Pa Environment Digest April 10, 2017

PA Environment Digest
An Update On Environmental Issues In Pennsylvania

Edited By: David E. Hess, Crisci Associates
Winner Of PA Association of Environmental Educators

Business Partner Of The Year Award
PA Environment Digest Daily Blog Twitter Feed
Issue #667 Harrisburg, PA April 10, 2017
Lack Of Resources, New Cleanup Goals Will Make Chesapeake Bay Cleanup Harder In
PA
The PA Chesapeake Bay Watershed Implementation

Planning Steering Committee met for the first time Monday
and immediately confronted two challenges: Pennsylvania
does not have enough resources to meet current nutrient and
sediment reduction goals and new milestones coming as
early as June will mean even more reductions will be
needed.
Charged with developing Phase 3 of Pennsylvanias
Chesapeake Bay Watershed Implementation Plan, the
Steering Committee will coordinate the work of at least 6
workgroups each with 10 or so members to come up with
the plan.
The members of the Steering Committee now are: -- Patrick McDonnell (Chair), Acting
Secretary, DEP; Rep. Garth Everett (R-Lycoming) (Chair), Chesapeake Bay Commission;
Cindy Dunn, Secretary, Conservation and Natural Resources; Russell Redding, Secretary,
Department of Agriculture; Karl Brown, Executive Secretary, State Conservation Commission;
Andrew Dehoff, Executive Director, Susquehanna River Basin Commission, Carlton
Haywood, Executive Director, Interstate Commission on the Potomac River Basin; Paul
Marchetti, Executive Director, PA Infrastructure Investment Authority.
The members of the Steering Committee can be adjusted in the future, based on the needs
of the program.
The draft list of workgroups and their chairs include--
-- Local Area Goals: Lisa Schaefer, Director of Government Relations, County Commissioners
Association;
-- Stormwater: Felicia Dell, Director, York County Planning Commission;
-- Agriculture: Matt Royer, Director, Penn States Agriculture & Environment Center;
-- Wastewater: John Brosious, Deputy Executive Director, PA Municipal Authorities
Association;
-- Forestry/Riparian Buffers: Katie Ombalski, Woods and Water Consulting, formerly with
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ClearWater Conservancy; and
-- Funding: Rep. Garth Everett, Chair, PA Delegation to the Chesapeake Bay Commission or his
designee.
The initial, draft Game Plan for Success calls for the workgroups to be put together in
April and May and have a kick-off Watershed Implementation Plan Conference on June 5 in
Harrisburg to solicit ideas for what should be in the Plan.
A key consideration in the planning process is meeting the expectations the U.S.
Environmental Protection Agency laid out in an interim Expectations document on January 19,
2017.
Although no one at this point knows if those will change, the 4 major expectations are--
-- Numerical Reductions: Specify the programmatic and numeric implementation commitments
between 2018 and 2025 needed to achieve their Phase III WIP planning targets;
-- Comprehensive Strategies: Commit to comprehensive strategies for engagement of the full
array of their local, regional, and federal partners in WIP implementation;
-- Changed Conditions: By 2025, account for changed conditions due to climate change,
Conowingo Dam infill and growth, and address any related additional level of effort; and
-- Local Reduction Goals: Develop and implement local planning goals below the state-major
basin scales and in the form best suited for directly engaging local, regional and federal partners
in WIP implementation.
Of particular importance, Acting DEP Secretary McDonnell and others emphasized, is
how the Bay states were going to make up for the nutrient and sediment trapping normally done
by the Conowingo Dam just across the Pennsylvania border in Maryland on the Susquehanna
River.
The U.S. Geological Survey and others have documented the fact the Conowingo Dam is
not trapping the nutrient and sediments it once did-- primarily from Pennsylvania and much
smaller amounts from New York and Maryland.
As a result, the pollution now going over the dam will have to be allocated as reductions
needed by the Bay states increasing their nutrient and sediment reduction goals.
In addition to the Conowingo Dam, Acting Secretary McDonnell said the other big
increase in reduction allocations will probably come from the growth assumptions in the Bay
modeling which account for conversion of farm and forest land by development.
Both those factors will increase the already significant nutrient and sediment reductions
goals Pennsylvania and the other Bay states must achieve.
As highlighted in a presentation to the Steering Committee by Veronica Kasi, DEP
Chesapeake Bay Program Manager, Pennsylvania must reduce nitrogen by 19 million pounds by
the end of 2017 (which Pennsylvania is not going to meet) and by a total of 34 million pounds by
2025.
Agriculture will likely be responsible for much more than 80 percent of these nitrogen
reductions. Agriculture will also be responsible for 76 percent of the phosphorus reductions
needed.
Not mentioned, but equally challenging, are the reductions needed for sediment pollution.
Pennsylvania has not meet its sediment pollution reduction goal since 2009.
In 2014, Pennsylvania was contributing over 2.618 billion pounds of sediment pollution
to the Chesapeake Bay. By 2025, Pennsylvania is to reduce its sediment pollution load to 1.9
billion pounds.
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Just for perspective, between 1985 and 2015 Pennsylvania reduced phosphorus by 25
percent (1.4 million pounds), sediment by 15 percent (433.8 million pounds) and nitrogen by 6
percent (11.57 million pounds), respectively, according to DEP.
DEP concluded its update on the progress being made in Pennsylvania by pointing out
The technical assistance/compliance infrastructure, costs share funding are not in place to
deliver these needed reductions (emphasis theirs).
[Note: The primary reason Pennsylvania is not meeting its nutrient and sediment
reduction goals is because funding for on-the-ground farm conservation and other watershed
improvement projects has been cut by 75 percent over the last 14 years in programs like Growing
Greener by the General Assembly and Governors since 2003.
[The only time a small portion of funding was restored in Growing Greener Program, for
example, was with the adoption of Act 13 and the drilling impact fees during the Corbett
Administration.
[If those investments would have continued at 2002 levels instead of siphoned off to
build things like a parking garage in Scranton (according to a Joint Legislative Budget and
Finance Committee report) and windmills or to balance the state budget, Pennsylvania would be
in a much different place right now.
[Meanwhile, during that same period of time, the General Fund budget for the General
Assembly increased by 21 percent since 2003.
[Several Steering Committee members commented that Pennsylvania has not been doing
its part to meet Chesapeake Bay and water quality improvement goals statewide for some time,
but wanted to focus on the task that lies ahead, not point fingers.
[The proposed Trump Administration elimination of funding for its share of the
Chesapeake Bay Program was mentioned by several Steering Committee members as another
challenge Pennsylvania and the Bay states must overcome.]
Kasi also highlighted the fact that because Pennsylvania has not met the existing goals for
reducing nitrogen and sediment, EPA announced last year it will develop its own goals for
reducing nutrients and sediment in Pennsylvania in addition to whatever other goals there may
be.
Kasi noted the new, basic nutrient and sediment goals Pennsylvania must meet will
probably come out in draft form as early as June and should be finalized by the end of 2017.
States are required to submit draft Chesapeake Bay Watershed Implementation Plans to
EPA in August of 2018 with final Plans due by December 2018.
Kasi said there will be multiple opportunities for stakeholders and the public to be
involved in Pennsylvanias planning process over the next 20 months.
As background, the Chesapeake Bay Watershed in Pennsylvania covers about two-thirds
of the Commonwealth.
The next meeting of the Steering Committee will be on May 8 in Room 105 of the Rachel
Carson Building in Harrisburg starting at 1:00 p.m.
Click Here for a copy of the draft Game Plan For Success. Click Here for a copy of
Veronica Kasis presentation to the Committee. Click Here for a copy of the Steering
Committee agenda and draft overview of its task assignments. Click Here for a copy of EPAs
Interim Expectations for the Phase III Watershed Implementation Plans.
For more information, visit DEPs Watershed Implementation Plans and Chesapeake Bay
Program Office webpages.
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NewsClips:
Crable: PA Resisting Fed Efforts To End Chesapeake Bay Cleanup, Climate Change Pollution
100 Volunteers Help Pull 2 Tons Of Trash From Lancaster Streams
Latest From The Chesapeake Bay Journal
Click Here to subscribe to the Chesapeake Bay Journal
Follow Chesapeake Bay Journal On Twitter
Like Chesapeake Bay Journal On Facebook
Related Stories:
House Republicans Pass Budget Proposal With Across-The-Board Cuts Again
Analysis: Cuts In State Funding To DEP Cannot Continue, Rebalance Needed
IFO Issues Report On Gov. Wolfs Budget Proposal, Minimum Wage Hike
Proposed Trump Cuts To State Grants Will Cripple DEP, Cause Drastic Fee Increases
DEP: Federal Budget Cuts Will Have Immediate, Devastating Effect In PA
Fox News: EPAs Pruitt Says States Have The Resources To Do The Job
Gov. Wolf Proposes New Budget With Little New For The Environment
CBF-PA: Wolfs Budget Lacks Adequate Investments To Meet PAs Clean Water Commitments
Growing Greener Coalition To Wolf, Legislature: Funding Needed For Green Infrastructure
PA Chesapeake Bay Commission Members Spotlight Need For Clean Water Fund In PA
Chesapeake Bay: PA In The Balance Report Now Available From Penn State
EPA Will Develop Its Own Chesapeake Bay Nutrient Sediment Reduction Goals For PA
Commitment To Restoring PA Watersheds Changed Fundamentally After 2003
EPA: DEP Lacks Resources To Enforce Minimum Federal Safe Drinking Water Regs
[Posted: April 4, 2017]
House Republicans Monday unveiled their initial FY 2017-18 General

Fund budget proposal totalling $31.52 billion which is $245.6 million
less than the current year budget and $115 million less than Gov.
Wolfs proposal. Republicans passed the bill Tuesday by a vote of
114 to 84.
The proposed budget makes across-the-board cuts in state
agency personnel line items, including-- DEP-- $7.3 million, DCNR--
$2.8 million and in Agriculture, as well as a $506,000 cut in funding
for county conservation districts, cuts in line-items for all interstate
commissions at DEP and a $625,000 reduction in DCNRs Heritage Parks Program.
At the same time, the Department of Revenue reported March state revenues were down
$229.6 million, or 4.9 percent, below estimates and fiscal year-to-date collections were down
$679.3 million, or 2.9 percent, below estimate.
The Republican budget does not increase general taxes or propose new bond issue
funding. There is no increase in the minimum wage.
The budget fulfills a 3-year commitment to increase education spending by $150 million
and increases the Education Improvement Tax Credit Program by $75 million.
House Majority Leader David Reed (R-Indiana) explained the budget still needs $800
million in new revenue to be balanced and said his Caucus had put together a menu of $1.6
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billion in budget balancing options (not yet available).
On the top of the list are $247.5 million from liquor expansion, $376 million from
gaming expansion, including iGaming, airport slots, tablet gaming and fantasy sports, $160
million in transfers from special funds and $25 million in potential tax credit reductions.
House Republican Appropriations Chair Stan Saylor (R-York) also said the budget
includes across-the-boards cuts in state agency personnel line-items, cuts in funding for the
House and Senate by 6.5 percent (it increased 21 percent in the last 14 years) and cuts what he
called corporate welfare (no details yet).
The Republican budget eliminates these legislative committees and agencies--
-- Legislative Budget and Finance Committee These functions can be transferred to the
Independent Fiscal office (IFO).
-- Local Government Commission The work of this commission falls under the purview of
the House Local Government Committee.
-- Joint Legislative Air and Water Pollution Control and Conservation Committee The
work of this joint legislative committee can, and should, fall under the purview of the House
Environmental Resources and Energy Committee.
-- Center for Rural Pennsylvania The functions of this agency would be served through the
House Committee on Local Government, the state Department of Community and Economic
Development, and universities.
The budget also--
-- Agriculture: Reduced Agriculture funding by $35.6 million (including personnel and $30.1
million for University of Pennsylvania Veterinary School) and funding to Conservation Districts
by $130,000;
-- DEP: Reduces DEP funding by $8.9 million from current year (mostly personnel-- $7.3
million, but cuts in funding for Conservation Districts-- $376,000; the Susquehanna, Delaware
and Potomac River Basin Commissions, Ohio River Sanitation Commission, Chesapeake Bay
Commission and Interstate Mining Commission);
-- Failure To Meet Minimum Federal Standards: The proposed budget does not address the
fact that DEP does not have the resources to meet minimum federal requirements in the Safe
Drinking Water, Air Quality, Surface Mining and other programs. House Republicans are
apparently content to let DEP raise permit fees to make up for yet more cuts as Rep. Saylor said
during the budget hearings-- great.
-- West Nile/Zika Virus Control: Cut by $338,000;
-- DCNR: Reduces DCNR funding from Governors request by $2.8 million (personnel) and
funds State Parks and Forestry operations from Oil and Gas Lease Fund revenues;
-- Heritage Parks: Reduces DCNR Heritage Parks funding to $2.25 million ($625,000 cut); and
-- USTIF Loan Repayment: Eliminates $7 million Underground Storage Tank Indemnification
Fund loan repayment.
The Republican budget was included in an amendment to House Bill 218 (Saylor-
R-York) that was voted out of the House Appropriations Committee Monday by a party-line
vote. The House passed the bill Tuesday by a vote of 114 to 84.
More details should be coming out in the next 24-hours because House Republicans want
to pass the budget this week.
For example, a proposed Endowment Fund was described verbally as a new fund that
would do everything in Gov. Wolfs proposed $387.4 million bond issue to fund operating costs
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and provide funding for several environmental programs and State Police fee proposal. The
Fund would be financed with new revenue, but there are no details yet.
Click Here for a copy of the House Republican budget spreadsheet. Click Here for the
1-page House Republican summary. Click Here for the General Fund Financial Statement.
NewsClips:
Cusick: EPA Cuts Would Leave States With More Work, Less Money
Trump Budget Cuts Said To Raise Terror Threat To Water Infrastructure
Editorial: Markets Will Support Natural Gas Severance Tax To Address Deficit
PA Officials Push To Save Heating Assistance Program
IFO Report Says Wolfs Budget Would Raise Some Revenue, Lose Some Jobs
Ex-NJ Governors Urge Members Of Congress to Oppose Cuts At EPA
AP: Divided House Votes To Advance Republican Budget Proposal
Thompson: House Basses Trimmed-Back State Budget
House GOP Pass Cuts-Heavy Budget Proposal
County Officials, Dems Object, But House GOP Pushes Budget Bill Thru
Rep. Vitali: DEP Cuts In House Republican Budget Make Little Sense, Put Public At Risk
Q/A With Former GOP EPA Administrator Whitman On Trumps Budget Cuts
Related Stories:
Agriculture: Trump Budget Cuts Could Harm PA Agriculture, Rural Communities
CBF On Proposed Elimination Of Federal Funding For Chesapeake Bay Program
50 State Environmental Agencies Group: EPA Cuts Will Adversely Affect States
Growing Greener Coalition: Wolf Budget Falls Short In Protection Water, Other Natural
Resources
The budget passed Tuesday by the House again fully

endorsed the loud, but unspoken, message from the General
Assembly and recent Governors that it is the policy of state
government to use a Fee-For-Protecting The Environment
Model for funding programs that protect the environment in
Pennsylvania.
For the last 14 years General Fund, that is general taxpayer
support for environmental protection programs, has been
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dramatically reduced.
General taxpayer support for DEP in particular has been cut by 40 percent and its staff
reduced by 25 percent significantly impacting the services DEP can provide.
A cut that size was unthinkable in Pennsylvania 25 even 15 years ago.
Now the result is clear-- 50 percent of DEPs budget is supported by fees of one kind or
another on businesses, local governments, individuals and authorities regulated by DEP. It was
less than half that a decade ago.
And thats OK with the General Assembly and all three recent Governors, because
everyone who voted for or signed each of the state budgets over the last 14 years endorsed,
perhaps only with a wink and a nod, the Fee-For-Protecting The Environment Model of funding
DEP.
During the House hearings on DEPs budget this year, Appropriations Majority Chair
Stan Saylor (R-York) clearly had no problem with DEP increasing permit fees to support the
Safe Drinking Water Program declared deficient by the federal government saying, Great!
Every single major environmental statute administered by DEP has authorization for the
agency to adopt fees.
In fact the General Assembly has insisted on it.
DEPs biggest program-- Oil and Gas Management-- is almost entirely supported by fees
on permit reviews-- each application shall be accompanied by a permit fee which bears a
reasonable relationship to the cost of administering this chapter. (Section 3211(d) of Act 13 of
2012)
DEPs Air Quality Control Program-- This section also authorizes the [Environmental
Quality] Board by regulation to establish fees to support the air pollution control program
authorized by this act. (Section 6.3 of Act 18 of 1995)
The Safe Drinking Water Program-- The Environmental Quality Board shall establish
fees for permit applications, laboratory certification and other services. Such fees shall bear a
reasonable relationship to the actual cost of providing a service. (Section 1(c) of Act 43 of
1984)
The Solid Waste Management Program-- Permit and license fees shall be in an amount
sufficient to cover the aggregate cost of reviewing all applications, acting on all applications,
processing all renewals, and administering all the terms and conditions of all permits and all
provisions of this act relating thereto. (Section 104(8) Act 97 of 1980)
Dam Safety and Encroachments Act-- Among the duties of DEP are to adopt
Reasonable fees for the processing of applications and periodic inspections, for the purpose of
reimbursing the Commonwealth for the costs of administration of this act. (Section 5(a)(5) of
Act 325 of 1978)
Clean Streams Law (basic water quality permits)-- The department is hereby authorized
to charge and collect from persons and municipalities in accordance with its rules and regulations
reasonable filing fees for applications filed and for permits issued. (Section 6 of Act 157 of
1980)
Well, you get the idea.
So after 14 years of heading in this direction, the General Assembly and the last three
Governors, are clearly saying we should fully embrace this Fee-For-Protecting The Environment
Model because it has become the norm.
While Pennsylvanias current Fee-For-Protecting The Environment Model is based
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around permit fees, logically that could be expanded to include other services which clearly incur
extensive costs now paid many times by state taxpayers.
The burden, instead, should be placed on those demanding the service from DEP, as the
General Assembly and our Governors have clearly said.
Appropriations speak louder than words after all.
If DEP was to fully embrace this policy, it would have to charge--
-- Application Resubmission Fees: 60 to 80 percent of the 30,000 permit applications DEP
receives every year are incomplete or deficient and have to be reviewed two, three or more times
by DEP staff. All that costs taxpayers money. There should be a resubmission fee each and
every time an application is returned to DEP to recover these costs. DEP could give a discount
for filing applications electronically.
-- Meeting Fees: Every time a permit applicant meets with DEP staff to consult on a potential
application or a pending permit, it costs taxpayers money. A DEP staff consultation fee seems
appropriate.
-- Inspection Fees: Inspections and investigations of companies and local governments that may
have caused pollution incidents costs taxpayers money. You need a vehicle to get there or have
to pay staff mileage, laboratory costs are incurred to analyze samples, it takes time for staff to
write up inspection reports, etc. And then theres the cost of drafting notices of violations and
taking any follow up enforcement action. All that costs taxpayers money. There should be a flat
fee upfront for all investigation work and for each DEP staff member involved. DEP should be
able to recover all its costs, if the responsible party caused the incident, automatically and
without question, since that costs taxpayers money too.
-- Report Filing/Review/Storage Fees: DEP gets tens of thousands of reports every year from
permit holders to help ensure compliance with Pennsylvanias environmental laws and
regulations. They need to be reviewed and analyzed and then stored in electronic or paper form.
All that costs taxpayers money. As a model, courts have had document filing fees for a very
long time. A report filing, review and storage fee to recover these costs seems right.
-- Grant Application Fees: DEP processes thousands of grant applications each year for
recycling performance grants, Growing Greener grants, alternative fuel grants and many more.
That all costs staff time and money and those costs should be recovered for taxpayers, successful
application or not.
-- Fees For Investigating Citizen Complaints: Last, but not least, DEP gets hundreds of
complaints about potential environmental problems every year that cost staff time and laboratory
costs to investigate. The burden of all these costs is now typically borne by taxpayers. If a
citizen files a complaint, perhaps a flat fee of $150 payable by credit card before someone from
DEP sets one foot out of the office would be appropriate. Later any mileage charges can be
added on because DEP already has the complainant's credit card. These charges could be
refunded to the complainant if DEP successfully prosecutes the case, at which time the violator
will be billed for the costs (including mileage).
Do these examples of the Fee-For-Protecting The Environment Model sound far-fetched,
even bonkers?
So did 40 percent cuts in General Fund support for programs that protect the environment
the environment in Pennsylvania a decade ago.
But, this is clearly the policy Pennsylvania has adopted in the last 14 years, fully
endorsed by the General Assembly and the last three Governors.
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At some point this equation needs to be rebalanced and there must be a more thoughtful
approach besides across-the-board cuts.
There also needs to be a conversation about investments that will make DEP more
efficient and effective without losing its mission of protection.
If we dont have these reasonable conversations, the Fee-For-Protecting The
Environment Model and its ever-increasing fees will be a real problem for those regulated by
DEP and the public.
NewsClips:
Related Stories:
Growing Greener Coalition To Wolf, Legislature: Funding Needed For Green Infrastructure
PA Chesapeake Bay Commission Members Spotlight Need For Clean Water Fund In PA
Commitment To Restoring PA Watersheds Changed Fundamentally After 2003
Dominion, PEC Announce Winners Of Western PA Environmental Awards, Lifetime

