pa environment digest may 7, 2012
TRANSCRIPT
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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 7, 2012
White House Honors Champions Of Greening Cities, Towns, Including 2 From PA
The White House honored nine individuals on April 25 as Champions of Change for Greening
our Cities and Towns as part of President Obama’s “Winning the Future” initiative. Two of the
nine individuals recognized were from Pennsylvania-- Marian Robidas, principal of Jonestown
Elementary School in the Northern Lebanon School District, and Lindsay Baxter, ProjectManager for the Pennsylvania Environmental Council.
Champions of Change were recognized because they demonstrated a commitment to
advancing innovative approaches to promote energy efficiency, revitalize outdoor spaces and
waterways and adopt transportation solutions that conserve natural resources, improve
walkability and improve other quality of life aspects of towns and cities.
“These Americans are helping our country rise to the many challenges of the 21st
century,” said Valerie Jarrett, senior advisor to President Obama. “The White House is proud to
feature the stories of these Americans who are doing extraordinary things in their communities to
out-innovate, out-educate and to out-build the rest of the world.”
Marian Robidas has been the principal of Jonestown Elementary School in the Northern
Lebanon School District since 2005. Throughout her twenty-two years in education, she has been
a strong proponent for active and authentic real-world learning, and for creating opportunities
that allow students to do their own problem solving.
Mrs. Robidas believes that a school cannot reach its maximum potential in educating
students without the help of the community and that it is never too early for students to begin
learning about their community and how to best serve it.
She is being honored as a Champion of Change for her innovative energy priorities and
sustainable living practices making a greener community a possibility in any American city or
town.
Lindsay Baxter is a Project Manager for the Pennsylvania Environmental Council. In
this role she works with communities ranging in population from 75 to over 300,000, toimplement sustainability efforts that reduce environmental impact and climate change, help local
governments save money, and improve quality of life for local residents.
Key programs she works on include: the Pittsburgh Climate Initiative and the Mon River
Town Program, a community and economic development initiative along the Monongahela River
in southwestern Pennsylvania.
Prior to joining the PEC, Baxter served as the first sustainability coordinator for the City
of Pittsburgh, in the Office of Mayor Luke Ravenstahl. Lindsay Baxter is being honored as a
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Champion of Change for her innovative energy priorities and sustainable living practices making
a greener community a possibility in any American city or town.
Champions spoke passionately about the work happening throughout their communities
and among the various organizations and agencies they represent.
Lindsay Baxter, project manager for PEC spoke about the leadership of Mayor Luke
Ravenstahl in establishing the first Office of Sustainability for the city, the value of taking anintegrated approach to the issues and leading by example.
For more information, visit the Champions Of Change webpage.
Trout Unlimited Abandoned Mine Program Wins Governor's Award
Trout Unlimited's eastern abandoned mine program was awarded with Pennsylvania’s 2012
Governor’s Award for Environmental Excellence, given to an individual or organization
involved in efforts to promote environmental stewardship and economic development.
"We are honored to receive this distinguished award," said Amy Wolfe, director of Trout
Unlimited’s Eastern Abandoned Mine Program. "Once thought to be lifeless and uninhabitable
for fish and wildlife, the West Branch Susquehanna River has again illustrated its resilience and proves that abandoned mine drainage reclamation efforts are good for the resource and good for
Pennsylvania."
Trout Unlimited launched the West Branch Recovery Benchmark Project in 2009 to
document and provide sound, science‐ based documentation that the West Branch Susquehanna
River and many of its tributaries have experienced significant water quality and fishery
improvements over the past 25 years.
Millions of dollars had been spent to restore areas within the West Branch Susquehanna
watershed from historical abandoned mine pollution but that there had never been a concerted
effort to measure large‐scale improvements.
Trout Unlimited and over a dozen organizations, including the Department of Environmental Protection, Fish and Boat Commission and the Susquehanna River Basin
Commission participated in the project.
The award was presented in Harrisburg on April 18.
Trout Unlimited's eastern abandoned mine program is focused on the conservation,
protection and restoration of coldwater fisheries and their watersheds throughout the
Appalachian region that have been impacted by historic coal mining.
A main focus of the program is the West Branch Susquehanna Restoration Initiative,
which was launched in 2004 as a comprehensive and collaborative effort aimed at the restoration
of coldwater streams and the ultimate recovery of the West Branch Susquehanna River.
John Hines To Receive James McGirr Kelly Award For Excellence
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The PA Chapter of the National Association of Water Companies will
recognize former DEP Executive Deputy Secretary John Hines with the
James McGirr Kelly Award for Excellence at their annual meeting and
awards luncheon on May 8.
The program will also feature panel discussions on the latest issues
facing water companies in Hearing Room 1, Keystone Building beginningat 9:00 a.m.
John T. Hines currently serves as a Government Relations Advisor
to the Shell Oil Company. In this capacity, coordinates various activities
related to the Shell Oil Company business in Ohio, Pennsylvania, and New York.
Prior to joining Shell Oil, Mr. Hines spent over eighteen years with the Pennsylvania
Department of Environmental Protection (DEP), capping off his career as the Executive Deputy
Secretary for Programs. In this capacity, he oversaw all statewide policy and program
development related to all aspects of DEP’s activities.
Mr. Hines served twelve of his 18 years in senior and executive management at DEP.
Mr. Hines has served as the Deputy Secretary for Water Management; as Executive Director of
the Water Planning Office and as the Acting Director of Watershed Management, and as theDEP’s Policy Director.
Mr. Hines has done so many small things, most of which have gone unrecognized, that
have resulted in improvements to water quality statewide. However, most recognize that he has
overseen numerous Departmental efforts including the passage of a number of initiatives to
protect Pennsylvania’s water resources.
Specifically, he served as a lead negotiator for DEP in the final stage of the passage of the
Water Resources Planning Act (Act 220 of 2002). Mr. Hines was also critical to the drafting of
Annex 2001, an agreement to protect the Great Lakes that was signed by the eight Great Lakes
States and the Provinces of Ontario and Quebec.
Over the course of his career at DEP, Mr. Hines was instrumental in leading DEP’sefforts, now 26-years running, to comply with the Chesapeake Bay Tributary Strategy.
With 46-percent of the Chesapeake Bay watershed in Pennsylvania, Mr. Hines played a
pivotal role in bringing stakeholders together to forge a Pennsylvania strategy to meet the
Environmental Protection Agency’s Total Maximum Daily Load (TMDL) plan for cleaning up
the bay.
In particular, he helped devise a point and non-point source strategy for Pennsylvania’s
wastewater plants and farmers, including a Nutrient Credit Trading Program which has helped
stakeholders meet mandatory reductions in nitrogen, phosphorous and sediment in a cost-
effective way.
Whether he was protecting our source water from gas drilling wastewater and other
sources of Total Dissolved Solids (TDS) or ensuring that our drinking waters meet the SafeDrinking Water Act standards, John Hines has exemplified dedication to promoting the
availability of safe drinking water in the Commonwealth.
In 2001, the American Water Resources Association (AWRA) recognized Mr. Hines with
the Pyramid Award. The Pyramid Award recognizes nationally outstanding young professionals
in the fi eld of water resources.
In 1999, both the Interstate Council on Water Policy (ICWP) and Great Lakes
Commission recognized Mr. Hines for his efforts in establishing the “Partnership for the 21st
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Century” agreement among river basin commissions nationally and his work on developing the
ICWP Interstate Water Resources Standing Committee. He has also earned two “Secretary Pins”
for his outstanding work on DEP initiatives.
Mr. Hines has served as Pennsylvania’s State Coordinator for the Delaware Estuary
Program, as Executive Director of the Greene County Solid Waste Authority and as a
Socioeconomic Planner with L. Robert Kimball and Associates in Ebensburg, Cambria County.A Presidential Scholar, Mr. Hines holds a Bachelors Degree in Social Sciences and a
Masters Degree in Geography and Regional Planning.
A native of Greene County, Mr. Hines currently resides in Palmyra, Lebanon County,
with his wife, Amy, and his children, Alexis and Matthew. He has volunteered for numerous
church and community organizations.
Mr. Hines currently serves as the Leadership Chair of Gravel Hill United Methodist
Church. He has also served for over sixteen years on the Campbelltown Palmyra Youth Soccer
Club and is a State Certified “D” level soccer coach.
The James McGirr Kelly Award for Excellence is the highest honor bestowed by the
National Association of Water Companies – Pennsylvania Chapter. The award is presented each
year to the resident of Pennsylvania who most exemplified dedication to promoting theavailability of safe drinking water in the Commonwealth.
The Annual Award for Excellence was named for the late James McGirr Kelly, Senior
United States District Court Judge for the Eastern District of Pennsylvania. Judge Kelly was a
former member of the Public Utility Commission and former vice president of American Water
Works Service Company, Inc. He was the first recipient of the award in 1983.
Past award winners include: 2011 John Hanger, DEP Secretary, 2010 former PUC
Commissioner Kim Pizzingrilli, 2009 Rep. Bud George, 2008 Rick Rogers, U.S. EPA Region 3,
2007 Paul K. Marchetti, 2005 Rep. Carole Rubley, 2004 Terrance J. Fitzpatrick, former Chair
PUC, 2003 Fredrick A. Marrocco, DEP, 2002 David E. Hess, DEP Secretary, 2001 John M.
Quain, former Chair PUC, 2000 Sen. Raphael J. Musto, 1999 Walter A. Lyon, 1998 Michael D.Klein, 1997 David A. Long, PhD, 1996 Gov. Tom Ridge, 1995 Sen. David J. Brightbill, 1994
Wendell F. Holland, 1993 William R. Shane, 1992 William R. Lloyd, 1991 Edith D. Stevens,
1990 Dr. Ruth Patrick, 1989 Gov. Robert P. Casey, 1988 Sen. D. Michael Fisher, 1987 George I.
Bloom, 1986 Clifford L. Jones, DER Secretary, 1985 Dr. Maurice K. Goddard, DER Secretary,
and in 1984 Gov. Dick Thornburgh.
A copy of the meeting agenda is available online.
PEC, Dominion To Recognize 5 Western PA Environmental Programs June 28
Five community programs from throughout Western Pennsylvania will share $25,000
from Dominion and the Pennsylvania Environmental Council for innovation and effectiveness inmaking a positive impact on the Western Pennsylvania environment.
The five programs are this year’s winners of the 2012 Western Pennsylvania
Environmental Awards, presented annually to local organizations that demonstrate leadership,
effectiveness and results in making an impact on the environment.
These five programs encompass a variety of programs in environmental conservation,
energy efficiency, pollution prevention and stormwater management. They were chosen by a
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group of independent judges of environmental experts and PEC staff in response to a call for
entries earlier this year.
With these awards, each winner will designate a $5,000 cash prize to be used in support
of a nonprofit environmental program of their choice.
