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PA Environment Digest

An Update On Environmental Issues In PAEdited By: David E. Hess, Crisci Associates

Winner 2009 PAEE Business Partner Of The Year Award

Harrisburg, Pa September 22, 2014

DEP Citizens Advisory Council Recognizes Pat Lupo, OSB Of Erie

Tuesday the Citizens Advisory Council to the Department of

Environmental Protection recognized Pat Lupo, OSB from Erie, for her

26 years of dedicated service on Council. Pat has served on Council

since her initial appointment by Gov. Robert P. Casey in 1988.“Pat’s longstanding commitment to the CAC and its mission is

unprecedented,” Terry Dayton, CAC Chairman, stated. “Pat’s

leadership on environmental education, stewardship and conservation,

based on her experience in Northwest Pennsylvania, were vital in guiding

Council’s priorities. Council will miss her enthusiasm and dedication

which influenced a number of important Council initiatives.”

Pat has been involved in environmental issues in Pennsylvania for over forty years. A member

of the Benedictine Sisters of Erie, she received her M. Ed. in Science Education from Clarion University

and taught over 20 years at the elementary and high school levels before her involvement in a number of

non-profit environmental organizations, including Environment Erie, where she served as Education

Director.In addition to her service to the CAC, Pat has served and continues to serve on many boards of

environmentally oriented organizations and has been recognized at the local, state, national and

international levels for her work in environmental education and conservation.

“Council relies on the commitment of dedicated individuals to accomplish its mission and

objectives,” Dayton noted. “Council members willingly volunteer their time and service on the CAC to

help guide and shape environmental policy in Pennsylvania. Pat’s service of over 26 years to the CAC

is remarkable and exemplifies her passion to ensure our Commonwealth’s natural resources are

preserved for generations to come.”

The CAC was established by the same law that created DEP’s predecessor, the Department of

Environmental Resources, in 1971. Council plays an integral role in helping to shape environmental

policy in the Commonwealth by highlighting those issues that are most important to the state’s citizens.Its 18 appointed members review the agency’s work and make recommendations to the DEP

secretary, Governor and General Assembly. Appointments to serve on the CAC rest with the

Governor, the President Pro Tempore of the Senate, and the Speaker of the House of Representatives.

The council’s office is located in the Rachel Carson State Office Building in Harrisburg.

For more information, visit the Council’s website or call 717-787-4527.

Related Story

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DEP Citizens Advisory Council Receives Update On Oil And Gas Program

DEP Fines Range Resources $4.15 Million For Violating Environmental Regulations

The Department of Environmental Protection Thursday announced it has signed a wide-ranging consent

order and agreement with Range Resources for violations at six of its Washington Countyimpoundments.

The consent order requires the company to pay a $4.15 million fine, the largest against an oil

and gas operator in the state’s shale drilling era, close five impoundments and upgrade two other

impoundments to meet heightened “next generation” standards currently under development at DEP.

“This action reaffirms the administration’s unwavering commitment to protecting Pennsylvania’s

soil and water resources,” DEP Secretary E. Christopher Abruzzo said. “This landmark consent order

establishes a new, higher benchmark for companies to meet when designing future impoundments, which

is an environmental win for Pennsylvania.”

Violations at the impoundments include various releases of contaminants, such as leaking

flowback that affected soil and groundwater. To date there has been no impact on drinking water from

any of these impoundments.Under the consent order, Range Resources will immediately begin the closure of the Hopewell

Township 11 (Lowry), Cecil Township 23 (Worstell), and Kearns impoundments. Range Resources

will also continue the closure of the Yeager impoundment. The company must close the Hopewell

Township 12 (Bednarski) impoundment by April 1, 2015.

Additionally, the consent order also directs Range Resources to upgrade two other

impoundments. The liner systems at the Chartiers Township 16 (Carol Baker) and Amwell Township

15 (Jon Day) impoundments will be completely redesigned and rebuilt to meet “next generation”

standards currently under development at DEP.

When upgrading the two impoundments, Range Resources will install thicker liners than are

currently required, an electrically conductive geomembrane that will allow better identification of

potential leaks and a real-time leak detection system.

Range will also fully investigate and remediate any groundwater contamination caused by the

previous operation of the impoundments.

Another impoundment, Mount Pleasant Township 17 (Carter), will be limited to storing only

fresh water for as long as it remains in service. Range will also install a groundwater monitoring well

network at the impoundment now and will perform an environmental site assessment at this

impoundment once it is permanently closed.

The company will be required to report to DEP quarterly on the progress of the shutdown and

remediation of the sites.

The consent order also requires Range Resources to immediately begin soil and groundwater

investigations at each of the closed impoundments to determine what, if any, impact there was from theiroperation of the impoundments. If contamination is found, the company is required to remediate the

sites.

For more information, call 412-442-4000.

Range Resources Statement

Range Resources issued this statement in response to DEP’s enforcement action Thursday--

Appalachia, LLC pioneered large scale water recycling for shale gas development in

Pennsylvania in 2009. Pennsylvania now leads the nation in shale water recycling and reuse.

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Over the years several iterations of technologies and best practices have been developed and

employed as part of the Company’s water management plan, including the use of impoundments

specifically engineered to manage water.

Range discovered elevated levels of chlorides, or salt, at some older facilities in Washington

County, Pennsylvania. Further investigations found elevated chlorides in some groundwater monitoring

systems at the impoundments and in the soil beneath some impoundment liner systems, due to damageto the liner and some minor surface spills.

Both Range’s and the Pennsylvania Department of Environmental Protection’s (DEP)

monitoring and testing have reconfirmed that there have been no impacts on drinking water supplies.

Again, while there have been no impacts on drinking water supplies, the elevated salts in the

monitoring wells at the locations do not present a health or safety risk.

Testing has confirmed that no constituents were discovered in the monitoring wells at

concentrations exceeding health-based maximum concentration levels, as determined by the United

States Environmental Protection Agency.

Pennsylvania has a robust regulatory program and Range accepts the DEP's actions, which has

resulted in a signed Consent Order Agreement and an associated penalty settlement.

While the Company is deeply disappointed that these violations occurred, Range is excited toimplement newly established best practices and technologies that have been jointly developed with the

DEP over the last several months and years.

These new practices go above and beyond more comprehensive landfill regulations and newly

proposed oil and gas impoundment standards to prevent future issues and continue leading the nation in

water recycling.

All new facilities will incorporate best management practices and design standards to include

thicker and better engineered liners, newly designed leak detection systems with capabilities to allow for

precise and immediate leak detection, a system to allow real-time remote monitoring, leak prevention

redundancies including a layer of geosynthetic clay liner that acts as a sealant in the event of a leak,

on-site security, continual monitoring by trained experts, and enhanced location siting to alleviate

possible traffic issues.

The Company will continue to utilize temporary pipelines to transport water that greatly reduce

truck traffic, which is an important consideration for the communities in which Range works. The water

stored in reuse impoundments is currently a blend of treated or filtered flowback water, drilling and

produced water, as well as rain and freshwater.

Part of Range’s plan includes the following: closing five legacy impoundments by the end of the

year, with one being closed by April 2015, upgrading two impoundments with these newly established

best practices, converting one to a freshwater impoundment, and conducting additional monitoring and

testing of water and soil surrounding the locations.

Some of these underutilized locations have been out of service for several years and were in the

process of being reclaimed.In addition to implementing these new best practices for impoundments Range is taking

additional steps to better manage freshwater withdrawals. This includes reorganizing and refocusing

specific employees to provide greater coordination and oversight of water management and regulatory

compliance matters to provide more timely coordination with the DEP along with continued

development of improvements in this critical area of the Company’s operations.

Range is taking these steps after discovering that the Company did not properly administer

certain provisions of the Company’s water management plan related to withdrawals along certain

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waterways.

Range has reaffirmed that the withdrawals did not impact any ecosystems since all pass-by

flows were protected, but in some instances exceeded permitted daily and instantaneous withdrawals.

Impoundments and effective water management play a critical role in water recycling and reuse

and will continue to serve in this important capacity for responsible shale development.

Range remains fully committed to being good stewards of the environment and in thecommunities where the Company works in order to fully maximize the tremendous benefits that

responsible shale development can mean for the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania and the nation.

DEP Updating Enforcement Policy

Scott Perry, DEP Deputy Secretary For Oil and Gas Management, told DEP’s Citizens

Advisory Council Tuesday the agency is nearly finished updating its enforcement policy for the Oil and

Gas Program and plans to release proposed revisions in October.

NewsClips:

Range Resources Fined $4.1M, Close Old Drilling Impoundments

DEP Orders Range Resources To Pay $4 Million Fine

Range Resources Hit With $4 Million Fine

Range Resources To Pay $4M For ViolationsChevron Meets Shale Drilling Standards From CSSD

Chevron Gets 1st OK From Sustainable Drilling Group

Landmark Fracking Study Finds No Water Pollution

Study: Leaky Wells, Not Fracking, Taint Water

Study Finds Flawed Well Casings, Not Fracking Tainting Water

Fracking Not The Problem Ohio State Scientist Finds

Study: Residents Closer To Gas Wells Report More Health Issues

Op-Ed: What’s PA Hiding On Fracking Contamination?

Letter: DEP Not Hiding Fracking Contamination

Op-Ed: Fracking Is Not The Threat

WPX Energy Appeals Finding Of Responsibility For Polluting Well

Donegal Twp Families Fight Driller To Get Clean Water

PA Families Struggle With Gas Drilling Pollution

Drilling Company Reapplies For Well Near Moraine State Park

Editorial: Drilling Pooling Laws, Your Rights

Center For Sustainable Shale Development Certifies Chevron Under New Standards

The Center for Sustainable Shale Development Thursday announced it has certified Chevron

Appalachia (Chevron) as the first company to successfully complete the Center's rigorous evaluation

and verification process.Chevron has earned full CSSD certification against all 15 of the Center's Performance

Standards that serve as the foundation for CSSD's recently-established independent third-party

evaluation and verification program. These standards center on operational performance as part of the

producer's environmental stewardship and continuous improvement processes.

"The awarding of certification recognizes hundreds of hours of diligent and careful work on the

part of many at Chevron, but also, countless others from environmental organizations, philanthropic

foundations and other energy companies who dedicated so much to define a process for setting and

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verifying voluntary and uncompromisingly high performance expectations in shale gas development," sa

Susan LeGros, CSSD President and Executive Director. "This achievement is a beginning, not only for

this company, but also in the larger effort to demonstrate that through collaboration, a strong

commitment to prudent and responsible practices, and a long-term view of environmental stewardship,

we can build on what we have begun with the inception of CSSD."

Like any company that earns CSSD certification, Chevron must continue to adhere to CSSD'sPerformance Standards in the Appalachian Basin, integrating CSSD's publicly available best practices

into the company's long-term continuous improvement process. CSSD will monitor adherence and

continue to build and expand on its initial 15 Performance Standards.

"While the Center's standards are not intended to replace existing regulation, our focus is to

identify environmental stewardship areas where we can define standards that meet or exceed regulation,

and to ensure that companies that qualify for certification continue to maintain these standards. We will

continue to collaborate with stakeholders with diverse perspectives to identify transparent, prudent and

responsible practices in shale gas development," added LeGros.

A Comprehensive Process

To earn its CSSD certification, Chevron conducted a two-year preparatory process based on

CSSD's initial 15 Performance Standards for air and water that were developed to reflect leadingindustry practices in the Appalachian Basin.

CSSD officially opened its certification process in January 2014, after which Chevron applied

for initial certification in April 2014.

The evaluation and verification process was commenced by auditor Bureau Veritas, a global

leader in testing, inspection and certification under contract to CSSD. The auditor conducted a

pre-audit to familiarize itself with Chevron's comprehensive management system and determine audit

readiness of Chevron's Appalachian Basin operations.

After that, the audit team conducted the full-scale certification audit in June 2014 that consisted

of in-depth documentation review, staff interviews at Chevron's offices and a field-based component

that verified that Chevron's operational practices were in conformance with applicable standards.

