pa environment digest july 20, 2015

8/20/2019 Pa Environment Digest July 20, 2015

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PA Environment Digest

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

Winner 2009 PAEE Business Partner Of The Year Award

Harrisburg, Pa July 20, 2015

Environmental Heritage: Quecreek Mine Rescue July 24-28, 2002

CBF: Milestone Assessment Finds PA Falling Short Of Its Water Cleanup Commitments

An assessment of key practices that Pennsylvania is relying on

to reduce pollution in local waterways found thatimplementation was significantly off track to meet the goals

that the Commonwealth set.

The assessment was conducted by the Chesapeake Bay

Foundation and the Choose Clean Water Coalition was

released on Tuesday.

As part of Pennsylvania’s Clean Water Blueprint, the

Commonwealth developed a plan to implement practices

needed to achieve 60 percent of the needed pollution reductions by 2017, and to complete the job

by 2025.

In addition, it developed two-year milestones that specify the practices they intend to

implement every two year s, progressing toward those long term goals. The data is from thehalfway point for the 2014-2015 milestone period.

“Pennsylvania has fallen behind in reducing pollution from agriculture and stormwater

and the state urgently needs to refocus its efforts to make clean water a priority. We should not

accept as normal streams and creeks that are unsafe for fishing or swimming,” said Jennifer

Quinn, Central Pennsylvania Outreach Coordinator at PennFuture. “Pennsylvania’s failure to

clean up its polluted rivers and streams impacts the quality of life for its citizens as well as the

economic well-being of businesses and communities that rely on clean water.”

CBF and CCWC looked at the progress Pennsylvania is making four of the key milestone

practices — implementing urban infiltration practices, forest buffers, conservation tillage, and

nutrient management plans.

Infiltration practices in urban and suburban areas capture and store rainfall and runoff,which reduces pollution from entering local waterways, increase groundwater recharge, and

reduce the volume of runoff that damages local streams.

Pennsylvania has only achieved 3 percent of its 2015 milestone goal, making it unlikely

that it will reach its 2017 goal as well.

Forest buffers prevent pollution from entering local waterways, increase a stream’s

capacity to cleanse itself, and stabilize stream banks. Pennsylvania is not on track to meet its

2015 milestone goal and is only one quarter of the way to achieving its 2017 goal.

http://www.cbf.org/how-we-save-the-bay/chesapeake-clean-water-blueprint/update-on-local-efforts/pennsylvaniahttp://www.cbf.org/pahttp://cbf.org/document.doc?id=2370https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Aji6WncDtSwhttp://www.paenvironmentdigest.com/newsletter/default.asp?NewsletterArticleID=11953http://www.cbf.org/how-we-save-the-bay/chesapeake-clean-water-blueprint/update-on-local-efforts/pennsylvaniahttp://choosecleanwater.org/http://www.cbf.org/pahttp://www.cbf.org/pahttp://cbf.org/document.doc?id=2370https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Aji6WncDtSwhttp://www.paenvironmentdigest.com/newsletter/default.asp?NewsletterArticleID=11953


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Conservation tillage keeps the soil, nitrogen, and phosphorus in place, and from polluting

local waters. Pennsylvania is making steady progress and is on track to meet its 2015 milestone

goal, but slightly off track for its 2017 goal.

Nutrient management plans guide manure application so that nitrogen and phosphorus are

provided at the correct rate, time, and place for crop growth, as opposed to running off the land

and polluting local waterways.Pennsylvania is significantly off track in meeting both its 2015 milestone and 2017

nutrient reduction goals.

“We are especially concerned about the shortfall in nutrient management plans. While

they have been required for years, recent inspections by the Environmental Protection Agency

and the Department of Environmental Protection have found as few as one in three farms are in

full compliance with PA’s existing clean water laws,” said CBF’s Pennsylvania Executive

Director Harry Campbell. “With current staffing levels at DEP, it would take more than 150

years for inspectors to visit every farm in Pennsylvania.”

The shortfall in reducing nitrogen pollution from Pennsylvania is huge. Analysis of

where the Bay states are coming up short indicates Pennsylvania is responsible for more than 75

percent of the deficit. And more than 80 percent of Pennsylvania’s share of the shortfall comesfrom agriculture.

This assessment shows that the Commonwealth’s pollution-reduction activities need to be

dramatically accelerated in order to achieve 60 percent of water quality improvements by 2017,

as scheduled, and to avoid regulatory “backstops” that could dramatically affect local

communities and businesses.

Pennsylvania must ensure that all farmers are meeting requirements to keep nitrogen,

phosphorus, and sediment from polluting local waterways. It must also improve tracking,

reporting, and verification of pollution reduction practices.

The Commonwealth must also increase financial and technical assistance across the

board, but especially to farmers, to have any opportunity to get its Clean Water Blueprint back

on track.

Currently, 75 percent of farmers asking for technical or financial help cannot get that help

because the resources are not there.

“The Wolf administration inherited the issues identified in the assessment and has

acknowledged that a pollution reduction ‘reboot’ of the Commonwealth’s efforts is necessary.

Now is the time to galvanize leadership in restoring Pennsylvania’s rivers and streams and solve

this problem,” Campbell said. “But they must begin now. There is a blueprint in place, and it

must be implemented.”

Copies of Pennsylvania’s and other state milestone reports are available online

.

The Chesapeake Bay Executive Council meets July 23 to review progress toward meeting

water cleanup commitments. Click Here to send a message to decision makers to keep cleanwater restoration moving forward.

NewsClips:

EPA Says PA Behind In Chesapeake Bay Cleanup

Lancaster Farm’s Future Depends On Nutrient Management

Stream Bank Restoration Projects Completed Along Loyalhanna Creek

Flatwater Challenge Promotes Susquehanna River Beauty

New Federal Rules To Protect Streams Near Coal Mines

http://powersource.post-gazette.com/powersource/policy-powersource/2015/07/16/Obama-administration-proposing-new-rules-to-protect-streams-near-coal-mines-Appalachia/stories/201507160178http://www.yorkdispatch.com/breaking/ci_28480974/flatwater-challenge-promotes-susquehanna-river-beautyhttp://triblive.com/neighborhoods/yourligonier/8704172-74/stream-bank-laughlin#axzz3g8DCo9Djhttp://www.bayjournal.com/article/lancaster_pa_farms_future_depends_on_nutrient_managementhttp://www.witf.org/smart-talk/2015/07/smart-talk-epa-says-pa-behind-in-chesapeake-cleanup-avian-flu-precautions.phphttp://takeaction.cbf.org/p/dia/action3/common/public/?action_KEY=17087http://www.chesapeakebay.net/groups/group/chesapeake_executive_councilhttp://cbf.org/milestones


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Coal Mines Targeted In New Federal Stream Rules

Latest From The Chesapeake Bay Journal

Click Here to subscribe to the Chesapeake Bay Journal

Further Reading:

Pennsylvania Has 530 Days To Meet 2017 Clean Water Milestones

DEP’s Quigley On PA Chesapeake Bay Cleanup: Clearly Not Enough EPA: PA Substantially Off Track Meeting Chesapeake Bay Commitments

Rep. Everett: If We Don’t Meet Chesapeake Bay Cleanup Milestones, It Isn’t Pretty

Prepare For EPA Action If PA Does Not Meet 2017 Stream Cleanup Milestones

Analysis: Will PA Show Leadership On Water Cleanup Issues, Or Surrender To Feds?

EPA Notifies DEP It Will Act If PA Does Not Make Progress In Meeting Clean Water Goals

Analysis: PA Isn’t Cleanup Up Our Streams Quickly Enough To Meet Our Obligations

CBF: New EPA Report Examines State Oversight Of Agriculture Programs In PA

Historic Court Win For Clean Water In Chesapeake Bay Watershed, Now Get It Done

12 Maryland Legislators Urge EPA To Force PA to Meet Clean Water Commitments

EPA Notifies DEP It Will Act If PA Does Not Make Progress In Clean Water Goals

Nicholas DiPasquale, Director of EPA’s Chesapeake Bay Program Office, sent a letter to the

Department of Environmental Protection on May 4 reminding DEP his office can take action to

assure Pennsylvania’s nutrient and sediment reduction goals are met if Pennsylvania does not

act.

One action, DiPasquale said, was for EPA to directly use money awarded to

Pennsylvania for Chesapeake Bay compliance to support on-the-ground implementation of

reduction measures.

