pa environment digest july 30, 2012

7/31/2019 Pa Environment Digest July 30, 2012

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

Winner 2009 PAEE Business Partner Of The Year Award

Harrisburg, Pa July 30, 2012

Court Strikes Down Drilling Law Limit On Local Zoning, Corbett Appeals

Commonwealth Court Thursday struck down provisions of the Marcellus Shale Drilling lawenacted in February which would have further restricted the application of local zoning todrilling operations and a provision requiring DEP to issue waivers to setback requirements of thestate Oil and Gas Act.

The decision leaves in tact stricter environmental standards for drilling operations and thecounty-adopted drilling impact fee.

One day later, Gov. Corbett announced his Administration was appealing the ruling,saying--

"The provisions struck down by the Commonwealth Court are critically important forjob creators who are employing more than 240,000 Pennsylvanians, for landowners seeking toexercise their property rights, and for local governments looking for guidance on how they mayreasonably regulate oil and gas operations," Corbett said. "The provisions are also integral tothe enhanced environmental standards and impact fee revenue portions of the Act. Indeed, therewould be no Act without each of these crucial pieces."

"It is important to note that the provisions casually set aside by the court were the

result of months of compromise and negotiation, with significant input and support fromPennsylvania's local government associations," Corbett said. "Both the County CommissionersAssociation of Pennsylvania and the Pennsylvania State Association of Township Supervisors,which represents 1,455 municipalities, urged passage of the law. This decision endangers thejobs of tens of thousands of Pennsylvanians and deprives citizens of their property rights.

"It is the General Assembly and Governor's prerogative to establish policy; it is thecourt's job to pass judgment on the constitutionality of this policy, not its merits. Act 13clearly meets the constitutionality test, and I am confident the Supreme Court will adhere to itsresponsibility in a prompt and timely manner."

The legal challenge to the Chapter of Act 13 that took over municipal zoning of oil andgas operations was challenged by Delaware Riverkeeper Network and seven municipalities:

Township of Robinson, Washington County; Township of Nockamixon, Bucks County;Township of South Fayette, Allegheny County; Peters Township, Washington County; Townshipof Cecil, Washington County; Mount Pleasant Township, Washington County; and the Boroughof Yardley Bucks County. A doctor from southwestern Pennsylvania also was a plaintiff, Dr.Mehernosh Khan. Unfortunately the Court did not reach the physician gag rule issue, findingthe doctor did not have standing. Counsel for Petitioners are John M. Smith, Esq., JonathanM. Kamin, Esq., Jordan B. Yeager, Esq., William A. Johnson, Esq., and Susan Kraham of theEnvironmental Law Clinic, Columbia University School of Law.
http://www.paenvironmentdigest.com/newsletter/default.asp?NewsletterArticleID=11953http://www.pacourts.us/OpPosting/Cwealth/out/284MD12_7-26-12.pdf


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A copy of the decision is available online.Industry Comments

Marcellus Shale Coalition president Kathryn Z. Klaber issued the following statementon the ruling: The premise for the General Assembly's action earlier this year was toprovide certainty and predictability that encourages investment and job creation across the

Commonwealth. Lack of uniformity has long been an Achilles heel for Pennsylvania and mustbe resolved if the Commonwealth is to remain a leader in responsible American natural gasdevelopment and reap the associated economic, environmental and national security benefits.

Environmental Group Reaction

The PA Environmental Council issued this statement on the court decision:Yesterday the Commonwealth Court of Pennsylvania issued a significant decision that

reaffirmed the constitutional rights and responsibilities of local governments to enact rational andnecessary controls on natural gas activities. The decision also invalidated provisions of Act 13that inappropriately expanded waiver allowances to permit siting standards for unconventionalgas wells.

The Pennsylvania Environmental Council fully supports and commends the

Commonwealth Court's decision. Responsible development of natural gas in Pennsylvaniarequires thorough consideration of our unique community and natural resources, with appropriatesite-specific and regional protections in place as a result of that analysis.

Responsible development of natural gas is important to the people and economy ofPennsylvania, but of equal importance are appropriate community, health, and environmentalprotections. The Courts decision ensures that Pennsylvanias Oil & Gas Act better meets thosegoals.

LeeAnn Murray, Pennsylvania Staff Attorney for the Chesapeake Bay Foundationissued the following statement in response to court decision-- The Commonwealth Court ofPennsylvania yesterday issued a significant win for the states natural resources and citizens byclosing a loophole in the regulation of drilling for natural gas.

"Their decision ensures the environmental protections of Act 13 are carried out bystriking a provision that allows the Department of Environmental Protection (DEP) to permit awaiver of established setbacks from water sources.

"Section 3215(b) of the Act establishes specific setbacks between the wellbore ordisturbed area of the well and a water source. The Court said that as written, the waiverprovision does not provide adequate guidance to DEP on when setbacks should or could bewaived. Since the ultimate goal is to protect waterways, wetlands, and other water bodies, thewaiver provision becomes ineffective in ensuring those protections remain in effect.

"While it is likely that this action will be appealed, CBF commends the CommonwealthCourt of Pennsylvania in this recent decision. As a member of the Governor Corbetts MarcellusShale Commission, we advocated and will continue to advocate for environmental protectionsthat protect our natural resources and the health of the citizens of the Commonwealth.

