PA Environment Digest An Update On Environmental Issues In Pennsylvania

Edited By: David E. Hess, Crisci Associates

Winner Of PA Association of Environmental Educators Business Partner Of The Year Award

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Issue #611 Harrisburg, PA March 14, 2016 Senate Appropriations Subcommittee Sets March 14 Follow Up Hearing On DEP’s Budget The Senate Appropriations Subcommittee on Infrastructure, Environment and Government Operations is scheduled to hold a follow up hearing on March 14 to review the “Environmental Programs Management and Environmental Programs Operation functions within the Department of Environmental Protection.”

DEP Secretary John Quigley first announced the hearing on a PCN call­in program Wednesday evening where he said a second hearing is “unprecedented,” but he welcomes the opportunity to get into the details of DEP’s budget needs.

The hearing will be held in Room 8E­B East Wing starting at 10:00. NewsClips: Bumsted: Adolph Accuses Wolf Of Creating Budget Crisis Adolph: No Meetings On Overdue Budget Since December PLS: A Budget In 30 Days? Some Think So PA Agricultural Community Rallies To Support Funding Budget Battle Forces PA Ag Programs To Plan Layoffs PLS Video: Penn State Extension Warns Of Funding Crisis Game Commission Cuts Project WILD Education Program PA Wildlife, Outdoor Recreation Snag $33.5M In Federal Funds Auditor General To Review Act 13 Drilling Fee Expenditures Related Stories: Budget Hearing: DEP: State Can’t Cut Its Way To A Better Environment Senate Hearing: DEP Does Not Have Enough Staff To Meet Needs In Any Of Its Programs DEP Secretary John Quigley’s Written Budget Testimony­Full Text Governor’s Office Latest Regulatory Agenda: DEP Permit Fee Increase For 6 Programs DEP Tells House Committees Chesapeake Bay Program Faces Inadequate Resources, Data Agriculture Secretary Says More Resources Needed To Meet Clean Water Commitments House Budget: DCNR To Propose $40 Fee For Natural Diversity Inventory Permit Reviews Senate Budget : DCNR: No Drilling Rigs Now On State Forest Land

DCNR Secretary Cindy Adams Dunn Written Budget Testimony­Full Text PUC Asks For Increased Funding For More Rail, Pipeline Inspectors After 9 Months, No Due Date For Resolving State Budget Impasse Agriculture Secretary Says More Resources Needed To Meet Clean Water Commitments Department of Agriculture Secretary Russell Redding told the House Appropriations Committee Wednesday more resources are needed to meet Pennsylvania’s commitments to cleaning up the Chesapeake Bay Watershed.

Secretary Redding said implementing the Chesapeake Bay Program Reboot plan announced in January, in particular the requirement to inspect 10 percent of the farms in the Pennsylvania portion of the Bay Watershed, will require additional staff.

County conservation districts and farmers will also require additional resources to implement farm conservation practices.

Secretary Redding made his comments in response to a question from Rep. Garth Everett (R­Lycoming) who represents Pennsylvania on the Chesapeake Bay Commission.

At a House committee hearing last week on the Chesapeake Bay Program Reboot, DEP Secretary John Quigley said Pennsylvania’s Chesapeake Bay Cleanup Program is all about improving local water quality, but has been faced with inadequate resources and data on conservation practices to do its job.

Click Here for video of the House budget hearings. NewsClips: PA Agricultural Community Rallies To Support Funding Budget Battle Forces PA Ag Programs To Plan Layoffs PLS Video: Penn State Extension Warns Of Funding Crisis Bumsted: Adolph Accuses Wolf Of Creating Budget Crisis Adolph: No Meetings On Overdue Budget Since December PLS: A Budget In 30 Days? Some Think So Game Commission Cuts Project WILD Education Program PA Wildlife, Outdoor Recreation Snag $33.5M In Federal Funds Auditor General To Review Act 13 Drilling Fee Expenditures Related Stories: Time, Location Set For March 14 Follow Up Senate Hearing On DEP’s Budget DEP Tells House Committees Chesapeake Bay Program Faces Inadequate Resources, Data Op­Ed: Susquehanna: Time To Start Healing This Sick, Amazing River Budget Hearing: DEP: State Can’t Cut Its Way To A Better Environment Senate Hearing: DEP Does Not Have Enough Staff To Meet Needs In Any Of Its Programs DEP Secretary John Quigley’s Written Budget Testimony­Full Text Governor’s Office Latest Regulatory Agenda: DEP Permit Fee Increase For 6 Programs House Budget: DCNR To Propose $40 Fee For Natural Diversity Inventory Permit Reviews Senate Budget : DCNR: No Drilling Rigs Now On State Forest Land DCNR Secretary Cindy Adams Dunn Written Budget Testimony­Full Text

PUC Asks For Increased Funding For More Rail, Pipeline Inspectors After 9 Months, No Due Date For Resolving State Budget Impasse 10 Things We Learned About Environmental Funding During The Budget Hearings Here are 10 things we learned from Senate and House budget hearings­­ 1. We Can’t Cut Our Way To A Better Environment. DEP Secretary John Quigley said the state “can’t cut its way to improving the environment.” Because of “relentless budget cuts,” DEP has lost 14 percent of its staff, but the average state agency lost 6 percent over the last decade. As a result, Secretary Quigley said, the capacity of his agency has been significantly degraded. Any further cuts, he said, would put the public’s health and the environment at risk. 2. Primacy For Federal Environmental Programs Is At Risk: Secretary Quigley said DEP has been written up repeatedly by federal agencies for insufficient staffing in programs for which it has primacy for administering federal programs. Having EPA’s inspectors related to the Chesapeake Bay Program going into Lebanon County last year to inspect farms is “a view of coming attractions.” He added the Safe Drinking Water Program has seen a 25 percent reduction in staff. DEP missed the deadline for making a key submission on EPA’s new federal ozone standard because it did not have enough staff. He said DEP has been unable to keep accreditation for its mobile labs and the accreditation for its primary laboratory facility is in doubt because of staffing shortfalls. Secretary Quigley said it is a testament to the hard work of DEP’s employees that they continue to do the good work they do in spite of this lack of resources. 3. Permit Fee Increases Needed To Support DEP Regulatory Programs: Secretary Quigley said there has been a 33 percent reduction in income from oil and gas well permit fees because of the industry downturn, but the cost of the program remains. He said the need for revenue is not reduced by a decrease in new permits because the agency is not inspecting conventional and unconventional wells nearly enough, perhaps only half as much, as they need to be. DEP’s Regulatory Agenda shows it will propose permit fee increases in at least 6 programs this year. 4. PA Has Inadequate Resources/Data To Meet Chesapeake Bay Cleanup Commitments: DEP Secretary John Quigley said Pennsylvania’s Chesapeake Bay Cleanup Program is all about improving local water quality, but has been faced with inadequate resources and data on conservation practices to do its job. Agriculture Secretary Russell Redding said the same thing during his budget hearing. 5. Using Surplus Monies From Special Funds To Pay DEP Costs: Sen. Pat Browne (R­Lehigh), Majority Chair of the Senate Appropriations Committee, said “a bunch” of DEP special funds will be “underwater” in the near future and many of them are for very important programs. He mentioned the Clean Water and Radiation Protection funds. Secretary Quigley said the Storage Tank Fund will be out of money in mid­2017 and the Hazardous Sites Cleanup Fund in mid­2018. Sen. Browne said other DEP funds do have money and could be looked at to support other programs and looked forward to working with DEP on those issues. 6. PUC Asks For More Rail, Pipeline Inspectors: Public Utility Commission Chair Gladys Brown said the PUC’s FY 2016­17 budget request includes the hiring of two additional rail safety inspectors and two additional pipeline inspectors. 7. $60 Million Decline In Gas Royalties Requires New Funding To Keep DCNR’s Lights On: DCNR Secretary Cindy Adams Dunn said a $60 million decline in royalties from Marcellus

Shale drilling on State Forest lands will require additional General Fund monies be appropriated to the agency to pay its people and keep the lights on. She said there are no drill rigs on State Forest land now drilling on the existing leases due to the industry downturn. 8. Use Keystone Fund Increases To Pay DCNR Administrative Costs: Sen. Mario Scavello (R­Monroe) suggested the $8.6 million increase in Keystone Fund monies be used instead of the General Fund increase requested by DCNR to offset less revenue from natural gas royalties. Secretary Dunn said what is needed is more revenues in the budget. The Keystone Fund is now used for specific purposes and not for covering operating costs.

Policy Issues 9. DEP To Continue Work On EPA Clean Power Climate Rule: Secretary Quigley said DEP is planning to continue working with stakeholders on the development of a Pennsylvania Plan to meet the EPA rule because one of the outcomes of the federal court challenge could be to meet the existing compliance schedule. He said it is worth a “deep­dive” on the issue, because that is the safest option. At the same time, Secretary Quigley said it is unlikely DEP will be submitting a Plan to EPA before the legal challenges are decided. He added, alternative/renewable energy and using Pennsylvania’s cleaner natural gas is the future and those trends will continue irrespective of what happens to EPA’s rule. 10. Increasing Sequestration Of Carbon In State Forests: Secretary Dunn said DCNR has a goal to sequester an additional 750,000 tons (annual accumulation) of carbon in state forests. In 2015, she said, DCNR sequestered an additional 150,000 tons.

To re­live the excitement of the budget hearings: Click Here for audio and video of the Senate budget hearings. Click Here for video of the House hearings. NewsClips: Bumsted: Adolph Accuses Wolf Of Creating Budget Crisis Adolph: No Meetings On Overdue Budget Since December PLS: A Budget In 30 Days? Some Think So PA Agricultural Community Rallies To Support Funding Budget Battle Forces PA Ag Programs To Plan Layoffs PLS Video: Penn State Extension Warns Of Funding Crisis Game Commission Cuts Project WILD Education Program PA Wildlife, Outdoor Recreation Snag $33.5M In Federal Funds Auditor General To Review Act 13 Drilling Fee Expenditures Related Stories: Time, Location Set For March 14 Follow Up Senate Hearing On DEP’s Budget DEP Tells House Committees Chesapeake Bay Program Faces Inadequate Resources, Data Agriculture Secretary Says More Resources Needed To Meet Clean Water Commitments Op­Ed: Susquehanna: Time To Start Healing This Sick, Amazing River Budget Hearing: DEP: State Can’t Cut Its Way To A Better Environment Senate Hearing: DEP Does Not Have Enough Staff To Meet Needs In Any Of Its Programs DEP Secretary John Quigley’s Written Budget Testimony­Full Text Governor’s Office Latest Regulatory Agenda: DEP Permit Fee Increase For 6 Programs House Budget: DCNR To Propose $40 Fee For Natural Diversity Inventory Permit Reviews Senate Budget : DCNR: No Drilling Rigs Now On State Forest Land DCNR Secretary Cindy Adams Dunn Written Budget Testimony­Full Text PUC Asks For Increased Funding For More Rail, Pipeline Inspectors

After 9 Months, No Due Date For Resolving State Budget Impasse After 9 Months, No Due Date For Resolving State Budget Impasse In 9 months you can make a whole new human being, but there is no clear path forward yet on resolving the state’s budget impasse.

Three weeks of Senate and House budget hearings just concluded only saw a repeat of the same 6 talking points each side has on the budget issue. Although the word “compromise” was thrown around a lot, it was most often used to say what the other side should do.

There have also been no meetings between legislators and Gov. Wolf to resolve the budget impasse since December, according to Rep. Bill Adolph (R­Delaware), Majority Chair of the House Appropriations Committee.

Gov. Wolf said he is waiting for Republicans to come up with a budget proposal with no “gimmicks.” Republicans say they put a complete budget on the Governor’s desk in December and he vetoed chunks of it creating a new crisis.

Gov. Wolf said the Republican budget didn’t have the revenue to support it and he had to veto parts of it. Republicans say the state has to live within its means and oppose the “massive,” retroactive tax increases proposed by Gov. Wolf.

You get the idea how this is going because you’ve heard it all before. Senate Republicans opened up a new front in the budget debate this week when Sen.

Patrick Stefano (R­Fayette) introduced Senate Bill 1129 that would specifically provide for the payment of certain budget line­items during a budget impasse.

During a Senate hearing in February, State Treasurer Timothy Reese urged the General Assembly to enact new law to help guide decisions on making payments during an impasse.

In response to requests from Gov. Wolf, the State Treasurer made about $37.5 billion in payments during the first phase of the budget impasse that ended the last week of December with the Governor’s line­item vetoes.

Now into the second phase of the budget impasse, the State Treasurer continues to make difficult decisions on whether to make payments requested by the Governor above the line­item veto amounts, for example for the Department of Corrections at the beginning of March.

As further support for making certain payments, the Office of Attorney General published its legal opinion to the State Treasurer on February 25 advising on the Department of Corrections payments in the March 12 PA Bulletin.

After the state missed an $800 million payment to school districts February 25 because the Governor line­item vetoed a half year of their funding, the state School Boards Association this week opened up their own front by again filing a lawsuit against the Commonwealth asking Commonwealth Court to order the state to pay districts what they are owed.

The Association said school districts have borrowed nearly $1 billion to make up for the lack of state funding since the start of the budget impasse. As if to back up that statement, the Allentown Schools Friday said they have to borrow $64 million to deal with the impasse.

Adding to the budget woes, the PA Public School Employees’ Retirement System Friday reported it had negative returns of 1.8 percent in 2015, trailing far behind the 7 to 8 percent annual target of the Fund. The State Workers’ Retirement Fund report a gain of only 0.4 percent in 2015.

County Commissioners gather in Harrisburg next week for their annual Spring

Conference and the lack of state funding for county­run state human service programs is at the top of their list of issues.

So far 34 counties have adopted resolutions like Dauphin County did Wednesday calling on Gov. Wolf and the General Assembly to end the budget impasse and put in place safeguards so future impasses do not negatively affect human service programs.

As an example, Dauphin County had to divert $28 million to its human services programs to keep care flowing during the impasse. Commissioner George Hartwick said, “I hope it doesn’t take a death or something tragic to occur in order for these situations to be addressed.”

School districts, counties and thousands of vendors and service providers have felt the impact of the budget impasse, but the independent Standard & Poor’s may also have the last word, as well as the courts.

S&P threatened to cut Pennsylvania’s AA­rating for general obligation debt by one or more notches in a report to clients citing the state’s “failure to pass a budget package for fiscal 2016 that addresses long­term structural balance” as the reason.

Budget Secretary Randy Albright said the state has weeks, not months to make this all better.

What’s Ahead The current voting schedule has the Senate and House back in Harrisburg March 14, 15,

16, 21, 22, 23 and April 4, 5, 6, 11, 12, 13. The Senate Appropriations Committee has scheduled its first follow up budget hearing

for March 14 when the Appropriations Subcommittee on Infrastructure, Environment and Government Operations will review the “Environmental Programs Management and Environmental Programs Operation functions within the Department of Environmental Protection.”

Other, similar Subcommittee hearings and meetings are planned. Also anticipated is Senate and House action on a variety of supplemental appropriations

bills to fill gaps left in the FY 2015­16 budget by Gov. Wolf’s line­item vetoes. High on the list are supplementals for the Department of Corrections, school district and agriculture program funding.

Giving birth is difficult, painful and there can be a lot of screaming and crying involved. It appears that resolving the state’s budget impasse is worse.

Unlike giving birth, there appears to be no definitive end date to resolving the state’s budget issues. Related Stories: Time, Location Set For March 14 Follow Up Senate Hearing On DEP’s Budget Budget Hearing: DEP: State Can’t Cut Its Way To A Better Environment Senate Hearing: DEP Does Not Have Enough Staff To Meet Needs In Any Of Its Programs DEP Secretary John Quigley’s Written Budget Testimony­Full Text Governor’s Office Latest Regulatory Agenda: DEP Permit Fee Increase For 6 Programs DEP Tells House Committees Chesapeake Bay Program Faces Inadequate Resources, Data Op­Ed: Susquehanna: Time To Start Healing This Sick, Amazing River House Budget: DCNR To Propose $40 Fee For Natural Diversity Inventory Permit Reviews Senate Budget : DCNR: No Drilling Rigs Now On State Forest Land DCNR Secretary Cindy Adams Dunn Written Budget Testimony­Full Text

Keep PA Beautiful Launches New Electronics Waste Recycling Website Thursday, Keep Pennsylvania Beautiful launched www.eWastePA.org to help ensure Pennsylvania consumers have the information they need to properly manage their electronic waste such as old televisions and computer monitors, commonly referred to as e­waste.

The Covered Device Recycling Act (Act 108), enacted in 2010, prohibits the acceptance of ‘covered devices’ such as televisions, computers, computer monitors and all peripherals, at any Pennsylvania solid waste disposal facilities. This prohibits residents from putting them out at the curb for pickup by their waste hauler.

The law also stipulates that recyclers cannot charge a fee to offset the cost of proper recycling as the cost of collection, transportation and recycling is to be borne by electronics manufacturers.

