Pa Environment Digest Jan. 28, 2019

Issue #761 Harrisburg, PA Jan.
28, 2019
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Oil & Gas Program Losing $800K/Month Without Fee Increase; DEP Wants To Step Up
Inspections Of Natural Gas Storage Fields
On January 22, Scott Perry, Deputy Secretary for Oil and

Gas Management, told DEP’s Citizens Advisory Council
his program is losing $800,000 a month and hopes to
finalize a fee increase soon to properly fund the program.
DEP is proposing to increase unconventional well permit
fees from $5,000 for nonvertical unconventional wells or
$4,200 for vertical unconventional wells to $12,500 for
all unconventional well permit applications.
Perry said DEP received 13 comments on the fee
increase, many of them opposed and suggesting the
agency use General Fund tax dollars to help finance the program, rather than increase fees on the
unconventional shale gas drilling industry.
Other comments suggested the conventional oil and gas industry be asked to pay their fair
share to support the program since they represent about half the workload, but only pay a
minimum $250 permit fee for wells up to 2,000 feet deep.
The comment period on the proposed fee increase ended August 13. The next
Environmental Quality Board meeting is February 19.
Perry said permit review changes and workload shifts have resulted in decreasing drilling
permit review times from 260 days down to 85 days in some regional offices. He said he hopes
reforms like e-permitting will cut that time further.
Expedited Permit Reviews
Perry said DEP will be discontinuing the 14-day expedited permit review program for oil
and gas erosion and sedimentation permits covering 5 acres or less because an audit of the
program found 80 percent of the permits issued had deficiencies in the design of erosion
controls.
He noted DEP has lost several appeals of permits issued under this program and has had
to pay attorneys fees to resolve the cases.
He said he is looking to create a new priority review program based on whether the
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applicant proposes innovative erosion controls that go beyond what is normally industry
standard.
Perry said he is reaching out to industry, The Nature Conservancy and other groups to
design an evaluation system to determine what those innovative practices are and how to
evaluate permit applications for priority review.
Gas Storage Fields
Perry said one area the additional permit fee funding will help his program is on
improving the frequency of inspections for natural gas storage fields (Map). The freeze on
complement levels associated with funding shortfalls is preventing the hiring of more inspectors.
There are approximately 60 underground gas storage fields in 26 counties in the state,
mostly in Western and Northcentral Pennsylvania, according to a DEP fact sheet.
Perry said DEP is not meeting its goal to inspect all gas storage fields at least 2 times a
year.
He expressed concern about a recent incident in Greene County where a coal mine was
seeking a permit to mine on top of a natural gas storage area and in the permit review process
found 50 unplugged, abandoned gas wells.
The abandoned wells were not leaking, but filled with enough fluid to kill the well.
Mining through them would have reduced the hydrostatic pressure in the well and could change
the dynamic and cause a problem for the gas storage area.
He said mining companies typically plug all abandoned wells in advance of mining.
DEP stepped up its attention to gas storage fields after a massive gas leak from a
California storage area in 2015 and 2016 released over 100,000 tons of methane and caused
thousands of nearby residents to be evacuated.
Abandoned Wells
Perry said DEP is encouraging the industry and others to plug as many of the estimated
200,000 abandoned wells in the state as possible to prevent gas migration and groundwater
pollution.
He said they are promoting the Good Samaritan Gas Well Plugging Program by industry
and underused Commonwealth Financing Authority funding.
He also noted the unconventional gas drilling industry plugs about 500 abandoned wells a
year in addition to the wells plugged by the coal mining industry.
Perry expressed concern about recent actions to sell and transfer thousands of
conventional oil and gas wells and their plugging liability to a single company-- Diversified Oil.
Although there was nothing legally wrong with the transfer, Perry said he did not want to
see a situation develop where DEP allowed the number of unplug, abandoned wells to increase.
In July of last year, DEP ordered three companies to plug 1,058 abandoned wells.
Perry suggested this was an issue the Council could look into more deeply.
DCNR Funding For Plugging
To help reduce the number of abandoned wells on State Park and Forest land, Perry said
the Department of Conservation and Natural Resources has committed $2 million a year in
funding to DEP to handle plugging oil and gas wells on their land.
The Council also discussed a draft version of a transition paper identifying issues related
to DEP for Gov. Wolf at the beginning of his new term in office and the General Assembly at the
start of its new session.
Jerome Shabazz, vice chair of the Council, chaired the meeting since Don Welsh left to
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take a position with the Environmental Council of the States.
Click Here for a copy of DEP’s written monthly report to Council.
The next meeting of the Council will be held on February 19 in Room 105 of the Rachel
Carson Building starting at 10:00. A conference call option is typically offered.
For more information and available handouts, visit the DEP Citizens Advisory Council
webpage. Questions should be directed to Keith Calador, Executive Director, 717-787-8171 or
send email to: ksalador@pa.gov.
hoto: M
(P ap of natural gas storage fields in PA.)
[Posted: Jan. 23, 2019]
PUC Investigation Of Mariner East 1 Pipeline Sinkhole In Chester County Shifts To

Geological Testing
On January 25, the Public Utility Commission announced

detailed geological testing will begin Saturday, January 26
around the sinkhole that exposed the Mariner East 1 natural
gas liquids pipeline on Lisa Drive in West Whiteland
Township, Chester County.
The entire length of the Mariner East 1 Pipeline remains
shutdown.
The geological testing will be closely monitored by pipeline
safety engineers from the PUC and geophysical consultants.
Work on-site to prepare for the surveys began Friday.
The testing, which will be used to evaluate underground
conditions, is expected to take several days to complete.
The PUC's Bureau of Investigation and Enforcement
pipeline safety engineers and geophysical consultants will
be on-site monitoring the collection of geophysical data.
The results of the testing will be shared with Bureau’s engineers and Bureau’s
geophysical consultants for independent analysis and review.
PUC engineers and geophysical consultants have been working with municipal officials
and Sunoco Pipeline LP to monitor and track stormwater flow around the incident site, including
investigation of storm drains in the area.
Analysis of testing results and information from the ongoing safety engineering
investigation will be used by the Bureau as a basis for data-driven discussions about next steps at
the Lisa Drive site, along with any other work that the Bureau believes is necessary.
The Bureau of Investigation and Enforcement’s investigation of this incident is active and
ongoing.
As the independent investigation and enforcement bureau of the PUC, the Bureau has the
authority to bring enforcement action, seek emergency orders from the Commission or take other
steps to ensure public safety, should circumstances change or based on the finding of the
investigation.
Timeline
On January 20 at approximately 4:40 p.m., the PUC’s Pipeline Safety Division was
notified by Sunoco Pipeline LP that a new subsidence feature had formed near Lisa Drive, in
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West Whiteland Township, Chester County, exposing the Mariner East 1 natural gas liquids
pipeline.
The Del-Chesco United For Pipeline Safety citizen group also reported the sinkhole
incident on its Facebook page (photo).
PUC's Bureau of Investigation and Enforcement immediately dispatched a safety
engineer to the site. The Bureau’s geophysical consultant, ARM, was also asked to send a
representative to the site.
To ensure public safety, at approximately 6:30 pm on January 20, 2019, the Bureau
proposed to SPLP that this section of the ME1 pipeline be shut down pending further
investigation. At approximately 7:30 p.m. on January 20, 2019, SPLP initiated the stoppage of
product transportation through this section of ME1.
The shutdown was completed at approximately 12:06 a.m. on January 21, 2019. As a
result of this shutdown, there is no product flowing through an approximately 7-mile long
section of pipeline, between valves located at Boot and Exton, both in Chester County.
The shutdown was completed at approximately 12:06 a.m. on January 21, 2019. As a
result of this shutdown, there is no product flowing through an approximately 7-mile long
section of pipeline, between valves located at Boot and Exton, both in Chester County.
DEP said on January 21 the PUC is the lead agency in Sunday’s sinkhole incident.
Temporary stabilization work around the sinkhole using flowable fill material and sand to
secure an exposed section of the Mariner East 1 pipeline was completed by Sunoco on
Wednesday, January 23.
In order to fully isolate the Lisa Drive location for testing, Sunoco purged a 44-mile
section of the pipeline, from Beckersville, Berks County, to Marcus Hook, Delaware County;
work to purge the final 3.8-mile segment of that line, from Twin Oaks, in Delaware County, to
Marcus Hook was completed on January 24.
On January 24, the PUC’s Bureau of Investigation and Enforcement announced the
operation of the entire length of the Mariner East 1 Pipeline was shut down by Sunoco Pipeline
LP and will not be allowed to resume operations until the Bureau approves.
On January 25, the PUC’s Bureau of Investigation and Enforcement announced detailed
geological testing will begin Saturday, January 26 around the sinkhole that posed a threat to the
integrity of the Mariner East 1 natural gas liquids pipeline on Lisa Drive in West Whiteland
Township, Chester County.
Public Meeting Jan. 31
On January 24, at the request of East Goshen Township in Chester County, Rep. Carolyn
Comitta (D-Chester) and Sen. Tom Killion (R- Delaware) announced they will hold a public
Q&A session on January 31 in West Chester with state agencies on Mariner East Pipeline safety
concerns. Click Here for more.
Chester County DA Investigation Widens
On January 22, Chester County District Attorney Tom Hogan announced his criminal
investigation into the Mariner East Pipelines is “widening and deepening” after a new sinkhole
opened up in a neighborhood along the pipelines. Click Here for more.
Initial Reactions
Rep. Carolyn Comitta (D-Chester) said in a statement Monday, "I urge the PUC to
shut down the M1 pipeline by Emergency Order immediately and keep it down as long as it
takes to ensure the public is safe.
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"In addition to concerns raised by yesterday's and previous sinkholes in the Lisa Drive
neighborhood, a 2017 leak caused by corrosion of this same aging pipeline in Morgantown led
the PUC's BIE to recommend that Sunoco conduct a "remaining life study" of this 1931 pipeline
and consider a plan to retire it.
"In my opinion it would be prudent for the PUC to require this study be completed and
reviewed by independent experts prior to any consideration of restarting this pipeline."
Sen. Andy Dinniman (D-Chester) said in a statement, "Remember, this is the same
pipeline, in the same area that I asked the PUC to shut down due to safety concerns over the
summer. Their own administrative law judge (Elizabeth Barnes) agreed, writing in her opinion
and order, ‘I believe given the release and accident history of Sunoco, there is a grave risk to the
rupture of Mariner East 1 (ME1) . . .”
“Yet, a month later, in June, the full PUC voted 3-2 in a split decision to allow ME1 to
resume operation. In that opinion and order, the PUC asserted, ‘While the record contains
accounts of Sunoco’s mishaps in other jurisdictions and other pipelines, there is no new, credible
evidence to support a finding that the continued operation of ME1 poses a clear and present
danger to life or property in West Whiteland Township.’
“It’s also important to note that, the PUC took the testimony and report of Sunoco’s own
geological expert at face value in making that statement and allowing ME1 to resume operation.
“Now, ME1 is again exposed due to a sinkhole on Lisa Drive and it is most certainly a
very real and very significant potential safety threat. To quote Yogi Berra, “It’s like déjà vu all
over again.”
“Last night, as I met with residents on Lisa Drive to see the site of the latest sinkhole for
myself, I couldn’t help but wonder how we could have any confidence whatsoever left in the
PUC when it comes to the safety of this pipeline. The fact that they overturned their own judge’s
decision and allowed its operation to continue has eroded any lingering hope or faith that they
will protect the public. To say we’re disappointed, disillusioned, disheartened, and downright
angry at both the PUC and Sunoco is a gross understatement.
“How many more sinkholes and exposed pipelines will there be? How many times will
the safety of our residents and communities be jeopardized before we pull the plug on this
project? And how many times is this company is going to be permitted to risk a potentially
life-threatening catastrophe before something goes seriously and tragically wrong? In fact,
Mariner East passes more than 40 schools – many of them in Chester County – within its blast
zone.
“Although Sunoco had no choice but to shut down ME1, one wonders if there is still
product in the line. And all the while, Sunoco continues to operate the antiquated 12-inch line in
the same area.
“Clearly, the PUC process is broken when it comes to pipeline safety. We said from day
one that this is a geologically questionable area where pipelines shouldn’t be placed. And it
seems like sinkholes and other issues are frequently exacerbated by severe weather and
significant precipitation.
“The entire Mariner East project should be shut down until a review independent of
Sunoco and PUC has been completed. The PUC process itself is in dire need of reexamination
and revamping. And we must pass strong pipeline safety legislation now. Currently, there is no
real, meaningful and effective pipeline regulatory process in the Commonwealth.
“Pennsylvania has already seen a pipeline rupture in rural Beaver County. I don’t want to
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see one here in suburban Chester County where pipelines are mere feet from homes, parks,
schools, shopping centers, rail lines, and major thoroughfares.”
Other ME1 Actions
In March 2018, the PUC issued an emergency order to shutdown the Mariner East 1
Pipeline after similar sinkholes exposed the pipeline in the Lisa Drive area.
In May, the PUC allowed the restart of the pipeline after Sunoco fixed the sinkholes and
completed other work required under the agency’s emergency shutdown order.
In August, DEP allowed the restart of the related Mariner East 2 Pipeline construction in
West Whiteland Township after revising it Chapter 102 and 105 permits to deal with water and
sinkhole related issues.
In December, the PUC’s Bureau of Investigations and Enforcement proposed a $225,000
penalty for violations of federal pipeline safety regulations resulting from an April 1, 2017 leak
of 840 gallons of ethane and propane from the Mariner East 1 Pipeline near Morgantown in
Berks County.
Also In December the Chester County District Attorney opened a criminal investigation
into the Mariner East Pipelines.
On January 17, the PUC rejected a request to have the Mariner East Pipelines shut down
until compliance, safety and other issues raised by residents in Chester and Delaware counties
could be heard by a PUC administrative law judge. The underlying case is continuing.
NewsClips:
Hurdle: Sunoco Empties 44 Miles Of Mariner East 1 Pipeline To Deal With Sinkhole
PUC: The Entire Length Of Mariner East 1 Pipeline Now Shut Down
Mariner East 1 Pipeline Completely Shut Down Across PA
PUC Directs Sunoco Not To Resume Operation Of Mariner East 1 Pipeline Until The Sinkhole
Is Fixed, And Testing Shows It Is Safe To Operate
Hurdle: Sunoco To Purge Part Of Mariner East 1 Pipeline After New Sinkhole Opens In Chester
County
Litvak: New Sinkhole Shuts Down Sunoco’s Mariner East 1 Pipeline In Chester County
Another Sinkhole Appears In Chester County Exposing Mariner East Pipeline
Sinkhole Exposes Highly Controversial Pipeline In West Whiteland Twp
Hurdle: New Sinkhole Opens Exposing Mariner East 1 Pipeline Again In Chester County
Shutting It Down
Sinkhole Exposes Portion Of Mariner East 1 Pipeline In Chester County
Chester DA Investigating After Constables Hired To Guard Mariner East Pipeline
Chester DA: Mariner East Pipeline Hired Muscle To Guard Sinkhole
Litvak: Natural Gas Pipeline Explosion Rocks Eastern Ohio, Part Of Same System That
Exploded In Westmoreland County
Report: Ohio Pipeline Damaged In Explosion Monday Part Of Same System That Exploded In
Westmoreland County
Trump Eyes Action To Limit States’ Powers To Block Pipelines
Related Stories:
Rep. Comitta, Sen. Killion Host Public Meeting Jan. 31 On Mariner East Pipeline Safety
Concerns
Chester County DA Says His Investigation Of Mariner East Pipelines Is Widening And
Deepening After Latest Sinkhole Found
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[Posted: Jan. 25, 2019]
On January 22, Chester County District Attorney Tom Hogan

