pa environment digest may 6, 2013

7/30/2019 Pa Environment Digest May 6, 2013

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

Winner 2009 PAEE Business Partner Of The Year Award

Harrisburg, Pa May 6, 2013

Gov. Ridge To Be Honored By 10,000 Friends For Smart Growth Initiatives

10,000 Friends of Pennsylvania is honoring Gov. Tom Ridge with the

Mark C. Schneider Award for his Smart Growth initiatives and to

celebrate his accomplishments as Governor as part of its Commonwealth

Awards Program.A special event will be held on June 19 at the Crowne Plaza in

Harrisburg to honor Gov. Ridge.

Among the landmark achievements of Gov. Ridge's gubernatorial

administration were the creation of the 21st Century Environment

Commission, the Interagency Land Use Team, the Growing Greener initiative and numerous

departmental initiatives to preserve open space and green space, promote sound land use, and reinvest

programmatically in existing communities.

As his administration advanced environmental and "green" initiatives before they were

commonplace and commonly accepted, please join us in honoring the leadership, vision, commitment,

and dedicationGov. Ridge has shown through a lifetime of service in government, as an elected official, and in

the private sector to the cause of protecting and preserving Pennsylvania's natural resources, promoting

responsible land use, and revitalizing our existing communities.

10,000 Friends is the leading statewide voice for great places to live and work. As the leading

advocate for responsible land use, we work with citizens, organizations, and public officials to create

land use, infrastructure, and governance policies, projects, and practices that protect our resources,

strengthen our economy, and improve our quality of life.

The group supports local and state government agencies, regional and community leaders,

private firms and practitioners working to preserve or build great places.

The Mark C. Schneider award, formerly known simply as the "Friend of Pennsylvania" award,is 10,000 Friends' highest honor. The award, which honors the exemplary service and contributions of

our late friend and Board Chairman, is exclusive-only seven have been awarded since the

Commonwealth Awards began in 2003.

The Mark C. Schneider Award is given "In Recognition of Exemplary and Outstanding

Contributions to Policies and Projects that Advance the Vision and Mission of 10,000 Friends to

Improve the Quality of Life for all Pennsylvanians through Responsible and Efficient Land Use."
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DEP Releases Initial Susquehanna River Sampling Results

The Department of Environmental Protection Thursday released an initial Susquehanna River Sampling

Report, explaining the latest results from an aggressive sampling effort across the Susquehanna River.

Work is continuing across the watershed this spring and summer as the scope of the study

broadens to include more tributaries of the three main sections of the Susquehanna watershed: theJuniata River, Main Stem and West Branch of the Susquehanna.

The results of the 2012 report speak to the complexity of this issue and the need to continue to

keep pushing forward with our partners at the Fish and Boat Commission, the Susquehanna River Basin

Commission and the U.S. Geologic Survey, DEP Acting Secretary Chris Abruzzo said.

Were not at a place yet where data supports one theory over another as it relates to the

conditions experienced by the smallmouth bass, but were leaving no stone unturned as we continue to

search for answers, Abruzzo said. Water quality data does not at this time support an impairment

designation of the lower Susquehanna, and such a designation does not come with any guarantee of

federal funding or resources.

Sampling Report WebinarDEP will hold a webinar to discuss the results on May 9, from 2 to 3 p.m. Click Here to

register for this event.

The 2012 report, available online, discusses what data DEP biologists collected at eight sites in

the Susquehanna basin, two of which were along the Juniata River, and at one control site in the

Delaware River. DEP staff spent 187 days on the river last year collecting hundreds of samples.

All dissolved oxygen levels across the eight sites were acceptable compared with the current

dissolved oxygen criteria. Phosphorus, nitrogen and nitrate levels were higher at the Delaware River

control site than at any site in the Susquehanna River. Within the Susquehanna River basin, sample

results for these pollutants were higher at the Juniata River sites.

DEP biologists also applied an established water quality index method that uses the number anddiversity of aquatic insects as a barometer. The results indicate the Susquehanna River north of

Harrisburg water quality is between fair and good, according to the index, with greater richness of

aquatic life than the Delaware River site. DEP recognizes this sampling method and results are only a

starting point, as many more sites need to be sampled and the fish community as a whole needs to be

evaluated throughout the river.

Samples taken near Harrisburg show that water quality can vary greatly across one

cross-section of the river, representative of the three large waterways that make up the Susquehanna

watershed: the Juniata River, Main Stem and West Branch.

DEP recently announced its work plan for 2013, broadening the scope of the study and the

2012 sampling. The 2013 work plan includes greater study of the Juniata and additional sampling across

the tributaries of the three major waterways.

DEP is providing regular updates on its website about it and PFBCs ongoing efforts, which

include analysis of water quality, water flow, sediment, pesticides, hormones, invertebrates, fish tissue

and other areas of study.

Portions of the study focus on areas of the river or its tributaries where smallmouth bass

reproduce.

DEP continues to wait for final approval from the U.S. Environmental Protection
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Agency of its final 2012 Integrated Waters report, a biannual assessment of the states rivers and

streams that the federal Clean Water Act requires.

The report describes the health of various waterways in the state and, where appropriate and

based on sound science, DEP proposes listing waterways as impaired.

To read the report and for more background information, visit DEPs Susquehanna River

Sampling webpage.

Independent Fiscal Office: PA Faces $520 Million Deficit In Crafting FY 2013-14 Budget

The Independent Fiscal Office issued its latest state revenue estimates Wednesday saying budget

makers will face a $520 million deficit in developing the FY 2013-14 state budget-- a $242 million

deficit from FY 2012-13 and a $278 million deficit in FY 2013-14.

The Governors Budget Office predicted a $238 million surplus from FY 2012-13 and a higher

growing rate in FY 2013-14 leading to more revenue.

Pennsylvania collected $3.6 billion in General Fund revenue in April, which was $31.7 million,

or 0.9 percent, more than anticipated, Secretary of Revenue Dan Meuser reported Wednesday. Fiscalyear-to-date General Fund collections total $23.9 billion, which is $67.2 million, or 0.3 percent, above

estimate.

A spokeperson for the Department of Revenue agreed it was now unlikely the Administrations

prediction of an FY 2012-13 budget surplus will materialize, but said they do not know what the

number will be. She said they are taking another look at the numbers.

Sen. Jake Corman (R-Centre), Majority Chair of the Senate Appropriations Committee, said

he thought there would be no surplus from FY 2012-13 and it presents the budget negotiators with the

challenge of making more cuts or adding revenue to meet the Governors projected numbers.

Sen. Corman added this makes it even more difficult to consider any additional education

funding or expanding Medicaid. In addition, he said the complete phase-out of the Capital Stock andFranchise Tax may well be delayed.

Pension reform is also another major issue. Gov. Corbetts budget assumes the General

Assembly will enact pension reform legislation and included an over $300 million savings in his budget

based on that assumption.

The next revenue estimate by the IFO will come on June 17.

Click Here for a copy of the full report. Click Here for a copy of the IFO presentation.

NewsClips:

Independent Fiscal Office Forecasts $520 Million Shortfall

State Revenue Growth Not Panning OutState Revenue Picture Not Looking As Rosy

Did You Know You Can Search 8 Years Of Digests On Any Topic?