The letter goes on to outline EPA’s suggests on how to meet the water pollution

reduction goals in the two major sectors the furthest behind in meeting those goals-- agriculture

and urban/suburban stormwater runoff. Here are some highlights--

-- Eliminate the three strikes and you’re out enforcement policy for non-CAFO and non-CAO

(livestock) farms that now allows a farmer to delay action to address compliance issues;

-- Institute annual self-reporting by farmers on environmental compliance for all non-CAFO,

non-CAO operators;

-- Revised enforcement policies to take immediate enforcement action if farmers are found to be

in violation of environmental requirements;

-- Expand nutrient management planning beyond CAFO and CAO (livestock) operations to all

cropland to meet Pennsylvania’s nutrient management commitments;

-- Accelerate installation of high priority conservation practices on farms, including enhanced

nutrient management, stream exclusion, forest buffers, cover crops, precision dairy feedmanagement, conservation tillage and more;

-- Fix the deficiencies in Pennsylvania’s agricultural conservation programs identified by EPA in

March ;

-- Revise the MS4 (PAG-13) stormwater management permit to include specific load reduction

requirements and encourage more watershed-based or regional permits and plan preparation; and

-- Finalize a revised stormwater BMP Manual that is consistent with Chesapeake Bay Program

requirements.

http://www.paenvironmentdigest.com/newsletter/default.asp?NewsletterArticleID=31674http://www.paenvironmentdigest.com/newsletter/default.asp?NewsletterArticleID=31674https://goo.gl/xpnvTfhttp://paenvironmentdaily.blogspot.com/2015/07/12-maryland-legislators-urge-epa-to.htmlhttp://www.paenvironmentdigest.com/newsletter/default.asp?NewsletterArticleID=32698http://www.paenvironmentdigest.com/newsletter/default.asp?NewsletterArticleID=31674http://www.paenvironmentdigest.com/newsletter/default.asp?NewsletterArticleID=30987http://paenvironmentdaily.blogspot.com/2015/07/epa-notifies-dep-it-will-act-if-pa-does.htmlhttp://www.paenvironmentdigest.com/newsletter/default.asp?NewsletterArticleID=32470http://www.paenvironmentdigest.com/newsletter/default.asp?NewsletterArticleID=31871http://www.paenvironmentdigest.com/newsletter/default.asp?NewsletterArticleID=31608http://www.paenvironmentdigest.com/newsletter/default.asp?NewsletterArticleID=32468http://www.paenvironmentdigest.com/newsletter/default.asp?NewsletterArticleID=32540http://paenvironmentdaily.blogspot.com/2015/07/pennsylvania-has-530-days-to-meet-2017.htmlhttp://www.bayjournal.com/subscriptionhttp://www.bayjournal.com/http://triblive.com/business/headlines/8755732-74/coal-mining-rules#axzz3g5SAl4M4


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DEP Secretary John Quigley has acknowledged Pennsylvania is not meeting its

Chesapeake Bay commitments and said a reboot of the program is needed. He said he and

Agriculture Secretary Russell Redding are developing a revised plan for meeting those

commitments.

DEP’s Citizens Advisory Council will hear a presentation at its meeting on July 21 by

Suzanne Trevena, EPA Region III Water Protection Division, on EPA’s evaluation ofPennsylvania’s progress in meeting its Chesapeake Bay cleanup milestones.

A copy of the EPA letter is available online .

NewsClips:








Click Here

to subscribe to the Chesapeake Bay JournalFurther Reading:


DEP’s Quigley On PA Chesapeake Bay Cleanup: Clearly Not Enough

EPA: PA Substantially Off Track Meeting Chesapeake Bay Commitments









12 Maryland Legislators Urge EPA To Force PA To Meet Clean Water Commitments

On April 21 a bipartisan group of 12 members of the Maryland House of Delegates wrote to

EPA Region III Administrator Shawn Garvin urging him to use his authority to force

Pennsylvania to meet its Chesapeake Bay cleanup commitments.

The letter said in part, “...(W)e are extremely concerned and frustrated that the EPA is not

taking its responsibilities seriously when it comes to enforcement of the Clean Water Act in

Pennsylvania. (W)e feel compelled to convey our grave concern and frustration thatPennsylvania did not meet its 2013 milestone targets for nutrients and sediment in agriculture.”

The Delegates pointed out that Maryland is implementing mandatory compliance with its

nutrient management plan requirements on farmers, while in Pennsylvania 85 to 90 percent of

farmers are under voluntary compliance.

“Pennsylvania continues to lag behind, making little effort to limit agricultural runoff into

the (Chesapeake) Bay,” the letter said.

“While Maryland is prohibited from spreading fertilizer in the winter on our farms,

https://goo.gl/2ni3vhhttp://paenvironmentdaily.blogspot.com/2015/07/12-maryland-legislators-urge-epa-to.htmlhttp://www.paenvironmentdigest.com/newsletter/default.asp?NewsletterArticleID=32698http://www.paenvironmentdigest.com/newsletter/default.asp?NewsletterArticleID=31674http://www.paenvironmentdigest.com/newsletter/default.asp?NewsletterArticleID=30987http://www.paenvironmentdigest.com/newsletter/default.asp?NewsletterArticleID=32470http://www.paenvironmentdigest.com/newsletter/default.asp?NewsletterArticleID=31871http://www.paenvironmentdigest.com/newsletter/default.asp?NewsletterArticleID=31608http://paenvironmentdaily.blogspot.com/2015/07/cbf-milestone-assessment-finds-pa.htmlhttp://www.paenvironmentdigest.com/newsletter/default.asp?NewsletterArticleID=32468http://www.paenvironmentdigest.com/newsletter/default.asp?NewsletterArticleID=32540http://paenvironmentdaily.blogspot.com/2015/07/pennsylvania-has-530-days-to-meet-2017.htmlhttp://www.bayjournal.com/subscriptionhttp://www.bayjournal.com/http://triblive.com/business/headlines/8755732-74/coal-mining-rules#axzz3g5SAl4M4http://powersource.post-gazette.com/powersource/policy-powersource/2015/07/16/Obama-administration-proposing-new-rules-to-protect-streams-near-coal-mines-Appalachia/stories/201507160178http://www.yorkdispatch.com/breaking/ci_28480974/flatwater-challenge-promotes-susquehanna-river-beautyhttp://triblive.com/neighborhoods/yourligonier/8704172-74/stream-bank-laughlin#axzz3g8DCo9Djhttp://www.bayjournal.com/article/lancaster_pa_farms_future_depends_on_nutrient_managementhttp://www.witf.org/smart-talk/2015/07/smart-talk-epa-says-pa-behind-in-chesapeake-cleanup-avian-flu-precautions.phphttps://goo.gl/xpnvTfhttp://paenvironmentdaily.blogspot.com/2015/07/dep-citizens-advisory-council-meeting.htmlhttp://www.paenvironmentdigest.com/newsletter/default.asp?NewsletterArticleID=31737


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Pennsylvania is not and generously spreads fertilizer on their farms with little buffer, which runs

directly into the Susquehanna River, then over the Conowingo Dam into the main stem of the

Chesapeake Bay.

“Respectfully, Maryland citizens are exceedingly frustrated with that absence of

enforcement by the EPA, as well as the lack of dedication to the Bay by Pennsylvania.

“We implore the EPA to address our concerns through your increased oversightresponsibility under the Clean Water Act and your enforcement authorization of the states’

Watershed Implementation Goal commitments.

“We are relying on the EPA for strong accountability for improved implementation of

best management practices so that Pennsylvania can get back on track to meeting its Phase III

WIP commitments as part of the TMDL 2017 mid-point assessment.”

A copy of the letter is available online .

NewsClips:




Flatwater Challenge Promotes Susquehanna River Beauty New Federal Rules To Protect Streams Near Coal Mines




Further Reading:



EPA: PA Substantially Off Track Meeting Chesapeake Bay Commitments










Pennsylvania has 530 days (as of July 20) to put the best management practices on the ground

needed to eliminate 10 million pounds of nitrogen and 212 million pounds of sediment fromgoing into our rivers and streams to meet the 2017 Chesapeake Bay cleanup milestones.

Pennsylvania is even further behind because we did not meet the 2013 pollution

reduction milestones.

In June 2014, the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency reported Pennsylvania exceeded

its 2013 Chesapeake Bay cleanup milestone for phosphorus by 242,000 pounds, but fell short in

meeting the nitrogen goal by 2 million pounds and sediment reduction milestone by nearly 116

million pounds.

http://www.paenvironmentdigest.com/newsletter/default.asp?NewsletterArticleID=29204http://www.paenvironmentdigest.com/newsletter/default.asp?NewsletterArticleID=32698http://www.paenvironmentdigest.com/newsletter/default.asp?NewsletterArticleID=31674http://www.paenvironmentdigest.com/newsletter/default.asp?NewsletterArticleID=30987http://paenvironmentdaily.blogspot.com/2015/07/epa-notifies-dep-it-will-act-if-pa-does.htmlhttp://www.paenvironmentdigest.com/newsletter/default.asp?NewsletterArticleID=32470http://www.paenvironmentdigest.com/newsletter/default.asp?NewsletterArticleID=31871http://www.paenvironmentdigest.com/newsletter/default.asp?NewsletterArticleID=31608http://paenvironmentdaily.blogspot.com/2015/07/cbf-milestone-assessment-finds-pa.htmlhttp://www.paenvironmentdigest.com/newsletter/default.asp?NewsletterArticleID=32468http://www.paenvironmentdigest.com/newsletter/default.asp?NewsletterArticleID=32540http://paenvironmentdaily.blogspot.com/2015/07/pennsylvania-has-530-days-to-meet-2017.htmlhttp://www.bayjournal.com/subscriptionhttp://www.bayjournal.com/http://triblive.com/business/headlines/8755732-74/coal-mining-rules#axzz3g5SAl4M4http://powersource.post-gazette.com/powersource/policy-powersource/2015/07/16/Obama-administration-proposing-new-rules-to-protect-streams-near-coal-mines-Appalachia/stories/201507160178http://www.yorkdispatch.com/breaking/ci_28480974/flatwater-challenge-promotes-susquehanna-river-beautyhttp://triblive.com/neighborhoods/yourligonier/8704172-74/stream-bank-laughlin#axzz3g8DCo9Djhttp://www.bayjournal.com/article/lancaster_pa_farms_future_depends_on_nutrient_managementhttp://www.witf.org/smart-talk/2015/07/smart-talk-epa-says-pa-behind-in-chesapeake-cleanup-avian-flu-precautions.phphttps://goo.gl/2ni3vh


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If Pennsylvania doesn’t meet the milestones, it leaves EPA free to come up with its own

plan on how the state can meet them, and as Rep. Garth Everett (R-Lycoming) said during DEP’s

budget hearing, “It isn’t pretty.”