The Delaware Riverkeeper Network, one of the plantiffs said, The Court has recognizedthat the Pennsylvania legislature and Gov. Corbett went too far. This is a great victory for thepeople of Pennsylvania, for local democracy, for property rights, for our public health, and forthe clean water supplies on which we all depend, said Jordan Yeager, attorney for plaintiffsDelaware Riverkeeper Network, Nockamixon Township and Yardley Borough.

Maya van Rossum, the Delaware Riverkeeper, stated This is why we brought Act 13to the Court to petition for fairness and to fight off the heavy hand of gas and oil interests
http://www.pacourts.us/OpPosting/Cwealth/out/284MD12_7-26-12.pdfhttp://www.pecpa.org/http://www.cbf.org/pa


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Committee to study state funding formulas and how they impact counties; House Resolution 505(Preston-D-Allegheny) disapproving the PUC regulation on natural gas competition. ClickHere for full House Bill Calendar.Senate (September 24): All bills on the Senate Calendar were Tabled. Click Here for full

Senate Bill Calendar.Committees

House: Click Herefor full House Committee Schedule.Senate: Click Herefor full Senate Committee Schedule.

News From The Capitol

July Environmental Synopsis Newsletter Now Available

The Joint Legislative Air And Water Pollution and Conservation Committee Monday publishedthe July issue of its Environmental Synopsis newsletter.

This months issue features articles on the national energy outlook, electronics recycling,investing in bike/pedestrian infrastructure and water infrastructure needs.

Rep. Scott Hutchinson (R-Venango) serves as Chair of the Joint Committee.

News From Around The State

EPA Completes Drinking Water Sampling In Dimock, No Further Action Required

The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency announced Wednesday it has completed its samplingof private drinking water wells in Dimock, Pa.

Data previously supplied to the agency by residents, the Department of EnvironmentalProtection and Cabot Oil and Gas Exploration had indicated the potential for elevated levels ofwater contaminants in wells, and following requests by residents EPA took steps to sample waterin the area to ensure there were not elevated levels of contaminants.

Based on the outcome of that sampling, EPA has determined that there are not levels ofcontaminants present that would require additional action by the Agency.

Our goal was to provide the Dimock community with complete and reliable informationabout the presence of contaminants in their drinking water and to determine whether furtheraction was warranted to protect public health, said EPA Regional Administrator Shawn M.

Garvin. The sampling and an evaluation of the particular circumstances at each home did notindicate levels of contaminants that would give EPA reason to take further action. ThroughoutEPA's work in Dimock, the Agency has used the best available scientific data to provide clarityto Dimock residents and address their concerns about the safety of their drinking water.

EPA visited Dimock, Pa. in late 2011, surveyed residents regarding their private wellsand reviewed hundreds of pages of drinking water data supplied to the agency by Dimockresidents, the Pennsylvania Department of Environmental Protection and Cabot.
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and ozone, but did not detect concentrations above National Ambient Air Quality Standards atany of the sampling sites.

The primary site of the long-term study will be downwind of the Houston gas processingplant in Chartiers Township, Washington County, where DEP will monitor for ground-levelozone, particulate matter, carbon monoxide, nitrogen oxides, hydrogen sulfide and methane. The

ambient air will also be tested for more than 60 volatile organic compounds, including hazardousair pollutants, and meteorological data will be collected continuously.DEP will also monitor for volatile organic compounds and collect meteorological data at

three additional sites in Chartiers Township and Hickory Township, Washington County. Of thetwo additional Chartiers Township sites, one is upwind of the Houston gas processing plant, andthe other is downwind of the Brigich compressor station. The site in Hickory Township will belocated downwind of the Stewart compressor stations.

DEP intends to collect at least one year of data and compare those results to nationalambient air quality standards, then conduct a long-term risk analysis. The Washington Countyresults and risk analysis will aid in determining the need for any further long-term sampling inother regions of the state.

NewsClips:State To Study Marcellus Shale Air Quality DEP Begins 1-Year Study Of Washington County AirEPA Fines Talisman Energy $62K For Violations At Natural Gas Facilities

Talisman Energy USA Inc. will pay a $62,457 penalty to settle alleged violations of hazardouschemical reporting requirements at 52 hydraulic fracturing facilities throughout Pennsylvaniathat include natural gas well sites and compressor stations, the U.S. Environmental ProtectionAgency announced Wednesday.

Talisman discovered the violations and self-disclosed them to the EPA.The Emergency Planning and Community Right-to-Know Act (EPCRA) requires

companies that store specified amounts of hazardous chemicals to submit material safety dataand lists of chemicals on site with state and local emergency response agencies and the localfire departments. The safety data describes health risks associated with the chemicals and safehandling instructions. The lists of chemicals set forth the types and quantities of chemicalspresent on site.

Compliance with these requirements is important for the health and safety of facilityoccupants and first responders in the event of discharge or accidental exposure to hazardouschemicals. The required information also provides valuable information to emergency planners.

The settlement reflects Talismans good faith cooperation with EPA, and its complianceefforts in self-disclosing and swiftly correcting the violations. As part of the settlement, thecompany neither admitted nor denied the alleged violations.

In a consent agreement with EPA, the company has agreed to pay the $62,457 penalty forfailing to file required chemical information for one or more of the past three years at each of thefacilities included in the settlement.

Recycling Plastic Liners From Drilling Sites Drives New Business
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The Pennsylvania Recycling Markets Center, Inc. announced the formation of a new businesspartnership to collect and recycle plastic well pad liners from gas drilling sites in the MarcellusShale region.

