Pa Environment Digest May 15, 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 #672 Harrisburg, PA May 15, 2017
Will Gas Drilling Company Overturn The Way DEP Has Calculated Penalties For Nearly
40 Years? Well See
Sometime after June 12 the PA Supreme Court will

schedule a hearing on one of the most important
environmental cases in recent decades-- will EQT
drilling be successful in overturning the way the
Department of Environmental Protection has
calculated penalties for nearly 40 years.
And will it overturn the definition of what it means
to discharge pollutants to the waters of the
Commonwealth since the 1973 decision by the PA
Supreme Court in Commonwealth v. Harmar Coal.
At stake is not only the $4.5 million fine DEP
levied against EQT in 2014 for leaks from a 6 million gallon drilling wastewater impoundment
in Tioga County, but the way penalties for violating the Clean Streams Law and almost every
other major state environmental protection law are calculated.
This week DEP filed its brief on the case with the Court. DEP appealed the case to the
PA Supreme Court after Commonwealth Court ruled in favor of EQT.
Also filing friend of the court briefs to support DEP were the Fish and Boat Commission,
Clean Air Council, nearly 100 environmental groups, individuals, business people and local
officials, the Chesapeake Bay Foundation and PennFuture. Copies of these briefs are available
online--
-- Clean Air Council Brief Supporting DEP
-- Brief By Nearly 100 Groups Supporting DEP
-- Chesapeake Bay Foundation Supporting DEP
-- Fish and Boat Commission Supporting DEP
-- DEP Brief in EQT Drilling Leak/Spill Case - Appendix A, Appendix B, Appendix C, --
Appendix D, Appendix E, Appendix F
As described by the Clean Air Council in its brief, the state's Clean Streams Law is meant
to protect and restore to a clean, unpolluted condition every stream in Pennsylvania - in
accordance with the values articulated in the Environmental Rights Amendment, which protects
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the peoples right to pure water.
The Clean Streams Law clearly states that polluters, like EQT, should be penalized for
each day that the DEP can prove that the company continued to permit its pollutants to flow into
any waters of the Commonwealth.
DEP stated in legal filings that this was the worst leak that the agencys oil and gas
program had ever seen, polluting a High Quality stream, an Exceptional Value wetland, and
causing an expansive area of groundwater contamination.
EQT, itself, documented the fact its impoundment had 200 holes in its liner through
which drilling wastewater leaked.
But the case hinges in part on that language in the Clean Streams Law which says "each
day of continued violation... [is] a separate offense.
Commonwealth Court ruled that EQT could only be penalized for the few days when its
industrial waste first leaked from its facility, rather than for the entire time when its waste
continued to flow into the waters of the Commonwealth.
The Clean Air Council and other groups believe the Commonwealth Court's ruling
undermines the deterrent effect that the Clean Streams Law is supposed to have on future
polluters.
The Clean Streams Law is the state's bedrock clean water law, and the DEP must have
the full authority to penalize polluters like EQT, said Joseph Otis Minott, Esq., Executive
Director and Chief Counsel, Clean Air Council. Without the full deterrent effect of the penalties
for continuing violations under the law, polluters will not change their actions and
Pennsylvania's waters will continue to be contaminated. The Council's brief urges the Supreme
Court to issue a decision that protects our waters, which are essential for healthy communities,
tourism, fishing, recreation, and industries that rely on clean water."
We believe that Pennsylvanias Clean Streams Law is as crystal clear as the waterways
were working to protect by filing this amicus brief, noted Attorney Steve Harvey who wrote
the amicus brief on a pro-bono basis for the nearly 100 groups. Section 301 explicitly states that
polluters cant discharge illegally, nor after the discharge can they permit the pollution to flow or
continue to flow into any of the waters of the Commonwealth.
In the brief filed by the nearly 100 groups, it noted if a polluter discharges 10,000 (or ten
million) gallons of highly toxic chemicals on a single cay, and then stopped the discharge the
same day, the polluter could be liable for at most $10,000 in civil penalties, with no penalty for
failing to remediate, even though the toxic chemicals remained in the soil and continued to leak
into and foul the groundwater. After that, Appellee [EQT] would have no liability for civil
penalties, regardless of the amount of waste discharged, the toxicity, the proximity to water
resources, or the extent of environmental harm.
The brief filed by the Fish and Boat Commission again pointed out the interpretation
EQT would like the Court to accept would lead to an absurd and unreasonable result, and used
a real life incident.
The Commission said a 2006 accident where 31 rail cars derailed in McKean County
spilling sodium hydroxide (lye) in nearby creeks. The spill traveled 30 miles downstream
impacting aquatic life and vegetation.
Under EQTs interpretation the penalties for that incident would only come to a single
violation of $10,000, instead of the $7.5 million collected by DEP and the Commission.
The Chesapeake Bay Foundation brief made many of the same arguments and concluded,
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When a company like EQT makes the knowing and willful decision to place contaminants in
such as way that they can be released into the environment and cause harm far from the initial
location of placement, it runs the risk of being penalized for the full extent of the harm. That is
what the Clean Streams Law requires.
The briefs were filed in EQT Production Company v. Department of Environmental
Protection, No. 6 MAP 2017.
Broader Implications
If DEP loses this case, it has major, potential ramifications for the way penalties are
calculated in almost all the states environmental programs.
Each of Pennsylvanias major environmental protection laws has similar language,
including the Municipal Waste Planning, Recycling and Waste Reduction Act, Solid Waste
Management Act, Hazardous Sites Cleanup Act, Low-Level Radioactive Waste Disposal Act,
Radiation Protection Act, Air Pollution Control Act, Dam Safety and Encroachments Act, Safe
Drinking Water Act, Storage Tank and Spill Prevention Act, Land Recycling and Environmental
Remediation Standards Act, Environmental Laboratory Accreditation Act and more.
If EQT wins this case, penalties imposed by DEP in these other programs could be
vulnerable to a similar challenge.
Background On EQT Drilling Site Pollution
In October of 2014, DEP filed a complaint with the Environmental Hearing Board
requesting a $4.5 million civil penalty from EQT Production Company of Washington, Pa., for a
major pollution incident in 2012 at the companys Phoenix Pad S location in Duncan Township,
Tioga County.
When EQT originally proposed the impoundment in its earth disturbance permit, the
company stated it would be used to store fresh water only. However, after construction was
complete in late 2011, the company decided to use the impoundment to store flowback water
from Marcellus drilling operations to be used for fracking.
This unauthorized progression compromised environmental protection, as no monitoring
wells or leak detection were required to be installed around the impoundment based on its initial
stated intended use as a freshwater impoundment.
EQT ultimately proposed to construct a centralized waste impoundment adjacent to the
Pad S impoundment and installed monitoring wells to establish baseline water quality in the area.
A sampling event conducted on April 30, 2012 revealed elevated levels of chlorides and
other parameters in two of the monitoring wells in the vicinity of the existing Pad S
impoundment.
During the follow-up investigation of a reported flowback release from a transfer line on
May 9, 2012, DEP staff identified two high conductivity seeps near the Pad S impoundment that
were unrelated to the reported release. EQT continued to add fluid to the impoundment.
On May 30, 2012, after detecting high conductivity in a third monitoring well for the first
time and in a nearby spring, EQT reported to the department that the impoundment was leaking.
Impacts were ultimately documented in Rock Run, a high quality stream, an unnamed
tributary to Rock Run, and various groundwater seeps and springs. Trees and shrubs along the
discharge flow path also were severely impacted.
EQT demonstrated a lack of cooperation by adding more flowback water to the
impoundment even after becoming aware of the elevated chlorides in the nearby monitoring
wells. A DEP inspection done in June 2012 after the impoundment was emptied verified 75 to
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100 holes in the liner as estimated by EQT. EQT later revised this estimate to be over 200 holes.
An aerial inspection of the impoundment area conducted by DEP in August 2012
documented significant areas of stressed vegetation around the well pad in all directions.
EQT eventually removed the liner and excavated contaminated soil but did not conclude
this work until July 1, 2013. The exact amount of flowback that leaked from the impoundment is
unknown, but the department believes it was significant.
Monitoring of surface waters and the impacted spring by EQTs consultant has shown
contamination is present at high enough levels that this water is still being collected and
transported offsite for proper treatment and disposal.
The department incurred over $112,296 in costs and expenses as a result of its
investigation, which is included as part of the proposed penalty.
A copy of DEPs original complaint is available online. A copy of the associated exhibits
is also available.
Copies Of Briefs Compiled By PA Environment Digest
Clean Air Council Brief Supporting DEP
Brief By Nearly 100 Groups Supporting DEP
Chesapeake Bay Foundation Supporting DEP
Fish and Boat Commission Supporting DEP
DEP Brief in EQT Drilling Leak/Spill Case - Appendix A, Appendix B, Appendix C, Appendix
D, Appendix E, Appendix F
Prior NewsClips:
EQT Wins Court Case Against DEP For $4.5 Million Wastewater Leak Fine
State Supreme Court Rules In Favor Of EQT On Pollution Fines
Attorney General Files Criminal Complaint Against EQT For Wastewater Leaks
EQT Pleads No Contest To Pollution Charges In Tioga County Court
Related Stories:
Nearly 100 Groups File Brief Supporting DEP In EQT Water Quality Penalty Case Before PA
Supreme Court
DEP Seeks $4.5 Million Penalty From EQT For Drilling-Related Pollution In Tioga County
EQT Drilling Company Files Counter-Complaint Challenging Clean Streams Law
[Posted: May 12, 2017]
Growing Greener Rally For Clean Water, Parks, Trails, Open Space, Family Farms
Funding
Advocates for Pennsylvanias Growing Greener

Program Tuesday rallied on the steps of the state
Capitol to call for increased funding to protect
water, preserve open space and family farms, and
ensure current and future generations continue to
have access to community parks, trails and other
recreational opportunities.
Video: Why we must keep PA Growing
Greener.
Click Here to watch a video summary of the
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rally.
Joining in the rally to Keep PA Growing Greener were Senators Richard Alloway
(R-York); Tom Killion (R-Delaware); and John Yudichak (D-Luzerne), Minority Chair of the
Senate Environmental Resources and Energy Committee; and Representatives Alex Charlton
(R-Delaware), Mike Carroll (D-Luzerne), Minority Chair of the House Environmental Resources
and Energy Committee, and Robert Freeman (D-Northampton) as well as John Arway, Executive
Director, Fish and Boat Commission, David Kinney, Mid-Atlantic Policy Director, Trout
Unlimited, George Matysik, Executive Director, Philadelphia Parks Alliance and Jacqui
Bonomo, Executive Vice President and COO of PennFuture.
Funding for the Growing Greener program is at an all-time low, said Andrew Heath,
executive director of the PA Growing Greener Coalition, which organized the rally. We are
urging the Governor and General Assembly to act now to identify a bipartisan, sustainable
funding source for Growing Greener so the state can continue to make critical investments to
protect our natural resources and keep our economy and communities healthy.
Further, while we recognize the current fiscal challenges facing the state, the budget
cannot be balanced at the expense of the environment, including our parks and forests, Heath
continued.
The Coalition, the largest coalition of conservation, recreation and preservation
organizations in the state, has identified more than $315 million in annual needs to ensure
Pennsylvanians continue to have access to clean water, locally grown food, and parks, trails and
other recreational opportunities.
However, funding for the program has decreased from an estimated average of $200
million in the mid-2000s to $57 million this year. This represents a 75 percent reduction.
Now more than ever, we need to be doing more to protect our natural resources, not
less, said Jacqui Bonomo, executive vice president and COO of PennFuture. Our state
constitution guarantees Pennsylvanians an enforceable right to ensure their government acts in a
manner that protects our right to a healthy environment, and it imposes an obligation on the
government to manage our public resources in a manner that conserves them for current and
future generations.
Established in 1999, the Growing Greener program has funded hundreds of local parks
and trail projects, conserved more than 80,000 acres of threatened open space, and restored
hundreds of miles of streams and waterways.
The program has also protected more than 78,000 acres of farmland, restored more than
1,600 acres of abandoned mine land, and helped reduce flooding and water pollution through 400
watershed protection projects and more than 100 drinking and wastewater treatment
improvements.
Numerous studies have shown that Pennsylvanias parks, farms, waterways, and open
space generate significant economic and health benefits locally and statewide, and are critical to
the strength of two of Pennsylvanias leading industries tourism and agriculture.
The Growing Greener program has a proven track record of success, said Sen. Tom
Killion (R-Delaware). I am committed to working with the administration and my colleagues in
the legislature to ensure the programs vitality long into the future and to keep Pennsylvania
Growing Greener.
Sen. Killion is planning to introduce Senate Bill 705 with Senators Richard Alloway
(R-York) and Chuck McIlhinney (R-Bucks) that would establish a framework for renewed and
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increased investment in Growing Greener.
Since its inception, the states Growing Greener program has enjoyed widespread,
bipartisan support. A 2015 Penn State poll found that 90.7 percent of Pennsylvanians surveyed
would support increasing state funds to conserve and protect open space, clean water, natural
areas, wildlife habitats, parks, forests, and farms.
Pennsylvania families place great value on clean water, locally grown food and
protecting our natural resources, said Sen. John Yudichak (D-Luzerne). Funding Growing
Greener programs means sound investment in a better quality of life and a stronger economy that
supports tens of thousands of jobs in tourism and agriculture.
Despite the success of the Growing Greener program, there is much more work that
needs to be done--
-- Nineteen thousand miles of streams and rivers are impaired: not safe for drinking or
recreational use and/or cannot support aquatic life and cannot support agriculture and other
industries.
-- Abandoned mines scar nearly 200,000 acres in 43 counties, causing of 5,500 miles of dead
streams and rivers.
-- More than 1,800 family farms remain on the waiting list to be protected and preserved.
-- The majority of the states 6,000 local parks and more than 11,000 miles of trails need
significant upgrades.
Click Here to watch a video summary of the rally.
For more information on funding needs and proposals, visit the PA Growing Greener
Coalition website.
NewsClips:
Growing Greener Coalition Rallies For Increased Funding
Video Summary Of Growing Greener Funding Rally
Sen. Yudichak Proposes Natural Gas Severance Tax To Fund Conservation
Esack: State Puts Out List Of Tax Delinquents Owing $1.2 Billion
Biggest Tax Delinquents In Pennsylvania
Biggest Business Tax Delinquents In Pennsylvania
Corps Of Engineers Pittsburgh And Its Battle On Water Infrastructure
Related Story:
EPA: PA Must Identify Significant New Funding Needed To Meet Chesapeake Bay Cleanup
Targets
Lack Of Resources, New Cleanup Goals Will Make Chesapeake Bay Cleanup Harder In PA
PA Chesapeake Bay Commission Members Spotlight Need For Clean Water Fund In PA
EPA: PA Must Identify New Funding Needed To Meet Chesapeake Bay Cleanup Targets
David McGuigan, EPA Region III Associate Director Of

Water Protection, told PAs Chesapeake Bay Watershed
Implementation Planning Steering Committee Monday
EPA expects the state to identify what he called the
significant new financial resources needed to implement
the Phase III Watershed Plans to meet Chesapeake Bay
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cleanup requirements.
McGuigan outline a series of other requirements Pennsylvania will have to meet from
EPAs final April 27 expectations document.
McGuigan said Pennsylvania is responsible for reducing an additional 34 million pounds
of nitrogen in the next nine years to meet its cleanup milestone. The state, however, is only
about 10 percent of the way towards meeting its 2025 goal and 35 percent below its 2015 target.
EPA has 5 major expectations--
-- Significant Additional Financial Resources To Carry Out The Plan: Pennsylvania must
demonstrate its has the staff, partnerships and financial resources needed to fully implement the
practices, treatments and technologies necessary to achieve the reductions.
-- Prioritize Agricultural Practices/Provide Dedicated Resources: Have a dedicated and
targeted annual state cost-share program with a significant increase in resources focused on
implementation of priority agricultural conservation practices. EPA pointed to the proposal by
Pennsylvanias Chesapeake Bay Commission members to create a dedicated Clean Water Fund
supported by a water use fee as one option.
-- PA Has Serious Deficits In Reductions From Stormwater: Without programs, initiatives
and resources to reduce pollution from urban/suburban stormwater in addition to reductions from
agricultural, Pennsylvania cannot meet its nutrient and sediment reduction goals. EPA noted
Pennsylvania has serious deficits in attaining load reductions in agriculture and stormwater.
-- Local Collaboration/Policy Changes Needed To Implement The Plan: EPA expects the
Plans to include local planning goals, demonstrated collaboration, document program, policy
legislative and regulatory changes needed to meet the goal.
-- More Frequent Accountability Reporting: As long as Pennsylvania remains far off track for
nitrogen and phosphorus reductions, EPA expects more frequent and detailed reporting on the
states progress.
A copy of the EPA expectations document is available online.
Consequences Of Not Meeting Milestones
EPA again outlined potential action if Pennsylvania does not meet its Chesapeake Bay
cleanup milestone--
-- EPA may continue targeted federal enforcement and compliance efforts;
-- EPA may direct federal funding to identified priorities to achieve needed reductions;
-- EPA may adopt finer scale wasteload and load allocations in Pennsylvania;
-- EPA may require additional reductions of loadings from point sources;
-- EPA may promulgate its own standards for nitrogen and phosphorus water quality standards.
Other Actions
The Steering Committee approved its Game Plan for Success which outlines the steps the
Committee will take to develop the Phase III Watershed Implementation Plans and a
communications and public outreach plan to involve local stakeholders.
We have a heavy lift in meeting our Chesapeake Bay cleanup goals, but we are building
the Phase III Watershed Implementation Plan from the ground up, said Dana Aunkst, Deputy
Secretary of Water Programs. We have to make sure we get buy-in from everyone at the local
level because cleaning up our streams and rivers benefits everyone in Pennsylvania.
June 5 Kickoff/Listening Session
Part of the outreach plan is a June 5 Chesapeake Bay Phase III Watershed
Implementation Plan Kickoff and Listening Session to be held at the Radisson Hotel in Camp
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Hill, across the river from Harrisburg, from 9:30 a.m. to 3:30 p.m.
The purpose of this open public session is to gather ideas on how to meet the Chesapeake
Bay cleanup milestone in each of these areas: urban and suburban stormwater, wastewater,
agriculture, forestry, funding and local planning and area goals.
Also running concurrent with the June listening session will be a 30-day written comment
period running with the Listening Session to give other people who could not attend in person to
submit their suggestions.
Click Here to register for the Listening Session.
Briefing Schedule
Since Pennsylvania will not receive its revised nutrient and sediment targets until
September or October, Steering Committee members have asked for a briefing on a series of
issues (page 2) so they are up to speed before their work begins in earnest.
The Committee plans monthly meetings in July, August and September to discuss issues
like the Midpoint Assessment, the role of the Conowingo Dam in holding back sediment from
the Bay, monitoring trends, progress so far and research into new best management practices.
The Steering Committee will coordinate the work of at least 6 workgroups each with 10
or so members to come up with the watershed implementation plan strategy. Their work we
begin after the revised reduction targets are received from EPA in the Fall.
For more information and available handouts, visit the PA Chesapeake Bay Watershed
Implementation Planning Steering Committee webpage.
For more on Pennsylvanias Chesapeake Bay initiatives, visit DEPs Chesapeake Bay
Office webpage.
NewsClips:
Chesapeake Bay Post 2nd-Straight C In Annual Report Card, Among Highest In 3 Decades
AP: Chesapeake Bay Health Improves, But Long Way To Go
Crable: 3 Stream Improvement Projects Launch In Lancaster County
Bay Journal: Stroll Along Mill Creek Falls In Lancaster County
EPA Letter To Chesapeake Bay States Spells Out Cleanup Expectations
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:
Registration Now Open For June 5 Chesapeake Bay Watershed Plan Listening Session
House Committee OKs Bills To Allow Local Stormwater Management Fees
NRCS-PA Chesapeake Bay Conservation Innovation Grant Workshop May 18 In Harrisburg
Sen. Yaw, CBF Student Leaders Support Bill To Save Hellbenders And Clean Water In PA
House, Senate Recognize 50th Anniversary Of Chesapeake Bay Foundation
DEP is now accepting registrations for the June 5
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Chesapeake Bay Phase III Watershed Implementation Plan Kickoff and Listening Session to be
held at the Radisson Hotel in Camp Hill, across the river from Harrisburg, from 9:30 a.m. to 3:30
p.m.
The purpose of this open public session is to gather ideas on how to meet the Chesapeake
Bay cleanup milestone in each of these areas: urban and suburban stormwater, wastewater,
agriculture, forestry, funding and local planning and area goals.
Also running concurrent with the June listening session will be a 30-day written comment
period running with the Listening Session to give other people who could not attend in person to
submit their suggestions.
The session is being hosted by the PAs Chesapeake Bay Watershed Implementation
Planning Steering Committee.
Click Here to register for the Listening Session. Click Here for the draft agenda.
For more information on meeting Chesapeake Bay cleanup milestones in Pennsylvania,
visit DEPs Chesapeake Bay Office webpage.
NewsClips:
Related Stories:
Targets
Senate Environmental Committee Endorses McDonnells Nomination As DEP Secretary
Acting DEP Secretary Patrick McDonnell Tuesday was