The question comes down to whether the General Assembly and Gov. Wolf want to yield

this responsibility to the federal government.

NewsClips:EPA Says PA Behind In Chesapeake Bay Cleanup








Further Reading:


EPA: PA Substantially Off Track Meeting Chesapeake Bay Commitments CBF: Milestone Assessment Finds PA Falling Short Of Its Water Cleanup Commitments









Citizens Advisory Council Meeting Features Chesapeake Bay, Act 54 Report Comments

The July 21 meeting of DEP’s Citizens Advisory Council features an evaluation of how

Pennsylvania is meeting its Chesapeake Bay Watershed cleanup commitments and a discussion

to finalize the Council’s comments on DEP’s Act 54 report on the impact of underground coal

mining.

DEP Secretary John Quigley will provide Council with an update on agency activities in

addition to the regular monthly written report

from the Department.

DEP’s Bureau of Human Resources will also do a presentation on DEP’s workforce and

succession planning.

For more information, visit DEP’s Citizens Advisory Council webpage.NewsClips:







http://triblive.com/business/headlines/8755732-74/coal-mining-rules#axzz3g5SAl4M4http://powersource.post-gazette.com/powersource/policy-powersource/2015/07/16/Obama-administration-proposing-new-rules-to-protect-streams-near-coal-mines-Appalachia/stories/201507160178http://www.yorkdispatch.com/breaking/ci_28480974/flatwater-challenge-promotes-susquehanna-river-beautyhttp://triblive.com/neighborhoods/yourligonier/8704172-74/stream-bank-laughlin#axzz3g8DCo9Djhttp://www.bayjournal.com/article/lancaster_pa_farms_future_depends_on_nutrient_managementhttp://www.witf.org/smart-talk/2015/07/smart-talk-epa-says-pa-behind-in-chesapeake-cleanup-avian-flu-precautions.phphttp://www.portal.state.pa.us/portal/server.pt/community/meetings/21513http://files.dep.state.pa.us/PublicParticipation/Citizens%20Advisory%20Council/CACPortalFiles/Meetings/2015_07/FINAL_July%202015%20DEP%20Report%20to%20CAC_07062015%20(2).pdfhttp://www.paenvironmentdigest.com/newsletter/default.asp?NewsletterArticleID=32537http://www.portal.state.pa.us/portal/server.pt/community/meetings/21513http://paenvironmentdaily.blogspot.com/2015/07/12-maryland-legislators-urge-epa-to.htmlhttp://www.paenvironmentdigest.com/newsletter/default.asp?NewsletterArticleID=32698http://www.paenvironmentdigest.com/newsletter/default.asp?NewsletterArticleID=31674http://www.paenvironmentdigest.com/newsletter/default.asp?NewsletterArticleID=30987http://paenvironmentdaily.blogspot.com/2015/07/epa-notifies-dep-it-will-act-if-pa-does.htmlhttp://www.paenvironmentdigest.com/newsletter/default.asp?NewsletterArticleID=32470http://www.paenvironmentdigest.com/newsletter/default.asp?NewsletterArticleID=31871http://www.paenvironmentdigest.com/newsletter/default.asp?NewsletterArticleID=31608http://paenvironmentdaily.blogspot.com/2015/07/cbf-milestone-assessment-finds-pa.htmlhttp://www.paenvironmentdigest.com/newsletter/default.asp?NewsletterArticleID=32468http://www.paenvironmentdigest.com/newsletter/default.asp?NewsletterArticleID=32540http://www.bayjournal.com/subscriptionhttp://www.bayjournal.com/http://triblive.com/business/headlines/8755732-74/coal-mining-rules#axzz3g5SAl4M4http://powersource.post-gazette.com/powersource/policy-powersource/2015/07/16/Obama-administration-proposing-new-rules-to-protect-streams-near-coal-mines-Appalachia/stories/201507160178http://www.yorkdispatch.com/breaking/ci_28480974/flatwater-challenge-promotes-susquehanna-river-beautyhttp://triblive.com/neighborhoods/yourligonier/8704172-74/stream-bank-laughlin#axzz3g8DCo9Djhttp://www.bayjournal.com/article/lancaster_pa_farms_future_depends_on_nutrient_managementhttp://www.witf.org/smart-talk/2015/07/smart-talk-epa-says-pa-behind-in-chesapeake-cleanup-avian-flu-precautions.phphttp://www.paenvironmentdigest.com/newsletter/default.asp?NewsletterArticleID=31608http://www.paenvironmentdigest.com/newsletter/default.asp?NewsletterArticleID=31871http://www.paenvironmentdigest.com/newsletter/default.asp?NewsletterArticleID=31871


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Further Reading:



EPA: PA Substantially Off Track Meeting Chesapeake Bay Commitments CBF: Milestone Assessment Finds PA Falling Short Of Its Water Cleanup Commitments









Greek Bailout, Iran Nuclear Deal OK’d, But Still No Progress On State Budget

While negotiators this week successfully concluded a debt bailout plan for Greece and a nuclear

weapons control agreement with Iran and six other world powers, Senate and House Republicans

and Gov. Wolf failed to make any progress on negotiating a new state budget, a liquor

privatization deal or a pension bailout.

As one article this week put it, the Capitol has “ground to a lull” in budget discussions.

Gov. Wolf took his “Schools That Teach” tour into Senate GOP Leader Jake Corman’s

backyard this week to stomp for more funding for education. Somehow, the Governor forgot to

tell Sen. Corman he was coming.

“I’ve been as honest as I can [about budget discussions],” Sen. Corman told the media on

budget negotiations, “but if [the Governor] is going to continue on the campaign he’s on, we

have to talk about our needs [to the media].

The Senate was in voting session this week for two days, but canceled a third, adjourning,

again, until September 21.

The House is scheduled to come into session next week for two days.

NewsClips:

Wolf, GOP Leaders To Resume Budget Talks Tuesday

Corman: Shale Tax May Be Considered With Offsetting Legislation

Senate Republican Leader Isn’t Ruling Out Severance Tax

Wolf Stunned By GOP Leader’s Shale Tax Stance

Severance Tax Foes Dig In As Low Gas Prices Persist Wolf’s Allies Duel Gas Industry On Budget

GOP Lawmaker Proposes Income Tax Increase, Severance Tax

Bucks Lawmaker Tries Solitary Path To Budget Deal

Op-Ed: Wolf Right To Push For Severance Tax

Op-Ed: Gas Extraction Tax Fair To Drillers, Pennsylvanians

Veto Override Tough Proposition For GOP In Budget Impasse

Capitol Grinds To A Lull As Budget Impasse Continues

http://www.theplsreporter.com/Home/TabId/56/ArtMID/472/ArticleID/829/Capitol-grinds-to-a-lull-as-PA-concludes-second-week-of-new-fiscal-year-without-a-state-budget.aspxhttp://triblive.com/politics/politicalheadlines/8716558-74/wolf-budget-vetohttp://lancasteronline.com/opinion/columnists/gas-extraction-tax-fair-to-drillers-pennsylvanians/article_b63806c4-271f-11e5-9777-fbc1468409d4.htmlhttp://www.pennlive.com/opinion/2015/07/wolf_is_right_to_push_for_a_se.html#incart_riverhttp://www.philly.com/philly/news/20150717_Bucks_lawmaker_tries_solitary_path_to_a_budget_deal.htmlhttp://triblive.com/news/adminpage/8754784-74/tax-percent-digirolamo#axzz3g5SAl4M4http://www.philly.com/philly/business/homepage/20150711_Wolf__shale_industry_do_battle_over_proposed_severance_tax.htmlhttp://powersource.post-gazette.com/powersource/policy-powersource/2015/07/14/Marcellus-Shale-severance-tax-foes-dig-in-their-heels-as-low-gas-prices-persist-Pennsylvania/stories/201507140010http://www.philly.com/philly/news/politics/20150714_Wolf__GOP_leader_won_t_budge_on_shale_tax.htmlhttp://stateimpact.npr.org/pennsylvania/2015/07/14/senate-republican-leader-isnt-ruling-out-gas-tax/http://triblive.com/news/adminpage/8730415-74/tax-gas-wolf#axzz3fnCYQk20http://www.pennlive.com/politics/index.ssf/2015/07/wolf_gop_leaders_to_resume_bud.html#incart_riverhttp://paenvironmentdaily.blogspot.com/2015/07/12-maryland-legislators-urge-epa-to.htmlhttp://www.paenvironmentdigest.com/newsletter/default.asp?NewsletterArticleID=32698http://www.paenvironmentdigest.com/newsletter/default.asp?NewsletterArticleID=31674http://www.paenvironmentdigest.com/newsletter/default.asp?NewsletterArticleID=30987http://paenvironmentdaily.blogspot.com/2015/07/epa-notifies-dep-it-will-act-if-pa-does.htmlhttp://www.paenvironmentdigest.com/newsletter/default.asp?NewsletterArticleID=32470http://www.paenvironmentdigest.com/newsletter/default.asp?NewsletterArticleID=31871http://www.paenvironmentdigest.com/newsletter/default.asp?NewsletterArticleID=31608http://paenvironmentdaily.blogspot.com/2015/07/cbf-milestone-assessment-finds-pa.htmlhttp://www.paenvironmentdigest.com/newsletter/default.asp?NewsletterArticleID=32468http://www.paenvironmentdigest.com/newsletter/default.asp?NewsletterArticleID=32540http://paenvironmentdaily.blogspot.com/2015/07/pennsylvania-has-530-days-to-meet-2017.htmlhttp://www.bayjournal.com/subscriptionhttp://www.bayjournal.com/


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Nothing New In Budget Negotiations Wolf Spokesman Says

PA’s History Of Blown Budget Deadlines

Amid Budget Impasse, Wolf May Lose McGinty

Who Could Replace McGinty As Chief Of Staff?