Awards
Four environmental programs from

throughout Western Pennsylvania will share
$20,000 from Dominion and the PA
Environmental Council for innovation and
effectiveness in making a positive impact on
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the environment.
In addition to these four organizations, the PA Environmental Council will present
lifetime achievement awards to R. John Dawes, executive director of the Foundation for
Pennsylvania Watersheds, and John Schombert, retired executive director of 3 Rivers Wet
Weather.
Western PA Environmental Awards
The winners of the 2017 Western PA Environmental Awards are:
-- Center for Watershed Research & Service Loretto, Cambria County: The Center for
Watershed Research & Service (CWRS) is a nonprofit organization that actively incorporates
faculty and student resources at St. Francis University to aid in watershed restoration in the
surrounding area.
Much-needed engineering assistance is provided and students in the Environmental
Engineering program at SFU provide countless hours of volunteering and service. Over the last
four years, work-study students have been funded by SFU to provide water quality sampling
assistance to the Blair County Conservation District.
The expertise accessible through the CWRS has helped foster a public-private partnership
that resulted in fee-for-service consultations. And the CWRS works to provide service learning
opportunities for students through curriculum enrichment and volunteering opportunities.
Through the work study program at the CWRS, students can learn about and experience
an array of jobs in their field of study.
Contact: Bill Strosnider, Saint Francis University, 814-471-1144,
bill.strosnider@gmail.com.
-- Little Juniata River Association Altoona, Blair County: Years of industrial and sewage
pollution took a great toll on the water quality of the Little Juniata River, a Class A wild brown
trout fishery known for excellent recreation. To protect the fishery from future degradation, the
Little Juniata River Association was formed.
Since 2010, the LJRA has constructed over 1400 linear feet of stream bank stabilization
structures and planted more than 28,000 square feet of riparian buffers. LJRA members teamed
with Juniata College to study the migration patterns of brown trout throughout the river system
and target conservation work in those areas where trout seek refuge.
The LJRA organizes an annual cleanup along the entire 32 miles of river. Over 200
volunteers participate in the event each year and help to remove many tons of trash and hundreds
of tires from the Little J and its tributaries. The LJRA has also purchased permanent public
access easements along 4.5 miles of the river to protect it from privatization.
Contact: Bill Anderson, 814-684-5922, bjuniata@verizon.net.
-- Millvale EcoDistrict Collaborative Millvale, Allegheny County: The Millvale EcoDistrict
Collaborative is working with residents and businesses to address sustainable community
development through the lens of food, water, energy, air, mobility, and equity.
Today, Millvale maintains over 91 solar panels on community-owned buildings, which
generate over 27,000 kilowatt-hours of electricity per yearthe equivalent to preventing over 21
tons of CO2 from entering the atmosphere.
Rain gardens at the library and municipal parking lot have been capturing stormwater
through natural design for over four years, preventing stormwater from entering Girtys Run and
demonstrating the effectiveness of green infrastructure in local stormwater management.
Meanwhile, newly installed bioswales have effectively captured and slowed down
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impacts from over 80 percent of rainfall events.
The Gardens of Millvale have increased the production of fresh food within Millvale
each year as part of a resident-driven initiative to reverse food insecurity. These gardens now
have over 50 raised beds, along with a greenhouse for extended seasonal food production and an
orchard.
Contact: Amy Rockwell, Millvale Borough Manager, 412-821-2777,
arockwell@millvaleborough.com.
-- Rosebud Mining Ehrenfeld, Cambria County: For nearly four decades, a 60-acre refuse
pile loomed over the town of Ehrenfeld in Cambria County near Johnstown. The site was a
significant health and safety problem with steep, unstable and erosive outslopes. Over the years,
large scale reclamation proved too costly.
But Rosebud Mining presented a solution that would treat not just the acres of refuse
from the mines, but also an additional 80 acres of near-by pits and highwalls.
Rosebud moved material from the refuse piles into 80 acres of pre-regulated mine
features eliminating a need for hauling and landfilling the material at a permitted facility.
Since Rosebud owned the adjacent lands, there was no longer a need for transporting the refuse
over public roads.
Additionally, seven mine water discharges from throughout the region required treatment
in order to restore the Little Conemaugh. The Rosebud Mining reclamation project single
handedly achieved an overall discharge load reduction of nearly 56 percent.
Contact: Cliff Forest, President, Rosebud Mining, 724-545-6222.
All four award winners were chosen by a group of independent judges, environmental
experts, and PEC staff in response to a call for entries earlier this year.
With these awards, each winner will designate a $5,000 cash prize to be used in support
of a nonprofit environmental program of their choice.
Lifetime Achievement Awards
The PA Environmental Council is also recognizing these individuals with Lifetime
Achievement Awards--
-- R. John Dawes, executive director of the Foundation for Pennsylvania Watersheds: As
Executive Director of the Foundation for Pennsylvania Watersheds since 1994, John Dawes has
supervised the distribution of over $110 million in small grants to over 150 environmental and
watershed associations throughout the state, mostly in the area of abandoned mine reclamation.
A longtime leader in the regions watershed repair and conservation efforts, Dawes was
instrumental in securing more than $1 billion in federal funding to address Pennsylvanias
critical AMD problem and is a powerful voice in environmental protection and conservation
throughout the Commonwealth.
Mr. Dawes is chairman of the Citizens Advisory Council for the Chesapeake Bay
Commission and received a Conservation Leadership Award from the Pennsylvania
Conservation Commission.
-- John Schombert, retired executive director of 3 Rivers Wet Weather: John Schombert has
dedicated his long and distinguished career to addressing one of the most daunting
environmental challenges facing the Pittsburgh region the control and management of
stormwater.
He has been the Executive Director of 3 Rivers Wet Weather since its founding in 1998
and worked for nearly three decades in the Allegheny County Health Departments (ACHD)
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water pollution, public drinking water and waste management programs.
He is the chairman of the Coraopolis Water and Sewer Authority, member of the
Riverview Sanitary Authority and a member the Pennsylvania State Board for the Certification
of Sewage Treatment Plant and Waterworks Operators and the Pennsylvania Water Resource
Advisory Board.
Awards Dinner May 24
The winners will be honored at the Western Pennsylvania Environmental Awards Dinner
and Awards Ceremony on May 24 at the Westin Convention Center Hotel in downtown
Pittsburgh.
For more information on programs, initiatives and special events, visit the PA
Environmental Council website, visit the PEC Blog, follow PEC on Twitter or Like PEC on
Facebook. Visit PECs Audio Room for the latest podcasts. Click Here to receive regular
updates from PEC.
PA Environment Digest Google+ Circle, Blogs, Twitter Feeds
PA Environment Digest now has a Google+ Circle called Green Works In PA. Let us join your
Circle.
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Youll receive as-it-happens postings on Pennsylvania environmental news, daily
NewsClips and links to the weekly Digest and videos.
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comment to any blog posting.
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federal environmental policy and personnel that have an impact on Pennsylvania environmental
issues and programs.
PA Capitol Digest Daily Blog to get updates every day on Pennsylvania State Government,
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Capitol.
Senate/House Agenda/Session Schedule/Govs 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 (April 18): House Resolution 84 (Ryan-R-Lebanon) congratulating the PA National

Guards environmental office on winning first place in the Sustainability Team in the 2016 Army
National Guard Environmental Awards Contest (sponsor summary). <> Click Here for full
House Bill Calendar.
Senate (April 18): Senate Bill 50 (Greenleaf-R-Montgomery) further providing for notice of
flood history in home sales disclosures (sponsor summary). <> Click Here for full Senate Bill
Calendar.
Committee Meeting Agendas This Week
House: <> Click Here for full House Committee Schedule.
Senate: <> Click Here for full Senate Committee Schedule.
Bills Pending In Key Committees
Check the PA Environmental Council Bill Tracker for the status and updates on pending state
legislation and regulations that affect environmental and conservation efforts in Pennsylvania.
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
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Appropriations
Environmental Resources and Energy
Consumer Protection and Professional Licensure
Community, Economic and Recreational Development
Education
Judiciary
Law and Justice
Public Health and Welfare
Transportation
Links for all other Standing Senate Committees
Bills Introduced
The following bills of interest were introduced this week--
50th Anniversary Of Chesapeake Bay Foundation: House Resolution 231 (Everett-R-

Lycoming) recognizing the 50th anniversary of the Chesapeake Bay Foundation (sponsor
summary).
Sets DEP Permit Review Times: House Bill 1090 (Benninghoff-R-Mifflin) sets specific
timeframes and procedures for the initial review, approval and rejection of permit applications
(sponsor summary) and House Bill 1091 (Benninghoff-R-Mifflin) authorizes permit applicants to
appeal DEPs failure to make a permit decision on the timeframes established in House Bill 1090
(sponsor summary). [Note: DEP already sets deadlines under its Permit Decision Guarantee
Program and getting a hearing on the merits of a case scheduled before the Environmental
Hearing Board often takes months. This is another attempted cure for a problem created by the
General Assembly itself when they cut DEPs General Fund budget by 40 percent and its staff by
25 percent.]
Require 3rd Party Review Of DEP Permits: House Bill 1101 (Mentzer-R-Bedford) the
Environmental Permitting Reform Act would DEP to issue permits within a specified time
frame. Permits that are not issued within the specified time frame will be transferred to a permit
program. This program will be administered by third-party licensed professionals (sponsor
summary). [Note: Third party permit reviews cost money too and this legislation includes no
funding for DEP to carry it out. DEP discussed the many legal issues of third party permit
reviews at a recent Senate hearing that actually make it a more costly option. This is another
attempted cure for a problem created by the General Assembly itself when they cut DEPs
General Fund budget by 40 percent and its staff by 25 percent.]
Exemption From Oil & Gas Well Reporting: House Bill 1103 (Sonney-R-Erie) exempting
certain home use oil and gas wells from electronic reporting requirements (sponsor summary).
Natural Gas Severance Tax: Senate Bill 566 (Tomlinson-R-Bucks) establishing a natural gas
production severance tax in addition to Act 13 drilling impact fee to fund state and school
employees pensions (sponsor summary). Theres nothing for the environment.
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Controlled Plant And Noxious Weed Act: Senate Bill 567 (Argall-R-Schuylkill) repeal and
replace the Noxious Weed Control Law (Act 74 of 1982) to better control existing and
potentially noxious weeds (sponsor summary).
Session Schedule
Here is the latest voting session schedule for the Senate and House--
Senate
April 18, 19, 24, 25, 26
May 8, 9, 10, 22, 23, 24
June 5, 6, 7, 12, 13, 14, 19, 20, 21, 22, 26, 27, 28, 29, 30
House
April 18, 19, 24, 25, & 26
May 8, 9, 10, 22, 23, & 24
June 5, 6, 7, 12, 13, 14, 19, 20, 21, 22, 26, 27, 28, 29, & 30
Governors Schedule
Gov. Tom Wolf's work calendar will be posted each Friday and his public schedule for the day
will be posted each morning. Click Here to view Gov. Wolfs Weekly Calendar and Public
Appearances.
Senate/House Bills Moving
The following bills of interest saw action this week in the House and Senate--
House
General Fund Budget: House Bill 218 (Saylor- R-York) is the vehicle for the House
Republican budget proposal and was amended and reported out of the House Appropriations
Committee on a party-line vote and passed by the House 114 to 84. A House Fiscal Note and
summary is available. The bill now goes to the Senate for action.
Construction Code: House Bill 266 (Harper-R-Montgomery) making changes to the state
Construction Code Appeals Board was removed from the Table, amended on the House Floor,
was referred into and out of the House Appropriations Committee and passed by the House 190
to 1. A House Fiscal Note and summary is available. The bill now goes to the Senate for action.
Construction Code: House Bill 409 (Evankovich-R-Allegheny) makes fundamental changes to

the method of adopting updates to the Uniform Construction Code was amended and reported
from the House Labor and Industry Committee and was referred to the House Appropriations
Committee.
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The Feds
EPA Administrator Scott Pruitt Sunday defended

massive 31 percent budget cuts at EPA, including
funding for states to carry out federal programs saying,
We have state departments of environmental quality
that have the resources and the expertise to deal with
clean water and clean air issues, on Fox News Sunday
with Chris Wallace.
On March 16 the Environmental Council of the
States, which represents the state environmental
agencies of all 50 states, said the dramatic cuts proposed by President Trump will adversely
affect every state.
Clearly, Pennsylvania does not now and has not had the resources to carry out its mission
for some time.
Pennsylvania has seen the General Assembly and Democratic and Republican governors
cut the Department of Environmental Protections General Fund budget by 40 percent and its
staff by 25 percent over the last 14 years.
Click Here for Pruitts comments on state funding.
Chris Wallace also pressed Prutt on climate and air quality issues. Click Here for the full
interview.
NewsClips:
Related Stories:
Growing Greener Coalition: Wolf Budget Falls Short In Protection Water, Other Natural
Resources
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Wolf Administration Details Impacts Of Proposed Cuts In U.S. Dept. Of Energy Budget
In a joint letter to U.S. Secretary of Energy Rick

Perry Thursday, Department of Environmental
Protection Acting Secretary Patrick McDonnell
(photo right) and Department of Community and
Economic Development Secretary Dennis Davin
outlined the impacts of proposed cuts to U.S.
Department of Energy programs would have on
Pennsylvania.
Weatherization Assistance
The elimination of funding for the
Weatherization Assistance Program (WAP) would end approximately $41 million for
low-income families to improve energy efficiency and cut down on energy costs.
Additionally, $1.5 million would be cut from the State Energy Program (SEP), which has
been used to test new technologies and help businesses lower energy costs.
Eliminating this funding cuts the legs out from underneath popular and effective
programs that spur economic activity beyond what the line-item costs are, said DEP Acting
Secretary Patrick McDonnell. Energy efficiency, especially for low-income families, is a way to
cut expenses and reduce pollution from power generation.
The WAP benefits more than 8,000 low-income families in Pennsylvania, ensuring
adequate heating during cold Pennsylvania winters.
In addition to energy efficiency, WAP funds were also being used to study long-term
health impacts of radon in homes. High incidence of radon gas in homes occurs in 49 of
Pennsylvanias 67 counties.
State Energy Program
Cuts to the State Energy Program would curtail several ongoing projects, ranging from
energy security and grid protection projects to job training for college graduates.
State Energy Program funds allow the Pennsylvania Department of Environmental
Protection Office of Pollution Prevention and Energy Assistance (Energy Office) to design and
carry out programs tailored to the needs of our residents and business. In recent years, $1.5
million has been provided annually in SEP funding, effectively leveraged at least four to one.
The letter points out elimination of SEP funding will cause the following programs to
close--
-- Development of new energy security technology such as the microgrid project at the
Philadelphia Navy Yard, which is demonstrating how Marcellus Shale natural gas combined heat
and power can be integrated with renewables to provide cost-effective energy security solutions.
-- Energy efficiency training for building managers to operate schools, local government
buildings and state government buildings at the highest efficiency to save an estimated $3.5
million per year for schools and taxpayers.
-- Development and use of tools to respond appropriately to energy supply disruptions
caused by weather, cyber security or other events.
-- Nearly 100 energy efficiency assessments annually for small and mid-sized
manufacturers with implemented energy saving measures resulting in 2.8 million kWh per year
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of electricity conserved and $700,000 in economic benefits.
-- At least 60 energy assessments for small business owners of urban restaurants and
corner stores in at-risk neighborhoods, which result in energy retrofits with significant annual
energy savings.
-- Training college students, who benefit from participating in the implementation of these
programs to prepare them for tomorrows energy-related jobs in Pennsylvania.
These programs dont just represent savings for residents they are also important
job-creation tools, said DCED Secretary Dennis Davin. The contractors that install the
upgrades, the more than 300 businesses supplying the materials, and staff that oversee the
program are all contributing to Pennsylvanias economy.
A copy of the letter is available online.
A copy of the Trump Administrations Budget Blueprint released in March is also
available online.
NewsClips:
PUC Launches Review Of Low-Income Utility Programs
PA DEP Joins Other States In Challenging Trump Over Energy Efficiency
FedEx CEO Backed By Generals Try To Nudge Trump On Fuel Efficiency Rules
Related Energy Conservation Stories:
PUC Act 129 Report: $2.2 Billion In Customer Energy Savings In 3 Years
Pocono Environmental Education Center, KEEA Tout Benefits Of Energy Efficiency
UGI Announces Partnership With EPAs Energy Star Energy Efficiency Program
National Energy Efficiency Registry Principles, Operating Rules Available For Comment
PUC Begins Investigation Of Low-Income Energy Conservation, Assistance Programs
Related Federal Budget Stories:
PUC Urges Preservation Of Federal Heating Assistance, Weatherization Programs
Wolf Opposes Trump Proposal To Eliminate LIHEAP Home Heating Assistance Funding
220 Ag, Wildlife, Conservation Groups Urge Congress To Protect Farm Bill Conservation
Funding
PA National Heritage Areas: Trump Budget Would Have Severe Consequences In PA
220 Ag, Conservation Groups Urge Congress To Protect Farm Bill Conservation Funding
Wednesday, more than 220 agriculture, wildlife, and conservation organizations from across the
country sent a letter urging the U.S. House and Senate Agriculture Appropriations
Subcommittees to protect farm bill conservation funding in FY 2018.
The groups, which included the National Association of Conservation Districts, the
National Wildlife Federation, National Sustainable Agriculture Coalition (NSAC), and the
Theodore Roosevelt Conservation Partnership, called upon Congress to respect the funding
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decisions made by the Agriculture Committees during the rigorous 2014 Farm Bill process by
rejecting any funding cuts to farm bill conservation programs through the appropriations process.
The groups from or working in Pennsylvania include the American Water Works
Association, Chesapeake Bay Foundation, PA Association for Sustainable Agriculture, PA
Farmers Union, Nature Abounds, National Wildlife Federation, the Ruffed Grouse Society, The
Conservation Fund, The Nature Conservancy-PA, Trout Unlimited and more.
The letter underscores the importance of leaving funding intact for key farm bill
conservation programs, including the U.S. Department of Agricultures Conservation
Stewardship Program (CSP), Environmental Quality Incentives Program (EQIP), Regional
Conservation Partnership Program (RCPP), and the Agricultural Conservation Easement
Program (ACEP).
"These programs provide the tools and resources that independent family farmers and
ranchers need to effectively conserve water, protect and enhance soil, and maintain productive
and profitable operations," said Greg Fogel, NSAC Policy Director. "In years past, appropriators
have used backdoor tactics to cut mandatory funding from critical conservation programs,
resulting in thousands of eligible producers being turned away by USDAs Natural Resources
Conservation Service (NRCS). At a time when American producers are already facing extreme
economic hardship, it is more critical than ever that they have access to financial and technical
assistance programs that can help them to become more resilient and profitable in the long-term."
The 2014 Farm Bill cut $6 billion from farm bill conservation programs. As
congressional appropriators work to determine food and agriculture program funding for FY
2018 the same year that the farm bill is slated to be reauthorized they should consider that
any cuts made to mandatory conservation spending in FY 2018 will carry over into the baseline
for the next farm bill, impacting producers, as well as our shared natural resources for years to
come.
"Farm bill conservation programs are highly effective, wildly popular, and completely
voluntary which is why they enjoy strong bipartisan support," said Collin OMara, President
and Chief Executive Officer of NWF. "These programs provide farmers, ranchers, and forest
stewards with tools to restore important wildlife habitat across the country and help proactively
recover at-risk wildlife populations before they need regulatory protections under the
Endangered Species Act. Thats why more than 220 groups, including many affiliates of the
National Wildlife Federation, are joining forces to ask Congress to stand firm and defend these
programs from proposed draconian cuts that will harm both Americas outdoor heritage and
Americas agriculture sector."
In their letter, the 220+ organizations also responded to the Presidents recently released
skinny budget, and urged appropriators to reject any proposed cuts to conservation technical
assistance.
"Today more than 914 million acres just over 40 percent of our country is in
agricultural production. The need for conservation across our country is greater than ever,"
NACD President Brent Van Dyke said. "We need to ensure resources are available to help
landowners put conservation on the ground. Through Conservation Technical Assistance, and
programs like it, conservation districts and NRCS provide American producers the technical
know-how they need to sustainably grow our nation's food, fuel, and fiber in an era of
unprecedented global demand. Combined, delivery of conservation assistance has tremendous
economic impact and provides over 60,000 jobs in communities across the country."
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The wide range of organizations signed on to the letter speaks to how broadly further cuts
to conservation programs and technical assistance would be felt across the country.
"Cutting investments in farm bill conservation programs is tantamount to turning your
back on rural American landowners and sportsmen," said Whit Fosburgh, president and CEO of
the Theodore Roosevelt Conservation Partnership. "There is record demand from agricultural
producers for the technical assistance and financial certainty of these critical programs, and there
are also hundreds of rural counties that are economically dependent on outdoor recreation,
including hunting and fishing, that gets a boost from better habitat and clean water on private
lands. Sportsmen and women are urging Congress to provide strong funding for farm bill
conservation programs, because we understand that this helps landowners turn limited federal
dollars into significant conservation outcomes, besides the many other benefits for family farms,
Main Street businesses, and those of us who love to hunt and fish."
NACD, NSAC, NWF, and TRCP stand united with the more than 220 co-signed
organizations in urging Appropriators to protect critical conservation programs and technical
assistance in FY 2018.
A copy of the letter is available online.
Related Story:
U.S. House Hearing On RECLAIM Making $200M Available For Mine Reclamation
On Wednesday U.S. House Committee on Natural

