pa environment digest july 27, 2015

8/20/2019 Pa Environment Digest July 27, 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 27, 2015

Click Here For Entire July 27 PA Environment Digest

NOTE: Due to technical difficulties, the July 27 PA Environment Digest is posted here as one

story. Please scroll down to read this week’s Digest . Click Here to print the entire Digest.

Feature Stories This Week(In Addition To Regular Sections):

PA Officials Reiterate Commitment To Clean Water, Chesapeake Bay Cleanup

DEP To Sit Down With Stakeholders On Plan To Meet PA Clean Water Commitments

Op-Ed: Commit To Saving Chesapeake Bay, By Former Gov. Dick Thornburgh

CBF-PA: Pennsylvania Declares Clean Water Counts

DEP Citizens Advisory Council OKs Comments On Act 54 Deep Mining Impact Report

DCNR: Greene County Lake Dam Damaged By Deep Coal Mining Won’t Be Rebuilt

State Budget Impasse Day 27: Better Understanding, Productive Talks, No Agreement

Wolf Names Mary Isenhour New Chief Of Staff, Replacing Katie McGinty

PEC To Hold 2nd Environmental Policy Conference In Harrisburg October 13

3 PA Farms Receive PACD Clean Water Farm Awards

2016 Keystone Coldwater Conference Call For Presenters, Student Posters

PA Sea Grant Program Research Grant Proposals Due August 14

Register Now For Mid-Atlantic Volunteer Monitoring Conference Aug. 7-8

July 20 Watershed Winds Newsletter Now Available From Penn State Extension

June, July Catalyst Newsletters Available From Slippery Rock Watershed Coalition

Wolf Announces $98.3M Investment In Water Infrastructure Projects In 12 Counties

PennVEST Loan Helps Treat Acid Mine Drainage In Mahanoy Creek

2 Local Keep PA Beautiful Affiliates Receive Community Tree Planting Grants

PA Environmental Council Continues Clean Up Work In Northeast PA

DEP Takes Control Of Cleanup At Illegal Dump Sites In Carbon, Schuylkill Counties

July 28 Hearing On Proposed Frey Farm Landfill Expansion, Lancaster County

Wolf Administration Publishes First Regulatory Agenda

https://goo.gl/mb7rR3

http://www.paenvironmentdigest.com/newsletter/default.asp?NewsletterArticleID=11953



State Distributing Free Potassium Iodide Near Nuclear Power Plants Aug. 6

DEP Holds First Meeting Of Pipeline Infrastructure Task Force

New PA Energy Infrastructure Alliance Formed

DCNR Releases Update To Shale Gas Monitoring Report

Study Finds Negligible Radiation In Ten Mile Creek, Greene CountyOp-Ed: Here’s Where We Need To Go Next For Safe Hydraulic Fracturing

DEP Regional Citizens' Roundtable Tours New Panda Patriot Natural Gas Power Plant

Small Business Advantage Pollution Prevention, Energy Efficiency Grants Now Available

U.S. DOE, Pittsburgh Sign MOU On Creating Next Generation Energy Solutions

DEP Offers Free Energy Efficiency Training, Express Your Interest Now!

July 23 DEP News Now Available

Environmental Author, Strategist Speaking At Duquesne Sustainability Graduation

July 30 Hearing On Short Term Air Emission Plan For the Homer City Power Station

Outdoor Recreation, PA Waterways Subject Of PEC TV Program Now Online

Students In Goddard Leadership Legacy Institute Explored LeTort Spring Run In Carlisle

The Circuit Trails Show Increased Use, Wins USA TODAY’s Best Urban Trail

PEC Pocono Forest & Waters Conservation Landscape Mini-Grants Awarded

Health Concerns Close Lake At Cowans Gap State Park, Fulton County

Brodhead Creek Watershed Assn Hosts 2 Hikes On August 29 In Monroe County

Health Department Calls For Increased Lyme Disease Awareness, Detection

Snyder County Mosquito Spraying Set For July 27

Wildlands Conservancy Highlights August Programs

Game Commission Seeks Input On Osprey Recovery Plan

Help Wanted: Berks Conservation District Looking To Fill Technician Position

Office Space: PACD Has Office Space Available For Immediate Rent In Harrisburg

Environmental Heritage:

July 28, 1988 Act 101 Recycling Law Enacted

Quecreek Mine Rescue Site Monument To Hope

Quecreek Mine Museum Gives Visitors Something To See

Superintendent At Flight 93 Site Set For Visitor Center Dedication

Tickets Available Soon For Flight 93 Visitors Center Opening

PA Officials Reiterate Commitment To Clean Water, Chesapeake Bay Cleanup

In Washington, DC, Thursday, Department of Environmental Protection Secretary John Quigley

and Department of Agriculture Secretary Russell Redding restated Pennsylvania’s commitment

to improving river and stream health throughout the Commonwealth, and ultimately, the health

of the Chesapeake Bay.

http://www.post-gazette.com/local/east/2015/07/23/Tickets-available-next-month-for-opening-of-Flight-93-memorial-visitors-complex-pennsylvania/stories/201507230189

http://triblive.com/news/somerset/8549329-74/clark-flight-national

http://www.pennlive.com/midstate/index.ssf/2015/07/quecreek_mine_rescue_anniversa_1.html

http://www.pennlive.com/entertainment/index.ssf/2015/07/quecreek_mine_rescue_foundatio.html#incart_river

http://www.portal.state.pa.us/portal/server.pt/community/recycling/14060



Secretaries Quigley and Redding represented Gov. Tom Wolf at Thursday’s meeting of

the Chesapeake Bay Executive Council. With Pennsylvania contributing half of the water

flowing into the bay, Secretaries Quigley and Redding said states throughout the watershed are

looking to the commonwealth for leadership, and the state is responding.

“A Chesapeake Bay reboot is needed in Pennsylvania, and we plan to focus resources and

technical assistance, reinvigorate partnerships, and create a culture of compliance in order to protect Pennsylvania’s waters and the waters of the bay,” said Quigley during a press conference

immediately following today’s meeting with leaders of the bay states.

“We know that there is work to be done, and we’re committed to seeing that work

accomplished,” said Redding. “It’s time to restart the conversation about how we meet our clean

water obligations. The health of our watersheds is tied to the agriculture industry in

Pennsylvania, and the health of our agriculture industry is tied to the quality of our waterways.

We cannot have healthy farms without healthy waterways and vice versa.”

Quigley and Redding said that since the Wolf administration took office in January, the

state has been actively engaged with the federal government, other states, and stakeholders

throughout Pennsylvania’s portion of the watershed on how the commonwealth plans to meet its

pollution reduction obligations.Quigley noted that in the near future, Pennsylvania plans to expand on its bay restoration

program by focusing on the following strategies:

— Modeling at a regional watershed level

— Developing stronger partnerships

— Increasing compliance through enforcement

— Modernizing record keeping and data collection

During the executive council meeting, Secretary Quigley led a discussion about the

benefits of riparian forest buffers in improving water quality. He recognized the role buffers play

in the Chesapeake Bay, but also emphasized that riparian forest buffers make a big difference in

the health of Pennsylvania’s local rivers and streams.

Quigley urged fellow bay states and partners to sign a resolution calling for an increase in

riparian forest buffers to meet Chesapeake Bay goals.

Secretary Redding noted that Pennsylvania’s farmers stand ready to do their part, with

many farmers in the bay watershed already acting to do the right thing for Pennsylvania’s water

quality. What is important, he added, is ensuring that Pennsylvania gets credit for all of the work

done to date and in the future in the bay improvement model.

The state’s agriculture industry is expected to contribute 75 percent of the nutrient and

sediment reductions necessary for Pennsylvania to meet its cleanup goals.

The state is facing a 2017 mid-term assessment, by which time it is expected to have

achieved 60 percent of its targeted reductions in nitrogen, phosphorous and sediment pollution.

The deadline for states to meet their Watershed Implementation Plans and Chesapeake Bay TotalMaximum Daily Load commitments is 2025.

Already, Pennsylvania has made considerable progress, although more work remains.

Since 1985, when Pennsylvania joined the Chesapeake Bay Commission, the state has

reduced phosphorous, sediment and nitrogen pollution to the bay by 25 percent (1.4 million

pounds), 15 percent (433.8 million pounds) and 6 percent (11.57 million pounds), respectively –

all despite an increase in the number of farms and in the number of acres within the watershed in

production agriculture.

http://www.chesbay.us/

http://www.chesapeakebay.net/groups/group/chesapeake_executive_council



These reductions have been evidenced by Susquehanna River Basin Commission data

from monitoring stations throughout the river’s watershed.

For more information, visit DEP’s Chesapeake Bay Program webpage.

NewsClips:

Chesapeake Bay Report Card: Progress, But Challenges Ahead

Op-Ed: Waiting Long Enough For Cleaner Chesapeake Bay, Gov. Thornburgh Teachers Get Feet Wet At Envirothon Workshop

Op-Ed: Tell Toomey, PA Republicans To Support Clean Water Act

New Test Shows Little Radiation In Ten Mile Creek

Radiation Tests In Ten Mile Creek Yield Conflicting Results

Mystery Continues Over Radioactivity In Western PA Stream

Riverlife Pittsburgh Hires New CEO

Latest From The Chesapeake Bay Journal

Click Here to subscribe to the Chesapeake Bay Journal

Related Stories:


CBF-PA: Pennsylvania Declares Clean Water Counts! Op-Ed: Commit To Saving Chesapeake Bay, Gov. Dick Thornburgh


DEP Secretary John Quigley told the Citizens Advisory Council Tuesday DEP is in the process

of developing a plan for rebooting Pennsylvania’s Chesapeake Bay cleanup efforts which it plans

to review with stakeholders over the coming months.

As he has in the past, Secretary Quigley said Pennsylvania has not met its Chesapeake

Bay cleanup commitments, in spite of investing over $4 billion since 1985. He pointed out, in

particular, that voluntary compliance from farming operations has not achieved the results

needed to meet commitments.

Quigley said the Department of Agriculture is also preparing an application for additional

federal funding with several public and private partners to fund conservation efforts to exclude

livestock from streams and to install stream buffers.

EPA sent a letter to DEP on May 4 outlining the potential steps it would take if

Pennsylvania does not act to meet its Chesapeake Bay cleanup commitments.

Quigley also noted the comment period for Pennsylvania’s Nonpoint Source

Management Plan just closed and the agency is in the process of reviewing the comments and

finalizing the plan.

NewsClips:

Chesapeake Bay Report Card: Progress, But Challenges Ahead Op-Ed: Waiting Long Enough For Cleaner Chesapeake Bay, Gov. Thornburgh

Teachers Get Feet Wet At Envirothon Workshop






http://triblive.com/news/adminpage/8779900-74/boston-harbor-riverlife

https://stateimpact.npr.org/pennsylvania/2015/07/24/mystery-continues-over-radioactivity-in-western-pa-stream/

http://www.sungazette.com/page/content.detail/id/890758/Radiation-tests-at-Ten-Mile-Creek-yield-conflicting-results.html?isap=1&nav=5020

http://www.observer-reporter.com/article/20150723/NEWS01/150729780

http://www.pennlive.com/opinion/2015/07/tell_pat_toomey_and_pa_repubs.html

http://cumberlink.com/news/local/communities/mechanicsburg/teachers-get-feet-wet-at-envirothon-workshop/article_cfa862d3-c7bc-5592-a9ae-4f9f102132aa.html

http://www.philly.com/philly/opinion/20150721_Area_has_waited_long_enough_for_cleaner_Chesapeake_Bay.html

http://www.washingtonpost.com/local/dc-politics/chesapeake-bays-annual-report-card-progress-on-cleanup-but-challenges-ahead/2015/07/23/b3d38d32-3169-11e5-8353-1215475949f4_story.html



http://paenvironmentdaily.blogspot.com/2015/07/epa-notifies-dep-it-will-act-if-pa-does.html

http://www.portal.state.pa.us/portal/server.pt/community/meetings/21513

http://paenvironmentdaily.blogspot.com/2015/07/op-ed-commit-to-saving-chesapeake-bay.html

http://paenvironmentdaily.blogspot.com/2015/07/cbf-pa-pennsylvania-declares-clean.html

http://paenvironmentdaily.blogspot.com/2015/07/dep-to-sit-down-with-stakeholders-on.html

http://www.bayjournal.com/subscription

http://www.bayjournal.com/









http://www.dep.state.pa.us/river/iwo/chesbay/main.htm





Related Stories:


CBF-PA: Pennsylvania Declares Clean Water Counts!

Op-Ed: Commit To Saving Chesapeake Bay, Gov. Dick Thornburgh

Op-Ed: Commit To Saving Chesapeake Bay

By Former Gov. Dick Thornburgh

The Chesapeake Bay is our nation’s largest estuary. An American treasure

of legendary beauty, the bay and its system of tributary rivers and streams

are critically important — economically, culturally, and for human health

reasons.

Yet, they remain fouled by pollution that runs off farm fields and city

streets, falls from the air, and is deposited directly from point sources suchas sewage-treatment plants and factories.

The state of the bay system is a national embarrassment.

The bay’s geography at the center of the mid-Atlantic region and in the

backyard of the District of Columbia ensures that the entire country is watching efforts to restore

good water quality. For that reason, recent reports that pollution-reduction efforts languish,

especially in my home state of Pennsylvania, are concerning.

We as a society have long acknowledged the problem and long committed to resolving it.

In fact, as governor of Pennsylvania between 1979 and 1987, I was one of five signatories to a

regional commitment to restore the bay.

That commitment, called the 1983 Chesapeake Bay Agreement, was also signed by the

governors of Maryland and Virginia, the mayor of the District of Columbia, and the

administrator of the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA).

Our agreement began:

“We recognize that the findings of the Chesapeake Bay Program have shown an

historical decline in the living resources of the Chesapeake Bay and that a cooperative approach

is needed among the Environmental Protection Agency, the state of Maryland, the

commonwealths of Pennsylvania and Virginia, and the District of Columbia ... to fully address

the extent, complexity, and sources of pollutants entering the Bay.

“We further recognize that EPA and the states share the responsibility for management

decisions and resources regarding the high-priority issues of the Chesapeake Bay.”

The 1983 agreement established an executive council, whose role was, and still is, to:“Assess and oversee the implementation of coordinated plans to improve and protect the water

quality and living resources of the Chesapeake Bay estuarine systems.”

Roughly half of Pennsylvania drains into the bay. We deliver half of the fresh water

entering the Chesapeake and, overall, the most pollution degrading it.

I am deeply troubled that our state contributes so much pollution and has made relatively

little progress to slow that pollution, adversely affecting water quality in Pennsylvania and,

ultimately, the bay.








The annual meeting of the executive council is scheduled for Thursday. When the council

gathers, it must commit to action, and now. The commitments must be clear, specific, and

measurable.

The nearly 18 million people living in the bay states should not have to wait another

30-plus years for the clean water promised to all of us in our nation’s Clean Water Act.

Dick Thornburgh is a former governor of Pennsylvania he can be contacted by sending email to:

[email protected]

NewsClips:


Op-Ed: Waiting Long Enough For Cleaner Chesapeake Bay, Gov. Thornburgh






Riverlife Pittsburgh Hires New CEO Latest From The Chesapeake Bay Journal


Related Stories:



Op-Ed: Commit To Saving Chesapeake Bay, Gov. Dick Thornburgh


By Harry Campbell, Chesapeake Bay Foundation-PA Executive Director

The chorus of county, organization, and individual voices grows louder

across Pennsylvania each day as more names are added to our Clean

Water Counts Campaign .

The lyrics of this tune say that the status quo is no longer good

enough when it comes to efforts to reduce water pollution in

Pennsylvania.

Likewise, more than 12,000 people across the region have made

it clear to their governors and the U.S. Environmental Protection

Agency, that it's time the Chesapeake Executive Council stands firmly behind the Chesapeake

Clean Water Blueprint. They are urging the council to take action to get Pennsylvania back ontrack to meet its pollution-reduction commitments.

The Executive Council meets Thursday, July 23, and is responsible for keeping the

Blueprint on track. Considering that restoration efforts are significantly off-track, particularly in

Pennsylvania, CBF is calling on the council to provide necessary leadership and to acknowledge

that accelerated actions must take place.

If you have not already, please send a message to EPA and your governor urging they

fully commit to the Blueprint.

http://takeaction.cbf.org/p/dia/action3/common/public/?action_KEY=17101

http://www.cbf.org/how-we-save-the-bay/chesapeake-clean-water-blueprint/what-is-the-chesapeake-clean-water-blueprint

http://www.cbf.org/how-we-save-the-bay/chesapeake-clean-water-blueprint/what-is-the-chesapeake-clean-water-blueprint

http://www.cbf.org/about-cbf/offices-operations/harrisburg-pa/issues/urge-county-commissioners-to-pass-clean-water-resolutions

http://www.cbf.org/about-cbf/offices-operations/harrisburg-pa/issues/urge-county-commissioners-to-pass-clean-water-resolutions

http://www.cbf.org/about-cbf/offices-operations/harrisburg-pennsylvania














mailto:[email protected]



EPA's most recent assessment of 2014-15 milestones shows that Pennsylvania has fallen

dangerously behind in meeting its commitments to reduce nitrogen and sediment pollution. But,

it is on track to meet its phosphorus-reduction mark. This follows the Commonwealth missing its

nitrogen and sediment goals in 2012-13.

Pollution-reduction efforts need to be rebooted if Pennsylvania is to reach its

commitment to implement 60 percent of the programs and practices necessary to restore localwater quality by 2017 and finish the job by 2025.

The Clean Water Counts campaign in the Commonwealth gives Pennsylvanians an

opportunity to join in jumpstarting elected state officials with one collective voice—that clean

water must be a top priority for the Keystone State.

CBF and the PA Growing Greener Coalition launched the Clean Water Counts campaign

last summer, calling on local governments across the Commonwealth to pass clean water

resolutions. The campaign gained significant momentum in June, when Philadelphia County

added its voice to 14 other counties in adopting the clean water resolution.

The Clean Water Counts campaign continues to gain the support of individuals as well.

About 1 ,500 Pennsylvanians have signed the petition calling on their county officials to pass

resolutions.CBF expanded the campaign's rally for clean water to organizations, groups, and

businesses. In a short period of time, more than 80 statewide and regional organizations and

numerous conservancies, watershed alliances, and conservation districts have added their names

to the cause.

By supporting the Clean Water Counts campaign, Philadelphia and numerous other

counties and organizations are telling lawmakers in Harrisburg that clean water is integral to

Pennsylvania's economy, communities, and human health. That now is the time for action.

It is the same message that CBF hopes will resonate with the Chesapeake Executive

Council on July 23.

Pennsylvania Gov. Tom Wolf, a member of the Executive Council, inherited the

Commonwealth's water quality issues and has acknowledged that a pollution-reduction "reboot"

of efforts is necessary.

Former Pennsylvania Governor Dick Thornburgh, one of five past signatories to a

regional commitment to restore the Bay, told the Philadelphia Inquirer that the council "must

commit to action, and now. The commitments must be clear, specific, and measurable."

Those calling on the Executive Council to take action and those signing on to the Clean

Water Counts campaign in Pennsylvania, are in harmony with the fact that clean water is a

legacy worth leaving future generations.

For more information on programs and activities in Pennsylvania, visit the Chesapeake

Bay Foundation-PA webpage. Click Here to sign up for regular Chesapeake Bay-PA updates.

NewsClips:Chesapeake Bay Report Card: Progress, But Challenges Ahead

















http://www.philly.com/philly/blogs/thinktank/Commit-to-saving-Chesapeake-Bay.html

http://www.cbf.org/about-cbf/offices-operations/harrisburg-pa/clean-water-counts-for-organizations/pledge

http://takeaction.cbf.org/p/dia/action3/common/public/?action_KEY=14602

http://www.cbf.org/news-media/newsroom/2015/06/16/philadelphia-county-numerous-organizations-boost-support-for-clean-water-counts-campaign

http://www.cbf.org/news-media/newsroom/2015/06/16/philadelphia-county-numerous-organizations-boost-support-for-clean-water-counts-campaign

http://pagrowinggreener.org/

http://www.cbf.org/news-media/newsroom/2015/06/12/pennsylvanias-efforts-to-reduce-pollution-falling-short-of-its-commitments






Related Stories:


CBF-PA: Pennsylvania Declares Clean Water Counts! Op-Ed: Commit To Saving Chesapeake Bay, Gov. Dick Thornburgh


At its Tuesday meeting, DEP’s Citizens Advisory Council finalized its comments on DEP’s Act

54 report on the impact of underground coal mining. Council also heard a presentation on

workforce development and succession planning within DEP and made changes to its policy for

accepting public comments during its monthly meetings.

