pa environment digest dec. 16, 2013
TRANSCRIPT
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PA Environment Digest (Updated)
An Update On Environmental Issues In PAEdited By: David E. Hess, Crisci Associates
Winner 2009 PAEE Business Partner Of The Year Award
Harrisburg, Pa December 16, 2013
Update-DEP Committee Considers Final Draft Climate Change Action Plan Update Dec. 20
The DEP Climate Change Advisory Committee will meet on December 20 where it is expected to
endorse a draft update to the Pennsylvania Climate Change Action Plan along with a set of options for
future actions to reduce greenhouse gas emissions in the Commonwealth.
Click Here for a copy of the draft Action Plan Update. Click Here for a copy of the draftAppendix to the Plan that includes the individual work plan recommendations.
This is the first update to the original Climate Change Action Plan completed in 2009 as a result
of the 2008 Pennsylvania Climate Change Act (Act 70).
The Plan notes there have been significant changes to Pennsylvania’s greenhouse gas emissions
since the base year of 2000 used in the Plan resulting in the estimate that overall climate changing
emissions from the Commonwealth will be lower in 2020 than in the base year.
The reduction in the use of coal for power generation and the switch to natural gas alone will
result in emissions savings of about 12 million metric tons of carbon dioxide annually.
The draft Plan concludes: “Pennsylvania CO2 (carbon dioxide) emissions have fallen
dramatically, in large part because Pennsylvania is generating more electricity with natural gas instead of
coal. However, other factors, including improved energy efficiency standards from consumer productsand automobiles have contributed to the decline in carbon emissions. Pennsylvania continues to be a
leader in reducing methane emission from the natural gas industry and solid waste landfills. Moreover,
further reductions are occurring, and future reductions will occur, through new regulatory requirements
like the Tailoring Rule, NSPS, and MACT (new air quality regulations).”
The draft Plan Update incorporates an updated greenhouse gas inventory, reviews the steps
Pennsylvania has already taken to reduce emissions of greenhouse gases and makes available a list of
options and initiatives for consideration to reduce greenhouse gas emissions further in the future.
Policy/Program Recommendations
The draft Plan Update provides options in several sectors--
-- Electricity Production, Transmission and Distribution: Act 129 electricity use reduction, coal
mine methane recovery, surface mines and non-gassy underground mines, gassy underground mines,combined heat and power, reducing methane leakage from natural gas infrastructure, waste-to-energy
digesters, beneficial use of municipal solid waste (waste-to-energy facilities), nuclear capacity uprates,
manure digesters and sulfur hexafluoride emission reductions from the electric power industry;
-- Residential, Commercial and Industrial: building commissioning, demand side management-
natural gas and water, high-performance buildings, re-roof Pennsylvania, re-light Pennsylvania, industria
electricity best management practices, heating oil conservation and fuel switching, improved efficiency a
wastewater treatment facilities and increased recycling initiative;
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-- Land Use and Transportation: alternative fueled transit bus, taxicab fleets, cutting emissions from
freight transportation; and
-- Agriculture and Forestry: durable wood products, forest protection easements, forestland
protection initiative-acquisition, urban forestry and no-till farming.
Legislative Changes
The Plan Update recommends legislative changes in several areas---- Carbon Capture Liability: Address long-term liability issues associated with carbon capture and
sequestration;
-- Carbon Capture Incentives: Provide incentives for the capture and use of coal mine methane;
-- DSIC Program Effectiveness: Evaluate the effectiveness of the DSIC (Distribution System
Improvement Charges) Program for utilities to determine the impact accelerated natural gas distribution
infrastructure replacement has on decreasing fugitive methane emissions;
-- Expand Natural Gas Use: Enact legislative incentivizing and directing natural gas utilities to expand
existing service territory to un-serve customers in a cost-effective manner;
-- Alternative Fueled Vehicles: Provide additional incentives for the use of alternative fueled vehicles,
including electric and LNG/CNG, particularly by large fuel consumption fleets;
-- Energy Use Profiling: Consider legislative mandating or encouraging energy use profiling for commercial buildings, similar to the City of Philadelphia ordinance;
-- Competitive Energy Markets: Expand competitive electricity markets to foster and encourage
renewable and alternative energy suppliers to enter Pennsylvania’s market;
-- Support AEPS: Continue to support the implementation of the Alternative Energy Portfolio
Standards; and
-- Add New Waste-To-Energy To AEPS: Amend the Alternative Energy Portfolio Standards to
permit the inclusion of additional waste-to-energy facilities.
Climate Impact Assessment
In addition to the draft Action Plan Update, DEP released a Climate Impacts Assessment
Update in October prepared by professors and students at Penn State University’s Environment and
Natural Resources Institute.
The Committee will meet in the 12th Floor Conference Room at the Rachel Carson Building in
Harrisburg starting at 10:00 a.m.
For more information, visit DEP’s Climate Change Advisory Committee webpage.
Senate Confirms Abruzzo For DEP, Ferretti At DCNR
The Senate Tuesday voted unanimously to confirm Ellen
Ferretti as Secretary for Conservation and Natural
Resources and 42-8 to confirm Christopher Abruzzo as
Secretary for Environmental Protection.Those voting against Abruzzo were Senators
Andrew Dinniman (D-Chester), Jim Ferlo
(D-Allegheny), Vincent Hughes (D-Philadelphia),
Daylin Leach (D-Montgomery), Judith Schwank
(D-Berks), Matt Smith (D-Allegheny), LeAnna
Washington (D-Philadelphia), Anthony Williams
(D-Philadelphia).
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“Secretary Abruzzo and Secretary Ferretti have both proven they have the abilities and
expertise to lead our departments of Environmental Protection and Conservation and Natural
Resources,” Gov. Corbett said. “I want to thank the Senate, especially Senator Scarnati, Senator
Pileggi and Chairman’s Yaw and Yudichak, for confirming these nominations.”
“Today, I was pleased to support the nomination of Chris Abruzzo as Secretary of the
Pennsylvania Department of Environmental Protection,” said Sen. Gene Yaw (R-Lycoming), MajorityChair of the Senate Environmental Resources and Energy Committe. “Since I have worked with, and
known Chris, he has gained a reputation and respect as a problem solver. During his tenure as Acting
Secretary at DEP he has taken it upon himself to implement several innovative procedures and
programs. It is obvious that he understands the complexities facing our environment, and has already
begun to engage and address them. He is a strong, independent leader who is more than qualified to
serve as our next DEP Secretary. I believe that this was evidenced today by the amount of bipartisan
support that he received.”
“It is my honor to lead the men and women of this agency and I pledge to continue building on
the great work already underway such as the launching of our recent public participation and education
initiative, implementing the Permit Review Process and Permit Decision Guarantee Policy and promoting
Gov. Corbett’s call for more open, efficient and transparent operations,” Abruzzo said.NewsClips:
Senate Confirms Corbett Nominees For Top Environmental Posts
Abruzzo, Ferretti Affirmed For Corbett Cabinet
Ferretti Confirmed To Lead Conservation Agency
Senate Confirms Abruzzo As DEP Secretary
DEP Pick Confirmed, Leaving Lawmakers To Squabble
Corbett Pick For DEP Gets Nod After Climate Change Dustup
Abruzzo Confirmed As DEP Secretary
Democratic Challengers Criticize Corbett Over Climate Comments
Hanger Demands Apology For Climate Professor’s Slight
Letter: Look At DEP Nominee’s Whole Statement
Editorial: Wrong Resume For DEP Boss
Editorial: Pick For DEP Fails Knowledge Test
EQB-DEP Open Comment Period For Oil & Gas Regulation Changes
The Department of Environmental Protection and the
Environmental Quality Board announced Thursday the public
comment period for the proposed Chapter 78 regulations setting
updated environmental protection performance standards for oil
and gas drilling operations will be open from December 14when they are published in the PA Bulletin through February 12.
( PA Bulletin, page 7377 )
A copy of the proposed regulation is now available on
DEP’s Oil and Gas Regulations webpage.
“Public participation is a key part to forging the best
regulations possible,” DEP Secretary Chris Abruzzo said. “An exceptional number of hearings are being
offered by the EQB to gather information and to be sure that people’s voices are heard.”
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The proposed regulation implements key provisions of Act 13 of 2012, including further
consideration of impacts to public resources, such as parks and wildlife areas; the prevention of spills;
the management of waste; and the restoration of well sites after drilling.
Additionally, the draft rulemaking also includes standards affecting the construction of gathering
lines and temporary pipelines, and includes provisions for identifying and monitoring abandoned wells
close to proposed well sites.Webinars
DEP will be holding two webinars on December 19, from 2:30 p.m. to 3:30 p.m., and January
3, from 9:30 to 10:30 a.m., to present information and answer questions on the proposed regulation.
Click Here for more information or to register for DEP’s Informational webinars. After
registration, an email will be sent containing a link to the webinar. The webinar will be recorded and
posted on the Oil and Gas webinars webpage for future viewing.
Public Hearings
During the public comment period, the EQB will be hosting seven public hearings across
Pennsylvania and offer multiple ways to submit comments. The public hearings will be held starting at 6
p.m. on the following dates--
-- January 7-- Tunkhannock High School Auditorium, 135 Tiger Drive, Tunkhannock, WyomingCounty;
-- January 9-- West Chester University of Pennsylvania’s Sykes Student Union Theater, 110 West
Rosedale Avenue, West Chester, Chester County;
-- January 13-- Pennsylvania College of Technology’s Klump Academic Center, One College Avenue,
Williamsport, Lycoming County;
-- January 15-- Meadville Area Senior High School Auditorium, 930 North Street, Meadville,
Crawford County;
-- January 16-- Good Hope Middle School Auditorium, 451 Skyport Road, Mechanicsburg,
Cumberland County;
-- January 22-- Washington and Jefferson College’s Rossin Campus Center / Allen Ballroom, 60
South Lincoln Street, Washington, Washington County; and
-- January 23-- Indiana University of Pennsylvania’s Convention and Athletic Complex, 711 Pratt
Drive, Indiana, Indiana County.
Hearing Procedures
People wishing to present verbal testimony at a hearing are requested to contact the EQB at
least one week in advance of the hearing to reserve a time. Those who wish to present testimony at the
hearing may use the address below or call the EQB at 717-787-4526 to reserve time to testify. All
relevant written and oral comments that are received at a public hearing will be considered when
finalizing the regulation.
Witnesses are limited to five minutes of testimony and are requested to submit three written
copies of their testimony to the hearing chairperson at the hearing. Organizations are limited todesignating one witness to present testimony on their behalf at each hearing.
Individuals in need of accommodations as provided for in the Americans with Disabilities Act
should contact the EQB to discuss their needs at 717-787-4526 or make accommodations through the
Pennsylvania AT&T Relay Service at 800-654-5984 (TDD) or 800-654-5988 (voice users).
Online Comments
Comments, including a one page summary, may be submitted to EQB by accessing the EQB’s
Online Public Comment System.
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Written Comments
Written comments and one page summaries can be mailed to: Environmental Quality Board,
P.O. Box 8477, Harrisburg, PA 17105-8477.
Email Comments
People can also submit comments by sending email to: [email protected].