announced his criminal investigation into the Mariner East
Pipelines is “widening and deepening” after a new sinkhole
opened up in a neighborhood along the pipelines.
In addition, the District Attorney’s Office discovered that
constables from outside of Chester County apparently had been
hired by Sunoco to act as a private security force around the
pipelines, holding themselves out as acting in an official capacity
to people approaching the area of the pipelines.
“At this point, the criminal investigation is widening and
deepening, much like the damage being caused by these
pipelines. We are investigating what individuals bear legal
responsibility for these sinkholes,” said Hogan. “In addition, we
want to know who hired these constables and authorized them to
act like they have some type of legal authority in Chester County. This has the appearance of
hired muscle showing up to intimidate our citizens.”
On Sunday, January 20, another sinkhole opened along the Mariner East pipelines in the
Lisa Drive neighborhood in Chester County.The sinkhole exposed the Mariner East 1 pipeline,
which had volatile natural gas liquids pumping through it when it was exposed.
This same neighborhood previously has suffered through multiple sinkholes caused by
drilling related to Sunoco’s pipelines. The prior sinkholes damaged the homeowners’ properties,
caused an evacuation of the area, and resulted in work on the pipelines being halted.
During interviews in the last few weeks, Chester County citizens reported that state
constables were patrolling the pipelines in Chester County during the prior sinkhole incidents.
The District Attorney’s Office discounted this report because no Chester County constables had
been authorized to do any such work.
However, when the January 20 sinkhole appeared, citizens reported the sinkhole to the
District Attorney’s Office. District Attorney Hogan dispatched Chester County Detectives to the
scene at Lisa Drive.
When a Chester County Detective in plain clothes approached the scene, an armed man
flashed a badge at the Detective and identified himself as a constable. The Detective, who is
familiar with all of the Chester County constables, asked the armed man who he worked for.
The man then finally identified himself as a constable from Northumberland County in
central Pennsylvania. When pressed further by the Detective, the man admitted that he had been
hired as security by Sunoco.
The Chester County Detectives subsequently informed the man that he was not permitted
to claim any official authority in Chester County or use his badge for such a purpose. District
Attorney Hogan will be contacting the District Attorney of Northumberland County to discuss
this situation.
“Sinkholes. Fouled well water. Obscene messages from out-of-state pipeline workers to
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Chester County residents. Hired guns flashing badges. Volatile natural gas liquids flowing in
pipelines just a few feet from schools and homes. We are not sure what it will take to get the
attention of Gov. Wolf and the Public Utility Commission. All of this is happening on their
watch,” said Hogan. “The Chester County District Attorney’s Office is committed to this
criminal investigation, even if we must fight alone. The citizens of Chester County deserve our
protection.”
Anybody with further information about pipeline-related incidents should contact Chester
County Detective Ben Martin at 610-344-6866. Reports may be made confidentially. The
Chester County prosecutors assigned to this matter are Alexander Gosfield, Myles Matteson, and
special prosecutor Seth Weber.
NewsClips:
County
Shutting It Down
Westmoreland County
Related Stories:
PUC Investigation Of Mariner East 1 Pipeline Sinkhole In Chester County Shifts To Geological
Testing
Concerns
[Posted: Jan. 23, 2019]
Concerns
At the request of East Goshen Township in

Chester County, Rep. Carolyn Comitta
(D-Chester) and Sen. Tom Killion (R-
Delaware) announced they will hold a public
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Q&A session on January 31 in West Chester with state agencies on Mariner East Pipeline safety
concerns.
The meeting will include representatives from the Public Utility Commission,
Department of Environmental Protection, and the U.S. Department of Transportation’s Pipeline
and Hazardous Materials Safety Administration (invited, but not confirmed due to the federal
government shutdown).
The meeting will be held in the auditorium of the Fugett Middle School, 500 Ellis Lane
in West Chester starting at 7:00.
The event is an opportunity for attendees to ask questions about siting, permitting,
construction, safety, pipeline accidents, eminent domain, and environmental risks and damages.
Questions about the meeting should be directed to Julia Loving by calling 610-696-4990.
NewsClips:
County
Shutting It Down
Westmoreland County
Related Stories:
Testing
[Posted: Jan. 24, 2019]
IFO Estimates FY 2018 Drilling Impact Fee Revenue At $247 Million, A Record
On January 24, the Independent Fiscal Office estimated

the Act 13 drilling impact fee will generate $247 million
from fees imposed in 2018, $37.4 million more than last
year.
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This also represents the most revenue ever collected under this fee since it was created in
2012. The previous high was $225.7 million in 2013, the first year the fee was imposed.
The impact fee is a per well fee imposed on producing shale gas wells. It is not based on
natural gas production.
The revenue from the fee is distributed by the Public Utility Commission to counties and
municipalities, state agencies, county conservation districts and other programs like the
Environmental Stewardship (Growing Greener) Fund and the Commonwealth Financing
Authority from the Marcellus Legacy Fund.
Since it was enacted, the impact fee has raised $1.7 billion in revenue.
The IFO notes the estimate includes about $22.3 million the Public Utility Commission
stands to collect based on a fee dispute involving so-called stripper gas wells resolved by the PA
Supreme Court in December.
Click Here for a copy of the report.
NewsClips:
Sisk: Drilling Impact Fee Expected To Reach New Record
Natural Gas Impact Fee Revenue Expected To Be Up This Year Agency Says
Legere: Impact Fee On Shale Wells Projected To Break Record This Year
Related Stories:
Inspections of Natural Gas Storage Areas
CFA Begins Accepting Applications For Act 13 Watershed Restoration, Mine Reclamation,
Sewage, Flood Mitigation, Recreation Grants Feb. 1
[Posted: Jan. 24, 2019]
PA Environmental Council Releases Report Recommending PA Join RGGI Regional