In keeping with CSSD's Performance Verification Protocol, which details the frequency and

intensity of the field and audit activities, the Bureau Veritas audit team visited 22 Chevron sites (16 in

southwestern Pennsylvania, four in West Virginia, and two in Ohio) that represented Chevron's

geographic and operational locations throughout the Appalachian Basin.

Once the audit was complete, Bureau Veritas submitted its findings in a report to CSSD.

CSSD's internal Certification Decision Committee, consisting of individuals not aligned with any CSSD

participant, then reviewed the audit report and determined eligibility for certification.

Certification, which is valid for 24 months, after which companies can seek renewal, is based on

the Center's 15 initial Performance Standards for air and water. Companies can seek certifications in

Air & Climate, Water & Waste, or both, concurrently.

Auditors evaluate the applicant's operations to the standards that are specific to the certificationa company chooses. A summary of a completed audit report will be made accessible on CSSD's

website.

Third-Party Verification

The key components of the comprehensive verification and certification process include:

CSSD's 15 Initial Performance Standards focused on the protection of air and climate, water and

waste; and standards, guidance and protocols for both the auditor and the producers applying for

certification.

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This includes Auditor Qualifications, Standards and Accreditation that established requirements

for impartiality, knowledge, skill and resources to meet the scope, scale and geography of operations

being evaluated.

CSSD also provides Guidance for Third-Party Auditors, which details the kinds of data,

reporting and documentation producers must provide to demonstrate conformance to CSSD's

Performance Standards.CSSD's guidance to Chevron included its Producer Performance Verification Protocol, which

details the frequency and intensity of the field and office audit process, and it provides for extensive

document review, on-site visits and follow-up activities.

Verification of conformance to the standards will continue to be monitored through the life of the

two-year certification period.

All producers operating in the Appalachian region are eligible to apply for certification.

The Center is a collaborative between environmental organizations and energy companies to

encourage prudent and responsible development of shale gas resources in the Appalachian region.

For more information, visit the Center for Sustainable Shale Development website.

NewsClips:

Range Resources Fined $4.1M, Close Old Drilling ImpoundmentsDEP Orders Range Resources To Pay $4 Million Fine

Range Resources Hit With $4 Million Fine

Range Resources To Pay $4M For Violations

Chevron Meets Shale Drilling Standards From CSSD

Chevron Gets 1st OK From Sustainable Drilling Group

Landmark Fracking Study Finds No Water Pollution

Study: Leaky Wells, Not Fracking, Taint Water

Study Finds Flawed Well Casings, Not Fracking Tainting Water

Fracking Not The Problem Ohio State Scientist Finds

Study: Residents Closer To Gas Wells Report More Health Issues

Op-Ed: What’s PA Hiding On Fracking Contamination?

Letter: DEP Not Hiding Fracking Contamination

Op-Ed: Fracking Is Not The Threat

WPX Energy Appeals Finding Of Responsibility For Polluting Well

Donegal Twp Families Fight Driller To Get Clean Water

PA Families Struggle With Gas Drilling Pollution

Drilling Company Reapplies For Well Near Moraine State Park

Editorial: Drilling Pooling Laws, Your Rights

House Moves Bill To Roll Back Stream Buffer Protection, Final Vote Monday

This week the House moved House Bill 1565 (Hahn-R-Northampton)

eliminating the nearly 4 year old requirement for stream buffers in High

Quality and Exceptional Value streams which is positioned for a final

vote next week.

On Monday the House Environmental Resources and Energy

Committee voted 15 to 7 to report the bill out of Committee.

Before being reported out, the bill was amended to make

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stream buffers a preferred option to help control erosion and sedimentation, but the keeps the provision

eliminating the stream buffer requirement. The amendment was approved 17 to 5.

The full House Wednesday amended House Bill 1565 (Hahn-R-Northampton) that would

eliminate the nearly 4 year old requirement for stream buffers in High Quality and Exceptional Value

streams to make buffers a “preferred” option, but the bill still retains the language eliminating the buffer

requirement.Rep. Chris Ross (R-Chester) offered the amendment which was agreed to and passed by a

vote of 191 to 0.

Eight other amendments were offered to retain the current buffer requirement or make other

changes, but those were defeated largely along party lines.

The bill was referred to the House Appropriations Committee for consideration and will be put

in position for a final vote next week.

Click Here to add your voice in opposition to the bill.

Amendments to Chapter 102 of DEP’s regulations have required stream buffers in High Quality

and Exceptional Value watersheds since November of 2010.

Section 102.14 provides a long list of exceptions to the buffer requirement, including: a project

site located greater than 150 feet from a named waterbody; activities involving less than one acre ofearth disturbance; activities when a permit is not required under Chapter 102; activities where the permit

was acquired before November 19, 2010; road maintenance activities; repair and maintenance of

existing pipelines and utilities; oil, gas, timber harvesting or mining activities; single family homes not p

of a larger common plan or development; and activities authorized by a Department permit under

another Chapter or title.

Other bills reported out by the House Environmental Resources and Energy Committee

included:

-- Senate Bill 1155 (Scarnati-R- Jefferson) creating a Aggregate Advisory Board within DEP- sponsor

summary; and

-- House Resolution 925 (Rapp-R-Forest) directing the Joint State Government Commission to study

the impact of wind turbines in Pennsylvania, in particular the impact on migratory birds and of forest

removal. The resolution was amended by Rep. Greg Vitali (D-Delaware), Minority Chair of the

Committee, to include a similar analysis for coal, natural gas, oil and nuclear power.

House Resolution 925 was adopted by the House. Senate Bill 1155 was referred to House

Appropriations.

Rep. Ron Miller (R-York) serves as Majority Chair and Rep. Greg Vitali (D-Delaware) serves

as Minority Chair.

NewsClips:

House Panel Approves Bill Eliminating Buffer Requirement

Mine Drainage Treatment Ponds Planned For Unity

The Curious Case Of The Smallmouth Bass In Susquehanna Lancaster Garden Keeps Stormwater Out Of Sewers

Mandated Sewer Project To Increase Alcosan Bills

DEP To Probe Use Of Ford City Water Plant Grant

Supporters Press Township To Preserve Wehr’s Dam

Loyalhanna Watershed Assn Art Auction Benefit

Latest From The Chesapeake Bay Journal

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CBF-PA: House Moves Anti-Buffer Bill In Major Clean Water SetBack

Harry Campbell, Pennsylvania Director for the Chesapeake Bay Foundation, Monday issued a

statement in response to the House Environmental Resources and Energy Committee’s passage of

House Bill 1565 (Hahn-R-Northampton).

The bill removes streamside forest buffer protections for Pennsylvania’s most pristine streams,and if passed, would open up waterways throughout the Commonwealth to increased pollution threats

from development.

The House is expected to take a final vote on the bill next week. CBF-PA is urging the public

to contact House members to oppose the legislation. Click Here to add your voice in opposing this

legislation.

The statement follows--

“CBF is disappointed that House Bill 1565 has passed out of committee, as amended, and will

now be before the full House for consideration. If passed, House Bill 1565 would open up

Pennsylvania’s most pristine waterways to increased pollution threats from development. Therefore, we

are urging the House to vote “No” when the bill comes to the floor of the House.

“This Bill is fundamentally flawed in that it attempts to correct a problem that has not beenshown to even exist. Under existing law, developers and builders can, and do, request waivers of the

150-foot buffer setback requirement. Yet, despite inquiries, no one has been able to provide an

example of a waiver that was not approved. Therefore, passing this bill on the basis that the regulation

holds back development seems to be unfounded.

“Nearly 20,000 miles of Pennsylvania’s rivers and streams are polluted, according to the

Department of Environmental Protection’s most recent statewide assessment of the health of surface

waters. For the majority of these streams forested riparian buffers are one of the most cost-effective,

common-sense solutions for pollution reductions. Yet, rather than proactively developing ways to

improve water quality, this Committee was steadfast in their efforts to pass legislation that can only

increase pollution.”

NewsClips:

House Panel Approves Bill Eliminating Buffer Requirement

Mine Drainage Treatment Ponds Planned For Unity

The Curious Case Of The Smallmouth Bass In Susquehanna

Lancaster Garden Keeps Stormwater Out Of Sewers

Mandated Sewer Project To Increase Alcosan Bills

DEP To Probe Use Of Ford City Water Plant Grant

Supporters Press Township To Preserve Wehr’s Dam

Loyalhanna Watershed Assn Art Auction Benefit

Latest From The Chesapeake Bay Journal

PEC, WPC, PA Nature Conservancy Oppose House Bill Eliminating Stream Buffers

The Pennsylvania Environmental Council, Western PA Conservancy and the Pennsylvania Chapter of

The Nature Conservancy joined the Chesapeake Bay Foundation-PA, this week in opposing House Bill

1565 (Hahn-R-Northampton) that would eliminate the nearly 4 year old requirement for stream buffers

in High Quality and Exceptional Value streams.

The House is expected to take a final vote on the bill next week. CBF-PA is urging the public

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to contact House members to oppose the legislation. Click Here to add your voice in opposing this

legislation.

The text of a letter they sent to House members follows--

On behalf of the Chesapeake Bay Foundation (“CBF”), the Pennsylvania Environmental

Council (“PEC”), the Pennsylvania Chapter of The Nature Conservancy (“TNC”) and the Western

Pennsylvania Conservancy (“WPC”) we respectfully submit the following comments regarding HouseBill 1565 (P.N. 2114) and the proposed amendment (A09397) by Chairman Miller.

Collectively, our organizations understand the importance of the Chapter 102 forested riparian

buffer requirement in waterways designated as high quality (“HQ”) or exceptional value (“EV”) and

value its role in protecting many of Pennsylvania’s most treasured streams.

As such, we find House Bill 1565 (“H.B. 1565”) troubling in its present form and would like to

clarify with you the intent of the current law and identify our concerns with the proposed bill.

In addition, although we appreciate Chairman’s Miller’s intent to improve this legislation with th

proposed amendment, our organizations do not believe that A09397 adequately addresses our

concerns with regard to the protection of local water quality in the Commonwealth’s rivers and streams.

The Chapter 102 regulation helps to protect Pennsylvania’s most pristine and ecologically

sensitive streams. The Department of Environmental Protection (“the Department”) classifies thesestreams as high quality (“HQ”) and exceptional value (“EV”) based on specific water quality criteria.

A large and growing number of scientific studies have shown that buffers greater than 100 feet

or more prevent pollution from entering streams, reduce pollution already in streams, prevent flooding,

protect human health and welfare, and improve property values.

Thus, the 150-foot riparian buffer requirement is a vital mechanism in preventing stream

degradation, improving local economies, and improving the quality of life in the areas covered by this

provision.

Dealing with stormwater is a complicated and expensive issue for many urban communities.

Hundreds of towns across the Commonwealth deal with stormwater issues every time it rains.

According to the Susquehanna River Basin Commission, the Susquehanna River Basin is one of

the most flood-prone watersheds in the nation with annual damages in excess of $150 million due to

flooding.

More than 80 percent of the basin’s 1,400 plus municipalities have areas that are flood prone.

Increasing development pressures and impermeable surfaces further exacerbate the issue. This is where

proactive planning and green infrastructure, like streamside buffers, can greatly assist communities in

dealing with stormwater problems.

A riparian buffer can help to prevent property damage and the expense of flooding; dramatically

reduce stormwater management costs; help keep pristine streams clean; reduce the cost of treating

water for potable uses; and in general, promote and sustain healthier communities.

The simple act of planting a new, or maintaining an existing, forested riparian buffer allows

stormwater runoff to soak into the ground when it rains, instead of rushing directly into our streams.Water is purified by plants, trees, and soil, and is released more slowly into the stream, thereby

preventing pollution, erosion, and flood damage.

There are many threats to HQ/EV streams, most of which deal with developmental pressures.

The riparian buffer requirement, found in Section 102.14 of Title 25 of the Pennsylvania Code, states

that when earth disturbance activities require a permit under Chapter 102, persons seeking a permit

“…may not conduct earth disturbance activities within 150 feet of a perennial or intermittent river steam

or creek, or lake, pond or reservoir when the project site is located in an exceptional value (EV) or high

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amendment, most notably, the manner in which net environmental effects would be assessed and

compared and the project-level impacts on the riparian buffer area, along with the continuity and

integrity in HQ/EV watersheds.