Resources, Subcommittee on Energy and Mineral
Resources held a hearing on HR 1731 that would
make $200 million available over 5 years to states
and Indian tribes to reclaim abandoned mines that
promote economic revitalization.
Click Here to watch a video of the hearing.
Presenting testimony were Autumn
Coleman, on behalf of the National Association of
Abandoned Mine Lands Programs; Robert Scott
on behalf of the Interstate Mining Compact Commission; Fritz Boettner, Downstream Strategies
based in West Virginia and Congressman Harold Rogers (R-KY) prime sponsor of the bill.
Coleman offered support for the bill, and made several recommendations for improving
the bill.
Overall, H.R. 1731 seems decidedly structured such that states should be able to utilize
their RECLAIM funding effectively within the terms of the bill, which is noted and appreciated
by NAAMLP and IMCC, said Coleman. We believe that the consideration given to states and
Tribes ability to implement this program in the context of the existing structure of the AML
programs will do much to ensure that the ongoing contribution of the AML program is not
compromised, and that the RECLAIM Act does not unintentionally detract from its own goals as
a result.
In addition to supporting the legislation and offering suggestions for improvements, Scott
said Congress must also reauthorize the per ton fee on coal that supports the federal Abandoned
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Mine Reclamation Fund from which the RECLAIM funds are drawn.
Reauthorization of SMCRA Title IV fee collection authority is a top AML legislative
priority for IMCC [Interstate Mining Compact Commission] and NAAMLP [National
Association of Abandoned Mine Lands Programs], said Scott. The AML fee, on which the
federal, state, and tribal AML programs rely for the vast majority of funding, is set to expire in
2021. Without this source of funding, the AML programs will be unable to continue operating
for long.
There is also a companion bill in the U.S. Senate S.728 (McConnell-R-KY).
Click Here to watch a video of the hearing and for written testimony.
Members of the Pennsylvania Choose Clean Water Coalition, including the Eastern PA
Coalition for Abandoned Mine Reclamation, were in Washington the same day as the hearing
educating members on the need to keep federal funding for mine reclamation and clean water
projects.
RECLAIM Pilot Program
The RECLAIM Act follows the successful implementation of the federal AML Pilot
Project that was enacted in the 2016 Omnibus Appropriations bill.
That $90 million pilot spearheaded in Pennsylvania ($30 million), West Virginia, and
Kentucky provided coal communities with grants to reclaim abandoned mine lands with
economic development purposes in mind, create new job opportunities, and stimulate the local
economy.
No new revenues are provided by this effort. The funding that would be provided through
the RECLAIM Act already exists in the Abandoned Mine Land Trust Fund that was established
in 1977 to help states saddled with the legacy of abandoned mine lands and polluted waters.
In Pennsylvania alone, the cost to remediate that legacy exceeds several billion dollars.
Reauthorize AML Fee
Also on the table in Congress is reauthorization of the federal Abandoned Mine
Reclamation Fee which is the source of revenue for the RECLAIM and federal Abandoned Mine
Reclamation Program. The fees are set to expire in 2021.
The Western Pennsylvania Coalition for Abandoned Mine Reclamation is participating in
the national effort to reauthorize SMCRA by collaborating with States and Tribes to establish a
grassroots campaign and publish tools for citizens, non-profits, and legislators to use for
advocating for abandoned mine reclamation.
Click Here for a presentation by WPCAMR on fee reauthorization. Click Here for a
video on reauthorization. Questions should be directed to Andy McAllister, WPCAMR, by
calling by 724-832-3625 or send email to: andy@wpcamr.org.
(Photo: Eastern Coalition for Abandoned Mine Reclamation.)
NewsClips:
DEP Works To Extinguish Longtime Underground Coal Mine Fire In Plum
Week Ahead: U.S. House Eyes More Help For Coal Country- RECLAIM Proposal
Related Stories:
Bipartisan RECLAIM Reintroduced In Congress To Cleanup Abandoned Mine Lands
Op-Ed: EPCAMR: Federal RECLAIM Act Can Help In Reshaping Northeast PAs Economy
Wolf: $30M Pilot Abandoned Mine Reclamation, Economic Development Program
Campaign Starting Now To Reauthorize Federal Abandoned Mine Reclamation Fee
21
Academy Of Natural Sciences Speaks Out On Climate Change, Water, Biodiversity
The Academy of Natural Sciences of Drexel

University in Philadelphia Thursday issued a series of
position statements on climate change, water,
biodiversity and evolution to advance public
engagement in environmental science. The statements
follow--
The success of our nation and the future of our
planet depend on the prioritization and advancement of
scientific research and education. Our mission at the
Academy is to advance research, education, and public
engagement in biodiversity and environmental science.
We deliver robust, credible science to the public to help citizens, educators, and
policymakers alike make informed decisions about issues that impact our everyday lives.
The Academy is committed to building knowledge, sparking curiosity, and inspiring
solutions to ensure a healthy future. We present real science, discuss real-world problems, and
identify ways to make a difference by applying the knowledge we gain.
The Academy of Natural Sciences of Drexel University advances research, education,
and public engagement in biodiversity and environmental science. The Academy also has an
explicit goal to promote positive human impacts through the communication and application of
rigorous science.
Climate Change
Academy research supports the consensus of the scientific community that the earth is
warming and climates are changing at an unprecedented rate.
The Academy also supports the consensus that these changes are largely because of
human activity, including increased emissions of particular greenhouse gases, especially carbon
dioxide, in the atmosphere.
Because climate change has the potential to disrupt human and natural ecosystems, the
Academy will continue its critical research to understand environmental conditions, processes,
and their impacts.
We also will conduct research in support of climate adaptation and mitigation strategies.
Water
Water is necessary for all life, and supplying clean water is one of the most critical
resource issues of our time. Yet, in many places, adequate supplies of clean water are in danger
or are simply not available.
Large-scale human activities, including urbanization, agriculture, and emissions that
affect climate change, are overwhelming many of the natural processes that control the
availability and quality of freshwater.
One of the great challenges will be to balance immediate human needs with the long-term
health of aquatic systems locally, regionally, and globally.
To meet this challenge, the Academy has led critical water research and environmental
outreach for over 70 years.
We will continue to investigate the complex human and natural systems connected to
22
water quality and quantity and to seek potential solutions for our threatened water resources.
Evolution
There is an overwhelmingly strong body of firmly grounded scientific evidence that
validates evolution. Given that there is no longer debate among scientists about whether
evolution has occurred and is occurring, the Academy will continue to conduct research and to
present programming that explicitly includes evolution.
To teach or practice science without acknowledgement of evolution deprives the public
of a powerful concept that explains the order and coherence of life itself. Among other things,
evolution informs how we treat human diseases, produce food crops, and develop conservation
plans for habitats and wildlife.
Biodiversity
The earth is experiencing a sixth mass extinction and a significant loss of biodiversity.
Clear scientific evidence reveals that its cause is the effects of human activities over just the last
few centuries.
These activities, such as the wholesale burning of fossil fuels, reduction of forests and
wetlands, and increase in impervious landscapes, greatly threaten our ecosystems on which all
life depends.
Diverse ecosystems are healthy ecosystems, and measuring biodiversity is a critical
means of gauging environmental health. Since its founding in 1812, the Academy has been
studying the variety and distribution of living things and their extinction and has amassed a
research collection of more than 18 million specimens that serve as a treasured resource for
scientists around the world.
The Academy will continue its research on biodiversity and extinction, which enables
scientists to better understand the dynamics of the natural world and allows policymakers and
stakeholders to make informed decisions about issues that impact our everyday lives.
Did you know the Academy
-- Educates some 240,000 museum visitors about the natural world every year?
-- Teaches nearly 80,000 schoolchildren using inquiry-based, hands-on science?
-- Employs 75 scientists who conduct research in the U.S. and around the world on critical issues
from disease vectors to water quality to species extinction?
-- Is a leading scientific organization on a regional project to protect 14,000 square miles of
drinking water for 15 million people?
For more information on its programs, initiatives and upcoming events, visit the
Academy of Natural Sciences of Drexel University website.
NewsClips:
News From The Capitol
PA One Call Debunks Myths On The Cost Of Its Pipeline, Utility Safety Program
The House Consumer Affairs Committee Wednesday held a hearing on Pennsylvanias One Call
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Program that helps contractors avoid pipeline explosions and interrupting utilities due to
construction equipment hitting buried utilities.
Click Here to watch a video of the hearing.
Bill Boswell, General Counsel from the nonprofit PA One Call that administers the
program, said the cost of its service is about 80 cents per ticket (request to locate utilities), the
second lowest ticket price in the United States. The average cost of similar programs nationwide
is $1/per ticket.
Bill Kiger, President of PA One Call, said the organization processed 812,682 tickets in
2016 and noted Pennsylvania had an average ticket cost of $2.11 in 1987 PA One Call reduced to
the 80 cents today.
With respect to updating the information PA One Call has on utility locations, Kiger said
members can simply upload a file to the system with their pipeline or utility location
information, noting the process is free. Click Here for a brochure on member mapping. Click
Here for information on membership in PA One Call.
Conventional oil and gas drillers have opposed legislation for several years that would
require the location of their 60,000 to 100,000 miles of gathering lines be included in the PA One
Call Program to avoid contractor strikes that may cause an explosion.
A spokesperson for the PA Independent Oil and Gas Association told the Pittsburgh Post
Gazette Wednesday the costs of participating in PA One Call were eight times as much as a
similar program in West Virginia.
A summary of charges by other states submitted by PA One Call showed the cost of a
ticket in West Virginia was $1.40 and in Pennsylvania 80 cents.
Legislation introduced last year to include conventional oil and gas gathering lines was
defeated when the House Consumer Affairs Committee amended the bill to take out those
provisions.
Sen. Lisa Baker (R-Luzerne) has introduced Senate Bill 488 this session to at least
include the 3,600 miles of Class 1 natural gas lines in the PA One Call System.
The legislation authorizing the PA One Call System is due to expire on December 31,
2017.
Rep. Robert Godshall (R-Montgomery), Majority Chair of the Committee, said at least
one more hearing will be held on PA One Call to address specific legislative proposals.
Rep. Thomas Caltagirone (D-Berks) serves as the Minority Chair of the Committee.
NewsClips:
PA One Call Defends Costs For Safe Digging
AP: FERC Says PennEast Pipeline Effect Would Be Limited
FERC Says PennEast Pipeline Would Have Less Than Significant Impact
PennEast Pipeline Clears A Big Regulatory Hurdle
School Officials Seek Answers On Safety Of Mariner East 2 Pipelines
Study: PA Could See $2-3 Billion Boost From Mariner 2, 2X Pipelines
Editorial: 2 Billion Reasons To Support Mariner 2 East Pipelines
PennEast Pipeline Files For NJ Water Permits As FERC Deadline Looms
Trumps Failure To Fill FERC Posts Is Stalling Pipeline Projects
North Dakota Pipeline Fight A Blueprint For More Protests
Editorial: Pipelines And Property Rights
Editorial: Keystone XL Pipeline: Progress At Last
24
Senate-House Nuclear Energy Caucus Meets April 26 To Hear From PJM Interconnection
The Senate-House Nuclear Energy Caucus will hold its

second meeting on April 26 to hear a presentation from the
PJM Interconnection on the impact the decommissioning of a
nuclear power station could have on the regional electric
grid.
Stu Bressler, Senior Vice President of Operations & Markets
at PJM will be making the presentation. He will be joined by
Darlene Phillips, Director, Strategic Policy & External
Affairs as well as Denise Foster, Vice President, State & Member Services from PJM.
The meeting will be held in Room 8E-A East Wing of the Capitol Building in Harrisburg
from 8:00 to 9:00 am. Questions should be directed to Jake Smeltz 717-787-4420 or send email
to: jsmeltz@pasen.gov.
(Photo: Three Mile Island, Dauphin County)
NewsClips:
Swift: Nuclear Energy Caucus Faces Challenging Times
Natural Gas Boom Threatens Viability Of Nuclear Power
Struggling Nuclear Industry Turns To Harrisburg For Help
Op-Ed: Nuclear Power Subsidies Can Protect The Environment
Op-Ed: Nuclear Power Plants Need To Be Part Of PA Energy Mix
Ohio Lawmakers Taking Up Nuclear Plant Subsidies For FirstEnergy
Related Stories:
Op-Ed: Nuclear Energy - A Keystone For Pennsylvanias Economy And Environment
PJM Study: Electric System Reliable Even With Much More Natural Gas, Renewables
New Report On Economic, Carbon Emissions Benefits Of PAs 5 Nuclear Power Plants
Exelon, Illinois OK Bill To Keep Nuclear Plants Open, Expand Renewables, Energy Efficiency
New York PSC Approves 50% Clean Energy Standard, Nuclear Subsidies
Is Three Mile Island Nuclear Plant Next For Early Shutdown?
News From Around The State
Drought Warning Lifted For Mifflin, Union Counties, Watch Still In Place For 19 Counties
The Commonwealth Drought Task Force Thursday lifted the

Drought Warning designation for Mifflin and Union counties,
but 19 counties still remain in Drought Watch conditions
which call for a 5 percent reduction in water use.
In addition, Carbon, Juniata, Monroe, and Schuylkill
counties were returned to Normal status.
A Drought Watch continues in these counties: Berks,
Bucks, Centre, Chester, Cumberland, Dauphin, Delaware,
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Franklin, Lancaster, Lebanon, Lehigh, Mifflin, Montgomery, Northampton, Northumberland,
Perry, Philadelphia, Snyder and Union.
Residents may wonder why some counties on drought watch havent been returned to
normal status, said DEP Acting Secretary Patrick McDonnell. Although recent rainfall has, in
the short term, put stream flows at normal or even higher than normal levels in these counties,
groundwater levels have been lingering below normal. It will take a bit more time for the longer
term averages in groundwater level in wells we use for monitoring to reflect more seasonally
normal values.
DEP bases its declarations on four indicators--precipitation deficits (90-day and longer
averages across each county), 30-day moving average stream flows and groundwater levels from
numerous monitoring points, as well as soil moisture.
Public water systems in affected counties continue to implement voluntary and
mandatory water reductions in response to reduced supplies. DEP suggests several steps citizens
can take to voluntarily reduce their water use:
-- Run water only when necessary. Dont let the faucet run while brushing your teeth or shaving.
-- Shorten the amount of time you let the water run to warm up before you shower. Use a bucket
to catch the water and then reuse it to water your plants.
-- Run the dishwasher and washing machine only with full loads.
-- Check for household leaks. A leaking toilet can waste up to 200 gallons of water each day.
-- Replace older appliances with high-efficiency, front-loading models that use about 30 percent
less water and 40 to 50 percent less energy.
-- Install low-flow plumbing fixtures and aerators on faucets.
For more information, visit DEPs Drought Information webpage.
NewsClip:
Rain Is Over, Drought Watch Isnt
Stroud Water Research Center Honors Eagle Scout Payton Shonk For Education Kiosk
A nature-inspired outdoor classroom, with an

education kiosk designed by Eagle Scout
Payton Shonk, is fostering streamside learning
at Stroud Water Research Center in Chester
County.
More than 5,000 students and adults
have learned about freshwater stewardship at
the outdoor classroom since its debut last fall,
and on Thursday, Shonk, 18, was honored for
his outstanding project.
Executive Director Dave Arscott, Ph.D., and Tara Muenz, assistant director of education,
honored Shonk in front of about 20 guests at the outdoor classroom dedication, including
leadership from Downingtown Troop 23.
Muenz said, Payton showed great initiative and a can-do spirit during this project.
I really appreciate being able to work with an organization as great as Stroud on my
project, and Im glad it is going to help people learn about water and the environment, said
26
Shonk, who started in the Cub Scouts at the age of 6.
The innovative design of the education kiosk, which uses environmentally friendly
materials, includes a rotating two-sided display with a magnetic dry-erase board on one side and
space for a permanent outdoor educational sign on the other side.
Shonk also designed and constructed a box for markers and natural wood benches.
Funding was provided by the E. Kneale Dockstader Foundation and the National Science
Foundation Long-Term Research in Environmental Biology grant.
The completed project helped earn Shonk his Eagle Scout rank in February, when he
presented it during his Eagle Scout Board Review.
Located just a short walk upstream of White Clay Creek, the outdoor classroom includes
rustic-looking benches, lab tables, and the education kiosk all of which seem to naturally
grow out of the woodland setting.
Muenz, who saw a need to enhance learning experiences for visiting students, looked to
nature for the design of the entire space.
Arscott crafted the benches and lab tables from cedar, which Muenz designed to be
arranged in two semicircles for large-group discussion and water chemistry activities.
School and community groups interested in touring the new outdoor classroom, trails,
and indoor research and education spaces, including the Stroud Centers LEED Platinum
Moorhead Environmental Complex, should contact Jessica Provinski by sending email to:
jprovinski@stroudcenter.org or call 610-268-2153, ext. 288, to schedule a tour.
Groups interested in environmental education programs, should contact Tara Muenz by
sending email to: educationprograms@stroudcenter.org or call 610-268-2153, ext. 301.
For more information on programs, initiatives and special events, visit the Stroud Water
Research Center website, Click Here to sign up for regular updates from Stroud, Like them on
Facebook, Follow on Twitter, include them in your Circle on Google+ and visit their YouTube
Channel.
NewsClips:
AP: Carcasses In PA Park Are For Environmental Study
Foundation Expands Grant Program For Presque Isle Field Trips
Pitt, Chatham Students Press For Divestment Of Fossil Fuels
NRCS Now Accepting Applications For Grants In PA Chesapeake Bay Watershed
The USDA Natural Resources Conservation

Service-Pennsylvania is seeking proposals for $3 million in
grants for projects that stimulate the development and
adoption of innovative conservation approaches that will
reduce nutrient loads to the Chesapeake Bay watershed.
The deadline for applications is June 5.
As part of its Conservation Innovation Grants Program,
NRCS is accepting proposals from governmental and
non-governmental organizations, as well as individuals, for
competitive consideration of grant awards up to $500,000 per project, for projects between one
and three years in duration.
27
NRCS will consider proposals for projects that will:
-- Increase participation in conservation programs and assistance to historically underserved
producers or veteran farmers or ranchers
-- Provide nutrient management and sediment control
-- Reduce nutrient losses and legacy sediments from farm fields
-- Leverage public and private impact investment in working lands conservation
These funds are 2017 monies and will not be affected by any changes that happen in the
future.
Applications must be submitted using the Grants Application website. A copy of the
application must be emailed in PDF format to Denise Coleman, State Conservationist, at:
denise.coleman@pa.usda.gov.
More information is available on the NRCS Chesapeake Bay PA CIG webpage.
Questions or requests for more information should be directed to Noel Soto, Pennsylvania CIG
Program Manager, 717-237-2173, or by email to: noel.soto@pa.usda.gov.
For more information on programs, technical and financial assistance, visit the NRCS
Pennsylvania webpage.
NewsClips:
Renew Your NRCS-PA Landowner Conservation Stewardship Program Contract Now
The U.S. Department of Agriculture Wednesday

announced a contract renewal sign-up is now
underway for the Conservation Stewardship Program,
USDAs largest working lands conservation program
with more than 80 million acres enrolled nationwide.
USDAs Natural Resources Conservation Service
made several updates to the popular program last fall.
These changes help producers better evaluate
conservation options that benefit their operations
while improving the health and productivity of private and Tribal working lands.
The changes made to CSP are providing even greater opportunities for
stewardship-minded producers across the country to participate and bring their conservation
efforts to a higher level, said Denise Coleman, PA State Conservationist. The new tools and
methods for evaluating operations, expanded options to address the producers conservation and
business objectives, and the focus on local resource priorities have resulted in a 30 percent
increase in applications for this widely popular program.
Participants with existing CSP contracts that will expire on December 31 can access the
benefits of the recent program changes through an option to renew their contracts for an
28
additional five years if they agree to adopt additional activities to achieve higher levels of
conservation on their lands.
Applications to renew expiring contracts are due by May 3, 2017.
Through CSP, agricultural producers and non-industrial private forest landowners earn
payments for actively managing, maintaining, and expanding conservation activities like cover
crops, buffers, forage improvement, and tree/shrub plantings activities all while maintaining
active agricultural production on their land. Benefits to producers can include:
-- Improved cattle gains per acre;
-- Increased crop yields;
-- Decreased inputs;
-- Wildlife population improvements; and
-- Better resilience to weather extremes.
CSP is for working lands, said Coleman. Thousands of people have made the choice
to voluntarily enroll in the program because it helps them enhance natural resources and improve
their business operation.
Producers interested in contract renewals or applying for CSP for the first time should
contact their local NRCS office.
For more information, visit the NRCS-PA Conservation Stewardship Program webpage.
For more information on programs, technical and financial assistance, visit the NRCS
Pennsylvania webpage.
NewsClip:
Erie Council Expected To OK Hearing On Urban Farming
Explaining How Green Infrastructure Can Provide Protection From Flooding
As the rain falls, many communities across the

country worry about the very real possibility of
flooding. According to the U.S. Environmental
Protection Agency, heavy downpours have
increased in frequency and intensity over the last 50
years, and are expected to become even more
intense as a result of climate change.
This raises the likelihood of flooding.
The EPA also notes that the average 100-year floodplain is projected to grow by 45
percent by 2100, and the annual damages from flooding may increase by as much as $750
million.
As bleak as that may sound, thankfully there are steps we can take to reduce the number
of floods and their intensity through simple changes in the way we manage stormwater.
What is Green Infrastructure?
Green infrastructure (GI) is the use of plants and absorption techniques to capture and
transport precipitation and stormwater runoff. It is the opposite of traditional grey infrastructure,
which uses drains, pipes, and ditches to take stormwater to a treatment plant or outfall in a
stream.
GI includes rain gardens, vegetated swales, rain barrels, porous pavement, and other
29
techniques. A good source to learn about these different technologies can be found here.
How Can It Manage Floodwater?
There are two main types of flooding: localized and riverine. Riverine flooding happens
when precipitation overwhelms the capacity of the river channel and the water flows over the
river banks.
Localized flooding occurs when precipitation overwhelms the stormdrain system, causing
stormwater to back-out of the system and into streets, basements, and parking lots.
GI can manage both types of flooding, but for this article we will focus on localized
flooding.
Technologies like porous pavement allow rainwater to trickle through the pores in the
concrete/asphalt, rather than flow over it. The water can then be stored in underground tanks or
flow through a filter to slowly re-enter groundwater.
Rain gardens act in a similar fashion, where rainwater is slowly absorbed into the ground
and into plant roots, rather than flow quickly across traditional pavement into an overwhelmed
storm drain.
GI slows the flow and enhances absorption, thus reducing the intensity of potential
floods.
Examples
Lancaster City uses GI to manage stormwater in its municipal parking lots. The city has
installed a variety of rain gardens and biobasins that allow rain to slowly absorb into the ground,
rather than flow across the parking lots into storm drains.
By using GI, the city is able to better meet the requirements of its Municipal Separate
Storm Sewer System (MS4) permit and reduce localized flooding problems. Click Here to learn
more about Lancasters program.
The City of York has a Green Infrastructure Action Plan to identify opportunities to
install the technologies on their parks and open spaces to meet their MS4 requirements, protect
the Chesapeake Bay, and improve quality of life for its residents. They prioritized the stormwater
best management practices (BMPs) on cost and effectiveness.
Resources
To learn more about the benefits of using GI to reduce flood risks, check out the
following sites:
-- NOAA: Green Infrastructure Options To Reduce Flooding
-- EPA: Green Infrastructure And Managing Flood Risk
-- DCNR: Creating Sustainable Community Parks And Landscapes
-- EPA: City Green: Innovative Green Infrastructure Solutions For Downtowns
NewsClips:
U.S. Supreme Court Will Not Pause Waters Of The U.S. Rule
Smucker Bill To Help Lancaster, Other Cities Afford Wastewater Regulations
Crable: Waterway Cleanup Projects Forming Around Lancaster County
Vandergrift Looking At $2.5M Bill To Comply With Stormwater Regulations
Delaware RiverKeeper April 7 RiverWatch Video Report
Op-Ed: Remaking Phillys Delaware Waterfront
30
Related Stories:
Feature: Parks To The Rescue On Stormwater, Flooding
2 Community Parks, Linked By A Mutual Stream: A Restoration Story
Rock Lititz Project Reduces Sediment, Nutrient Runoff Without Taxpayer Money
(Reprinted from the April 3 newsletter from LandStudies. Click Here to sign up for your own
copy (right column).)
Explaining How Legacy Sediment Impacts Streams And Floodplains
The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency