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Senate/House Agenda/Session Schedule[Updated]/Gov’s Schedule/ BillsIntroduced

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

Bill Calendars

House (July 21): Senate Bill 307 (Yudichak-D-Luzerne) providing for an independent counsel

for the Environmental Quality Board; Senate Bill 513 (McGarrigle-R-Delaware) authorizing the

transportation of landfill leachate by truck; Senate Bill 875 (Bartolotta-R- Fayette) providing for

http://www.legis.state.pa.us/cfdocs/billInfo/billInfo.cfm?sYear=2015&sInd=0&body=S&type=B&bn=0875http://www.legis.state.pa.us/cfdocs/billInfo/billInfo.cfm?sYear=2015&sInd=0&body=S&type=B&bn=0513http://www.legis.state.pa.us/cfdocs/billInfo/billInfo.cfm?sYear=2015&sInd=0&body=S&type=B&bn=0307http://www.twitter.com/PaCapitolDigesthttp://www.crisciassociates.com/category/capitol-blog/http://www.crisciassociates.com/category/environment-blog/http://www.twitter.com/http://www.crisciassociates.com/https://plus.google.com/+DavidHessGreenWorksInPA/postshttp://www.politicspa.com/who-could-replace-mcginty-as-chief-of-staff/67762/http://triblive.com/news/adminpage/8729320-74/wolf-budget-mcgintyhttp://www.pennlive.com/politics/index.ssf/2015/07/pennsylvanias_history_of_blown.html#incart_riverhttp://www.pennlive.com/politics/index.ssf/2015/07/no_movement_on_state_budget_ne.html#incart_river


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the reuse of treated mine water for fracking gas wells (sponsor summary ). Click Here for

full House Bill Calendar.

Senate (September 21): Senate Resolution 54 (Argall-R-Schuylkill) urging Congress to impose

tariffs on imported anthracite coal (sponsor summary); Senate Resolution 55 (Hutchinson-R-

Venango) a concurrent resolution establishing a Forestry Task Force associated with the JointLegislative Air and Water Pollution Control and Conservation Committee (sponsor summary ).

Click Here for full Senate Bill Calendar.

Committee Meeting Agendas This Week

House: Click Here for full House Committee Schedule.

Senate: Click Here for full Senate Committee Schedule.

Bills Pending In Key Committees

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

each--

House

Appropriations

Education

Environmental Resources and Energy

Consumer Affairs

Gaming Oversight

Human Services

Judiciary

Liquor 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

EducationJudiciary

Law and Justice

Public Health and Welfare

Transportation

Links for all other Standing Senate Committees

Bills Introduced

http://www.legis.state.pa.us/cfdocs/CteeInfo/StandingCommittees.cfm?CteeBody=Shttp://www.legis.state.pa.us/cfdocs/CteeInfo/index.cfm?Code=19&CteeBody=Shttp://www.legis.state.pa.us/cfdocs/CteeInfo/index.cfm?Code=33&CteeBody=Shttp://www.legis.state.pa.us/cfdocs/CteeInfo/index.cfm?Code=29&CteeBody=Shttp://www.legis.state.pa.us/cfdocs/CteeInfo/index.cfm?Code=39&CteeBody=Shttp://www.legis.state.pa.us/cfdocs/CteeInfo/index.cfm?Code=23&CteeBody=Shttp://www.legis.state.pa.us/cfdocs/CteeInfo/index.cfm?Code=31&CteeBody=Shttp://www.legis.state.pa.us/cfdocs/CteeInfo/index.cfm?Code=7&CteeBody=Shttp://www.legis.state.pa.us/cfdocs/CteeInfo/index.cfm?Code=9&CteeBody=Shttp://www.legis.state.pa.us/cfdocs/CteeInfo/index.cfm?Code=3&CteeBody=Shttp://www.legis.state.pa.us/cfdocs/CteeInfo/StandingCommittees.cfm?CteeBody=Hhttp://www.legis.state.pa.us/cfdocs/CteeInfo/StandingCommittees.cfm?CteeBody=Hhttp://www.legis.state.pa.us/cfdocs/CteeInfo/index.cfm?Code=38&CteeBody=Hhttp://www.legis.state.pa.us/cfdocs/CteeInfo/index.cfm?Code=28&CteeBody=Hhttp://www.legis.state.pa.us/cfdocs/CteeInfo/index.cfm?Code=24&CteeBody=Hhttp://www.legis.state.pa.us/cfdocs/CteeInfo/index.cfm?Code=56&CteeBody=Hhttp://www.legis.state.pa.us/cfdocs/CteeInfo/index.cfm?Code=54&CteeBody=Hhttp://www.legis.state.pa.us/cfdocs/CteeInfo/index.cfm?Code=10&CteeBody=Hhttp://www.legis.state.pa.us/cfdocs/CteeInfo/index.cfm?Code=8&CteeBody=Hhttp://www.legis.state.pa.us/cfdocs/CteeInfo/index.cfm?Code=12&CteeBody=Hhttp://www.legis.state.pa.us/cfdocs/CteeInfo/index.cfm?Code=4&CteeBody=Hhttp://www.legis.state.pa.us/WU01/LI/CO/SM/COSM.HTMhttp://www.legis.state.pa.us/WU01/LI/CO/HM/COHM.HTMhttp://www.legis.state.pa.us/WU01/LI/SC/SC/0/RC/CAL.HTMhttp://www.legis.state.pa.us//cfdocs/Legis/CSM/showMemoPublic.cfm?chamber=S&SPick=20150&cosponId=17546http://www.legis.state.pa.us/cfdocs/billinfo/billinfo.cfm?syear=2015&sInd=0&body=S&type=R&bn=55http://www.legis.state.pa.us//cfdocs/Legis/CSM/showMemoPublic.cfm?chamber=S&SPick=20150&cosponId=16954http://www.legis.state.pa.us/cfdocs/billinfo/billinfo.cfm?syear=2015&sInd=0&body=S&type=R&bn=54http://www.legis.state.pa.us/WU01/LI/SC/HC/0/RC/SCHC.HTMhttp://www.legis.state.pa.us//cfdocs/Legis/CSM/showMemoPublic.cfm?chamber=S&SPick=20150&cosponId=18364


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The following bills of interest were introduced this week--

Natural Gas Expansion: Senate Bill 953 (Greenleaf-R-Montgomery) establishing a program

through the PUC to expand natural gas service ( sponsor summary).

Heritage Areas Program: Senate Bill 954 (Ward-R-Westmoreland) establishes the Heritage

Areas Program in law ( sponsor summary).

Session Schedule ( Updated)

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

Senate

September 21 (unless sooner recalled)

House July 20 (non-voting), 21, 22

August 25 (unless sooner recalled)

Governor’s Schedule

Gov. Tom Wolf's work calendar will be posted each Friday and his public schedule for the day

will be posted each morning. Click Here to view Gov. Wolf’s Weekly Calendar and Public

Appearances.

Senate/House Bills Moving

The following bills of interest saw action this week in the House and Senate--

Senate

Anthracite Coal: Senate Resolution 54 (Argall-R-Schuylkill) urging Congress to impose tariffs

on imported anthracite coal (sponsor summary) was reported out of the Senate Environmental

Resources and Energy Committee and is now on the Senate Calendar for action.

Forestry Task Force: Senate Resolution 55 (Hutchinson-R-Venango) a concurrent resolution

establishing a Forestry Task Force associated with the Joint Legislative Air and Water PollutionControl and Conservation Committee (sponsor summary) was reported out of the Senate

Environmental Resources and Energy Committee and is now on the Senate Calendar for action.

News From The Capitol

Senate Committee OKs Resolutions On Anthracite Coal, Forestry Task Force

http://www.legis.state.pa.us//cfdocs/Legis/CSM/showMemoPublic.cfm?chamber=S&SPick=20150&cosponId=17546http://www.legis.state.pa.us/cfdocs/billinfo/billinfo.cfm?syear=2015&sInd=0&body=S&type=R&bn=55http://www.legis.state.pa.us//cfdocs/Legis/CSM/showMemoPublic.cfm?chamber=S&SPick=20150&cosponId=16954http://www.legis.state.pa.us/cfdocs/billinfo/billinfo.cfm?syear=2015&sInd=0&body=S&type=R&bn=54http://www.governor.pa.gov/Schedule/Pages/schedule.aspx#.VNVGE0K4lBxhttp://www.legis.state.pa.us//cfdocs/Legis/CSM/showMemoPublic.cfm?chamber=S&SPick=20150&cosponId=18435http://www.legis.state.pa.us/cfdocs/billInfo/billInfo.cfm?sYear=2015&sInd=0&body=S&type=B&bn=0954http://www.legis.state.pa.us//cfdocs/Legis/CSM/showMemoPublic.cfm?chamber=S&SPick=20150&cosponId=18597http://www.legis.state.pa.us/cfdocs/billInfo/billInfo.cfm?sYear=2015&sInd=0&body=S&type=B&bn=0953


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The Senate Environmental Resources and Energy Committee Monday reported out resolutions

relating to anthracite coal and creating a Forestry Task Force. The bills include--

-- Senate Resolution 54 (Argall-R-Schuylkill) urging Congress to impose tariffs on imported

anthracite coal (sponsor summary ); and

-- Senate Resolution 55 (Hutchinson-R-Venango) a concurrent resolution establishing a Forestry

Task Force associated with the Joint Legislative Air and Water Pollution Control andConservation Committee (sponsor summary ).