Climate Initiative, Update AEPS
Calling on Gov. Tom Wolf and

the General Assembly to act
without further delay, the
Pennsylvania Environmental
Council Wednesday issued a
special report recommending
immediate steps Pennsylvania can
take to reduce emissions of
climate-changing gases and
generated up to $200 million in
annual revenues for the state.
The five major recommendations in the report include--
-- Join numerous other states in the Mid-Atlantic and Northeast in the Regional Greenhouse Gas
Initiative (RGGI), to begin providing a price signal and generating revenues that can reduce
emissions in the electric power sector;
-- Reform the Alternative Energy Portfolio Standard (AEPS) into a Clean Energy Standard
(CES) to further drive zero-carbon electricity generation;
-- Collaborate with neighboring states to ensure that the Transportation and Climate Initiative
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(TCI) results in a robust policy proposal (that is then implemented by the Commonwealth) to
significantly reduce emissions from the transportation sector;
-- Implement other measures and programs to support energy efficiency, zero carbon
technologies, and carbon sequestration; and
-- Determine how to go beyond these measures to drive bigger, economy-wide reductions
through an integrated carbon pricing mechanism.
“After years of talk, debate, research, and more talk about climate change, PEC
respectfully requests that Gov. Wolf and the General Assembly move immediately to join nine
other Northeastern states in the Regional Greenhouse Gas Initiative (RGGI),” said Davitt
Woodwell, President of PEC. “We also ask that the governor and legislature adopt a Clean
Energy Standard out of the current Alternative Energy Portfolio Standard.”
Taking these actions in the right ways will promote a broad, technology-agnostic energy
policy that encourages low- and zero-carbon-emission energy sources including renewables,
nuclear, and fossil fuels with carbon capture technologies.
Following these steps, Pennsylvania can substantially reduce emissions while working to
protect consumers and create opportunities for workers.
PEC has been working on climate issues for well over a decade, from the 2007 release of
its “Climate Change Roadmap for Pennsylvania” to 2017’s “Achieving Deep Carbon
Reductions: Paths for Pennsylvania’s Electricity Future,” which grew out of a PEC-hosted
conference convening experts from around the country.
“It is clear from all of our work that Pennsylvania has the opportunity and the imperative
to take action on reducing climate-changing emissions,” PEC Senior Vice President John
Walliser said. “What we are proposing today is not a silver bullet; rather, it is a significant first
step on a long path forward. We look forward to working with the Governor and the General
Assembly to build that path.”
Joining RGGI will put Pennsylvania’s electric generators in a market-based program that
sets targets for emissions and allows emitters to trade credits for their reductions.
One result of the program is a revenue stream for participating states that has topped $1
billion during compliance periods.
Creating a Clean Energy Standard will allow the Commonwealth to significantly reduce
carbon emissions while also promoting its ever-evolving energy economy. Both these steps need
to be carefully developed with the state’s interests in mind.
The report suggests an updated Clean Energy Standard for Pennsylvania could result in
annual revenues in the neighborhood of $200 million.
In addition to these steps, PEC has also expressed its support of Pennsylvania’s
participation in the Regional Transportation Initiative announced in December, as well as
continuing and developing programs for energy efficiency, alternative-fuel vehicles, and
technological innovation.
“When it comes down to it, we are running out of time to act on climate in anything but a
crisis mode. By seizing control of its destiny with these steps, Pennsylvania can still make
choices about how we fit into the narrative. Wait any longer and it is too late,” said Woodwell.
Click Here for a copy of the report.
Visit PEC’s Climate webpage to learn more about PEC’s Deep Decarbonization
initiative.
Click Here to see other recent climate-related initiatives announced in Pennsylvania.
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For more information on programs, initiatives and special events, visit the PA
Environmental Council website, visit the PEC Blog, PEC Bill/Regulation Tracker, follow PEC
on Twitter or Like PEC on Facebook. Visit PEC’s Audio Room for the latest podcasts. Click
Here to receive regular updates from PEC.
NewsClips:
What Does Climate Change Look Like For NE PA?
StateImpact PA Reporters Discuss What Zero Carbon Might Mean
House Democratic Policy Committee Hears Testimony On Oil & Gas Industry Methane Leakage
Letter: Reducing Greenhouse Gas Emissions With Cap-And-Trade
Hershey Announces New Environmental Initiatives To Significantly Reduce Its Impact On The
Planet
New Jersey Looks To Rejoin RGGI Regional Climate Initiative
Dear Mr. President, That’s Not How Global Warming Works
Poll Shows Americans’ Climate Change Concerns Surge To Record Levels
2018 Was 4th Warmest Year On Record
U.S. EIA Energy Outlook: Renewables Share Of Electricity Generation To Almost Double By
2050, Coal Continues To Drop
U.S. EIA Energy Outlook: U.S. Far Off Track For Global Climate Goals As Fossil Fuel Reliance
Persists
U.S. Off Track To Reach Climate Goals As Oil & Gas Production Expand
Related Stories:
Gov. Wolf Sets Goal Of Reducing Greenhouse Gas Emissions By 80% By 2050 From 2005
Levels
Clean Air Council, Widener Law & Sustainability Center, 61 Others Petition EQB To Set Up A
Cap-And-Trade Program To Reduce PA Greenhouse Gas Emissions
AP: Gov. Wolf: Cap-And-Trade Climate Plan May Be Something PA Should Adopt
PA Joins 8 Other States, D.C. To Develop Regional Program To Cap Greenhouse Gas Pollution
From Transportation
Auditor General DePasquale Announces Plans For Special Report On Climate Change In PA
Related Stories This Week:
House Democratic Policy Committee Held Hearing On Oil & Gas Industry Methane Leakage
Pennsylvania Solar Congress Feb. 24 In Pittsburgh
The Hershey Company Announces New Environmental, Climate Initiatives To Significantly
Reduce Its Impact On The Planet
[Posted: Jan. 23, 2019]
PFAS Action Team To Meet Feb. 12 In Montgomery County To Provide Updates, Hear
Public Comments
On January 24, the PFAS Action Team announced it will hold

a public meeting on February 12 from 6:15-9:00 p.m. at the
Upper Dublin High School in Fort Washington, Montgomery
County.
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“At this meeting we will hear updates from DEP on a sampling plan to identify
potentially contaminated drinking water sources and from the Department of Health on the pilot
study for blood levels,” said DEP Secretary Patrick McDonnell.
Representatives from local governments and utilities will also present on the challenges
of managing PFAS chemicals, as well as working with the commonwealth and the federal
government to address cleanup.
The meeting will include an opportunity for members of the public to provide comment
in person. Commenters are asked to present no more than three minutes of remarks. Residents
unable to attend or who would like to submit remarks in writing can use DEP’s eComment
system.
DEP has extended the deadline for comments to April 1. (formal notice)
The meeting will be held in the Auditorium of the Upper Dublin High School, 800 Loch
Alsh Avenue, Fort Washington. Click Here for the agenda.
Gov. Wolf formed the Action Team in September 2018 to address perfluoroalkyl and
polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) contaminants across the Commonwealth and protect
Pennsylvania residents.
For more information, visit DEP’s PFAS: What They Are webpage.
NewsClps:
Hurdle: PA Might Set Maximum Limits On PFAS In Drinking Water
Bagenstose: U.S. House Launches PFAS Task Force, Cong. Fitzpatrick To Co-Chair
Members Of Congress Put Pressure On EPA To Address PFAS-Contaminated Water
Phillips: NJ Proposes PFAS Regs For Groundwater, EPA Regs Delayed By Shutdown
Related Story:
Pittsburgh Water Authority To Replace 3,400 Lead Service Lines Using PennVEST Funding In
2019
[Posted: Jan. 24, 2019]
Delaware River Watershed Initiative Wins National American Water Resources Assn.
Award
The American Water Resources Association

announced the Delaware River Watershed
Initiative is the 2018 winner of the
Association's prestigious Integrated Water
Resources Management Award.
“It is so exciting to win the prestigious
AWRA IWRM Award,” commented Carol
Collier, senior advisor for Watershed
Management and Policy at Drexel University,
who submitted the nomination packet on behalf of the DRWI Coordinating Committee. “The
Delaware River Watershed Initiative (DRWI) is a bottom-up, non-regulatory approach, engaging
over 50 NGOs working with landowners and local government officials to improve the water
quality and biological communities of local streams. The more local streams that are improved or
protected, the better the whole Delaware River Basin will be. We thank AWRA for recognizing
this example of IWRM.”
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Launched in January 2014, the Delaware River Watershed Initiative (DRWI) involves
over 50 non-government organizations (NGOs) focused on restoration of areas impacted by
agricultural runoff, suburban stormwater, and aquifer depletion, and protection of forested areas
in watersheds with high water quality.
New water quality models, mapping and GIS tools were developed specifically for the
Delaware Basin, along with specific social and collaborative skills. The Initiative brought
together non-government organizations that were used to competing for funds and resources.
Over the past four years, one can see that the NGOs are collaborating better and realizing
that there is benefit to being part of something bigger.
On the ground results thus far:
-- Lands Restored: 8,818 acres with BMPs, 52 miles of riparian restoration, 744,108 pounds of
nitrogen avoided, $7,964,952 invested with a $15,207,032 match leverage.
-- Lands Protected: 46 projects, 19,605 acres, 87 miles of forested stream banks, $8,168.204
invested with a $55,629,702 match leverage.
The AWRA Awards committee had this to say when announcing DRWI as winner of the
association’s IWRM award, “The DRWI is quintessentially IWRM. We loved the project’s
commitment to institution and relationship building, including developing a basin-wide
community willing to self-fund needed projects in the future.”
For more information on this initiative, visit the Delaware River Watershed Initiative
website.
NewsClips:
New Towers Coming To Delaware River Waterfront, Proposed Rules Encourage Public Access
Schuylkill River Dredging Project Faces Critical Deadline, Still $1.3M Short
Delaware RiverKeeper Jan. 25 RiverWatch Video Report
Related Story:
Delaware River Basin Commission Seeks 2 Members For Water Management Advisory
Committee
[Posted: Jan. 23, 2019]
The Hellbender’s Back!
On January 23, Sen. Gene Yaw

(R-Lycoming) reintroduced
legislation-- Senate Bill 9-- to
designate the Eastern Hellbender the
state’s official amphibian and clean
water ambassador.
Sen. Yaw serves as Majority
Chair of the Senate Environmental
Resources and Energy Committee
and as one of Pennsylvania’s six
representatives on the interstate Chesapeake Bay Commission.
The bill passed the Senate in 2017, but got stuck in the House and died, disappointing the
high school students who worked for 2 years researching the Hellbender and drafting the
legislation.
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High School students from the 43 counties in the Chesapeake Bay Watershed have been
pushing to have the Eastern Hellbender designated the state amphibian and clean water
ambassador for the last 2 years. The students are members of the Chesapeake Bay
Foundation-PA’s Student Leadership Council.
The effort has gained national media attention in the Wall Street Journal and other
outlets.
Hellbenders have been called a “natural barometer” of good water quality. They can only
live where the water is clean.
Over 6,400 people signed a petition from all over the state to urge the House to act.
Background On Hellbender
Much of what remains of a depleted hellbender population in Pennsylvania can be found
in waters within Northcentral Pennsylvania, although recently a Hellbender was found in the
Kiski River in Parks Township, Armstrong County.
Without help and more clean water, the Eastern hellbender could disappear.
Hellbenders survive where there is cold, clear, swift-running water. They prefer rocky
streambeds. Their spongelike bodies allow them to squeeze into crevices which they use for
protection and for nesting. The slimy salamanders feed at night, primarily on crayfish.
Folds of wrinkled skin provide a large surface through which they draw most of their
oxygen.
The presence of streamside trees or forested buffers stands out among factors that enable
hellbenders to survive.
A lack of forested buffers along Commonwealth waterways allows waters to warm,
polluted runoff to enter rivers and streams, and silt to build up in streambeds. As a result, habitat
has been degraded and hellbender numbers were decimated in streams where they were plentiful
as recently as 1990.
The high school student effort on behalf of the Hellbender began in the summer of 2016.
Student leaders installed hellbender nesting boxes in the upper Susquehanna, and
sampled streams for the presence of hellbender DNA.
They gathered support for the hellbender designation from conservation groups, and
visited the State University of New York (SUNY) Lab in Buffalo, N.Y. to learn about DNA
testing. They also went to the Buffalo Zoo to see hellbenders up close.
The students are collaborating with Dr. Peter Petokas, noted research associate at the
Clean Water Institute at Lycoming College in Williamsport. Dr. Petokas has studied hellbenders
for more than 10 years and has captured and microchipped over 3,000 of them.
The Western PA Conservancy has also been conducting Hellbender research.
Click Here to watch a video about hellbenders.
Related Story:
High School Students Determined To Continue Efforts To Have PA Recognize Eastern
Hellbenders
[Posted: Jan. 24, 2019]
Keep PA Beautiful Recognizes Outstanding Volunteers In Blair, Clinton, Huntingdon,