Unfortunately, the law isn’t working and has created an imbalance of supply and demand causing many electronics collection programs to shut down leaving many consumers without means to recycle their old electronics.

While some residents are holding on to electronic devices until the law is fixed, there are others that are not. Instead, they are choosing to dump them in alleys, over riverbanks, and alongside our roadways.

Illegal dumping of any waste is harmful to the environment and costly to surrounding communities, with the average community cleanup costing around $3,000.

To make matters worse, electronic devices contain lead, cadmium and mercury that, if not properly managed or contained, may become hazardous waste and post a threat to human health and the environment.

“We know consumers want to do the right thing and dispose of their old televisions and other electronics properly. Keep Pennsylvania Beautiful launched www.eWastePA.org to educate, empower and engage consumers on e­waste recycling in Pennsylvania,” said Shannon Reiter, President of Keep Pennsylvania Beautiful.

“The site not only explains why and how we got here, it links consumers to recycling programs in their community,” explained Reiter. “It also provides easy to use tools for consumers to advocate for access to convenient and affordable trash disposal and recycling in Pennsylvania by linking them with their local legislators as well as the original equipment manufacturers that are responsible for carrying the cost of recycling of e­waste in Pennsylvania.”

The website answers these basic questions consumers have about electronics recycling— — Why your waste haulers won’t take your TV. — It’s illegal to dump your TV anywhere in PA. — Find an electronic recycling drop­off center near you. — How to dispose of your electronic devices. — What happens if the law is not fixed? — Learn what you can do about it.

Visit KPB’s www.eWastePA.org website for more information. For more information on programs, initiatives and special events, visit the Keep

Pennsylvania Beautiful website. Click Here to sign up for regular updates from KPB, Like them on Facebook, Follow on Twitter, Discover them on Pinterest and visit their YouTube Channel.

Also visit the Illegal Dump Free PA website for more ideas on how to clean up communities and keep them clean.

Sign up now for the 2016 Great American Cleanup of PA and set up your own cleanup and beautification event through May 31. NewsClips: Volunteers Needed For March 19 Red Clay Valley Clean Up Dump Site Cleaned Up By Benton Twp Workers Erie Twp Asks Recyclers To Police Drop­Off Site Related Stories: Agenda Released For March 21 Hearing On Collapse Of E­Waste Recycling In PA 2014 DEP Report To General Assembly Documented Problems With E­Waste Recycling Analysis: Electronics Recycling Effort Shrinking In PA, The Law Needs To Be Fixed Keep PA Beautiful Programs, Local Affiliates Earn National Recognition Huntingdon, Juniata, Perry And Mifflin County Tire War Receives National Award Volunteers Needed For Red Clay Valley Cleanup March 19 In Chester County Cameron County Annual River & Roadway Cleanup March 20

PA Environmental Educators Recognize 2016 Award Winners The PA Association of Environmental Educators celebrated the great work of educators and educational programs throughout the state. The award winners will be honored at the PAEE Conference which begins March 14 at The Inn at Pocono Manor.

This year’s award winners are— — Keystone Award: Roger L. Spotts, Kettle Creek Environmental Education Center. This prestigious award recognizes an educator who has dedicated their life to advancing the quality and opportunity for environmental education in Pennsylvania. Roger was nominated by his long­time colleague, Karen Boyle, of the Monroe County Conservation District’s Kettle Creek Environmental Education Center.

As the Environmental Education Coordinator, Roger has been a driving force for environmental education in Monroe County and throughout the state, and has been a mentor to thousands of educators at conservation districts and other organizations throughout the state. In her nomination, Ms. Boyle described Roger as having a ‘passion for educating people of all ages, which inspires, motivates, and energizes those who interact with him no matter the context.’ — Outstanding Environmental Education Program: Family Nature Night, Briar Bush Nature Center in Montgomery County. This award recognizes an exemplary or innovative environmental education program which could serve as a model of excellence for educators throughout Pennsylvania. Family Nature Night was nominated for the Outstanding Environmental Education Program award for their use of innovative practices to reach diverse and underserved audiences, specifically individuals with Autism Spectrum Disorder. The program shows a strong commitment to working within a community to identify needs and to deliver a high quality experience to connect people with nature. — Outstanding Environmental Educator: Kathy Uglow, Crawford County Conservation District. This award recognizes an educator who has made a significant impact and contribution

to the environmental education field in a formal or non­formal setting through innovative or inspiring teaching practices. Kathy was nominated by Wendy Kedzierski, Project Director at Creek Connections of Allegheny College. In her nomination, Wendy noted the diversity of Kathy’s programs and an exceptional passion that she brings to her work. Kathy is highly valued as partner and collaborator in her community, with a strong commitment to working with other educators and organizations. — Daisy S. Klinedinst Memorial Award: Melissa Eldridge, Briar Bush Nature Center. The award recognizes an educator with fewer than five years of experience who shows dedication to expanding their involvement with environmental education. Melissa was nominated by Greta Brunschwyler, Executive Director of the Briar Bush Nature Center. Through her work as an educator and program coordinator, Melissa has shown great dedication to the programs she develops, to the audiences she serves, and to her own learning.

For more information on programs, initiatives, workshops and other special events, visit the PA Association of Environmental Professionals website. Click Here to sign up for regular updates on PAEP activities or Like them on Facebook. NewsClips: Lackawanna Environmental Center Plans Kids Nature Program Game Commission Cuts Project WILD Education Program Attacking Invasive Species Begins In The Classroom Grants Awarded To Gannon Environmental Science Dept. Point Park U To Launch Environmental Journalism Program

(Reprinted from the March 8 EE Resources newsletter. Click Here to sign up for regular updates on PAEP activities.) PA Environment Digest Google+ Circle, Blogs, Twitter Feeds PA Environment Digest now has a Google+ Circle called Green Works In PA. Let us join your Circle.

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You’ll receive as­it­happens postings on Pennsylvania environmental news, daily NewsClips and links to the weekly Digest and videos. Also take advantage of these related services from Crisci Associates­­ PA Environment Digest Twitter Feed: On Twitter, sign up to receive instant news updates. PA Environment Daily Blog: provides daily environmental NewsClips and significant stories and announcements on environmental topics in Pennsylvania of immediate value. Sign up and receive as they are posted updates through your favorite RSS reader. You can also sign up for a once daily email alerting you to new items posted on this blog. NEW! Add your constructive comment to any blog posting. PA Capitol Digest Daily Blog to get updates every day on Pennsylvania State Government,

including NewsClips, coverage of key press conferences and more. Sign up and receive as they are posted updates through your favorite RSS reader. You can also sign up for a once daily email alerting you to new items posted on this blog. PA Capitol Digest Twitter Feed: Don't forget to sign up to receive the PA Capitol Digest Twitter feed to get instant updates on other news from in and around the Pennsylvania State Capitol. Senate/House Agenda/Session Schedule/Gov’s Schedule/ Bills Introduced Here are the Senate and House Calendars and Committee meetings showing bills of interest as well as a list of new environmental bills introduced­­ Bill Calendars House (March 14): House Bill 544 (Moul­R­Adams) further providing for liability protection for landowners who open their land for recreation (sponsor summary); House Resolution 60 (Emrick­R­Northampton) directing the Legislative Budget and Finance Committee to conduct a comprehensive review of the state’s program to regulate the beneficial use of sewage sludge; Senate Bill 307 (Yudichak­D­Luzerne) providing for an independent counsel for the Environmental Quality Board; Senate Bill 811 (Hughes­D­ Philadelphia) FY 2015­16 Capital Budget bill; Senate Bill 1071 (Browne­R­Lehigh), the “agreed­to” pension reform bill; Senate Bill 1073 (Browne­R­Lehigh) “agreed­to” $30.8 billion General Fund budget bill; Senate Resolution 55 (Hutchinson­R­Venango) re­establishing the Forestry Task Force under the Joint House/Senate Legislative Air and Water Pollution Control and Conservation Committee (sponsor summary). <> Click Here for full House Bill Calendar. Senate (March 14): Senate Bill 805 (Boscola­D­ Lehigh) allowing an Act 129 opt­out for large electric users (sponsor summary); House Bill 57 (Payne­R­Dauphin) further providing for natural gas competition (sponsor summary). <> Click Here for full Senate Bill Calendar. Committee Meeting Agendas This Week House: the Environmental Resources and Energy Committee is scheduled to hold two meetings this week, the first is an information meeting on House Bill 1391 (Everett­R­Lycoming) providing for a guaranteed minimum royalty on oil and gas leases (sponsor summary) and the second is a voting meeting­­agenda to be announced; the Consumer Affairs Committee holds an informational meeting on electric grid reliability and its impact on retail prices; the Senate & House Agriculture And Rural Affairs Committees joint hearing on the impact of the budget impasse on agriculture; the Tourism and Recreational Development and Senate Community, Economic and Recreational Development Committees hold a joint hearing on PA’s tourism budget, Heritage Areas and tourism marketing. <> Click Here for full House Committee Schedule. Senate: the Agriculture and Rural Affairs Committee meets to consider House Bill 806

(Causer­R­Cameron) amending the Clean and Green farmland preservation program related to use and fair market values (sponsor summary) <> Click Here for full Senate Committee Schedule. Other: Environmental Issues Forum, Joint Legislative Air and Water Pollution Control and Conservation Committee, features a presentation from the State Association of Pennsylvania’s Heritage Areas. Bills Pending In Key Committees Here are links to key Standing Committees in the House and Senate and the bills pending in each­­ House Appropriations Education Environmental Resources and Energy Consumer Affairs Gaming Oversight Human Services Judiciary Liquor Control Transportation Links for all other Standing House Committees Senate Appropriations Environmental Resources and Energy Consumer Protection and Professional Licensure Community, Economic and Recreational Development Education Judiciary Law and Justice Public Health and Welfare Transportation Links for all other Standing Senate Committees Bills Introduced The following bills of interest were introduced this week­­ Storage Tank Insurance Board: Senate Bill 1142 (Yaw­R­Lycoming) making changes to the Underground Storage Tank Indemnification Board (sponsor summary). Cutting Penalties For Farmers Exiting Farmland Preservation: Senate Bill 1136

(White­R­Indiana) cutting the penalty for removing farmland from the Clean and Green Program from 6 years to one (sponsor summary). Session Schedule Here is the latest voting session schedule for the Senate and House­­ Senate March 14, 15, 16, 21, 22, 23 April 4, 5, 6, 11, 12, 13 May 9, 10, 11, 16, 17, 18 June 6, 7, 8, 13, 14, 15, 20, 21, 22, 23, 24, 25, 26, 27, 28, 29, 30 House March 14, 15, 16, 21, 22, 23 April 4, 5, 6, 11, 12, 13 May 2, 3, 4, 16, 17, 18, 23, 24, 25 June 6, 7, 8, 13, 14, 15, 20, 21, 22, 23, 24, 25, 26, 27, 28, 29, 30 Governor’s Schedule Gov. Tom Wolf's work calendar will be posted each Friday and his public schedule for the day will be posted each morning. Click Here to view Gov. Wolf’s Weekly Calendar and Public Appearances. News From The Capitol Agenda Released For March 21 Hearing On Collapse Of E­Waste Recycling In PA The Joint House­Senate Legislative Air and Water Pollution Control and Conservation Committee is scheduled to hold a hearing March 21 on the collapse of Pennsylvania’s Electronic Waste Recycling Program created by the Covered Device Recycling Act.

The tentative agenda for the hearing released Tuesday includes comments from­­ ­­ Rep. Chris Ross (R­Chester) the prime sponsor of the 2010 Covered Device Recycling Act; ­­ Ken Reisinger, DEP Deputy Secretary for Waste, Air, Radiation and Remediation; ­­ Walter Alcorn, Consumer Electronics Association (manufacturers); ­­ Ned Eldridge, CEO of eLoop LLC, an electronics recycler from Western PA; ­­ David Vollero, York County Solid Waste Authority; ­­ Bekki Titchner, Recycling & Solid Waste Coordinator, Elk County; ­­ Shannon Reiter, President, Keep Pennsylvania Beautiful; and ­­ Bob Bylone, President & CEO, PA Recycling Markets Center.

The Joint Committee will also be accepting written comments on electronics waste recycling until June 21. Send comments to Mike Nerozzi by email to: mnerozzi@jcc.legis.state.pa.us.

Background The PA Resources Council has reported only 25 percent of state residents have access to

free TV recycling, down from 63 percent just a short time ago, and that coverage continues to shrink. In the last 2 years PRC said­­ ­­ Goodwill announced it will no longer accept TVs for recycling; ­­ Five counties around Philadelphia report they were forced to suspend electronics programs because no recyclers were willing to support them; ­­ Construction Junction in Pittsburgh closed its doors to accepting electronics; ­­ York County shuts down all electronics collections sites; ­­ eLoop, a Pittsburgh­based recycler, announces it will no longer offer CDRA­supported recycling in western PA; and ­­ Best Buy issues a news release announcing it will no longer accept TVs for recycling at its 37 PA stores.

The lack of recycling opportunities and the ban on landfill disposal means more Pennsylvanians may resort to illegal dumping.

Keep PA Beautiful wrote to every House and Senate member earlier in February warning 2016 could be a “record­breaking year for abandoned and dumped electronics” if Pennsylvania’s electronics recycling law isn’t fixed.

In January the Electronics Recycling Association of PA, representing e­waste recyclers, called for action to fix the state’s recycling law saying without fundamental changes recycling opportunities will continue to disappear.

Rep. Chris Ross (R­Chester), the original sponsor of the e­waste recycling law, is planning to introduce changes to the law to try to get it back on track.

Click Here for the PRC action flyer on e­waste recycling. The Committee hearing will be in Room 8E­A East Wing of the Capitol starting at 9:00.

Click Here the day of the hearing for a link to the live webcast of the hearing. Sen. Scott Hutchinson (R­Venango) serves as Chair of the Joint Committee. To sign up

for a monthly update from the Joint Committee, send an email to: mnerozzi@jcc.legis.state.pa.us.

For more information on e­waste recycling, visit DEP’s Covered Device Recycling Act webpage. NewsClip: Erie Twp Asks Recyclers To Police Drop­Off Site Related Stories: 2014 DEP Report To General Assembly Documented Problems With E­Waste Recycling Analysis: Electronics Recycling Effort Shrinking In PA, The Law Needs To Be Fixed Keep PA Beautiful Launches New Electronics Waste Recycling Website Keep PA Beautiful Programs, Local Affiliates Earn National Recognition Huntingdon, Juniata, Perry And Mifflin County Tire War Receives National Award Volunteers Needed For Red Clay Valley Cleanup March 19 In Chester County Cameron County Annual River & Roadway Cleanup March 20

News From Around The State CBF Calls On Feds To Provide PA $5 Million To Help Farmers Reduce Erosion

In response to a U.S. Army Corps Of Engineers report issued Monday saying the Conowingo Dam reservoir has reached the limit of its ability to trap sediment coming down the Susquehanna River, the Chesapeake Bay Foundation Friday called on the federal government to immediately provide Pennsylvania with $5 million to help farmers reduce sediment runoff from agricultural areas. “The report confirms again that our efforts to clean up the Chesapeake Bay must include working upstream where

pollution originates,” said Kim Coble, Vice President of the Chesapeake Bay Foundation. “The report also echoes earlier findings that while the Conowingo Dam has reduced pollution entering the Bay for decades, that trapping capacity has been reduced so that more sediment and nutrients now make it past the dam, especially during major storms.

“Pennsylvania has made progress in reducing pollution entering the roughly 49,000 miles of streams that feed into the Susquehanna River above the dam, but it needs to do far more. Gov. Wolf has committed to a “reboot” of the Commonwealth’s efforts, but significantly greater investments and political action are necessary to help reduce pollution, especially from agriculture.

“We call on the U.S. Department of Agriculture and the Environmental Protection Agency to assist Pennsylvania by immediately providing $5 million for technical and financial assistance for farmers; on Congress to ensure conservation funding is not cut from federal appropriations; and on the Wolf Administration to prioritize the components of the state’s “reboot” plan that will provide support to farmers and to efforts to clean up our polluted rivers and streams,” said Coble.

“The report underscores the need to address the scour of pollution from behind the dam, but even in big storms most pollution isn’t coming from the dam, but from upstream. We must stop pollution entering the Susquehanna, as well as all other Bay tributaries.”

The findings in the report said in part— “Given the often smaller contribution of the sediment load to the Bay from Conowingo

Reservoir scour in comparison to the watershed (under most hydrologic conditions), the primary impact to aquatic life in the Bay is from sediment and nutrients from the Susquehanna River watershed and the rest of the Chesapeake Bay watershed. However, both sources of sediment and nutrient loads, reservoir scour and watershed load, should be addressed to protect aquatic life in Chesapeake Bay.”