Comment DeadlineAll public comments-- written, online and email-- must be received by the EQB on or before
February 12. If an acknowledgement of comments submitted online or by email is not received by the
sender within two business days, the comments should be re-sent to the EQB to ensure receipt.
Comment/Response Document
The summaries and a formal comment and response document will be distributed to the EQB
and available publicly prior to the meeting when the final rulemaking will be considered.
For more information and to view a copy of the proposed regulations, visit DEP’s Oil and Gas
Regulations webpage.
NewsClip: DEP Opens Proposed Oil And Gas Rules For Public Comment
Analysis: Mid-Year Budget Briefing Next Week Will Shape Future Decisions
On December 18 the Governor’s Budget Office will hold its mid-year budget briefing to provide a
snapshot of where revenues and expenditures are for FY 2013-14 and offer a glimpse of the year
ahead.
The Independent Fiscal Office released its own budget outlook November 14 that projected a
$530 million deficit in the 2013-14 fiscal year, a $839 million deficit in 2014-15, and a $1.2 billion
deficit in FY 2015-16 increasing to $2 billion in FY 2018-19, if revenue and expenditure policies
remain the same.
The Governor’s Budget Office staff have said they are shaping next year’s state budget
assuming it will have to make up for a deficit of $1.9 billion.
The revenue report for November shows collections were just $42.6 million more than
estimated for the year-to-date.
The state is already facing a $180 million loss of tobacco settlement money as a result of a
recent adverse decision by the panel overseeing the master tobacco settlement agreement.
A recent state Supreme Court decision ordering Commonwealth Court to take another look at
the 2009 transfer of $100 million from the state’s MCARE Fund means another sizable hole may open
up.
Of course the other big ticket item the General Assembly has yet to address is state employee
and school employee pension reform.
On the positive side, the changes made to the Small Games of Chance Law allowing taverns to
offer games is estimated to bring in about $156 million in new tax revenue to the Commonwealth.With revenues from existing gaming operations starting to drop, the Senate, through a study
authorized by Senate Resolution 273 (Scarnati-R-Jefferson) due May 1, and the Governor’s Office,
through its lottery privatization proposal, are looking at the potential for adding Keno and other games
to the existing gaming mix.
Environmental Funding
Over the last 11 years, more than $1.9 billion in environmental funding has been cut or diverted
to balance the state budget or has gone to fund programs that could not attract funding on their own.
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Gov. Rendell's share of these cuts/diversions is $1.4 billion. Gov. Corbett's share is $533.5
million, so far.
One result of these cuts is the complement of the Department of Environmental Protection has
been reduced nearly 20 percent, most under the Rendell Administration, and 40 more positions in FY
2013-14 under Gov. Corbett.
Marcellus Shale impact fees adopted as part of Act 13 have certainly helped put moreenvironmental project monies on the table for state agencies and impacted county and local
governments to begin to make up for some of these loses. But not overall personnel cuts.
DEP, in particular, has increased its permit application and administration fees by about $31.6
million annually over the last several years to help make up for the cuts in state General Fund support for
its operating costs.
The fees finalized include--
-- Marcellus Shale Drilling Permits: $7,465,000 (from $935,000 to $8.4 million annually);
-- NPDES Water Quality Permits: $4,250,000 (from $750,000 to $5 million annually);
-- Chapter 102 Regulations: $6,665,000 (from $635,000 to $7.3 million annually);
-- Laboratory Certification: $1,550,000 (from $500,000 to $1.6 million annually);
-- Beneficial Use of Coal Ash: $75,000 annually;-- Uniform Environmental Covenants: $82,250 annually;
-- Noncoal Mining Permit Review Fees: $2,475,000 (from $25,000 to $2.4 million annually);
-- Coal Surface Mining Permits: $350,000 (from $50,000 to $400,000 annually);
-- Dam Safety & Encroachment Permits: $3,641,012 (from $452,450) annually; and
-- Title V Air Quality Permit Fees: $5.1 million more annually.
Pending fee increases include--
-- Marcellus Shale Drilling Permits II: Generating about $11-12 million annually to compensate for the
drop in the number of expected drilling permit applications.
The Department of Conservation and Natural Resources has had to rely more and more on
royalties and payments generated by Marcellus Shale drilling operations in State Forests to fund its
basic staff and operating costs, rather than the General Fund.
More tough decisions are on the way for next year’s state budget.
With environmental programs already cut to the bone, we need to at least stop the bleeding in
these vital programs and find creative ways to restore state government’s commitment to the
environment.
NewsClips:
Top Republican Bracing For Rough Budget Season
Bucks GOP Lawmaker Wants To Tax Gas Drilling
$500,000 In Drilling Fees To Benefit Lackawanna
$2.3B Influx Puts PennDOT Big-Ticket Projects In Play
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Senate/House Agenda/Session Schedule/Bills Introduced
Here are the Senate and House Calendars and Committee meetings showing bills of interest as well as a
list of new environmental bills introduced--
Session Schedule
Here is the latest voting session schedule for the Senate and House--
House
December 16, 17, 18 (Non-Voting)
2014
January 7 (Non-Voting), 13, 14, 15, 27, 28, 29
February 3, 4, 5
March 10, 11, 12, 17, 18, 19, 31
April 1, 2, 7, 8, 9, 28, 29, 30
May 5, 6, 7June 2, 3, 4, 9, 10, 11, 16, 17, 18, 19, 23, 24, 25, 26, 27, 28, 29, 30
Senate - 2014
January 7, 13, 14, 15, 27, 28, 29
February 3, 4, 5
March 10, 11, 12, 17, 18, 19, 31
April 1, 2, 7, 8, 9, 28, 29, 30
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May 5, 6, 7
June 2, 3, 4, 9, 10, 11, 16, 17, 18, 19, 23, 24, 25, 26, 27, 28, 29, 30
Bill Calendars
House (December 16): House Bill 302 (Moul-R-Adams) transferring $5 million to DEP for acompetitive grant program to convert small mass transit bus fleets to natural gas; House Bill 303
(Moul-R-Adams) transferring $7.5 million to DEP for a competitive grant program to convert large
mass transit fleets to natural gas; House Bill 304 (Marshall-R-Beaver) funding conversions of transit
buses to natural gas; House Bill 306 (Pickett-R-Bradford) redirecting $5.3 million from the Alternative
Fuels Incentive Fund to create the Keystone Fuel Incentive Program to fund conversions of vehicles to
natural gas and provide a 10 cent per gallon biofuels production subsidy; House Bill 308
(Saylor-R-York) redirecting $6 million annually from the Clean Air Fund to finance vehicle conversions
to natural gas. <> Click Here for full House Bill Calendar.
Senate (January 7): [the Senate has adjourned for the year] <> Click Here for full Senate Bill
Calendar.
Committee Meeting Agendas This Week
House: the House Democratic Policy Committee holds a hearing on climate change. <> Click
Here for full House Committee Schedule.
Senate: [the Senate has adjourned for the year] <> Click Here for full Senate Committee Schedule.
Bills Pending In Key Committees
Here are links to key Standing Committees in the House and Senate and the bills pending in each--
House
Appropriations
Education
Environmental Resources and Energy
Consumer Affairs
Gaming Oversight
Human Services
Judiciary
Liquor ControlTransportation
Links for all other Standing House Committees
Senate
Appropriations
Environmental Resources and Energy
Consumer Protection and Professional Licensure
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Community, Economic and Recreational Development
Education
Judiciary
Law and Justice
Public Health and Welfare
TransportationLinks for all other Standing Senate Committees
Bills Introduced
The following bills of interest were introduced this week--
Repealing AEPS: House Bill 1912 (Sankey-R-Clearfield) would repeal the Alternative Energy
Portfolio Standards - sponsor summary.
Bills On Governor's Desk
The following bills were given final approval by the Senate and House and are now on the Governor's
desk for action--
Open Space: House Bill 1523 (Toepel-R-Montgomery) further providing for open space preservation
by local governments. A summary and House Fiscal Note are available.
Senate/House Bills Moving
The following bills of interest saw action this week in the House and Senate--
Senate
Open Space: House Bill 1523 (Toepel-R-Montgomery) further providing for open space preservation
by local governments-- House Fiscal Note-- was reported from the Senate Appropriations Committee
and passed by the Senate without amendment. The bill now goes to the Governor for his action.
News From The Capitol
Senate, House Send Bill To Governor To Promote Open Space Preservation
Senate unanimously passed and sent to the Governor House Bill 1523 (Toepel-R-Montgomery) to
provide clarity to Pennsylvania municipalities regarding the type of projects that can be funded by the
local option tax levy.
“This bill gives those municipalities that choose to enact an open space tax, the flexibility to use a
portion of the tax to maintain and improve the land acquired through the tax,” said Rep. Marcy Toepel.
“Presently the law lacked clarity regarding the usage of the tax. Also, under current law, this tax may
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only be imposed through voter referendum; however, there is no mechanism to rescind the tax. This bill
corrects that oversight by providing language that would provide an avenue for voters to rescind the tax
through a referendum vote if the tax is no longer needed or desired.”
House Bill 1523 would amend the Open Space Law to authorize the local taxing option levy to
be used for expenses necessary to prepare the resource, recreation or land use plan or for costs
associated with the design, engineering, improvement and development of the real property consistentwith the approved plan.
Currently, the funds raised from the local option tax can only be used for the purchase of open
space land, retiring of debt incurred in purchasing such land and transaction fees related to the purchase,
including, but not limited to, the cost of appraisals, legal services, title searches and insurance, document
preparation, closing fees and survey expenses.
This legislation has garnered the support of the Pennsylvania State Association of Boroughs,
Pennsylvania State Association of Township Supervisors, Pennsylvania State Association of Township
Commissioners, Pennsylvania League of Cities and Municipalities, and the Pennsylvania Land Trust.
House Democrats To Hold Climate Change Hearing Dec. 16
The House Democratic Policy Committee is scheduled to hold a hearing December 16 on steps
Pennsylvania can take to address climate change issues. On the agenda are--
— Richard Alley, Evan Hugh professor, Penn State University;
— Tom Peterson, president and CEO, Center for Climate Strategies;
— Janet Milkman, executive director, Delaware Valley Green Buildings Council;
— Christina Simeone, PennFuture and chair of DEP’s Climate Change Advisory Committee;
— Rick Price, executive director, Western Pennsylvania Clean Cities; and
— Erik Johanson, strategy and sustainability planner, SEPTA.
The hearing will be in Room 418 of the Capitol Building, Harrisburg, starting at 10:00 a.m.
Rep. Mike Sturla (D-Lancaster) is Chair of the Committee. Rep. Greg Vitali (D-Delaware),
Minority Chair of the House Environmental Resources and Energy Committee, will serve as co-chair of
this hearing.
News From Around The State
DEP Dec. 20 Webinar Covers Proposed Changes To GP-8 Stream Crossings
The Department of Environmental Protection will hold a webinar on December 20 starting at 10:00 a.m.
to provide information on proposed changes to the GP-8 covering temporary stream crossings,
environmental testing and monitoring activities.
Concerns were expressed by a presenter at the November DEP Citizens Advisory Councilmeeting that the scope of the General Permit is being expanded to include more activities than originally
covered by GP-8.
The public comment period for the proposed changes to GP-8 ends January 10.