The resolutions are now on the Senate Calendar for action.

Sen. Gene Yaw (R-Lycoming) serves as the Majority Chair of the Committee, email:

[email protected] , and Sen. John Yudichak (D-Luzerne) serves as Minority Chair, email:

[email protected].

News From Around The State

DEP To Webcast July 22 Pipeline Task Force Meeting Live

The Department of Environmental Protection will webcast the July 22 meeting of the Pipeline

Infrastructure Task Force meeting starting at 1:00. Click Here to join the webcast.

The 48-member Task Force will be meeting in the Susquehanna Conference Rooms, DEP

Southcentral Regional Office, 909 Elmerton Ave., Harrisburg. ( formal notice )

For more information, visit DEP’s Pipeline Infrastructure Task Force webpage.

NewsClips:

IUP Team To Monitor Air Near Mamont Compressor Station

Backhoe Causes Explosion At West Franklin Gas Compressor Site

MarkWest To Merge With Marathon Pipeline Company

Marathon Makes Big Bet On Gas With MarkWest Deal

Philadelphia Energy COO Part Ways Philadelphia Emergency Planner Won’t Disclose Oil Train Plans

Activists Rally Over Philly Oil Train Traffic

S.O.S. - Save Our Susquehanna! Campaign Contributions Approach $10,000

At is quarterly business meeting this week, the Fish and Boat Commission elected new officers,

approved the acquisition of property in Erie County, added waters to the list of wild trout

streams, endorsed legislation which would extend certain health benefits to waterways

conservation officers, and provided the public with an update on the S.O.S. – Save Our

Susquehanna! Campaign .

Through mid-July, concerned citizens have raised nearly $10,000 for the S.O.S.campaign, including a $1,000 donation from the Enola Sportsmen’s Association in Cumberland

County.

“The ‘Save Our Susquehanna’ message is resonating with anglers, with sportsmen’s

clubs and with others who care about the river,” said PFBC Executive Director John Arway.

“The time to act is now, before it’s too late. The Enola Sportsmen’s Association has acted, and I

encourage sportsmen’s groups across the state to discuss the issue with their members.”

The PFBC launched its campaign to save the river on June 2 by announcing that a portion

http://fishandboat.com/SaveOurSusquehannaBass.htmhttp://fishandboat.com/SaveOurSusquehannaBass.htmhttp://www.philly.com/philly/news/20150712_With_a_solemn_remembrance_and_music__protesters_decry_oil-train_accidents.htmlhttp://stateimpact.npr.org/pennsylvania/2015/07/13/philadelphias-top-emergency-planner-wont-disclose-oil-train-plans/http://www.philly.com/philly/business/homepage/20150716_SEC_filing__Philadelphia_Energy_Solutions_and_COO_parted_ways_in_April.htmlhttp://powersource.post-gazette.com/powersource/companies/2015/07/14/Marathon-makes-big-bet-on-natural-gas-through-its-15-6-billion-MarkWest-deal-Marcellus-Shale/stories/201507140061http://triblive.com/business/headlines/8729452-74/markwest-gas-marathonhttp://triblive.com/news/armstrong/8750112-74/gas-backhoe-foxhttp://triblive.com/news/westmoreland/8703839-74/iup-reservoir-stationhttp://www.portal.state.pa.us/portal/server.pt/community/pipeline_infrastructure_task_force/22066/http://www.pabulletin.com/secure/data/vol45/45-27/1237.htmlhttp://www.paenvironmentdigest.com/newsletter/default.asp?NewsletterArticleID=32699http://pacast.com/players/live_dep.asphttp://www.portal.state.pa.us/portal/server.pt/community/pipeline_infrastructure_task_force/22066/http://www.portal.state.pa.us/portal/server.pt/community/pipeline_infrastructure_task_force/22066/mailto:[email protected]://www.senatoryudichak.com/mailto:[email protected]://www.senatorgeneyaw.com/http://www.legis.state.pa.us//cfdocs/Legis/CSM/showMemoPublic.cfm?chamber=S&SPick=20150&cosponId=17546http://www.legis.state.pa.us/cfdocs/billinfo/billinfo.cfm?syear=2015&sInd=0&body=S&type=R&bn=55http://www.legis.state.pa.us//cfdocs/Legis/CSM/showMemoPublic.cfm?chamber=S&SPick=20150&cosponId=16954http://www.legis.state.pa.us/cfdocs/billinfo/billinfo.cfm?syear=2015&sInd=0&body=S&type=R&bn=54http://www.legis.state.pa.us/cfdocs/cteeInfo/Index.cfm?CteeBody=S&Code=9


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of license sales and proceeds from a $10 S.O.S. button would be dedicated to funding water and

soil conservation projects along the Susquehanna River, whose young smallmouth bass

population has been plagued over the last decade by illness and elevated mortality rates.

To kick off the campaign, the PFBC pledged $50,000 in matching funds.

“I’m optimistic that we will raise and exceed the $50,000 from anglers, other

conservationists, and anyone who cares about our natural resources and supports our efforts to doeverything in our power to protect and conserve them,” Arway said. “Once we raise $50,000, the

S.O.S. - Save Our Susquehanna! campaign will have its first $100,000 to begin working on

projects to fix the river.”

During the meeting, the Board elected Commissioner Edward Mascharka III as the new

president and Commissioner Glade Squires as vice-president.

“As the eyes, ears and voice of our Pennsylvania anglers, I will engage in the critical

decisions to be made by this agency,” said President Mascharka, who resides in Erie, Erie

County, and represents the PFBC’s First District, which includes Butler, Clarion, Crawford, Erie,

Forest, Lawrence, Mercer, Venango, and Warren counties.

“I will work with legislators and the governor to develop new and additional

opportunities to secure funds for the future of the agency and its constituents,” he added. “I enjoythe resources of our Commonwealth and I pledge to uphold the ‘Resource First’ mission.”

Vice-President Squires resides in Downingtown, Chester County, and represents the

PFBC’s Eighth District, which includes Berks, Bucks, Chester, Delaware, Lehigh, Montgomery,

Northampton, Philadelphia, and Schuylkill counties.

In other Commission action today, the Board:

-- Approved the acquisition 1,720 linear feet on both sides of Elk Creek as it flows across a

parcel of property in Fairview Township, Erie County, for $24,000. The easement area is located

south of Route 832 between Route 98 and Platz Road. Elk Creek is a popular steelhead and trout

fishery. However, access to the creek is severely limited. Elk Creek receives several trout

stockings in this area, and the acquisition of the easement will provide additional trout and

steelhead fishing opportunities.

-- Added 54 waters to the list of wild trout streams and adjusted the section limits of two waters.

The list can be found on the PFBC website.

-- Added 28 stream sections to the list of Class A wild trout streams. The list can be found on the

PFBC website.

-- Endorsed Senate Bill 889 (Baker-R-Luzerne), which would extend heart and lung benefits to

WCOs.

The Commissioners previewed a new stocking program which will provide anglers with

an exciting opportunity to fish for larger trout in eight select waters in 2016. Under the program,

yet to be named, approximately 3,300 large trout - two to three years old and measuring between

14-20 inches - will be distributed among eight waters, one in each commissioner district.“Similar programs initiated by several groups have proven very popular on other waters,

such as Pine Creek in Lycoming County,” said Arway. “These programs have successfully

demonstrated that destination fisheries can be created, drawing anglers from across the state and

even the country and providing an economic boost to local communities.”

The eight waters will be publicly disclosed at the PFBC’s next quarterly business

meeting, scheduled for September 28-29 in Erie.

For more information, visit the S.O.S. – Save Our Susquehanna! Campaign webpage.

http://fishandboat.com/SaveOurSusquehannaBass.htmhttp://www.legis.state.pa.us/cfdocs/billInfo/billInfo.cfm?sYear=2015&sInd=0&body=S&type=B&bn=0889


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NewsClips:





Sojourn Marks Conewango Creek’s PA River Of The Year Designation

Fun on the Conewango Creek flowing through northern

Warren County drew paddlers and other outdoors

enthusiasts to a celebration on July 11 marking the

rebounding waterway’s designation as Pennsylvania’s

River of the Year for 2015 .

A sojourn, in which pre-registered canoe and

kayak enthusiasts will travel together, highlighted the

day-long celebration. Paddlers floated from Frewsburg,

N.Y., south to Russell in Pennsylvania. Speakersaddressed participants at four stops on the waterway’s

history, challenges and promise.