Did you know you can search 8 years of back issues of the PA Environment Digest on dozens of

topics, by county and on any key word you choose. Just click on the search page.
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Senate/House Agenda/Session Schedule/Bills Introduced

Here are the Senate and House Calendars and Committee meetings showing bills of interest as well as a

list of new environmental bills introduced--

Session Schedule

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

Senate

May 6, 7, 8, 9, 13, 14

June 3, 4, 5, 10, 11, 12, 17, 18, 19, 24, 25, 26, 27, 28

House

May 6, 7, 8, 13, 14, 15

June 3, 4, 5, 10, 11, 12, 17, 18, 19, 20, 24, 25, 26, 27, 28

Bill Calendars
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House (May 6):House Bill 302 (Moul-R-Adams) transferring funds from the Oil and Gas Lease Fund

to DEP for a competitive grant program to convert small mass transit bus fleets to natural gas House

Bill 303 (Moul-R-Adams) transferring funds from the Oil and Gas Lease Fund to DEP for a competitive

grant program to convert large mass transit fleets to natural gas House Bill 304 (Marshall-R-Beaver)

funding conversions of transit buses to natural gas House Bill 306 (Pickett-R-Bradford) redirecting the

Alternative Fuels Incentive Fund to create the Keystone Fuel Incentive Program to fund conversions ofvehicles to natural gas House Bill 308 (Saylor-R-York) redirecting $6 million annually from the Clean

Air Fund to finance vehicle conversions to natural gasHouse Resolution 129 (Causer-R-Forest)

directing the Legislative Budget and Finance Committee to investigate combining the Game and Fish an

Boat Commissions. Click Here for full House Bill Calendar.

Senate (May 6):Senate Bill 738 (Yaw-R-Lycoming) providing for natural gas distribution system

extension, expansion plans and Senate Bill 739 (Yaw-R-Lycoming) authorizing the Commonwealth

Financing Authority to provide $15 million for school, hospital, small businesses to obtain access to

natural gas. Click Here for full Senate Bill Calendar.

Committee Meeting Agendas This Week

House: the Consumer Affairs Committee meets to considerHouse Bill 1047 (Godshall-R-

Montgomery) repeal the sunset provisions on Chapter 14 related to utility termination and reconnection,

House Bill 1188 (Payne-R- Dauphin) providing for adjustments to the cost of natural gas. Click

Here for full House Committee Schedule.

Senate: the Consumer Protection and Professional Licensure Committee holds a hearing on

utility storm response. Click Here for full Senate Committee Schedule.

Other: Environmental Issues Forum by the Joint Legislative Air and Water Pollution Control and

Conservation Committee featuring Fish and Boat Commission Executive Director John Arway with a

presentation entitled Fish and Boat Commission Fiscal Slope: Spending Reallocation Plan and Revenue

Generating Options.

Bills Pending In Key Committees

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

HouseAppropriations

Education

Environmental Resources and Energy

Consumer Affairs

Gaming Oversight

Human Services

Judiciary
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egis.state.pa.us%2Fcfdocs%2Fbillinfo%2Fbillinfo.cfm%3Fsyear%3D2013%26sind%3D0%26body%3DH%26type%3DB%26bn%3D304&sa=D&sntz=1&usg=AFQjCNEz6nfUxMvHGMUHQFcVTeU0z2eMvghttp://www.google.com/url?q=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.legis.state.pa.us%2Fcfdocs%2Fbillinfo%2Fbillinfo.cfm%3Fsyear%3D2013%26sInd%3D0%26body%3DH%26type%3DB%26bn%3D303&sa=D&sntz=1&usg=AFQjCNHHYKfA5IGo1ZJ70hfx8ptv0FJNdghttp://www.google.com/url?q=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.legis.state.pa.us%2Fcfdocs%2Fbillinfo%2Fbillinfo.cfm%3Fsyear%3D2013%26sInd%3D0%26body%3DH%26type%3DB%26bn%3D303&sa=D&sntz=1&usg=AFQjCNHHYKfA5IGo1ZJ70hfx8ptv0FJNdghttp://www.google.com/url?q=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.legis.state.pa.us%2Fcfdocs%2Fbillinfo%2Fbillinfo.cfm%3Fsyear%3D2013%26sInd%3D0%26body%3DH%26type%3DB%26bn%3D303&sa=D&sntz=1&usg=AFQjCNHHYKfA5IGo1ZJ70hfx8ptv0FJNdghttp://www.google.com/url?q=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.legis.state.pa.us%2Fcfdocs%2Fbillinfo%2Fbillinfo.cfm%3Fsyear%3D2013%26sInd%3D0%26body%3DH%26type%3DB%26bn%3D302&sa=D&sntz=1&usg=AFQjCNHudtyRQc1qIXWr2XYhEEE94ODKlghttp://www.google.com/url?q=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.legis.state.pa.us%2Fcfdocs%2Fbillinfo%2Fbillinfo.cfm%3Fsyear%3D2013%26sInd%3D0%26body%3DH%26type%3DB%26bn%3D302&sa=D&sntz=1&usg=AFQjCNHudtyRQc1qIXWr2XYhEEE94ODKlg


6/28

Liquor Control

Transportation

Links for all other Standing House Committees

Senate

AppropriationsEnvironmental 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--

Transportation Funding:Senate Bill 1 (Rafferty-R-Montgomery) a comprehensive transportation

funding plan which raises about $2.6 billion in annual funding by FY 2017-18-- summary.

Senate/House Bills Moving

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

Senate

Lyme Disease:Senate Bill 177 (Greenleaf-R- Montgomery) establishing a task force on Lyme

disease and related maladies was passed by the Senate and now goes to the House for consideration.

A summary and Senate Fiscal Note are available.

Capital Budget:Senate Bill 680 (Corman-R-Centre) itemized project list for FY 2012-13 Capital

Budget was amended on the Senate Floor and passed by the Senate. A summary and Senate Fiscal

Note are available. The bill now goes to the House for consideration.

Natural Gas Service Extension: Senate Bill 738 (Yaw-R-Lycoming) providing for natural gas

distribution system extension, expansion plans and Senate Bill 739 (Yaw-R-Lycoming) authorizing the

Commonwealth Financing Authority to provide $15 million for school, hospital, small businesses to

obtain access to natural gas were both amended and reported out of the Senate Environmental

Resources and Energy Committee and are now on the Senate Calendar for action.
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7/28

News From The Capitol

Senate Environmental Committee Approves Natural Gas Service Area Extension Bills

The Senate Environmental Resources and Energy Committee Wednesday approved two bills designedto make natural gas service available to more Pennsylvanians, according to Sen. Gene Yaw

(R-Lycoming), Majority Chair of the Senate Environmental Resources and Energy Committee. The

bills include--

-- Senate Bill 738 (Yaw-R-Lycoming) providing for natural gas distribution system extension, expansion

plans and

-- Senate Bill 739 (Yaw-R-Lycoming) authorizing the Commonwealth Financing Authority to provide

$15 million for school, hospital, small businesses to obtain access to natural gas

This legislation will provide Pennsylvania homeowners, businesses, schools and hospitals with

an alternative to their current heating source by encouraging natural gas utilities to identify areas that are

presently not served by natural gas and expand or extend infrastructure into those areas, Sen. Yawsaid. Improving the accessibility and availability of natural gas service throughout the state will give

more residents the opportunity to benefit from this low-cost fuel. It would be an option, not a mandate,

for them to use natural gas or to switch from their current heating source.

