PA Environment Digest Aug. 28, 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 #687 Harrisburg, PA August 28, 2017
Local Govt. Associations All Oppose Manganese Rider On Budget Admin Code Bills
All of Pennsylvanias local government associations Monday sent a letter to all members of the
House and Senate expressing their opposition to a provision in the Senate-passed Administrative
Code bill-- House Bill 118 (Kaufer-R-Luzerne) -- and in House-amended Senate Bill 446
(McGarrigle-R-Delaware) that would remove the requirement to treat manganese discharges
from coal mining and other sites and force water users to remove the chemical.
The associations include the PA State Association of Township Supervisors, PA
Municipal Authorities Association, PA Boroughs Association, County Commissioners
Association of PA, PA Municipal League and the PA State Association of township
Commissioners.
[Note: The Coal Alliance asked for the manganese amendment to be included in the bills,
but with these local government groups now joining a growing list of environmental
organizations, the business community, energy companies, and others opposed to major parts of
the Senate-passed revenue package and their environmental riders does anyone now support
these riders?]
The text of the letter follows--
Administrative Code Bills currently in both the House and Senate include riders that
would remove required treatment of manganese at coal mine discharge sites and force more
stringent testing and costly removal of manganese at water intake sites.
The Pennsylvania Local Government Conference, made up of the associations listed
above, oppose this action.
This particular rider would undo 28 years of environmental protection for Pennsylvania
waterways impacted by the consequences of acid mine drainage, and foist additional testing,
monitoring and treatment at public water supply operations along these waterways.
For example, a municipal water authority operating a 1 MGD (million gallons/day) water
treatment plant, estimated an additional annual cost of $20,000 just for chemical usage
(Potassium Permanganate) to treat manganese.
They also noted that diligent monitoring and sampling is required by operators to ensure
removal and prevention of unpleasant taste and odor, discoloration and staining, and potential
health impacts from high manganese levels in their drinking water.
We are particularly concerned that environmental operations required of the coal mining
industry will be rolled back and that the removal of required manganese treatment at point of
discharge is environmentally irresponsible to public health, and fish and aquatic life in receiving
streams.
We urge the General Assembly, Governor Wolf and DEP Secretary McDonnell to
reconsider the impacts that adoption of this rider would have on the people and environment of
Pennsylvania and remove it from the Administrative Code bills.
A copy of the letter is available online.
NewsClips:
Former DEP Secretaries Criticize Bill Changing DEP Permitting
Meyer: DEP Speeds Up Training For Safe Drinking Water Program Staff
Behind The Slide In PAs Shale Gas Impact Fee
Sen. McIlhinney Takes Flak From Pro-Environment Conservation Group
Report: Trumps Proposed Cuts To EPA Could Cost Philadelphia Millions
EPA Cuts Funding For Chesapeake Bay Journal, Threatening Publications Future
Chesapeake Bay Journal To Lose EPA Funding
AP: State Repays Treasurer $750M Credit Line, But More Cash Problems Loom
AP: Pennsylvania Running Out Of Options For Cash To Pay Bills
Wolf To House Republicans: Get Your Act Together
Murphy: Wolf Calls On House To Enact Senate Revenue Plan
AP: House GOP Must Get Act Together On Budget, Governor Says
Meyer: Wolf Planning Spending Freeze If Budget Isnt Passed
AP: Sen. Scarnati: PA Must Start Freezing Spending
Murphy: House GOP Making Progress On Counter-Proposal To Senates Package
Related Stories:
Manganese Rider In Budget Bill Shifts Responsibility For Cleaning Up Water From The
Discharger To Water Companies, Other Water Users
Op-Ed: Oil & Gas Wastewater Treatment Facilities Seek Loophole In Senate-Passed Admin
Code Budget Rider
PA Environmental Council: Budget Deal, A Bad Solution To The Wrong Problem
PRC Urges Senate, House, Gov. Wolf To Oppose Budget Bill Changes That Undercut DEPs
Permitting Authority
30 Environmental Groups Urge House To Vote Against Budget Bills That Would Demolish DEP
Business, Energy Groups Oppose Severance, Energy Taxes, Dont Expect Permit Reforms To
Survive Legal Challenges, Distance Themselves From 3rd Party Permit Reviews
Conservatives For Responsible Stewardship Oppose Budget Bill Environmental Riders
Nothing In Senate $970 Million Revenue Package For The Environment, Code Bills Littered
With Environmental Riders
Senate Environmental Permitting Changes Would Emasculate DEPs Ability To Regulate Air,
Water, Mining, Waste, Radiation, Oil & Gas
Why Are Your Legislators Still Giving $60M A Year To Johnny Depp? Now Stage Shows?
[Posted: August 23, 2017]
What DEP Said Before About 3rd Party Permit Reviews, Speeding Up Permitting
With the discussion of proposals in the Senate-passed budget bills on how to speed up DEP
permit reviews now front and center, it is worth a look-back to see what DEP has told the Senate
and House this year about speeding up permit reviews.
Incomplete Applications
John Stefanko, then DEP Executive Deputy for Programs, told the Senate Transportation
Committee on February 9 one of the keys to improving turnaround times for environmental
permits for PennDOT projects (or any permit reviews) is to get complete applications in the
door.
DEP has found in its own reviews of permit programs sometimes up to 60 percent of the
applications coming in the door for review are either incomplete or have deficiencies which
significantly delays permit review times.
DEP receives an average of about 30,000 permit applications to review every year across
its programs.
Budget/Staff Cuts
Stefanko, like every recent DEP Secretary regardless of party affiliation, also
acknowledged that significant cuts to DEPs budget over the last decade and the resulting 25
percent cut in staff also has had a big impact on permit review times at the agency.
3rd Party Permit Reviews
With respect to the suggestion of having third party reviews of permit applications,
Stefanko told the Transportation Committee there are a number of significant concerns with that
approach, not the least of which is the statutory requirements requiring DEP make its own
independent determination when taking permit actions.
Only the Commonwealth has constitutional obligations to the public and our natural
environment, said Stefanko. Absent direct supervisory oversight and Commonwealth parallel
review, the quality of review and application of constitutional, statutory and regulatory
requirements is difficult to control. Sufficient QA/QC requires time and personnel, likely
eliminating any cost benefits and time savings assumed by the third party review structure.
He noted third party reviews would required DEP to providing training of third party
reviewers by the Department.
The Department has made staff training a priority. This is a complex and time
consuming activity. It will take a great deal of time, effort and energy to insure that the third
party reviewers are properly trained and understand Department regulations and guidance,
explained Stefanko. This time effort and energy would be better spent by enhancing
Department staff capabilities to deliver training to both Department and County Conservation
District staff.
Stefanko also pointed out, during an appeal of a permit approved under a third party
review, that third party would be required to defend its actions before the Environmental Hearing
Board and Commonwealth Court.
The third party reviewer would not defend its reviews for free and impose additional
costs on the agency. The third party could also be responsible for attorneys fees and other costs
if they lose.
He also said there is a significant concern over potential conflicts of interest and ethics
with third party contractors.
DEP Permit Reform Initiatives Underway
At his May 15 Senate confirmation hearing, Secretary McDonnell summarized his
approach to dealing with the challenges at DEP--
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.
Among the reform measures DEP has underway are--
-- Listening Sessions To Hear About Issues From Consultants, Permittees: DEP completed a
series of 7 regional listening sessions with consultants and permit applications early in the year
to learn what DEP is doing right and wrong with its basic Chapter 102 erosion and sedimentation
control and NPDES water quality permitting process. The results of that process and
recommended changes will be ready to release in mid to late June. (Click Here for more.)
-- New General Permit For Low-Impact Projects Of 5 Acres Or Less Instead Of Full
Permit: One result of the listening sessions is already being started-- developing a new General
Permit for Chapter 102 erosion and sedimentation control permits for low impact projects like
projects on farms, instead of a full permit. DEPs workload evaluation found as many as 40 to 50
percent of the projects DEP now requires full permits for are projects of 5 acres or less. (Click
Here for more.)
-- Shifting Permit Work Between Regions: DEP has a pilot project underway to shift some of
the erosion and sedimentation permit work for oil and gas operations from the Southwest
Regional Office to the Northcentral Office to speed permit reviews.
-- ePermitting Platform: Secretary McDonnell told both the Senate and House Appropriations
Committees in March DEPs new ePermitting platform has already reduced the modules required
for mining permits by 20 percent. Since the system requires correct, step-by-step input of
information, it also reduces errors and deficiencies in applications submitted significantly. This
is potentially huge because up to 60 of many of the 30,000 permit applications DEP receives
contain errors or other deficiencies. He said DEP would be expanding the system to erosion and
sediment permits next. (Click Here for more.)
-- Electronic Documents System: Secretary McDonnell told both the Senate and House
Appropriations Committees in his budget testimony in March DEP has already taken the first
steps toward an agency-wide electronic documents management system that will speed
submissions to the agency and make the agency more transparent to the public by giving better
access to documents without taking staff time for document reviews. (Click Here for more.)
-- Regional Permit Coordination Office: Secretary McDonnell told both the Senate and House
Appropriations Committees in March he formed a special Regional Permit Coordination Office
to better coordinate the handling of pipeline and other projects that cross DEP regional office
boundaries
-- Electronic Field Inspection Reports: Secretary McDonnell told both the Senate and House
Appropriations Committees in his budget testimony in March DEP has now equipped its Oil and
Gas Program inspectors with iPads to fill out inspection reports electronically and submit them to
agency databases making staff much more efficient and effect. Previously staff worked with
paper and had to recopy field notes into a database at the office. He said he hopes to expand the
initiative to other programs. (Click Here for more.)
Click Here for a copy of Stefankos written testimony. Click Here to watch a video of
the Senate Transportation Committee hearing.
NewsClips:
Related Stories:
PA Environmental Council: Budget Deal, A Bad Solution To The Wrong Problem
PRC Urges Senate, House, Gov. Wolf To Oppose Budget Bill Changes That Undercut DEPs
Permitting Authority
30 Environmental Groups Urge House To Vote Against Budget Bills That Would Demolish DEP
Business, Energy Groups Oppose Severance, Energy Taxes, Dont Expect Permit Reforms To
Survive Legal Challenges, Distance Themselves From 3rd Party Permit Reviews
Conservatives For Responsible Stewardship Oppose Budget Bill Environmental Riders
Senate Environmental Permitting Changes Would Emasculate DEPs Ability To Regulate Air,
Water, Mining, Waste, Radiation, Oil & Gas
Local Govt. Associations All Oppose Manganese Rider On Budget Admin Code Bills
Manganese Rider In Budget Bill Shifts Responsibility For Cleaning Up Water From The
Discharger To Water Companies, Other Water Users
Op-Ed: Oil & Gas Wastewater Treatment Facilities Seek Loophole In Senate-Passed Admin
Code Budget Rider
Environmental Funds At More Risk As House Republicans Fill Out New Budget Proposal
As House Majority Leader David Reed (R-Indiana) said last

week-- its no secret House Republicans do not like the
Senate-passed revenue package, in particular all the proposed
taxes and the proposal to borrow up to $1.3 billion securitized by tobacco settlement monies.
House Republicans are apparently poised to replace a large chunk of that $1.3 billion in
borrowing by diverting taxes that would normally go to special funds to the General Fund.
They are also looking to raid any special fund with an available balance. As noted
previously, some members are not concerned that those available balances are needed to pay off
the cost of grants and contracts issued two and three years before to local governments,
communities, nonprofit groups and contractors.
Again, no secret, except there is now more urgency because of the need to respond to the
Senate-passed revenue package.
Among the revenue streams, funds and tax credits at particular risk dealing with the
environment are--
-- Cigarette taxes now going to support farmland preservation;
-- Realty Transfer Tax now going to support the Keystone Recreation, Park & Conservation
Fund;
-- Waste Fee and other funding going to the Environmental Stewardship (Growing Greener)
Fund;
-- Drilling Impact Fee going to the Marcellus Shale Legacy Fund;
-- $2 Recycling Fee going to support Recycling Program;
-- ANY special fund with an available balance;
-- REAP Farm Conservation Tax Credit - $10 Million; and the
-- Coal Refuse Energy and Reclamation Tax Credit - $10 million.
Lists of special funds can be viewed in the Governors FY 2017-18 Executive Budget
document-- Agriculture - page E7-1, Conservation and Natural Resources - page E11-1 and
Environmental Protection - page E17-1.
The complete list can be found starting on Section H3.
Freeze On Spending
The new possibility raised this week is a spending freeze, rather than more stopgap
borrowing.
Asked about whether he would freeze spending on September 15 as one option for
dealing with the incomplete budget, Gov. Wolf said he will do whatever he needs to do to deal
with the budget.
Pressed, he said he doesnt want to alarm anybody by announcing the amount of
money he will freeze, in part, because that number changes from day to day.
Keep in mind four additional points--
-- The Senate, House and Gov. Wolf agreed on and passed a budget in June that fails to address
ANY environmental funding shortfalls, in-fact, it makes more cuts despite federal agencies
saying key DEP programs do not meet minimum federal standards.
-- House Republicans in April passed their budget with significant across-the-board cuts to all
agencies and again to Agriculture, DCNR and DEP.
-- DEP in particular has already had its General Fund budget cut 40 percent and lost nearly 25
percent of its staff in the last 13 years and has had to raise permit fees significantly to make up
for some of that loss.
-- The Trump Administration proposed 40 percent or more in cuts to grants to states, including
Pennsylvania, to administer federal environmental programs. If those cuts are enacted, on top of
state funding cuts, the impact will be to cripple these programs.
NewsClips:
Related Stories:
EDF: Impact Of Trumps Proposed EPA Budget Cuts On Pennsylvania Communities, Health
Budget Challenges Part I: Will General Assembly Continue Systematic Dismantling Of DEPs
Core Programs?
Budget Challenges Part II: Environmental Restoration, Park, Land Conservation Project Funding
Cut 75 Percent
Budget Challenges Part III: Federal Govt Pays More To Fund DEP Than PA Does, Will They
Cut Too?
EDF: Impact Of Trumps Proposed EPA Budget Cuts On Pennsylvania Communities,