We also have questions regarding the potential scope of the broad abrogation language

contained in the amendment.

Given the innumerable societal and ecological benefits, along with the ability to obtain a waiver,our organizations respectfully request that you vote no on H.B. 1565 (P.N. 2114) and the proposed

amendment A09397.

CBF, PEC, TNC and WPC thank you for your time and attention to this matter. We would

appreciate an opportunity to further discuss with you the details of the forest riparian buffer requirement

and would be happy to explore a less intrusive solution to any concerns with the current Chapter 102

requirements.

Please feel free to consider our organizations as a valuable resource on this matter.

NewsClips:

House Panel Approves Bill Eliminating Buffer Requirement

Mine Drainage Treatment Ponds Planned For Unity

The Curious Case Of The Smallmouth Bass In Susquehanna Lancaster Garden Keeps Stormwater Out Of Sewers

Mandated Sewer Project To Increase Alcosan Bills

DEP To Probe Use Of Ford City Water Plant Grant

Supporters Press Township To Preserve Wehr’s Dam

Loyalhanna Watershed Assn Art Auction Benefit

Latest From The Chesapeake Bay Journal

CBF-PA Urges Public To Contact House Members To Oppose HB 1565 Buffer Bill

Harry Campbell, Pennsylvania Office Director of the Chesapeake Bay Foundation, sent out a message

Thursday asking the public to oppose House Bill 1565 (Hahn-R-Northampton) eliminating the nearly 4

year old requirement for stream buffers in High Quality and Exceptional Value streams--

Right now our representatives are debating a dangerous bill—House Bill 1565—that, if passed,

would destroy irreplaceable safeguards for Pennsylvania's last remaining pristine streams. The house is

hearing from developers, who want these protections removed, so they need to hear from us, too!

Click Here to contact your representative today, and urge him/her to vote "NO" on HB 1565.

Clean, healthy streams, rivers, and communities across Pennsylvania depend on it.

Forested riparian buffers along streams and rivers are one of the most cost-effective,

common-sense solutions for preventing and reducing pollution in streams. These buffers also provide

critical habitat and food sources for aquatic species, like the brook trout, which draws fishermen from

all over the world to Pennsylvania. But House Bill 1565 threatens these important clean water tools.Please tell your representative to vote "NO" on HB 1565.

Your voice and your actions matter! Thank you for lending your voice to this important issue

and for your past clean water efforts. Together, we can, and will make a difference for clean streams,

healthy communities, and a lasting clean water legacy for future generations.

Thank you,

Harry Campbell, Executive Director Pennsylvania Office

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York, Westmoreland Counties Pass Clean Water Counts! Resolutions

The Chesapeake Bay Foundation-PA this week applauded York and Westmoreland County

Commissioners for adopting a Clean Water Counts resolution, calling on state officials to make clean

water a top priority for the Keystone State.They join Wyoming County in supporting CBF’s Clean Water Counts! initiative.

CBF embarked on the Clean Water Counts campaign in response to the Department of

Environmental Protection’s most recent statewide assessment of the health of surface waters, which

reported that nearly 20,000 miles of rivers and streams that we rely on for drinking and household uses,

recreation, and to grow our food, are polluted.

Through public education and engagement, CBF is urging officials to make clean water a

priority and to commit the needed funding and programs to ensure that all 83,000 miles of waterways in

the state are clean.

York County

The resolution builds on York’s on-going clean water efforts. Earlier this year the Planning

Commission finalized a countywide watershed plan that analyzes strategies and targets the pollution-reducing practices most appropriately suited for York County.

The primary goal of the plan is to aid municipalities, citizens, and businesses in determining how

to most efficiently reduce pollution from urban and suburban runoff.

“We applaud the York County Commissioners and the Planning Commission for their

leadership and conviction about the importance of clean water, first with the county-wide plan and

today, by passing the resolution,” said Harry Campbell, CBF’s Pennsylvania Director. “Healthy families

strong communities, and a thriving Pennsylvania economy depend on it.”

Westmoreland County

“We applaud the Westmoreland County Commissioners for their leadership and conviction

about the importance of clean water, and for passing a Clean Water Counts resolution,” said Harry

Campbell, CBF’s Pennsylvania Director. “Healthy families, strong communities, and a thriving

Pennsylvania economy depend on it.”

DEP’s survey results conclude that agricultural activities pollute the greatest miles of waterways

followed by the legacy of coal mining and impacts from abandoned mine drainage, as well as polluted

urban/suburban runoff, or stormwater, from our urban and suburban communities, including roads.

Nearly 2,000 miles of creeks, streams, and the Susquehanna River flow through York County,

but unfortunately more than 360 miles are polluted and considered impaired by DEP. Countywide,

agricultural activities and urban/suburban runoff are the most significant pollution sources affecting the

health of local and downstream waters.

In addition to calling on local officials to pass resolutions, CBF is also asking something of

citizens.“We’re asking all Pennsylvania residents to show their support for clean water by signing the

Clean Water Counts online petition,” said Campbell. “It takes only a few minutes, but it goes a long way

toward demonstrating the importance of clean water to our elected officials.”

Online petition signatures will be accepted through October 18th, the anniversary of the Clean

Water Act. To learn more about the campaign go to CBF-PA Clean Water Counts! webpage.

Keep PA Beautiful Announces 2014 Great American Cleanup Of PA Results

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Keep Pennsylvania Beautiful Thursday announced 136,507 volunteers

collected 317,994 bags, or 6,359,872 pounds of trash, cleaned 13,603

miles of roads, railroad tracks, trails, waterways, and shorelines, and

9,113 acres of park and/or wetlands during the 2014 Keep Pennsylvania

Beautiful Great American Cleanup of PA.Additionally, volunteers planted 31,406 trees, bulbs, and plants in an

effort to keep Pennsylvania beautiful.

This annual event is held in conjunction with Keep America Beautiful’s

Great American Cleanup and in partnership with support from the Department of Environmental

Protection, PennDOT, Pennsylvania Waste Industries Association and the Pennsylvania Food

Merchants Association.

Additional sponsors include Waste Management, Republic Services, Steel Recycling Institute,

and the Lancaster County Solid Waste Management Authority.

As in years past, all 67 counties participated in this annual community improvement event. In

total, there were 5,349 events with 136,507 volunteers.

Volunteers collected 317,994 bags, or 6,359,872 pounds of trash. They cleaned 13,603 milesof roads, railroad tracks, trails, waterways, and shorelines, and 9,113 acres of park and/or wetlands.

Additionally, volunteers planted 31,406 trees, bulbs, and plants in an effort to keep Pennsylvania

beautiful.

“We are so grateful to our volunteers and sponsors who helped make the Great American

Cleanup of PA successful again this year.” said Shannon Reiter, President of Keep Pennsylvania

Beautiful. “Without volunteers on the ground coordinating and carrying out local events and sponsors

supporting that work, it would not be a reality.”

The 2015 Great American Cleanup of PA will begin on March 1st and end on May 31st.

During this period, events registered online will receive free bags, gloves, and vests from PennDOT

District offices, as supplies last. Events can include litter cleanups, illegal dump cleanups, beautification

projects, special collections, and educational events.

As part of this event, the Department of Environmental Protection and the Pennsylvania Waste

Industries Association will sponsor Let’s Pick It Up PA – Everyday from April 12th- May 5th. During

the Pick It Up PA Days, registered events will be able to take the trash collected during their cleanup to

participating landfills for free or reduced disposal.

Since the inception of this event in 2004, more than 1,565,967 volunteers removed 80,575,227

pounds of litter and planted 136,321 trees, bulbs, and flowers.

The Great American Cleanup of PA is sponsored by Keep America Beautiful. The 2014

national sponsors were The Dow Chemical Company; The Glad Products Company; Lowe’s; Phillips

66; Troy-Bilt® Lawn and Garden Equipment; and Waste Management.

Registration for the Great American Cleanup of 2015 will open in mid- January.A copy of the 2014 results report is available online.

Add Us To Your Google+ Circle

PA Environment Digest now has a Google+ Circle called Green Works In PA. Just go to your

Google+ page and search for DHess@CrisciAssociates.com, the email for the Digest Editor David

Hess, and let us join your Circle.

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Google+ now combines all the news you now get through the PA Environment Digest, Weekly,

Blog, Twitter and Video sites into one resource.

You’ll receive as-it-happens postings on Pennsylvania environmental news, daily NewsClips

and links to the weekly Digest and videos.

Also take advantage of these related services from Crisci Associates--

PA Environment Digest Twitter Feed: On Twitter, sign up to receive instant updates from:

PAEnviroDigest.

PA Environment Daily Blog: provides daily environmental NewsClips and significant stories and

announcements on environmental topics in Pennsylvania of immediate value. Sign up and receive as

they are posted updates through your favorite RSS reader. You can also sign up for a once daily email

alerting you to new items posted on this blog.

PA Capitol Digest Daily Blog to get updates every day on Pennsylvania State Government, including

NewsClips, coverage of key press conferences and more. Sign up and receive as they are postedupdates through your favorite RSS reader. You can also sign up for a once daily email alerting you to

new items posted on this blog.

PA Capitol Digest Twitter Feed: Don't forget to sign up to receive the PA Capitol Digest Twitter feed

to get instant updates on other news from in and around the Pennsylvania State Capitol.

Senate/House Agenda/Session Schedule/Bills Introduced

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

list of new environmental bills introduced--

Bill Calendars

House (September 22): House Bill 202 (Harper-R-Montgomery) prohibiting standby water service

charges for fire companies; House Bill 1684 (Everett-R-Lycoming) which seeks to clarify a minimum

royalty payment in state law; House Bill 1576 (Pyle-R-Armstrong) would eliminate some protections for

endangered species and set additional requirements for adopting Wild Trout Streams; House Bill 2104

(Godshall-R-Montgomery) further providing for consumer protections in variable rate electric supplier

contracts; House Resolution 249 (Swanger-R- Lebanon) supporting increased development and

delivery of oil from North American oil reserves- sponsor summary; Senate Bill 771

(Gordner-R-Columbia) establishing the State Geospatial Coordinating Board. <> Click Here for fullHouse Bill Calendar.

Senate (September 22): Senate Bill 720 (Baker-R-Luzerne) creating an Individual and Public

Disaster Assistance Grant Program <> Click Here for full Senate Bill Calendar.

Committee Meeting Agendas This Week

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House: the Appropriations Committee meets to consider House Bill 1565 (Hahn-R- Northampton)

eliminating the nearly 4 year old requirement for stream buffers in High Quality and Exceptional Value

streams, Senate Bill 1155 (Scarnati-R- Jefferson) creating a Aggregate Advisory Board within DEP-

sponsor summary; the Environmental Resources and Energy Committee has a meeting scheduled

but no agenda has been announced; the Consumer Affairs Committee meets to consider House Bill

2393 (Kampf-R-Chester) providing a program to extend natural gas delivery to unserved orunderserved areas- sponsor summary. <> Click Here for full House Committee Schedule.

Senate: the Appropriations Committee meets to consider House Bill 1672 (Miller-R-York)

providing for testing of energy efficiency technologies <> Click Here for full Senate Committee

Schedule.

Other: Environmental Issues Forum, Joint Conservation Committee, to hear a presentation on

Pennsylvania’s abandoned Turnpike, a 13-mile stretch of the original Turnpike in Bedford and Fulton

counties and plans to turn it into a scenic, recreational biking trail.

Bills Pending In Key Committees

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

House

Appropriations

Education

Environmental Resources and Energy

Consumer Affairs

Gaming Oversight

Human Services

Judiciary

Liquor Control

Transportation

Links for all other Standing House Committees

Senate

Appropriations

Environmental Resources and Energy

Consumer Protection and Professional Licensure

Community, Economic and Recreational Development

EducationJudiciary

Law and Justice

Public Health and Welfare

Transportation

Links for all other Standing Senate Committees

Bills Introduced

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The following bills of interest were introduced this week--

Marcellus Shale Health Registry: House Bill 2474 (Boback-R-Columbia) establishing a Marcellus

Shale Health Registry- sponsor summary.