“The seven Chesapeake Bay watershed jurisdictions (Delaware, District of Columbia, Maryland, New York, Pennsylvania, Virginia, and West Virginia) have developed watershed implementation plans (WIPs), which detail how each of the Bay watershed jurisdictions will meet their assigned nitrogen, phosphorus, and sediment load allocations as part of the Chesapeake Bay total maximum daily loads (TMDLs), and achieve all dissolved oxygen (DO), water clarity, SAV, and algae (measured as chlorophyll) levels required for healthy aquatic life. Implementation of the WIPs was estimated to have a far larger influence on the health of

Chesapeake Bay in comparison to scouring of the lower Susquehanna River reservoirs.” A copy of the report is available online. For more on Chesapeake Bay­related issues in Pennsylvania, visit the CBF­PA webpage.

Click Here to sign up for Pennsylvania updates (bottom of left column). Click Here for a copy of CBF­PA’s most recent newsletter. (Photo: MarylandReporter.com take in the aftermath of Tropical Storm Lee in 2011.) NewsClips: AP: EPA: Plan To Reduce Sewage Overflow In Pittsburgh Addresses Concerns EPA Gives ALCOSAN More Time For Wet Weather Control Plan EPA Tells ALCOSAN To Follow Plan To Reduce Sewer Overflows Kansas City Model For Wet Weather Control Encouraged Editorial: Supreme Court: 2 Blows Against Liberty Trout To Boost Environmental Protection Of Maiden Creek Great Lakes Ice Cover Far Different From 2015 Latest From The Chesapeake Bay Journal Related Stories: DEP Tells House Committees Chesapeake Bay Program Faces Inadequate Resources, Data Agriculture Secretary Says More Resources Needed To Meet Clean Water Commitments Op­Ed: Susquehanna: Time To Start Healing This Sick, Amazing River Op­Ed: Susquehanna: Time To Start Healing This Sick, Amazing River By Harry Campbell, PA Director, Chesapeake Bay Foundation We learned a few things by asking Pennsylvanians to share their concerns for clean water. It is encouraging that people feel it is everyone’s responsibility to keep our rivers and streams clean.

Roughly 19,000 miles of Commonwealth waterways have been designated as impaired, including polluted stretches of water in every county. Pollution threatens our health, degrades our way of life, and challenges the economy.

Many people say they place great value on the nature of Pennsylvania’s rural and agricultural landscapes. Plentiful opportunities to get out and enjoy nature, to boat, camp, hike, hunt, and fish are extremely important.

Many feel deeply connected to the Susquehanna River. Because of this shared appreciation for clean water and enjoying the natural world,

concern runs deep for a Susquehanna that is sick and in need of restoration. In 2005, Bassmaster Magazine listed the Susquehanna as one of the five best bass fishing

rivers in America. But that same year, diseased and dying smallmouths were first discovered in the river.

Since then, smallmouth bass continue to bear sores and lesions. Researchers have been finding intersex fish – adult male bass with female eggs in their testes – since the early 2000s. A world­class smallmouth bass fishery is threatened.

Recent studies led by the state Department of Environmental Protection (DEP) found endocrine­disrupting compounds and herbicides, and pathogens and parasites, to be the two most likely causes of death and disease among smallmouths in the Lower Susquehanna.

The results are further evidence that the river is ailing. Although studies continue, now is the time to begin to address it.

The DEP will soon release its draft Integrated Water Quality Report which will include its decision on whether to recommend to an impairment designation for the Susquehanna. A 45­day comment period will follow.

The mighty Susquehanna and its tributaries are a way of life and life­sustaining for too many Pennsylvanians, for the river’s illness to continue untreated.

An impairment declaration would begin the process of healing this amazing river. The Susquehanna River Basin drains 27,510 square miles from New York State, and

through the center of the Commonwealth. Its network of more than 49,000 miles of waterways is enough to circle the earth twice.

About 6.1 million people get their drinking water from the Susquehanna River Basin. That’s enough people to fill Philadelphia’s Lincoln Financial Field (home of the NFL’s Eagles) 88 times.

The Susquehanna winds 444 miles from Cooperstown, N.Y., to Havre de Grace, Md., and provides half of the freshwater to the Chesapeake Bay. It flows 20 miles per day on an average summer day, and at a rate of 18 million gallons per minute at Havre de Grace.

About 20,000 years ago, during the last Ice Age, the Susquehanna’s valley floor extended southward to what is now the Chesapeake Bay. After the ice receded, the sea level rose, the Atlantic Ocean filled in the old valley and the Bay, and its tidal tributaries were born.

Just as Pennsylvania has a Clean Water Blueprint for restoring its 19,000 miles of impaired waterways, the Susquehanna deserves its own prescription for improved health. It is time to begin healing this amazing river.

Click Here to urge DEP and Gov. Wolf to list the Susquehanna River as impaired. For more on Chesapeake Bay­related issues in Pennsylvania, visit the CBF­PA webpage.

Click Here to sign up for Pennsylvania updates (bottom of left column). Click Here for a copy of CBF­PA’s most recent newsletter. Related Story: DEP Tells House Committees Chesapeake Bay Program Faces Inadequate Resources, Data Harry Campbell is PA Executive Director, Chesapeake Bay Foundation. He can be contacted by sending email to: hcampbell@cbf.org. Farmers In PA: Apply Now For USDA Conservation Practices Funding

Denise Coleman, PA State Conservationist for USDA’s Natural Resources Conservation Service Tuesday announced funding for farm producers and forest land operators to implement improved management practices is now available through the Conservation Stewardship Program.

Applications to request funding for 2016 contracts are being accepted through March 31, along with applications from

current CSP participants whose contracts expire at the end of 2016. CSP is USDA’s largest conservation program that helps producers voluntarily improve

the health and productivity of private working lands. NRCS plans to add an estimated 10 million acres across the U.S. to the rolls of CSP during fiscal 2016.

Funding is available for more than 100 kinds of enhancements nationwide to help participants: ­­ Improve soil quality through use of cover crops, conservation crop rotations and other activities that increase soil productivity. ­­ Use water wisely and improve water quality through enhancements such as more efficient irrigation systems and weather monitoring. ­­ Restore habitat for wildlife and pollinators through the use of better grazing systems and improved plant management.

“The Conservation Stewardship Program is one of our most popular programs with producers because it results in real change on the ground by boosting soil and air quality, conserving clean water and enhancing wildlife habitat,” Coleman said. “With this new funding, we’ll be able to build on the already record number of acres enrolled in USDA’s conservation programs, enabling producers to achieve higher levels of conservation and adopt new and emerging conservation technologies on farms and forests.”

Click Here for the full announcement. For more information and to apply, visit or contact an NRCS Service Center near you.

Farmers In Bedford, Blair: Apply Now For USDA Conservation Practices Funding

USDA’s Natural Resources Conservation Service Wednesday announced over $700,000 is available to help Pennsylvania agricultural producers improve water quality in selected high­priority watersheds in Bedford and Blair counties through the National Water Quality Initiative. Applications are due April 15. “Clean water is in everyone’s interest, and the National Water Quality Initiative has been successful because it brings together multiple partners in strategic areas to work towards a common

goal,” said Denise Coleman, NRCS State Conservationist in Pennsylvania. “Restoring health to waterways benefits not just farmers, but it also gives their communities safe drinking water and provides healthy habitat for fish and wildlife.”

Pennsylvania selected these three NWQI watersheds for 2016­­ ­­ Upper Kishacoquillas: The Upper Kishacoquillas, or “Upper Kish” watershed is a cold­water fishery in Mifflin County that is part of the Chesapeake Bay watershed. Consisting of 58.6 miles of stream, the Upper Kish watershed drains approximately 19,064 acres or 30­ square miles of Kishacoquillas Valley, known locally as “Big Valley.” Agriculture (60 percent), forested land (36 percent), developed land (approx. 2 percent), and transitional land (approx. 2 percent) compose the main land use types in this watershed. It has been designated as an impaired watershed by DEP. ­­ Beaver Creek and Upper Yellow Creek: Beaver Creek and Upper Yellow Creek are both in the Yellow Creek watershed in Bedford and Blair Counties. Yellow Creek is a tributary in the Juniata River watershed that drains a highly productive agricultural valley locally known as

“Morrison’s Cove” or simply “the Cove.” Yellow Creek and the Juniata River are both part of the Chesapeake Bay watershed.

This area has highly productive limestone soils and many highly productive dairy farms. It has had historical problems with high levels of nitrates in groundwater along with sediment and nutrients in surface water.

A Department of Environmental Protection study shows every tributary in Beaver Creek and Upper Yellow Creek is impaired due to sediment and nutrients from agricultural sources. Yellow Creek is a top trout fishing stream and has also been classified by DEP as a Special Protection/High­Quality Stream.

Since 2012, conservation systems have been placed on over 5,000 acres in priority watersheds in Pennsylvania through NWQI, supported by $3.3 million in USDA investments.

Click Here for the full announcement. For more information and to apply, visit or contact an NRCS Service Center near you.

Green $aves Green Stormwater Management Workshop March 30 In Chester County Join the Partnership for the Delaware Estuary, Green Valleys Watershed Association, and the PA Environmental Council for a Green $aves Green Stormwater Management Workshop in Phoenixville, Chester County, on managing stormwater (and saving money) by working with nature.

Land planners, engineers, and municipal officials will share successful case studies that improved stormwater management in their communities while saving money with green stormwater infrastructure.

This workshop is designed for professionals in the fields of land planning, engineering, and landscape architecture, as well as municipal officials, developers, and residents active in their communities.

The Workshop will be held at Franklin Commons, 400 Franklin Ave., Phoenixville from 8:30 a.m to 1:30 p.m.

Lunch is provided, followed by a tour of on­site, green stormwater infrastructure. The cost of the workshop is $20. Click Here for the agenda.

Registration deadline is March 25. Click Here to register. Questions should be directed to Virginia Vassalotti by email to: VVassalotti@DelawareEstuary.org or call 302­655­4990 x121. NewsClip: Project Aims To Slow Inner City Erie Runoff

Clean Water Counts: York County Town Hall Reception On Water Quality Issues April 14 Join neighbors, businesses, and elected officials for a lively discussion about local clean water issues at a York County Town Hall Reception on April 14 hosted by Clean Water Counts: York.

Clean Water Counts: York is a diverse coalition of individuals, businesses, and organizations working hard to ensure clean water, a healthy community, and a thriving economy for York County.

This event is open to all residents of the Commonwealth looking to make a difference in

their local community and to take action for clean water. The Reception will be held at the John Wright Restaurant, River Room, 234 N Front

Street in Wrightsville from 7:00 to 9:00 p.m. Click Here to register for this free reception.

Nominations Due For West Branch Susquehanna River Orange Rock Awards The West Branch Susquehanna River Restoration Coalition is now accepting nominations for its annual Orange Rock Awards to recognize an individual, volunteer group or organization who has gone above and beyond the call to help improve water quality in the West Branch.

Nominations are due March 21. Beginning in 2008, the Coalition has honored Outstanding Volunteers, Watershed

Groups, and Professionals at the West Branch Susquehanna Restoration Symposium with an Orange Rock Award.

These awards recognize the years of dedication and hard work that made the West Branch of the Susquehanna what it is today!

The winner will be determined by an online voting process. Click Here to see past winners.

If you would like to nominate a volunteer, professional, or watershed group for an award, please email the person or group's name, along with a brief explanation of the work of the person or group, to Rebecca Holler at: rholler@tu.org.

For more information, contact Trout Unlimited at 570­748­4901 or send email to: info@wbsrc.org.

The West Branch Susquehanna Restoration Symposium will be held April 14­15 at the Toftrees Golf Resort and Conference Center in State College. Click Here for more information and to register. NewsClips: $13.4M Project Will Remove Ehrenfeld Waste Coal Pile Rosebud Gets $13M Mine Reclamation Contract DEP Awards $13.4M Mine Reclamation Contract In Cambria County The Department of Environmental Protection Tuesday announced it has awarded a $13,455,319 competitively bid contract to Rosebud Mining Company to remediate and reclaim a 62­acre abandoned mine site in the community of Ehrenfeld, in Cambria County.

"We can finally award a contract to reclaim this unsightly and hazardous abandoned coal refuse pile," said John Quigley, DEP Secretary. "Two years ago, the original bids for this project came in far too high, preventing this public health and safety project from moving forward. The project design was reworked and locating a nearby site to place refuse material resulted in a cost reduction to allow the contract to proceed."

Of the four competitive bids received, Rosebud was the lowest qualified bidder. Previous bids for this project reached as high as $21.6 million. The site is a visual blight on the community, and includes a coal refuse pile that towers over the more than 100 nearby homes and buildings. The steep pile poses dangers for riders of all­terrain vehicles on the site.

The project, expected to last three years, involves hauling 3.2 million tons of coal refuse

to the nearby permitted facility being reclaimed by the mine operator. The reclamation includes extinguishing a five­acre portion of the pile currently burning,

and reducing fines (sediment comprised of small coal pieces and dust) running into the adjacent stream, an unnamed tributary to the Little Conemaugh River. Highly acidic runoff from the pile has flowed into the stream and river for many years and will be eliminated by the project.

The reclamation plans include improved drainage, tree plantings, and the development of a recreational park on a portion of the site, due to its location along the "Path of the Flood Trail," commemorating the 1889 Johnstown flood.

Secretary Quigley added, "An important additional benefit of this project is that the contract that we are awarding enables the company to recall 40 recently laid­off miners to complete the reclamation work. We are doubly happy that the project helps the community, the environment, and these workers."

A majority of the funding is provided through Pennsylvania's 2016 federal Abandoned Mine Land Grant, derived from a fee on coal. This project is one of several being pursued as part of the Little Conemaugh River Restoration Project.

DEP's Bureau of Abandoned Mine Reclamation is partnering with the Foundation for the Alleghenies, the Foundation for Pennsylvania Watersheds, the Cambria County Conservation and Recreation Authority, the Stoneycreek­Conemaugh River Improvement Project, the federal Office of Surface Mining Reclamation and Enforcement, the DEP Bureau of District Mining Operations, the Forest Hills Regional Alliance, Ehrenfeld Borough, Croyle Township, South Fork Borough and the American Chestnut Foundation. NewsClips: $13.4M Project Will Remove Ehrenfeld Waste Coal Pile Rosebud Gets $13M Mine Reclamation Contract Scranton Times: Jury Awards Dimock Couples $4.24M, Finds Cabot Responsible The Scranton Times reported Thursday a federal jury has awarded two Dimock Township couples just under $4.24 million after finding Cabot Oil & Gas responsible for contaminating their well water. Click Here to read the entire story. NewsClips: Jury Awards Dimock Couples $4.24M, Cabot Will Appeal AP: PA Families Win $4.24M Verdict Against Gas Driller Jury Awards $4.24M To 2 Families In Dimock Tainted Water Case Jury Awards $4.24M To Dimock Families For Water Contamination Families Win $4.24M Verdict Against Gas Driller Jury Awards Last Dimock Plaintiffs $4.2M Over Well Contamination Judge Dismisses Part Of Dimock Water Contamination Case Closing Arguments Set In Dimock Water Contamination Case SRBC Fines Cabot Again For Drilling Without Water Approvals Susquehanna River Basin Commission Fines Cabot Oil & Gas $11,000 The Susquehanna River Basin Commission Thursday approved a compliance settlement agreement with Cabot Oil & Gas fining the company $11,000 for undertaking projects subject to

SRBC approval without that approval. In 2015 Cabot paid a penalty of $50,000 to SRBC for a similar violation. A third

violation occurred in 2008. SRBC also approved settlement agreements with the King Valley Golf Course for

$10,000 for consumptively using water in excess of SRBC’s regulatory threshold and Aqua Pennsylvania, Inc. for $9,000 for failing to notify SRBC of the change in ownership of the Beech Mountain System.

SRBC also approved 31 water withdrawal applications, including 1 into­basin diversion, and tabled 1 application.

SRBC’s voting commissioners and alternates were : Kelly Heffner, SRBC Chair and Deputy Secretary for Water Management, Pennsylvania Department of Environmental Protection; Virginia Kearney, SRBC Vice Chair and Deputy Director, Water Management Administration, Maryland Department of the Environment; Col. Edward Chamberlayne, Commander and District Engineer, Baltimore District, U.S. Army Corps of Engineers; and Kenneth Lynch, Director, Region 7, New York State Department of Environmental Conservation.

SRBC staff also reported on delegated settlements with the following project sponsors, pursuant to SRBC Resolution No. 2014­15: ­­ Dauphin County General Authority—Highlands Golf Course, in the amount of $2,000; and ­­ Talisman Energy USA, Inc. and Mountain Energy Services, Inc., in the amount of $1,000 each.

Click Here for the full announcement and for a list of water withdrawal applications considered at the meeting.