Health
State of Risk: Pennsylvania, a new report from the

Environmental Defense Fund released Wednesday,
catalogues far-reaching and grave threats to air, water and
land, and to the people and economy of Pennsylvania if
President Trumps proposed 30 percent cut to the U.S.
Environmental Protection Agency budget is enacted this fall.
Such cuts would move the agency funding radically
backward to its lowest level since the mid-1970s.
The report provides an extensive overview of the EPAs
footprint in Pennsylvania and examines how the proposed cutback plans threaten public health as
well as commerce and tourism in the Keystone State.
Thirty percent of the Department of Environmental Protections budget comes from
federal funds. Only 20 percent comes from General Fund revenue provided by the state and the
remaining 50 percents is from permit-related fees and penalties collected.
The federal government actually invests more general tax dollars in DEPs environmental
protection programs than the state does.
The state and local communities would face a terrible choice, EDF said: stick taxpayers
with the bill, or watch their communities slide backward and become more polluted and less
healthy.
The EPA has provided $225 million in grants alone to Pennsylvania over five years,
notes the report.
President Trumps plan will kill safe-water projects, shut down clean air monitoring and
leave tracts of land in Pennsylvania polluted and undevelopable, said Elgie Holstein, EDFs
Senior Director of Strategic Planning.
The president seeks to roll back common-sense environmental safeguards that have
protected the health and well-being of Pennsylvanians for decades, Holstein added, This is not
just an assault on an agency. It is an assault on peoples health and safety.
Documenting specific local and statewide consequences of the proposed EPA cuts, the
report finds that hollowing out the EPA would be disastrous for Pennsylvania. The Trump
Administration and some in Congress are working to push the cuts through in the next 45 days,
before the federal fiscal year ends.
Washington is so broken right now that the Trump road map could be enacted in a blink
of an eye in a backroom deal when Congress returns in September, said Holstein.
The report provides a snapshot of the environmental needs and programs which a fully
funded EPA can continue to remedy and support:
-- Nonpoint Source, Chesapeake Bay Cleanup Funding At Risk. More than 8 million
Pennsylvanians get their drinking water from surface water sources like rivers, lakes and
streams. The Trump administration would eliminate the Nonpoint Source Pollution grant
program which poured $23 million into Pennsylvania for protecting such waters over the last five
years. The Trump budget also would zero out EPAs Chesapeake Bay regional program, which
brought another $34.3 million to the state in 2012-2016. One-third of the Bays waters drain into
the Susquehanna River a source of drinking water for millions.
-- Swimming is at risk in Pennsylvania. The presidents budget would end EPAs BEACH
Act grants for protecting and monitoring water quality and fecal pollution in Lake Erie. The
economies of four Pennsylvania counties are tied to the viability of Lake Erie.
-- Breathing is at risk in Pennsylvania. Many of the worst areas in America for air pollution
are in Pennsylvania. Six areas of the state rank among the top 25 most polluted areas in the
country for year-round particles, according to the American Lung Association 2017 State of the
Air report, while four make the worst 25 list for short-term pollution. Philadelphia/Reading
falls on both lists and also on the list for top ozone pollution. EPA grants which help states and
communities monitor and clean up dirty air would be eliminated or sharply curtailed.
-- Land is at risk in Pennsylvania. There are 95 toxic Superfund sites in the state, (the third
highest in the nation) and some 800 brownfield sites ready to be restored and turned into
developable land. The Trump budget would cut Superfund and brownfield funding by 30
percent. And Pennsylvania has a backlog of 1,800 underground storage tanks at risk of leaking
harmful chemicals into both soil and water; the administration plan eliminates one of two EPA
programs to prevent and detect leaks and clean ground and groundwater and cuts in half the
second program.
-- Research is at risk in Pennsylvania. The Trump budget would end the Science To Achieve
Results (STAR) grant program, which provided $15.7 million in grants to Pennsylvania
universities, colleges and researchers including Penn State, Carnegie-Mellon, Swarthmore,
Temple, U-Penn and Villanova.
-- EPA itself is at risk in Pennsylvania. President Trump and Administrator Pruitt are looking
to lay off 3,000 EPA scientists, pollution enforcement specialists, grant administrators and other
staffers nationwide, including in the agencys mid-Atlantic regional headquarters in Philadelphia.
The president and EPA chief would toss away science and public health experts with critical
know-how, legal and compliance staff who ensure that polluters are held accountable to pay for
cleanups rather than taxpayers, and grant administration staff who keep make sure that taxpayer
dollars are spent properly.
A U.S. House of Representatives committees alternate budget would, if passed, partly
restore some EPA programs but still leave many major programs unfunded, provide for
significant staff cuts and leave other parts of the presidents plan to demolish EPA unchanged.
Holstein, who formerly oversaw environment and science budgets for the U.S. Office of
Management and Budget, said Pennsylvanias Congressional delegation will find in the new
report the critical ways in which EPA has been helping the state manage risk.
Congress can and must stop the madness of these proposed cuts, Holstein said.
Anything less than full EPA funding for 2018 would hobble the environmental protections on
which Pennsylvanians and others across the United States rely as the foundation for building a
better life.
Elected officials and environmental, evangelical and medical experts agreed that cutting
the EPA budget would put the state at risk.
Environmental law Professor John Dernbach is with Widener University Commonwealth
Law School.
The federal and state programs are inextricably linked, Professor Dernbach said. If we
cut money to the states, we pull the pins out removing the pillars that support protecting our
environmental infrastructure.
We undermine the whole effort to protect people from dangerous toxins in the air we
breathe, the water we drink, and in the ground we live and walk on.
Kathy Dahlkemper is Erie County Executive and a former member of Congress.
Air, water and land are not partisan, Dahlkemper said. Congress can and must pull
together to restore full funding at the very least for EPA, to ensure we in northwestern
Pennsylvania have federal protections for Lake Erie, which touches four states and Canada, as
well as the help we need to ensure fresh air for our kids and seniors and for turning abandoned
Superfund and brownfield sites into jobsites. We cant do it alone.
Eastern Pennsylvania officials also praised EPA successes and noted concern for the
agencys future.
The EPA has helped make critical improvements to Philadelphias air and water
quality, said Christine Knapp, director of the citys office of sustainability. In the past 25
years, unhealthy air days in Philadelphia have declined even as standards for healthy air days
have become stricter.
The Trump administrations proposed budget would have immediate and drastic effects
on many environmental programs that Philadelphians rely on, including air pollution control and
protecting the safety of our drinking water system.
One observer of the State of Risk report said everyone has a responsibility to protect the
Earth.
For evangelicals, caring for Gods creation is a matter of life. We will not turn our backs
on the biblical and moral imperative to preserve the land, water and air which sustains us, said
the Rev. Mitchell Hescox of New Freedom, PA, president and CEO of the Evangelical
Environmental Network. We hope Congress and the president will stand with the people of our
commonwealth and of all the United States to let EPA to fulfill its mission: The mission of EPA
is to protect human health and the environment.
Dr. Marsha Haley is an oncologist at the University of Pittsburgh Medical Center.
It boggles the mind to even think about eliminating EPA help here in Pennsylvania
when we need all the help we can get. We need help to fix our air and water. We want people to
be able to live free of cancer, asthma, and birth defects, Dr. Haley said.
State of Risk: Pennsylvania is one in a series of Environmental Defense Fund reports
cataloguing the impact of president Trumps proposed cuts to EPA funding. State of Risk reports
are available at the EDF website.
Pennsylvania and EDF experts are available to provide further context and comment
about the EPA budget; please contact Ben Schneider by sending email to: bschneider@edf.org,
or call 202-841-3763.
NewsClips:
Related Stories:
DEP: Federal Budget Cuts Will Have Immediate, Devastating Effect In PA
Proposed Trump Cuts To State Grants Will Cripple DEP, Cause Drastic Fee Increases
PA Ag Secretary Briefs Congressional Delegation On Impact Of Proposed Federal Chesapeake
Bay Program Cuts
50 State Environmental Agencies Group: EPA Cuts Will Adversely Affect States
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Senate/House Agenda/Session Schedule/Govs Schedule/ Bills Introduced
Here are the Senate and House Calendars for the next voting session day and Committees
scheduling action on bills of interest as well as a list of new environmental bills introduced--
Bill Calendars
House (Sept. 11): House Resolution 284 (Moul-R-Adams) urging Congress to repeal the U.S.
Environmental Protection Agencys MS4 Stormwater Pollution Prevention Program (sponsor
summary); Senate Bill 181 (Mensch-R-Montgomery) providing for a performance-based
budgeting (exempting appropriations to the General Assembly and the Judiciary) and creating a
Performance-Based Budget Board (House Fiscal Note and summary); Senate Bill 446
(McGarrigle-R- Delaware) was significantly amending the Administrative Code (House Fiscal
Note and summary); Senate Bill 646 (Killion-R-Delaware) extending the $2/ton Recycling Fee
for one year until January 1, 2021 <> Click Here for full House Bill Calendar.
Senate (Sept. 18): Senate Bill 663 (Langlin-R-Erie) amending the PA Construction Code to
provide for third party contracts to enforce the Code (sponsor summary); House Bill 409
(Evankovich-R- Allegheny) making changes to the process for adopting amendments to the
Uniform Construction Code; House Bill 1490 (Turzai-R-Allegheny) placing the Pittsburgh
Water and Sewer Authority under the regulation of the Public Utility Commission. <> Click
Here for full Senate Bill Calendar.
Committee Meeting Agendas This Week
Note: This is still budget season. House and Senate committees can add and cancel meetings
with little notice.
House: <> Click Here for full House Committee Schedule.
Senate: <> Click Here for full Senate Committee Schedule.

Bills Pending In Key Committees
Check the PA Environmental Council Bill Tracker for the status and updates on pending state
legislation and regulations that affect environmental and conservation efforts in Pennsylvania.
Here are links to key Standing Committees in the House and Senate and the bills pending in
each--
House
Appropriations
Education
Environmental Resources and Energy
Consumer Affairs
Gaming Oversight
Human Services
Judiciary
Liquor Control
Transportation
Links for all other Standing House Committees
Senate
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 last week--
Imposes Response Costs On Protesters: Senate Bill 754 (Martin-R-Lancaster) imposes the cost
of responding to demonstrations on protesters (Co-Sponsor Memo).
Session Schedule
Here is the latest voting session schedule for the Senate and House--
Senate
In recess to the call of the President Pro Tempore
September 18, 19, 20
October 16, 17, 18, 23, 24, 25
November 13, 14, 15
December 11, 12, 13, 18, 19, 20
House
6-hour call of the House Speaker
September 11, 12, 13, 25, 26, 27
October 2, 3, 4, 16, 17, 18, 23, 24, 25
November 13, 14, 15, 20, 21, 22,
December 4, 5, 6, 11, 12, 13, 18, 19, 20
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.
News From The Capitol
Sen. Martins Bill Could Impose The Public Costs Of Any Protest On The Protesters
Sen. Scott Martin (R-Lancaster) has introduced Senate Bill 754 that could
impose any public costs for dealing with any public assembly, meeting
or gathering entirely on the individuals doing the protesting if they are
convicted of a felony or misdemeanor in connection with that
demonstration.
The introductory findings of the bill point to the costs incurred by
public agencies during the Dakota Access Pipeline protests as justification
for the bill.
Dakota Access Pipeline protesters created an environment that was so
dangerous, the National Guard was called in and school buses could not
travel through the area without a police escort. Nobody benefits from a
situation like that, Sen. Martin said. I appreciate the fact that local protesters [in Lancaster
County against the Atlantic Sunrise Pipeline] have remained generally peaceful and respectful of
others and have committed to a non-violent approach. They deserve a great deal of credit for
that.
However, if the situation deteriorates to a point similar to the violent and destructive
Dakota Access Pipeline protests, then protesters should not be able to walk away from the
damage they cause without consequence and expect first responders and taxpayers to deal with
the fallout, said Sen. Martin.
The legislation defines a demonstration as, A public assembly, a meeting or gathering,
a rally or protest event, a political rally or event, a demonstration, speech making, marching, the
holding of vigils or religious services, and all other like forms of conduct the primary purpose of
which is expressive activity or the communication or expression of views or grievances, which
has the effect, intent or propensity to draw a crowd or onlookers.
The legislation continues, A person is responsible for public safety response costs
incurred by a State agency or political subdivision as a result of the State agency's or political
subdivision's response to a demonstration if, in connection with the demonstration, the person is
convicted of a felony or misdemeanor offense.
The costs of the public response could be imposed by state or local officials through the
courts.
Click Here to read the co-sponsor memo Sen. Martin circulated to invite colleagues
asking them to endorse his legislation.
Senators Scarnati (R-Jefferson), Ward (R-Westmoreland), Hutchinson (R-Venango),
Reschenthaler (R-Allegheny), Bartolotta (R-Washington) and Regan (R-Cumberland) are listed
as co-sponsors on the bill.
The bill was referred to the Senate State Government Committee for consideration. Sen.
Mike Folmer (R-Lebanon) serves as Majority Chair and can be contacted by calling
717-787-5708 and sending email to: mfolmer@pasen.gov. Sen. Anthony Williams
(D-Philadelphia) serves as Minority Chair and can be contracted by calling 717-787-5970 and
sending email to: williams@pasenate.com.
State Has Protected Citizens From Intimidation In Other Circumstances
Since 2000, when the Pennsylvania Environmental Immunity Act or anti-SLAPP
(Strategic Lawsuit Against Public Participation) law was passed, any person that files an action
in the courts of this Commonwealth to enforce an environmental law or regulation or that makes
an oral or written communication to a government agency relating to enforcement or
implementation of an environmental law or regulation shall be immune from civil liability in any
resulting legal proceeding for damages where the action or communication is aimed at procuring
favorable governmental action.
On April 25 the Senate voted 42 to 8 to pass Senate Bill 95 (Farnese-D-Philadelphia) that
would expand the anti-SLAPP lawsuit protection law to cover a broader class of actions. Sen.
Martin voted against the bill. The bill is now in the House for action. Click Here for a sponsor
summary of the bill.
While imposing additional damages on individuals and groups protesting government
actions through additional damages imposed by a court is not the same as SLAPP lawsuits,
Pennsylvania lawmakers have for the last 17 years protected the right of citizens to make their
opinions known about issues before the government.
Like SLAPP suits, which illegally seek to impose legal and other costs on individuals and
groups opposing projects to discourage protests and opposition, imposing additional damages
would do the same thing, but only with the government imposing the damages, not a private
company through a SLAPP suit and court action.
NewsClips:
Thompson: Sen. Martins Bill Could Impose Response Costs On Protesters
Meyer: Senate Bill Would Force Convicted Protesters To Pay Response Costs
Judge Throws Out Developers SLAPP Suit Against Environmental Group
SLAPP Lawsuit Against Delaware RiverKeeper Dismissed
Related Story:
Chester County Court Dismisses SLAPP Suit Against Groups Filed By Developer
August Environmental Synopsis Now Available From Joint Conservation Committee
The August edition of the Environmental Synopsis is now

available from the Joint Legislative Air and Water Pollution
Control and Conservation Committee featuring articles on--
-- Proposals For Pumped Storage Hydroelectric Facilities
(photo)
-- The Benefits Of Just Walking
-- Strategy To Improve Water Quality In The Mississippi River
Off To Slow Start
-- Scientists Aim To Harness Energy From Algae
-- Climate Change, Hotter Temps Could Affect Airplane
Takeoffs
-- Addressing Barriers To Pennsylvania Green Energy Markets
Next Environmental Issues Forum
The next Environmental Issues Forum will be held on October 16 to hear a presentation
from DCNR on its new Penns Parks For all - Planning For The State Parks Of Tomorrow
initiative.
It will be held in Room 8E-A East Wing of the Capitol starting at noon.
Sen. Scott Hutchinson (R-Venango) serves as Chair of the Joint Conservation
Committee.
For more information, visit the Joint Conservation Committee website, Like them on
Facebook or Follow them on Twitter. Click Here to sign up for regular updates from the
Committee.
Related Story:
Is Pumped Storage Hydro The Next Wave Of Energy Development In PA?
News From Around The State
DEP Implements Plan To Improve Drinking Water Inspections, Asks For Public
Comments On Fee Package
The Department of Environmental Protection Thursday

