pa environment digest feb. 24, 2014

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PA Environment Digest

An Update OnEnvironmental Issues In PAEdited By: David E. Hess, Crisci Associates

Winner 2009 PAEE Business PartnerOf The Year Award

Harrisburg, Pa February 24, 2014

PA Supreme Court Rejects Act 13 Court Decision Reconsideration Motion

The PA SupremeCourt Friday rejected the Corbett Administrations request for reconsideration of the

Courts landmark decisionin December which declared unconstitutional provisionsof the Act 13

Marcellus Shale drilling law relating to local regulation of drilling operations.

The Court also invalidated provisions of the law establishing setbacks from rivers and streams,the requirement for DEP to evaluate the impacts to public resources and restrictions on the right of

municipalities to appeal DEP permit decisions.

The Court also directed Commonwealth Court to re-hear complaints by municipalities that Act

13 prevents doctors from telling patients of the health impacts of chemicals used in natural gas well

fracking operations.

The significance of the ruling is not that it declared several provisions of Act 13 unconstitutional,

but in the legal basis for the opinion-- Article I, Section 27 of Pennsylvanias Constitution, the

Environmental Rights Amendment-- even though technically this basis it is not considered a legal

precedent because three rather than four justices agreement with this argument.

The reconsiderationwas opposed by the original challengers to Act 13 on the grounds the state,

the Public Utilities Commission and the Department of Environmental Protection failed to provide anycompelling reasons for the extraordinary legal relief.

The Corbett Administration wanted a do-over. The Supreme Court said no, said Jordan

Yeager, one of the lead attorneys on the case. Act 13 violated our fundamental Constitutional rights.

The Courts landmark ruling stands and we are all safer as a result.

The State has heard the final word on Act 13 from the highest authority. Once again the

primary rights of clean air, water, and a healthy environment for the people of the Commonwealth have

been reiterated, said Maya van Rossum, the Delaware Riverkeeper and one of the original petitioners

in the case. We hope the Governor and his administration can now finally accept that they were wrong

in their attempt to undo the Courts deliberations. The Governor should listen to what the Court has

said and realize that the Courts thoughtful, extensive set of opinions instructs all levels of government to

fully adhere to their ruling. This is a great day for Pennsylvania.DEP Chief Counsel Dennis Whitaker told the DEP Citizens Advisory Councilin January the

Departments first priority in responding to the Court decision was reviewing the changes that might

need to the proposed Chapter 78 regulations and Oil and Gas Program procedures since the Courts

decision dealt specifically with that program.

He noted the stream and other setback provisions the Court struck down in Act 13 would likely

remain in force because the Department has sufficient authority under the Clean Streams Law and other

statutes to establish setbacks.
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He also said Gov. Corbett called on drillersto meet waterway setbacks even though they were

struck down by the Court.

More broadly, Whitaker said his office has started a review of all DEP programs to determine

whether the previous harms and benefits tests programs have incorporated into regulations and permit

reviews over the years as a result of previous Environmental Rights Amendment court decisions would

need to be changed as a result of the decision.At his budget hearing in the Senate Tuesday, DEP Secretary Chris Abruzzo also said other

statutory authority exists to enforce waterway setbacks. He added the requirements of the

Environmental Rights Amendment are already included in many of DEPs permit programs, but they are

working through the issues.

NewsClips:

PA Supreme Court Rejects Appeal Of Drilling Law Ruling

High Court Wont Reconsider Decision On Oil And Gas Law

PA Supreme Court Wont Revisit Gas Drilling Case

PA Supreme Court Will Not Reconsider Act 13 Decision

New Drilling Study Needed Yudichak Says

Greene County Gas Well Still LeakingState Police Recover Worker Killed In Gas Well Explosion

Bradford Woman Wins Case Over Well Contamination

Attorney General Investigating Chesapeake Energy Royalties

Kane Eyes Gas Royalty Check Complaints

Hundreds Rally In Bradford On Gas Royalties

Home Up In Flames After Gas Explosion

Want Gas Heat? UGI Plan Makes It Easier

Reference Link:

Analysis: Landmark Court Opinion Turns Environmental Regulation In PA Upside Down

Senate DEP Budget Hearing Focuses On Gas Well Explosion, Well Regulation Issues

The natural gas well explosion in Greene County last week and DEPs Oil and Gas Program were the

focus of many of the questions members of the Senate Appropriations Committee asked DEP Secretary

Chris Abruzzo Tuesday as he appeared before the Committee to answer questions about his agencys

FY 2014-15 budget request.

The response to the well explosion, the adequacy of fees supporting the regulatory program, the

top three violations in the program, the recent Act 13 court decision and the proposal for additional

natural gas leasing on DCNR lands were all topics covered in the questioning.

Click Herefor a copy of Secretary Abruzzos written budget testimony. Click Herefor video

Of Senate Appropriations Hearing (Look for Playlist).Heres a summary of some of the more important questions and answers--

Greene County Gas Well Explosion:In response to a question Sen. Yaw (R-Lycoming), Majority

Chair of the Senate Environmental Resources and Energy Committee, about the availability of funding to

deal with an incident like the Greene County well explosion, Secretary Abruzzo said they have sufficient

funds to cover staff responding to the emergency. He said they will seek reimbursement for DEPs

costs in responding to the emergency from the well owner. He noted DEP had about a dozen people
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but DEP is looking for other statutory authority to support setbacks DEP has enforced. He noted Gov.

Corbett has called onthe oil and gas industry to meet all the existing setbacks. He said the requirements

of the Environmental Rights Amendment are already in many of DEPs permit programs, but they are

working through the issues.

Top 3 Violations In Oil and Gas Program:In response to a question from Sen. Vulakovich(R-Allegheny), Dana Aunkst, Executive Deputy for Programs, said the top three violations in the Oil

and Gas Program are: erosion and sedimentation, wetlands encroachment and waste handling violations.

Natural Gas Pipeline Impacts: Sen. Rafferty (R-Montgomery) asked for Secretary Abruzzos help in

getting the state more say in the location and regulation of natural gas pipelines. The Secretary said he

would work with the Senator, along with the Public Utility Commission, on this issue.

Beneficial Use Of Drill Cuttings:In response to a question from Sen. Yudichak, Secretary Abruzzo

said DEP has a study that should be done by the end of the year on radiation issues related to drilling

wastesthat should provide some additional guidance to agency actions.

Health Effects Of Natural Gas Drilling: Sen. Greenleaf (R-Montgomery) asked about support for

research on the health impacts of drilling, including a recent proposal by the University of Pennsylvania.

Secretary Abruzzo said he has met with the University of Pennsylvania officials and made his staff

available to them. He said he welcomes studies on the issue.

Alternative Fuel/Natural Gas Fuel Grants:In response to a question from Sen. Greenleaf who said

he was hoping to pass legislation allowing the use of electric golf cart-type vehicles on streets in a limited

way to promote use of alternative fuel vehicles, Secretary Abruzzo said the Alternative Fuels Incentive

Grant Programand additional funding provided by the Act 13 impact fees has been effective in helping

to convert vehicles to natural gas and promote the purchase of electric vehicles.

Crude Oil Train Derailments: Sen. Yudichak said two recent crude oil train derailmentsput this issue

in the spotlight and he wanted to know what DEP is working on to deal with this issue. Secretary

Abruzzo said DEP has adequate resources in place to handle emergencies of this type, noting the PA

Emergency Management Agency is working in a number of areas to improve communication with

railroads on what they are carrying on trains at any given moment.

West Virginia Chemical Spill: Sen. Schwank (D-Berks) asked how would Pennsylvania respond to

a spill like the one in West Virginia recently and are state regulations tight enough to deal with the issue.

Secretary Abruzzo said the 1988 Ashland oil spillin Pittsburgh led to the passage of the Storage Tank

and Spill Prevention Act and storage tank containment and construction standards. He said weve hadour disaster and we responded to it He noted West Virginia has asked for Pennsylvanias storage tank

regulations as background to improving their own program. He said DEP has a very good emergency

response program, if they get a timely notification of incidents.