Lehigh, Perry, Washington Counties
On January 22, Keep Pennsylvania
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Beautiful announced it has given 2018 Outstanding Volunteer Awards to winners in Blair,
Clinton, Huntingdon, Lehigh, Perry and Washington counties.
The winners, nominated by local Keep PA Beautiful affiliates, are--
-- Girl Scout Troop 61, Blair County: Girl Scout Troop 61 has coordinated cleanups, helped
with the City of Allentown Halloween parade and started a plastic bag-recycling contest with the
Trek Company.
“I met this troop at the beginning of the year, and they have shown me in this short time,
how much they want to give back to their community. I will be working with them to make their
plastic bag contest a citywide effort,” said Kristin Baringer, Keep Allentown Beautiful and
Education Manager for the City of Allentown Recycling.
-- Larry Claar, Keep Blair Beautiful, Blair County: Larry Claar, a senior at Hollidaysburg
Area High School, first volunteered in spring 2015 and continues to help move heavy appliances
at special collection events and sling tires at cleanups.
“Larry has been an invaluable asset to our affiliate the past few years and has even helped
teach recycling programs to the public, youth, and his peers. He is personable with the public,
ready to pitch in anywhere needed, and is dedicated to keeping our community clean and
beautiful,” said Katrina Pope, Keep Blair Beautiful. Larry is also active in the Hollidaysburg
Senior High School’s EcoAction Club.
-- Donald Lysle, Clinton County CleanScapes, Clinton County: After retiring, Don’s desire to
get back outside led him to Keep Pennsylvania Beautiful’s cleanup events.
“I’ve attended over 200 community cleanup events around the state and there is always a
sense of accomplishment, a common purpose, and you’re surrounded by people who share a
common interest in nature. But Clinton County CleanScapes events are unique. They’re my
favorite because the people who show up are so diverse, yet they work together effortlessly. It’s
so uplifting,” explained Lysle.
“This year, CleanScapes is honored to nominate one of the most inspirational volunteers
that we have had the pleasure to know and to work beside, Donald Lysle of Mechanicsburg,
PA,” said Elisabeth Lynch-McCoy, Clinton County CleanScapes. In 2011, Don Lysle was also
named “Volunteer of the Year” by Clinton County CleanScapes Advisory Board Members.
-- Wayne Campbell, Keep Perry County Beautiful, Perry County: Wayne Campbell has
been an active member of Keep Perry County Beautiful since the winter of 2016 and is a loyal
volunteer to the electronics recycling collections and Tire War events.
“Wayne is a very community-oriented individual whose efforts reach way beyond our
Keep Perry County Beautiful events, but he is one of the few that is always willing to go above
and beyond the anticipated expectations of a volunteer. He has a great sense of humor and
always seems to be in the right place at the right time,” said Kristie Smith, Keep Perry County
Beautiful.
-- Donna Riggle, Keep Washington County Beautiful, Washington County: Donna Riggle
has been with Keep Washington County Beautiful since it started in 2009. She focuses on
recruiting groups and individual volunteers to help with cleanups, such as the Buffalo Creek
Watershed Association. Donna also helps distribute educational materials at various outreach
events including the Washington County Fair, Ag Days, and the Sportsmen's Show.
“Donna is the true spirit of the environment and we are so happy to honor her with this
award that is long overdue! On behalf of the Washington County Affiliate of Keep Pennsylvania
Beautiful, we thank Donna for her hard work and efforts!” said Laurie Popeck, Keep Washington
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County Beautiful.
-- Mark Kepner, Keep Huntingdon County Beautiful, Huntingdon County: Mark Kepner
has been volunteering with Keep Huntingdon County Beautiful’s annual Tire War event for six
years. He is a retired teacher from the Huntingdon County Career and Technology Center.
“Each year, Mark not only volunteers at the event, but he brings students and friends to
volunteer with him. Keep Huntingdon County Beautiful thanks him for his service and for
making the Tire War event a fun event each year,” said Celina Seftas, Keep Huntingdon County
Beautiful.
“Keep Pennsylvania Beautiful is indebted to our local affiliates and volunteers across the
state. I would like to acknowledge the outstanding efforts of our volunteers of the year and thank
them for keeping our communities clean and beautiful,” stated Shannon Reiter, Keep
Pennsylvania Beautiful President.
Click Here for photos and more on each of the winners.
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 KPB’s Electronics Waste website.
Sign up now for the 2019 Great American Cleanup of PA and volunteer or set up your
own cleanup and beautification event runs March 1 to May 31.
(Photo: Girl Scout Troop 61.)
NewsClips:
Kummer: At Least Half Of Philly’s Recycling Goes Straight To An Incinerator
York County Take-Back Program Destroys 4 Tons Of Unused Medications
O’Neill: Christmas Tree Recycling Program Paying Dividends In Pittsburgh
AP: Betsy Ross Bridge Reopens Following Tire Fire In Philadelphia
[Posted: Jan. 22, 2019]
PA Parks & Forests Foundation To Unveil Infrastructure Funding Needs Report Jan. 28
On January 24, the PA Parks and Forests Foundation announced

it will unveil a new report on the maintenance needs of state park
and forest infrastructure called The Legacy of Pennsylvania Parks
and Forests: The Future is in Our Hands.
The event will be held January 28 in the Capitol Rotunda in
Harrisburg starting at 1:00.
Pennsylvania’s state parks and forests are the vacation destination
for over 40 million visitors a year. Our parks and forests are
where our kids learn to camp, hike and make s’mores. They build
memories with family and friends while also serving as economic
engines for the Commonwealth.
Yet they are in need of maintenance and repairs.
“In 2018 we celebrated the 125th anniversary of Pennsylvania’s
state parks and forests with all citizens of Pennsylvania,” said
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Marci Mowery, “yet our parks and forests need care if we are to continue to celebrate the
important roles they play in making Pennsylvania a great place to live, work and play. The
legacy of Pennsylvania’s state parks and forests is at risk due to inadequate funding levels to
maintain and repair the bridges, roads, buildings, and recreational amenities that make our parks
and forests so valuable to residents and visitors alike.”
Some facts about Pennsylvania state parks and forests maintenance needs:
-- $500 Million Maintenance Project Backlog: The maintenance project inventory has grown
to more than $500 million for state parks and $500 million for state forests. Adequate funds have
not been appropriated to rehabilitate or upgrade existing facilities and natural features such as
roofs, sewer and water facilities, well plugging, bridges, managing impacts of invasive species,
and roads.
-- Pennsylvania ranks fifth in the nation in terms of outdoor recreation spending, according to
a recent study by the Outdoor Industry Association.
-- For every $1 invested, $12.41 is generated. Every dollar invested in our state parks and
forests brings multiple benefits to the communities that surround them. In a 2010 study by Penn
State, the return on taxpayer investment in our state parks alone was estimated at nearly $12.41
for every $1 invested.
-- Extensive Water, Sewage, Dam Infrastructure. The Department of Conservation and
Natural Resources, the agency that manages our state parks and forests, owns and operates 172
public water supplies, 70 wastewater treatment plants, 860 vehicular bridges, nearly 3,000 miles
of public-use roads, 131 dams (including 47 high hazard dams), and more than 4,800 buildings,
all of which require routine maintenance and repairs to remain operational.
-- Natural Infrastructure. Typically, infrastructure refers to buildings and roads, but state parks
and forests include natural infrastructure as well. For instance, state forest staff must manage our
high-quality forests for timber production. This includes cutting trees, controlling invasive
species, collecting seeds, and planting seedlings, among other tasks. Maintaining natural
infrastructure is an integral part of what DCNR does and from which all Pennsylvanians benefit.
The following individuals are scheduled to speak at the January 28 event--
-- Tina Molski, Director of the REI Distribution Center in Bedford
-- Katie Hess, South Mountain Partnership
-- Andre Weltman, Friends of Pine Grove Furnace
-- Richard Lewis, PA Forestry Association
-- Maria Montero, PA Parks and Forests Foundation
-- Marci Mowery, PA Parks and Forests Foundation
To learn more about the Legacy of Pennsylvania’s State Parks and Forests, visit PPFF’s
Parks & Forests Care & Maintenance webpage. Questions should be directed to Marci Mowery
at 717-236-7644 or send email to: mmowery-ppff@pa.net.
For more information on programs, initiatives and special events, visit the PA Parks &
Forests Foundation website. Click Here to sign up for regular updates from the Foundation,
Like them on Facebook or Follow them on Twitter. Click Here to become a member of the
Foundation.
Related Story:
PA Parks & Forests Foundation Forthcoming Report: Conserving the Legacy: The Future Is In
Our Hands
[Posted: Jan. 24, 2019]
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PA Trails Advisory Committee Names Mid State Trail 2019 Trail Of The Year
On January 24, the PA Trails Advisory

Committee announced the Mid State Trail,
stretching from the Maryland to the New York
border in the center part of Pennsylvania, was
named the 2019 Trail of the Year.
“Showcasing some of our state’s most scenic
areas, and offering hikers everything from gentle
rail-trail travel to rigorous rocky climbs, the Mid
State Trail captures the essence of Pennsylvania’s
abundant trail system,” said Cindy Adams Dunn,
Secretary of DCNR. “Known to so many, the Mid State truly is most deserving of this honor.”
The Mid State Trail is Pennsylvania’s longest trail. Its 327 miles traverse some of
Pennsylvania’s most remote and scenic areas, and stretch from Maryland’s border to New
York’s.
Its sheer length offers more challenge to hikers than any other trail in the state.
Sometimes difficult hiking takes travelers through isolated forests and past historic sites,
vistas, waterfalls, and natural springs.
“The Mid State Trail Association is so thankful to all our dedicated volunteers who have,
over the past 50 years, built and maintained the Mid State Trail,” said Mid State Trail
Association President Ed Lawrence. “As Pennsylvania’s longest and wildest foot path, and now
as the 2019 DCNR Trail of the Year, we celebrate a trail that is at the heart of the hiking
experience at its best.”
Pennsylvania is a leader in trail development, providing its citizens and visitors with
more than 12,000 miles of trails across the commonwealth, from gentle pathways threading
through miles of preserved greenways, to remote, rugged trails scaling the state’s mountains.
Each year, the Pennsylvania Trails Advisory Committee designates a Trail of the Year to
help build enthusiasm and support for both large and small trails, and raise public awareness
about the value of Pennsylvania’s trail network.
The Mid State Trail was created to foster simple, natural experiences that foster a greater
respect for nature and a will to protect for future generations.
Largely on public land, the trail passes through: 8 state parks; 5 state forests; 8 state
forest Natural Areas; 4 state forest Wild Areas; 4 state forest picnic areas; 2 Scout camps; and 1
roadside rest.
The Mid State Trail is divided into four distinct regions. Traveling from the south, hikers
pass through the Everett Region, State College Region, Woolrich Region, and Tioga Region. The
trail’s main route, marked by rectangular, orange blazes, also features several long side trails.
The Mid State Trail Association was formed in 1982 to guide the Mid State Trail’s
continued growth and protect its future. The association engages many local volunteers who
construct and maintain only foot paths.
For more information, visit the Mid State Trail website.
The PA Trails Advisory Committee is charged with implementing the recommendations
of the PA Statewide Comprehensive Outdoor Recreation Plan to develop a statewide land and
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water trail network to facilitate recreation, transportation, and healthy lifestyles.
The 20-member DCNR-appointed committee represents both motorized and
non-motorized trail users and advises the Commonwealth on use of state and federal trail
funding.
In 2018, DCNR named Forbidden Drive in Philadelphia county as Pennsylvania’s Trail
of the Year.
For details on Pennsylvania trails, visit the Explore PA Trails website. More than 600
trails covering almost 12,000 miles in Pennsylvania are featured on the site.
For more information on state parks and forests and recreation in Pennsylvania, visit
DCNR’s website, Click Here to sign up for the Resource newsletter, Visit the Good Natured
DCNR Blog, Click Here for upcoming events, Click Here to hook up with DCNR on other
social media-- Facebook, Twitter, YouTube and Flickr.
Related Stories:
DCNR Accepting Applications For Parks, Recreation, Trail, Buffer, Conservation Grants
Applications Being Accepted For Laurel Highlands Conservation Mini-Grants
[Posted: Jan. 25, 2019]
Game Commission Taking Action To Reduce Chronic Wasting Disease Threat In Bedford,
Blair Counties Through Targeted Deer Removals