“Promoting awareness of how this waterway and others across the state have rebounded,

and their continuing conservation needs is the major goal of this sojourn and others held

throughout the summer,” said DCNR Secretary Cindy Adams Dunn. “There is a vital connection

among the rivers and streams and area residents and visitors, and these sojourns and other

activities planned by river advocates strengthen those bonds.

“When a state designates a waterway for this honor, it also is saluting the communities,

conservation groups and individual citizens all working for its improvement.”

In support of that goal, Gov. Tom Wolf had proclaimed June as Rivers Month in

Pennsylvania, the Secretary noted. Highlighting the recreational and economic value of

waterways, no less than a dozen sojourns were held on rivers and streams across the state.

Remaining events include the 16th annual Ohiopyle Over the Falls Festival planned Aug.

22, and the Invisible River Schuylkill River celebration set for Aug. 29.

Rich in aquatic life and home to at least two rare fish species, the Conewango Creek

voted the 2015 Pennsylvania River of the Year in January after a five-week public voting period.

The general public was invited to vote online, choosing from among five waterways

nominated across the state. Results were announced jointly by the Department of Conservation

and Natural Resources and the PA Organization for Waterways and Rivers.

Four other rivers were nominated finalists. They were: the Lackawanna River in the

northeast; Loyalhanna Creek and the Ohio River in the southwest; and the Neshaminy Creek andits watershed in the southeast.

The applicant for the winning waterway, the Conewango Creek Watershed Association ,

received a $10,000 Leadership Grant to help fund River of the Year activities.

“We want to thank everyone—all the businesses, organizations, media and

individuals—that made this possible,” said Conewango Creek Watershed Association Chairman

Steve Kimball, after the selection was made. “Just to promote Conewango Creek for 2015 Pa.

River of the Year has brought a lot of awareness of the creek locally and regionally. The creek is

http://www.conewangocreek.org/http://pawatersheds.org/http://pariveroftheyear.org/http://pariveroftheyear.org/http://www.bayjournal.com/subscriptionhttp://www.bayjournal.com/http://www.yorkdispatch.com/breaking/ci_28480974/flatwater-challenge-promotes-susquehanna-river-beautyhttp://www.witf.org/smart-talk/2015/07/smart-talk-epa-says-pa-behind-in-chesapeake-cleanup-avian-flu-precautions.php


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now ‘on the radar’ for many people that never really thought much about it before.”

Also, POWR and DCNR worked with the association to create a free, commemorative

poster celebrating the Conewango as the 2015 PA River of the Year.

A tributary of the Allegheny River, Conewango Creek flows 71 miles through

northwestern Pennsylvania and western New York and is part of a 900-square-mile-area drainage

basin.Though challenged by sediment pollution in some areas, the Conewango’s water quality

sustains two rare fish species—the burbot, once thought to be extirpated, and the paddlefish,

which was reintroduced to the area.

The waterway also is home 19 native species of freshwater mussels, and boasts a

biodiversity rich in river otters, bald eagles, ospreys and herons.

The Conewango Creek also is a designated PA Water Trail, with six launch areas along

its 13 miles flowing through Pennsylvania.

POWR administers the River of the Year program with funding from DCNR. Presented

annually since 1983, the 2014 designation was awarded to the Schuylkill River in southeast

Pennsylvania.

Each year, finalists are determined based on each waterway’s conservation needs andsuccesses, as well as celebration plans should the nominee be voted River of the Year.

The River of the Year sojourn is just one of many paddling trips supported by DCNR and

POWR each year. An independent program, the Pennsylvania Sojourn Program, is a unique

series of trips on the state’s rivers.

These water-based journeys for canoeists, kayakers and others raise awareness of the

environmental, recreational, tourism and heritage values of rivers. For more information about

the sojourns, visit POWR’s Sojourns webpage.

For sojourn details, visit here. The Conewango and other sojourn programs are

coordinated by the PA Organization of Waterways and Rivers in partnership with DCNR, as well

as dozens of local organizations.

Statewide annual paddling events encompass more than 500 river miles, span more than

50 on-the-water days, and engage more than 4,000 participants.

Since 1983, the River of the Year has been featured on posters sent to watershed

organizations, local municipalities and interested individuals throughout the state to encourage a

focus on Pennsylvania's waterways.

For more information on rivers programs and activities, visit DCNR’s Rivers

Conservation Program webpage.

The text of Gov. Tom Wolf’s proclamation follows:

RIVERS MONTH

June 2015

WHEREAS, each year, Pennsylvania joins states across the nation in celebrating RIVERSMONTH to emphasize the importance of all the Commonwealth’s rivers. Events and activities

scheduled for June reaffirm our commitment to the value and beauty of our river resources; and

WHEREAS, rivers flow through Pennsylvania’s cities, towns and boroughs, providing an

important natural and recreational asset to urbanized areas; and, they are a rich mosaic of water

treasures, providing opportunities for boating, fishing, bird watching and other recreational

activities, as well as drinking water for millions of Pennsylvanians; and

WHEREAS, through protective and innovative actions such as the Pennsylvania Rivers

http://www.dcnr.state.pa.us/brc/conservation/rivers/riverresourceprogram/riversconservation/index.htmhttp://www.dcnr.state.pa.us/brc/conservation/rivers/riverresourceprogram/riversconservation/index.htmhttp://pawatersheds.org/on-the-water/sojourns/


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Conservation Program, the Coldwater Heritage Partnership Program, the Pennsylvania Scenic

Rivers Program and the River Towns Programs, Pennsylvanians join in promoting the

conservation and revitalization of these precious water resources; and

WHEREAS, Pennsylvania’s river initiatives are driven by voluntary partnerships with

municipal officials, local groups, conservation organizations and governmental agencies, to

develop watershed conservation plans for restoring, maintaining and enhancing all rivers; andleading to the rebound of waterways such as the Conewango Creek – Pennsylvania’s 2015 River

of the Year; and

WHEREAS, these Rivers Conservation Plans now encompass 66 percent of Pennsylvania

thanks to funding and technical assistance from the Department of Conservation and Natural

Resources. Because of local partnership efforts and stewardship commitments, 107 watersheds

or corridors have gained approved Registry Status; and

WHEREAS, conservation and appreciation of our river environments represent concepts

of enduring consequence.

THEREFORE, I, Tom Wolf, Governor of the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania, do hereby

proclaim June 2015 RIVERS MONTH. I urge all Pennsylvanians to reaffirm their commitment

to protecting and conserving the quality of our river systems.

(Reprinted from the July 15 Resource newsletter by DCNR. Click Here for your own copy

(bottom of the page).)

Yellow Breeches Watershed Landscape Makeover Challenge

The Yellow Breeches Watershed Association in Cumberland County is inviting entries for its

Creek Friendly Landscape Makeover Challenge to highlight landowner efforts to reduce

stormwater runoff, plant native species of plants and stream buffers and minimize use of

fertilizers, pesticides and herbicides.

Entries are due September 12. Three winners will each receive a $500 gift certificate

towards plants and materials for landscaping.

Financial and other support was provided by the PA Association of Conservation

Districts through a grant from the Department of Environmental Protection and the U.S.

Environmental Protection Agency.

Click Here to download a flyer with all the details.

PA Water Works Assn. Hosts Upcoming Conference, Training Opportunities

The PA Section of the American Water Works Association

will host a variety of training

sessions in August starting with its annual Conference on August 2 in State College, a webinaron setting water rates August 11, a program on harmful algae blooms and workplace violence

August 21 and much more. Click Here for the complete schedule.

KPB, Partners Hold Illegal Dumping Surveillance Meeting July 28 In Windber

Keep Pennsylvania Beautiful is partnering with the Community Foundation for the Alleghenies

and Lift Johnstown to hold an informational meeting July 28 in Windber, Somerset County on

http://www.liftjohnstown.org/http://cfalleghenies.org/http://www.keeppabeautiful.org/http://www.paawwa.org/events/http://www.paawwa.org/http://www.cumberlandcd.com/~amcclain/ybwa//PDF/YBWA%20Creek%20Friendly%20Landscape%20Challenge%202015%20-%20POSTER.pdfhttp://pacd.org/http://pacd.org/http://www.cumberlandcd.com/~amcclain/ybwa//PDF/YBWA%20Creek%20Friendly%20Landscape%20Challenge%202015%20-%20POSTER.pdfhttp://www.ybwa.org/http://www.apps.dcnr.state.pa.us/news/resource/res2015/15-0715-ecocamp.aspxhttp://www.apps.dcnr.state.pa.us/news/resource/res2015/15-0715-ecocamp.aspx


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Illegal Dump Free PA , a program that provides community resources to fight illegal dumping in

Pennsylvania, for stakeholders in Cambria, Somerset and Bedford Counties.

The meeting is open to the public and will start at 4:30 p.m. at the Winber Community

Building Gym at 1605 Graham Avenue in Windber.

Keep Pennsylvania Beautiful will provide an overview of their Camera Loan Program

grant that is available to Pennsylvania municipalities. The grant includes the loan of a set of threehigh quality, motion activated, covert security cameras that provide instant wireless transmission

of site activity, photo documentation of license plates at speeds of up to 50 MPH, and clear

photos of activity day or night, which are key to prosecutions.

Illegal dumping is a statewide concern, according to a recent study commissioned by

Keep Pennsylvania Beautiful, the state affiliate of Keep America Beautiful and sponsored by the

Department of Environmental Protection.

Dumpsites can be found in every county – 6,500 at last count. Cleanups conducted by

local municipalities are costly, averaging about $600 per ton, or roughly $3,000 per site,

depleting precious resources and staff time.