For more information on programs, initiatives and upcoming meetings, visit the Susquehanna River Basin Commission website. NewsClip: SRBC Fines Cabot Again For Drilling Without Water Approvals Mariner East 1 Pipeline Shipping To Marcus Hook, Mariner 2 To Be Complete In 2017

Sunoco Logistics Partners L.P. Thursday announced Mariner East 1 pipeline, the first pipeline in the larger Mariner East system, is now transporting both ethane and propane to the Marcus Hook Industrial Complex in Delaware County and is approaching full operations as it completes loading of the first waterborne ethane shipment. Mariner East 1 is the first phase of the multifaceted Mariner East project. With Mariner East 1 up and running, the Marcus Hook Industrial Complex is now positioned as the East Coast hub for processing and storing propane, ethane and other

natural gas liquids from the shale basins for distribution to local, domestic and international markets.

The 70,000 barrels per day of ethane and propane capacity for Mariner East 1 is available for both intrastate and interstate service.

Mariner East 1 originates in Washington County, southwest of Pittsburgh, began shipping

propane in December 2014, serving local and regional propane shippers as well as the international market. Ethane shipments commenced last month, and the first tanker carrying ethane to Europe departed from Marcus Hook Wednesday

Mariner East 2, an expansion of the Mariner East system with origin points in Ohio, West Virginia and western Pennsylvania, will add additional off­take points for propane shippers in Central and Eastern Pennsylvania.

It is expected to be completed in the first half of 2017 and will add an additional capacity of approximately 275,000 barrels per day of natural gas liquids, primarily propane and butane, from both the Marcellus and Utica shales.

Mariner East 2 will provide both interstate service and intrastate service within Pennsylvania and has the potential to expand to 450,000 barrels per day.

“Mariner East 1 is an important milestone for the natural gas and manufacturing industry in Pennsylvania. As expanded by Mariner East 2, this service will create access to new and existing markets, provide reliable, cost­effective heating fuel for homes and businesses, and supply the raw materials that will lead to new manufacturing opportunities and growth,” said Michael J. Hennigan, Sunoco Logistics’ president and chief executive officer. “Mariner East 1 is the starting point; Mariner East 2 presents the opportunity to fully realize those benefits.”

Gov. Tom Wolf said: “The opening of the Mariner East pipeline represents a vital first step in redirecting Pennsylvania’s abundant natural gas resources to critical markets here at home. Sunoco Logistics is making a $3 billion investment in Pennsylvania’s energy economy by keeping Marcellus Shale resources for manufacturing right here in Pennsylvania, rather than sending this business, revenue, and jobs to other states. The immediate effect will be the creation of 290 to 440 permanent jobs. The long­term impact from operation of this pipeline is an estimated $100 million to $150 million influx into Pennsylvania’s economy.”

U.S. Senator Robert P. Casey, Jr., said: “The completion of Mariner East 1 will help create jobs in manufacturing, engineering, and operations for many Pennsylvanians,” Senator Casey said. “I will continue to support efforts to strengthen our economy while helping to make Delaware County an important energy hub in the United States.”

U.S. Senator Pat Toomey said: “As an early supporter of this effort, I’m pleased that the Mariner East project has been completed. Connecting Delaware County to Western Pennsylvania’s Marcellus Shale development will help grow our Commonwealth’s economy and support good­paying jobs for many Pennsylvanians. It also is an important step towards America’s energy independence and expanding our role as a global energy exporter.”

U.S. Representative Pat Meehan said: “When Mariner East was announced in 2012, the project gave vision and hope for our regional economy and our energy sector workers. Fulfillment of this vision goes well beyond revitalizing a critical regional asset in Marcus Hook. We are setting the stage for a stronger economic future right here in our back yard – the foundation for a manufacturing renaissance and a growing energy sector here in Delaware County.”

John J. Dougherty, Business Manager of the Philadelphia Building and Construction Trades Council, commented on the impact to the local labor pool by saying: “This kind of development creates real jobs, giving Pennsylvanians the chance to get ahead, instead of falling behind.”

Sen. Tom McGarrigle (R­Delaware) said: “I have supported this project from the beginning because I saw the kind of impact it would have on our economy. It was clear from my

days on County Council that this project was important not just for Delaware County, but for the entire Commonwealth.”

Mario Civera, Jr., Chairman of Delaware County Council, noted that Mariner East 1 is the first step in realizing the vision outlined in the Delaware County Industrial Development Authority’s study on re­purposing the Marcus Hook industrial site. “The investments and vision Sunoco Logistics is making, the jobs being created, and the potential for impacts in Southeastern Pennsylvania for generations to come cannot be overstated. Delaware County is positioned to be the center of the energy industry for the eastern United States.”

Gene Taylor, Mayor of the Borough of Marcus Hook, said: “Today’s announcement is another step in the ongoing rebirth of Marcus Hook, whose heritage is tied to this facility. Our history and identity has always been an energy town; now our future is, too.”

For more information, visit Sunoco Logistics’ Natural Gas Liquids webpage. NewsClips: Sunoco Logistics Hails Completion Of Mariner East 1 Pipeline Mariner East 1 Pipeline Delivering Shale Gas To World Wolf Hails Shale Ethane Exports Sunoco Begins 1st Exports Of Shale Ethane Via Marcus Hook Environmentalists Target Philly Energy Hub Port Proposals Philadelphia Fails To Find Common Ground On Energy Hub FERC Has Never Rejected A Pipeline Plan Landowners To Court: Don’t Let Sunoco Take Our Land Lawmakers Review One Call Program For Buried Gas Lines Maple Farm Owner Angry Over Senseless Removal Of Trees For Pipeline Williams Delays Construction Of Constitution Pipeline Constitution Pipeline Delayed, Hundreds Of Trees Cut Down Constitution Pipeline Delayed By Lack Of NY Permit TransCanada In Talks To Buy Columbia Pipeline Group Auditor General Launches Audit Of PUC’s Administration Of Gas Well Impact Fees Auditor General Eugene DePasquale Wednesday announced the start of a performance audit of the Public Utility Commission’s administration of the collection and disbursement of the unconventional shale gas well impact fees provided for in Act 13 of 2012.

The audit period begins February 14, 2012, and focuses on three initial objectives: — Determining whether the PUC has accurately calculated and distributed the unconventional gas well fees in accordance with Act 13 of 2012; — Determining if all required reports have been filed by the counties and municipalities and appropriately processed by the PUC; and — Determining if the counties and municipalities have properly used the unconventional gas well fees.

“In 2014 alone, shale gas well impact fees totaling more than $223 million were distributed to counties and municipalities for projects and programs to improve the quality of life for their residents and reduce the local tax burden,” DePasquale said.

“It has been several years since these fees were implemented, so now is an appropriate time to do this audit to ensure this money is being monitored by the PUC and the counties and

municipalities are using the funds as Act 13 intended.” Under Act 13, counties may impose an impact fee on unconventional gas wells started in

a shale formation, employing hydraulic fracturing methods and producing more than 90,000 cubic feet per day.

Counties and municipalities may use the impact fees for a variety of initiatives, including affordable housing projects; roadway and bridge maintenance and repair; water, stormwater and sewer maintenance, repair and construction; delivery of social services; local tax reduction; emergency preparedness; local planning; and assistance to county conservation districts.

For more information on the fee program, visit the PUC’s Act 13 Impact Fee webpage. NewsClip: Auditor General To Review Act 13 Drilling Fee Expenditures DEP: Notice Of Lead Exceedance In Drinking Water Served By Berks County Vendor The Department of Environmental Protection Tuesday notified the public about a violation of the lead standard applicable to the drinking water sold at Crystal Spring Water, a company that sells water through vending machines in Adamstown, Berks County.

The Department’s notice does not apply to Crystal Spring Bottled Water, which is an unrelated company.

A routine test sample collected by the owner in September 2015 contained a lead level of 16 parts per billion (ppb) which is above the maximum contaminant level of 5 ppb.

According to the Safe Drinking Water Act, the owner of Crystal Spring should have notified DEP within 24 hours of receiving this test result and should have notified customers within 30 days.

Neither notification was given. “If a public water supplier fails to give proper notice, DEP may perform this notification

on its behalf,” said Lynn Langer, DEP Southcentral regional director. “Although this incident was not an emergency, customers have a right to know what happened regarding the elevated lead level.”

On March 8, DEP ordered Crystal Spring owner Lynn Rannels to take and report to the department two additional water samples before reopening his facility. Signs at Crystal Spring indicate the facility will be open weekends only beginning March 19.

In a Notice of Violation issued February 19, DEP asked Rannels to post a lead exceedance notice on his vending machines, and take and report the results of the two additional water samples. Rannels did not comply.

Infants and children who drink water containing lead in excess of the standard could experience delays in their physical or mental development. Adults who drink this water over many years could develop kidney problems or high blood pressure.

Customers with specific health concerns should speak with their doctors. A copy of the public notice is available online. For more information on lead, visit DEP’s Lead In Drinking Water webpage.

NewsClips: State Warns Of High Lead In Spring Water Near Adamstown Flint’s Water Crisis Carries Echoes Of Erie Steelton Receives Third Drinking Water Violation

Lead In Pittsburgh’s Drinking Water On The Rise PA Comes Up Short On Funding For Lead Testing, Cleanup Lehigh Authority Sues Allentown Over Water­Sewer Deal PUC Highlights National Fix A Leak Week To Promote Water Efficiency, Conservation Public Utility Commission Thursday underscored the importance of water efficiency and conservation, along with the impact of wasted water, as part of National “Fix a Leak Week,” which runs from March 14­20.

As part of this annual campaign, families across the country are encouraged to check their fixtures for leaks and reminded about the community and economic impact of wasted water.

“The Pennsylvania PUC would like to remind people that finding and fixing household leaks can save a lot of water and reduce your monthly bill,” noted Commissioner Robert F. Powelson, who highlighted Fix a Leak Week at today’s PUC Public Meeting. “A little leak really does make a big difference, so we hope that everyone goes home today and checks for leaks and drips in their bathrooms, kitchens and yards.”

According to the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, an estimated 10 percent of all homes have leaks that waste 90 gallons or more per day, and the average household leaks can account for more than 10,000 gallons of water wasted every year.

Nationwide, leaks account for more than 1 trillion gallons of lost water per year – equal to the annual household water use of more than 11 million homes.

As part of Fix a Leak Week, Pennsylvanians are encouraged to identify and fix leaks around their homes. The PUC and EPA offer the following tips: — Common types of leaks found in the home include worn toilet flappers, dripping faucets and other leaking valves. — Fixing easily corrected household leaks can help save about 10 percent on water bills. — Check your water meter before and after a two­hour period when no water is being used. If the meter does not read exactly the same, you probably have a leak. — A drop of food coloring added to the toilet tank is a quick and easy way to identify possible leaks. If the color shows up in the bowl within 10 minutes without flushing, you have a leak. Be sure to flush immediately after this experiment to avoid staining the tank. — A leaky faucet that drips at the rate of one drip per second can waste more than 3,000 gallons per year – enough water for 180 showers.

More tips for finding leaks and saving water are available on the EPA’s WaterSense website.

Schuylkill Action Network Accepting Scholastic Drinking Water Award Nominations The Schuylkill Action Network is now accepting nominations for its annual Scholastic Drinking Water Awards to recognize students and schools in the Schuylkill Watershed who protect drinking water sources. Nominations are due March 31.

Examples of projects include: drinking water protection projects and activities include: Clean water art projects; Community outreach; Watershed curriculum integration; No­mow zones; Smart application of pesticides, fertilizers, etc.; Stormwater practices (rain gardens, rain barrels, naturalized stormwater basins, bioswales, etc.); Tree plantings; and Water quality monitoring.

Click Here to submit a nomination. For more information on other programs and activities, visit the Schuylkill Action

Network website. Click Here to sign up for regular updates from SAN. Nominations Due For EPA Presidential Environmental Education Innovation Award The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency is now accepting applications for the Presidential Innovation Award for Environmental Educators. The deadline for nominations is May 16.

EPA, in partnership with the White House Council on Environmental Quality, administers this award to honor, support and encourage educators who incorporate environmental education in their classrooms and teaching methods.

This program recognizes outstanding K­12 teachers who employ innovative approaches to environmental education and use the environment as a context for learning for their students.

Up to two teachers from each of EPA's 10 regions, from different states, will be selected to receive this award.

Applicants will be evaluated based on five primary factors: innovation, achievement, service to the community and underserved populations, leadership, and integration of environmental education.

Click Here to see past Award winners. The only winner from Pennsylvania since 2011 has been David Andrews from Butler Junior High School in 2013.

For more information on how to apply, visit EPA’s Presidential Innovation Award for Environmental Educators webpage. NewsClips: Lackawanna Environmental Center Plans Kids Nature Program Game Commission Cuts Project WILD Education Program Attacking Invasive Species Begins In The Classroom Grants Awarded To Gannon Environmental Science Dept. Point Park U To Launch Environmental Journalism Program PA American Water Works Assn. Annual Conference May 10­12 In Bethlehem The PA Chapter of the American Water Works Association will hold its 68th Annual Conference on May 10­12 at the Bethlehem Sands Hotel and Casino in Bethlehem.

Exhibitor and sponsor information is available on the PAAWA Conference webpage. For more information on the agenda, reservation and to register, visit the PAAWA 68th

Annual Conference webpage. Examination Dates Set For Sewage Enforcement Officer Certification The State Board for the Certification of Sewage Enforcement Officers published notice of the

dates for the 2016 SEO certification examinations and the deadlines for registering for the exams in the March 12 PA Bulletin.

For more information, contact Kristen Szwajkowski, Bureau of Point Non­Point Source Management, 400 Market Street, Harrisburg, PA 17101, 717­772­2186, kszwajkows@pa.gov. Keep PA Beautiful Programs, Local Affiliates Earn National Recognition Keep Pennsylvania Beautiful received top honors at the annual Keep America Beautiful National Awards Dinner, held during Keep America Beautiful’s recent annual National Conference in Orlando, Florida.

“Keep America Beautiful’s National Awards celebrates some of our country’s most dedicated community leaders – representatives from our affiliates and partner organizations – who personify the words imagine, inspire and transform through the work they help lead every day to keep America beautiful in local communities nationwide,” said Keep America Beautiful President and CEO, Jennifer Jehn. “It’s my privilege to recognize Keep Pennsylvania Beautiful for such valuable, mission­based work that helps their communities become more socially connected, environmentally healthy and economically sound.”

Keep PA Beautiful earned recognition for the following initiatives and accomplishments from Keep America Beautiful: ­­ State Innovation Award – was honored for their recently launched website, www.IllegalDumpFreePA.org, a community resource to fight illegal dumping. ­­ America Recycles Day Award – Keep PA Beautiful local affiliates, Keep Huntingdon County Beautiful, Keep Juniata County Beautiful, PA CleanWays of Mifflin County and Keep Perry County Beautiful were recognized for their annual Tire War Competition that has collected over 30,000 tires since 2006. ­­ Great American Cleanup Award – was recognized for their Pick It Up PA Days program. This program, in partnership with the PA Waste Industries Association, helps offset the expense of trash disposal for participants of the Great American Cleanup of PA. ­­ State Agency Partnership Awards – The Department of Transportation and the Department of Environmental Protection were recognized for their support of the Great American Cleanup of PA. ­­ State Affiliate Recognition Award ­ Diamond Level – received the highest level of recognition for management and administration. ­­ President Circle Awards – Presented to Keep PA Beautiful, Keep Lancaster County Beautiful, Keep York Beautiful and Keep Philadelphia Beautiful for their management and program excellence.

“I am grateful for the opportunity to accept these awards on behalf of Keep Pennsylvania Beautiful. The success of our organization and its programs is a direct result of the dedication of our volunteers and on­going commitment of our affiliates, Business Council Members and partners, particularly the Department of Environmental Protection, PennDOT, Pennsylvania Food Merchants Association and the Pennsylvania Waste Industry Association.” said Shannon

Reiter, President, Keep PA Beautiful. The annual conference, Keep America Beautiful’s premier educational and networking

event, brought together more than 350 leaders from Keep America Beautiful’s national network of more than 600 state and community­based affiliates, business leaders, policymakers and other experts who shared innovative ideas and proven strategies to help end littering, improve recycling, and beautify America’s communities.

For more information on programs, initiatives and special events, visit the Keep Pennsylvania Beautiful website. Click Here to sign up for regular updates from KPB, Like them on Facebook, Follow on Twitter, Discover them on Pinterest and visit their YouTube Channel.

Also visit the Illegal Dump Free PA website for more ideas on how to clean up communities and keep them clean.

Sign up now for the 2016 Great American Cleanup of PA and set up your own cleanup and beautification event through May 31. NewsClips: Volunteers Needed For March 19 Red Clay Valley Clean Up Dump Site Cleaned Up By Benton Twp Workers Erie Twp Asks Recyclers To Police Drop­Off Site Related Stories: Keep PA Beautiful Launches New Electronics Waste Recycling Website Agenda Released For March 21 Hearing On Collapse Of E­Waste Recycling In PA Huntingdon, Juniata, Perry And Mifflin County Tire War Receives National Award Volunteers Needed For Red Clay Valley Cleanup March 19 In Chester County Cameron County Annual River & Roadway Cleanup March 20 Huntingdon, Juniata, Perry and Mifflin County Tire War Receives National Award The Tenth Annual Tire War, a friendly competition between Keep Pennsylvania Beautiful affiliates in Huntingdon, Juniata, Perry and Mifflin counties received national recognition from Keep America Beautiful for first place in the America Recycles Day Program Award category.