announced plans to expedite the filling of vacancies and
the training of new staff to bolster program resources for
the Safe Drinking Water Program.
Ensuring that Pennsylvanias drinking water is clean and
safe to drink is one of the most important roles that DEP
has, said DEP Secretary Patrick McDonnell. DEP is
using the resources we have at hand as well as the
agencys regulatory authority to address the shortfall in
inspectors for the Safe Drinking Water program.
DEP has already hired 2 new staff, with 4 additional vacancies currently in the process of
being filled.
DEP will also open a 30-day comment period on August 26 to solicit public feedback on
a fee package for public water systems that would provide additional resources for the program.
(PA Bulletin page 4986).
Im pleased we are able to take a two-pronged approach at addressing these needs, said
McDonnell.
DEP proposed the fee package to the Environmental Quality Board in May 2017.
Through the fee package, new annual fees would be instituted for all public water systems based
on the number of people they serve.
In addition, the one-time permit fees for new water systems or modifications to existing
systems would also be increased.
The proceeds of the fees, once implemented, are expected to be approximately $7.5
million per year, and would go to the Safe Drinking Water Program. This would supplement the
$7.7 million from the general fund and $12 million in funds from the EPA.
The comment period will close on September 25, 2017. Comments may be submitted
using DEPs eComment System. A copy of the proposal will also be available on the eComment
webpage August 26.
Written comments may also be submitted by email at RegComments@pa.gov or mailed
to the Environmental Quality Board, P.O. Box 8477, Harrisburg, PA 17105-8477. Comments
submitted by fax will not be accepted.
NewsClips:
Allegheny Front: Pittsburgh Struggles To Fix Its Lead Water Line Problem
Maryland Firm To Present Report On Pittsburgh Water Authority Operations
Brackenridges Water Violated Standards In July
Related Stories:
EPA Still Concerned About DEP Drinking Water Program, Urges Temporary Funding To Hire
Staff Sooner
DEP Rescinds Guidance Exempting Certain Public Water Supply Wells From Meeting
Construction Standards
DEP Rescinds Guidance Exempting Certain Public Water Supply Wells From Meeting
Construction Standards
The Department of Environmental Protection published notice

in the August 26 PA Bulletin it has rescinded technical
guidance on the Review and Approval of an Existing Water
Sources at a Public Water System that provided certain
exemptions from meeting water well construction standards for
public water supplies. (DEP ID: 383-2200-108).
A public water system includes both community and
non-community (schools, day care centers, restaurants,
hospitals, campgrounds, churches, etc.)
DEP said it was rescinding this document because it provides exceptions from present
day public water supply well construction standards, including casing material, casing thickness
and grouting, that pose a potential health risk to the public.
Any deviation from established construction standards is not fully protective of public
health.
The Department's public water supply well construction standards are measures that can
prevent pollution from surface runoff and shallow aquifer zones that are above the source aquifer
utilized for public water supply.
Questions regarding this technical guidance document should be directed to Michael
Hess at 717-772-5679 or send email to: michess@pa.gov.
NewsClips:
Related Stories:
DEP Implements Plan To Improve Drinking Water Inspections, Asks For Public Comments On
Fee Package
EPA Still Concerned About DEP Drinking Water Program, Urges Temporary Funding To Hire
Staff Sooner
Chesapeake Bay Foundation: Better Than Predicted Water Quality In The Bay
Dr. Beth McGee, Chesapeake Bay Foundation Director of Science

and Agricultural Policy, issued this statement Tuesday following
release of results from the Early August Hypoxia Report which
found areas with low dissolved oxygen to be "much better than
average" during the early August cruise in Maryland waters.
Scientists had predicted the dead zone would be slightly larger
than average this summer.
If the trend continues, it will be the third year in a row that
scientists have found no anoxic conditions, something that hasn't happened since water quality
monitoring began in 1985.
Dr. McGee said-- "This is good news, and another sign that the Bay may be becoming
more resilient. Last year's record acreage of Bay grasses, improving oyster populations, and a
smaller dead zone all indicate the Clean Water Blueprint is working.
Progress will only continue with increased efforts from the Bay states, and EPA's full
participation.
As Chairman of the Chesapeake Bay Program's Executive Council, [Maryland] Gov.
Hogan's leadership is critical to ensure that Bay restoration efforts are on track to meet the
pollution-reduction goals.
"All the cruises this summer have found no anoxic conditions, areas of the bay with
virtually no oxygen. That is important because having some oxygen present prevents pollution
on the Bay floor from recycling back into the water column.
"If the trend continues, it will be the third year in a row that scientists have found no
anoxic conditions, something that hasn't happened since water quality monitoring began in
1985."
Information on Bay-related cleanup activities in Pennsylvania watersheds can be found
on DEPs Chesapeake Bay Office webpage.
There is a meeting of Pennsylvanias Chesapeake Bay Watershed Implementation Plan
Steering Committee on Thursday, August 24 from 1:00 to 4:00 that can be attended in person by
going to the Department of Agriculture Building, 2301 N. Cameron Street in Harrisburg or by
webinar. Click Here to register to join the event by webinar.
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 support their work.
NewsClips:
Stormwater Management Crucial for Susquehanna River
Lancaster Farming: Buffers Make Stream Restoration Easy
Crable: About Half Lancaster Farmers Inspected Didnt Have Conservation Plans
Ad Crable Revisits The Source Of The Conestoga River In Berks, Chester, Lancaster
Op-Ed: If EPA Is Prevented From Enforcing Clean Water Laws, States Must Step Up
Crable: Casey Comes To Lancaster To Field Wish List For New Federal Farm Bill
Latest From The Chesapeake Bay Journal
Click Here to subscribe to the Chesapeake Bay Journal
Click Here to support the Chesapeake Bay Journal
Follow Chesapeake Bay Journal On Twitter
Like Chesapeake Bay Journal On Facebook
CBF Calls For Restoration Of EPA Funding To Chesapeake Bay Journal
Chesapeake Bay Foundation President William C. Baker Wednesday reacted to the U.S.
Environmental Protection Agencys decision to eliminate funding for the Chesapeake Bay
Journal, an information service on Bay issues.
For 27 years, the Bay Journal has informed the public about bay pollution and the actions
needed to restore it.
The backbone of the Bay clean-up efforts is a document signed in 2014 by the Governors
from 6 states, Mayor of Washington, D.C., the Chesapeake Bay Commission, and the EPA
Administrator. In that agreement, they commit to operate with transparency, engage citizens
and [ensure] meaningful involvement of all people.
During Administrator Pruitts confirmation hearing he said that he really wanted to
emphasize that the Chesapeake Bay clean-up process, specifically having states enter into an
agreement to address water quality issues, is a model for what should occur elsewhere.
Additionally, Administrator Pruitt stated that he would commit to funding initiatives that
are critically important to the Bay clean-up effort.
This is an obscene attempt to shut down the free exchange of scientifically validated
Bay information. For 27 years, the Bay Journal has informed the public why and how the Bay is
polluted and solutions to help restore it. Scott Pruitt shows his true anti-environmental colors
when he moves to eradicate this award-winning Bay publication.
CBF calls on [Maryland] Gov. Hogan, as Chairman of the Chesapeake Bay Executive
Council, to demand that Administrator Pruitt keep this valuable resource available to the
scientists, citizens, and politicians who depend on it.
NewsClips:
Related Story:
Chesapeake Bay Foundation: Better Than Predicted Water Quality In The Bay
CBF-PA Invites Municipalities To Webinars On Pay-For-Success Model Of Using Private

Capital To Fund Stormwater Solutions
The Chesapeake Bay Foundation-PA and Quantified Ventures are seeking four municipalities in
Pennsylvania, Maryland and Virginia that would like to work together on stormwater
management problems using the Pay-For-Success private capital Environmental Impact Bonds
tool.
To introduce the concept to municipalities that may be interested, the groups will be
holding two webinars on
-- September 14 at 1:00 p.m. Click Here to register; and
-- September 21 at 1:00 p.m. Click Here to register.
Join them to learn how Environmental Impact Bonds can be used to finance green
infrastructure projects for improved stormwater management.
This innovative Pay-For-Success financing model can bring in new investors to help
municipalities pilot or scale their green infrastructure programs.
Click Here to download a flyer on the webinars.
NewsClips:
Related Stories:
Brandywine-Christiana Watershed Pay-For-Success Project To Bring Up To $10 Million In
Private Capital For Farm Conservation Projects
CBF-PA: NRCS Grant Will Help Communities Meet MS4 Stormwater Requirements With
On-Farm Practices
Op-Ed: New York City Decision On Delaware Water Releases Could Be Catastrophic For
Aquatic Life
By David Kinney, Trout Unlimited Mid-Atlantic Policy Director
In June, New York City agreed to voluntarily release

more water from its reservoirs on the Upper
Delaware in order to protect the rivers wild trout
fishery during the summer heat.
The decision came after the city and the four
states in the Delaware River Basin failed to renew
their temporary flow management program-- risking
a return to antiquated policies that would be
catastrophic to the river and the fish.
Now, city officials have announced that once
the summer is over, it will suspend the releases, a
misguided move that could leave vast sections of the
Upper Delaware dry after October.
The citys decision shows why we can no longer rely on stopgap, temporary, or voluntary
measures to protect this economically significant river and fishery.
Under a 1954 Supreme Court decree, the city and the four states in the watershed--
Pennsylvania, Delaware, New Jersey, and New York-- are responsible for managing how much
water is released from city reservoirs for downstream needs. In recent years, the parties have
reached temporary deals.
Trout Unlimited and our partners have been pushing for the parties to come to terms on a
long-term, permanent program to set flows that provide for a trout fishery valued at $414
million, as well as meet the water supply needs of New York City, New Jersey, and other
downstream users. There is enough water to go around; a compromise is within reach.
As Chris Wood, President and CEO of Trout Unlimited, says, "This is the height of
irresponsibility. This is not hard math. A small bit of extra water in the summer + slowing the
dramatic up-and-down reservoir releases = a $1 billion fishery for a region that could really use
the help."
Adequate flows are important in the summer, when high temperatures can put the fishery
at risk. But the fact is, low flows are always a threat whatever the season.
Winter is already a stressful time for wild trout. Low flows can multiply the impacts: Dry
sections may hamper movement and put key habitat off limits. Spawning beds can be dewatered.
Anchor ice, a phenomenon during which the streambed freezes, can destroy eggs laid in the
fall. These cold-weather conditions are also damaging to the aquatic macroinvertebrates that
trout feed on, potentially amplifying the impacts on the Upper Delawares wild trout populations.
We are heartened to hear that progress has been made by Delaware River
decision-makers over the past three months, and we encourage the parties to continue working
toward a sensible deal. Its long past time for a long-term flow agreement to protect the river.
In the meantime, for the sake of the fishery, we urge the states to support the continuation
of New York Citys voluntary releases until a new flow program agreement is reached.
David Kinney is the Trout Unlimited Mid-Atlantic Policy Director and he can be contacted by
calling 856-857-9669 or send email to: dkinney@tu.org.
NewsClips:
NYC Reservoir Release Plan Would Cut Flows In Delaware River
New York City Decision On Delaware Water Releases Could Be Catastrophic For Aquatic Life
Delaware RiverKeeper Aug. 25 RiverWatch Video Report
Related Story:
Delaware River Basin States, NY City Agree On Contingency Water Management Plan
7th Annual Lehigh Valley Watershed Conference Oct. 17 In Bethlehem
The 7th Annual Lehigh Valley Watershed

Conference will be held at Lehigh University in
Bethlehem, Lehigh and Northampton counties on
October 17.
The theme of the Conference is Confluence:
Changing Communities and Changing Waters.
The Conference brings together professionals,
citizens, watershed groups, municipal officials,
professors and students by offering up-to-date engaging and timely information on a variety of
water resource topics.
This years conference will feature two half-day workshops on invasive species (both
plants and insects).
There will be a full-day of continuing education credits available for the professional
landscaping community, and a MS4 stormwater pollution prevention track for municipal staff
and consultants charged with implementing stormwater regulations.
The Conferences keynote speaker will be Gary Walters, Assessment Section Chief of the
DEP, presenting on the historical water quality data for the Lehigh River and how things have
changed over the last century.
Click Here for a detailed agenda.
The Conference is brought to you by: Watershed Coalition of the Lehigh Valley, Lehigh
University Department of Earth and Environmental Sciences, Environmental Initiative, Penn
State Extension, Northampton County Conservation District, Lehigh County Conservation
District, Nurture Nature Center, and Wildlands Conservancy.
The Conference will be held in the Lehigh University STEPS Building, 1 W. Packer
Avenue in Bethlehem from 7:30 a.m. to 4:00 p.m.
For more information and to register, visit the Lehigh Valley Watershed Conference
event page.
Hundreds To Hit The Delaware Estuary For Pennsylvania Coast Day Sept. 9
The Partnership for the Delaware Estuary will entertain

hundreds of families at Pennsylvania Coast Day on September
9, from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m., at Walnut Plaza on Penns Landing in
Philadelphia.
A limited number of visitors will enjoy free cruises on the
yachts Patriot and Liberty. Other excursions include free
kayaking, pedal boating, and rowboating at Penns Landing
Marina. Families can also enjoy free crafts, face painting,
prizes, model boat races, and hands-on exhibits.
Pennsylvania Coast Day is a fun way to experience
Philadelphias best comeback story: the Delaware River, said Rene Brecht, director of
outreach at the Partnership for the Delaware Estuary. Just last year we helped more than 450
people explore the river by boat and rewarded 350 people with prizes.
The Partnership for the Delaware Estuary founded Pennsylvania Coast Day in 2002. This
year it will help raise awareness about the upcoming National Estuaries Week on September
16-23.
The Delaware Estuary is where fresh water in the Delaware River and Bay mixes with
salt water from the ocean.
Within steps of Pennsylvania Coast Day, visitors can also pay to tour the Independence
Seaport Museum. Its related attractions include a Patriots & Pirates exhibit and a Citizen Science
Lab, among others.
Sponsors for Pennsylvania Coast Day include the Department of Environmental
Protection and Coastal Resources Management Program, National Oceanic and Atmospheric
Administration, Philadelphia Water Department, Delaware River Waterfront Corporation,
Fairmount Water Works, and Independence Seaport Museum.
Pennsylvania Coast Day is a rain-or-shine event.
For more information, visit the Pennsylvania Coast Day webpage or call 800-445-4935,
extension 100.
NewsClips:
[Posted: August 22 2017]
Fish Advisories Updated: Anglers Warned Not To Eat Fish From Shenango River In
Lawrence, Mercer Counties
The departments of Agriculture, Environmental Protection, and

