extent and in these concentrations. Thick mats of Didymo

can crowd out or smother more biologically valuable algae growing on the riverbed, thereby

significantly altering the physical and biological conditions within a stream.

Additionally, Didymo can easily attach to any fishing equipment, especially felt-soled

boots, and the chance of it hitchhiking its way into nearby streams or rivers that currently lack

this unwanted invader is cause for alarm. The risk is compounded by the bloom's timing with thebeginning of trout season, when anglers flock to the river in large numbers.

This spring's warm weather and low flows are bringing out even more fishing enthusiasts,

further amplifying the concern for spread.

DRBC staff is coordinating with scientists from Pennsylvania, New York, New Jersey,

and the National Park Service to quickly alert the public and identify appropriate next steps.

Samples already collected were sent to the laboratory at The Academy of Natural Sciences in

Philadelphia where Academy scientists confirmed the identification of Didymo.

Follow-up surveys to determine the actual downstream extent of the bloom are planned

once river conditions improve after the weekend's rains.

For more details, including additional information on Didymo and how to prevent itsspread byproperly cleaning equipmentbefore entering another stream or river, please visit a

copy of the full DRBC announcement.

NewsClips: Rock Snot Blooms Found In Long Stretch of Delaware River

Regulators Fear Invasive Alga Along Delaware River

PennVEST Announces $115 Million In Funding For Water Infrastructure Projects

The PA Infrastructure Investment Authority Wednesday announced the investment of $115

million in 28 non-point source, drinking water, and wastewater projects in 17 counties.

These projects will significantly contribute to improved waterways, including the

Chesapeake Bay, and will also create hundreds of new jobs that are so vital to our localcommunities, Gov. Corbett said. These projects serve the dual purposes of responsible

environmental stewardship and steadfast economic recovery, both of which are critical to the

future of Pennsylvania.

Of the $115 million total, $82 million is for low-interest loans and $33 million is offered

as grants.

The awards range from a $19 million loan/grant combination to upgrade a wastewater

treatment system in McKean County, allowing for business expansion and the creation of 60 new
http://www.fishandboat.com/ais/ais-action-didymo.pdfhttp://www.fishandboat.com/cleanyourgear.htmhttp://www.state.nj.us/drbc/home/newsroom/news/approved/20120424_didymo.htmlhttp://thetimes-tribune.com/news/rock-snot-blooms-found-in-long-stretch-of-delaware-river-1.1306055http://stateimpact.npr.org/pennsylvania/2012/04/24/environmental-regulators-fear-invasive-alga-along-delaware-river/http://www.pennvest.state.pa.us/portal/server.pt/community/pennvest_internet/9242http://www.pennvest.state.pa.us/portal/server.pt/community/pennvest_internet/9242http://stateimpact.npr.org/pennsylvania/2012/04/24/environmental-regulators-fear-invasive-alga-along-delaware-river/http://thetimes-tribune.com/news/rock-snot-blooms-found-in-long-stretch-of-delaware-river-1.1306055http://www.state.nj.us/drbc/home/newsroom/news/approved/20120424_didymo.htmlhttp://www.fishandboat.com/cleanyourgear.htmhttp://www.fishandboat.com/ais/ais-action-didymo.pdf


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local jobs, to a $266,000 grant that will construct nutrient-management facilities on a farm in

Lancaster County, contributing to the improvement in the water quality of the Chesapeake Bay.

The funding comes from a combination of state funds approved by voters, federal grants

to PennVEST from the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency and recycled loan repayments

from previous PennVEST funding awards. Funds for the projects are disbursed after bills for

work are paid and receipts are submitted to PennVEST.A list of projects funded is available online.

Water, Wastewater Treatment Plant Energy Conference May 8

The Department of Environmental Protection invites municipal authorities, local governments

and businesses to attend a May 8 conference focused on making water and wastewater treatment

plants more energy efficient.

The Energy Conference for Water and Wastewater Treatment Plants will be held from 8

a.m. to 3:45 p.m. in Room 128 of the Science and Technology Building at Penn State -

Harrisburg, 777 W. Harrisburg Pike, Middletown, Dauphin County.

The roundtable conference will offer real-world examples, tools and financing options toassist water and wastewater treatment plants. Presenters will also go into detail about measuring

existing plant performance, evaluating options for improvement, implementing appropriate

measures to optimize plant performance, securing upper-management support and identifying

and securing potential financing options.

Because of DEPs leadership in energy management issues, the U.S. Environmental

Protection Agency selected DEP to organize this first-of-its-kind event. Other states in EPA

Region III may develop similar conferences in the future.

Speakers at the conference will include environmental science professionals as well as

experts in the facility and project management fields, sewage treatment and sustainable

engineering.Certified treatment plant operators who attend the conference will earn two contact hours

toward their continuing education requirements, and professional engineers will earn seven

professional development hours.

The deadline to register is May 1. The workshop is being funded by a U.S. Department of

Energy State Energy Program grant. The $60 registration fee goes directly to Penn State -

Harrisburg. Breakfast and lunch will be provided.