Ban Drilling On Other State Lands: House Bill 2494 (Santarsiero-D-Berks) prohibiting

unconventional gas well drilling on other state land and creating a State Land Drilling Impact Mitigation

Fund-- sponsor summary.

EPA Clean Power Climate Plan: Senate Resolution 438 (Solobay-D-Washington) urging EPA to

respect the primacy of Pennsylvania and other states in developing performance standards for reducing

carbon emissions- sponsor summary; Senate Resolution 439 (Solobay-D-Washington) urging EPA to

scheduled additional hearings on its proposed Clean Power Climate Plan and withdraw the proposed

rule to eliminate the “economic shocks” that would occur to critical coalfield communities- sponsor

summary. [Note: EPA this week did extend the comment period for the plan another 45 days to

December 1.]

Session Schedule

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

House

September 22, 23, 24

October 6, 7, 8, 14, 15

November 12

Senate

September 22, 23, 24

October 6, 7, 8, 14, 15

November 12

Senate/House Bills Moving

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

Senate

Local Recreation Fees: House Bill 1052 (Freeman-D-Lehigh) further authorizes uses for local

recreation fees was passed by the Senate and returns to the House for a concurrence vote. A summary

and Senate Fiscal Note are available.

Mass Transit Station Development: Senate Bill 1210 (Pileggi-R-Delaware) to encourage private

development at mass transit stations. A summary and Senate Fiscal Note are available. the bill now

goes to the House for consideration.

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Disaster Assistance: Senate Bill 720 (Baker-R-Luzerne) creating an Individual and Public Disaster

Assistance Grant Program was amended and reported out of the Senate Appropriations Committee and

is now on the Senate Calendar for action.

Testing Energy Technologies: House Bill 1672 (Miller-R-York) providing for testing of energyefficiency technologies was removed from the Table and was referred to the Senate Appropriations

Committee.

House

Eliminating Stream Buffers: House Bill 1565 (Hahn-R-Northampton) eliminating the nearly 4 year

old requirement for stream buffers in High Quality and Exceptional Value streams was amended and

reported out of the House Environmental Resources and Energy Committee, amended on the House

Floor and referred to the House Appropriations Committee.

NewsClip: House Panel Approves Bill Eliminating Buffer Requirement

Aggregate Advisory Board: Senate Bill 1155 (Scarnati-R- Jefferson) creating a Aggregate Advisory

Board within DEP- sponsor summary-- was reported out of the House Environmental Resources and

Energy Committee and referred to the House Appropriations Committee.

Energy Development Impact On Environment: House Resolution 925 (Rapp-R-Forest) directing

the Joint State Government Commission to study the impact of wind turbines, coal, natural gas, oil and

nuclear power in Pennsylvania, in particular the impact on migratory birds and of forest removal was

amended and reported from the House Environmental Resources and Energy Committee and adopted

by the House.

News From The Capitol

House Environmental Committee Hears Comments On EPA Clean Power Climate Plan

The House Environmental Resources and Energy Committee Tuesday held a hearing on EPA’s

proposed Clean Power Plan. Click Here to watch a video of the hearing.

John Pippy, CEO, Pennsylvania Coal Alliance, addressed the obstacles facing the coal industry

and the impact the CPP could have in Pennsylvania.

He said the proposed EPA rule will dictate the makeup of Pennsylvania’s electric generation

mix, the amount of electricity available on a round-the-clock basis and the price in 2020 and beyond,

affecting not just the coal industry, but Pennsylvania’s residents statewide.An economic study by the Pennsylvania Economy League of Greater Pittsburgh showed that the

state’s coal industry supports 36,000 jobs in the Commonwealth and adds more than $4.5 billion

annually to the state’s economy.

Although touted by proponents as a flexible and achievable way to curb carbon emissions, the

proposed federal power plant emission standards are merely a de facto attempt to transform America’s

energy usage away from coal.

According to Pennsylvania DEP, CO2 emissions from Pennsylvania’s electric generating fleet

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declined by 12 percent from 2005-2012 and are projected to decline by 22 percent from 2005 through

2020.

These reductions were accomplished while Pennsylvania maintained a stable and reliable supply

of electricity at competitively-priced rates, lower than the national average and lowest among its

northeastern states.

Coal accounts for 40 percent of the electric market in Pennsylvania providing a stable base loadsupply of electricity year round and especially during peak usage times as experienced this past winter.

“Given the affordability and reliability of coal as a source of electricity, this regulatory attempt to

displace coal will have profound and sweeping consequences, not just on the coal industry and its

workers, but also on those communities that host coal-fired power plants, those employed at these

facilities and every ratepayer who depends upon the reliable provisioning of electricity at competitive

rates,” Pippy said.

The proposed standards would have virtually no impact on global greenhouse gas emissions and

could even cause an increase because they would essentially kill any continued advancement in clean

coal technology.

U.S. power plants account for only 4 percent of global carbon emissions, while China and India

alone account for 20 percent. They, and other developing countries are increasing their reliance on coaland it is predicted that by 2017 coal will be the number one source of energy in the world.

In closing Pippy commended the Committee and the full House for its overwhelming support for

House Bill 2354 (Snyder-D-Fayette), which requires the state legislature to approve a state’s

compliance plan before it is submitted to the EPA.

House Bill 2354 is now in the Senate Environmental Resources and Energy Committee.

Stu Bresler, VP Market Operations, PJM, said it will be conducting a study on the reliability of

the grid and other information pertinent to the CPP and will finish the study prior to the October. Bresler

said PJM is offering itself as a resource as the state begins to grapple the CPP but reiterated that the

implementing authority lies with the states.

Jake Smeltz, Electric Power Generation Association, walked the committee the committee

through an overview of the problems facing electrical generators as an entire entity.

Smeltz then said that 94 percent of the “anticipated new generation” would be derived from

natural gas, while zero percent of the anticipated new generation would be derived from coal.

Smeltz said it is difficult for electrical generators to do what the EPA expects of the “inside the

fence” because the technology to operate “inside the fence” is not currently available. Smeltz said the

main concern should be when the state passes legislation that “distorts” the wholesale market, because

abrupt changes are accompanied with unintended consequences and then flexibility can become

severely limited.

Christina Simeone, Director, PennFuture Energy Center, gave an overview of the CPP and

explained that the key to compliance was in the four “building blocks.” She said the EPA’s goals for

Pennsylvania are reasonable and are based on a “Best System of Emissions Reductions,” which wasdeveloped and based on commercially available technologies.

Simeone said using the 2012 baseline in the proposal, the state is already halfway to achieving

the set goals and opined they can be achieved by continuing the rules, regulations and existing policies

Pennsylvania has.

Kevin Sunday, Manager, Government Affairs, Pennsylvania Chamber of Business and Industry,

discussed how businesses, industries and economies will be unable to survive without affordable,

reliable, stable and diverse sources of energy. He said the Clean Energy Plan threatens the state’s

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biggest competitive advantage.

Phil Smith, Director of Governmental Affairs, United Mine Workers of America, AFL-CIO,

discussed the impact the CPP will have on Pennsylvania coal and jobs and the miners and their families.

Jeff McNelly, Executive Director, ARIPPA, discussed Pennsylvania’s legacy to the

environment, and the successes of ARIPPA over the past 25 years. McNelly discussed the impact of

emissions on energy, and highlighted the necessary steps to remain in operation and viable.Additional comments were submitted to the Committee by: Department of Environmental

Protection, American Lung Association and FTI Consulting, Inc.

Click Here to watch a video of the hearing.

Rep. Ron Miller (R-York) serves as Majority Chair and Rep. Greg Vitali (D-Delaware) serves

as Minority Chair.

DEP Holds Listening Session Sept. 25

The Department of Environmental Protection is sponsoring a listening session September 25 on

the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency’s proposed Clean Power Plan regulations to reduce

greenhouse gas emissions.

Sen. Solobay Introduces Resolutions

Sen. Tim Solobay (D-Washington) introduced two resolutions Thursday on EPA proposedClean Power Climate Plan: Senate Resolution 438 urging EPA to respect the primacy of Pennsylvania

and other states in developing performance standards for reducing carbon emissions- sponsor summary;

Senate Resolution 439 urging EPA to scheduled additional hearings on its proposed Clean Power

Climate Plan and withdraw the proposed rule to eliminate the “economic shocks” that would occur to

critical coalfield communities- sponsor summary.

EPA Extends Comment Period

EPA this week did extend the comment period for the plan to December 1.

NewsClips:

House Committee Holds Hearing On EPA Climate Plan

Corbett, Other Governors Oppose Greenhouse Gas Controls

EPA Extends Comment Period On Clean Power Climate Rule

Philly Group Recruting People For NY Climate March

Audubon Predicts Climate Change Will Shrink Bird Ranges

House Resolution Requires Study Of Wind, Natural Gas, Energy Impacts In PA

House Resolution 925 (Rapp-R-Forest) directing the Joint State Government Commission to study the

impact of wind turbines, as compared to coal, natural gas, oil and nuclear power, in Pennsylvania, in

particular on migratory birds and of forest removal was adopted by the House 181 to 11 Wednesday.

The Resolution originally dealt only with wind power, but was amended in the House

Environmental Resources Committee Monday by Rep. Greg Vitali (D-Delaware), Minority Chair of theCommittee, to include a comparison between wind energy and other sources such as coal, natural gas

nuclear and oil.

“With the ever-growing number of reports confirming that on-shore wind energy facilities are

directly responsible for the clearing of large areas of forested land and the deaths of thousands of

migratory birds, endangered bats and even eagles, we can no longer just assume that wind turbines are

absolutely harmless to our environment or even a viable source of alternative energy,” said Rep. Kathy

Rapp. “The time has come for a comprehensive, reality-based study and report on the actual impact of

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wind turbines across the Commonwealth. Today’s final passage of House Resolution 925 will ensure

that the necessary research is conducted before these and other negative impacts on Pennsylvania’s

wildlife and natural resources become irreversible.”

The factors to be analyzed include—

-- Number of wind turbines operating in Pennsylvania and their owners;

-- Agencies that oversee the operation of wind turbines;-- Sources and amounts of subsidies for wind turbines;

-- Wind turbines’ imprint acreage and effects on wildlife; and

-- Wind turbines impact on the electric grid.

The Resolution does not require action by the Senate.

Senate Passes Bill To Encourage Private Development At Mass Transit Stations

The Senate Tuesday unanimously passed Senate Bill 1210 (Pileggi-R-Delaware) to encourage private

development at mass transit stations. A summary and Senate Fiscal Note are available.

The legislation will reform and modernize Pennsylvania’s Transit Revitalization Investment

District (TRID) Act, originally enacted in December 2004.“Pennsylvania’s TRID law is 10 years old,” Sen. Pileggi said. “The goal is admirable:

encouraging private development at mass transit hubs. However, only one TRID has been created in the

past decade – making it clear that the law needs to be improved. Senate Bill 1210 will allow the TRID

program to begin fulfilling its promise.”

Senate Bill 1210 streamlines the TRID creation process, sets clear parameters for TRID funding

and the use of those funds, and authorizes a new “tax capture” funding mechanism.

The legislation is supported by a wide range of organizations across Pennsylvania, including the

County Commissioners Association of Pennsylvania, the Pennsylvania State Association of Boroughs,

the Pennsylvania State Association of Township Supervisors, the Pennsylvania Municipal League, the

Pennsylvania Chamber of Business and Industry, the Delaware Valley Regional Planning Commission,

the Greater Philadelphia Chamber of Commerce, and the Urban Redevelopment Authority of

Pittsburgh.

“CCAP believes that a TRID can be an important tool in revitalizing and strengthening our core

neighborhoods,” said Doug Hill, CCAP’s Executive Director. “The improvements being made in Senate

Bill 1210 will make it easier for counties to include TRIDs in our planning efforts.”