The Tire War collections provided a convenient and affordable venue for residents who dropped off more than 3,800 tires.

The collection effort was organized by Keep Huntingdon County Beautiful, Keep Juniata County Beautiful, PA CleanWays of Mifflin County and Keep Perry County Beautiful.

“Our Community has embraced this program. It not only provides a means of tire disposal, but has also served as a source of pride to our residents who choose to do the right thing. The Tire War has the support of local businesses, and residents, as well as the Conservation District Board,” noted Andy Paterson, Huntingdon County Conservation District Manager and Keep Huntingdon County Beautiful volunteer.

The number of tires collected in each county were: Huntingdon: 1,480; Perry: 1,238; Mifflin: 638; and Juniata: 508.

“Keep Pennsylvania Beautiful congratulates our affiliates for consistently providing their

residents with a convenient, low cost option for tire disposal,” stated Shannon Reiter, President of Keep Pennsylvania Beautiful.

The Tire Wars, sponsored in part by the Department of Environmental Protection’s HHW/Small Business Hazardous Waste Collection Program, have gathered and recycled nearly 30,000 tires from local county residents since 2006.

For more information on programs, initiatives and special events, visit the Keep Pennsylvania Beautiful website. Click Here to sign up for regular updates from KPB, Like them on Facebook, Follow on Twitter, Discover them on Pinterest and visit their YouTube Channel.

Also visit the Illegal Dump Free PA website for more ideas on how to clean up communities and keep them clean.

Sign up now for the 2016 Great American Cleanup of PA and set up your own cleanup and beautification event through May 31. NewsClips: Volunteers Needed For March 19 Red Clay Valley Clean Up Dump Site Cleaned Up By Benton Twp Workers Erie Twp Asks Recyclers To Police Drop­Off Site Related Stories: Keep PA Beautiful Launches New Electronics Waste Recycling Website Agenda Released For March 21 Hearing On Collapse Of E­Waste Recycling In PA Keep PA Beautiful Programs, Local Affiliates Earn National Recognition Volunteers Needed For Red Clay Valley Cleanup March 19 In Chester County Cameron County Annual River & Roadway Cleanup March 20 Volunteers Needed For Red Clay Valley Cleanup March 19 In Chester County Volunteers are needed for the Red Clay Valley Cleanup on March 19 which will sweep more than 83 miles of stream and roadways along the east and branches of Red Clay Creek, including Kennett Square in Chester County.

In 2015 764 volunteers collected more than 10 tons of trash.

Volunteers can check­in at the DNS Ashland Center in Yorklyn, or at Anson B. Nixon Park in Kennett Square for the 8 a.m. to 12 p.m. cleanup.

After refreshments, including coffee from Starbucks, volunteers are dispersed to assigned areas along the route. Necessary materials, like gloves, trash bags, and reflective safety vests, are provided.

Large groups are encouraged to contact Brandywine Red Clay Alliance at 610­793­1090 or the Delaware Nature Society at 302­239­2334, for their route assignments prior to March 16.

For more information, visit the Red Clay Valley Cleanup Up webpage. NewsClips: Volunteers Needed For March 19 Red Clay Valley Clean Up Dump Site Cleaned Up By Benton Twp Workers Erie Twp Asks Recyclers To Police Drop­Off Site

Related Stories: Keep PA Beautiful Launches New Electronics Waste Recycling Website Agenda Released For March 21 Hearing On Collapse Of E­Waste Recycling In PA Keep PA Beautiful Programs, Local Affiliates Earn National Recognition Huntingdon, Juniata, Perry And Mifflin County Tire War Receives National Award Cameron County Annual River & Roadway Cleanup March 20 Cameron County Annual River And Roadway Cleanup March 20 Volunteers are needed for the Annual Cameron County River and Roadside Cleanup on March 20. This is great opportunity to help make our area even more beautiful. You can choose to help clean the Driftwood Branch Stream or clean the roadway along Rt. 120.

To participate in the river clean up you must have a canoe and a partner or kayak. You will be assigned to specific locations along the stream or highway.

Participants will be meeting at the railroad bridge in Cameron at 12:00 (noon). Gloves, trash bags, and safety vests will be provided to participants.

Organizers are hopeful they will have enough volunteers to clean the stream from Cameron to Driftwood and RT 120 from Emporium to Driftwood.

As always, young people are encouraged to become involved in this event. This is a great way to make a positive impact and earn project service hours while having fun. Refreshments will be served.

You can register at the Cameron County High School office. To earn service credits you must also sign in on location at the start and finish of the event. Contact a representative of one of the following organizations if you have any questions. ­­ Randy Bailey ­ Canoe and Kayak Classic Organization ­ 814­546­2011 ­­ Don Bickford ­ Cameron County Outdoor Youth Activities ­ 814­598­0381 ­­ Bill Smith ­ Mountaineer Search and Rescue ­ 814­595­7587 ­­ Steve VanEerden ­ Bucktail Watershed Association ­ 814­486­1740

April 2 Canoe Classic Race Please help make the stream shine before the big race on April 2! Also don’t forget to

register for the Canoe Classic Race. Join in the fun and be a part of this Historical Cameron County event. NewsClips: Volunteers Needed For March 19 Red Clay Valley Clean Up Dump Site Cleaned Up By Benton Twp Workers Erie Twp Asks Recyclers To Police Drop­Off Site Related Stories: Keep PA Beautiful Launches New Electronics Waste Recycling Website Agenda Released For March 21 Hearing On Collapse Of E­Waste Recycling In PA Keep PA Beautiful Programs, Local Affiliates Earn National Recognition Huntingdon, Juniata, Perry And Mifflin County Tire War Receives National Award Volunteers Needed For Red Clay Valley Cleanup March 19 In Chester County PUC OKs Next Phase Of Energy Efficiency Plans For FirstEnergy, Duquesne Light

The Public Utility Commission Thursday approved Act 129 Phase III Energy Efficiency and Conservation plans submitted by several of Pennsylvania’s electric distribution companies, detailing efforts to reduce energy consumption and peak demand through 2021.

The Commission voted 5­0 to approve plans submitted by the FirstEnergy Companies (Met Ed, Penelec, Penn Power and West Penn Power) and Duquesne Light, which will go into effect on June 1, 2016.

Plans submitted by the state’s other large EDCs are currently under review by the Commission.

“Increasing energy efficiency, encouraging conservation and reducing the demand for electricity benefits Pennsylvania in many ways – including more affordable and reliable service, reduced need for new power generation and lower emissions from power plants,” noted PUC Chairman Gladys M. Brown. “These EE&C Plans have helped to save a substantial amount of money for consumers and businesses and continue to serve as a valuable tool to help make our power grid smarter, more cost effective and cleaner.”

EE&C programs, if shown to be cost­effective, are required as part of Act 129, passed in 2008. The Act calls for efficiency and conservation efforts to help reduce electric price volatility and ensure affordable and reliable electric service to Pennsylvania’s residents and businesses.

Now about to enter their third phase, these programs have promoted the adoption of energy­efficient lighting, appliances and other measures intended to help reduce consumption.

In June 2015, the Commission issued its Final Implementation Order for Phase III of Act 129, building upon all of the lessons learned and data collected to date. Phase III covers a five­year period, from 2016 through 2021, with new targets for each of the EDCs, based on numerous studies by the Commission.

The overall targets for reduction in power consumption range from 2.6 percent to 5 percent, depending on the potential savings in each EDC territory. The targets for peak demand reduction also vary depending on the potential for each territory, ranging up to 2 percent.

For more information, visit the PUC’s Act 129 webpage. NewsClips: FirstEnergy Installing Smart Meters In Erie Bruce Mansfield Power Plant Taken Offline Due To Prices FirstEnergy Idles Western PA Coal Plant On Electric Prices Advocates Blame Law, Policy Change For People Without Heat Berwick Nuclear Plant Gets Clean Bill Of Health Energy Spotlight: Marty Richey, Nuclear Power Industry Editorial: Nuclear Disposal Needed, But Not At Lake Huron Jessup Council Paves Way For Natural Gas Power Plant Editorial: Jessup Power Plant And Power Of Reason Op­Ed: Develop PA’s Energy Infrastructure Secret Energy Strategy Could Transform NE PA Foundation Seeking Miners’ Names For Wall Of Honor More Electricity Generated By Natural Gas Than Coal Alpha Coal Changes Course In Bankruptcy

DEP Sets Alternative Fuels Incentive Grant Seminars In Wilkes­Barre, Harrisburg

The Department of Environmental Protection and the Eastern Pennsylvania Alliance for Clean Transportation invite fleet managers, municipalities, school districts, incorporated nonprofit entities, and businesses to a March 22 Alternative Fuel Incentive Grant seminar in Wilkes­Barre, Luzerne County, and another seminar on March 24 in Harrisburg.

Wilkes­Barre The Wilkes­Barre seminar will be held from 10 a.m. to noon, as DEP’s Northeast

Regional Office, 2 Public Square, Wilkes­Barre. The free seminar is open to eligible applicants only. Seating is limited and the registration

deadline is March 16. Click Here to register for this workshop or by contacting Janet Warnick in DEP’s

Northeast Regional Office of Pollution Prevention and Energy Assistance, at: janwarnick@pa.gov or by calling 570­826­2475.

Harrisburg The Harrisburg seminar will be held from 10 a.m. to noon, as DEP’s Southcentral

Regional Office, 909 Elmerton Avenue, Harrisburg. The free seminar is open to eligible applicants only. Seating is limited and the registration

deadline is March 21. Click Here to register for this workshop or by contacting Mark Hand in DEP’s

Southcentral Regional Office of Pollution Prevention and Energy Assistance, by sending email to: mhand@pa.gov or by calling 717­705­4797.

Other Seminars DEP will also hold AFIG seminars in other areas, including­­

­­ March 15: Alternative Fuels Incentive Grant Seminar in Williamsport; and ­­ March 18: Alternative Fuels Incentive Grant Seminar in Bellefonte.

Seminar attendees will hear how Pennsylvanians can move away from imported petroleum fuels to homegrown, clear­burning, and affordable alternatives which include natural gas, propane, biodiesel and electricity.

Industry experts will discuss the advantages of alternative fuels, vehicles and technologies. DEP staff will provide a review of the AFIG program eligibility and application requirements.

Funding is available under the AFIG program to help fund four project types: alternative fuel vehicle retrofit or purchase, alternative fuel refueling infrastructure, biofuel use, and innovative technology.

For more information on the grant program, visit DEP’s Alternative Fuels Incentive Grant Program webpage. The grant application deadline is April 29. NewsClips: Interest Renewed In Offshore Wind Projects In Erie Questions Over Solar Standards As Capacity Outpaces Utility Demand Philly Council Members Wants Solar On Philly School Buildings Solar Energy Industry Poised For Record­Setting Year Kennett Twp Wins 2016 Growing Greener Communities Award In Chester County The Natural Lands Trust and the Chester County Association of Township Officials Thursday honored Kennett Township

with the Growing Greener Communities Award. This award recognizes a Chester County township that has engaged in a dynamic

initiative designed to save land, steward natural resources, and connect people to nature. Natural Lands Trust and CCATO presented the award to representatives of Kennett Township at the CCATO Spring Conference.

“Kennett Township has provided a model for excellence in their ambitious plan to balance ecological protection and sustainable growth,” said Molly Morrison, President of Natural Lands Trust. “Again and again we have seen the benefits that trails bring to a community. When people have access to green space it improves the health of people and the environment.”

Kennett Township earned this award with the development of the Kennett Greenway, a 12­mile multi­use trail. This plan is designed to improve regional connectivity, public health and safety, and to connect residents to available green space in the township.

“CCATO is pleased to be able to highlight the efforts and true dedication of our local government members, the County of Chester, and Natural Lands Trust in the area of open space preservation and maintenance,” said Ernie Holling, CCATO President. “Efforts to preserve open space will help to maintain the character of Chester County for years to come.”

The plan for the Greenway in Kennett Township will provide residents with safe, convenient bicycle and pedestrian routes between residential areas, commercial centers, parks, preserves, historical sites, schools, public transport hubs, and other facilities throughout the Township.

“Kennett Township's application identifies several community stakeholders, a very large project ($4 million dollar phase 1), and, most importantly, provides the backbone for an alternative transportation system,” said David Conner, representing CCATO and the review committee.

“By giving residents and visitors an alternative to driving, this plan holds the potential to reduce traffic congestion as well as air, noise, and water pollution. When the Greenway is complete it will be the largest contiguous pedestrian and bicycle trail system in southern Chester County,” added Conner.

“Kennett Township and neighboring communities have worked diligently for years to make the Kennett Greenway project possible and I am delighted that Kennett Township has been chosen to receive the prestigious 2015 Growing Greener Award from Natural Lands Trust and Chester County,” said Lisa M. Moore, Kennett Township Manager.

“I want to thank our Board of Supervisors who share our vision to make this happen. In addition, we want to thank two very important local advocacy organizations, The Land Conservancy for Southern Chester County and Kennett Trails Alliance, for their visionary efforts to establish the very first segments of the Greenway, indispensable steps towards completing the rest,” said Moore.

For more information on programs, initiatives and special events, visit the Natural Lands Trust website. Click Here to sign up for regular updates from the Trust. Foundation For Sustainable Forests Loving The Land Through Working Forests May 14

The Foundation for Sustainable Forests will host a Loving The Land Through Working Forests Program on May 14 on forestland owned by Foundation board member Dr. Jane Woods at 13360 and 13333 Carter

Hill Road, Corry, Erie County from 8:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. The keynote session will feature a presentation by Troy Frith, Founder and President of

the Foundation, on the Foundation’s recommended approach to forestry for private landowners. This session will be followed by presentations on legacy and estate planning, our forests

before us and current research and findings in the region’s forests. For more details and to register, visit the Loving The Land Through Working Forests

Program webpage. For information on programs, initiatives and other special programs, visit the Foundation

for Sustainable Forests website. NewsClips: Prescribed Burn At Fort Indiantown Gap Fort Indiantown Gap Spring Burn Season Crews Struggle To Contain Dauphin County Mountain Fire Dauphin County Mountain Fire Under Control Questions Remain About Gypsy Moth Spraying In Nuangola Gifford Pinchot Documentary At Grey Towers March 22, Cornelia Pinchot Profile April 18 The Grey Towers Heritage Association will host its last two winter Lunch and Learn programs on March 22 and April 18 at the Grey Towers National Historic Site in Milford, Pike County.

The new programs will introduce the community to the historic accomplishments of Gifford Pinchot, founder of the U.S. Forest Service and Governor of Pennsylvania, and the public programs offered at his ancestral home, Grey Towers National Historic Site.

On March 22 at 11:30 a.m. the GTHA and the U.S. Forest Service will screen the documentary, “Gifford Pinchot’s Conservation Legacy,” one in a series of documentaries produced by WITF that spotlight Pennsylvania’s conservation heritage. A Q&A will follow. (This program is rescheduled from the original March 21 date).

On April 18 at 11:30 a.m. there will be a program on Cornelia Pinchot’s political activism and her role as wife of Gov. Gifford Pinchot.

For the March and April programs at Grey Towers, pre­registration and prepayment is required. The fee is $10 for GTHA members and $14 for non­members and includes a catered lunch and a brief tour of the Grey Towers mansion.

Space is limited. For more information or to reserve your spot, contact the Grey Towers Heritage Association at 570­296­9625 or send email to: info@greytowers.org. NewsClips: Prescribed Burn At Fort Indiantown Gap Fort Indiantown Gap Spring Burn Season Crews Struggle To Contain Dauphin County Mountain Fire Dauphin County Mountain Fire Under Control Questions Remain About Gypsy Moth Spraying In Nuangola

New Books Revisits Sheppton Mine Disaster, Explores Mythology Penn State: Eastern Forests More Vulnerable To Drought Than Before 1800s Over thousands of years, most forests in the eastern United States evolved with frequent fire, which promoted tree species and ecosystems that were both fire and drought resistant.

In little more than a century, humans upset that balance, suggest researchers, who blame the change, in part, on the well­meaning efforts of Smokey Bear.

Since the 1930s, the composition of forests in the region has changed markedly, according to Marc Abrams, professor of forest ecology and physiology at Penn State.

Drought­sensitive, fire­intolerant tree species, such as maple, birch and hemlock, have become more prominent, and drought­resistant, fire­adapted species, such as oak, hickory and pine, have declined.

"Eastern forests are changing in a way that we haven't seen for thousands of years, and this is basically because they have gone through major changes in disturbance regimes and land­use history," Abrams said. "The change to less drought resistance ­­ part of a process known as mesophication ­­ has serious implications in a warming climate, which portends more frequent and more severe droughts."