defines legacy sediment as soil that was eroded
from upland areas after the arrival of early settlers
and over the centuries of intensive land uses,
such as agriculture.
This sediment accumulates along stream
corridors, building up higher and higher as the
years pass. Pennsylvanias streams have a lot of it,
in large part because of the myriad old mill dams still located along their shores.
What does It Do?
The accumulation of legacy sediment in a stream alters the natural course of the stream
and buries floodplains and wetlands. Instead of a gently-sloped stream bank, you end up with a
steep, easily eroded bank.
Without the natural floodplains and wetlands, the stream flows faster, adding to the
erosion problem and removing great habitat for wildlife and plants.
One main reason why Pennsylvania contributes so much sediment and nutrient pollution
to the Chesapeake Bay is the existence of so much legacy sediment in our waterways.
What can be done?
Thankfully, many organizations now recognize the impact legacy sediment has on water
quality and are doing something about it. They are removing tons of it and restoring the
floodplain to a more natural, gradually-sloped state.
They are planting grasses, trees, and other vegetation along the restored streambanks to
prevent erosion and improve wildlife habitat. They are removing antiquated mill dams so that the
water can flow free.
Tackling legacy sediment is all about floodplain restoration. A floodplain is the low-lying
land on either side of a waterways banks. Floodplains allow what would otherwise be
potentially dangerous flood waters to slow and spread out.
Floodplains are natures flood protection policy. Unfortunately, over the years, people
have built roads, buildings, and other structures in floodplains, giving the stream or river no
place to go but into our way during a flood.
Combine the lack of natural floodplains with the build-up of legacy sediment and it is
31
doubly-damaging to us.
LandStudies Involvement
LandStudies is one organization that recognized early on what legacy sediment was and
did something about floodplain restoration. The company has worked across Lancaster County,
PA and beyond to restore floodplains and wetlands from their buried ways.
For instance, they, in partnership with B.R. Kreider & Son, Inc., received two awards
from the Associated Builders & Contractors Keystone Chapter organization for the Logan Park
Rife Run Floodplain Restoration Project in Manheim Township, Lancaster County.
The legacy sediment removed from this stream was used to improve nearby community
soccer fields. LandStudies also worked with Franklin and Marshall College to remove 20,000
tons of it from Big Spring Run and restore a functioning wetland ecosystem.
Click Here to watch a video about Legacy Sediments.
To learn about other floodplain restoration work, visit LandStudies Legacy Sediment
webpage.
NewsClips:
Related Stories:
Feature: Parks To The Rescue On Stormwater, Flooding
2 Community Parks, Linked By A Mutual Stream: A Restoration Story
Rock Lititz Project Reduces Sediment, Nutrient Runoff Without Taxpayer Money
(Reprinted from LandStudies April 3 newsletter. Click Here to sign up for your own copy (right
column).)
Request A Stream Smart Storm Water House Call In 2 SE Watersheds In 4 Counties
To address significant water quality issues on a residential

scale, the PA Resources Council is partnering with the
Lower Merion Conservancy, the Eastern Delaware County
Stormwater Collaborative and the Darby Creek Valley
Association on the Stream Smart Storm Water House Call
Project.
The Stream Smart Storm Water House Call Project, funded
32
by the National Fish and Wildlife Foundation, will conduct property audits which will be used to
educate owners about stormwater pollution and to identify projects to reduce the stormwater
runoff leaving their property. These projects include options like rain gardens, rain barrels, green
roofs, pervious pavement, and more.
The watershed encompasses areas of Chester, Delaware, Montgomery, and Philadelphia
counties, with all or parts of 31 municipalities, including: Easttown, Tredyffrin, Aldan, Clifton
Heights, Collingdale, Colwyn, Darby, East Lansdowne, Folcroft, Glenolden, Haverford,
Lansdowne, Marple, Millbourne, Morton, Newtown, Norwood, Prospect Park, Radnor, Ridley
Park, Ridley, Rutledge, Sharon Hill, Springfield, Tinicum, Upper Darby, Yeadon, Lower
Merion, and Narberth.
Unfortunately all reaches of streams within the Darby/Cobbs Creek Watershed have been
designated as impaired by the Department of Environmental Protection.
The impairments are largely due to stormwater-related impacts and urban runoff this
watershed is heavily developed and the lower portions of the watershed are densely urbanized.
Some of the most intensely developed areas in the Commonwealth are located within the
watershed, with upwards of 80 percent impervious cover.
These areas were developed long before any requirements for stormwater management or
watershed protection were required by law, and unfortunately large scale retrofits to mitigate
pollution from uncontrolled stormwater runoff are not feasible.
Sign Up Now
PRC is looking for property owners within the Darby/Cobbs Watershed to participate in
this program. To sign up, contact Jayne Young by sending email to: young@prc.org and visiting
PRCs Stream Smart Stormwater House Call Project webpage.
For more information on programs, initiatives and special events, visit the PA Resources
Council website. Click Here to sign up for regular updates, follow PRC on Twitter or Like them
on Facebook. Click Here for PRCs Events Calendar.
NewsClips:
(Reprinted from the PA Resources Council April newsletter. Click Here to sign up for your own
copy.)
Presentations Available From PEC/POWR/DEP Watershed Conference In March
33
The presentations made at the PA Statewide
Conference for Watershed Organizations in March
are now available through the PA Environmental
Councils website.
Hosted by the PA Organization for
Watersheds and Rivers and the Department of
Environmental Protection the Conference featured
presentations on several tracks: Organizational
Capacity, Aquatic Monitoring and Data Use and
Watershed Resources and Programs and
Watershed Policy and Planning.
Twenty presentations are available in the
four tracks.
Click Here to view the presentations and a Conference agenda.
Visit the PA Organization for Watersheds and Rivers website for more information on
watershed initiatives and river sojourns across the state.
updates from PEC.
April 3 Newsletter Available From LandStudies On Legacy Sediments, Reducing Flooding
The April 3 newsletter is now available from

LandStudies, a Lancaster County-based consulting
firm, featuring articles on--
-- How Legacy Sediment Impacts Streams And
Floodplains
-- Flooding Protection Via Green Infrastructure
-- 2 Community Parks, Linked By A Mutual Stream:
A Restoration Story
-- Lancaster Tree Tenders April 4-6 Film Program
-- 2 From LandStudies To Speak At PA Township Supervisors Conference April 25
-- Herbert, Rowland & Grubic, LandStudies Chosen To Prepare Paxton Creek TMDL
-- Careers At LandStudies
-- Click Here to sign up for your own copy (right column).
For more information, visit the LandStudies website. LandStudies is a certified as a
Womans Business Enterprise (WBE), Minority Business Enterprise (MBE) and Disadvantaged
Business Enterprise (DBE).
3 Entries From PA Make Viewers Choice Chesapeake Bay Photo Contest Voting
34
Three Pennsylvania entries made it to the Chesapeake Bay Photo Contest Viewers Choice
Winner round of voting this week (now closed).
The 3 entries were: Common Loon Migrating South at Lake Marburg in Codorus State
Park, York County; Winters Barren Beauty on the Susquehanna River at Veterans Memorial
Bridge at Columbia, Lancaster County; and Lift Off at the Middle Creek Wildlife Management
Area in Lancaster County.
NewsClips:
Shippensburg Center For Land Use & Sustainability Offers Soil Science Training
Soil Hub and the Center for Land Use and Sustainability at
Shippensburg University are collaborating to bring in-person soil
science training to practicing professionals in Pennsylvania, West
Virginia, Maryland and beyond!
A series of workshops available this spring, including:
-- April 25: Shippensburg University. Fundamental Soil Science;
-- May 1: Hydric Soil Training-Classroom (on demand);
-- May 2: Bucks County. Fundamental Soil Science;
-- May 16: Bucks County. Hydric Soil-Field Component;
-- May 17: Shippensburg University. Hydric Soil-Field
Component; and
-- May 23: Shippensburg University. Intermediate Soil Science.
Click Here for all the details, cost and to register. Questions should be directed to
Antonia Price, Center for Land Use and Sustainability, 717-447-1519 or send email to:
afprice@ship.edu.
Delaware RiverKeeper: DRBC Fails To Protect Aquatic Life Despite Clear Science
35
The Delaware Riverkeeper Network Wednesday submitted comments challenging the Delaware
River Basin Commissions failure to protect Delaware River fish populations in a proposed
Resolution currently open for public comment.
The DRBC resolution speaks to the issue of fish propagation and dissolved oxygen levels
in zones 3, 4 and the upper portion of zone 5 of the Delaware River.
The key points included in the Delaware Riverkeeper Network comments are:
-- Over the last 20 years, all relevant studies clearly and consistently show that fish (and other
aquatic life) are regularly spawning in Zones 3, 4, and River Miles 78.8 to 70.0 of Zone 5 of the
Delaware Estuary. No further study is needed.
-- DRBC cannot argue once again that it simply needs more time to study the problem.
Discussions first began at DRBCs Water Quality Advisory Committee (WQAC) in 2008 and
2009 about the evidence of propagation throughout the estuary.
-- Lethal dissolved oxygen levels cannot wait 6 years to be revised. Federally endangered
Atlantic sturgeon cannot face the threat of direct mortality and thus take each and every
spawning season for the next 6 years or more while studies are completed.
-- We would also be remiss not to note that it was disturbing to see DRBC so blatantly prioritize
the regulated community as a stakeholder of concern in this process.
-- The draft DRBC Resolution regarding fish propagation and dissolved oxygen levels in zones
3, 4 and the upper portion of zone 5 fails to fulfill your legal obligations to protect the Delaware
River, to prevent backsliding of water quality protections achieved, and fails to fulfill the
requirements of the Clean Water Act anti-degradation program .
-- The Resolution must be modified to explicitly recognize propagation as an Existing Use,
and to instruct DRBC staff to immediately begin rulemaking to upgrade the Designated Uses
of the Delaware Estuary.
-- [T]he downgraded dissolved oxygen criteria on the books since 1967 must finally be revised
upwards, with a minimum interim criterion of 6.0 mg/L and a higher, more fully protective
criterion developed once studies are completed.
The Draft Resolution, released by the DRBC on February 23, 2017, fails to recognize that
fish species, including the endangered Atlantic Sturgeon, are spawning in in all zones of the
Delaware Estuary and that dissolved oxygen criteria must be upgraded accordingly in order to
protect them.
The Resolution instead asserts that further study is needed before any protective
rulemaking can take placein spite of 20 years of clear and unequivocal research to the
contrary.
The resolution comes after nearly 10 years of prior consideration by the DRBC of the
lethally low dissolved oxygen levels in the estuary.
The DRBC is accepting comments on the Draft Resolution for the review of aquatic life
uses in the Delaware River Estuary until 5:00 p.m. on April 13, 2017.
A copy of the Delaware RiverKeepers comments are available online.
NewsClips:
Related Story:
DRBC Reschedules Hearing On Aquatic Life Water Uses In Delaware Estuary For April 6
36
Weis Markets Continues Support For Keep PA Beautifuls Great American Cleanup Of
PA
Keep Pennsylvania Beautiful announced Tuesday Weis

Markets, Inc. has continued their support for the 2017
Great American Cleanup of PA.
Weis Markets has renewed their partnership with Keep
Pennsylvania Beautiful as well as donated refreshments
for registered participants of the Great American
Cleanup of PA in select areas across the state.
Weis Markets is proud to partner with Keep
Pennsylvania Beautiful, said Patti Olenick,
Sustainability Manager. It is part of our commitment to
sustainability, being good stewards of the environment
and giving back to the communities we serve. Weve been serving our local communities for
105 years and we are excited to be part of the Great American Cleanup of PA.
We are grateful for the continued support of Weis Markets. Their donation of gift cards
provides an added incentive to all those volunteers and organizations working tirelessly to keep
our communities clean and beautiful, said Shannon Reiter, President of Keep Pennsylvania
Beautiful. Keep Pennsylvania Beautiful and Weis Markets share the goal of promoting a
sustainable environment and livable communities. The Great American Cleanup empowers
citizens to do that locally.
Weis Markets, Inc. joins other 2017 event supporters: the Department of Environmental
Protection, PennDOT, PA Waste Industries Association, the PA Food Merchants Association,
The Fresh Grocer, ShopRite, Sheetz, Wawa, Republic Services, Steel Recycling Institute, Giant
Eagle, Giant Food Stores, Inc., Wegmans, CleanEarth, PA Beverage Association and the
Lancaster County Solid Waste Management Authority.
Since the inception of this event in 2004, over 1,989,450 million volunteers have picked
up 91,869,507 million pounds of litter and waste, 170,619 miles of roads, waterways, shorelines,
and trails have been cleaned, and more than 164,836 trees, bulbs, and flowers have been planted.
Volunteers also removed over 258,823 tires and 226,395 pounds of scrap metal.
To register an event, please visit 2017 Great American Cleanup of PA or contact
Michelle Dunn, Great American Cleanup of PA Program Coordinator, at 1-877-772-3673 ext.
113 or send email to: mdunn@keeppabeautiful.org.
Visit Weis Markets, Incs Sustainability webpage to learn more about recycling, energy
conservation, composting and other environmental initiatives by Weis Markets.
For more information on programs, initiatives and special events, visit the Keep
Pennsylvania Beautiful website. Click Here to sign up for regular updates from KPB, Like them
on Facebook, Follow on Twitter, Discover them on Pinterest and visit their YouTube Channel.
Also visit the Illegal Dump Free PA website for more ideas on how to clean up
communities and keep them clean and KPBs new Electronics Waste website.
NewsClips:
37
PA Resources Council ReuseFest Recycling/Reuse Collection Event In Pittsburgh April 22
Clean out the closets, the garage and the basement! On

Earth Day, April 22 the PA Resources Councils sixth
annual ReuseFest will offer a one-day collection event for
materials destined for reuse by local nonprofits in
Pittsburgh.
The festivities will take place on April 22, from
10 a.m. to 2 p.m. at UPMC Passavant green parking lot
off Babcock Boulevard in McCandless, North Hills in
Allegheny County.
Stop by ReuseFest between 11 a.m. 1 p.m. to
enjoy a special Earth Day celebration featuring food trucks, a pop-up shop and giveaways.
All materials donated during the four-hour event will be reused in some fashion, whether
resold, repurposed or given to those in need in our region and around the world.
This year's collection will support Animal Rescue League, Brothers Brother, Catholic
Charities, Construction Junction, Free Ride, Global Links, Goodwill, Off the Floor, Pittsburgh
Center for Creative Reuse and UPMC Medical Equipment Recycling Program.
All local nonprofits will collect materials for FREE including art supplies, bedding &
bath, bikes, general household items, kitchen items, medical supplies, pet supplies, usable
building materials, vintage items and much more.
This one-of-a-kind collection event provides area residents with an opportunity to
responsibly donate a variety of unwanted but still usable items to multiple local non-profits at
one convenient location, according to PRC Regional Director Justin Stockdale. All materials
donated at ReuseFest will be reused in some fashion, whether resold, repurposed or given to
those in need in our region and around the world.
During the past five events, PRC has collected and diverted tens of thousands of pounds
of materials from local landfills, said Stockdale. Items donated and reused to benefit the local
community have included everything from canes, crutches and wheelchairs to cat carriers, light
fixtures and literally the kitchen sink.
Visit PRCs ReuseFest webpage or call 412-773-7156 for a more complete list of
materials collected. The sixth annual ReuseFest is presented by the PA Resources Council in
association with UPMC.
Council website. Click Here to sign up for regular updates, follow PRC on Twitter or Like them
on Facebook. Click Here for PRCs Events Calendar.
NewsClips:
Crable: Beginner Composting Workshops In Lancaster County
38
PROP/Keystone SWANNA Now Accepting Nominations For Waste Watcher Recognition
The Professional Recycler of Pennsylvania and co-sponsor Keystone

Solid Waste Association of North America are now accepting
nominations for the 2017 Waste Watchers Recognition Program. The
deadline for nominations is May 31.
The Pennsylvania Waste Watcher Program is open to municipalities,
counties, businesses/industries, schools/colleges/universities,
community non-profit groups, and individuals who have made a
significant contribution in recycling, composting, and waste
reduction/reuse efforts during the 2016 calendar year.
Applicants must demonstrate that their efforts are above and beyond services normally
required or typically provided.
Click Here for all the details and for an application.
NewsClips:
April Newsletter Now Available From The PA Resources Council
The April newsletter is now available from the PA

Resources Council featuring articles on--
-- PRC Reuse Fest Recycling/Reuse Collection Event
In Pittsburgh April 22
-- Register Today For Rain Barrel Workshops In
Western, Eastern PA
-- Pharmaceutical Drugs Take-Back Day April 29 In
Allegheny County
-- Request A Stream Smart Storm Water House Call In Parts Of 4 Southeast PA Counties
-- Welcome 2 New Staff Members In Western PA Office
-- Click Here to sign up for your own copy.
Council website. Follow PRC on Twitter or Like them on Facebook. Click Here for PRCs
Events Calendar.
NewsClips:
PA Dept. Of Health Holds Zika Response Exercise, House GOP Budget Cuts Funding
The Department of Health Friday held an exercise to
39
bolster the state and local preparedness and response plans for potential future cases of
locally-transmitted Zika in the Commonwealth.
The exercise, held in southeast Pennsylvania, emphasized collaboration with partners
from state agencies, local health departments, emergency medical services, and other partners.
[Note: The budget passed by House Republicans this week cut WestNile/Zika Virus
Control funding by $338,000.]
"Zika continues to be a major threat to pregnant women and those of childbearing age,"
said Secretary of Health Karen Murphy. "Zika is the first mosquito-borne illness known to cause
birth defects, and more than 200 people have tested positive for the virus in the Commonwealth.
"Although there have been no cases of individuals infected by mosquitoes in
Pennsylvania, exercises like this one allow the department and our partners to train for potential
scenarios and better protect the health of all Pennsylvanians."
Nearly 5,200 Zika virus cases have been reported so far in the United States. The
majority of cases occurred in travelers who have returned from infected areas, although around
220 people have acquired the virus through local mosquito transmission in areas of Florida and
Texas.
At this point, Aedes aegypti, the main mosquito known to carry the virus, has not been
found in Pennsylvania. However, a second type of mosquito that may carry the virus, Aedes
albopictus, has been found in southeastern Pennsylvania.
The best way to protect yourself from Zika virus is to prevent mosquito bites by:
-- Using an EPA-registered insect repellent. EPA-registered repellents are safe for both pregnant
women and children to use, but be sure to check the product label for any warnings and follow
the instructions closely.
-- Using air conditioning, window screens or insecticide-treated mosquito netting to keep
mosquitoes out of the home.
-- Reducing the number of mosquitoes outside by emptying or routinely changing standing water
from containers such as flowerpots, pet dishes and birdbaths.
-- Wearing long sleeves and pants when outdoors.
Zika virus is generally a mild illness that is spread primarily through the bite of an
infected mosquito, but can also be spread through sexual contact with a partner who has been
infected with the virus.
The greatest risk from Zika virus is to pregnant women and their babies, who can be born
with serious birth defects if infected with the virus.
Common symptoms of Zika virus are: Fever; Rash; Joint pain; and Conjunctivitis (red
eyes).
For more information, visit the Department of Healths Zika Virus webpage.
NewsClips:
York Has Zika Kits, Not Zika
CDC: Zika Virus Poses Greater Risk For Birth Defects
PA Is Lyme Disease Leader, Worst Year Could Be Ahead
PA To Lead In Lyme Disease Cases In 2017
EQB To Consider Laboratory Fee Increases, Ammonia Standard On April 18
40
The Environmental Quality Board will consider Laboratory Accreditation Program fee increases
and revised ammonia and other water quality standards at its meeting on April 18. The agenda
items include--
-- Final Environmental Laboratory Accreditation Fee Package
-- Proposed Triennial Review Of Water Quality Standards-Ammonia
-- Presentation On Statement Of Policy - Water Quality Toxics Management Strategy
The meeting will be held in Room 105 Rachel Carson Building in Harrisburg starting at
9:00 a.m.
For more information, visit the Environmental Quality Board webpage. Questions should
be directed to Laura Edinger 717-772-3277 or send email to: edinger@pa.gov.
DEP Oil & Gas Advisory Board To Meet April 13 On Area Of Review, Water Supply
The DEP Oil And Gas Technical Advisory Board is scheduled to meet on April 13 to further
discuss several important technical guidance documents to implementing the Chapter 78A
drilling regulations. The guidance includes--
-- Area of Review Technical Guidance
-- Water Supply Technical Guidance
-- Pressure Barrier Technical Guidance
-- Integrated Well Site Contingency Plan Guidelines
-- Induced Seismicity/Area of Alternative Methods
In addition, the Board will discuss the proposed General Permits limiting methane
emissions at oil and gas operations and the role and responsibilities of the Board and the new PA
Grade Crude Development Advisory Council.
Also on the draft agenda are reports from a series of technical workgroups-- Coal-Gas
Coordination, Erosion & Sediment Control, Noise Control, Wellbore Deviation, Spill Policy,
Mine-Influenced Water, Liner Processing
The meeting will be held in Room 105 Rachel Carson Building starting at 10:00. Click
Here to participate via WebEx.
For more information and available handouts, visit the Oil And Gas Technical Advisory
Board webpage. Questions should be directed to: Kurt Klapkowski, 717-783-9438 or send email
to: kklapkowsk@pa.gov.
NewsClips:
Outrageous: Dimock Plaintiff Reacts To Judge Voiding $4.24M Award
Long Fight Over Fracking Still Divides Dimock
Wayne County Landowners Lawsuit Against DRBC Headed To Appeal
Upper Burrells Gas And Oil Development Ordinance Being Challenged
Upper Burrell Natural Gas Well Pad Decision Delayed
Federal Judge: Grant Twp Fracking Waste Ban Unconstitutional
Same Outcome In Court For 2 Drilling Companies, Dead Salamanders
Proposed Greene County Power Plants Have Natural Gas In Common
41
FirstEnergy Sells Part Of Former Hatfield Power Plant To Gas Developer
Trump Ends War On Coal, But Utilities Arent Listening
Op-Ed: Why The Energy Industry In PA Has No Time To Lose
Op-Ed: Your Health vs Ethane Plant Jobs
Editorial: Cons, Pros Of A Big Petrochemical Plant
Crawford County Transit Constructing CNG Refueling Station
Pittsburgh Gasoline Prices Up Slightly Last Week
AP: Maryland Governor Signs Fracking Ban Into Law
Maryland Becomes Third State To Ban Fracking
PA Grade Crude Development Advisory Council Sets 3 Meetings In 2017
The PA Grade Crude Development Advisory Council, charged with helping to develop updated
regulations covering the conventional oil and gas drilling industry, has scheduled three meetings
for the remainder of 2017-- May 18, August 17 and November 16.
The Council was established by Act 52 of 2016 which killed DEPs final Chapter 78
regulations covering conventional operations and made DEP start over using the Council to
update its regulations.
The Council includes 17 members--
-- Secretary of DEP
-- Secretary of Community & Economic Development
-- 1 Senate Majority: Sen. Scott Hutchinson (R-Venango)
-- 1 Senate Minority: Sen. John Yudichak (D-Luzerne)
-- 1 House Majority: Rep. Martin Causer (R-Cameron)
-- 1 House Minority: [not appointed yet]
-- 2 representatives of the PA Independent Petroleum Producers: Mark Cline, Joe Thompson
-- 2 representatives of the PA Independent Oil & Gas Association: David Ochs, Burt Waite
-- 2 representatives of the PA Grade Crude Oil Coalition: Bruce Brindle, Arthur Stewart
-- 2 representatives of PA crude oil refineries: Nick Andreychek- Ergon Refinery, Robert Esch-
American Refining Group
-- 1 Nonprofit promoting benefits of PA crude oil: John Phillips- Oil Region Alliance of
Business, Industry and Tourism
-- 1 representative of academia-geologist: Dr. Terry Engelder- Penn State Professor of
Geosciences
-- 1 representative of academia- hydrologist: Dr. Richard Parizek- Penn State Professor Emeritus
of Hydrology
There are no members of the public or environmental groups on the Council.
The locations for Council meetings has not been determined.
For more information, visit DCEDs PA Grade Crude Development Advisory Council
webpage.
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DEP April 19 Meeting/Hearing On Transco Compressor Station In Lycoming County
The Department of Environmental Protection Wednesday announced it will hold a combined