The winners are:
-- Bradford Area School District – Bradford (McKean County): A comprehensive program
of conservation, pollution prevention and energy efficiency has had a dramatic impact on
greening the Bradford Area School District. This program involved students, faculty and staff in
creating a green culture that has produced dramatic and measurable results in energy use
throughout all four schools in the district. A student-run “Go Green Police” and a series of “Go
Green” initiatives throughout the entire school community helped reduce its electricity and
natural gas usage and helped earn two Energy Star ratings. All buses, mowers and tractors run
on biodiesel fuel resulting in less noxious gas emissions at no additional cost. And the district
built its first green building to house a new student fitness center. Contact: Sandra Romanowski,
814- 362-3841 x 2501 or send email to:
-- Giant Eagle, Inc. – Pittsburgh (Allegheny County): Giant Eagle’s “Delivering a Cleaner
Future” Compressed Natural Gas (CNG) project resulted in one of Western Pennsylvania’s first
publicly-accessible CNG fueling stations, located roughly five miles outside of the city of
Pittsburgh. This project helped demonstrate how this region’s abundant natural gas resources
could be utilized for a cleaner-burning transportation fuel an important step forward toward
energy independence. As part of this project, Giant Eagle added ten new natural gas-powered
delivery trucks to its fleet, which led to a reduction of 900,000 pounds of CO2 and a fuel
savings of $150,000 in just the first year of the project. And as they travel from store to store,
these new vehicles will serve as an example of alternative fuel technology at work throughoutthe region. Contact: Dan Magrish, 412-967-4979 or send email to: [email protected].
-- Kiski-Conemaugh Stream Team – Windber (Somerset County): Acid mine drainage
(AMD) is a major environmental problem for the coal mining communities in the 1,887 square-
mile Kiski-Conemaugh River Basin. The Stream Team was created to manage a volunteer corps
to tackle this problem, collect data to monitor the operations and effectiveness of 28 AMD
treatment systems, provide environmental education and conduct conservation efforts in polluted
waterways. In fact, Stream Team data are used by over two dozen organizations to secure funds
for the design and construction of AMD treatment systems. Over the years, the Stream Team has
educated and engaged tens of thousands of residents in the Basin through media, outreach,
community events, Outdoor Discovery Workshops, and classroom activities. It has also educatedthousands of young people on the state of area waterways and inspired them to implement
conservation practices in their homes. Contact: Melissa Reckner, 814-444-2669 or send email
to: [email protected].
-- Lake Erie Region Conservancy – Erie (Erie County) : Since 2001, the Lake Erie Region
Conservancy has led efforts to raise over $10 million to protect over 1,200 acres of open space in
the Pennsylvania Lake Erie watershed that includes nearly seven miles of tributary and Lake Erie
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shoreline. In that time, LERC has shown a 40-1 return on investment with net assets over $1
million and only one full time staff person. These acquisitions are permanent, community assets
that offer additional recreational opportunities for our region and for tourism. All of our
acquisitions offer direct access to our steams and Lake Erie and provide protection to the
watersheds. LERC has also become the leading non-profit advocate for the protection and
restoration of the Great Lakes. Contact: Tom Fuhrman, 814-566-9319 or send emailto: [email protected].
-- Westmoreland Conservation District – Greensburg (Westmoreland County): The Little
Pucketa Creek is a nine square-mile watershed that has been developed with little to no
stormwater control in mind. As a result the creek is one of the most heavily impacted waterways
in Westmoreland County during wet weather and is in need of retrofit projects to mitigate these
impacts. The Westmoreland Conservation District has been working with Valley High School
and others in the community in addressing water quality in the creek. To date, there has been
immediate improvement to the creek and watershed area as well as increased awareness to the
problem of stormwater management. Their work in this watershed is a showcase on how to
utilize best management practices to address problems related to stormwater, erosion control, andflood debris retention. Contact: Rob Cronauer, 724-837-5271.
All entries were judged on the basis of their relevance to local environmental priorities,
evidence of their impact on the environment, their approach to solving an environmental
problem, and the environmental benefit of their work.
The Western Pennsylvania Environmental Awards program is open to individuals and
organizations that demonstrated a commitment to environmental excellence, leadership and
accomplishment, and made significant contributions toward improving Western Pennsylvania’s
environment.
Dominion and the Pennsylvania Environmental Council sponsor the WesternPennsylvania Environmental Awards each year to encourage the community to emulate the
achievements of the winning entries, thereby promoting innovative environmental efforts and
enhancing the quality of life in Western Pennsylvania.
The winners will be honored at the Western Pennsylvania Environmental Awards
Dinner and Awards Ceremony on June 28 at the Westin Convention Center Hotel downtown.
Fiscal Office: FY 2012-13 Revenue $1 Billion Higher Than Governor's Office Estimate
The Independent Fiscal Office said Tuesday its estimate of FY 2012-13 General Fund revenues
is $1.02 billion higher than the estimate by the Governor's Office-- $28.16 billion versus the
Governor's proposed budget of $27.14 billion.IFO and Governor's Office were closer in their estimates for the current FY 2011-12
fiscal year. The IFO said the state would collect $27.05 billion in General Fund revenues in the
current fiscal year and the Governor's Office estimated $27.095 billion.
Click Here for more details. A copy of the IFO estimate is available online. A copy of
the Governor's budget is also available.
Pennsylvania collected $3.4 billion in General Fund revenue in April, which was $98.9
million, or 3 percent, more than anticipated, Secretary of Revenue Daniel Meuser reported
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Tuesday. Fiscal year-to-date General Fund collections total $23 billion, which is $288.4 million,
or 1.2 percent, below estimate. Click Here for more details.
NewsClips: State Revenues Hint At Upswing
More Tax Income May Soften PA Budget Cuts
April Tax Revenue Millions Ahead Of Estimate
April Tax Revenue $40-$50 Million Ahead Of EstimatesStrengthening PA Revenues Could Ease Proposed Budget Cuts
April Tax Shower Brings May Debate Over Spending
Legislators Have $121 Million Surplus
Reserve Judgment On Legislatures' Rainy Day Fund? Ha!
Legislators Return With Budget On Their Minds
Editorial: General Assembly: Stop Hoarding Public's Cash
Budget Completion A Priority For State Legislators
Mapping PA's Drilling Impact Fee Revenue
Politicians Highlight PA Funding Cuts, Transit Woes
Did You Know You Can Search 7+ Years Of Digests On Any Topic?
Did you know you can search 7 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 7, 8, 9, 21, 22, 23
June 4, 5, 6, 11, 12, 13, 18, 19, 20, 25, 26, 27, 28, 29
House
May 7, 8, 9, 21, 22, 23
June 4, 5, 6, 11, 12, 13, 18, 19, 20, 21, 22, 25, 26, 27, 28, 29
Bill Calendars
House (May 7): House Resolution 438 (Cruz-D-Philadelphia) urging Philadelphia to establish a
waste tire removal and disposal program; House Resolution 423 (Petri-R-Bucks) directing the
Legislative Budget and Finance Committee to study state funding formulas and how they impact
counties; House Resolution 505 (Preston-D-Allegheny) disapproving the PUC regulation on
natural gas competition. <> Click Here for full House Bill Calendar.
Senate (May 7): Senate Bill 477 (Browne-R-Lehigh) providing for compelled removal of
noncomplying billboards. <> Click Here for full Senate Bill Calendar.
Committees
House: <> Click Here for full House Committee Schedule.
Senate: <> Click Here for full Senate Committee Schedule.
Senate/House Bills Moving
The following bills of interest saw action this week in the House and Senate--
House
Drinking Water Week: House Resolution 665 (George-D-Clearfield) designating May 6 thru
12 as Drinking Water Week was adopted by the House.
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Keep PA Beautiful: House Resolution 669 (V.Brown-D-Philadelphia) recognizing volunteers
participating in Keep Pennsylvania's Beautiful Great American Cleanup of PA was adopted by
the House.
Senate
ATV/Snowmobiles: House Bill 2151 (Gabler-R-Clearfield) further providing for the
snowmobile, ATV registration was referred to the Senate Appropriations Committee.
Biofuels: House Bill 807 (Sonny-R-Erie) further providing for standards for biodiesel fuel,
enforcement and penalties was referred to the Senate Appropriations Committee.
Land Banks: Senate Bill 1414 (Argall-R-Schuylkill) providing for the creation of land banks
was referred to the Senate Appropriations Committee.
Green Buildings: Senate Bill 1136 (Rafferty-R-Montgomery) requiring certain state buildings to
comply with green building standards was referred to the Senate Appropriations Committee.
Canadian Oil: Senate Resolution 265 (Brubaker-R-Lancaster) urging Congress to support
continued and increased importation of Canadian oil adopted by the Senate.
Lyme Disease Awareness: Senate Resolution 294 (Greenleaf-R-Montgomery) designating May
as Lyme Disease Awareness Month was adopted by the Senate.
News From The Capitol
House Democrats Unveil Marcellus Compact To Fix New Drilling Law
House Democrats Monday launched a renewed effort to fix what they said was an industry-
friendly Marcellus Shale law (Act 13), offering a six-point plan – the Marcellus Compact.
Noting that the new law provides one of the lowest tax rates in the nation on natural gas
drillers and weak environmental protections, House Democrats unveiled their Marcellus
Compact – a promise to put the interests of Pennsylvanians first, rather than the oil and gas
industry for whom, and by whom, Act 13 was written.
"House Democrats are committed to a strong Marcellus Shale law that puts Pennsylvania
taxpayers, workers and families first, unlike the current law supported by Gov. Corbett and his
allies, which is a sweetheart deal for the multi-billion-dollar oil and gas industry," said
Democratic Leader Frank Dermody (D-Allegheny). "The Marcellus Compact placesPennsylvania’s priorities where they ought to be – with the people who live and work here, not
with wealthy, multinational oil and gas corporations."
The Marcellus Compact includes components to:
-- restore municipal zoning authority by eliminating Act 13’s override of local zoning provisions;
-- ensure tax fairness for Pennsylvanians by imposing a reasonable statewide tax on natural gas
drillers for the life of the well;
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"The Marcellus Shale law ignores the needs of our workers and provides no incentives to
help create jobs for Pennsylvanians," Rep. Mirabito said. "My bill in the Marcellus Compact is
aimed at giving more Pennsylvania workers the chance to benefit from this incredible economic
growth that the natural gas industry has brought to our region. Yes, this industry is creating jobs,
but we can do better for our workers."
Rep. Dermody noted House Democrats have taken the lead on pushing legislativestrategies aimed at creating jobs and improving Pennsylvania’s economy. In October, House
Democrats unveiled JumpstartPA, a 10-point plan to boost the economy and get Pennsylvanians
back to work.
"Where is Governor Corbett’s jobs plan? Where is his leadership on the issues that matter
most to middle-class Pennsylvanians?” asked Rep. Dermody. "For the past 15 months, Governor
Corbett and his Republican allies in the legislature have proven time and again that their
priorities are out of whack.
"It’s time we put Pennsylvanians first."
A one-page fact sheet and a comparison chart of the Marcellus Compact and Act 13 are
available online.