Health Monday along with the Fish and Boat Commission
announced a DO NOT EAT advisory for all fish species
caught in the Shenango River in Mercer and Lawrence Counties
due to extremely high levels of polychlorinated biphenyl (PCB).
This specific warning is included in the 2017 update of Fish
Consumption Advisories across the state that saw the addition
of these streams and lakes to the advisory--
-- Bucks County: Lake Towhee
-- Clinton County: Little Pine Creek
-- Delaware County: Chester Creek
-- Potter County: Lyman Run Reservoir
-- Sullivan County: Lopez Pond
-- Warren County: Chapman Dam Reservoir
Trout stocked from Fish & Boat Commission state fish hatcheries are subject to the
blanket one-meal-per-week consumption advisory that applies to recreationally caught sport fish
in Pennsylvania.
The Shenango River advisory extends to all fish between the Shenango Lake Dam and
the mouth of the Shenango River in New Castle, PA.
DEP is currently investigating possible sources of the PCB contamination.
The levels found in the tissue samples are extremely high, and DEP will be investigating
to find the source of this contamination, said DEP Secretary Patrick McDonnell. DEP will
work with EPA and others to determine the sources of this contamination and how to remediate
it.
"PCBs are a class of chemical compounds that are hazardous to the health of fish and
humans so anglers are strongly encouraged to avoid consuming any species of fish that are
caught in this reach of the Shenango River, said PFBC Executive Director John Arway. We
are very concerned about the fate and effects of PCBs since they have an extremely long
environmental half-life and will remain in the river for decades if not properly cleaned up and
disposed of."
A DO NOT EAT advisory was already in effect for the river for muskellunge, carp,
and channel catfish, and the new advisory now includes all other game fish like smallmouth and
largemouth bass, bluegill, and walleye.
PCBs have been shown to cause a wide range of adverse health effects and cancer. There
are a number of serious non-cancer health effects in animals including effects on immune
system, reproductive system, nervous system, endocrine system and other organs.
Tissue samples taken from fish found some levels of PCB to be more than 22 mg/kg in
smallmouth bass, which is more than 10 times the NO CONSUMPTION advisory level of 1.9
mg/kg.
The Fish and Boat Commission will not stock trout in Shenango River Section 04 until
further notice. The agency will continue to work to identify another nearby waterbody to provide
recreational trout fishing opportunities for anglers.
DEP has contacted the public water suppliers that withdraw water from this area of the
river. These water suppliers have been conducting annual monitoring for PCBs.
None of the monitoringincluding samples collected earlier this yearshowed any
presence of PCBs in the water itself. These systems have agreed to increase the frequency of
monitoring to quarterly to ensure ongoing compliance with the drinking water standards for
PCBs.
For more information on fish consumption advisories, visit DEPs 2017 Fish
Consumption Advisory webpage. Click Here for a list of streams, lakes and ponds covered by
the 2017 advisory noting additions and changes.
Click Here for advice on cleaning fish to limit PCB exposure. (Photo)
NewsClips:
PCB Levels In Fish Prompt Advisory For Shenango River In NW PA
PA Officials: Do Not Eat Fish Caught In Shenango River
EQB Approves Redesignation Of Mill Creek, Schuylkill Watershed To Exceptional Value
On August 15 the Environmental Quality Board approved redesignation of Mill Creek in the
Schuylkill River Watershed as an Exceptional Value stream. The redesignation request was
originally submitted to the Board in 2011.
The multi-year effort to upgrade this stream began in 2009 when the Delaware
Riverkeeper Network and Berks County Conservation District sampled this tributary to the
Schuylkill River and determined it had healthy stream life indicative of other Exceptional Value
streams in the region.
Delaware Riverkeeper Network submitted a petition and this data to DEP in February
2011 for the re-designation of Mill Creek from Warm Water Fishery, Migratory Fishery (WWF,
MF) to Exceptional Value, Migratory Fishery (EV, MF).
At that time the DRN petition had support from 65 residents and co-petitioners that
included the Berks County Conservation District, the Township of Union Environmental
Advisory Council, Department of Conservation and Natural Resources, and Berks Conservancy.
The new EV designation provides additional protections to the stream, although the new
designation falls short of the complete upgrade DRN was seeking it applies to 5.6 miles of the
7.7 stream miles.
DRN petitioned for EV status of the Mill Creek in its entirety and submitted subsequent
data to the DEP by volunteer monitors and others to support including the excluded Snyders
Run tributary, but DEP did not grant EV protection to that tributary.
DRN will continue to work with interested landowners to enhance and improve riparian
buffers along the remaining WWF, MF segment to advocate for it receiving a higher designation
in future years.
Mill Creek is a source of clean, fresh and healthy water. We must preserve our
exceptional waterways and protect them from pollution and harm so we can honor our
commitment to present future generations a resource that is healthy and thriving. We are pleased
that Pennsylvania's Exceptional Value status is given to Mill Creek as we have petitioned for, as
it is an important step to ensure all of our communities can continue to benefit from these
waterways," said Maya van Rossum, the Delaware Riverkeeper.
A stream re-designation upgrade, often spurred by local volunteer community monitors,
takes years to work through the regulatory process, but its a great week for Mill Creek and a few
other tributaries in the Delaware River Basin that got the green light from the PA Environmental
Quality Board this week, including Sobers Run and Swiftwater Creek that also received
upgrades. On the downside, Pickering Creek and Dwarfskille Creek did not receive the upgrades
community groups were seeking, Faith Zerbe, Delaware Riverkeeper Network, said.
The final regulation making the redesignation will now go to the Independent Regulatory
Review Commission and the House and Senate environmental committees for review as required
by the state Regulatory Review Act.
Click Here for a copy of the final redesignation package.
Stroud Water Research Center Seeking Activity Patch Designs For Boy, Girl Scouts And
Youth Programs
The Stroud Water Research Centers Education Department is now

accepting proposed designs for an activity patch to be given to Boy
and Girl Scouts and to others participating in the Centers youth
education programs. The deadline for entries is September 30.
As a starting point in the creative process, contestants should review
the mission and education programs offered by the Stroud Center.
Hand-drawn sketches, computer generated designs, and other types
of artwork for the patch are accepted. Be creative and consider patch
shape and multiple colors.
The Grand Prize Winner receives a daypack, a free hands-on program at Stroud Center in
Chester County for their troop or group, and the artist will be credited with the design on our
website and social media.
Top three designs will receive a daypack full of fun materials from the Stroud Center
Winners will be announced mid-October.
Click Here for all the details.
Submissions should be emailed to education specialist Jen Totora at:
jtotora@stroudcenter.org. Include your name, age, address, and troop or other youth
organization in your email submission.
For more information on programs, initiatives and special events, visit the Stroud Water
Research Center website, 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:
DCNR: Engaging Young Minds For The Future Of Conservation
Science Returns To Nature In Cherry Valley In Monroe County
Inaugural Watershed Fellowship Summit Held At John Heinz Refuge
Creek Stomp Explores Whats In The Water In Chiques Creek
Philadelphia Students Producing Fresh Fruit For Their Neighborhoods
New Tour Explores Fairmount Water Works Before Scenic Boat Ride On Schuylkill
Learn What The Return On Investment Will Be In Protecting, Restoring Dauphin

Countys Environment At Sept. 13 Program
The Manada Conservancy is hosting a

program on September 13 to unveil a new
study outlining the economic return on
investment of protecting and restoring the
environment in Dauphin County.
The study Dauphin Countys Return
On Investment In The Environment offers
estimates on the value of preserving natural
resources instead of mitigating their loss.
How clean air and water benefit our health? How much local businesses depend on these
resources, and how much protected land brings recreation to the County? Flood and pollution
control, pollination, health, recreation, property values, wildlife habitat, clean air, clean water,
healthy vegetationall of these are affected by how we treat our resources. They have a price
that we dont usually include in our bottom line when we destroy them.
The Kittatinny Coalition, led by Audubon PA, The Appalachian Trail Conservancy, and
land trusts up and down the mountain ridges- including Manada Conservancy and with the
help of the Department of Conservation and Natural Resources helped complete the study.
John Rogers of the Keystone Conservation Trust was the studys author.
The program will be held at the Derry Presbyterian Church, 248 East Derry Road in
Hershey starting at 7:00 p.m. This program is free and open to the public.
Please register by contacting the Manada Conservancy office at 717-566-4122 or send an
email to: office@manada.org.
For more information on programs, initiatives and other upcoming events, visit the
Manada Conservancy website.
Related Story:
Lancaster Online: Lancaster Farmland Provides $676M In Annual Environmental Benefits
SBA Approves Aid For Flash Flooding Losses In Clearfield, Washington, 8 Other Counties
Gov. Tom Wolf Thursday announced the U.S. Small Business Administration approved his
request to declare disasters in Washington and Clearfield counties after two separate flash
flooding events earlier this summer.
Flash flooding causes incredible devastation in such a short amount of time, said Gov.
Wolf. The availability of low-interest loans will make it possible for residents and businesses to
get back to normal more quickly, and we are grateful that the SBA is making this assistance
available.
Homeowners, renters and businesses impacted by the July 14 flooding in Clearfield
County, as well as neighboring counties Blair, Cambria, Cameron, Centre, Clinton, Elk, Indiana,
and Jefferson may be eligible for low-interest disaster loans through the SBA Disaster Loan
Programs.
Homeowners, renters and businesses impacted by the July 29 flooding in Washington
County, as well as neighboring counties Allegheny, Beaver, Fayette, Greene and Westmoreland
may be eligible for low-interest disaster loans through the SBA Disaster Loan Programs.
Low-interest loans of up to $200,000 are available to homeowners to repair or replace
damaged or destroyed real estate. SBA regulations permit loans up to $40,000 to repair or
replace personal property.
Businesses and nonprofits can borrow up to $2 million to restore damaged or destroyed
buildings, inventory, equipment and assets. Loan amounts and terms are set by the SBA and are
based on each applicants financial qualifications.
The SBA will establish Disaster Loan Outreach Centers to assist anyone who wishes to
apply for a loan. Applicants may visit any DLOC location that is convenient to them. The
DLOCs will be open at the following location and times:
-- Clearfield County: Glendale Area Public Library, 961 Forest St., Coalport, PA 16627
Open: Friday, Aug. 25 from 12 p.m. 6 p.m.
Closed: Saturday, Aug. 26
Open: Sunday, Aug. 27 from 1 p.m. to 5 p.m.
Open: Monday, Aug. 28 Wednesday, Aug. 30 from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.
Last Day: Thursday, Aug. 31 from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.
-- Washington County: Salvation Army Washington County, 60 E. Maiden St., Washington,
PA 15301
Open: Friday, Aug. 25 from 12 p.m. 4 p.m.
Open: Saturday, Aug. 26 from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.
Closed: Sunday, Aug. 27
Open: Monday, Aug. 28 Wednesday, Aug. 30 from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.
Last Day: Thursday, Aug. 31 from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m.
SBA customer service representatives will be on hand at the disaster loan outreach center
to issue loan applications, answer questions about the disaster loan program, explain the
application process and help individuals to complete their applications.
Individuals and businesses unable to visit the center in person may obtain information
and loan applications by calling the SBAs Customer Service Center at 1-800-659-2955
(1-800-877-8339 for the hearing impaired), or by sending email to:
disastercustomerservice@sba.gov.
Loan applications can also be downloaded at the SBA website. Applicants may apply
online using the Electronic Loan Application (ELA) via the SBAs secure website.
Completed applications should be returned to the DLOC or mailed to: U.S. Small
Business Administration, Processing and Disbursement Center, 14925 Kingsport Road, Fort
Worth, TX 76155.
For both flooding incidents, the filing deadline to return applications for physical
property damage is Oct. 23, 2017. The deadline to return economic injury disaster loan
applications is May 23, 2018.
NewsClip:
Johnstown Then And Now, Embracing The History Of Flood City
SRBC, Corps Change Location Of Aug. 30 Workshop On F.J. Sayers Lake Study In
Centre County
The Susquehanna River Basin Commission and the U.S.

Army Corps of Engineers are holding a public Workshop
On A Study To Explore Improving The Aquatic
Environment at the F.J. Sayers Dam and Reservoir on
August 30 in Howard, Centre County.
Due to the level of interest in the workshop, the
workshop site has been changed to the Bald Eagle Area
Middle School and High School, 751 S. Eagle Valley Road,
Wingate, PA 16823. Participants are encouraged to RSVP
to Hilary Hollier by sending email to: hhollier@srbc.net.
The study will determine whether there are alternatives that would benefit the reservoir
and downstream environmental resources while avoiding impacts to recreation and flood control
functions of the reservoir.
If a change in operations could result in enhancing environmental benefits while at the
same time preserving the existing recreation and flood control functions of the reservoir, the
study will show those results, said SRBC Executive Director Andrew Dehoff. SRBC is equally
vested in environmental benefits, flood control, and recreation. We are not interested in changes
that would compromise any of those aspects of the reservoir, or the public that benefits from
those purposes.
The 1,730-acre Sayers lake is the focal point for water-based recreation in Bald Eagle
State Park. DCNRs Nature Inn At Bald Eagle overlooks the lake.
The feasibility study will determine if operation of the reservoir, including water release
protocol, can be modified to improve the quality of the environment both in the reservoir itself
and in the downstream ecosystem.
Currently, the reservoir is drawn down 20 feet in late fall and winter and returned to
normal pool level by late spring. The in-lake ecosystem may benefit from a more constant year
round pool and some potential environmental modifications.
Consistent with the 2012 report entitled Susquehanna River Basin Ecosystem Flow Study
prepared in a cooperative effort by SRBC and the Corps of Engineers, low flow augmentation
from the reservoir during critical low flow periods could benefit the downstream ecosystem.
Click Here for an overview of the F.J. Sayers Dam feasibility study. Click Here for a fact
sheet on the dam and reservoir.
Questions about the Workshop and the study should be directed to Ben Pratt, SRBC, by
sending email to: bpratt@srbc.net or call 717-238-0423 ext. 1212 or Anastasiya Hernandez,
Corps, by sending email to: Anastasiya.Hernandez@usace.army.mil or call 410-962-2558.
Keep PA Beautiful Encourages PA Schools To Participate In Keep America Beautifuls

Recycle-Bowl
Keep Pennsylvania Beautiful is encouraging Pennsylvania schools

to get their students involved in Keep America Beautifuls
Recycle-Bowl, the national competition designed to invigorate
students in grades K-12 to participate in recycling.
The objectives of the competition include: new recycling programs
established within schools, the increase of recycling rates in
schools that currently recycle and the provision of teacher/student
educational opportunities about recycling and waste reduction.
The Recycle-Bowl competition begins October 16 and runs through November 15--
America Recycles Day.
The Recycle Bowl provides a means to introduce or expand recycling programs within
our schools and encourages students to take responsibility to protect our natural resources by
making recycling part of their way of life, said Shannon Reiter, President of Keep Pennsylvania
Beautiful. We are grateful to Keep America Beautiful for providing this resource to our local
schools.
More than 1,200 schools across the nation competed in the 2016 Recycle-Bowl.
Recyclables recovered during the competition totaled 2.2 million pounds, which
prevented the release of 3,150 metric tons of carbon dioxide equivalent or reducing the annual
emissions from 655 passenger cars.
To register or for more information, visit the Recycle-Bowl website.
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.
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Independence Conservancy To Hold 4 Community Tire Collection Events In Beaver