Pennsylvania is fortunate to have an abundance of affordable natural gas in the Marcellus Shale

formation, said Sen. Dominic Pileggi (R-Delaware) a co-sponsor of the bills. These bills make smart

investments which will cut costs for homeowners by allowing them to take advantage of this new energy

supply. The bills will also encourage economic growth by giving that same opportunity to businesses and

non-profit organizations all across Pennsylvania.

Senate Bill 738, known as the Natural Gas Consumer Access Act, will require every natural gas

distribution utility operating in Pennsylvania to submit a three-year plan to the Public Utility Commissiooutlining the utilitys plans for extension and expansion projects. The PUC will have the option to reject,

revise or order the utility to submit a revised plan for adequacy and completeness and do periodic

reviews.

Senate Bill 738 will also create a system providing for expedited extension or expansion

projects if an economic development agency or a large number of residential, commercial or industrial

entities want to seek to obtain natural gas service.

Senate Bill 739 will amend the Alternative Energy Investment Act to provide for $15 million for

grants to schools, hospitals and small businesses to obtain access to natural gas service. The funding will

come from existing, under-utilized programs. Grants made under Senate Bill 739 may provide up to half

of the cost of a project.There is widespread interest in seeing locally produced natural gas used locally to benefit our

area businesses and homeowners, Sen. Yaw added. Sen. Pileggi and I commend the Committee for

approving these bills.

The bills now go to the full Senate for consideration.

Sen. John Yudichak (D-Luzerne) serves as Minority Chair of the Committee.

NewsClips:
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8/28

Natural Gas Service Bills Clear Senate Panel

Senate Panel Approves Natural Gas Service Expansion Bills

Sen. Ferlo Announces Legislation Enacting A Shale Drilling Moratorium

Sen. Jim Ferlo (D-Allegheny) announced his intention to introduce legislation to enact a moratorium onshale gas drilling Tuesday at a rally where advocates delivered 100,000 signed petitions to Gov.

Corbett.

"I am proud to be the prime sponsor of legislation which will close down fracking operations so

that their environmental effects can be studied in an unbiased fashion. We have been forced to stand by

and watch while our water, air, and land have been ravaged by oil and gas development, and we must

take a step back to deliberately and thoughtfully direct our path into the future, Sen. Ferlo remarked.

Sen. Ferlo circulated a co-sponsorship memo to his Senate colleagues on Tuesday asking them

to join his effort to establish a temporary natural gas drilling moratorium. The bill would prohibit the

Department of Environmental Protection from issuing new permits and preventing drilling at sites where

permits were granted, but where drilling has not yet begun.An unbiased, nonpartisan study commission would be established under the legislation, and they

would address numerous issues which have arisen as a result of drilling in the Commonwealth, including

protection of rivers, streams and drinking water air quality regulations permitting and inspection

standards property rights of landowners and lessees and the cumulative impact of existing and

proposed drilling.

The industrial capitalism of the oil and gas industry has had lasting, deleterious effects on our

Commonwealth. We, as citizens, have spent billions in both public and private funds to cope with the

fallout from the fossil fuel mining and drilling industry. Not only have we paid the price with our

hard-earned dollars, we have paid the price with our health, with our land, with our crops, with our

animals, and even with our lives, Sen. Ferlo went on to say.Speakers including members of the faith, environmental, and public health advocacy

communities joined together in support of Sen. Ferlos moratorium legislation on Tuesday. A former gas

drilling worker also spoke with conviction about his own personal suffering and the pain and loss

experienced by other workers.

Activists delivered petitions signed by 100,000 citizens to the Governors Office at the

conclusion of the rally.

General drilling moratorium bills have never seen action in the General Assembly, even under

Gov. Rendell and a Democratically-controlled House.

The only exceptions were the Democratic House did pass a moratorium on further leasing of

state forest lands in 2010 and the Republican Senate and House passed a moratorium on development

of the Newark Shale deposits in the Southeast as part of last year's budget package.

But in those cases an executive order by Gov. Rendell a few days before the 2010

gubernatorial election imposed a moratorium on leasing more state forest land that remains in place

today and no one at present is seriously proposing to develop the Newark Shales.

Sen. Yudichak Talks About Job Creation Potential Of Marcellus Shale
http://www.google.com/url?q=http%3A%2F%2Fstateimpact.npr.org%2Fpennsylvania%2F2013%2F05%2F01%2Fsenate-panel-approves-bills-to-expand-natural-gas-services%2F&sa=D&sntz=1&usg=AFQjCNGCVNRemgF_AiFh2yXLczb63FRDswhttp://www.google.com/url?q=http%3A%2F%2Fthetimes-tribune.com%2Fnews%2Fnatural-gas-service-bills-clear-senate-panel-1.1482592&sa=D&sntz=1&usg=AFQjCNG9WhCC4E5KcalejgjqH4LC7yndWA


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Sen. John Yudichak (D-Luzerne), Minority Chair of the Senate Environmental Resources and Energy

Committee, Thursday spoke about the opportunities for Northeastern Pennsylvania businesses to

expand and create jobs by partnering with Pennsylvania's Marcellus shale industry.

Sen. Yudichak was one of the many speakers to take part in the Energy Day in NE PA event at

the Hilton Hotel and Conference Center in Downtown Scranton. The event gave local businesses an

opportunity to interact with industry experts and find out more information on doing business with shalecompanies and understanding the supply chain process.

"There are few better opportunities to spur economic development and put NEPA families back

to work than the ones available in the Marcellus Shale industry," Sen. Yudichak said. "It is estimated

that it takes more than 400 individuals within nearly 150 different occupations to complete and produce

gas from a Marcellus well proof that there are many different ways for NEPA businesses to grow

along with the industry."

Yesterday, the Senate Environmental Resources and Energy Committee approved two bills

Senate Bill 738 (Yaw-R-Lycoming) and Senate Bill 739 (Yaw-R-Lycoming) which aim to extend and

expand natural gas distribution systems to unserved and under-served residential, commercial and

industrial sites.Sen. Yudichak, the Democratic chairman of the committee, voted for the bills but plans to offer

an amendment so that the bill reflects more of a public/private partnership to share the cost of natural

gas expansion.

"There are great economic and environmental benefits that can result from the increased use of

Pennsylvania-produced natural gas but we cannot as the bill currently reads make consumers foot

the majority of the costs associated with expansion," Sen. Yudichak said. "My amendment would offer

financial incentives to natural gas utility companies to encourage the expansion of natural gas lines to

under-served areas and to keep the consumer costs down."

Energy Day in NEPA was co-hosted by the regional chambers of commerce America's

Natural Gas Alliance the American Petroleum Institute the Marcellus Shale Coalition and the PAIndependent Oil & Gas Association.

PEC Urges Quick Action On Regulations Implementing Drilling Law To House Committee

The Pennsylvania Environmental Council Thursday testified before the House Democratic Policy

Committee regulations implementing the drilling law passed last year should be expedited to provide

additional environmental protection measures for the environment, according to John Walliser, vice

president for Legal and Governmental Affairs.