Act 54 Report Comments

Among the recommendations made by the CAC in its final comments on DEP’s Act 54

report are---- Independent Review Committee: Asks Gov. Wolf to convene by Executive Order an

independent, technical committee to study whether a water supply impacted by underground coal

mining can be restored to pre-mining conditions in both water quality chemistry and biological

characteristics and make recommendations, if appropriate to Act 54 to the General Assembly and

Governor. The CAC notes that 8 of the 55 streams determined to be affected in the previous

report (2003-2008) have yet to recover to pre-mining conditions.

-- Disclosure Of Restoration Measures: The CAC recommends Act 54 be amended to direct

mine owners to disclose to DEP how water resources impacted by underground mining

operations were restored or reclaimed through private landowner agreements. Without this data,

the Commonwealth is not in a position to adequately assess if the intent and purpose of Act 54

are being fulfilled.

-- Presumption Zone Should Be Increased: The 35 degree Rebuttable Presumption Zone, as

provided in Section 5.2(c) of Act 54, should be reassessed by DEP through consultation with

appropriate technical professionals. With this recommendation, the CAC notes that 25 percent

of mine-liable water supply effects were identified in the most recent Act 54 Report to lie outside

the Rebuttable Presumption Zone, including as much as 85 degrees outward and upward from

the edge of mining.

-- Eliminate Deadline For Water Restoration: The CAC believes it is appropriate the General

Assembly revisit the provisions included in Act 54 that limit a mine operator’s liability to restore

or replace a water supply if claims concerning water contamination, diminution or interruption

do not occur within 2 years from the time the supply was adversely affected.-- Evaluation Of Compensation Timeframes: Section 5.1(g) of Act 54 specifies that

compensation shall be provided to the landowner if an affected water supply is not restored or

reestablished or a permanent alternate source is not provided within three years. The CAC

received comments and testimony from the public that claim resolutions are taking longer than

statutorily prescribed, including circumstances where cases have remained unresolved for over 7

to 8 years with an average resolution of three and a half years. Given these reports, the CAC

recommends the General Assembly investigate the resolution timeframes included in Act 54,

http://www.portal.state.pa.us/portal/server.pt?open=514&objID=1149978&mode=2


https://goo.gl/mqOyO5










why those timeframes are not being upheld, and whether those timeframes need to be amended

based upon practical and historical experience.

-- DEP Should Be Notified Of Water Supply Issues: Section 5.2 of Act 54 requires a

landowner or water user to notify the mine operator when water supply contamination,

diminution or interruption has occurred. The CAC recommends the General Assembly reassess

the adequacy of this requirement, including whether it is appropriate that DEP be notified at thesame time a mine operator is notified, so that DEP, if necessary, can initiate an independent

analysis of impacts on water resources, consistent with its obligations under the Clean Streams

Law.

The CAC recommendation include 19 additional comments on other areas of the

underground mining program including, DEP regulations, DEP permitting procedures, DEP

resources for the program, particularly for data management systems, DEP policies and DEP

public engagement and transparency.

The comments also include a list of 11 questions asked to clarify sections of the Act 54

report.

A copy of the final comments is available online and will be posted on the DEP’s

Citizens Advisory Council webpage. A copy of the Act 54 report covering 2008 to 2013 is also

available online .

The Citizens Advisory Council held two public hearings on the Act 54 report to help it

develop its recommendations and comments, including one in Washington County.

Bulletin: DCNR: Greene County Lake Dam Damaged By Deep Coal Mining Won’t Be

Rebuilt

DEP Workforce/Succession Planning

Jason Swarthout, Director of DEP’s Bureau of Human Resources, provided Council with

an overview of DEP’s workforce and steps the agency is taking on succession planning.

Swarthout provided this snapshot of DEP’s workforce: 95 percent of DEP’s positions are

civil service, 70 percent are covered by union contracts, 72 percent of positions are in field

offices, DEP uses 300 different job classifications.

The average age of a DEP employee is 48 with 15.7 years of experience and for

individuals in leadership positions the average age is 53 with 22 years of experience.

Over the next four years 30 percent of DEP’s employees will be eligible for retirement.

About 6 to 8 percent of employees retire each year, although that could accelerate with the

adoption of pension reforms. The average age of a DEP employee retiring is 59.

Swarthout said the agency is providing a variety of tools to agency managers so they can

take steps to accommodate retirements by improving core staff skills, identify future managers

and by smoothing the process of opening civil service tests in a more timely manner to facilitate

filling positions when they become available.

DEP, like other employers, is also adjusting its hiring practices to the expectations of anew generation of potential employers whose expectations are different than those of the baby

boomers.

There is more competition for employees to fill open positions because there are fewer

eligible graduates of academic programs. Younger employees, Swarthout said, are also

expecting to jump from job to job and not stay with one company or agency for their entire

career like baby boomers.

In response to concerns about these and other issues, in particular attracting more

http://paenvironmentdaily.blogspot.com/2015/07/dcnr-greene-county-lake-dam-damaged-by.html






https://goo.gl/mqOyO5



minority candidates to fill positions in DEP, the Council formed a new Workforce and

Succession Planning Committee to look more closely at these issues.

A copy of Swarthout’s presentation will be posted on the Citizens Advisory Council’s

webpage.

Public Comments At CAC Meetings

The Council also adopted changes to its procedures to allow for public comments duringeach of its monthly meetings.

The CAC sets aside 15 minutes at each of its public meetings for comments from the

public on issues they are concerned about. In several recent meetings, groups of individuals

presented similar comments on a specific issue which became more in the nature of a public

hearing than the comment period was intended for at meetings.

The Council clarified its procedures to ensure people presenting comments understood

the CAC is not a decision making body, it advises DEP on issues of concern to Council members

and the public.

Persons interested in presenting comments should notify Council 24 hours before the

meeting to they can be assured time to present their comments. Comments should be limited to

no more than five minutes, unless prior arrangements have been made.Groups will be asked to designate a representative to present their views.

To arrange to present comments before Council, contact Michele Tate, CAC Executive

Director, by sending email to: [email protected] or call 717-787-8171.

August Meeting Canceled

The August meeting of the Council has been canceled. The next meeting is September

15.

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

NewsClips:

DCNR Halts Efforts To Restore Lake At Ryerson Station State Park

DCNR Will Not Rebuild Lake Dam At Ryerson Station State Park

Investor Pushing Changes At Consol Energy

Consol Warns Of Loss From Low Gas, Coal Prices

Related Story:



The Washington Observer-Reporter and Tribune Review

Friday reported DCNR Secretary Cindy Dunn announced the

agency would not rebuild the Duke Lake dam in Ryerson

Station State Park , Greene County, due to concerns about

additional settling of an area above an underground coal mine

that damaged the original dam.

In 2013, a mediated settlement between the Department

of Conservation and Natural Resources and Consol Energy,

which owned the Bailey coal mine which damaged the Duke

Lake dam in 2005, resulted in Consol agreeing to pay $36 million to replace the dam, add 506

acres to the park and agreed not to drill on the park lands for natural gas and other commitments.

http://www.paenvironmentdigest.com/newsletter/default.asp?NewsletterArticleID=25299&SubjectID=&SearchWord=ryerson

http://www.dcnr.state.pa.us/stateparks/findapark/ryersonstation/

http://www.dcnr.state.pa.us/stateparks/findapark/ryersonstation/

http://triblive.com/news/adminpage/8787417-74/lake-state-dam#axzz3gpwKSVrK





http://triblive.com/business/headlines/8772852-74/gas-consol-coal

http://triblive.com/business/headlines/8779655-74/consol-southeastern-gas





https://goo.gl/c1Ez1k




Secretary Dunn said DCNR will change the focus of its efforts, along with a task force

helping the agency, to find other amenities that could be added to Ryerson with the $36 million

in funding provided by Consol.

(Photo: Washington Observer-Reporter.)

NewsClips:

DCNR Halts Efforts To Restore Lake At Ryerson Station State Park DCNR Will Not Rebuild Lake Dam At Ryerson Station State Park

Investor Pushing Changes At Consol Energy

Consol Warns Of Loss From Low Gas, Coal Prices

Related Story:


State Budget Impasse Day 27: Better Understanding, Productive Talks, No Agreement

Positive noises were coming from the Capitol after meetings between Gov. Wolf and GOP

Leaders on the budget this week with phrases like “better understanding,” “ productive talks,”

and even a “really rolled up our sleeves” were used to describe the talks.But on Day 27 of the state budget impasse, there was no agreement. In fact the big news

was not the budget, but the resignation of Katie McGinty as Wolf’s chief of staff to run for the

U.S. Senate ( see separate story).

The Senate and House are not scheduled back for voting session until September 21;

although the House has a one day session planned for August 25. Of course, if lightening strikes

and there is a budget agreement, members can always be recalled sooner.

The House this week did take the opportunity to move a General Fund budget vehicle--

House Bill 1460 (Adolph-R-Delaware)-- out of the House Appropriations Committee so that

when a budget deal is made there will be a bill to slap it into. The bill is identical to the one

vetoed by Gov. Wolf.

Meanwhile, see you in September House and Senate members! (unless sooner recalled).

NewsClips:

Wolf Willing To Compromise On Severance Tax

Op-Ed: Put Kids First, Not Gas Companies

Op-Ed: PA Has Potential To Be An Energy Powerhouse

Op-Ed: Natural Gas Economic Benefits For Southcentral PA

Wolf: Social Service Providers May Have To Borrow Money

Wolf: We’re Going To Get Through This

Wolf, Lawmakers Sound Upbeat After 4-Hour Budget Talks

House Returns To Session With Deep Divides Over Budget

Budget Negotiators Find Better Understanding, No Final Product GOP Majority Of Majority Rule Could Test Any Budget Deal

Budget Politicking Hits The Road

House Returns To Budget Impasse

McGinty Steps Down To Make U.S. Senate Run

Isenhour Tapped To Replace McGinty As Chief Of Staff

Column: With Wolf Staff Changes, Real Shot At Budget Deal

Republicans See Isenhour’s Appointment As Positive

http://www.theplsreporter.com/Home/TabId/56/ArtMID/472/ArticleID/835/Republicans-see-Isenhour%E2%80%99s-replacement-of-McGinty-as-a-positive-development.aspx

http://blog.pennlive.com/capitol-notebook/2015/07/with_staff_changes_-_a_shot_at.html

http://triblive.com/news/adminpage/8793437-74/mcginty-wolf-isenhour

http://triblive.com/news/adminpage/8754600-74/mcginty-wolf-state

http://thetimes-tribune.com/news/house-returns-to-budget-impasse-1.1914987

http://www.theplsreporter.com/Home/TabId/56/ArtMID/472/ArticleID/831/Budget-politicking-hits-the-road.aspx

http://timesleader.com/news/373987/gop-majority-of-majority-rule-could-test-any-budget-deal

http://www.theplsreporter.com/Home/TabId/56/ArtMID/472/ArticleID/833/Budget-negotiators-find-a-%E2%80%9Cbetter-understanding%E2%80%9D-of-differences-but-no-final-product.aspx

http://www.theplsreporter.com/Home/TabId/56/ArtMID/472/ArticleID/832/House-members-return-to-session-with-deep-divides.aspx

http://www.sungazette.com/page/content.detail/id/888956/Wolf--lawmakers-sound-upbeat-tone-after-4-hour-budget-talk.html?isap=1&nav=5020

http://www.pennlive.com/politics/index.ssf/2015/07/budget_summit_leads_wolf_to_sa.html#incart_river

http://www.post-gazette.com/news/health/2015/07/24/Wolf-says-he-wants-to-do-right-thing-even-if-social-services-providers-have-to-borrow-money-pennsylvania/stories/201507240219

http://www.yorkdispatch.com/breaking/ci_28521468/op-ed-natural-gas-and-its-economic-benefits

http://lancasteronline.com/opinion/columnists/pa-has-potential-to-be-an-energy-powerhouse/article_58c40f74-307a-11e5-8834-3bcfcef233e9.html

http://www.post-gazette.com/opinion/Op-Ed/2015/07/19/Put-kids-first-not-gas-companies/stories/201507190135

https://stateimpact.npr.org/pennsylvania/2015/07/20/gov-wolf-says-hes-willing-to-compromise-on-severance-tax/

http://www.legis.state.pa.us/cfdocs/billInfo/billInfo.cfm?sYear=2015&sInd=0&body=H&type=B&bn=1460

http://paenvironmentdaily.blogspot.com/2015/07/wolf-names-mary-isenhour-new-chief-of.html

http://paenvironmentdaily.blogspot.com/2015/07/dep-citizens-advisory-council-finalizes.html







PA Environment Digest Google+ Circle, Blogs, Twitter Feeds

PA Environment Digest now has a Google+ Circle called Green Works In PA . 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.

You’ll 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 --

PA Environment Digest Twitter Feed: On Twitter, sign up to receive instant updates from:

PAEnviroDigest.

PA Environment Daily Blog: provides daily environmental NewsClips and significant stories

and announcements on environmental topics in Pennsylvania of immediate value. Sign up andreceive as they are posted updates through your favorite RSS reader. You can also sign up for a

once daily email alerting you to new items posted on this blog. NEW! Add your constructive

comment to any blog posting.

PA Capitol Digest Daily Blog to get updates every day on Pennsylvania State Government,

including NewsClips, coverage of key press conferences and more. Sign up and receive as they

are posted updates through your favorite RSS reader. You can also sign up for a once daily

email alerting you to new items posted on this blog.

PA Capitol Digest Twitter Feed: Don't forget to sign up to receive the PA Capitol Digest

Twitter

feed to get instant updates on other news from in and around the Pennsylvania State

Capitol.

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

Bill Calendars

House (August 25): House Bill 48 (Godshall-R-Montgomery) setting standards for drinking

water well construction; Senate Bill 307 (Yudichak-D-Luzerne) providing for an independent

counsel for the Environmental Quality Board. <> 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 Joint

http://www.legis.state.pa.us/cfdocs/billinfo/billinfo.cfm?syear=2015&sInd=0&body=S&type=R&bn=55

http://www.legis.state.pa.us//cfdocs/Legis/CSM/showMemoPublic.cfm?chamber=S&SPick=20150&cosponId=16954

http://www.legis.state.pa.us/cfdocs/billinfo/billinfo.cfm?syear=2015&sInd=0&body=S&type=R&bn=54

http://www.legis.state.pa.us/WU01/LI/SC/HC/0/RC/SCHC.HTM

http://www.legis.state.pa.us/cfdocs/billInfo/billInfo.cfm?sYear=2015&sInd=0&body=S&type=B&bn=0307


http://www.twitter.com/PaCapitolDigest

http://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/posts



Legislative 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

EducationEnvironmental 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

Education

Judiciary

Law 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--

Budget Placeholder: House Bill 1460 (Adolph-R-Delaware) a General Fund budget bill to be

used as a vehicle is identical to House Bill 1192 vetoed by the Governor was introduced and

reported out of the House Appropriations Committee and is now on the House Calendar for


http://www.legis.state.pa.us/cfdocs/CteeInfo/StandingCommittees.cfm?CteeBody=S

http://www.legis.state.pa.us/cfdocs/CteeInfo/index.cfm?Code=19&CteeBody=S









http://www.legis.state.pa.us/cfdocs/CteeInfo/StandingCommittees.cfm?CteeBody=H

http://www.legis.state.pa.us/cfdocs/CteeInfo/StandingCommittees.cfm?CteeBody=H

http://www.legis.state.pa.us/cfdocs/CteeInfo/index.cfm?Code=38&CteeBody=H









http://www.legis.state.pa.us/WU01/LI/CO/SM/COSM.HTM

http://www.legis.state.pa.us/WU01/LI/CO/HM/COHM.HTM

http://www.legis.state.pa.us/WU01/LI/SC/SC/0/RC/CAL.HTM

http://www.legis.state.pa.us//cfdocs/Legis/CSM/showMemoPublic.cfm?chamber=S&SPick=20150&cosponId=17546



action.

Session Schedule ( Updated)

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

Senate

September 21 (unless sooner recalled)

House (Updated )

August 25 (unless sooner recalled)

September 21, 22, 28 (Non-Voting), 29, 30

October 5, 6, 7, 19, 20, 21, 26, 27, 28

November 16, 17, 18, 23, 24, 25 (Non-Voting)

December 7, 8, 9, 14, 15, 16

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--

House

Water Well Standards: House Bill 48 (Godshall-R-Montgomery) setting standards for drinking

water well construction was reported from the House Rules Committee and is now on the House

Calendar for action.

Mine Water Reuse: Senate Bill 875 (Bartolotta-R- Fayette) providing for the reuse of treated

mine water for fracking gas wells was amended on the House Floor and referred to the House

Appropriations Committee.

Trucking Leachate: Senate Bill 513 (McGarrigle-R-Delaware) authorizing the transportation of

landfill leachate by truck was referred to the House Appropriations Committee.

Budget Placeholder: House Bill 1460 (Adolph-R-Delaware) a General Fund budget bill to be

used as a vehicle is identical to House Bill 1192 vetoed by the Governor was introduced and

reported out of the House Appropriations Committee and was referred to the House Rules

Committee.

News From The Capitol





http://www.governor.pa.gov/Schedule/Pages/schedule.aspx#.VNVGE0K4lBx



Wolf Names Mary Isenhour New Chief Of Staff, Replacing Katie McGinty

Gov. Wolf Thursday named Mary Isenhour as his new chief of staff to replace Katie McGinty

who is running for U.S. Senate. Isenhour was Director of Legislative Affairs for Wolf prior to

this position."Mary Isenhour is one of my closest advisors, and she has served as a valuable part of my

administration," said Gov. Wolf. "Mary has earned respect from Republicans and Democrats,

and she has vast and diverse experience in government that will help to guide my administration.

I am eager to continue to work with Mary in her new role as my Chief of Staff."

“It is an honor to serve as Gov. Wolf’s Chief of Staff, and I look forward to continuing to

work with the governor and the administration to serve the people of Pennsylvania,” said Mary

Isenhour. “Gov. Wolf has the right priorities for the Commonwealth: schools that teach, jobs that

pay, and government that works, and I look forward to working with him to implement his

vision.”

"Katie McGinty has been an invaluable advisor and friend, and her contributions to the

Commonwealth will be remembered. We worked together to expand Medicaid, eliminate theunfair and costly SNAP asset test, save the children's health insurance program in Pennsylvania,

and implement key government reforms like a gift ban," said Gov. Wolf. "Katie's work has help

lay the course for my administration, and I greatly appreciate her efforts to fix our schools, create

jobs, and build a better Pennsylvania."

"It has been an honor to serve Gov. Tom Wolf," said Katie McGinty. "I am proud to have

helped to fight to expand Medicaid and eliminate unfair asset tests while advocating for policies

that will fund our schools and strengthen our middle class. I will continue to fight for the

principles and policies that we worked on in the Wolf Administration including fixing our

schools, creating jobs, and advocating for a living wage for our workers."

Isenhour began her career as a staffer in the Kansas House of Representatives, where

from 1991 to 1995, She was chief of staff to the Democratic Leader. It was here where Isenhour

worked across party lines to advance legislation that improved the lives of the citizens of Kansas.

In this role, Isenhour worked with leadership and committee members to develop and

implement committee and floor strategies, and she worked on developing legislative strategy and

building coalitions that resulted in legislation in numerous areas. She also served as liaison

between the Leader and other elected officials, agencies, and political entities.