This is a first-of-its-kind venture that will produce major and dramatic benefits forPennsylvania in addition to new jobs and growth for the companies directly, RMC Executive

Director Robert J. Bylone, Jr. said.The benefits include reclaiming millions of pounds of marketable plastic, slowing theconsumption of valuable landfill space, and reducing truck traffic around drill sites.

The partners in the venture are WellSpring Environmental Services, LLC, headquarteredin Orwigsburg, and Ultra-Poly Corporation, based in Portland, Pa. Both companies are membersof the RMCs Center of Excellence, a network of recycled materials processors and end users ofrecycled materials.

The new recycling venture with WellSpring and Ultra-Poly is expected to take at least20 million pounds a year of plastic well pad liner material out of the waste stream and turn it intouseful new products, Bylone said.

An estimated 100 million pounds of high-density plastic were used for well pad liners by

drillers in the Marcellus Shale region in 2011. Currently most of that material is disposed of inlandfills when it needs to be replaced or removed.Ultra-Poly, one of the largest recyclers of polyethylene and polypropylene plastic in

North America, has designed a proprietary process for processing the liner material and has builta recycling plant specifically for that purpose in a building leased from the Berwick IndustrialDevelopment Authority.

We are supplying the recycled plastic to several existing customers, including AxionInternational, which turns the material into composite railroad ties and other composite buildingcomponents, said David LaFiura, vice president of Ultra-Poly. The market is potentially huge,we have developed an environmentally responsible method, we are the only company doing this,and we are in position to recycle as much of the liner material as we can get.

In tandem with that, WellSpring has developed special equipment for separating well padliners on site so the pieces from one well site can be trucked away for recycling in a single trailerload.

In the past, excavators were used to rip well pad liners into large sections, and then ittypically took eight to 10 trips with roll-off containers to take the sections from a single site to alandfill for disposal.

Theres not one well pad in Pennsylvania where this new approach doesnt make sense,said Jonas Kreitzer, president of WellSpring.

Its estimated that 20,000 pounds of liner material is used per drilling site. The stateDepartment of Environmental Protection issued 3,510 Marcellus Shale well permits in 2011 andanother 1,243 through mid-May of this year.

We can do liner removal more efficiently, at less cost, while cutting down truck traffic,protecting the environment, and generating commercially reusable material, Kreitzer said.

Bylone said, We think this will have tremendous application and value for the shalegas industry in Pennsylvania, as well as elsewhere. That alone will have a beneficial impact onour economy. It also gives a very big boost to our recycling industry in Pennsylvania, which isgrowing by leaps and bounds. In addition, it will save landfill space and will cut down on trucktraffic, which everyone applauds.
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State Department of Community and Economic Development Secretary C. Alan Walkersaid that todays announcement represents the success that can be achieved when agencies,companies and markets work together in a way that benefits all Pennsylvanians. This venture isa win for everyone 80 new jobs will be created and a cleaner environment will result from thiscreative reclamation and recycling initiative.

Vince Brisini, deputy secretary for waste, air, radiation and remediation in the stateDepartment of Environmental Protection commented, The development of the natural gasindustry in Pennsylvania is progressing, and to their credit, the natural gas industry and theassociated industries and services, are becoming more efficient in the management of resources.This is being accomplished through the expansion in research and development for beneficialre-use of wastewater and other materials that would otherwise simply become part of a wastestream. I am pleased to see another solution that has found a market which allows the recyclingand re-use of these plastic well pad liners.

Jay Alexander, general manager of the Wayne Township Landfill in Clinton County,said, Since the beginning of 2011, the Wayne Township Landfill has been very active inlooking for sustainable recycling opportunities for the plastic liner material being removed from

the natural gas well sites. In working with WellSpring Environmental Services, we have found asolution.He said the recycling facility set up in Berwick by WellSpring's partner, the Ultra-Poly

Corporation, will create an excellent recycling opportunity for the natural gas industry to helpkeep this valuable commodity out of landfills.

Alexander added that "we are appreciative of the Pennsylvania Recycling MarketsCenter, which investigated how to recycle this liner and facilitated bringing this project toreality."

Bylone said the recycling process used for well-site liners may also be applicable to therecycling of agricultural film plastic and that this could have further value across Pennsylvania.

DEP has already issued permits to the two companies for the process.WellSpring and Ultra-Poly have invested roughly a combined $4 million in research and

development up to this point.LaFiura said the partnership will generate 80 or more new jobs for Ultra-Poly, provide

added job security for another 180 existing company jobs, and add an estimated $1 million ayear to state and local tax revenues. Kreitzer said WellSpring would be adding another dozenemployees and expanding its truck fleet.

Both men credited the Pennsylvania Recycling Markets Center for making the connectionbetween the two companies and helping them shepherd the partnership into existence. They alsosaid DEP had provided assistance with the permitting process.

NewsClip:Recycling Drilling Site Plastic LinersLt. Gov. Cawley Says Marcellus Shale Creating Jobs In Blair

Marcellus Shale natural gas is helping to create family-sustaining jobs in Blair County and acrossPennsylvania, Lt. Governor Jim Cawley said during a tour of New Pig Corporation in Tipton thisweek.

"Whether it is at one of the drill sites in the southern end of the county or right here atNew Pig, Marcellus Shale is creating good, family-sustaining jobs. Governor Tom Corbett and Iwant to see more of this happen across the state," said Cawley.
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Cawley cited recent Department of Labor and Industry statistics showing that 29,000people are working in the drilling industry in the state with average annual earnings of $81,000.There are about 238,000 people working in related industries.