Conservation Districts: In response to a question from Sen. Vogel, Secretary Abruzzo said DEP

received additional $24 million in funding under the transportation funding plan for the Dirt and Gravel

Road Program and about has about $7 million from the Growing Greener Program to help support
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conservation districts and he was glad to see it included in the budget.

Flood Debris Removal/Stream Maintenance:Secretary Abruzzo said in response to a question

from Sen. Yaw and Sen. Vulakovich, the Bradford County stream clearance pilot project is proceeding

rapidly with its evaluation of the emergency stream clearance program, training for contractors and

municipal officials and they are in the middle of developing a better general permit to cover emergencystream clearance activities. He said DEP does have to do a better job educating local governments on

emergency permit requirements.

Secretary Abruzzo said there is a perception it is difficult to get permission from DEP to receive

an emergency debris removal permit and has been educating municipalities and others about the

procedures. He added DEP works closely with the Game and Fish and Boat Commissions and the PA

Emergency Management Agency on these issues.

Passive Mine Drainage Treatment Systems Maintenance:Sen. Wozniak asked if DEP had a

mechanism to help fund maintenance of passive mine drainage treatment systems installed over the last

decade and more so they can continue operate effectively. Secretary Abruzzo said these systems are

making a tremendous difference in improving water quality and he has seen them first-hand. He said hewould get the Senator more information.

Abandoned Mine Reclamation:Sen. Yudichak asked for an update on DEP initiatives to use waste

materials to reclaim the many coal mine highwalls left from abandoned mine lands. Secretary Abruzzo

said they are always looking for ways to beneficially reuse materials because of the significant

reclamation problems Pennsylvania faces.

DRBC Funding: Sen. Baker asked for an update on the cut to the Delaware River Basin Commission

budget and the need to find a new Executive Director. Secretary Abruzzo said Pennsylvania taxpayers

have been paying more than their fair share to support DRBC, more than other states. He noted the

federal government has paid nothing even though they are part of the Commission. He said the

Commission has the ability to raise its fees to cover more of its program costs.

Schuylkill Headwaters Sediment: Sen. Argall (R-Schuylkill) noted DEP has discontinued its

dredging of coal waste sediment behind dams some years ago in the upper part of the Schuylkill River

and asked if the private sector could be engaged in the effort. Secretary Abruzzo said it would be

difficult to provide incentives to the private sector, but would be glad to work with the Senator to

develop some options.

On-Lot Septic Module Review: Sen. Baker thanked Secretary Abruzzo for his efforts to solve a

problem with on-lot septic module reviewsin special protection watersheds.

Riparian Buffer Legislation:Sen. Rafferty said he would like to work with DEP on legislation he is

drafting to require 150 foot stream buffers throughout the state and Secretary Abruzzo said he would be

happy to work with the Senator on the issue.

Hazardous Sites Cleanup Fund: Sen. Rafferty noted Act 13 drilling impact fees support the HSCA

Cleanup Fund, but wondered if it was adequate for the program. Secretary Abruzzo said those fees are
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helpful, but when the Capital Stock and Franchise Tax is phased out completely he will have to work

with the General Assembly to provide additional funding.

Waste Tire Piles: Sen. Argall asked what DEPs plans are to remove the remaining waste tire piles

around the state. Secretary Abruzzo said they are continuing to work as they have in the past on waste

tire pile removal and they are making progress.

Negative Wind Farm Impacts: In response to a question from Sen. Wozniak, Secretary Abruzzo

said he did not know of any negative impacts of wind farms, beyond the initial construction.

Vehicle Emissions Testing:Sen. Vogel (R-Beaver) said he would be continuing to work with DEP to

eliminate vehicle emissions testing for his residents in Western PA because of the number of new,

cleaner cars in the vehicle fleet has increased significantly.

Pittsburgh RVP Gasoline: Sen. Vogel also asked for a status on efforts to eliminate the requirement

for low-RVP gasoline only in the Pittsburgh Region. Secretary Abruzzo said DEP is working on a

revised air emissions inventory in Western PA to see if there would be offsetting emission reductionsfrom other sources so the state could continue to meet federal ozone pollution standards.

Regulatory Climate: Sen. Corman (R-Centre), Majority Chair of the Senate Appropriations

Committee, commended Secretary Abruzzo for his efforts to improve the regulatory climate in the

agency.

Regulatory Consistency/Permit Decision Guarantee: Sen. Solobay asked for an update on how

the agency was ensuring consistency in permit decisions across the state and for an update on DEPs

Permit Decision Guarantee Program. Secretary Abruzzo said he has to balance giving regional offices

the flexibility to deal with unique circumstances, without those decisions causing problems in other areas

of the state. He reported the Decision Guarantee Program has eliminated 95 percent of the backlog of

pending permits and has been successful in getting timely permit decisions by DEP staff.

Relationship With Environmental Groups: Sen. Farnese (D-Philadelphia) asked for an update on

what DEP is doing to improve its relationship with environmental groups, noting Secretary Abruzzos

written testimony before the Committee outlined some recent efforts. Secretary Abruzzo said he invited

representatives in to meet with him and let them know his philosophy is to increase the opportunities for

groups to have input upfront in the decision-making process. He said a good example was a tour of

DEPs laboratory by environmental groups to show them how water testing was handled and to answer

questions.

IT Improvements:Sen. Vulakovich asked if the budget included any information technology updates.

In response, Jeff Logan said DEP just completed a project to digitized more of the records and

permitting documents in the Oil and Gas Program which Logan said they hope to replicate in other

areas.

NewsClips:

Lawmakers Praise DEP Response To Gas Well Fire

DCNR Questioned On Plans For Additional Gas Leasing
http://www.google.com/url?q=http%3A%2F%2Fstateimpact.npr.org%2Fpennsylvania%2F2014%2F02%2F19%2Fdcnr-questioned-on-plan-to-expand-leasing-of-state-park-and-forest-land%2F&sa=D&sntz=1&usg=AFQjCNHa2ZVUXxXjvo_45lKGevjG4mkcjQhttp://www.google.com/url?q=http%3A%2F%2Fstateimpact.npr.org%2Fpennsylvania%2F2014%2F02%2F18%2Flawmakers-praise-dep-response-to-gas-well-fire%2F&sa=D&sntz=1&usg=AFQjCNHNWBz0mPRqZt_ylObroU1aUGF6ZAhttp://www.google.com/url?q=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.portal.state.pa.us%2Fportal%2Fserver.pt%2Fcommunity%2Fpermit_decision_guarantee%2F21215&sa=D&sntz=1&usg=AFQjCNFb6JMGum907RmCpYpLGng4sQSf3A


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Letter: Corbett Leasing Plan Would Aid Public Land Stewardship

Op-Ed: Corbett Budget Hurts Conservation

Feb. 20 DEP Newsletter

PA Supreme Court Rejects Appeal Of Drilling Law Ruling

High Court Wont Reconsider Decision On Oil And Gas LawPA Supreme Court Wont Revisit Gas Drilling Case

PA Supreme Court Will Not Reconsider Act 13 Decision

House DEP Budget Hearing Tackles Climate Change, Chesapeake Bay, Other Issues

The House Appropriations Committee hearing on DEPs budget requestWednesday covered much the

same ground as the Senate hearing Tuesday, but did get into the issue of climate change, Chesapeake

Bay cleanup, water and wastewater infrastructure funding and air quality issues related to natural gas

drilling the Senate did not.

House members asked questions similar to the Senate related to: the Alternative Fuels/Natural

Gas Vehicle grants, cuts to the Delaware River Basin Commission funding, fee increases for oil and gaswells, stream clearance to prevent flooding, additional leasing of DCNR land for natural gas

development, regional consistently in permit decision-making, the Permit Decision Guarantee Program

and the Act 13 court decision.

Click Herefor a copy of Secretary Abruzzos written budget testimony. Click Herefor video

of House Appropriations Hearing.