Walliser also said the newly created Center for Sustainable Shale Development, a partnership

between the drilling industry and PEC and other environmental groups, is developing environmental

protection best practices which go beyond state laws and regulations.

PECs testimony also addressed a series of other issues: drilling water management plans, well

siting setbacks, water use in well operations, use of water impoundments, monitoring of drinking water

supplies, fracking chemical disclosure, onsite disposal of drill cuttings, disposal of waste fluids and the

adequacy of DEPs staffing and budget levels which have been consistently cut for a decade.

Commenting on the hearing, Rep. Greg Vitali (D-Delaware), Minority Chair of the House

Environmental Resources and Energy Committee said, "We gathered experts in four key areas water,
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air, surface and public disclosure to give us direction. Now we have to analyze their testimony and

craft it into legislation and policy."

Other testifiers at the hearing included: John Hanger, former DEP Secretary and announced

candidate for the Democratic nomination for Governor who, during the Rendell Administration,

consistently cut DEP staff and budget for eight years in a row and furloughed agency staff PennFuture

Policy Director Steve Stroman Clean Air Council attorney Jay Duffy Pennsylvania Sierra ClubConservation Chairman Tom Au, Lafayette College Geology Professor Dru Germanoski, Kevin

Heatley from Responsible Drilling Alliance, environmental attorney Lauren Williams Jill Kriesky,

associate director of the Southwestern PA Environmental Health Project and University of Pittsburgh

Graduate School of Public Health Professor Emeritus Dr. Bernie Goldstein.

Representatives of the oil and gas industry, the departments of Environmental Protection and

Conservation and Natural Resources were invited to testify, but declined.

A copy of PECs testimony is available online. Click Here for a copy of all testimony presented

at the hearing.

NewsClip: Critics Want More Oversight Of Gas Industry From Health Dept.

News From Around The State

Chester County District Receives Delaware Water Resources Association Award

The Chester County Conservation District received the Government Award from the Water Resources

Association of the Delaware River Basin on April 17 at the Downtown Club in Philadelphia.

The District received the award for excellence in implementing programs to address natural

resource conservation issues by promoting the sustainable use of those resources to the citizens of

Chester County through education and technical assistance.Christian E. Strohmaier accepted the award as District Manager and on behalf of the Board of

Directors. United Water nominated the District for the prestigious award.

United Water and the City of Newark, DE worked with the District and local farmer, Barclay

Hoopes, to install best management practices on the farm. UWs interest in providing funding for this

work arose from a need to reduce levels of Cryptosporidium (a harmful parasite that lives in the

excrement of warm-blooded mammals) from entering the water supply.

As a result, approximately 1500 linear feet of streambank fencing, one acre of riparian forest

buffer, two livestock crossings, and one water access were installed. These BMPs will reduce excess

manure from entering the stream and significantly reduce stream bank erosion.

Nature Abounds Celebrates 5 Year Anniversary

Nature Abounds, a Central Pennsylvania-based national non-profit organization with the focus on

bringing people together for a healthy planet, celebrated their five year anniversary on May 1 as well as

the impact they have made in that short time.

"Nature Abounds launched our first two signature opportunities, IceWatch USA and Watch the

Wild, in late 2008 and in March 2009, respectively. Both opportunities get people outside and engaged
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in their communities while also collecting information on wildlife, weather, and seasonal changes, to the

be analyzed for environmental indicators such as climate change. To date, we have volunteers in all fifty

states engaged", said Nature Abounds President Melinda Hughes-Wert.

In early 2010, Nature Abounds entered into a contract with the US Environmental Protection

Agency, and in conjunction with the Department of Environmental Protection, to revitalize and expand

the Pennsylvania Senior Environment Corps, a program that had lost its funding and its coordinatingagency.

Three years later the program is once again thriving, with SEC volunteers engaged in

twenty-one Pennsylvania Counties. This year the program has also expanded into Maryland, and there

are also SECs in Alabama, Florida, and Montana.

Nature Abounds will accept a 2013 Western Pennsylvania Environmental Award for the SEC

program on May 23 at the Westin Convention Center Hotel in downtown Pittsburgh.

Nature Abounds has been active on many environmental aspects. They held two Forest

Summits in 2012, one in Clearfield County and one in Philadelphia. They've also held several cleanups.

This year, working with citizens and officials around the Lake Erie Basin on Climate Change .

Among some of the other issues they've been most active over the last few years include: theChesapeake Bay, the Great Lakes Region, fracking, genetically-modified food labels, turtle awareness,

invasive flora and fauna, wildlife issues, oil spills, and more.

Hughes-Wert continued, "In our five year history, Nature Abounds has already engaged 3,500

citizens in being good stewards of our natural world. We really are achieving what we set out to

do...bringing people together for a healthy planet."

For more information, visit theNature Abounds website or call 814-765-1453. Nature

Abounds is based in DuBois, Pa.

Western PA Conservancys Allegheny River Sojourn June 1

The Western PA Conservancy will host the Allegheny River Sojourn on June 1, this year with the theme

Back to the Allegheny: A Float Through Time which will include activities and presentations that will

explore the regions history, present and future.

The upper Allegheny River meanders through towns such as Warren, Irvine and Tidioute, Pa., a

region that was the site of Native American settlements, European immigration, the first man-made oil

well and the Kinzua Dam. This combination of cultural and ecological heritage has shaped the present

state of the Allegheny River.

Participants are welcome to register for the event at the cost of $65 per person. A $65

registration fee includes meals, snacks and water, canoe rental, shuttling for the event and educational

programs.

Registration runs through May 16.

Sponsors for the sojourn include PA Organization for Watersheds and Rivers, Allegheny

Outfitters and the Western PA Conservancy.

Online registration is available. Click Here to learn the dates and times for other river sojourns

in Pennsylvania.

Alcoa Recycled Art CANtest Winners Announced By PA Resources Council
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The 1st Annual Alcoa Recycled Art CANtest winners have been announced by the PA Resources

Council this week.

Students from all over Southwestern Pennsylvania created works of art to emphasis the

importance of recycling specifically aluminum cans! Grades 1 through 8 were asked to create a

poster that either encourages schools, communities, and/or the public to recycle--specifically aluminumcans or create a poster that shows the environmental benefits of recycling aluminum cans.

High school students were tasked with creating sculptures out of aluminum cans. We received a

lot of great entries and our judges had a difficult time deciding on the winners.

Poster CANtest Winners:

-- 1st through 3rd grade - Lower Elementary, Alexis Wolfe Pittsburgh Gifted Center

-- 4th through 5th grade - Upper Elementary, Katie Spallone - Norvelt Elementary

-- 6th through 8th grade - Middle School, Jenna Moretti South Brook Middle School

Recycled Art CANtest Sculpture Winner:

-- 9th through 12th grade - High School Tia Bradley Valley High School

You can see the winning posters by visiting the PRC website. Thank you to all whoparticipated, students, teachers and, of course, the Alcoa Foundation for making the CANtest possible.

2.2 Tons Of Trash Removed In Keep Washington County Beautiful Cleanup

In celebration of Earth Day, on April 22, Keep Washington County

Beautiful, an affiliate ofKeep Pennsylvania Beautiful, partnered with

MarkWest Liberty Midstream & Resources, LLC for a 70 person

volunteer roadside cleanup.