He also noted that natural gas drilling has produced $1.6 billion in state tax revenuessince 2006 and helped to reduce energy costs across Pennsylvania.

"Putting Pennsylvanians back to work is a top priority for Governor Corbett and me.We see the economic potential of Marcellus Shale, but we must develop this resource in aresponsible way," said Cawley.

Since 1985, New Pig has manufactured products for leak and spill management.Employing nearly 360 people in Tipton, it makes 4,000 different products which are used in 70countries to protect the environment and keep employees safe.

In 2011, New Pig developed a well pad containment liner for natural gas drilling sites.This innovation has already led to the creation of a dozen new jobs and increased business fortrucking, warehouse and suppliers that work with New Pig.

"More trucking, more warehousing, more supply materials all mean more jobs for BlairCounty," Cawley added. "We want to create more good-news stories like the one here in Tipton

all over Pennsylvania."U.S. Sen. Bob Casey Introduces Bill To Help PA Develop Natural Gas Jobs

U.S. Sen. Bob Casey (D-PA) Wednesday introduced the STATE Natural Gas Act to helpPennsylvania develop the growing natural gas industry and create jobs.

Sen. Caseys bill would allow Pennsylvania and other states determine the best way toinvest in the industry that supplies a vital source of domestic energy and supports economicgrowth.

Despite the industrys growth in recent years natural gas is still a largely untappedresource, so Im working to give states the resources and flexibility to develop this plentifuldomestic energy source and create jobs and economic opportunity in Pennsylvania, said Sen.Casey. My bill will encourage the use of natural gas as a transportation fuel and encourageprivate investment in natural gas vehicles and transportation infrastructure, building a base forincreased job creation and energy independence.

The STATE Natural Gas Act would create a grant program to offer states funding todevelop initiatives that encourage the use of natural gas as a fuel and encourage public andprivate investment in natural gas vehicles and transportation infrastructure.

States would apply for grants through the U.S. Department of Energy and would beawarded based on several criteria, including:-- The amount of public and private funds State plans are likely to leverage;-- The degree that initiatives will support a need that is unlikely to be met by the private sectorabsent grant program funding;-- The degree that initiatives will act as a bridge to private investment and sustainable marketconditions; and,-- Each States public and private investment in natural gas transportation and infrastructure.

Sen. Casey has also introduced theNGEAR Act to speed the transition of natural gasfueled vehicles by creating a rebate for the purchase of natural gas buses and extending taxcredits for natural gas filling stations.
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Natural gas has the potential to create jobs and economic across Pennsylvania, especiallyin areas where unemployment remains high.

NewsClip:Casey Introduces Bill To Support Natural Gas Vehicles

Perkiomen Watershed Conservancy Seeks Award Nominations

Ensuring that community efforts to protect and improve the local environment are publiclyacknowledged, The Perkiomen Watershed Conservancy is looking for a few good people,projects and organizations to recognize with an Environmental Award.

Nominations are due August 15.Through commitments of time, energy and resources, individuals and organizations in

the community have made a positive environmental impact at the local level. It's important thatthe Perkiomen Watershed Conservancy acknowledge these efforts, so we're asking for your help.By nominating someone, a project or an organization, you'll let us know about work that hasmade a significant contribution to improving the Perkiomen Creek Watershed or protecting localwater supplies," said Board member Garrett Burch.

To be eligible for the Award, nominees or nominated projects must be located withinthe 362 square-mile Perkiomen Watershed, comprised of all or part of 57 municipalities withinMontgomery, Bucks, Berks and Lehigh Counties.

Awards will be given in several categories: Municipal, Land Use, Kids Making aDifference, Advocate of the Watershed, Corporate, Teaching Excellence and Friend of theWatershed.

The awards are presented at the Annual Awards Banquet to be held in late October.All nominations will be judged by site visits or interviews performed by the PerkiomenWatershed Conservancy Events Committee. Anyone may make a nomination and all entries areencouraged.

For more information or to obtain a nomination form go to the Perkiomen WatershedConservancy website or contact Susan in Outreach 610-287-9383 or send email to:[email protected] Philadelphia: Soak It Up! (Stormwater That Is) Call For Entries

Got a great green project that can soak up stormwater and serve as a model for creatingengaging, healthy, and visually-appealing urban places? Submit it for the upcoming InfillPhiladelphia: Soak It Up! Precedent Exhibition.

The deadline for entries is August 1.Co-sponsored by the Philadelphia Water Department, U.S. Environmental Protection

Agency, and Community Design Collaborative, this national juried exhibition will show howdesigning with green tools can enhance cities, engage people, and spur new public-privatepartnerships.

The exhibition will provide inspiring precedents for Philadelphia, leading up to a nationalcompetition to be announced in fall 2012. Projects will be on display from September 17 throughOctober 19 at AIA Philadelphia's Center for Architecture.

The aim is to present a wide range of projects and engage a diverse group ofprofessionals who share an interest in the management of water resources. The exhibition willprovide models for local projects that support Philadelphia's innovative stormwater management
http://stateimpact.npr.org/pennsylvania/2012/07/25/senator-casey-introduces-bill-to-support-natural-gas-powered-vehicles/http://perkiomenwatershed.org/http://perkiomenwatershed.org/events/environmental_awards_banquet/pwc_Nominateapersonprojectororganization.aspxhttp://perkiomenwatershed.org/events/environmental_awards_banquet/pwc_Nominateapersonprojectororganization.aspxhttp://perkiomenwatershed.org/events/environmental_awards_banquet/pwc_Nominateapersonprojectororganization.aspxmailto:[email protected]://infillphiladelphia.org/news/soak-it-up-exhibition/http://infillphiladelphia.org/news/soak-it-up-exhibition/


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plan, Green City, Clean Waters.For more information, visit the Infill Philadelphia: Soak It Up! webpage.