NewsClip: House Democrats Push To Revise Gas Drilling Law
News From Around The State
Aqua America Drilling Water Pipeline Saves Over 2,000 Truck Trips In First Month
Aqua America Inc. and Penn Virginia Resource Partners, L.P. Monday announced a newly
constructed private pipeline supplying fresh water to certain natural gas producers drilling in the
Marcellus Shale in northcentral Pennsylvania is now fully operational.
It marks the first time water is being commercially supplied directly to drill sites in the
Marcellus Shale without the public-highway use of heavy-weight 5,400-gallon tanker truckscustomarily employed in well completions.
In less than a month of operation, the pipeline has already eliminated more than 2,000
water truck trips over rural roadways. In addition, this project supported the creation of
approximately 100 local jobs over the course of construction.
The pipeline project is owned and operated by Aqua-PVR Water Services, LLC, a joint
venture of certain Aqua America and PVR operating subsidiaries. The 12-inch diameter steel
pipeline largely parallels the trunkline of PVR's gathering system in Lycoming County and
shares PVR's existing rights-of-way.
PVR constructed the fresh water pipeline and handled negotiation of water pipeline
capacity contracts with producers. Each company has invested approximately $10.2 million as of
March 31, 2012, for construction of the first segment of the project.The joint venture has entered into a three-year agreement with Range Resources -
Appalachia, LLC, a wholly owned subsidiary of Range Resources Corporation, to supply fresh
water to three of Range's water impoundments.
William H. Shea, Jr., Chief Executive Officer of PVR, said, “We are pleased to see the
start of service of the first phase of this new private pipeline water delivery system that so
tangibly benefits both the residents and the contracting producers in the local communities where
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we operate. We look forward to completing the planned extensions of the pipeline and the
expansion of service to additional producers in the region.”
Aqua America Chairman and CEO Nicholas DeBenedictis said, “We are glad to have
entered a business offering a positive alternative to the impact of truck hauling through rural
communities, while reducing diesel emissions and the overall carbon footprint of providing
needed water to the drilling business. By reducing truck traffic, we are also reducing the noisefrom the vehicles and wear-and-tear on local roadways, plus helping to reduce carbon emissions
associated with the thousands of truck trips that have been eliminated because of the pipeline.
“We’ve been in the water business for more than 125 years and shale drilling is a very
water intensive business,” DeBenedictis continued. “As this business continues to grow, it’s
important that water professionals like Aqua America be involved to ensure the proper
management of such an important resource.”
Symposium To Examine Legacy Of Rachel Carson On May 11-12
Fifty years ago, scientist and author Rachel Carson sparked the modern environmental
movement by bringing to light the dangers posed by the then widely utilized pesticide DDT. Her book, “Silent Spring,” documented the tragic, unintentional environmental repercussions of the
use of man-made chemicals, launched a worldwide campaign to reduce the use of dangerous
chemicals in the environment, and continues to inspire the next generation of environmental
defenders.
In recognition of the tremendous impact of Carson’s seminal work, more than 25
environmental leaders from around the globe will gather in Pittsburgh on May 11 and 12 to give
their perspectives on “Silent Spring,” to examine the role it has played in raising environmental
awareness over the past 50 years, and to look toward the future of the environmental
conservation movement.
The Perspectives on Silent Spring at 50 Symposium, presented by the National Aviaryand the Rachel Carson Institute at Chatham University, will include presentations and panel
discussions on the long-lasting impact of Carson’s work, highlighted with a keynote address by
2011 Heinz Award recipient Louis J. Guillette, Jr.
A reproductive biologist and professor at the University of Florida, Guillette has received
international acclaim for research on the impacts of toxic chemicals on the reproductive systems
of alligators and other wildlife.
“Rachel Carson left a legacy of writing and an environmental ethic drawn from her
concern about the persistent chemicals people introduce into the environment,” says Patricia
DeMarco, director of the Rachel Carson Institute at Chatham University. “We will examine the
predictions Rachel Carson made in her writing, evaluate how the current environmental
conditions reflect her concerns, and address the challenges and hopes we face in the twenty-firstcentury.”
The Perspectives on Silent Spring at 50 Symposium will open at 1 p.m. on May 11, at the
National Aviary, with a special presentation of Wings!, the Aviary’s dramatic multimedia,
interactive, live bird performance, followed by a special airing of Rachel Carson’s speech to the
National Women’s Press Club and a panel discussion, “Voices of the Earth,” with environmental
writers Scott Weidensaul, Sherri Woodley, John Juriga, and Diane Graves.
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The first day of the symposium will end with a keynote address by Carson’s biographer,
Linda Lear, Ph.D., entitled “That Book Is For The Birds.”
The symposium will continue on Saturday at 9 a.m. at the Eddy Theatre at Chatham
University’s Shadyside campus beginning with Guillette’s keynote address, and followed by four
panel discussions on the lessons, challenges, images and messages, and future voices that the
book “Silent Spring” has informed or inspired.More information and tickets are available online. Tickets are $50 for Friday, May 11,
$75 for May 12, or $100 for both days. Space is limited to 150.
New Study: Nutrient Trading Could Lower Cost Of Chesapeake Bay Cleanup
Nutrient credit trading could significantly reduce the billion-dollar price tag for cleaning up the
Chesapeake Bay, according to a new analysis done for the Chesapeake Bay Commission.
According to the study developed for the Commission by RTI International, a prominent
economic think-tank, the potential cost savings from nutrient credit trading could range from 20
percent to 80 percent, depending upon implementation parameters.
Nutrient credit trading is a system that enables one pollution source to meet its pollutionreduction goals by purchasing those reductions from another source.
Sewage treatment plants, urban storm water systems, farms, and other sources are
required by the federal Chesapeake Bay Total Maximum Daily Load (the Bay’s “pollution diet”)
to reduce the amount of nitrogen and phosphorus pollution they contribute to the Bay.In the
study, RTI estimated the potential cost savings when allowing for nutrient credit trading among
several pollution sources (e.g., sewage treatment plants, urban storm water districts, and farms)
within a variety of geographic regions (e.g., within a state, within a river basin, or throughout
the entire watershed).
“Our study looked at established costs of pollution reduction from several sources and
then estimated the extent to which nutrient credit trading could, under a series of differentconditions, reduce those costs,” said George Van Houtven, the lead investigator from RTI. The
results show the dramatic potential nutrient credit trading offers to lowering the costs of restoring
the Chesapeake.
For example, allowing agricultural nonpoint sources to participate in a trading program
introduces relatively low-cost options for reducing nutrient pollution. These options are
particularly attractive to localities where pollution reduction from urban stormwater sources is
particularly expensive.
Beth L. McGee, Ph.D., Senior Regional Water Quality Scientist at the Chesapeake Bay
Foundation, said, “This study shows that local governments that are struggling with the costs of
reducing urban stormwater pollution would benefit the most from nutrient trading programs. If
they could purchase credits to meet even a fraction of the necessary pollution reductions, thecost-savings would be significant.”
To date, four states in the Chesapeake watershed – West Virginia, Virginia, Maryland
and Pennsylvania – have initiated water quality trading programs. The Commission’s economic
analysis will help policymakers as they consider the future of these state programs.
Ann Swanson, Executive Director of the Chesapeake Bay Commission, stressed that the
study also strongly confirms the need to ensure that any trading program actually delivers
pollution reductions. To maximize the cost benefits from trading and ensure that trading
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produces reductions, the report recommended that Federal, state, and local governments define
trading rules and protocols, provide information and technical assistance, and ensure compliance
and enforcement.
Peter Hughes, a principal in Red Barn Trading Company, a Pennsylvania company
currently engaged in trading said “This was the first technical report that I have seen that
encapsulated monitoring and verifying as well as performance of pollution reduction measures asa part of transaction costs associated with nutrient trades. Many times these important factors are
left out of the analysis, making it impossible to accurately vet the true costs associated with non-
point source trading.”
The analysis was undertaken as part of the Chesapeake Bay Commission’s mission to
provide policy research and options to its member states of Pennsylvania, Maryland and
Virginia. “This study shows the potential economic outcomes that nutrient credit trading has to
offer” said Sen. Emmett W. Hanger, Jr., the Chairman of the Commission and a Virginia state
senator. “If we can accomplish verifiable pollution reductions, and do them more cheaply by
trading nutrient credits, then we must give serious consideration to use of this tool.”
A copy of the full study is available online.
For more information contact Ann Swanson, Executive Director of the Chesapeake BayCommission, at 410-263-3420 or send email to: [email protected].
NewsClips: Study: Pollution Trading Could Trim Chesapeake Bay Cleanup Costs
Nutrient Trading Could Cut Costs Of Chesapeake Bay Cleanup
Op-Ed: Susquehanna River Impairment Means More Cost, Regulations
Op-Ed: Just Rebuilding Oyster Reefs Won't Save Chesapeake Bay
Column: Time To Save The Susquehanna Is Now Upon Us
PA Conservation Districts Grants Support Innovative Pollution Prevention Projects
Pennsylvania’s County Conservation Districts Wednesday received more than $47,000 for 28 projects in 26 counties that promote water pollution prevention strategies through the Non-Point
Source Pollution Prevention Educational Mini-Grant Program.
“Pennsylvania’s conservation districts work every day to control pollution and ensure
there is enough clean water for future generations,” said Robert Maiden, Executive Director of
the Pennsylvania Association of Conservation Districts. “We are grateful to the Pennsylvania
Department of Environmental Protection for providing funding for these projects that will make
a difference for Pennsylvania’s citizens.”
Funding for the grants, up to $2,000 each, is provided through the Department of
Environmental Protection under Section 319 of the Clean Water Act, administered by the US
Environmental Protection Agency.
A list of projects funded is available online.
Feature
Greening Of Lancaster Goes Through The Roof By Rona Kobell, Chesapeake Bay Journal
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From the rooftop of the Tellus 360 shop in Downtown Lancaster, Charlotte Katzenmoyer can see
the Victorian shops and homes that have long made the city a tourist stop on the way to
Pennsylvania Dutch Country.
But the most interesting part of the view is what's below her feet. Katzenmoyer, the city's
public works director, is standing on a mix of sprouting green plants, compost and stone - a
9,000-square-foot green roof. And as large as it is, the roof over the furniture and clothing shopon King Street is not even the city's largest. That honor belongs to the National Novelty Brush
Co., a company founded more than 50 years ago.
Since the city began implementing its green infrastructure plan in 2011, it has helped
build nine green roofs. Katzenmoyer has overseen the repaving of one alley with porous
pavement - a project she says will capture an additional 200,000 to 300,000 gallons of
stormwater that would otherwise be headed for the Conestoga River.
The city has resurfaced four parking lots with porous concrete, as well as a basketball
court. It has reconfigured the storm drains at one local park so that the stormwater goes into a
catch basin that is then filtered into a gravel bed - resulting in cleaner water seeping into the
ground. And the work in Lancaster has just begun - about 40 more projects are in the pipeline.