For more information and to register call 717-763-0930.

Marcellus Coalition Releases First Recommended Best Practices For Drilling

The Marcellus Shale Coalition Thursday said it will release a number of recommended practicesin the coming months that are designed to provide general guidance for each subject addressed.

Ranging in topics from well construction to site restoration, air quality and water

management, the MSC's RPs will assist industry professionals operating in the Appalachian

basin in improving their effectiveness in all stages of responsible natural gas exploration and

production.

"Continuous improvement is at the core of the natural gas industry," said MSC chair

Dave Spigelmyer of Chesapeake Energy. "At the direction of our board of directors, the
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coalition's staff and committee leadership set out to develop a set of recommended practices that

make sense both operationally and from an environmental standpoint. These content-rich

guidance documents represent a level of detail and transparency derived from many sources

which will be updated and refined as development continues."

Through months of research, stakeholder outreach, and collaboration amongst MSC

member companies, the coalition today releases its first RP, which offers guidance on siteplanning, development and restoration.

Developed by the MSC's Land Affairs Committee, this RP lays out in detail 11 key steps

beginning with identifying the need for a new well site, compressor station or pipeline, and

ending with site monitoring, maintenance and repair in the site preparation, development and

restoration process while offering detailed guidance for each step along the way.

To view the recommended practice, Click Here. To view an overview of the guidance

document, Click Here.

"This site planning, development and restoration RP is the culmination of countless hours

of work by our land affairs committee to develop a sound document that would be useful not

only to operators, but also landowners and other organizations," said MSC president Kathryn Z.

Klaber. "From site identification, to safety, communications, landowner engagement andeventual reclamation, this guidance document is the first of many that the coalition will release in

the coming months all of which are designed to increase awareness and share ideas and

practices that work while continuing to raise the bar on responsible natural gas development

across the region."

PUC Delays Action On Drilling Impact Fee Final Action Due To Court Injunction

Due to an ambiguity with an injunction imposed by the states Commonwealth Court, the Public

Utility Commission Thursday temporarily delayed issuing a Final Implementation Order on Act

13 of 2012, which, among other things, authorized counties to adopt an impact fee related tounconventional natural gas well drilling.

The Commission voted 5-0 to postpone finalizing its Implementation Order for Act 13

until a later public meeting due to questions surrounding the scope of an injunction issued by the

states Commonwealth Court. The Commission issued a Tentative Implementation Order for

comment in March. On April 11, the Commonwealth Court issued an Order that preliminarily

enjoined portions of Act 13.

In a Secretarial Letter, the Commission said that the Courts preliminary injunction did

not provide enough direction for the Commission to proceed issuing its Final Implementation

Order at this time. In an effort to receive clarity on the scope of the injunction, the Commission

has filed an expedited application to modify the courts Order.

On February 14, Gov. Corbett signed into law Act 13 of 2012, the Unconventional GasWell Impact Fee Act, which amended Title 58 (Oil and Gas) of the Pennsylvania Consolidated

Statutes.

The PUC is responsible for implementing the provisions contained in Chapters 23 and 33

of the Act. Chapter 23 provides for the imposition, collection and distribution of an

unconventional gas well fee (also called a drilling impact fee). Chapter 33 governs local

ordinances that impose conditions, requirements or limitations on oil or gas operations. The PUC

has created a page on its website for Act 13 information.
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For more information, visit the PUC's Act 13 Impact Fee webpage.

NewsClip: PUC Delays Final Act 13 Drilling Fee Action

SRBC Lifts Drilling Water Withdrawal Restrictions

On Thursday the Susquehanna River Basin Commission announced it lifted water withdrawalrestrictions imposed last weekas a result of low stream flows due to heavy precipitation over the

last few days.

The withdrawals were in Bradford (4), Luzerne (1), Lycoming (4), Susquehanna (1) and

Tioga (2) counties.

NewsClip: SRBC Lifts Drilling Water Withdrawal Restrictions

Opinion

Marcellus Shale Legislation Working

By Sen. Joe Scarnati (R-Jefferson)

When Gov. Corbett signed Act 13 into law on February 14th of this year, it marked the

culmination of three years of work by the Legislature in crafting a comprehensive Marcellus

Shale legislative package. The final legislation contained strong environmental safeguards, a

mechanism for fair and predictable municipal regulation of the industry and a robust, yet

competitive, impact fee.

Perhaps the most closely scrutinized aspect of the Marcellus Shale legislation was the

establishment of a local impact fee. The Governor and legislative leaders, including myself,

spent a great deal of time discussing and debating this critical topic.

The outcome of this process was the creation of a local impact fee, with the amount set

by the state and proceeds collected by the Public Utility Commission. Counties andmunicipalities where Marcellus Shale drilling is taking place would be given the option to adopt

the fee or risk losing their share of the revenue generated by the fee statewide.

Many in the legislature and the media criticized the local impact fee at the time of its

passage. Some doubted whether counties would ever impose a fee, labeling the legislation "the

art of maybe" and questioning whether it would ever provide the necessary revenue to state and

local governments.