The trend toward less drought resistance in Eastern forests began about 140 years ago with the advent of clear cutting to build and fuel a rapidly industrializing society. This was followed by catastrophic fires that burned most of the trees that remained on the region's landscape. Forests began to regrow as before, but in the 1940s the Smokey Bear fire suppression regime began.

As a result, in the 70 years or so since, with forest fire largely suppressed by firefighting crews and no longer a significant factor in ecosystem adaptation, Eastern forests have become more vulnerable to drought.

"Our forests are in a state of flux from these two very contrasting land­use history events," Abrams said. "We had a lot of fire on the landscape during the time of Native American occupation and also during early European settlement and the associated clear­cut era ­­ so we went from a moderate to large amount of fire to an era of overprotection. With Smokey Bear, we have lost fire, and we need to get it back. This issue is on the radar screen of foresters."

Abrams collaborated with Gregory Nowacki of the Eastern Regional Office of the U.S. Forest Service on the study, which was published this month in the journal Tree Physiology. The researchers categorized tree species according to drought tolerance and adaptation to fire.

Considering factors such as tree species longevity, temperature preference and shade tolerance, they examined the relationship between forest composition trends and land­use patterns, disturbance events and historical weather records.

Researchers analyzed historical human impacts and land­use legacy by merging the fields of tree physiology and forest ecology, an approach Abrams said grew from a realization that the distribution and dominance of each tree species corresponds to an ecophysiological expression.

He noted that long­term change in forest ecosystems is directly relatable to the underlying physiological attributes of component tree species.

This kind of analysis provides a robust assessment of the role and impacts of the most important drivers of forest dynamics, namely climate change and land­use history, Abrams added.

This method reveals ecophysiological changes at the forest­type and forest­biome level that come from consideration of extensive and long­term forest survey records, some dating to the precolonial period.

From the time of European settlement to the present, forests in the eastern United States experienced major compositional changes, including a large overall decline in conifers, such as pine, hemlock and larch, expansions of disturbance­oriented aspen and oak species in former conifer­northern hardwoods or subboreal forests, and a nearly ubiquitous increase in fire­sensitive, shade­tolerant maple across all regions.

"The results of our research indicate that vegetation changes since European settlement in the eastern United States are caused to a greater extent by anthropogenic alteration of disturbance regimes ­­ clearing for agriculture, wood harvesting, introduction of nonnative pests and diseases, and fire suppression ­­ than by climate change," Abrams said. Indeed, land­use practices can mediate changes in forest composition that run counter to climate trends.

"What is particularly fascinating about our study is that while forests have changed primarily as a result of altered land­use history, they are changing in a way that likely will make them more vulnerable to future climate change, including drought."

A copy of the research paper is available online. Dr. Abrams may be reached by sending email to: agl@psu.edu.

NewsClips: Prescribed Burn At Fort Indiantown Gap Fort Indiantown Gap Spring Burn Season Crews Struggle To Contain Dauphin County Mountain Fire Dauphin County Mountain Fire Under Control Questions Remain About Gypsy Moth Spraying In Nuangola Champion Of PA Wilds’ Award Nominations Due March 24 The Pennsylvania Wilds Planning Team is now accepting nominations for Champions of the PA Wilds Award to recognize individuals, groups, organizations, communities or businesses that have made significant contributions to help grow and sustainably develop the outdoor recreation economy and nature tourism in the Pennsylvania Wilds.

Nominations are due March 24. The Pennsylvania Wilds is a 12 1/2­county region that includes:

Cameron, Clarion, Clearfield, Clinton, Elk, Forest, Jefferson, Lycoming, McKean, Potter, Tioga, Warren and Centre counties.

Click Here for more information on award categories and criteria and to send in a nomination.

For more information on programs, initiatives and special events, visit the PA Wilds Resource Center website. Click Here to sign up for regular updates from PA Wilds. Foods Of The Delaware Highlands Dinner April 30 In Hawley Celebrate the unique Upper Delaware River region with the Delaware Highlands Conservancy at the 9th annual Foods of the Delaware Highlands Gala on April 30 at Hawley’s Settlers Inn In

Wayne County starting at 5:30 p.m. The Gala also features a four­course farm­to­table dinner and wine tasting followed by an

exciting live auction. The evening begins with a wine tasting and silent auction at 5:30 p.m., with dinner at

7:00 p.m. The live auction and raffle cap the celebration during dessert. Gala tickets are $125 per person, which includes a $75 charitable gift to the Conservancy. Delicious gourmet cuisine will be prepared using locally grown ingredients.

This year, the Conservancy’s Foods of the Delaware Highlands Gala Dinner Committee is delighted to be supported by honorary co­chairs Gary Beilman, President and CEO of the Dime Bank; and Mark Ruffalo, actor, activist, and founder of Water Defense. Additional committee members include Jeanne Genzlinger, Nany Kiesendahl Bloch, Amy Litzenberger, Karen Lutz, Mary Sue Price, and Brenda Ruello.

Live and silent auctions and raffles offer exciting selections, including a relaxing stay at the Lodge at Woodloch; getaways to the Spicer Mansion in Mystic, Connecticut and the Ocean House in Watch Hill, Rhode Island; and a day of guided fly fishing at the Blooming Grove Hunting and Fishing Club.

Visit the Gala webpage in early April to view our full slate of auction items. If you are unable to attend the dinner, but would still like to bid on an auction item, please email the Conservancy at: info@delawarehighlands.org or call 570­226­3164 or 845­583­1010 to make arrangements.

Sponsorships Sincere thanks to generous dinner sponsors Al and Bonnie Albinson, Greg Belcamino

and Judith Welcom; James and Elizabeth Brown; Catskill Regional Medical Group; Dave Chant and Nicole Patrisso; The Dime Bank; Keith and Elizabeth Fitzpatrick; Joe and Bernice Fowler; Michael and Elizabeth Geitz; Grant and Jeanne Genzlinger; Homestead School; Peter Kellogg; Nancy Kiesendahl Bloch; Richard and Rebecca Lindsey; Litzenberger Family Foundation; Greg and Patricia Lutfy; Karen and Charlie Lutz; Michael Normile; Clark and Peggy Pitcairn; Pocono Mountains Visitors Bureau; Mary Sue Sweeney Price; Jeff and Gail Rosalsky; John and Donna Ross; Brenda and Sam Ruello; Sullivan County Visitors Association; and Water Defense.

Opportunities to support the Delaware Highlands Conservancy as a dinner sponsor are available. The Conservator level for $2,500 includes 4 guaranteed tickets to the dinner and a full page in the evening’s program.

The Reception Sponsor level for $1,500 includes 4 guaranteed tickets to the dinner and a half­page in the program; the Guardian level for $1,000 includes 4 guaranteed tickets to the dinner and a quarter­page in the program; and the Steward level for $500 includes 2 guaranteed tickets to the dinner and 2 lines in the program.

For those who cannot attend, the $250 Friend level also includes 2 lines in the program. Sponsorships are a charitable contribution to the Conservancy less $50 per person attending.

The theme of the gala dinner, “Love where you live!” highlights our working farms and forests and the exceptional quality of life we enjoy in the Upper Delaware River region.

Reserve your seat or sponsor the 9th annual Foods of the Delaware Highlands Gala today by contacting the Conservancy by sending email to: info@delawarehighlands.org or 570­226­3164 or 845­583­1010.

For more information on program, initiatives and special events, visit the Delaware Highlands Conservancy website. Click Here to sign up for regular updates from the

Conservancy (upper right of the page), Like on Facebook and Follow on Twitter. Carol Collier Named To American Institute Of Certified Planners College Of Fellows Carol R. Collier has been named to the American Institute of Certified Planners College of Fellows for her outstanding achievements in regional and environmental planning.

The Fellowship is granted to planners who have achieved certification through the American Institute of Certified Planners, and have achieved excellence in professional practice, teaching and mentoring, research, public and community service, and leadership.

Invitations to join the College of Fellows come after a thorough nomination and review process, ensuring the candidate has had a positive, long­lasting impact on the planning profession.

Collier is currently with the Patrick Center for Ecological Research at the Academy of Natural Sciences in Philadelphia.

She is serving as government liaison for the Delaware River Watershed Initiative, director of the environmental studies program at Drexel, as well as advising on watershed management and development of more resilient systems for an uncertain future throughout the nation and the world.

Prior to her current positions, she served over 15 years as Executive Director of the Delaware River Basin Commission, an interstate/federal commission that provides a unified approach to water resource management without regard to political boundaries.

Earlier in Ms. Collier’s career, she also was Executive Director of Pennsylvania’s 21st Century Environment Commission under Gov.Tom Ridge and Director of the Southeast Region of the Department of Environmental Protection.

Ms. Collier holds a B.A. in Biology from Smith College and a Masters in Regional Planning from the University of Pennsylvania.

She has received numerous awards including the Touchstone Award from the Society of Women Environmental Professionals, the Woman of Distinction Award from the Philadelphia Business Journal, the Mary H. Marsh Medal for exemplary contributions to the protection and wise use of the nation’s water resources presented by the American Water Resources Association, the Bronze Order of the DeFleury Medal awarded by the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, and the Partnership for the Delaware Estuary’s Delaware Estuary Jonathan Sharp Lifetime Achievement Award.

Ms. Collier is one of 61 inductees into this year’s College of Fellows. Other planners selected for this year’s FAICP induction include Toby Fauver, Deputy

Secretary for Multimodal Transportation at the Department of Transportation. This year’s formal induction will take place during APA’s National Planning Conference in Phoenix, Arizona, on April 3. Nicki Kasi Named To Lead New DEP Chesapeake Bay Office Department of Environmental Protection Deputy Secretary for Water Programs Dana Aunkst Monday announced Nicki Kasi will lead DEP’s new Chesapeake Bay Office, part of the Bay

Program reboot announced January 21. Kasi began her career at DEP 26 years ago with a short stint in the Bureau of Abandoned

Mine Reclamation, but quickly moved into the Chesapeake Bay restoration effort as a hydrogeologist in the former Bureau of Land and Water Conservation.

She was the first staff person assigned to the Chesapeake Bay Model, while also doing watershed assessments in the agricultural sector under section 319 of the Clean Water Act.

Since 1997, Kasi has worked as a Program Manager in DEP’s Bureau of Clean Water, and its predecessors, where she has demonstrated versatility by managing and directing the development of our operator certification program and our efforts in water infrastructure financing and technical assistance.

Kasi is a trained facilitator, which will be very valuable in her new role, which begins officially on March 12.

For more information on the program, visit DEP’s Chesapeake Bay Office webpage. Help Wanted: Chesapeake Bay Foundation­PA Outreach & Advocacy, Major Giving The Chesapeake Bay Foundation­PA is seeking qualified candidates to fill two positions­­ ­­ Outreach and Advocacy Manager: The Outreach & Advocacy Manager is the lead professional in the Pennsylvania Office in developing and executing outreach and advocacy activities. The position is focused within Pennsylvania’s portion of the Chesapeake Bay watershed, but includes efforts throughout the Commonwealth as necessary. Deadline for applications March 30. ­­ Director of Major Giving: The Director of Major Giving will significantly expand the donor base in Pennsylvania with an emphasis on individuals giving $5,000 or more annually. The Director of Major Giving functions as a collaborative member of the Development team and the Major Gift unit. The deadline for applications is March 31.

Click Here for all the details. In Memoriam: Former Senator William J. Stewart, Land Recycling Bill Sponsor Former Senator William J. Stewart (D­Cambria) passed away March 7. He served in the Senate from 1987 to 1996 and was a member of the House from 1997 to 1987.

As Chair of the Senate Community and Economic Development Committee in the mid­1990s, Sen. Stewart was instrumental in helping to develop bipartisan legislation to promote the cleanup and reuse of brownfield industrial sites.

Working with his counterpart on the Committee, Sen. Tim Shaffer (R­Butler), and Sen. David Brightbill (R­Lebanon) and Sen. Ray Musto (D­Luzerne) from the Senate Environmental Resources and Energy Committee, a bipartisan consensus resulted in the Senate passing Land Recycling legislation in 1993 by a vote of 42 to 4. (The legislative session ended without House action.)

This consensus was even more remarkable because it was developed during a tumultuous period of time when the majority of the Senate moved from one party to the other and the

committee responsibilities moved from one set of chairman to another. The following session saw the Land Recycling Program and its two companion bills

passed by the Senate with broad bipartisan agreement and signed into law by Gov. Tom Ridge. Sen. Stewart was prime sponsor of Act 3, the Economic Development Agency, Fiduciary

and Lender Environmental Liability Protection Act, that was part of the package. Click Here to read Sen. Stewart’s obituary. Click Here for more background on the

enactment of the Land Recycling Program. Public Participation Opportunities/Calendar Of Events This section lists House and Senate Committee meetings, DEP and other public hearings and meetings and other interesting environmental events.

NEW means new from last week. [Agenda Not Posted] means not posted within 2 weeks of the advisory committee meeting. Go to the online Calendar webpage for updates. March 12­­ Registration Open. 2016 Schuylkill River Watershed Congress. Montgomery County Community College Pottstown Campus. March 12­­ PA Resources Council Films For A Better Planet & Discussion Series. Ann Jones Gerace Center, 64 S. 14th St. in Pittsburgh. 7:00 p.m. March 13­16­­ Registration Open. PA Recreation & Park Society Annual Conference. Seven Springs, Somerset County. March 14­­ NEW. Senate Appropriations Subcommittee on Infrastructure, Environment and Government Operations holds a hearing to review the “Environmental Programs Management and Environmental Programs Operation functions within the Department of Environmental Protection.” Room 8E­B East Wing. 10:00. March 14­­ Environmental Issues Forum. Joint Legislative Air and Water Pollution Control and Conservation Committee. Presentation from the State Association of Pennsylvania’s Heritage Areas. Room 8E­A in the East Wing of the Capitol. Noon. March 14­16­­ PA Association of Environmental Educators Annual Conference. The Inn at Pocono Manor, Pocono Manor, Monroe County. March 14­18­ Carnegie Mellon First Ever Energy Week. CMU campus, Pittsburgh. March 15­­ House Environmental Resources and Energy Committee information meeting on House Bill 1391 (Everett­R­Lycoming) providing for a guaranteed minimum royalty on oil and gas leases (sponsor summary). Room 140 Main Capitol Building. 9:30. March 15­­ House Consumer Affairs Committee holds an informational meeting on electric grid reliability and its impact on retail prices. Room B­31 Main Capitol. 9:15.

March 15­­ Senate & House Agriculture And Rural Affairs Committees joint hearing on the impact of the budget impasse on agriculture. Room 8E­A East Wing. 9:00. March 15­­ NEW. Senate Agriculture and Rural Affairs Committee meets to consider House Bill 806 (Causer­R­Cameron) amending the Clean and Green farmland preservation program related to use and fair market values (sponsor summary). Room 8E­A East Wing. 8:45. March 15­­ CANCELED. Environmental Quality Board meeting. The next scheduled meeting is April 19. DEP Contact: Laura Edinger, Environmental Quality Board, 400 Market Street, Harrisburg, PA 17101, 717­772­3277, edinger@pa.gov. (formal cancellation notice) March 15­­ Agenda Posted. DEP Citizens Advisory Council. Room 105 Rachel Carson Building. 10:00. DEP Contact: Katie Hetherington Cunfer, Citizens Advisory Council, P. O. Box 8459, Harrisburg, PA 17105­8459, 717­705­2693, khethering@pa.gov. Click Here to watch the CAC meeting online. ­­ Presentation On DEP Budget Proposal ­­ DEP Methane Reduction Strategy ­­ DEP Comments On EPA’s Proposed Cross­State Air Pollution Rule ­­ Pipeline Infrastructure Task Force Report Final Report ­­ DEP Written Monthly Report To CAC ­­ Click Here for available handouts. March 15­­ DEP Alternative Fuels Incentive Grant Seminar. Williamsport. March 16­­ House Environmental Resources and Energy Committee meeting. Agenda to be announced. Room B31 Main Capitol Building. 9:30. March 16­­ House Tourism and Recreational Development and Senate Community, Economic and Recreational Development Committees hold a joint hearing on PA’s tourism budget, Heritage Areas and tourism marketing. Hearing Room 1, North Office Building. 9:00. March 16­­ [Agenda Not Posted] State Board for Certification of Sewage Enforcement Officers meeting. Conference Room 11B, Rachel Carson Building. 10:00. DEP Contact: Kristen Szwajkowski, Bureau of Point Non­Point Source Management, 400 Market Street, Harrisburg, PA 17101, 717­772­2186, kszwajkows@pa.gov. March 16­­ Agenda Posted. Delaware River Basin Commission meeting on water withdrawal requests and other issues (below). Washington Crossing Historic Park Visitor Center, 1112 River Road, Washington Crossing, PA. 10:30. (formal notice & agenda) ­­ Authorizing the Executive Director to enter into a contract with the lowest qualified bidder for the analysis of periphyton samples from the non­tidal Delaware River; ­­ Authorizing the Executive Director to enter into an administrative agreement with the New York State Department of Environmental Conservation for the review of water withdrawal and wastewater discharge projects in the New York portion of the Basin; and ­­ Adopting the Water Resources Program 2016­2018.