public meeting and hearing on April 19 to discuss the proposed Air Quality plan approval
submitted by Transcontinental Gas Pipe Line Co., LLC (Transco) for construction of a
combustion turbine and emergency generator at Compressor Station 520 located in Mifflin
Township, Lycoming County.
The proposed project will provide the facility with additional compression capacity to
support the expansion of their gas pipeline network in the region.
The event will be held at the Salladasburg Elementary School, 3490 State Route 287,
Jersey Shore starting at 6:00 p.m.
The public meeting will begin at 6:00 p.m. Staff from DEPs Air Quality Program will
explain the application review process and applicable regulations. Transco officials will provide
an overview of the project. The presentations will be followed by a brief question and answer
session with the local community.
DEP will accept testimony at the public hearing, which will begin at 7:15 p.m. Those
wishing to testify should register onsite prior to the hearing. Testimony is limited to five minutes
per person and will be recorded by a court reporter for transcription into a written record.
Written testimony of any length will also be accepted during the hearing, or by
submission before 4:00 p.m. on Monday, May 1, 2017 to Muhammad Zaman, Environmental
Program Manager, Department of Environmental Protection, Air Quality Program, 208 West
Third Street, Suite 101, Williamsport, PA 17701.
DEP will respond in writing to all testimony, both oral and written, that is received by the
above deadline and is relevant to the proposed plan approval.
Individuals in need of an accommodation as provided for in the Americans With
Disabilities Act of 1990 should contact Mr. Daniel Vilello at 570-327-3763 or through the
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Pennsylvania AT&T Relay Service at 1-800-654-5984 (TDD) to discuss how DEP may
accommodate your needs.
FERC Issues Final PennEast Pipeline EIS Saying It Can Be Built With Minimal Impact
PennEast Pipeline Company LLC Friday announced the

Federal Energy Regulatory Commission issued the Final
Environmental Impact Statement for the 120-mile pipeline
saying the it can be built with minimal impact to the
environment.
The pipeline route goes through Bucks, Carbon, Luzerne and
Northampton counties in Pennsylvania.
The Final EIS is the last major federal regulatory hurdle for
PennEast Pipeline prior to an anticipated favorable order
from FERC Commissioners that would result in approval of
the Project. The Order would award PennEast a Certificate of
Public Convenience and Necessity and is expected this
summer.
Federal regulators have once again determined that PennEast Pipeline can deliver
enormous benefits for the region, including lower electric and gas bills, thousands of jobs,
enhanced reliability, and direct access to one of the most abundant and affordable supplies of
clean-burning natural gas in all of North America - while doing so with little impact on the
environment, said Dat Tran, chair of the Board of Managers for PennEast Pipeline Company.
The thorough review conducted by federal regulators assessed impacts on everything from
safety to water resources to air quality and wildlife. Their finding is a clear win for the region,
business competitiveness, economic growth and job creation.
The Department of Environmental Protection issued its Water Quality Certification as
required by section 401 of the Federal Clean Water Act in February.
Pipelines are the safest and most environmentally friendly way to move the energy on
which we rely every single day to warm our homes, power our economy, and increasingly
generate clean and reliable electricity, added Tran. New infrastructure like PennEast Pipeline
is not only far better for our environment than relying on other less-clean fuels, but also for
reducing electric and natural gas bills for families and businesses.
Todays Final EIS is a major step forward for the Project. We thank the FERC staff for
its thorough review, input, and recognition that major infrastructure projects like the PennEast
Pipeline can move ahead while protecting the environment, too, said Tran. We look forward to
working with Pennsylvania and New Jersey permitting agencies in the coming months.
The 120-mile Project is more than 90 percent subscribed under long-term contracts with
local gas utilities, power generators and other energy customers.
A copy of the Final Environmental Impact Statement is available online.
NewsClips:
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Delaware County Residents Give Notice Of Lawsuit To Enforce Local Pipeline Ordinance
Six residents of Middletown Township, Delaware

County, Tuesday announced they have notified
Middletown Township that they believe it has a duty to
enforce the Township Codes provisions relating to
minimum setback distances required from residential
housing units to petroleum product pipelines.
The six residents claim that, while the Township
previously saw fit to grant easements to Sunoco
Pipeline L.P. for its Mariner East 2 hazardous liquids pipeline project, Middletown has not
waived its right to enforce the minimum setback provisions of Section 210-37.
As alleged in their Complaint, Section 210-37 of the Middletown Township Code
requires that there be a minimum distance of 75 feet between a dwelling unit and a petroleum or
petroleum products transmission line.
The Code specifically states, In no case shall there be a distance of less than 75 feet
between a dwelling unit and a petroleum or petroleum products transmission line.
The Code also provides that [n]o petroleum, petroleum products or natural gas
transmission line shall be constructed in a subdivision or land development on less than a
fifty-foot easement. Such lines shall be installed in the center of the easement and shall comply
with all applicable federal and state laws and regulations.
Each of the plaintiffs is either a tenant or property owner in Middletown. One of the
property owners lives 30 feet from her next door neighbors home. Sunocos easement goes
right through that space.
With its recently announced plans to increase Mariner capacity to 770,000 barrels a day,
if permitted the company will lay two pipes in that space, each one of which will be less than 15
feet from the owners home.
Four of the plaintiffs live in Township apartment complexes. The Mariner pipelines are
planned to be laid in a space between buildings within those complexes where the plaintiffs
units are substantially less than 75 feet from the hazardous liquid pipes.
Middletown Coalition for Community Safety recently commissioned a report from Quest
Consultants, a respected Oklahoma firm, to use advanced leak detection simulation software to
predict worst case effects from a leak of the Mariner pipeline only 650 feet from the Glenwood
Elementary School.
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The study confirms the extreme danger posed by a rupture and found that it could result
in a combustible, heavier-than-air vapor cloud that could migrate up to 1800 feet in 3 minutes.
Ignition would result in a jet fire that would leave little to no opportunity of escape.
Government data shows that Sunoco has the worst leak rate in the pipeline industry. The
six plaintiffs all reside in dwelling units that are well under 75 feet from the proposed Mariner
pipelines.
If Middletown Township chooses not to act to enforce the Code within 30 days, the
plaintiffs intend to file suit in the Common Pleas Court of Delaware, seeking to enforce the
distance requirements of the Code in the siting of the Mariner East 2 pipelines.
The Township has received the notice and a copy of the complaint that will be filed
against Sunoco Logistics, but has not yet responded.
For more information, visit the Middletown Coalition for Community Safety website.
NewsClips:
Related Stories:
EHB Denies Supercedeas In Appeal Of Mariner East 2 Pipeline Permits
DEP Accepting Applications For PA State Clean Diesel Grant Program
The Department of Environmental Protection is now

accepting applications for the PA State Clean Diesel
Grant Program. Applications are due May 12. (formal
notice)
$396,904 has been made available by the U.S.
Environmental Protection Agency for projects that will
replace, repower or retrofit fleet diesel-powered highway
and nonroad vehicles, engines and equipment.
Funding is available for public and private entities that
operate diesel-powered fleets throughout this
Commonwealth. These entities may include school districts, municipal authorities, political
subdivisions, other State agencies, nonprofit entities, corporations, limited liability companies or
46
partnerships incorporated or registered in this Commonwealth.
Projects must use technologies certified or verified by the EPA or the California Air
Resources Board to lower diesel emissions, unless otherwise noted in the Program guidelines.
The technology may be a single technology or a combination of available technologies.
The majority of the fleet's annual operation time must occur within this Commonwealth.
The application package including guidance, instructions and application forms [will] be
available on DEPs PA State Clean Diesel Grant Program webpage. Questions should be
directed to Samantha Harmon, DEP Bureau of Air Quality, 717-787-9495 or send email to:
saharmon@pa.gov.
NewsClips:
Philly Council Pulls Plug On Electric Vehicle Program In Contested Vote
Philly Electric Car Owners To Lose Parking Perk
Killing Exclusive Electric Car Parking Spots A Bait-And-Switch
The Public Utility Commission Thursday released its

annual report covering Phase II of the Act 129 energy
conservation program which documents a total of $2.2
billion in savings for consumers and 3.3 million megawatt
hours of electricity over 3 years.
These initial results and determinations for Phase II
demonstrate the success of the EE&C programs, said
Chairman Gladys M. Brown in a statement at todays
meeting. I commend Commission staff, the EDCs, and the
energy efficiency service providers across the state for their continued work in this arena.
Chairman Brown noted in a statement for every $1 invested in energy efficiency through
the Act 129 programs, $1.70 was achieved in energy savings for consumers.
The report confirms, once again, that Pennsylvania's Act 129 energy efficiency
programs are making the Commonwealth more energy efficient -- reducing energy use and
helping businesses and residents save money, said Matt Elliott, Keystone Energy Efficiency
Alliance. Better yet, the programs are cost-effective and deliver net benefits to everyone that
pays an electric bill.
"In addition to saving energy and saving money, the federal Department of Energy
recently reported that energy efficiency supports 62,431 jobs in Pennsylvania, Elliott explained.
In fact, despite economy-wide ups and downs, Pennsylvania's energy efficiency industry has
seen an average annual job growth rate of 7.5 percent year after year, for the past 7 years.
Todays report demonstrates that smart state energy policy like Act 129 can deliver cost
savings while also creating tens of thousands of jobs, said Elliott. These are local
Pennsylvania jobs - many of which could never be outsourced - and we applaud the legislature
for having the foresight to enact 129, and to continue to support the programs over the years as
energy savings and job creation add up, year over year.
We also applaud the state's utilities for running cost-effective, efficient
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programs that are serving Pennsylvania's residents, government and non-profit buildings,
low-income households, small businesses, and large commercial and industrial facilities.
The report said all 7 electric distribution companies achieved the following with their
efficiency and conservation programs:
-- Met Phase II targets for electric consumption reduction;
-- Obtained a minimum of ten percent of all consumption reduction requirements from
government/educational/non-profit institutions;
-- Obtained a minimum of 4.5 percent of their total consumption reduction requirements from the
low-income sector; and
-- Fulfilled the requirement to include specific energy efficiency measures for households at or
below 150 percent of the Federal Poverty Income Guidelines.
The report summarizes Phase II of the EE&C program. The Commission continues
overseeing EDC implementation of the current five-year third phase of the EE&C programs.
Phase III operates through May 31, 2021.
A copy of the report is available online.
For more information, visit the PUCs Act 129 webpage or the Keystone Energy
Efficiency Alliances Act 129 webpage.
NewsClips:
Related Stories:
The Pocono Environmental Education Center in

Dingmans Ferry, Pike County Thursday hosted a tour
of its campus for local elected officials and business
leaders to showcase energy efficiency upgrades and
retrofits which have resulted in multiple benefits for
the Center and local community.
PEEC has capitalized on the Pennsylvania Act 129
energy efficiency programs to deploy innovative
technologies in its facilities, which save both energy
and money.
The Keystone Energy Efficiency Alliance participated in the days events to highlight the
importance of Act 129 policies for businesses and organizations such as PEEC across the state.
Act 129 is an example of smart policy that has created local jobs that cant be
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outsourced, while helping organizations like PEEC save money that can then be invested in the
programs they offer to the thousands of children that visit every year, said Julian Boggs, Policy
Director for the Keystone Energy Efficiency Alliance, a 50-member Pennsylvania trade
association.
Act 129 is Pennsylvanias cornerstone energy efficiency law, enacted by the General
Assembly in 2008 with broad, bipartisan support. The energy efficiency retrofits and upgrades
made by PEEC throughout its campus were possible because Act 129 makes the up-front costs of
energy efficiency projects affordable.
All Pennsylvanians benefit from the energy cost-savings enabled by Act 129, from
residential customers to large manufacturers.
PEEC strives to be the most energy efficient and environmentally friendly facility of its
kind, but we also need to be cost-effective to be a sustainable organization, said Jeff Rosalsky,
Executive Director at PEEC. We are grateful that organizations like the Sustainable Energy
Fund and programs like Act 129 exist so that we have the opportunity to save on energy costs
and then reinvest in those savings into PEEC educational programs for the 25,000 students that
visit every year."
PEECs Visitor Activity Center was designed and built in 2004 by Wilkes-Barre based
architecture firm Bohlin Cywinski Jackson using recycled materials and energy-efficient
insulation, as well as passive heating and ventilation designs to reduce heating and cooling costs.
Additional energy efficiency and conservation design elements include maximization of
daylight, motion-controlled lighting sensors and radiant floor heating. PEEC facilities throughout
the campus have also been designed to maximize energy efficiency, including recent upgrades to
the cabins where students and visitors stay during their educational programs.
At Bohlin Cywinski Jackson, we have always believed that energy efficiency,
conservation of natural resources and occupant well-being are vital components to successful
building design and function, remarked architect Allen Kachel. The PEEC Visitor Activity
Center is not only a preeminent model for sustainable design, but more importantly, it is a
physical teaching tool for the people using the building while delivering maximum performance
and energy savings for the client."
Energy efficiency programs and projects are critical tools used by businesses and
consumers to save energy costs, and are also a powerful job creation engine.
According to a recent U.S. Department of Energy report, 62,341 Pennsylvanians are
employed within the energy efficiency industry- a significant increase in recent years, spurred by
Act 129.
The PEEC tour was attended by Pike County Commissioners Matthew Osterberg and
Steve Guccini. Representatives of Senators John Blake (D-Lackawanna) and Mario Scavello
(R-Monroe) were in attendance, as well as staff from Rep. Maureen Maddens (D-Monroe)
office.
Click Here to learn more about the PEEC Visitors Center building and its energy
efficiency benefits.
For more information on programs, initiatives and upcoming events, visit the Pocono
Environmental Education Center website.
NewsClips:
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Related Stories:
UGI Utilities, Inc. Wednesday announced it has joined the U.S. Environmental Protections
Agencys Energy Star Program as an Energy Star Partner. Through this voluntary partnership,
UGI will work to improve energy efficiency through a strategic energy management program
that will enhance environmental protection.
UGI is pleased to become an Energy Star Partner, said Robert Stoyko, vice president of
customer relations, said. "Through this partnership, we demonstrate our continuing commitment
to environmental stewardship and lower energy costs by helping to improve the energy
efficiency of the homes and businesses of our customers.
As an Energy Star Partner, UGI pledges to:
-- Provide its customers with incentives to promote the purchase of Energy Star rated equipment;
-- Develop and implement a plan consistent with the Energy Star Energy Management
Guidelines to achieve energy savings;
-- Discuss the importance of energy efficiency to its employees and the community;
-- Support the Energy Star National Campaigns to promote energy efficiency; and
-- Highlight its achievements with recognition offered through Energy Star.
Improving the energy efficiency of our nations buildings is critical to protecting our
environment, said Jean Lupinacci, chief of the Energy Star Commercial & Industrial Branch.
From the boiler room to the board room, Energy Star Partners are leading the way by making
the buildings where we work, play and learn more efficient.
Rebates/Incentives
UGI offers rebates and other incentives to residential and business customers to
encourage the purchase of high-efficiency equipment through its Energy Efficiency and
Conservation program, which are offered to UGI Gas Division and UGI Electric Division
customers.
A proposal to expand the program to UGI Penn Natural Gas customers is currently under
consideration by the Public Utility Commission.
For more information, visit UGIs Additional information about UGIs Energy Efficiency
and Conservation Program webpage.
[Note: EPAs Energy Star Program is one of the programs the Trump Administration has
proposed to eliminate funding for in federal FY 2018.]
NewsClips:
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Related Stories:
The National Energy Efficiency Registry Project Team, including Pennsylvania, Monday
released its draft Principles and Operating Rules for a National Energy Efficiency Registry
Registry. The deadline for comments is May 31.
Pennsylvania joined with five other states and the National Association of State Energy
Officials to develop the Registry. The Registry would--
-- Provide a consistent, robust framework for energy efficiency to be included as eligible
resources in federal and state plans;
-- Demonstrate the eligibility and verification of energy efficiency projects, particularly
voluntary private sector efficiency actions, according to eligibility standards proposed by
individual states, a group of states, or the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency; and,
-- Facilitate the opportunity for inter- and intrastate trading.
To help inform public comments on the proposals, the NEER Team will hold webinars
on April 17 and May 11.
Click Here for copies of the proposal, instructions on how to submit comments, a list of
key questions on which the NEER Team would like feedback.
NewsClips:
Related Stories:
The Public Utility Commission Thursday

unanimously approved a motion by commissioners
Andrew Place (photo left) and David Sweet to
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begin an investigation of energy conservation and assistance programs aimed at low-income
electric and natural gas customers.
The PUC requires electric and natural gas utilities offer universal service-- Customer
Assistance Programs, Low-Income Usage Reduction Programs, Customer Assistance and
Referral Evaluation Services and Hardship Funds-- and energy conservation programs that are
developed, maintained and appropriately funded to ensure affordability and cost-effectiveness,
the motion said.
Considering the Commissions recent action as part of a broader evaluation of universal
service and energy conservation policies, we believe it is important to ensure ample stakeholder
feedback throughout all steps of the process, noted Commissioner Sweet. These programs
affect all ratepayers, whether through direct assistance to qualifying customers or through the
surcharge that funds universal service programs. As such, the feedback of stakeholders
representing all interests, from low-income customers to consumer interest advocates to utilities,
is necessary to ensure any outcomes are cost-effective and in the public interest. Only through
collaboration can we address all relevant issues and balance the needs of all stakeholders.
The motion noted in December, the PUC released a Secretarial Letter seeking informal
stakeholder input on a number of Low-Income Usage Reduction Programs intended to be used in
possible future rulemaking and recently voted to initiate a study regarding affordable home
energy burdens for low-income Pennsylvanians
Together, the data and input gathered through these initiatives will help guide future
actions by the Commission regarding Universal Service Programs, noted Vice Chairman Place
As a first step in the PUCs review, the motion directs the Commissions Law Bureau
will develop a report on the statutory, regulatory and policy frameworks of existing universal
service programs and the steps required to initiate any proposed changes within 30 days of this
order being entered.
Second, interested stakeholders may file comments on priorities, concerns and
suggestions for amending and improving any or all of the universal service and energy
conservation programs within 90 days of the order. Comments may also address the Law
Bureaus report.
Third, within 60 days after the due date for public comments, the Commissions Bureau
of Consumer Services will coordinate a stakeholder meeting to solicit feedback on the comments
received by the PUC. An additional comment period will be provided after this meeting.
Fourth, the Bureau of Consumer Services and Law Bureau will prepare a report replying
to comments receive, and summarizing options proposed by stakeholders.
A copy of the motion is available online.
NewsClips:
Related Stories:
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Marking The PUCs 80th Anniversary Of Ensuring Safe, Reliable Utility Service
The Public Utility Commission Thursday marked its 80th

anniversary as an independent state agency.
For eight decades, my colleagues, along with the
Commissioners who came before us, have focused on ensuring
safe and reliable utility service to the Commonwealths 12
million residents, said PUC Chairman Gladys M. Brown
(photo). We are very much aware that the approximately 9,000
utilities we oversee, and the cases that come before us, impact the
daily lives of citizens across the state including their lights and
heat, the water they drink, transportation services, and their
ability to communicate with co-workers, customers, family and
friends.
Act 43 of 1937, adopted on March 31 of that year, created the PUC, with a mission to
supervise and regulate all public utilities operating in Pennsylvania.
The current PUC replaced the earlier Public Service Commission, which had been
established in 1913 as a successor to the Pennsylvania State Railroad Commission. The Railroad
Commission was created in 1907, to oversee railroads, and address issues and complaints
sparked by the rapid development of streetcar and telegraph systems.
Since those early days, safety has been a key focus for the PUC and its predecessors
whether that involves railroads, electric and natural gas lines, or water service, or more distinctly
modern issues, like cybersecurity, renewable energy and autonomous vehicles, noted Chairman
Brown. The challenges facing our residents and our utilities continue to evolve, and the
Commission is always working to address new challenges while remaining dedicated to our
mission of serving the public interest.
As noted in the PUCs most recent annual report, the Commission is working to address a
diverse list of concerns for the future:
-- Ensuring the reliability and resiliency of utility service in the face of physical and cyber
threats, including hosting a June 2016 Black Sky exercise to test Pennsylvanias ability to
respond to a large-scale disruption of power and utility services.
-- Encouraging the ongoing modernization and improvement of utility infrastructure to help
ensure the reliability of service as well as to provide greater access to unserved or underserved
areas.
-- Exploring the future of utility ratemaking, including discussions on how to best maintain safe
and reliable infrastructure while also encouraging more aggressive energy efficiency and
conservation programs.
-- Further promoting the use of combined heat and power (CHP) technology, which can increase
efficiency, lower costs, reduce emissions and create greater reliability.
-- Addressing advancements for transportation services, including updated regulations intended
to eliminate barriers to qualified passenger carriers while still ensuring safe and reliable
53
operations.
-- Continuing the PUCs focus on rail and pipeline safety activities.
-- And exploring opportunities to enhance public participation, including the use of Smart
Hearings to broadcast key PUC discussions live to a statewide audience, while also allowing
concerned citizens to testify remotely rather than traveling to Harrisburg or other hearing sites.
A copy of the report is available online.
NewsClips:
PUC To Scrutinize PPLs Low-Income Program
Godshalls Quality Meats Installs 4,000th Solar Module Across 3 PA Facilities
Just in time for the celebration of Earth Day (April