One member of the House Democratic leadership even went so far as to call the impact

fee a "sham." Thanks in part to the actions of County Commissioners all over the Marcellus

Shale region, the past two months have proven those criticisms, and others like them, not only

unfounded, but flat-out wrong.

The agreed-to compromise contained in Act 13 was a fair and effective method of

enacting a significant but competitive impact fee, by which the Marcellus Shale industry would

supply much needed revenue to local governments whose constituents have been affected by the

growth of the industry while also addressing statewide environmental and infrastructure needs.

Following the Luzerne County Council's approval of the local impact fee on April 16th,

all 37 counties in the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania that contain drilled Marcellus Shale wells

have now enacted local impact fees. Although the legislation allows for a majority of
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municipalities in a county to adopt the impact fee if a county government fails to do so, that

option will not be necessary as not a single county in the Marcellus Shale region has failed to

adopt the ordinance in the allowable amount of time.

By September 1st of this year, hundreds of millions of dollars in impact fee revenue will

have begun flowing into the PUC for disbursement to county and municipal governments and

state agencies. These funds will support a wide range of important programs and positively affectall Pennsylvanians in some shape or form.

In areas affected by the Marcellus Shale play, counties and municipalities will receive an

influx of revenue to be used for infrastructure improvements and environmental remediation

projects. In addition, much-needed funding will also be available for law enforcement and

judicial costs, as well as housing and rental assistance and vital social services programs.

Citizens across the state will also benefit. Businesses will save millions on fuel costs and

improve the environment by converting vehicles to operate on compressed natural gas, a much

cheaper and cleaner fueling option. Emergency responders will receive additional planning and

training.

Structurally deficient bridges will be repaired and replaced. Parks and greenways will be

developed. Watershed and flood control projects will move forward. Acid mines will beremediated, abandoned wells plugged, and the Hazardous Sites Cleanup Fund will again have a

sustained revenue source.

Pennsylvanians will soon discover, what some originally doubted, that Act 13 is an

incredibly positive step in the right direction for our Commonwealth's energy independence, our

environment and our future.

Sen. Joe Scarnatiis President Pro Tempore and is serving his third term in the Senate. He

represents the 25th Senatorial District, which includes Cameron, Elk, Jefferson, McKean, Potter,

Tioga and portions of Clearfield and Warren Counties.

NewsClips: PUC Delays Final Act 13 Drilling Fee ActionLetter: Sen. Mary Jo White- Act 13 Is Good Law

Letter: DEP Secretary Criticizes Wilkes Drilling Report

DEP Secretary Speaks About Recent Fracking Legislation

State Official Disputes Plan Language Analysis Of Drilling Law

Governor's Energy Executive Disputes PennFuture's Summary Of New Drilling Law

Patrick Henderson, the Governor's Energy Executive, called a summary of the Marcellus Shale

drilling law released this weekby PennFuture "neither unbiased (they condemned Act 13) nor

accurate," according to a blog post by Sandy Bauers of the Philadelphia Inquirer.

Henderson released an analysis of the PennFuture summary with his comments in reddisputing many parts of their summary.

NewsClips: State Official Disputes Plan Language Analysis Of Drilling Law

Letter: Sen. Mary Jo White- Act 13 Is Good Law

Letter: DEP Secretary Criticizes Wilkes Drilling Report

DEP Secretary Speaks About Recent Fracking Legislation

Study: Minor Impact On Property Value, Tax Base From Marcellus Shale Development
http://stateimpact.npr.org/pennsylvania/2012/04/26/public-utility-commission-delays-act-13-related-order/http://www.butlereagle.com/article/20120424/EDITORIAL02/704249853/-1/Editorialhttp://citizensvoice.com/opinion/letters/report-criticizing-act-13-mistaken-about-many-points-1.1303078#ixzz1szdEUk1thttp://www.lehighvalleylive.com/thebrownandwhiteblog/index.ssf/2012/04/environmental_legal_expert_spe_1.htmlhttp://www.philly.com/philly/blogs/greenliving/Act-13-State-official-disputes-plain-language-analysis.htmlhttp://www.philly.com/philly/blogs/greenliving/Plain-language-guide-to-PAs-natural-gas-law.htmlhttp://dl.dropbox.com/u/48182083/drilling/Pennfuture%20-%20Act%2013.doc.pdfhttp://www.philly.com/philly/blogs/greenliving/Act-13-State-official-disputes-plain-language-analysis.htmlhttp://www.butlereagle.com/article/20120424/EDITORIAL02/704249853/-1/Editorialhttp://citizensvoice.com/opinion/letters/report-criticizing-act-13-mistaken-about-many-points-1.1303078#ixzz1szdEUk1thttp://www.lehighvalleylive.com/thebrownandwhiteblog/index.ssf/2012/04/environmental_legal_expert_spe_1.htmlhttp://www.lehighvalleylive.com/thebrownandwhiteblog/index.ssf/2012/04/environmental_legal_expert_spe_1.htmlhttp://citizensvoice.com/opinion/letters/report-criticizing-act-13-mistaken-about-many-points-1.1303078#ixzz1szdEUk1thttp://www.butlereagle.com/article/20120424/EDITORIAL02/704249853/-1/Editorialhttp://www.philly.com/philly/blogs/greenliving/Act-13-State-official-disputes-plain-language-analysis.htmlhttp://dl.dropbox.com/u/48182083/drilling/Pennfuture%20-%20Act%2013.doc.pdfhttp://www.philly.com/philly/blogs/greenliving/Plain-language-guide-to-PAs-natural-gas-law.htmlhttp://www.philly.com/philly/blogs/greenliving/Act-13-State-official-disputes-plain-language-analysis.htmlhttp://www.lehighvalleylive.com/thebrownandwhiteblog/index.ssf/2012/04/environmental_legal_expert_spe_1.htmlhttp://citizensvoice.com/opinion/letters/report-criticizing-act-13-mistaken-about-many-points-1.1303078#ixzz1szdEUk1thttp://www.butlereagle.com/article/20120424/EDITORIAL02/704249853/-1/Editorialhttp://stateimpact.npr.org/pennsylvania/2012/04/26/public-utility-commission-delays-act-13-related-order/