On January 25, the Game Commission announced it
would be conducting a project in Bedford and Blair
counties to reduce the threat to deer and elk herds
posed by chronic wasting disease by reducing the
number of deer in those counties.
The targeted removal operation, being done in
cooperation with the U.S. Department of
Agriculture-Wildlife Services, will be based on a
post-hunting season deer population survey now
underway by Game Commission staff.
The survey estimate will then be compared to the
target deer population objective of 2,000 to 2,500
deer. A targeted removal operation by professionals will then be used to reduce the number of
deer to this objective.
Removals will only occur on lands with landowner permission, and will be completed
this winter and early spring.
In addition to conducting population surveys, Game Commission staff are capturing and
marking deer as part of this project. Captured deer will be marked with ear tags and radio collars,
and then released. The radio collars will provide movement and survival data.
Captured and collared deer will not be killed as part of the targeted removal.
Deer harvested through targeted removals will not go to waste. All deer will be tested for
CWD and infected deer will be disposed of properly. The remaining venison from targeted
removal operations will be donated to cooperating landowners and to local food banks.
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The Game Commission does not take the decision to reduce deer populations lightly.
Without effective action, CWD will continue to increase.
As CWD increases, deer survival declines. Eventually, deer populations and hunting
opportunities decline. Based on other states experiences, reducing deer numbers is the best
management option.
Without action, CWD will continue to spread in Pennsylvania and will have long-term
negative impacts on deer and deer hunting.
As the state agency responsible for managing Pennsylvania’s deer and elk herd, it would
be irresponsible not to take the threat of CWD seriously.
At a House hearing in March of last year, Game Commission Executive Director Brian
Burhans said the spread of chronic wasting disease in deer “is an ecological disaster unfolding
before our eyes” that threatens the state’s $1.6 billion industry tied to hunting and our hunting
heritage.
CWD is a fatal disease that affects deer and elk. CWD can be transmitted directly through
animal-to-animal contact or indirectly through contaminated environments. Prions or misfold
proteins can be shed onto the environment through bodily fluids and once there can remain
infectious for several years. Currently, there is no vaccine or cure for CWD.
For more information on this disease and the threat it poses to deer and elk herds, visit the
Game Commission's Chronic Wasting Disease webpage.
(Map: Disease Management Areas.)
NewsClips:
Venesky: Pivotal Game Commission Meeting Nears
Reilly: Keystone Trails Assn. Voices Opposition To Expanding Sunday Hunting
Reilly: Sunday Hunting, Other Ideas To Improve PA Deer Hunting
Letter: Hunters Must Push For Sunday Hunting
Why Is There A Pit Filled With Dead Deer In Lebanon County?
Editorial: Deer God, Fining Good Samaritan Is Absurd
[Posted: Jan. 25, 2019]
Senate/House Agenda/Session Schedule/Gov’s 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: Click Here for full House Bill Calendar.
Senate: Click Here for full Senate Bill Calendar.
Committee Meetings This Week
House: Click Here for full House Committee Schedule.
Senate: Click Here for full Senate Committee Schedule.

21
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.
Bills Introduced
The following bills of interest were introduced last week--
Eastern Hellbender: Senate Bill 9 (Yaw-R-Lycoming) designating the Eastern Hellbender as

the state amphibian and clean water ambassador (sponsor summary).
PennVEST Non-Point Source Funding: Senate Bill 97 (Hutchinson-R-Venango) would

prohibit the PA Infrastructure Investment Authority from making certain non-point source
pollution control investments like the $50 million loan to Lyme Timber Company (sponsor
summary). Click Here for more on the issue.
Keystone Tree Fund: Senate Bill 108 (Yaw-R-Lycoming, Yudichak-D-Luzerne) establishing

the Keystone Tree Fund as a voluntary $3 checkoff on driver and vehicle license renewal
applications (sponsor summary).
Community Solar: House Bill 136 (Quinn-R-Delaware) authorizing community solar

generating systems (sponsor summary).
House and Senate Co-Sponsorship Memos
House: Click Here for all new co-sponsorship memos

Senate: Click Here for all new co-sponsorship memos
Session Schedule
Here is the latest voting session schedule for the Senate and House--
Senate
January 28, 29, 30
February 4, 5, 6
Budget Hearings: Feb. 19, 20, 21, 25, 26, 27, 28, March 4, 5, 6, 7, 8
March 18, 19, 20, 25, 26, 27
April 8, 9, 10, 29, 30
May 1, 6, 7, 8
June 3, 4, 5, 10, 11, 12, 17, 18, 19, 24, 25, 26, 27, 28
House
January 28, 29, 30
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February 4, 5, 6, 19, 20, 21
Budget Hearings: Feb. 11 March 7
March 11, 12, 13, 18, 19, 20, 25, 26, 27
April 8, 9, 10, 15, 16, 17, 29, 30
May 1, 6, 7, 8, 13, 14, 15, 22, 23
June 3, 4, 5, 10, 11, 12, 17, 18, 19, 20, 24, 25, 26, 27, 28
Governor’s 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. Wolf’s Weekly Calendar and Public
Appearances.
News From The Capitol
House Democratic Policy Committee Hears Testimony On Oil & Gas Industry Methane
Leakage
On January 24, the House Democratic Policy Committee held a

hearing in Delaware County to discuss the impact of methane leakage
from Pennsylvania’s oil and gas industry on climate change.
The hearing explored ways in which methane affects climate
change and how Pennsylvania can better monitor methane leakage
from the oil and gas industry.
“Methane is the second-most prevalent greenhouse gas after
carbon dioxide, and a significant amount of that methane comes from
oil and gas development,” said Rep. Greg Vitali (D-Delaware),
Minority Chair of the House Environmental Resources and Energy
Committee.
Speakers included Dr. Richard Alley, Professor of
Geosciences, Penn State University; Professor Don Brown, Scholar
in Residence, Widener Law; Dr. Tony Ingraffea, Emeritus Professor of Civil and
Environmental Engineering, Cornell University; Professor Peter DeCarlo, Associate Professor
of Civil, Architectural and Environmental Engineering, Drexel University; Rob Altenburg,
Director, PennFuture Energy Center; Andrew Williams, Director of Regulatory and Legislative
Affairs, U.S. Climate and Energy, Environmental Defense Fund; Dr. Arvind Ravikumar,
Assistant Professor of Energy Engineering, Harrisburg University of Science and Technology;
Leann Leiter, Pennsylvania and Ohio Field Advocate, EarthWorks; and Krish Ramamurthy,
Director of Bureau of Air Quality, Department of Environmental Protection.
Rep. Vitali also was joined by fellow state legislators, including House Democratic
Policy Committee Chairman Mike Sturla.
“The world must reduce greenhouse gases by 45 percent by 2030,” Widener’s Don
Brown said.
“We just can’t drill our way out of the climate issue,” PennFuture’s Rob Altenburg said
about relying on natural gas to address climate change.
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“The bottom line is that without adequate monitoring and measurement, we do not have
accurate numbers on methane leakage in this state,” said Drexel’s Peter DeCarlo. “This hampers
our ability to accurately assess the gains or losses with respect to climate.”
“Methane reduction is the fastest way to address climate change at the state level,” said
Andrew Williams of the Environmental Defense Fund.
Krish Ramamurthy outlined the DEP’s plan to regulate existing sources of methane
indirectly by regulating volatile organic compounds.
“This is no time for halfway measures – we must regulate methane directly,” Rep. Vitali
said.
The need to regulate methane directly also was voiced by Williams, EarthWorks’ Leann
Leiter and Harrisburg University of Science and Technology’s Dr. Arvind Ravikumar.
“Getting to near zero emissions is now possible,” Ravikumar said.
“Mitigating methane emissions will also help protect the health of Pennsylvanians
because methane is a precursor for ground-level ozone, which leads to asthma attacks and other
respiratory ailments,” Leiter said.
Methane regulations are scheduled to be considered at an upcoming Environmental
Quality Board meeting in April.
Click Here for copies of written testimony.
For more information, visit the House Democratic Policy Committee website.
Related Stories:
PA Environmental Council Releases Report Recommending PA Join RGGI Regional Climate
Initiative, Update AEPS
[Posted: Jan. 25, 2019]
Senate Committee Member Assignments Now Complete With Republicans Naming Their
Team
On January 25, Senate President Pro Tempore

Joe Scarnati (R-Jefferson) named Republican
members to each of the standing committee
filling out all committee assignments.
There were no changes in the makeup
of the Senate Environmental Resources and
Energy Committee include--
Republicans--
-- Sen. Gene Yaw (R-Lycoming), Chair
-- Sen. Elder Vogel (R-Beaver), Vice Chair
-- Sen. Camera Bartolotta (R-Washington)
[was Vice Chair]
-- Sen. Scott Hutchinson (R-Venango)
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-- Sen. Scott Martin (R-Lancaster)
-- Sen. Don White (R-Indiana)
Democrats--
-- Sen. John Yudichak (D-Luzerne), Chair
-- Sen. Andrew Dinniman (D-Chester)
-- Sen. Daylin Leach (D-Montgomery)
-- Sen. Anthony Williams (D-Philadelphia)
Click Here for other Republican committee assignments. Click Here to check on
Democratic committee members. Senate committees have one less member to accommodate the
increase in the number of new Democrats in the Senate.
The House has yet to name committee membership.
(Photo: Senators Yaw and Yudichak.)
[Posted: Jan. 25, 2019]
The Feds
Gov. Wolf Outlines Continuing Impacts Of Federal Shutdown On PA, Including DCNR,
DEP
On January 23, Gov. Tom Wolf provided an update on how

the state is working to minimize the impact of the federal
government shutdown on Pennsylvanians.
[Note: The federal shutdown is going on a 3 weeks
hiatus thanks to an agreement between Congress and the
President Friday. After 3 weeks, they’ll start over.]
“My administration is doing everything that it can to
help those impacted by this situation,” said Gov. Wolf.
“Agencies across state government are working with local
officials and organizations that rely on federal funding. We
are temporarily using state funds to fill the gaps where we
can. We are working to assist affected workers however we can. I urge businesses and creditors
to show compassion for federal employees that are not being paid."
Among the agency programs impacted are--
-- DCNR: Preparation for an elevation mapping project that includes federal funds is on hold.
The high-resolution, elevation data will be used for flood management, natural resource
management and conservation, land use planning, geologic mapping and hazard reduction, and
infrastructure development.
-- DEP: Final approvals on grant funding and permitting functions have begun to be affected by
the shutdown, including pass-through funds depended on by local governments. The department
is reviewing and processing what they can, but final action is needed at the federal level.
Additionally, DEP is still waiting on guidance from the federal government on how to
manage PFAS contamination in drinking water, a report on which has been delayed by the
shutdown. DEP and the PFAS Action team continue to work to address this issue, calling on
leadership at the federal level to take up this critical issue.
-- PEMA: Training and exercises for first responders and emergency management practitioners
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that involve federal agencies have been canceled. Activities related to the disaster declaration
from flooding last summer are continuing.
Click Here to read the full update.
NewsClips:
PA Lawmakers Hail End Of Shutdown, But Still Differ On Border Wall
Op-Ed: Govt. Shutdown Ended When Wealthy People Finally Were Hurt
Editorial: Government Is Open For Now
Cusick: Govt. Shutdown Slows Process For Getting Environmental Permits In PA
[Posted: Jan. 24, 2019]
News From Around The State
Pittsburgh Water Authority To Replace 3,400 Lead Service Lines Using PennVEST
Funding In 2019
On January 25, the Pittsburgh Water and Sewer Authority