unanimously reported from the Senate Environmental Resources and
Energy Committee with a favorable recommendation for
confirmation as Secretary of the Department of Environmental
Protection.
The nomination now moves to the full Senate for action.
Click Here to read McDonnells opening statement. Click Here to
watch a video of the hearing.
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Prior to that action, McDonnell answered questions for an hour before the Committee,
many the same kinds of questions he was asked during budget hearings in March.
Among the issues covered were--
-- Chesapeake Bay Cleanup: Sen. Gene Yaw (R-Lycoming), Majority Chair of the Committee,
said there are some bitter pills Pennsylvania will need to swallow with respect to the states
obligations to cleanup the Chesapeake Bay and asked for an update. McDonnell said
Pennsylvanias solution to this issue must be much different than other Bay states. As an
example he noted Lancaster County has twice as many dairy cows as the entire state of
Maryland. He said they are taking a number of steps to address these issues across the board. The
bottomline is this program needs additional resources to deal with this issue.
In response to a question from Sen. Elder Vogel (R-Beaver), McDonnell said the state
spends about $185 million on the Bay program, but with some additional budget proposals, that
funding could increase.
McDonnell said the proposed elimination of the federal Chesapeake Bay Program
funding would be a real problem. Beyond that, proposed cuts in federal primacy programs
where the federal government pays states to administer federal environmental programs would
hurt those programs. About 30 percent of DEPs budget is federal funds.
-- Safe Drinking Water: Sen. John Yudichak (D-Luzerne), Minority Chair of the Committee,
asked how DEP is reacting to the EPA suggestion to seek temporary funding to get staff on
board sooner to deal with deficiencies in the Safe Drinking Water Program. McDonnell said he
directed staff to identify any resources that may be available to support adding some additional
staff to the program ahead of fee increases going to the regulatory process.
-- Methane Controls On Oil & Gas Operations: Sen. Scott Martin (R-Lancaster) said he has
heard concerns about the General Permits designed to control methane emissions from oil and
gas operations could result in a moratorium on drilling. McDonnell said DEP is in the middle of
a comment period on General Permits designed to control methane emissions. He said his goals
are to have a workable permit and a permit that could be turned around in 30 days. McDonnell
said he wants to make sure staff training and the other review procedures are in place to get the
permits done.
Sen. Scott Hutchinson (R-Venango) said he believes the General Permits amount to
regulations that impose obligations on the industry. McDonnell said DEP has authority to
develop General Permits under the state Air Pollution Control Act for decades. There are
currently 19 types different air quality General Permits. If there were no general permits,
McDonnell said the industry would be subject to full air quality permits which would be a more
complicated process.
In response to a question from Sen. Kim Ward (D-Westmoreland), McDonnell said the
origin of the methane control requirement was the adoption of a methane standard by the U.S.
Environmental Protection Agency which Pennsylvania must implement. McDonnell noted
methane emissions did go down last year.
-- Conventional Drilling Regulations: In response to a question from Sen. Yaw, McDonnell
said the department is in the early stages of developing updated conventional oil and gas well
regulations working with a PA Crude Development Advisory Council. McDonnell said it has
also been a good forum to work on other issues, like how to deal with Pennsylvanias up to
200,000 abandoned wells.
-- Regional Coordination On Pipeline Projects: Sen. Yaw expressed a concern about
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coordination between regions on projects like pipelines that cross DEP regional office
boundaries. McDonnell said he has created a new unit to better manage projects like pipelines to
address those issues.
-- Indiana County Injection Well: In response to a question from Sen. Don White (R-Indiana)
about the injection well permit issued for drilling wastewater in Grant Township in Indiana
County and citizen concerns, McDonnell said the PA Crude Development Advisory Council is
looking at the issue of other ways to dispose of brine water from oil and gas drilling. He noted
much of the drilling wastewater is recycled in the state or taken to out-of-state disposal wells.
-- Nutrient Credit Trading: In response to a question from Sen. Martin, McDonnell said DEP
has a nutrient credit trading program, but there is now an opportunity to stack benefits for
watershed projects related to stormwater management in particular.
-- Forest Buffers: In response to a question from Sen. Hutchinson, McDonnell said Act 162 laid
out specific language that spelled out a landowners options for installing forested buffers where
the prior law authorized certain waivers which now do not exist. (Click Here for more
information.)
-- Erosion & Sedimentation Permits: Sen. Camera Bartolotta (R-Washington) expressed
concerns about the turnaround times for erosion and sedimentation permits, in particular
differences in processing times between DEP regional offices. McDonnell said everyone looks
for the one thing that fixes everything, and it is more complicated. He said DEP has had
roundtables with permit applicants and consultants to identify issues and solutions. He noted
DEP is developing a general water permit for projects of five acres and less that came out of
these meetings. Another part is better training for staff and sharing successful permit review
processes between regions. McDonnell said DEP will also be expanding its electronic permitting
framework to other programs, in addition to mining and oil and gas.
Click Here to read McDonnells opening statement. Click Here to watch a video of the
hearing.
Background
McDonnell was named Acting DEP Secretary in May 2016. Prior to serving as Acting
Secretary, Mr. McDonnell served as director of policy for the Department, where he oversaw the
agencys regulation and policy development processes.
In addition, Mr. McDonnell ran the State Energy Office and was charged with
coordination of renewable energy and energy efficiency issues.
Prior to returning to DEP, Mr. McDonnell was executive policy manager for former
Commissioner Pamela A. Witmer of the Public Utility Commission, focusing on electric, natural
gas and water issues as well as cybersecurity and the impact of environmental regulation on
energy markets.
Previously, Mr. McDonnell spent 13 years with DEP in a variety of roles. As deputy
secretary for administration, he managed the budget, human resources, information technology
and oversaw the facilities management functions of the agency.
He also previously served as policy director and as an assistant to the special deputy
secretary. He began his career at DEP working in the State Energy Office on energy efficiency,
renewable energy, and green building projects.
Sen. Gene Yaw (R-Lycoming) serves as Majority Chair of the Senate Environmental
Committee and can be contacted by sending email to: gyaw@pasen.gov. Sen. John Yudichak
(D-Luzerne) serves as Minority Chair and can be contacted by sending email to:
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yudichak@pasenate.com.
NewsClips:
Legere: PA Environmental Secretarys Nomination Advances
Cusick: Senate Panel Approves Wolfs Pick For Environmental Secretary
Related Stories:
Acting DEP Secretary McDonnells Opening Statement Before The Senate Environmental
Committee
Targets
Senate Budget Hearing: Historic Cuts To DEP Budget, Safe Drinking Water, Chesapeake Bay
House DEP Budget Hearing: Safe Drinking Water, Permitting, Pipelines, Chesapeake Bay
Acting DEP Secretary McDonnells Opening Statement Before The Senate Committee
Here is the opening statement Acting DEP

Secretary Patrick McDonnell made before the
Senate Environmental Resources and Energy
Committee Tuesday at the hearing on his
confirmation--
Chairman Yaw, Chairman Yudichak and
members of the Committee, I greatly appreciated
the opportunity to appear before you today.
I am both humbled and honored to be
appointed by Gov. Tom Wolf to be Secretary of
the Pennsylvania Department of Environmental
Protection.
Over my almost 20 years in state government, Ive had the chance to see almost every
aspect of our agency. From our policy making and regulatory functions to our budget and
human resources apparatus.
Through it all I prided myself on being open to collaboration, being honest about
problems and listen to all perspectives to help my colleagues make meaningful decisions.
It is no secret the Department faces challenges. Over the past year weve continued to
address those issues.
We are modernizing and improving our permitting processes, collaboratively addressing
the Commonwealths Chesapeake Bay obligations, and weve created an e-permitting platform
and e-inspection app to improve our partnerships with the regulated community and increase our
transparency.
Weve refocused on engaging with stakeholders to identify problems and solutions and
weve begun investing in the most critical asset we have in the Department, our people.
To lead the Department is an absolute privilege and one I take very seriously.
The employes of DEP are passionate about their work and it is that passion that has
allowed us to maintain our services over the last decade of budget cuts.
It is my job to provide them with tools and training to ensure we are meeting the core
mission of the Department efficiently and effectively.
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I truly believe we can deliver fantastic service to the regulated community, while
protecting public health and the environment.
I must also take a moment to thank my wife Colleen, whos here with me today, as well
as my four children for their support and understanding as Ive taken on this new role.
You-all have a better sense of what a life in public service means and the impact it can
have on family and I could not ask for a better partner or cheerleader in the endeavor than
Colleen.
Finally, I want to thank you-all for your work with both staff and me personally over the
past year. Your support is appreciated more than I can say.
My hope is that we can continue to work together in partnership to address our shared
challenges.
With that, I welcome any questions you may have.
Click Here to watch a video of the hearing.
NewsClips:
Related Story:
DEPs McDonnell Reported With Unanimous, Favorable Senate Environmental Committee
Recommendation On Confirmation
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.
Google+ now combines all the news you now get through the PA Environment Digest,
Weekly, Blog, Twitter and Video sites into one resource.
Youll receive as-it-happens postings on Pennsylvania environmental news, daily
NewsClips and links to the weekly Digest and videos.
Also take advantage of these related services from Crisci Associates--
PA Environment Digest Twitter Feed: On Twitter, sign up to receive instant news updates.
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and announcements on environmental topics in Pennsylvania of immediate value. Sign up and
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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,
13
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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 (May 22): <> Click Here for full House Bill Calendar.
Senate (May 22): Senate Bill 242 (Baker-R-Luzerne) adds natural gas gathering lines to the PA
One Call utility construction safety program so they can be identified and mapped for emergency
services (sponsor summary); Senate Bill 269 (Baker-R- Luzerne) changing the process for
updating the PA Construction Code (sponsor summary); Senate Bill 431 (Scavello-R-Monroe)
increasing fines for littering (sponsor summary); Senate Bill 561 (DiSanto-R-Dauphin) requiring
legislative approval of regulations with an economic impact of $1 million or more. <> 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
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Human Services
Judiciary
Liquor Control
Transportation
Links for all other Standing House Committees
Senate
Appropriations
Environmental Resources and Energy
Consumer Protection and Professional Licensure
Community, Economic and Recreational Development
Education
Judiciary
Law and Justice
Public Health and Welfare
Transportation
Links for all other Standing Senate Committees
Bills Introduced
The following bills of interest were introduced this week--
Expedited Environmental Permit Review For Licensed Professionals: House Bill 1352
(Bloom-R-Cumberland) directs DEP to develop an alternative permit review process for
applications submitted by a licensed professional engineer landscape architect, geologist and
land surveyor that requires publication of public notice, schedule required public meetings and
hearings and initiative a technical review within 10 working days of the receipt of an application
and it is declared complete and requires DEP to make a decision on the permit within 45 days. It
also prohibits DEP from charging an additional fee for receipt or processing of an application
submitted by a licensed professional (sponsor summary); House Bill 1353 (Bloom-R-
Cumberland) require DEP to cite specific regulations or statutes when it declares an application
deficient (sponsor summary).
Adjust Fee Cap On Local On-Lot Septic System Inspections: House Bill 1365 (Daley-D-
Montgomery) adjusts the cap on local on-lot septic system inspection fees for a proposed
permit-exempt septic system to more fully pay for the actual cost of inspection (sponsor
summary).
Add Substances To Hazardous Sites Cleanup Program: House Bill 1398 (Watson-R-Bucks)
adding perfluorooctanoic acid (PFOA) and perfluorooctane sulfonate (PFOS) and other
substances designated by executive order as a health threat to the Hazardous Sites Cleanup
Program (sponsor summary).
Severance Tax: House Bill 1401 (DiGirolamo-R-Bucks) imposing a 3.2 percent natural gas
severance tax on natural gas production in addition to the Act 13 drilling impact fee. 15 percent
15
of the revenues would go to the Growing Greener Program and the remaining to basic education
grants, pension payments and human service programs (sponsor summary).
Official Amphibian: Senate Bill 658 (Yaw-R-Lycoming) designing the hellbender the official
amphibian of Pennsylvania (sponsor summary).
Wellhead Protection: Senate Bill 707 (McIlhinney-R-Bucks) defining critical zones for
protection of drinking water in wellhead areas (sponsor summary).
Session Schedule
Here is the latest voting session schedule for the Senate and House--
Senate
May 22, 23, 24
June 5, 6, 7, 12, 13, 14, 19, 20, 21, 22, 26, 27, 28, 29, 30
House
May 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
Steel Slag Waste Exemption: House Bill 938 (Evankovich-R- Allegheny) exempting steel slag
from the definition of waste under Act 97 was reported out of the House Appropriations
Committee and passed by the House. A House Fiscal Note and summary is available. The bill
now goes to the Senate for action.
Wind Power In Ag Security Areas: House Bill 187 (Sonney-R-Erie) authorize wind power
generating systems in Agricultural Security Areas was removed from the Table, referred into and
out of the House Appropriations Committee and passed by the House. A House Fiscal Note and
summary are available. The bill now goes to the Senate for action.
USTIF Board: House Bill 290 (Metzgar-R-Bedford) changing the members of the Underground
Storage Tank Indemnification (Insurance) Board to include legislative appointments was passed
16
by the House. A House Fiscal Note and summary is available. The bill now goes to the Senate
for action.
Noxious Weeds: House Bill 790 (Pashinski-D-Luzerne) establishing the Controlled Plant and
Noxious Weed Committee (sponsor summary) was removed from the Table, amended on the
House Floor and referred to the House Appropriations Committee.
Local Stormwater Fees: House Bill 913 (Everett-R-Lycoming) providing for the adoption of
stormwater fees by incorporated towns (sponsor summary) (amended), House Bill 914
(Everett-R- Lycoming) providing for the adoption of stormwater fees by boroughs (sponsor
summary), House Bill 915 (Everett-R-Lycoming) providing for the adoption of stormwater fees
by first class townships (sponsor summary), House Bill 916 (Everett-R-Lycoming) providing for
the adoption of stormwater fees by Cities of the Third Class (sponsor summary) were reported
from the House Local Government Committee and Tabled.
Natural Gas Vehicle Weight: House Bill 603 (Metzgar-R-Bedford) exempting heavy duty
natural gas-fueled vehicles from weight limits (sponsor summary) was reported from the House
Transportation Committee and Tabled.
Removing SRBC Employees From State Pension: House Bill 922 (Tallman-R-Adams)
removing future employees of the Susquehanna River Basin Commission from the state
employees pension system (sponsor summary) was reported out of the House State Government
Committee and Tabled.
Rainforest Awareness Month: House Resolution 152 (Donatucci-D-Delaware) recognizing

May as Rainforest Awareness Month was adopted by the House (sponsor summary).
CBF 50th Anniversary: House Resolution 231 (Everett-R-Lycoming) recognizing the 50th
anniversary of the Chesapeake Bay Founding was adopted by the House (sponsor summary).
Arbor Day: House Resolution 255 (Marsico-R-Dauphin) designating April 28 as Arbor Day was
passed by the House (sponsor summary).
Bike To Work Week: House Resolution 301 (Dean-D-Montgomery) designating May as Bike
Month, the week of May 15-19 as Bike To Work Week and May 19 as Bike To Work Day in
Pennsylvania was adopted by the House (sponsor summary).
Lyme Disease Month: House Resolution 316 (Baker-R-Tioga) recognizing May as Lyme
Disease Awareness Month was passed by the House (sponsor summary).
Senate
USTIF Board: Senate Bill 143 (Yaw-R-Lycoming) changing the makeup of the Underground
Storage Tank Indemnification Board to include legislative appointments (sponsor summary) was
passed by the Senate and now goes to the House for action.
17
Eliminate Sunset On Recycling Fee: Senate Bill 646 (Killion-R-Delaware) would eliminate the
January 1, 2020 sunset date on the $2 per ton recycling fee (sponsor summary) was referred to
the Senate Appropriations Committee.
Alternative Onlot Systems: Senate Bill 144 (Yaw-R-Lycoming) amending Act 537 ton include
alternative on-lot sewage systems in sewage plans (sponsor summary) was referred to the Senate
Appropriations Committee.
General Assembly Approval of Regulations: Senate Bill 561 (DiSanto-R-Dauphin) requiring

legislative approval of regulations with an economic impact of $1 million or more was reported
out of the Senate Rules Committee without changes. The bill is now on the Senate Calendar for
action. (Click Here for more background.)
Construction Code: Senate Bill 269 (Baker-R- Luzerne) changing the process for updating the
PA Construction Code (sponsor summary) was reported out of the Senate Appropriations
Committee and is now on the Senate Calendar for action.
Penalties For Littering: Senate Bill 431 (Scavello-R-Monroe) increasing fines for littering
(sponsor summary) was amended and reported from the Senate Transportation Committee and is
now on the Senate Calendar for action.
Lyme Disease Awareness Month: Senate Resolution 105 (Greenleaf-R-Montgomery)

designating May Lyme and Tick-borne Disease Awareness Month was adopted by the Senate
(sponsor summary).
CBF 50th Anniversary: Senate Resolution 110 (Yaw-R-Lycoming) recognizing the 50th
anniversary of the Chesapeake Bay Founding was adopted by the Senate.
The Feds
PUCs Powelson To Be Nominated To Serve On Federal Energy Regulatory Commission
President Trump late Monday announced his intention to nominate the