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What are the economic impacts of Marcellus shale development on counties and municipalities?

Real Property Tax Base, Market Values and Marcellus Shale: 2007 to 2009 is a recent Penn

State Center for Economic and Community Development paper which tries to answer this

question.

Market and assessed value changes for all Pennsylvania counties and municipalities from2007 to 2009 (the most recent data available from the Pennsylvania State Tax Equalization

Board, or STEB) were analyzed.

Changes in market value can reflect the overall demand for property is changing within

the jurisdiction. The Real Property Tax Base is the total value of assessed properties in a

jurisdiction, and can increase or decrease tax revenue if the millage rate remains the same.

An analysis of market value change at the county level revealed no pattern associated

with Marcellus shale drilling, whereas municipalities with more Marcellus activity had a greater

average change in market value compared to areas with no or fewer Marcellus wells.

Similar to market values, there was no clear pattern between changes in the real property

tax base and the level of drilling activity for counties; municipalities with Marcellus wells

experienced a slightly higher real property tax base increase, but it didnt seem to relate to thescale of drilling activity.

The study indicates that based on the data thus far, Marcellus shale development has had

only minor impact on total property values and the real property tax base for Pennsylvania

counties.

On the municipal level, a slightly higher than average increase in total market values

within the municipalities with shale development has been noted.

The increase suggests that the overall market price increases are a combination of

property improvements and overall increase in demand for existing parcels.

It is too early to determine the local impact fees impact on communities. The study also

mentions potential differences on an individual basis versus looking at a whole county ormunicipality. As Marcellus shale development is an ever-changing activity in the

Commonwealth, it is important to continue to monitor and analyze the data over time to

determine effects on communities.

A copy of the report is available online from the Penn State Center for Economic and

Community Development.

SRBC Sets May 10 Hearing On Water Withdrawal Requests

The Susquehanna River Basin Commission will conduct a public hearing on May 10 to accept

public comments on water withdrawal and consumptive use project applications, proposed fee

amendments, and updates to the Comprehensive Plan.The hearing is scheduled for May 10 at the Pennsylvania State Capitol, East Wing, Room

8E-B, Harrisburg, Pa., 2:30 p.m. to 5:00 p.m.

The list of 32 project applications and 2 docket rescissions, proposed fee amendments,

information related to the Comprehensive Plan updates, and options for submitting comments

electronically are available on SRBCs website.

Persons planning to present oral testimony at the public hearing are asked to notify SRBC

prior to the hearing of their intent to testify and to indicate what they plan to comment on. The
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notices are to be directed to Richard Cairo, General Counsel, Susquehanna River Basin

Commission, 1721 North Front Street, Harrisburg, PA 17102, Telephone: 717-238-0423, ext.

306, Fax: 717-238-2436, email: [email protected].

SRBC will also accept written comments until May 21. Comments may be submitted via

the Internet or mailed or faxed to Mr. Cairo.

SRBC is scheduled to vote on these and other action items at its next business meeting onJune 7, 2012.

SRBCs rules of conduct for public hearings include (see full set of rules on the web

site):

-- All persons must sign-in and show photo identification.

-- Signage, posters, banners or other display media will be permitted only in designated areas.

-- The press will be permitted to set up and use video and recording devices in a designated area.

The public will be permitted to use small, hand-held devices that remain in their possession and

are used in a non-disruptive manner.

DEP Fines Ultra Resources $40,000 For Illegal Tioga County Transfer Station

The Department of Environmental Protection has fined Ultra Resources Inc. of Wellsboro, Tioga

County, $40,000 for operating an illegal transfer station at a well pad in West Branch Township,

Potter County.