On a gorgeous spring day, the volunteers worked diligently

to remove litter from approximately 10 miles of road along StateRoute 519 (beginning with the intersection from Pike Street in

Houston to the intersection with State Route 50 in Hickory),

approximately 1.5 miles of road along Meddings, and 1.5 miles

along Paxton Road both in Chartiers Township.

Police from Chartiers and Mt. Pleasant Township provided traffic control to ensure the

volunteers safety. Chartiers Township Public Works Department crews picked up the collected trash

bags that contained a total of 2.2 tons of trash removed as well as 81 tires.

The partnership efforts between Keep Washington County Beautiful, Keep Pennsylvania

Beautiful, Chartiers Township, Mount Pleasant Township, and MarkWest enabled this cleanup to be

the most successful volunteer roadside cleanup since the inception of Keep Washington County

Beautiful back in July of 2009.

This cleanup also ranks as one of the top cleanups in the state for Earth Day this year for

number of volunteers and miles of roadside cleaned.

Quehanna Boot Camp Litter Crew Helps In Great American Cleanup of PA

Quehanna Boot Camps Community Work Program in Clearfield County will participate in the Great
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American Cleanup of PA by removing litter from local highways on May 6 through May 10, 2013,

prison Superintendent Steven Glunt announced Tuesday.

The Community Works Program engages inmates in work projects that benefit nonprofit

organizations, local communities, and other state agencies. The work crew is comprised of inmates who

are supervised by a Department of Corrections staff member.

One of the most recognizable projects is the work done by crews picking up litter along thestates highways. From July 2003 through June 2012, state prison inmates have worked 1,227,090

hours to keep the roadsides clear of debris.

The 2013 Great American Cleanup of PA has begun March 1 and will end on May 31.

Centre County Collects Nearly 45,000 Pounds In Household Hazardous Waste Event

Folks from 876 households took advantage of Centre Countys Household Hazardous Waste

Collection Program this weekend at the Centre County Recycling & Refuse Authority.

Approximately 44,893 pounds of material was collected during the 2-day event. In all, 827

vehicles brought hazardous chemicals from 876 households. Residents from 33 of the countys 35municipalities participated. We also had a few dozen people drive in from out of county to participate.

Volunteers from Penn State Environmental Health and Safety were on-site to assist in checking

vehicles and the Alpha Fire Police helped with directing traffic.

The event was co-sponsored by Centre County Recycling & Refuse Authority, the Department

of Environmental Protection and the Department of Agriculture. MXI of Virginia was the successful

contractor.

Centre County residents showed up in force and really showed their environmental caring.

said Joanne Shafer, Centre Countys Deputy Executive Director/Recycling Coordinator. The amount

of participants was up from last year, showing that Centre Countians have really embraced the reduce,

reuse, recycle ethic. Every method of transportation was used from bicycle, to motorcycle, to cars tomini-vans to help reduce the carbon footprint. Many neighbors helping neighbors were evident.

Collection and disposal costs of all 44,893 pounds will be split between the Household

Hazardous Waste Fund, DEP & CHEMSWEEP. We even collected over a half of ton of cardboard

during the event.

Employees volunteered to sell the Delectable Delights from the Dump cookbooks and sold 75

during the two days as well as collected over $500 in donations which will all be donated to the children

of Sammy Boob.

If you missed this collection, look for information next spring. The Centre County Recycling &

Refuse Authority will be holding another Household Hazardous Waste Collection Event in 2014.

Attorney General Files Illegal Dumping Charges In Northampton County

Attorney General Kathleen G. Kane announced Tuesday charges have been filed against a New Jersey

man and three New Jersey businesses, accused of dumping contaminated soil at two locations in

Northampton County.

Kane said that Arthur Fletcher, of Bayonne, New Jersey, disposed of soil from the excavation

of a former gas station in the Bronx, NY, by illegally dumping it at two locations in the Poconos Wind
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Gap and Bangor Borough.

According to the criminal complaint, Fletcher convinced two landowners that he was going to

buy the properties, fill them in with clean fill, install landscaping and solar panels, and operate a recycled

soil business.

Fletcher signed agreements of sale for both properties but never made any payments, according

to investigators. Fletcher, without the permission of the owners, allegedly brought the fill to these sitesand dumped the contaminated soil.

Officials from the Department of Environmental Protection warned Fletcher several times that he

was not allowed to dump anything in Pennsylvania without a permit, according to investigators.

However, trucks from Ike's Enterprises, LLC, Cuenca Coronel Trucking Inc., and J&J Brothers

Trucking allegedly continued to dump illegally.

The property where Fletcher and the trucking companies dumped in Bangor Borough is owned

by the Bangor Borough Municipal Authority. Officials say it eventually cost $50,000 to clean up the

contaminated soil, a process known as remediation.

Kane thanked the DEP for their assistance with the investigation.

A summary of the charges is available online.

NewsClip:NJ Businessman Charged With Dumping

10 PA Communities Receive Coca-Cola Recycling Bin Grants

Keep America Beautiful and Coca-Cola announced the recipients of recycling bins designed specifically

for placement at public spaces and schools and universities. The recycling bins are thanks to a grant

made possible by Keep America Beautiful and The Coca-Cola Foundation.

There were a total of ten recipients in Pennsylvania. The recipients include:

-- Borough of Green Tree, Pittsburgh-- Borough of Malvern, Malvern

-- Borough of Munhall, Munhall

-- Cambria County Solid Waste Authority, Ebensburg

-- Cook Wissahickon Elementary, Philadelphia

-- Human Services Center, New Castle

-- MCTI Interact Club, Bartonsville

-- Penn Township, Chester County, West Grove

-- West Donegal Township, Elizabethtown

-- Wyalusing Area School District, Wyalusing

Keep America Beautiful and Coca-Cola were very generous to Pennsylvania organizations,

municipalities, and schools, said Keep Pennsylvania Beautiful President, Shannon Reiter. These

grants will play a key role in not only improving recycling in our communities but also will leverage

additional investment in public space recycling across the Commonwealth.

Through our support of the Bin Grant program and our long-standing partnership with Keep

America Beautiful, we are helping to bring sustainability to life in local communities across the country,

said Lori George Billingsley, vice president, community relations, Coca-Cola North America Group.

By increasing access to recycling today, we build sustainable communities for the future.
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One of the main barriers to recycling is convenience. Providing a recycling bin helps

communities overcome that barrier, said Matthew M. McKenna, president and CEO, Keep America

Beautiful. We are truly grateful for Coca-Colas support and commitment to recycling, and for its

support and commitment of the Bin Grant Program.

The ten Pennsylvania recipients were one of 156 local government, schools, colleges and other

community groups nationwide to receive a grant. Recipients were chosen by Keep America Beautifulbased on a number of criteria including level of need, recycling experience and the ability of applicants

to sustain their program in the future.

The Bin Grant program awards recycling bins directly to recipients and leverages volume buying

discounts. In its seven years of operation, the Bin Grant program has placed more than 29,000 recycling

bins in more than 500 communities in 48 states and the District of Columbia.

For more information, visit the Recycling Bin Grant Program webpage.

DEP Announces Air Quality Awareness Week

Pennsylvania will join states across the nation this week in recognizing April 29 through May 3 as AirQuality Awareness Week.