From 1995 to 1999, Isenhour served as a national political director for the Washington,

D.C. based Democratic Legislative Campaign Committee, and from 1999 to 2003, she served as

executive director of the Pennsylvania House Democratic Campaign Committee (HDCC).

Following her time at HDCC, Isenhour served as executive director of the Pennsylvania

Democratic Party and as state director for Hillary Clinton's Presidential Campaign. She alsoowns a consulting firm.

Isenhour served as senior strategist to Tom Wolf for Governor and as director of

legislative affairs under the Wolf Administration.

NewsClips:

Wolf Names Mary Isenhour New Chief Of Staff


Wolf Names Mary Isenhour New Chief Of Staff

http://www.post-gazette.com/news/politics-state/2015/07/23/Gov-Wolf-names-Isenhour-as-new-chief-of-staff-pennsylvania/stories/201507230174


http://www.pennlive.com/midstate/index.ssf/2015/07/gov_tom_wolf_names_xxx_to_repl.html#incart_river



Wolf Taps Insider As New Chief Of Staff

Wolf Names New Top Aide



News From Around The State

PEC To Hold 2nd Environmental Policy Conference In Harrisburg October 13

The PA Environmental Council Friday announced its Second Annual Environmental Policy

Conference , which will be held on October 13 at the Hilton Hotel in Harrisburg.

The all-day forum will be focused on the biggest environmental opportunities and

challenges facing Pennsylvania, including state implementation of the soon-to-be-announced

Federal Clean Power Plan, achieving 2017 pollution reduction goals for the Chesapeake Bay

watershed, and how the state should manage infrastructure build-out from natural gas production

and use.

Department of Environmental Protection Secretary John Quigley will provide the keynote

address for the conference.

“The next two to three years are going to rewrite Pennsylvania’s approach to dealing with

climate change and water resource protection,” said President and CEO Davitt Woodwell. “As

with last year, our aim for the conference is to have an open dialog from key players to get a

sense of where our state can go, and what we can accomplish. It’s time to move forward on these

issues.”

Last year’s event also featured all four Chairs of the Senate and House Environmental

Resources and Energy Committees from the General Assembly. They have been invited to

participate again this year.

More information about the conference, including an agenda, will be posted on PEC’sEnvironmental Policy Conference webpage. Click Here to register for the Conference.

3 PA Farms Receive PACD Clean Water Farm Awards

The PA Association of Conservation Districts, Inc . awarded the operators of three farms with the

Clean Water Farm Award during its annual conference on July 8 in Monroeville, Allegheny

County.

The honor is awarded annually to farmers who manage their daily farm operations in an

environmentally conscious manner that helps to protect Pennsylvania's water quality.

This year's award recipients are--

— Joel Loch (Lehigh County): Owned and operated by Joel Loch and located in Kutztown,PA, the farm has 65 dairy cows and 300 poultry along with 137.7 acres of cropland and 19.9

acres of pasture. It is located along Mill Creek, a trout-stocked and migratory fishery, which is a

tributary of Maiden Creek, the municipal water source to the citizens of Reading, PA. Best

management practices installed on the farm include: a water control structure consisting of a

stormwater basin, concrete drop box and underground outlets on the pasture; an animal walkway;

stabilized stream crossings and stream bank fencing; a grassed waterway; and an animal heavy

use area.

http://pacd.org/

https://policyconf15.abilafundraisingonline.com/pepc

http://www.pecpa.org/event/pecpolicyconference



http://pecpa.org/



http://www.mcall.com/news/nationworld/pennsylvania/mc-pa-tom-wolf-new-top-aide-mcginty-20150723-story.html#navtype=outfit

http://www.philly.com/philly/news/politics/20150724_Wolf_taps_insider_as_new_chief_of_staff.html



— Longview Family Farm (Potter County): The Longview Family Farm in Port Allegany,

PA, is owned and operated by Allen Long. The farm has 48 brood cows and 48 calves with 10

acres of cropland and 144 acres of pasture. Sartwell Creek, a Cold Water Fishery/Wild Trout

designated stream, flows through the farm on its way to the Allegheny River. Best management

practices installed on the farm include: stream bank fencing with a stabilized stream crossing; a

vegetated buffer; a heavy use area and roofed manure stacking pad; and soil testing every threeyears.

— David & Cathy Reifsneider (York County): The Gobbler’s Knob Farm in Felton, PA is

owned and operated by David and Cathy Reifsneider. It consists of 140,000 poultry (organic

broilers) and 19 goats. The farm has 10.8 acres of cropland and 2.3 acres of pasture. Upon

moving to the property, the Reifsneiders worked with the district to install many conservation

practices including: mortality composting; a waste storage facility; and a grassed waterway and

drop boxes to prevent erosion and control roof runoff

The Clean Water Farm award was initiated in 1986. Recipients of the award are

nominated by their local county conservation districts.

Financial support for this award is provided by the Department of Environmental

Protection through the Chesapeake Bay Regulatory and Accountability Program and thePennsylvania Chesapeake Bay Education Office , administered by the PA Association of

Conservation Districts, Inc.

NewsClips:











(Reprinted from the July 23 DEP News . Click Here to sign up for your own copy.)

2016 Keystone Coldwater Conference Call For Presenters, Student Posters

The PA Council of Trout Unlimited and other organizers of the 2016

Keystone Coldwater Conference in State College on February 26-27 have

issued a call for presenters and student posters with the theme ofColdwater Resources: Connecting Conservation, Protection, Restoration

and Stewardship.

Call For Presentations

If you have a successful project, effective monitoring and

assessment efforts, research projects, lessons learned or best management

practices of interest to a target audience of over 250 people like

grassroots members from nonprofit organizations such as Trout

http://www.coldwaterconference.com/


http://patrout.org/

http://www.portal.state.pa.us/portal/server.pt?open=512&objID=21504&PageID=1714475&mode=2

http://paenvironmentdaily.blogspot.com/2015/07/july-23-dep-news-now-available.html











http://pacd.org/education/chesapeake-bay-education-office/



Unlimited, sportsmen’s groups and watershed associations, along with environmental

professionals from conservation districts, agencies, and consulting firms, your proposal is

welcome.

Click Here for all the details.

Student Posters

College students currently participating in research that relates to the conservation, protection, restoration of Pennsylvania's coldwater streams are invited to participate in a student

poster session.

The session will be held during the February 26 evening social. Students should prepare a

poster and a 3-5 minute presentation on their research. Posters will be judged by a technical team

on the presentation and outline of the poster. The top three presentations will be announced

during the conference on Saturday.


Sponsorship Information

Want to become a sponsor for this important event. Click Here for all the details on how

you can support this unique effort.

Registration information for the Conference is coming soon! Visit the 2016 KeystoneColdwater Conference website for more information.

PA Sea Grant Program Research Grant Proposals Due August 14

Pennsylvania Sea Grant is soliciting pre-proposals to fund applied research projects that begin in

late February 2016 and end by December 31, 2017. A brief two-page pre-proposal, plus a draft

budget and two-page CV, is due by 5:00 PM, EST, August 14.

Five to seven grants, each totaling from $50,000 – $75,000, will be awarded. Only

researchers who have a required 50 percent non-federal match that develop projects specifically

related to the Lake Erie, Delaware River, or Susquehanna River regions of Pennsylvania and

address one of the focus areas below are encouraged to submit proposals.

Members of the PA Sea Grant staff and advisory councils, and other experts will screen

pre-proposals and encourage full proposals for highly rated projects.


Register Now For Mid-Atlantic Volunteer Monitoring Conference Aug. 7-8

Join volunteer monitors, government representatives and water quality groups at the 2015

Mid-Atlantic Volunteer Monitoring Conference at Shenandoah University in Winchester,

Virginia August 7-8.

Registrants who sign up on for the Thursday canoe expedition will be treated with aguided float down a portion of the Shenandoah River.

On Friday, the conference will headline David Paylor, Director of the Virginia

Department of Environmental Quality and Nicholas DiPasquale, Director of the Chesapeake Bay

Program.

Other speakers on Friday include representatives from volunteer monitoring groups from

Delaware, Maryland, Pennsylvania, Virginia, and West Virginia. In addition representatives

from several state and local government agencies will speak about how volunteer monitoring has

http://www.su.edu/

https://www.facebook.com/pages/Mid-Atlantic-Volunteer-Monitoring-Conference/433737196786906

http://www.paseagrant.org/studies/pa-sea-grant-funding-available-for-applied-research-projects-22016-to-12312017/

http://www.paseagrant.org/studies/pa-sea-grant-funding-available-for-applied-research-projects-22016-to-12312017/

http://www.paseagrant.org/



http://www.coldwaterconference.com/sponsors.html

http://www.coldwaterconference.com/posters.html

http://www.coldwaterconference.com/presenters.html



been helpful and incorporated into their respective programs.

Friday evening will include a prize raffle and a dinner with a show through the premiere

of the first biennial Mid-Atlantic Volunteer Monitoring Film Festival. The deadline for entries

is July 27.

Saturday events continue with various hands-on workshops and activities including a tour

of one of the most advanced volunteer monitoring laboratories in Virginia and a tour of a localcave and how karst land plays a role in water quality and American history.

For more information, visit the Conference Facebook page or Click Here to register. The

deadline for register is July 27.

July 20 Watershed Winds Newsletter Now Available From Penn State Extension

The July 20 edition of the Watershed Winds newsletter is now available from Penn State

Extension featuring articles on--

-- Severe Harmful Algal Bloom Predicted For Lake Erie In 2015

-- Extension Teaches Northcentral Forest Landowners Pond Management

-- PA Off Track On Chesapeake Bay Pollution Reduction -- Click Here to sign up for your own copy.

June, July Catalyst Newsletters Available From Slippery Rock Watershed Coalition

The June issue of The Catalyst newsletter is now available from the Slippery Rock Watershed

Coalition featuring articles on--

-- Streambank Planting At Slippery Rock Campground

-- Paper By SRU Student, Professor On Algae Growth Published

-- The Kids Catalyst-- PA’s State Fish

-- Celebrate The Bloom Festival At Jennings Environmental Ed Center

The July issue of The Catalyst newsletter is now available from the Slippery Rock

Watershed Coalition featuring articles on--

-- No Horsing Around At Appalachian Regional Reforestation Initiative Conference

-- Slippery Rock Creek Passive Treatment Systems-The Renaissance Begins

-- The Kids Catalyst- Amazing Ants!

-- Lake Arthur Regatta- August 1 & 2

-- Click Here to sign up for your own copy.

Wolf Announces $98.3M Investment In Water Infrastructure Projects In 12 Counties

Gov. Tom Wolf Wednesday announced the investment of $98.3 million for twelve wastewaterand nonpoint source projects across twelve counties through the PA Infrastructure Investment

Authority .

“The projects funded at today’s meeting continue my administration’s commitment to

creating a cleaner and healthier environment for all Pennsylvanians while simultaneously

encouraging job growth in the Commonwealth,” said Gov. Wolf. ”Efforts such as these are what

we need to now in the future to secure the economic and natural wellbeing of the

Commonwealth.”

http://www.pennvest.pa.gov/


http://www.srwc.org/publications/catalyst-sign-up/

http://www.srwc.org/


http://www.srwc.org/download/Catalyst/2015/cat%2007-15.pdf



http://www.srwc.org/download/Catalyst/2015/cat%2006-15.pdf

http://extension.psu.edu/natural-resources/water/news/subscribe

http://extension.psu.edu/natural-resources/water/news/2015/pennsylvania-off-track-on-chesapeake-bay-pollution-reduction

http://extension.psu.edu/natural-resources/water/news/2015/penn-state-extension-teaches-north-central-forest-landowners-about-pond-management

http://extension.psu.edu/natural-resources/water/news/2015/severe-harmful-algal-bloom-predicted-for-lake-erie-in-2015-second-worst-in-century-predicted

http://extension.psu.edu/natural-resources/water/news?utm_campaign=Watershed+Winds+Newsletter&utm_medium=email&utm_source=newsletter&utm_content=newsletter_view_online

https://www.elleevance.com/beventLive.aspx?EventID=NBI39336680

https://www.facebook.com/pages/Mid-Atlantic-Volunteer-Monitoring-Conference/433737196786906

http://whfarmfoundation.org/wp-content/uploads/2012/09/MIDLANT-VMC-Film-Festival.pdf



Of the $98.3 million, $90.8 million is allocated for low-interest loans and $7.5 million is

awarded through grants.

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

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

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

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

For more information on funding programs, visit the PA Infrastructure Investment

Authority website.

PennVEST Loan Helps Treat Acid Mine Drainage In Mahanoy Creek

Senator David G. Argall (R-Schuylkill) and Rep. Neal P. Goodman (D-Schuylkill) announced

Friday a $2,620,736 loan through the PA Infrastructure and Investment Authority will assist

Keystone Anthracite Co. with efforts to remediate acid mine drainage into the Shenandoah Creek

and Mahanoy Creek by way of the Weston Tunnel.

Currently, high pH and aluminum levels from acid mine drainage from the WestonTunnel in West Mahanoy Township pollutes the Shenandoah Creek, which flows into the

Mahanoy Creek. The loan will provide for the construction of a drainable limestone bed to be

placed in the Weston Tunnel to treat about 2,000 gallons of water per minute.

“This loan will continue the ongoing efforts to clean up water pollution affecting our

streams and creeks,” Sen. Argall said.

“Polluted mine water continues to be a significant environmental problem in Schuylkill

County,” Goodman said. “I’m pleased PennVEST is providing significant support to Keystone

Anthracite so it can treat the acidic water that flows from the Weston Tunnel and pollutes

Mahanoy Creek.”

The total cost for the project is $3,620,736. The project is scheduled to begin in August

and be completed by the end of the year.

2 Local Keep PA Beautiful Affiliates Receive Community Tree Planting Grants

National nonprofit Keep America Beautiful and UPS awarded local Keep Pennsylvania Beautiful

affiliates-- Keep Philadelphia Beautiful and Keep Westmoreland County Beautiful -- each with a

$5,000 Community Tree and Recovery Tree Planting Grant.

Grant money awarded to Keep Philadelphia Beautiful will go towards helping to recover

the canopy cover in the 19111 zip code area, a section of the city of Philadelphia that was hit

hard by hurricane Sandy. The group will plant 100 trees.

"We're so grateful to Keep America Beautiful and UPS for providing us, TreePhilly andThe Fairmount Park Conservancy the opportunity to increase the tree canopy in a vital part of

Philadelphia, helping to fulfill Mayor Michael Nutter's sustainability goals as laid out in his

Greenworks Plan . We're excited to get started on this project, and know it will make a tangible,

positive impact on Philadelphia," said Michelle Feldman, Director of Keep Philadelphia

Beautiful.

Grant Money awarded to Keep Westmoreland County Beautiful will go towards planting

new trees on Hempfield Park property and mitigating some of the old and damaged trees.

http://www.phila.gov/green

http://myphillypark.org/

http://www.westmorelandcleanways.org/

http://keepphiladelphiabeautiful.org/

http://www.keeppabeautiful.org/



http://www.media.pa.gov/Pages/Pennvest-Details.aspx?newsid=30



“Keep Westmoreland County Beautiful is thrilled to contribute KAB/UPS’s $5,000

Community Tree Planting award to improve our local 94-acre Hempfield Park. Specimen trees

purchased with grant funds will enhance the park both visually and environmentally for over

184,000 visitors annually,” said Ellen Keefe, Executive Director of Keep Westmoreland County

Beautiful.

“Planting trees provide a host of benefits to the community; they clean the air, preventsoil erosion, reduce runoff and provide food and habitat,” said Shannon Reiter, President of Keep

PA Beautiful. “Tree plantings provide an opportunity for the community to engage in an activity

that improves the quality of life for everyone. We are grateful for the partnership of Keep

America Beautiful and UPS for providing this opportunity to our local Pennsylvania affiliates.”

“Keep America Beautiful is proud to be part of The UPS Foundation’s global effort to

restore and stabilize the tree canopy in areas hit by natural disasters,” said Jennifer Jehn,

president and CEO, Keep America Beautiful. “Our community-based affiliates are poised to take

action in this effort as native trees are such a vital part of making our neighborhoods greener,

healthier, safer and more beautiful places to live.”

In 2015, the KAB/UPS Community Tree & Recovery Tree Planting Grant Program

awarded a total of $160,000 in grant funding to projects addressing the reduction of levels ofcarbon dioxide (CO2) and greenhouse gas emissions through strategic plantings; planting fruit

trees to produce fruit for local consumption; or post-recovery tree planting projects where

communities have lost a significant number of trees as a result of natural disasters. The

importance of planting native trees was emphasized.

For more information on community beautification and litter prevention, visit the Keep

Pennsylvania Beautiful website.

PA Environmental Council Continues Clean Up Work In Northeast PA

Statistics from this spring’s illegal dumpsite cleanups in

Susquehanna and Wayne counties have been tabulated and

the numbers are quite impressive!

Palmira Miller, program coordinator in PA

Environmental Council’s Northeast office, certainly had a

busy season organizing and cleaning up illegal dumpsites in

the two counties with the help of many partners and

volunteers.

Palmira geared up for the spring clean up season with

numerous meetings and lots of research from January

through March.

She was busy reviewing the Keep Pennsylvania Beautiful Illegal Dumpsite surveys thatwere completed for our project area counties and were used to make connections and to reach out

to local municipalities, county commissioners, conservation districts, recycling centers,

watershed groups, school districts, local businesses, and many others for assistance in planning

our spring clean up schedule.

Here’s a look at the dumpsite cleanup statistics from the spring:

— 15 illegal dumpsites were cleaned up;

— Removed and properly disposed of 10.79 tons of trash;

http://www.keeppabeautiful.org/IllegalDumpSurveys.aspx

http://pecpa.org/

http://pecpa.org/



http://www.kab.org/site/PageServer?pagename=grants_Grant_applications



— Recycled 5.7 tons of scrap metal;

— Recycled 21.93 tons of tires;

— 253 volunteers worked 1,136 hours; and

— One contractor cleaned up two sites that were too hazardous for volunteers.

Illegal dumping of waste not only negatively impacts the environment, but also degrades

the character of our neighborhoods and the quality of life for our local residents. Dumpsitesknow no bounds and include state game lands, state forests, state parks, waterways of all sizes,

private property, and county and municipal lands.

Illegally dumped trash is a detriment to the water quality of local streams and rivers and

can reduce drainage of runoff due to blockage of streams, culverts, and drainage basins, and can

lead to flooding and channel modification. Economically, property values decrease as a result of

illegal dumping which affects the local tax base.

Along with ruining the beauty of natural areas, illegal dumping pollutes our soil, surface,

and groundwater supplies, as well as the air we breathe.

Consider coming out to help your community by cleaning up these sites!

For more information, contact Janet Sweeney by sending email to: [email protected]

or call 570-718-6507.NewsClips:

NJ: Electronics Waste Piles Up, Environmental Risk Grows

Wolf Administration Seeks Legal Help On HBG Debt Claims

(Reprinted from the PA Environmental Council Blog .)

DEP Takes Control Of Cleanup At Illegal Dump Sites In Carbon, Schuylkill Counties

DEP's Northeast Regional Office decided to step in and clean up

six piles of illegally dumped debris on several properties

throughout the Poconos. The cleanup took place on July 14.

The piles were dumped last summer at six locations throughout

Carbon and Schuylkill counties; one of the sites is near the Lehigh

River outside of Lehighton where tourists come to row and raft on

weekends.

DEP used funds from the Solid Waste Abatement Fund to clean

up the piles. Hazelton Recycling Service and URS were hired to

haul the waste to IESI Landfill in Northampton County.

A total of 550-cubic yards of construction and demolition debris along with some

household garbage were hauled away from the six sites.

NewsClips: NJ: Electronics Waste Piles Up, Environmental Risk Grows



July 28 Hearing On Proposed Frey Farm Landfill Expansion, Lancaster County



http://www.pennlive.com/midstate/index.ssf/2015/07/wolf_administration_seeks_lega.html#incart_2box_topmobile

http://www.njspotlight.com/stories/15/07/20/as-old-tvs-computer-monitors-pile-up-environmental-hazard-grows/

http://www.portal.state.pa.us/portal/server.pt/community/northeast_regional_office/13779

http://pecpa.org/pec-blog/






The Department of Environmental Protection will conduct a public hearing July 28 to receive

testimony on Lancaster County Solid Waste Management Authority’s application for a vertical

expansion and increase in average and maximum daily volumes of waste accepted for disposal at

the Frey Farm Landfill located in Manor Township, Lancaster County.