DEP staff inspected the site in late February 2011 and found 47 wheelie storage tanks on-

site that were holding more than 760,000 gallons of raw flowback fluid that Ultra was using for

hydraulic fracturing at other area sites.

This kind of activity requires a residual waste transfer station permit from the

department, DEP East Region Oil and Gas Program Manager Jennifer Means said. Because no

wells were ever drilled at this site, and because the well permits actually expired while this

activity was taking place, we determined that Ultra never intended to use the stored fluid fordrilling at this site.

Department inspections conducted in March and July 2011 documented additional

violations of the Oil and Gas Act, including the failure to post well permit numbers at the site.

DEP issued a notice of violation to Ultra in late July 2011, and then discovered additional

violations during an inspection the following month. Those violations included flowback fluids

around the wheelie tanks and on the containment liner; failure to properly stabilize several areas

of the well pad and access road; and improper construction of a sediment basin.

Ultra submitted a report to DEP in early October 2011 that documented the corrective

actions it took at the Fowler well site to address the violations. A DEP inspection in November

2011 confirmed that all violations had been corrected.

Marcellus Shale Coalition Adds Experienced NE PA Community Outreach Manager

The Marcellus Shale Coalition is pleased to announce John L. Augustine III has joined the

organization as the Northeastern Pennsylvania Community Outreach Manager, where he will

lead the MSCs regional education, business and outreach efforts.

John comes to the MSC from the Greater Wilkes-Barre Chamber of Business & Industry,

where he served as Senior Director for Economic and Entrepreneurial Development since 2003.
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We are excited to have John join our team and look forward to having him lead our

ongoing outreach and educational efforts in northeastern Pennsylvania, said MSC president

Kathryn Klaber. Having a full-time MSC staff member on the ground in northeastern

Pennsylvania, focused largely on engaging key stakeholders, will add a great deal of value to our

members and further strengthen our industrys voice and regional presence. Johns extensive

experience, particularly on economic development and supply chain related issues, will be key asresponsible, job-creating natural gas development continues in the Northern Tier and throughout

the northeastern part of the Commonwealth.

As a senior economic development official at the Greater Wilkes-Barre Chamber, John

oversaw the marketing, job creation and retention for five industrial and office parks, and

managed and operated the Innovation Center @ Wilkes-Barre an economic and technology

incubator, aimed at bolstering the regions small business community.

A graduate of Kings College, where he received a B.A. in Mass Communications, John

serves on several boards, including the Kings College Presidents Council, Luzerne County

Community College Foundation, Leadership Wilkes-Barre and the Mountaintop Marian

Sutherland Kirby Library.

A life-long northeastern Pennsylvania resident, John is actively involved in thecommunity through the Kiwanis Club, United Way, PA State Police Troop P Camp Cadet,

and as a youth soccer coach.

As a northeastern Pennsylvania native, and having spent my professional career dealing

with job creation and economic growth in the region, I could not be more excited to be a part of

the growing natural gas industry, said Augustine. The responsible development of natural gas

from the Marcellus Shale represents a generational opportunity for Pennsylvania and for our

country. I am eager to advance the MSCs mission and its Guiding Principles in this new role.

PUC Approves Time-Of-Use Programs For Duquesne Light Residential Customers

The Public Utility Commission Thursday approved two voluntary programs that offer special

rates to Duquesne Light Co. residential customers based upon the time of day or days they use

electricity.

The Commission voted 5-0 to provide Duquesne pre-enrolled residential customers the

optional pricing for electric generation service, known as time-of-use (TOU) rates. The

underlying objective of the TOU rates is to encourage customers to shift their electric usage from

on-peak periods when wholesale demand and prices are high to off-peak periods when wholesale

demand and prices are lower.

The goal is to reduce peak demand on generation resources, contribute to reducing

wholesale electricity power during the hours of highest demand and provide customers with an

opportunity to reduce their monthly electric bills.The TOU-1 pilot program, also known as the Smart Sense Time-of-the-Week pilot

program will evaluate the customers ability to reduce their electricity use weekdays from June

2012 through September 2012, as compared to the corresponding months in the prior year.

Under TOU-1, if a customer can reduce monthly usage by at least 10 percent, the

customer will receive a 10-percent credit on the generation portion of their bill for that month.

Participants who reduce their monthly consumption by at least 10 percent in June 2012 through


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September 2012 will receive an additional 10 percent off their September 2012 generation

charges.

Participation in the TOU-1 pilot program is limited to the 1,341 residential default service

customers who pre-enrolled as of June 1, 2011.

The TOU-2 pilot program, or Smart Sense Time-of-Day pilot program, encourages

customers to shift their electricity usage from on-peak periods when wholesale electricitydemands and prices are higher, to off-peak periods when demands and prices are lower.

The program is limited to the 111 residential customers that pre-enrolled in the TOU-2

pilot program, which includes two time-of-day (TOD) programs. This pilot is also a temporary

program that will run from June 2012 through September 2012.