Heres a quick summary of the unique issues raised during the House hearing--

Climate Change:In response to a general question from Rep. Markosek (D-Allegheny), Minority

Chair of the House Appropriations Committee, about climate change, Secretary Abruzzo said climate

change is real and there are man-made factors causing the problem. He said DEP does things every

day to deal with the issue and the Commonwealth has a good story to tell, reducing greenhouse gas

emissions by tens of thousands of tons over the last several years. He added he is open to discussions

on how to do more. Rep. Markosek said it was refreshing to hear the Secretarys answer which was a

different one than he and his members have heard before.

Rep. Vitali (D-Delaware), Minority Chair of the House Environmental Resources and Energy

Committee, said Pennsylvania needs to do more than shift from coal to natural gas to help solve the

climate change problem.

Chesapeake Bay Issues: Rep. Miller (R-York), Majority Chair House Environmental Resources and

Energy Committee, thanked the Secretary for becoming personally involved in Chesapeake Bay issues

and the Chesapeake Bay Commission, noting the November meeting will be in Williamsport in part dueto Marcellus Shale drilling issues. Asked for background on water quality monitoring and drilling,

Secretary Abruzzo said DEP and other agencies monitor water quality over the region and highlighted a

recent reportfrom the Susquehanna River Basin Commission showing water quality has improved in the

last few years. He said Act 13 and proposed changes to Chapter 78 drilling regulations have or will put

in place additional protections for water quality.

Water/Wastewater Infrastructure Funding: In response to a question by Rep. Santarsiero
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(D-Bucks) about plans to fund improvements to water and wastewater treatment facilities, Secretary

Abruzzo said he was familiar with the problems in Bucks County and, working with local officials, he

said he believes they found a solution to the local funding issues, especially for smaller water and

wastewater systems there. Dana Aunkst, Executive Deputy for Programs, said tools like full-cost

funding in calculating local user rates could go a long way toward reducing the infrastructure funding gap

in Pennsylvania from $25 billion to as low as $6 billion. Unfortunately, he said, legislation implementintools like full-cost funding has not gone anywhere in the General Assembly.

Flooding Along Delaware River: Rep. Petri (R-Bucks) said flooding along the Delaware River

would have been reduced if the Delaware River Basin Commission had reduced its releasesfrom

reservoirs in the upper part of the watershed and expressed his concerns about DRBCs lack of action

on the issue. Secretary Abruzzo said it was important to let the other states involved in DRBC know

the problems Pennsylvania has on flooding and DRBC flow policies and has gotten personally involved

in the workings of the Commission.

Reuse Of AMD Water:In response to a question from Rep. Carroll (D-Monore) on DEPs position

on Senate Bill 411(Kasunic-D-Somerset) allowing the reuse of abandoned mine drainage for drillingoperations, Secretary Abruzzo said DEP has supported the legislation because it has the potential of

encouraging the reuse of mine water instead of freshwater for these operations. At the same time, Dana

Aunkst said he is aware of concerns about liability for using the water, but he said he believes the

current language solves those problems.

Strength Of Oil And Gas Program: In response to a general question from Rep. Dean

(D-Montgomery) about the Oil and Gas regulatory program, Secretary Abruzzo said an evaluation of

Pennsylvanias program by the independent STRONGER organizationgave the state good marks. He

also noted DEP is now inspecting wells more frequently than it has at any time in its history.

Air Quality Issues In Drilling: Rep. Boback (R-Columbia) asked if DEP does pre-drilling air quality

testing and testing around the natural gas compressor stations. Secretary Abruzzo said DEP has done

several studies of air quality and drilling and natural gas infrastructure in the southwestand northcentral

regions of the state and has not found any issues of concern. He also noted DEP also does spot testing

around the state through its mobile lab and there is also a longer term studyof air quality underway in

the southwest that should be done by the end of the year.

Halliburton Penalty: Rep. Christiana (R-Beaver) asked why DEP imposed the $1.8 million fine on

Halliburton Tuesdayeven though the violations were on paperwork and not anything that harmed the

environment. Secretary Abruzzo said DEP should not be a paper tiger, especially where there were

intentional violations of the agencys regulations like in this case. He said it also sends a message toanyone else not to violate the rules.

Auditor General Marcellus Audit: Rep. Grove (R-York) asked about the status of the review the

Auditor Generalis doing on DEPs Oil and Gas Program. Secretary Abruzzo said the audit is not yet

done, but he has made a commitment to the Auditor General to seriously review all recommendations

developed in the review.
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Allegheny County CSO Issues:Rep. Wheatley (D-Allegheny) asked if there are any specific budget

line items that could support ALCOSAN and the projects its needs to respond to the U.S.

Environmental Protection Agency order to eliminate combined sewer overflows. Dana Aunkst said

some costs for planning would be eligible under the Act 537 planning program, but acknowledged

funding has been zeroed out for that line item. He noted additional funding is available for wastewater

projects from the Commonwealth Financing Authority funded by Act 13 drilling impact fees. Aunkstadded the size of Allegheny Countys funding needs are unique.

NewsClips:




Letter: Corbett Leasing Plan Would Aid Public Land Stewardship



Additional Natural Gas Leasing Focus Of DCNR Senate Budget Hearing

Gov. Corbetts proposal for none impact leasing of additional State Forest and Park land was the

subject of many of the questions DCNR Secretary Ellen Ferretti received at the Senate Appropriations

Committeebudget hearing for DCNRWednesday.

Other topics covered included: drilling in Loyalsock State Forest, the Enhance Penns Wood

proposal, Heritage Parks funding, reliance on Oil and Gas Fund revenues to pay for DCNR operations

and upgrading the PNDI threatened and endangered species screening tool.

Click Herefor a copy of Secretary Ferrettis budget testimony. Click Herefor video Of Senate

Appropriations Hearing (Look for Playlist).

Here is a quick summary of some of the more important issues covered--

Additional Natural Gas Leasing: Sen. Yaw (R-Lycoming), Majority Chair of the Senate

Environmental Resources and Energy Committee, said he received hundreds of the same email

opposing lifting the moratorium on additional leasing of State Park and Forest land for natural gas

leasing and asked Secretary Ferretti for an overview of the proposal. Secretary Ferretti said the

additional leasing would include deep, horizontal drilling from adjacent private land without additional

surface impacts under State Parks or from existing or planning well pads on State Forest land. The

Governor will issue a new Executive Order specifically guaranteeing additional leasing will have no

impact on surface impacts on state lands. Secretary Ferretti said it is an opportunity to generate more

funding without increasing taxes. The revenues will be prioritized for use within DCNR specifically unde

the Executive Order.

Sen. Yudichak (D-Luzerne), Minority Chair of the Senate Environmental Resources and EnergyCommittee, asked what additional studies have been done to determine the environmental impacts of

drilling. Secretary Ferretti said they are updating their information all the time, and DCNR staff has

done a stellar job in managing the natural gas leases entered into by the Rendell Administration.

Sen. Yudichak followed-up by noting there has been no conventional drilling on State Park,

why the change now. Secretary Ferretti said the Commonwealth does not own the mineral rights under

most State Parks, and none is being proposed from the surface under the Governors proposal.

Sen. Gordner (R-Columbia) noted the Rendell Administration leased 137,000 acres of State
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Forest land for Marcellus Shale gas leasing and then imposed a moratorium on additional leasing after

they were done. He also confirmed the state does not own the mineral rights under 80 percent of State

Parks, but do own mineral rights under 80 percent of State Forest lands.

Secretary Ferretti said the state can work with drilling companies where they do not own the

mineral rights, like other landowners, if proposals are made.

Sen. Farnese (D-Philadelphia) asked what procedures are in place to protect State Parks fromdrilling. Secretary Ferretti said, noting DCNR only owns 20 percent of the mineral rights under State

Parks, they would encourage voluntary surface agreements with drilling companies to limit impacts on

surface areas. However, the Governors proposal would not allow additional leasing if it resulted in

surface impacts.

Sen. Corman (R-Centre) asked if DCNR needed anything to manage natural gas leasing on or

near State Parks and State Forests. He said he and others in the Senate stand prepared to work with

the Secretary to get the agency what it needs. Secretary Ferretti said she appreciated the offer and

noted DCNRs staff has worked extraordinarily hard to protect the Commonwealths resources.