The public hearing will be held from 7 to 9 p.m. at the Manor Township Municipal

Building, 950 West Fairway Drive, Lancaster, PA 17603. DEP will receive public testimony butwill not answer questions at the hearing.

Concerned citizens may also submit written testimony by 4 p.m. on August 7 to John

Oren, Permits Chief for the Waste Management Program, DEP Southcentral Regional Office,

909 Elmerton Ave., Harrisburg, PA 17110.

DEP will prepare a written a comment response document that will address all relevant

testimony provided during the public hearing and comment period, and consider all relevant

comments in its review of the application.

Individuals in need of an accommodation as provided for in the Americans with

Disabilities Act of 1990 should contact DEP at 717-705-4703 or make accommodations through

the Pennsylvania AT&T Relay Service at 1-800-654-5984 (TDD).

NewsClips: NJ: Electronics Waste Piles Up, Environmental Risk Grows


Wolf Administration Publishes First Regulatory Agenda

The Governor’s Office published the semi-annual Regulatory Agenda in the July 25 PA Bulletin

( beginning on page 4063 ) outlining regulatory proposals each of the state agencies will be

working on over the next six months to a year.

This is the first Regulatory Agenda published by the Wolf Administration.

Among other regulatory changes to be proposed by the Department of Environmental

Protection over the next year, the agency will be proposing permit fee increases for the air

quality, noncoal and coal mining, radiation protection and laboratory accreditation programs.

The proposed fee increases were in process beginning in the Corbett Administration.

Among the proposals for environmental agencies are--

-- Dept. of Environmental Protection

-- Final Chapter 78, Chapter 78A Oil and Gas Program Regulations (1st Quarter 2016)

-- Final Land Reclamation Of Mine Sites With Bioenergy Crops (Adopted as Final)

-- Final Remining Regulations Update (1st Quarter 2016)

-- Final Total Coliform Regulation (3rd Quarter 2015)

-- Final Radioactive Material Security Rule (3rd Quarter 2015)

-- Final RACT NOx, VOC Controls (3rd/4th Quarter 2015)-- Final Disinfectant Residual Regulation (4th Quarter 2015)

-- Final Land Recycling Program Changes (4th Quarter 2015)

-- Proposed Nutrient Credit Trading and Offset Regulation Changes (1st Quarter 2016)

-- Proposed VOC Emissions From Industrial Cleaning Solvents (1st Quarter 2016)

-- Proposed Stage II VOC Controls Changes (1st Quarter 2016)

-- Proposed Low RVP Gasoline Standard Repeal (1st Quarter 2016)

-- Proposed Designate Clearfield Watershed as Unsuitable For Mining (1st Quarter 2016)

http://www.pabulletin.com/secure/data/vol45/45-30/45-30.pdf



http://www.lcswma.org/



-- Proposed Chapter 78 Subchapter D Oil and Gas Well Regulations (2nd Quarter 2016)

-- Proposed Sewage Change To Allow Alternate Systems In Planning (2nd Quarter 2016)

-- Proposed Changes To Explosives Regulations (3rd Quarter 2015)

-- Proposed Triennial Review Of Water Quality Standards (4th Quarter 2015)

-- Proposed Increase in Radiation Protection Fees (3rd Quarter 2015)

-- Proposed Increase in Air Quality Fees (4th Quarter 2015)-- Proposed Increase in Noncoal Coal Mining Permit Fees (4th Quarter 2015)

-- Proposed Increase in Coal Mining Permit Fees (4th Quarter 2015)

-- Proposed Increase in Laboratory Accreditation Fees (1st Quarter 2016)

-- Environmental Hearing Board

-- Revisions to its Rules of Practice and Procedures (Fall 2015)

-- Dept. of Conservation and Natural Resources

-- Revisions to the Endangered, Threatened Species Plant List (September 2015)

-- PA Infrastructure Investment Authority

-- Proposed Changes to loan requirements, limitations (Summer 2015)

A copy of the Governor’s Regulatory Agenda is available in the PA Bulletin beginning

on page 4063 .

State Distributing Free Potassium Iodide Near Nuclear Power Plants Aug. 6

The Department of Health will offer free potassium iodide , or KI, tablets August 6 to

Pennsylvanians who are within 10 miles of one of the state's five nuclear power plants.

"If you live or work near a nuclear facility, KI tablets should be an essential part of your

emergency preparedness plan and go kit," said Secretary of Health Dr. Karen Murphy. "KI can

help protect the thyroid gland against harmful radioactive iodine when taken as directed during

radiological emergencies. But it's important to remember that the tablets should only be taken

when the Governor or state public health officials advise you to do so."

KI can be taken by anyone as long as they are not allergic to it. It is safe for pregnant

women and those who are breastfeeding, people on thyroid medicine, children and infants.

Individuals who are unsure if they should take potassium iodide should ask a health care

provider.

KI tablets will be available between 2:00 p.m. and 7:00 p.m. on August 6 at the

distribution sites below. No appointments are necessary.

— Beaver Valley Power Station

Center at the Mall, 284 Beaver Valley Mall Blvd., Monaca

-- Limerick Generating Station

Keystone Fire Company, 240 N. Walnut St., Boyertown

Pottstown Health Center, 364 King St., PottstownThe Montgomery County Health Department is also offering KI tablets at the following location

from 9:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. on August 6:

— Peach Bottom Atomic Power Station

Peach Bottom Community Center, 5 Pendyrus St., Delta

East Drumore Township Building, 925 Robert Fulton Highway, Quarryville

— Susquehanna Steam Electric Station

Butler Township Community Center, 415 W. Butler Drive, Drums

http://www.portal.state.pa.us/portal/server.pt/community/radiological_nuclear/14212/potassium_iodide_(ki)/557051




Luzerne County Community College, Public Safety Training Institute, 1333 S. Prospect St.,

Nanticoke

Salvation Army, 320 W. 2nd St., Berwick

— Three Mile Island Generating Station

Fairview Township Fire Department, 340 Lewisberry Road, New Cumberland

Londonderry Township Building, 783 S. Geyers Church Road, MiddletownMasonic Village, Freemasons Cultural Center, 1 Masonic Drive, Elizabethtown

Mohler Senior Center, 25 Hope Drive, Hershey

Union Fire Company No. 1, 201 York St., Manchester

During the distribution, each adult will receive four 65-milligram tablets. Children will be

given smaller doses based on their age. Individuals can pick up the tablets for other family

members or those who are unable to pick them up on their own.

Directions detailing when to take the tablets and how to store them will be provided with

the KI. Health department staff will be on site to answer questions.

KI is also available for those who work within the 10-mile radius, but do not live there.

Employers can contact the Department of Health at 1-877-PA-HEALTH to make arrangements

to pick up tablets for their entire workforce.School districts within the 10-mile radius have the option of deciding whether to

distribute KI for their students. Interested schools work directly with the department to obtain

their supply of tablets.

KI tablets are available throughout the year at county and municipal health departments

or state health centers located within the 10-mile radius.

Pennsylvania's five nuclear power plants are closely regulated, secure and

well-maintained. The facilities are: Beaver Valley Power Station (Beaver County), Limerick

Generating Station (Montgomery County), Peach Bottom Atomic Power Station (York County),

Susquehanna Steam Electric Station (Luzerne County), and Three Mile Island Generating Station

(Dauphin County).

More details on evacuation routes and power plant fact sheets are available on the PA

Emergency Management Agency website.

For more information, visit the Department of Health website or call 1-877-PA-HEALTH

(1-877-724-3258).

NewsClips:

Benefits Program Still Seeking Sick Nuclear Workers




DEP Holds First Meeting Of Pipeline Infrastructure Task Force

The Department of Environmental Protection Wednesday held the first meeting of the

48-member Pipeline Infrastructure Task Force which was primarily used as an organization and

introductory meeting.

DEP Secretary John Quigley provided an overview presentation on the Task Force and

Work Group organization, objectives and schedule of meetings for the Task Force.

“We are in the midst of a wave of energy development that is unlike any other in the

http://files.dep.state.pa.us/ProgramIntegration/PITF/Meetings/7-22-15/Overview%20Presentation%20PITF%207-22-15.pdf

http://www.portal.state.pa.us/portal/server.pt/community/pipeline_infrastructure_task_force/22066/





http://powersource.post-gazette.com/powersource/policy-powersource/2015/07/23/After-15-years-benefits-program-still-seeking-sick-nuclear-workers/stories/201507280003

http://www.portal.state.pa.us/portal/server.pt/community/radiological_nuclear/14212/potassium_iodide_(ki)/557051

http://www.pema.pa.gov/planningandpreparedness/Pages/Power-Plant-Fact-Sheets-and-Evacuation-Maps.aspx#.VbJYuXiM44O

http://www.pema.pa.gov/planningandpreparedness/Pages/Power-Plant-Fact-Sheets-and-Evacuation-Maps.aspx#.VbJYuXiM44O

http://www.exeloncorp.com/assets/energy/powerplants/docs/TMI/bro_TMI_PIB.pdf

http://www.nuangola.com/locgov/ema.htm

http://www.exeloncorp.com/assets/energy/powerplants/docs/Peach_Bottom/bro_peachbottom_pib.pdf

http://www.exeloncorp.com/assets/energy/powerplants/docs/Limerick/bro_Limerick_ENG_pib.pdf

http://www.exeloncorp.com/assets/energy/powerplants/docs/Limerick/bro_Limerick_ENG_pib.pdf

http://www.beavercountypa.gov/sites/default/files/Emergency-Evacuation-Information.pdf



state’s history. The Marcellus shale and shale gas resources generally – including the upcoming

Utica play - presents an immense economic opportunity for the Commonwealth,” said Quigley in

his opening remarks addressing the 48 member task force. “Gov. Wolf wants this industry to

succeed and recognizes that the infrastructure challenge is a major one and we need to work

together to find the win-win opportunities to connect these wells to markets.”

“As you look at the density of development that is occurring… there are profoundenvironmental and community impacts that we need to take into consideration,” said Quigley.

Quigley said the 110 additional members of the 12 Work Groups appointed with the Task

Force would do the bulk of the work, primarily by telephone conference call, in producing

recommendations in a series of reports to the Task Force for review and finalization.

The schedule outlined by Quigley has the Task Force producing a draft report for review

by November 2. A public comment period would be held in December on the draft with a final

report due to the Governor and the General Assembly in February.

Quigley said there would be a public comment period built into each meeting of the full

Task Force. In addition, a special email address would be set up for comments.

Ann Roda, Director of DEP’s Office Of Program Integration, gave an overview of the

work DEP’s Internal Oil and Gas Work Group is doing in support of the Task Force.Secretary Quigley then gave a follow-up presentation on “The Case For Smart Planning

In Pipeline Infrastructure Development.”

The next meeting of the 48-member Task Force will be on August 27 in the Susquehanna

Conference Rooms, DEP Southcentral Regional Office, 909 Elmerton Ave., Harrisburg, from 1

to 4:00.

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

archived video of the first meeting will also be available on the Task Force webpage.

NewsClips:

PA Gas Pipeline Group Gets To Work

Task Force Seeks To Manage Massive Buildout Of Pipelines

DEP Pipeline Group Starts Work

PEC Named To DEP Pipeline Infrastructure Task Force

Wilkes Prof Appointed To Governor’s Pipeline Task Force

PA’s New Pipeline Task Force Meets This Week

Pitts Asks About Pipeline Safety Reforms At Hearing

MarkWest Objects To Compressor Station Conditions

Camp Hill Firm Seeking 2nd Natural Gas Terminal Permit

Pipeline Opponent Guilty Of Disorderly Conduct

Editorial: Speaking Up Is Not A Crime

PennEast Pipeline Blocked From Mapping Land In NJ

Op-Ed: Marcellus Shale 2.0, Gas Infrastructure Feds Warn Railroads To Comply With Oil Train Notifications

CSX Provides Update On WV Oil Train Derailment

New PA Energy Infrastructure Alliance Formed

Members of the newly formed PA Energy Infrastructure Alliance Wednesday sent a letter

offering to be a resource to members of DEP’s Pipeline Infrastructure Task Force which met for


http://paallianceforenergy.com/

http://powersource.post-gazette.com/powersource/companies/2015/07/21/CSX-provides-update-on-W-Va-oil-train-derailment-cleanup/stories/201507210211

http://www.mcclatchydc.com/news/nation-world/national/economy/article28078114.html

http://www.post-gazette.com/opinion/2015/07/21/Marcellus-Shale-2-0/stories/201507220029

https://stateimpact.npr.org/pennsylvania/2015/07/22/penneast-pipeline-surveyors-blocked-from-mapping-land-in-new-jersey/

http://lancasteronline.com/opinion/editorials/speaking-up-is-not-a-crime/article_7c2838b4-30b1-11e5-be04-ebd32ebb800a.html

https://stateimpact.npr.org/pennsylvania/2015/07/22/pipeline-opponent-guilty-of-disorderly-conduct-for-speech-at-public-meeting/

http://www.pennlive.com/midstate/index.ssf/2015/07/camp_hill_firm_seeking_permits.html#incart_river

http://powersource.post-gazette.com/powersource/companies/2015/07/22/MarkWest-objects-to-conditions-natural-gas-compressor-station-in-Cecil/stories/201507220212

http://lancasteronline.com/news/local/rep-pitts-asks-about-pipeline-safety-reforms-at-house-hearing/article_c372151e-2f12-11e5-8089-ffb0a3ec82bf.html

https://stateimpact.npr.org/pennsylvania/2015/07/21/pa-s-new-pipeline-task-force-to-meet-this-week/

http://thetimes-tribune.com/news/wilkes-professor-appointed-to-governor-s-pipeline-task-force-1.1916511

http://pecpa.org/press-releases/davitt-woodwell-named-to-dep-pennsylvania-pipeline-infrastructure-taskforce/

http://thetimes-tribune.com/news/pipeline-group-starts-work-1.1916512

https://stateimpact.npr.org/pennsylvania/2015/07/22/new-task-force-seeks-to-manage-massive-buildout-of-pipelines/

http://triblive.com/business/headlines/8786614-74/force-task-gas#axzz3gfGTGXYI


http://files.dep.state.pa.us/ProgramIntegration/PITF/Meetings/7-22-15/Smart%20Planning%20Presentation%20PITF%207-22-15.pdf

http://files.dep.state.pa.us/ProgramIntegration/PITF/Meetings/7-22-15/Smart%20Planning%20Presentation%20PITF%207-22-15.pdf

http://files.dep.state.pa.us/ProgramIntegration/PITF/Meetings/7-22-15/Internal%20DEP%20Workgroup%20Presentation%20PITF%207-22-15.pdf

http://www.portal.state.pa.us/portal/server.pt/community/pipeline_infrastructure_task_force/22066/workgroups/2072884



the first time Wednesday.

PEIA was founded June 8 by the Washington County Chamber of Commerce, Delaware

County Chamber of Commerce, the Laborers International Union of North America and the

International Union of Operating Engineers Local 66.

Other PEIA members include the Pennsylvania State Grange, the oldest agricultural and

rural advocacy organization of its kind in the United States, and two other regional economicdevelopment groups, JARI and the Mon Valley Progress Council.

The full text of the letter follows:

Dear Members of the Pipeline Infrastructure Taskforce:

As an organization that supports investment on energy infrastructure projects in

Pennsylvania, we congratulate you on being selected to serve on Governor Wolf’s Pipeline

Infrastructure Task Force and support the important work ahead of you to help our state realize

its full energy potential and the benefits that come with it.

The Pennsylvania Energy Infrastructure Alliance (PEIA) is a broad-based coalition that

supports timely approval for critical energy infrastructure in the Commonwealth because these

projects serve the best interest of Pennsylvanians, our communities and the nation.

Pipeline projects provide many direct and indirect economic benefits, including tens ofthousands of construction jobs, millions in annual estimated tax revenue locally and statewide,

and recurring benefits to manufacturing and other industries that rely on affordable and reliable

energy supplies and petrochemicals.

Pennsylvania is now the second-ranking state in natural gas and natural gas liquids

production, according to the U.S. Energy Information Administration. However, our state only

has about 4 percent of the pipelines to move products to market at a time when demand is on the

rise.

A Harvard Business School report released in June titled “America’s Unconventional

Energy Opportunity” found that “Low-cost natural gas feedstocks have made the U.S.

competitive in petrochemicals, plastics, and inorganic chemicals, where $138 billion in new

U.S.-based investments has been announced.”

Two studies released just this month demonstrate how our state is uniquely positioned for

energy growth -- if we have the gas pipeline delivery system and other energy infrastructure in

place to meet this growing demand.

A study released by the Utica Shale Appalachian Basin Exploration Consortium reveals

that Utica Shale holds 20 times more gas than previously thought. A separate report by SNL

Energy shows that natural gas has surpassed coal and is now the top source of electric generation

in the U.S.

There is growing local and national awareness of Pennsylvania’s critical energy

infrastructure needs. Philadelphia Mayor Michael A. Nutter’s Manufacturing Task Force

released a 2013 report of recommendations to help make the Greater Philadelphia region a better place for manufacturing.

The report recommended an increase in the supply of natural gas and natural gas liquids

available to manufacturers in the city and region by increasing pipeline capacity, which will help

provide a strong competitive advantage to the chemical and petrochemical clusters.

Additionally, this past April, Pennsylvania was chosen as the site for Vice President

Biden’s April release of the inaugural Quadrennial Energy Review (QER) report, which calls for

as much as $3.5 billion of annual investment in interstate pipelines through 2030 to sustain



long-term domestic energy production.

From the heads of local chambers of commerce, to labor organizations, to the agricultural

community, , and others, our coalition represents a broad range of interests and industries united

in support of pipelines as an indispensable component of the state’s economic future.

Through our various roles in our own communities, we have seen first-hand the direct

and indirect benefits of pipeline projects. We bring that important perspective as we work tohighlight how private investment in energy infrastructure can strengthen the state’s economy,

create jobs, and improve public safety when projects are properly designed, built and maintained.

According to the U.S. Department of Transportation, pipelines outperform all other types

of infrastructure in safety, efficiency, reliability, environmental stewardship, and cost. Pipelines

offer communities across the state the infrastructure solution to maximize the economic

opportunities in energy with the least amount of burden.

The hiring the local labor force to build large infrastructure projects must also be part of

our state’s approach to ensure that the economic benefits of energy development are invested

back in the state and local communities. These skilled laborers will make safety a top priority

because they are highly trained and happen to care about their communities, too.

As you conduct sessions with workgroup members and other stakeholders on the variousfocus areas, and prepare for monthly task force meetings, the members of our coalition would

like to avail ourselves as a resource. We offer additional expertise and local perspectives to

inform your recommendations and help identify best practices for the task force’s report to the

governor.

We look forward to working with you to ensure our state is prepared to sustain this

energy growth for the long-term.

For more information, visit the PA Energy Infrastructure Alliance website.

NewsClips:




PEC Named To DEP Pipeline Infrastructure Task Force

Wilkes Prof Appointed To Governor’s Pipeline Task Force








Op-Ed: Marcellus Shale 2.0, Gas Infrastructure Feds Warn Railroads To Comply With Oil Train Notifications


DCNR Releases Update To Shale Gas Monitoring Report

Department of Conservation and Natural Resources Secretary Cindy Adams Dunn Thursday

updated members of the Natural Gas Advisory Committee on the department’s ongoing efforts to

http://www.dcnr.state.pa.us/forestry/NaturalGas/ngadvisorycomm/index.htm
















http://paallianceforenergy.com/



monitor natural gas extraction and management on DCNR lands.