Under the TOD-1 pilot program, the on-peak period will run weekdays from 1 p.m. until

6 p.m., with a rate of 15.72 cents per kWh. The off-peak period will occur between 12 a.m. to 1

p.m. and 6 p.m. to 12 a.m., weekdays, and all weekend hours. The rate for the off-peak period

will be 6.13 cents per kWh.

Under the TOD-2 pilot program, the on-peak period will run weekdays from 4 p.m. until

6 p.m., with a rate of 31.44 cents per kWh. The off-peak period will occur between 12 a.m. to 4

p.m. and 6 p.m. to 12 a.m., weekdays, and all weekend hours. The rate for the off-peak periodwill be 5.86 cents per kWh.

Both programs will become effective on or before April 27.

New Pennelec Program Pays Businesses To Reduce Electricity Demand

Pennsylvania Electric Company (Penelec) has launched its Pennsylvania Act 129 Demand

Response Program, which will pay Pennsylvania business customers when they reduce power

consumption during periods of peak demand for electricity this summer.

This program is designed to help Penelec meet Pennsylvania's Act 129 requirement to

reduce peak demand for electricity by 4.5 percent during the top 100 hours of energy demandduring the summer months (June 1 to September 31, 2012).

Several providers will assist businesses in Penelec's service territory with participation in

the program. Providers include:

-- ClearChoice Energy: 412-833-4113, ext. 107

-- Customized Energy Solutions: 267-238-4785

-- Energy Connect: 312-854-8071

-- Energy Curtailment Specialists, Inc.: 877-711-5453 ext. 348

-- EnerNOC, Inc.: 443-864-2007

-- Hess Energy Solutions: 888-223-1524

-- Key Tex Energy: 724-468-6500, ext. 212

-- Net Peak: 920-227-2332"We expect this program will be very attractive to our commercial and industrial

customers who can temporarily reduce their demand for electricity by 100 kilowatts or more for

a few hours per week," said Douglas Elliott, president of Pennsylvania operations for

FirstEnergy. "Over the summer period, a participant who can reduce their average peak power

demand by 350 kilowatts for 12 to 15 days could earn up to $10,000."

For additional information or to enroll in the program, commercial customers should

contact their program vendor of choice from the list above or visit the Energy Save PA website.
https://www.firstenergycorp.com/content/customer/save_energy/save_energy_pennsylvania/penelec/for_your_business/pa_act_129_demandresponseprograms.htmlhttps://www.firstenergycorp.com/content/customer/save_energy/save_energy_pennsylvania/penelec/for_your_business/pa_act_129_demandresponseprograms.htmlhttps://www.firstenergycorp.com/content/customer/save_energy/save_energy_pennsylvania/penelec.htmlhttps://www.firstenergycorp.com/content/customer/save_energy/save_energy_pennsylvania/penelec.htmlhttps://www.firstenergycorp.com/content/customer/save_energy/save_energy_pennsylvania/penelec/for_your_business/pa_act_129_demandresponseprograms.htmlhttps://www.firstenergycorp.com/content/customer/save_energy/save_energy_pennsylvania/penelec/for_your_business/pa_act_129_demandresponseprograms.html


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DEP To Hold Energy Conservation Building Code Workshop In Allegheny County

The Department of Environmental Protection invites residential code enforcement officials,

builders, contractors and designers to a May 10 workshop in Coraopolis, Allegheny County, on

the 2009 International Energy Conservation Code.The workshop will be from 8:30 a.m. to 4 p.m. at the Holiday Inns Pittsburgh Airport

location at 8256 University Blvd., Coraopolis. Registration begins at 8 a.m. Breakfast and lunch

will be provided as part of the $40 registration fee.

The IECC is updated every three years by the International Code Council. In

Pennsylvania, it is considered part of the Uniform Construction Code, according to Act 49.

This workshop will focus on best-management practices in sustainable residential

building. Participants will also learn about sizing of residential HVAC units according to the

Manual J methodology, a protocol used to determine how much heating and cooling a home

requires.

Attendees will receive six UCC continuing education hours for completing the training.

Mike Turns, associate director of the Pennsylvania Housing Research Center, will be theinstructor.

Funding for the workshop is provided by the state through a U.S. Department of Energy

State Energy Program grant.

For more information and to register, visit the PA Construction Codes Academy webpage

or call 717-763-0930.

University of PA Wins Top Honors In EPA's Green Power Challenge, 16 Others

Participate

The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency recently announced the winners of the 2012 CollegeUniversity Green Power Challenge and the top winner in the Green Power Challenge is the

University of Pennsylvania. Sixteen other Pennsylvania schools participated in the program.

In addition, more colleges and universities who are participating in the Challenge are

located in Pennsylvania than any other state in the nation. Of the 73 universities participating, 17

are located in Pennsylvania and are buying green power - - power from renewable resources.