County
The Independence Conservancy will hold a series of four Community Tire Collection events in
Beaver County in September and October.
Need to get rid of tires or wheels from your car or truck? Bring them to the following
locations this fall:
-- September 8: Hookstown Fair Grounds, Route 168, Greene Township, Hookstown from 9:00
a.m. to 3:00 p.m.;
-- September 9: Hookstown Fair Grounds, Route 168, Greene Township, Hookstown from 9:00
a.m. to Noon;
-- September 30: Brighton Township Road Dept., 1250 Brighton Road, Beaver from 9:00 a.m.
to Noon; and
-- October 7: Ambridge Borough Building, 600 11th Street, Ambridge from 9:00 a.m. to Noon.
Individuals and small businesses are welcome. No proof of residency is required, and
there is no limit to the number of tires or wheels any one person may bring.
Disposal fees for auto and light truck tires up to 18 off rim are $3 each; $5 if on rim.
Tractor trailer tires up to 22.5 and farm tractor rear tires up to 75 lbs. are $20 each, but no rims
please. Farm tractor tires over 75 lbs. are priced according to weight.
Community tire collections are offered as a public service to provide proper and
affordable disposal of scrap tires, thus reducing the risk of Zika and West Nile viruses by
eliminating stagnant water where mosquitoes breed.
Over 46,000 scrap tires have been properly disposed through the Community Tire
Collection Program since its inception in 2004.
For more information on programs, initiatives and upcoming events in Beaver,
Washington and Allegheny counties, visit the Independence Conservancy website.
Chester County Court Dismisses SLAPP Suit Against Groups Filed By Developer
The Chester County Court of Common Pleas Tuesday dismissed the lawsuit filed by Developer
Brian ONeill, along with his corporate counterparts ONeill Developers and Constitution Drive
Partners, seeking to silence opposition to redevelopment of a brownfield site located in Chester
County.
Saying This is what we call constitutionally protected free speech under the First
Amendment of the United States Constitution and the Pennsylvania Constitution and that
DRN [Delaware RiverKeeper Network] is immune from Plaintiffs tort claims, the court
dismissed the case.
The Delaware Riverkeeper Network organization has been actively challenging a
proposal by ONeill, ONeill Developers and Constitution Drive Partners to initiate partial
cleanup of the highly contaminated Bishop Tube site located in East Whiteland Township in
order to accommodate construction of a more than 200 unit housing development.
ONeill sought a judgement that they pay over $50,000 in damages. The suit also
threatened to target up to ten additional residents, naming them as defendants to the suit, in
addition to the resident already included as a named defendant.
Mr. ONeill should be ashamed of himself for misusing the law to threaten people into
silence and seeking a judgment that would strip them of their First Amendment rights to free
speech and to petition their government for appropriate action, said Maya van Rossum, head of
the Delaware Riverkeeper Network. I am gratified that the court so quickly recognized the
abuse of law that was being perpetrated by Mr. ONeill and that it sought to render a strong
decision quickly in order to assuage the fears of residents being so directly threatened by the
developer and his multiple corporate entities.
Ms. van Rossum and the Delaware Riverkeeper Network were represented by attorneys
Mark L. Freed and Jordan B. Yeager of Curtin & Heefner LLP. Were pleased that the Court
has vindicated the constitutional rights of residents to speak up and advocate for a healthy
environment without fear of retribution, said Freed.
The original action was filed by ONeill and his counterparts on June 27 and claimed the
advocacy activities of van Rossum and her organization resulted in defamation/commercial
disparagement, interference with contractual or business relations and amounted to a civil
conspiracy.
In dismissing the case, Judge J. Sommers wrote: DRN has the right to petition its local
and state governments as advocates for environmental safety and public health. This is true even
if it means that DRNs efforts are adverse to Plaintiff. This is what we call constitutionally
protected free speech under the First Amendment of the United States Constitution and the
Pennsylvania Constitution. (emphasis added)
The Judge also said, we conclude that DRNs concern for the proposed remediation
plan and soil clean up is not an objectively baseless concern. Plaintiff has conceded that
chlorinated solvent contamination remains today in Site soils and groundwater and that
contamination in groundwater has migrated significant distances beyond the boundaries of the
Site to the surrounding community. Moreover, Plaintiff has made clear it does not intend to
conduct full clean up of the site, but only a partial one, based upon its belief that it has no legal
obligation to do more. (emphasis added)
The Judge concluded, we have, therefore, determined that the conducted described in
the Complaint is protected and DRN is immune from Plaintiffs tort claims. (emphasis
added)
The Delaware Riverkeeper Network and members of the East Whiteland community
were joined by Sen. Andy Dinniman (D-Chester) and a representative from Sen. Daylin Leach
(D-Montgomery) at a press conference on July 26, expressing opposition to the originally filed
lawsuit.
Pennsylvanians have a Constitutionally protected right to clean air, pure water, and the
preservation of the natural environment. Citizens also have a right to voice their opinions, views,
and concerns on decisions regarding our public natural resources and to be involved in the
processes be they at the local, state or federal levels. The bottom line is Chester County has a
long history of standing up for our environmental resources and to stand up, we need to speak
out, said Sen. Andy Dinniman in a statement released as part of the July press event.
Lawsuits have an important purpose, but when they are wielded as a bludgeon by
wealthy interests to silence advocates and communities, they harm the principles that form the
foundation of our country, said Sen. Daylin Leach in a statement also issued for the July press
event. Free speech is a right held by all Americans wealthy or notand its our job to protect
it.
The Bishop Tube Site is a former metals processing plant located in East Whiteland
Township, PA. The site is bordered by Little Valley Creek, a tributary to the Exceptional
Value Valley Creek. Portions of the site proposed for development are wooded.
The site is listed on the Pennsylvania Priority List of Hazardous Sites for Remedial
Response under the Pennsylvania Hazardous Sites Cleanup Act. Groundwater, soil and surface
water at the Site are contaminated with trichloroethylene (TCE), which is classified as a probable
human carcinogen by the EPA and also as causing other significant health problems. Other
contaminants of significant concern are also known to be present at the site.
Click Here for a copy of the Courts decision. Click Here for a copy of DRNs intent to
file a citizen suit.
For more information, visit the Delaware RiverKeeper Network website.
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DEP Sets Hearing On Erie Coal Coking Plant Revised RACT II Air Quality Permit Oct. 11
In Meadville
The Department of Environmental Protection has scheduled a hearing on October 11 on the

revised RACT II Air Quality Operating Permit for the Erie Coal Coking Plant in Erie. (formal
notice, PA Bulletin page 5105)
The hearing will be held at the DEP Regional Office, 230 Chestnut Street, in Meadville
starting at 9:00.
To register to speak contact Melanie Williams, DEP, 814-332-6615. If no
pre-registrations are received by October 4, the hearing will be canceled. Visit DEP Regional
Offices Community Information webpage for the status of the hearing.
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DEP Sets Hearing On Ellwood Quality Steels Revised RACT II Air Quality Permit Oct. 11
In Meadville
The Department of Environmental Protection has scheduled a hearing on October 11 on the

revised RACT II Air Quality Operating Permit for the Ellwood Quality Steels Plant in New
Castle, Lawrence County. (formal notice, PA Bulletin page 5107)
The hearing will be held at the DEP Regional Office, 230 Chestnut Street, in Meadville
starting at 1:00.
To register to speak contact Melanie Williams, DEP, 814-332-6615. If no
pre-registrations are received by October 4, the hearing will be canceled. Visit DEP Regional
Offices Community Information webpage for the status of the hearing.
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PA Chamber Regional Fall Environmental Conference Series Oct. 5, 12, 26
The PA Chamber of Business and Industry will hold a

Fall series of regional Environmental Conferences in
western, central and eastern Pennsylvania in October.
The Conferences will provide solutions to help
navigate DEP, as well as recommendations on how to
limit regulatory exposure for spills, waste and water
requirements that nearly all businesses must comply
with.
Top environmental experts, leading consultants
and DEP officials will explain the most recent changes in these top environmental areas, help
you understand the requirements, and provide the advice and practical solutions to help you
develop and execute your companys environmental plan more efficiently and effectively.
The Conferences will be held
-- October 5: Pittsburgh Fall Environmental Conference, Doubletree By Hilton Pittsburgh,
Cranberry, Mars.
-- October 12: Harrisburg Fall Environmental Conference, Sheraton Harrisburg-Hershey,
Harrisburg; and
-- October 26: Valley Forge Fall Environmental Conference, Crowne Plaza Valley Forge, King
of Prussia.
Click on the links above for each event to find out more or to register.
For more information on other upcoming events, visit the PA Chamber of Business and
Industry website.
State Agencies Test Responses To Large-Scale Power Outage Event In EARTH EX 2017
Leadership and staff from the Public Utility Commission, PA

Emergency Management Agency and Governors Office of
Homeland Security Wednesday joined with government
agencies, utilities, emergency responders and other stakeholders
around the world in a first-ever transnational exercise to test
responses to a large-scale power outage event.
Pennsylvanias involvement in EARTH EX 2017 is part
of a continuing collaboration of public and private sector leaders
to strengthen the states effort to prepare for Black Sky events defined as extraordinary,
wide-reaching events capable of producing power outages that last significantly longer than
typical weather or operational outages.
Because of the large-scale nature of Black Sky events, they have the potential to impact
not only electricity, but also other critical systems, such as natural gas, water, wastewater
treatment, telecommunications and transportation services.
These events could be caused by a cyber-attack on the electric grid, severe weather or
physical attacks.
Black Sky events have the potential to disrupt essential services across large areas,
impacting the lives of millions of people, said PUC Chairman Gladys M. Brown. It is essential
that we work collectively to address these threats, because it will require the work of
government, private sector and not-for-profit organizations to better safeguard our critical
systems, strengthen our response and enhance our ability to recover from Black Sky events.
This exercise gives us the opportunity to work with our partners in preparedness,
response and recovery to identify ways we can work together more efficiently and effectively in
the event of a Black Sky incident, said PEMA Director Richard D. Flinn, Jr.
Planning exercises like EARTH EX are a critical part of developing an effective,
coordinated response to a Black Sky event, said Marcus L. Brown, director of Pennsylvanias
Office of Homeland Security. The lessons learned will help all of the participants prepare for,
and recover from, a catastrophic disruption of electricity and other essential services.
Pennsylvanias first Black Sky exercise one of the first in the country was held in
June 2016, hosted by the PUC and Gov. Tom Wolf.
Since that time, the PUC, PEMA and the Governors Office of Homeland Security have
continued to integrate Black Sky planning and practice into broader discussions about emergency
response planning.
The EARTH EX exercise, developed by the Electric Infrastructure Security Council, is
the first phase of a nearly year-long series of international exercises intended to develop, test and
enhance planning and preparation for Black Sky events.
The EIS Council hosts national and international collaborations on resilience and whole
community restoration and response planning, addressing severe, national and global scale
hazards to lifeline infrastructures.
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Grid Study: Natural Gas Leading Cause For Decline Of Coal, Not Renewables
Federal Electricity Study Hints At Future Support For Coal
Energy Depts Recommendations Would Bolster Coal, Nuclear Power Plants
DOE Report Aims To Boost Coal, Nuclear Power Generation
DOE Grid Report Says Shale Gas To Blame For Coal Plant Closures
Report: Natural Gas Rise Led To Coals Fall
DOE Electric Reliability Study: Everythings Okay, For Now
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PJM To Host 2nd Forum On Electric Grid Security, Resilience Sept. 19 In Baltimore
PJM Interconnection, the operator of the nation's largest
electric grid, including in Pennsylvania, is hosting its second
Grid 20/20: Focus on Security and Resilience on September
19 in Baltimore.
Extreme weather events, cyberattacks and potential physical
attacks on electric facilities are driving the electric power
industry and grid operators to operate and plan for resilience in the power system.
At PJM's forum, industry experts, government agency experts and other stakeholders will
discuss incorporating resilience into planning, operations and markets, and cyber and physical
security processes.
"Resilience goes beyond existing reliability criteria," said PJM President and CEO
Andrew L. Ott. "While we plan and operate the grid to run reliably it's our first priority -- the
new charge for us and the industry is making sure the grid stands up to and recovers from a
wider range of threats."
Advancing resilience is a focused effort for PJM to prepare, operate and recover from an
event, minimizing the likelihood of a long-duration disruption to grid operations.
PJM's Grid 20/20 in April focused on the report, "PJM's Evolving Resource Mix and
System Reliability." Panelists provided perspectives about the amount of natural gas and
renewable generation the system can reliably use.
This event will focus on threats to the physical and cyber assets and how PJM can evolve
its processes as a grid operator to meet this new challenge.
To attend the Baltimore event in person or via a live web conference presentation,
registration is required. PJM's Grid 20/20 will be held from 8 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. EDT at the Hyatt
Regency Baltimore Inner Harbor.
For more details on the forum, or to register, visit the Grid 20/20: Focus on Security and
Resilience webpage.
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Value
PennTAP: How To Move Your Company Toward Sustainability Webinar Nov. 16
The Penn State PA Technical Assistance Program will host a How To Move Your Company
Toward Sustainability webinar on November 16 from Noon to 1:00 p.m.
In order to move toward more sustainable practices, industrial managers need to
understand what cultural, environmental, and economic challenges exist, and how to respond to
them.
PennTAP will review the link between sustainability and energy efficiency projects, and
highlight the process to develop a carbon footprint, set a reduction goal, and implement projects
to reduce your carbon footprint.
The webinar will also discuss methods to publicize the sustainability improvements at
your facility.
For more information and to register, visit the Webinar webpage.
PennTAP is also hosting these upcoming webinars for businesses on environmental
topics--
-- September 21: Definition of A Solid Waste Exclusions, What Does It Mean For Your
Company. Noon to 1:00 p.m.
-- December 21: SBA Innovation Research, Technology Transfer Grants. Noon to 1:00 p.m.
For more information on the kinds of technical and other assistance available to help your
business with environmental and other issues, visit the Penn State PA Technical Assistance
Program website.
Assistance is also available through the PA Small Business Development Centers
Environmental Management Program.
Help is also available through DEPs Small Business Ombudsman Ed Boito by
contacting him at 717-772-5160 or send email to: ra-epombudsman@pa.gov.
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EPA Announces Grant For Freshwater Mussel Research To DEP, Other States
The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency Tuesday announced a

new project to develop innovative methods to improve our
understanding of the distribution of freshwater mussels through a
grant awarded to the Department of Environmental Protection and
other states.
EPA said it will partner with the West Virginia Department of
Natural Resources, the Maryland Department of Natural Resources,
and the Pennsylvania Department of Environmental Protection in
this effort.
The project is one of 14 research projects announced by EPA
addressing priority environmental and human health problems
through partnerships among EPAs research office, regional offices, and states.
EPA encourages the use of innovative scientific approaches to help solve important
environmental problems, said EPA Administrator Scott Pruitt. By working with our state
partners and engaging the public we can foster creative solutions to these challenges.
Freshwater mussels improve water quality by filtering and sequestering pollutants and
suspended particulates, nutrient cycling, and removing harmful toxins and pathogens that are
threats to public health.
Currently, it takes extensive time, effort, and money to assess mussel populations, but
now it is possible to monitor mussels by collecting water and/or sediment samples and analyze
for their DNA.
This new method of detecting mussel populations lowers the level of effort in traditional
freshwater mussel assessments and will help provide an early warning system for water quality
changes, act as sensors for drinking water, and help promote mussel restoration and management
in regional watersheds.
The research is designed to address pressing environmental issues faced by the states.
EPA is uniquely equipped to provide scientific expertise to help tackle these problems.
The selected projects focus on nonpoint source nitrogen pollution, volatile organic
compounds, harmful algal blooms, roadway air pollution, and other environmental and human
health issues across the country.
The projects will employ innovative approaches including citizen science,
crowdsourcing, a challenge competition, and advanced monitoring technologies.
Click Here for more on the project.
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Western PA Conservancy Earns National Land Trust Accreditation Renewal
The Western PA Conservancy Wednesday announced it