“Our Bureau of Forestry continues to provide updated information on the shale-gas

industry and its effect on state forestlands, focusing most recently on infrastructure and

associated acreages in its core shale-gas state forest districts,” Dunn said. “These updates to our

Bureau of Forestry Shale-Gas Monitoring Program, to be supplied on a regular basis, are

designed to help the committee continue providing valuable insight and expertise concerning thecomplex nature of natural gas management.

“As part of its overarching goal of ensuring sustainability of Pennsylvania’s forests,

DCNR established this program to monitor, evaluate, and report on the impacts of shale-gas

development to the state forest system and its stakeholders,” Dunn said. “It aims to provide

objective and credible information to the public and inform and improve shale-gas management

efforts.”

Noting the Natural Gas Advisory Committee was formed to “help identify concepts, best

practices and principles -- and assist in integrating them into the department’s natural gas

management efforts on DCNR lands,” Dunn said, “This monitoring update focusing on

infrastructure is snapshot of what our experts are tracking in the forest districts affected by the

natural gas industry through December 2014.”Key points outlined by the secretary to the 21-member committee included:

-- In 2013, 79 new wells were approved for drilling on state forestland and 47 in 2014. Through

the end of 2014, a total of 1,020 wells have been approved. To date, 608 wells have been drilled

on state forestland;

--In 2013, 19 new infrastructure pads (encompassing 73 acres) were constructed. Eight new

infrastructure pads (32 acres) were constructed in 2014. Since the onset of gas development, 755

acres have been converted for infrastructure pads;

-- Overall, four miles of new roads were constructed in 2013. In 2014, less than one mile of new

road was constructed, bringing the total miles of new roads to 36 since 2007. Acreage converted

for new roads and road modifications in 2013 totaled 22 acres; 16 acres in 2014. A total of 259

acres have been converted for new road construction and road modification to accommodate gas

development;

-- A total of 49 acres were converted for pipeline rights-of-way; 66 acres in 2014. Since 2007,

661 acres have been converted to pipeline ROW in these districts;

-- Total acreage converted to non-forest in the core gas districts in 2013 was 144 acres. For 2014,

114 acres were converted. Total conversion acreage for all types of development in the core gas

districts since the onset of shale gas development is 1,674 acres.

Detailed information, along with a variety of graphics, can be found in the Infrastructure

Chapter of the bureau’s Shale Gas Monitoring Report on the DCNR website . Background and

summarized data from 2007 to 2012 can be found on DCNR’s Shale Gas Monitoring webpage.

The Natural Gas Advisory Committee was formed to advise and providerecommendations for implementing natural gas management in a manner consistent with the

mission of DCNR and its bureaus. DCNR’s Bureau of Forestry assumed lead responsibility for

coordinating and facilitating its work.

NGAC is made up of 21 experts from a variety of backgrounds and organizations,

including conservation groups, universities, gas industry, environmental consultants and

recreation-related organizations.

“We look forward to continuing to work with representatives on the advisory committee

http://www.dcnr.state.pa.us/forestry/NaturalGas/ngadvisorycomm/index.htm

http://www.dcnr.state.pa.us/forestry/NaturalGas/monitoringreport/index.htm

http://www.dcnr.state.pa.us/cs/groups/public/documents/document/dcnr_20030930.pdf

http://www.dcnr.state.pa.us/forestry/NaturalGas/monitoringreport/index.htm



to continually review, examine, and improve our best management practices related to gas

development,” Dunn said.

For more information about gas development on state forest lands visit DCNR’s Gas

Development on State Forests webpage.

NewsClips:

Shale Drillers On DCNR Land Pulled Back Again In 2014 Fewer Gas Wells Drilled In State Forests

Study Finds Negligible Radiation In Ten Mile Creek, Greene County

Rep. Pam Snyder (D-Fayette) Thursday said an independent analyses by the West Virginia

Water Research Institute found vastly reduced radiation levels in contrast to 2014 test results

from Ten Mile Creek in Greene County.

"This is the first of the exhaustive testing planned for the creek, but today's results

indicate no dangerous levels of radiation," said Rep. Snyder, who has pushed for increased

monitoring and analysis of the waterway, which supplies public water in the area. "No one is

resting easy, but it is encouraging that zero or negligible levels of Radium 226 and 228 weredetected."

Rep. Snyder said the results from June 25 testing at four sites found:

— No levels exceeding federal Safe Drinking Water Act limits;

— A gross alpha radiation -- energy released from decaying radioactive elements -- reading near

the Clyde Mine less than half of what was detected in the 2014 study;

— Zero traces of Radium 226 at Cumberland and Clyde mines' discharge sites;

— Fractional Radium 226 levels – well below SDWA limits -- at a Smith Creek tributary and at

Ten Mile Creek at Sugar Camp Road; and

— Only miniscule Radium 228 levels at all four testing sites.

"The results are highly technical, but I have been assured that they are generally

encouraging and should begin to reassure residents about the safety of Ten Mile Creek," Rep.

Snyder said. "Even those without a scientific background can see vastly diminished detection

levels from those publicized previously."

Rep. Snyder said the radionuclide sampling was performed by Pace Analytical Services

of Greensburg, and the results she was provided are available on her legislative website .

"The Institute cautions that uncertainty is inherent in radiation measurements because of

a number of factors, including varying laboratory methods," Rep. Snyder said. "However, the

general results -- radium levels well below federal drinking water standards – are positive."

Rep. Snyder said laboratory results from 35 samples collected last month from 13 sites by

the PA Department of Environmental Protection are expected next month.

"More test results are needed before anyone can draw any conclusions, but theindependent study is an encouraging development," Rep. Snyder said.

NewsClips:









http://www.pahouse.com/files/Documents/2015-07-23_14-59-57__radionuclides.pdf

http://wvwri.org/

http://wvwri.org/

http://powersource.post-gazette.com/powersource/2015/07/24/Fewer-gas-wells-drilled-in-state-s-forests/stories/201507240109

https://stateimpact.npr.org/pennsylvania/2015/07/23/marcellus-producers-on-state-land-pulled-back-again-in-2014-data-show/

http://www.dcnr.state.pa.us/forestry/NaturalGas/index.htm

http://www.dcnr.state.pa.us/forestry/NaturalGas/index.htm



Op-Ed: Here’s Where We Need To Go Next For Safe Hydraulic Fracturing

By Susan LeGros, Executive Director, Center For Sustainable Shale Development

After reviewing thousands of pages of scientific studies and data, EPA recently concluded that

the risk to groundwater from fracturing itself is small, but the process does involve risks, andidentified ways that drinking water could be impacted and managed.

EPA's determination appears consistent with the consensus of most in the academic,

regulatory and engineering communities, but concerns remain, and its conclusions leave many

wondering what should happen next.

Briana Mordick, a writer on the Natural Resources Defense Council (NRDC) staff blog

noted on June 5:

"Can the risks of fracking ever be reduced to zero?

"No. Should we strive for that anyway? Yes."

She went on to say that "[O]perators and regulators ... should be using the results of this

study to find ways to reduce the multitude of risks to drinking water from hydraulic fracturing

that EPA identified."Our 15 Performance Standards for operators have been arrived at through their

collaborative efforts and identify leading practices intended to address the types of risks to water

identified in the EPA report …

That's what's next, or what should be. Several energy companies and environmental

groups in the Appalachian Basin have already stepped up to do just that.

They formed the Center for Sustainable Shale Development, and have been working

together for the last several years to define best operating practices that meet or exceed the

baseline established by state regulations.

Our 15 Performance Standards for operators have been arrived at through their

collaborative efforts and identify leading practices intended to address the types of risks to water

identified in the EPA report, as well as risks to air and climate associated with gas development.

We also provide a rigorous third-party, evaluation and verification program to certify

operators who demonstrate they meet these standards in the Appalachian Basin.

To protect surface and groundwater, CSSD's performance standards are intended to

reduce, if not totally eliminate, some risks to water supplies. Some of the best practices we

require are double-lining of water storage impoundments with leak detection systems, banning

use of open pits altogether on well sites, pre-drilling surveys and post-drilling monitoring, and

cementing and casing designed to isolate the well and prevent vertical movement of fluids.

Three major energy companies have been certified as meeting the CSSD standards. More

will go through this process.

In his recent hearing, John Quigley, Pennsylvania's Secretary of the Department ofEnvironmental Protection, pointed to CSSD and companies that have sought certification as

examples of continuous improvement and setting a higher bar. Broader adoption by gas

producers of the CSSD Performance Standards and the practice of undergoing certification audits

every two years would support the value of best practices and help mitigate risks associated with

shale gas development.

Companies involved in shale gas development must follow the highest operational

standards to protect the environment. Constructive and responsible collaboration among industry,

http://switchboard.nrdc.org/blogs/bmordick/epa_study_finds_fracking_conta.html

https://www.sustainableshale.org/



environmental and community organizations is the most likely way to establish and advance

those best practices.

We believe that by advancing environmental excellence in this way, we can improve the

net social benefit of energy.

NewsClips:

DEP Issues 374 NOVs For Failure To Do Gas Well Integrity Reports DEP: Orphan Gas, Oil Wells A Cause For Concern

Butler County Families File Suit Against XTO Energy

Hospital Visits Increase In Bradford, Susquehanna

Protect PT Takes On Fracking In Penn Twp


Study Shows More Hospital Stays In 3 Fracking Counties



Feds Warn Railroads To Comply With Oil Train Notifications


The Center For Sustainable Shale Development has certified three companies as meeting its

performance standards: Chevron, Shell and Consol .

DEP Regional Citizens' Roundtable Tours New Panda Patriot Natural Gas Power Plant

On July 20, DEP's Northcentral Regional Citizens'

Roundtable held its annual group dinner and field trip to the

new 829-megawatt Panda Patriot natural gas-fired power

plant under construction in Clinton Township, Lycoming

County.

The tour was conducted by Panda Construction Manager

Shannon Poulter, and two other members of his staff.

Plant construction began in December 2013 and is expected

to be substantially complete by mid-2016.

It is Panda's second plant being built in northcentral

Pennsylvania. The other facility, Panda Liberty , is located in Asylum Township, Bradford

County.

The Patriot plant has created approximately 500 construction jobs and will result in 27

direct jobs to operate the plant and 45 indirect jobs to support the plant. It will utilize the latest,

most advanced emissions-control technology, making it one of the cleanest natural gas-fueled

power plants in the U.S., and use Siemens H-class gas turbines — the world's first generationtechnology to achieve operating efficiencies of 60 percent.

The plant design will minimize sound using special blade designs, low-output motors and

building enclosures and will be cooled with air rather than water, thus not drawing water from, or

discharging water into, the Susquehanna River. This eliminates potential impacts to sensitive

species in the watershed.

The combined-cycle plant is expected to supply the power needs of up to 1 million

homes.

http://www.pandafunds.com/invest/liberty/

http://www.pandafunds.com/invest/patriot/

http://www.pandafunds.com/invest/patriot/

http://www.portal.state.pa.us/portal/server.pt/community/north-central_regional_office/13777/regional_roundtable/1688074

http://www.portal.state.pa.us/portal/server.pt/community/north-central_regional_office/13777/regional_roundtable/1688074

https://www.sustainableshale.org/certification/

https://www.sustainableshale.org/





http://www.mcall.com/news/nationworld/pennsylvania/mc-pa-fracking-hospital-visits-20150719-story.html#navtype=outfit


http://powersource.post-gazette.com/powersource/consumers-powersource/2015/07/24/Protect-PT-takes-on-fracking-in-Penn-Township/stories/201507240010

http://thetimes-tribune.com/news/study-links-gas-wells-and-hospital-visits-in-bradford-and-susquehanna-counties-1.1914296

http://triblive.com/neighborhoods/yourallekiskivalley/yourallekiskivalleymore/8756283-74/xto-gas-lawsuit

http://www.pennlive.com/midstate/index.ssf/2015/07/orphan_wells_causing_concern_i.html#incart_river

https://plus.google.com/u/1/+CogentpaOrg/posts/RuvpKdVMwPw



NewsClips:

Shell Ethane Plant Would Generate Its Own Electricity



Small Business Advantage Pollution Prevention, Energy Efficiency Grants Now Available

The Department of Environmental Protection is now accepting applications for its Small

Business Advantage Grants to help fund pollution prevention or energy efficiency projects.

( formal notice )

The Program is a first-come, first-serve grant program that provides up to 50 percent

reimbursement matching grants, up to a maximum of $9,500. Eligible projects must save the

small business a minimum of $500 and at least 25 percent annually in energy consumption or

pollution related expenses.

An eligible applicant must have 100 or fewer employees, be a for-profit small business

owner and be taxed as a for-profit business located within this Commonwealth. The project towhich the grant will apply must be located within the applicant's Commonwealth facility.

DEP will begin accepting applications on July 27.

Visit DEP’s Small Business Advantage Grant Program webpage for more information or

send questions to: [email protected] .

U.S. DOE, Pittsburgh Sign MOU On Creating Next Generation Energy Solutions

Pittsburgh Mayor William Peduto Friday signed a Memorandum of Understanding with the

National Energy Technology Laboratory on behalf of the U.S. Department of Energy on joint

efforts to design 21st Century energy infrastructure for Pittsburgh.

Mayor Peduto and NETL Director Grace Bochenek signed the memorandum at an event

with Secretary of Energy Ernest Moniz and U.S. Rep. Mike Doyle at the Energy Innovation

Center in the Hill District.

"This agreement establishes a new working relationship to upgrade Pittsburgh's aging

electrical grid with 21st century technologies and solutions. This link between NETL and the city

will position Pittsburgh to lead the nation in next-generation energy strategies and to build one of

the largest integrated district energy ecosystems in North America. Today at the Energy

Innovation Center we saw the possibilities for Pittsburgh to be a leader in new energy

technologies, and this agreement will only help accelerate their development," Secretary Moniz

said.

“You don’t have to look very far to see that much of our nation’s infrastructure is old andin poor repair. That’s true for our energy infrastructure as well – in fact, many of our power lines

and gas pipes are literally antiques! What’s more, while these energy systems have served us

well for decades, they’re terribly inefficient, and that means we’re producing more pollution and

greenhouse gas emissions than we need to,” said Congressman Doyle.

“We’ve made a lot of technological advances since those systems were originally

designed and installed, and I think it’s essential for our nation to develop and adopt innovative

new models for meeting our energy needs in a more efficient, economical, and environmentally

http://www.netl.doe.gov/


http://www.portal.state.pa.us/portal/server.pt/community/small_business_ombudsman/10493

http://www.pabulletin.com/secure/data/vol45/45-30/1379.html






http://www.timesonline.com/news/business/potter-township-cracker-plant-would-generate-its-own-electricity-but/article_5f400264-309c-11e5-8bce-cbf3218f9c2b.html/?REFER-MI=Home-lead



sustainable way.

“With our aging infrastructure and our many local leaders in advanced technology,

Pittsburgh is a logical place to develop and test potential improvements over the current model

for energy production and distribution. This Memorandum of Understanding is an exciting first

step in what could be a major paradigm shift in the way we make and use energy – and it could

make Pittsburgh a leader in this important emerging field,” the Congressman continued.The partnership arose from a meeting Mayor Peduto called in May of this year with

representatives from the Department of Energy, Allegheny County Executive Rich Fitzgerald’s

office, NRG Pittsburgh, the University of Pittsburgh, Carnegie Mellon University, the Heinz

Endowments, R.K. Mellon Foundation and others to pursue ways to make long-term

improvements to the City’s energy infrastructure systems.

The MOU text says it “will serve to position Pittsburgh as a demonstrated national and

global leader in new technology development and demonstration and application of strategic

models. The outcomes of this MOU will help modernize delivery of utility services through new

business models and markets, grow technology research and development opportunities and

product manufacturing, reduce environmental impacts, enhance resilience and security through

integrated district-based microgrid solutions, address affordability for consumers, and encourageworkforce development.”

Municipalities across the United States are facing issues with their aging electric and gas

lines and other energy infrastructure, and studies show that 60 percent of the energy moved along

such lines is lost during transmission.

To address that cities such as Pittsburgh are looking to develop energy infrastructure on a

smaller district scale that optimizes delivery, creates resiliency in the grid system and minimizes

disruption. District scale energy also delivers cleaner and more efficient energy to customers and

benefits economic development.

The MOU will assist local universities in researching and developing energy solutions;

support energy-related businesses in Pittsburgh and those seeking to relocate to the city; and will

create the foundation to integrate 21st Century energy technology and infrastructure into

large-scale developments in Hazelwood, the Lower Hill District and Uptown.

And it gives the City the opportunity to build on existing systems like Duquesne

University's Combined Heat and Power facility, and modernize others such as Pittsburgh

Allegheny County Thermal and others in Oakland and the North Side.

The agreement with NETL and DOE builds upon the U.S. Department of Commerce

designation of Pittsburgh last week as an Investing in Manufacturing Communities Partnership

region.

Like the IMCP designation, Friday’s action will help leverage local research and

development work, manufacturing resources, job training and other assets to deploy the latest in

energy innovation.“Pittsburgh is gaining a global reputation as an urban lab with the resources and

know-how to pursue innovation that helps us all, from workers seeking job training to families

seeking clean water to businesses offering cutting-edge products and services. We could never

have accomplished that without great partners, and I’m happy that NETL and DOE are the latest

to join with us,” Mayor Peduto said.

The MOU lays out the following goals:

— Crafting a strategic plan that does the following: a) assists in the identification, decision

http://pittsburghpa.gov/mayor/release?id=4751

http://pittsburghpa.gov/mayor/release?id=4751



support, and adoption of district energy strategies, including the development, demonstration,

and deployment of next generation energy solutions and electric power delivery technologies;

and b) supplies near-, mid-, and long-term guidance for public and private audiences on the

development of district scale clean energy and grid design strategies, with a focus on combined

heat and power and distributed energy resources;

— Identifying the appropriate financial mechanism to provide a catalyst and underwriteinvestment in the design and construction for district energy systems, adoption of monitoring and

automation technologies, advanced intelligent infrastructure, and renewable energy deployment.

— Designing a policy plan that supports the development of municipal, utility and regulatory

needs for district energy applications and infrastructure modernization;

— Conducting economic analysis that presents cost/benefits of district energy solutions with

micro-grid integration and building performance policies;

— Accelerating the growth of and access to energy jobs;

— Forming a technical team to explore Pittsburgh’s efforts; and

— Preparing a technology research and development roadmap for rapid demonstration and

deployment.

A power point presentation on Pittsburgh district energy resources and opportunities isavailable online .

NewsClips:

Moon School Districts Considers Solar Panels

Problems, Myths Of Solar-Electric Discussed In York

DEP Offers Free Energy Efficiency Training, Express Your Interest Now!

The Department of Environmental Protection is offering two free energy efficiency training

opportunities for facility managers and HVAC technicians at K-12 schools and local

governments throughout Pennsylvania's northern tier.

Both training opportunities— Building Operator Certification and Building Retuning—

are funded by a grant from the U.S. Dept. of Energy.

BOC is geared to those with two or more years of experience in building operations. The

course consists of eight, 8-hour classroom sessions focused on HVAC systems and controls,

fundamentals for efficient lighting, and indoor environmental quality.

In addition to the 64 hours of in-classroom instruction, there are also open-book,

multiple-choice exams and several homework assignments. Upon successful completion of the

course, participants will receive their BOC credential.

The value of this free training opportunity is $1,695 per person!

BRT is a systematic approach to finding low-to-no-cost energy efficiency improvements

in buildings and consists of approximately 20 hours of instruction for a small cohort of 8 to 12facility managers.

Dates and locations have not yet been established for these training workshops. The

workshops will be located where the level of interest is greatest. If you are interested in BOC or

BRT, please contact DEP’s Heidi Kunka at 717-783-9989 or [email protected] .