Volunteers Needed August 22-25 For Perkiomen Watershed Stormwater Basin Planting

The Perkiomen Watershed Conservancy is seeking volunteers for a stormwater basin plantingAugust 22-25 and the Vineyards Community, 1230 James Road, Pennsburg, MontgomeryCounty. Click Here for this special event.

Penn State Extension: Pond And Lake Water Quality

During this hot summer, residents of lake communities and private pond owners are enjoyingswimming, boating and fishing in the lake or pond. Your enjoyment of the pond or lake dependson maintaining the water quality of the pond or lake.

Testing your pond or lake can provide an ongoing record of conditions in your lake andis an important step for assessing its quality and helping prevent problems before they occur.

Changes in water quality can indicate threats from sources such as failed or inadequate septicsystems, agricultural and lawn runoff, burgeoning development, erosion from construction sites.For ponds or lakes with an existing water quality program, testing is an essential tool for

diagnosing the cause of the problem and determining suitable treatment options.Test parameters that are helpful in assessing the quality of your pond or lake water

include pH, alkalinity, total dissolved solids, hardness, nitrate-nitrogen, aluminum, ironmanganese, phosphorus, sulfate, and E. coli bacteria.

The pH of a pond should generally fall between 6.0 and 9.0. A pH near 7.0 is optimumfor most fish, while fish populations can be reduced or even eliminated when the pH drops below6.0. Some elements like aluminum increase in the water at a pH below 6.0. A healthy pond orlake should also have some measurable alkalinity, which determines how well the water buffersor maintains the pH at a given level.

Total dissolved solids (TDS) is the sum of all chemical ions dissolved in water and iscontrolled by the natural source of the pond or lake water. Ponds or lakes in limestone areasmay have a higher TDS than water bodies in areas underlain by sandstone or shale due to highconcentrations of calcium and magnesium (hardness). TDS can also be affected by nearby land-use activities, with a significant increase over time indicating a potential pollution problem.

Other test parameters provide important and direct measures of pollutants that may affectthe quality of pond and lake water. Elevated levels of nitrate-nitrogen and total phosphorus maybe indicative of pollution from fertilizers, manures, or other nutrient-rich wastes and can causeincreased growth of aquatic plants and algae.

Iron, manganese, sulfate, and aluminum are most common in water bodies in coal miningareas or as a consequence of acid rain. While iron and manganese are not directly harmful toaquatic life, they may adversely affect pond aesthetics. Similarly, sulfate is not generally harmfulto aquatic life but may be problematic if the pond or lake is used for irrigation purposes. Incontrast, aluminum is extremely toxic to aquatic life when present at even relatively low levels.

E. coli bacteria is an important test parameter for ponds or lakes used for swimming orother recreation. Elevated levels can come from septic system runoff, barnyards, or wildlife,especially large numbers of waterfowl. The limit for E. coli bacteria in ponds and lakes forswimming is less than 126 colonies per 100 ml.
http://infillphiladelphia.org/news/soak-it-up-exhibition/http://www.perkiomenwatershed.org/http://www.perkiomenwatershed.org/Conservation/annual_perkiomen_watershed_stream_clean_up.aspx


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Penn State Extension offices have test kits from the Penn State Analytical Laboratory thatyou can obtain to test your pond or lake.

For more information on testing your pond or lake, visit the Penn State Pond and LakeWaterwebpage.

(Written by: Peter T. Wulfhorst AICP, Economic & Community Development Educator, PennState Extension, Pike County, and reprinted from the Penn State Extension Watershed Winds

online newsletter.)

DEP To Begin Air Quality Forecasting In 8 Additional Regions

The Department of Environmental Protection announced Wednesday it will begin forecasting onAugust 1 for ozone for eight additional areas across the state, which will help to protect residentswho have health concerns that could be worsened by poor air quality.

The new forecast areas are: Altoona; Erie; Johnstown; Scranton/Wilkes-Barre; StateCollege; Williamsport; Mercer County; and Indiana County.

This summers record heat waves brought the need for increased ozone levelsurveillance, which will allow for early warning of ozone action days, DEP Secretary MikeKrancer said. An expanded air quality forecasting program means residents with healthconcerns will know to take precautions on particular days.

Ground level ozone, a key component in smog, forms during warm weather whenpollution from power plants, industry, vehicles and households cooks in the hot sun, creatingbreathing difficulty for sensitive people, including young children, the elderly and those withrespiratory problems, such as asthma, emphysema and bronchitis.

For days when DEP forecasts unhealthy concentrations of ozone in the air, the agencyand its regional air quality partnerships issue Air Quality Action Day alerts using a color-codedscale to represent the level of air pollution. These alerts advise precaution on days with poor airquality and recommend steps residents can take to reduce air pollution.

The ozone forecasts use the U.S. Environmental Protection Agencys color-based AirQuality Index to provide daily reports on air quality conditions. The AQI colors are designed toassist the general public in understanding air pollution:-- Green means a good AQI in the 0-50 range;-- Yellow means a moderate AQI ranging from 51-100;-- Orange means that the AQI ranging from 101-150 warns of unhealthy pollution levels forsensitive people, such as the very young, the elderly and those with respiratory problems; and-- Red warns of unhealthy pollution levels for everyone, with an AQI ranging from 151-200.