“Cleanups are not only costly, but also absolve the dumpers of any responsibility. This

program provides the evidence needed to fully prosecute those committing this crime,” saidShannon Reiter, President of Keep PA Beautiful. “We are grateful to the Community Foundation

of the Alleghenies and Lift Johnstown for providing the opportunity for us to present this

program and its tools and resources to regional stakeholders. We look forward to providing

communities with the resources they need to effectively fight illegal dumping in their

community.”

Keep Pennsylvania Beautiful’s Illegal Dump Free PA program is supported through a

grant from the Department of Environmental Protection.

Contact Marisa Nelson by sending email to: [email protected] or call

814-536-7741 ext. 114 to register for the program on July 28.

For more information about the Camera Loan Program, visit the Illegal Dump Free PA

website.

NewsClips:

Chrin Landfill Files Expansion Application With DEP

Materials Being Reused At Meadville Demolition Sites

Editorial: Limit Terms Of Keystone Landfill Growth

Editorial Correction: DEP Did Not Reopen Keystone Landfill Gas Investigation

PROP Hosts Zero Waste Workshop On July 28 In Harrisburg

The Professional Recyclers of Pennsylvania will host a Leading The Way To Zero Waste

workshop

on July 28 at the Best Western Premier in Harrisburg starting at noon. The workshopfeatures Gary Liss, a leading advocate of zero waste in the United States.

For more information, download the brochure or contact Michelle Frey Glenny by

sending email to: [email protected] or call 814-937-6041. Click Here for more

information on other certification courses offered by PROP.

NewsClips:



http://www.meadvilletribune.com/news/local_news/materials-being-reused-at-local-demolition-sites/article_b1e474e0-29db-11e5-9bef-d3a66a30e6a0.htmlhttp://www.mcall.com/news/local/easton/mc-chrin-landfill-expansion-20150714-story.html#navtype=outfithttp://www.proprecycles.org/index.aspx?NID=94mailto:[email protected]://www.proprecycles.org/DocumentCenter/View/886http://www.proprecycles.org/DocumentCenter/View/886http://www.proprecycles.org/DocumentCenter/View/886http://www.proprecycles.org/http://thetimes-tribune.com/opinion/correction-1.1913515http://thetimes-tribune.com/opinion/limit-terms-oflandfill-growth-1.1912490http://www.meadvilletribune.com/news/local_news/materials-being-reused-at-local-demolition-sites/article_b1e474e0-29db-11e5-9bef-d3a66a30e6a0.htmlhttp://www.mcall.com/news/local/easton/mc-chrin-landfill-expansion-20150714-story.html#navtype=outfithttp://www.illegaldumpfreepa.org/mailto:[email protected]://www.illegaldumpfreepa.org/


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Centre County PA Festival Of The Arts Recycles 2,200 Pounds

The Centre County Recycling and Refuse Authority

Wednesday reported approximately 2,200 pounds of organics and recyclable material were collected during the four day Central

Pennsylvania Festival of the Arts .

This was made possible through the efforts of Fest Zero; a group of Penn State Alumni,

current students and concerned citizens, the Borough of State College, the Pennsylvania State

University and the Centre County Recycling and Refuse Authority.

The Central Pennsylvania Festival of the Arts keeps getting “greener” each year. This

year we placed a compost bin next to each trash can to keep organic material from going to our

landfills.

Lemonade cup recycling was very popular, as well as the traditional recyclable materials.

In fact, we collected so many lemonade cups to recycle that, when stacked, would be taller than

the Empire State Building!The Authority would like to thank the generous sponsors who donated gift cards to thank

patrons for recycling. These sponsors included: Harrison’s Wine Grill & Catering, The Deli

Restaurant & ZBar, The Tavern Restaurant, Rapid Transit Sports and Liberty Craft House.

For more information on programs and activities, visit the Centre County Recycling and

Refuse Authority website.

NewsClips:





Sustainable Pittsburgh Launches Sustainable Restaurant Program

The Pittsburgh region’s restaurant industry now has another seat at the table for advancing

quality of life and competitiveness.

Building on the emerging trend of sustainability in the restaurant industry (valuing people

and planet in addition to profits), the local nonprofit Sustainable Pittsburgh is pleased to

announce the launch of the Sustainable Pittsburgh Restaurant Program, a sustainability

performance program providing recognition for leading restaurants in southwestern PA.

“Going green and being more sustainable is a moral obligation that we have to our guests,

our children and our environment,” said Stephen Musciano, General Manager Sports andEntertainment for Aramark at PNC Park and an early proponent of the program. “Our guests are

becoming much more aware of the need to go green. This is not a fad, but becoming a way of

life—a better way to live!”

Obtaining Sustainable Pittsburgh Restaurant designation involves a restaurant’s

completion of an online, self-assessment that evaluates its current state of operations. Topics

covered include water, waste, energy, food sourcing, people, community engagement, and

nutrition.

http://sustainablepghrestaurants.org/site/http://sustainablepittsburgh.org/http://thetimes-tribune.com/opinion/correction-1.1913515http://thetimes-tribune.com/opinion/limit-terms-oflandfill-growth-1.1912490http://www.meadvilletribune.com/news/local_news/materials-being-reused-at-local-demolition-sites/article_b1e474e0-29db-11e5-9bef-d3a66a30e6a0.htmlhttp://www.mcall.com/news/local/easton/mc-chrin-landfill-expansion-20150714-story.html#navtype=outfithttp://centrecountyrecycles.org/http://centrecountyrecycles.org/http://arts-festival.com/http://arts-festival.com/http://centrecountyrecycles.org/http://thetimes-tribune.com/opinion/correction-1.1913515http://thetimes-tribune.com/opinion/limit-terms-oflandfill-growth-1.1912490


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Restaurants are recognized by the following “plates” to indicate level of achieved

designation: Starter, Bronze, Silver, Gold, and Platinum.

The Sustainable Pittsburgh Restaurant website features a restaurant finder for diners who

may wish to patronize establishments that demonstrate sustainability performance. Diners will

be able to search restaurants by map, level of designation, alphabetical order, and by county and

neighborhood.Profiles of Sustainable Pittsburgh Restaurants will also be accessed through the website,

providing diners the ability to view a designated establishment's commitment to sustainability

practices. In turn, restaurants are provided a new venue to showcase their positive actions.

All restaurants operating in southwestern Pennsylvania are eligible to participate. By

implementing sustainable policies and practices, a restaurant can save money, attract more

guests, stand out as a leader, gain positive public recognition, and be part of a vibrant community

of restaurants serving up sustainability in the Pittsburgh region.

“Sustainable Pittsburgh works to identify leverage points for positive change,” said Court

Gould, Executive Director of Sustainable Pittsburgh. “With the culture and business of food

coming on strong here, this is just the sort of pivotal moment to be seized. By inviting the foodie

movement to advance the policies and practices of sustainable development, the Pittsburghregion will be the emergent leader for a restaurant industry whose growing prosperity is based on

attentiveness to mutual wins for people, business, and the environment.”

The Sustainable Pittsburgh Restaurant program distinguishes itself from other restaurant

sustainability programs by focusing not only on environmentally sustainable actions, but social

actions as well.

For example, the assessment features such socially-oriented actions as helping people

gain access to food, raising employee working standards, and community involvement. Some

environmental actions of the assessment include reducing food waste, recycling, and energy

efficient lighting.

“The Sustainable Pittsburgh Restaurant designation provides a flexible way for

restaurants to gain positive public recognition for their achievements while simultaneously

helping owners and managers determine next steps for continual improvement,” said Rebecca

Bykoski, Program Manager at Sustainable Pittsburgh. “Restaurants incorporating sustainability

employ it as a means to attract more customers, save money, conserve resources, and avoid costs

while also supporting the local community.

“With more and more restaurants embracing sustainability as their strategy for success,

the industry here in Pittsburgh has the potential to distinguish itself as a national forerunner in

this movement,” Bykoski added.

The Pittsburgh region’s booming restaurant industry is well-positioned to embrace and

benefit from the Sustainable Pittsburgh Restaurant designation.

The region is increasingly recognized as both a "foodie" town and a model for sustainabledevelopment. The number of restaurants is rapidly increasing and Pittsburgh recently has been

named (twice) one of the top ten cities for foodies in the United States!

According to the National Restaurant Association, locally sourced produce and meats,

environmental sustainability, and food waste reduction are among the “Top 10 Food Trends” of

2015 and gaining further momentum. Preferences also indicate that 78 percent of consumers are

likely to choose a restaurant based on its sustainable values.

The restaurant industry is a big player in the nation’s economy. Getting food from farm


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to fork accounts for 10 percent of the United States’ energy budget, uses 50 percent of U.S. land,

and consumes 80 percent of the freshwater in the U.S. All the while 40 percent of the food in the

U.S. today goes uneaten.

As the restaurant industry is the second largest private-sector employer in the United

States and an engine of economic growth, the consideration of its environmental, economic, and

social impacts of operations is crucial.The Sustainable Pittsburgh Restaurant program helps restaurants embrace these trends

and build their businesses by incorporating sustainable principles into their existing processes.

This designation program was developed by Sustainable Pittsburgh with the insights and

expert guidance of the members of the Sustainable Pittsburgh Restaurant advisory committee.

The development of this program was made possible through grant support from the Henry L.

Hillman Foundation.