Enhance Penns Woods:In response to a question from Sen. Yaw, Secretary Ferretti provided an

overview of the Enhance Penns Woodsproposal. She noted the program is the largest investment evermade in State Park and State Forest infrastructure and is not dependent on revenue from any additional

natural gas leasing.

Relying on Oil and Gas Revenues:In response to a question from Sen. Yudichak about relying on

Oil and Gas revenues for supporting DCNR staff and operations, Secretary Ferretti said existing law

sets aside the first $50 million for DCNRs use and any additional funds would have to be considered

each year with the budget.

Loyalsock State Forest Drilling:Sen. Yaw asked for an update on proposals to drilling in the

Loyalsock State Forest. Secretary Ferretti said she met with groups that have concerns about drilling in

the State Forest shortly after she became Secretary. She noted the Commonwealth does not own the

mineral rights and has no more rights than any other landowner. To date, the drilling company has not

come to DCNR with a specific drilling proposal.

Heritage Parks: Sen. Rafferty (R-Montgomery) expressed concern about the proposal to zero out

funding for Heritage Parks grant program. Secretary Ferretti said the Heritage areas are eligible for

funding under the Community Conservation Partnership Grants. Any make-up funding, she said, would

need to be considered by the General Assembly.

Sen. Argall (R-Schuylkill) said the General Assembly did add $2.5 million for Heritage Parks

last year. Secretary Ferretti said in past years, even without funding, DCNR did fund Heritage Area

proposals.

Community Conservation Partnership Grants:Sen. Schwank (D-Berks) asked what priorities

DCNR has for the C2P2 grant program. Secretary Ferretti said she believes in a competitive program

and has not established specific priorities. Sen. Schwank said some communities proposing swimming

pools have not received funding, which Secretary Ferretti said was probably the result of the

competitiveness of the program.
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11/47

Dirt And Gravel Road Program:Sen. Rafferty, Majority Chair of the Senate Transportation

Committee, noted DCNR did receive additional funds for the program in the transportation funding

plan, and Secretary Ferretti thanked members for the additional monies.

Timber Revenues: Sen. Vogel (R-Beaver) noted there has been drop in the revenue from timber cut

on State Forest land. Dan Devlin, Acting Deputy for Parks and Forestry, noted DCNR has a goal ofcutting about 14,000 acres of timber in any given year, not a specific revenue goal. He explained the

timber market has been depressed, but has rebounded somewhat and that accounted for lower

revenues. Secretary Ferretti added since DCNR cuts about the same amount of acreage each year, it

has helped sustain many small timber operations. Timber sale revenues help support DCNRs Bureau

of Forestry operations.

In response to a question from Sen. Solobay (D-Washington), Secretary Ferretti said there is

no commercial timbering in State Parks like there is on State Forest land

Bald Eagle Nature Inn:In response to a question from Sen. Vogel, Secretary Ferretti said DCNR

has no plans now for facilities similar to the Bald Eagle Nature Innin other areas of the state.

Public/Private Partnerships:Sen. Vulakovich (R-Allegheny) asked if DCNR has plans to expand

partnerships with private vendors in State Parks. Secretary Ferretti said there are now 145 private

concessionaires in State Parks and they are looking to expand those kinds of partnerships. She added

they are looking at private/public partnerships authorized for transportation-related projects, but no

specific projects are being considered now.

Forest Pest Management: Sen. Schwank (D-Berks) asked for an update on forest pest

management. Secretary Ferretti said forest pest managementstaff has been brought together physically

with the rest of DCNR and that has helped improved coordination. She said they are also making

better use of the Department of Agriculture laboratory for its pest management programs. Asked

about the adequacy of funding, Dan Devlin said many forest pests expand or contract based on the

weather. The cold weather and a wet Spring would help knock down many pest populations this year.

Ryerson Park Dam Rebuild:In response to a question from Sen. Solobay (D-Washington),

Secretary Ferretti said dredging of the Ryerson State Parklake bed will start this year and rebuilding of

the dam damaged by longwall coal miningis scheduled to start next year.

Trail Projects:In response to a question from Sen. Baker (R-Luzerne) about the priority DCNR puts

on development of trail projects, Secretary Ferretti said they are looking to close some of the gaps in

trails and are working with public and private partners to make that happen. She said in some cases the

impediments to making these connections are funding, but in others the land ownership patterns along atrail.

PNDI System:Sen. Baker asked the status of upgrades to the PA Natural Diversity Inventorysystem.

Secretary Ferretti said DCNR is about to put out an RFP to upgrade the computer system for the

system that allows project sponsors to do checks for rare, endangered or threatened plant and animal

species. She noted the existing system has already been updated to make it easier for users to check

their projects.
http://www.google.com/url?q=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.naturalheritage.state.pa.us%2F&sa=D&sntz=1&usg=AFQjCNHYR4XpOBkkYzKwFE3EP-TAk2UKHQhttp://www.google.com/url?q=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.dcnr.state.pa.us%2Fbrc%2Frecreation%2Ftrails%2F&sa=D&sntz=1&usg=AFQjCNFsztdq7Of2LbE5Hh_6OUXTo8bk8whttp://www.google.com/url?q=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.paenvironmentdigest.com%2Fnewsletter%2Fdefault.asp%3FNewsletterArticleID%3D25299&sa=D&sntz=1&usg=AFQjCNEahwIqfuvhH5NzxxpcMPTXpOYeOwhttp://www.google.com/url?q=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.dcnr.state.pa.us%2Fstateparks%2Ffindapark%2Fryersonstation%2F&sa=D&sntz=1&usg=AFQjCNHaPWEfD0CoDpESUBk2MNRoLqbDQAhttp://www.google.com/url?q=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.dcnr.state.pa.us%2Fforestry%2Finsectsdisease%2F&sa=D&sntz=1&usg=AFQjCNFs9rhR-kZqY7rswnQ0S0g4lTaIcghttp://www.google.com/url?q=http%3A%2F%2Fnatureinnatbaldeagle.com%2F&sa=D&sntz=1&usg=AFQjCNGFUOfJNEC24V0CrfJHbMD7-GZJCQ


12/47

Secretary Ferretti will appear before the House Appropriations Committee February 25 at

11:30.

NewsClips:


New Drilling Study Needed Yudichak SaysLetter: Corbett Leasing Plan Would Aid Public Land Stewardship


February 19 issueof DCNRs online Resource newsletter



Add Us To Your Google+ Circle

PA Environment Digest now has a Google+ Circle called Green Works In PA. Just go to your

Google+ page and search for [email protected], the email for the Digest Editor David

Hess, and let us join your Circle.Google+ now combines all the news you now get through the PA Environment Digest, Weekly,

Blog, Twitter and Video sites into one resource.

Youll receive as-it-happens postings on Pennsylvania environmental news, daily NewsClips

and links to the weekly Digest and videos.