received its renewed land trust accreditation from the
Land Trust Accreditation Commission, an independent
program of the Land Trust Alliance, the Conservancy
announced today.
Achieving renewed land trust accreditation confirms that
the Conservancy continues to protect Western
Pennsylvanias important natural areas, scenic landscapes,
rivers and streams with the highest standards of care
required by the Land Trust Alliance, said Tom Saunders,
president and CEO of the Western PA Conservancy.
First accredited in 2012, the Conservancy is one of 389 accredited land trusts nationwide.
Accredited land trusts must renew every five years, confirming their compliance with national
quality standards and providing continued assurance to donors and landowners of their
commitment to forever steward their land.
To achieve renewed accreditation, WPC had to provide extensive documentation and
undergo a comprehensive review.
It is exciting to recognize the Western PA Conservancy with this distinction, said
Tammara Van Ryn, executive director of the Commission. Accredited land trusts are united
behind strong ethical standards ensuring the places people love will be conserved forever.
Accreditation recognizes the Western PA Conservancy has demonstrated sound finances, ethical
conduct, responsible governance and lasting stewardship.
Established in 1932, WPC helped to establish ten state parksincluding Ohiopyle,
McConnells Mill and Moraineand conserved more than 254,000 acres of natural lands. The
Conservancy also owns and manages more than 13,000 acres of nature reserves across the
region, including the 5,000-acre Bear Run Nature Reserve in Fayette County.
In addition to its land conservation and stewardship work, the Conservancy has also
protected or restored more than 3,000 miles of rivers and streams. WPC operates and preserves
the Frank Lloyd Wright masterpiece, Fallingwater, and enriches the regions cities and towns
through 132 community gardens, tree plantings and other green spaces.
Based in Saratoga Springs, N.Y., the Land Trust Accreditation Commission awards the
accreditation seal to organizations that meet rigorous quality standards and strive for continuous
improvement.
The Commission, an independent program of the Land Trust Alliance established in
2006, is governed by a volunteer board of diverse land conservation and nonprofit management
experts.
The Alliance, of which WPC is a member, is a national land conservation organization
based in Washington, D.C. that works to save the places people need and love by strengthening
land conservation across America.
More information is available on programs, initiatives and special events at the Western
PA Conservancy website. Click Here to sign up for regular updates from the Conservancy, Like
them on Facebook, Follow them on Twitter, add them to your Circle on Google+, join them on
Instagram, visit the Conservancys YouTube Channel or add them to your network on Linkedin.
Click Here to support their work.
(Photo: Elk State Forest, McKean County.)
Bike The Brandywine Ride On Sept. 30 In Chester, Delaware Counties
Explore the scenery, glimpse the history, and discover the

lure of the Brandywine Creek on the second annual Bike
the Brandywine in Chester and Delaware counties on
September 30.
Hosted during the Brandywine Conservancy &
Museum of Arts 50th anniversary year of celebrations,
this years Bike the Brandywine will offer three routes that
take in the beautiful Brandywine Creek Greenway and
surrounding countryside.
Riders can choose from distances of 25, 50, and
100 miles, each with a unique and thrilling experience for both the recreational and more avid
seasoned cyclist. Proceeds from the ride benefit the Brandywine Conservancys clean water
programs.
Following both the East and West Branch of the historic and scenic waterway, the
100-mile loop will guide riders from Chadds Ford all the way to the creeks headwaters in
bucolic Honey Brook Township.
Along the way riders will experience iconic western Chester County vistas and countless
views of rural landscapes, rich history, and active farmland, some of which the Brandywine
Conservancy has helped preserve for future generations.
The 50-mile loop gives riders looking for a shorter Brandywine experience a route that
also follows both branches of the creek. Following the West Branch to The Laurels Preserve and
then crossing through the valley to reach the creeks East Branch just south of Downingtown.
The route rejoins the 100-mile route and visits the historic village of Marshallton. Riders
on the 50-mile route will experience the historic sites, incredible vistas, and bucolic countryside
along their journey.
As an exciting introduction to the Brandywine Creek Greenway for the recreational
cyclist, the 25-mile loop closely mirrors the early routes of both the 100- and 50-mile options.
Following the West Branch of the Brandywine Creek through open farmland and scenic
river valleys, this route provides a trip through the historic village of Marshallton, past one of the
oldest barns in Pennsylvania and through areas of the historic Brandywine Battlefield.
Each loop starts and ends at the Chadds Ford Historical Society, 1736 N Creek Road,
Chadds Ford, Delaware County.
Cyclists of legal drinking age will be entitled to one free pint of Victory beer at the rides
conclusion.
The post-ride celebration at the Chadds Ford Historical Society will also feature a DJ and
food available for purchase at the Victory Brewing Company food truck and the Punkd
Pineapple Ice Cream Truck.
Bike the Brandywine is generously sponsored by the William Penn Foundation, Aqua
Pennsylvania, Victory Brewing Company, Willowdale Town Center, L.L. Bean, Wohlsen
Construction, For Fox Sake and The Whip Tavern.
Additional in-kind support provided by Voler, Trek Bicycle, Brandywine Cyclery,
RoadID, Honey Stinger, Kind Bars, Western Chester County Chamber of Commerce, Chadds
Ford Historical Society, and Starbucks.
The Brandywine Creek Greenway is a regional planning initiative of the Brandywine
Conservancy, along with 25 municipal partners in Chester and Delaware counties along both
branches of the Brandywine, to create a 30-mile conservation and recreation corridor.
It stretches from the Delaware state line just south of Chadds Ford to the Pennsylvania
Highlands Mega-Greenway near Honey Brook.
The Brandywine Creek and its network of parks and trails form the western limit of The
Circuit regional trail network of the greater Philadelphia region.
Goals of the Greenway include protecting scenic, historic, and natural resources;
educating communities about the Brandywine and its resources; and promoting recreational
resources.
The greenway designation highlights the diverse resources of the corridor, provides
conservation ideas and encouragement to municipalities and private landowners alike, and builds
healthier, more sustainable communities that contribute to the well-being of those who live,
work, and visit there.
The event takes place rain or shine from 6:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Advance registration is
$50 per rider, but the fee will increase closer to the date of the event.
The registration fee also includes a Bike the Brandywine t-shirt; must register by
August 31 to guarantee choice of t-shirt size. Registration is now open online.
For more information on programs, initiatives and upcoming events, visit the Brandywine
Conservancy website. Click Here to sign up for regular updates from the Conservancy (middle
of the webpage.) Visit the Conservancys Blog, Like the Conservancy on Facebook and Follow
them on Instagram.
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New Pilot Program Supplies Free Sunscreen To Visitors At 2 State Parks
This summer, the Department of Conservation and Natural Resources and

Department of Health kicked off a new pilot program that provides visitors
with free sunscreen at two state parks. DCNR is supplying free sunscreen
for visitors at--
-- Fuller Lake in Pine Grove Furnace State Park in Cumberland County;
and
-- The swimming pool at Codorus State Park in York County.
We recognize that visitors to our lakes, beaches, and pools may overlook
sunscreen when packing for a days outing, and these dispensers should
prove invaluable in a pinch, said DCNR Secretary Cindy Adams Dunn.
In promoting outdoor activity, were aware over 8,500 Americans are
diagnosed with skin cancer each day, and we are extremely grateful that the Department of
Health and its Division of Cancer Prevention and Control have partnered with us to support this
important pilot project.
In this pilot project lasting through the summer season, DCNRs Bureau of State Parks
will oversee and maintain sunscreen dispensers.
Two pole-mounted, battery-operated dispensers, supplying 30+ SPF BrightGuard
sunscreen applications, are positioned at each park. Sunscreen ingredients are listed on sides of
the tamperproof units by the company, which has provided educational training for park staff.
At seasons end, the DCNR Bureau of State Parks will evaluate its pilot program to
determine if it will be expanded to other state parks. It also is pursuing opportunities to
collaborate with local health organizations for future expansion of the program.
For more information on state parks and forests and recreation in Pennsylvania, visit
DCNRs website, Click Here to sign up for the Resource newsletter, Click Here for upcoming
events. Click Here to be part of DCNRs Online Community, Click Here to hook up with
DCNR on other social media-- Facebook, Twitter, YouTube and Flickr.
NewsClips:
(Reprinted from the August 23 edition of the Resource newsletter. Click Here to sign up for your
own copy.)
Richard Bail Family To Donate 17-Acre Forest To Foundation For Sustainable Forests,
Allegheny College Aug. 30
On August 30 the Foundation for Sustainable

Forests and Allegheny College will accept the
donation of the 17-acre Bail Family Forest in
Conneautville, Spring Township, Crawford County
from the Richard N. Bail Sr. Family in a special
event.
The Bail Family Forest, named in honor of the late
Richard N. Bail Sr., is located between Blue Falls
Road and Thatcher Road and spans a large, forested
ravine near what was formerly the Bail Familys
farm.
The land was bequeathed to his three children Richard N. Bail Jr. of Newton,
Massachusetts, Caroline Bail of Winooski, Vermont, and Frederick T. Bail of Waimanolo,
Hawaii.
Of their late fathers connection to the land, Caroline Bail writes Dad told my brothers
and me about his early love for the woods in Conneautville, reminiscing about hours hiked
through that forest, sometimes hunting squirrels, sometimes just walking.
Bails heirs chose to donate the land to the Foundation for Sustainable Forests to
conserve it in perpetuity as a sustainable working forest.
Not only will the land be cared for by people who love and respect it, but it will also be
connected to our fathers alma mater, Allegheny: the place that established him a Phi Beta Kappa
student and a world citizen, added Caroline Bail.
Richard N. Bail Sr. was a graduate of Allegheny Colleges Class of 1935.
This conservation project is the inaugural donation for the Foundations Shared Gift
Program. The Foundation will hold the property and manage the land as a long-term sustainable
working forest for timber production, and a portion of the net proceeds will go to support
Allegheny College in perpetuity.
The Foundation for Sustainable Forests Shared Gift Program represents a wonderful
partnership between the Foundation, area nonprofit organizations, and those individuals and
families who wish to protect their forests in perpetuity while supporting the causes that are most
meaningful to them, said Melissa Mencotti, director of gift planning at Allegheny College. We
are delighted to celebrate the Bail familys gift-- Allegheny and the Foundations first shared
gift. We are grateful for the Bail Familys generosity, and in recognition of this gift, we are
pleased to posthumously include Richard Bail Sr., Class of 1935, as a member of our William
Bentley Legacy Society, which honors those who have made an estate gift to the College.
Under the stewardship of the Foundation for Sustainable Forests, the land will remain on
the tax rolls and provide jobs through active forest restoration and management. In partnership
with Allegheny College, the Bail Family Forest will serve as a teaching and demonstration
forest.
Students at Allegheny want hands-on, active learning opportunities, and faculty here at
Allegheny are excited to find meaningful ways for students to connect classroom learning with
field-based experiences, commented Dr. Eric Pallant, chair of the Department of Environmental
Science. The Bail Familys gift will provide excellent teaching and research opportunities for
students to explore sustainable forestry in a variety of ways, from courses that examine
ecological processes, to those that examine policy and human use of natural resources, said
Pallant.
A dedication of the Bail Family Forest will take place at 2:30 p.m. on August 30, on the
forest edge off of Blue Falls Road, half a mile east of the intersection with Smith Road.
Members of the Bail Family and representatives of both the Foundation for Sustainable
Forests and Allegheny College will be in attendance. Members of the public are welcome to
attend.
Questions about the event should be directed to Dr. Annie Socci, Executive Director of
the Foundation for Sustainable Forests by calling 814-694-5830 or send email to:
amsocci@foundationforsustainableforests.org.
For more information on programs, initiatives and other upcoming events, visit the
Foundation for Sustainable Forests website.
(Photo: Richard N. Bail Sr. hiking.)
Penn State Woods In Your Backyard Workshop Oct. 7 Lehigh County
Do you have woods on your property? Penn State

University research estimates that nearly half a million
Pennsylvanians own a small patch of woodlands -- one
to 10 acres. These patches add up to about a million or
so acres, or about 10 percent, of our states privately
held woodlands.
If you are one of these landowners and youd like to improve your land for the benefit of
humans, flora, and fauna, register for the upcoming workshop on October 7 at Penn State Lehigh
Valley Campus from 8:30 to 4:30.
The Woods in Your Backyard: Learning to Create and Enhance Natural Areas around
Your Home workshop will help you learn more about:
-- Providing wildlife habitat;
-- Tree identification;
-- Tree planting and native landscaping;
-- Woods and water;
-- Forest ecology and soils ;
-- Woodlot management techniques;
-- Invasive plant identification/control;
-- Maple syrup, mushrooms, and medicinal plants; and
-- Landowner resources.
The DCNR Bureau of Forestry is a sponsor of this workshop.
To register, visit the Woods In Your Backyard Workshop webpage or to register by
phone, or for more information, call Penn State Extension at 570-825-1701.
own copy.)
Involved With Trails? Register For Hands-On Training Event Sept. 8-9 In Downingtown
The PA Land Trust Association partnered with trail

professionals and Penn Trails to offer a two-day training
event for those engaged in trail management, maintenance,
and construction.
The For The Trail, On The Trail Workshop is on
September 8 and 9 at CCWA Paradise Farm Camp, 1300
Valley Creek Road, Downingtown, Chester County.
Participants can attend two full days, one full day, or a half
day depending on their interests. This training will offer
hands-on training and classroom instruction and will be
eligible for PA Recreation and Park Society, Recreation Professionals and Landscape Architect
CEUs.
This event was funded in part by DCNR and the PA Recreation and Park Society.
To register online and more information, visit the For The Trail, On The Trail Workshop
webpage.
NewsClips:
own copy.)
August 23 DCNR Resource Newsletter Now Available
The August 23 edition of the Resource newsletter is now

available from the Department of Conservation and Natural
Resources featuring articles on --
-- Engaging Young Minds For The Future of Conservation
(photo)
-- New Tool Helps Landowners Envision Conservation
Projects To Improve Water Quality
-- New Pilot Program Supplies Free Sunscreen To Visitors
At 2 State Parks
-- Learn To Create, Enhance Natural Wooded Areas Around Your Home At Upcoming
Workshops
-- Involved With Trails? Register For Hands-On Training Event Sept. 8-9 In Downingtown
-- Conservation Tip: August is National Water Quality Month
-- 2 Managerial Appointments At 2 State Parks In Northern PA
-- Click Here to sign up for your own copy.
DCNRs website, Click Here for upcoming events. Click Here to be part of DCNRs Online
Community, Click Here to hook up with DCNR on other social media-- Facebook, Twitter,
YouTube and Flickr.
Wildlands Conservancy Highlights September Education Programs