NewsClips:

Energy Conference Draws Sustainability-Minded

Editorial: Clean Power Goals Realistic

http://thetimes-tribune.com/opinion/clean-power-goals-realistic-1.1916951

http://thetimes-tribune.com/news/energy-conference-draws-sustainability-minded-to-u-of-s-1.1917206


http://www.theboc.info/

http://www.yorkdispatch.com/breaking/ci_28532617/yorkers-discuss-problems-and-myths-solar-electric-revolution

http://www.post-gazette.com/news/education/2015/07/24/Moon-Area-district-considers-solar-panels-to-power-schools/stories/201507240072

http://apps.pittsburghpa.gov/mayorpeduto/District_Energy_in_Pittsburgh_DOE_Power_Point_AL.pdf

http://apps.pittsburghpa.gov/mayorpeduto/District_Energy_in_Pittsburgh_DOE_Power_Point_AL.pdf



Outrage Over Federal Clean Power Rules Fades As States Find Fixes



Tension Between West Penn, Lineman Shows Perils Of Job

Connellsville OKs Permit For Natural Gas, Electric Solicitation


July 23 DEP News Now Available

The July 23 edition of DEP News is now available from the Department of Environmental

Protection featuring articles on--

-- Secretary Quigley Chairs First Meeting Of Pipeline Infrastructure Task Force

-- PA Officials Reiterate Commitment To Clean Water, Chesapeake Bay Cleanup

-- DEP Lifts Drought Watch In Pennsylvania

-- 3 PA Farms Receive PACD Clean Water Farm Awards

-- DEP Takes Control Of Cleanup At Illegal Dumps In Carbon, Schuylkill Counties -- DEP Offers Free Energy Efficiency Training, Express Your Interest Now!

-- DEP Regional Citizens Roundtable Tours New Panda Natural Gas Power Plant

-- Click Here to sign up for your own copy.

Environmental Author, Strategist Speaking At Duquesne Sustainability Graduation

Thirty members of Duquesne University’s MBA Sustainability Program will be inspired at their

graduation ceremony by globe-trotting environmentalist Paula DiPerna .

One of the most respected strategic global environmental and philanthropic policy

advisors and writers in her field, DiPerna will be the keynote speaker at Duquesne’s eighth MBA

Sustainability diploma ceremony on Friday, July 3, at 2 p.m. in the Power Center.

A leader of many notable organizations, DiPerna has guided the international division of

the Chicago Climate Exchange, the Joyce Foundation and the Cousteau Society. An explorer,

frequent public speaker and academic panelist, DiPerna also is a guest lecturer and teacher.

“We are thrilled to have Paula DiPerna with us as our commencement speaker,” said Dr.

Robert Sroufe, Murrin Chair of Global Competitiveness in Duquesne’s John F. Donahue

Graduate School of Business. “As a strategic global environmental advisor to the CDP (formerly

known as the Carbon Disclosure Project) and other leading sustainability organizations, she will

be sharing first-hand information on carbon pricing, finance and investing, while also connecting

our students and MBA Sustainability program to global organizations actively reimagining the

future of business management.”Duquesne’s MBA Sustainability program has been ranked first in the United States and

eighth in the world for integrating sustainability into the curriculum by Corporate Knights, a

quarterly international publication focused on social, economic and ecological benefits and costs.

This graduating cohort's fall theme, Designing the Corporation of the Future, and the

overarching emphasis of the program focus on re-designing the future of business and calls for

systems and business models that align practices with the diverse interests of society, the

environment and shareholders.

http://www.shesource.org/experts/profile/paula-diperna

http://www.duq.edu/academics/schools/business/graduate/mba-sustainability


http://paenvironmentdaily.blogspot.com/2015/07/dep-regional-citizens-roundtable-tours.html

http://paenvironmentdaily.blogspot.com/2015/07/dep-offers-free-energy-efficiency.html

http://paenvironmentdaily.blogspot.com/2015/07/dep-takes-control-of-cleanup-at-illegal.html

http://paenvironmentdaily.blogspot.com/2015/07/3-pa-farms-receive-pacd-clean-water.html

http://paenvironmentdaily.blogspot.com/2015/07/dep-lifts-drought-watch-for-all.html

http://paenvironmentdaily.blogspot.com/2015/07/pa-officials-reiterate-commitment-to.html

http://paenvironmentdaily.blogspot.com/2015/07/dep-holds-first-meeting-of-pipeline.html




http://triblive.com/news/fayette/8794749-74/chief-police-electric

http://powersource.post-gazette.com/powersource/companies/2015/07/21/Tension-between-West-Penn-Power-and-electrocuted-lineman-perils-of-a-dangerous-job/stories/201507210002



http://wapo.st/1CY8YV8



“During this cohort’s lifetime, these individuals and their generation will rewire the entire

world with clean energy, redesign sustainable cities and high performing buildings, upcycle

products as part of a circular economy, reimagine the global food system and reinvent

transportation,” said Sroufe. “They will create millions of jobs, help lift billions of people out of

poverty, protect integrity in creation and shape a just and prosperous future. The Duquesne MBA

Sustainability lays the foundation for this work.”For more information, visit Duquesne University’s MBA Sustainability Program

webpage.

July 30 Hearing On Short Term Air Emission Plan For the Homer City Power Station

The Department of Environmental Protection will hold a public hearing July 30 to hear from

residents on the new pollution control measures for the Homer City Power Station in Indiana

County.

The hearing will be held from 6:00 to 8:00 p.m. at the Homer-Center High School

Auditorium, 70 Wildcat Lane, Homer City, PA 15748.

Homer City Generation is preparing to begin operation of its Novel IntegratedDesulfurization dry scrubber systems which are designed to control Sulfur Dioxide and other air

contaminants from units 1 and 2 at Homer City Power Station in Center and Black Lick

Townships.

DEP will hear testimony on its proposed intent to issue a plan approval to HCG to

establish temporary alternative SO2 emission limits during the startup, initial operation and/or

intermittent periods of operation of the NID dry scrubber system at the Homer City Power

Station.

During the first hour, both DEP and HCG will make brief presentations followed by a

question and answer session. Members of the public will also have an opportunity to provide

testimony on the plan approval.

Those wishing to provide formal comments must register with Community Relations

Coordinator John Poister either by email to: [email protected] or call 412-442-4203 before 3:00

p.m. on the day of the hearing. There will also be an opportunity to register onsite before the

hearing begins.

Those unable to attend the hearing may submit written comments to the Department of

Environmental Protection, 400 Waterfront Drive, Pittsburgh, PA 15222. The public comment

period closes August 10, 2015.

NewsClips:



Outrage Over Federal Clean Power Rules Fades As States Find Fixes Benefits Program Still Seeking Sick Nuclear Workers



Connellsville OKs Permit For Natural Gas, Electric Solicitation

Outdoor Recreation, PA Waterways Subject Of PEC TV Program Now Online









http://www.duq.edu/academics/schools/business/graduate/mba-sustainability



Outdoor recreation on Pennsylvania’s waterways is the topic of conversation in the second

“Environmental Focus,” a half-hour television talk show from the PA Environmental Council.

The program is now available online for viewing.

The show, which debuted on the Pennsylvania Cable Network on July 12, features one of

the first one-on-one interviews with Cindy Adams Dunn, the new secretary of the Department of

Conservation and Natural Resources.In this interview, Secretary Dunn discusses her views on Pennsylvania’s waterways and

the role they play in outdoor recreation across the Commonwealth. Following her interview, a

roundtable discussion on outdoor recreation will include National Park Service outdoor

recreation planner Jackie Kramer, Eric Martin, owner of Wilderness Voyageurs, and Patrick

Starr, executive vice president of the PA Environmental Council.

“Pennsylvania’s watersheds are a crucial aspect of our Commonwealth’s environment,”

Starr said. “Not only is this installment of ‘Environmental Focus’ an educational tool for the

viewers at home, but also a great way for the panelists to engage in productive discussion to

better Pennsylvania’s environment.

“We think ‘Environmental Focus’ is an effective tool for reaching important audiences

and openly discussing the issues, ideas, and challenges facing the Pennsylvania environment,”PEC president and CEO Davitt Woodwell said, “And PEC hopes to lead the discussion on these

issues in ways that elevate the debate in a thoughtful, transparent, and productive way.”

To view the debut episode of “Environmental Focus” on the Pennsylvania state budget

from May, Click Here .

NewsClips:

The Circuit Trails Win USA TODAY’s Best Urban Trail Recognition



Shale Drillers On DCNR Land Pulled Back Again In 2014

Fewer Gas Wells Drilled In State Forests

State Park Beaches Closed After 29 Swimmers Get Sick

Major Funding Announced For Delaware Valley Trails

Letter: Rename Moon Lake To Honor Pat Solano

Delaware Water Gap: Adams Creek Trail Closed

Editorial: Discover Presque Isle In Many Ways

Students In Goddard Leadership Legacy Institute Explored LeTort Spring Run In Carlisle

The Central PA Conservancy reported Friday the students

(age 13-15) and staff participating in the Goddard

Leadership Legacy Institute enjoyed a wonderful week of

good weather and programming at Pine Grove Furnace State

Park and beyond.

Residing at the Ironmaster's Mansion in Cumberland

County, the 2015 class of students demonstrated an

impressive team dynamic and an understanding of the local

watershed, fostered throughout the week.

A few of the week's highlights include--

http://ironmastersmansion.com/

http://www.dcnr.state.pa.us/stateparks/findapark/pinegrovefurnace/

http://www.dcnr.state.pa.us/stateparks/findapark/pinegrovefurnace/

http://goddardleadership.org/


https://www.centralpaconservancy.org/

http://www.goerie.com/our-view-discover-presque-isle-in-many-ways#

http://www.mcall.com/sports/outdoors/mc-adams-creek-trail-area-bushkill-closed-through-september-20150724-story.html

http://timesleader.com/opinion/letters/374612/letter-to-the-editor-rename-moon-lake-park-to-honor-former-dcnr-secretary-pat-solano

http://pecpa.org/pec-blog/more-major-funding-announced-for-delaware-valley-trails/

http://www.pennlive.com/midstate/index.ssf/2015/07/state_park_beaches_closed_afte.html#incart_m-rpt-2




http://triblive.com/news/adminpage/8787417-74/lake-dam-state

http://www.10best.com/awards/travel/best-urban-trail/

http://pecpa.org/press-releases/environmental-focus-media-center/

http://pecpa.org/press-releases/environmental-focus-media-center/

http://pecpa.org/



-- DAY 1: Ropes Course at Camp Thompson, Nature Journaling Exercise, and Leadership

Development Workshop;

-- DAY 2: Water Quality Monitoring on the LeTort Spring Run, Kayak Trip, Chesapeake Bay

watershed program;

-- Day 3: LeTort Bird Walk with Appalachian Audubon, Cumberland Valley Trout Unlimited

Stream Restoration Demo, Dickinson College Center for Sustainability Education Campus Tour,

Farmers Market in Carlisle, and AT Museum Tour;

-- DAY 4: Dickinson College Farm Program, Michaux State Forest Tour with DCNR Foresters,

Archery with Safari Club; and

-- DAY 5: Final Presentations to Local Leaders and Luncheon.

In their team projects, students were asked to develop an informational artwork poster,

choosing a word that reflected a conservation value or function found at the headwaters of the

LeTort (currently under a purchase option agreement with the Central PA Conservancy), and use

that poster to educate, engage, and empower members of the community to build support for the

acquisition and restoration of the site.

At the end of the week, teams presented to local leaders, including representatives of the

Chesapeake Bay Foundation , Appalachian Audubon

, the Chris Thorpe Foundation

,

Shippensburg University, and a leadership development consultant.

The Conservancy was delighted that so many local organizations have sponsored

scholarships for these students, including Appalachian Audubon, the Chris Thorpe Foundation in

Carlisle, the Cumberland County Conservation District, and the Friends of Pine Grove Furnace

State Park .

Next Year’s Program

Spread the word about the Goddard Leadership Legacy Institute to teachers, parents, and

students ages 13-15 for next year. The program is tentatively scheduled for June 10-15, 2016.

Other Conservancy Accomplishments

The Conservancy also reported on these accomplishments in its July newsletter--

-- Purchase Option Secured At Headwaters Of LeTort Spring Run

-- DCNR Grant Assures Outreach Efforts On The Kittatinny Ridge Over 3 Years

For more information about programs and activities, visit the Central PA Conservancy

website.

NewsClip: Villanova Group Tackles Madagascar’s Water Issues

The Circuit Trails Show Increased Use, Wins USA TODAY’s Best Urban Trail

The Delaware Valley Regional Planning Commission Thursday released the first year of data

from its permanent bicycle and pedestrian counters that have been placed on 11 trails around

Greater Philadelphia.Bulletin: The Circuit Trails just won USA TODAY’s Best Urban Trail Recognition

Thanks to generous support from the William Penn Foundation , the permanent counters

enable the Commission to collect continuous volume data around The Circuit – the region’s

network of multiuse trails – and identify areas in need of additional bicycle facilities.

The five trails with the highest combined bicycle and pedestrian volumes for a one-year

period are:

— Schuylkill River Trail at Kelly Drive – 663,201;

http://www.connectthecircuit.org/

http://www.williampennfoundation.org/


http://www.dvrpc.org/

http://www.philly.com/philly/news/20150725__Nova_group_tackles_Madagascar_s_water_issues.html

https://www.centralpaconservancy.org/#


http://www.pinegrovefriends.org/

http://www.pinegrovefriends.org/

http://www.cumberlandcd.com/

http://www.ship.edu/

https://www.facebook.com/ChrisThorpeFoundation

http://www.appalachianaudubon.org/

http://www.cbf.org/pa

http://www.dcnr.state.pa.us/forestry/stateforests/michaux/

http://www.dickinson.edu/info/20052/sustainability/2278/center_for_sustainability_education

http://cvtu.homestead.com/



— Chester Valley Trail – 240,182;

— Schuylkill River Trail at Pawlings Road – 208,180;

— Wissahickon Trail – 208,114; and

— Cynwyd Heritage Trail – 114,619.

The data collected by the permanent bicycle and pedestrian counters shows significant

use of these regional transportation assets. DVRPC maintains one of the nation’s mostwidespread bicycle and pedestrian counting programs.

The counters combine a passive infrared sensor, which detects body heat, with an

inductive loop, which detects the metallic signature of bicycle wheels, to provide a count of

pedestrian and cyclists, including their travel direction.

This technology paves the way for the introduction in Philadelphia of real-time “bicycle

barometers” that simultaneously collect data and encourage bicycle use due to their prominent

visibility and digital displays.

“We are proud that Greater Philadelphia is among the first regions in the country to

install permanent bicycle and pedestrian counters,” said DVRPC Executive Director, Barry

Seymour. “We hope to explore additional opportunities to invest in measurement technology and

support the strong demand for bicycle and pedestrian infrastructure that this data suggests.”To learn more about bicycle and pedestrian count program, visit the DVRPC website .

Future interactive map and data releases will be posted online .

For more information on using the Delaware Valley trails, visit The Circuit website.

NewsClips:

The Circuit Trails Just Won USA TODAY’s Best Urban Trail Recognition





PEC Pocono Forest & Waters Conservation Landscape Mini-Grants Awarded

The Pocono Forest and Waters Conservation Landscape Assistance Program Thursday

announced the award of its 2015 mini-grants, according to the PA Environmental Council. The

grants were awarded to:

-- Anthracite Scenic Trails Association – Survey and title work for a proposed trail alignment

of the Back Mountain Trail in Luzerne Borough to the Levee Trail System in Edwardsville

Borough.

-- Rail Trail Council of NEPA – Purchase and installation of three bicycle racks and three

picnic tables for D&H Trailheads and scenic areas along the Lackawanna River.

-- Diamond City Partnership –

Creation of a modular wayfinding signage system to directdowntown visitors and improve access to and between downtown Wilkes-Barre, the D&L Trail,

the Susquehanna Water Trail, riverfront parks, and state parks and forests.

-- Live Well Luzerne/Wilkes-Barre Family YMCA – Development of parks, trails and river

superhero characters and a Superparks! website to promote the benefits of public lands for

environmental and personal health, and especially mental wellness throughout the conservation

landscape.

-- Lackawanna Heritage Valley Authority – Creation and installation of directional signage

http://www.susquehannawatertrail.org/

http://www.nepa-rail-trails.org/

http://www.traillink.com/trail/back-mountain-trail.aspx

http://pecpa.org/

http://pecpa.org/program/pocono-forest-waters-conservation-landscape-conservation-assistance-program/






http://www.connectthecircuit.org/

http://www.dvrpc.org/Traffic

http://www.dvrpc.org/transportation/BicyclePedestrian/bicycle.htm



and interpretive kiosks along the Lackawanna River Heritage Trail from Market Street to Green

Ridge Street to educate trail users of the site’s environmental history and features, amenities

nearby, the innovate natural play area, and trail map detailing points of interest, and connections

ahead to improve the overall experience of trail users.

-- Delaware Highlands Conservancy – Creation of a short call to action video that draws parallels

between the clarity and purity of our minds with the cleanliness of the water. The video willleverage an organized river clean-up day with an interview with Gen Samten – a respected

Buddhist monk - and visuals of the Delaware and Lackawaxen rivers. Viewers will be

encouraged to share their own videos, pictures, and stories about how they protect water in the

Upper Delaware River region.

-- Pike County Office of Community Planning – Update and printing of the extremely popular

Pike Outdoors guide and development of an interactive mobile application to go along with the

updated paper version.

-- Countryside Conservancy – Development of educational and informative signage in select

areas along the Countryside Conservancy’s Trolley Trail. Signage pieces will depict actual

scenes and/or historical postcards from the Northern Electric Trolley era.

-- Greater Hazleton Area Civic Partnership – Design and create a picnic area to enhance thetrailhead of the Greater Hazleton Rails to Trails.

A review committee met and ranked the applicants using a grant scoring criteria to

determine the selections.

Thanks to funding provided by the Department of Conservation and Natural Resources,

the program was able to award a combined $60,000 to the mini-grantees, who have until August

31, 2016 to complete the projects.

Under the Pocono Forest and Waters Conservation Landscape, PEC has implemented a

mini-grant program that funds projects that support the conservation landscape’s goals of

conservation, connections, and community.

For more information, visit the Pocono Forest and Waters Conservation Landscape

Assistance Program webpage.

Health Concerns Close Lake At Cowans Gap State Park, Fulton County

The departments of Health and Conservation and Natural Resources Wednesday announced the

beach at Cowans Gap State Park , Fulton County, has been closed for swimming until further

notice. The park remains open for camping and other activities.

The decision to close the beach, effective Wednesday, came after reports of more than

two dozen cases of gastrointestinal illness suspected of being norovirus. According to current

information, the cases occurred in persons who reported swimming in the lake between July 18

and July 19.“Ensuring the health and safety of state park visitors is our main concern,” said

Department of Conservation and Natural Resources Secretary Cindy Adams Dunn. “While it is

very unfortunate that we must close a major recreational aspect of this beautiful park at the

height of the summer recreational season, we must take all precautions to ensure the lake water is

safe.”

The secretary noted lake water has been tested regularly twice a week since swimming

began this summer. Test results noting high Escherichia coli counts resulted in the lake closing

http://www.dcnr.state.pa.us/stateparks/findapark/cowansgap/



http://www.civicpartnership.com/railstotrails.html

http://countrysideconservancy.com/trails/trolley-trail.html

https://www.pikepa.org/planning.html

http://www.delawarehighlands.org/

http://www.lhva.org/greenways-trails/



three days earlier this month.

In mid-August 2011, the lake was closed to water activities for the remainder of the

season after several people were severely sickened after swimming in the lake.

The beach is being closed today as a precautionary measure to protect the public’s health

and safety until a thorough investigation can be completed.

“We take these cases very seriously,” said Department of Health Secretary KarenMurphy. “Protecting the health of our citizens is our top priority.”

Norovirus is a contagious virus that is passed from an infected person, contaminated food

or water, or by touching contaminated surfaces. Symptoms are stomach pain, nausea, diarrhea

and vomiting.

DOH requests the public to help prevent the spread of norovirus and other diseases. Stay

out of the water if you have diarrhea. It is preferable that small children in diapers, whether or

not they have diarrhea, be kept out of the water. And as general advice, DOH recommends that

swimmers and other lake users do not swallow lake water.