Also take advantage of these related services from Crisci Associates--

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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--
http://www.google.com/url?q=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.twitter.com%2FPaCapitolDigest&sa=D&sntz=1&usg=AFQjCNGWrE0J29KeaafDM7MJyMC8ers1CAhttp://www.google.com/url?q=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.crisciassociates.com%2Fcategory%2Fcapitol-blog%2F&sa=D&sntz=1&usg=AFQjCNEr34LqbrgLctLRRFIpQj8389er0Qhttp://www.google.com/url?q=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.crisciassociates.com%2Fcategory%2Fenvironment-blog%2F&sa=D&sntz=1&usg=AFQjCNFbHV5G7iUyBtnZtTKN4KGsug3TQQhttp://www.google.com/url?q=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.twitter.com%2F&sa=D&sntz=1&usg=AFQjCNGXriPf7nAwCc24P4VynFe1LpqWFghttp://www.google.com/url?q=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.crisciassociates.com%2F&sa=D&sntz=1&usg=AFQjCNHXIVMkGh_c7n4BmGVntccrLXM7egmailto:[email protected]://www.google.com/url?q=http%3A%2F%2Fwallaby.telicon.com%2FPA%2Flibrary%2F2014%2F2014022081.HTM&sa=D&sntz=1&usg=AFQjCNHZ7q4FoP7m7W4S0aMR8NRWiFPGhQhttp://www.google.com/url?q=http%3A%2F%2Fstateimpact.npr.org%2Fpennsylvania%2F2014%2F02%2F18%2Flawmakers-praise-dep-response-to-gas-well-fire%2F&sa=D&sntz=1&usg=AFQjCNHNWBz0mPRqZt_ylObroU1aUGF6ZAhttp://www.google.com/url?q=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.apps.dcnr.state.pa.us%2Fnews%2Fresource%2Fres2014%2F14-0219-gordonna.aspx&sa=D&sntz=1&usg=AFQjCNHoosXIkCwWHy5jRt1eQOeG5LPLuwhttp://www.google.com/url?q=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.goerie.com%2Farticle%2F20140219%2FOPINION09%2F302199978%2FGuest-Voice-of-State-Rep-Greg-Vitali%253A-Corbett-budget-hurts-conservation&sa=D&sntz=1&usg=AFQjCNGx4_fvXM_ALhPnBorT7HELcEnwOAhttp://www.google.com/url?q=http%3A%2F%2Flancasteronline.com%2Fopinion%2Fcorbett-s-plan-would-aid-public-lands-stewardship%2Farticle_2f508f6e-981e-11e3-b6f7-001a4bcf6878.html&sa=D&sntz=1&usg=AFQjCNEPUrWT20Z7jIMIni_xFzzI4cNcbAhttp://www.google.com/url?q=http%3A%2F%2Fthetimes-tribune.com%2Fnews%2Fnew-drilling-study-needed-yudichak-says-1.1637754&sa=D&sntz=1&usg=AFQjCNGzBML2ywBuhWWY5kK6jkIPSqOcJwhttp://www.google.com/url?q=http%3A%2F%2Fstateimpact.npr.org%2Fpennsylvania%2F2014%2F02%2F19%2Fdcnr-questioned-on-plan-to-expand-leasing-of-state-park-and-forest-land%2F&sa=D&sntz=1&usg=AFQjCNHa2ZVUXxXjvo_45lKGevjG4mkcjQ


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Session Schedule

Here is the latest voting session schedule for the Senate and House--

House

February - Budget HearingsMarch 10, 11, 12, 17, 18, 19, 31

April 1, 2, 7, 8, 9, 28, 29, 30

May 5, 6, 7

June 2, 3, 4, 9, 10, 11, 16, 17, 18, 19, 23, 24, 25, 26, 27, 28, 29, 30

Senate

February - Budget Hearings

March 10, 11, 12, 17, 18, 19, 31

April 1, 2, 7, 8, 9, 28, 29, 30

May 5, 6, 7

June 2, 3, 4, 9, 10, 11, 16, 17, 18, 19, 23, 24, 25, 26, 27, 28, 29, 30

Bill Calendars

House (March 10): House Resolution 583(Molchany-D-Allegheny) designating January 13-19 Mt.

Washington Emerald View Park Trail Week-- sponsor summary. Click Herefor full House Bill

Calendar.

Senate (March 10):Senate Bill 411(Kasunic-D-Somerset) encouraging the reuse of mine drainage

and mine pool water for drilling operations Senate Bill 771(Gordner-R-Columbia) establishing the

State Geospatial Coordinating Board. Click Herefor full Senate Bill Calendar.

Committee Meeting Agendas This Week

House:the Appropriations Committeeholds budget hearings on: Dept. of Agriculture, Dept. of

Conservation & Natural Resources, Dept. of Transportation, Governors Budget Office, House

Member Testimony the Consumer Affairs Committeeholds a hearing on Act 129 energy efficiency,

conservation programs. Click Herefor full House Committee Schedule.

Senate:the Appropriations Committeeholds budget hearings on: Dept. of Transportation, Dept. of

Agriculture, Public Utility Commission, Department of Aging, Department of Transportation. Click

Herefor full Senate Committee Schedule.

Bills Pending In Key Committees

Here are links to key Standing Committees in the House and Senate and the bills pending in each--

House

Appropriations
http://www.google.com/url?q=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.legis.state.pa.us%2Fcfdocs%2FCteeInfo%2Findex.cfm%3FCode%3D4%26CteeBody%3DH&sa=D&sntz=1&usg=AFQjCNHMLwVjcUxZLx4Cw4D2aell4MHkRAhttp://www.google.com/url?q=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.legis.state.pa.us%2FWU01%2FLI%2FCO%2FSM%2FCOSM.HTM&sa=D&sntz=1&usg=AFQjCNGm2MqrSWvfq9tan4rDgY7fJhcc2Ahttp://www.google.com/url?q=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.legis.state.pa.us%2FWU01%2FLI%2FCO%2FSM%2FCOSM.HTM&sa=D&sntz=1&usg=AFQjCNGm2MqrSWvfq9tan4rDgY7fJhcc2Ahttp://www.google.com/url?q=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.legis.state.pa.us%2FWU01%2FLI%2FCO%2FHM%2FCOHM.HTM&sa=D&sntz=1&usg=AFQjCNHN4VHsg-7-WbaLdRZFal9NTpr5vQhttp://www.google.com/url?q=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.legis.state.pa.us%2FWU01%2FLI%2FSC%2FSC%2F0%2FRC%2FCAL.HTM&sa=D&sntz=1&usg=AFQjCNENWoZbghsL-QNbPuf7XexFfCvTqQhttp://www.google.com/url?q=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.legis.state.pa.us%2FWU01%2FLI%2FSC%2FSC%2F0%2FRC%2FCAL.HTM&sa=D&sntz=1&usg=AFQjCNENWoZbghsL-QNbPuf7XexFfCvTqQhttp://www.google.com/url?q=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.legis.state.pa.us%2Fcfdocs%2FbillInfo%2FbillInfo.cfm%3FsYear%3D2013%26sInd%3D0%26body%3DS%26type%3DB%26bn%3D0771&sa=D&sntz=1&usg=AFQjCNHHbQEx0_Ylle-24yd0kjgghSJ-fwhttp://www.google.com/url?q=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.legis.state.pa.us%2Fcfdocs%2Fbillinfo%2Fbillinfo.cfm%3Fsyear%3D2013%26sInd%3D0%26body%3DS%26type%3DB%26bn%3D411&sa=D&sntz=1&usg=AFQjCNGJ_Ezd-jsznxl4gVNvQRCbuQOpLwhttp://www.google.com/url?q=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.legis.state.pa.us%2FWU01%2FLI%2FSC%2FHC%2F0%2FRC%2FSCHC.HTM&sa=D&sntz=1&usg=AFQjCNE9F2VxwWmFjFIYNSSBlw4h-xB5dghttp://www.google.com/url?q=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.legis.state.pa.us%2FWU01%2FLI%2FSC%2FHC%2F0%2FRC%2FSCHC.HTM&sa=D&sntz=1&usg=AFQjCNE9F2VxwWmFjFIYNSSBlw4h-xB5dghttp://www.google.com/url?q=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.legis.state.pa.us%2F%2Fcfdocs%2FLegis%2FCSM%2FshowMemoPublic.cfm%3Fchamber%3DH%26SPick%3D20130%26cosponId%3D13776&sa=D&sntz=1&usg=AFQjCNGm3olfXqFTB6Cv5m8PaEhYTtnHCAhttp://www.google.com/url?q=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.legis.state.pa.us%2Fcfdocs%2FbillInfo%2FbillInfo.cfm%3FsYear%3D2013%26sInd%3D0%26body%3DH%26type%3DR%26bn%3D0583&sa=D&sntz=1&usg=AFQjCNHzl8z1YSGztFnK25h4_VrUN_NfaQ


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Education

Environmental Resources and Energy

Consumer Affairs

Gaming Oversight

Human Services

JudiciaryLiquor Control

Transportation

Links for all other Standing House Committees

Senate

Appropriations

Environmental Resources and Energy

Consumer Protection and Professional Licensure

Community, Economic and Recreational Development

Education

JudiciaryLaw and Justice

Public Health and Welfare

Transportation

Links for all other Standing Senate Committees

Bills Introduced

The following bills of interest were introduced this week--

Coal-Fired Power Plant Closures:House Bill 2030(Snyder-D-Fayette) establishing the Coal-Fired

Electric Generation Facilities Deactivation Commission, a fund for displaced electric facility workers an

an Environmental Remediation Fund-- sponsor summary.