PUCs Robert Powelson and Neil Chatterjee, an energy advisor to U.S.
Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell (R-KY) to fill vacancies on the
Federal Energy Regulatory Commission.
If confirmed by the U.S. Senate, the appointments will restore a quorum to
the three member commission that regulates the siting of oil and natural
gas pipelines, gas export facilities and larger electric transmission lines.
Powelson was first nominated to the PUC by Gov. Rendell in 2008. Gov
Corbett appointed him to serve as PUC Chairman in 2011 and he held that position until 2015.
His current term as Commission expires on April 1, 2019.
Powelson was elected President of the National Association of Regulatory Utility
Commission in November of 2016 and served in various positions at NARUC. Powelson also
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served as President of the Mid-Atlantic Conference of Regulatory Utilities Commissioners
(MACRUC) from June 2014 to June 2015.
Powelson is a voting member of the National Regulatory Research Institute. In 2012, he
was appointed to serve on the Electric Power Research Institute Advisory Council and was
recently re-appointed to serve another term, which expires August 2018.
On March 8, 2011, Gov. Corbett invited Powelson to serve as a member of the Marcellus
Shale Advisory Commission. The Advisory Commission reviewed the Commonwealths existing
statutes, regulations and policies and provided recommendations to ensure that Pennsylvania
maximizes the opportunity that Marcellus Shale presents in the most responsible manner
possible.
Powelson has served on the Board of Trustees of Drexel University since 2013 and
served on the Board of Directors of Lincoln University from 2000-2013.
Reaction
Members of the Public Utility Commission offered congratulations to Commissioner
Robert F. Powelson on his nomination
Chairman Gladys M. Brown: Commissioner Powelson is knowledgeable and passionate
about public utility issues from infrastructure investment and marketplace competition to
innovation and the development of our next generation of utility workers. He has also been a
strong advocate for Pennsylvania and for the important role of utility regulators across the
country. His service reflects well on the work of the Pennsylvania Public Utility Commission
and will be positive for the Commonwealth.
Vice Chairman Andrew G. Place: Robs nomination comes at a key moment for federal
environmental and energy policy. The reshaped Commission will continue to be challenged to
balance the demand for rational energy choices in support of both economic sustainability and
environmental stewardship. The crucible of Pennsylvania has put him in a favorable position to
navigate these demands.
Commissioner John F. Coleman Jr.: "I wish to congratulate my colleague and friend on
this prestigious honor of being nominated by President Trump to serve as a FERC
Commissioner. Rob has been a stalwart champion of competitive electric and natural gas
markets. During his tenure as Chairman, Pennsylvania has become a leader among states and a
model for others to follow."
Commissioner David W. Sweet: Commissioner Powelson always calls matters as he
sees them. Not only does he have extensive knowledge about utility issues, but he is very skilled
at developing creative solutions.
March Controversy
Powelson ignited a controversy in March when he compared pipeline protesters as
conducting a jihad against FERC by showing up at Commissioners homes. He later walked
those comments back saying it was an inappropriate choice of words.
If confirmed, Gov. Wolf will have the opportunity to fill the vacancy on the PUC.
Powelsons seat has been traditionally held by a Republican.
NewsClips:
Trump To Nominate 2 Energy Regulators To FERC, Including PUCs Powelson
Trump Names Picks For FERC Crippled Without Quorum
Trump Picks 2 For Federal Energy Regulatory Commission
Trump Nominates PUC Commissioner Powelson To FERC
19
Trump Names Chesco Man To Federal Energy Regulatory Commission
AP: Trump Taps PUC Member To Serve On FERC That Will Determine PennEast Pipelines
Fate
News From The Capitol
Senate Committee OKs Bill Requiring Legislative Vote On Regs Costing $1 Million+
The Senate Rules Committee Monday voted to approve and report out Senate Bill 561
(Disanto-R-Dauphin) which requires an up or down vote by the General Assembly on every final
regulation approved by the Independent Regulatory Review Commission if that regulation has a
fiscal impact of $1 million or more.
Senate Minority Leader Jay Costa (D-Allegheny) said the bill hands too much power to
the legislative majority and violates the separation of powers doctrine.
Senate Majority Leader Jake Corman (R-Centre) said the bill is one of a series that tries
to inject the legislature into the process of how public money is spent in Harrisburg.
The bills prime sponsor-- Sen. John DiSanto (R-Dauphin)-- justified the bill, however,
by pointing to the cost impact regulations have on the business community.
Under the legislation, the estimate of the cost of a regulation must be verified by the
Independent Fiscal Office. There is no requirement the benefits of the regulation be calculated
or compared to the cost.
The Senate and House have 30 calendar days or 10 legislative days to vote on a
concurrent resolution submitted by an agency approving a final regulation. If no action is taken,
the final regulation would be deemed disapproved and cannot take effect.
Consider these points--
-- Do Nothing And Kill A Regulation: By doing absolutely nothing, the Senate and House
could kill a regulation. There is no requirement for an affirmative vote to enact something like a
law or other resolutions and put their votes on the line to overturn a regulation a state or federal
law required agencies to do. Because there is no affirmative action, the Governor has no
opportunity to review the action like there is in every other instances where resolutions are used.
This process would be unique.
-- No Measure Of Benefits: There is no requirement to compare the costs to benefits as there is
on the regulatory analysis form that comes with each regulation. This only looks at one side of
the equation and is blind to things like health and safety benefits and mandates of state and
federal law.
-- Unfunded Mandate: There is no funding for the Independent Fiscal Office to implement this
regulation. In 2016, the Independent Regulatory Review Commission took action on 43 final
regulations from all agencies, nearly one a week through the entire year. That workload needs to
be paid for.
The bill now goes to the full Senate for action.
NewsClip:
Bill Requiring General Assembly Approval Of Regulations Prompts Separation Of Powers
Disagreement
20
Agriculture Expresses Concerns Over Potential Impacts Of PA House Republican Budget
Appearing before the House Agriculture and Rural Affairs committee,

Agriculture Secretary Russell Redding Wednesday outlined challenges
and opportunities facing Pennsylvanias food and fiber industries, but
cautioned making progress on those issues could be jeopardized if the
House-passed budget bill becomes law.
In many ways, agriculture is in a state of transition amidst a changing
landscape socially, culturally, technologically and economically, said
Redding. As I have often said, these are extraordinary times, full of
opportunities and challenges. We have made tremendous progress on a
number of fronts over the past two and a half years, but we, as a
Commonwealth, will be ill-equipped to meet the expectations of our
industry and of the public if we dont have the resources to serve them.
Reddings testimony follows a letter he sent last week to the chairs of House and Senate
Agriculture and Rural Affairs committees outlining the consequences of House Bill 218
(Saylor-R-York), a budget bill passed by the House of Representatives in early April.
Redding warned the more-than-two-million-dollar cut from Governor Wolfs proposal in
operating funds for the Department of Agriculture could threaten the agencys ability to
safeguard public health, inspect the safety of the states food supply, improve water quality, and
provide services to farmers.
The loss of 21 positions would be the equivalent of eliminating the bureaus of Market
Development and Farmland Preservation, the Hardwoods Development Council, and about half
of the positions in the Bureau of Food Distribution, he said.
These cuts would effectively render the department incapable of administering programs
that help create new markets for producers, such as PA Preferred, international trade, and the
Specialty Crop Block Grant program; that safeguard land from development through
Pennsylvanias nation-leading Farmland Preservation Program; that ensure the industrys
long-term viability; and that provide basic nutrition to the states most vulnerable citizens via the
State Food Purchase Program, the Farmers Market Nutrition Program, the Emergency Food
Assistance Program, and other child nutrition programs
The department would also have to consider eliminating food inspectors who ensure
restaurants and food and milk processing and manufacturing facilities. Twenty-one positions are
equal to roughly one-third of the departments inspectors, and a loss of that manpower could
mean 8,000 fewer restaurant inspections per year at a time when the department is already
struggling to keep pace with municipalities turning over inspection responsibilities to the state.
House Bill 218 also proposes cuts to important programs that support conservation
districts, which are critical partners in Pennsylvanias commitment to improving local water
quality.
The bill proposes $407,000 less for the Nutrient Management Fund, a cut that will lead
that fund to end FY 2018-19 in a deficit. To manage, the State Conservation Commission would
have to curtail programs that benefit farmers; cut back on education and training programs that
teach producers, certified plan writers and reviewers, and field staff about their nutrient
management obligations; and possibly eliminate funding to at least 12 of 21 conservation
21
districts that use those dollars to support staff positions.
The $130,000 cut in transfers to the Conservation District Fund under Agricultures
budgetcoupled with the $376,000 cut for the same line item under the Department of
Environmental Protections budgetcould force conservation districts cut positions, technical
assistance positions, or support for special projects.
These cuts could be offset with Unconventional Gas Well Funds from the conservation
district allocation, but doing so ultimately would mean less funding for districts in counties
where unconventional gas drilling is occurring.
We recognize the challenge of closing an enormous structural deficit like the
Commonwealth faces, but these types of arbitrary, across-the-board cuts are penny-wise, but
pound foolish, said Redding to the committee. We hope that by working together, we can find
a better way to manage our scarce resources in a way that does not jeopardize our long-term
prosperity or the services we provide to Pennsylvanians.
A copy of Secretary Reddings letter is available online.
NewsClips:
Related Stories:
Growing Greener Advocates Rally For Increased Funding For Clean Water, Parks, Trails, Open
Space, Family Farms
Targets
Gov. Wolf Proposes New Budget With Little New For The Environment
The House Local Government Committee Wednesday reported out a package of bills introduced
by Rep. Garth Everett (R-Lycoming) to allow towns, boroughs, first class townships and third
class cities to adopt stormwater management fees to pay for improvements needed to reduce
water pollution.
The bills include:
-- House Bill 913 (Everett-R-Lycoming) providing for the adoption of stormwater fees by
incorporated towns (sponsor summary) (amended);
-- House Bill 914 (Everett-R- Lycoming) providing for the adoption of stormwater fees by
boroughs (sponsor summary);
-- House Bill 915 (Everett-R-Lycoming) providing for the adoption of stormwater fees by first
class townships (sponsor summary); and
-- House Bill 916 (Everett-R-Lycoming) providing for the adoption of stormwater fees by Cities
of the Third Class (sponsor summary).
22
Legislation was signed into law last year-- House Bill 1325 (Mustio-R-Allegheny)-- to
authorize townships of the second class to charge stormwater fees, but the other bills were not
enacted.
Rep. Everett is one of Pennsylvanias representatives on the interstate Chesapeake Bay
Commission and this year is service as its Chair.
The bills were automatically Tabled, but should be considered by the House.
Rep. Kate Harper (R-Montgomery) serves as Majority Chair of the Committee and Rep.
Robert Freeman (D-Lehigh) serves as Minority Chair.
NewsClips:
Related Stories:
Targets
On Tuesday the House and Senate unanimously passed

resolutions recognizing the 50th anniversary of the
Chesapeake Bay Foundation and commending the
foundation for five decades of outstanding public
service to the Chesapeake Bay and the surrounding
region.
The resolutions were introduced by Rep. Garth
Everett (R-Lycoming), who is now serving as Chair of
the interstate Chesapeake Bay Commission and Sen.
Gene Yaw (R-Lycoming), who is Majority Chair of the
Senate Environmental Resources and Energy Committee and also a member of the Commission.
The text of the resolutions-- House Resolution 231 (Everett-R-Lycoming) and Senate
Resolution 110 (Yaw-R-Lycoming) follows--
Recognizing the 50th anniversary of the Chesapeake Bay Foundation and commending
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the foundation for five decades of outstanding public service to the Chesapeake Bay and the
surrounding region.
WHEREAS, The Chesapeake Bay Foundation, a nonprofit, multistate organization with
headquarters in Annapolis, Maryland, opened its first office in 1967 with an inspiring, ambitious
mission statement to "Save the Bay"; and
WHEREAS, This Commonwealth provides half of the fresh water that flows into the
Chesapeake Bay; and
WHEREAS, The Chesapeake Bay Foundation opened its office in Pennsylvania in 1986
to assist in the cleanup and restoration of this Commonwealth's rivers and streams; and
WHEREAS, From its inception, the Chesapeake Bay Foundation has offered private
citizens opportunities to support and participate directly in the protection and restoration of its
namesake estuary and the rivers and streams that flow into it; and
WHEREAS, The Chesapeake Bay Foundation's presence has expanded to include offices
in Harrisburg, Pennsylvania, Richmond, Virginia, Hampton Roads, Virginia, and Washington,
DC, and 15 education centers in the 3 primary bay states and Washington, DC; and
WHEREAS, The Chesapeake Bay Foundation's total membership recently surpassed
236,000, including more than 33,000 members in Pennsylvania, 70,000 members in Virginia,
86,000 members in Maryland and 5,000 members in Washington, DC; and
WHEREAS, With the support of private and public funding, the Chesapeake Bay
Foundation's environmental education programs reach more than 35,000 students, teachers,
administrators and policymakers each year, providing meaningful on-the-water field trip
experiences, teacher training, curriculum materials, restoration programs and real-world views
that have inspired generations of citizens to become lifelong stewards of the Chesapeake Bay;
and
WHEREAS, The Chesapeake Bay Foundation's steadfast 50-year dedication to
science-based public policy to "Save the Bay" has supported the development of the Chesapeake
Clean Water Blueprint; and
WHEREAS, The Chesapeake Bay Foundation's members and staff advocate effectively
for Clean Water Blueprint laws, regulations and programs at every level of government,
materially reversing the Chesapeake Bay's decline and initiating a recovery process; and
WHEREAS, As part of the recovery process, the Chesapeake Bay Foundation's members
and staff advocate effectively in Pennsylvania, Virginia and Maryland to support enhanced
nutrient removal to upgrade wastewater treatment plant processes, resulting in major water
quality gains; and
WHEREAS, The Chesapeake Bay Foundation partners with Federal and state agricultural
and environmental agencies to assist Chesapeake watershed farmers in the implementation of
conservation measures to protect water quality in rivers and streams and to enhance the health
and productivity of family farms; and
WHEREAS, The Chesapeake Bay Foundation's Pennsylvania office was instrumental in
the creation of the Pennsylvania Resource Enhancement and Protection Program and worked
collaboratively with State agencies and the General Assembly on the enactment of the
Commonwealth's Nutrient Management Act; and
WHEREAS, The Chesapeake Bay Foundation works with state and local government
officials, businesses, developers and residents to establish effective and innovative programs
addressing the complex issue of stormwater runoff pollution; and
24
WHEREAS, The Chesapeake Bay Foundation's fisheries program contributes materially
to conservation and sustainable management of striped bass, blue crabs, oysters, menhaden and
shad in the Chesapeake Bay and along the Atlantic coast; and
WHEREAS, The Chesapeake Bay Foundation is a leader in oyster restoration in
Maryland and Virginia, operating oyster restoration centers to educate and involve citizen
volunteers in restoring the native oyster population in the Chesapeake Bay by growing more than
280 million live oysters and transplanting them onto state oyster reefs with the assistance of
approximately 280,000 hours of labor donated by more than 10,000 volunteers; and
WHEREAS, Since 1997, the Chesapeake Bay Foundation's Pennsylvania office has been
a leader in implementing innovative, science-based watershed restoration and has worked with
more than 5,000 landowners in restoring more than 2,500 miles of forested riparian buffers and
placing hundreds of other conservation practices on Pennsylvania farms; and
WHEREAS, Chesapeake Bay Foundation staff, partner organizations and more than
6,800 school students, families and individual volunteers have successfully completed hundreds
of conservation projects in Pennsylvania, Maryland, Virginia, West Virginia, Delaware and
Washington, DC, including restoring more than 6,300 acres of wetlands, 20,900 acres of forested
buffers and 2,500 miles of stream buffers, while installing more than 1,400 conservation best
management practices on working farms and planting more than 2,300,000 trees; and
WHEREAS, The Chesapeake Bay Foundation's Susquehanna Watershed Environmental
Education Program, established in 1991, acquaints students and others with local rivers and
streams to emphasize their importance in daily life through more than 2,000 programs involving
approximately 45,000 students and teachers in its spring and fall Environmental Education Days;
and
WHEREAS, The Chesapeake Bay Foundation's Student Leadership Council, located in
Pennsylvania, inspires student leaders by providing them with unique environmental educational
experiences while assisting in the development of their personal voices as advocates for clean
water; and
WHEREAS, The Chesapeake Bay Foundation Mentors in Agricultural Conservation's
job-shadowing program prepares students for potential careers in agriculture; and
WHEREAS, The Chesapeake Bay Foundation won the President's 1992 Environment and
Conservation Challenge Award and the 1993 National Geographic Society's Chairman's Award,
two of the nation's highest environmental honors, and the Good Steward Award from the Arbor
Day Foundation's 2016 National Awards Competition; and
WHEREAS, The Chesapeake Bay Foundation received the prestigious Pennsylvania
Governor's Award for Environmental Excellence in 2016 for assisting landowners in the planting
of thousands of trees, reducing the pollution of rivers and streams and improving water quality in
this Commonwealth; and
WHEREAS, The Chesapeake Bay Foundation has led the efforts to "Save the Bay" for
50 years and dedicates itself to the restoration and protection of the Chesapeake Bay, a national
treasure and the Mid-Atlantic region's greatest natural resource; therefore be it
RESOLVED, That the House of Representatives/Senate of Pennsylvania recognize the
Chesapeake Bay Foundation on its 50th anniversary and commend the foundation for five
decades of outstanding public service to the Chesapeake Bay and the surrounding region; and be
it further
RESOLVED, That the Chief Clerk of the House of Representatives/the Secretary of the
25
Senate of Pennsylvania prepare a copy of this resolution for presentation to William C. Baker,
President of the Chesapeake Bay Foundation, as an expression of gratitude for the foundation's
outstanding efforts on behalf of the residents of this Commonwealth and the entire Chesapeake
Bay watershed.
For more on Chesapeake Bay-related issues in Pennsylvania, visit the Chesapeake Bay
Foundation-PA webpage. Click Here to sign up for Pennsylvania updates (bottom of left
column). Click Here to become a member.
More information on Chesapeake Bay cleanup efforts in Pennsylvania, visit DEPs
Chesapeake Bay Office webpage.
(Photo: Sen. Yaw, Rep. Everett.)
NewsClips:
Related Stories:
Targets
News From Around The State
PA Land Trust Assn. Honors Union County, Tom Kerr For Protecting Natural Resources
The PA Land Trust Association Saturday honored Union County with

the 2017 Government Conservation Leadership Award for demonstrated
leadership in the conservation of our special landscapes and critical
natural resources and Tom Kerr, former President of the Wildlands
Conservancy, with the Lifetime Conservation Leadership Award.
Tom Kerr
In his forty-year conservation career, Tom has contributed greatly to the
conservation of Pennsylvanias natural resources and worked to energize
and mobilize the states conservation community.
For twenty years, Tom served as President of the Wildlands Conservancy.
26
During his tenure, the organization revolutionized how land trusts connect with the
broader public, emphasizing the need to engage and nurture future environmental stewards.
As a result, the Conservancys outreach and educational programs have reached hundreds
of thousands of people, particularly children, and strived to impart an appreciation of nature and
the value of stewardship in its participants.
His love of the outdoors is evident in everything he has accomplished. He is an avid hiker
and canoer. Through his passion for exploring the outdoors, he has exposed state and community
leaders and the public to the importance of conserving land and protecting the Delaware and
Lehigh Rivers.
Through his leadership, building the organization and its programs, Wildlands
Conservancy has:
-- protected thousands of acres of open space;
-- educated more than 300,000 individuals on responsible environmental stewardship;
-- restored miles of local waterways;
-- developed over 90 miles of aquatic and terrestrial trail;
-- fostered the Conservancys Bike & Boat Program that has introduced thousands of students to
outdoor recreation and environmental stewardship; and
-- established the Lehigh River Sojourn, a multi-day canoe trip designed to educate participants
about the river and the environment.
Tom also chaired the campaign to establish $67 million for open space preservation in the
Lehigh and Northampton counties.
After retiring from the conservancy, Tom served as interim executive director for the
Hawk Mountain Sanctuary and served as an environmental representative with HDR
Engineering, which included the development of the Allentown Waterfront.
Tom was a pioneer in the states land trust movement and founder of the Pennsylvania
Land Trust Association.
For PALTAs first dozen years after incorporation in 1995, Tom and the Wildlands
Conservancy provided vital administrative support, allowing the organization to focus on
programmatic work and build capacity. He also helped organize the first statewide land trust
conference.
Tom was always gracious in welcoming newcomers to the budding land trust
community and fostering the movements growth. Credit didnt interest him; making
conservation happen did, said PALTA Executive Director, Andy Loza,
Tom is a teacher, convener, and conservationist whose leadership enabled the land trust
movement in Pennsylvania to be born. Every resident of the Commonwealth is indebted to his
vision and tireless support of land conservation, acknowledged Wildlands Conservancy
President, Chris Kocher. Penns Woods is truly a better place due to his lifelong commitment to
nature.
Click Here to watch a video interview with Tom Kerr on building partnerships.
Union County
Union County has provided leadership, support and guidance for numerous conservation
and restoration projects and has served as a true partner to the conservation organizations
working within the county.
Union Countys Planning Commission staffs support and expertise proved instrumental
in numerous conservation projects. Most significant was the acquisition of the roughly 36-acre
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McGinnis property and the 80-acre Rozyckie property adjacent to Shikellamy State Park.
Both parcels were ultimately transferred to the Department of Conservation & Natural
Resources as additions to Shikellamy State Park. Planning Commission staff prepared
two successful grant applications on behalf of Merrill W. Linn Conservancy, which funded the
McGinnis parcel purchase and played a key role in facilitating the Rozyckie property purchase.
The McGinnis purchase could have fallen through if Commission staff hadnt taken the
lead role in helping the Conservancy secure the necessary funding to complete the purchase.
Staffs experience in managing the grant writing process on behalf of the Conservancy was
invaluable.
In spite of the loss of substantial property tax revenue to the township and county,
commissioners supported and financially backed these two acquisitions. Commissioner John
Showers hosted a fundraising event at his home to help the Conservancy secure donations to
facilitate the acquisition and also stepped up with short-term personal financial resources to
purchase the Rozyckie property.
The close working relationship between the Union County Conservation District, the
Buffalo Creek Watershed Alliance, and the Conservancy resulted in numerous conservation
projects throughout the county.
These efforts included the acid remediation site on the upper reach of Buffalo Creek,
streamside buffer and restoration of Buffalo Creek and its tributaries (e.g., Conley Run), and
nutrient retention ponds at Ards Farm.
UCCDs stream restoration activities have received due recognition, including the 2014
Governors Award for Environmental Excellence for the Northcentral Stream Restoration
Project.
Union County established its Agricultural Land Preservation program in 1989, providing
ongoing support of the agricultural industry by protecting precious farmland above and beyond
easement purchases. Union County, through outreach efforts of the UCCD, also stands out with a
far higher amount of no-till conservation agriculture than is practiced in adjacent or regional
counties.
Union County has also had excellent success with its riparian zone improvement projects.
The UCCD has worked with farmers and has made a particularly strong effort to reach out to
plain-sect farmers.
The partnership of the UCCD with BCWA has facilitated riparian projects on Turtle
Creek and now on Conley Run.
Its the day-to-day strong working relationship that makes the government-NGO
partnership work so well in Union County, explained Geoff Goodenow, Coordinator for the
Merrill Linn Land & Waterways Conservancy. The Union County Commissioners, Planning
Commission, and UCCD have a vision for the county in which conservation is central. In making
decisions, they consider the long-term consequences, impacts, and gains; and their judgment
embodies true leadership.
We are pleased to honor such strong partners, actively protecting, restoring and
preserving working lands and natural resources, stated Andy Loza, Executive Director of the
Pennsylvania Land Trust Association. On behalf of the Pennsylvania Land Trust Association
and the land conservation community, we thank the Union County Commissioners and their staff
for their leadership and tremendous conservation efforts.
The award was presented May 6 in conjunction with the 2017 Annual Pennsylvania Land
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Conservation Conference in Lancaster. County Commissioner John Showers and Conservation
District Manager Bill Deitrick accepted the award on behalf of the county.
For more information on programs, initiatives, grant and training opportunities, visit the
PA Land Trust Association website. Click Here to sign up for regular updates from PLTA.
NewsClips:
Honoring Those Who Make Life Better In The Upper Delaware Valley
Schuylkill Haven Students Receive Award For Cleaning Schuylkill River Valley
Frick Environmental Center To Receive Green Building Alliance Award
Westmoreland Authority Water Deemed Best Tasting In The State
Hellbender Proposed As Official State Amphibian
EPAs Patti Kay Wisniewski Honored With James McGirr Kelly Award
The National Association of Water Companies, PA Chapter