To register for this event, visit the GP-8 Webinar webpage.
Keystone Coldwater Conference Set For February 21-22, New Student Poster Contest
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The 2014 Keystone Coldwater Conference will be held on February 21-22 at the Ramada Inn
Conference Center in State College.
On February 21 there will be an optional afternoon workshop that will focus on how to protect,
conserve, and restore stream habitat, while also protecting adjacent property from potential flooding
impacts. The workshop will be followed by a Friday evening social. At the social attendees will have the
opportunity to network and visit the many exhibitors and posters. The event will include appetizers anda cash bar.
On February 22, the program will begin at 8:30 a.m. with our keynote speaker Chris Wood,
CEO of Trout Unlimited. Twelve breakout sessions will round off the morning and afternoon, with
topics related to conserving, protecting, and restoring our coldwater streams.
The presentations will highlight research, case studies, proactive community action, policy and
regulations, and targeted outreach and advocacy that have played a part in ensuring environmental
protection.
Important Deadlines
-- Early registration with a discount ends January 31, but the deadline for the limited number of rooms
set aside at the Ramada Inn for the Conference is January 21.
-- Student Poster Contest: The deadline for submissions for the new Student Poster Contest isJanuary 10.
-- Exhibit Space: The deadline for reserving exhibit space is February 1, but for a discount reserve
your space by January 31.
The Conference is sponsored by the Foundation for Pennsylvania Watersheds, Pennsylvania
Council of Trout Unlimited, Department of Conservation and Natural Resources, Chesapeake Bay
Foundation, Pennsylvania Wildlife Federation and PA Environment Digest - Crisci Associates.
Click Here for all the details.
Call For Presenters 2014 PA Groundwater Symposium May 7
In celebration of National Drinking Water Week, Penn State Extension’s Master Well Owner
Network , the Department of Environmental Protection and the PA Ground Water Association along
with numerous other sponsors are organizing the 2014 Pennsylvania Groundwater Symposium at the
Ramada Inn Conference Center in State College, PA on May 7, 2014.
The Symposium theme: Building Groundwater Knowledge through Monitoring will provide a
forum for researchers, students, professionals and educators working in the groundwater field to
exchange information and promote protection of groundwater resources.
Abstracts will be accepted through January 31 for oral or poster presentations on a wide variety
of groundwater topics including groundwater monitoring, data availability and access, groundwater
processes, wellhead protection, water well studies, emerging contaminants, aquifer studies,
groundwater/surface water interactions, issues related to energy extraction, education and outreach, andgroundwater use for geothermal energy.
The conference planning committee will release a final agenda and registration information for
the symposium in February.
Thanks to generous support from sponsors, the daylong symposium including refreshments and
lunch will only cost $30! We hope you can join us for this event showcasing Pennsylvania’s valuable
groundwater resource!
To learn more about the symposium and to submit an abstract to be a presenter, visit the
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Conference website.
(Written By: Bryan Swistock, Water Resources Specialist, Renewable Natural Resources, Penn
State Extension, Department of Ecosystem Science and Management and reprinted from the
Penn State Extension Watershed Winds newsletter.)
PA American Water: Winners Of Community Investment Grants
Pennsylvania American Water Wednesday announced the winners of its “Community Investment
Challenge,” a contest where voters on the company’s Facebook page determined grant awards to
support environmental projects and community improvement programs.
In all, 17 organizations from across the commonwealth entered projects in the contest, and
Facebook users were able to vote once each day between November 8 and December 8 for their
favorite projects.
After a total of 2,689 votes were cast during the month-long contest, the top three winners are:
— First place (737 votes): Downtown Scranton Spring Planter Beautification Project will
receive a $1,000 grant for cleaning up debris and planting flowers and bushes throughout the planters inScranton’s Main Street district. The University of Scranton’s Office of Community Relations and
student government is partnering with Scranton Tomorrow and Penn State Master Gardeners in
Lackawanna County to extend its annual spring “Street Sweep” neighborhood clean-up event into
downtown Scranton.
— Second place (695 votes): Derry Township Environmental Action Committee will receive a
$700 grant for its Rain Barrel Workshop, where attendees can purchase high-quality rain barrels at a
reduced cost and learn about stormwater runoff and water conservation.
— Third place (247 votes): Mt. Lebanon Environmental Sustainability Board will receive a
$300 grant for its Energy Camels Project to reward residents who make documented progress in
energy or water conservation. Energy Camels, when placed in residents' front yards, are designed to
engage the community by making behavior change "fun" through education about conservation.
“We are excited and honored to earn first place in Pennsylvania American Water’s Community
Investment Challenge,” said Julie Schumacher Cohen, director of Community and Government
Relations at The University of Scranton. “This grant will make a significant impact in helping to beautify
downtown Scranton, thanks to Pennsylvania American Water’s generosity and the support of our
Facebook community.”
Eligible projects fell into one of four categories: Water and the Environment, Water and Healthy
Living, Environmental Education or Community Sustainability, and will take place within Pennsylvania
American Water’s service areas in 2014.
“We are very pleased with how the contest engaged a broad range of civic, non-profit and
environmental groups, who rallied and mobilized their social media networks to earn support for their local projects,” said Pennsylvania American Water Director of Communications and External Affairs
Terry M. Maenza.
“While we congratulate the winners, we also applaud the other entries for the innovative
projects and terrific work they are doing in their communities.”
For more information, visit the PA American Water website.
Chesapeake Bay Foundation-PA Urges Full Funding For Farm Bill Conservation Programs
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Harry Campbell, PA Office Executive Director of the Chesapeake Bay Foundation, Friday wrote to
Pennsylvania Congressman Glenn Thompson urging him to support full funding for conservation
programs in the federal Farm Bill now the subject of conference committee negotiations between the
Senate and House.
Thompson chairs the U.S. House Agriculture Committee Subcommittee on Conservation,Energy and Forestry and is a member of the Subcommittee on Livestock, Rural Development and
Credit.
The text of the letter follows—
“Thank you for your continued work to negotiate a federal Farm Bill, and we urge you to do all
you can to help Pennsylvania farms to continue their efforts to be good stewards of water while
remaining economically viable.
“As with previous communications to you regarding the Farm Bill negotiations, we are sharing
success stories from two Pennsylvania farms that have relied on USDA Natural Resources
Conservation Services programs, created in previous Farm Bills, to restore local waters and improve
their farms’ ability to sustain profitability for the long-term.
“Mike Marquardt’s cover crops, no-till cultivation, careful manure management, and streamsideforest are all helping to maintain Penns Creek as a world-class trout fishery. Not only is this Centre
County farmer helping water quality in Penns Creek, but by assuring this stream remains a
world-renowned fishery his work also is an asset to the community’s economy.
“In Bradford County, Randy and Tina Kuhn established a streamside forest to filter nutrients
and sediment from the runoff entering a pond and stream, and now see that the pond is a healthy
environment for fish and other wildlife while also providing their livestock access to clean drinking wate
Their farm produces meat, poultry, eggs, vegetables and eggs which they sell directly to consumers.
Having a healthy soils and clean water is essential to their success.
“Both of these farms relied on programs like the Environmental Quality Incentives Program
(EQIP), the Conservation Reserve Program (CRP) and the Regional Conservation Partnership Program
(RCPP) to establish these practices. The technical and financial assistance these farms and so many
other farms in Pennsylvania relied upon helped make these practices possible.
“These farms are but two of the thousands of farms in Pennsylvania that can be called Farm Bill
“success stories.” Their stories can be the story of thousands of other farmers with a strong
conservation-based Farm Bill.”
For more information, visit CBF’s Federal Farm Bill webpage.
NewsClip: No Farm Bill In Sight As Recess Looms For Congress
AFT: Survey Of Farmers Demonstrates Congress Needs To Pass New Farm Bill
A recent survey of farmers and ranchers by American Farmland Trust and the University of Nebraska-Lincoln shows the need for Congress to pass the Farm Bill, according to Andrew
McElwaine, President and CEO of AFT. AFT and the University surveyed farmers and ranchers who
have benefitted from the bill’s Farm and Ranch Land Protection Program.
“The Farm and Ranch Land Protection Program is one of many critical agriculture programs
threatened by Congress’ inability to pass a five-year Farm Bill,” noted McElwaine. “It is vital the
Senate-House conference committee finish its work and pass a new Farm Bill that fully funds farm
conservation programs.”
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The Farm and Ranch Land Protection Program (FRPP) provides federal matching funds to
protect farmland by purchasing easements. These in turn keep productive farm and ranch land from
being developed and instead keep it in agricultural use.
The survey shows 96 percent of farmers and ranchers who permanently protected their land
under the Farm and Ranchland Protection Program kept the land in agricultural production and the
majority re-invested to improve the environment and economic performance of their operations.“Our survey asked a critical question-- is the federal Farm and Ranch Land Protection Program
really delivering on its promise to protect farmland and encourage conservation practices,” said
McElwaine. “The overwhelming answer we received was Yes!”
For the survey, the University of Nebraska-Lincoln interviewed 506 landowners participating in
the program to determine if they were achieving its stated purposes.
“Ninety-six percent of those receiving help through the program are continuing agricultural
production on some or all of the land protected and 70 percent kept at least three-quarters in
production,” said McElwaine. “More than 68 percent of the owner-operators implemented new
management practices to prevent soil erosion and/or to protect water quality. By comparison, only 23
percent of the Nation’s operators overall said they used conservation methods to achieve comparable
outcomes.”The survey also found 84 percent of landowners who sold easements reinvested the proceeds
to improve their farms by building structures, buying equipment, purchasing land, or installing
conservation practices.
“Farmers tend to be land rich and cash poor,” explained Julia Freedgood, AFT’s managing
director of Farmland and Community Initiatives. “FRPP provides liquid capital for farmers to improve
the economic viability and environmental performance of working farms and ranches. Just as important,
FRPP dollars tend to be spent locally, supporting local businesses and growing rural economies.”
“This Program delivers tremendous value to farmers and taxpayers not only keeping farm and
ranch land in production, but also attracting $2 in landowner, private or state and local matching funds
for every $1 invested by the federal government,” said McElwaine.”Congress needs to continue it – and
to do that they must pass the Farm Bill.”
A copy of the study is available online.
The American Farmland Trust is the nation’s leading conservation organization dedicated to
protecting farmland, promoting sound farming practices and keeping farmers on the land.
For more information, visit the American Farmland Trust website.
NewsClip: No Farm Bill In Sight As Recess Looms For Congress
American Farmland Trust Opposes New Federal Conservation Fee On Farmers
Congress is about to impose a new conservation fee on farmers and ranchers who volunteer to help the
environment as part of the Senate-House budget agreement, according to Andrew McElwaine,President and CEO of American Farmland Trust.
AFT Thursday said it will oppose a provision in the agreement authorizing the USDA Natural
Resources Conservation Service to charge farmers up to $150 to help them prepare farm conservation
plans.
“Reducing nutrients from farm runoff costs almost 60 percent less than the same reduction from
a sewage treatment plant,” said McElwaine. “We should be rewarding farmers who voluntarily put
conservation plans in place. Instead we’re going to charge them.”