DEP currently forecasts for air quality in five regions across the state. The LehighValley region is Berks, Lehigh and Northampton counties; the Susquehanna Valley region isCumberland, Dauphin, Lancaster, Lebanon and York counties; the Philadelphia region is Bucks,Chester, Delaware, Montgomery and Philadelphia counties; the Pittsburgh region is Allegheny,Armstrong, Beaver, Butler, Fayette, Washington and Westmoreland counties; and the Liberty-Clairton region is the southeastern Allegheny County municipalities of Clairton, Glassport,Liberty, Lincoln and Port Vue.

To sign up to receive air quality forecasts via email, visit the AirNow Sign-up webpage.The forecast information will also be available on EPAs AirNow website. Forecasts and otherair quality information is also available on DEPs Air Quality Partnership webpage.
http://www.aasl.psu.edu/water_pond.htmlhttp://www.aasl.psu.edu/water_pond.htmlhttp://www.enviroflash.info/signup.cfmhttp://www.airnow.gov/http://www.ahs2.dep.state.pa.us/aq_apps/aqpartners/default.asp


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NewsClips: Erie County To Receive Air Quality Forecasts Air Quality Alerts Planned For JohnstownShenango, Inc. Settles Air, Water Pollution Violations With EPA, PA, Allegheny County

The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, the Department of Environmental Protection and theAllegheny County Health Department have reached a settlement with Shenango Inc. resolvingalleged air and water pollution violations at the companys coke manufacturing plant on NevilleIsland, Allegheny County, Pa.

The consent decree requires the company to pay $1.75 million in civil penalties andmake significant upgrades to the plant, which is located about five miles north of downtownPittsburgh.

Manufacturing coke involves heating coal at high temperatures in an industrial oven untilit forms a residue. This residue, known as coke, is used in steel manufacturing as a fuel in blastfurnaces, which are used to refine iron ore into steel. Coke manufacturing also produces gasesand particles, some of which are hazardous, that are regulated by the federal Clean Air Act.

The Shenango facility has a history of noncompliance with federal, state and countyregulations protecting public health from air pollution. In 2000, the previous owner of the plantentered into a consent decree with EPA and ACHD to bring the facility into compliance.

Since that time, the violations including emissions of sulfur and visible emissions ofparticulate matter have continued. As part of this settlement, the company must take actions toreduce visible particulate emissions to meet Clean Air Act standards by making repairs to theplants coke ovens.

The governments complaint also alleges numerous violations of the Clean Water Actincluding: exceeding the pollutant limits of the facilitys permit for discharging wastewater forseveral years; failure to properly operate and maintain the facilitys wastewater treatment plant;and unpermitted discharges of polluted runoff from the coal pile directly to the Ohio River.

The part of the consent decree between EPA, PADEP and Shenango resolving CleanWater Act violations requires the company to take remedial actions including:-- Building a new biological wastewater treatment plant;-- Implementing immediate upgrades to its current treatment processes while the new treatmentfacility is being constructed; and-- Constructing a coal pile runoff management system.

The civil penalties in the proposed consent decree include $1.25 million to be dividedequally between the United States and Allegheny County for the facilitys Clean Air Actviolations.

The company has also agreed to pay Clean Water Act civil penalties of $500,000 dividedequally between the United States and Pennsylvania. The consent decree is subject to federalcourt approval, after a 30 day public comment period.

NewsClip: Driller Agrees To EPA Penalty SettlementBerks Property Once Slated For Development Becomes Nature Preserve

Natural Lands Trust Tuesday announced it has preserved 168 acres in Robeson Township, BerksCounty. The property, now known as Green Hills Preserve, provides crucial habitat for wildlifeincluding a species considered to be critically endangered, the highest risk category assigned for
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wild species.The property, originally slated for a high-density development, went into foreclosure

in 2009. Prudential Fox & Roachs Land Development Division, under the guidance of VicePresident and Associate Broker Edward Ritti, took the unusual step of seeking a conservationsolution. After more than two years working to piece together critical funding, Natural Lands

Trust was able to purchase the property from the lender."Thanks to Ed Ritti's out-of-the-box thinking and the support of many funders andpartners, this beautiful property will be protected forever," said Molly Morrison, president ofNatural Lands Trust. "We are thrilled to now have a presence in Berks County and to add GreenHills to our network of 41 nature preserves."

The property features gently rolling agricultural fields, woodlands, and wetlands.Allegheny Creek, a Department of Environmental Protection-designated Cold Water Fisherystream, bisects the newly established preserve.

Green Hills Preserve is situated within the Schuylkill Highlands, a region at the nexusof two landscapes that have been prioritized for protection: the Highlands (as defined bythe US Congress) and the Schuylkill River watershed (a focus of much planning work by

the Department of Conservation and Natural Resources, the Department of EnvironmentalProtection, and the Philadelphia Water Department).The areas importance derives from the need for water quality protection, habitat

conservation, and recreational development in a region set for considerable growth over the next20 years.

Since its founding in 1953, Natural Lands Trust has protected more than 100,000 acres ofland, including 41 nature preserves that it owns and manages in 13 counties. Green Hills is theorganizations first preserve in Berks County.