said in its January newsletter it would replace 3,400 lead
water service lines at no cost to customers during 2019
with the $49 million in funding provided by the PA
Infrastructure Investment Authority.
During 2018, the Authority reported replacing 2,050
public lead service lines and 1,300 private lines. DEP
required the Authority to replace at least 1,500 public lead
services lines in 2018.
The Authority said the 2019 replacement program would
put it back soon track to replace all the lead service lines in
its system by 2026.
The latest round of drinking water sampling done in
December found 15 percent were above the 15 parts per billion EPA lead action level. The
Authority must meet a requirement that 10 percent of samples are no higher than 15 parts per
billion. Click Here for more.
The Tribune Review reported January 25 the Authority will start to add orthophosphate
to its water system starting in March. The chemical forms a coating on the inside of pipes and
prevents such metals as lead and copper from draining into the drinking water.
For more information on what Authority customers can do to reduce their lead exposure
risk, visit the Authority’s Community Lead Response webpage.
Visit DEP’s Pittsburgh Water Authority webpage for more information on DEP’s actions
on the lead service line issue in Pittsburgh.
For more information on health threats from lead in drinking water, visit DEP’s Lead In
Drinking Water webpage.
More Resources
The Joint State Government Commission and a special Senate Lead Exposure Task
Force will be making recommendations on reducing exposure to lead as early as April as a result
of Senate Resolution 33, sponsored by Sen. John Yudichak (D-Luzerne), Minority Chair of the
Senate Environmental Resources and Energy Committee.
26
For information on health threats from lead from other sources, visit the Department of
Health’s Lead Poisoning webpage.
NewsClips:
2019
Pittsburgh Water Authority Awards $35.9 Million In Contracts For Lead Line Replacement
Pittsburgh Water Authority To Embark On 12-Year Plan To Improve Lines, Service
Related Stories:
Pittsburgh Water Authority’s Latest Drinking Water Samples Show Lead Levels Above EPA
Standard
PFAS Action Team To Meet Feb. 12 In Montgomery County To Provide Updates, Hear Public
Comments
[Posted: Jan. 25, 2019]
Funding Available For Chesapeake Bay Watershed Communities To Reduce Polluted

Stormwater Runoff
The Chesapeake Bay Trust is now accepting

applications for the Chesapeake Bay Green
Streets-Green Jobs-Green Towns Grant Program
to help communities reduce polluted stormwater
runoff in urban areas by implementing green
infrastructure practices.
The deadline for applications is March 7.
Grants are available to--
-- Develop and implement plans that reduce
stormwater runoff;
-- Increase the number and amount of green spaces in urban areas;
-- Improve the health of local streams and the Chesapeake Bay; and
-- Enhance quality of life and community livability.
Up to $15,000 for conceptual plans, $30,000 for engineered designs, $100,000 for
implementation projects, $50,000 for greening communities and urban vacant lots, and $20,000
for white papers may be requested through this grant program.
For more information and to apply, visit the Chesapeake Bay Green Streets-Green
Jobs-Green Towns Grant Program webpage. Questions should be directed to Jeffrey Popp, at
410-974-2941 ext. 103.
NewsClips:
Op-Ed: Polluted Runoff Fees Support Community Solutions To Local Pollution And Flooding
New Multi-Partner Strategy Emerges In Williamsport To Meet Stormwater Pollution Reduction
Requirements
Levee Recertification, Stormwater, Pollution Reduction Requires Regional Solution In
Williamsport
Editorial: Wyoming Valley Stormwater Fee Mismanaged, But Still Valid
Impact Of Winter Road Salt Criticized By Stormwater Fee Payers
Rock Salt: Prolifically Used, But Not Without Environmental Risk
27
Conewago Creek Work Gets $738,752 Grant Via Londonderry Twp.
The Hellbender’s Back! Bill Designating Eastern Hellbender Official State Amphibian
Reintroduced
Latest From The Chesapeake Bay Journal
Related Story:
DCNR Accepting Applications For Parks, Recreation, Trail, Buffer Conservation Grants
(Reprinted from the January 23 issue of the DCNR Resource newsletter. Click Here to sign up
for your own copy.)
[Posted: Jan. 24, 2019]
Op-Ed: Polluted Runoff Fees Support Community Solutions To Local Pollution And
Flooding
By Harry Campbell, PA Office, Chesapeake Bay Foundation
On behalf of the conservation

community, I extend my sincerest
apologies.
Collectively we have failed you, the
public, on communicating what science
has shown us: that our stormwater
infrastructure—the system that collects,
concentrates, and conveys runoff from
built areas—is failing and it’s polluting
the water we drink, fish, and recreate in.
It’s flooding our streets, basements, and washing our land and property away.
Simply stated, when it rains, runoff from hard surfaces like rooftops, parking lots, streets
and even lawns is shuttled to the nearest river or stream, often by underground pipes.
Along the way, things like motor oil, pet waste, lawn chemicals and fertilizers, cigarette
butts, and garbage to name just a few, hitch a ride.
With intense rainfall like we saw so much of last year, the sheer volume of water in those
pipes—some of which haven’t been maintained or updated for 25, 50, even 100 years—hits our
streams hard and fast.
It literally blows them out of their banks causing flooding to roads, downtowns, and
commercial areas.
To make matters worse, in many older communities, stormwater is combined with raw
sewage and when heavy rains overwhelm the system, it often means the combined, untreated
waste is discharged to the nearest river or stream.
Scientific studies by the Pennsylvania Department of Environmental Protection have
found that this polluted runoff results in over 3,000 miles of streams damaged because they have
too much pollution and as a result, too little aquatic life.
We’ve also failed to adequately to communicate that there are cost-effective solutions to
help address this problem. Solutions that not only reduce pollution and nuisance flooding, but
can also help beautify and revitalize communities.
28
It’s all about replicating nature with things like street trees, streamside forests,
specially-designed flower beds called rain gardens, vegetated rooftops, and even porous
pavement.
To help revitalize stormwater infrastructure, roughly 1,600 governments across the
United States, including 12 in Pennsylvania, have chosen to establish reasonable stormwater
fees. Philadelphia, Lancaster, Hazleton, Derry and Hampden townships have instituted polluted
runoff fees, so that residents can be part of the local solution.
Many others are considering it.
Regional approaches, like the 32-municipality Wyoming Valley Sanitary Authority’s
(WVSA) Regional Stormwater Management Program, can offer cost-savings that individual
municipalities often wouldn’t be able to realize.
Similar multi-municipal authorities are either in place or under active exploration in
Blair, York, and Lebanon counties.
Most programs offer customers discounts on fees by doing things on their property to
reduce the amount of runoff. Customers, for example, can earn credits and reduce their quarterly
fees by voluntarily implementing natural solutions.
A church in Derry Township, Dauphin County, received a discount after volunteers
planted 200 trees along a stream on church property. The trees will absorb and filter polluted
runoff and help the township reach its required pollution reduction goals.
Passed by Congress in the 1990s as part of updates to the national Clean Water Act, and
launched in 2003, having to manage polluted runoff from certain sized urban and suburban areas
is not new.
But as scientific understanding has grown, so have more specific requirements to reduce
this pollution to local streams and the Chesapeake Bay.
Although many are apt to point the finger at the Chesapeake Bay, let’s be clear—local
investments in clean water pay dividends first and foremost locally.
By updating our infrastructure for the 21st Century, our communities, cultural heritage,
and even economy will benefit from cleaner, healthier waters. That’s a legacy worth leaving
future generations.
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.
For more information on Pennsylvania’s efforts to meet Bay cleanup milestones, visit the
PA Chesapeake Bay Watershed Planning Steering Committee webpage.
Harry Campbell is Pennsylvania Executive Director for the Chesapeake Bay Foundation. He
can be contacted by calling 717-234-5550.
NewsClips:
Requirements
Williamsport
29
Reintroduced
Related Stories:
Stormwater Runoff
Wyoming Valley Sanitary Authority Leads MS4 Stormwater Effort To Save Communities More
Than 50% In Compliance Costs
Investing In Green Infrastructure Offers Triple Benefits: Reduces Flooding, Nutrient, Sediment
Runoff
Growing A Cleaner, Greener Pennsylvania In 2019: Opportunities For House And Senate
Leadership
[Posted: Jan. 24, 2019]
Committee
On January 22, the Delaware River Basin Commission announced it is seeking to fill 2 vacancies
on its Water Management Advisory Committee.
Candidates should represent a county water agency and a water resources association.
Click Here for more information. Questions should be directed to SeungAh Byun by
sending email to: seungah.byun@drbc.nj.gov or call 609-883-9500 ext. 237 with any questions.
DRBC also has an opening for a representative of agriculture on its Toxics Advisory
Committee.
For more information on programs, initiatives and upcoming events, visit the Delaware
River Basin Commission website. Click Here to sign up for regulator updates. Follow DRBC
on Twitter. Visit them on YouTube.
NewsClips:
Committee
Related Story:
Delaware River Watershed Initiative Wins National American Water Resources Assn. Award
[Posted: Jan. 23, 2019]
DEP To Host Meeting Jan. 30 On Final Stages To Extinguish Jeansville Mine Fire In
Carbon/Luzerne Counties
On January 24, the Department of

Environmental Protection announced it will host
a public information session on January 30 on
the final efforts to extinguish the Jeansville Mine
30
Fire located in Banks Township, Carbon County and Hazle Township, Luzerne County.
The meeting will take place from 6:00-9:00 p.m. at the Tresckow Volunteer Fire
Company #1, 26 East Oak Street, Tresckow, in Carbon County..
Representatives from DEP’s Pottsville District Mining Office and Bureau of Abandoned
Mine Reclamation along with the contractor, Hazleton Shaft, will be on hand to present
information on the work needed to complete the project and to answer questions.
The 29-acre fire, which was discovered in 2012, was addressed primarily by the
contractor constructing an isolation trench and quenching the burning material. Monitoring wells
were also placed at the site to determine the depths of the fire.
In early 2016, at the request of residents, the department’s Air Quality Program
monitored the air in a residential area near the fire. The monitoring showed no dangerous levels
of gases were present.
Some additional grading and revegetation needs to be undertaken to complete work at the
site as well as a project to mitigate for the loss of bat habitat impacted by the work on the project
with guidance from the United States Fish and Wildlife Service (USFWS).
Questions should be directed to Colleen Connolly, DEP Northeast Regional Office,
570-826-2035 or send email to: coconnolly@pa.gov.
Related Stories:
American Society Of Mining & Reclamation Accepting Registrations For Annual Meeting June
3-7 In Montana
Registration Open For 2019 PA Abandoned Mine Reclamation and Natural Abandoned Mine
Lands Program Conference Sept. 8-11 In Pittsburgh
[Posted: Jan. 24, 2019]
American Society Of Mining & Reclamation Accepting Registrations For Annual Meeting
June 3-7 In Montana
Registration is now open for the American