All this work will reduce the amount of stormwater that goes into the city's combinedstorm and sanitary sewage system, as well as the 750 million gallons of combined sewage-
stormwater overflows that now reach the river.
"Our focus is to try to manage stormwater where it falls, rather than to try to untangle the
web," Katzenmoyer said. "We'd like to get to it before it gets into a system where we are making
it dirty."
Lancaster may not be the place that comes to mind when people think about the most
progressive cities. Amish buggies still ply the main roads just outside the city limits, and it's not
unusual to see Old Order Amish or Mennonites doing business at the city's main gathering place,
the Central Market. Lancaster County is one of the watershed's three "hot spots" for agriculture
pollution; the others are the Delmarva Peninsula and the Shenandoah Valley. Some Lancaster dairy farms operate as they did 100 years ago and are reluctant to put in pollution-controlling
measures.
But in the business of stormwater management, Katzenmoyer and her team are leaving
past practices behind and moving into a future that they hope will be both less expensive for
taxpayers and more beneficial for the river.
The stormwater problems began more than two centuries ago, when the United States
began to be intensively developed. Before that, when rain fell onto open fields and forests, the
water naturally seeped into the ground. But when those fields became streets and houses, the rain
hit them hard and hurtled toward the lowest points - waterways.
City public works officials created a warren of pipes to carry that water away from
buildings and homes, both to protect property from floods and to safeguard human health. Alongthe way, the water collected chemicals from the industrialized world - oil, lead, nitrogen and
carbon.
In many cities like Lancaster, the stormwater system was connected to the sewage
system. In these combined systems, the pipes would overflow during heavy rains, sending a mix
of untreated sewage and stormwater into the waterways. As the impervious surface increased,
overflows became more of a problem, said EPA Chesapeake Bay Program Director Nick
DiPasquale.
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"Obviously, over the years we've learned that it's not a good idea to send partially treated
waste to our water bodies," DiPasquale said.
The preferred treatment method for combined stormwater systems was to collect all of
the stormwater overflows in a tank, treat it and discharge it into the rivers and streams. Several
cities did just that in the early 1990s as the EPA began forcing the United States' largest cities to
treat their stormwater.But some progressive cities, such as Portland, OR, and Chicago, were experimenting with
the idea of green infrastructure, in which the goal is to prevent the overflows by reducing runoff.
Instead of being piped into drains, more rainfall is allowed to soak into grassy parks or through
porous pavement or is retained on green roofs.
If they had to spend millions of dollars to upgrade stormwater, their managers reasoned,
why not give the public a benefit? Instead of building a huge holding tank, how about a park?
How about planting more trees?
More recently, Cleveland, Syracuse, Philadelphia and Seattle have joined the effort.
When the EPA began mandating smaller cities to tackle their stormwater, Katzenmoyer
was ready to embrace green infrastructure. The city secured nearly $1 million from the National
Fish and Wildlife Foundation to pay for projects, both private and public.With the help of Fritz Schroeder of Live Green Lancaster , a nonprofit focused on
sustainable living in the city, Katzenmoyer found large landowners, like Franklin and Marshall
College, who were interested in pervious pavement. The college is now the proud owner of five
green roofs.
Because Lancaster is a small city and Katzenmoyer oversees both public works and
parks, it's been a bit easier for her to push ahead than it has been for some of her big-city
colleagues. Under the city's green infrastructure plan, if an alley needs to be repaved, the city
will spend a little extra money to repave it with porous pavers and a gravel catchment area. If a
parking lot needs to be resurfaced, workers will use porous pavement and place rain gardens in
the curb areas.Recently, as she showed off the city's projects, Katzenmoyer snapped pictures of a few
maintenance issues, including a rip in some porous material under a swing set, and e-mailed
them to her staff so they could fix them quickly.
It helps that Lancaster Mayor Rick Gray has been a huge supporter of the approach and
now chairs the Local Government Advisory Committee for the Chesapeake Bay Program. It also
helps that the city has partnered with Live Green and Schroeder, an energetic Lancaster native
who seems to know everyone in town. His organization's website offers a multitude of tips for
conserving water and reducing runoff.
DiPasquale has been a major supporter of the Lancaster effort. But not everyone within
the EPA and Region 3 is on board.
"They continue to send us letters asking for more clarification, and we continue to answer them," Katzenmoyer said. "They're coming around, but I think it's slow."
Schroeder added: "Some in the EPA know about it. Others, we're literally taking them to
their first green alley, their first green roof."
DiPasquale said that he likes the green infrastructure approach because it provides
benefits beyond stormwater control. Green roofs reduce the "heat island" effect when too much
asphalt is in one place. Water seeping into the ground can replenish surfacewater streams.
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The tide for green infrastructure took a dramatic turn in 2009, when the National
Research Council produced a report on green solutions to stormwater discharges. It is likely to
become more popular as cities face the one-two punch of more mandates to clean up stormwater
and less cash with which to do it. Katzenmoyer estimated that the green infrastructure will cost
$140 million over 25 years, while a storage-and-treatment system would cost more than $300
million - and would not include benefits such as a repaved basketball court and more parks.In April, American Rivers released their report, "Going Green to Save Green: Economic
Benefits of Green Infrastructure Practices." In it, Jeff Odefay, the organization's director of
stormwater programs, explains the many benefits of programs such as parks, gardens and
pervious pavement. Among them: reducing energy costs and damage from floods, saving water,
protecting the public from diseases that stem from water pollution, enhancing air quality and
safeguarding fish populations - all for less money than conventional methods.
"There really has been over the past 10 years a shift from skepticism to a cautious
embrace to an understanding that this approach works very well, in many cases," Odefay said.
"One of the objections has always been, 'hey, this stuff costs too much.' But that is not actually
true, and you get all these other benefits."
Cities all over the watershed may increasingly embrace green infrastructure as they faceescalating stormwater control costs. Maryland just passed a law requiring its nine largest
counties and Baltimore City to charge a fee for managing stormwater, and Pennsylvania is
considering a similar bill. Barely a day after the Maryland legislature ended, officials from
several of the affected counties said their residents couldn't afford to pay it.
Figuring out what to do with stormwater has always been a difficult question, and one
sometimes made more complicated by the agreements cities have signed to reduce their
pollution. In Washington, DC, George Hawkins oversees Blue Plains, a plant that treats about
300 million gallons of sewage a day. And yet, he said, that job is predictable compared to
stormwater management.
"The hardest kinds of facilities to build are the ones you use once in awhile," saidHawkins, who is general manager of DC Water. "How big do you build it? If you build it big
enough to handle the storm that comes every 200 years then it doesn't get used. But if you build
it for the smaller ones and have a periodic huge storm, then you're in trouble."
Hawkins said he isn't surprised that many in water-management agencies have only
recently begun to put more attention on stormwater. A public works director's first job is to
safeguard drinking water. The next would be to make sure the sewage-treatment system is
functioning properly.
When Katzenmoyer first came to Lancaster in 2001, that was exactly what she did. After
upgrading those facilities, she turned her attention to the long-term control plan for the
stormwater system.
In her research, she found memos from city council meetings dating back to 1906acknowledging the combined sewer system was a problem and suggesting the storm and sanitary
systems be separated. At that time, it would have cost $2 million. Nothing ever happened, and in
1929 the city received permission to keep it the way it was.
But Lancaster is ready to show that times have indeed changed. In June, the Choose
Clean Water Coalition's annual conference will take place in Lancaster, the first time the meeting
has been held outside of Washington, DC.
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The event will take place from 6:30 – 9:00 p.m. in Room G-11 of the Heim Science
Building at Lycoming College. School will not be in session, so there will be plenty of parking
available.
Wissahickon Watershed Mother's Day Walk May 13
Celebrate Mother’s Day at the Wissahickon Valley Watershed Association Family and Dog
Friendly Walk on May 13 at 1:00 pm. in Montgomery County.
The walk will take place at WVWA’s Willow Lake Preserve in Broad Axe. This 109-acre
treasure of natural land is adjacent to a horse farm and is a great bird-watching site and home to a
variety of wildlife. The walk features natural, unpaved trails and well-behaved leashed dogs are
welcome.
The group will meet in the parking lot in the rear of the office building parking lot at the
corner of Skippack and Butler Pikes. This is currently a construction site, so please look for
directional signs.
Reservations are encouraged, but not required for this walk, which is free of charge.
For more information, visit the Wissachickon Watershed Association website, call215-646-8866 or send email to: [email protected].
2012 Pennsylvania Envirothon May 22-23 In Johnstown
The 29th annual Pennsylvania State Envirothon will take place on Tuesday and Wednesday, May
22 and 23. The competition will be held at the University of Pittsburgh Johnstown, Cambria
County. Sixty-six teams of high school students are expected to compete at this year’s event.
The Envirothon, an environmental education and natural resource program, consists of
the annual Pennsylvania State Envirothon Competition in which winning teams from
participating counties compete for recognition and scholarships by demonstrating their knowledge of environmental science and natural resource management.
The competition is centered on four universal testing categories (i.e., soils/land use,
aquatic ecology, forestry, and wildlife) and a current environmental issue. Envirothon is
designed to help educators and students move beyond the classroom into the outdoors preparing
them to complete written exams, including hands-on experiences, developed by soil scientists,
aquatic biologists, foresters, wildlife managers and natural resource professionals.
Conservation districts from Pennsylvania’s 66 counties are expected to sponsor county
level Envirothon events reaching over 15,000 youth from over 700 high schools. Five-member
Envirothon teams prepare for competition from late autumn until spring before working their
way through the County Envirothon competitions.
Winning county Envirothon teams earn the honor to represent their county and travel tothe University of Pittsburgh Johnstown to participate in the State Competition where they
compete for scholarships and other prizes.
The Pennsylvania Envirothon partners with the U.S.D.A. Natural Resources
Conservation Service, Fish and Boat Commission, Game Commission, Department of
Conservation and Natural Resources, the Department of Environmental Protection, and the
Department of Agriculture.
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The outdoor learning center is now a focal point for fifth and sixth grade lessons on
watersheds and wetlands, sustainability, conservation, water management facilities and water
treatment versus rainwater.
“Education plays an enormous part in protecting and restoring the region’s watersheds,”
said SEPA RC&D Council Chairman, Dave Thomas. “Schools like Spring-Ford Intermediate
School are taking an active role in environmental protection, they are leading by example.Students will learn positive steps they can take to protect the environment and local watershed
which they can then share with their families and future generations.”
The 2012 Schuylkill Scholastic Drinking Water Awards will be presented in celebration
of National Drinking Water Week, May 7-13. The students initiated innovative approaches to
educating other students and the community about source water protection, such as creating a
rainwater harvesting system and monitoring water chemistry in streams.
All of the winning projects contribute to protecting the Schuylkill River. The projects
were ranked on work content and amount of student engagement in connection with the
classroom curriculum. During National Drinking Water Week a small group of Spring-Ford
Intermediate students and their teacher Dacia Williams have been asked to attend the
Wednesday, May 9 award ceremony and lunch reception at Wissahickon Valley WatershedAssociation located in Ambler, PA.