Natural Lands Trust and DCNR have enjoyed a long, successful history of workingtogether in the conservation of deserving land tracts such as Green Hills Preserve, saidDepartment of Conservation and Natural Resources Secretary Richard Allan. DCNR is proud toassist in funding this invaluable investment that will pay rich dividends for generations to come.

The Wyomissing Foundation is very pleased and proud to be a part of this wonderfulendeavor, said Karen Rightmire, president of the Wyomissing Foundation. We have partneredwith Natural Lands Trust in the past, and are delighted that they now have a nature preserve inBerks County.

Like many of Natural Lands Trusts other nature preserves throughout the region, GreenHills Preserve eventually will be openfree-of-chargeto visitors for passive recreation oncea hiking trail system has been established and a parking area is built. Funds to construct thoseamenitiesas well as ongoing habitat restoration and stewardship workstill need to be raised.

Funders and partners for this project include Berks County Conservancy, National Fishand Wildlife Foundation, Open Space Institute, the Department of Conservation and NaturalResources, Schuylkill River National and State Heritage Area, Susquehanna Bank, US Fish andWildlife Service, Virginia Cretella Mars Foundation, and the Wyomissing Foundation.

Friends Of The Wissahickon Awarded Two Grants For Sustainable Trails Initiative

The Friends of the Wissahickon has been awarded grants from REI and the McLeanContributionship for two Sustainable Trails Initiative projects.
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STI is a multi-year project to make the 50 miles of National Recreation Trails inWissahickon Valley Park a physically and socially sustainable system that works for all parkusers.

The REI grant of $15,000 will fund work at Kitchens Lane, where FOW will close twodangerous, rapidly eroding sections of trail totaling 800 feet. These closures will be replaced

with 700 feet of new trails that are more sustainable and encourage proper use of the trail. Inaddition, FOW will restore approximately 1.75 acres of habitat through native plantings andinvasive plant removal.

The grant from the McLean Contributionship in the amount of $25,000 will support theinstallation of a large back porch with a living green roof at the Wissahickon EnvironmentalCenter. This project is part of Stage 4 of the Sustainable Trails Initiative, in which FOW willrestore and enhance the WEC building, also known as the Tree House, and its immediategrounds, and rehabilitate and restore 3.3 miles of adjacent trails used as an outdoor classroom.DCNR Celebrates Revitalization of South Philadelphia Park

Department of Conservation and Natural Resources officials joined Philadelphia representativesand The Friends ofDickinson Square ParkWednesday in a celebration of wide-rangingrenovations at the historic Dickinson Square Park in the Pennsport area of South Philadelphia.

DCNR provided $350,000 in Community Conservation Partnership Program grant fundstoward improvements on the 3-acre tract at Fourth and Tasker streets.

Partnership is what it takes to make projects like this come to fruition, said DCNRDeputy Secretary John Giordano, who will represent the department at the event. Like manyof our projects across Philadelphia, the cooperative work of the city, state and communityorganizations are what made this all possible.

Dedicated in 1900 and named for the late Pennsylvania Gov. John Dickinson (1732-1808), Dickinson Square Park was once hailed as one of the most complete playgrounds of itskind found anywhere in the United States. The park is located on the site of the former PascalIron Works, which was founded in 1821 to manufacture parts for sugar refineries.

This evenings dedication is part of a Dickinson Square Park Renovation Celebrationhosted in the park by the Philadelphia Parks & Recreation Department and The Friends ofDickinson Square.

This investment hits the triple bottom line -- improving environmental quality,neighborhood economic value, and the social fabric of our community, said Giordano. Acrossthe state, natural and cultural assets such as Dickinson Square Park drive the economicrevitalization and competitiveness of our cities. The public support and enthusiasm surroundingthis park fuels that engine.

Specifically, DCNR funding, undertaken as part of its Green and Sustainable ParkInitiative, helped to finance: renovation of the park building and park center; basketball andbocce courts; pedestrian walkways; installation of playground equipment with required safetysurfacing; storm water management measures, site amenities; ADA access; landscaping andplantings; project signage and other related site improvements.

Replacement of sidewalks along Tasker, Fourth and Morris streets also is planned,providing visitors with safe, easy access to a wealth of restaurants and shops located on theparks periphery.
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The ongoing commitment and support from DCNR for Philadelphia Parks andRecreation -- coupled with a steady commitment and dedication from the Pennsport communityand neighbors of Dickinson Square Park -- made this project a reality, said Philadelphia DeputyMayor Mike DiBerardinis. A project of this magnitude needed all the help and support it couldget and this was a perfect combination.

Other funding sources besides DCNR included: City of Philadelphia, $300,000;Philadelphia Parks & Recreation Department; $240,000; and city Councilman Frank DiCicco,$360,000.

For more information, visit the Dickinson Square Parkwebpage and DCNRs Green andSustainable Park Initiative webpage.Corbett Tours Western PA On 3-Day Kayak Trip

Gov. Corbett Monday began a three-day kayak tour through Western Pennsylvania to promotePennsylvanias vast natural resources and array of recreational opportunities.

Gov. Corbett will be joined on the water by First Lady Susan Corbett and representatives

of the Department of Conservation and Natural Resources and the Department of EnvironmentalProtection.Pennsylvania is a vast state with an abundance of scenic landscapes, Corbett

said. There are many ways to see Pennsylvania and, for the second year in a row, I will get toexperience the beauty of our Commonwealth from our rivers.