DOH also recommends that anyone who has visited the park and experiences diarrhea

should contact their healthcare provider, their local health department or the Pennsylvania

Department of Health at 1-877-PA-HEALTH (877-724-3258).Surrounded by Buchanan State Forest, Cowans Gap State Park draws more than 440,000

visitors annually. The lake, large campground, rustic cabins and many hiking trails are prime

attractions.

NewsClip: State Park Beaches Closed After 29 Swimmers Get Sick

Brodhead Creek Watershed Assn Hosts 2 Hikes On August 29 In Monroe County

The free hiking series Get Outdoors Poconos by the Brodhead Creek Watershed Association

continues August 29 in Barrett Township, Monroe County with two hikes .

The first option is for hikers who like a challenge: a scramble up Mount Wismer.

Participants will hike trails passing by deliciously ripe blueberries, a boulder field, milkweed in

bloom and the butterflies it attracts, native rhododendrons in full flower, and spring-fed pools.

The best reward: a wrap-around panorama view from the top.

Mount Wismer is a 90-acre preserve abutting the 170-acre Gravel Family Preserve,

where an easier hike will be held simultaneously. This family-friendly option is suitable for all

abilities, although the trail is occasionally wet. Participants will see a beautiful marsh.

The hikes are free, but registration is required. Call 570-839-1120 or 570-629-2727 or

email your name and contact information to: [email protected] (subject line: Mount

Wismer).

Click Here for more details.

NewsClips:The Circuit Trails Just Won USA TODAY’s Best Urban Trail Recognition





Health Department Calls For Increased Lyme Disease Awareness, Detection






http://www.brodheadwatershed.org/documents/MountWismerhikeAug29_2015.pdf


http://www.brodheadwatershed.org/documents/MountWismerhikeAug29_2015.pdf

http://www.brodheadwatershed.org/


http://www.dcnr.state.pa.us/forestry/stateforests/buchanan/



With Pennsylvania leading the nation in reported cases of Lyme disease , Department of Health

Secretary Karen Murphy Friday called for increased awareness about this serious disease and

outlined the Department 's efforts to combat tick-borne diseases in Pennsylvania.

"Every county in the state is affected by Lyme disease," said Murphy at a press

conference at Lackawanna State Park . "With many cases going unreported, it is critical that we provide people with information about this disease. The 'Don't Let a Tick Make You Sick'

campaign seeks to alert the public about this health problem and outline the department's efforts

to address it."

When detected early, Lyme disease can be treated with antibiotics. Left untreated, the

disease can spread to the joints, heart and nervous system. Early diagnosis is important in

preventing late-stage complications.

The first line of defense against Lyme is to take precautions in the outdoors by using

insect repellent with DEET, wearing long sleeve shirts and long pants, checking for - and

promptly and properly removing – any ticks, and showering shortly after exposure.

The recently-released 2014 Lyme statistics show increases in reported Lyme cases in

most counties in the state. For the past five years, Pennsylvania has lead the nation in reportedLyme disease cases.

Murphy said the findings and recommendations of the state's first-ever Lyme Disease

Task Force will be announced later this summer.

The task force, comprised of health experts and other stakeholders, was formed last year

through an act of the General Assembly. The task force is charged with investigating the problem

and developing recommendations regarding education and awareness, prevention and

surveillance of Lyme disease.

For more information, visit the Department of Health’s Lyme Disease webpage.

Snyder County Mosquito Spraying Set For July 27

The Department of Environmental Protection will be conducting an ultra-low volume (ULV)

mosquito control operation to reduce high populations of nuisance mosquitoes on July 27 in

Monroe Township, Snyder County .

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 0.75

ounces per acre.

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

Berks, Blair, Bucks, Cambria, Centre, Chester, Clinton, Cumberland, Dauphin, Delaware,

Franklin, Lancaster, Lebanon, Lehigh, Luzerne, Lycoming, Montgomery, Northampton, Perry,

Philadelphia, Snyder, and York.Click Here for the complete announcement. Visit the West Nile Virus website for more

information.

Wildlands Conservancy Highlights August Programs

Campfires and shooting stars, greenway walks, a musikfest and National Honeybee Day are just

some of the special programs the Wildlands Conservancy has planned for August in and around

http://www.wildlandspa.org/

http://www.westnile.state.pa.us/

https://www.ahs.dep.pa.gov/WestNileNews/Detail.aspx?ID=1763

http://www.health.state.pa.us/lymedisease

http://www.dcnr.state.pa.us/stateparks/findapark/lackawanna/

http://www.health.state.pa.us/lymedisease



Allentown, Bethlehem and Emmaus. Click Here for all the details.

Game Commission Seeks Input On Osprey Recovery Plan

The Game Commission is seeking public input on its draft Osprey Recovery And Management

Plan . Developed by biologists within the agency’s Wildlife Diversity Division, the osprey

recovery and management plan establishes management goals through 2025.

The mission of this plan is to establish and maintain a stable population of breeding

ospreys in Pennsylvania for current and future generations to enjoy.

For recovery of its population, the plan sets a goal of at least 50 nesting pairs with at least

four watershed-based population clusters of 10 pairs or more. This goal was determined by

comparing the amount of shallow water in Pennsylvania with states where the osprey recovery

goals have been set, and in comparison with the bald eagle which was considered recovered with

150 active nesting pairs. The osprey is a fish-eating raptor strongly associated with the

availability of shallow, still water.

Based on the plan, if the goal is met for two consecutive surveys, a recommendation

would be made to remove the osprey from the state’s threatened species list, and reclassify itsstatus as “recovered.”

The plan also sets goals for the protection of ospreys, and educating the public about

ospreys.

The osprey, which never was a common species in Pennsylvania or as widespread as the

bald eagle, is one of the great success stories in wildlife conservation.

Before its population collapse due to DDT exposure, the osprey was reported in summer

from 15 of the state’s 67 counties and nests were confirmed only in Beaver, Bucks, Clarion,

Delaware and possibly Wyoming counties.

The osprey was declared extirpated from Pennsylvania in 1982, but in 1985, when

nesting ospreys returned, it was reclassified as endangered.

Then during a 17-year restoration effort, a total of 300 birds were released in

Pennsylvania. In 1986 the first of these released birds nested successfully.

The population has continued to grow, and during the last survey period, 115 nests were

found.

The plan calls for continued management activities to promote population growth and

security for ospreys, exploring the relationship between breeding success and natural and

human-modified habitat characteristics, ensuring effective maintenance and enhancement of

artificial nesting sites, and promoting education of the general public about the osprey and its

habitat in Pennsylvania.

A copy of the Osprey Recovery and Management Plan is available online.

Public comments on the plan will be accepted through August 29, and can be sent byemail to: [email protected]; or by mail to Osprey Recovery and Management Plan, Pennsylvania

Game Commission, 2001 Elmerton Avenue, Harrisburg, PA 17110-9797.

NewsClips:

Osprey May Follow Eagles Being Declared Recovered

NE PA Audubon Hosts 30th Annual Festival

Peregrine Falcon Chick Hatched In Pittsburgh Dies

Ned Smith Center For Nature & Arts July 25 Festival

http://blog.pennlive.com/wildaboutpa/2015/07/ned_smith_center_for_nature_an_3.html#incart_river

http://www.post-gazette.com/local/city/2015/07/21/Lone-perefrine-falcon-chick-hatched-at-Cathedral-of-Learning-dies-pittsburgh/stories/201507210184

http://thetimes-tribune.com/news/owls-snakes-and-a-porcupine-oh-my-nepa-audubon-society-hosts-30th-annual-festival-1.1914991

http://lancasteronline.com/news/local/ospreys-may-follow-eagles-in-being-declared-recovered-in-pennsylvania/article_b44ea64e-308c-11e5-bc22-c3557c1126ab.html


http://www.portal.state.pa.us/portal/server.pt/document/1507062/osprey_recovery_and_management_plan_pdf



http://campaign.r20.constantcontact.com/render?ca=e30b89e7-e265-487f-90dc-2316ac3595d9&c=380b9280-355d-11e3-a0b3-d4ae5292c38a&ch=393f5790-355d-11e3-a1e6-d4ae5292c38a



Help Wanted: Berks Conservation District Looking To Fill Technician Position

The Berks County Conservation District is seeking qualified applicants for an Erosion and

Sedimentation Technician responsible for implementing several state-delegated regulatory

programs. those programs include Chapter 92 (NPDES), Chapter 102 (Erosion Control, PCSM(Stormwater) and Chapter 105 (Dam Safety and Waterway Management).

The deadline for applications is August 14. Click Here for a complete job description.

Applications should be sent to Tammy Bartsch by sending email to:

[email protected] or by mail to: Berks County Conservation District, 1238 County

Welfare Road, Suite 200, Leesport, PA 19533.

Office Space: PACD Has Office Space Available For Immediate Rent In Harrisburg

The PA Association of Conservation Districts has immediate office space available for rent

located at 25 North Front Street, Harrisburg PA and convenient to city, county and state

buildings.The available space is a two room office of 435 square feet at a cost of $775 per month,

which includes utilities and one parking spot. The rooms can leased separately or together.

For more information, please contact Brenda Shambaugh, Executive Director, by sending

email to: [email protected] or call 717-238-7223.

Public Participation Opportunities/Calendar Of Events

This section lists House and Senate Committee meetings, DEP and other public hearings and

meetings and other interesting environmental events.

NEW means new from last week. [Agenda Not Posted] means not posted within 2 weeks

of the advisory committee meeting. Go to the online Calendar webpage for updates.

July 28- Keep PA Beautiful Illegal Dump Free PA information meeting for stakeholders in

Bedford, Cambria, Somerset Counties. Windber Community Building Gym at 1605 Graham

Avenue in Windber, Somerset County. 4:30.

July 28-- Professional Recyclers OF PA Leading The Way To Zero Waste Workshop . Best

Western Premier in Harrisburg. Noon.

July 28-- NEW . DEP hearing on proposed Frey Farm Landfill Expansion , Lancaster County.

Manor Township Municipal Building, 950 West Fairway Drive, Lancaster. 7 to 9 p.m.

July 30-- DEP hearing on sulfur dioxide reduction limits for the Homer City Generating Station

in Indiana County. Homer-Center High School Auditorium, 70 Wildcat Lane, Homer City.

6:00-8:00. (formal notice June 20 PA Bulletin page 3241 ).

August 4-- CANCELED. DEP Environmental Justice Advisory Board meeting. Delaware

Room, 16th Floor, Rachel Carson Building. 8:30. ( formal cancellation notice )


http://www.portal.state.pa.us/portal/server.pt/community/environmental_justice_advisory_board/14051


http://paenvironmentdaily.blogspot.com/2015/07/july-28-hearing-on-proposed-frey-farm.html

http://paenvironmentdaily.blogspot.com/2015/07/prop-hosts-zero-waste-workshop-on-july.html

http://paenvironmentdaily.blogspot.com/2015/07/kpb-partners-hold-illegal-dumping.html

http://www.paenvironmentdigest.com/events/?varQueryType=Calendar


http://pacd.org/


https://goo.gl/VuSXEI

http://berkscd.com/



August 4-5-- Mid-Atlantic Invasive Plant Council Conference. Juniata College, Huntingdon

County. Click Here for more information.

August 5-- NEW . Agenda Posted . DEP Solid Waste Advisory Committee Ad Hoc Convenience

Center Subcommittee meeting. 14th Floor Rachel Carson Building. 10:00. ( formal notice

)-- Discussion of Feasibility of Establishing Recycling Convenience Centers in Rural Areas

-- Click Here for available handouts.

August 6-- Agenda Posted. DEP Air Quality Technical Advisory Committee meeting. Room

105 Rachel Carson Building. 9:15.

-- Revised Policy On Developing Technical Guidance

-- Update on PA’s 2015 Ambient Air Monitoring Network Plan

-- Acid Rain - A PA Perspective

-- Concepts For Proposed Air Quality Fee Increases

-- Proposed Attainment Demonstration For North Reading Lead Nonattainment

-- Overview Of Supreme Court Ruling On EPA’s Mercury, Air Toxics Standards-- Regulatory Update/State Implementation Plan Revisions

-- Click Here for available handouts.

August 6-- Susquehanna River Basin Commission public hearing on proposed changes to the

Comprehensive Plan for the Water Resources of the Susquehanna River Basin and on individual

water withdrawal projects. East Hanover Township Municipal Building, 8848 Jonestown Rd.,

Grantville. 7:00 to 9:00. ( formal notice + agenda ) ( formal notice )

August 6-7-- 2015 PA Community Forestry Conference . Penn State Erie.

August 7-8— NEW . Mid-Atlantic Volunteer Monitoring Conference . Shenandoah University,

Winchester, VA.

August 8-- Digital Photo Art Exhibit By Jerry Hassinger . Ned Smith Center for Nature and Art,

Millersburg, Dauphin County. 2:00 to 5:00 Reception.

August 12-- DEP Water Resources Advisory Committee meeting. Room 105 Rachel Carson

Building. 9:30.

August 12-- DEP State Board For Certification Of Water And Wastewater Systems Operators

meeting. 10th Floor Conference Room, Rachel Carson Building. 10:00.

August 12-- DCNR Wild Resource Conservation Program hearing to comment on applications

submitted for FY 2015-16 grant funding. 6th Floor Conference Room, Rachel Carson Building,

Harrisburg. 10:00. ( formal notice )

August 18-- CANCELED . Environmental Quality Board meeting. The next scheduled meeting

is September 15. 9:00. ( formal cancellation notice )


http://www.portal.state.pa.us/portal/server.pt/community/environmental_quality_board/21511/eqb_meeting_schedule_2015/1959861


http://www.dcnr.state.pa.us/conservationscience/wrcp/index.htm

http://www.portal.state.pa.us/portal/server.pt/community/water_and_wastewater_systems_operators/14012

https://www.portal.state.pa.us/portal/server.pt/community/water_resources_advisory_committee_(wrac)/14017

http://www.nedsmithcenter.org/

http://paenvironmentdaily.blogspot.com/2015/07/digital-photo-art-exhibit-by-jerry.html

http://paenvironmentdaily.blogspot.com/2015/07/register-now-for-mid-atlantic-volunteer.html

http://www.cvent.com/events/pennsylvania-community-forestry-conference/event-summary-484f2ba884eb400c9f9b3465c1f29542.aspx


http://www.srbc.net/pubinfo/publicparticipation.htm

http://www.srbc.net/

http://www.portal.state.pa.us/portal/server.pt/community/air_quality_technical_advisory_committee/21797


http://files.dep.state.pa.us/Air/AirQuality/AQPortalFiles/Advisory%20Committees/Air%20Quality%20Technical%20Advisory%20Committee/2015/8-6-15/01_AQTAC_Meeting_Agenda-Revised_Aug_16_2015.pdf

http://www.dep.state.pa.us/dep/subject/advcoun/solidwst/swac.htm



http://www.dep.state.pa.us/dep/subject/advcoun/solidwst/2015/8-5-15/SWAC_Subcommittee_Agenda_8-5-15.pdf

http://paenvironmentdaily.blogspot.com/2015/06/mid-atlantic-invasive-plant-council.html

http://www.maipc.org/



August 18-- CANCELED . DEP Citizens Advisory Council meeting. The next scheduled

meeting is September 15. 10:00.

August 25-- DEP Oil and Gas Technical Advisory Committee meeting. Room 105 Rachel

Carson Building. 10:00. ( formal notice

)

August 26-- DEP Cleanup Standards Scientific Advisory Board meeting. Room 105 Rachel

Carson Building. 9:00.

August 26-- DEP Pipeline Infrastructure Task Force meeting. Susquehanna Conference Rooms,

DEP Southcentral Regional Office, 909 Elmerton Ave., Harrisburg. 1:00.

August 27-- DEP Conventional Oil and Gas Advisory Committee meeting. Room 105 Rachel


August 29— NEW. Brodhead Creek Watershed Assn. hosts 2 hikes in Monroe County. ClickHere for all the details.

September 1-- DEP Storage Tank Advisory Committee meeting. Room 105 Rachel Carson

Building. 10:00.

September 8-- DEP Board of Coal Mine Safety meeting. DEP Cambria Office, 286 Industrial

Park Rd., Ebensburg. 10:00.

September 15-- Environmental Quality Board meeting. Room 105 Rachel Carson Building.

9:00.

September 15-- DEP Citizens Advisory Council meeting. Room 105 Rachel Carson Building.

10:00.

September 17-- DEP Water Systems Technical Assistance Center Board meeting. Room 105

Rachel Carson Building. 9:00.

September 16-20-- National Trout Unlimited Meeting. Center City Hilton Hotel and Convention

Center, Scranton. Click Here for more information.

September 20-22-- 2015 Greenways and Trails Summit. Holiday Inn and AlleghenyCommunity Center, Warren.

September 22-- DEP Sewage Advisory Committee meeting. Room 105 Rachel Carson

Building. 10:30.

September 23-- DEP Pipeline Infrastructure Task Force meeting. Susquehanna Conference

Rooms, DEP Southcentral Regional Office, 909 Elmerton Ave., Harrisburg. 1:00.


http://www.portal.state.pa.us/portal/server.pt/community/sewage_advisory_committee_(sac)/14015

http://www.dcnr.state.pa.us/brc/conservation/greenways/greenwaysummit/index.htm

http://paenvironmentdaily.blogspot.com/2015/02/save-date-scranton-to-host-national.html

http://www.portal.state.pa.us/portal/server.pt/community/technical_assistance_center_(tac)/14016



http://www.portal.state.pa.us/portal/server.pt/community/board_of_coal_mine_safety/20846/2015/1944415

http://www.portal.state.pa.us/portal/server.pt/community/storage_tank_advisory_committee/20603

http://paenvironmentdaily.blogspot.com/2015/07/brodhead-creek-watershed-assn-hosts-2.html

http://paenvironmentdaily.blogspot.com/2015/07/brodhead-creek-watershed-assn-hosts-2.html

http://www.brodheadwatershed.org/

http://www.portal.state.pa.us/portal/server.pt/community/conventional_oil_and_gas_advisory_committee/21984


http://www.portal.state.pa.us/portal/server.pt/community/cleanup_standards_scientific_advisory_board/21545/agendas___handouts/1658695


http://www.portal.state.pa.us/portal/server.pt/community/oil_and_gas_technical_advisory_board_(TAB)/18260




September 24-- DEP Recycling Fund Advisory Committee & Solid Waste Advisory Committee

meeting. Room 105 Rachel Carson Building. 10:00.

September 24-- DEP Radiation Protection Advisory Committee meeting. 14th Floor

Conference Room, Rachel Carson Building. 9:00.

October 2-- DEP Low-Level Waste Advisory Committee. Room 105 Rachel Carson Building.

10:00.

October 8-- DEP Air Quality Technical Advisory Committee meeting. Room 105 Rachel


October 13— NEW . PA Environmental Council 2nd Annual Environmental Policy Conference .

Harrisburg.

October 14-- DEP Technical Advisory Committee on Diesel-Powered Mining Equipment meeting. DEP New Stanton Office, 131 Broadview Rd., New Stanton. 10:00.

October 17-- Sen. Alloway, Alliance For Chesapeake Bay Tree Planting . Cumberland, Franklin

Counties. Click Here for more information or to volunteer.

October 20-- Environmental Quality Board meeting. Room 105 Rachel Carson Building. 9:00.

October 20-- DEP Citizens Advisory Council meeting. Room 105 Rachel Carson Building.

10:00.

October 22-- DEP Mining and Reclamation Advisory Board meeting. Room 105 Rachel Carson

Building. 10:00.

October 27-- DEP Oil and Gas Technical Advisory Committee meeting. Room 105 Rachel

Carson Building. 10:00. ( formal notice )

October 28-- DEP Pipeline Infrastructure Task Force meeting. Susquehanna Conference


October 28-30-- 2015 Partnership for Safe Water 2015 Water System Optimization Conference

hosted by the PA Section American Water Works Association . Hershey.

October 28-- DEP Small Business Compliance Advisory Committee meeting. 12th Floor

Conference Room, Rachel Carson Building. 10:00.