The other 16 Green Power Partners in Pennsylvania are: Duquesne University in

Pittsburgh; Dickinson College in Carlisle; Franklin & Marshall College in Lancaster; Haverford

College in Bryn Mawr; Swarthmore College in Swarthmore; Gettysburg College in Gettysburg;

Philadelphia University in Philadelphia; Drexel University in Philadelphia; Juniata College in

Huntingdon; Eastern University in St. Davids; Allegheny College in Meadville; Bucknell

University in Lewisburg; Mercyhurst College in Erie; Chatham University and Carnegie MellonUniversity in Pittsburgh; and Marywood University in Scranton.

The University of Pennsylvania beat out 72 other schools across the country by

purchasing more than 200 million kilowatt hours (KWh) of green power or 48 percent of its total

power purchases.

Green power is generated from renewable resources such as solar, wind, geothermal,

biomass, biogas, and low-impact hydropower. The University of Pennsylvania has taken first
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place honors in the challenge for the fifth consecutive year and its green power use is equivalent

to avoiding greenhouse gas emissions of approximately 27,000 passenger vehicles each year.

By purchasing green power from renewable sources, these 17 Pennsylvania institutions

are spurring the development of the nations green power market and reducing harmful air

pollution, said EPAs mid-Atlantic Regional Administrator Shawn M. Garvin. Their

commitment to renewable energy, especially at the University of Pennsylvania, is contributing tothe growth in green jobs and a green economy.

For more information, visit EPA's Green Power Challenge and Green Power Partnership

webpages.

PA School Buses Contribute To A Healthy Planet, Reduce Fuel Consumption

Yellow school buses are an iconic image in the United States, but many people do not realize one

important benefit they offer they are environmentally friendly and getting more so with each

passing year, according to the PA School Bus Association.

And given the increasing attention the recently concluded Earth Day receives each year,

its clear environmental issues are becoming a top-of-mind issue for many.In Pennsylvania 31,511 registered school buses carry more than 1.5 million children,

making the school bus industry the largest form of mass transit in the Commonwealth. Those

buses travel about 401 million miles annually.

Consider this: Every school bus on the road in Pennsylvania eliminates the need for

approximately 33 cars on the road to transport children to school. For every bus you keep on the

road, thats 33 fewer cars clogging the morning commute and 33 fewer cars polluting the

atmosphere. Each bus carries an average of 49 students.

In 2010, school buses in Pennsylvania saved more than 226 million gallons of gasoline,

the equivalent of eliminating 200,000 metric tons of carbon dioxide according to the

Environmental Protection Agency. That represents a cost savings of more $878 million forPennsylvania families each year.

Thanks to cleaner low sulfur fuels, more efficient engines and emissions control

technologies, todays diesels engine school buses are 96 percent cleaner than those manufactured

in 1994.

Reducing congestion by taking cars off the road, saving families fuel costs, and reducing

carbon emissions are only a few of the overlooked benefits of school buses, said Selina M.

Pittenger, executive director of the school bus association. School bus transportation makes our

state and communities cleaner and healthier. As our country searches for ways to make our

environment and our children healthier, riding yellow is an easy way to go green, helping us to

create a better future for everyone.

For more information, visit the PA School Bus Association website.

Four Pennsylvania Schools Earn National Green Ribbon Schools Honors

Four Pennsylvania schools have earned national 2012 Green Ribbon Schools awards, Secretary

of Education Ron Tomalis announced Monday.

The schools are: A.W. Beattie Career Center, in Allegheny County; Radnor Middle

School in Radnor Township School District, Delaware County; Thaddeus Stevens Elementary
http://www.epa.gov/greenpower/initiatives/cu_challenge.htmhttp://www.epa.gov/greenpowerhttp://www.paschoolbus.org/http://www.paschoolbus.org/http://www2.ed.gov/programs/green-ribbon-schools/index.htmlhttp://www2.ed.gov/programs/green-ribbon-schools/index.htmlhttp://www.paschoolbus.org/http://www.paschoolbus.org/http://www.epa.gov/greenpowerhttp://www.epa.gov/greenpower/initiatives/cu_challenge.htm


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School in the Chambersburg Area School District, Franklin County; and Springside Chestnut

Hill Academy, Philadelphia.

Pennsylvanias four winners, honored among 78 schools nationwide, are recognized by

the U.S. Department of Education for programs that save energy, reduce costs, feature

environmentally sustainable learning spaces, protect health, foster wellness, and offer

environmental education to boost academic achievement and community engagement.I am delighted that all four Pennsylvania nominees were selected, Tomalis said. I

want to congratulate each school for attaining this national recognition and competing to

showcase their efforts to reduce their impact on the environment. This is a proof that students

and school officials are making meaningful changes to reduce energy consumption, which

ultimately reduces operating costs. These four schools will serve as a model to all public and

private schools across Pennsylvania.

Tomalis nominated these four schools in March. The U.S. Department of Education is

scheduled to hold a presentation ceremony in June.

A total of 350 schools across the nation applied to their state departments of education

and nearly 100 were nominated to the U.S. Department of Education. Among participating

states, Pennsylvania had the highest number of schools (47) to submit applications.For more information, visit the U.S. Department of Educations Green Ribbon Schools

Program webpage and Pennsylvania's Green Ribbon Schools website.