“The Pennsylvania State Association of Boroughs has been a supporter of innovative TRID

legislation since the original act was passed several years ago,” said Ed Troxell, PSAB’s Director of

Government Affairs. “We’re extremely pleased that Senator Pileggi’s amendments to the act will

provide expanded options for the use of TRIDs in our boroughs throughout the Commonwealth.”

“One of the reasons that the TRID program hasn’t taken off is that there have been limited

funding options,” said Elam Herr, Assistant Executive Director for PSATS. “Senate Bill 1210 helpsrectify that issue and will make the program much more effective.”

“After the passage of the historic, comprehensive transportation funding bill last fall, we are

seeing long-awaited and much-need investment into vital infrastructure across the state,” said Gene

Barr, President and CEO of the PA Chamber. “This legislation helps see to it that Transit Revitalization

Improvement Districts remain a useful tool in spurring local economic growth alongside these

investments.”

“I’m pleased that the Senate approved the proposed TRID amendments, as well as two

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demonstration programs,” said Richard Bickel, DVRPC’s Director of Planning. “TRID offers a

step-by-step process to accomplish transit-oriented development in Pennsylvania’s communities. The

Senate’s amendments enhance opportunities to achieve implementation of TRID plans.”

“Like public-private partnerships, Transit Revitalization Investment Districts represent another

valuable ‘tool in the toolbox’ to promote partnerships, foster innovation and create new options to

develop and fund transit-oriented development,” said Rob Wonderling, GPCC’s President and CEO.“We are very supportive of these necessary amendments to the TRID Law that will add

flexibility, remove bureaucratic burdens, and will prove how valuable this tool can be at leveraging

private sector investment to bring much needed funding to transit-related projects throughout the state,”

said Kevin Acklin, Mayor William Peduto’s Chief of Staff and Chairman of the URA Board. “As the

only project in the state that has been able to use TRID financing, our East Liberty Transit Center team

has demonstrated just how necessary these amendments are. We hope to prove with our private

development partners just how effective this funding tool can be at getting much needed public

infrastructure built with added flexibility and less red tape.”

A public hearing on Senate Bill 1210 was held in Upper Darby Township earlier this year, not

far from SEPTA’s 69th Street Transportation Center in Upper Darby, which serves the

Market-Frankford (Blue) Line, the Norristown High Speed Line, the Route 101 and Route 102Trolleys, and numerous bus routes.

The bill now goes to the House for consideration.

Senate Passes Bill Giving Municipalities More Flexibility To Maintain Local Parks

The Senate Tuesday passed House Bill 1052 (Freeman-D-Lehigh) giving municipalities greater flexibilit

in targeting recreation fees to benefit all residents of their communities is one step closer to becoming

law.

Under current law, recreation fees that municipalities receive from new development may only

be used for building a park in that new development. But that, Rep. Freeman said, usually results in an

underutilized pocket park.

His bill would permit municipalities to use the money to operate, maintain or expand any

recreational facilities within the municipality.

"Parks, playgrounds and other recreational facilities are important to our quality of life," Rep.

Freeman said. "They promote green space in the community, safeguard the environment and give people

of all ages a place for exercise and recreation. My bill would ease the restrictions on the use of the

recreation fees municipalities receive from developers, so that funding can be more wisely used to

benefit the lives of all area residents."

The bill now returns to the House for a concurrence vote.

NewsClip: Senate Passes Bill Earmarking Fees For Local Parks

House Committees Hear From Fish & Boat Commission On Oil Franchise Tax Funding

The House Game and Fisheries and Transportation Committees Tuesday hear from Fish and Boat

Commission Executive Director John Arway on the Commission’s plans for using the additional funds it

received under Act 89 of last year amending the Oil Company Franchise Tax.

The additional funds are intended to be used for the improvement of hazardous dams associated

with lakes on which boating is permitted, including the development and construction of boating areas

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and the dredging and clearing of water areas where boats can be used.

“Based upon the recent figures of boaters consuming about 13.4 million gallon of fuel per year,

we project over $2.9 million through the taxes collected during the fiscal year 2013-14, with annual

revenues climbing to $4.5 million, $5.1 million, $5.8 million and $6.4 million through June 30, 2018,”

Arway told the Committees.

Arway provided an overview of three projects which he described as “the most immediate beneficiaries of Act 89,” including Colyer Lake in Centre County, Glade Run Lake in Butler County,

and Meadow Grounds Lake in Fulton County.

“At the same time we are moving forward on Colyer, Glade Run and Meadow Grounds, we

have generated additional funding sources to design and rehabilitate other high-hazard dams across the

Commonwealth,” said Arway. These include Speedwell Forge Lake in Lancaster County and Leaser

Lake in Lehigh County.

He pointed out, “At the time Act 89 passed, we needed over $44 million to address nine

high-hazard, unsafe dams.” Adding, “We now project needing $31.5 million to repair seven facilities,

and an additional $15-20 million for a replacement dam at the Hereford Manor Property in Beaver

County.”

Arway explained, “Estimates of our remaining dam repair needs are primarily composed ofdesign and construction costs.” He added, “Please note these projections do not include costs

associated with habitat improvement, fish stocking, or the development of additional recreational

amenities around the facilities.”

A copy of his testimony is available online.

Rep. Martin Causer (R-Cameron) serves as Majority Chair of the House Game and Fisheries

Committee and Rep. Gary Haluska (D-Cambria) serves as Minority Chair.

Rep. Nicholas Micozzie (R-Delaware) serves as Majority Chair of the House Transportation

Committee and Rep. Michael McGeehan (D-Philadelphia) serves as Minority Chair.

Sen. Yaw TV Report: Exploring Impact Of Natural Gas In Susquehanna County

This month's district TV program with Sen. Gene Yaw (R-Lycoming), Majority Chair of the Senate

Environmental Resources and Energy Committee, focuses on the growth experienced in and around

Susquehanna County as the result of natural gas development.

“My recent visit to Susquehanna County showcases the impact of the natural gas industry - from

the schools, to the hospital, to the homeowners and the pipelines being constructed,” said Sen. Yaw.

“It’s a very interesting story of a small Pennsylvania community. I hope you will tune in to watch.”

Click Here to watch the video.

Joint Conservation Committee Environmental Issues Forum Sept. 22

The Joint Legislative Air and Water Pollution Control and Conservation Committee will hold its first

Environmental Issues Forum of the fall legislative session on September 22 at 11 a.m. in Senate Hearing

Room 8E-A of the Capitol East Wing.

The topic of this month’s forum is Pennsylvania’s “Abandoned Turnpike,” a 13-mile stretch of

the original PA Turnpike in Bedford and Fulton counties that was bypassed in the 1960s.

Over the years, this one-of-a-kind roadside attraction has become a popular destination for

cyclists, hikers and other outdoor enthusiasts. The Abandoned Turnpike has been previously featured in

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Combined, the turbines can generate up to 40 kW of power. Expected power generation from the

grid-connected power system is 460,000 kilowatt hours per year.

The Antrim treatment plant will use a large portion of the power, saving up to $12,000 annually.

Any additional power generated by the Antrim Micro-Hydropower Project (AMHP) will help offset the

operational cost of the Antrim Treatment Plant.

The project was a collaborative effort of DEP’s Moshannon District Mining Office, BabbCreek Watershed Association, Antrim Treatment Trust, the Anthracite Region Independent Power

Producers Association, the Eastern Pa. Coalition for Abandoned Mine Reclamation, the Western Pa.

Coalition for Abandoned Mine Reclamation, the Tioga County Conservation District, and the project

design/build partner, BioMost Inc.

The project was financed by a 2009 Energy Harvest Grant to the Babb Creek Watershed

Association, Inc., for $428,710; however, the cost to obtain the FERC license, greater than $75,000,

was contributed by BioMost, Inc.

(Reprinted from September 18 issue of DEP News. Click Here to sign up to receive your own

copy of DEP News and back issues.)

Coldwater Heritage Partnership 2015 Grant Program Now Open

The Coldwater Heritage Partnership announces the opening of the 2015 Coldwater Conservation

Grants Program. Applications are due December 19.

The program provides two grant opportunities, which help to protect and conserve the health of

Pennsylvania’s coldwater ecosystems--

— Planning Grant: To help develop a conservation plan that identifies the values and threats that

impact the health of our coldwater ecosystems that have naturally reproducing trout. The collected

information can be used as a catalyst for more comprehensive planning or for development of watershed

improvements projects. Planning grants average around $5,000.

— Implementation Grant: To provide funding to projects recommended in a completed conservation

plan or report. Potential projects must enhance, conserve or protect the coldwater stream for which the

coldwater conservation plan or similar document was originally completed. Implementation grants

average around $7,000.

The Coldwater Heritage Partnership urges watershed groups, conservation districts,

municipalities and local chapters of Trout Unlimited to apply.

The Coldwater Heritage Partnership provides technical assistance and funding support for the

evaluation, conservation and protection of Pennsylvania’s coldwater streams. Grants will be awarded to

organizations to outline strategies and complete implementation projects that best conserve and protect

our coldwater fisheries.

Besides offering grants, CHP works to: foster greater public understanding of watershedcharacteristics and how they affect coldwater ecosystems; identify special areas of concern, such as

areas with exceptional water quality and high potential for impacts; and provide technical assistance and

financial opportunities to organizations dedicated to protecting our coldwater ecosystems.

The CHP is a cooperative effort of Pennsylvania Council of Trout Unlimited, the Department of

Conservation and Natural Resources, the Fish and Boat Commission and the Foundation for

Pennsylvania Watersheds.

Applications can be found on the Coldwater Conservation Grants webpage. For more

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information, contact Samantha Kutskel, Program Director, at 814-359-5233 or send email to:

skutskel@coldwaterheritage.org.

Volunteers Needed For Tree Planting In Chester-Ridley-Crum Watershed Sept. 27

Volunteers are needed to assist with a tree planting at Lewis H. Fisher Memorial Park in Aston, Pa onSeptember 27 from 9 a.m. to Noon.

The Chester-Ridley-Crum Watersheds Association and Aston Township are organizing the

event to increase tree cover along the Chester Creek in Chester County.

Using funding from a TreeVitalize grant, this project will add nearly 80 native trees and shrubs

to this popular streamside park. Streamside forests protect water quality by stabilizing banks and

filtering pollutants before they reach the stream.

Pre-registration is requested for volunteers. You may also pre-register by calling CRC at

610-359-1440 or emailing info@crcwatersheds.org.

Lake Erie Cleanup Seeks Volunteers For International Coastal Cleanup Sept. 20

The Department of Environmental Protection invites the public to improve the Lake Erie watershed on

September 20 by participating in the 12th annual Pennsylvania/Lake Erie International Coastal Cleanup.

DEP is urging residents to help clean up trash around Erie County waterways from 9 a.m. until

noon.

“This county-wide effort is an important part of protecting and enhancing our water resources,”

DEP Northwest Regional Office Director John Guth said. “Engaging residents in this important cleanup

helps to connect them with their surrounding environment to build a sense of ownership for the natural

resources that we all use and enjoy.”

This year’s ICC will include 18 sites along the Lake Erie shoreline, from Raccoon Creek Park

in Springfield Township to North East Marina in North East Township and south to Edinboro Lake.

Two new sites were added this year at the newly established Bridger Park in Millcreek Township and

the East Avenue Boat Launch and beach area in Erie.

For the past 11 years, more than 12,000 local volunteers have walked 317 miles of shoreline

and picked up more than 100,000 pounds of trash during the ICC in Erie County. During this time,

more than 180,000 cigarette butts, 54,000 plastic food wrappers and 48,000 beverage containers have

been collected. Some of the most unusual items found include a litter of kittens, a car, a full set of

clothes and a mannequin.

Locally, the ICC began in 2003 at Presque Isle State Park. Since then, the Lake Erie ICC has

flourished into 18 sites across the county with five local universities involved and countless other

businesses, organizations and citizens coming out to clean up the Lake Erie shoreline.

New group participants for this year include Mercyhurst University, Allegheny College,Millcreek Township Recycling Department and Pittsburgh based non-profit, Paddle Without Pollution.