­­ Click Here for available handouts. March 16­­ DEP Hearing On IESI Landfill Expansion In Northampton County. Saucon Valley High School, located at 2100 Polk Valley Road, Hellertown, PA. 6 to 9 p.m. March 16­­ Project WET Educator Workshop. Pocono Manor. March 17­­ Appalachian Audubon Society: Go Native presentation by Kim Patten, Wilderness Greenhouse & Native Plant Nursery. Christ Presbyterian Church, 421 Deerfield Road, Camp Hill, Cumberland County. 7:00 p.m. March 18­­ DEP Alternative Fuels Incentive Grant Seminar. Bellefonte. March 18­­ The Nature Conservancy­PA: Forest Pools Preserve Walk. Kings Gap Environmental Center, Newville, Cumberland County. 6:30­8:30 p.m. March 19­­ NEW. Red Clay Valley Cleanup. Chester County. March 19­­ The Nature Conservancy­PA: Forest Pools Preserve Walk. Kings Gap Environmental Center, Newville, Cumberland County. 1:00­3:00 p.m. March 19­­ Berks County Conservation District Manure Management Workshop. Hoss’s Steak and Sea House, 121 Center Ave. in Leesport. 10:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. March 20­­ NEW. Cameron County Annual River And Roadway Cleanup. Emporium. March 21­­ Joint Conservation Committee hearing on Collapse of Pennsylvania’s Electronic Waste Recycling Program. Room 8E­A East Wing. 9:00. Click Here the day of the hearing for a link to the live webcast of the hearing. March 21­­ House Democratic Policy Committee hearing on incentivizing use of natural gas. Room 418 Main Capitol Building. 10:00. March 22­­ DEP Sewage Advisory Committee meeting. Room 105 Rachel Carson Building. 10:30. DEP Contact: John Diehl, Bureau of Point and Non­Point Source Management, 400 Market Street, Harrisburg, PA 17101, 717­783­2941, jdiehl@pa.gov. March 22­­ DEP Laboratory Accreditation Advisory Committee meeting. Room 206, DEP Bureau of Laboratories Building, 2575 Interstate Dr., Harrisburg. 9:00. DEP Contact: Aaren Alger, Bureau of Laboratories, 2575 Interstate Drive, Harrisburg, PA 17110, 717­346­7200, aaalger@pa.gov. March 22­­ NEW. DEP Alternative Fuels Incentive Grant Seminar. Wilkes­Barre. March 22­­ Lunch And Learn With Grey Towers Heritage Association. Pike County.

March 23­­ DEP Board of Coal Mine Safety meeting. DEP Cambria Office, 286 Industrial Park Rd., Ebensburg. 10:00. DEP Contact: Allison Gaida, Bureau of Mine Safety, Department of Environmental Protection, New Stanton Office, 131 Broadview Road, New Stanton, PA 15672, 724­404­3147, agaida@pa.gov. (formal notice) March 23­­ NEW. DCNR Conservation and Natural Resources Advisory Council meeting. Room 105 Rachel Carson Building. 10:00. DCNR Contact: Gretchen Leslie at 717­772­9084 or send email to: gleslie@pa.gov. (formal notice) March 24­­ DEP Water Resources Advisory Committee meeting. Room 105 Rachel Carson Building. 9:30. DEP Contact: Sean Gimbel, Office of Water Management, 400 Market Street, Harrisburg, PA 17101, 717­783­4693, sgimbel@pa.gov. (formal notice) March 24­­ NEW. DEP Alternative Fuels Incentive Grant Seminar. Harrisburg. March 25­­ Hawk Mountain Sanctuary Kestrel Webcam Educators Workshop. Berks County. March 25­­ The Nature Conservancy­PA: Forest Pools Preserve Walk. Kings Gap Environmental Center, Newville, Cumberland County. 6:30­8:30 p.m. March 28­­ Environmental Quality Board public hearing on proposed changes to public water supply disinfection requirements. DEP Southcentral Regional Office, Susquehanna Room, 909 Elmerton Ave., Harrisburg. 1:00 p.m. A copy of the proposed regulation is available and comments can be submitted via DEP’s eComment webpage (Feb. 20 PA Bulletin­­page 857) March 29­­ Elk County Stream Protection, Water Quality Workshop. Elk County Visitor Center, Benezette. 9:00 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. March 30­­ DEP Conventional Oil and Gas Advisory Committee meeting. Room 105 Rachel Carson Building. 10:00. DEP Contact: Kurt Klapkowski, Office of Oil and Gas Management, 400 Market Street, Harrisburg, PA 17101, 717­772­2199, kklapkowsk@pa.gov. March 30­­ NEW. Partnership For The Delaware Estuary Green $aves Green Stormwater Management Workshop. Phoenixville, Chester County. March 30­­ Project WET Educator Workshop. Brandywine Red Clay Alliance, West Chester. March 31­­ DEP Oil and Gas Technical Advisory Board meeting. Room 105 Rachel Carson Building. 10:00. DEP Contact: Kurt Klapkowski, Office of Oil and Gas Management, 400 Market Street, Harrisburg, PA 17101, 717­772­2199, kklapkowsk@pa.gov. March 31­­ PA Environmental Council Regional Watershed Workshop. Mechanicsburg. March 31­­ Green Stormwater Infrastructure Partners Awards Program. Philadelphia.

March 31­April 1­­ Green Building Alliance Green Schools Conference & Expo. Pittsburgh. April 2­­ Alliance For Chesapeake Bay Project Clean Stream! Chesapeake Bay Watershed. April 2­­ Friends of Fort Washington State Park Volunteer Work Day. Montgomery County. April 4­­ Spring Black History Achievement Awards Banquet Recognizes Ralph Elwood Brock First African American Forester. Coraopolis. April 5­­ Environmental Quality Board public hearing on proposed changes to public water supply disinfection requirements. DEP Southeast Regional Office, 2 East Main St., Norristown. 1:00 p.m. A copy of the proposed regulation is available and comments can be submitted via DEP’s eComment webpage (Feb. 20 PA Bulletin­­page 857) April 5­­ Susquehanna River Basin Commission Developing Aquifer Testing Plans & Groundwater Withdrawal Applications Workshop. Commission’s Conference Center located at 4423 N. Front Street, Harrisburg, PA. Day­Long. April 6­­ PA Environmental Council Regional Watershed Workshop. Scranton. April 6­­ Berks County Conservation District Manure Management For Horse Operations Workshop. Berks County Agricultural Center, 1238 County Welfare Road, Leesport. 6:00 to 9:00 p.m. April 6­7: PA Bar Association Environmental Law Forum. Harrisburg. April 7­­ NEW. House Game and Fisheries Committee hearing on hunting license fees. Room 205 Ryan Building. 10:00. April 7­­ DEP Radiation Protection Advisory Committee meeting. 14th Floor Conference Room, Rachel Carson Building. 9:00. DEP Contact: Joseph Melnic, Bureau of Radiation Protection, 400 Market Street, Harrisburg, PA 17101, 717­783­9730, jmelnic@pa.gov. April 7­­ Environmental Quality Board public hearing on proposed changes to public water supply disinfection requirements. DEP Southwest Regional Office, Building 500, 400 Waterfront Dr., Pittsburgh. 1:00 p.m. A copy of the proposed regulation is available and comments can be submitted via DEP’s eComment webpage (Feb. 20 PA Bulletin­­page 857) April 8­­ Berks County Conservation District Manure Management For Horse Operations Workshop. Berks County Agricultural Center, 1238 County Welfare Road, Leesport. 6:00 to 9:00 p.m. April 12­­ DEP State Board for Certification of Water and Wastewater Plant Operators meeting. 10th Floor conference Room, Rachel Carson Building. 10:00. DEP Contact: Cheri Sansoni,

Bureau of Safe Drinking Water, Operator Certification, 400 Market Street, Harrisburg, PA 17101, 717­772­5158, csansoni@pa.gov. April 13­­ DEP Technical Advisory Committee On Diesel­Powered Equipment meeting. DEP New Stanton Office, 131 Broadview Rd., New Stanton. 10:00. Contact: Allison Gaida, agaida@pa.gov. April 14­­ DEP Air Quality Technical Advisory Committee meeting. Room 105 Rachel Carson Building. 9:15. Contact: Nancy Herb, nherb@pa.gov. April 14­­ PA Environmental Council Regional Watershed Workshop. King of Prussia. April 14­­ NEW. Clean Water Counts: York County Town Hall Reception On Water Quality Issues. Wrightsville. April 14­15­­ Registration Open. West Branch Susquehanna Restoration Symposium. Toftrees Resort and Conference Center, State College. April 15­­ Penn State Extension, DCNR Tree Tenders Training. Scranton. April 18­­ Lunch And Learn With Grey Towers Heritage Association. Pike County. April 19­­ DEP Mine Families First Response & Communications Advisory Council meeting. DEP New Stanton Office, 131 Broadview Rd., New Stanton. 10:00. DEP Contact: Allison Gaida, Bureau of Mine Safety, Department of Environmental Protection, New Stanton Office, 131 Broadview Road, New Stanton, PA 15672, 724­404­3147, agaida@pa.gov. April 21­­ Independent Regulatory Review Commission meets to consider final Chapter 78 Drilling Regulations. 333 Market St., 14th Floor, Harrisburg. 9:00 a.m. April 22­­ Berks County Conservation District Annual Tree Seedling Sale. April 23­­ Centre County Watershed Cleanup Day. April 23­­ Grey Towers Heritage Association 8K Run/Walk. Pike County.\ April 27­­ Agenda Posted. DEP Small Business Compliance Advisory Committee meeting. 12th Floor Conference Room, Rachel Carson Building. 10:00. DEP Contact: Nancy Herb, Bureau of Air Quality, 400 Market Street, Harrisburg, PA 17101, 717­783­9269, nherb@pa.gov. April 30­­ PA Resources Council Pharmaceutical Collection Events In Allegheny County. 4 Locations. 10:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. April 30­­ NEW. Foods Of The Delaware Highlands Dinner. Hawley, Wayne County.

May 4­­ PA Groundwater Symposium. Ramada Inn Conference Center, State College. May 7­­ PA Resources Council Household Chemical Collection Event. Allegheny County, North Park Swimming Pool. 9:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. May 10­­ Wildlife for Everyone Governor Tom Ridge Wetlands Thru The Camera Lens Student Program. Centre County. May 10­12­­ NEW. PA American Water Works Association Annual Conference. Bethlehem Sands Hotel and Casino, Bethlehem. May 11­­ PA Parks & Forests Foundation 2016 Awards Banquet. Camp Hill, Cumberland County. May 11­13­­ PA Association of Environmental Professionals Annual Conference. State College. May 13­15­­ PA Outdoor Writers Association Spring Conference. Sayre, Bradford County. Conference details are coming together. Contact Nick Sisley by email to: nicksisley@hotmail.com with any questions. May 13­15­­ Susquehanna Greenway: Susquehanna River Sojourn Sayer to Sugar Run. May 14­­ NEW. Foundation for Sustainable Forests Loving The Land Through Working Forests. Corry, Erie County. May 17­­ Susquehanna River Basin Commission Developing Aquifer Testing Plans & Groundwater Withdrawal Applications Workshop. Commission’s Conference Center located at 4423 N. Front Street, Harrisburg, PA. Day­Long. May 21­­ PA Resources Council Household Chemical Collection Event. Cambria County, Concurrent Technologies Corp. ETF Facility, Johnstown. 9:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. June 3­5­­ PA Environmental Council Environment Ride. Philadelphia to Bethlehem back to Philadelphia. June 7­­ DEP Storage Tank Advisory Committee meeting. Room 105 Rachel Carson Building. 10:00. DEP Contact: Charles M. Swokel, Bureau of Environmental Cleanup and Brownfields, 400 Market Street, Harrisburg, PA 17101, 717­772­5806 or (800) 428­2657 ((800) 42­TANKS) within the Commonwealth, cswokel@pa.gov. (formal notice) June 12­17­­ Susquehanna Greenway: Susquehanna River Sojourn Laceyville to Shickshinny. June 17­19­­ Susquehanna Greenway: Susquehanna River Sojourn Shickshinny To Sunbury. July 9­­ PA Resources Council Household Chemical Collection Event. Washington County,

Washington County Fairgrounds. 9:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. August 13­­ PA Resources Council Household Chemical Collection Event. Allegheny County, Boyce Park Four Seasons Ski Lodge parking lot. 9:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. September 17­­ PA Resources Council Household Chemical Collection Event. Allegheny County, South Park Wave Pool parking lot. 9:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. September 22­­ DEP Recycling Fund Advisory Committee meeting. Room 105 Rachel Carson Building. 10:00. DEP Contact: Keith Ashley, Bureau of Waste Management, 400 Market Street, Harrisburg, PA 17101, 717­787­2553, riashley@pa.gov. September 22­­ Penn State Extension Dive Deeper III Water Educator Summit. The Central Hotel & Conference Center, Harrisburg. October 7­­ DEP Low­Level Radioactive Waste Advisory Committee meeting. Room 105 Rachel Carson Building. 10:00. DEP Contact: Rich Janati, Bureau of Radiation Protection, 400 Market Street, Harrisburg, PA 17101, 717­787­2147, rjanati@pa.gov. October 8­­ PA Resources Council Household Chemical Collection Event. Beaver County, Bradys Run Park Recycling Center. 9:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. October 26­28­­ Pennsylvania Brownfields Conference. Lancaster Convention Center, Lancaster. Visit DEP’s Public Participation Center for public participation opportunities. Click Here to sign up for DEP News a biweekly newsletter from the Department. Sign Up For DEP’s eNotice: Did you know DEP can send you email notices of permit applications submitted in your community? Notice of new technical guidance documents and regulations? All through its eNotice system. Click Here to sign up. DEP Regulations In Process Proposed Regulations Open For Comment ­ DEP webpage Submit Comments on Proposals Through DEP’s eComment System Proposed Regulations With Closed Comment Periods ­ DEP webpage Recently Finalized Regulations ­ DEP webpage DEP Regulatory Update ­ DEP webpage Feb. 27 DEP Regulatory Agenda ­ PA Bulletin, page 1123 DEP Technical Guidance In Process Draft Technical Guidance Documents ­ DEP webpage Technical Guidance Comment Deadlines ­ DEP webpage Submit Comments on Proposals Through DEP’s eComment System Recently Closed Comment Periods For Technical Guidance ­ DEP webpage

Technical Guidance Recently Finalized ­ DEP webpage Copies of Final Technical Guidance ­ DEP webpage DEP Non­Regulatory/Technical Guidance Documents Agenda (Feb. 1, 2016) ­ DEP webpage Other DEP Proposals For Public Review Other Proposals Open For Public Comment ­ DEP webpage Submit Comments on Proposals Through DEP’s eComment System Recently Closed Comment Periods For Other Proposals ­ DEP webpage Other Proposals Recently Finalized ­ DEP webpage DEP Facebook Page DEP Twitter Feed DEP YouTube Channel Click Here for links to DEP’s Advisory Committee webpages. DEP Calendar of Events DCNR Calendar of Events Note: The Environmental Education Workshop Calendar is no longer available from the PA Center for Environmental Education because funding for the Center was eliminated in the FY 2011­12 state budget. The PCEE website was also shutdown, but some content was moved to the PA Association of Environmental Educators' website. Senate Committee Schedule House Committee Schedule You can watch the Senate Floor Session and House Floor Session live online. Add Green Works In PA To Your Google+ Circle Grants & Awards This section gives you a heads up on upcoming deadlines for awards and grants and other recognition programs. NEW means new from last week. March 14­­ PHMC Historic Preservation Grants March 18­­ Pittsburgh TreeVitalize Grants In Allegheny County March 18­­ Open Space Institute Delaware Watershed Capital Grants March 21­­ NEW. West Branch Susquehanna River Orange Rock Awards March 21­­ PA American Water Stream Of Learning Scholarships March 21­­ PAEP Karl Mason, Walter Lyon Awards March 24­­ NEW. Champion Of PA Wilds’ Awards March 25­­ Mid­Atlantic Panel On Aquatic Invasive Species Grant Proposals March 25­­ Game Commission Seedlings For Schools Program March 30­­ Delaware Highlands Conservancy College Scholarships March 30­­ PA American Water Protect Our Watershed Student Art Contest March 31­­ DEP Host Municipal Inspector Grants March 31­­ Delaware Water Resources Assn. College Scholarship