Air Quality Partnership teams across the state will host events to teach the public how to stay

safe on air-quality action days and how to reduce air pollution. The Department of Environmental

Protections website lists details of various events.

Through smart and sensible policies, weve continued to see air quality improve across the

state, DEP Acting Secretary Chris Abruzzo said. But there are still some days when the air quality is

poor, and so we work with our partners to forecast and advise Pennsylvanians to take precautions.

DEP makes air quality forecasts for fine particulate matter year-round and for ozone in the

spring and summer months. Air Quality Awareness Week will mark the return of ozone forecasting in

Pennsylvania for 2013.The forecasts, developed in conjunction with local Air Quality Partnerships, use a color-based

air quality index. Green signifies good yellow means moderate orange represents pollution levels that

could trigger health effects for sensitive people, such as the very young, the elderly and those with

respiratory ailments and red warns of pollution levels that could trigger health effects for all members of

the population.

These forecasts are provided in cooperation with the Air Quality Partnership of the Delaware

Valley, the Southwest Pennsylvania Air Quality Partnership, the Lehigh Valley/Berks Air Quality

Partnership and the Susquehanna Valley Air Quality Partnership.

In July 2012, DEP announced it would forecast for ozone in eight additional areas: Altoona,

Erie, Johnstown, Scranton/Wilkes-Barre, State College and Williamsport cities and Mercer and Indiana

counties.

To sign up to receive air quality forecasts via email, visit the Air Quality Notifications webpage.

For more information about air quality or the local partnerships, visit DEPs Air Quality

Partnership webpage or call 717-787-9495.

Delaware Valley Air Quality Partnership: May 1 Official Start Of Ozone Season
http://www.google.com/url?q=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.ahs2.dep.state.pa.us%2Faq_apps%2Faqpartners%2Fdefault.asp&sa=D&sntz=1&usg=AFQjCNH-1V3nR5seWMeqTuQQM7ca8NM6qAhttp://www.google.com/url?q=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.ahs2.dep.state.pa.us%2Faq_apps%2Faqpartners%2Fdefault.asp&sa=D&sntz=1&usg=AFQjCNH-1V3nR5seWMeqTuQQM7ca8NM6qAhttp://www.google.com/url?q=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.enviroflash.info&sa=D&sntz=1&usg=AFQjCNFAAXP6KTJfPTN-y3bqB6_yTVY_-whttp://www.google.com/url?q=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.ahs2.dep.state.pa.us%2Faq_apps%2Faqpartners%2Fdefault.asp&sa=D&sntz=1&usg=AFQjCNH-1V3nR5seWMeqTuQQM7ca8NM6qAhttp://www.google.com/url?q=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.ahs2.dep.state.pa.us%2Faq_apps%2Faqpartners%2Fdefault.asp&sa=D&sntz=1&usg=AFQjCNH-1V3nR5seWMeqTuQQM7ca8NM6qAhttp://www.google.com/url?q=http%3A%2F%2Fbingrant.org%2F&sa=D&sntz=1&usg=AFQjCNE5Eq1IMmjTcGrADNYNvGAmiXNOeg


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As warmer weather approaches, so does the onset of ground-level ozone. High levels of ozone pose

health risks for everyone, and large segments of the population are considered especially sensitive to

ground-level ozone.

Fortunately, ozone levels are being monitored and the public can be alerted when levels become

dangerous.

The Air Quality Partnership, a program of the Delaware Valley Regional Planning Commission,educates residents about the dangerous effects of ground-level ozone and provides air quality forecasts

to the public.

May 1 marks the start of the AQPs ozone season, which runs through September. Currently,

Greater Philadelphia does not meet the federal air quality standards for ground-level ozone.

In the summer, sunlight and high temperatures bake pollutants emitted by motor vehicles,

power plants and other sources, to form high levels of ground-level ozone, commonly known as smog.

The AQP provides summertime ground-level ozone forecasts and encourages actions to reduce

air pollution, such as:

-- Take transit or rideshare.

-- Dont top off your gas tank. Spillage adds two tons of pollution to the air each day.-- Refuel at the end of the day. Ozone levels are highest in mid- to late-afternoon.

-- Be sure to clean out your trunk, since an extra 100 pounds reduces gas mileage by up to 2% and

wastes fuel.

-- Trip-link when possible. Combining errands with your daily commute will save time, money, and the

environment.

-- Follow regular maintenance schedules for your car. A properly running vehicle emits less pollution

and saves gas. Check your owners manual and properly inflate your tires. Properly inflated tires can

improve your gas mileage up to 3.3 percent. When changing your oil, use a manufacturer-recommended

grade motor oil to improve fuel economy by 1-2 percent.

Businesses, nonprofits, local governments, and individuals all play important roles in reducingair pollution by cutting waste, conserving energy, and making wise transportation choices, said

DVRPCs Executive Director, Barry Seymour. Cooperation between people and organizations that

care about the air we breathe presents our greatest opportunity to ensure cleaner air for our region.

To sign up for air quality alerts, visit the Air Quality Partnership website. Daily air quality

forecasts and helpful tips are also available on the website or by calling 1-800-872-7261.

DCNR Webinar On Loyalsock State Forest Drilling Issues Available Online

Department of Conservation and Natural Resources officials participated in a free, web-based seminar

offered by Penn State Extension on Marcellus Shale issues in the Loyalsock State Forest, Lycoming

County, on April 25.

Information on Potential Loyalsock State Forest Natural Gas Development is available online

as part of a series of one-hour webinars conducted by Penn State on natural gas drilling.

DCNR has heard from numerous individuals and organizations on this issue through letters,

phone calls and in a meeting this month with local stakeholders, DCNR Secretary Richard Allan said.

This webinar provided us an additional opportunity to exchange information and respond to questions

about potential gas development in the Loyalsock, where the state does not own the subsurface gas
http://www.google.com/url?q=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.dcnr.state.pa.us%2Fcs%2Fgroups%2Fpublic%2Fdocuments%2Fdocument%2Fdcnr_20026829.pdf&sa=D&sntz=1&usg=AFQjCNGQv4RUocENsf0_XNh6blCPkzOjEAhttp://www.google.com/url?q=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.airqualitypartnership.org&sa=D&sntz=1&usg=AFQjCNFrVS8WHa6MGpT26CKg_cFIzCVQ_Qhttp://www.google.com/url?q=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.airqualitypartnership.org&sa=D&sntz=1&usg=AFQjCNFrVS8WHa6MGpT26CKg_cFIzCVQ_Q


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rights.

Allan added that DCNR is in the process of planning an upcoming public meeting. Details will

be shared in the coming weeks.

DCNR said the webinar is available online through this link. DCNR previously published log in

information through this link.

NewsClip:Letter: Public Is Getting Its Say On Loyalsock Gas Drilling

(Reprinted from DCNRsMay 1 Resource newsletter.)

Delaware Countys Haverford Township Wins DCNR/PRPS Green Park Award

The Department of Conservation and Natural Resources Bureau of Recreation and Conservation

Director Lauren Imgrund recently presented Haverford Township in Delaware County with the fourth

annual Green Park Award sponsored by DCNR and the PA Recreation and Park Society.

Imgrund participated in a ceremonial tree planting on April 21 with township officials.Haverford Township was chosen for its exemplary integration of green and sustainable park

practices at the Haverford Reserve and Community Recreation and Conservation Center.