Wildlife For Everyone: Waste Management Boosts Seedlings For Schools Program

Waste Management again has provided support for the Wildlife For Everyone Endowment

Foundation'sparticipation of the Seedlings for Schools program.

The company has contributed $11,000 this year for the program, which will provide

seedlings to many elementary and high schools across Pennsylvania through the Pennsylvania

Game Commission program.Most of the seedlings, which are shipped from the commission's Howard Nursery in

Centre County in time for Arbor Day, are part of the Seedlings for Your Class component of the

program aimed primarily at third grade students. Each class or grade level receives enough silky

dogwood or white pine seedlings for each student to take one home.

In addition, explained Vern Ross, Executive Director of the Wildlife For Everyone

Endowment Foundation, "The seedlings come with an education package for the teacher. The

teacher gets to teach a whole program around the trees, environment and the importance of

planting trees in your local community."

Waste Management has been a major contributor to the seedling program in previous

years, along with Joe Krentzman & Son Inc., Mealey's Furniture, U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service's

Partners for Wildlife, and Pheasants Forever Chapter 603 have provided support to the program."There is no charge to schools participating in this project, as the seedlings are provided

by the Game Commission's Howard Nursery," said Commission Executive Director Carl Roe.

"The cost of shipping seedlings is covered through the generous donations" from the Wildlife

For Everyone Endowment Foundation and other partners.

The Wildlife For Everyone Endowment Foundation has been an integral part of the

program from day one five years ago.
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Ross said, "We were very excited to get involved because all of us, when we were in

elementary school many years ago, used to get seedlings to take home and plant in our yards.

And, that left an impression on all of us."

While that previous school-seedling program eventually came to an end, the current

program grew from a handful of schools participating the first year to 793 schools last year.

Some of the seedlings also are shipped for the Seedlings to Develop Habitats componentof the program, which is aimed at middle and high school students interested in planting them on

school or community grounds, or along a stream corridor, to improve habitat; as a tree nursery;

or in an environmental area.

Seedlings are shipped in bundles of 25. Some days two full UPS truckloads of bundles

roll out of the Pennsylvania Game Commission's Howard Nursery.

Click Here for Seedlings for Schools Teacher Resource Guide. Click Here for Seedlings

for Schools Student Sheet.

EPA Grants Funding For Greening Philadelphia School Neighborhood

A $200,000 grant announced Thursday by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency will helpfund projects to make South Philadelphias George W. Nebinger School and surrounding streets

greener and healthier.

EPAs grant, with matching funding from the Philadelphia Water Department and the

nonprofit Partnership for the Delaware Estuary, brings the total award to $400,000 that will go

towards a host of green features at Nebinger School and the adjacent neighborhood.

The projects are part of the citys wide-ranging plan, Green City, Clean Waters, to

control pollutant-laden stormwater that inundates the citys sewer system and causes sewage

overflows into area waterways. EPA and the City of Philadelphia signed a partnership agreement

earlier this month to help ensure the success of the citys plan.

This grant will help the city realize the environmental, economic and communitybenefits of the Green City, Clean Waters plan, said EPA Regional Administrator Shawn M.

Garvin. In controlling stormwater runoff, well also be helping students appreciate ways of

preventing pollution and creating cost-effective, high-performance green streets adjacent to the

school.

In addition to the benefits for Philadelphia, controlling stormwater runoff is critical for

reducing pollution to the Delaware River and Bay the focus of joint efforts by PDE, EPA, and

PWD as part of the National Estuary Program.

All three are now teaming up with the School District of Philadelphia to develop what is

intended as a national and international model for stormwater management and educational

programming at the Nebinger School. The school is located at 6th and Carpenter Street in South

Philadelphia.Efforts at the Nebinger School will focus on using green stormwater infrastructure as a

classroom, field and laboratory tool, and demonstration opportunity for students and the

community. The green tools that may be integrated into the design of the school yard include

rain gardens, porous play surfaces and pavement, and stormwater planters. These features will

help manage stormwater runoff from the school yard and select adjacent streets.

Several streets close to the Nebinger School have been chosen as potential Green Street

projects based on critical connections they create between significant neighborhood amenities
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and businesses, such as the Weccacoe Playground and the business corridor on Passyunk Avenue

between 6th and 10th streets, which is part of the Passyunk Business Improvement District.

Green tools that may be integrated into these Green Streets include stormwater trees and tree

trenches.

Officials said the project may provide an opportunity for Philadelphia students to

collaborate with similar schools in the City of Rio de Janeiro, Philadelphias sister city instormwater management. This collaboration is an extension of the Joint Initiative on Urban

Sustainability (JUIS), a partnership among the U.S. EPA, Brazils Ministry of Environment and

Ministry of Foreign Affairs, the City of Rio de Janeiro, and the City of Philadelphia, which was

formed to advance sustainable cities.

For more information, visit Philadelphia's Green City, Clean Waters webpage.

Lyme Light Youth Fashion Show By Montgo

pa environment digest april 30, 2012

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