Plumbing Lead Ban: Senate Bill 1254(Yudichak-D-Luzerne) amending the Plumbing System Lead

Ban and Notification Act to conform with federal requirements- sponsor summary.

Stormwater Management: Senate Bill 1255 (Erickson-R-Delaware) promoting voluntary measures

by property owners to better manage stormwater-- sponsor summary.

Heritage Areas Program:Senate Bill 1256(Ward-R-Westmoreland) establishing the Heritage Areas

Program in law-- sponsor summary.

Hydrogen Fuel Cell Collaboration:House Bill 2040(Milne-R-Chester) would establish the

Hydrogen Fuel Cell Collaboration Program within DEP-- sponsor summary.

News From The Capitol

Game Commission Presents Annual Report To House Game & Fisheries Committee
http://www.google.com/url?q=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.legis.state.pa.us%2F%2Fcfdocs%2FLegis%2FCSM%2FshowMemoPublic.cfm%3Fchamber%3DH%26SPick%3D20130%26cosponId%3D14104&sa=D&sntz=1&usg=AFQjCNGD9-8lIqyLeQLJE7vUbiCJ6K8d3Ahttp://www.google.com/url?q=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.legis.state.pa.us%2Fcfdocs%2FbillInfo%2FbillInfo.cfm%3FsYear%3D2013%26sInd%3D0%26body%3DH%26type%3DB%26bn%3D2040&sa=D&sntz=1&usg=AFQjCNHueCLEK-R4PbQ603irF2hb8LbqJAhttp://www.google.com/url?q=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.legis.state.pa.us%2F%2Fcfdocs%2FLegis%2FCSM%2FshowMemoPublic.cfm%3Fchamber%3DS%26SPick%3D20130%26cosponId%3D13798&sa=D&sntz=1&usg=AFQjCNFDkR18shgYqrt9FnS7jyiIVO2UoQhttp://www.google.com/url?q=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.legis.state.pa.us%2Fcfdocs%2Fbillinfo%2Fbillinfo.cfm%3Fsyear%3D2013%26sind%3D0%26body%3DS%26type%3DB%26bn%3D1256&sa=D&sntz=1&usg=AFQjCNHz7Mp_Fc_snCVrwbynHdKOZ4UOtQhttp://www.google.com/url?q=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.legis.state.pa.us%2F%2Fcfdocs%2FLegis%2FCSM%2FshowMemoPublic.cfm%3Fchamber%3DS%26SPick%3D20130%26cosponId%3D13797&sa=D&sntz=1&usg=AFQjCNEtkrX-A0mYqh9o_3MVu9HlVyGEtQhttp://www.google.com/url?q=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.legis.state.pa.us%2Fcfdocs%2Fbillinfo%2Fbillinfo.cfm%3Fsyear%3D2013%26sind%3D0%26body%3DS%26type%3DB%26bn%3D1255&sa=D&sntz=1&usg=AFQjCNFp0fTQ4Bk8bpNZNyaD7bFf2WotHAhttp://www.google.com/url?q=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.legis.state.pa.us%2F%2Fcfdocs%2FLegis%2FCSM%2FshowMemoPublic.cfm%3Fchamber%3DS%26SPick%3D20130%26cosponId%3D13902&sa=D&sntz=1&usg=AFQjCNGk0g8fVdpeOzUv3C3DcHh3c4Y0nAhttp://www.google.com/url?q=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.legis.state.pa.us%2Fcfdocs%2Fbillinfo%2Fbillinfo.cfm%3Fsyear%3D2013%26sind%3D0%26body%3DS%26type%3DB%26bn%3D1254&sa=D&sntz=1&usg=AFQjCNGnkeXJwHdI6TGOhGtYYSpGpLewJghttp://www.google.com/url?q=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.legis.state.pa.us%2F%2Fcfdocs%2FLegis%2FCSM%2FshowMemoPublic.cfm%3Fchamber%3DH%26SPick%3D20130%26cosponId%3D13929&sa=D&sntz=1&usg=AFQjCNEbpM8wh3Cg64_ksDd5lVu9OizUBAhttp://www.google.com/url?q=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.legis.state.pa.us%2Fcfdocs%2Fbillinfo%2Fbillinfo.cfm%3Fsyear%3D2013%26sind%3D0%26body%3DH%26type%3DB%26bn%3D2030&sa=D&sntz=1&usg=AFQjCNE-vjRNqjnI35ss9dzWWeMoSW_MTAhttp://www.google.com/url?q=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.legis.state.pa.us%2Fcfdocs%2FCteeInfo%2FStandingCommittees.cfm%3FCteeBody%3DS&sa=D&sntz=1&usg=AFQjCNEC58agufzJmhvE4RnWHsK0a7ZX_ghttp://www.google.com/url?q=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.legis.state.pa.us%2Fcfdocs%2FCteeInfo%2Findex.cfm%3FCode%3D19%26CteeBody%3DS&sa=D&sntz=1&usg=AFQjCNHYexuTKRMSJJuBXd_OihjSSIbxzghttp://www.google.com/url?q=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.legis.state.pa.us%2Fcfdocs%2FCteeInfo%2Findex.cfm%3FCode%3D33%26CteeBody%3DS&sa=D&sntz=1&usg=AFQjCNFjDz5OMb9vRkkZfsgptcHsAAoQIghttp://www.google.com/url?q=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.legis.state.pa.us%2Fcfdocs%2FCteeInfo%2Findex.cfm%3FCode%3D29%26CteeBody%3DS&sa=D&sntz=1&usg=AFQjCNEFRblqtaEenQ0VT95qBN99spSVughttp://www.google.com/url?q=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.legis.state.pa.us%2Fcfdocs%2FCteeInfo%2Findex.cfm%3FCode%3D39%26CteeBody%3DS&sa=D&sntz=1&usg=AFQjCNGen44rvRCPWPNWdkE78IRMtdYD8Qhttp://www.google.com/url?q=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.legis.state.pa.us%2Fcfdocs%2FCteeInfo%2Findex.cfm%3FCode%3D23%26CteeBody%3DS&sa=D&sntz=1&usg=AFQjCNFX6wadL86stvoAjqp_6XVmIr3CPQhttp://www.google.com/url?q=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.legis.state.pa.us%2Fcfdocs%2FCteeInfo%2Findex.cfm%3FCode%3D31%26CteeBody%3DS&sa=D&sntz=1&usg=AFQjCNGWo5gPwUqwjzbCCyXJsXuHG9LBQwhttp://www.google.com/url?q=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.legis.state.pa.us%2Fcfdocs%2FCteeInfo%2Findex.cfm%3FCode%3D7%26CteeBody%3DS&sa=D&sntz=1&usg=AFQjCNGgl8oWuYIE7IS-GPdHIkQnMbzMTghttp://www.google.com/url?q=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.legis.state.pa.us%2Fcfdocs%2FCteeInfo%2Findex.cfm%3FCode%3D9%26CteeBody%3DS&sa=D&sntz=1&usg=AFQjCNH8Oe-V64S3ruX2jiyUpOyg7imNJghttp://www.google.com/url?q=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.legis.state.pa.us%2Fcfdocs%2FCteeInfo%2Findex.cfm%3FCode%3D3%26CteeBody%3DS&sa=D&sntz=1&usg=AFQjCNG3mRHkOALJiQh5zbZfq4w6uhsOGghttp://www.google.com/url?q=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.legis.state.pa.us%2Fcfdocs%2FCteeInfo%2FStandingCommittees.cfm%3FCteeBody%3DH&sa=D&sntz=1&usg=AFQjCNE0OH51wmcZ0tLzkVBDYDfFkI-Vdwhttp://www.google.com/url?q=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.legis.state.pa.us%2Fcfdocs%2FCteeInfo%2Findex.cfm%3FCode%3D38%26CteeBody%3DH&sa=D&sntz=1&usg=AFQjCNG766DjTIHBb4RERLenJpHLZjl_zQhttp://www.google.com/url?q=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.legis.state.pa.us%2Fcfdocs%2FCteeInfo%2Findex.cfm%3FCode%3D28%26CteeBody%3DH&sa=D&sntz=1&usg=AFQjCNE8laLY8-2fNFQwO2I3GM8xy67vNAhttp://www.google.com/url?q=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.legis.state.pa.us%2Fcfdocs%2FCteeInfo%2Findex.cfm%3FCode%3D24%26CteeBody%3DH&sa=D&sntz=1&usg=AFQjCNEj0T4DMvS-Do_PTGnG1M1IMJZd7whttp://www.google.com/url?q=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.legis.state.pa.us%2Fcfdocs%2FCteeInfo%2Findex.cfm%3FCode%3D56%26CteeBody%3DH&sa=D&sntz=1&usg=AFQjCNGtzO07uQSwtQoHuuk14hWq3d60gwhttp://www.google.com/url?q=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.legis.state.pa.us%2Fcfdocs%2FCteeInfo%2Findex.cfm%3FCode%3D54%26CteeBody%3DH&sa=D&sntz=1&usg=AFQjCNETvX_kv57bKi9X1aUnj7T000SRiwhttp://www.google.com/url?q=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.legis.state.pa.us%2Fcfdocs%2FCteeInfo%2Findex.cfm%3FCode%3D10%26CteeBody%3DH&sa=D&sntz=1&usg=AFQjCNFTt-ARiXW9soyui0Ivra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Game CommissionExecutive Director R. Matthew Hough Tuesday presented the agencys annual