Tuesday recognized Patti Kay Wisniewski, Drinking Water
Security Coordinator in Region III of the U.S. Environmental
Protection Agency, with its James McGirr Kelly Award for
Excellence.
The organization honored Mrs. Wisniewski during its awards
luncheon at the NAWC PA Chapters Annual Meeting in
Harrisburg.
The James McGirr Kelly Award for Excellence is the highest
honor bestowed by NAWCs PA Chapter. The industry
association presents the award each year to a resident of Pennsylvania who most exemplifies
dedication to promoting the availability of safe drinking water in the Commonwealth.
This award reflects our industrys sincere gratitude to Patti Kay for her years of
dedicated public service and advocacy for policies that promote a healthy environment and
reinvestment in infrastructure to ensure safe and reliable water service for all Pennsylvanians,
said NAWC PA Chapter Chairman David Kaufman.
For many years, Patti Kay served as a Team Leader to state program managers while also
overseeing the Pennsylvania drinking water program.
She has served as the Regulatory Development and Implementation Specialist in the
drinking water program and as the Drinking Water Security and Counter-Terrorism Coordinator
involved in agency initiatives surrounding security, preparedness, emergency response and
counter-terrorism, most recently expanding into climate resiliency.
Patti Kay has provided timely information to the water industry about new federal
drinking water regulations and the availability of numerous tools and resources available to
utilities for planning, preparing and responding to emergencies and extreme weather.
Ive dedicated my 31-year career at EPA to helping others, internal and external to the
agency, said Mrs. Wisniewski. Im honored to be recognized by the drinking water industry in
Pennsylvania and to join the distinguished list of recipients of this award, including my colleague
at EPA, Rick Rogers.
The NAWC PA Chapters Annual Meeting coincides with Drinking Water Week in
Pennsylvania and featured presentations by Public Utility Commissioner David Sweet; Kelly
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Means, Executive Deputy Secretary for Programs at the Department of Environmental
Protection; Rick Rogers, Acting Deputy Director of the Water Protection Division at EPA
Region III; and an executive forum featuring utility executives from the member companies of
the NAWC PA Chapter.
Past award winners include: 2016 Rep. John A. Maher (R-Allegheny), Majority Chair of
the House Environmental Resources and Energy Committee, 2014 Rep. Robert Godshall, 2013
Erik A. Ross, long-time advocate for the Association, 2012 former DEP Executive Secretary
John Hines, 2011 John Hanger, DEP Secretary, 2010 former PUC Commissioner Kim
Pizzingrilli, 2009 Rep. Bud George, 2008 Rick Rogers, U.S. EPA Region 3, 2007 Paul K.
Marchetti, 2005 Rep. Carole Rubley, 2004 Terrance J. Fitzpatrick, former Chair PUC, 2003
Fredrick A. Marrocco, DEP, 2002 David E. Hess, DEP Secretary, 2001 John M. Quain, former
Chair PUC, 2000 Sen. Raphael J. Musto, 1999 Walter A. Lyon, 1998 Michael D. Klein, 1997
David A. Long, PhD, 1996 Gov. Tom Ridge, 1995 Sen. David J. Brightbill, 1994 Wendell F.
Holland, 1993 William R. Shane, 1992 William R. Lloyd, 1991 Edith D. Stevens, 1990 Dr. Ruth
Patrick, 1989 Gov. Robert P. Casey, 1988 Sen. D. Michael Fisher, 1987 George I. Bloom, 1986
Clifford L. Jones, DER Secretary, 1985 Dr. Maurice K. Goddard, DER Secretary, and in 1984
Gov. Dick Thornburgh.
Click Here for more background on Patti Kay and the Award.
(Photo: Dave Kaufman, Chair, National Association of Water Companies, PA Chapter; Patti
Kay Wisniewski.)
NewsClips:
PA Senior Environment Corps Honored With PAEP Walter Lyon Award
The PA Association of Environmental Professionals recently

honored Nature Abounds statewide Pennsylvania Senior
Environment Corps with the Walter Lyon Award.
The Walter Lyon Award recognizes an organization, project or
program that made a unique, creative, or significant contribution
toward maintenance or restoration of Pennsylvanias
environmental quality or to the field of environmental
management.
The SEC program has been in existence in Pennsylvania since
1997 and engages senior-aged volunteers in activities like water
quality monitoring, identifying and marking abandoned oil and
gas wells, maintaining trails, and environmental education.
The SEC has water quality data on over two-third of the states waterways, and since
2011, Nature Abounds has put $185,000 of water quality monitoring equipment into the field.
The contribution of the program to the Commonwealth is over $3 million per year.
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Nature Abounds also recently marked their 9th Anniversary administering the program.
Since being re-founded in 2008, Nature Abounds has engaged over 9,000 volunteers in
all fifty states and beyond. In addition to the SEC program, volunteers of all age can help collect
data on wildlife, weather, and seasonal changes for scientists or they can outreach to the public
about how they can help turtles or with climate change.
Volunteers may also help plant trees, remove invasive plants, knit sweaters for penguins
affected by oil spills, or convert plastic bags to sleeping mats for the homeless.
For more information on programs, initiatives and upcoming events, visit the Nature
Abounds website. Click Here to sign up for regular updates from Nature Abounds. Click Here
to support Nature Abounds programs.
(Photo: Nature Abounds President Melinda Hughes and Centre County SEC member Joyce
McKay accepting the award from PAEP.)
NewsClips:
Related Story:
PA Environmental Professionals Announces Winners Of Karl Mason, Walter Lyon Awards
Strouds WikiWatershed Receives Governors Award For Environmental Excellence
WikiWatershed, an online toolkit featuring a

watershed-modeling web app developed by Stroud
Water Research Center in Chester County and partners,
has new features to help individuals learn about and
protect their watersheds.
The toolkit was recently awarded the 2017 Governor's
Award for Environmental Excellence by the
Department of Environmental Protection. Awardees of
16 different projects that represent the very best in
innovation, collaboration, and public service in
environmental stewardship were recognized at an event
hosted by DEP and the PA Environmental Council on April 25 at the Hilton in downtown
Harrisburg.
Stroud Water Research Center, known around the world for its cutting-edge freshwater
science, education, and watershed restoration activities, developed WikiWatershed with team
members from Azavea, the University of Washington Applied Physics Laboratory, the Concord
Consortium, Meliora Design, Utah State University, the Academy of Natural Sciences of Drexel
University, and Millersville University.
WikiWatershed is intended for users to share watershed-model scenarios,
watershed-monitoring data, and watershed-management stories as an open, collaborative
community.
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For example, among the available tools, the Model My Watershed app features an
intuitive, user-friendly interface that makes advanced watershed modeling easy from a web
browser.
Anyone can harness the supercomputing power of the Amazon cloud to visualize and
analyze national datasets of land cover, hydrologic soil types, stream networks, and watershed
boundaries to predict stormwater runoff and water quality for any area of interest in the
continental United States.
Additional data newly available for visualization and analysis within the Delaware River
Basin includes stream network overlays, Stream Reach Assessment Tool overlays, point sources
of permitted pollution discharges, county-based animal data, USGS stream monitoring data, and
more. Users can analyze data and create scenarios in a 24-hour storm event model and a
multiyear model for any area of interest in the lower 48 United States.
The latest version of Model My Watershed uses professional-grade models to enable
citizens, conservation practitioners, and municipal decision-makers to compare how different
conservation or development scenarios for their neighborhoods and their watersheds could
modify runoff and water quality.
Model My Watershed was also designed for students and teachers to learn systems
thinking and geospatial analysis skills in the context of place-based problem-solving for
watershed science.
The NSF Division of Research on Learning has funded a collaborative project between
the Stroud Center, Millersville University, and the Concord Consortium for further development
of the app and teaching environmental sustainability (awards DRL-1418133, DRL-1417527, and
DRL-1417722).
About 75 teachers in California, Iowa, Kansas, Virginia, and Pennsylvania piloted a
watershed curriculum last school year, and more teachers are currently piloting a revised
curriculum this school year.
Director of Education Steve Kerlin, Ph.D., says, During the teacher trainings last
summer, teachers were excited to explore Model My Watershed features and began to customize
the model curriculum for their students.
After implementing the use of Model My Watershed in their classes, teachers have
reported that the experience of using real data to solve real problems has been highly impactful.
The latest version of Model My Watershed was jointly funded by the William Penn
Foundation and the National Science Foundation.
It expands capabilities that were prototyped in 2010-2011 with NSF funding to a national
scale, and it adds enhanced capabilities, such as rapid watershed delineation available nationally
and high-resolution data layers available for the Delaware River Basin.
A user can select an area anywhere in the continental United States and quickly and
easily see how freshwater resources will improve or deteriorate if you plant a forest or add a
building, says Anthony Aufdenkampe, Ph.D., a senior environmental scientist at LimnoTech,
who specializes in making scientific data and models easily accessible to the public. He is a
co-principal investigator for the Model My Watershed project. Model My Watershed is the first
national-scale tool in the WikiWatershed toolkit. Our vision is for WikiWatershed users to share
watershed-model scenarios, watershed-monitoring data, and watershed-management stories as an
open, collaborative community.
Melinda Daniels, Ph.D., head of the Fluvial Geomorphology Group and also a
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co-principal investigator on the project, says, The beauty of this app is its accessibility. Almost
anyone can start using it and easily learn how to do watershed modeling. The level of analysis
embedded in the app would normally take someone many hours of coursework to learn how to
do; now it can be applied quickly by schoolchildren, citizens, municipal decision-makers, and
conservation practitioners with little, if any, instruction.
And the results are super fast. Theres no need to track down a land areas soil data and
then use complex equations to calculate how a new development or restoration project will affect
local water quality. With a few mouse clicks, the Model My Watershed app reveals an estimate
of the impact in a flash.
The William Penn Foundation is committed to supporting work in the Delaware River
watershed that helps ensure an adequate supply of clean water for future generations, said
Andrew Johnson, William Penn Foundations program director of watershed protection. This
pivotal project will vastly improve the ability of municipal decision-makers and conservation
practitioners to accelerate and amplify their conservation impact in the Delaware River
watershed.
WikiWatershed and Model My Watershed were funded in part by: National Science
Foundation (grants DRL-1418133, DRL-1417527, DRL-1417722, DRL-0929763, and
DRL1433761); William Penn Foundation (grants 103-14 and 12-17); Stroud Water Research
Center; Virginia Wellington Cabot Foundation; The Dansko Foundation; and Generous
donations from Peter Kjellerup and Mandy Cabot.
To learn more, visit the WikiWatershed website.
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, Click Here to
become a Friend Of Stroud Research, Like them on Facebook, Follow on Twitter, include them
in your Circle on Google+ and visit their YouTube Channel.
NewsClips:
Schuylkill Action Network Recognizes Miquon School Students In Montgomery County
The Schuylkill Action Network Tuesday presented a

Protecting Our Water Award to fifth and sixth grade
students at The Miquon School in Montgomery County
for their work protecting the river and drinking water in
the Schuylkill River Valley.
An award ceremony recognized the school for its work
restoring a section of its 1,400 creek and included
presentations by Rick Rogers, Acting Deputy Director
of the Water Protection Division of the U.S.
Environmental Protection Agencys Mid-Atlantic
33
Office, Virginia Vassalotti of the Partnership for the Delaware Estuary, and Miquon students.
An integral part of its outdoor and science curriculum, the Miquon Creek is a first order
tributary to the Schuylkill River and provides students with a multitude of opportunities for
hands-on learning and exploration.
Decades of mill farming, development in the watershed, and severe weather events
significantly degraded the creeks ecosystem health. Recent storm surges, causing noticeable
erosion and creek bank loss, led Miquon into a campaign to restore the creek an effort entailing
constructing a series of riffles and pools in the steam and creating shallow aquatic beds to
mitigate erosion during large storm events.
To fund the restoration project, Miquon raised $71,000 from its school and camp
families, and secured a $95,000 state grant from the Department of Environmental Protections
Growing Greener program.
Contractors Biohabitats and Aquatic Resource Restoration designed and implemented the
restoration plan.
Later Refugia, Miquons landscape design/build partner, led teams of Miquon parents
and children to install native plants to stabilize the stream bank and further protect adjacent
wetland areas and groundwater seeps -- which in turn, protect water quality.
Before and after the creek restoration, students engaged in a watershed curriculum that
included conducting a survey of the macroinvertebrates as an indicator of water quality,
measuring and documenting the streams slope and grade, and creating a 1:6 scale model of the
creek itself.
As a part of their survey, the students placed leaf bags in the steam to collect species
living in the water.
Using petri dishes and microscopes, we identified the macroinvertebrates -- such as
planaria -- that we found in the water, explained Julia Butensky, a sixth grader from
Roxborough.
The students compared their results with the same study conducted the year prior, before
the restoration work was completed.
Last year we only had a lot of boring scuds, explained fifth grader Theo Robinson (Mt.
Airy). This year, I found 15 species.
Vassalotti of the Partnership for the Delaware Estuary concurred; noting students finding
a larger number of macroinvertebrates and more species meant the stream was getting cleaner.
This water youre protecting goes to the Schuylkill River, and that becomes drinking
water for a lot of folks, said EPAs Rogers. Everything you are doing and will continue to do
is going to make that water even better. It is really important.
Annually the science curriculum at Miquon -- comprising students in Nursery (age 3)
through sixth grade -- entails a study of the campus watershed and an overview of the water
cycle.
For more information on the programs, initiatives and upcoming events, visit the
Schuylkill Action Network website. Click Here to sign up for regular updates.
(Photo: Miquon 5th and 6th graders receive the Protecting Our Water Award from Schuylkill
Action Network on Monday, May 8. (photo credit Kristin Sanderson))
NewsClips:
Wilkes-Barre Riverfront Group Reunites People With Nature
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Saturdays RiverFest In Scranton Postponed Due To High Water
Audubon Has Patch Opportunities For Scouts, Others
Derry Schools Aims To Inspire Next Generation In Agriculture
Frick Environmental Ed Center To Receive Green Building Alliance Leadership Award
By Natalie Stewart, Green Building Alliance
The Frick Environmental Center in Pittsburgh is the

worlds first free-to-the-public building engineered to
meet the Living Building Challenge, and achieve LEED
Platinum standards for energy efficiency.
This municipal treasure transforms sustainable innovations
into an interactive classroom, providing a canvas for
audiences to reimagine their connections with the
environment.
The Frick Center will be honored with the Leadership
Award from the Pittsburgh Green Building Alliance on September 21at the August Wilson
Center.
After the previous education center burned down in 2002, The Pittsburgh Parks
Conservancy undertook more than a decade of planning to create an organic connection from
neighborhood to nature.
Designed by Bohlin Cywinski Jackson and built by PJ Dick, the new Frick
Environmental Center presents its green technologies as public exhibits, provoking public
questions about conservation and human impact.
Visitors can explore the 18, 525-foot-deep geothermal wells which maintain the Centers
temperature, while the sites wastewater treatment system stands as statues along the entrance
path.
Those choosing to drive will observe photovoltaic cells covering the parking shelters,
which also channel storm water into a 5,000-gallon underground cistern.
The technical wonders abound, but the Frick Environmental Center also takes its mission
to an unexpectedly artful end.
The entrance opens on a gorgeous tree-lined alle, and boasts a new high-efficiency
fountain in a nod to the sites original Innocenti and Webel 1935 Masterplan.
Further downstream, excess water cascades down a 30 foot rain veil, bubbling into a
watershed sculpture cut into the terrace.
As if challenged to disappear into the hillside, the buildings support beams echo the trees
irregular spacing, and the locust exteriors will weather to a dove grey.
The design team also incorporated local resources into their designs.
The Frick Environmental Center is constructed with regionally sourced, nontoxic
materials where possible, including its steel beams, wood furniture (sourced from the site itself),
and glazed windows.
To further incorporate local communities into the site, more than 1,000 residents
participated in the planning process, producing a public amphitheater and the From Slavery to
35
Freedom Garden, among other features.
Click Here for more information on the Emerald Evening Awards Dinner.
For more information on programs, initiatives and upcoming events, visit the Green
Building Alliance website. Click Here for regular updates from the Alliance. Click Here to
become a member. Click Here to become a sponsor.
NewsClips:
Registration Open For PA Abandoned Mine Reclamation Conference June 21-22
The 2017 PA Abandoned Mine Reclamation

Conference is now accepting registrations. This
year the Conference will be held June 21-22 at
the Best Western Plus Genetti Hotel and
Conference Center in Wilkes-Barre.
This years theme is The Future of
Reclamation.
The potential for the changing Federal
environmental policies to influence abandoned
mine reclamation in Pennsylvania is imminent.
The return to a focus on coal production, the proposed shifting of spending of the
Abandoned Mine Land Fund through the RECLAIM initiative, and the expected expiration of
the collection fees feeding the Abandoned Mine Land Fund could each have their own costs and
benefits to Pennsylvanias abandoned mine reclamation community.
The Conference will explore these ideas with an emphasis on the future of reclamation
and the benefits it provides.
The Conference is going to be located in the heart of the Wyoming Valley and the
Northern Anthracite Coalfields. It has not been back to The Diamond City since the first
regional conference that was held in June of 1996 at Wilkes University.
A full day tour of the Wyoming and Lackawanna Valleys abandoned mine drainage and
abandoned mine reclamation projects. An alternative walking tour of Wilkes-Barre coal history
and a film screening will also be offered.
For more information and to register, visit the 2017 PA Abandoned Mine Reclamation
Conference website. The website also includes links to previous conferences.
NewsClip:
Register Now For PA Abandoned Mine Reclamation Conference
NRCS-PA Chesapeake Bay Conservation Innovation Grant Workshop May 18 In
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Harrisburg
The U.S. Natural Resources Conservation Service-PA