March 31­­ NEW. Schuylkill Action Network Scholastic Drinking Water Awards March 31­­ NEW. USDA Farm Conservation Practices Funding For PA April 1­­ PA American Water Environmental Grant Program April 1­­ CFA Alternative And Clean Energy Grants April 1­­ Northeast PA Audubon Environmental Ed Scholarship April 8­­ EPA Environmental Education Grants April 13­­ DCNR Community Conservation Partnerships Grant Program April 15­­ NEW. USDA Bedford, Blair Farm Conservation Practices Funding April 15­­ Recycling Partnership Grants April 26­­ EPA Clean Diesel Grants April 30­ Abele College Scholarship Applications April 30­­ Northeast PA Audubon College Scholarship April 30­­ York­Lancaster Counties Habitat Improvement Grants May­­ CFA Renewable Energy­Geothermal And Wind Grants May­­ CFA High Performance Building Grants May 3­­ Energy Sprout Sustainable Energy Design Competition May 16­­ NEW. EPA Presidential Environmental Education Innovation Award May 31­­ $2K Scholarships By National Assn. Of Abandoned Mine Land Programs June 3­­ Great American Cleanup of PA Video Contest June 30­­ CFA Act 13 Watershed Restoration Grants June 30­­ CFA Act 13 Abandoned Mine Drainage Abatement And Treatment Grants June 30­­ CFA Act 13 Orphan Or Abandoned Well Plugging Grant Program June 30­­ CFA Act 13 Baseline Water Quality Data Grant Program June 30­­ CFA Act 13 Sewage Facilities Grant Program June 30­­ CFA Act 13 Flood Mitigation Grant Program June 30­­ CFA Act 13 Greenways, Trails And Recreation Grant Program June 30­­ Susquehanna Greenways Partnership Photo Contest June 30­­ Energypath Conference Student/Educator Scholarships July­­ CFA Renewable Energy­Geothermal And Wind Grants July­­ CFA High Performance Building Grants September­­ CFA Renewable Energy­Geothermal And Wind Grants September­­ CFA High Performance Building Grants October 31­­ PA Resources Council Lens On Litter Photo Contest December 31­­ DEP Alternative Fuels Incentive Grants ­­ Visit the DEP Grant, Loan and Rebate Programs webpage for more ideas on how to get financial assistance for environmental projects. ­­ Visit the DCNR Apply for Grants webpage for a listing of financial assistance available from DCNR. Add Green Works In PA To Your Google+ Circle Environmental NewsClips ­ All Topics

Here are NewsClips from around the state on all environmental topics, including General Environment, Budget, Marcellus Shale, Watershed Protection and much more. The latest environmental NewsClips and news is available at the PA Environment Digest Daily Blog, Twitter Feed and add us to your Google+ Circle. Former Sen. William Stewart Passes Away Air Editorial: Supreme Court: 2 Blows Against Liberty Obama Seeks Tighter Rules On Methane From Oil, Gas Wells U.S., Canada Agree To Cut Methane Emissions U.S., Canada To Cut Methane Emissions From Oil & Gas Wells U.S., Canada To Cut Emissions From Existing Oil, Gas Wells Methane Regs Could Mean Big Changes For Natural Gas Industry Letter: Shale­Related Methane Emissions Continue To Drop Letter: Time For PA To Combat Climate Change Alternative/Renewable Energy Interest Renewed In Offshore Wind Projects In Erie Questions Over Solar Standards As Capacity Outpaces Utility Demand Philly Council Members Wants Solar On Philly School Buildings Solar Energy Industry Poised For Record­Setting Year Awards & Recognition Carol Collier Named To AICP College Of Fellows Biodiversity/Invasive Species Attacking Invasive Species Begins In The Classroom Budget Bumsted: Adolph Accuses Wolf Of Creating Budget Crisis Adolph: No Meetings On Overdue Budget Since December PLS: A Budget In 30 Days? Some Think So PA Agricultural Community Rallies To Support Funding Budget Battle Forces PA Ag Programs To Plan Layoffs PLS Video: Penn State Extension Warns Of Funding Crisis Game Commission Cuts Project WILD Education Program PA Wildlife, Outdoor Recreation Snag $33.5M In Federal Funds Auditor General To Review Act 13 Drilling Fee Expenditures Chesapeake Bay Commitments Editorial: Supreme Court: 2 Blows Against Liberty Climate Methane Regs Could Mean Big Changes For Natural Gas Industry Obama Seeks Tighter Rules On Methane From Oil, Gas Wells U.S., Canada Agree To Cut Methane Emissions U.S., Canada To Cut Methane Emissions From Oil & Gas Wells U.S., Canada To Cut Emissions From Existing Oil, Gas Wells Letter: Shale­Related Methane Emissions Continue To Drop Letter: Time For PA To Combat Climate Change

Compliance Action State Warns Of High Lead In Spring Water Near Adamstown SRBC Fines Cabot Again For Drilling Without Water Approvals Steelton Receives Third Drinking Water Violation Deep Mine Safety New Books Revisits Sheppton Mine Disaster, Explores Mythology Delaware River Delaware Riverkeeper March 4 Riverwatch Video Report Drinking Water State Warns Of High Lead In Spring Water Near Adamstown Flint’s Water Crisis Carries Echoes Of Erie Steelton Receives Third Drinking Water Violation Lead In Pittsburgh’s Drinking Water On The Rise PA Comes Up Short On Funding For Lead Testing, Cleanup Lehigh Authority Sues Allentown Over Water­Sewer Deal Economic Development Secret Energy Strategy Could Transform NE PA Education Lackawanna Environmental Center Plans Kids Nature Program Game Commission Cuts Project WILD Education Program Attacking Invasive Species Begins In The Classroom Grants Awarded To Gannon Environmental Science Dept. Point Park U To Launch Environmental Journalism Program Energy Bruce Mansfield Power Plant Taken Offline Due To Prices FirstEnergy Idles Western PA Coal Plant On Electric Prices Advocates Blame Law, Policy Change For People Without Heat Berwick Nuclear Plant Gets Clean Bill Of Health Energy Spotlight: Marty Richey, Nuclear Power Industry Editorial: Nuclear Disposal Needed, But Not At Lake Huron Jessup Council Paves Way For Natural Gas Power Plant Editorial: Jessup Power Plant And Power Of Reason Op­Ed: Develop PA’s Energy Infrastructure FirstEnergy Installing Smart Meters In Erie Secret Energy Strategy Could Transform NE PA Foundation Seeking Miners’ Names For Wall Of Honor More Electricity Generated By Natural Gas Than Coal Alpha Coal Changes Course In Bankruptcy Environmental Heritage New Books Revisits Sheppton Mine Disaster, Explores Mythology Flooding Luzerne County Flood Protection Authority Has New HQ Jermyn Gets Update On Flood Prevention Project Forests Prescribed Burn At Fort Indiantown Gap

Fort Indiantown Gap Spring Burn Season Crews Struggle To Contain Dauphin County Mountain Fire Dauphin County Mountain Fire Under Control Questions Remain About Gypsy Moth Spraying In Nuangola Green Infrastructure AP: EPA: Plan To Reduce Sewage Overflow In Pittsburgh Addresses Concerns EPA Gives ALCOSAN More Time For Wet Weather Control Plan EPA Tells ALCOSAN To Follow Plan To Reduce Sewer Overflows Kansas City Model For Wet Weather Control Encouraged Project Aims To Slow Inner City Erie Runoff Hazardous Sites Cleanup Military To Check For Water Contamination At 664 Sites, Including PA Illegal Dumping/Litter Control Volunteers Needed For March 19 Red Clay Valley Clean Up Dump Site Cleaned Up By Benton Twp Workers Erie Twp Asks Recyclers To Police Drop­Off Site Lake Erie Great Lakes Ice Cover Far Different From 2015 Land Conservation Wissahickon Looks To Rezone To Boost Preservation Efforts French Creek Properties Get Permanent Protection Land Use Planning Robinson Court Decision Could Be Big Win For Environmentalists Zoning Protection Of Natural Resources At Issue In 2 Cases Wissahickon Looks To Rezone To Boost Preservation Efforts Mine Reclamation $13.4M Project Will Remove Ehrenfeld Waste Coal Pile Rosebud Gets $13M Mine Reclamation Contract Oil & Gas PA Supreme Court Hears Challenges To Act 13 Oil & Gas Act PA Supreme Court Hears Challenge To Drilling Laws PA Supreme Court Weighs Major Gas Drilling Laws PA High Court Hears Issues On Oil, Gas Activity Robinson Court Decision Could Be Big Win For Environmentalists Jury Awards Dimock Couples $4.24M, Cabot Will Appeal AP: PA Families Win $4.24M Verdict Against Gas Driller Jury Awards $4.24M To 2 Families In Dimock Tainted Water Case Jury Awards $4.24M To Dimock Families For Water Contamination Families Win $4.24M Verdict Against Gas Driller Jury Awards Last Dimock Plaintiffs $4.2M Over Well Contamination Judge Dismisses Part Of Dimock Water Contamination Case Closing Arguments Set In Dimock Water Contamination Case SRBC Fines Cabot Again For Drilling Without Water Approvals Sunoco Logistics Hails Completion Of Mariner East 1 Pipeline Mariner East 1 Pipeline Delivering Shale Gas To World

Wolf Hails Shale Ethane Exports Sunoco Begins 1st Exports Of Shale Ethane Via Marcus Hook Environmentalists Target Philly Energy Hub Port Proposals Philadelphia Fails To Find Common Ground On Energy Hub FERC Has Never Rejected A Pipeline Plan Landowners To Court: Don’t Let Sunoco Take Our Land Lawmakers Review One Call Program For Buried Gas Lines Maple Farm Owner Angry Over Senseless Removal Of Trees For Pipeline Williams Delays Construction Of Constitution Pipeline Constitution Pipeline Delayed, Hundreds Of Trees Cut Down Constitution Pipeline Delayed By Lack Of NY Permit TransCanada In Talks To Buy Columbia Pipeline Group Drillers Dramatically Scale Back Well Operations Drilling Cutback Reduces Money For Tourism Obama Seeks Tighter Rules On Methane From Oil, Gas Wells U.S., Canada Agree To Cut Methane Emissions U.S., Canada To Cut Methane Emissions From Oil & Gas Wells U.S., Canada To Cut Emissions From Existing Oil, Gas Wells Methane Regs Could Mean Big Changes For Natural Gas Industry Letter: Shale­Related Methane Emissions Continue To Drop Letter: Time For PA To Combat Climate Change Jessup Council Paves Way For Natural Gas Power Plant Editorial: Jessup Power Plant And Power Of Reason Chester County Landfill Gas Used Instead Of Shale Gas Op­Ed: Develop PA’s Energy Infrastructure Southwest Counties Keep Faith With Shale Gas Industry States, Gas Industry: Feds Do Not Have Power To Regulate Fracking Boston Startup Sees Market For Frack Water Gas Utility: House Explosion Isolated Incident PA Drilling Rig Count Up By 3 This Week Pittsburgh Gasoline Rises To $1.90/Gallon Have Oil Prices Bottomed Out? Who’s The Real Anti­Fracking Candidate: Clinton, Sanders? Personnel Carol Collier Named To AICP College Of Fellows Recreation Susquehanna River Island Cabins Can Stay For Now Presque Isle Official Weigh Sand Options Editorial: Presque Isle Needs More Money For Sand Lehigh Canal Volunteer Work Changed Her Life East Park Discovery Center Plan Presented In Philadelphia Couple’s Campaign To Rescue Historic Appalachian Trail Hotel Money Pouring In To Save Historic Appalachian Trail Hotel Great Places To Take A Hike In Pennsylvania Bike Sharing Safer Than Riding Personal Bike

Editorial: Get To Luzerne County’s Outdoor Gems Pittsburgh Just Hired Some Goats National Parks Can’t Cover Their Costs Recycling/Waste Erie Twp Asks Recyclers To Police Drop­Off Site Stormwater Management Project Aims To Slow Inner City Erie Runoff Susquehanna River Susquehanna River Island Cabins Can Stay For Now Wastewater Treatment AP: EPA: Plan To Reduce Sewage Overflow In Pittsburgh Addresses Concerns EPA Gives ALCOSAN More Time For Wet Weather Control Plan EPA Tells ALCOSAN To Follow Plan To Reduce Sewer Overflows Kansas City Model For Wet Weather Control Encouraged Lehigh Authority Sues Allentown Over Water­Sewer Deal Watershed Protection AP: EPA: Plan To Reduce Sewage Overflow In Pittsburgh Addresses Concerns EPA Gives ALCOSAN More Time For Wet Weather Control Plan EPA Tells ALCOSAN To Follow Plan To Reduce Sewer Overflows Kansas City Model For Wet Weather Control Encouraged Editorial: Supreme Court: 2 Blows Against Liberty Trout To Boost Environmental Protection Of Maiden Creek Great Lakes Ice Cover Far Different From 2015 Latest From The Chesapeake Bay Journal Click Here to subscribe to the Chesapeake Bay Journal Wildlife PA Wildlife, Outdoor Recreation Snag $33.5M In Federal Funds Trout To Boost Environmental Protection Of Maiden Creek Game Commission Cuts Project WILD Education Program Prescribed Burn At Fort Indiantown Gap Fort Indiantown Gap Spring Burn Season Why The Game Commission Needs A Hunting License Increase East Park Discovery Center Plan Presented In Philadelphia Harmar Bald Eagles Produce First Egg Editorial: Closing Middle Creek Wildlife Area Shouldn’t Fly Video: Bird Watchers Flock To Middle Creek Wildlife Area Game Commission Q/A About Closing Middle Creek Ancient Sport Of Falconry Now A Modern Hobby Crable: Wilderness Medicine Advocate Walks The Walk Editorial: Hunting For Sunday Hunting Rationale Zika Virus 6th Case Of Zika In PA Confirmed Zika Outbreak: The More We Learn, The Worse Things Seem Other Soft Drinks, Hard Lobbying

Punxsutawney Phil May Have Been Right Click Here For This Week's Allegheny Front Radio Program Regulations, Technical Guidance & Permits The Environmental Quality Board published notice of a correction to its notice of a proposed regulation making changes to Class A Trout Stream redesignations in the March 12 PA Bulletin. Pennsylvania Bulletin ­ March 12, 2016 Sign Up For DEP’s eNotice: Did you know DEP can send you email notices of permit applications submitted in your community? Notice of new technical guidance documents and regulations? All through its eNotice system. Click Here to sign up. DEP Regulations In Process Proposed Regulations Open For Comment ­ DEP webpage Submit Comments on Proposals Through DEP’s eComment System Proposed Regulations With Closed Comment Periods ­ DEP webpage Recently Finalized Regulations ­ DEP webpage DEP Regulatory Update ­ DEP webpage Feb. 27 DEP Regulatory Agenda ­ PA Bulletin, page 1123 Technical Guidance & Permits The Department of Environmental Protection published notice of the rescission of technical guidance related to registration of aboveground and underground storage tanks in the March 12 PA Bulletin. Questions regarding this action should be directed to Eric Lingle at 717­783­2403 or elingle@pa.gov. DEP published notice of changes to the list of those certified to perform radon­related activities in the March 12 PA Bulletin (page 1388). DEP Technical Guidance In Process Draft Technical Guidance Documents ­ DEP webpage Technical Guidance Comment Deadlines ­ DEP webpage Submit Comments on Proposals Through DEP’s eComment System Recently Closed Comment Periods For Technical Guidance ­ DEP webpage Technical Guidance Recently Finalized ­ DEP webpage Copies of Final Technical Guidance ­ DEP webpage DEP Non­Regulatory/Technical Guidance Documents Agenda (Feb. 1, 2016) ­ DEP webpage Other DEP Proposals For Public Review Other Proposals Open For Public Comment ­ DEP webpage Submit Comments on Proposals Through DEP’s eComment System

Recently Closed Comment Periods For Other Proposals ­ DEP webpage Other Proposals Recently Finalized ­ DEP webpage Visit DEP’s Public Participation Center for public participation opportunities. Click Here to sign up for DEP News a biweekly newsletter from the Department. DEP Facebook Page DEP Twitter Feed DEP YouTube Channel Click Here for links to DEP’s Advisory Committee webpages. DEP Calendar of Events DCNR Calendar of Events Add Green Works In PA To Your Google+ Circle CLICK HERE To Print Entire PA Environment Digest CLICK HERE to Print The Entire PA Environment Digest. Stories Invited Send your stories, photos and links to videos about your project, environmental issues or programs for publication in the PA Environment Digest to: DHess@CrisciAssociates.com. PA Environment Digest is edited by David E. Hess, former Secretary Pennsylvania Department of Environmental Protection, and is published as a service of Crisci Associates, a Harrisburg­based government and public affairs firm whose clients include Fortune 500 companies and nonprofit organizations. Did you know you can search 10 years of back issues of the PA Environment Digest on dozens of topics, by county and on any keyword you choose? Just click on the search page. PA Environment Digest weekly was the winner of the PA Association of Environmental Educators' 2009 Business Partner of the Year Award. Supporting Member PA Outdoor Writers Assn./PA Trout Unlimited PA Environment Digest is a supporting member of the Pennsylvania Outdoor Writers Association, Pennsylvania Council Trout Unlimited and the Doc Fritchey Chapter Trout Unlimited.