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“Conservation plans are a fundamental first step farmers take to reduce erosion and keep
sediment and nutrients from running off their land. Without this plan, those reductions won’t take place
and instead taxpayers will have to pay to upgrade local water and sewer systems.
“Taking this action at a time when it appears Congressional negotiators have failed to come to
agreement on a new Farm Bill is extremely disappointing. Many critical federal farm programs ended
on September 30 when the last Farm Bill expired and thousands of family farmers and ranchers arefacing an uncertain future.”
The American Farmland Trust is the nation’s leading conservation organization dedicated to
protecting farmland, promoting sound farming practices and keeping farmers on the land.
For more information, visit the American Farmland Trust website.
Transportation Funding Bill Improves Dirt And Gravel Roads Across PA
Dirt and gravel roads across Pennsylvania will see environmentally and economically sustainable
improvements through a $30 million funding boost as part of comprehensive transportation legislation
signed by Gov. Corbett.
“Pennsylvania’s dirt and gravel roads will be improved just like their paved counterparts, benefitting the four million Pennsylvanians who travel rural roads every day,” said Agriculture Secretary
George Greig. “Better maintenance means less runoff and sediment to clog and pollute our waterways.
It will also improve transport conditions for the tractors and trucks that haul farm equipment, milk,
lumber and other products on these 20,000 miles of roads.”
The transportation package provides $28 million annually to the Pennsylvania State
Conservation Commission’s Dirt and Gravel Roads Maintenance Program, which distributes the funds
to 65 participating county conservation districts across the state. At least $8 million of that total is
earmarked each year for low-volume sealed and paved roads that carry less than 500 vehicles per day.
The additional $7 million will be distributed to the Department of Conservation and Natural
Resources Bureau of Forestry for improving state park and forestry roads. Total program funding is
$35 million.
Previous funding levels limited work to about 200 sites per year. The additional funding
increases that number to 800. Years of underfunding have created a backlog of 14,400 work sites.
With in-kind funding and tight administrative spending limits, the program estimates for every state dolla
invested, $1.15 of project work is completed.
The commission, part of the Departments of Agriculture and Environmental Protection, provides
support and oversight to the state’s 66 county conservation districts. It works with government agencies
and industry, professional and nonprofit organizations to help implement conservation programs in an
efficient and responsible manner.
For more information, call the commission at 717-787-8821 or visit the Commission’s Dirt and
Gravel Roads Program webpage.
(Reprinted from DCNR’s December 11 Resource newsletter.)
Keep Pennsylvania Beautiful Recognizes Outstanding Volunteers For 2013
Each year Keep Pennsylvania Beautiful provides an opportunity for their statewide affiliates to recognize
the outstanding efforts of their local volunteers. Keep Pennsylvania Beautiful’s 2013 Affiliate Volunteer
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of the Year award winners are:
-- Allegheny CleanWays - Hannah Grace for her unwavering work with the DumpBusters crew;
-- PA CleanWays of Cumberland County - Mike Onofrey for the coordination of numerous phases of
an event that collected over 9,000 tires;
-- Keep Huntingdon County Beautiful - Juniata College Community Service Office for their enthusiastic
and invaluable cleanup efforts over the years;-- PA CleanWays of Mifflin County - Dan Dunmire for his assistance with grant writing and general
support since the affiliates inception in 2000 and Justin Kozak for his expert watershed knowledge and
computer skills and assistance with coordinating events;
-- Keep Perry County Beautiful - Carson Long Military Academy Environmental Club for their active
participation in outdoor education opportunities, illegal dump clean-ups, and road adoptions; and
-- Keep Royal Gardens Beautiful, Philadelphia - Zamir Chandler for his project management skills and
work with youth volunteers.
“Keep Pennsylvania Beautiful believes that by engaging volunteers, we extend the reach of our
educational efforts and multiply the impact of our actions. I thank all the volunteers for their hard work
and efforts. It does not go unnoticed,” said Shannon Reiter, Keep Pennsylvania Beautiful President.
Keep Pennsylvania Beautiful affiliates and local Keep America Beautiful affiliates nominatedtheir own volunteer of the year and these volunteers were presented with a certificate of appreciation as
a tribute to their efforts to keep Pennsylvania beautiful.
Award winners and their programs can be found on KPB’s Grants & Awards webpage.
NewsClip: Keep PA Beautiful Recognizes Volunteers
Lake Erie International Coastal Cleanup Volunteers Clean Up 25 Miles of Shoreline
The numbers are in for the September Lake Erie International Coastal Cleanup. On September 21,
volunteers picked up 2,484 pounds of trash along 24.75 miles of Lake Erie shoreline and waterways
within the county.
As those 676 volunteers cleaned 13 different locations around Lake Erie, they also documented
the collection of 36,270 pieces of trash. Among the most unusual items found were a full set of clothing
and a toilet. The top five categories of collected trash were:
-- Cigarette butts – 16,276
-- Food wrappers – 3,161
-- Plastic pieces – 2,754
-- Fishing line – 1,756 feet
-- Plastic beverage bottles – 1,574
“Our 11th cleanup along the Lake Erie shoreline and its tributaries was another success, in spite
of this year’s inclement weather,” DEP Northwest Regional Director Kelly Burch said. “As a result of
the continued success of this event, we are working to increase volunteer numbers and cleanup locationsdown the road.”
Information gathered in past cleanups has been used as educational material for environmental
programs in local schools and highlighted in the Erie Times-News, Newspapers in Education section.
During the school year, the Erie Times-News publishes a page dedicated to environmental issues every
Tuesday.
The International Coastal Cleanup is the oldest and largest volunteer project of its kind and this
year celebrated its 27th anniversary. From its beginnings in 1986 with 12 sites on the Texas coastline,
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the ICC has transformed to more than 6,000 sites in about 100 countries with more than 500,000
volunteers. It is the largest volunteer-driven, beach cleanup effort of its kind in the world.
DEP’s Coastal Resources Management program has been the main sponsor of the PA-Lake
Erie International Coastal Cleanup since 2003.
For more information, to volunteer for next year’s cleanup, or check the Erie ICC statistics
online or visit the Ocean Conservancy’s International Coastal Cleanup webpage.
Annual PA Brownfields Conference A Success
Attendees at this week’s annual Pennsylvania Brownfields Conference held in King of Prussia,
Montgomery County, expressed optimism about the state’s economy and improving business climate.
The theme of this year’s conference, “Positioning for the Future,” highlighted building communit
partnerships, incorporating sustainable design into projects, accessing financial assistance and keeping
abreast of regulatory changes.
Brian O’Neill, chairman, CEO and founder of O’Neill Properties Group of King of Prussia,
delivered the opening plenary session on the real estate forecast for brownfields. He spoke about what
he called “new urbanism,” the construction of full-featured communities where residents can live, work,and play.
O’Neill Properties is a leading privately owned real estate development company specializing in
identifying and acquiring abandoned or underutilized industrial sites, remediating and transforming them
into high-quality, Class A commercial space or luxury multifamily communities.
The company currently is building over $2 billion of projects in the Northeast. O’Neill’s
Pennsylvania projects include The Lofts at Valley Forge, a luxury residential development and Uptown
Worthington in Malvern, a 1.6 million square foot mixed use development featuring luxury residential,
retail and office space.
This was DEP’s ninth Pennsylvania Brownfields Conference, and the second that involved a
partnership with the Engineers’ Society of Western Pennsylvania. It featured nearly two dozen
educational sessions and two mobile workshops. Conference content is developed with input from an
advisory panel of industry experts.
For more information, visit the PA Brownfields Conference and DEP’s Environmental Cleanup
and Brownfields webpages.
(Reprinted from the December 12 issue of DEP News )
Presidential Innovation Award For Environmental Educators Now Accepting Nominations
The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, in partnership with the White House Council on
Environmental Quality, is currently accepting applications until February 28 for the third annualPresidential Innovation Award for Environmental Educators.
The award recognizes outstanding K-12 teachers and their local education agencies nationwide
for excellence in integrating environmental education into their lessons and demonstrating the connection
between health and the environment for their students.
Successful applicants demonstrate creativity, innovation, community engagement and leadership
as students learn more about civic responsibility and environmental stewardship. Past winners have
increased student participation in local watershed cleanup efforts, created school-wide recycling
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programs, and implemented green land stewardship practices.
Winners went on to use their awards to bring high-tech science equipment into the classroom
and expand the number of students on field trips and in labs.
Up to twenty teachers nationwide will receive award plaques and a financial award of $2,000 to
support their professional development in environmental education. Each teacher’s school will also
receive a $2,000 award to help fund environmental education activities and programs that support theteacher.
Winners will also be considered for the National Environmental Education Foundation’s Richard
C. Bartlett award, which recognizes outstanding teachers who engage students in interdisciplinary
solutions to environmental challenges.
For more information, visit the Presidential Innovation Award for Environmental Educators
webpage.
EPA Seeks Environmental Education Grant Applications
The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency is now accepting applications for environmental education
projects under the agency’s Environmental Education Grant Program. Applications are due February 4.The program works to engage communities across the country through a wide variety of
educational projects that have a lasting impact on people’s health by facilitating environmental
stewardship.
Projects in the past have engaged students in stream monitoring, created sustainable mentoring
communities, and provided professional development to teachers on subjects including science,
technology, engineering and math.
Eligible organizations include local education agencies, colleges or universities, state education
or environmental agencies, tribal education agencies, 501(C)(3) nonprofit organizations, and
noncommercial educational broadcasting entities working in education.
This competitive grants program will total $2.77 million. Each of the ten EPA regional offices
will award two or three grants and one or two grants will be awarded from EPA’s headquarters in
Washington, DC.
Each award will be an estimated $75,000 to $200,000. EPA expects to award between 22 and
32 grants nationwide.
For more information, visit EPA’s Environmental Education Grant webpage.
Junior High Students Vie For National Recognition Jan. 25 In Future City Regional Finals
As global urban populations rise, energy and climate change issues are increasingly prevalent. Thus, the
demand for creating transportation solutions that are quick, safe, reliable and sustainable has never been
more urgent.Throughout the world, a person’s ability to function and contribute to society is reliant on his or
her capacity to mobilize, whether by air, foot, car, bike or public transit.
More than 40,000 middle school students from 1,350 schools in 37 regions nationally have
been tasked with Tomorrow’s Transit: Design A Way To Move People In And Around Your City,
figuring out those much-needed solutions for DiscoverE’s 2013-14 Future City Competition.
Since returning to school in the fall, student teams have been hard at work on their Future City
projects and preparing for regional finals in January 2014.
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First-place winners from each qualifying regional competition receive a trip to the Future City
Competition National Finals in Washington, D.C., February 15-18, 2014 during Engineers Week.
The national grand prize is $7,000 for the team’s school or after-school’s STEM program and a
trip to U.S. Space Camp in Huntsville, Alabama.
In Central Pennsylvania, there are approximately 37 teams competing in the Future City
Competition Regional Finals, which will be held on January 25, 2014 at the Pennsylvania StateMuseum.
Future City has received national attention and acclaim for its role in encouraging middle
schoolers nationwide to develop their interest in science, technology, engineering and math (STEM).
The annual challenge is one of the nation’s leading engineering education programs and among the most
popular.