The ICC is the oldest and largest volunteer project of its kind, and this year is celebrating its

29th anniversary. Beginning in 1986 with 12 sites on the Texas coastline, the ICC has transformed to

more than 6,000 sites in 92 countries with more than 600,000 volunteers. It is the largest

volunteer-driven beach cleanup effort of its kind across the world.

Last year, 12.3 million pounds of trash were removed and 12,914 miles of waterways were

walked and boated during the global cleanup.

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DEP’s Coastal Resources Management program has been the main sponsor of the

Pennsylvania/Lake Erie International Coastal Cleanup since 2003.

For more information or to get involved, visit PA Lake Erie Coastal Cleanup webpage or call

814-217-9634.

Penn State Extension: Sept. 18 Watershed Winds Newsletter

The September 18 edition of Watershed Winds newsletter from Penn State Extension is now available

featuring stories on--

-- Tree and Forest Effects on Air Quality and Human Health in the United States

-- Roadside Spring Legal Issues to Be Considered

-- Groundwater Basics

-- DEP Reminds Citizens of Important Autumn Advisories

-- Common Weed Killer is Widespread in the Environment

-- Penn State Extension gets behind Protect Your Groundwater Day Sept. 9

-- To receive your own copy, send an email to:

WATERSHED-WINDS-L-subscribe-request@lists.psu.edu.

DEP Citizens Advisory Council Receives Update On Oil And Gas Program

Scott Perry, DEP Deputy Secretary For Oil and Gas Management, gave DEP’s Citizens Advisory

Council an update on the Oil and Gas Regulatory Program.

Auditor General Eugene DePasquale was scheduled to make a presentation to Council on his

agency’s audit of the Marcellus Shale Water Protection Programs, but canceled at the last minute.

Perry pointed to dramatic increases in field inspections made by DEP which since 2008

increased from 1,262 to nearly 13,400 in 2013. As a result, he said, the number of violations has

dropped significantly from 25 percent of operations to 4 percent as drilling operators became more

familiar with DEP oil and gas regulations.

Perry said the agency is nearly finished updating its enforcement policy for the Oil and Gas

Program and plans to release proposed revisions in October.

In response to questions, he said the mismatch between driller-reported waste shipments and

landfill records showing how much waste was received was “troubling.” Perry said DEP is conducting

an investigation into the issue and has already uncovered discrepancies on waste numbers reported by

landfill operators to DEP and drilling companies.

Council passed a resolution to recognize Pat Lupo, OSB from Erie, for her 26 years of

dedicated service on Council. Pat has served on Council since her initial appointment by Gov. Robert

P. Casey in 1988. ( See separate story )

Council also heard a presentation by Randy Pomponio, U.S. EPA Region III Director ofEnvironmental Assessment and Innovation on the proposed Waters of the U.S. rule proposed by EPA

and a very general overview of how the Department of Health handles complaints on health-related

issues from drilling operations from Dr. Ram Nambiar, Department of Health Bureau of Epidemiology.

The Public Participation Committee of Council reported on the status of its survey of DEP

advisory committees soliciting recommendations on how to improve DEP’s Advisory Committee

Technical Guidance.

Click Here for a copy of DEP’s Monthly Report on Activities.

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Range Resources To Pay $4M For Violations

Chevron Meets Shale Drilling Standards From CSSD

Chevron Gets 1st OK From Sustainable Drilling Group

Landmark Fracking Study Finds No Water Pollution

Study: Leaky Wells, Not Fracking, Taint Water

Study Finds Flawed Well Casings, Not Fracking Tainting WaterFracking Not The Problem Ohio State Scientist Finds

Study: Residents Closer To Gas Wells Report More Health Issues

Op-Ed: What’s PA Hiding On Fracking Contamination?

Letter: DEP Not Hiding Fracking Contamination

Op-Ed: Fracking Is Not The Threat

WPX Energy Appeals Finding Of Responsibility For Polluting Well

Donegal Twp Families Fight Driller To Get Clean Water

PA Families Struggle With Gas Drilling Pollution

Drilling Company Reapplies For Well Near Moraine State Park

Editorial: Drilling Pooling Laws, Your Rights

Corbett Releases Funding To Convert Glatfelter Paper Mill To Natural Gas

Gov. Tom Corbett Wednesday announced the award of a $5-million Economic Growth Initiative Grant

and $3-million Alternative and Clean Energy Grant to Glatfelter to support the conversion of the

company’s Spring Grove, York County paper mill to use natural gas to fuel its boilers.

In addition to the grant, Glatfelter is investing more than $55 million of its own funds in the mill,

spending which will secure continued employment for its approximately 850 employees, reduce boiler

air emissions significantly, and eliminate more than 5,000 heavy truck trips annually through the Spring

Grove area.

Converting from coal to natural gas will make Glatfelter one of the largest industrial natural gas

users in the area, supporting Pennsylvania’s position as leader in natural gas exploration, generation and

distribution.

“The Spring Grove mill’s conversion to natural gas offers Pennsylvania three very important

benefits,” Gov. Corbett said. “It secures – for decades to come – good-paying jobs for the employees

of Glatfelter, a major economic contributor in York County for 150 years.

“The mill will be able to tap into the abundant supply of natural gas found right here in Pennsylvania and

is making our state one of the nation’s most important energy centers. And it will make a major

contribution to the prosperity and future economic development of York County.”

“The natural gas conversion project is important to our company, our people and our

community,” said Dante C. Parrini, Glatfelter chairman and chief executive officer. “In combination with

other investments, it will enable Glatfelter to sustain the mill’s operations into the future, protect jobs andfamilies, attain greater energy efficiency while reducing our carbon footprint, and ensure our full

compliance with current and anticipated air quality regulations. We appreciate the assistance this grant

provides and the opportunity to put these resources to work for Pennsylvania.”

The grant for the natural gas conversion project will be an important part of an anticipated

investment by Glatfelter’s of more than $100 million over the next several years to modernize the mill to

maintain its competitiveness and support its high-technology manufacturing process. The mill produces a

variety of specialty paper products that serve a broad range of customers and industries globally.

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“With this grant, the Commonwealth is again demonstrating its support for environmental

sustainability, employment security and economic development of York County.” Gov. Corbett said.

“Our investment and Glatfelter’s commitment will not only strengthen York County but will promote

additional local and regional economic development.”

The Spring Grove natural gas conversion project will generate an estimated $290 million in

annual economic impact for the Commonwealth, and more than $250 million in York County, whilesupporting 1,765 more jobs across the county.

The project will retain economic activity that might otherwise been lost, and add or retain more

than $52 million in state and local taxes over the next five years.

Glatfelter’s new boilers will use more than 2 billion cubic feet of natural gas annually, ranking th

mill as one of the region’s largest gas users. Its gas consumption will be greater than the amount needed

to supply the annual natural gas needs of the residents of Harrisburg or fuel every household in

Pennsylvania for two full days.

Use of such large volumes of gas will require the installation of a natural gas connector line from

a transmission source to the mill. Installation of the connector could create new opportunities for

industrial, commercial, nonprofit and governmental users to access natural gas along its route. Glatfelter

has begun a study of route options for the connector.

Penn State: Marcellus Boom May Have Led To Too Many Hotel Rooms

Drilling in Pennsylvania's Marcellus Shale region led to a rapid increase in both the number of hotels and

hotel industry jobs, but Penn State researchers report that the faltering occupancy rate may signal that

there are now too many hotel rooms.

"Demand is still high in many of the counties in the Marcellus Shale region, but the occupancy

rate is starting to come down," said Daniel Mount, an associate professor in hospitality management.

"The case could be made that this is a sign that hotels were overbuilt."

Marcellus drilling operations generated approximately $685 million in hotel revenues and added

an extra 1,600 new hotel jobs since 2006, according to the researchers, who report their findings in the

International Council on Hotel, Restaurant, and Institutional Education Penn State Research Reports.

However, the latest figures show that demand for rooms may be decreasing. For example, in

2012, demand was flat and occupancy was down 4.1 percent.

If demand continues to decrease, the older, non-franchised hotels may be the most vulnerable to

bankruptcy and closure, according to Mount. Of the 14 hotels that closed between 2006 and 2012,

nine did not have a national franchise. The average age of the 14 closed hotels was more than 38 years

old.

"The overall economic benefit of the drilling boom is still good for hoteliers, but it's just not the

bonanza that it used to be," said Mount. "It may be that the newer hotels and the hotel chains are in a

better position to withstand the lower demand, in which case, it will be the older, independent hotels thatgo out of business."

The flat rate contrasts with the explosive growth of hotel construction during the early stages of

the drilling boom. Hotel developers built 65 hotels in the drilling region, which is a far greater number

than national trends would suggest for hotel development, said Mount, who worked with Timothy

Kelsey, professor of agricultural economics and co-director of the Center for Economic and

Community Development and Kathryn Brasier, associate professor of rural sociology.

Alternative housing may explain some of the lower demand, as well, said Mount. Some

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companies that originally assigned workers to hotel rooms may now be housing them at alternative sites,

such as apartment complexes or mobile homes, further reducing demand for hotel space.

Other workforce patterns, such as hiring more local workers and gains in workforce

efficiencies, may also be contributing factors to the decreased demand in hotel rooms, said Brasier.

A drop in the price of natural gas and decrease in future drilling may also affect demand for

rooms, the researchers suggest. Recently, as natural gas prices fell, the total number of wells drilleddecreased from 1,968 in 2011 to 1,362 in 2012.

The researchers used the most recent data available from the Department of Environmental

Protection on hotel development and drilling activity in the five major drilling regions -- northeast, north

central, central, west central and southwest -- of Pennsylvania. They then compared data on hotel

performance -- total demand, average daily rate and total rooms revenue -- with national figures.

For more information, contact Matt Swayne 814-865-9481 or A'ndrea Elyse Messer

814-865-9481.

PA Environmental Council Policy Conference To Air On PCN Sept. 20

The PA Environmental Council Policy Conference will air on PCN September 20 at 2:00 p.m. The Conference featured a panel discussion with all four Chairs of the Senate and House

Environmental Resources and Energy Committees.

Majority Chair Senator Gene Yaw (R-Bradford, Lycoming, Sullivan, Susquehanna, and Union

Counties); Minority Chair Senator John Yudichak (D-Carbon, Luzerne, and Monroe Counties);

Majority Chair Representative Ron Miller (R-York County), and Minority Chair Representative Greg

Vitali (D-Delaware County will be speaking on environmental legislative priorities for the remainder of

the current session, as well as forecasting key issues for 2015 and beyond.

The Conference also featured panels on Shale Gas Development in Pennsylvania; how

Pennsylvania will adapt to pending federal rules on greenhouse gas emissions; and a review of the

diverse water management issues facing our Commonwealth.

“This Conference will be a unique opportunity to hear from key environmental policy makers in

the General Assembly and other environmental leaders on some of the most pressing issues facing

Pennsylvania,” said Davitt Woodwell, President and CEO of PEC. “Pennsylvania is at a critical

crossroads in how we deal with future Marcellus Shale-related development, climate change and water

resource issues. We hope the Conference discussion will help identify some of the policy choices we

need to make to help ensure a more sustainable future in the Commonwealth.”

Each panel featured diverse interests and recognized experts in each area along with an

opportunity for attendees to ask questions to promote an open dialog on these issues.

For more information, visit the PA Environmental Council Policy Conference webpage and the

PCN website.