Office is hosting a meeting and workshop on the PA
Chesapeake Bay Conservation Innovation Grant Program
on May 18 at the NRCS State Office, 359 East Park Drive
in Harrisburg from 10:00 a.m. to Noon.
There is also an opportunity to call-in for the program by
dialing 888-844-9904, Access Code: 6036607.
The NRCS has $3 million in grants available for
demonstration projects within Pennsylvania that stimulate the development and adoption of
innovative conservation approaches that will reduce nutrient loads to the Chesapeake Bay
watershed.
As part of its Conservation Innovation Grants Program, NRCS is accepting proposals for
competitive consideration of grant awards up to $500,000 per project, for projects between one
and three years in duration.
Applications are due June 5, 2017.
The informational meeting will provide general information about the CIG program and
application process and NRCS employees will be on hand to answer questions.
Following the meeting, a workshop will be held to provide specific information,
feedback, and assistance.
Click Here and search for the PA Chesapeake Bay Conservation Innovation Grant
Program.
NewsClips:
Crable: Study: Cover Crops On Farms Combat Global Warming
Penn State Study: Cover Crops Can Mitigate Climate Change
Op-Ed: House GOP Budget Cuts Cold Devastate States Ability To Grow Agriculture
DEP Developing New Erosion & Sedimentation General Permit To Cover 5 Acres Or Less,
Low-Impact Projects
Lee McDonnell from DEPs Bureau of Clean Water told the Water Resources Advisory
Committee Wednesday his office is developing a new Chapter 102 Erosion and Sedimentation
General Permit for small, low impact projects of five acres or less that could cover a significant
37
number of projects DEP now requires full permits for.
McDonnell said this is one of several recommendations DEP gleaned from 7 listening
sessions DEP held earlier this year with consultants and permit applicants on the Chapter 102
erosion and sedimentation control and NPDES permitting process.
He said when DEP did an evaluation of its existing workload and the applications it
receives, they found as many as 40 or 50 percent of the permit applications covered projects of
five acres or less.
The new General Permit to be developed would cover smaller, simpler, low impact
projects. McDonnell said, as an example, like a farmer putting up a barn on level ground.
McDonnell said the intent behind the new General Permit is to allow DEP to focus its
limited staff resources on projects that are larger and have more potential impact on the
environment.
McDonnell said any new permit would be put through a public participation process and
made available for public comment.
Also on the list of recommended changes is an update and change in function for DEPs
Stormwater Best Management Practices Manual.
McDonnell noted some DEP staff used the Manual as a regulation saying applicants had
to do BMPs only according to the Manual. The update, which will be web-based and more
easily changed, will be built more like guidance using basic principles, so DEP staff can review
new BMPs for their effectiveness when they come in the door.
McDonnell said a contract should be moving shortly to begin the update.
He said his office will be putting out a report by mid-June outlining the complete results
of the listening sessions, a list of specific recommendations DEP is following up on and a
schedule of implementing those recommendations.
The Committee also had discussions on these other topics--
-- Chesapeake Bay Phase 3 Watershed Implementation Plan Development; and
-- Comprehensive Environmental Assessment of Proposed Project Cumulative Impacts For
Chapter 105 Water Obstruction And Encroachment Permit Application Technical Guidance
Aimed At Pipelines. (Public comment period ended March 21. Click Here for a copy.)
For more information and copies of available documents, visit DEPs Water Resources
Advisory Committee webpage. Questions should be directed to: Diane Wilson by sending email
to: diawilson@pa.gov or call 717-787-3730.
Aqua America: Drinking Water Week Chance To Learn How To Protect From Lead
Aqua America, the American Water Works Association and the water community are celebrating
Drinking Water Week, May 7-13, by recognizing the vital role water plays in daily lives and the
ways in which consumers can take personal responsibility in caring for their tap water and water
infrastructure at home and in the community.
One way Aqua is encouraging consumers to get involved is to help get the lead out.
The water utility recently released a new lead education video advising homeowners to
be vigilant about the dangers of lead in drinking water and to replace any plumbing that could
leak lead into the water supply.
Aqua is committed to delivering safe, reliable drinking water to our customers. We
38
encourage our customers and all homeowners to work with a licensed plumber to identify and
replace lead-based pipes, fixtures and other materials in their home.
Lead contamination is often the result of corrosion in the pipes and plumbing materials
belonging to homeowners. There are several potential sources of lead that can contaminate
drinking water, including: household plumbing containing lead solder and brass fixtures and lead
service lines that run directly into homes.
In most cases, Aqua owns service lines from the water main and up to the customers
curb. Once lines are on private property, they are beyond the utilitys control and it becomes the
customers responsibility to mitigate lead exposure or to replace the lead plumbing.
Homes built before 1986 are more likely to have lead pipes, fixtures and solder inside,
which can leach into the homeowners water supply. According to the U.S. Environmental
Protection Agency, approximately 10 million American homes receive water from service lines
that are at least partially lead.
Lead exposure is a serious concern for millions of homeowners throughout the country,
said Chris Crockett, Ph.D., chief environmental officer of Aqua America. Aqua is committed to
delivering safe, reliable drinking water to our customers. We encourage our customers and all
homeowners to work with a licensed plumber to identify and replace lead-based pipes, fixtures
and other materials in their home.
According to the EPA, lead can cause serious health problems including damage to the
brain and kidneys, and can interfere with the production of vital red blood cells. Infants, young
children and pregnant women are particularly vulnerable to the effects of lead exposure.
To minimize the potential for lead exposure from lead plumbing and service lines, Aqua
advises homeowners to:
-- Run the tap for 30 seconds to two minutes before using water for drinking or cooking,
especially if water hasnt been used in several hours.
-- Only use cold water to cook, drink or prepare baby formula.
-- Use National Sanitation Foundation approved water filtration devices for effective lead
reduction.
To help homeowners better understand lead and know what they can do if they are
concerned about lead in their water, Aqua developed an educational video that customers can
view.
Aqua Pennsylvania customers can also call Aqua at 877-987-2782 for information about
having their water tested for lead.
For more information on lead in water, also visit DEPs Lead In Drinking Water
webpage.
NewsClips:
Pittsburgh Begins Distributing Water Pitchers To Filter Lead
Pittsburgh Mayor Cites CNN Report To Back Incorrect Lead Contamination Claim
As Worries Over Lead Intensify, Allegheny County Launches Task Force
Editorial: Allegheny County Right To Test Kids For Lead Poisoning
1 In 7 SW Pennsylvanians Served By Water Systems With EPA Violations
Boil Water Advisory Issued To Lancaster County Community
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USGS: High Levels Of Radon Found In 14% Of Water Wells Surveyed In PA
A new U.S. Geological Survey study released

Thursday has discovered high levels of radon in
wells across certain areas of Pennsylvania.
The study, which was conducted in cooperation with
the Departments of Health and Environmental
Protection, examined 1,041 well samples and found
that 14 percent had radon levels at or above the U.S.
Environmental Protection Agencys proposed
alternative maximum contaminant level of 4,000
picocuries per liter.
While the EPA does not currently regulate radon in drinking water, it has proposed this
alternative limit for public water supplies in states like Pennsylvania, which has an
EPA-approved radon indoor air quality program.
For states without an approved program, the EPA has proposed a lower, more protective,
maximum contaminant level of 300 picocuries per liter.
Radon which is a colorless, odorless, radioactive gas primarily contaminates indoor
air when the gas seeps through the soil under homes and buildings, but groundwater can be a
notable indoor air radon source in areas where groundwater has extreme radon concentrations.
Radon dissolved in groundwater used for drinking water can escape into the air as the
water leaves a faucet, which adds to any radon that enters a structure through foundation cracks.
Homeowners with private wells should be aware of radons potential health risks
because, according to the EPA, radon exposure is the second-leading cause of lung cancer in the
United States.
During the study, data collected from 1986 to 2015 from wells were compiled to gain a
better understanding of the radon levels in groundwater across the state.
The USGS analyzed well water sample results according to the geologic formations, also
known as geologic units, they came from. Based on the Pennsylvania Geological Surveys
classifications, there are a total of 188 recognized geologic units across the state, such as the
Allegheny, Brunswick and Catskill Formations.
However, due to limited data availability, only 16 of these geologic units were included
in this study. The studied area accounts for about 31 percent of Pennsylvanias total land area,
which researchers noted creates some large data gaps across the state.
Five of the geologic units included in the study consist largely of shale and sandstone
formations in the northern and western parts of the state. The other 11 geologic units are in
southeastern Pennsylvania and consist of highly variable igneous, metamorphic and sedimentary
rocks.
The Peters Creek Schist, a geologic unit in southern York, Lancaster, and Chester
counties, was found to have the highest potential radon exposure from both groundwater and
indoor air.
This area also had the highest percentage of private well users, which puts this population
at greater potential of exposure to radon from groundwater and indoor air.
This research is not intended to predict radon levels for individual wells; its purpose is
to promote awareness regarding potential radon exposure in Pennsylvania and to point out data
40
gaps that exist throughout the state, said USGS scientist Eliza Gross, who led the study. The
study results and associated potential radon exposure maps provide water-resource managers and
health officials with useful data as they consider management actions in areas where radon levels
in groundwater and indoor air have been notably high and where people rely on private wells as
a water source.
Even though only small sections of the state were analyzed for radon levels in
groundwater, Gross still feels the findings are important for Pennsylvanians with private wells.
Radon levels can vary widely, even within the same geologic unit, Gross said.
Because of that, the only way a homeowner can know if his or her water or indoor air has high
levels of radon is to get them tested, and then treat their homes if necessary.
The study, "Evaluation of Radon Occurrence in Groundwater from 16 Geologic Units in
Pennsylvania, 19862015, with Application to Potential Radon Exposure from Groundwater and
Indoor Air," is available online.
For more information about radon in Pennsylvania, visit the DEP Radon webpage at or
call the PADEP Radon Hotline at 1-800-237-2366 or the DEP Radon Division at 717-783-3594.
NewsClips:
AP: High Levels Of Radon Found In Pennsylvania Water Wells
High Levels Of Radon Found In Pennsylvania Water Wells
DEP Hosts June 29 Water, Wastewater Resilience Planning Workshop In Harrisburg
The Department of Environmental Protection is hosting a free hands-on training session for
drinking water and wastewater utilities on EPAs Creating Resilient Water Utilities (CRWU) and
Climate Resilience Evaluation and Awareness Tool (CREAT) initiatives on June 29 from 8:00
a.m. to 4:30 p.m. at DEPs Southcentral Regional Office, 909 Elmerton Ave. in Harrisburg.
The CRWU initiative provides drinking water, wastewater, and stormwater utilities with
the practical tools, training, and technical assistance needed to increase resilience to extreme
weather events.
Through a comprehensive planning process, CRWU assists in identifying potential
long-term adaptation options for decision-making related to water sector utility infrastructure
financing.
CREAT is a risk assessment application that helps utilities in adapting to extreme
weather events. The one-day training will give participants hands-on training with CREAT,
which can help participants examine and identify potential adaptation options.
Training objectives include--
-- Better understand current and future weather conditions in order to protect utility infrastructure
and ensure the continued provision of clean and safe water to customers;
-- Begin the process of conducting a risk assessment using CREAT; and
-- Identify and share information on adaptation strategies to build utility long-term resilience.
Who Should Attend Drinking water, wastewater and stormwater utility operators;
Technical assistance providers; Local, state, federal and tribal government officials; Watershed
planners; and Water sector associations
Continuing education units (CEUs) may be available for participation (application
pending).
41
CREAT is a web-based tool and participants will need to bring a Wi-Fi ready laptop in
order to use the tool during the training.
Click Here to register and for more information. Questions should be directed to Alfredo
Lagos by sending email to: alfredo.lagos@csra.com.
NewsClips:
Scranton Authority Has 30 Day Extension To Produce Sale Documents
Scranton Sewer Authority Member To Ask For Audit Of Sale
Editorial: Scranton Authority Stalls On Deal Secrecy
Tulpehocken Creek Project Channels Cold Water Flow In Berks County
By Thomas Ham, Tulpehocken Creek Chapter of TU
As 2016 came to a close, so did a major project by

the Tulpehocken Creek Chapter of TU. The chapter
placed three stone de ectors in Tulpehocken Creek
below the confluence of the Cacoosing Creek in
Wyomissing, PA.
The deflectors, structurally totaling more than 200
feet in length, were placed in an effort to utilize the
cooler flows of the Cacoosing.
Temperature monitoring above and below the confluence historically indicated the
Cacoosing contribution is much cooler than the usual flows of the Tulpehocken, especially in
the heat of summer. Unfortunately, downstream of the confluence the creek becomes much
wider and shallower, thus wasting the cooler addition.
Constantly on the lookout for opportunities immediate past president Dan Shaffer met
with Mike Kauffman of the Fish and Boat Commission and Tony Gehman of TCO Fly Shop to
discuss a project in early 2015.
At Kauffmans recommendation, utilization of the Cacoosing flow was considered.
Cacoosing Creek creates a plume of cooler water that was being pushed against the
(nearside) bank, says Kauffman, area fisheries manager for the southeast region, Trout could
always be found hugging the bank, and this project was an opportunity to serve more trout by
channeling the flow to the middle where theyre better protected.
Small chapters must choose their projects carefully, though placing multiple defectors
isnt simple the high impact project would allow for an easy access staging area enabling the
process to unfold at a comfortable pace.
Fundraising for the defectors included a banquet, support from the Conservation District
42
and a grant from TUs Embrace-A-Stream Program.
The EAS application approval served to validate the project even more and the $2,000
grant provided a much needed boost in getting the work started.
We look at the projectable merit, conservation impact, and the impact to the chapter
when approving project grants, said Greg Malaska, EAS committee member, This project was
a big plus; it serves an urban fishery and coincided with the Tully chapters 40th anniversary.
Ongoing monitoring of the stream will continue and official feedback will be submitted
to the EAS committee.
In May of 2016 the chapter held a fundraising banquet. With legendary PA angler and
conservationist Joe Humphreys as the keynote speaker, a loyal group of attendees donated more
dollars to the projects funding. Supporters contributed by donations, purchasing raffle tickets and
participating in an auction.
Among the donors was TCO founder Tony Gehman, an avid supporter of TU who has
long seen the need for this project.
Over the years that section of the stream has been eroded tremendously, says Gehman,
We needed to create a way to mix that cold water from the Cacoosing with the Tully and
prevent it from heating up as it heads downstream. These defectors should achieve that goal.
The chapter worked closely with Berks County Parks and Recreation, who owns the areas
surrounding the stream. Once permitting was completed the department gave the go ahead to
utilize an open area as a staging point and to clear cut and alter the bank as needed.
TU has always been a terrific partner, says Chris Stress, director of the Berks County
Parks and Recreation Department, In my opinion this project was an absolute success that will
improve the waterway and stabilize the bank.
The department also worked with the chapter to understand best practices when
completing bank repairs at the project completion.
Another key ally in placing the defectors was the Berks County Conservation District.
According to District Executive Dean Druckenmiller, this project fit well into their
mission.
The BCCD is dedicated to the wise stewardship of soil and waters of Berks County so
future generations have healthy land to live and work, and clean water for drinking and
recreation, said Druckenmiller, This project stabilized the banks of Tulpehocken Creek, while
improving trout habitat and hopefully enhancing the cold- water refuge below Cacoosing Creek.
The stones used were actually boulders unearthed by a development project in close
proximity to the defector site. After getting the stone donated chapter leaders also negotiated
having them hauled to the staging area at a discounted rate courtesy of M&A Excavating.
With the stones in place Highland Excavating services, a partner in past stream projects,
was tasked with actually building the structures. Chapter board members, past and present, were
on site at every major step, measuring and planning with Highland personnel to ensure project
fluidity.
Finally, with the defectors complete, board members and volunteers from the Wilson
High School Earth Club set out to repair the bank with environmental matting donated by East
Coast Erosion Blankets.
Securing the matting along with seed and straw was the last step of a project which took
several weeks to complete, but much longer to plan and prepare for.
Founded in 1976, the Tully Chapter has completed many projects in its footprint and
43
looks forward to moving ahead with other habitat improvements and stream repair in the near
future.
NewsClips:
Trout Unlimited Restores Native Brook Trout To Aquetong Creek
Fly Fishing Creates Steady Business For Evening Hatch Shop
Slippery Hellbender Could Represent Pennsylvania
(Reprinted from the Spring PA Trout newsletter from the PA Council of Trout Unlimited. Click
Here to sign up for your own copy (box at top of page).)
Sen. Yaw, CBF Students Support Bill To Save Hellbenders And Clean Water In PA
Sen. Gene Yaw (R-Lycoming), Majority Chair of

the Senate Environmental Resources and Energy
Committee and a member of the interstate
Chesapeake Bay Commission, would like to
introduce colleagues at the Capitol to his slippery,
spongelike friends and students who care about
them.
They are a natural barometer of water quality and
they live where the water is clean, Sen. Yaw said,
recalling days as a youngster catching hellbenders
in the local creek. If they are surviving in the
streams in this area, that is a good sign for the
water quality. Here is natures own testing kit for
good water quality.
Sen. Yaw has introduced Senate Bill 658 to
designate the Eastern hellbender as Pennsylvanias
official state amphibian.
Much of what remains of a depleted hellbender
population in Pennsylvania can be found in waters
within the Senators district, which includes
Bradford, Lycoming, Sullivan, part of
Susquehanna and Union counties.
The campaign on behalf of North Americas largest salamander is the brainchild of the
Chesapeake Bay Foundations Student Leadership Council. The students have studied the
hellbender extensively, wrote the first draft of Senate Bill 658, and are working for its passage.
Its about all species that rely on clean water, which essentially encompasses all wildlife
in Pennsylvania, including us, SLC President Anna Pauletta said of the campaign. Being able
to speak up for something that doesnt necessarily have a voice and making impact on their
survivorship through legislation. She is a senior at Cumberland Valley High School.
Long-term we are also looking to raise awareness for clean water in general, but within
the legislative process as well, because its an issue that is commonly overlooked, Pauletta
44
added.
Without help and more clean water, the Eastern hellbender could disappear.
Hellbenders survive where there is cold, clear, swift-running water. They prefer rocky
streambeds. Their spongelike bodies allow them to squeeze into crevices which they use for
protection and for nesting. The slimy salamanders feed at night, primarily on crayfish.
Folds of wrinkled skin provide a large surface through which they draw most of their
oxygen.
The presence of streamside trees or forested buffers stands out among factors that enable
hellbenders to survive.
Forested buffers are one of the most cost-effective practices available for not only
keeping pollutants out of the stream, but also for providing hellbenders cool, clean water and
habitat to live, said CBFs Pennsylvania Executive Director Harry Campbell. Science tells us
no other practice does so much for so many.
A lack of forested buffers along Commonwealth waterways allows waters to warm,
polluted runoff to enter rivers and streams, and silt to build up in streambeds. As a result, habitat
has been degraded and hellbender numbers were decimated in streams where they were plentiful
as recently as 1990.
In Pennsylvania, roughly 19,000 miles of rivers and streams are fouled by pollution.
The Senator and the students believe recognizing the Eastern hellbender as the state
amphibian can encourage more Pennsylvanians to protect it and its environment.
The idea of promoting the name in and of itself is unique, Sen. Yaw said. I think there
are a lot of people in the state that have never heard of this particular creature.
The senator notes that the students will benefit in the process as well.
These are a bunch of bright kids, Sen. Yaw said. Theyve got some good ideas. They
studied this. We will do it. It showed them that they have a voice and it does make a difference.
The student effort on behalf of the hellbender began last summer.
CBF student leaders have installed hellbender nesting boxes in the upper Susquehanna,
and sampled streams for the presence of hellbender DNA.
They gathered support for the hellbender designation from conservation groups, and
visited the State University of New York (SUNY) Lab in Buffalo, N.Y. to learn about DNA
testing. They also went to the Buffalo Zoo to see hellbenders up close.
The students are collaborating with Dr. Peter Petokas, noted research associate at the
Clean Water Institute at Lycoming College in Williamsport. Dr. Petokas has studied hellbenders
for more than 10 years and has captured and microchipped over 3,000 of them.
CBFs Student Leadership Program is open to all high school students and is designed to
give them a voice and an active role in clean water efforts in Pennsylvania.
Sen. Yaw is also a member of the interstate Chesapeake Bay Commission.
More information about the campaign for the Eastern hellbender, CBFs Hellbender
webpage. Click Here to watch a video about hellbenders.
Click Here to see how clean the streams are in your county.
For more on Chesapeake Bay-related issues in Pennsylvania, visit the Chesapeake Bay
Foundation-PA webpage. Click Here to sign up for Pennsylvania updates (bottom of left
column). Click Here to become a member.
(Top Photo: CBF SLC members Anna Pauletta and Abby Hebenton; Sen. Yaw; and SLC
members Emma Stone, River Sferlazza and Andrew Waldman.)
45
NewsClips:
Related Stories:
Targets
May 8 Watershed Winds Newsletter Now Available From Penn State Extension
The May 8 edition of the Watershed Winds newsletter is now available from Penn State
Extension featuring these articles--
-- Drilling A New Or Replacement Water Well
-- Private Water System Education Workshop Held In York County
-- Study: Decline In Hemlock Forests Linked To Changes In Water Resources
-- Click Here to sign up for your own copy.
Keep PA Beautiful: Still Time To Be Part Of Great American Cleanup Of PA
Keep Pennsylvania Beautiful Thursday reminded