Led by an educator and engineer mentor, students learn the basics of city planning and
management as they design a virtual city using SimCity software. Via the research essay, the students
delve deeper into a citywide issue.
This year’s question asks them to review the transportation options and needs of their own city,
create viable ideas that consider safety, accessibility, intermodality and sustainability in an effort to
reimagine a better and more efficient city. From there, each team builds a physical model of their cityusing recycled materials costing no more than $100.
Along the way, the students also learn about the engineering disciplines that encompass their
solutions, including learning and identifying the steps of the design process.
For more information on judging or mentoring, visit the Future City Competition website.
Opinion: Legal Experts Support Attorney General’s Action Against XTO Energy
While legal spectators expected the criminal charges brought against XTO Energy to be met with
disdain, the company’s ability to play the victim caught many by surprise. It’s not every day that a
subsidiary of the largest company on the planet, ExxonMobil, gets to argue that they’re the David in a
legal David vs. Goliath battle.
Yet when Pennsylvania Attorney General Kathleen Kane brought criminal charges against XTO
on September 10 for the illegal discharges from their fracking facility in Penn Township in Lycoming
County, the company waged a statewide media campaign to criticize their accusers and discredit the
Attorney General’s efforts.
This included calling the charges "unprecedented, baseless, and an abuse of prosecutorial
discretion." The company ran newspaper advertisements claiming the charges are unwarranted, and
touting XTO’s green track record to deflect the claims of illegal pollution by the Attorney General.
But while XTO attempts to solicit sympathy from the general public, state legislators and others,
many legal experts acknowledge that the Attorney General’s office is just using the legal tools to ensure
the best result for the Commonwealth.“XTO’s PR offensive rings hollow,” stated Attorney Jordan Yeager. “The Attorney General’s
office is doing her job, which is to bring charges for clear violations of our laws. These companies need
to understand there are real consequences for repeatedly breaking the law.”
"There is nothing unusual about a violator of environmental laws being held both civilly and
criminally liable for egregious misconduct.” Said Josh Kratka, Senior Attorney at the National
Environmental Law Center. “Just look at the Gulf oil spill disaster: BP and its corporate partners were
assessed hefty criminal fines; they paid billions to compensate individuals harmed by the spill; and they
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are now being forced to pay billions more in civil penalties under the Clean Water Act."
In late 2010, a storage container owned and controlled by XTO dumped approximately 57,000
gallons of fracking wastewater containing chlorides, aluminum, barium onto the ground, contaminated a
local spring. The wastewater also ran into a nearby tributary of Sugar Run, which then flows into the
Susquehanna River.
Pollutants were still present for 65 days after the spill had been discovered and halted by thePennsylvania Department of Environmental Protection (PA-DEP). The Grand Jury’s indictment noted
that there was evidence at the site of the spill of previous, unreported spills of wastewater.
“What we have seen here is a pattern of impunity - companies acting with indifference to our
water and our health,” stated John Rumpler, Senior Attorney for Environment America. “We need
more criminal charges, not less.”
The alleged crimes by XTO fit into a larger pattern, and supporters of the AG’s actions note
that this is also not the first time XTO has violated environmental laws. In 2012, PennEnvironment
Research & Policy Center uncovered thousands of violations by gas drilling operators, 159 from
2009-2011 by XTO alone.
“The Attorney General’s Office deserves our thanks for holding XTO accountable for this spill,
and demonstrating that no one is above the law,” said Eric Schaeffer, Executive Director, EnvironmentalIntegrity Project. “Public officials shouldn’t be intimidated by polluters – if anything we need more
public officials who are willing to stand up and protect human health and the environment by enforcing
the law.”
The toxic substances used in fracking fluid and wastewater have been linked to a variety of
negative and serious health effects, such as cancer, endocrine disruption, and neurological and immune
system problems.
“The Attorney General is doing exactly what she is supposed to do – holding a polluter
accountable under our laws,” Stated Jennifer Clark, Executive Director of the Public Interest Law
Center of Philadelphia. “Pennsylvanians deserve a healthy environment, and we will stand behind our
officials for fight for our health and our environment.”
NewsClip: Drilling Spill Cited In Lawsuit Not Reported To State
Scott Roy Elected Chair Of Marcellus Shale Coalition Board
Range Resources Corporation vice president of government and regulatory affairs, K. Scott Roy, has
been elected as the Marcellus Shale Coalition’s next chairman by the organization’s board of directors.
Mr. Roy previously served as the MSC’s vice chairman and treasurer.
Heather Lamparter (Vice President, Legal, EXCO Resources (PA), LLC), Mark Hager
(Senior Government Affairs Representative, Williams) and Gary Smith (Vice President and General
Manager, EOG Resources) were elected to serve as vice chair, treasurer and secretary, respectively.
“Scott’s leadership and experience, and our board’s collective laser focus on critical legislativeand regulatory issues, will continue to serve our entire industry and the Commonwealth well,” said MSC
president Dave Spigelmyer. “Our leadership team also recognizes the importance of sustained public
education and outreach to communities in each of our 67 counties to ensure questions are answered,
concerns are addressed and that Pennsylvanians are more aware of the opportunities and benefits tied
to shale development.”
Organized in late 2008, the MSC has grown from several exploration and production
companies to a robust organization with nearly 300 members that span the broad shale supply chain.
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MSC member companies were responsible for 96 percent of Pennsylvania’s shale production in
2012.
And according to a U.S. Energy Information Administration report issued this week, “The
Marcellus region, which produced less than 2 Bcf/d as recently as 2010, is expected to provide 18
percent of total U.S. natural gas production this month.”
“It’s an honor to have been elected by my colleagues to serve as the MSC’s next chairman,”said Roy. “As a lifelong Pennsylvanian who has seen the ups and downs of our region’s economy
firsthand, especially our manufacturing sector, it is deeply rewarding to see the new opportunities tied to
responsible shale development that are cascading from Erie to Philadelphia, Scranton to Southpointe
and all points in between. Our industry certainly appreciates the great responsibility that we have to
continue to make certain that shale-related benefits are fully leveraged and that Pennsylvania remains a
shining example regarding environmental compliance and responsible development.”
Other executive board members include representatives from Chesapeake Energy, Chevron,
CONSOL Energy, EQT Corporation, MarkWest Energy Partners, Pennsylvania General Energy, XTO
Energy and executive board member at-large, Noble Energy.
For more information, visit the Marcellus Shale Coalition website.
Corbett Urges EPA To Take Action To Protect Pennsylvania Air Quality
Gov. Tom Corbett Tuesday announced Pennsylvania has signed a petition with eight other Northeast
and Mid-Atlantic states to require upwind states to reduce ozone emissions.
Pennsylvania is part of the ozone transport region, a group of 12 states in the Northeast that has
been held to some of the country’s most stringent air pollution standards for the last decade.
The petition requests the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency to subject Illinois, Indiana,
Kentucky, Michigan, North Carolina, Ohio, Tennessee, Virginia and West Virginia to these same
federal air quality standards.
“My administration is strongly committed to protecting air quality and the health of Pennsylvania
residents,” Corbett said. “Signing this petition reflects that commitment, and our hope is that the EPA
will level the playing field by ensuring other states are being good neighbors by abiding to the same
standards we have in Pennsylvania.”
New states subjected to the air quality rules will have to submit a state implementation plan to
EPA within nine months including a strategy to control ozone-producing emissions.
“Pennsylvania, along with the other states in the Northeast, continues to work hard to attain
acceptable levels of ozone emissions,” DEP Acting Secretary Chris Abruzzo said. “Part of the solution
to this problem is to have the upwind states implement equally stringent air quality controls.”
The current ozone transport region consists of Connecticut, Delaware, Maine, Maryland,
Massachusetts, New Hampshire, New Jersey, New York, Pennsylvania, Rhode Island, Vermont, the
District of Columbia and northern Virginia.EPA will make a decision on the petition within 18 months after receiving it.
NewsClips:
PA Joins Effort To Limit Pollution Drifting Into State
PA Joins 8 States Asking EPA To Reduce Midwest Air Pollution
Corbett Signs Petition Calling For Tighter Pollution Controls Upwind
8 Northeast States Sue Over Midwest Pollution
States Petition EPA To Crack Down On Midwest Pollution
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Court Case Against Homer City To Be Heard Next Week
Conemaugh Power Plant Trespass Charge Dismissed
Plan For Bad Air Days Would Curb Industry In Allegheny County
Editorial: State Slow To Seek EPA’s Help On Bad Air
Final Title V Air Quality Permit Fee Increases Now In Effect
The final regulation increasing Air Quality Title V emission fees from $57.50 per ton of emissions to $85
per ton were published in the December 14 PA Bulletin.
The change is estimated to initially generate about $5.1 million more in revenue to the
Department of Environmental Protection to administer the Title V program.
The fees are required by state and federal law to cover the cost of Title V program
administration, but due to declining air emissions, the existing fee structure was not adequate to meet
agency costs.
Aqua Pennsylvania Among Finalists For Platts Global Energy Award
Aqua Pennsylvania, Inc. was named a finalist for the Platts 2013 Global Energy Awards in the “Energy
Efficiency – Commercial End-User” category for its efforts to reduce electricity use during periods when
the electric grid is at maximum capacity.
Aqua America Chairman and CEO Nicholas DeBenedictis said, "I am proud that we are
aggressively working to reduce Aqua's electricity costs, which is a benefit to our customers. We are not
only realizing direct savings of more than $500,000 to the company, we are also doing our part in
helping to stabilize the electric grid when it is stressed by high demand."
Aqua works with Constellation to participate in two load response programs: PJM’s
Emergency Demand Response (DR) program and Constellation’s Peak Response, which allows
Constellation electricity supply customers to reduce future capacity and transmission costs by lowering
electricity consumption during the hours of peak demand.
Aqua's ability to effectively participate in both programs has been significantly enhanced by its
use of Constellation's VirtuWatt technology, which provides real-time electric monitoring of the
company's electric usage and performance tracking of facilities participating in the load response
programs.
“Constellation is pleased to support Aqua’s commitment to reduced energy costs and
sustainable business practices,” said Gary Fromer, senior vice president, energy management programs,
for Constellation. “Aqua is a perfect example of the way commercial, industrial and institutional power
customers can be proactive and strategic about how and when electricity is used, without compromising
business operations.”
The Platts “Energy Efficiency – Commercial End-User” award recognizes a long-term,systematic commitment to energy efficiency. Nominees were judged on performance and achievements
since January 2012.
Other nominees included Hughes Network Systems, LLC – An EchoStar Company, IBM,
Metso Corp, Tesco Plc. and the United States Navy.
December 12 Issue Of DEP News Now Available
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The December 12 issue of DEP News features articles on Chris Abruzzo’s swearing in as DEP
Secretary after his confirmation by the Senate this week, the opening of the comment period on
proposed changes to oil and gas regulations and a review of this week’s PA Brownfields Conference.
Click Here to sign up and get your own copy by email.
Pennsylvania Adds 4,000 Acres To Farmland Preservation Program
Pennsylvania’s Agricultural Land Preservation Board Thursday safeguarded 4,181 additional acres on
41 farms in 21 counties through the state’s nationally renowned Farmland Preservation Program.