Sept. 18 DEP News Now Available From The Department Of Environmental Protection

The September 18 issue of DEP News is now available from the Department of Environmental

Protection featuring articles on--

-- DEP Fines Range Resources $4.15M For Violating Environmental Regulations

-- First-Of-Its-Kind Mine Drainage Project To Generate Electricity From Mine Flow

-- Rivers Of The Chesapeake Project Considered Top Priority LWCF Landscapes Program

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-- DEP Listening Session On EPA Clean Power Climate Plan Sept. 25

-- Corbett Opens New Natural Gas Fueling Station In Philadelphia

-- Sept. 25 Oil And Gas Technical Advisory Board Meeting To Be Webcast

-- PA Mercury Regs Subject Of Visit By South Korean Envoy

-- Grant To Assist Montgomery County Residents With TCE Contamination

-- DEP Secretary Address Compliance Managers From Leading PA Companies-- DEP To Assist Communities In Luzerne Securing Safe Drinking Water Supply

-- Lake Erie Cleanup Seeks Volunteers For Sept. 20 Coastal Cleanup

-- Morewood Named Director Of DEP Environmental Advocate Office

-- DEP Citizens Advisory Council Recognizes Long-Time Member Pat Lupo, OSB

-- DEP Employees Help Kick Off Annual SECA Giving Campaign

-- Click Here to sign up to receive your own copy of DEP News and back issues.

GreenSchools Teacher Development Workshop Oct. 17 At Grey Towers

Grey Towers National Historic Site in Milford, Pike County will host a Project Learning Tree

GreenSchools Teacher Education Workshop on October 17.This FREE one day teacher workshop will be very interactive. Participants will learn about PLT

background information and curricula, the path to becoming a certified PLT GreenSchool, monitoring

different environmental issues and parameters, discussing applications to their schools and communities

and developing an action plan to investigate their schools. Act 48 hours are available.

For more information and to register, visit the GreenSchools Teacher Workshop webpage.

iConservePA.org September Seeds Newsletter Now Available

The September issue of the Seeds Take Conservation Personally newsletter from iConservePA.org is

now available featuring articles on--

-- Video: Green Collar Jobs

-- Saving Pennsylvania’s Bats

-- Video: Race To Save Pennsylvania’s Bats

-- Find Your Tree Love

-- Celebrate YOUR Lands With Some Lovin’

-- Tips On Using Water Wisely

-- Click Here to sign up for your own copy of Seeds

Air Products Again Recognized On Dow Jones Sustainability Indexes

Allentown-based Air Products has again achieved a leadership position among the top 10 percent ofcompanies in its industry as a component of the Dow Jones Sustainability World Index 2014/2015, a

gold standard benchmark for corporate sustainability performance.

Air Products also is a component of the Dow Jones Sustainability North America Index, which

places it among the top 20 percent of companies in its industry in North America.

RobecoSAM and the S&P Dow Jones Indices evaluate the economic, environmental, social

and governance practices of the largest 2,500 publicly traded companies annually. Based on an

assessment of criteria that accounts for general as well as industry-specific sustainability trends,

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companies best equipped to manage sustainability opportunities and risks are then selected for inclusion.

"We are honored that Air Products has been recognized for sustainability leadership, an

important component in creating shareholder value," said Seifi Ghasemi, chairman, president and chief

executive officer of Air Products. "We are committed to improving our own operations, supporting our

communities, and enabling customers to produce more while using less."

In addition to the DJSI Indices, Air Products remains a component of other internationalsustainability indices and is recognized for its sustainability practices and achievements around the globe

For more information about sustainability, visit the Air Products Sustainability webpage.

PA Mercury Regulations Subject Of Visit By South Korean Envoy

Staff from DEP's Bureau of Waste Management recently met with Dr. Yongseok Hong, assistant

professor of Environmental Engineering from Daegu University, Jillyang, South Korea, to discuss

Pennsylvania’s regulations related to mercury.

The visit was prompted by the recent creation of the international agreement to reduce mercury

pollution, the Minamata Convention. The United States has already signed and ratified this agreement.

Dr. Hong is assisting the Republic of Korea with a research project on existing mercuryregulations in the United States with the goal of building a new regulatory framework for Korean

businesses and citizens. He was especially interested in how US businesses can recover more mercury

and the most profitable methods to help with the transition of stricter regulations.

Current practices in Korea recover very low amounts of mercury and it has become a

considerable public health concern and a worker safety problem.

The visit included a meeting with Deputy Secretary Vince Brisini, Waste Management Bureau

Director Ken Reisinger, External Affairs Director Katherine Hetherington Cunfer, Policy Specialist

Laura Henry, and staff from the Waste Management Program including Tom Mellott, Kevin Beer, and

Glenn Mitzel to review Pennsylvania’s statutes, regulations, and policies related to mercury, especially

the Hazardous Household Waste Program.

Dr. Hong and DEP staff had field visits to APR Supply in Harrisburg to exhibit the non-profit

Thermostat Recycling Corporations’ (TRC) drop off locations for mercury containing thermostats as

well as meeting the local representative from TRC.

The second tour location was Bethlehem Apparatus, a nationally recognized specialty mercury

recovering and recycling business, to tour their Bethlehem facility.

Dr. Hong was extremely impressed with the extensive regulatory framework for mercury that

exists in Pennsylvania as well as the buy in by citizens and businesses. He planned to encourage Korean

EPA officials to follow the regulatory framework of Pennsylvania.

He was most delighted with the site visits and expressed that he had contacted other states and

corporations that deal in mercury recovery to schedule a tour and was rebuffed.

“We were glad to host Dr. Hong and share the successes of Pennsylvania’s mercury regulationsand recycling programs,” Brisini said. “We look forward to continuing to assist the Korean government

develop responsible and effective policies to regulate this highly hazardous substance.”

(Reprinted from September 18 issue of DEP News. Click Here to sign up to receive your own

copy of DEP News and back issues.)

Rivers Of The Chesapeake A Priority For USDA Collaborative Landscapes Program

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For more information on the nomination process or on trails, visit the ExplorePaTrails website.

Featured on the site are 493 trails covering more than 11,000 miles in Pennsylvania.

Trails Advisory Committee

The Pennsylvania Trails Advisory Committee includes 20 members representing different types

of trail users, builders and advocates, and people with disabilities.

DCNR is accepting applications through November 7 for eight open seats on the committee.Members will serve for three years starting Janiary 1, 2015.

Nominations are being accepted for positions representing the following user organizations:

ATV riders; member at large; trail walkers; mountain biking; snowmobiling; people with disabilities; tra

advocate; and trail trainers.

The committee’s responsibilities are to advise DCNR on the use of trail funding in Pennsylvania;

review and rank trail project applications; and present an annual report to the secretary on trail

activities.

Find an application on the DCNR website.

Eastern PA Greenways & Trails Summit Sept. 30-Oct. 1

The Eastern PA Greenways & Trails Summit will be held September 30 to October 1 at DeSales

University in Center Valley, Pa. Click Here for the complete agenda. Click Here to register.

Sept. 17 Resource Newsletter Now Available From DCNR

The September 17 Resource newsletter is now available from the Department of Conservation and

Natural Resources featuring stories about--

-- PA Receiving Federal Funds To Plan Forest Management, Conservation For Bats

-- Nominations For 2015 Trail Of The Year, Trail Advisory Committee

-- Coldwater Heritage Partnership Conservation Grants Now Open

-- Enhance Penn’s Woods Funds 2 State Park Roofing Projects

-- Click Here to sign up to receive your own copy (bottom of page)

Morewood Named Director Of DEP’s Environmental Justice Advocate Office

DEP Secretary E. Christopher Abruzzo this week announced the appointment

of Kimberly A. Morewood, as Director of the DEP’s Environmental Justice

Advocate Office. Morewood previously served as DEP's Environmental

Advocate in Western Pennsylvania.

"Kim’s experience and skills, including her strong background working with the

regulated community, coordinating with local governments and engagementwith advocacy groups, along with her previous service as the western

Pennsylvania environmental advocate, have prepared her well for her new role

as the Director of this Office," Abruzzo said.

Morewood began her career at DEP as the Local Government Liaison for the

South-Central Region from 2001-2004. She then worked for the Pennsylvania House of

Representatives as a Public Relations Coordinator, and later, as the Chief of Staff to a State

Representative. She returned to DEP in 2013 to serve in her current role as Environmental Justice

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Advocate for western Pennsylvania.

In this new role, Morewood will be responsible for providing support to the Secretary by

directing the identification of social and environmental justice issues within the Commonwealth, and by

formulating and developing commonwealth-wide policies, regulations and laws to support the fair,

ethical, and meaningful treatment of all its citizens.

(Reprinted from September 18 issue of DEP News. Click Here to sign up to receive your own

copy of DEP News and back issues.)

Public Participation Opportunities/Calendar Of Events

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

advisory committee meetings where the agendas have been released. It also gives you a heads-up on

House and Senate Committee meetings, conferences and other interesting events. Meetings are in

Harrisburg unless otherwise noted. NEW means new from last week. Go to the online Calendar

webpage for updates.

September 22-- NEW. House Appropriations Committee meets to consider House Bill 1565

(Hahn-R-Northampton) eliminating the nearly 4 year old requirement for stream buffers in High Quality

and Exceptional Value streams, Senate Bill 1155 (Scarnati-R- Jefferson) creating a Aggregate Advisory

Board within DEP- sponsor summary Room 140. Off the Floor.

September 22-- NEW. Senate Appropriations Committee meets to consider House Bill 1672

(Miller-R-York) providing for testing of energy efficiency technologies. Rules Room. Off the Floor.

September 22-- Environmental Issues Forum, Joint Conservation Committee. Pennsylvania’s

abandoned Turnpike, a 13-mile stretch of the original Turnpike in Bedford and Fulton counties and plans to turn it into a scenic, recreational biking trail. Room 8E-A East Wing. 11:00. ( Note time.)

September 22-- DEP webinar on 3rd Round of Natural Gas Vehicle Grants. 2:00.

September 22— DEP, DCNR Meeting, Hearing On Gun Club Shooting Range In Centre County.

Rush Township municipal building, 150 North Richard St. in Philipsburg. Meeting—6:30, Hearing –

7:30.

September 23-- NEW. House Environmental Resources and Energy Committee meets. No Agenda

Announced. Room 205 Ryan Building. 9:00.

September 23-- NEW. House Consumer Affairs Committee meets to consider House Bill 2393

(Kampf-R-Chester) providing a program to extend natural gas delivery to unserved or underserved

areas- sponsor summary. Room B31 Main Capitol. 9:15.

September 23-- Agenda Released. DEP Small Water Systems Technical Assistance Center Board

meeting. Room 105 Rachel Carson Building. 10:00.

-- Presentation: Level 1, 2 Water System Assessment Proposal & Discussion

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<> Click Here for available handouts.

September 24-- Agenda Released. DEP State Board for Certification of Sewage Enforcement

Operators meeting. 11th Floor Conference Room B, Rachel Carson Building. 10:00.

-- Certification of New SEOs

-- Revised Bylaws-- Exam and Meeting Dates for 2015

<> Click Here for available handouts.

September 24-- NEW. Task Force on Lyme Disease and Related Tick-Borne Diseases, Department

of Health. Dixon University Center, 2986 N. Second St., Harrisburg. 10:00. ( formal notice )

September 25-- Agenda Released. DEP Oil and Gas Technical Advisory Board meeting. Room 105

Rachel Carson Building. 10:00. Click Here to watch the meeting by webinar.

-- Summary of Changes Splitting Chapter 78 Into Conventional, Unconventional Standards

-- Update on Chapter 78, Subchapter C, D Draft Final Rule

<> Click Here for available handouts

September 25-- Agenda Released. DEP Board Of Coal Mine Safety meeting. DEP Cambria Office,

286 Industrial Park Road, Ebensburg. 10:00. ( formal notice )

-- Update on Draft Performance-based Cable Safety Regulations

-- Update on Standards for Surface Facilities Regulations

-- Emergency Medical Training

<> Click Here for available handouts

September 25-- NEW. DCNR Conservation and Natural Resources Advisory Council meeting.

Genetti Hotel, 200 W. Fourth St., Williamsport. 10:00. ( formal notice )

-- Presentation On Trails, Watershed, Land Protection, Riverfront Revitalization Partnerships in

Northcentral PA

<> Click Here for available handouts.

September. 25-- NEW. DEP Listening Session on EPA’s Proposed Clean Power Climate Plan.

Honors Suite, 333 Market St., Harrisburg. 9:00. ( formal notice )

September 25-- Penn State Extension Youth Water Educator’s Summit. The Central Hotel and

Conference Center, Harrisburg.