In 2002, the Township purchased 209 acres of the lands of the former Haverford State

Hospital. This was the largest remaining undeveloped tract along the Darby Creek in Delaware County.

The township protected 124 acres as open space, designated 45-acres as active community recreation

and sold the remaining 40 acres for over-55 housing.

The proceeds of this sale allowed the township to build three natural grass fields a synthetic turf

field a 12,000-square-foot fully accessible playground and the 35,000-square-foot community center.

The Community Recreation and Environmental Center opened in June 2012, on a brownfield,

where the state hospitals coal burning facility used to stand. It is a LEED Gold Certified buildingpowered by 40 geothermal wells.

The thoughtful conservation of water was a top priority at the site. Headwater streams were

protected by the installation of riparian or vegetated buffers. Pervious pavement was extensively used

and any additional runoff generated at the site is captured in bio-swales, seepage beds and retention

ponds planted with native species. The roof of the center has rain chains that feed infiltrating water

gardens and the building is outfitted with numerous water saving devices.

The township recycled all the concrete and masonry from the demolished hospital buildings and

used the material for roads and infrastructure. Deck planks are made from a composite material made

out of recycled plastic bottles. The track and gym floor, the playground surface material and the

130,000-square-foot synthetic turf field are made out of recycled material. All wood used on the site

was designated as certified.

Other highlights of the park include five miles of walking/mountain biking trails and a natural

materials playground. A natural areas stewardship plan was developed to guide the townships action in

managing a variety of wildlife habitats, combating invasive species and protecting a rare orchid.

Programmatically the recreation department connects folks to nature by sponsoring trail runs,

seasonal hikes and themed programs for school children, environmental education for all ages as well as

seminars and courses on environmental topics.
http://www.google.com/url?q=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.prps.org%2F&sa=D&sntz=1&usg=AFQjCNGZUicLiKlymJApPZWM8nKskg75TAhttp://www.google.com/url?q=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.dcnr.state.pa.us%2Fbrc%2Fgrants%2Fgreening%2Fcasestudies%2Fgreenparksaward%2Findex.htm&sa=D&sntz=1&usg=AFQjCNE1Y52zrjVawHVxNzKxd8WymQBr-ghttp://www.google.com/url?q=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.haverfordtownship.com%2F&sa=D&sntz=1&usg=AFQjCNEaj23aIUPKbZmvEu3lwc-m1RhOPghttp://www.google.com/url?q=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.apps.dcnr.state.pa.us%2Fnews%2Fresource%2Fres2013%2F13-0501-greenparkaward.aspx&sa=D&sntz=1&usg=AFQjCNEP0d4JRqZ7I5n4uyUNcbAYwYPq4Qhttp://www.google.com/url?q=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.pennlive.com%2Fopinion%2Findex.ssf%2F2013%2F05%2Floyalsock_gas_drilling_public_input_dispute.html%23incart_river&sa=D&sntz=1&usg=AFQjCNFrrM9851qmUxkcQH8HcvqlK-KhLghttps://www.google.com/url?q=https%3A%2F%2Fmeeting.psu.edu%2Fmarcelluswebinar%2F&sa=D&sntz=1&usg=AFQjCNEc8KOcvzvlh-R91nJYcuowa9A6Ighttps://www.google.com/url?q=https%3A%2F%2Fwebaccess.psu.edu%2F%3Fcosign-extension.psu.edu%26https%3A%2F%2Fextension.psu.edu%2Fnatural-resources%2Fnatural-gas%2Fwebinars&sa=D&sntz=1&usg=AFQjCNHdl1-7fUym9tv5SOKJVfX0pb2zEw


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The green theme also is an important consideration in the day-to-day operations of the site. All

new plantings are native to the area reducing watering and care needs. They limit turf mowing and have

planted the hillsides with native grasses.

Compost is used extensively throughout the site from the township leaf collection program, and

all lighting fixtures are Energy Star rated and have sensors or timers to limit wasted energy.

Finally, environmental messaging is used throughout the site. Signage describes the elements ofthe LEED certified building, energy use, materials and how visitors can reduce their carbon footprint at

home.

The township received a wall plaque, tree and commemorative marker to be placed in the

vicinity of the tree in recognition of its efforts at the site.

For more information on DCNRs Green and Sustainable Park Initiative, see the DCNR Bureau of

Recreation and Conservation Green and Sustainable Park page.

(Reprinted from DCNRsMay 1 Resource newsletter.)

Game Commission Seeks Input On Peregrine Falcon Plan

The Game Commission is seeking public input on its draft peregrine falcon management plan, which can

be reviewed on the agency's website.

Public comments on the peregrine management plan will be accepted until May 29 through the

website an email address [email protected] or by U.S. Mail to: Peregrine Falcon

Management Plan, Game Commission, 2001 Elmerton Avenue, Harrisburg, PA 17110-9797.

"We are seeking public comment on the peregrine falcon management plan to ensure the final

management plan considers all meaningful input and concerns about this species put forth by

Pennsylvanians," said Calvin W. DuBrock, Game Commission Bureau of Wildlife Management director

"As written, the plan is science-based, progressive and promotes responsible management of peregrinefalcons. We're interested in hearing from Pennsylvanians who would like to offer comments, and to see

if we've missed something or if they share our management vision for the future."

Developed by biologists with the agency's Wildlife Diversity Division, the peregrine falcon

management plan establishes management goals through 2021. The mission of this plan is to restore

peregrines to their ecological role, maintain a self-sustaining population and provide the public with the

opportunity to enjoy them.

"The criteria to consider peregrines recovered is a self-perpetuating nesting population of at

least 22 pairs with a productivity rate of at least 1.5 fledglings per nesting pair and half of nests

successful over a three-year period," said Dan Brauning , Wildlife Diversity Division chief and co-author

of the management plan.

The peregrine falcon was removed from the federal endangered species list by the U.S. Fish

and Wildlife Service in 1999, because delisting goals had been achieved, but they remain listed as a

state endangered species in Pennsylvania.

Pennsylvanias breeding population of peregrines numbered as many as 44 pairs in the early

decades of the 20th century before completely disappearing from the eastern United States. The decline

of the species here, and worldwide, is largely attributed to poisoning from DDT and other

organochloride pesticides.
mailto:[email protected]://www.google.com/url?q=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.portal.state.pa.us%2Fportal%2Fserver.pt%3Fopen%3D514%26objID%3D621014%26mode%3D2%23PeregrinePlan&sa=D&sntz=1&usg=AFQjCNHeUu12bAJI4tquWP-8m-RnYu4b7Ahttp://www.google.com/url?q=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.apps.dcnr.state.pa.us%2Fnews%2Fresource%2Fres2013%2F13-0501-greenparkaward.aspx&sa=D&sntz=1&usg=AFQjCNEP0d4JRqZ7I5n4uyUNcbAYwYPq4Q


19/28

The Peregrine Fund pioneered the reintroduction of this federally endangered species into the

eastern United States. It used three reintroduction locations in Pennsylvania during the 1970s and

1980s, and the Game Commission released birds at four locations in the state during the 1990s.

By 2003, the eastern United States population had grown to more than 330 nesting pairs by

2012 at least 32 nests were known in Pennsylvania.