The board preserved farms in Adams, Allegheny, Beaver, Berks, Bucks, Butler, Chester,
Cumberland, Greene, Huntingdon, Lancaster, Lebanon, Luzerne, Mifflin, Monroe, Northampton,
Snyder, Somerset, Union, Westmoreland and York counties.
Since the program began in 1988, state, county and local governments have invested more than
$1.2 billion to preserve 484,270 acres on 4,532 farms in 57 counties for future agricultural production.
“With this meeting, we conclude a successful 25th year for the program by surpassing the 4,500
farm milestone,” said Agriculture Secretary George Greig. “Preserving Pennsylvania’s farmland requires
passionate farmers and dedicated program administrators who work together to keep Pennsylvaniagrowing for generations to come.”
The Pennsylvania Agricultural Conservation Easement Purchase Program identifies properties
and slows the loss of prime farmland to non-agricultural uses.
The program enables state, county and local governments to purchase conservation easements,
also called development rights, from owners of quality farmland.
In some cases, the federal Farm and Ranchlands Protection Program provides additional
assistance. Last fiscal year, Pennsylvania received $4.2 million in federal reimbursements.
For more information, visit Agriculture’s Farmland Preservation Program webpage.
NewsClip: Mini City To Rise On Bethlehem Township Farmland
DCNR Schedules Community Conservation Partnership Grant Workshops In February
The Department of Conservation and Natural Resources will start accepting Community Conservation
Partnership Grant applications on January 15 and has scheduled workshops in February to walk
applicants through the process and provide information on other DCNR grant opportunities. The
deadline for applications is April 16.
The workshops will be held--
-- February 5: Camp Hill, Prosser Hall, Camp Hill Borough Building;
-- February 6: Conshohocken, Fire Academy, Montgomery County Public Safety Training Campus;
-- February 19: Nanticoke, Educational Conference Center, Luzerne County Community College;
-- February 20: Boalsburg, Pennsylvania Military Museum;-- February 25: Wexford, Pine Township Recreation Center; and
-- February 26: Clarion (Clarion Holiday Inn.
The workshops will provide in-depth information on projects eligible for DCNR’s grant funds,
how to develop a competitive “ready-to-go” application, eligible applicants, and matching fund
requirements.
Participants will also receive guidance and updates on the eGrants application process and have
an opportunity to interact with Bureau staff. Community leaders, municipal officials, consultants, land
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trusts, board members, trail managers, and park and recreation professionals are encouraged to attend.
Preregistration is required. Click Here to register for the individual workshop event you would
like to attend and then scroll down to the bottom of the page to register.
For more information, visit DCNR’s Grants webpage or send email to: Linda Manning at:
(Reprinted from DCNR’s December 11 Resource newsletter.)
State Parks, Forests Offer Visitors A Winter Playground
The calendar may say winter is 10 days away, but Pennsylvania’s state forest and park systems again
are rolling out the welcome mat for visitors intent on enjoying cold-weather outdoor fun.
“Winter has made an early entry across the state, and as temperatures drop and snow and ice
begins to accumulate, our state forests and parks offer woodlands, lakes and trails for outdoor
enthusiasts,” said Department of Conservation and Natural Resources Secretary Ellen Ferretti.
“We are hoping families seek out a sledding hill at a nearby state park or stroll on a forest trail
and enjoy the beauty and peace winter landscapes offer,” Ferretti said. “For others, snowmobile andATV trails soon will be opening, and hunters and anglers will be heading to our state forests and parks
for late-season hunting and ice fishing.”
Below is a list of activities and events that visitors can explore this winter:
-- Winter events: When winter weather cooperates, state parks and forests also are the scene of
coordinated winter festivals with games, dog-sled races, sleigh rides and fun competitions for families.
To view scheduled activities around the state, visit the Get Outdoors PA website.
-- Overnight stays: The Nature Inn at Bald Eagle State Park offers a great base for winter activities
like cross-country skiing, ice fishing and other outdoor adventures in the Pennsylvania Wilds. It offers
modern overnight accommodations and breakfast, as well as a large stone fireplace in the great room to
warm up after outdoor activities.
Several state parks have winter cabin rentals available. Cabin reservations can be made by
calling the toll-free information and reservation line, 1-888-PA-PARKS (1-888-727-2757), Monday
through Saturday from 7 a.m. to 5 p.m.
-- Snowmobiling: The season begins December 15 and closes April 1, 2014, in state forests and parks
where conditions permit. Snowmobile riders in Pennsylvania’s state forests and parks have access to
almost 3,000 miles of marked joint-use state forest roads, closed roads, and trails in 18 of the state’s
20 state forest districts and in 32 state parks. More than 170 miles of winter ATV trails in seven state
forest districts also open December 15.
DCNR is providing condition updates toll-free through 1-877-SNOMBLE (1-877-766-6253);
or 717-787-5651. Recorded messages, providing reports on snow depths and trail conditions across
the state, are updated around noon each Tuesday and Thursday.Snowmobile enthusiasts will find maps, conditions, and other detailed information at DCNR’s
State Forest Recreation webpage. Snowmobile maps are updated to show storm damage and other
conditions that may affect the trails.
All snowmobiles and ATVs in Pennsylvania must be registered with DCNR’s snowmobile/ATV
Unit. For more information on registration, call toll-free 866-545-2476, or visit DCNR’s website.
-- Skiing: For the cross-country skiing enthusiast, more than 330 miles of marked cross-country ski
trails are offered on Pennsylvania’s more than 2.3 million acres of state forestland. Also available are
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nearly 400 miles of groomed and un-groomed cross-country ski trails in 73 state parks. Downhill skiing
is offered at Blue Knob State Park, Bedford County; Denton Hill State Park, Potter County; and
Camelback (Big Pocono State Park), Monroe County. Skiing again is not being offered this season at
Laurel Mountain, Westmoreland County.
-- Other Activities: Most state parks with bodies of water are open, weather permitting, for
ice-skating, ice fishing and ice boating. Sledding and tobogganing also are available at many parks.Updated state park ice conditions and snow depths are available at DCNR’s State Park Things
To Do webpage. Visitors also may call the nearest state park or state forest district office.
-- Hunting: Archers, muzzle-loaders and other late-season hunters are reminded that more than 400
miles of normally gated state forest roads were opened for the late fall and early winter seasons to
provide easy access to often remote areas. As much as 3,040 miles had been open to hunters, but
openings and closings are at the discretion of local forestry officials and are weather-dependent. Hunters
are urged to check with forest district offices about specific roads.
Lackawanna River Heritage Trail Opens
A three-mile segment of the Lackawanna River Heritage Trail in Archbald Borough, LackawannaCounty, opened December 5, helping to piece together more segments in a large regional trail network
in northeastern Pennsylvania.
Called the Powdermill Section because of the nearby remains of a gunpowder mill along the
Lackawanna River, this new segment completes an eight-mile section of trail that will link eight
municipalities in the Mid-Valley area.
This section creates a vital connection between the on-street portions of the Lackawanna River
Heritage Trail in Jermyn, to the rail-trail section from Archbald to Blakely known as the Mid-Valley
Trail.
“We know that what people want the most when it comes to outdoor recreation are
opportunities close to home—in their neighborhood, at a local park or trail, or at a state park or forest a
short distance away," DCNR Secretary Ellen Ferretti said. “This trail—a true collaboration between
DCNR, PennDOT, DCED, Lackawanna County, the Lackawanna Valley Heritage Area—helps
accomplish that for northeastern Pennsylvania residents.”
DCNR’s Bureau of Recreation and Conservation has granted more than $1 million to LHV for
trail planning and development. At the ribbon-cutting ceremony, Ferretti delivered the good news that
DCNR committed an additional $773,000 to support further work on the Lackawanna River Heritage
Trail as well as support for the Lackawanna Heritage Valley Authority as part of its 2013 Community
Conservation Partnerships grants announced that same day.
Natalie Gelb, executive director of the Lackawanna Heritage Valley, said the organization is
developing the trail not only for recreation and transportation but also to interpret the historic and
cultural life of the region.The Powdermill Section takes trail users along the abandoned Ontario & Western Railroad
where many pieces of railroad history are visible, including a 300-foot retaining wall that LHV intends to
become a historic and cultural mural.
The Lackawanna River Heritage Trail runs 40 miles along the Lackawanna River, beginning at
the confluence with the Susquehanna in Pittston, joining the Delaware and Hudson (D&H) trail in
Simpson, and continuing to Union Dale at the Stillwater Dam. From there, the trail extends north to the
New York State border to complete the 70 mile trail system.
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The Heritage Trail is used by thousands of people throughout the year for health and wellness,
recreation, alternative transportation, access to the river and simple enjoyment of the area’s natural
beauty.
For more information, visit the Lackawanna Heritage Valley website.
(Reprinted from DCNR’s December 11 Resource newsletter.)
Friends Of The Wissahickon Offer Trail Ambassador Walks, Talks In January
Trail Ambassadors for the Friends of the Wissahickon in Montgomery County are offering free hikes
and lectures at Cedars House in Wissahickon Valley Park during the month of January. Click Here for
a schedule of upcoming activities.
DCNR Offers Holiday Gift Ideas That Support State Parks, Forests
The Department of Conservation and Natural Resources has several holiday gift-giving ideas perfect for
those who want to protect Pennsylvania’s natural resources and enjoy state parks and forests.Holiday gift-givers can support Pennsylvania’s 120 state parks by purchasing the 2014 special
edition State Park calendar featuring state park seasonal scenes. The 10” x 13” calendar costs $8.49,
plus sales tax and shipping, and can be ordered by calling 1-888-PAPARKS.
A state park gift card can be purchased in any dollar amount and may be used for campsites,
cabins and pavilions. Parks are a great, inexpensive getaway and offer the opportunity to watch wildlife
and connect with nature. To order a gift card, visit DCNR’s Gift Card webpage.
Recipients can use a gift card for a stay at the Nature Inn at Bald Eagle in Centre County. With
its green features, huge stone fireplace, large windows for watching the outside world, and connection to
miles of trails at Bald Eagle State Park, the Nature Inn is a year-round getaway.
Also, consider giving a gift that supports the non-profit PA Parks and Forests Foundation.
PPFF helps enhance parks and forests, and supports conservation and environmental programs.
Visitors might enjoy the 135-page passport with maps, a history of the state park and forest
system, and a brief description and most memorable feature of each state park and forest. PPFF has
teamed up with Design a Tea to offer organic, fair trade teas available in both bags and loose leaf.
Twenty-five percent of your total purchase will be returned to PPFF.
Supporting the Wild Resource Conservation Program is another gift option. Since 1982, the
program has studied and worked to conserve Pennsylvania’s rare species and habitats. The Wild
Resource Conservation Program also has a free 2014 Calendar available to download.
Wild Resource Conservation Program, State Park Calendars Now Available
A free 2014 Calendar is now available from the Wild Resource Conservation Program. Since 1982,
the program has studied and worked to conserve Pennsylvania’s rare species and habitats.
Pennsylvania’s 120 state parks are featured in the 2014 special edition State Park calendar .
The 10” x 13” calendar costs $8.49, plus sales tax and shipping, and can be ordered by calling
1-888-PAPARKS.