community groups and volunteers there is still time
to be part of the Great American Cleanup of PA to
clean up roadside litter, illegal dumps and to beautify
your neighborhood.
The deadline to register your event is May 31.
Registered events receive free cleanup supplies of
bags, gloves and vests, as supplies last.
This is a great opportunity for neighbors, friends and even whole communities to come
together and have fun while improving our communities, said Shannon Reiter, President of
Keep Pennsylvania Beautiful.
Events can be litter cleanups, illegal dump cleanups, beautification projects, special
collections, and educational events and must be registered to receive free cleanup supplies.
Video Contest
And dont forget to submit a 2-minute or less video of your Great American Cleanup of
PA event for a chance to win cash prizes. The winning entry receives $200 and two runners up
each receive $100. Deadline to submit a video is June 2. Click Here for all the details.
Help choose the winners by liking your favorite video on the Keep Pennsylvania
Beautiful Facebook page.
46
Register Your Event Or Volunteer
To register your cleanup event or to volunteer, visit the Great American Cleanup of PA
website. Questions can be answered by Michelle Dunn, Great American Cleanup of PA Program
Coordinator, at 1-877-772-3673 ext. 113 or send email to: mdunn@keeppabeautiful.org.
For more information on programs, initiatives and special events, visit the Keep
Pennsylvania Beautiful website. Click Here to become a member. 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:
Op-Ed: Let Cities And Towns Tax Plastic Bags
Editorial: Thanks To Wilkes-Barre Cleanup Volunteers
Keep PA Beautiful Receives Grant To Reduce Cigarette Litter In State Parks
Keep Pennsylvania Beautiful Tuesday announced they have

received a $20,000 grant from Keep America Beautiful to
continue their work with the Department of Conservation and
Natural Resources to reduce cigarette litter in state parks.
The grant is part of Keep America Beautifuls Cigarette
Litter Prevention Program, the nations largest program aimed at
reducing cigarette litter.
Keep Pennsylvania Beautiful will work with DCNR in state
parks with recreational lakes, whitewater rafting, canoeing,
kayaking as well as thousands of miles of hiking trails. KPB
will also assist park rangers with education outreach to the
parks.
The parks participating in the 2017 CLPP Grant are Cooks
Forest, Clear Creek, Kinzua Bridge, Maurice K Goddard,
Ohiopyle and Raccoon Creek.
The Cigarette Litter Prevention Program is a proven tool to address the number one
littered item in America. Thanks to Keep America Beautiful, we can continue to invest in this
highly effective program, explained Shannon Reiter, President of Keep Pennsylvania Beautiful.
We are increasingly optimistic about ending cigarette butt litter in America, said Keep
America Beautiful COO Becky Lyons. Keep America Beautiful and our Cigarette Litter
Prevention Program partners are dedicated to educating consumers on the hazards of litter and
providing the tools to change their behavior. Recent cigarette litter reduction numbers show we
are moving in the right direction towards making the littering of cigarette butts and littering in
general socially unacceptable in our country.
In 2016, Keep Pennsylvania Beautiful partnered with the Fish and Boat Commission and
Department of Conservation and Natural Resources to focus on seven state parks with
recreational lakes including Bald Eagle, Kooser, Moraine, Prince Gallitzin and Pymatuning.
The 2016 program resulted in a 76 percent reduction in cigarette litter in the final survey.
47
The Cigarette Litter Prevention Program consists of an initial scan or count of cigarette
butts, the installation of cigarette butt receptacles and a final scan of cigarette butts. Previous
participants have noted that the addition of butt collection devices help to reduce labor hours
devoted to their removal.
Since its establishment, the Cigarette Litter Prevention Program has consistently cut
cigarette butt litter by approximately half based on local measurements taken in the first four
months to six months after program implementation.
Survey results also demonstrate that as communities continue to implement and monitor
the program those reductions are sustained or even increased over time. Keep America Beautiful
has distributed nearly $3.3 million in grant funding since 2006 to support local implementation
of the program in more than 1,700 communities.
Grants provided by Keep America Beautiful through the Cigarette Litter Prevention
Program fund implementations across the country in a variety of community settings including
downtowns, roadways, beaches, parks, marinas, colleges/universities, tourist locations, and at
special event locations.
Tobacco products, consisting mainly of cigarette butts, are the most littered item in
America, representing nearly 38 percent of all items littered, according to "Litter in America,"
Keep America Beautifuls landmark study of litter and littering behavior.
Research has shown that even self-reported non-litterers often dont consider tossing
cigarette butts on the ground to be "littering."
Keep America Beautiful has found that cigarette butt litter occurs most often at transition
pointsareas where a person must stop smoking before proceeding into another area. These
include bus stops, entrances to stores and public buildings, and the sidewalk areas outside of bars
and restaurants, among others.
The Cigarette Litter Prevention Program is supported by funding from Philip Morris
USA, an Altria company; RAI Services Company; and the Santa Fe Natural Tobacco Company.
The "Guide to Cigarette Litter Prevention" provides information about starting and
maintaining a Cigarette Litter Prevention Program in any community, and can be found online at
PreventCigaretteLitter.org.
View the Cigarette Litter Prevention Program PSA video on Keep America Beautifuls
YouTube channel as well as the Cigarette Litter in America Infographic.
For more information on programs, initiatives and special events, visit the Keep
Pennsylvania Beautiful website. Click Here to become a member. 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.
Sign up now for the 2017 Great American Cleanup of PA and set up your own cleanup
and beautification event through May 31.
NewsClips:
PAEP May 24 Workshop On PFAS 101, Fate And Remediation In Conshohocken
48
The PA Association of Environmental Professionals is hosting a Workshop on PFAS 101, Fate,
Transport and Remediation on May 24 at AECOM, 625 West Ridge Pike, Suite E-100,
Conshohocken, Montgomery County from 11:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m.
Poly- and perfluoroalkyl substances (PFASs) are a class of emerging contaminants whose
release in the environment has occurred from industrial and firefighting activities.
PFASs are used in a multitude of industrial and consumer products (electronics,
aerospace/defense, building/construction, alternative energy, automotive, semiconductors,
military, healthcare, outdoor apparel/equipment and chemical/pharmaceutical).
Most notably PFASs are part of aqueous film forming foams (AFFF) used for fire
training and firefighting. PFASs are a class of compounds with carbon-carbon chains of various
lengths, varying degrees of fluorine saturation, and organic acid or sulfonate functional groups at
one terminal end.
Fluorine-carbon bonds are one of the strongest bonds in nature; therefore PFASs have
distinct and unique properties of strength, durability, heat-resistance and chemical stability.
These compounds are also highly soluble in water and persistent in the environment, and as a
result PFAS plumes tend to be large, dilute, and represent potentially large financial and
environmental risks.
Environmental investigation and characterization for PFASs face numerous challenges,
including the potential for cross-contamination during sampling and analysis, environmental
ubiquity, the potential for multiple release modes and sources, and multiple transport pathways
(air, water, soil and bedrock). In addition, limited remediation technologies are available.
A discussion of these topics and information on potential for risk to human health and
ecological receptors will be presented.
The workshop presentation will be made by Dr. Katherine Davis, Mr. James
Fenstermacher, PE, and Dr. Sagar Thakali of AECOM. Dr. Davis, North America PFAS Lead
for AECOM, is a Principal Geologist with over 15 years of experience working on a
fluoropolymer manufacturing facility project in West Virginia.
She previously was the AECOM PFAS Technical Practice Group Lead. Mr.
Fenstermacher is a Remediation Technical Lead with over 28 years of experience, and is the
PFAS Regional Lead for the North East Region. He is the portfolio-wide Program Technical
Manager for a large, multi-national chemical manufacturing client, and has served in an advisory
capacity on numerous complex remediation projects for this and other major clients within
AECOM. Dr. Thakali is a Principal Risk Assessor for AECOM.
Click Here to sign up for the workshop. Questions should be direct to Fiona Adamsky at
484-602-4354 or send email to: adamsky@microback.com.
NewsClips:
EPA Agrees To Study When Lead Levels Are Safe For Children In Berks County
Digging For Lead Again In Laureldale, Muhlenberg Twp
Trump Environmental Chief To Prioritize Toxic Sites Cleanup
Delaware Riverkeeper Files Suit Against Sunoco Mariner East 2 Pipeline For Failing To
Comply With Local Zoning
49
The Delaware Riverkeeper Network Wednesday, joined by directly impacted landowners, filed a
lawsuit in the Chester County Court of Common Pleas against Sunocos Mariner East 2 Pipeline
claiming it has not complied with local zoning.
The lawsuit requests the Court enjoin Sunoco from maintaining, placing, or operating a
hazardous liquid and/or gas pipeline or other prohibited use on the property that is not
permitted under Zoning Ordinance.
According to the complaint, Sunoco cannot construct the Mariner East 2 Pipeline, a
hazardous, highly volatile liquids pipeline, in a manner that is inconsistent with West Goshen
Township ordinances.
Construction of this hazardous liquids pipeline through residential areas violates the
townships zoning code, says the Delaware Riverkeeper Network.
Even if allowed, the proposed placement of this pipeline would require a conditional use
approval and be subject to minimum setback requirements. The lawsuit asks the court to enjoin
the construction and operation of the pipeline.
Sunoco is flouting the requirements of local zoning and inflicting incredible harm on the
community and our environment. This blatant violation of law, and constitutional rights, cannot
be allowed to stand. It is unfortunate that West Goshen Township has not sought to defend the
rights of its own residents. I am pleased for the opportunity to join with the community to defend
their rights, and the rights of all communities in the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania, from being
run over roughshod by the Sunoco Pipeline company, said Maya van Rossum, the Delaware
Riverkeeper, leader of the Delaware Riverkeeper Network, and a plaintiff in the case.
If constructed, Sunocos Mariner East 2 pipeline would transport natural gas liquids
(NGLs) resulting from natural gas drilling activities from western Pennsylvania to the Marcus
Hook Industrial Complex near Philadelphia.
The project requires construction of one or more pipelines and aboveground facilities in
Delaware, Chester, and Berks counties, Pennsylvania. Sunoco has neither sought nor secured
zoning approval from West Goshen Township for construction of the project, despite its clear
conflict with existing ordinances in the municipality.
West Goshen zoning ordinances prohibit construction of hazardous liquid and gas
transmission pipelines as proposed by Mariner East 2. In addition to being prohibited where
proposed, even where such construction is allowed, it must receive conditional use approval
(with public participation) and provide for a setback that is equal to or greater than the Pipeline
Impact Radius.
This term is specifically defined in West Goshen Townships ordinance for the purpose
of avoiding significant impact to people or property, including but not limited to noise,
environmental, visual and other impacts which may be detrimental to health, safety and welfare
of the community.
Click Here for a copy of the complaint.
NewsClips:
Delco Residents Sue Sunoco To Stop Pipeline Alleging Violation Of Twp Ordinance
Legere: Battle To Reverse Laurel Pipeline Could Impact Gasoline Prices In Pittsburgh
Will Reversing Laurel Pipeline Lower Fuel Costs In PA?
Sides Cite Economic Benefits, Ecological Risk Of Sunoco Mariner East 2 Pipeline
North Dakota Officials Warn Lancaster Ahead of Pipeline Protest
Cusick: Sen. Martin Wants Pipeline Protesters To Pay For Police, Cleanup Costs
50
Editorial: Sen. Martin Should Have Reached Out To Pipeline Protesters
Pipeline Projects Continue Path To Completion Across Shale Gas Region
Scranton Rail Trail Closed While Workers Install Pipeline To Power Plant
U.S. Blocks Rover Pipeline After 18 Leaks, 2 Million Gallon Spill
Dakota Access Pipeline Leaked 84 Gallons Of Oil In April
Williams Turns To Trump For Help In Stalled Constitution Pipeline
Op-Ed: Keystone XL Pipeline Will Create Jobs, Lower Carbon Emissions
Fate
Related Stories:
Sunoco Spills Slurry In Delaware County While Drilling Under Chester Creek For Mariner East
2 Pipeline
Opponents Of Mariner East 2 Pipeline File Lawsuit Against Sunoco To Enforce Delaware
County Twp. Ordinance
Sunoco Spills Slurry In Delaware County While Drilling Under Chester Creek For
Mariner East 2 Pipeline
The Middletown Coalition For Community Safety reported

Friday on a May 3 spill of drilling slurry that occurred while
Sunoco Logistics was drilling horizontally under Chester
Creek in Brookhaven Borough, Delaware County as part of
construction work associated with the Mariner East 2
Pipeline.
The drilling slurry, according to a statement from the
Borough Engineers office, is made of clay, water and other
non-toxic substances. The slurry followed a fracture in the
rock up to the surface and bubbled out into the creek. Work
is ongoing to cleanup the spill.
The spill happened on or about May 3 and was reported to the Department of
Environmental Protection the following day, according to the Coalition.
DEP issued a notice of violation to Sunoco on May 9. Sunoco has until May 16 to
respond to the notice.
Local residents have been on scene monitoring and documenting the spill. It is not
known how much slurry was spilled into the creek.
It is not known how long the spill cleanup will last.
For more information, visit the Middletown Coalition For Community Safety and the
Brookhaven Borough website
(Photo: A wall of sandbags in Chester Creek trying to contain the spill bubbling up from below.)
51
Related Stories:
DEP Proposes Section 401 Water Quality Cert. For H-125 Pipeline Project In Allegheny,
Washington Counties
The Department of Environmental Protection published notice in the May 13 PA Bulletin (page
2829) proposing to approve a Section 401 Water Quality Certification for the H-125 Upgrade
Pipeline Project in Allegheny and Washington counties.
Equitrans is proposing to hydrostatically test its 12.1 mile, 20-inch natural gas pipeline to
determine it can operate at a high maximum allowable operating pressure.
Comments are due May 12. DEP Contact: Michael Forbeck, Pittsburgh Regional Office,
at 412-442-4000.
NewsClips:
Fate
Three Winners Announced For The 2017 Shale Gas Innovation Contest
On Tuesday in Pittsburgh during the 6th Annual Shale Gas Innovation Contest the following
three companies each walked away with a winners check for $20,000:
-- Frontier Natural Resources, Inc. -- Commercialized the first small scale natural gas
52
liquefaction facility in Pennsylvania utilizing natural gas from an adjacent gathering and
compression facility. Second site under development uses stranded natural gas, opening
opportunities across the state and nation.
-- PetroMar Technologies, Inc. -- Commercializing FracView, a low-cost LWD borehole
imaging tool utilizing advanced dynamically focused acoustic transducer technology to obtain a
very high resolution acoustic borehole image in any oil/synthetic liquid or synthetic) mud system
-- Sensor Networks, Inc. -- Offering product line of permanently installed battery powered
ultrasonic sensors, providing remote, wireless data collection of critical piping infrastructure's
wall thickness
In addition to the three winners, a fourth technology submitted by the Department of
Energys National Energy Technology Laboratory by Kelly Rose, Technology Geology &
Geospatial Researcher, was highly praised by the contest judges and attendees, and was named
the contests Innovative R&D Winner. The summary of that technology follows:
-- NETL -- Developed a cost effective and near real-time early kick detection system that
leverages data obtained from logging while drilling, measurement while drilling, or seismic
while drilling signals to provide an early warning before the kick ascends to the rig floor
NETL is seeking partners to continue demonstrate and validate the technology, and a potential
licensing partner to commercialize the technology.
Regarding the overall event, Bill Hall, Ben Franklin SGICC Director noted, All of the
finalists again displayed the diversity of ideas being brought forward by regional entrepreneurs
and small companies. Continuous innovation is advancing every aspect of how the oil and gas
industry operates, and uncovering these novel technologies is exactly what the Shale Gas
Innovation Contest is all about.
Loren Anderson, Director Technical Affairs at the Marcellus Shale Coalition, a contest
sponsor and event judge commented, Every year the Innovation Contest provides a platform for
new technologies that are ready for deployment. With an ever changing and fast paced industry,
these technologies provide solutions and improvements for our members operations in the
Appalachian Basin.
Tim Miller, Engineering Manager at Frontier Natural Resources commented, "We are
honored to be recognized by the SGICC Shale Gas Innovation Contest as a 2017 Contest
Winner. We value our relationship with SGICC and their encouragement of valuable innovations
that continue to improve the safety and efficiency of the shale gas industry. We look forward to
continuing to provide affordable and clean energy to all industries across Pennsylvania."
At the event two winners were also announced for posters presented by students from
CMU and Penn State. The winners were:
-- Cold Energy Recovery from LNG Regasification, submitted by Nyla Khan, M.S. Civil &
Environmental Engineering, Carnegie Mellon University; and
-- Fast and Robust Pattern Recognition for Re-Stimulation Candidate Selection using
Subsurface Big Data, submitted by Eddie Udegbe, PhD Candidate, Department of Energy and
Mineral Engineering, The Pennsylvania State University
Finalist presentations and additional details on the event are available online.
This 6th Annual Shale Gas Innovation Contests GOLD Sponsor was the Ben Franklin
Technology Partners. Industry sponsors included: AquaTech, Chevron Technology Ventures,
EQT Corporation, Fluid Recovery Systems, LPR Energy, LPR Land Services, the Marcellus
Shale Coalition, Praxair, Range Resources, Steptoe & Johnson PLLC, and Williams. Non-Profit
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sponsors included: Carnegie Mellon Universitys Scott Institute for Energy Innovation, and the
Penn State Universitys Institute for Natural Gas Research.
DEP Takes More Steps To Identify Abandoned, Leaking Oil & Gas Wells
With the results of a new study and

development of an interactive mapping tool, the
Department of Environmental Protection
Tuesday said it has taken a major step toward
identifying environmental impacts and
addressing potential public safety concerns
related to abandoned wells drilled over the past
150 years of oil and gas development in the
state.
Pennsylvanias history of natural gas extraction
predates permitting regulations enacted in 1955,
and that legacy has hampered the proper
decommissioning of wells. Even now, these historical wells may go unnoticed, said DEP Acting
Secretary Patrick McDonnell. Residents may live near a well without realizing it, assuming the
well site is part of the landscape.
The well may no longer be active, but stray gas can migrate into the atmosphere or water
supplies, creating a safety or environmental hazard.
Due to Pennsylvanias lack of permitting regulations prior to 1955, DEPs maps of these
historical wells are inconclusive, a weakness that was validated during a recently published field
study of 207 randomly selected historical wells in western Pennsylvania, where most oil and gas
drilling has taken place. The study assessed well integrity, methane gas emissions, and other
potential problems.
Seventy-one wells couldnt be located using information in DEPs database. Of the 136
wells located, only eight were emitting methane to the atmosphere at various rates, including one
that showed higher-than-anticipated volume.
This well and four others have operators associated with them, and DEP is now updating
records and evaluating compliance options. DEP is now taking proactive steps to identify
missing wells, update records and evaluate compliance options.
McDonnell emphasized how important it is for the public to be aware of historical wells.
Public collaboration in identifying wells is very helpful to our efforts to update data, make the
information publicly accessible, and most important, mitigate risks.
In a new video, DEP staff explain the risks and the departments work to tackle them.
DEPs new interactive map site integrating historical maps with aerial imagery is
designed to help the public better understand the historical areas of oil and gas development in
Allegheny County, learn about the environmental impacts of historical oil and gas wells, and
locate wells currently known to DEP.
The Allegheny County map shows known wells and potential historical wells that arent
currently in DEPs database. Users can search by location for potential wells and get information
on known ones. DEP plans to explore other areas of the state to expand the interactive map.
54
Since oil and gas development began in Pennsylvania in 1859, hundreds of thousands of
wells have been drilled. Because permitting standards werent enacted until 1955, many
abandoned historical wells have not yet been identified.
In addition, a significant number of historical wells havent been plugged to 1984 Oil and
Gas Act standards. Potential results include impacts to water supplies, a buildup of gas inside a
home or other structure, and an increase in greenhouse gas emissions.
These legacy wells vary in appearance, depending on the vintage and type of well, but
typical signs include steel casings and associated valves, pump jacks, small-diameter gathering
pipelines, tanks and isolated areas of subsidence.
If no responsible party can be identified for a well, DEP assumes responsibility for
plugging. However, available funding levels fall far short of needs.
Conservative estimates indicate that as many as 200,000 wells may need to be plugged, at
a cost that could approach more than $8 billion. DEP is actively seeking additional funding to
support further work on this front.
Property owners who discover a well on their property should contact DEP at
888-723-3721 or visit the abandoned and orphaned well webpage to ensure that the well has
been properly identified, and any potential environmental issues are addressed.
For more information on abandoned wells, visit DEPs Abandoned & Orphan Well
Program webpage.
For more information, visit DEPs website, Click Here to sign up for DEP News, visit
DEPs Blog, Like DEP on Facebook, Follow DEP on Twitter and visit DEPs YouTube
Channel.
(Photo: Abandoned wells in a portion of Allegheny County.)
NewsClips:
New Allegheny County Map Illustrates Hazards Of Abandoned Oil & Gas Wells
Activists: Wolfs Methane Regulation Doesnt Go Far Enough
Report: Methane Emissions Up 20% At PA Natural Gas Sites
Federal Methane Rule Repeal Falls 1 Vote Short In U.S. Senate
DEP Blog: The Sun Is Rising On Solar Energy In Pennsylvania
It seemingly started on the roofs of homes and businesses. In

the 1980s, you may have noticed flat panels that looked like
unwatchable new-age TV screens. They didnt exactly catch
on.
But now, youre more likely to notice a field full of panels,
tilted to catch the best rays of sun. Theyre in a crowd, dozens
or hundreds of these panels, on school grounds, next to
businesses, in the middle of former farm fields. There, without
noise or fanfare, or even emissions, is the dawn of
Pennsylvanias solar energy future.
Were still catching our breath as weve grown into a natural gas powerhouse (number
two in the country). But that doesnt mean that Pennsylvania shouldnt be just as eager to catch
the rays of the most abundant renewable energy source there is -- the sun.
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At DEP, were not just eager, were committed to boosting that energy capability. We
intend to see solar move from its modest position in Pennsylvania, generating only .15 percent of
the electricity consumed in the state. Weve set an aspirational goal of having 10 percent of
in-state electricity sales generated by in-state solar energy by 2030.
How do we get there? Together. Weve received funding from the U.S. Department of
Energy SunShot Initiative to create a planning process we call Finding Pennsylvanias Solar
Future.
You probably havent heard of it yet, but we hope youll soon see solar energy innovation
everywhere -- in new solar manufacturing plants, creating new energy jobs in the state; in new
rows of solar panel installations small and large; and in ways we havent yet imagined -- through
new innovations, investments and incentives.
As Acting Secretary Patrick McDonnell recently said, In the same way Pennsylvania is
currently a leader in fossil fuel energy, we want to be a leader in solar.
You can find out a lot more about Finding Pennsylvanias Solar Future on our website
and by contacting us at ra-eppasolarfuture@pa.gov.
Click Here to view a video introduction to the Finding Pennsylvanias Solar Future by
DEP Acting Secretary Patrick McDonnell.
June 8 Project Meeting
And plan to join our second project meeting, June 8, at Carnegie Mellon University. The
agenda and registration will be on the Finding Pennsylvanias Solar Future website soon.
We hope youll get involved, and help us all find Pennsylvanias solar future.
(Photo: Rooftop Solar Project at Estes Trucking in Mercer County.)
NewsClips:
Philadelphians Share Priorities For More Affordable, Efficient, Clean Urban Energy Future
When Will Hearing On Bethlehems Wind Project Resume?
(Reprinted from the DEP Blog, May 12.)