For more information, visit the Game Commissions Endangered Species webpage.

Fish For Millions Contest Started May 4 At Cabelas Hamburg Store

Starting May 4, Pennsylvania anglers will have a chance to fish for, and win, millions of dollars in cash

and prizes in Cabela's "Fish for Millions?" contest.

As a "warm-up" to the May 4 contest start date, the Fish and Boat Commission hosted an

exhibit at the Pennsylvania Cabela's store in Hamburg on May 3 - 4. PFBC staff will be present to

provide free publications, posters and educational materials, including the list of Pennsylvania contest

waters.

As a special offer, Cabelas is providing its yardstick fishing decal as a free giveaway during thein-store event.

Cabelas started accepting registrations on its website on April 15. The contest begins on May

4 and ends July 7. The premise is simple: catch specially tagged fish and win prizes ranging from

Cabelas gift cards to $2 million.

All rules and requirements, as well as contest details and registration information, can be found

at Cabelas contest website.

Remember, youve got to fish to win, and your fishing license is your gateway to participating in

the third year of this contest.

For more information, visit the Fish for Millions? webpage.

Game Commission Conducts Controlled Burns In Centre County

The Game Commission Thursday resumed controlled burns on the Scotia Barrens on State Game Land

176 in Patton, Ferguson and Halfmoon townships, Centre County, to improve habitat conditions within

this unique ecosystem.

Depending on conditions, the Game Commission plans to burn one to two units totaling 136

acres.

The purpose is to restore the pitch pine/scrub oak ecosystem on the Scotia Barrens.

Controlled burns also are used by the Game Commission to improve other plant and wildlife habitats,

and reduce the chance of wildfire.

Game Commission Bureau of Wildlife Habitat Management director Bill Capouillez noted that

residents might see smoke emerging from the Scotia Barrens during the burning.

People become upset when there is smoke in the air if they dont know the reason for the fire,

Capouillez said. Thats why were trying to get the word out about prescribed fire. If we carefully plan

and conduct a burn when weather conditions favor smoke dispersal, this reduces smoke-related

problems. Dealing with a little bit of smoke now is infinitely better than trying to control a raging wildfir

later.
http://www.google.com/url?q=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.fishandboat.com%2Ffishformillions.htm&sa=D&sntz=1&usg=AFQjCNG7J-33jyCi_iQPIocD5LlxdIKu_Ahttp://www.google.com/url?q=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.cabelas.com%2Ffishformillions&sa=D&sntz=1&usg=AFQjCNH0UW2hgRPWjTX_2kAjVZFpskmEIghttp://www.google.com/url?q=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.fishandboat.com%2Ffishformillions.htm&sa=D&sntz=1&usg=AFQjCNG7J-33jyCi_iQPIocD5LlxdIKu_Ahttp://www.google.com/url?q=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.portal.state.pa.us%2Fportal%2Fserver.pt%3Fopen%3D514%26objID%3D621014%26mode%3D2%23PeregrinePlan&sa=D&sntz=1&usg=AFQjCNHeUu12bAJI4tquWP-8m-RnYu4b7A


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SGL 176 currently contains 6,231 acres in Ferguson, Half Moon and Patton townships.

For more information on controlled burns, visit DCNRs Prescribed Fire webpage.

DEP Citizens Advisory Council Changes May 22 Meeting Time

The DEP Citizens Advisory Council meeting on May 22 will start at 10:00 instead of 11:00 due to thecancellation of the Environmental Quality Board meeting on that same day. The meeting location

remains the same-- Room 105 Rachel Carson Building, Harrisburg.

Your 2 Cents: Issues On Advisory Committee Agendas

This section gives you a continuously updated thumbnail sketch of issues to be considered in upcoming

advisory committee meetings where the agendas have been released

May 7--Agenda Released. DEP Environmental Justice Advisory Board meeting. Delaware Room 16th

Floor Rachel Carson Building. 8:30.-- Presentation: Environmental Justice Monitoring Matrix

-- Presentation: Covanta Rx4Safety Prescription Drug Collection Program, John Waffenschmidt

-- Oil & Gas Updates

-- Update by Alisa Harris, DEP Special Deputy

-- Citizens Advisory Council Update

-- Discussion of Environmental Justice Letter Writing

-- Environmental Justice Listening Session

-- Working Group report discussion

Click Here for available handouts

May 7-- Agenda Released.DEP Cleanup Standards Scientific Advisory Board meeting. Room 105

Rachel Carson Building. 10:00. (formal notice)

-- Land Recycle Program Update

-- Proposed changes to Chapter 250

-- Vapor Intrusion Work Group Report Draft Language

-- TGM Work Group Recommendations

-- NIR Standard Operating Procedures

Click Here for available handouts

May 7-8--Delaware River Basin Commission public hearing/meeting. Washington Crossing HistoricPark Visitor Center, Washington Crossing, Pa. (agenda-formal notice)

May 8--CANCELED. DEP Water Resources Advisory Committee meeting. The next scheduled

meeting is August 14. (formal notice)

May 16-- DEP Solid Waste Advisory Committee meeting. Room 105 Rachel Carson Building. 10:00.
http://www.google.com/url?q=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.dep.state.pa.us%2Fdep%2Fsubject%2Fadvcoun%2Fsolidwst%2Fswac.htm&sa=D&sntz=1&usg=AFQjCNFYVDXN0H8P3hQFvVHegYW3glIapwhttp://www.google.com/url?q=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.dep.state.pa.us%2Fdep%2Fsubject%2Fadvcoun%2Fsolidwst%2Fswac.htm&sa=D&sntz=1&usg=AFQjCNFYVDXN0H8P3hQFvVHegYW3glIapwhttp://www.google.com/url?q=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.pabulletin.com%2Fsecure%2Fdata%2Fvol43%2F43-17%2F776.html&sa=D&sntz=1&usg=AFQjCNGHCclChS8NEsgni87RmkrdhFgcyAhttp://www.google.com/url?q=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.portal.state.pa.us%2Fportal%2Fserver.pt%2Fcommunity%2Fwater_resources_advisory_committee_(wrac)%2F14017&sa=D&sntz=1&usg=AFQjCNEGCqD581nWYEZmbX8lhqby4AKxPghttp://www.google.com/url?q=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.portal.state.pa.us%2Fportal%2Fserver.pt%2Fcommunity%2Fwater_resources_advisory_committee_(wrac)%2F14017&sa=D&sntz=1&usg=AFQjCNEGCqD581nWYEZmbX8lhqby4AKxPghttp://www.google.com/url?q=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.pabulletin.com%2Fsecure%2Fdata%2Fvol43%2F43-16%2F708.html&sa=D&sntz=1&usg=AFQjCNGLpBCTIv6FxSOittKwoCcZl9CjlQhttp://www.google.com/url?q=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.state.nj.us%2Fdrbc%2F&sa=D&sntz=1&usg=AFQjCNGp7w0uWRXz-8xmPyYltAjeoniLRAhttp://www.google.com/url?q=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.state.nj.us%2Fdrbc%2F&sa=D&sntz=1&usg=AFQjCNGp7w0uWRXz-8xmPyYltAjeoniLRAhttp://www.google.com/url?q=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.portal.state.pa.us%2Fportal%2Fserver.pt

pa environment digest may 6, 2013

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