22), Godshall's Quality Meats in Montgomery
County has surpassed 4,000 solar modules installed
across its three Pennsylvania facilities.
Godshall's, in business since 1945, is now at
the vanguard of modern facilities producing fine
meat delicacies for the entire nation.
"We're excited to have a 1,233kW system up
and operating," explains Ron Godshall, COO. "We
see this as an investment as well as an expression of
positive corporate citizenship. Even more,
stewardship of the earth is in keeping with our faith,
which we hold as being integral to our success."
Godshall's success is something of a story in itself, growing from a local butcher shop to
an international supplier of both branded and private label. Godshall's flagship product is a real
meat, real wood smoked turkey bacon and many of its other products also utilize lower fat
recipes with turkey and chicken.
The company's recent drive has been toward offering many more all-natural and uncured
options. Uncured meats have no nitrites or nitrates except those naturally occurring in sea salt
and celery powder.
"Getting free power from empty roof and field space, that's a no-brainer," adds President
and CEO, Mark Godshall.
Under Godshall's leadership, the company has not only grown at an unprecedented rate
but also enacted water recycling programs, converted some systems to cleaner burning natural
gas, and instituted a "zero landfill" program.
"Offsetting more than 2,346 metric tons of carbon annually is just the cherry on that
sundae," said Mark Godshall. That is equivalent to the carbon dioxide emissions from 5,432
barrels of oil consumed or 2,503,842 pounds of coal burned.
"In the modern marketplace, it's not enough to have great taste and a wholesome product,
consumers want to know the companies they buy from are making the same efforts they are,"
Ron Godshall elaborates, "That's why we like to tell folks that we're a great choice for a
Healthier You, Healthier Planet."
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For more information, visit the Godshall's Quality Meats website. Questions should be
directed to Wayne Cherrington, 215-205-3382, or send email to: wcherrington@godshalls.com.
(Photo: Rod Godshall, COOO Godshalls Quality Meats.)
NewsClip:
Lake Erie Wind Project Faces Lawsuit From Birding Groups
PA Biomass Energy Assn. Upcoming Workshops And Training
The PA Biomass Energy Association

is offering a series of workshops and
training sessions over the next several
months on topics like food waste
recycling, boiler operator training,
supporting bioenergy and forest
management and more.
Click Here for a complete schedule and to register.
For more information on programs, initiatives and other upcoming events, visit the PA
Biomass Energy Association website. Click Here to sign up for regular updates from the
Association.
NewsClip:
FirstEnergy Sells Part Of Former Hatfield Power Plant To Natural Gas Power Developer
FirstEnergy Corp. Wednesday announced its Allegheny

Energy Supply Company, LLC subsidiary has entered
into an agreement for sale of a portion of the former
Hatfield's Ferry Power Station in Masontown, Fayette
County to APV Renaissance Partners Opco, LLC, of
Bernardsville, New Jersey, a natural gas power
developer.
Hatfield Station is a formerly coal-fired power
plant.
APV has started engineering and permitting
activities related to the proposed construction of a new,
1,000-megawatt combined cycle natural gas facility on
33 acres at the former plant site.
If the project proceeds, APV would acquire the project site, including the plant's two
cooling towers, for approximately $40 million.
Allegheny Energy Supply will continue to own the remaining Hatfield plant facilities,
including approximately 200 acres of land and the other former plant structures. The sale is
expected to close in third quarter 2018, subject to various closing conditions.
"FirstEnergy supports new development opportunities at our former plant sites," said
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James H. Lash, executive vice president and president of FirstEnergy Generation. "The project at
Hatfield has the potential to bring jobs and economic growth to Greene County by capitalizing
on a strategic location and existing infrastructure."
"APV is excited to undertake a project to support the reliability of the region's electricity
supply, redevelop an existing industrial site and contribute to economic growth in southwestern
Pennsylvania," said John Seker, president of APV. "The existing infrastructure available at
Hatfield's Ferry and abundant fuel supply in the region make this an ideal location for the
construction of a natural gas power plant."
NewsClips:
Kummer: Trump Or Not, PA Coal Plants Have Long Been On The Way Out
Op-Ed: Trump Cannot Turn Back Time For Aging Coal-Fired Power Plants
March In Case You Missed It From PA Environmental Council
The March edition of In Case You Missed It from the

PA Environmental Council is now available featuring
stories on--
-- Voices From Local Watershed Groups Gathered For
Conference March 5-6
-- PEC Deep Carbonization Conference - Paths To PAs
Energy Future
-- A Primer On Energy Efficiency: Challenges,
Opportunities
-- Dinner Recognizing Governors Environmental
Award Winners April 25
-- New Podcasts: The Real Wissahickon, What EPA Cuts Mean For PA, Illegal Dumping,
CMUs Energy Week Events
-- Click Here to receive regular updates from PEC
Facebook. Visit PECs Audio Room for the latest podcasts.
PA Historical & Museum Commission OKs Historian Markers, 2 Related To Environment
The PA Historical and Museum

Commission Monday announced it has
approved 18 new state historical
markers recognizing the people, places
and events that have affected the lives of
56
Pennsylvanians over the centuries.
The markers include
-- Huber Coal Breaker, Luzerne County: Constructed in the 1930s by the Glen Alden Coal
Company, this breaker processed nearly 7,000 tons of coal daily through the 1970s. To
distinguish its product, the company sprayed color on its anthracite, creating "blue coal." It was
one of the first to utilize Menzies cones to separate coal and was the first to use aerial disposal of
waste by-products. Click Here to learn more about its history.
-- Smith Memorial Playground and Playhouse, Philadelphia: Established in 1899, the Smith
Memorial Playground and Playhouse claims to be one of the first dedicated play spaces for
children in the nation. Richard and Sarah Smith were inspired by the American Playground
Movement which began in the mid-1880s. The site is unique in that it has always operated as a
private institution on public land, and has been racially and economically integrated - free and
open to all. Click Here to learn more about its history.
Click Here for a list of all 18 historic markers approved Monday.
For more information on the more than 2,000 historic markers and to nominate a person
or event to be recognized, visit the PHMCs PA Historical Marker Program webpage.
NewsClip:
DEP Seeks Sanctions Against Former Huber Coal Breaker Owner
Pocono Forests & Waters Initiative Now Accepting Mini-Grant Applications
The Pocono Forests and Waters Conservation Mini-Grant

Program, administered by the PA Environmental Council
under a grant from the Pennsylvania Department of
Conservation and Natural Resources, is now accepting
applications.
The deadline for applications is May 1.
The program will provide mini-grants of $2,000 to
$10,000 to projects within Carbon, Lackawanna, Luzerne,
Monroe, Pike and Wayne Counties that support and advance
the goals and objectives of the Pocono Forests and Waters
Conservation Landscape.
A total of $60,000 in grant funding is available. All mini-grants require a 1 to 1 match.
PEC and DCNR encourage any municipality, council of governments, registered
Pennsylvania nonprofits, county conservation districts, or learning institutions to consider
projects that meet the grant criteria to apply.
Click Here to learn more from the success stories from earlier grant recipients (bottom of
the page).
Click Here to learn more about the Poconos Forests & Waters Landscape Initiative.
For more information and to apply, visit PECs Pocono Forests and Waters Conservation
Mini-Grant Program webpage. Questions should be directed to Janet Sweeney by calling
570-718-6507 or send email to: jsweeney@pecpa.org.
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updates from PEC.
NewsClips:
Groundbreaking For Pedestrian Bridge In Jim Thorpe
Eries Brig Niagara Crew Prepares For Expanded Public Sail Season
Take Five Fridays With Pam, PA Parks & Forests Foundation
Expanded Bike-Share Program In Scranton Kicks Off Today
10 Breathtaking PA Waterfalls To Visit This Year
Alle-Kiski-Connie Rivers Sojourn Offers Paddlers Slice Of Small-Town America
More Benches Coming To Back Mountain Trail In Luzerne
Where Wilderness Preservation Began: Writings Of PA Native Howard Zahniser
Trump Donates 1st Salary Check To National Park Service, After Proposing To Cut Interiors
Budget By 12%
DCNR, PennDOT, Partners Break Ground For Delaware & Lehigh Bridge In Carbon
County
Department of Conservation and Natural Resources

Secretary Cindy Adams Dunn Wednesday joined
Department of Transportation Secretary Leslie S.
Richards, local officials and trail group representatives
in applauding the start of pedestrian bridge construction
which is viewed as a key link in the Delaware & Lehigh
National Heritage Corridor and a future economic
stimulus in the Carbon County area.
Hailed as a vital trail connection for this 165-mile
corridor stretching from Bristol to Wilkes-Barre, the
250-foot steel and wood bridge spanning the Lehigh
River will lead hikers and bicycling enthusiasts into the iconic and heavily visited business
district of Jim Thorpe in Carbon County.
This is a celebration of a project that has been many years in the making and is one of
10 major trail gaps DCNR is working to close, Dunn said at todays groundbreaking ceremony.
Focus now is on this pedestrian bridge, but the trails entire 165 miles are testament to the D&L
Heritage Corridor staff and the many partner municipalities along the trail because -- without the
capacity provided by D&L staff over the years and willingness of municipalities to support the
trail efforts and maintain the trail -- we would not be standing here today.
The secretary said it is a top DCNR priority to help the D&L National Heritage
Corridor reach its goal of completing the corridor by 2020, making it the longest multi-use trail
in the state.
This bridge at Jim Thorpe Bridge is one of Pennsylvanias Top 10 Trail Gaps, Dunn
noted. A designation it received due to the size of the project; funding needs; the complicated
58
issues surrounding its construction; and the fact that it will connect multiple miles of trails that
are currently open.
A $2.5 million grant from Carbon County was key funding for the bridge, with
construction expected to start later this spring. DCNR funding toward the corridor is set at
$600,000, with PennDOT investing nearly $3.3 million in federal funds.
PennDOT is focused on safety and improving mobility, which is good for our citizens
and our local economies, Richards said. This critical bridge link will make the trail even easier
to use, and we expect that will bring additional use and investments.
With the recently completed pedestrian connector in neighboring Lehighton, the bridge
will nearly complete the trail in Carbon County. The only remaining gap in the trail will be just
below the new bridge in the borough of Jim Thorpe.
Its all about connections. The Carbon County Pedestrian Bridge is a complex project
that closes a critical gap to connect the northern section of the D&L Trail to the Lehigh Valley
and beyond, said Delaware & Lehigh National Heritage Corridor Executive Director Elissa
Garofalo. This milestone wouldnt be possible without strong support from DCNR to engineer
it, PennDOT to build it and the State Legislature to back local partners.
Secretary Dunn said completion of the trail is directly in line with a goal of the 2014-19
Pennsylvania Statewide Comprehensive Outdoor Recreation Plan to develop a statewide land
and water trail network to facilitate recreation, transportation and healthy lifestyles.
In 2012, without this major connection in the D&L trail, an economic impact analysis
completed by the Rails to Trails Conservancy estimated the total user-spending generated
because of the D&L Trail at over $19 million annually, Dunn said. With the closing of this gap
in Jim Thorpe and with the eventual completion of the trail within our sights, we are anticipating
the D&L Trail could approach $50 million per year.
The Delaware & Lehigh National Heritage Corridor is a public-private partnership
involving residents and volunteers working with local, regional, and national agencies to
conserve cultural and natural resources in the five-county region of eastern Pennsylvania.
This is a nationally significant historic transportation route that includes railroads, canals,
rivers and trails.
For more information, visit the Delaware & Lehigh National Heritage Corridor website.
NewsClips:
Budget By 12%
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April 5 Resource Newsletter Now Available From DCNR
The April 5 Resource newsletter is now available from the

Department of Conservation and Natural Resources
featuring articles on--
-- Throw Yourself Into A New Sport The Whole Family
Can Enjoy: Disc (Frisbee) Golf (photo)
-- DCNR, PennDOT, Partners Break Ground For
Delaware & Lehigh Heritage Bridge In Carbon County
-- DCNR Officials, Educators, Students Launch Think
Outside Initiative At Parks, Forests
-- DCNR Names The Watershed Farm, Westmoreland
County, Green Park Award Winner
-- Governors Youth Council For Hunting, Fishing, Conservation Engaging Youth
-- Winners Of 11th Annual PA Parks & Forests Foundation Awards Announced
-- Agriculture, Partners To Train Volunteers To Combat Invasive Spotted Lanternfly
-- State Forester Daniel Devlin Earns Penn State Distinguished Alumni Honor
-- Keystone Elk Country Alliance Completes Land Acquisition
-- Click Here to sign up for your own copy.
For more information, visit DCNRs website, Click Here to be part of DCNRs Online
Community, Click Here to hook up with DCNR on other social media-- Facebook, Twitter,
YouTube and Flickr.
Headwaters Charitable Trust Brings AmeriCorps VISTA To The PA Wilds
In 2015, Headwaters Charitable Trust, was

awarded a team of AmeriCorps VISTA
Volunteers to create and implement the Living
Greener Program. This program creates
opportunities that meet the needs of individuals
within the context of supporting a green
economy.
It is a holistically centered approach to
developing skills that enable our most
vulnerable populations to be successful in life;
not only the workplace. It provides increased opportunities for participants to gain insight and
appreciation into the regions careers and major industries while promoting awareness of our
abundant natural resources.
In 2017, the VISTA team can be found in local jails offering inmates facing imminent
release the opportunity to take a comprehensive Life Skills curriculum that prepares them for
success personally and professionally, and places them in direct contact with local CareerLink
offices where they can take advantage of numerous programs aimed toward job placement in
meaningful careers.
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As the team began working in communities, partnering organizations began to ask how
they could put AmeriCorps to work for them.
In response to this need, HWCT will be accepting concept applications for AmeriCorps
VISTA programs aimed at addressing the needs of low-income communities by building
permanent infrastructure in organizations to help them more effectively bring individuals and
communities out of poverty.
We have had such a positive experience hosting AmeriCorps VISTA volunteers, that it
is incredibly exciting to be a part of a program that can share this opportunity with other
organizations, said Heather Conrad, Development Director, HWCT.
VISTA (Volunteers in Service to America) was founded in 1965 as a national service
program to fight poverty in America.
Each VISTA member makes a year-long, full-time commitment to serve on a specific
project at a nonprofit organization or public agency. In return for their service, AmeriCorps
VISTA members receive a modest living allowance and health benefits during their service and
have the option of receiving a Segal AmeriCorps Education Award or post-service stipend after
completing their service.
About 8,000 VISTAs are placed each year in more than 1,100 projects in low-income
communities around the country
AmeriCorps has enabled me to step out of my comfort zone, engage and empower
people in an unfamiliar area, and exercise daily self-motivation. I have become a stronger, more
independent person because of serving for AmeriCorps, said Bri Pursley, AmeriCorps VISTA,
Living Greener Project, 2015-2017
HWCT enhances the liveability of rural communities by generating employment
opportunities and funding through the restoration of land and water.
HWCT is committed to building financial and philanthropic investments that will support
healthy and vital communities in the PA Wilds region of Northcentral Pennsylvania. These
restoration investments have particularly localized benefits including local labor employment,
materials purchase and cost savings.
In order to create these investments, HWCT solicits funds, administers grants, promotes
value-added revenue strategies and acquires land rights on behalf of community sponsors.
Since its inception, the Trust has successfully raised more than $12 million for 115
projects that have improved 130 miles of fishable streams, developed 74 miles of recreational
trails, sponsored sustainable management of 1,200 acres of forests, as well as, sponsored
numerous youth internships and AmeriCorps VISTA Volunteer opportunities.
The Pennsylvania Wilds includes the counties of Warren, McKean, Potter, Tioga,
Clinton, Lycoming, Cameron, Elk, Forest, Clarion, Clearfield, Jefferson and the northern part of
Centre County.
For more general information, visit the Headwaters Charitable Trusts Living Greener
Program webpage.
If you would like more information or if you have a project or program that could use an
energetic, passionate, person dedicated to bringing individuals and communities out of poverty,
please reach out to Heather Conrad at 814-594-2339 or send email to: hconrad@hwct.org.
Keystone Elk Country Alliance Completes Land Acquisition
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The Keystone Elk Country Alliance recently completed its
first permanent land protection project -- a nine-acre tract
located adjacent to the Elk Country Visitor Center in
Benezette Township, Elk County, Pa.
The property consists of white pine and hemlock
with mixed oak and hickory overstory, and has two small
streams which merge on the property and flow into the
Bennetts Branch of the Susquehanna River.
DCNRs Secretary Cindy Adams Dunn said about
the project: Hats off to the Keystone Elk Country
Alliance, and its completion of this invaluable land protection project adjoining the Elk Country
Visitor Center.
Just as the majestic elk has emerged as an icon of what is truly wild in the Pennsylvania
Wilds, the center and its surrounding land is recognized as a vital portal to all those who come to
see and appreciate the largest wild elk herd in the Northeastern United States.
Proceeds from KECAs Elk Tag Raffle were used to purchase this property, which will
remain titled to KECA.
NewsClip:
Where Wilderness Preservation Began: Writings Of Howard Zahniser
(Reprinted from the April 5 DCNR Resource newsletter. Click Here to sign up for your own
copy.)
Game Commission Plans Controlled Burns Over 11,000 Acres To Improve Habitat, Safety
The Game Commission announced Friday it would be

conducting controlled burns to restore wildlife habitat
and decrease the threat of wildfires on state game lands
statewide this spring.
Since 2009, the Game Commission has used controlled
burns to improve wildlife habitat and restore sensitive
habitats. In 2016, more than 10,000 acres of state game
lands were treated with controlled burns.
No other single management practice gives us such a
broad range of habitat benefits, explained Ben Jones, Habitat Division Chief of the agencys
Bureau of Wildlife Habitat Management. Those benefits include soil enrichment, invasive-plant
reduction, mast-yield increases and wildfire threat reduction.
Prescribed burns are conducted according to state law by highly trained crews with
hundreds of hours of experience. Long before burn day, crews plan operations and establish
fire-containment boundaries to ensure safety, both for themselves and the public.
Crews coordinate with local emergency-response personnel before and during burns, as
well as news media.
Controlled burns always occur on a relatively small percentage of the landscape,
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consequently their impact on wildlife during the burn is almost negligible.
Although a burn might disrupt a few ground nests, those birds including wild turkeys
often re-nest. The direct impact is small and benefits to the wildlife community far outweigh
potential negatives.
Controlled burns in spring improve turkey habitat, especially for young broods. After a
controlled burn, succulent regrowth provides poults cover and protein-rich bugs. These benefits
often last more than five years.
Increased moisture usually suspends the spring fire season by late May. And since most
nests dont hatch until June, its unlikely that young birds would be harmed. The timing of these
burns is critical. So is their need.
Access to specific burn locations will be limited on burn day, but will reopen soon after,
usually by the next day. Burns dates will be released to local media before the treatment.
Spring turkey hunters and other state game lands users can keep tabs on when and where
the Game Commission is conducting controlled burns through an online map, accessible via the
Controlled Burn Map and Controlled Burning webpages.
Delaware Highlands Conservancy: May 20 Money Does Grow On Trees Workshop
The Delaware Highlands Conservancy will host a free