Society of Mining and Reclamation
Annual Meeting to be held June 3-7 at the
Big Sky Resort in Montana.
The Conference will focus on the
research, technical, and regulatory issues
associated with the land and water
implications of anthropogenic land
disturbances.
It will provide a forum for the dissemination of information through presentation of
research findings, field tours, and open discussion of public policy relating to the applied science
of reclamation, rehabilitation, remediation, and restoration of areas disturbed by mining, oil and
gas, conventional and alternative energy production, contaminated sites, agriculture, road
construction, large-scale commercial development, and other disturbances to land and water
resources.
Specific subjects include, but are not limited to, ecological revegetation, invasive species
management, range management, sediment and erosion control, geomorphic landform design,
waste cover systems, geotechnical engineering approaches, water management and treatment,
31
acid rock drainage, mine tailings/waste rock/overburden, and application of new technologies.
Students are especially encouraged to attend.
Click Here for all the details and to register
Related Stories:
DEP To Host Meeting Jan. 30 On Final Stages To Extinguish Jeansville Mine Fire In
Carbon/Luzerne Counties
Registration Open For 2019 PA Abandoned Mine Reclamation and Natural Abandoned Mine
Lands Program Conference Sept. 8-11 In Pittsburgh
[Posted: Jan. 23, 2019]
Opportunity To Bid On DEP Storage Tank Cleanup In Dauphin County
The Department of Environmental Protection published notice in the January 26 PA Bulletin of

an opportunity to bid on a storage tank cleanup in Dauphin County.
The Department of Environmental Protection has available a current list of
Abandoned Mine Reclamation, Acid Mine Drainage, Surface Mine Reclamation, Cleaning Out
and Plugging Oil and Gas Wells, Waterways Engineering (Concrete Dams/Concrete Lined
Channels, Walls and Box Culverts, etc.), Hazardous Site Remediation, Removal and Disposal of
Underground Storage Tanks, and Wetland Restoration projects available for bidding. Click Here
for the list.
The Department of Conservation and Natural Resources has a current list of bid
proposals for construction projects in State Parks and State Forests available online. Click Here
for the list.
[Posted: Jan. 25, 2019]
Environmental Advisory Councils In Action Workshop March 5 In Montgomery County
Penn State Extension will be hosting an Environmental

Advisory Councils In Action: What Can An EAC Do For
Your Community Workshop on March 5 at the Lower
Frederick Township Building, 53 Spring Mount Rd.,
Schwenksville, Montgomery County from 6:00 to 7:00
p.m.
The program will feature two Master Watershed
Stewards (MWS) who are members of their local EACs
as they share their experiences and how their councils are
creating a positive impact in Montgomery County
communities.
Although first authorized by state law in 1973, Environmental Advisory Councils—also
known as Environmental Advisory Boards (EAB)—have been increasing in popularity among
local governments.
The PA Land Trust Association describes EACs as "a small group of people typically
appointed by a municipality to advise its elected officials and some municipal departments on the
conservation and best use of the community’s natural resources."
As part of the local government, these councils focus on local issues, meaning that each
32
government’s EAC can take on unique roles and projects.
Two such examples will be highlighted at “EACs in Action.” MWS Ross Snook serves
on New Hanover Township’s EAB and will share his experiences working with the board to
improve local stormwater ordinances, while MWS Mary-Margaret Monser of the Ambler EAC
will discuss the council’s recent grant award to help residents add stormwater best management
practices (such as rain barrels) to their homes.
The session also includes plenty of time for audience members to ask questions.
The Master Watershed Stewards hope to see you on March 5!
To learn more about these local councils, visit the Environmental Advisory Council
Network website.
For more information, including details on Montgomery County’s upcoming Basic
Training, visit the Montgomery County Master Watershed Stewards Program webpage.
Learn more about the program in other areas of the state by visiting the Penn State
Extension Master Watershed Stewards Program webpage.
Related Story:
Environmental Advisory Council Network Conference May 18 In Monroe County
Schuylkill Environmental Ed Center: Environmental Justice In Pennsylvania: A New Vision Feb.
7 In Philadelphia
[Posted: Jan. 24, 2019]
The 2019 Environmental Advisory Council

Network Conference will be held on May 18 in
conjunction with the PA Land Conservation
Conference at the Skytop Lodge in Monroe
County.
An Environmental Advisory Council (EAC) is a
group of 3-7 people, appointed by a municipality’s
elected officials, that advises the elected officials,
as well as the planning commission and park and recreation board, on the protection,
conservation, management, promotion and use of natural resources within the municipality.
Pennsylvania’s EAC Network is administered by the PA Land Trust Association.
Click Here to register or for more information.
To learn more about these local councils, visit the Environmental Advisory Council
Network website.
Related Stories:
Schuylkill Environmental Ed Center: Environmental Justice In Pennsylvania: A New Vision Feb.
7 In Philadelphia
[Posted: Jan. 24, 2019]
Schuylkill Environmental Ed Center: Environmental Justice In Pennsylvania: A New

Vision Feb. 7 In Philadelphia
33
The Schuylkill Center for Environmental Education will host the 8th Annual Richard L. James
Lecture: Environmental Justice In Pennsylvania - A New Vision on February 7 from 7:00 to 9:00
p.m.
The speaker will be Allison Acevedo, Director of DEP's Office of Environmental Justice.
In recent decades, the environmental justice movement has arisen to address profound
inequalities surrounding the concentration of toxic waste sites, sewage treatment plants,
incinerators, and other types of pollution in impoverished communities and communities of
color.
Acevedo will present a primer on environmental justice, the surprising sweep of
communities across the state wrestling with this issue, and her vision for environmental justice in
Pennsylvania.
Before joining DEP, attorney Acevedo consulted with nonprofits on program
development, policy, and strategic planning. She also served as Director of Education of the
United Way, co-founded the Philadelphia Black Giving Circle, and was staff advisor to state
Rep. W. Curtis Thomas and Sen. Allyson Y. Schwartz.
The program will be held at the Schuylkill Center, 8480 Hagy's Mill Road in
Philadelphia.
Click Here to register for this free event or for more information.
For more information on environmental justice issues in Pennsylvania, visit DEP's Office
of Environmental Justice webpage.
Related Stories:
PA Conservation Heritage WITF Documentary Justice In Chester Available Online
[Posted: Jan. 24, 2019]
Penn State Extension: Great Time To Make Resolutions To Protect Water For The New
Year
New year, fresh start! If you’re looking to make

some positive changes for 2019, how you manage
water resources are a great place to start!
-- Have your private well water tested: Nearly half
of homeowners have never had their water tested. As
a private well owner, it’s up to you to take action to
have your water tested to be sure it meets drinking
water standards.
-- Create a wellhead protection zone: The 100 foot
radius around your well is the most critical and the
most susceptible to immediate impacts to your water
supply. Keep any potential pollutants out of this area – pesticides, fertilizers, pet waste etc.
-- Reduce stormwater impacts with best management practices: Install a rain barrel on a roof
downspout. Consider permeable pavement for your sidewalk. Try landscaping practices like a
rain garden for wet areas in your yard. All of these things can help reduce stormwater runoff to
local waterways.
34
-- Decrease your use of unnecessary lawn chemicals: Consider more earth-friendly
alternatives or just use less! Always follow the label and don’t over-apply to reduce runoff
impacts to local waterways.
-- Pick up after your pet: Dog waste is a pollutant too! Not only does it introduce bacteria to
our waterways, but it can contribute to nutrient overload causing overgrowth of algae and
nuisance plants.
-- Pay attention to litter and anything you put on the ground: Paper waste, oil and gas from a
leaky vehicle, yard waste and grass clippings – all of these things end up in storm drains and
contribute to pollution of local waterways. Recycle whenever possible. If you wouldn’t drink
it…don’t dump it!
-- Make a stormwater plan for your property: Look at areas on your property where runoff is
causing erosion. Check streambanks that may be eroding or falling in. Are there changes you can
make to redirect stormwater? Are there some best management practices that you can try?
-- Install water-saving devices in the home: Low-flow showerheads, faucet aerators and
water-efficient appliances are all ways to reduce your water use and conserve resources.
Everything doesn’t have to be replaced all at once, but when you do replace, consider more
water-efficient choices.
For more information on drinking water and stormwater management, visit Penn State
Extension’s Water Resources webpage.
Related Stories:
Home Water And Septic System Workshop March 18 In Northampton County
Penn State Extension: Radon: Could It Be In My Drinking Water?
[Posted: Jan. 24, 2019]
Home Water And Septic System Workshops March 18 In Northampton County
Penn State Extension is hosting 2 Home Water And

Septic System Workshops on March 18 in Nazareth,
Northampton County, one starting at 1:30 and
another at 6:00.
This workshop will provide information on
protecting, testing, and treating private water
supplies.
Extension educators will also discuss septic system
inspection and maintenance. Learn how to protect
your family, your property, and our shared ground
and surface water resources.
Free water testing is frequently offered to a limited number of households at each
workshop. Screening may include coliform bacteria, E. coli, pH, total dissolved solids, and
nitrate and is usually provided for up to 30 households who first register at each location.
Results from simple tests can help guide you in future testing by accredited labs. Sample
collection instructions will be provided after you register.
The workshops will be held at the Gracedale Nursing Home Conference Room, 2
Gracedale Ave., Nazareth, Northampton County.
Support for these workshops is provided by the Master Well Owner Network grant from
35
the Department of Environmental Protection and the PA Ground Water Association.
For more information on drinking water and other water-related issues, visit Penn State
Extension’s Water Resources webpage.
Related Stories:
Penn State Extension: Great Time to Make Resolutions To Protect Water For The New Year
[Posted: Jan. 24, 2019]
Schuylkill Action Network Accepting Applications For Schuylkill Acts & Impacts
Expedition For High School Students
Apply now for the week-long Schuylkill Acts

& Impacts Watershed Expedition for high
school students hosted by the Schuylkill Action
Network from June 15-22. The deadline for
applications is March 22.
The expedition is offered to a team of 12 high
school students from the five counties
(Schuylkill, Berks, Montgomery, Chester, and
Philadelphia) in the Schuylkill River
watershed.
Students spend the week learning about different water quality impacts in the watershed,
doing hands-on testing, and learning from and interacting with environmental professionals
throughout the watershed. They camp, kayak, and have lots of fun!
Schuylkill Acts & Impacts is a partnership between Schuylkill Headwaters Association,
Fairmount Water Works, and Stroud Water Research Center.
Click Here to get the application or for more information. Questions should be directed
to Alexa Kramer by sending email to: outreach@schuylkillheadwaters.org or call 570-390-3336.
For more information on programs, initiatives, upcoming events and how you can get
involved, visit the Schuylkill Action Network website. Click Here to sign up for regular updates.
Like them on Facebook. Follow them on Twitter. Click Here to support their work.
Other Opportunities:
Berks Nature Summer 2019 Eco-Camp Registration Now Open For Students Pre-school To 8th
Grade
Interns Wanted: Wildlife Leadership Academy Seeks Summer Program Interns
Interns Wanted: Department Of Environmental Protection Looking For Summer Interns
Interns Wanted: Lacawac Sanctuary Biological Field Station Research, Education Experience
Intern Wanted: Brandywine Conservancy Land Stewardship Intern
Deadline Extended: Wildlife Leadership Academy Seeks Motivated Students To Become Youth
Conservation Ambassadors
DCNR Is Still Hiring PA Outdoor Corp Young Adult Crew Members In Locations Around PA
RiverStewards Blog: Bringing The Environment, Other Than Biology, Into Classrooms Is Vital
For Our Future
Help Wanted: Fish & Boat Commission Seeks Fisheries Biologist Aides
36
Help Wanted: Fish & Boat Commission Recruiting New Class Of Conservation Officers
Help Wanted: Game Commission To Recruit New Game Warden Class
Registration Now Open For PA Environmental Educators Conference In Philadelphia March
18-19
[Posted: Jan. 23, 2019]
The Brandywine Conservancy in Delaware

County is now accepting applications for a
Land Stewardship Intern position.
This position will assist the easement
management team with monitoring,
administering, and enforcing the 486
conservation and agricultural easements held
by the Brandywine Conservancy, as well as
related projects.
Applicants should have an academic background in environmental science, ecology, land
management, land planning or a related field. They should be organized, self-motivated, and able
to work independently with little supervision, and should have a positive, energetic attitude.
Click Here for all the details.
Applicants should submit a cover letter and resume by email only to:
lburke@brandywine.org. Please include “Land Stewardship Internship” in the subject line.
Please include availability. Position will remain open until filled.
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 Conservancy’s Blog, Like the Conservancy on Facebook and Follow
them on Instagram.
Berks Nature Summer 2019 Eco-Camp Registration Now Open For Students Pre-school To 8th
Grade
Schuylkill Action Network Accepting Applications For Schuylkill Acts & Impacts Expedition
For High School Students
For Our Future
Register Now Open For PA Environmental Educators Conference In Philadelphia March 18-19
37
[Posted: Jan. 22, 2019]
DCNR Is Still Hiring PA Outdoor Corp Young Adult Crew Members In Locations Around
PA
On January 25, the Department of Conservation and