report to the General Assembly, and delivered testimonybefore the House Game and Fisheries

Committee. Click Hereto read a copy of the annual report.

Fish & Boat Commission Presents Annual Report To House Committee

John Arway, Executive Director of the Fish and Boat Commission, Wednesday presented the

Commissions annual report to the General Assembly during a meeting by the House Game and

Fisheries Committee. Click Hereto read a copy of the report.

News From Around The State

DEP Citizens Advisory Council Hears Overview Of Draft Chesapeake Bay Agreement

DEPs Citizens Advisory CouncilTuesday heard a presentation on the draft Chesapeake Bay

Watershed Agreement now out for public review. The Council could not complete its full agenda

because bad weather kept several members from attending.

Andrew Zemba, Director of DEPs Interstate Waters Office, said the new draft Chesapeake

Bay Watershed Agreementupdates the 2000 agreement in several ways-- it includes the headwaters

states of Delaware, New York and West Virginia is focused on measurable outcomes and gives

jurisdictions flexibility in choosing which outcomes they participate in.

Zemba also noted there are still several issues that have not been resolved, among them: how to

include toxic contaminants, climate change and issues related to the re-licensing of the Conowingo Dam.

Public comments are due by March 17. The Chesapeake Bay Executive Council expects to

finalize the Agreement at its Spring meeting. Click Herefor a link to Zembas presentation.

Hayley Book, Director of DEPs Office of Policy, provided the Council with updates on severalissues--

-- DEP Budget:Book provided a brief overview of the agencys proposed FY 2014-15 budget

request, explaining that although the budget proposes to eliminate 66 positions, there will be no

furloughs. She also said some of those positions may be transferred to special funds, like the Oil and

Gas Program, and not lost to the Department.

-- Oil and Gas Regulations:Nine hearings have just been complete on proposed changes to the

Chapter 78 drilling regulations and final comments are due from the public by March 14. 300 people

testified at the hearings attended by over 1,200 people. A total of 11,000 comments have been

received so far.

Among issues raised most frequently by the public were: eliminating water storage pits, on-site

burial of drill cutting and concerns about radioactivity in drilling wastes. Issues raised by industryincluded an overly strict water supply replacement requirement and a suggestion to separate

requirements applying to conventional and unconventional (Marcellus Shale) wells.

-- Public Participation In Permit Reviews:DEP expects to publish the final version of its Public

Participation Policy for the Permit Review Process in the March 1 PA Bulletin. Book noted the agency

received 1,800 comments on the draft policy. She asked Council to become involved in reviewing the

draft plan for educating the public and DEP staff on the changes.

Public Comments
http://www.google.com/url?q=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.paenvironmentdigest.com%2Fnewsletter%2Fdefault.asp%3FNewsletterArticleID%3D26094&sa=D&sntz=1&usg=AFQjCNGqjbd90ppQ3kRXgrFkTIhF2qGbsQhttp://www.google.com/url?q=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.paenvironmentdigest.com%2Fnewsletter%2Fdefault.asp%3FNewsletterArticleID%3D26094&sa=D&sntz=1&usg=AFQjCNGqjbd90ppQ3kRXgrFkTIhF2qGbsQhttp://www.google.com/url?q=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.paenvironmentdigest.com%2Fnewsletter%2Fdefault.asp%3FNewsletterArticleID%3D27762&sa=D&sntz=1&usg=AFQjCNFiEJc6jnAIO2hC9o0fQFuLty6DcQhttp://www.google.com/url?q=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.paenvironmentdigest.com%2Fnewsletter%2Fdefault.asp%3FNewsletterArticleID%3D27762&sa=D&sntz=1&usg=AFQjCNFiEJc6jnAIO2hC9o0fQFuLty6DcQhttp://www.google.com/url?q=http%3A%2F%2Ffiles.dep.state.pa.us%2FPublicParticipation%2FCitizens%2520Advisory%2520Council%2FCACPortalFiles%2FMeetings%2F2014_02%2F2014%2520February%2520DEP%2520CAC%2520Ches%2520Bay%2520Update%2520(2).pdf&sa=D&sntz=1&usg=AFQjCNGiDehK2wJsfpJrB9mcTj0AS2HYPAhttp://www.google.com/url?q=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.chesapeakebay.net%2Fchesapeakebaywatershedagreement%2Fpage&sa=D&sntz=1&usg=AFQjCNEr0hcwQyF10vw1OkqADUsivnslOghttp://www.google.com/url?q=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.chesapeakebay.net%2Fchesapeakebaywatershedagreement%2Fpage&sa=D&sntz=1&usg=AFQjCNEr0hcwQyF10vw1OkqADUsivnslOghttp://www.google.com/url?q=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.portal.state.pa.us%2Fportal%2Fserver.pt%2Fcommunity%2Fmeetings%2F21513&sa=D&sntz=1&usg=AFQjCNEac6kLI_JvtAcSvq0SDGg15b34eQhttp://www.google.com/url?q=http%3A%2F%2Ffishandboat.com%2Fpromo%2Fannualreport%2F2013ann_rpt.pdf&sa=D&sntz=1&usg=AFQjCNFEltZkFn71AObTse9g9bLz7RYlCAhttp://www.google.com/url?q=http%3A%2F%2Ffishandboat.com%2Fmpag1.htm&sa=D&sntz=1&usg=AFQjCNGmqtWZjdKZY96HN-vNWX0KzPGfxwhttp://www.google.com/url?q=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.portal.state.pa.us%2Fportal%2Fserver.pt%2Fdocument%2F1396620%2F2013_pgc_annual__legislative_report_pdf&sa=D&sntz=1&usg=AFQjCNEeWfbVnnBtirbXBpPB16QTsDUvDghttp://www.google.com/url?q=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.portal.state.pa.us%2Fportal%2Fserver.pt%3Fopen%3D512%26objID%3D12775%26PageID%3D648010%26mode%3D2%26contentid%3Dhttp%3A%2F%2Fpubcontent.state.pa.us%2Fpublishedcontent%2Fpublish%2Fmarketingsites%2Fgame_commission%2Fcontent%2Fresources%2Fnewsreleases%2Fnewsrelease%2Farticles%2Frelease__014_14.html&sa=D&sntz=1&usg=AFQjCNGvahqz0yMIs61QNc7ON5VtOKfcQghttp://www.google.com/url?q=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.pgc.state.pa.us%2Fportal%2Fserver.pt%2Fcommunity%2Fpgc%2F9106&sa=D&sntz=1&usg=AFQjCNF_aisEFAv_LZ-kzsSEHNKWpJ3jgQ


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During the public comment portion of the Councils agenda, Bonita Hoke, PA League of

Women Voters, said her group is concerned about whether water withdrawals, especially from special

protection watersheds, are being evaluated properly by the Susquehanna River Basin Commission. She

cited as one example a withdrawal request from Lycoming Creek in Tioga and Lycoming counties.