October 29-- DEP Conventional Oil and Gas Advisory Committee meeting. Room 105 Rachel


http://www.portal.state.pa.us/portal/server.pt/community/conventional_oil_and_gas_advisory_committee/21984

http://www.portal.state.pa.us/portal/server.pt/community/small_business_compliance_advisory_committee/21802

http://www.paawwa.org/

http://www.paawwa.org/safe-water/



http://www.portal.state.pa.us/portal/server.pt/community/oil_and_gas_technical_advisory_board_(TAB)/18260

http://www.portal.state.pa.us/portal/server.pt/community/mining_and_reclamation_advisory_board/21043/2015/1220693



http://www.senatoralloway.com/trees-for-tomorrow/

http://paenvironmentdaily.blogspot.com/2015/06/sen-alloway-alliance-for-chesapeake-bay.html

http://www.portal.state.pa.us/portal/server.pt/community/technical_advisory_committee_on_diesel-powered_equipment/20848/2015/1944417

http://paenvironmentdaily.blogspot.com/2015/07/pec-to-hold-2nd-environmental.html

http://pecpa.org/


http://www.dep.state.pa.us/dep/subject/advcoun/llrw/llrw.htm

http://www.portal.state.pa.us/portal/server.pt/community/radiation_protection_advisory_committee/21926/meetings_and_bylaws/1923756


http://www.dep.state.pa.us/dep/subject/advcoun/recycle/recycle.htm



October 29-- DEP State Board For Certification Of Water And Wastewater Systems Operators

meeting. 10th Floor Conference Room, Rachel Carson Building. 10:00.

November 18-- DEP Pipeline Infrastructure Task Force meeting. Susquehanna Conference


January 13-- DEP Pipeline Infrastructure Task Force meeting. Susquehanna Conference


February 26-27— NEW. 2016 Keystone Coldwater Conference. State College.

Visit DEP’s Public Participation Center for information on how you can Be Informed! and Get

Involved! in DEP regulation and guidance development process.

DEP Regulations In Process

Proposed Regulations Open For Comment - DEP webpage

Proposed Regulations With Closed Comment Periods - DEP webpage

Recently Finalized Regulations - DEP webpage

DEP Regulatory Update - DEP webpage

DEP Technical Guidance In Process

Draft Technical Guidance Documents - DEP webpage

Technical Guidance Comment Deadlines - DEP webpage

Submit Comments on Proposals Through DEP’s new Environmental Policy Comment System

Recently Closed Comment Periods For Technical Guidance - DEP webpage

Technical Guidance Recently Finalized - DEP webpage

Copies of Final Technical Guidance - DEP webpage

Other DEP Proposals For Public Review

Other Proposals Open For Public Comment - DEP webpage


Recently Closed Comment Periods For Other Proposals - DEP webpage

Other Proposals Recently Finalized - DEP webpage

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

DEP Calendar of Events

DCNR Calendar of Events

Note: The Environmental Education Workshop Calendar is no longer available from the PA

Center for Environmental Education because funding for the Center was eliminated in the FY

2011-12 state budget. The PCEE website was also shutdown, but some content was moved to

the PA Association of Environmental Educators' website.

http://www.eeresources.net/

http://events.dcnr.pa.gov/

http://www.ahs.dep.pa.gov/CalendarOfEvents/EventCalendar.aspx?CalendarDate=%7B0%7D

http://www.portal.state.pa.us/portal/server.pt/community/advisory_committees/14011

http://www.portal.state.pa.us/portal/server.pt/community/other_proposals/21829/other_proposals_recently_finalized/1831397

http://www.portal.state.pa.us/portal/server.pt/community/other_proposals/21829/recently_closed_comment_periods/1831395

http://www.ahs.dep.pa.gov/eComment

http://www.portal.state.pa.us/portal/server.pt/community/other_proposals_open_for_comment/21829/other_proposals_open_for_public_comment/1831393

http://164.156.71.80/WXOD.aspx

http://www.portal.state.pa.us/portal/server.pt/community/technical_guidance/21828/recently_finalized_technical_guidance/1831386

http://www.portal.state.pa.us/portal/server.pt/community/technical_guidance/21828/recently_closed_technical_guidance_comment_periods/1831384


http://www.portal.state.pa.us/portal/server.pt/community/technical_guidance/21828/technical_guidance_open_for_public_comment/1831378

http://www.elibrary.dep.state.pa.us/dsweb/View/Collection-10105

http://files.dep.state.pa.us/PublicParticipation/Public%20Participation%20Center/PubPartCenterPortalFiles/Environmental%20Quality%20Board/Rolling_Reg_Agenda.pdf

http://www.portal.state.pa.us/portal/server.pt/community/proposed_regulations/21815/recently_finalized_regulations/1830320

http://www.portal.state.pa.us/portal/server.pt/community/proposed_regulations/21815/recently_closed_comment_periods/1830316

http://www.portal.state.pa.us/portal/server.pt/community/proposed_regulations/21815/proposed_regulations_open_for_public_comment/1830313

http://www.portal.state.pa.us/portal/server.pt/community/Get_Involved!/21508


http://www.portal.state.pa.us/portal/server.pt/community/Be_Informed!/21504

http://www.portal.state.pa.us/portal/server.pt/community/public_participation/13785

http://paenvironmentdaily.blogspot.com/2015/07/2016-keystone-coldwater-conference-call.html



http://www.portal.state.pa.us/portal/server.pt/community/water_and_wastewater_systems_operators/14012



Senate Committee Schedule House Committee Schedule

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

Add Green Works In PA To Your Google+ Circle

Grants & Awards

This section gives you a heads up on upcoming deadlines for awards and grants and other

recognition programs. NEW means new from last week.

July 30-- TreeVitalize Inventory, Planting Grants

July 31-- Keep PA Beautiful Fresh Paint Days PA Grants

July 31-- CFA Business In Our Sites, Brownfields

July 31-- NRCS Wetland Reserve Enhancement Partnership

July 31-- NRCS Regional Conservation Partnership Program Grants August 7-- Chesapeake Bay Trust K-12 Environmental Ed Grants

August 14-- NEW . PA Sea Grant Program Research Grant Proposals

August 14-- PA Housing Finance Agency Drilling Fee Funded Housing Grants

August 24-- 10,000 Friends Of PA Commonwealth Awards

September 12-- PPFF State Parks and Forests Through The Season Photo Contest

September 12-- Yellow Breeches Watershed Landscape Makeover Challenge

September 18-- PHS TreeVitalize Watershed Grants Southeast PA

September 18-- FirstEnergy STEM Education Grants

September 30-- DEP Recycling Performance Grants

September 30-- Project Learning Tree GreenWorks! Grants

September 30-- PRC Anti-Litter Video Contest Pittsburgh October 22-- Office State Fire Commission Fire Company Grants (Limited Info)

October 31-- PA Resources Council Lens On Litter Photo Contest

December 31-- DEP Alternative Fuels Incentive Vehicle Rebates

January 1-- NEW . DEP Small Business Advantage Grants (first-come, first-served)

-- Visit the DEP Grants and Loan Programs webpage for more ideas on how to get financial

assistance for environmental projects.


Environmental NewsClips - All Topics

Here are NewsClips from around the state on all environmental topics, including General

Environment, Budget, Marcellus Shale, Watershed Protection and much more--

Quecreek Mine Rescue Site Monument To Hope

Quecreek Mine Museum Gives Visitors Something To See

http://www.pennlive.com/midstate/index.ssf/2015/07/quecreek_mine_rescue_anniversa_1.html

http://www.pennlive.com/entertainment/index.ssf/2015/07/quecreek_mine_rescue_foundatio.html#incart_river


http://www.dep.state.pa.us/grantscenter/GrantAndLoanPrograms.asp

http://paenvironmentdaily.blogspot.com/2015/07/small-business-advantage-pollution.html




http://paenvironmentdaily.blogspot.com/2015/07/deadline-extended-for-prc-anti-litter.html





http://paenvironmentdaily.blogspot.com/2015/07/yellow-breeches-watershed-landscape.html


http://paenvironmentdaily.blogspot.com/2015/06/10000-friends-of-pa-accepts-nominations.html


http://paenvironmentdaily.blogspot.com/2015/07/pa-sea-grant-program-research-grant.html

http://paenvironmentdaily.blogspot.com/2015/06/k-12-environmental-education-mini-grant.html

http://paenvironmentdaily.blogspot.com/2015/07/nrcs-pa-announces-new-funding-available.html

http://paenvironmentdaily.blogspot.com/2015/06/usda-seeks-partner-proposals-to-protect.html





http://www.house.state.pa.us/Video/HouseVideo.cfm

http://www.pasen.gov/Video/SenateVideo.cfm



http://www.legis.state.pa.us/WU01/LI/CO/SM/COSM.HTM



Superintendent At Flight 93 Site Set For Visitor Center Dedication

Tickets Available Soon For Flight 93 Visitors Center Opening

Schweiger: PA Can Be A Victim Or Catalyst For Change

Alternative Energy

Moon School Districts Considers Solar Panels

Problems, Myths Of Solar-Electric Discussed In York Awards & Recognition


Budget





Wolf: Social Service Providers May Have To Borrow Money

Wolf: We’re Going To Get Through This

Wolf, Lawmakers Sound Upbeat After 4-Hour Budget Talks

House Returns To Session With Deep Divides Over Budget Budget Negotiators Find Better Understanding, No Final Product

GOP Majority Of Majority Rule Could Test Any Budget Deal

Budget Politicking Hits The Road

House Returns To Budget Impasse

McGinty Steps Down To Make U.S. Senate Run




Climate

Quigley Discusses PA’s New Approach To Federal Carbon Rules




Problems, Myths Of Solar-Electric Discussed In York

Coal Mining - Underground



Compliance Actions

DEP Issues 374 NOVs For Failure To Do Gas Well Integrity Reports

DEP Fines Fredericktown Water Authority

Drinking WaterDEP Fines Fredericktown Water Authority

Monroe Residents Concerned About Nestle Water Bottling Project

Villanova Group Tackles Madagascar’s Water Issues

Education

Villanova Group Tackles Madagascar’s Water Issues

Energy





http://www.mcall.com/news/nationworld/pennsylvania/mc-pa-nestle-water-bottling-project-raises-concerns-20150724-story.html










https://stateimpact.npr.org/pennsylvania/2015/07/20/quigley-discusses-pennsylvanias-new-approach-to-federal-carbon-rules/




http://triblive.com/news/adminpage/8754600-74/mcginty-wolf-state

http://thetimes-tribune.com/news/house-returns-to-budget-impasse-1.1914987

http://www.theplsreporter.com/Home/TabId/56/ArtMID/472/ArticleID/831/Budget-politicking-hits-the-road.aspx

http://timesleader.com/news/373987/gop-majority-of-majority-rule-could-test-any-budget-deal

http://www.theplsreporter.com/Home/TabId/56/ArtMID/472/ArticleID/833/Budget-negotiators-find-a-%E2%80%9Cbetter-understanding%E2%80%9D-of-differences-but-no-final-product.aspx

http://www.theplsreporter.com/Home/TabId/56/ArtMID/472/ArticleID/832/House-members-return-to-session-with-deep-divides.aspx

http://www.sungazette.com/page/content.detail/id/888956/Wolf--lawmakers-sound-upbeat-tone-after-4-hour-budget-talk.html?isap=1&nav=5020

http://www.pennlive.com/politics/index.ssf/2015/07/budget_summit_leads_wolf_to_sa.html#incart_river

http://www.post-gazette.com/news/health/2015/07/24/Wolf-says-he-wants-to-do-right-thing-even-if-social-services-providers-have-to-borrow-money-pennsylvania/stories/201507240219







http://www.post-gazette.com/news/education/2015/07/24/Moon-Area-district-considers-solar-panels-to-power-schools/stories/201507240072

http://www.pghcitypaper.com/pittsburgh/a-conversation-with-larry-schweiger/Content?oid=1840301










Connellsville OKs Permit For Natural Gas, Electric Solicitation Mine Reclamation

House To Vote On Mine Water Bill

Oil & Gas








PEC Named To DEP Pipeline Infrastructure Task Force Wilkes Prof Appointed To Governor’s Pipeline Task Force








Op-Ed: Marcellus Shale 2.0, Gas Infrastructure



House To Vote On Mine Water Bill

Butler County Families File Suit Against XTO Energy

Hospital Visits Increase In Bradford, Susquehanna

Protect PT Takes On Fracking In Penn Twp

DEP: Orphan Gas, Oil Wells A Cause For Concern

DEP Issues 374 NOVs For Failure To Do Gas Well Integrity Reports

Study Shows More Hospital Stays In 3 Fracking Counties


Deep Well Services Discusses Hiring In Downturn

Investor Pushing Changes At Consol Energy Consol Warns Of Loss From Low Gas, Coal Prices

As Drillers Pull Back, Training Program Shift Focus

Drillers Become More Efficient In Low Price Environment

EQT Profit Falls On Low Shale Gas Prices

Feds Warn Railroads To Comply With Oil Train Notifications


Radiation Protection



http://triblive.com/business/headlines/8788958-74/eqt-million-gas

http://powersource.post-gazette.com/powersource/companies/2015/07/21/Marcellus-Shale-drillers-become-more-efficient-in-low-natural-gas-price-environment/stories/201507140015

http://powersource.post-gazette.com/powersource/companies/2015/07/21/As-Marcellus-Shale-drillers-pull-back-hiring-training-programs-shift-focus/stories/201507070003



http://triblive.com/business/headlines/8774099-74/marmo-trib-company


http://www.mcall.com/news/nationworld/pennsylvania/mc-pa-fracking-hospital-visits-20150719-story.html#navtype=outfit


http://www.pennlive.com/midstate/index.ssf/2015/07/orphan_wells_causing_concern_i.html#incart_river

http://powersource.post-gazette.com/powersource/consumers-powersource/2015/07/24/Protect-PT-takes-on-fracking-in-Penn-Township/stories/201507240010

http://thetimes-tribune.com/news/study-links-gas-wells-and-hospital-visits-in-bradford-and-susquehanna-counties-1.1914296

http://triblive.com/neighborhoods/yourallekiskivalley/yourallekiskivalleymore/8756283-74/xto-gas-lawsuit

http://thetimes-tribune.com/news/house-to-vote-on-mine-water-bill-1.1915423




















http://thetimes-tribune.com/news/house-to-vote-on-mine-water-bill-1.1915423












Recreation


DCNR Halts Efforts To Restore Lake At Ryerson Station State Park DCNR Will Not Rebuild Lake Dam At Ryerson Station State Park



State Park Beaches Closed After 29 Swimmers Get Sick





Recycling/Waste

NJ: Electronics Waste Piles Up, Environmental Risk Grows

Wolf Administration Seeks Legal Help On HBG Debt Claims Storage Tank

Scranton Heating Plant Leaky Oil Tank Ownership Disputed

Watershed Protection











Wildlife

Osprey May Follow Eagles Being Declared Recovered

NE PA Audubon Hosts 30th Annual Festival

Peregrine Falcon Chick Hatched In Pittsburgh Dies

Ned Smith Center For Nature & Arts July 25 Festival

Other

Roaring Brook Twp Ousts Trucking Firm In Conservation Zone

Superintendent At Flight 93 Site Set For Visitor Center Dedication Tickets Available Soon For Flight 93 Visitors Center Opening

DEP’s NewsClips webpage - Click Here

The latest environmental NewsClips and news is available at the PA Environment Digest Daily

Blog , Twitter Feed and add us to your Google+ Circle .


https://twitter.com/PaEnviroDigest

http://paenvironmentdaily.blogspot.com/

http://paenvironmentdaily.blogspot.com/

http://www.portal.state.pa.us/portal/server.pt/community/news_clippings/14290



http://thetimes-tribune.com/news/roaring-brook-twp-ousts-trucking-operation-in-conservation-zone-1.1914730

http://blog.pennlive.com/wildaboutpa/2015/07/ned_smith_center_for_nature_an_3.html#incart_river

http://www.post-gazette.com/local/city/2015/07/21/Lone-perefrine-falcon-chick-hatched-at-Cathedral-of-Learning-dies-pittsburgh/stories/201507210184

http://thetimes-tribune.com/news/owls-snakes-and-a-porcupine-oh-my-nepa-audubon-society-hosts-30th-annual-festival-1.1914991

http://lancasteronline.com/news/local/ospreys-may-follow-eagles-in-being-declared-recovered-in-pennsylvania/article_b44ea64e-308c-11e5-bc22-c3557c1126ab.html











http://thetimes-tribune.com/news/steam-heat-plant-s-leaky-oil-tank-had-disputed-ownership-1.1916031


















Regulations, Technical Guidance & Permits

The Governor’s Office published the semi-annual Regulatory Agenda in the July 25 PA Bulletin

( beginning on page 4063 ) outlining regulatory proposals each of the state agencies will be

working on over the next six months to a year. This was the first Regulatory Agenda published

by the Wolf Administration.

Pennsylvania Bulletin - July 25, 2015

DEP Regulations In Process

Proposed Regulations Open For Comment - DEP webpage

Proposed Regulations With Closed Comment Periods - DEP webpage

Recently Finalized Regulations - DEP webpage

DEP Regulatory Update - DEP webpage

Technical Guidance & Permits

The Department of Environmental Protection published notice in the July 25 PA Bulletin of new

draft technical guidance available for public comment: Land Recycling Program Technical

guidance Manual For Vapor Intrusion (comments due September 23) and Radiation Protection

Compliance and Enforcement Guidance (comments due August 24). Copies of the guidance are

available on DEP’s Environmental Policy Comment System webpage.

DEP Technical Guidance In Process

Draft Technical Guidance Documents - DEP webpage

Technical Guidance Comment Deadlines - DEP webpage

Submit Comments on Proposals Through DEP’s new Environmental Policy Comment System Recently Closed Comment Periods For Technical Guidance - DEP webpage

Technical Guidance Recently Finalized - DEP webpage

Copies of Final Technical Guidance - DEP webpage

Other DEP Proposals For Public Review

Other Proposals Open For Public Comment - DEP webpage


Recently Closed Comment Periods For Other Proposals - DEP webpage

Other Proposals Recently Finalized - DEP webpage

Visit DEP’s new Public Participation Center

for information on how you can Be Informed! and

Get Involved! in DEP regulation and guidance development process.

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

DEP Calendar of Events



http://www.ahs.dep.pa.gov/CalendarOfEvents/EventCalendar.aspx?CalendarDate=%7B0%7D

http://www.portal.state.pa.us/portal/server.pt/community/advisory_committees/14011


http://www.portal.state.pa.us/portal/server.pt/community/Be_Informed!/21504

http://www.portal.state.pa.us/portal/server.pt/community/public_participation/13785

http://www.portal.state.pa.us/portal/server.pt/community/other_proposals/21829/other_proposals_recently_finalized/1831397

http://www.portal.state.pa.us/portal/server.pt/community/other_proposals/21829/recently_closed_comment_periods/1831395


http://www.portal.state.pa.us/portal/server.pt/community/other_proposals_open_for_comment/21829/other_proposals_open_for_public_comment/1831393

http://164.156.71.80/WXOD.aspx

http://www.portal.state.pa.us/portal/server.pt/community/technical_guidance/21828/recently_finalized_technical_guidance/1831386

http://www.portal.state.pa.us/portal/server.pt/community/technical_guidance/21828/recently_closed_technical_guidance_comment_periods/1831384


http://www.portal.state.pa.us/portal/server.pt/community/technical_guidance/21828/technical_guidance_open_for_public_comment/1831378

http://www.elibrary.dep.state.pa.us/dsweb/View/Collection-10105



http://files.dep.state.pa.us/PublicParticipation/Public%20Participation%20Center/PubPartCenterPortalFiles/Environmental%20Quality%20Board/Rolling_Reg_Agenda.pdf

http://www.portal.state.pa.us/portal/server.pt/community/proposed_regulations/21815/recently_finalized_regulations/1830320

http://www.portal.state.pa.us/portal/server.pt/community/proposed_regulations/21815/recently_closed_comment_periods/1830316

http://www.portal.state.pa.us/portal/server.pt/community/proposed_regulations/21815/proposed_regulations_open_for_public_comment/1830313

http://www.pabulletin.com/secure/data/vol45/45-30/index.html




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