The Wildlands Conservancy Thursday highlighted the education and other programs being
offered in September, including--
-- September 1: Smores & Hike
-- September 2: Stoddartsville Underwater Adventure
-- September 9: Paddle Exploration Of Sand Island
-- September 14: Covered Bridge Park: Fall Foliage Fun
-- September 23: Bike & Boat: Delaware River
-- September 24: Nor-Bath Bike Ride
For more information on programs, initiatives and special events, visit the Wildlands
Conservancy website. Like on Facebook, Follow on Twitter and Join on Instagram. Click Here
to support the Conservancy.
Milford Walking Tour Sept. 9 Features Pinchot Family History In Pike County
A walking tour of Milford in Pike County, that illustrates the

many contributions to the community made by the
prominent Pinchot family since the 1800s is planned for
September 9, beginning at 10 am.
Offered by the Grey Towers Heritage Association and the
U.S. Forest Service at Grey Towers, ancestral home of the
Pinchot family, the tour is free and open to the public.
Unique to this walking tour is guest lecturer Edgar Brannon,
who will blend his 50+ years knowledge of history,
architecture, landscape design and community background
to deliver a dynamic program.
Participants will learn the answers to such questions as what was the Milford Community
House before it became a library? Where was the Gifford Pinchot Grange Hall? Who built Forest
Hall and what was it used for?
Pre-registration is required by calling 570-296-9625 or sending an email to:
info@greytowers.org. Participation is limited to the first 25 registrants.
The interesting stroll through the borough will illustrate how one family influenced the
beginnings of the community. Participants should meet at Broad and Harford streets, at 10 am,
rain or shine.
This walking tour is intended to enhance the understanding of the deep connection
between the Pinchots, Grey Towers and the community.
Tour participants will learn of some of the family contributions, including Forest Hall,
the Community House, Normandy Cottage, the Pike County Courthouse and others. Gifford
Pinchot founded and served as first chief of the USDA Forest Service and was twice Governor of
Pennsylvania.
For more information on programs, initiatives and other upcoming events, visit the Grey
Towers Heritage Association. Click Here to sign up for updates from the Association, Like them
on Facebook, Follow them on Twitter, visit their YouTube Channel, become part of their
Google+ Circle and follow them on Instagram.
Also visit the Grey Towers Historic Site website and the Pinchot Institute for
Conservation website for information on its conservation research and policy programs. Click
Here to sign up for the Institutes regular updates.
(Photo: Before the Pinchot family completed construction of Forest Hall at the corner of Broad
and Harford, the Pinchot Dry Goods store served the community during the 1800s.)
Fmr Corbett Admin Official Anthony Pugliese Named FERC Chair Chief Of Staff
Federal Energy Regulatory Commission Chairman Neil Chatterjee Monday announced Anthony
Pugliese has been named Chief of Staff at the Commission.
Since January 2017, Pugliese has served as Senior White House Advisor at the U.S.
Department of Transportation, where he helped oversee all aspects of the department, including
pipeline safety and regulatory issues.
He also played a leadership role in the development and planning of President Donald J.
Trumps infrastructure proposal.
Prior to that, he was a consultant on energy issues involving solar, oil and natural gas at
Pugliese Associates. Before that, he was Director of Legislative Affairs for former Gov. Tom
Corbett, focusing on energy, tax policy, infrastructure, economic development and international
affairs.
He also served on Pennsylvanias Marcellus Shale Commission.
I am very pleased to welcome Anthony to the Commission, said Chairman Chatterjee.
We appreciate his willingness to bring his experience and expertise on energy, infrastructure
and safety to FERC.
Help Wanted: Centre County Conservation District Watershed Specialist
The Centre County Conservation District is seeking qualified applicants for a Watershed
Specialist position. While there is no application deadline, applicants are encouraged to submit
their applications as soon as possible since interviews will be scheduled in mid-September.
Click Here for all the details.
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.
Note: This is still budget season. House and Senate committees can add and cancel meetings
with little notice.
August 25-27-- Lake Wallenpaupack Wally Lake Fest. Hawley, Wayne County.
August 26-- Fish & Boat Commission Wild Trout Summit. Centre County Regional Office, 595
East Rolling Ridge Drive in Bellefonte, Centre County. 9:30.
August 26-- Chesapeake Bay Foundation-PA Veterans On The Susquehanna. Shanks Mare
Outfitters, Wrightsville, York County.
August 26-- Gov. Pinchots Grey Towers Cornelia Pinchot Focus Of Women Making History
Program. Grey Towers National Historic Site, Milford, Pike County. 5:30.
August 30-- Location Change. Susquehanna River Basin Commission, U.S. Army Corps Of
Engineers Workshop On Improving Aquatic Environment At F.J. Sayers Dam & Reservoir In
Centre County. Bald Eagle Area Middle School And High School, 751 S. Eagle Valley Road,
Wingate. 7:00 to 8:30.
August 30-- NEW. Foundation For Sustainable Forests. Allegheny College. Bail Family Forest
Donation Event. Conneautville, Spring Township, Crawford County. 2:30.
August 31-- Penn State Energy & Environmental Sustainability Labs Open House. Nittany Lion
Inn Alumni Lounge in State College, Centre County. 4:30 to 6:30 p.m.
September 2-- Hawk Mountain Sanctuary Vulture Awareness & Raptor Conservation Day.
Hawk Mountain Sanctuary, Berks County.
September 5-- DEP Board Of Coal Mine Safety meeting. DEP Cambria Office, 286 Industrial
Park Road, Ebensburg. 10:00. DEP Contact: Allison Gaida, 724-404-3147 or send email to:
agaida@pa.gov.
September 5-- CANCELED. DEP Storage Tank Advisory Committee meeting. The next
scheduled meeting is December 5. DEP Contact: Dawn Heimbach, 717-772-5599 or send email
to: dheimbach@pa.gov. (formal notice)
September 6-- DEP Air Quality Technical Advisory Committee meeting. Webinar meeting.
9:15. DEP Contact: Kirit Dalal, kdalal@pa.gov or 717-772-3436. (formal notice)
September 6-- DEP hearing on RACT 11 Air Quality Plan For Trucks Accessories Group. DEP
Regional Office, 208 West Third Street, Williamsport, Lycoming County. 10:00.
September 7-- DEP Cleanup Standards Scientific Advisory Board. Room 105 Rachel Carson
Building. 9:00. DEP Contact: Michael Maddigan, mmaddigan@pa.gov,
September 7-- EPA/DEP Workshop On Water Company/Healthcare Coordination During

Emergencies. DEP Southeast Regional Office, 2 East Main Street in Norristown, Montgomery
County. 8:30 to 4:00.
September 7-- PSU PA Technical Assistance Program Saving Money Through Energy
Management Systems Workshop. Knowledge Center, 5240 Knowledge Parkway, Erie. 1:00 to
4:00.
September 7-- Susquehanna River Basin Commission meeting. Holiday Inn Elmira Riverview,
760 East Water Street, Elmira, NY. 9:00. Click Here for more. (formal notice & agenda)
September 8-- NEW. Independence Conservancy Community Tire Collection Event.

Hookstown Fair Grounds, Route 168, Greene Township, Hookstown, Beaver County. 9:00 a.m.
to 3:00 p.m.
September 8-9-- NEW. PA Land Trust Association. For The Trail, On The Trail Workshop.
CCWA Paradise Farm Camp, 1300 Valley Creek Road, Downingtown, Chester County.
September 9-- NEW. Independence Conservancy Community Tire Collection Event.

Hookstown Fair Grounds, Route 168, Greene Township, Hookstown, Beaver County. 9:00 a.m.
to Noon.
September 9-- NEW. Partnership For The Delaware Estuary. Pennsylvania Coast Day.
Philadelphia.
September 9-- NEW. Gov. Pinchots Grey Towers Milford Walking Tour, Pinchot Family
History. Grey Towers Historic Site, Milford, Pike County. 10:00.
September 11-- DCNR Wild Resource Conservation Grant Program hearing on applications
submitted to the program. 10th Floor Conference Room of the Rachel Carson Building in
Harrisburg. 10:00.
September 12-- CANCELED. DEP Climate Change Advisory Committee meeting. Next
scheduled meeting October 24. DEP Contact: Mark Brojakowski, 717-772-3429 or send email
to: mbrojakows@pa.gov. (formal notice)
September 12-14-- 3rd Annual Living Product Expo. LEED certified David L. Lawrence
Convention Center in Pittsburgh.
September 13-- 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. (formal notice)
September 13-- DEP Sewage Advisory Committee meeting. Room 105 Rachel Carson
Building. 10:30. DEP Contact: Janice Vollero, jvollero@pa.gov, 717-783-7416.
September 13-- DEP Hearing On Proposed Changes To Indiana Sulfur Dioxide State
Implementation Plan Revision. DEP Southwest Regional Office, 500 Waterfront Dr., Pittsburgh.
1:00. DEP Contact: Amanda Rodriguez, amarodrigu@pa.gov, 717-787-9702. (formal notice)
Click Here for more.
September 13-- Agenda Posted. Delaware River Basin Commission business meeting. Linksz
Pavilion, Bucks County Community College, 275 Swamp Road, Newtown, Bucks County.
10:30.
September 13-- PA Section of the American Water Works Association. Small Water System
Rates & Finance Workshop. PA American Water, 2736 Ellwood Road in New Castle, Lawrence
County. 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.
September 13-- NEW. Manada Conservancy. Dauphin Countys Return On Investment In The
Environment Program. Derry Presbyterian Church, 248 East Derry Road, Hershey. 7:00.
September 13-14-- Public Utility Commission Stakeholder Meeting On Universal Service and
Energy Conservation Program Review. Hearing Room 1, Keystone Building, Harrisburg. 1:00
to 5:00 on September 13 and from 8:00 a.m. to Noon on September 14.
September 14-- DEP Finding PAs Solar Future Stakeholder Meeting. The Inn At Villanova
University, 601 County Line Road, Radnor, Delaware County. 9:00 to 4:00.
September 14-- Sustainable Pittsburgh: Winning Playbook For Sustainable Practices In Your
Business. Heinz History Center, 1212 Smallman Street, Pittsburgh. 6:00.
September 14-- NEW. Chesapeake Bay Foundation-PA, Quantified Ventures Pay-For-Success

Model Of Using Private Capital To Fund Stormwater Solutions. 1:00.
September 15-16-- Central PA Green Building Council Regional Road To GreenBuild. Skytop
Lodge, Skytop, Monroe County. 1:00 to 9:00.
September 16-- PA Resources Council. Household Chemical Collection Event. South Park,
Allegheny County.
September 16-- Paxton Creek Watershed & Education Association Watershed Decisions For
Students & Their Families Workshop. Dauphin County Library - East Shore Library, 4501 Ethel
Street, Harrisburg. 10:30 to 11:30.
September 19-- 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, ledinger@pa.gov.
September 19-- 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)
September 19-- NEW. PJM Interconnection Grid 20/20: Electric Grid Security, Resilience.
Hyatt Regency Baltimore Inner Harbor, Baltimore.
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 21-- PA Assn Of Environmental Professionals Pollution Prevention & Energy

Efficiency Roundtable 20th Anniversary. Tobyhanna Army Depot in Monroe County. 8:30 to
3:00.
September 21-- NEW. Chesapeake Bay Foundation-PA, Quantified Ventures Pay-For-Success

Model Of Using Private Capital To Fund Stormwater Solutions. 1:00.
September 23-26-- Statewide Greenways & Trails Summit. DoubleTree Hotel in Reading,
Berks County.
September 24-26- Registration Open. PA Recreation and Parks Society PA Greenways and
Trails Summit. Reading, Berks County.
September 25-- NEW. House Consumer Affairs Committee holds a hearing on House Bill 798
(Davis-D-Bucks) placing all water and sewer municipal authorities under the jurisdiction of the
PUC (sponsor summary). Room 60 East Wing. 11:00.
September 30-- PA Resources Council Lawrence County Reuse Fest. Lawrence County
Fairgrounds, New Castle. 10:00 to 1:00.
September 30-- NEW. Independence Conservancy Community Tire Collection Event. Brighton
Township Road Dept., 1250 Brighton Road, Beaver, Beaver County. 9:00 a.m. to Noon
September 30-- NEW. Brandywine Conservancy. Bike The Brandywine. Chester, Delaware
Counties.
October 4-- CANCELED. DEP Low-Level Radioactive Waste Advisory Committee meeting
rescheduled to October 10. DEP Contact: Molly Adams, 717-787-2480, moadams@pa.gov..
October 4-- Paxton Creek Watershed & Education Association Greening Our Cities & Towns
Workshop. Appalachian Brewing Company, 50 N. Cameron Street, Harrisburg. 6:00 to 8:00.
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,
717-772-9084. (formal notice)
October 5-- PA Section of the American Water Works Association. Small Water System
Improving Drinking Water Quality Workshop. Lehigh County Authority, 1053 Spruce Street,
Wescosville, Lehigh County. 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.
October 5-- NEW. PA Chamber of Business & Industry Pittsburgh Fall Environmental
Conference. Doubletree By Hilton Pittsburgh, Cranberry, Mars.
October 6-- Women Environmental Professionals Capital Chapter Green Infrastructure Tour In
Lancaster County. Meet at Landis Home Retirement Community, 1001 East Oregon Road, Lititz.
1:00 to 4:45.
October 7-- PA Resources Council Hard-To-Recycle Collection Event. Settlers Cabin Park,
Allegheny County.
October 7-- NEW. Independence Conservancy Community Tire Collection Event. Ambridge
Borough Building, 600 11th Street, Ambridge, Beaver County. 9:00 a.m. to Noon
October 7-- NEW. Penn State Woods In Your Backyard Workshop. Penn State Lehigh Valley
Campus, Center Valley, PA. 8:30 to 4:30.
October 10-- DEP Low-Level Radioactive Waste Advisory Committee meeting. Room 105
Rachel Carson Building. 10:00. DEP Contact: Molly Adams, 717-787-2480, moadams@pa.gov.
(formal notice)
October 11-- DEP Technical Advisory Committee on Diesel-Powered Coal Mining Equipment
meeting. DEP New Stanton Office, Westmoreland Room, 131 Broadview Road, New Stanton.
DEP Contact: Peggy Scheloske, mscheloske@pa.gov.
October 11-- NEW. DEP Hearing On Proposed Revised Air Quality Permit to comply with
RACT II Requirements For Erie Coke Corporation. DEP Regional Office, 230 Chestnut Street,
Meadville. 9:00. To register to speak contact Melanie Williams, DEP, 814-332-6615. If no
pre-registrations are received, the hearing will be canceled. (formal notice, PA Bulletin page
5105) Click Here for more.
October 11-- NEW. DEP Hearing On Proposed Revised Air Quality Permit to comply with
RACT II Requirements For Ellwood Quality Steels Plant, New Castle, Lawrence County. DEP
Regional Office, 230 Chestnut Street, Meadville. 1:00. To register to speak contact Melanie
Williams, DEP, 814-332-6615. If no pre-registrations are received, the hearing will be canceled.
(formal notice, PA Bulletin page 5107) Click Here for more.
October 11-12-- 3 Rivers Wet Weather Sewer Conference. Monroeville Convention Center,
Allegheny County.
October 12-- NEW. PA Chamber of Business & Industry Harrisburg Fall Environmental
Conference. Sheraton Harrisburg-Hershey, Harrisburg
October 14-- PA Resources Council. Household Chemical Collection Event. Bradys Run Park,
Beaver County.
October 14-- 2017 Pittsburgh Solar Tour.
October 17-- NEW. Senate Aging & Youth and Health & Human Services Committees hold a
joint hearing on an update on the Lyme Disease Task Force Report. Hearing Room 1 North
Office Building. 10:00.
October 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, ledinger@pa.gov. (formal notice)
October 17-- 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)
October 17-- DEP State Board For Certification Of Water and Wastewater Systems Operators
meeting. 10th Floor Conference Room, Rachel Carson Building. 10:00. DEP Contact: Cheri
Sansoni, csansoni@pa.gov, 717-772-5158.
October 17-- NEW. 7th Annual Lehigh Valley Watershed Conference. Lehigh University,
Bethlehem.
October 19-- DEP Radiation Protection Advisory Committee meeting. 14th Floor Conference
Room, Rachel Carson Building. 9:00. DEP Contact: Joseph Melnic, jmelnic@pa.gov,
717-783-9730.
October 24-- NEW. DEP Climate Change Advisory Committee meeting. Room 105 Rachel
Carson Building. 10:00. DEP Contact: Mark Brojakowski, 717-772-3429 or send email to:
mbrojakows@pa.gov. (formal notice)
October 25-- DEP Small Business Compliance Advisory Committee meeting. 12th Floor
Conference Room, Rachel Carson Building. 10:00. DEP Contact: Nancy Herb, nherb@pa.gov,
717-783-9269.
October 26-- DEP Agricultural Advisory Board meeting. DEP Southcentral Regional Office,
909 Elmerton Ave., Harrisburg. 9:00. DEP Contact: Jay Braund, jbraund@pa.gov,
717-772-5636. (formal notice)
October 26-- Northeast PA Environmental Partners Awards Dinner. Woodlands Inn and Resort
in Wilkes-Barre.
October 26-- NEW. PA Chamber of Business & Industry Valley Forge Fall Environmental
Conference. Crowne Plaza Valley Forge, King of Prussia.
November 1-- Oil and Gas Technical Advisory Board meeting. Room 105 Rachel Carson
Building. 10:00. DEP Contact: Todd Wallace 717-783-9438 or send email to: twallace@pa.gov.
(formal notice)
November 8-- Academy of Natural Sciences Of Drexel University Delaware Watershed

Research Conference. Academy of Natural Sciences, Philadelphia.
November 9-- Sponsorships Available. PA Resources Council Annual Awards Celebration.