SAN was formed in 2003 in an effort to clean up and protect Pennsylvania's Schuylkill
River, a source of drinking water for approximately 1.5 million people and its tributaries. It's a
coalition of more than 100 organizations.
Southwest PA Residents Can Mow Down Air Pollution In Lawn Mower Exchange
Just in time for the spring and summer mowing season, the Southwest Pennsylvania Air Quality
Partnership, Inc. is offering rebates to Southwest Pennsylvania residents that exchange a
gasoline-powered lawnmower and/or trimmer for a rebate toward the purchase of an electric or battery-powered mower and/or trimmer at 17 participating True Value stores in Allegheny,
Beaver, Butler, Greene and Westmoreland Counties.
“We are pleased to partner with True Value Hardware stores and to offer these rebates to
our residents,” Betsy Mallison, Partnership Clean Mower Exchange Program Coordinator said.
“Residents have an opportunity to help mow down air pollution by replacing the gasoline-
powered lawn equipment with an electric or battery-powered version that doesn’t produce
volatile organic compounds that bake in the summer sunlight to produce ground-level ozone.”
Ground-level ozone affects everyone, but the young, the old and those with respiratory
problems are most at risk. However, when ground-level ozone concentrations are unhealthy,
particularly during Air Quality Action Days, everyone is at risk.
The Partnership is offering 300 rebates available on a first-come, first-serve basis, onerebate per household for a lawnmower and/or a lawn trimmer. Residents, at their convenience,
may visit their local participating True Value Store to exchange the lawn equipment.
The purchase of the new electric or battery-powered mowers and trimmers must be
completed by May 31 and the rebate information mailed into the Partnership by June 15.
To claim the rebate, residents need to send a copy of a receipt, the UPC code from the
product box, mower survey and the rebate coupon they received at the True Value Store. Should
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all of the rebates be claimed, the program could end before May 31. Residents will receive a
$100 rebate toward the purchase of the lawnmower and $25 toward the purchase of the trimmer.
The Partnership will work with Evey True Value and Michael Brothers to drain the oil
and gasoline and to recycle the equipment.
The Partnership will offer an opportunity for residents to learn more about electric and
battery-powered lawn equipment and the Clean Mower Exchange Program.True Value Store partners will provide refreshments. The events will run from 11:00
a.m. to 2:00 p.m. at Able True Value, 500 Lincoln Highway, North Versailles on May 12.
The Partnership offered this program from 2000 to 2003 and recycled more than 900
pieces of lawn equipment in southwest Pennsylvania.
For more information, visit the Clean Mower Rebate Program webpage and what you can
do to do your share for cleaner air.
Sign Up Now For Regional Air Quality Alerts
Pennsylvania will joined states across the nation in recognizing April 30 through May 4 as Air
Quality Awareness Week, the Department of Environmental Protection announced Monday.Throughout the week, air quality partnerships across the state held events teaching the
public how to stay safe on air quality action days and how to cut down on air pollution.
"Air quality in all areas of Pennsylvania has improved significantly over the past few
years," DEP Secretary Mike Krancer said. "And with the promise of domestic natural gas
playing a larger role as transportation fuel or to generate electricity for electric vehicles, we can
make even more dramatic progress, especially in our urban areas.
"This week, we encourage all Pennsylvanians to learn more from their local air quality
partnerships about the air we breathe and how we can bring about even cleaner air across the
state."
Throughout the spring and summer months, DEP makes air quality forecasts for ozoneand fine particulate matter. Air Quality Awareness week will mark the return of forecasting for
the pollutants in Pennsylvania for 2012.
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
unhealthy pollution levels for sensitive people, such as the very young, the elderly and those with
respiratory ailments; and red warns of unhealthy pollution levels for all.
These forecasts are provided in conjunction 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.
To sign up to receive air quality forecasts via email, visiting EPA's AirNow webpage.
EPA Designates Nonattainment Areas For 2008 Ozone Pollution Standard
On May 1 the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency designated nonattainment areas for the
2008 ozone pollution standard, including 17 counties in Pennsylvania. Those areas, all
considered Marginal Nonattainment, are:
-- Allentown-Bethlehem-Easton: Carbon, Lehigh, Northampton counties;
-- Lancaster: Lancaster County;
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-- Philadelphia-Wilmington-Atlantic City: Bucks, Chester, Delaware, Montgomery, Philadelphia
counties;
-- Pittsburgh-Beaver Valley: Allegheny, Armstrong, Beaver, Butler, Fayette, Washington,
Westmoreland counties; and
-- Reading: Berks County.
EPA believes Marginal Nonattainment areas will be able to meet the 2008 standardwithin three years, usually as a result of recent and pending federal pollution control measures.
Save The Date: Pennsylvania's Energy Future 2.0 September 5-6
The Pennsylvania Environmental Council will host Pennsylvania's Energy Future 2.0: Getting
From Here To There on September 5-6 in Pittsburgh to explore issues related to developing the
Commonwealth's energy resources.
Pennsylvania contains some of the most abundant and diverse energy resources in the
world. With the development of the Marcellus and Utica Shale natural gas reserves well
underway, the challenge now is to develop an energy infrastructure that can accommodate the
delivery of energy to end users most effectively.Energy production is only part of the equation. Now we must look ahead at delivering all
that energy to the open market without unnecessarily impacting private property, public lands,
parks, forests, protected open spaces, and other land assets throughout Pennsylvania.
The PEC invites you to join us for this critical two-day conference that will assess how
far Pennsylvania has come in developing its energy resources and turn to the future to meet the
challenge of energy delivery.
What is the best strategy for moving different forms of energy from their point of
production to the point of distribution to end-users?
Is a new approach to planning needed to connect the various energy sources to an "energy
delivery superhighway?"-- What should be our priorities for updating and upgrading our energy infrastructure?
-- What laws, policies and practices stand in the way of a sustainable, long-term energy
transmission and distribution strategy for Pennsylvania?
-- What policy initiatives are needed that address the interests of new end users here in
Pennsylvania as well as interstate markets?
-- How best can Pennsylvania capitalize on its abundant energy resources to support sustainable
economic development?
This critical two-day conference will bring together: State, county and municipal
officials; land and policy planners; Energy resource industry; energy technology industry;
academia; environmental policy organizations; and other stakeholders.
Registration and other details will be coming on PEC's website soon.
DEP Fines RW Products $21,000 For Illegally Dumping Drilling Mud
The Department of Environmental Protection has fined RW Products LLC of Wheeling, W. Va.,
$21,029 for the illegal disposal of a reported 800 gallons of waste drilling mud on State Game
Lands 219 in Warren Township, Bradford County, in December 2011.
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“A driver for RW Products admitted that he intentionally dumped a load of oil-based
waste drilling mud onto the ground,” North-central Waste Management Program Manager
Patrick Brennan said. “This violated the Pennsylvania Solid Waste Management Act and the
department’s penalty reflects this blatant disregard for the environment.”
The drilling mud was transported about 2.3 miles from Talisman Energy USA’s Strope
gas well pad to Reagan Hill Road, where it was illegally dumped. Talisman conducted thecleanup of the mud and contaminated soil, which was properly disposed at the Hyland Landfill in
Angelica, New York.
The fine has been paid to the state’s Solid Waste Abatement Fund.
The driver was arrested by the Pennsylvania State Police shortly after the dumping and
has pleaded guilty to a second-degree misdemeanor charge of criminal mischief. He is scheduled
to be sentenced in Bradford County Court on May 17.
AG Charges Susquehanna County Business Owner With Illegal Sludge Dumping
Agents from the Attorney General’s Environmental Crimes Section Monday filed criminal
charges against a Susquehanna County woman, her son and her business, after allegedly illegallydumping sludge on farm fields in New Milford Township and then manipulating records to
indicate proper disposal.
Attorney General Linda Kelly identified the defendants as Betty Birch, 72, and David
Birch, 51, both of 22878 State Route 11, Hallstead, Susquehanna County. Criminal charges were
also filed against Hallstead Sanitary Services Inc., 22878 State Route 11, Hallstead.
Kelly said that Hallstead Sanitary Services, which is the sewage hauler for both
residential septic and municipal sludge in Susquehanna County, is owned by Betty Birtch and
her retired husband. Betty Birtch also serves as the corporation’s Secretary and Treasurer and
manages the office and paperwork.
According to the criminal complaint, Hallstead Sanitary provided sludge destinationreports to the Department of Environmental Protection indicated between Jan. 18, 2010 and
March 21, 2011, the sludge was transported and disposed of at A&G Associates in Colesville,
NY. A&G allegedly stopped accepting sludge disposals in 2006.
The charges state that instead of properly disposing of sludge David Birtch dumped the
waste on farm fields owned by the family.
Kelly said that Betty Birtch allegedly submitted false reports to DEP indicating that
sludge hauled from Hallstead Sanitation was disposed of at A&G Associates. Betty Birtch
allegedly took hand written weight tickets turned in by drivers and typed up a bill along with a
ticket indicating that the sludge was disposed of properly.
According to the criminal complaint, Betty Birtch was fully aware that the sludge was not
being disposed of properly as required by law and fabricated the false reports to comply withDEP.
Kelly thanked the Department of Environmental Protection for their assistance in the
investigation. The case will be prosecuted in Susquehanna County by Senior Deputy Attorney
General Brian Coffey of the Attorney General’s Environmental Crimes Section.
Below is a complete list of the defendants and the charges against them.
--Hallstead Sanitary Services Inc., 22878 State Route 11, Hallstead, Susquehanna County, is
charged with one count of tampering with public records and one count of unlawful conduct.
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--Betty Birtch, 72, 22878 State Route 11, Hallstead, Susquehanna County, is charged with one
count of tampering with public records and one count of unlawful conduct.
--David Birtch, 51, 22878 State Route 11, Hallstead, Susquehanna County, is charged with one
count of unlawful conduct.
Centre County Collects Over 48,400 Pounds Of Household Hazardous Waste
Folks from 857 households took advantage of Centre County’s Household Hazardous Waste
Collection Program this weekend at the Centre County Recycling & Refuse Authority.
Approximately 48,423 pounds of material was collected during the 2-day event. In all,
830 vehicles brought hazardous chemicals from 857 households. Residents from 32 of the
county’s 35 municipalities participated. They also had a few dozen people drive in from out of
county to participate.
“Centre County residents showed up in force and really showed their environmental
caring.” said Joanne Shafer, Centre County’s Deputy Executive Director/Recycling Coordinator.
“The amount of participants (and pounds) was up from last year, showing that Centre Countians
have really embraced the reduce, reuse, recycle ethic.”Volunteers from Penn State Environmental Health and Safety were on-site to assist in
checking vehicles and several volunteers from the Master Gardeners were also on hand to help.
The event was co-sponsored by Centre County Recycling & Refuse Authority, the
Department of Environmental Protection and the Pennsylvania Department of Agriculture.