PJM Releases Summer Electric Reliability Assessment
The PJM Interconnection Monday said it has enough power to meet anticipated peak demand
and keep the region's 65 million consumers cool this summer. That's good news, because
meteorologists anticipate above-average temperatures this season.
As part of its annual summer assessment, PJM planners and operators predict that hot
summer weather is expected to drive electricity use to a peak of 153,000 megawatts enough to
power as many as 153 million homes.
"PJM is continually planning to meet the region's needs years in advance, coordinating
transmission upgrades with our members, embracing newer and efficient technologies and
ensuring that the power supply is secure and reliable," said Andy Ott, president and CEO of
PJM.
PJM's mission is to meet that electricity need by procuring enough resources to satisfy
peak demand plus required reserves at the lowest reasonable cost through its competitive markets
and working with its members to ensure the grid can reliably move power to where it's needed
now and years from now.
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"Our members do a great job of maintaining strong transmission, generation and
distribution systems that deliver all of this power to their customers, and our operators stand
ready to make sure the power flows where it's needed most," said Mike Bryson, vice
president-Operations.
PJM also enhanced the reliability of the power supply by instituting a new market
construct that holds generators to stricter, no-excuses standards to deliver the electricity they
promised.
In addition, PJM is required to have supplementary resources on reserve in case demand
is higher than forecasted or generation is unexpectedly unavailable. The required reserve margin
is 16.6 percent.
However, this season, PJM will have significantly more installed capacity available, with
a reserve margin of 29 percent, or nearly 42,000 MW.
Last summer, demand peaked at 151,907 MW on August 11, the first time PJM met a
peak need of more than 150,000 MW without invoking emergency actions. The highest use of
power in PJM was nearly 166,000 MW in 2006.
PJM has 185,804 MW of installed generating capacity available. If needed, it also may
draw upon more than 9,120 MW of demand response resources, customers who are willing to
curb their usage on request during peak times.
For more on how PJM prepares for summer demand, visit the PJM Learning Center
webpage.
NewsClips:
PJM: Plenty Of Power On Hand To Meet Summer Demand
As Summer Approaches, Electric Grid Powers Up To Meet Demand
As Summer Approaches, PJM Says Region Is Ready
Report: Surging Gas-Fired Power Plants In PJM Will Force More Coal Plant Closures
EIA: U.S. Nuclear Power Capacity Expected To Decline As Existing Generators Retire
The U.S. Energy Information Administration Friday

reported that its 2017 Annual Energy Outlook assumes
that about 25 percent of the nuclear capacity now
operating that does not have announced retirement plans
will be removed from service by 2050.
Nuclear power currently accounts for about 20 percent of
electricity generation in the United States and 35 percent
in Pennsylvania.
Nearly all nuclear plants now in use began operation
between 1970 and 1990. These plants would require a subsequent license renewal before 2050 to
operate beyond the 60-year period covered by their original 40-year operating license and the
20-year license extension that nearly 90 percent of plants currently operating have either already
received or have applied for.
The projections do not envision a large amount of new nuclear capacity additions. By
2050, only four reactors currently under construction and some uprates at existing plants are
projected to come online.
57
Except during maintenance or refueling cycles, nuclear plants operate around the clock as
baseload generators, meaning nuclear plants make up a disproportionately large share of
generation compared with their share of electricity generating capacity.
Generating capacity using other fuels is typically dispatched at much lower rates than
nuclear units.
As more nuclear capacity is retired than built, and as other fuels such as natural gas and
renewables gain market share, the nuclear share of the U.S. electricity generation mix declines
from 20 percent in 2016 to 11 percent in 2050 in EIAs Reference case projections.
When the assumptions were finalized in late 2016, nuclear plant operators had announced
intentions to retire five facilities between 2017 and 2026: Quad Cities Units 1 and 2 in 2017,
Clinton Unit 1 in 2018, Pilgrim Unit 1 in 2019, Oyster Creek Unit 1 in 2020, and Diablo Canyon
Units 1 and 2 in 2025 and 2026.
Since the assumptions were finalized, legislation passed by the Illinois government
created financial incentives through 2026 to support the continued operation of Quad Cities and
Clinton. Operators of these two plants subsequently withdrew their announcements to retire
those plants, reducing the amount of capacity likely to retire in 2017 and 2018.
However, in the months since assumptions were finalized, Entergy also announced its
intention to retire three plants: Michigans Palisades in 2018 and New Yorks Indian Point Units
2 and 3 around 2020.
Click Here to read the full article.
(Photo: Three Mile Island, Dauphin County.)
NewsClips:
U.S. EIA: Nuclear Capacity Expected To Decline As Existing Generators Retire
Op-Ed: Coal And Nuke Investors Think Trump Just Saved Their Bacon. Theyre Naive
Related Stories:
PJM: State Should Create Climate Benefit Markets if They Want To Subsidize Nuclear Plants
Natural Gas, Oil Square Off Against Nuclear Power Over Potential Bailout
Exelon Nuclear: Efficiency, Innovation, State Policy Reforms Key To Nuclears Future
Op-Ed: Nuclear Energy - A Keystone For Pennsylvanias Economy And Environment
Free Biomass Energy And Forest Management Workshop May 17 In Elk County
The PA Biomass Energy Association is hosting a Biomass Energy and Forestry Management
Workshop May 17 at the Kane Experimental Forest in Wilcox, Elk County.
This workshop is designed for those interested in learning about the connections between
sustainable forest management practices and economically viable uses of biomass to heat and
power homes and businesses, in particular, Kane High School. The tour will start where it all
begins, in the forest.
Attendees will tour and observe experimental forest plots while professional foresters
from government and industry provide insight and information on managing forests for
sustainability and highlighting opportunities for maximizing the energy benefits of biomass.
After visiting the forest, attendees will visit the Kane High School Biomass Heating 15
minutes away. A representative from Allegheny National Forest will discuss fuel supply for the
biomass heating project, and John Rook, Facilities Manager for the school district, will provide
58
an overview and tour of how they use biomass for renewable heating and its benefits to the
school over oil or gas.
The facilitators for the workshop will be Tom Wilson, Wilson Engineering Services and
Geoff Bristow from the Department of Environmental Protection.
Click Here for more information and to register.
S&T Bank Goes Green To Benefit Reforestation Effort At Flight 93 Memorial
Indiana County-based S&T Bank Tuesday pledged to

donate a portion of the seedlings to be planted during
Plant a Tree at Flight 93, for the second consecutive year.
The two-day volunteer event will take place at the Flight
93 National Memorial in Somerset County on May 19
and 20.
The donation is being made on behalf of S&T Bank
customers who enroll in Billpay, pay a new bill using the
service, or enroll in online statements from April 9
through May 10.
Using Billpay and online statements is not only fast and
convenient for Bank customers, but also helps reduce paper bill payments and statements, and
foster a greener environment.
"As active members of the community surrounding the Flight 93 National Memorial, we
are honored to extend our support of the reforestation effort into 2017," said Todd Brice,
president and chief executive officer of S&T Bank. "Our thanks go out to our customers, whose
'green' commitment inspires our support of this meaningful event, as well as our dedicated
employees who volunteer to roll up their sleeves and get their hands dirty for a worthy cause,
year after year."
The ongoing reforestation effort, led by the National Park Service and Friends of Flight
93, seeks to ultimately root more than 150,000 new trees at the Flight 93 National Memorial.
This year's event is expected to draw more than 500 volunteers, including two teams of Bank
employees, to plant seedlings across 17 acres of memorial landscape.
For more information, visit the S&T Bank website.
NewsClips:
Forest Stewards Guild: Loving The Land Through Working Forests
War Against The Gypsy Moth Begins This Week
Warm Winter Might Lead To More Ticks, Life-Threatening Virus
Luzerne Group Combats Lyme Disease Threat With Awareness
AP: Cases Of Lyme Disease Continue To Increase Throughout PA
Crowd Rallies In Support Of Bill On Lyme Disease Treatment
Crable: Exploding Tick Population Could Mean Record Lyme Disease Cases In Lancaster
Annual Loving The Land Through Working Forests Conference May 20, Mercer County
59
The Foundation for Sustainable Forests, a land trust based in Crawford County, will be hosting
its annual conference Loving the Land Through Working Forests, an in-the-field outreach
event, on May 20.
The event celebrates sustainable forestry and showcases how active management can
benefit both people and the land.
Located at the Foundations newly protected Moxie Woods near Greenville in Otter
Creek Township, Mercer County, the day will include educational woods walks, horse-logging
demonstrations, activities for children and an exciting speaker series for adults.
Featured presenters include Dr. James Finley of Pennsylvania State University, who will
open the day with an address titled Your Forest: Living and Working in the Future.
The program to follow includes sustainable forestry woods walks with FSF President
Troy Firth and guest presenter Marshall Pecore, Forest Manager at the Menominee Forest in
Wisconsin, Forestry for Birds and Native Planting for Native Pollinators with Moxie Woods
donor Jean Engle and naturalist Terry Lobdell, and Woodland Legacy Planning with Allyson
Muth of The Center for Private Forests and Nadia Havard, Esq. of Knox Law.
All are welcome! The event costs $15, and is free for children under 14. A picnic lunch
is provided for all in attendance.
For all the details, visit the Loving the Land Through Working Forests Conference
webpage. Questions should be directed to 814-694-5830 or send email to:
info@forestsandpeople.org.
The Foundation for Sustainable Forests is a nonprofit land trust and sustainable forestry
outreach organization working throughout western Pennsylvania, western New York and
northeastern Ohio. Click Here to support the Foundation.
Founded in 2004 by Troy and Lynn Firth of Spartansburg, PA, its mission is to protect
forested land and ecosystems and support rural communities through working forests, to raise
awareness of the importance of conserving forested ecosystems, and to highlight sustainable
forestry practices for the benefit of the land.
NewsClips:
Related Article:
3 Young Peregrine Falcons Banded In Educational Event In Harrisburg
In an educational event attended by students and streamed

live, officials from the Department of Environmental
Protection and Game Commission Wednesday banded the
three young peregrine falcons nesting on the 15th floor of
60
the Rachel Carson State Office Building.
Click Here to watch the video of the banding.
Its fitting that peregrine falcons have nested for 17 consecutive years at the building
named for the Pennsylvania native and scientist who identified the dangers of DDT to birds and
other species, and helped launch modern environmentalism, said DEP Acting Secretary Patrick
McDonnell.
Sixty-four falcons have now hatched since the nest was first installed in 1996. All have
been banded, advancing our effort to help the peregrine population recover in Pennsylvania.
The peregrine falcon is endangered in Pennsylvania and protected under the Game and
Wildlife Code. It formerly was listed as endangered, then threatened at the federal level; it was
removed from the federal Endangered Species List in August 1999. All migratory birds are
protected under the federal Migratory Bird Treaty Act of 1918.
Game Commission biologist Art McMorris, outfitted with a GoPro camera, led the team
in weighing, examining, and banding the birds.
Banding young peregrines provides important information on the birds' movements and is
essential to understanding their habitat needs year-round. The bands are uniquely lettered and
numbered so that if the falcons are observed later, or found injured or dead, they can be
identified.
Students and teachers from St. Stephens Episcopal School watched, asked questions, and
recorded the weight and band code. The process was completed in about 20 minutes, and the
falcons were returned to their nest. Patrick Miller, an educator at ZOOAMERICA North
American Wildlife Park in Hershey, then discussed this species amazing abilities.
Click Here to watch the video of the banding.
The event was streamed live on the DEP Facebook page and PAcast.com and will be
posted to the DEP YouTube channel. The banding team took questions from the public
submitted through Facebook and on Twitter @FalconChatter using #hbgfalcons.
There are about 45 falcon nest sites now across Pennsylvania.
The nest at the Rachel Carson State Office Building is the most successful. Its success is
attributed in part to the annual falcon watch and rescue program, whose volunteers keep an eye
on the young fledglings when they take their first flights.
Fledging in an urban environment can be challenging for the peregrines, but there are
benefits, too, including an abundant food supply, such as pigeons and other birds, and plenty of
high perches.
The Harrisburg Falcons have an international audience of millions of viewers who have
watched them online via the FalconCam. Viewers can learn the falcons history, download
educational lesson plans, and see spectacular images of these magnificent birds.
The Harrisburg Peregrine Falcon Education Program is a joint effort of DEP, PGC, the
Department of Conservation and Natural Resources and Commonwealth Media Services.
NewsClips:
McKelvey: Watch As Young Peregrine Falcon Is Banded In Harrisburg
Birders Turn Out For Festival In Erie, Despite Rain
Schneck: American Birding Expo Moving To PA This Year
Freeloading Mother Birds Force Others To Raise Their Hatchlings
61
Go Native With Hawk Mountain Sanctuary Spring Native Plant Sale May 20-21
Hawk Mountain Sanctuary in Berks County will host its

annual Spring Native Plant Sale, displaying a wide variety of
Pennsylvanian plants and flowers, on May 20 and 21. It will
take place in the Visitor Center parking lot from 10 a.m. to 4
p.m.
In addition to the sale, visitors can browse the gardens and
chat with garden volunteers for free. The sale is open to the
public, and all proceeds benefit Hawk Mountain's
conservation and education programs.
The sale will feature nearly 300 species of Pennsylvania
native wildflowers, vines, grasses, ferns, shrubs, and trees.
The Sanctuarys group of garden volunteers will help visitors select which plants are best for
their home landscape.
The volunteers will also help make the sale enjoyable, educational, and as convenient as
possible; they will carry purchases to buyers' cars, store them until the end of the day's visit, and
offer great gardening tips. The bookstore also offers a year-round selection of native plant
gardening books for those interested in learning more.
The two-acre wide Hawk Mountain Native Plant Garden is located just next to the Visitor
Center and trailhead entrance, and it holds a vast variety of plant species that attract more than 40
species of butterflies and countless birds.
There are ponds abundant with wildlife and surrounded by discreet seating areas to
encourage lingering. The garden volunteers work to tend and improve the garden year-round in
order to propagate the best natives for the sale.
Click Here for more information on the sale.
For more information on programs, initiatives and upcoming events, visit the Hawk
Mountain Sanctuary website or call 610-756-6961. Click Here to sign up for regular updates
from the Sanctuary, Like them on Facebook, Follow on Twitter, visit them on Flickr, be part of
their Google+ Circle and visit their YouTube Channel.
NewsClips:
Spring Newsletter Available From PA Council Of Trout Unlimited
The Spring PA Trout newsletter is now available

from the PA Council of Trout Unlimited featuring
articles on--
-- Tulpehocken Creek Project Channels Cold Water
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Flow In Berks County
-- PA TU Completes 5 Rivers Rendezvous In State College
-- PA TU Completes Regional Workshops On Grants, Issues, Other Topics
-- TU Seeking Advocacy Chairs In Each Chapter
-- PA Local Chapter News
-- Click Here to sign up for your own copy (box at top of page)
For more information on programs, initiatives and upcoming events, visit the PA Council
of Trout Unlimited website.
NewsClips:
DEP Names Patrick Patterson Southeast Regional Office Director
Patrick Patterson will become Southeast Regional Director of the Department of Environmental
Protection effective May 15.
This position manages DEP field operations for Bucks, Chester, Delaware, Montgomery
and Philadelphia counties.
Pats commitment to transparency, collaboration and relationship-building make him the
right person to lead the regional efforts in carrying out DEPs mission, said DEP Acting
Secretary Patrick McDonnell.
Since 2012, Patterson has served as DEPs Local Government Liaison in the Southeast
region, serving as the primary point of contact for all federal, state and local elected officials in
the five-county region.
Prior to his DEP employment, Patterson was the Director of Business Development and
Operations at a property maintenance company, and held several positions as a private
consultant.
Patterson was a member of the Governors Action Team from 1997-2001, worked for a
U.S. Representative for several years, and served as Executive Director of the Congressional Fire
Services Institute in Washington D.C.
He began his career with the Delaware County Planning Department in the Subdivision
and Land Development Planning office as a planner and coordinator.
Patterson holds a Bachelor of Arts in Political Science with a concentration in American
Government from Trinity College, in Hartford, Connecticut.
Im honored to be given the opportunity to lead such an outstanding team of dedicated
environmental professionals in our region, said Patterson. Im ready to apply the different
perspectives and experiences Ive gained throughout my career to this very important role.
We appreciate the efforts of Acting Regional Director Anderson Hartzell, who served as
acting director since October, said McDonnell. He will be returning to his previous position of
Regional Counsel of the Southeast.
Visit the DEP Southeast Regional Office webpage for more information.
[Posted: May 12, 2-17]
Help Wanted: Butler County Conservation District Manager
63
The Butler County Conservation District is hiring a full-time District Manager. Requires a
college degree and minimum of 2 years supervisory experience. Competitive salary and benefits
offered. Applications are due May 23. Send email to: bccdjobs@gmail.com for a full job
description.
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.
May 13-- PA Resources Council Hard-To-Recycle Collection Event. Galleria at Pittsburgh