Villanova University Hotel and Conference Center, Philadelphia.
November 10-11-- Bucknell University 12th Annual Susquehanna River Symposium. Bucknell
University Campus, Lewisburg, Union County.
November 14-- DEP Environmental Justice Advisory Board meeting. 16th Floor Conference
Room, Rachel Carson Building. 8:30. DEP Contact: Carl Jones, caejone@pa.gov or
484-250-5818 or Glenda Davidson 717-=783-4759 or gldavidson@pa.gov.
November 16-- CANCELED. Oil and Gas Technical Advisory Board meeting. Room 105
Rachel Carson Building. 10:00. DEP Contact: Todd Wallace 717-783-9438 or send email to:
twallace@pa.gov. (formal notice)
November 16-- PA Grade Crude Development Advisory Council meeting. Location TBD.
1:00.
November 16-- NEW. PennTAP: How To Move Your Company Toward Sustainability
Webinar. Noon to 1:00 p.m.
December 5-- DEP Storage Tank Advisory Committee meeting. Room 105 Rachel Carson
Building. 10:00. DEP Contact: Dawn Heimbach, 717-772-5599 or send email to:
dheimbach@pa.gov. (formal notice)
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.
February 23-24-- Keystone Coldwater Conference. State College. (Note: PA Environment

Digest is a Conference sponsor.)
April 17-19-- National Forum On Low-Zero Energy Buildings. Wyndam Grand Hotel,
Pittsburgh.
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
August 2017 DEP Regulatory Agenda - PA Bulletin, Page 4922
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 (July 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.
September 1-- Forests For The Bay Chesapeake Bay Forest Champions Awards
September 1-- American Chestnut Foundation Chestnut Photo Contest
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
September 30-- NEW. Stroud Water Research Center Activity Patch Design Contest
October 1-- U.S EDA Coal Community Assistance Grants
October 2-- DEP Recycling Performance Grants
October 10-- Sustainable Forestry Initiative Conservation, Community Grants
October 16-- DEP Coastal Zone Project Grants
October 31-- PA Resources Council Lens On Litter Photo Contest
December 1-- DEP Small Business Advantage Grant Program (First-Come, First-Served)
December 15-- DEP Alternative Fuels Incentive Grants
-- 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.
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Pittsburgh Activists Demand Gov. Wolf Keep Promise To Protect Water, Air Quality
Air
Alternative Fuels
How To Buy An Electric 2017 Nissan Leaf For Half Price
Awards & Recognition
Childrens Hospital Uses Recycled Rainwater For Award-Winning Green Space
Bucks Countys Largest Water Treatment Plant Receives Industry Award
Budget
Chesapeake Bay
Climate
Trump Disbands Advisory Committee On Climate Change
Environmentalists Win Huge Climate Victory Over Federal Pipeline Approvals
Study: Earths Temperature Record Broken 3 Years In A Row
RGGI States, Boosted By Trumps Paris Withdrawal, To Make Deeper Carbon Cuts
9 States Seek 30% More In CO2 Cuts As Trump Pushes Coal
Study Finds Climate Change Costs Will Hit Trump Country Hardest
Coal Mining
PA Coal Company To Open Second Mine Since Trump Took Office
King Coal Show In Carmichaels Looks Back At Industrys History
Fracking Jobs Are Elusive For Coal Miners Looking To Switch
Consol Faces Another Lawsuit Over Retiree Health Care Cuts
Trump Administration Halts Research On Mountaintop Removal Coal Mining
Coal CEO Murray: Trump Has Broken A Promise On Coal
Court Grants EPA Request To Put Power Plant Wastewater Rule On Hold Pending Review
AP: Meaning Of Clean Coal Mentioned By Trump Unclear
Compliance Actions
Composting
Harrisburg Mayor Takes Compost Facility Pitch To Susquehanna Township
Delaware River
Drinking Water
Education
Emergency Response
AP: Feds Say Brake Problems Preceded Train Derailment In Bedford County
Braking Systems Behind Train Derailment In Bedford County
Will Shortage Of Volunteer Firefighters Give You A Higher Tax Bill?
Jessup Weighs Tax Credits For Volunteer Firefighters, EMTs
Energy
Value
Energy Conservation
Lock Haven Hears About More Energy Savings
Environmental Heritage
Frye: Documentary Explores Life Of Famed Artist Ned Smith
Farming
Urban Farm Planned For Former Housing Site In Allegheny County
Flooding
Johnstown Then And Now, Embracing The History Of Flood City
Forests
Green Buildings
Pittsburgh: Leading Green Building Hub?
Green Infrastructure
Biking Tour Of Pittsburghs Green Infrastructure Rolls Thur City Saturday
Hazardous Sites Cleanup
Lake Erie
Algae Blooms Found In Several More Bodies Of Water Around Erie
Mine Reclamation
State May Fund Millers Run Abandoned Mine Drainage Cleanup
Oil & Gas
Legere: Bill Might Make It Harder For Landowners To Get Better Deal For Their Oil
Fracking Jobs Are Elusive For Coal Miners Looking To Switch
Permitting
Pipelines
Chester County Twp Plan Would Give Municipalities More Control Over Pipelines
Lawmaker Asks AG To Investigate Pro-Pipeline Emails From People Who Said They Didnt
Send Them
Crable: Atlantic Sunrise Pipeline Builder Hopes To Begin This Fall, Opponents Prepare For
Civil Disobedience
Crable: Judge Gives Atlantic Sunrise Pipeline Builder Possession Of Last Holdout Properties In
Lancaster
Atlantic Sunrise Pipeline Builder Granted Rights To 5 Remaining Properties
Crable: Atlantic Sunrise Pipeline Strikes Out In Early Bid For Nuns Land
Crable: International Media Mines Lancaster Countys Opposition To Atlantic Sunrise Pipeline
Op-Ed: Reversal Of Laurel Pipeline A Win For Pennsylvania
Op-Ed: No Case For Laurel Pipelines Reversal
Pipeline Company Sues Greenpeace, Claims It Incites Eco-Terrorism
Mariner East 2 Pipeline Builder Sues North Dakota Pipeline Protesters
Sunoco Pipelines To Dismiss 94 Employees At Former Delco HQ
Cusick: Federal Court Ruling On Southeast Pipelines Could Delay Major Projects
Federal Court Rejects FERC EIS On Southeast Natural Gas Pipeline Projects
Environmentalists Win Huge Climate Victory Over Federal Pipeline Approvals
Public Participation
EPA To Host 10 Hearings/Webinars On Waters Of U.S. Rule Rewrite
Radiation Protection
Court: Nuclear Power Plant Guard Deemed Unfit Cant Sue Over Firing
Federal Court Rejects Bid To Revive Cases Against Babcock & Wilcox Apollo Nuclear Facility
Value
Recreation
Recycling/Waste
Philadelphia: How To Recycle And Get Rewarded For It
Renewable Energy
Kennett Squares Mayor Supports 100% Clean Energy Initiative
Coming Soon To Comcast Cable Customers: Solar Electric Panels
U.S. Grid Untroubled By Total Eclipse Despite Plunge In Solar Output
Stormwater
Stormwater Management Crucial For Susquehanna River
Susquehanna River
Sustainability
Pittsburgh: Leading Green Building Hub?
Waste Facilities
Harrisburg Mayor Takes Compost Facility Pitch To Susquehanna Township
Wastewater Facilities
Bucks Countys Largest Water Treatment Plant Receives Industry Award
Hollidaysburg Sewer Project Will Require Extensive Homeowner Repairs
Watershed Protection
Algae Blooms Found In Several More Bodies Of Water Around Erie
West Nile/Zika Virus
MedExpress Sees Surge In Lyme, Tick Cases In PA
Mosquitoes With West Nile In 4 Pittsburgh Neighborhoods
4 Pittsburgh Neighborhoods On Countys List For Mosquito Control
Wildlife
Game Commission Concerned About Chronic Wasting Disease, Elk Population
Crable: Elk Shot In Clearfield County After It Wanders Into Area With Infected Deer
Hayes: Game Commission Investigating Fatal Epizootic Hemorrhagic Disease Outbreak In SW
Frye: EHD Outbreak Killing Deer Across Western PA
Kiski Dies, The Bald Eagle Who Aided Recovery Of Species In PA
Injured Eagle Named Sam Not Ready For Wild
Endangered Sedge Wren Spotted At Montgomery County Preserve
Allentown Skunk Found With Rabies, Pet Vaccinations Urged
Court: Random Boat Inspections Deemed Unconstitutional
Fish Kill In Stream Investigated After Lebanon County Saw Mill Fire
Hayes: U.S. Youth Fly Fishing Team Adapts To Conditions Brings Home Bronze
Frye: Documentary Explores Life Of Famed Artist Ned Smith
300 Pound Black Bear Removed From Tree In Kingston
Schneck: Young Red Fox On The Move Across PA
Schneck: What About Pennsylvanias Dragons?
Other
St. Vincent Monk Spent Decades Working With Plants
AP: Tiny Rocks Spreading Joy In Somerset
Federal Policy
Value
Trump Disbands Advisory Committee On Climate Change
Court Grants EPA Request To Put Power Plant Wastewater Rule On Hold Pending Review
AP: Meaning Of Clean Coal Mentioned By Trump Unclear
Click Here For This Week's Allegheny Front Radio Program
Regulations, Technical Guidance & Permits
The Environmental Quality Board published notice in the August 26 of proposed changes to
Chapter 109 Drinking Water Program regulations, including proposed permit review and
administration fee increases. (PA Bulletin page 4986)
The Environmental Quality Board published formal notice in the August 26, PA Bulletin
accepting the rulemaking petition to establish a maximum contaminant level for
Perfluoro-octanoic Acid for study.
Pennsylvania Bulletin - August 26, 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
August 2017 DEP Regulatory Agenda - PA Bulletin, Page 4922
Technical Guidance & Permits
Note: DEP published 65 pages of public notices related to proposed and final permit and
approval/disapproval actions in the August 26 PA Bulletin - pages 5044 to 5109.
The Department of Environmental Protection published notice in the August 26 PA Bulletin it

has rescinded technical guidance on the Review and Approval of an Existing Water Sources at a
Public Water System (DEP ID: 383-2200-108).
DEP said it was rescinding this document because it provides exceptions from present
day public water supply well construction standards, including casing material, casing thickness
and grouting, that pose a potential health risk to the public.
Any deviation from established construction standards is not fully protective of public
health.
The Department's public water supply well construction standards are measures that can
prevent pollution from surface runoff and shallow aquifer zones that are above the source aquifer
utilized for public water supply.
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 (July 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
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companies and nonprofit organizations.
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PA Environment Digest Aug. 28, 2017

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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 #687 Harrisburg, PA August 28, 2017

As House Majority Leader David Reed (R-Indiana) said last

EDF: Impact Of Trumps Proposed EPA Budget Cuts On Pennsylvania Communities,

State of Risk: Pennsylvania, a new report from the

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.

The following bills of interest were introduced last week--

News From The Capitol

August Environmental Synopsis Now Available From Joint Conservation Committee

The August edition of the Environmental Synopsis is now

News From Around The State

The Department of Environmental Protection Thursday

The Department of Environmental Protection published notice

Dr. Beth McGee, Chesapeake Bay Foundation Director of Science

CBF Calls For Restoration Of EPA Funding To Chesapeake Bay Journal

CBF-PA Invites Municipalities To Webinars On Pay-For-Success Model Of Using Private

By David Kinney, Trout Unlimited Mid-Atlantic Policy Director

In June, New York City agreed to voluntarily release

7th Annual Lehigh Valley Watershed Conference Oct. 17 In Bethlehem

The 7th Annual Lehigh Valley Watershed

The Partnership for the Delaware Estuary will entertain

The departments of Agriculture, Environmental Protection, and

EQB Approves Redesignation Of Mill Creek, Schuylkill Watershed To Exceptional Value

The Stroud Water Research Centers Education Department is now

Learn What The Return On Investment Will Be In Protecting, Restoring Dauphin

The Manada Conservancy is hosting a

The Susquehanna River Basin Commission and the U.S.

Keep PA Beautiful Encourages PA Schools To Participate In Keep America Beautifuls

Keep Pennsylvania Beautiful is encouraging Pennsylvania schools

Independence Conservancy To Hold 4 Community Tire Collection Events In Beaver

The Department of Environmental Protection has scheduled a hearing on October 11 on the

The Department of Environmental Protection has scheduled a hearing on October 11 on the

The PA Chamber of Business and Industry will hold a

Leadership and staff from the Public Utility Commission, PA

PennTAP: How To Move Your Company Toward Sustainability Webinar Nov. 16

The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency Tuesday announced a

Western PA Conservancy Earns National Land Trust Accreditation Renewal

The Western PA Conservancy Wednesday announced it

Bike The Brandywine Ride On Sept. 30 In Chester, Delaware Counties

Explore the scenery, glimpse the history, and discover the

New Pilot Program Supplies Free Sunscreen To Visitors At 2 State Parks

This summer, the Department of Conservation and Natural Resources and

On August 30 the Foundation for Sustainable

Penn State Woods In Your Backyard Workshop Oct. 7 Lehigh County

Do you have woods on your property? Penn State

The PA Land Trust Association partnered with trail

August 23 DCNR Resource Newsletter Now Available

The August 23 edition of the Resource newsletter is now

Wildlands Conservancy Highlights September Education Programs

A walking tour of Milford in Pike County, that illustrates the

Help Wanted: Centre County Conservation District Watershed Specialist

Public Participation Opportunities/Calendar Of Events

September 7-- EPA/DEP Workshop On Water Company/Healthcare Coordination During

September 8-- NEW. Independence Conservancy Community Tire Collection Event.

September 9-- NEW. Independence Conservancy Community Tire Collection Event.

September 14-- NEW. Chesapeake Bay Foundation-PA, Quantified Ventures Pay-For-Success