Collection and disposal costs of all 48,423 pounds will be split between the Household
Hazardous Waste Fund, DEP & CHEMSWEEP.
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 2013.
PRC, Partners Hold eRecycling Event On May 12 In Washington, Pa
The Pennsylvania Resources Council and partners will host an e-waste collection on May 12
from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. at Steel City Harley Davidson, Washington Pa.
Individuals can drop off computers, televisions, cell phones, printer/toner cartridges, and
CFLs at no cost. A nominal fee applies to batteries, VHS and cassette tapes and CD and DVDs.
For more information and a complete list of acceptable items and fees and a printable
flyer, please visit PRC’s Zero Waste Pittsburgh webpage or contact Sarah Alessio Shea at
412-488-7490 ext. 236 or send an email to: [email protected].
Corbett Cuts Ribbon On New Recycled Paper Plant In Lehigh Valley
Gov. Tom Corbett Thursday toured Pratt Industries’ new corrugated box plant, helping to cut the
ribbon on the new facility that will bring at least 125 new jobs to the area.
“Today’s plant opening means more than 100 new jobs, a better environment and more
economic progress here in the Lehigh Valley,” said Corbett.
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The company established the new plant in Macungie to service its northeast United States
customers. The new plant will receive rolls of 100-percent recycled paper that it will convert to
boxes and customized point-of-sale materials for its customers.
“Pratt Industries is proof that Pennsylvania, along with its traditional industries is also
becoming a center of green technology,” Corbett said. “That’s one of the reasons my
administration was so enthusiastic about helping Pratt to establish this new, state-of-the-artfacility here in Macungie.”
Pratt Industries is investing $31 million in the project, which is largely accounted for by
$27 million in equipment purchases. The company has also committed to creating at least 125
new jobs within the next three years.
“My goal as governor is fairly simple. I want our state to be sound fiscally. I want a job
for everyone who seeks one. And I want every job-seeker to have the skills to prosper from a
growing economy.”
Corbett toured the facility before participating in a ribbon-cutting ceremony.
Pratt Industries, a privately held company, employs approximately 3,500 people in more
than 80 locations in 20 states. The new Lehigh Valley plant is the company’s first facility in
Pennsylvania.NewsClip: Governor Tours Cardboard Box Plant
DEP To Offer Live Webcast Of Peregrine Falcon Banding Event May 9
The Department of Environmental Protection and Game Commission Thursday invited students
across the state to watch the annual Peregrine falcon banding event during a live webcast on
Wednesday, May 9.
The event will be held from 12:30 p.m. to 2 p.m. in the Rachel Carson State Office
Building auditorium in Harrisburg.
Biologists will retrieve the young falcons, called eyases, from their nest, weigh them and place a metal band with a falcon-specific code around each bird's left leg. The band code will be
used by wildlife officials and bird enthusiasts to monitor the birds after they leave the nest. A
U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service band will be placed on the eyases' right leg, registering each on a
federal banding database.
Classrooms across Pennsylvania are encouraged to watch the banding via DEP's website.
Viewers will learn how biologists use alphanumeric bands to study Peregrine falcons as they
migrate, pair with other Peregrines and set up breeding territories. They will also hear details
about the wildlife-management techniques used to reintroduce and monitor endangered species.
Since 1997, countless Peregrine falcons have made their home on a ledge off the 15th
floor of the Rachel Carson State Office Building. Peregrine falcons, which are an endangered
species in Pennsylvania, were extremely rare in the state for many years.Through reintroduction programs, they have adapted to life in urban environments like
Harrisburg, Pittsburgh, Philadelphia and Williamsport. Each year, DEP and the Game
Commission track the birds' activities and share educational information through, among other
things, the popular online Falcon Cam.
The Rachel Carson Building nest site has been active and reproducing young Peregrine
falcons for the past 12 years. This year, the female laid a clutch of four eggs, two of which
hatched.
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A key benefit to joining the PA Wilds Artisan Trail is professional marketing support
with a strong online presence as well as offline with materials that help artisans more easily
market their products to residents, visitors, design professionals and the like.
If you are a visual artist and/or craft artisan living in the PA Wilds we highly encourage
you to apply. Likewise, shops, restaurants, lodges, galleries, visitor centers and other retailers in
the region who are interested in selling handcrafted items by PA Wilds Juried Artisans, andcross-marketing with the PA Wilds brand, should apply to become a stop on the trail. Jury
sessions are held twice a year – in the spring and fall.
For more information, visit the PA Wilds Artisan Development Initiative website.
Game Commission Accepting Applications For State Wildlife Grants
Game Commission Bureau of Wildlife Management Director Calvin W. DuBrock Thursday
announced an invitation for project applications to the State Wildlife Grants Program.
Applications are due June 8.
These projects will help address conservation needs through high-priority projects for
endangered, threatened and at-risk species across Pennsylvania.The federal dollars for this program are awarded through the U.S. Fish and Wildlife
Service’s State Wildlife Grants Program. Grant recipients also contribute substantially to the
project. Ultimately, the program represents a tremendous windfall for beleaguered Pennsylvania
wildlife.
“The hundreds of nongame species that inhabit Pennsylvania historically have received
limited funding at best,” DuBrock said. “The importance of nongame species has been
recognized by the agency for a long, long time. It simply hasn’t had the funds required for
comprehensive conservation. Now, with assistance from the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service and
through partnering with the Pennsylvania Fish and Boat Commission and State Wildlife Grants
recipients, we are poised to manage these species like never before.“State Wildlife Grants and partnering opportunities provide a much-needed infusion of
funding that greatly expands wildlife conservation in Pennsylvania. These funds come at time
when nongame research and fieldwork are more important than ever and surely will pay
dividends to wildlife managers for many years to come.”
Because distribution of SWG funds is based upon land area and population size,
Pennsylvania has received a large proportion of these funds, ranking among the top six states in
funding received to date. However, conservation needs annually outpace the funds available, so
competition for funding remains fierce among prospective projects.
“We look forward to working with our conservation partners across the state to develop
the best projects for the sustainability of ecological benefits to the Commonwealth’s wildlife and
residents,” DuBrock said. “This program provides us with a means to make a great difference,and we aim to do just that.”
The Game Commission hopes to finalize project selections in July and award contracts in
early 2013.
For more information on Game Commission priorities for the 2012 SWG call for projects
and guidelines for project applications, visit the agency’s website.
DCNR Begins Implementing Michaux Forest Recommendations
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Department of Conservation and Natural Resources Secretary Richard Allan Wednesday
announced the department will move forward on the recommendations of a task force of
stakeholders to improve and reopen for a three-year period a public shooting range on the
Michaux State Forest in Franklin County.
The range, originally opened in 2003, was closed in June 2010 due to maintenance issues;a need to develop baseline measures of lead and other contaminants associated with small arms;
and ongoing misuse and vandalism at the site.
“DCNR is responsible for managing our state forest for multiple uses and values that
sometimes conflict. There’s often a challenge with a high impact activity such as shooting sports
and the many other forest user groups,” Allan said. “We work to provide a bridge-building role
in these situations which was the reason for the task force and public process.”
The site of the closed range is a former borrow pit and was already used as a range for
several years, making it more attractive than an undisturbed remote area of the forest.
There will be a number of improvements made to the site, and management policies and
procedures put in place, including:
-- A fence with lockable gates;-- Limiting range hours to avoid early morning and late evening hours and splitting the week
roughly in half between open and closed days (for example either Saturday or Sunday each
weekend, and 2.5 days during the week);
-- A site monitoring and mitigation plant will be developed for contaminants commonly
associated with target ranges;
-- A surrounding berm on both the handgun and rifle range that will deflect the noise straight up
around the range area; and
-- One non-use weekend day every month to facilitate volunteer cleanup and maintenance efforts
to meet outlined standards.
“During the three year period, we will collect good, hard data to determine if operation of the range is sustainable, and then we’ll make a permanent decision about the future of the range,”
Allan said.
Allan added that the task force will be expanded to involve local academic and other
experts to develop contaminant protocols and the site management plan to protect visitor safety,
wildlife and prevent ground and surface water contamination.
“The development of the plan and a number of other management issues need to be put in
place, as well as site improvements, before the range will actually be open again, making timing
difficult to predict,” Allan said.
He noted the most optimistic scenario for re-opening would be fall 2012.
“The proposal to reopen the shooting range is in keeping with our mission to manage the
forests in a way that makes them accessible to the public; balances the needs of variousstakeholders including hunters and shooting sports enthusiasts; and continues to protect and
sustain the forest for future generations,” Allan said.
Michaux State Forest encompasses more than 85,000 acres in the South Mountain area of
Cumberland, Franklin and Adams counties. Considered Pennsylvania's "cradle of forestry,"
Michaux is the site of first forestry school, Mont Alto. The forest is named for the French
botanist, Andre Michaux, who discovered and named many plants in the 18th century.
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iConservePA Video Highlights Planting Urban Trees
Being an urban dweller doesn’t mean you can’t “own” a tree. Learn through this new
iConservePA.org video how to get involved with city tree programs and contribute green to your
urban space.
Penn State Extension's Vinny Cotrone talks about the importance of planting trees inurban settings -- and how you can get involved.
Visit the iConservePA.org website to learn more about how you can protect your
environment.
Western PA Conservancy Permanently Protects Land Along French Creek
The Western PA Conservancy recently conserved a 77-acre property in Erie County that includes
more than 2,700 feet of frontage on the West Branch of French Creek.
“This important and scenic property in the French Creek watershed will be protected
from future development,” said Conservancy President and CEO Thomas Saunders. “This
property adds to the over 3,700 acres the Conservancy has already permanently protected withinthis significant watershed.”
WPC worked with the property’s owner, Suzanne Bowen, to protect the land through a
life estate arrangement. The Conservancy purchased the property, but Mrs. Bowen will continue
to live on and use it during her lifetime.
Life estate arrangements provide landowners the advantage of continuing to enjoy their
land while having the assurance that the organization of their choice has accepted the land for
permanent protection. When WPC has full possession of the property, it will be maintained and
managed as a natural area.
"My mother has always cherished the natural beauty and serenity of the farm,” said Doug
Bowen, Mrs. Bowen’s son. “She is pleased to be able to preserve the land in its natural state for future generations to appreciate and enjoy, as she has, for years to come."
The land includes a forest consisting of black cherry, oak, sugar maple, silver maple,
eastern hemlock and American elm trees, all of which act as a natural filter, protecting French
Creek from pollution and supporting habitat for aquatic life.
Funding for the purchase of this property was provided by family members in memory of
Bradford Barnes, combined with funds from a generous bequest from Helen Katz. This
protection will help restore and maintain the French Creek watershed.
French Creek has the highest documented aquatic biodiversity of any stream of its size in
Pennsylvania and all states to the northeast. It includes species of federally endangered
freshwater mussels, 26 total mussel species and numerous fish species of greatest conservation
need in Pennsylvania. This acquisition would protect bottomland and floodplain forest, as well asmaintain a forested buffer along French Creek.