Mills, Frazer Township, Allegheny County.
May 13-- Hawk Mountain Sanctuary Lecture By Birds Of Prey Author Pete Dunne. Sanctuarys
Visitor Center Gallery. 2:00.
May 13-- PHMC Anthracite Heritage Conference. PA Anthracite Heritage Museum, Scranton.
8:30 a.m. to 4:00 p.m.
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-- Public Utility Commission public hearings on application to change direction of
Laurel Pipeline. Hearing Room 1, Keystone Building. Harrisburg. 1:00 p.m. and 6:00 p.m.
May 16-- Penn State Extension Webinar: Green Infrastructure - Designers Perspective. Noon to
1:00 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.
-- Safe Drinking Water Program Fee Increases and Making Other Changes
-- Rulemaking Petition To Reclassify Portions Of The Delaware River
-- Click Here for available handouts
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May 17-- CANCELED. DEP Citizens Advisory Council meeting. Room 105 Rachel Carson
Building. 10:00. DEP Contact: Lee Ann Murray, Citizens Advisory Council, P. O. Box 8459,
Harrisburg, PA 17105-8459, 717-705-2693, LeeMurray@pa.gov. (formal notice)
May 17-- Delaware River Basin Commission holds a hearing on its draft budget for FY 2018
and water withdrawal requests. Washington Crossing Historic Park Visitor Center, 1112 River
Road, Washington Crossing, Bucks County. 1:30. Click Here to use DRBCs online system to
submit comments. (formal notice)
May 17-- NEW. PA Biomass Energy Association Biomass Energy and Forestry Management
Workshop. Kane Experimental Forest, Wilcox, Elk County.
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:
kklapkowsk@pa.gov. (formal notice)
May 18-- Location Added. PA Grade Crude Development Advisory Council meeting. 215
Innovation Blvd, Penn State Conference Center, Room 302, State College. 1:00.
May 18-- NEW. NRCS-PA Chesapeake Bay Conservation Innovation Grant Workshop. NRCS
Office, 359 East Park Drive, Harrisburg. 10:00 a.m. to Noon. call-in for the program by dialing
888-844-9904, Access Code: 6036607.
May 18-- PA Assn. Of Environmental Professionals P2E2 Roundtable meeting. Weis Markets
Headquarters, 1000 S. Second St., Sunbury. 8:30 a.m. to Noon.
May 18-- PA Resources Council Allegheny County Backyard Composting Workshop. Boyce
Park-Activity Center, 6:30 to 8:00 p.m.
May 18-- Brandywine Conservancy Take Care Of Your Woods For The Future Workshop.
Brandywine Museum, 1 Hoffmans Mill Road in Chadds Ford, Delaware County. 6:30 to 8:30
p.m.
May 18-- PennTAP Developing An Energy Baseline For Complex Facilities Webinar. Noon to
1:00 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-- PA Wild Resources Educator Symposium. Frick Environmental Center, 2005
Beechwood Blvd, Pittsburgh. 8:30 a.m. to 3:30.
May 20-- Foundation For Sustainable Forests Loving The Land Through Working Forests
Annual Conference. Mercer County.
65
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-- 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 20-- Brodhead Creek Watershed Assn. Get Outdoors Poconos Hike To Lacawac Lake,
Wayne County. 10:00.
May 20-21-- NEW. Hawk Mountain Sanctuary Spring Native Plant Sale. Berks County.
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 22-- House Democratic Policy Committee hearing on natural gas production severance tax.
Room 418. 10:00.
May 22-- DEP public meeting on IESI Blue Ridge Landfill Expansion in Greene Twp, Franklin
County. Greene Township Building located at 1145 Garver Lane, Scotland. 6:30 to 8:00 p.m.
DEP Contact: John Oren, joren@pa.gov or 717-705-4706.
May 23-- DEP Environmental Justice Listening Session. City of Chester (Delaware County).
Chester City Hall Council Chambers, 1 Fourth St., Chester. 5:00 to 7:00 p.m.
May 23-- DEP public meeting On IESI Landfill expansion permit. Saucon Valley High School
Auditorium, at 2100 Polk Valley Road, Hellertown, Northampton County. 6:00 to 9:00 p.m.
DEP Contact: Colleen Connolly, DEP Regional Office in Wilkes-Barre, 570-826-2035.
May 24-- NEW. DCNR Conservation and Natural Resources Advisory Council meeting. Room
105 Rachel Carson Building. 10:00. Contact: Gretchen Leslie at 717-772-9084 or send email to:
gleslie@pa.gov. (formal notice)
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
66
Park-Buffalo Inn, 6:30 to 8:00 p.m.
May 24-- NEW. PA Association of Environmental Professionals PFAS 101, Fate And
Remediation Workshop. AECOM, 625 West Ridge Pike, Suite E-100, Conshohocken,
Montgomery County. 11:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m.
May 25-- Location Added. DEP Environmental Justice Listening Session. Fairmount Water
Works, 640 Water Works, Dr., Philadelphia. 4:00 to 6:00 p.m.
May 27-- CBF-PA Susquehanna River Student Canoe Classic. Shanks Mare Outfitters,
Wrightsville, York County.
May 30-- 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 31-- 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. (formal notice)
June 1-- PA Resources Council Rain Barrel Workshop. Phipps Garden Center, Allegheny
County. 7:00 to 8:30 p.m.
June 2-- House Democratic Policy Committee hearing on natural gas production severance tax.
Abington School District Administrative Building, 970 Highland Ave., Abington, Montgomery
County. 10:00.
June 3-9-- Schuylkill River Sojourn.
June 5-- PA Chesapeake Bay Watershed Implementation Planning Steering Committee public
input session. Location and time to be announced.
June 5-8-- Air & Waste Management Association Annual Conference. Pittsburgh.
June 6-- NEW. House Tourism and Recreational Development Committee meets to consider
House Bill 544 (Moul-R-Adams) further providing for landowner liability protection for opening
land for use by snowmobiles and ATVs (sponsor summary). Room G-50 Irvis Building. 9:00.
June 6-- DEP Storage Tank Advisory Committee meeting. 14th Floor Conference Room,
Rachel Carson Building. 10:00. DEP Contact: Dawn Heimbach, 717-772-5599 or send email
to: dheimbach@pa.gov.
June 6-- CANCELED. DEP Board of Coal Mine Safety meeting. DEP Cambria Office, 286
Industrial Park Road, Ebensburg. 10:00. DEP Contact: Allison Gaida, agaida@pa.gov or
67
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-- 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)
June 8-- PA Resources Council Allegheny County Backyard Composting Workshop. Phipps
Garden Center, 6:30 to 8:00 p.m.
June 14-- Delaware River Basin Commission business meeting on its draft budget for FY 2018
and water withdrawal requests. Washington Crossing Historic Park Visitor Center, 1112 River
Road, Washington Crossing, Bucks County. 10:30. (formal notice)
June 14-- PA Environmental Council Environmental Partnership Awards Dinner. Crystal Tea
Room, 100 East Penn Square, Philadelphia. 5:30 to 8:30 p.m.
June 15-- 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. (formal
notice)
June 17-18-- Intro To Backpacking In Tracy Ridge Wilderness Allegheny National Forest.
Warren County.
June 17-23-- Registration Open. 2017 Delaware River Sojourn.
June 18-23-- Registration Open. Rivers Conservation & Fly Fishing Youth Camp. Messiah
College, Grantham, Cumberland County.
June 19-22-- Jennings Environmental Education Center Experiencing Your Environment

Through Conservation Youth Camp - Grades 10 to 12. Butler County.
June 20-- 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.
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June 20-- DEP Citizens Advisory Council meeting. Room 105 Rachel Carson Building. 10:00.
DEP Contact: Lee Ann Murray, Citizens Advisory Council, P. O. Box 8459, Harrisburg, PA
17105-8459, 717-705-2693, LeeMurray@pa.gov.
June 21-- DEP State Board for Certification of Water and Wastewater Operators meeting. 10th
Floor Conference Room, Rachel Carson Building. 10:00. DEP Contact: Cheri Sansoni,
717-772-5158, csansoni@pa.gov.
June 21-22-- Registration Open. 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.
June 28-- DEP Cleanup Standards Scientific Advisory Board meeting. Room 105 Rachel
Carson Building. 9:00. DEP Contact: Troy Conrad at 717-783-9480 or send email to:
tconrad@pa.gov. (formal notice)
June 29-- NEW. DEP Water, Wastewater Resilience Planning Workshop. DEPs Southcentral
Regional Office, 909 Elmerton Ave., Harrisburg. 8:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.
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-- PA Grade Crude Development Advisory Council meeting. Location TBD. 1:00.
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.
69
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 5-- DCNR Snowmobile and ATV Advisory Council meeting. Promised Land State
Park, 100 Lower Lake Road, Greentown, Pike County. 10:00. DCNR Contact: Jennie Shade,
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-- 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
Proposed Regulations With Closed Comment Periods - DEP webpage
Recently Finalized Regulations - DEP webpage
DEP Regulatory Update - DEP webpage
70
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.
May 14 Share Your Opinions - Take Get Outdoors PA Usage Survey

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-- PROP/Keystone SWANNA Waste Watcher Recognition Program
71
June 1-- DEP Vehicle Fleet Owner Alternative Fuels Technical Assistance Program
June 1-- South Mountain Mini-Grants To Promote, Conserve Natural Resources
June 1-- Grow Pittsburgh Community Gardens Sustainability Fund
June 2-- Great American Cleanup Of PA Video Contest
June 4-- Goddard Leadership Legacy Institute For Youths 13-15
June 5-- NRCS PA Chesapeake Bay Watershed Restoration Grants
June 10-- PA Horticultural Society Gardening & Greening Contest
June 20-- EPA Clean Diesel National Grants
June 30-- Susquehanna Greenways Partnership 2017 Photo Contest
June 30-- State Fire Commissioner Emergency Response Grants Related To Gas Wells
July 7-- ARIPPA Mine Reclamation Mini-Grants
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.
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.

Air
Awards & Recognition
72
Beautification
Philly Parking Authority Billboard Plans Contested By Neighborhoods
Biodiversity/Invasive Species
Master Gardener Plant Sales Begin To Benefit Local Nonprofits In Erie
Budget
Chesapeake Bay
Citizen Action
Penn State Extension Seeks Watershed Stewards In Lackawanna, Luzerne, Wyoming
Mt. Lebanon Environmental Head Resigns In Protest
Climate
Why Tornadoes Will Only Get Worse, Regardless Of Climate Change
U.S. Still In Climate Talks With No Decision On Paris Pullout
Tillerson Says U.S. Wont Be Rushed On Climate Change Policies
Coal Mining
EIA: Natural Gas Has Displace Coal In NE Generation Mix Over Last 10 Years
Editorial: Coal Isnt Coming Back
73
Dams
Marianna Council To Move Ahead With Marianna Dam Removal
Delaware River
Firm Stance On Delaware Flexible Flow Management Plan Could Have Big Impacts On River
Drinking Water
Economic Development
Study: Conventional Oil, Gas Production Has Huge Economic Impact
Education
Emergency Response
McKelvey: President Trump Denies Federal Aid For March Snowstorm
Energy
Cusick: Critics Wary Of State Support for Nuclear Power Industry
PJM: Plenty Of Power On Hand To Meet Summer Demand
As Summer Approaches, Electric Grid Powers Up To Meet Demand
As Summer Approaches, PJM Says Region Is Ready
Editorial: Coal Isnt Coming Back
Not A Lot Of Love For PGWs Rate Increase
Power Plant Proposal One Of Top Issues In Archbald Primary
Jessup Candidates Look To Shape Towns Future, Decisions On Power Plant
Op-Ed: Borough Electric Systems Have Better Rates, More Reliable
Energy Conservation
PA Green Lights Almost 100 Municipalities To Upgrade Traffic Signals
74
Erie, Summit, Meadville Awarded Green Light Grants
Op-Ed: Society Hill Ready To Support Smart Green Initiatives
Environmental Justice
Crable: DEP To Hold Environmental Justice Listening Session In Lancaster May 15
Farming
Flooding
After Another Failure, Pittsburgh Floodgate System Set For More Work
Editorial: Levees Are Our Collective Responsibility
Forests
Green Buildings
Green Infrastructure
I-95 Overhaul In Philly Includes Green Infrastructure To Reduce River Pollution
Love York Park: Celebrate The Green Spaces Protecting Your Water
Op-Ed: Society Hill Ready To Support Smart Green Initiatives
Op-Ed: Janice Crompton- An Advocate For Green Infrastructure
Hazardous Sites Cleanup
EPA Agrees To Study When Lead Levels Are Safe For Children In Berks County
Digging For Lead Again In Laureldale, Muhlenberg Twp
Information Management
Carr: Group To Host May 13 Workshop On DEP Databases In Penn Twp
Land Conservation
Chester County Asked To OK $11M In Open Space Preservation Grants
Protections For 27 National Monuments May Be Curtailed, Cut
Littering/Illegal Dumping
Mine Reclamation
Register Now For PA Abandoned Mine Reclamation Conference
Oil & Gas
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New Allegheny County Map Illustrates Hazards Of Abandoned Oil & Gas Wells
Power Plant Proposal One Of Top Issues In Archbald Primary
Murrysvilles New Gas Drilling Ordinance Labeled Compromise
Jessup Candidates Look To Shape Towns Future, Decisions On Power Plant
Study: Conventional Oil, Gas Production Has Huge Economic Impact
Op-Ed: State Regulations Stifle Energy Market Growth
Consol Energy Sees Potential In Utica Shale Gas Others Dont
Max Environmental Retools After Oil And Gas Rush
Pittsburgh Gasoline Prices Down From Plunge In Oil Prices
Pipelines
Fate
Radiation Protection
Cusick: Critics Wary Of State Support for Nuclear Power Industry
Radon
AP: High Levels Of Radon Found In Pennsylvania Water Wells
High Levels Of Radon Found In Pennsylvania Water Wells
Recreation
10 Beautiful PA State Parks You Shouldnt Miss This Summer
Op-Ed: Getting Balance On Bike Lanes In Pittsburgh
76
Group Aims To Take Bite Out Of Lyme Disease Thru Education
Outside Help Steps Up To Staff Summer Parks Program In Wilkes-Barre
Dorrance Twp Uses Gaming Grant For Recreation Facility Upgrades
Kayak, Canoe Ramp Proposal Moves Forward In New Stanton
Recycling/Waste
Wolf Promotes Medication Disposal Bins For Unused Drugs
Column: Smart Trash Can Proposal An Economical Choice For All
Regulations
Bill Requiring General Assembly Approval Of Regulations Prompts Separation Of Powers
Disagreement
Renewable Energy
When Will Hearing On Bethlehems Wind Project Resume?
Schuylkill River
Sustainability
PEC: Shades Of Green: Telling The Story Of Pittsburghs Transformation
Wastewater Facilities
Scranton Authority Has 30 Day Extension To Produce Sale Documents
Scranton Sewer Authority Member To Ask For Audit Of Sale
Editorial: Scranton Authority Stalls On Deal Secrecy
Watershed Protection
Streamside Forest Buffers Are Important For Water & Wildlife
I-95 Overhaul In Philly Includes Green Infrastructure To Reduce River Pollution
Op-Ed: Janice Crompton- An Advocate For Green Infrastructure
Penn State Extension Seeks Watershed Stewards In Lackawanna, Luzerne, Wyoming
Marianna Council To Move Ahead With Marianna Dam Removal
77
EPA Seeks Governors Input In Rewriting Waters Of U.S. Rule
Water Resources
Allegheny River Lock And Dam Tour & Boating Safety Event Saturday In Natrona
Wildlife
Schneck: Snake Myths You Might Already Believe
Schneck: Cicada Emergence In PA This Summer: Deafening Or Nothing?
Dupont Borough President Nominated For Game Commission Board
Other
Op-Ed: Eco-Protesters Are Environmental Hypocrites
Federal Policy
Deadline Passes On Law Trump Used To Reverse Environmental Regulations
Is EPA Moving Too Fast On Deregulation To Listen To Public?
EPA Seeks Governors Input In Rewriting Waters Of U.S. Rule
Fate
EPA Fires Members Of Science Advisory Board
U.S. Still In Climate Talks With No Decision On Paris Pullout
Tillerson Says U.S. Wont Be Rushed On Climate Change Policies
Protections For 27 National Monuments May Be Curtailed, Cut
Click Here For This Week's Allegheny Front Radio Program
78
Regulations, Technical Guidance & Permits
The Environmental Quality Board published notice in the May 13 PA Bulletin of proposed
Radiological Health, X-Ray Machine and Radon regulations changes for public comment. The
deadline for comments is June 26. (PA Bulletin page 2722)
Pennsylvania Bulletin - May 13, 2017
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
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 51 pages of public notices related to proposed and final permit and
approval/ disapproval actions in the May 13 PA Bulletin - pages 2781 to 2832.
The Department of Environmental Protection published notice in the May 13 PA Bulletin of the
conditional state water quality certification under Section 401 of the federal Clean Water Act for
the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers Nationwide Permits.
DEP published notice in the May 13 PA Bulletin of the revised meeting locations for the
Environmental Justice Listening Sessions in Chester, Delaware County and Philadelphia.
DEP published notice in the May 13 PA Bulletin of changes to the list of companies certified to
perform radon-related activities. (PA Bulletin page 2827)
The Department of Conservation and Natural Resources published notice in the May 13 PA
Bulletin announcing a proposed property exchange in Potter County of 0.1 acre.
DEP Technical Guidance In Process

Draft Technical Guidance Documents - DEP webpage
Technical Guidance Comment Deadlines - DEP webpage
79
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
CLICK HERE To View Or Print Entire PA Environment Digest
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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 is edited by David E. Hess, former Secretary Pennsylvania Department

of Environmental Protection, and is published as a service of Crisci Associates, a
Harrisburg-based government and public affairs firm whose clients include Fortune 500
companies and nonprofit organizations.
Did you know you can search 14 years of back issues of the PA Environment Digest on dozens
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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 #672 Harrisburg, PA May 15, 2017

Sometime after June 12 the PA Supreme Court will

Advocates for Pennsylvanias Growing Greener

David McGuigan, EPA Region III Associate Director Of

DEP is now accepting registrations for the June 5

Senate Environmental Committee Endorses McDonnells Nomination As DEP Secretary

Acting DEP Secretary Patrick McDonnell Tuesday was

Here is the opening statement Acting DEP

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

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--

Senate/House Bills Moving

Rainforest Awareness Month: House Resolution 152 (Donatucci-D-Delaware) recognizing

General Assembly Approval of Regulations: Senate Bill 561 (DiSanto-R-Dauphin) requiring

Lyme Disease Awareness Month: Senate Resolution 105 (Greenleaf-R-Montgomery)

PUCs Powelson To Be Nominated To Serve On Federal Energy Regulatory Commission

President Trump late Monday announced his intention to nominate the

News From The Capitol

Appearing before the House Agriculture and Rural Affairs committee,

House Committee OKs Bills To Allow Local Stormwater Management Fees

House, Senate Recognize 50th Anniversary Of Chesapeake Bay Foundation

On Tuesday the House and Senate unanimously passed

News From Around The State

The PA Land Trust Association Saturday honored Union County with

The National Association of Water Companies, PA Chapter

PA Senior Environment Corps Honored With PAEP Walter Lyon Award

The PA Association of Environmental Professionals recently

Strouds WikiWatershed Receives Governors Award For Environmental Excellence

WikiWatershed, an online toolkit featuring a

Schuylkill Action Network Recognizes Miquon School Students In Montgomery County

The Schuylkill Action Network Tuesday presented a

Frick Environmental Ed Center To Receive Green Building Alliance Leadership Award

By Natalie Stewart, Green Building Alliance

The Frick Environmental Center in Pittsburgh is the

Registration Open For PA Abandoned Mine Reclamation Conference June 21-22

The 2017 PA Abandoned Mine Reclamation

NRCS-PA Chesapeake Bay Conservation Innovation Grant Workshop May 18 In

The U.S. Natural Resources Conservation Service-PA

A new U.S. Geological Survey study released

DEP Hosts June 29 Water, Wastewater Resilience Planning Workshop In Harrisburg

Tulpehocken Creek Project Channels Cold Water Flow In Berks County

By Thomas Ham, Tulpehocken Creek Chapter of TU

As 2016 came to a close, so did a major project by

Sen. Gene Yaw (R-Lycoming), Majority Chair of

Keep PA Beautiful: Still Time To Be Part Of Great American Cleanup Of PA

Keep Pennsylvania Beautiful Thursday reminded

Keep PA Beautiful Receives Grant To Reduce Cigarette Litter In State Parks

Keep Pennsylvania Beautiful Tuesday announced they have

PAEP May 24 Workshop On PFAS 101, Fate And Remediation In Conshohocken

The Middletown Coalition For Community Safety reported

With the results of a new study and

DEP Blog: The Sun Is Rising On Solar Energy In Pennsylvania

It seemingly started on the roofs of homes and businesses. In

(Reprinted from the DEP Blog, May 12.)

PJM Releases Summer Electric Reliability Assessment