September 26-- Agenda Released. DEP Water Resources Advisory Committee meeting. Room 105Rachel Carson Building. 9:30. ( formal notice )

-- Update from DEP Office of Water Management

-- Role of Water Resources Advisory Committee

<> Click Here for available handouts

October 1-- NEW. Senate Democratic Policy Committee holds a hearing on tracking and reporting

public health complaints in PA. King’s College, 133 N. River St., Wilkes-Barre. 11:00.

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October 2-- DEP Low-Level Radioactive Waste Advisory Committee meeting. Room 105 Rachel

Carson Building. 10:00.

October 6-- Environmental Issues Forum, Joint Conservation Committee. Keep PA Beautiful will

present its recommendations for significantly reducing illegal dumping in Pennsylvania. Room 8E-A EasWing. Noon. ( Note time.)

October 8-- CANCELED. DEP Technical Advisory Committee on Diesel-Powered Equipment for

deep mining. Fayette County Health Center, Uniontown. 10:00. ( formal notice )

October 9-- DEP Air Quality Technical Advisory Committee meeting. Room 105 Rachel Carson

Building. 9:15.

October 15-- DEP Cleanup Standards Scientific Advisory Board. 14th Floor Conference Room,

Rachel Carson Building. 9:00.

October 15-- DEP Agricultural Advisory Board meeting. DEP Southcentral Regional Office, 909

Elmerton Ave., Harrisburg. 10:00.

October 15-- DEP Technical Advisory Committee on Diesel-Powered Equipment for deep mining.

DEP Office, 131 Broadview Rd, New Stanton. 10:00. ( formal notice )

October 16-- DEP Radiation Protection Advisory Committee meeting. Room 105 Rachel Carson

Building. 9:00.

October 16-- Agenda Released. DEP State Board for Certification of Water and Wastewater Systems

Operators meeting 10th Floor Conference Room, Rachel Carson Building. 10:00.

October 21-- Environmental Quality Board meeting. Room 105 Rachel Carson Building. 9:00.

October 21-- DEP Citizens Advisory Council meeting. Room 105 Rachel Carson Building. 10:00.

October 22-- Location Change. DEP Small Business Compliance Advisory Committee meeting.

Emerging Technology Applications Center, Northampton Community College, 511 East Third St.,

Bethlehem. 10:00. ( formal notice )

October 23-- DEP Mining and Reclamation Advisory Board meeting. Room 105 Rachel CarsonBuilding. 10:00.

October 27-- Senate Game and Fisheries Committee holds a public hearing on Lyme disease,

Geisinger Medication Take Back Program, Great Lakes Fishery microbead ban, round goby impact on

PA waterways. Tom Ridge Environmental Center, 301 Peninsula Dr., Erie. 9:00.

October 27-- CANCELED. DEP hearing on Hilcorp Energy gas pooling requests in Lawrence,

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Mercer counties. Albert P. Gettings Government Center Annex of the Lawrence County Government

Center, Assembly Room, 349 Countyline St., New Castle. 10:00.

October 28-- DEP Climate Change Advisory Committee meeting. 12th Floor Conference Room,

Rachel Carson Building. 10:00.

October 28-- CANCELED. DEP hearing on Hilcorp Energy gas pooling requests in Lawrence,

Mercer counties. Albert P. Gettings Government Center Annex of the Lawrence County Government

Center, Assembly Room, 349 Countyline St., New Castle. 9:00.

November 5-- DEP Environmental Justice Advisory Board meeting. Delaware Room, 16th Floor,

Rachel Carson Building. 8:30.

November 5-- DEP Sewage Advisory Committee meeting. Room 105 Rachel Carson Building. 10:30.

November 12-- DEP Water Resources Advisory Committee meeting. Room 105 Rachel Carson

Building. 9:30.

November 18-- Environmental Quality Board meeting. Room 105 Rachel Carson Building. 9:00.

November 18-- DEP Citizens Advisory Council meeting. Room 105 Rachel Carson Building. 10:00.

December 2-- DEP Storage Tank Advisory Committee meeting. Room 105 Rachel Carson Building.

10:00.

December 9-- DEP Climate Change Advisory Committee meeting. 12th Floor Conference Room,

Rachel Carson Building. 10:00.

December 9-- DEP Board Of Coal Mine Safety meeting. DEP Cambria Office, 286 Industrial Park

Road, Ebensburg. 10:00.

December 10-- Agenda Released. DEP State Board for Certification of Water and Wastewater

Systems Operators meeting 10th Floor Conference Room, Rachel Carson Building. 10:00.

December 11-- DEP Air Quality Technical Advisory Committee meeting. Room 105 Rachel Carson

Building. 9:15.

December 17-- DEP Agricultural Advisory Board meeting. DEP Southcentral Regional Office, 909Elmerton Ave., Harrisburg. 10:00.

December 18-- DEP Small Water Systems Technical Assistance Center Board meeting. Room 105

Rachel Carson Building. 10:00.

December 22-- DEP State Board for Certification of Sewage Enforcement Operators meeting. 11th

Floor Conference Room B, Rachel Carson Building. 10:00.

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8/11/2019 Pa Environment Digest Sept. 22, 2014

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September 30-- DEP Recycling Performance Grants

October 3-- PECO Green Region Environmental Grants

October 8-- Fish Commission State Wildlife Grants Ohio River Basin

October 20-- DEP Coastal Resources Grants

October 23-- PEMA Fire Company & Ambulance Services Grants

October 31-- Hawk Mountain Sanctuary Digital Photo Contest October 31-- PRC Lens On Litter Photo Contest

November 7-- NEW. DCNR 2015 Trail of the Year Nominations

November 14-- DEP Natural Gas Vehicle Grants

December 19-- NEW. Coldwater Heritage Conservation Grants

December 31-- DEP Alternative Fuel Vehicle Rebates (or until they last)

-- Visit the DEP Grants and Loan Programs webpage for more ideas on how to get financial assistance

for environmental projects.

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Regulations, Technical Guidance & Permits

No new regulations published this week. Pennsylvania Bulletin - September 20, 2014

Proposed Regulations Open For Comment - DEP webpage

Proposed Regulations With Closed Comment Periods - DEP webpage

Recently Finalized Regulations - DEP webpage

DEP Regulatory Update - DEP webpage

Technical Guidance & Permits

The Department of Environmental Protection published notice of Nutrient Credit Trading Program

certification requests.

DEP also published a notice of availability for a draft fiscal year report on the Reclamation Fee O&M

Trust Account.

DEP Technical Guidance In Process

Draft Technical Guidance Documents - DEP webpage

Technical Guidance Comment Deadlines - DEP webpage

Recently Closed Comment Periods For Technical Guidance - DEP webpageTechnical Guidance Recently Finalized - DEP webpage

Copies of Final Technical Guidance - DEP webpage

Other DEP Proposals For Public Review

Other Proposals Open For Public Comment - DEP webpage

Recently Closed Comment Periods For Other Proposals - DEP webpage

Other Proposals Recently Finalized - DEP webpage

8/11/2019 Pa Environment Digest Sept. 22, 2014

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Visit DEP’s new Public Participation Center for information on how you can Be Informed! and Get

Involved! in DEP regulation and guidance development process.

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General Environmental/Budget NewsClips

Here's a selection of NewsClips on environmental topics from around the state--

September 17 Resource DCNR Newsletter

September 18 DEP News

Budget

Wolf Promises Fracking Tax, Revenue For Schools

PA Fiscal Officers Say Budget In Dire Situation

Other

Environmental Committee Chairs Discuss Which Bills Will Move

Corbett, Other Governors Oppose Greenhouse Gas Controls

House Committee Holds Hearing On EPA Climate Plan

EPA Extends Comment Period On Clean Power Climate Rule

Philly Group Recruting People For NY Climate March

Audubon Predicts Climate Change Will Shrink Bird Ranges

State, Corrections Union Investigate Health At Prisons By Coal Sites

PPL Ends Time-Of-Use Rates

Berwick Nuclear Plant Goes Back To Normal Federal Oversight

Chesco Solar Plan Pits Green Against Green

Fuel Cell Company Leavers NY For Mt. PleasantDEP Considers $300K Plan To Clean Up Oil-Transfer Station

Clairton Coke Works Still Lagging On Air Pollution

Mt. Washington Landslide Stable For Now

The Curious Case Of The Smallmouth Bass In Susquehanna

West Penn Power Continues Removing Trees Damaged By Ash Borer

Presque Isle Advisory Group Hears Beach House Plans

Senate Passes Bill Earmarking Fees For Local Parks

Op-Ed: Enough About The Bikes, Bikes, Bikes

Group Says Wehr’s Dam Should Come Down

Volunteers, Fish Commission Install Fish Habitat In Lake Wallenpaupack

Game Commission Offers Game Lands Tours Waggoner’s Gap To Improve Lookout Point Accessibility

-- DEP’s NewsClips webpage - Click Here

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8/11/2019 Pa Environment Digest Sept. 22, 2014

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Marcellus Shale NewsClips

Here are NewsClips on topics related to Marcellus Shale natural gas drilling---

Range Resources Fined $4.1M, Close Old Drilling Impoundments

DEP Orders Range Resources To Pay $4 Million FineRange Resources Hit With $4 Million Fine

Range Resources To Pay $4M For Violations

Chevron Meets Shale Drilling Standards From CSSD

Chevron Gets 1st OK From Sustainable Drilling Group

Landmark Fracking Study Finds No Water Pollution

Study: Leaky Wells, Not Fracking, Taint Water

Study Finds Flawed Well Casings, Not Fracking Tainting Water

Fracking Not The Problem Ohio State Scientist Finds

Study: Residents Closer To Gas Wells Report More Health Issues

Op-Ed: What’s PA Hiding On Fracking Contamination?

Letter: DEP Not Hiding Fracking Contamination

Op-Ed: Fracking Is Not The Threat

WPX Energy Appeals Finding Of Responsibility For Polluting Well

Donegal Twp Families Fight Driller To Get Clean Water

PA Families Struggle With Gas Drilling Pollution

Drilling Company Reapplies For Well Near Moraine State Park

Editorial: Drilling Pooling Laws, Your Rights

Penn State Marcellus Shale Documentary Project Opens Sept. 23

Learning From Marcellus Shale To Drill The Utica

Lebanon Pipeline Awareness Speakers Urge Action

Pipeline Forum Highlights Concerns About Damage, EnvironmentDrilling Awareness Coalition Primes Community On Pipelines

Beaver Farmer Challenges Compressor Station Permit

Sunoco Eyes CNG Pumps At Pittsburgh Airport

Consol Energy Moves Forward On Airport Drilling

Natural Gas, Coal Have Defined Pittsburgh’s History

Oil, Gas Jobs Outnumbered Steel Jobs In PA Last Year

BCCC Prepares Students For Energy Industry Jobs

Oil, Gas Companies Court Military Veterans

Drillers Still Ignoring Law To Include Women, Minorities

Marcellus Industry Conference Moves To Pittsburgh

Penn State To Come Out With App For Gas Well Royalties Op-Ed: Reform Tax Code To Spur Expanded Energy Industry

Financial/Other States

Companies Look Overseas To Find Customers For Ethane

Buckeye Partners Becoming Energy Powerhouse

Chemical Trade Group Tries To Shape Regs

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8/11/2019 Pa Environment Digest Sept. 22, 2014

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Watershed/Flooding NewsClips

Here are NewsClips on watershed topics from around the state--

FloodingLuzerne Flood Authority Awaits Ruling On Levee Fee Legality

Editorial: Fund Flood Gauges, Save On Damages

Other Watershed NewsClips

House Panel Approves Bill Eliminating Buffer Requirement

Mine Drainage Treatment Ponds Planned For Unity

The Curious Case Of The Smallmouth Bass In Susquehanna

Lancaster Garden Keeps Stormwater Out Of Sewers

Mandated Sewer Project To Increase Alcosan Bills

DEP To Probe Use Of Ford City Water Plant Grant

Supporters Press Township To Preserve Wehr’s Dam

Loyalhanna Watershed Assn Art Auction Benefit

Latest From The Chesapeake Bay Journal

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