For all the details, including the designation assessment criteria, visit the Sustainable

Pittsburgh Restaurant Program webpage.

Interested restaurants can also contact Rebecca Bykoski by email to:

[email protected] . Sustainable Pittsburgh Restaurant is on Twitter and on

Facebook

.

Renmatix In PA Recognized By EPA With Green Chemistry Challenge Award

The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency Monday announced it is recognizing landmark green

chemistry technologies developed by industrial pioneers and leading scientists that turn climate

risk and other environmental problems into business opportunities, spurring innovation and

economic development.

Renmatix in King of Prussia, Montgomery County, is being recognized with the

Presidential Green Chemistry Award for developing a process using supercritical water to more

cost effectively break down plant material into sugars used as building blocks for renewable

chemicals and fuels.

This innovative low-cost process could result in a sizeable increase in the production of

plant-based chemicals and fuels, and reduce the dependence on petroleum fuels.

“From academia to business, we congratulate those who bring innovative solutions that

will help solve some of the most critical environmental problems,” said Jim Jones, EPA’s

Assistant Administrator for Chemical Safety and Pollution Prevention. “These innovations

reduce the use of energy, hazardous chemicals and water, while cutting manufacturing costs and

sparking investments. In some cases they turn pollution into useful products. Ultimately, these

manufacturing processes and products are safer for people’s health and the environment. We will

continue to work with the 2015 winners as their technologies are adopted in the marketplace.”

Click Here

for more information on each of the winners.

13th Anniversary Of Quecreek Mine Rescue In Somerset

On July 24, 2002 miners broke through into an abandoned,

water-filled mine flooding the Quecreek Mine with over 150

million gallons of water. Nine miners scrambled to safety, but

nine were trapped in a pocket of air in the dark, cold, water filled

http://www2.epa.gov/sites/production/files/2015-02/documents/award_recipients_1996_2014.pdfhttp://www2.epa.gov/green-chemistryhttp://www.facebook.com/sustainablepghrestaurantshttp://www.facebook.com/sustainablepghrestaurantshttp://www.twitter.com/dine_sustainpghmailto:[email protected]://sustainablepghrestaurants.org/site/http://sustainablepghrestaurants.org/site/


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mine.

They were rescued four days later through the combined efforts of state and federal mine

rescue agencies and hundreds of workers and volunteers.

Today more than 10,000 visitors a year visit the rescue site looking to learn more about

the "Quecreek Miracle." The site became part of the Pennsylvania Historical and Museum

Commission Historical Marker Program in 2006. The site is also an affiliate of the Senator JohnHeinz History Center in Pittsburgh in 2010.

The Quecreek Mine Rescue site is just 11 miles from where the September 11, 2001

crash of Flight 93 which cost 40 passengers and crew their lives.

A video produced by the Commonwealth Media Services, Commonwealth of

Pennsylvania in 2003 documented the decisions made step-by-step during the rescue effort.

Click Here to watch the video.

The Quecreek Mine Rescue Foundation oversees operations of a visitors center,

maintains the rescue site and offers programs to education the public about the rescue.

The rescue site and visitors center is located at 151 Haupt Road in Somerset. The

Foundation can be contacted at 814-445-4876.

Joe Sbaffoni, Director of DEP’s Bureau of Deep Mine Safety, one of the key decisionmakers in the rescue, is retiring this year after 43 years experience as a mine safety professional

and more than 30 years with DEP in public service.

Click Here to watch videos from the 10th anniversary celebration.

NewsClips:



Editorial: Are We Prepared For What’s After Coal?

Plans Underway To Quench Carbondale Mine Fire

Natural Gas Now Biggest U.S. Electricity Source

Cumberland County Mosquito Spraying Set For July 20

The Cumberland County West Nile Program will be conducting an ultra-low volume (ULV)

mosquito control operation to reduce high populations of nuisance mosquitoes on July 20 in parts

of Silver Spring Township.

The treatments will be administered via truck-mounted equipment, spraying residential

and recreational mosquito habitat. The equipment dispenses Biomist 3+15 ULV at a rate of .75

ounces per acre.

In 2015, West Nile virus has been detected in the following counties: Adams, Allegheny,

Berks, Blair, Bucks, Cambria, Centre, Chester, Dauphin, Delaware, Lancaster, Lebanon, Lehigh,

Lycoming, Montgomery, and York.Click Here for the complete announcement. For more information on West Nile Virus,

visit DEP’s West Nile Virus website.

DCNR Secretary Addresses Students On Environmental Careers

It was the one question her entire audience

wanted to ask: “How did you pick an

http://www.westnile.state.pa.us/https://www.ahs.dep.pa.gov/WestNileNews/Detail.aspx?ID=1753https://www.ccpa.net/1064/West-Nile-Virushttp://thetimes-tribune.com/news/natural-gas-surpasses-coal-as-biggest-us-electricity-source-1.1911875http://thetimes-tribune.com/news/plans-underway-to-quench-carbondale-mine-fire-1.1911830http://timesleader.com/opinion/editorial/373590/our-opinion-coals-supremacy-over-are-we-prepared-for-what-followshttp://triblive.com/business/headlines/8755732-74/coal-mining-rules#axzz3g5SAl4M4http://powersource.post-gazette.com/powersource/policy-powersource/2015/07/16/Obama-administration-proposing-new-rules-to-protect-streams-near-coal-mines-Appalachia/stories/201507160178http://www.paenvironmentdigest.com/newsletter/default.asp?NewsletterArticleID=23033&SubjectID=&SearchWord=quecreekhttp://www.9for9.org/https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Aji6WncDtSw


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environmental career?”

For the answering DCNR secretary, Cindy Adams Dunn, the indicators always were

there—a childhood love of the outdoors; a developing interest in hiking, birding and fishing; a

desire to share that attachment with others as a camp counselor.

“There wasn’t anything like this when I was younger,” Dunn told her audience of

Exploring Careers Outdoors

campers. “I knew I was interested in nature, but it wasn’t clear tome at that point that it could be a career. I really thought the only way to see the world was to be

a truck driver.”

“You are all fortunate to be here,” the secretary told the campers. “You will learn how to

turn your passion for the outdoors into a career.”

In a visit Monday to Nescopeck State Park, Luzerne County, Dunn called upon high

school students to consider careers in conservation and recreation, and she reminded the young

campers there is no better place to start than a summer job in Pennsylvania’s state parks and

forests.

“DCNR actively seeks and supports youth jobs in conservation and recreation, as these

help mold the interests and commitment of our future leaders in these fields,” Dunn told the

student campers gathered as part of their week-long Exploring Careers Outdoors program. “Somany of our department specialists—the foresters, park managers, geologists and biologists, all

providing invaluable public service—can trace their careers back to summer jobs in the outdoors.

“I am happy to say, as part of Gov. Wolf’s efforts to hire young workers in summer jobs,

DCNR has increased its hiring of youth positions in state parks, bringing the DCNR total this

summer to more than 550 positions across the state.”

Three of the newly hired summer workers were on hand Monday to meet the secretary

and tell her what they did as seasonal employees with the Bureau of State Parks. They were

Nathan Fegley of Barnesville; D’Mitri Yakushin of Kingston; and Tom Duffy of Collegeville.

The Governor announced in June a $7.5 million summer jobs initiative to create over

3,700 new jobs statewide. The funding—$3.5 million in federal funding and $4 million in

Temporary Assistance for Needy Families funds—will help create summer jobs, primarily in

Philadelphia and Pittsburgh.

The secretary noted this summer DCNR is employing more 180 lifeguards at its state

park swimming pools, as well as more than 65 paid interns in field research, office research, GIS

mapping, environmental education and other fields. Also, about 300 young, seasonal wage

workers comprise roughly 28 percent of the department’s seasonal workforce.

Each year, DCNR’s Exploring Careers Outdoors Camp introduces 20 to 25 students in

grades 10-12 to conservation and environmental careers, and encourages their pursuit. From

wildlife projects and stream sampling of aquatic life, to forestry skills, daily activities offer

students a hands-on, team-building learning experience in an outdoor setting.

“ECO Camp has become one of DCNR’s strongest success stories since beginning 13years ago,” said Dunn. “We’ve successfully worked with hundreds of young people to hone their

awareness of the natural world and the variety of related careers available to them.”

The six-day camp began July 12, and is based at Episcopal House and Chapel, Mountain

Top, Luzerne County. The camp is near Nescopeck State Park and about 10 miles south of

Wilkes-Barre.

“Past campers have come from small towns and large cities, forming a unique pool of

intelligence, spirit and commitment to environmental improvement,” Dunn said. “In addition,

http://www.dcnr.state.pa.us/stateparks/ecocamp/index.htm


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many DCNR employees have supported this camp effort, some coming back year after year.”

The camp introduces 20 to 25 students in grades 10-12 to conservation and

environmental careers, and encourages their pursuit. From wildlife conservation projects and

stream sampling of aquatic life, to forestry skills, daily activities will offer students a hands-on,

team-building learning experience in an outdoor setting.

Participants are exposed to a wide range of career experiences, including water qualityassessments, geology field studies, and overnight camping experiences. They also meet

conservation professionals to learn about career opportunities.

Offered free of charge, the instruction and daily activities are overseen by specialists and

officials of DCNR’s bureaus of state parks, forestry, and topographic and geologic survey. After

the camp, attendees will have a chance to seek internships, mentoring and job

pa environment digest july 20, 2015

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