“Many landowners feel a strong connection to their land and are fortunate to be in a
position to make decisions now that will impact future generations,” said Ann Sand, WPC’s land
protection specialist. “The Conservancy is actively working in the French Creek watershed to
offer conservation options to landowners who are interested in working to protect the important
natural features of their properties.”
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In addition to being available to the public, DRWC and PEC will offer free kayaking and
swan boating to Philadelphia Parks and Recreation teen campers in July and August on Tuesday,
Wednesday, Thursday and Fridays from 10:00 a.m.-2:00 p.m., enabling 80 City teens per day to
enjoy the river and to help them be more active and fit.
The fun begins with an educational scavenger hunt throughout the Independence Seaport
Museum, which is filled with nautical art, artifacts, and intricate ship models. Following thescavenger hunt, campers will have the option of participating in a half-hour introductory
kayaking program or taking to the water in foot-pedaled swan boats.
Last year's program filled quickly. With additional funding from DuPont Clear Into the
Future, the free program will expand this year to provide 100 kids from Camden with the
opportunity to experience Paddle Penn's Landing.
For more information on "Paddle Penn's Landing," please visit the Delaware River
Events webpage.
Reporting Gas Industry Impacts On PA Trail Experiences
FracTracker.org and the Keystone Trails Association are proud to launch Trail Logbook :Reporting Gas Industry Impacts on Pennsylvania Trail Experiences – an effort to collect
information from hikers and other trail users who have had negative or hazardous encounters
while recreating in PA.
“Throughout the Marcellus Shale region, more and more we’re hearing of problems from
our constituents,” said Curt Ashenfelter, Executive Director of the Keystone Trails Association
(KTA) – a volunteer-directed, public service organization dedicated to providing, preserving,
protecting and promoting recreational hiking trails and hiking opportunities in PA.
“Pennsylvania hikers are concerned about the effect of drilling and want to play a role in
monitoring the impact of this industry on PA’s forests and hiking trails."
With a simple-to-use form – available online and as a mail-in postcard – data on a varietyof trail impacts related to shale gas drilling activities will be uploaded to FracTracker.org, a
website providing a common portal to share data, photos, maps, and information related to the
issues corollary to the shale gas industry. Photos of reported impacts can also be submitted.
“We’re pleased to be a partner in this grassroots endeavor to aggregate what have to date
been mostly anecdotal but often alarming reports from our state’s extraordinary network of
trails,” said Brook Lenker, Director of FracTracker. “We hope the information gathered helps to
clarify the nature of the impacts and leads to sustainable solutions.”
“With over 3,000 miles of hiking trails in Pennsylvania and tourism being the
Commonwealth’s 2nd largest industry, it’s critical to expose and address recurring problems
caused by gas drilling activities, “ Ashenfelter added. “With a quick feedback loop like
FracTracker, we can report problems to the appropriate agencies and gas drilling companies andseek remediation quickly.”
For more information, visit the Trail Logbook Project webpage or contact: Brook Lenker
717-756-2637 or send email to: [email protected] or Curth Ashenfelter 717-238-7017 or
send email to: [email protected].
Spotlight
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Collaboration, Research Keys To Managing Plants And Wildlife In Pennsylvania
Effectively managing Pennsylvania’s plant and wildlife resources depends upon having
knowledge and putting that knowledge to use—including information about the rare and unique
species that depend upon the diversity of habitats that Pennsylvania offers.State agencies, nonprofit conservation groups, businesses and landowners need
information about the distribution, habitat, and ecological needs of species of concern in order to
make informed decisions regarding the management of their land and projects.
Information on species of conservation concern is collected and stored in the
Pennsylvania Natural Diversity Inventory (PNDI) database. The Pennsylvania Natural Heritage
Program (PNHP) manages the PNDI database and inventory collection.
The PNHP is a partnership between the Western Pennsylvania Conservancy, the
Department of Conservation and Natural Resources, the Game Commission and the Fish and
Boat Commission.
The PNDI database is used as part of the environmental review process for state
permitting and funding of development projects of all kinds. It is accessible to the publicthrough an online tool that screens projects for potential impacts to species of conservation
concern. Additionally, information from PNDI helps to inform local government
planning.
The Conservancy works under contract with the Pennsylvania Department of
Conservation and Natural Resources to provide PNHP services, including the management of the
PNDI database and collection of information on Pennsylvania’s natural communities and rare
and endangered species.
WPC collects species and habitat data available from other sources (such as herbaria and
natural history museums) and through its own research, including the County Natural Heritage
Inventories (now completed for all but one county in the state).Although a great deal is known about many native species, knowledge about our rarest
species is far from complete.
The 2005 State Wildlife Action Plan for Pennsylvania spells out, species by species, the
need for additional habitat and species information. PNHP works with its agency partners, as do
universities and independent researchers, to undertake projects that will answer critical questions
about specific species and their ecology.
For example, PNHP scientists are undertaking a study of freshwater mussels in the
Susquehanna River Watershed to gather information and advance understanding of our species
of greatest concern in that watershed.
Freshwater mussels are in decline, with more than a third of the species known from the
state now considered threatened or endangered by the Pennsylvania Biological Survey. Loss of habitat due to dams, removal of gravel, sedimentation and pollution have all contributed to their
decline.
Numerous studies and surveys have followed since A.E. Ortmann’s seminal work in the
early 1900s, but the status of over a dozen species of freshwater mussels is still not clear.
This is true for the Susquehanna River watershed–Pennsylvania’s largest
watershed—where a lack of information about freshwater mussels makes it difficult to
effectively prioritize and manage habitats in the over 20,000 square-mile watershed.
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To develop this critical information, PNHP staff members at WPC are working in
partnership with the Fish and Boat Commission and DCNR. The research is designed to shed
light on the distribution and health of the mussel communities throughout the Susquehanna
basin.
Beginning in the upper section of the basin at the New York border, WPC biologists have
proceeded downstream over three years, logging all mussels discovered while methodicallysampling habitats in the main stem and all major tributaries of the river down to the Maryland
border.
The survey work included all mussel species, but focused particularly on the yellow
lampmussel—a species that has the heart of its range in Pennsylvania. Although not as rare as
many of its cousins, its fate is strongly tied to the habitats that it occupies. Consequently, it has
earned the status of a ‘responsibility species’ as designated in the State Wildlife Action Plan.
State Wildlife Grants and funds supplied by DCNR to support PNHP research made this study
possible.
The information gathered in researching the freshwater mussels in the Susquehanna
watershed will be incorporated in the PNDI database. This is only one example of the types of
research projects that take place year after year to protect rare, endangered and species of concern in Pennsylvania under the WPC-PNHP contract with DCNR.
By documenting species distribution, habitat preferences and population genetics,
projects like these will improve the ability of resource managers to make well-informed
conservation decisions regarding plant and wildlife species of concern.
(Contributed by the PA Natural Heritage Program, Western PA Conservancy.)
PPL Electric Utilities Pushing The Green Button For Energy Savings
PPL Electric Utilities customers will soon be able to add an online "Green Button" to the toolsand resources that can help them save energy and money.
The utility Wednesday joined with the Obama administration and electric utilities from
across the country to promote the Green Button initiative, an effort to enable people easier, user
friendly online access to their energy usage data.
PPL Electric Utilities, in cooperation with the Public Utility Commission, has committed
to joining the nationwide program and expects it will be available to its customers sometime this
summer.
Green Button would standardize how electric usage data is presented to utility customers
across the country and allow them to easily download their personal energy usage details into
applications of their choice. Green Button-based web and smartphone applications are expected
to assist consumers by providing energy-efficiency tips, virtual energy audit software and more."Informed customers are much better prepared to use energy wisely. We've long held that
view and feel that Green Button is a natural extension of our commitment to a well-informed
customer base," said Gregory N. Dudkin, president of PPL Electric Utilities. "We salute the
Obama administration for this effort, which will help bring even more consumers into the
energy-efficiency fold."
PPL Electric Utilities has long been a leader in empowering its customers with
information to make more informed energy decisions.
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Since 2007, its online Energy Analyzer has been available to customers to view their
electric usage data. More than 200,000 customers have created individual energy use profiles
using the tool, and greater than 60,000 regularly visit the Energy Analyzer every month to view
how and when they use their electricity.
The utility began investing in advanced meters for its 1.4 million customers in 2002 and
completed that process in 2004. Information obtained from that automated equipment feeds datato the Energy Analyzer software.
The company also is using various channels to reach its customers on other topics,
including through myPPL Alerts, a service that allows customers to get information by phone,
text or email on subjects including outage restoration, bill amounts and usage.
Signing up for the alerts is free, secure and easy and can be done online. The energy
analyzer is also available online.
Dudkin said PPL Electric Utilities' extensive menu of energy-saving options for its
customers, including its E-power programs, fits with President Obama's call for an "all-of-the-
above" strategy to help consumers cut energy costs.
"Energy efficiency is never one-size-fits-all," Dudkin said. "Consumers want both
information and options."
FirstEnergy May 9 Webinar On Reducing Business Energy Costs
FirstEnergy will host a webinar on May 9 starting at noon on identifying opportunities for cost
reduction from the energy supply side.
The first half of the webinar series will cover new enhancements to FirstEnergy’s PA Act
129 Programs, where you can learn all about the cash incentives available for your commercial
or industrial energy efficiency projects.
In the second half, we will have a guest speaker present on a variety of educational
energy efficiency topics. For more information on our programs, or to download applications.FirstEnergy's Pennsylvania service territories include: Met-Ed, Penelec, Penn Power and
West Penn Power.
Click Here to register for this event. Visit the EnergySavePA website for more energy
saving information or send email to: [email protected].
DEP Employees Take (Scuba) Dive For Earth Day
In honor of Earth Day, employees from the Department of Environmental Protection’s
Southcentral Regional Office and Central Office organized a volunteer scuba dive April 20 at
Fuller Lake in Pine Grove Furnace State Park, Cumberland County.
The scuba dive was part of a litter clean up event called “Crazy for the Earth.” DEPemployees volunteered to dive to the bottom of the 1.7-acre lake and retrieve waste that had
collected over the past several decades. In spite of the water being 42 degrees, the dive was
successful and produced an old push lawnmower, broken lawn furniture, broken toys and
assorted trash.
Fuller Lake was an active limestone quarry in the late 1800s, and when operations
ceased, natural springs filled the quarry with water. In addition to collecting waste, the scuba
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divers had a chance to explore large, wooden structures that were built when the quarry was
active.
Volunteer-based dives, like this one, were started in 2010 by Mark Houser, Compliance
Specialist for the Waste Management Program at DEP’s South-central Regional Office. They are
normally held on Earth Day. The event was sponsored by a local dive shop in Harrisburg and is
part of Project AWARE and the Great Pennsylvania Cleanup.