Pennsylvania Parks And Forests Foundation Elects New Board Members
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The PA Parks and Forests Foundation Thursday announced the appointment of María Montero and
Lenwood Sloan to its Board of Directors. Montero serves as executive director of the Pennsylvania
Commission for Women and the Governor's Advisory Commission on Latino Affairs.
Sloan served as director of Pennsylvania's Cultural and Heritage Tourism Program for six years,
and is currently working as a consultant on an international World War II heritage trail.“We are excited to have the enthusiasm, knowledge, and skills sets that Lenwood and Maria
bring to the Pennsylvania Parks and Forests Foundation,” said Marci Mowery, president of the
Foundation. “They will be critical in helping is to ensure that there is a place—and an experience—for
everyone in Pennsylvania’s state parks and forests.
The PPFF Board of Directors unanimously elected Montero and Sloan, and they take their
places on the panel in January 2014. Current board member George Asimos of Saul Ewing was
nominated and elected to be the Chairman of the board.
For his part, Sloan thanked the board for its endorsement, “I look forward to the investment of
our resources in PPFF, engagement and service.”
María Montero: As executive director of the Pennsylvania Commission for Women and the
Governor's Advisory Commission on Latino Affairs, Montero leads Pennsylvania's outreach efforts for women and Latino-Hispanics, including diversity education for all state agencies.
She was recently named one of the Delaware Valley's “Most Influential Latinos.” Montero
holds a law degree from Widener University, and is a professional presenter on women and Latino
leadership topics. Click here for photo: María Montero
Lenwood Sloan: For the past 40 years, Sloan has provided inspiration, leadership and technical
assistance in the public and private sectors. In addition to his work with the U.S. Embassy in Brussels
on the WWII “Liberation Route,” Sloan is a creative consultant for the Cameron Museum in North
Carolina and resident playwright for the ASHE Cultural Center of New Orleans.
Among his accomplishments, Sloan has also served as Pennsylvania's film commissioner and
director of the San Francisco Dance Film Festival. Click here for photo: Lenwood Sloan
Pennsylvania Parks and Forests Foundation Board of Directors
In Memorium: William M. Heenan, Former Steel Recycling Institute President, KPB Chair
On December 6 William M. Heenan, Jr., the former President of the
Pittsburgh-base Steel Recycling Institute and a chair of Keep Pennsylvania
Beautiful, passed away at the age of 65.
Heenan was president of SRI from 1990-2010. Prior to joining SRI, Heenan
was general manager, tin mill products, for the United States Steel Corp., a
position to which he was appointed in 1988.
He was a lifetime board member of the National Recycling Coalition, served asa board member of Keep America Beautiful, Inc. and was chair of Keep
Pennsylvania Beautiful.
In May the Steel Market Development Institute announced Heenan as the 2013 recipient of the
Steel Market Development Institute Lifetime Achievement Award.
Heenan was recently honored by the Pennsylvania Recycling Markets Center which named its
annual recycling award the William M. Heenan, Jr. Pennsylvania Recycling Markets Development
Award.
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Click Here to read his obituary.
Your 2 Cents: Issues On Advisory Committee Agendas
This section gives you a continuously updated thumbnail sketch of issues to be considered in upcoming
advisory committee meetings where the agendas have been released
December 17-- CANCELED. Environmental Quality Board meeting. The next scheduled meeting is
January 21. ( formal notice )
December 18-- DEP Agricultural Advisory Board meeting. Susquehanna Room A, DEP Southcentral
Office, 909 Elmerton Ave., Harrisburg. 10:00.
December 19-- NEW. DEP informational webinar on proposed Chapter 78 Oil and Gas Regulation
Changes. 9:30 to 10:30 a.m. Click Here for more information or to register. ( formal notice-PA
Bulletin, page 7377 )
December 20-- NEW. DEP Climate Change Advisory Committee meets to consider final draft
Climate Change Action Plan Update. 12th Floor Conference Room at the Rachel Carson Building,
Harrisburg. 10:00 a.m.
January 3-- NEW. DEP informational webinar on proposed Chapter 78 Oil and Gas Regulation
Changes. 9:30 to 10:30 a.m. Click Here for more information or to register. ( formal notice-PA
Bulletin, page 7377 )
January 7-- NEW. Environmental Quality Board hearing on Chapter 78 Oil and Gas Regulation
Changes. Tunkhannock High School Auditorium, 135 Tiger Drive, Tunkhannock, Wyoming County.6:00 p.m. ( formal notice-PA Bulletin, page 7377 )
January 9-- NEW. Environmental Quality Board hearing on Chapter 78 Oil and Gas Regulation
Changes. West Chester University of Pennsylvania’s Sykes Student Union Theater, 110 West Rosedale
Avenue, West Chester, Chester County. 6:00 p.m. ( formal notice-PA Bulletin, page 7377 )
January 13-- NEW. Environmental Quality Board hearing on Chapter 78 Oil and Gas Regulation
Changes. Pennsylvania College of Technology’s Klump Academic Center, One College Avenue,
Williamsport, Lycoming County. 6:00 p.m. ( formal notice-PA Bulletin, page 7377 )
January 14-- NEW. DEP public hearing on proposed repeal of the portable fuel container regulationfrom the state Air Quality Implementation Plan. DEP Southcentral Regional Office, 909 Elmerton Ave.,
Harrisburg. 1:00. ( formal notice )
January 15-- NEW. Environmental Quality Board hearing on Chapter 78 Oil and Gas Regulation
Changes. Meadville Area Senior High School Auditorium, 930 North Street, Meadville, Crawford
County. 6:00 p.m. ( formal notice-PA Bulletin, page 7377 )
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January 16-- NEW. Environmental Quality Board hearing on Chapter 78 Oil and Gas Regulation
Changes. Good Hope Middle School Auditorium, 451 Skyport Road, Mechanicsburg, Cumberland
County. 6:00 p.m. ( formal notice-PA Bulletin, page 7377 )
January 22-- NEW. Environmental Quality Board hearing on Chapter 78 Oil and Gas Regulation
Changes. Washington and Jefferson College’s Rossin Campus Center / Allen Ballroom, 60 SouthLincoln Street, Washington, Washington County. 6:00 p.m. ( formal notice-PA Bulletin, page 7377 )
January 23-- NEW. Environmental Quality Board hearing on Chapter 78 Oil and Gas Regulation
Changes. Indiana University of Pennsylvania’s Convention and Athletic Complex, 711 Pratt Drive,
Indiana, Indiana County. 6:00 p.m. ( formal notice-PA Bulletin, page 7377 )
January 23-- NEW. DEP public hearing on proposed revisions to the state Air Quality Implementation
Plan for motor vehicle emissions budgets in Allentown-Bethlehem-Easton 8-hour ozone maintenance
area. DEP Northeast Regional Office, 2nd Floor Little Schuylkill Room, 2 Public Square,
Wilkes-Barre. 10:00. ( formal notice )
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
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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.
December 20-- Western PA Conservancy, Dominion Watershed Mini Grants
December 31-- DEP PA Sunshine Rebates (or before if funds run out)
January 6-- PA Section AWWA Student Scholarship For PA Colleges
January 6-- DEP Environmental Education Grants
January 10-- DEP Alternative Fuel Vehicle Grants
January 14-- Governor’s Awards For Environmental Excellence
January 14-- West Penn Power Sustainable Energy FundJanuary 15-- Sustainable Energy Fund 0% Energy Efficiency Financing
January 20--CFA Alternative And Clean Energy Program
January 20-- CFA High Performance Building Program
January 25-- Sinnemahoning Creek Watershed Grants
February 1-- Susquehanna Greenway Photo Contest
February 4-- NEW. EPA Environmental Education Grants
February 19-- PennVEST Water Infrastructure Financing
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February 28-- NEW. Presidential Innovation Award For Environmental Educators
March 1-- SW PA Air Quality Partnership Let's Clear The Air Poster Challenge
March 5--CFA Alternative And Clean Energy Program
March 5-- CFA High Performance Building Program
April 16-- NEW. DCNR Community Conservation Partnership Grants
May 7--CFA Alternative And Clean Energy ProgramMay 7-- CFA High Performance Building Program
May 14-- PennVEST Water Infrastructure Financing
July 7-- CFA Alternative And Clean Energy Program
July 7-- CFA High Performance Building Program
September 19--CFA Alternative And Clean Energy Program
September 19-- CFA High Performance Building Program
-- Visit the DEP Grants and Loan Programs webpage for more ideas on how to get financial assistance
for environmental projects.
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Budget/Quick NewsClips
Here's a selection of NewsClips on environmental topics from around the state--
Senate Confirms Corbett Nominees For Top Environmental Posts
Abruzzo, Ferretti Affirmed For Corbett Cabinet
Ferretti Confirmed To Lead Conservation Agency
Senate Confirms Abruzzo As DEP Secretary
DEP Pick Confirmed, Leaving Lawmakers To SquabbleCorbett Pick For DEP Gets Nod After Climate Change Dustup
Abruzzo Confirmed As DEP Secretary
Democratic Challengers Criticize Corbett Over Climate Comments
Hanger Demands Apology For Climate Professor’s Slight
Letter: Look At DEP Nominee’s Whole Statement
Editorial: Wrong Resume For DEP Boss
Editorial: Pick For DEP Fails Knowledge Test
Naming Environmental Center Well-Deserved Honor For Pat Solano
Budget
Top Republican Bracing For Rough Budget Season
Bucks GOP Lawmaker Wants To Tax Gas Drilling$500,000 In Drilling Fees To Benefit Lackawanna
$2.3B Influx Puts PennDOT Big-Ticket Projects In Play
Other
Keep PA Beautiful Recognizes Volunteers
PA Joins Effort To Limit Pollution Drifting Into State
PA Joins 8 States Asking EPA To Reduce Midwest Air Pollution
Corbett Signs Petition Calling For Tighter Pollution Controls Upwind
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8 Northeast States Sue Over Midwest Pollution
States Petition EPA To Crack Down On Midwest Pollution
Court Case Against Homer City To Be Heard Next Week
Conemaugh Power Plant Trespass Charge Dismissed
Plan For Bad Air Days Would Curb Industry In Allegheny County
Editorial: State Slow To Seek EPA’s Help On Bad Air PJM Board OKs $4.6 Billion In Changes To Regional Electric Grid
Trial Set To Resolve Controversy Over Mulch Operation
Fox Chapel Leak Caused By Old Oil Well
Brownfield Development Revives Hope For Hazelwood
New Rule Extends Permit For Wind Projects To Kill Eagles
Greening Pittsburgh: 5 Profiles In Sustainable Business
GreenBuild Brings Global Design Leaders To Philadelphia
500 Leaders Gather In Pittsburgh To Discuss Sustainability
Mini City To Rise On Bethlehem Township Farmland
PA One Of Tops In U.S. For Christmas Trees
Overall Forest Land Numbers Not Impacted By DevelopmentOp-Ed: Oh Deer, Hunting Packs A Punch In PA
Wildlife: Exploring The Wilds Of NE PA
50 Years Ago, First Move To Save U.S. Wilderness
PA May Issue First Bounty In 50 Years For Coyote
Editorial: Bicyclists, Drivers Must Share The Road
-- DEP’s NewsClips webpage - Click Here
-- December 12 DEP News
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Marcellus Shale NewsClips
Here are NewsClips on topics related to Marcellus Shale natural gas drilling---
DEP Opens Proposed Oil And Gas Rules For Public Comment
Opposition To Gas Lease Settlement Lawsuit Grows
Drilling Spill Cited In Lawsuit Not Reported To State
Republicans Surfing The Marcellus Fracking Wave
Western PA Counties Weigh Drilling On Public LandProjected Drilling Revenue Use At Issue For Allegheny, Union
Findlay Neighbors Want Drilling Site At Airport Moved
$500,000 In Drilling Fees To Benefit Lackawanna
Fox Chapel Leak Caused By Old Oil Well
UGI To Replace Leaky Wilkes-Barre Natural Gas Pipeline
Council Member Floats Natural Gas As Philly Fleet Fuel
Philly’s Refinery Boom Worries Safety Experts
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Delta Expects Refinery To Make Money Next Year
Method Makes Shale Wastewater Recyclable
Williamsport Plant To Recycle Drilling Wastewater
Former Drilling Exec Charged In $9.2 Million Scam
Financial/Other States
Unions, Environmentalists Advocate Fix To Leaky Gas PipelinesResearch Flight To Provide Estimates Of Pipeline Methane Leaks
A Marcellus Natural Gas Bonanza
Study Shows Oil & Gas Development Lacks Gender Diversity
Editorial: Inflating Gas Job Numbers
How Oil Fracking Will Benefit You
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Flooding/Watershed NewsClips
Here are NewsClips on watershed topics from around the state--
Flooding
Casey Works To Quell Rise Of Flood Insurance Rates
Other Watershed NewsClips
Plans Unveiled To Treat Old Forge Borehole Drainage
No Farm Bill In Sight As Recess Looms For Congress
River Users Hoping The Ohio Can Earn State Honors
Method Makes Shale Wastewater Recyclable
Water Authority Signs Off On DEP Sanction
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Regulations, Technical Guidance & Permits
The Department of Environmental Protection published proposed changes to Chapter 78 drilling
regulations required by Act 13 (PA Bulletin page 7377) and published final regulations setting revised
permit fees under the Title V Air Quality Program.