Hoke also said the League is concerned by a recent change in lawon how DEP evaluates

on-lot septic system sewage modules in special protection watersheds since they are a significant sourceof nitrate pollution in ground and surface water.

DEP Monthly Report

The 16-page February Monthly Reportsubmitted to Council by DEP includes a variety of

topics, including these items of special note--

-- Nutrient Credit Trading Program:During 2013, wastewater treatment plans sold 142,209

nitrogen and 16,881 phosphorus credits, 380,757 nitrogen capacity credits and 57,398 phosphorous

capacity credits nonpoint source agricultural BMP resulted in selling 106,653 nitrogen credits nonpoint

source manure hauling sold 143,344 nitrogen credits and 27,337 phosphorous credits and other

nonpoint source treatment sold 30,000 nitrogen credits.

-- PA Sunshine Program: The Program is now closed after awarding nearly $113 million to help

deploy solar photovoltaic and solar hot water systems resulting in the development of nearly 100 MWof electric generation.

-- Oil and Gas Well Permits/Drilled: As of January 17, the total number of unconventional

(Marcellus Shale) permits issued is 15,564, the total number of wells drilled is 7,523 and the total

number of active permits is 10,164. The total number of conventional well permits issued is 194,351,

the total number of wells drilled is 195,406 and the total number of active permits is 108,278.

Next Meeting

The next meeting of the Council is scheduled for March 18 starting at 10:00 in Room 105 of the

Rachel Carson Building in Harrisburg.

For more information, visit the DEP Citizens Advisory Councilwebpage.

Ohio River Watershed Celebration Benefit Dinner March 4

On March 4 the organizers of the Ohio River Watershed Celebrationwill hold a benefit dinner to

support the Celebration cruise at Mad Mex Shadyside in Pittsburgh starting at 7:00 p.m.

ORWC celebrates the successes that Ohio River Watershed communities, business, industry

and governmental agencies have realized in cleaning up their environment through partnerships and

perseverance.

The Celebration has sponsored a cruise of the three rivers for 12 years, totally free to the

public. In 2013, the cruise cost approximately $32,000 and 100 percent of that came from generous

donations from many partners, including private business and citizens, industry, and foundations.

The 2013 sponsorsincluded: Sponsors and partners included: DEP Environmental EducationGrant CONSOL Energy Range Resources EQT Three Rivers Regatta Foundation for PA

Watersheds Anonymous David E. Hess, former Secretary of DEP, Seneca Resources PA American

Water Peoples Natural Gas Municipal Authority of West View Weavertown Environmental Group

Spectroscopy Society of PittsburghSociety for Analytical Chemists of Pittsburgh Dominion

Foundation/ Western PA Conservancy UPMC Pittsburgh Region Clean CitiesAmerican Water

Works Association-SW PA Section PA Association of Conservation Districts, Inc. PlasTie LLC

BioMost, Inc. U.S. Environmental Protection Agency--Wheeling Office Southwest PA Commission
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DEP SW Regional Office Fish and Boat CommissionJennings Environmental Education Center

Charlie Cooper Bob & Sylvia Danehy and Stream Restoration Inc..

There are several levels of sponsorship for the ORWC with benefits ranging from guaranteed

reservations at the event, a banner displayed on the ship itself, logos in all promotional materials, and

spoken recognition during event announcements, to an opportunity to give a short presentation to event

attendees.ORWC is fortunate to add Big Burrito Restaurant Group, the owner of Mad Mex Shadysideto

the list of sponsors through hosting a benefit dinner.

Reservations for the event are required by contacting Anne Daymut at 724-832-3625 or

sending an email to: [email protected] February 28 and sending a $50 tax-deductible donation

to Stream Restoration Inc.

Donations for the dinner can be made with credit card at the Ohio River Watershed Celebration

website by clicking on the Donate tab.

100 percent of the proceeds go toward the cruise. The three course buffet dinner will include

one adult beverage. Valet parking is available. Make your reservation early!

(Written By Anne Daymut, Watershed Coordinator, Western PA Coalition For Abandoned MineReclamation)

Susquehanna Land & Water Conservation Summit March 31, Penn State Harrisburg

The Penn State Agriculture and Environment Center, the Alliance for the Chesapeake Bayand the

Chesapeake Bay Foundationwill host the Susquehanna Land and Water Conservation Summit March

31 at the Penn State University campus in Harrisburg.

This special event is designed to bring together individuals and organizations interested in

improving water quality in the watershed of the Lower Susquehanna River in Cumberland, Dauphin,

Lancaster, Lebanon and York counties.

Major elements of the Summit include--

-- Success Stories from the Region:Professionals from the Lower Susquehanna counties will present

successful projects to the attendees that may be applicable to other areas within the region. Both

agricultural and stormwater success stories will be shared and range from on-the-ground implementation

BMPs to technical assistance provided.

-- County Representatives Panel: Representatives from Lebanon, Lancaster, Dauphin, Cumberland,

and York counties' planning departments or conservation districts will address topics and field questions

from the attendees. The panel will lend insight into how each county works toward specific conservation

and permit goals as well as suggesting regional opportunities.

-- Land and Water Topic Roundtables: Discuss a range of topics with related professionals in the

region. Topics will be determined as the conversation unfolds with the County Representatives Panel,and may include: Riparian Buffers, Ag BMPs, Stormwater, Source Water Protection, Maintenance,

Green Development, Influencing Behaviors and Attitudes, and more.

-- Project Tracker Tool: The new Lower Susquehanna Conservation Project Tracker Tool will be

showcased. The tool's multifunctional uses will be presented and attendees will learn how to gain access

to the powerful tool, why it can be useful to them, and its capabilities.

Click Hereto register for the Summit. For more information, visit the Lower Susquehanna

Land and Water Conservation Summitwebpage.
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Conodoguinet Creek Watershed Association Farm Animal Operation Permitting Feb. 25

On February 25, the Conodoguinet Creek Watershed Associationwill conduct a panel discussion titled

The A-Zs of CAFOs. Admission is free. The event will be held from 7:00-9:00 p.m. at the Stuart

Community Center, Carlisle Parks & Recreation, 415 Franklin Street, Carlisle, Cumberland County.Parking is available onsite.

Agricultural operations - whether raising produce, poultry, or livestock - are an integral thread in

the fabric of our society. Agriculture is an important part of Pennsylvanias economy. South Central

Pennsylvania in particular has been a bastion of agriculture for hundreds of years. The agricultural

industry is complex and deserves further study.

One of many aspects of agriculture present in the Conodoguinet Creek Watershed is the

Concentrated Animal Feeding Operation (CAFO). CAFOs are regulated by the U.S. Environmental

Protection Agency, as well as the Department of Environmental Protection.

The CAFO issue is in itself a complicated matter. There are many factors involved in this type of

agricultural operation.

The panel discussion will include CAFO permitting requirements, differentiate the CAFO fromother types of livestock and poultry agricultural operations, and what kind of impact the CAFO has on

our natural resources and environment.

Each panelist will respond to prepared questions from the moderator. Afterward, the audience

will have the opportunity to ask questions of the panelists in an open discussion.

CCWA is privileged to welcome the following panelists:

-- William Ferris, Board Member and Past President, Big Spring Watershed Association

-- Kelly ONeill, Agricultural Policy Analyst, Chesapeake Bay Foundation

-- Kimberly L. Snell-Zarcone, Esq., Conser

pa environment digest feb. 24, 2014

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