Money Does Grow On Trees Workshop on May 20 on
how to permanently protect your land through financial
and estate planning from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. at Grey Towers
National Historic Site in Milford, Pike County.
Attendees of the Workshop will learn from local financial
and estate planning experts and Conservancy staff about
options for protecting and stewarding their cherished
lands, planning for the future of their lands and/or estate,
and the possible financial and tax benefits available.
Attendees will have their questions answered and enjoy light morning refreshments and a
catered lunch at the Finger Bowl at Grey Towers. Workshop attendees are also invited to a
complimentary tour of the mansion after the workshop concludes.
This workshop is supported with funding from the U.S. Forest Service at Grey Towers
National Historic Site, the New York State Conservation Partnership Program and New York's
Environmental Protection Fund. The NYSCPP is administered by the Land Trust Alliance, in
coordination with the state Department of Environmental Conservation.
This event is free and open to the public, but prior registration is required. Register by
contacting the Conservancy by sending email to: info@delawarehighlands.org or call
570-226-3164 ext. 6.
For more information on programs, initiatives and special events, visit the Delaware
Highlands Conservancy website. Click Here to sign up for regular updates from the
Conservancy (upper right of the page), Like on Facebook and Follow on Twitter.
Check Out Opportunities To Volunteer At Pinchots Grey Towers National Historic Site
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Do you love history? Are you a people person? Do you
enjoy gardening? The U.S. Forest Service and the Grey
Towers Heritage Association have some opportunities for
volunteers at Gov. Pinchots Grey Towers National
Historic Site, 151 Grey Towers Drive, Milford in Pike
County.
An orientation session is planned for May 13 from 9:30
a.m. to Noon, to introduce potential volunteers to a brief
history of Grey Towers and the various volunteer
opportunities, including tour guides, special events, gift
shop, cemetery restoration, gardens, trails, and archival work in the museum.
Commitments can vary from a few hours a week to several days per week during the
visitor season, which runs from Memorial Day through December. Special incentives, including
a dinner at the Finger Bowl outdoor dining table, are offered to Grey Towers volunteers.
Anyone interested in learning more about volunteering at Grey Towers is encouraged to
attend the orientation session. Pre-registration is required by calling 570-296-9630 or send an
email to: greytowers@fs.fed.us.
For more information on programs, initiatives and other upcoming events, visit the Grey
Towers Heritage Association. Click Here to sign up for updates from the Association, Like them
on Facebook, Follow them on Twitter, visit their YouTube Channel, become part of their
Google+ Circle and follow them on Instagram.
Also visit the Grey Towers Historic Site website and the Pinchot Institute for
Conservation website for information on its conservation research and policy programs. Click
Here to sign up for the Institutes regular updates.
Fish Commission: April 8 Marks PAs Second Mentored Youth Trout Day
Saturday, April 8 marks the Fish and Boat Commissions

second Mentored Youth Trout Day for 2017, an
opportunity for kids to practice their fishing skills one
week before the statewide opening day of trout season
kicks off in 49 counties on April 15.
Now in its fourth year, the popular program provides adult
mentors with an opportunity to take kids fishing before the
traditional rush of the regional and statewide opening days
of trout season.
Participants can fish from 8 a.m. to 7:30 p.m.
The Mentored Youth Trout Days program has developed into our premiere spring event
for kids, said PFBC Executive Director John Arway. Our goal is to get more kids involved in
fishing and to keep them engaged, and one of the best ways to do that is to make the experience
as easy as possible for parents and mentors.
The program includes all Commission stocked trout waters so there are plenty of waters
to fish within an easy drive of everyones home, he added. This is a great opportunity for kids
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and their mentors to get outside and enjoy the vast number of streams and lakes our
Commonwealth has to offer.
Last year, more than 25,600 kids signed up to participate, either by purchasing a $1
voluntary youth fishing license or by acquiring a free mentored youth fishing permit.
On these two days, participants can fish in any PFBC stocked trout water. Kids can keep
two trout, which must measure at least seven inches. Mentors must have a fishing license and
trout stamp.
Because the program is focused on kids, adult mentors are encouraged to fish with the
children and provide encouragement and tips, but they must release their catch to the water
unharmed.
Most trout waters are stocked in advance of the mentored youth days. But some of the
waters may not be stocked in time due to weather, water conditions and scheduling logistics.
Also, special regulation areas, like Catch and Release Fly-Fishing Only or Delayed Harvest
Artificial Lures Only, are not included in the mentored youth program.
Its important for anglers to visit the PFBC stocking page for an updated list so they
know exactly what waters are being stocked, added Arway. We want mentors and kids to have
fun and to catch fish, so we dont want them to inadvertently show up at waters which have not
been stocked.
For anglers with smartphones, an even easier way to view the stocking schedules is
through the FishBoatPA app, which is available for free from the Apple App and Google Play
stores.
The PFBC annually stocks approximately 3.15 million adult trout in more than 720
streams and 120 lakes open to public angling. These figures include approximately 2 million
rainbow trout; 640,000 brown trout; and 500,000 brook trout. As with past practice, the average
size of the trout produced for stocking is 11 inches in length.
To participate, adult anglers (16 years or older) must have a valid fishing license and
trout/salmon permit and be accompanied by a youth. Youth anglers must obtain a free
PFBC-issued permit, or a voluntary youth fishing license.
Both are available at www.GoneFishingPA.com or at any of the more than 900 licensing
agents across the state.
For every voluntary youth license sold, the PFBC will receive approximately $5 in
federal revenue from the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Services Sport Fish Restoration Act program,
which provides funds to states based on a formula that includes the number of licenses a state
sells.
All revenues earned from a voluntary youth fishing license will be dedicated to youth
fishing programs.
For more information, visit the Fish and Boat Commissions Mentored Youth Trout Day
webpage.
NewsClips:
Crable: Vets Find Peace On The Water
Schneck: Trout Opener About Average Across Central PA
Rain Gives Fish Upper Hand At Trout Season Opener
Crable: Gill Lice Parasite Found In Lancaster County Trout
Crable: Migrating Toad Alert In Manheim Twp, Lancaster County
65
Governors Youth Council For Hunting, Fishing, Conservation Engaging Youth
The Governors Youth Council for Hunting, Fishing, and

Conservation held its inaugural meeting on March 25-26 at the
Palmyra Sportsmens Association in Palmyra, Lebanon County.
The 16 members of the youth council were appointed by Gov.
Wolf, and are from across the Commonwealth.
Engaging youth in outdoor recreation and conservation, and listing
issues affecting Pennsylvanias hunting and fishing heritage and
natural resources were main topics of discussion.
The council listed many issues of concern including: Chronic
wasting disease; Insufficient funding of state conservation
agencies; Climate change; Sunday hunting; Invasive species;
Endangered species; and Promotion of outdoor recreation
opportunities in urban areas.
The next step is to prioritize the issues and develop action plans.
Education, work, and fun are to be incorporated into every youth council meeting, and
the fun component of this meeting was a trap shoot hosted by the Palmyra Sportsmens
Association.
The Council thanks the Palmyra Sportsmens Association members, trap crew, and
President Skip Klinger for hosting the two-day event. The next meeting will take place in
August.
Robb Miller, of Perry County, serves as the Governors Advisor for Hunting, Fishing and
Conservation, and will oversee administration of Council activities. Contact Miller by sending
email to: robmille@pa.gov or contact Tim Brandt by sending email to: tdbrandt38@gmail.com.
copy.)
DCNR State Forester Daniel Devlin Earns Penn State Distinguished Alumni Honor
Daniel A. Devlin, Pennsylvanias State Forester and the 13th in the

history of Pennsylvanias forest management program, recently was
named a recipient of the Pennsylvania State University 2017 Forest
Resources Outstanding Alumni Award. (photo left)
Devlin, who serves as DCNRs director of the Bureau of Forestry, was
honored on April 1 at a banquet in State College.
The annual awards program recognizes outstanding alumni and is
designed to foster closer relationships among award recipients and
students, faculty, staff, and other alumni.
The 10th Penn State alumnus to serve as state forester, Devlin earned
his bachelors degree in Forest Science in 1975 with a minor in wildlife
biology. He also completed a masters degree in wildlife management
66
in 1979 with a minor in forest resources.
Among many career highlights, Devlin has:
-- Since 2007, led management of 2.2 million acres of state forest lands and bureau staff
-- From 2013 to 2015, served as deputy secretary for Parks and Forestry, while remaining state
forester
-- Oversaw the addition of 18 new Natural Areas and two new Wild Areas to the state forest
system
-- Coordinated development of the Bureau of Forestrys strategic plan, Penns Woods
Sustaining our Forests
-- Provided oversight of all Marcellus Gas leasing and monitoring activities on state forest lands
-- In the early 1980s, served as the Bureau of Forestrys only wildlife biologist, responsible for
coordinating the fauna management program
-- Served as forest manager for the U.S. Department of Interiors Indian Affairs on the
56,000-acre Grand Portage Indian Reservation in Minnesota.
Click Here to learn more about Pennsylvanias State Forests.
For more information, visit DCNRs website, Click Here to sign up for the Resource
newsletter, Click Here to be part of DCNRs Online Community, Click Here to hook up with
DCNR on other social media-- Facebook, Twitter, YouTube and Flickr.
copy.)
Public Participation Opportunities/Calendar Of Events
This section lists House and Senate Committee meetings, DEP and other public hearings and
meetings and other interesting environmental events.
NEW means new from last week. [Agenda Not Posted] means not posted within 2 weeks
of the advisory committee meeting. Go to the online Calendar webpage for updates.
Note: DEP published its 2017 schedule of advisory committee and board meeting in the
December 17 PA Bulletin, page 7896.
April 8-- PA Resources Council Rain Barrel Workshop. Fern Park, Allegheny County. 10:30
a.m. to Noon.
April 8-- Brodhead Watershed Association Streamwater Volunteer Training. Northampton

Community Colleges Kapp Hall, Room 104, at the Tannersville Campus. 11:30 a.m.
April 8-- Penn State Extension, DCNR Woods In Your Backyard Workshop. Penn State Beaver,
SUB Lodge, Monaca, Beaver County. 9 a.m. 4 p.m.
April 8-- Fish and Boat Commission Mentored Youth Trout Days.
April 8-- Hawk Mountain Sanctuary. Lecture By Private Lives Of Vultures Author Kate Fallon.
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Berks County. 2:00 p.m.
April 8-- Delaware & Lehigh National Heritage Corridor First Trails Cleanup at Hugh Moore
Park, Northampton County.
April 9-- Clean Air Council Run For Clean Air Earth Day Celebration. Philadelphia.
April 9-- Allegheny CleanWays Tireless Project Cleanup Kickoff. Millvale Riverfront Park,
Allegheny County. Noon to 3:00 p.m.
April 11-- SRBC, DEP Water Loss Management Training For Drinking Water Systems:
AWWA Water Audit Software. SRBC, 4423 N. Front Street, Harrisburg. 8:30 to 3:30.
April 11-- PA Resources Council Rain Barrel Workshop. North Park-Rose Barn, Allegheny
County. 6:30 to 8:00 p.m.
April 12-- DEP State Board for Certification of Water and Wastewater Systems Operators
meeting. 10th Floor Conference Room, Rachel Carson Building. 10:00. DEP Contact: Cheri
Sansoni, Bureau of Safe Drinking Water, Operator Certification, 400 Market Street, Harrisburg,
PA 17101, 717-772-5158, csansoni@pa.gov.
April 12-- Agenda Posted. DEP Technical Advisory Committee on Diesel-Powered Equipment
(Deep Mining) meeting. DEP New Stanton Office, 131 Broadview Road, New Stanton. 10:00.
DEP Contact: Peggy Scheloske, mscheloske@pa.gov or 724-404-3143.
April 12-- DEP Environmental Justice Listening Session. Margaret Bell Miller Middle School,
126 East Lincoln St., Waynesburg, Greene County. 4:30 to 6:30 p.m.
April 12-- PA Resources Council Rain Barrel Workshop. Phipps Garden Center, Allegheny
April 12-- PA Chamber of Business & Industry Annual Environmental Conference and Trade
Show. Best Western Premier Eden Resort & Suites, 222 Eden Road, Lancaster.
April 13-- Agenda Posted. DEP Oil And Gas Technical Advisory Board meeting. Room 105
Rachel Carson Building. 10:00. DEP Contact: Kurt Klapkowski, 717-783-9438 or send email to:
kklapkowsk@pa.gov. Click Here to participate via WebEx. (formal notice)
-- TAB and PA Grade Crude Development Advisory Council Roles, Responsibilities
-- Pressure Barrier Technical Guidance
-- Integrated Well Site Contingency Plan Guidelines
-- Area of Review Technical Guidance
-- Water Supply Technical Guidance
-- Induced Seismicity/Area of Alternative Methods
-- Discussion of Proposed General Permits Limiting Methane Emissions
-- Reports from Workgroups: Coal-Gas Coordination, Erosion & Sediment Control, Noise
68
Control, Wellbore Deviation, Spill Policy, Mine-Influenced Water, Liner Processing
-- Click Here for available handouts
April 13-- DEP Environmental Justice Listening Session. Hill House Association, 1835 Centre
Ave., Pittsburgh, 4:00 to 6:00 p.m.
April 13-- Society of Women Environmental Professionals - Capital Chapter Annual

Conference. Central Penn Colleges Conference Center, Summerdale, Cumberland County.
April 13-- Game Commission/DEP Free Peregrine Falcon Workshop For Educators. Rachel
Carson Building, Harrisburg. 9:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m.
April 15-- Brodhead Watershed Association. Get Outdoors Poconos Chestnut Mountain Nature
Preserve Hike. Barrett Township, Monroe County. 10:00 to 11:30 a.m.
April 18-- Agenda Posted. Environmental Quality Board meeting. Room 105 Rachel Carson
Building. 9:00. DEP Contact: Laura Edinger, Environmental Quality Board, 400 Market Street,
Harrisburg, PA 17101, 717-772-3277, edinger@pa.gov.
-- Final Environmental Laboratory Accreditation Fee Package
-- Proposed Triennial Review Of Water Quality Standards-Ammonia
-- Proposed Statement Of Policy - Water Quality Toxics Management Strategy
-- Click Here for available handouts
April 18-- DEP Citizens Advisory Council meeting. Room 105 Rachel Carson Building. 10:00.
DEP Contact: Katie Hetherington Cunfer, Citizens Advisory Council, P. O. Box 8459,
Harrisburg, PA 17105-8459, 717-705-2693, khethering@pa.gov.
April 18-- DEP Mine Families First Response and Communication Advisory Council meeting.
DEP New Stanton Office, Fayette Room, 131 Broadview Road, New Stanton. 10:00. DEP
Contact: Allison Gaida, 724-404-3147 or send email to: agaida@pa.gov. (formal notice)
April 18-- PA Resources Council Rain Barrel Workshop. Lauri Ann West Community Center,
Allegheny County. 7:00 to 8:30 p.m.
April 19-- DEP public meeting/hearing on proposed Air Quality Plan Approval for an
emergency generator at a Transco natural gas pipeline compressor station in Mifflin Township,
Lycoming County. Salladasburg Elementary School, 3490 State Route 287, Jersey Shore.
6:00-- meeting, 7:15-- hearing. Contact: Muhammad Zaman, DEP Williamsport Office,
570-327-3648. (formal notice PA Bulletin page 1536)
April 20-- CANCELED. DEP Air Quality Technical Advisory Committee meeting. Room 105
Rachel Carson Building, Harrisburg. 9:15. DEP Contact: Kirit Dalal, kdalal@pa.gov or
717-772-3436.
April 20-- CANCELED. DEP Mining and Reclamation Advisory Board meeting. 4th Floor
69
Training Room, Rachel Carson Building. 10:00. DEP Contact: Daniel Snowden,
dsnowden@pa.gov or 717-787-5103. (formal notice)
April 20-- DEP Environmental Justice Listening Session. The Genetti Hotel & Suites, 200 West
4th St., Williamsport, 4:30 to 6:30 p.m.
April 20-- PA Resources Council Rain Barrel Workshop. South Park-Buffalo Inn, Allegheny
April 21-22-- PEC, KPB Pinchot State Forest Earth Day Tree Planting. Luzerne County.
April 22-- PA Environmental Council Tree Planting, Weiser State Forest. Columbia County.
April 22-- Green Valleys Watershed Association French Creek Cleanup. Chester County.
April 22-- Earth Day!
April 22-- PA Resources Council Rain Barrel Workshop. Ross Township Community Center,
Allegheny County. Noon to 1:30 p.m.
April 22-- PA Resources Council Reuse Fest. UPMC Passavant Green Lot off Babcock Blvd,
McCandless, Allegheny County.
April 22-23-- Friends of Allegheny Wilderness Hickory Creek Wilderness Trail Stewardship
Days. Warren County.
April 25-- PA Environmental Council. Dinner Recognizing Winners Of 2017 Governors

Environmental Excellence Awards. Harrisburg Hilton.
April 25-27-- PA Section American Water Works Association Annual Conference. The
Hershey Lodge, Hershey.
April 26-- House Consumer Affairs Committee hearing on House Bill 107 (Godshall-R-
Montgomery) expanding access to natural gas service (sponsor summary). Room B-31 Main
Capitol. 9:30.
April 26-- NEW. Senate-House Nuclear Energy Caucus meeting to hear a presentation from
PJM Interconnection on the impact of decommissioning a nuclear power station will have on the
regional electric grid. Room 8E-A East Wing, Capitol Building. 8:00 to 9:00 am. Questions
should be directed to Jake Smeltz 717-787-4420 or send email to: jsmeltz@pasen.gov.
April 26-- CANCELED. DEP Small Business Compliance Advisory Committee meeting. The
next scheduled meeting is July 26. DEP Contact: Nancy Herb, nherb@pa.gov or 717-783-9269.
(formal notice)
70
April 27-- DEP Agricultural Advisory Board meeting. DEP Southcentral Regional Office, 909
Elmerton Ave., Harrisburg. 9:00. DEP Contact: Jay Braund, jbraund@pa.gov or 717-772-5636.
April 27-- DEP Environmental Justice Listening Session. Tom Ridge Environmental Center, 301
Peninsula Dr., Room 112, Erie, 5:00 to 7 p.m.
April 27-- PA Resources Council Rain Barrel Workshop. Boyce Park-Activity Center,
Allegheny County. 6:30 to 8:00 p.m.
April 29-- Manada Conservancys Spring Native Plant Sale. Hummelstown, Dauphin County.
April 29-- PA Resources Council/PA American Water Drug Take-Back Day. Green Tree, Mt.
Lebanon and Robinson Township, Allegheny County.
May 2-- DEP Environmental Justice Listening Session. DEP Southcentral Regional Office, 909
Elmerton Ave., Conference Room, Harrisburg, 4:00 to 6:00 p.m.
May 3-- House Agriculture and Rural Affairs Committee informational meeting on the forest
products industry. University of Pittsburgh at Bradford, 300 Campus Drive, Bradford. 9:00.
May 3-- Registration Open. Pennsylvania Groundwater Symposium. Ramada Inn Conference
Center, State College.
May 4-- DEP Small Water Systems Technical Assistance Center Board meeting. Room 105
Rachel Carson Building. 9:00. DEP Contact: Dawn Hissner, dhissner@pa.gov or 717-772-2189.
(formal notice)
May 4-6-- Registration Open. PA Land Trust Association Land Conservation Conference &
Environmental Advisory Council Network Conference. Lancaster.
May 6-- 2017 Environmental Advisory Committee Conference. DoubleTree Resort, 2400
Willow Street Pike in Lancaster. 8:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m.
May 6-- PA Resources Council Allegheny County Backyard Composting Workshop. Ross Twp.
Community Center, Noon to 1:30 p.m.
May 6-- PA Resources Council. Household Chemical Collection Event. North Park, Allegheny
County.
May 6-- Delaware Highlands Conservancy. Dinner & Live, Silent Auctions. Silver Birches
Waterfront in Hawley, Pike County.
May 8-- PA Chesapeake Bay Watershed Implementation Planning Steering Committee meeting.
Room 105 Rachel Carson Building, Harrisburg. 1:00 to 4:00 p.m.
71
May 9-- DEP Climate Change Advisory Committee meeting. Room 105 Rachel Carson
Building. 10:00. DEP Contact: Mark Brojakowski, mbrojakows@pa.gov or 717-772-3429.
(formal notice)
May 9-- PA Resources Council Allegheny County Backyard Composting Workshop. Carnegie
Municipal Building, 6:30 to 8:00 p.m.
May 10-- House Agriculture and Rural Affairs Committee holds an information meeting with
Agriculture Secretary Russell Redding on budget and other priorities of the agency. Room 60
East Wing. 9:00.
May 10-- DEP Aggregate Advisory Board meeting. DEP Southcentral Regional Office, 909
Elmerton Ave, Harrisburg. 10:00. DEP Contact: Daniel E. Snowden, dsnowden@pa.gov or
717-787-5103.
May 10-- DEP Water Resources Advisory Committee meeting. Room 105 Rachel Carson
Building, Harrisburg. 9:30. DEP Contact: Diane Wilson, diawilson@pa.gov or 717-787-3730.
May 10-- PA Resources Council Allegheny County Backyard Composting Workshop. Fern
Hollow, 7:00 to 8:30 p.m.
May 11-- DEP Environmental Justice Listening Session. Allentown Public Library, Community
room, 1210 Hamilton St, Allentown. 5:00 to 7:00 p.m.
May 13-- PA Resources Council Hard-To-Recycle Collection Event. Galleria at Pittsburgh

Mills, Frazer Township, Allegheny County.
May 15-- DEP Environmental Justice Listening Session. HACC Lancaster Campus, East
Building, Room 203, 1641 Old Philadelphia Pike, Lancaster. 5:00 to 7:00 p.m.
May 16-- Primary Election Day.
May 16-- PA Resources Council Allegheny County Backyard Composting Workshop. North
Park-Rose Barn, 6:30 to 8:00 p.m.
May 17-- Environmental Quality Board meeting. Room 105 Rachel Carson Building. 9:00. DEP
Contact: Laura Edinger, Environmental Quality Board, 400 Market Street, Harrisburg, PA
17101, 717-772-3277, edinger@pa.gov.
May 17-- DEP Citizens Advisory Council meeting. Room 105 Rachel Carson Building. 10:00.
DEP Contact: Katie Hetherington Cunfer, Citizens Advisory Council, P. O. Box 8459,
Harrisburg, PA 17105-8459, 717-705-2693, khethering@pa.gov.
May 18-- CANCELED. DEP Oil And Gas Technical Advisory Board meeting. Room 105
Rachel Carson Building. 10:00. DEP Contact: Kurt Klapkowski, 717-783-9438 or send email to:
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kklapkowsk@pa.gov. (formal notice)
May 18-- NEW. PA Grade Crude Development Advisory Council meeting. Location TBD.
1:00.
May 18-- PA Resources Council Allegheny County Backyard Composting Workshop. Boyce
Park-Activity Center, 6:30 to 8:00 p.m.
May 19-21-- PA Outdoor Writers Association Spring Conference. Harrisburg/Hershey Holiday