DEP published notice of the proposed repeal of the portable fuel container regulation from the state Air
Quality Implementation Plan and notice of a public hearing on January 14.
DEP’s Board of Coal Mine Safety published final regulations covering maintenance of incombustible
content of rock dust.
Pennsylvania Bulletin - December 14, 2013
Proposed Regulations Open For Comment - DEP webpage
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Proposed Regulations With Closed Comment Periods - DEP webpage
DEP Regulatory Agenda - DEP webpage
Technical Guidance & Permits
The Department of Environmental Protection published notice of final technical guidance on NewSource Sampling Requirements for Surface Water Sources, New Source Sampling Requirements for
Groundwater Sources and New Source Sampling Requirements for Transient Noncommunity
Groundwater Sources under the Drinking Water Program.
DEP published notice of a proposed revision to the state Air Quality Implementation Plan for motor
vehicle emissions budgets in Allentown-Bethlehem-Easte 8-hour ozone maintenance area and notice of
a January 23 public hearing.
DEP also published a notice extending the comment period on the technical guidance for implementing
the Permit Review and Permit Decision Guarantee Program to December 31 and notice of a change to
the list of firms certified to perform radon-related activities (PA Bulletin page 7347).
The Susquehanna River Basin Commission published notice of actions taken during its September 19
meeting.
Final: DEP ID: 393-3130-108. Title: New Source Sampling Requirements for Surface Water
Sources. Description: Department regulations in 25 Pa. Code Chapter 109 (relating to safe drinking
water) require all new surface water sources that intend to serve as a public water system (PWS) to
monitor for the United States Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) regulated contaminants in the
raw water source. Monitoring of these contaminants is necessary for public health and compliance with
the Safe Drinking Water Act (SDWA). As a result, this guidance is intended to establish the samplingrequire-ments for contaminants to be monitored by all new PWSs that intend to use surface water as the
source. The scope of this policy includes a detailed list of all contaminants to be monitored for and
guidance and direction on how and when the source water samples should be collected. Finally, this
policy reflects and supplements the Department's regulations in 25 Pa. Code Chapter 109.
Final: DEP ID: 393-3130-208. Title: New Source Sampling Requirements for Groundwater Sources
for Community and Noncommunity Systems. Description: Department regulations in 25 Pa. Code
Chapter 109 require all new groundwater sources that intend to serve as a PWS to monitor for the EPA
regulated contaminants in the raw water source. Monitoring of these contaminants is necessary for
public health and compliance with the SDWA. As a result, this guidance is intended to establish the
sampling requirements for contaminants to be monitored by all new PWSs that intend to usegroundwater as the source. The scope of this policy includes a detailed list of all contaminants to be
monitored for and guidance and direction on how and when the groundwater samples should be
collected. Finally, this policy reflects and supplements the Department's regulations in 25 Pa. Code
Chapter 109.
Final: DEP ID: 393-3130-308. Title: New Source Sampling Requirements for Transient
Noncommunity Groundwater Sources. Description: Department regulations in 25 Pa. Code Chapter
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109 require all new groundwater sources that intend to serve as a PWS to monitor for the EPA
regulated contaminants in the raw water source. Monitoring of these contaminants is necessary for
public health and compliance with the SDWA. As a result, this guidance is intended to establish the
sampling requirements for contaminants to be monitored by all transient noncommunity systems that do
not require a Department-issued construction permit and that intend to use groundwater as the source.
The scope of this policy includes a detailed list of all contaminants to be monitored for and guidance anddirection on how and when the groundwater samples should be collected. Finally, this policy reflects
and supplements the Department's regulations in 25 Pa. Code Chapter 109.
Technical Guidance Comment Deadlines - DEP webpage
Recently Closed Comment Periods For Technical Guidance - DEP webpage
Technical Guidance Recently Finalized - DEP webpage
Copies of Final Technical Guidance - 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.
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Calendar Of Events
Upcoming legislative meetings, conferences, workshops, plus links to other online calendars. Meetings
are in Harrisburg unless otherwise noted. NEW means new from last week. Go to the online Calendar
webpage.
Click on Agenda Released on calendar entries to see the NEW meeting agendas published this week.
December 16-- House Democratic Policy Committee hearing on climate change. Room 418 Capitol
Building. 10:00.
December 17-- CANCELED. House Environmental Resources and Energy Committee meets to
consider House Bill 1699 (Ross-R-Chester) setting air quality standards for backup generators--
summary. Room 205 Ryan Building. 9:00.
December 17-- CANCELED. Environmental Quality Board meeting. The next scheduled meeting is
January 21. ( formal notice )
December 18-- DEP Agricultural Advisory Board meeting. Susquehanna Room A, DEP SouthcentralOffice, 909 Elmerton Ave., Harrisburg. 10:00.
December 19-- NEW. DEP informational webinar on proposed Chapter 78 Oil and Gas Regulation
Changes. 9:30 to 10:30 a.m. Click Here for more information or to register. ( formal notice-PA
Bulletin, page 7377 )
December 20-- NEW. DEP Climate Change Advisory Committee meets to consider final draft
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Climate Change Action Plan Update. 12th Floor Conference Room at the Rachel Carson Building,
Harrisburg. 10:00 a.m.
January 3-- NEW. DEP informational webinar on proposed Chapter 78 Oil and Gas Regulation
Changes. 9:30 to 10:30 a.m. Click Here for more information or to register. ( formal notice-PA
Bulletin, page 7377 )
January 7-- NEW. Environmental Quality Board hearing on Chapter 78 Oil and Gas Regulation
Changes. Tunkhannock High School Auditorium, 135 Tiger Drive, Tunkhannock, Wyoming County.
6:00 p.m. ( formal notice-PA Bulletin, page 7377 )
January 9-- NEW. Environmental Quality Board hearing on Chapter 78 Oil and Gas Regulation
Changes. West Chester University of Pennsylvania’s Sykes Student Union Theater, 110 West Rosedale
Avenue, West Chester, Chester County. 6:00 p.m. ( formal notice-PA Bulletin, page 7377 )
January 13-- NEW. Environmental Quality Board hearing on Chapter 78 Oil and Gas Regulation
Changes. Pennsylvania College of Technology’s Klump Academic Center, One College Avenue,Williamsport, Lycoming County. 6:00 p.m. ( formal notice-PA Bulletin, page 7377 )
January 14-- NEW. DEP public hearing on proposed repeal of the portable fuel container regulation
from the state Air Quality Implementation Plan. DEP Southcentral Regional Office, 909 Elmerton Ave.,
Harrisburg. 1:00. ( formal notice )
January 15-- NEW. Environmental Quality Board hearing on Chapter 78 Oil and Gas Regulation
Changes. Meadville Area Senior High School Auditorium, 930 North Street, Meadville, Crawford
County. 6:00 p.m. ( formal notice-PA Bulletin, page 7377 )
January 16-- NEW. Environmental Quality Board hearing on Chapter 78 Oil and Gas Regulation
Changes. Good Hope Middle School Auditorium, 451 Skyport Road, Mechanicsburg, Cumberland
County. 6:00 p.m. ( formal notice-PA Bulletin, page 7377 )
January 22-- NEW. Environmental Quality Board hearing on Chapter 78 Oil and Gas Regulation
Changes. Washington and Jefferson College’s Rossin Campus Center / Allen Ballroom, 60 South
Lincoln Street, Washington, Washington County. 6:00 p.m. ( formal notice-PA Bulletin, page 7377 )
January 23-- NEW. Environmental Quality Board hearing on Chapter 78 Oil and Gas Regulation
Changes. Indiana University of Pennsylvania’s Convention and Athletic Complex, 711 Pratt Drive,
Indiana, Indiana County. 6:00 p.m. ( formal notice-PA Bulletin, page 7377 )
January 23-- NEW. DEP public hearing on proposed revisions to the state Air Quality Implementation
Plan for motor vehicle emissions budgets in Allentown-Bethlehem-Easton 8-hour ozone maintenance
area. DEP Northeast Regional Office, 2nd Floor Little Schuylkill Room, 2 Public Square,
Wilkes-Barre. 10:00. ( formal notice )
February 5-- NEW. DCNR Community Conservation Partnership Grants Workshop. Camp Hill,
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Prosser Hall, Camp Hill Borough Building. 9 to noon. Click Here to register.
February 6-- NEW. DCNR Community Conservation Partnership Grants Workshop. Conshohocken,
Fire Academy, Montgomery County Public Safety Training Campus. 9 to noon. Click Here to register.
February 19-- NEW. DCNR Community Conservation Partnership Grants Workshop. Nanticoke,Educational Conference Center, Luzerne County Community College. 9 to noon. Click Here to register.
February 20-- NEW. DCNR Community Conservation Partnership Grants Workshop. Boalsburg,
Pennsylvania Military Museum. 9 to noon. Click Here to register.
February 25-- NEW. DCNR Community Conservation Partnership Grants Workshop. Wexford, Pine
Township Recreation Center. 9 to noon. Click Here to register.
February 26-- NEW. DCNR Community Conservation Partnership Grants Workshop. Clarion
Clarion Holiday Inn. 9 to noon. Click Here to register.
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
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.
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