Setting off this morning from Tidioute, Warren County, Corbett will be kayaking downthe Allegheny and Conemaugh rivers; visiting Forest, Venango and Warren counties, Johnstownand Pittsburgh. Throughout the trip, the governor will be spending time on water as well as onland touring several Pennsylvania parks and historic sites.

Preserving our natural resources for generations to come is critical to the growth of ourcommonwealth. Not only do they support a high quality of life for our residents, but they supportthe continued success of Pennsylvanias tourism industry, Corbett said.

Gov. Corbett will also visit parks and historic sites in the region to see the successfulpartnership of preservation and economic growth. Pennsylvania parks are more popular than everas an affordable destination and outdoor recreation option.

Every dollar in state money we invest in our award-winning state park system generates$12 in local economic activity that helps communities prosper and maintain jobs, saidCorbett. Businesses such as outfitters, bike shops, B & Bs and restaurants all crop up to supportthe visitors to our parks.

In addition to DCNR and DEP, the governor will be joined throughout the trip byrepresentatives from the Pennsylvania Historical and Museum Commission, the Fish and BoatCommission and various local tourism and recreation groups.

For more information about state parks, visit the Department of Conservation and NaturalResources website and to find historic sites across the state, visit the Pennsylvania Historical andMuseum Commission online.

NewsClip:Corbett Flaunts Western PA Recreation

PA Wilds Artisan Trail Announces New Artisans, Trail Sites
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http://www.hawkmountain.org/http://www.hawkmountain.org/http://www.hawkmountain.org/http://www.hawkmountain.org/http://www.hawkmountain.org/http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OxX3ppxMt6khttp://www.facebook.com/thepawildshttp://www.facebook.com/thepawildshttp://www.facebook.com/thepawildshttp://www.pawildsresources.org/http://www.pawildsresources.org/http://www.pawildsresources.org/http://www.pawildsresources.org/http://www.pawildsresources.org/mailto:[email protected]:[email protected]:[email protected]:[email protected]:[email protected]://www.google.com/url?q=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.pawildsartisans.com&sa=D&sntz=1&usg=AFQjCNGhhritpAiehtONbJQD7Lf74z6LgQhttp://www.google.com/url?q=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.pawildsartisans.com&sa=D&sntz=1&usg=AFQjCNGhhritpAiehtONbJQD7Lf74z6LgQhttp://www.google.com/url?q=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.pawildsartisans.com&sa=D&sntz=1&usg=AFQjCNGhhritpAiehtONbJQD7Lf74z6LgQhttp://www.google.com/url?q=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.pawildsartisans.com&sa=D&sntz=1&usg=AFQjCNGhhritpAiehtONbJQD7Lf74z6LgQhttp://www.google.com/url?q=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.pawildsartisans.com&sa=D&sntz=1&usg=AFQjCNGhhritpAiehtONbJQD7Lf74z6LgQhttp://www.google.com/url?q=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.pawildsartisans.com&sa=D&sntz=1&usg=AFQjCNGhhritpAiehtONbJQD7Lf74z6LgQhttp://www.google.com/url?q=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.pawildsartisans.com&sa=D&sntz=1&usg=AFQjCNGhhritpAiehtONbJQD7Lf74z6LgQhttp://www.google.com/url?q=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.pawildsartisans.com&sa=D&sntz=1&usg=AFQjCNGhhritpAiehtONbJQD7Lf74z6LgQhttp://www.visitoldcharm.com/http://www.visitoldcharm.com/http://www.visitoldcharm.com/http://www.visitoldcharm.com/http://www.visitoldcharm.com/http://www.visitoldcharm.com/http://www.visitoldcharm.com/http://www.dcnr.state.pa.us/stateparks/findapark/sinnemahoning/http://www.dcnr.state.pa.us/stateparks/findapark/sinnemahoning/http://www.dcnr.state.pa.us/stateparks/findapark/sinnemahoning/http://www.dcnr.state.pa.us/stateparks/findapark/sinnemahoning/http://www.dcnr.state.pa.us/stateparks/findapark/sinnemahoning/http://www.crarygallery.org/http://www.crarygallery.org/http://www.crarygallery.org/http://www.crarygallery.org/http://www.crarygallery.org/http://www.crarygallery.org/http://www.crarygallery.org/http://www.bellefontemuseum.org/http://www.bellefontemuseum.org/http://www.bellefontemuseum.org/http://www.bellefontemuseum.org/http://www.bellefontemuseum.org/http://www.bellefontemuseum.org/http://www.bellefontemuseum.org/http://www.forestgallery.forestcounty.com/http://www.forestgallery.forestcounty.com/http://www.forestgallery.forestcounty.com/http://www.forestgallery.forestcounty.com/http://www.forestgallery.forestcounty.com/http://www.forestgallery.forestcounty.com/http://www.forestgallery.forestcounty.com/http://www.pawildsartisans.com/http://www.pawildsartisans.com/http://www.pawildsartisans.com/http://www.pawildsartisans.com/http://www.pawildsartisans.com/http://www.pawildsartisans.com/http://www.pawildsartisans.com/


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By mid October visitation soars as fall foliage peaks, and northwest winds at this timebring the greatest species diversity, 16 in all. The colder winds of November bring red-tailedhawks, golden eagles and goshawks.

It is an age-old story: raptors have followed the Appalachian Mountains southward forthousands of years on their seasonal migration. Some birds migrate to wintering grounds in

Central and South America. Others, like the bald eagle, sho

pa environment digest july 30, 2012

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