Inn Grantville, Dauphin County. Click Here for more information.
May 20-- Foundation For Sustainable Forests Loving The Land Through Working Forests
Annual Conference. Mercer County.
May 20-- PA Resources Council. Household Chemical Collection Event. Concurrent

Technologies Corporation, Johnstown, Cambria County.
May 20-- PA Resources Council Allegheny County Backyard Composting Workshop. Lauri
ann West Community Center, 10:30 to Noon
May 20-- PA Parks & Forests Foundation. Highmark Walk For A Healthy Community.
Harrisburg Area Community College, Harrisburg.
May 20-- NEW. Delaware Highlands Conservancy Money Does Grow On Trees Workshop.
Grey Towers National Historic Site in Milford, Pike County. 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.
May 22-- Environmental Issues Forum. Joint Legislative Air and Water Pollution Control and
Conservation Committee to hear a presentation on Pennsylvanias pollinator population and
emerging threats to agriculture and the beekeeping industry. Pollinators play a significant role in
the production of fruit and vegetables. Room 8E-A East Wing Capitol Building. Noon.
May 23-- DEP Environmental Justice Listening Session. City of Chester (Delaware County),
Location TBA. 5:00 to 7:00 p.m.
May 24-- PA Green & Healthy Schools Partnership. PA Green & Healthy Schools Forum with
PA Envirothon. University of Pittsburgh Campus-Johnstown .
May 24-- PA Resources Council Allegheny County Backyard Composting Workshop. South
Park-Buffalo Inn, 6:30 to 8:00 p.m.
May 25-- DEP Environmental Justice Listening Session. Philadelphia, Location TBA. 4:00 to
6:00 p.m.
June 1-- PA Resources Council Rain Barrel Workshop. Phipps Garden Center, Allegheny
73
June 5-- PA Chesapeake Bay Watershed Implementation Planning Steering Committee public
input session. Location and time to be announced.
June 7-- DEP Coastal Zone Advisory Committee meeting. 10th Floor Conference Room,
Rachel Carson Building. 9:30. DEP Contact: Stacey Box, 717-772-5622 or send email to:
sbox@pa.gov.
June 7-- DEP Laboratory Accreditation Advisory Committee meeting. Room 206, Bureau of
Laboratories Building, 2575 Interstate Drive, Harrisburg. 9:00. DEP Contact: Aaren Alger,
aaalger@pa.gov or 717-346-7200.
June 7-- DCNR PA Trails Advisory Committee Public Forum. Murrysville Community Center,
3091 Carson Ave, Murrysville, Westmoreland County. 6:30 to 8:00 p.m.
June 8-- PA Resources Council Allegheny County Backyard Composting Workshop. Phipps
Garden Center, 6:30 to 8:00 p.m.
June 18-23-- Registration Open. Rivers Conservation & Fly Fishing Youth Camp. Messiah
College, Grantham, Cumberland County.
June 21-22-- PA Abandoned Mine Reclamation Conference. Best Western Plus Genetti Hotel
and Conference Center, Wilkes-Barre. Click Here for more information.
June 24-- PA Resources Council Hard-To-Recycle Collection Event. Quaker Valley High
School, Leetsdale, Allegheny County.
July 12-- SRBC, DEP Water Loss Management Training For Drinking Water Systems: Metering
and Billing Operations. SRBC, 4423 N. Front Street, Harrisburg. 8:30 to 3:30.
July 22-- PA Resources Council. Household Chemical Collection Event. Consol Energy Park,
Washington County.
July 29-- PA Resources Council Hard-To-Recycle Collection Event. La Roche College,

McCandless, Allegheny County.
August 12-- PA Resources Council Hard-To-Recycle Collection Event. Century III Mall, West
Mifflin, Allegheny County.
August 16-- SRBC, DEP Water Loss Management Training For Drinking Water Systems:
Fundamentals of Leakage and Pressure Management. SRBC, 4423 N. Front Street, Harrisburg.
8:30 to 3:30.
August 17-- NEW. PA Grade Crude Development Advisory Council meeting. Location TBD.
1:00.
74
August 19-- PA Resources Council. Household Chemical Collection Event. Boyce Park,
Allegheny County.
September 16-- PA Resources Council. Household Chemical Collection Event. South Park,
Allegheny County.
September 21-- DEP Recycling Fund Advisory Committee/Solid Waste Advisory Committee
joint meeting. Room 105 Rachel Carson Building. 10:00. DEP Contact: Laura Henry,
lahenry@pa.gov or 717-772-5713.
September 23-26-- Statewide Greenways & Trails Summit. DoubleTree Hotel in Reading,
Berks County.
October 4-- DEP Low-Level Radioactive Waste Advisory Committee meeting. Room 105
Rachel Carson Building. 10:00. DEP Contact: Rich Janati, rjanati@pa.gov or 717-787-2147.
October 7-- PA Resources Council Hard-To-Recycle Collection Event. Settlers Cabin Park,
Allegheny County.
October 14-- PA Resources Council. Household Chemical Collection Event. Bradys Run Park,
Beaver County.
November 16-- NEW. PA Grade Crude Development Advisory Council meeting. Location
TBD. 1:00.
December 5-7-- National Brownfields Conference - Sustainable Communities Start Here.

LEED-certified David L. Lawrence Convention Center, Pittsburgh.
February 7-10-- PA Association For Sustainable Agriculture Annual Conference. State

College.
Visit DEPs Public Participation Center for public participation opportunities. Click Here to sign
up for DEP News a biweekly newsletter from the Department.
Sign Up For DEPs eNotice: Did you know DEP can send you email notices of permit
applications submitted in your community? Notice of new technical guidance documents and
regulations? All through its eNotice system. Click Here to sign up.
DEP Regulations In Process

Proposed Regulations Open For Comment - DEP webpage
Submit Comments on Proposals Through DEPs eComment System
75
Proposed Regulations With Closed Comment Periods - DEP webpage
Recently Finalized Regulations - DEP webpage
DEP Regulatory Update - DEP webpage
February 2017 DEP Regulatory Agenda - PA Bulletin, Page 740
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 webpage
Technical Guidance Recently Finalized - DEP webpage
Copies of Final Technical Guidance - DEP webpage
DEP Non-Regulatory/Technical Guidance Documents Agenda (Feb. 2017) - 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
DEP Facebook Page DEP Twitter Feed DEP YouTube Channel
Click Here for links to DEPs Advisory Committee webpages.
DEP Calendar of Events DCNR Calendar of Events
Note: The Environmental Education Workshop Calendar is no longer available from the PA
Center for Environmental Education because funding for the Center was eliminated in the FY
2011-12 state budget. The PCEE website was also shutdown, but some content was moved to
the PA Association of Environmental Educators' website.
Senate Committee Schedule House Committee Schedule
You can watch the Senate Floor Session and House Floor Session live online.
Add Green Works In PA To Your Google+ Circle
Grants & Awards
This section gives you a heads up on upcoming deadlines for awards and grants and other
recognition programs. NEW means new from last week.
April 12-- DCNR Community Conservation Partnership Grants Close

April 14-- Schuylkill Student Street Art Contest
April 15-- DCNR Environmental Careers Summer Camp
76
April 15-- Philadelphia Sustainable Business Tax Credit
April 17- Schuylkill River Restoration Fund Land Transaction Grants
April 19-- SBA Economic Damage Disaster Loans In 5 Southwest Counties
April 21-- NRCS Regional Conservation Partnership Program Grants
April 26-- Green Building Alliance Western PA Emerald Awards
April 30-- Northeast PA Audubon Society College Scholarship
May 1-- NEW. PEC/DCNR Pocono Forests & Waters Initiative Grants
May 3-- NEW. Renewal Of NRCS Conservation Stewardship Contracts
May 3-- PennVEST Water Infrastructure Funding
May 9-- National Fish & Wildlife Foundation Chesapeake Bay Grants
May 12-- NEW. DEP PA State Clean Diesel Grant Program
May 12-- CFA Solar Generating Equipment Loans
May 12-- CFA Renewable Energy-Geothermal & Wind Funding
May 12-- CFA Solar Energy Program
May 12-- CFA High Performance Building Program
May 18-- DCNR Volunteer Fire Company Wildfire Fighting Grants
May 26-- PennAg Industries College Scholarships
May 31-- CFA Act 13 Water-Related, Recreation Grants
May 31-- Abandoned Mine Land Programs Assn. College Scholarship
May 31-- NEW. PROP/Keystone SWANNA Waste Watcher Recognition Program
June 1-- DEP Vehicle Fleet Owner Alternative Fuels Technical Assistance Program
June 2-- Great American Cleanup Of PA Video Contest
June 4-- Goddard Leadership Legacy Institute For Youths 13-15
June 5-- NEW. NRCS PA Chesapeake Bay Watershed Restoration Grants
June 30-- Susquehanna Greenways Partnership 2017 Photo Contest
July 14-- CFA Renewable Energy-Geothermal & Wind Funding
July 14-- CFA Solar Energy Program
July 14-- CFA High Performance Building Program
August 18-- SBA Flood Disaster Economic Injury Assistance In Northcentral PA
September 5-- SBA Disaster Assistance Nonprofit Economic Injury NC PA
September 7-- PA Parks & Forests Foundation Thru The Seasons Photo Contest
September 15-- CFA Renewable Energy-Geothermal & Wind Funding
September 15-- CFA Solar Energy Program
September 15-- CFA High Performance Building Program
September 30-- DEP Recycling Performance Grants
October 31-- PA Resources Council Lens On Litter Photo Contest
-- Visit the DEP Grant, Loan and Rebate Programs webpage for more ideas on how to get
financial assistance for environmental projects.
-- Visit the DCNR Apply for Grants webpage for a listing of financial assistance available from
DCNR.
77
Environmental NewsClips - All Topics
Here are NewsClips from around the state on all environmental topics, including General
Environment, Budget, Marcellus Shale, Watershed Protection and much more.
The latest environmental NewsClips and news is available at the PA Environment Digest Daily
Blog, Twitter Feed and add us to your Google+ Circle.
Federal Policy
EPA Union Fights Back On Trumps Planned Budget Cuts
Time Running Out For Congress To Approve Coal Miners Protection Act
New York, Other States Take On Trump Over Energy Efficiency
Op-Ed: Trump Executive Orders Fail On Jobs And Environment
EPA Chief: There Is Climate Warming, How Much Do We Contribute To It?
Foxs Chris Wallace Destroyed EPA Chief Over Climate Change
EPA Head Says Paris Climate Agreement Is A Bad Deal
U.S. Coal Companies Ask Trump To Stick With Paris Climate Deal
Pruitts Claim That Clean Coal Helped Reduce Carbon Emissions
Trump Pushes Rollback Of Obama-Era Climate Rules
EPA Shutting Down Climate Adaptation Program
Pittsburgh Libraries Join Initiative To Protect Climate Data
Op-Ed: GOP Climate Resolution Deserves Wider Support
Op-Ed: Trump Should Stop Keeping Hope Alive That Coal Jobs Will Come Back
Editorial: Trumps Reckless Climate Reversal
Editorial: Nonpartisan Air, Climate Change
Editorial: Trump Has Scientists Mad Enough To March On Earth Day
Budget By 12%
Air
Philadelphias Air Among Smoggiest In Northeast Study Says
Study Links PA Coal Power Plant Emissions To Impacts On Babies In NJ
Alternative Fuels
Philly Council Pulls Plug On Electric Vehicle Program In Contested Vote
Philly Electric Car Owners To Lose Parking Perk
Killing Exclusive Electric Car Parking Spots A Bait-And-Switch
78
Beautification
Digital Billboard Along Harrisburg Interchange Has To Go
Biodiversity/Invasive Species
Northern Cricket Frog May Affect Repairs To Ice Lakes Dam
Editorial: Save A Frog, Save Yourself
AP: Bethlehem Council Backs Banning Bamboo
Free Butterfly Garden Starter Kit From National Wildlife Federation
Budget
Chesapeake Bay
Climate
Pittsburgh Libraries Join Initiative To Protect Climate Data
University Of Scranton: Climate Policy In The Age Of Trump
Op-Ed: A Scranton Natives Take On Trumps Commitment To Coal
EPA Chief: There Is Climate Warming, How Much Do We Contribute To It?
Foxs Chris Wallace Destroyed EPA Chief Over Climate Change
EPA Head Says Paris Climate Agreement Is A Bad Deal
Trump Pushes Rollback Of Obama-Era Climate Rules
EPA Shutting Down Climate Adaptation Program
Op-Ed: GOP Climate Resolution Deserves Wider Support
79
Editorial: Trumps Reckless Climate Reversal
Editorial: Nonpartisan Air, Climate Change
Coal Mining
Kings College Unveils Names On Miners Memorial Wall Of Honor
Time Running Out For Congress To Approve Coal Miners Protection Act
Coal Country Advocates Push Aide For Jobless Miners
Black Lung Benefit Bills Introduced In Congress
Coal Movements By Rail Soar 19% In March, But Its All Relative
Kentucky Coal Mining Museum Switches To Solar Power
Compliance Action
Composting
Delaware River
Drinking Water
All Pittsburgh Residents Eligible For Free Lead Water Testing, Filters
Thousands In Pittsburgh Left Out Of Water Line Lead Tests
Pittsburgh Water Authority Tables Directors Contract
Editorial: Tough Choices For Pittsburgh Water Authority
Insurers Claim No Responsibility In Butler Schools Lead-Tainted Water Case
Laureldale Residents With Lead Contaminated Soil Asked To Contact EPA
New EPA Study Shows High Levels Of Lead In Laureldale, Near Reading
How The EPA Lead Study Was Done
Nestle, Crayola Team Up to Put Kids Designs On Water Bottles
Drinking Water Wells
Angst Builds In Cumberland County As Wells Near Quarry Run Dry
AP: Legionnaires Bacteria Found In Chester County School Water
Drought
Rain Is Over, Drought Watch Isnt
Earth Day
80
Environmental Victories Since The First Earth Day
Economic Development
Energy, Manufacturing Make 2016 Banner Year In Pittsburgh Region
Education
Economic Development
Emergency Response
Casey Urges Trump To Approve NE Blizzard Cleanup Aid
Lackawanna County Seeks Emergency Funding For Storm Cleanup
Blizzard Of 2017 Doesnt Qualify For Federal Aid
Wilkes-Barre To Make Another Attempt At Storm Reimbursements
Erie County Outfits Hazardous Materials Equipment Trailers
Energy
Op-Ed: Nuclear Power Plants Need To Be Part Of PA Energy Mix
PUC To Scrutinize PPLs Low-Income Program
How Much Electric Companies In PA Forgive Overdue Bills
Man Losing Battle With PPL To Keep Electricity His Sick Wife Needs
Strong 2016 Boosts PPL CEOs Compensation To $15.5M
New York, Other States Take On Trump Over Energy Efficiency
Trump Takes Steps To Keep Chinese Away From Westinghouse
Energy Conservation
Environmental Justice
81
Heads Up PA Farmers, Rockey Environmental Justice Hearings Ahead
Environmental History
Kings College Unveils Names On Miners Memorial Wall Of Honor
Farming
Erie Council Expected To OK Hearing On Urban Farming
Forests
DCNR Employees, Volunteers Gear Up For Wildfire Season-Part 1
PAs Wildfire Fighting Program Takes Flight-Part 2
Crews Respond To Major Brush Fire In Lancaster County
Green Infrastructure
Hazardous Materials
Laureldale Residents With Lead Contaminated Soil Asked To Contact EPA
Findings Of Soil Lead Study Show More Information Needed
Sen. Schwank Calls For Review Of Laureldale Lead Cleanup
Land Conservation
Where Wilderness Preservation Began: Writings Of Howard Zahniser
Land Recycling
Dauphin County To Receive $400K EPA Brownfields Grant
Litter/Illegal Dumping
Mine Reclamation
DEP Works To Extinguish Longtime Underground Coal Mine Fire In Plum
Noncoal Mining
Angst Builds In Cumberland County As Wells Near Quarry Run Dry
Oil & Gas
82
Pipelines
Radiation Protection
Trump Takes Steps To Keep Chinese Away From Westinghouse
Recreation
Budget By 12%
Recycling/Waste
Renewable Energy
Stormwater
83
Wastewater Treatment Facilities
Freeport Studies Construction Of Its Own Sewage Plant
Watershed Protection
Wildlife
Crable: Vets Find Peace On The Water
Schneck: Trout Opener About Average Across Central PA
Rain Gives Fish Upper Hand At Trout Season Opener
Crable: Gill Lice Parasite Found In Lancaster County Trout
Crable: Migrating Toad Alert In Manheim Twp, Lancaster County
2nd Bald Eagle Egg Hatches In Pittsburgh
Crable: Lancaster County Hunting Camp Kills 10 Bears Twice In 4 Years
Free Butterfly Garden Starter Kit From National Wildlife Federation
West Nile/Zika Virus/Lyme Disease
York Has Zika Kits, Not Zika
CDC: Zika Virus Poses Greater Risk For Birth Defects
Other
Crable: Master Gardeners Standing By For Your Gardening Questions
2017 Collingswood Green Festival Is April 8
Nestle, Crayola Team Up to Put Kids Designs On Water Bottles
Click Here For This Week's Allegheny Front Radio Program
Regulations, Technical Guidance & Permits
No new regulations were published this week. Pennsylvania Bulletin - April 8, 2017
Governors Office published notice in the April 8 PA Bulletin of a proclamation terminating the
March 13 disaster emergency on March 23.
Sign Up For DEPs eNotice: Did you know DEP can send you email notices of permit
84
applications submitted in your community? Notice of new technical guidance documents and
regulations? All through its eNotice system. Click Here to sign up.
DEP Regulations In Process

Proposed Regulations Open For Comment - DEP webpage
Proposed Regulations With Closed Comment Periods - DEP webpage
Recently Finalized Regulations - DEP webpage
DEP Regulatory Update - DEP webpage
February 2017 DEP Regulatory Agenda - PA Bulletin, Page 740
Technical Guidance & Permits
Note: DEP published 45 pages of public notices related to proposed and final permit and
approval/disapproval actions in the April 8 PA Bulletin - pages 2109 to 2154.
The Department of Environmental Protection published notice in the April 8 PA Bulletin of its
rescission of the Employer Trip Reduction Policy Guidance.
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 webpage
Technical Guidance Recently Finalized - DEP webpage
Copies of Final Technical Guidance - DEP webpage
DEP Non-Regulatory/Technical Guidance Documents Agenda (Feb. 2017) - 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
Visit DEPs Public Participation Center for public participation opportunities. Click Here to sign
up for DEP News a biweekly newsletter from the Department.
DEP Facebook Page DEP Twitter Feed DEP YouTube Channel
Click Here for links to DEPs Advisory Committee webpages.
DEP Calendar of Events DCNR Calendar of Events

85
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Send your stories, photos and links to videos about your project, environmental issues or
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PA Environment Digest

An Update On Environmental Issues In Pennsylvania

Winner Of PA Association of Environmental Educators

PA Environment Digest Daily Blog Twitter Feed

Issue #667 Harrisburg, PA April 10, 2017

The PA Chesapeake Bay Watershed Implementation

House Republicans Pass Budget Proposal With Across-The-Board Cuts Again

House Republicans Monday unveiled their initial FY 2017-18 General

Analysis: Cuts In State Funding To DEP Cannot Continue, Rebalance Needed

The budget passed Tuesday by the House again fully

Dominion, PEC Announce Winners Of Western PA Environmental Awards, Lifetime

Four environmental programs from

PA Environment Digest Google+ Circle, Blogs, Twitter Feeds

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

Senate/House Agenda/Session Schedule/Govs Schedule/Bills Introduced

House (April 18): House Resolution 84 (Ryan-R-Lebanon) congratulating the PA National

Committee Meeting Agendas This Week

House: <> Click Here for full House Committee Schedule.

Senate: <> Click Here for full Senate Committee Schedule.

Bills Pending In Key Committees

The following bills of interest were introduced this week--

50th Anniversary Of Chesapeake Bay Foundation: House Resolution 231 (Everett-R-

Senate/House Bills Moving

Construction Code: House Bill 409 (Evankovich-R-Allegheny) makes fundamental changes to

EPA Administrator Scott Pruitt Sunday defended

In a joint letter to U.S. Secretary of Energy Rick

On Wednesday U.S. House Committee on Natural

The Academy of Natural Sciences of Drexel

News From The Capitol

The Senate-House Nuclear Energy Caucus will hold its

News From Around The State

The Commonwealth Drought Task Force Thursday lifted the

A nature-inspired outdoor classroom, with an

NRCS Now Accepting Applications For Grants In PA Chesapeake Bay Watershed

The USDA Natural Resources Conservation

Renew Your NRCS-PA Landowner Conservation Stewardship Program Contract Now

The U.S. Department of Agriculture Wednesday

Explaining How Green Infrastructure Can Provide Protection From Flooding

As the rain falls, many communities across the

Explaining How Legacy Sediment Impacts Streams And Floodplains

The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency

Request A Stream Smart Storm Water House Call In 2 SE Watersheds In 4 Counties

To address significant water quality issues on a residential

Presentations Available From PEC/POWR/DEP Watershed Conference In March

April 3 Newsletter Available From LandStudies On Legacy Sediments, Reducing Flooding

The April 3 newsletter is now available from

Keep Pennsylvania Beautiful announced Tuesday Weis

PA Resources Council ReuseFest Recycling/Reuse Collection Event In Pittsburgh April 22

Clean out the closets, the garage and the basement! On

The Professional Recycler of Pennsylvania and co-sponsor Keystone

April Newsletter Now Available From The PA Resources Council

The April newsletter is now available from the PA

The Department of Health Friday held an exercise to

EQB To Consider Laboratory Fee Increases, Ammonia Standard On April 18

PA Grade Crude Development Advisory Council Sets 3 Meetings In 2017

DEP April 19 Meeting/Hearing On Transco Compressor Station In Lycoming County

The Department of Environmental Protection Wednesday announced it will hold a combined

PennEast Pipeline Company LLC Friday announced the

Six residents of Middletown Township, Delaware

DEP Accepting Applications For PA State Clean Diesel Grant Program

The Department of Environmental Protection is now

The Public Utility Commission Thursday released its

Pocono Environmental Education Center, KEEA Tout Benefits Of Energy Efficiency

The Pocono Environmental Education Center in