DEP Employee Finds Message In A Bottle Along Susquehanna River
Department of Environmental Protection (DEP) Compliance Specialist Jonathan Ulanoski
spotted the glass gleaming in the sunlight on an island in the Susquehanna River near Wilkes-
Barre, PA. It was sitting on the ground surrounded by fallen tree branches, dirt and other debris
that had washed up from the high waters of Hurricane Irene.
The 17-year DEP employee had already picked up dozens of glass bottles from the
grounds of Monocanock (Ma-nok-can-ok) Island, so this one seemed no different than the
others…or so he thought.
“It was just sitting there. I just went to throw it away until I got up close to it and sawwhat was inside,” Ulanoski said.
Ulanoski picked up the soda bottle with a white cap on the top and saw a rolled up piece
of paper inside. He had to finish collecting items from the September flooding as part of clean-
up work, so he stored the bottle in his bag until he was finished. After work, Ulanoski smashed
open the bottle and spent the next few hours drying out the paper.
Inside of the bottle was a note that read: “This bottle was tossed into the Susquehanna
River (in Mehoopany) on September 26, 1975 at 12:50 PM. When found, write: D. Hemmerly,
PO Box 87, Mehoopany, PA 18625. Send name and town where found.”
That is exactly what Ustanoski is doing right now. He has searched Google with the last
name “Hemmerly” and is trying to track down who “D,” the presumed note-writer, is or even if that person is still around. He is also trying to track down family members with the same last
name.
After 36 years, he is hoping D. Hemmerly can be located because Ustanoski has many
questions for him. He would like to ask, “Did you put the bottle in the river? If yes, why, and if
not, who did and why?” Another question he has is, “Did you ever think it would take this long
for the bottle to be discovered?”
Ustanoski knows this will not be an easy task, but it is well worth the effort.
D. Hemmerly is waiting!
Help Wanted: Chester County Erosion Control Conservationist
The Chester Co. Conservation District is currently accepting applications for an Erosion and
Sediment Control Resource Conservationist. This is a full-time County position with fringe
benefits. The starting salary for the position is $42,244.80. The continuation of the position is
based on year-to-year funding. The position requires a 40-hour workweek.
The person chosen for this position is responsible for fulfilling the District’s obligations
under the Chapter 102 Delegation Agreement. The District has a very active and progressive E/S
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and Stormwater Control Program. There are approximately 500 active construction sites and
over one half of the County is Special Protection Designated Watersheds.
The competent person selected for this position will have the ability to review E/S and
Stormwater Control Plans for earthmoving, inspect sites for compliance to Chapter 102, seek
voluntary compliance resolutions for violations, and prepare documentation for
The deadline for applications is May 25. Click Here to go to the Chester County JobOpportunities webpage for more information and to apply.
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.
May 16-- EPA Chesapeake Bay Local Government Grants
May 18-- Wildlands Conservancy Friend Of The Lehigh River
May 25-- EPA/American Rivers Potomac Highlands Restoration Grants
May 31-- Expedition Chesapeake Student Essay Contest
June 8-- Richard C. Bartlett Environmental Education Award
June 8-- NEW. Game Commission State Wildlife Grants
June 29-- DEP Act 101 Recycling Implementation, Waste Planning Grants
July 6-- PROP Recycling Film Festival
July 15-- NEW. Pocono Forest and Waters CLI Conservation Assistance Grants
July 31-- DCNR Southcentral PA Natural Resource Protection Grants
August 1-- PA Snowmobile Assn. Trail Improvement Grants
August 24-- Foundation for PA Watershed Grants
September 1-- Erie TreeVitalize Grants
October 31-- PA Resources Council Lens On Litter Contest
-- Visit the DEP Grants and Loan Programs webpage for more ideas on how to get financial
assistance for environmental projects.
Budget/Quick Clips
Here's a selection of NewClips on environmental topics from around the state--
Court Ruling Allows DEP To Do Its Job
Editorial: Court Makes Right Call On DEP Staffers
Budget
State Revenues Hint At Upswing
More Tax Income May Soften PA Budget Cuts
April Tax Revenue Millions Ahead Of Estimate
April Tax Revenue $40-$50 Million Ahead Of Estimates
Strengthening PA Revenues Could Ease Proposed Budget Cuts
April Tax Shower Brings May Debate Over Spending
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Legislators Have $121 Million Surplus
Reserve Judgment On Legislatures' Rainy Day Fund? Ha!
Legislators Return With Budget On Their Minds
Editorial: General Assembly: Stop Hoarding Public's Cash
Budget Completion A Priority For State Legislators
Mapping PA's Drilling Impact Fee RevenuePoliticians Highlight PA Funding Cuts, Transit Woes
Other
White House Honors Pittsburgh, Jonestown For Greening Cities
Allentown's Clean Sweep, Littering Fine Now $100
Governor Tours Cardboard Box Plant
PECO's Deadline To Apply For Summer Savings Looms
PPL Looks For Changes In Power Purchasing Plan
Editorial: Again, Lung Association Clouds Region's Air
Sunoco To Be Bought By Energy Transfer Partners
PA Taxpayers Could Pitch In $30 Million In Refinery Deal
Delta To Buy ConocoPhillips Refinery For $180 MillionDelta Buys PA Refinery In Bid To Cut Its Fuel Bill
Delta Plans To Reopen PA Refinery By Labor Day
Delta's Road To The Refinery Business
Editorial: Oil Industry Moves Good For Philly Region
Gasoline Prices Expected To Drop, Or Remain Steady
$37 Million Payday For Ex-Sunoco Chief?
Presque Isle Battling Phragmites Invasion
A Tree For Every Phillies Home Run
Crews Battle Wildfire In Upper Dauphin County
Contractors To Plant 3,400 Trees In SE PAOp-Ed: Hunters, Anglers Must Lead Charge To Protect PA Forests
First Look At New Conservation Area In Dauphin County
Hiker To Go Extra 2,180 Miles To Fight Cancer
Stowe Footbridge Could Play Key Role In Trail Extension
State Forest Crews Battle Vandalism, Dumping
Shad Tournament Wanes Through The Run Continues
Hawk's Nest Drama In Philadelphia
Event Set To Raise Funds For Flight 93 Memorial
Marcellus Shale NewsClips
Here are NewsClips on topics related to Marcellus Shale natural gas drilling---
DEP Secretary Calls Delaware Officials Dogs On Drilling Issue
PA Official Takes Aim At Delaware's Drilling Stance
Mapping PA's Drilling Impact Fee Revenue
House Democrats Push To Revise Gas Drilling Law
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Residents Flee Bad Water In Shale Drilling Areas
Krancer Calls Delaware's Stance On Drilling Political
Lawmakers Want To Exempt Bucks County From Drilling Law
Industry Coalition Releases New Drilling Standards
Geisinger Using Patient Database To Assess Fracking Harm
2,000+ Truck Trips Removed From Road By Marcellus Water Pipeline NW PA Fracking Firm Lays Off 40 Over Low Prices
Possible Drilling Raises Concerns In Blair/Cambria
Gas Compressor Station Planned In West Wyoming
Local Airport Relies On Marcellus Shale Industry
Op-Ed: Hunters, Anglers Must Lead Charge To Protect PA Forests
Trying To Find Gas Drilling Line Of Death
Financial/Other States
Chesapeake Energy Strips CEO Of Chairmanship
Chesapeake Energy: Could This Be Next Enron?
Wyoming Got EPA To Delay Fracking Finding
New Fracking Rule Issued By Obama Administration For Public LandDo Pronghorns Give Clues To PA Wildlife's Response To Drilling?
Flooding/Watershed NewsClips
Here are NewsClips on watershed topics from around the state--
Flooding
Wilkes-Barre Flood Recovery Projects Are Beginning
Other Watershed NewsClips
Study: Pollution Trading Could Trim Chesapeake Bay Cleanup Costs Nutrient Trading Could Cut Costs Of Chesapeake Bay Cleanup
Op-Ed: Susquehanna River Impairment Means More Cost, Regulations
Op-Ed: Just Rebuilding Oyster Reefs Won't Save Chesapeake Bay
Column: Time To Save The Susquehanna Is Now Upon Us
Monongahela River Sojourn June 9
What Happens After It Rains (Video)
Municipalities: Harrisburg Soaked Us On Sewage Bills
Penn State Extension: Control Of Filamentous Algae
Fine Possible For Hempfield Twp's Work At Stream
Mother, Son Sued For Illegal Sludge Disposal
Fish & Boat Commission: Too Soon To Diagnose Fish Black SpotsShad Tournament Wanes Through The Run Continues
Regulations, Technical Guidance & Permits
No new regulations were published this week. Pennsylvania Bulletin - May 5, 2012
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Proposed Regulations Open For Comment - DEP webpage
Proposed Regulations With Closed Comment Periods - DEP webpage
DEP Regulatory Agenda - DEP webpage
Technical Guidance & Permits
The Department of Environmental Protection published notice on Nutrient Credit Trading
Program actions and notice of an interbasin trading request.
Technical Guidance Comment Deadlines - DEP webpage
Copies Of Draft Technical Guidance - DEP webpage
Copies of Final Technical Guidance - DEP webpage
Calendar Of Events
Upcoming legislative meetings, conferences, workshops, plus links to other online calendars.
Meetings are in Harrisburg unless otherwise noted. NEW means new from last week. Go to the
online Calendar webpage.
Click on Agenda Released on calendar entries to see the NEW meeting agendas published this
week.
May 9-- CANCELED. DEP Laurel Hill/Back Creek Critical Area Advisory Committee meeting.The next scheduled meeting is June 13. Contact: Jay Braund 717-783-2402 or send email to:
[email protected]. ( formal notice )
May 10-- Agenda Released. Delaware River Basin Commission meets. Commission's office,
West Trenton, NJ. ( formal notice )
May 15-- House Republican Policy Committee holds a hearing on Marcellus Shale water issues.
The Club at Shadow Lakes, Hopewell, Beaver County. 1:00.
May 15-- CANCELED. Environmental Quality Board meeting. The next scheduled meeting in
June 19. ( formal notice )
May 15-- Agenda Released. DEP Citizens Advisory Council meeting. Room 105 Rachel Carson
Building. 10:00.
May 17-- Commonwealth Financing Agency meeting. Hearing Room 1, Keystone Building.
10:30.
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May 22-- NEW. House Tourism and Recreational Development Committee holds an
informational meeting on House Bill 1495 (Moul-R-Adams) further providing for the liability of
landowners opening their property for recreation. Room B-31. 10:00.
June 5-- CANCELED. DEP Storage Tank Advisory Committee meeting. The next scheduledmeeting is September 11. ( formal notice )
June 18-- Environmental Issues Forum, Joint Legislative Air and Water Pollution Control and
Conservation Committee will feature a presentation by the PA Biomass Energy Association.
LTBD. Noon.
DEP Calendar of Events
Note: The Environmental Education Workshop Calendar is no longer available from the PA
Center for Environmental Education because funding for the Center was eliminated in the FY
2011-12 state budget. The PCEE website was also shutdown, but some content was moved tothe 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.
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Send your stories, photos and videos about your project, environmental issues or programs for
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