Natural Resources announced it is still hiring for its
PA Outdoor Corps 10-month young adult crews.
Running March 4 to December 6, 2019, the program
aims to introduce young people to careers in the
outdoors.
2019 crew locations are: Altoona; Harrisburg;
Meadville; Philadelphia; St. Marys; Uniontown;
Wilkes-Barre; and Williamsport. [Note: Not every
location may be available.]
Community crew members meet at a central
location in their program cities to be transported to
and from work sites daily.
In addition to the community-based crews, a statewide roving crew will be established
out of Harrisburg.
The roving crew will be deployed across the Commonwealth for eight days at a time
while working on natural resource management projects. This crew will camp in parks and
forests while completing projects.
Positions are open to individuals ages 18 to 25 by the March 4, 2019, program start date.
Typical work days are Monday through Thursday, from 7:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. Members are paid
more than $12.00/hour and receive health benefits, including dental and vision.
Most work and activities take place outdoors in all seasons and weather and involve
physically demanding labor.
Projects include, but are not limited to, trail maintenance, habitat restoration, vegetation
management, facility maintenance, and light construction.
Members also participate in education and training activities related to natural resource
management, environmental topics, and recreation skills.
Additional information, including instructions for how to apply, are available at the
Student Conservation Association (SCA) website. Upon completing the SCA application, please
send an email to: paoutdoorcorps@thesca.org to let them know that you are interested.
For more information, visit DCNR’s Pennsylvania Outdoor Corps webpage.
Related Stories:
DCNR Blog: PA Outdoor Corps’ Successful 2018 Summer Youth Program
DCNR Blog: College Student’s Journey Into An Environmental Conservation Career With The
PA Outdoor Corps
38
For Our Future
18-19
[Posted: Jan. 25, 2019]
The Fish and Boat Commission is seeking

candidates to fill seasonal Fisheries Biologist
Aide positions based in Bellefonte, Centre
County.
These positions are a great opportunity for
someone to start out in the professional field of
Fisheries--
-- Fisheries Biologist Aide: Position runs from
May 6 to August 23, Click Here for a job
description; and
-- Fisheries Biologist Aide - Extended:
Position runs from April or May to November, February to November 2020. Click Here for a
job description.
As an FBA you will get an inside look at the conservation efforts being conducted by the
PFBC doing fish habitat projects on the lakes and streams of Pennsylvania.
You will have a chance to go on the road with Habitat Management staff to complete fish
habitat improvement projects all over the Commonwealth and receive great hands-on experience
implementing conservation projects.
Previous FBA’s have used their experience to help enter into graduate school and acquire
positions in the fisheries biology field.
If you are interested, please email your resumé to: bepage@pa.gov by March 7.
Interviews are anticipated to be held March 11 - 15. If you have any questions, please email
bepage@pa.gov or call 814-359-5162.
39
For Our Future
18-19
[Posted: Jan. 23, 2019]
RiverStewards Blog: Bringing The Environment, Other Than Biology, Into Classrooms Is
Vital For Our Future
By Kyle Steffish, Millersville University Student
While environmental issues-- whether they are

as regional as the health and stability of local
waterways or as large as the global climate--
affect all life, their study and discussion remain
confined primarily within the realm of scientific
inquiry. As a result, these discussions are
seemingly disconnected from the public’s daily
concerns.
Even on college campuses,
environmental issues remain locked in science
classrooms. Yet, increasingly, discussions of
environmental issues and environmental advocacy are making their way into other college
departments-- including the humanities.
Dr. Justin Mando, a professor at Millersville University of Pennsylvania with a Ph.D. in
rhetoric from Carnegie Mellon University, teaches the newly offered Environmental Advocacy
Writing course within Millersville’s English department.
A large portion of this class entails students learning about and advocating for
environmental issues related to the Susquehanna River.
Mando’s interest in environmental writing and advocacy began while studying rhetoric of
place while in grad school.
“I was interested in how people use places in arguments, especially in deliberative
arguments in local politics.”
This interest led him to the fracking debate and how people engage with it on a local
level.
“As I learned about it, I discovered a lot more about how people advocate for
environmental issues.”
This sparked an interest in environmental rhetoric, writing, and advocacy. After moving
40
to the Lancaster County area, Mando, an avid fly fisherman, saw the Susquehanna River as a
focal point for a class on environmental advocacy.
“When I moved here, and I started to get onto the Susquehanna River a lot… I felt, wow,
there’s something really important going on here,” Mando said. “The initial idea was to focus on
the Susquehanna in some way and get students informed and engaged with river issues.”
It was, in part, with the support of non-profit organizations like RiverStewards that
Mando was able to realize his concept for an Environmental Writing Advocacy class.
“RiverStewards has been a really engaged organization that has been as supportive as can
be to me.” Mando said.
RiverStewards helped Mando develop connections with other organizations and
individuals working on river issues, leading to a class visit from Kristen Wolf, the Pennsylvania
Department of Environmental Protection (DEP) Chesapeake Bay Coordinator.
But humanities departments and their students can give back to non-profits, too. After
meeting with some local nonprofit organizations, Mando found that even more than scientists do,
organizations need people with the skills to engage the public and raise awareness about issues
facing the Susquehanna River and the progress these organizations have made.
“There’s a future for students who are able to write about [environmental] issues,”
Mando says.
Nonprofits that work on environmental issues attract plenty of people with technical
backgrounds but have a need for individuals who can communicate these issues to a variety of
audiences-- a task the skilled writers and communicators of Millersville’s English department
can tackle, Mando believes.
At the heart of Mando’s class is RiverStewards’ Susquehanna Stories initiative-- a
multi-part, cumulative project that challenges students to explore (including a class kayak trip on
the river) and critically engage with the Susquehanna River.
The project allows students to tell stories of the river, highlighting key issues it faces.
These stories may take the shape of articles, poems, and even mini-documentaries-- all
communicating the struggles of maintaining a healthy, vibrant river ecology.
While this project currently involves only Millersville students, Mando hopes it will grow
into something much larger by getting additional colleges and their students involved. This will
lead to significant and positive impacts for the Susquehanna River while highlighting the need
for a broader, multidisciplinary approach to environmental science that connects the humanities
with other fields.
“I would like the Susquehanna Stories project to spread to other universities, so that what
we’re doing here connects to what students are doing all up and down the river,” Mando says.
He believes in the tremendous value of students throughout Pennsylvania going out and
exploring local environmental issues. He would also like to see a multi-disciplinary approach to
environmental issues advocacy, combining components of Environmental Advocacy Writing
with other classes like biology, geography, or even history classes.
Aside from its focus on the Susquehanna, Mando’s class encourages students to engage
with the many ways environmentalists, both past and present, communicate their message to a
variety of audiences.
Students read and discuss works by William Cronon, John Muir, and Rachel Carson,
among others.
Strong writers and skilled communicators within the humanities are ideal candidates for
41
advocating for both local and global environmental issues. Creating clear, accessible, and
compelling environmental communication is becoming increasingly more vital as we stand upon
a critical crossroads in our relationship with nature.
“A technocratic society is not the best society – where we say, ‘the scientists take care of
those problems; we’re over here doing different things,’” Mando says. “These issues we’re
facing are not just scientific problems – they’re problems that need addressed from multiple
angles. People in the humanities have a lot to offer in addressing these types of issues.”
Dr. Mando encourages students and professors interested in expanding environmental
advocacy into the humanities, building multi-disciplinary support for environmental advocacy,
and/or supporting the Susquehanna Stories Project to contact him by sending email to:
Justin.Mando@Millersville.edu.
Stories Invited
If you are a college professor located at an institute of higher learning within the
Susquehanna River watershed and would like to have your students involved in Susquehanna
Storytelling, please contact Jessica Aiello at RiverStewards by sending email to:
jessica@riverstewards.info.
RiverStewards is a consortium of educational institutions, private sector companies,
non-profit organizations, communities, government agencies and individuals working to
conserve one of our most significant ecological, economic and recreational resources in central
Pennsylvania, the Susquehanna River.
(Photo: Dr. Justin Mando, Millersville University.)
Kyle Steffish currently attends Millersville University and is majoring in Writing Studies with a
minor in Business Management. When he isn't busy with school work, Kyle likes to travel, hike,
explore the outdoors, and collect retro video games.
Related Story:
New RiverStewards Blog Posts Support Susquehanna River Student Storytelling Project
18-19
(Reprinted from the RiverStewards Blog. )

[Posted: Jan. 22, 2019]
42
Registration Now Open For PA Environmental Educators Conference In Philadelphia
March 18-19
The PA Association of Environmental

Educators is now accepting registrations for its
2019 Conference to be held March 18-19 at the
Renaissance Philadelphia Airport Hotel.
The Conference theme is-- Cityscapes &
Greenscapes-- which highlights how
environmental education intersects and/or spans
varied landscapes, urban, suburban, rural and
green spaces in between.
Over the years, the environmental education space has grown from just "greenscapes," to
now becoming a foundation for outdoor recreation, conservation initiatives, "green" city
planning, STEM education and more; so, it's time to highlight these methods of connection
through presentations at the Conference.
Each year our membership delivers high-quality workshops that give attendees
experiences to take back and apply to their practices, programming, facilities, partnerships and
staff.
For more information on programs, initiatives, resources and other upcoming events, visit
the PA Association of Environmental Educators website. Click Here to sign up for the PAEE
newsletter (bottom of page, left). Click Here to become a member. Click Here to support
PAEE’s work.
For Our Future
[Posted: Jan. 22, 2019]
DEP Accepting Grant Applications To Replace, Repower Or Retrofit Fleet Diesel Trucks,
Buses, Other Vehicles
43
On January 22, the Department of Environmental Protection announced it is now accepting grant
applications under the PA State Clean Diesel Grant Program to replace, repower, or retrofit fleet
diesel-powered trucks, buses, and other vehicles and equipment through the Driving PA Forward
Program. (f ormal notice)
The deadline for applications is February 28.
More than $2.6 million will be available due to the 2018 settlement with Volkswagen,
relating to emissions cheating.
“Reducing emissions from diesel engines is an important tool for improving the air we
breathe,” said DEP Secretary Patrick McDonnell. “Whether it is a school district upgrading their
school bus fleet or a private company repowering their delivery trucks, projects under the Clean
Diesel Grant Program lead to cleaner air and lower emissions.”
Mobile source emissions in Pennsylvania from sources like diesel engines account for
nearly half of nitrogen oxide pollution, which can lead to ground-level ozone formation and poor
air quality. Children and elderly residents are especially susceptible to health impacts such as
asthma from poor air quality.
Grants are available for both public and private entities, including school districts, local
governments, and nonprofit organizations.
Feb. 4 Webinar
A webinar on the PA State Clean Diesel Grant Program will be held on February 4
starting at 10:00. Click Here to register.
The application package, including guidance and application instructions, is available
electronically on DEP's Driving PA Forward webpage or by contacting the Bureau of Air
Quality by sending email to: ra-epvwmitigation@pa.gov or by calling 717-787-9495.
DEP will accept online applications only.
For more information on the program generally, visit the Driving PA Forward Program
webpage.
NewsClips:
Frazier: Residents, Environmental Groups Call For Clairton Coke (Coal) Plant To Go On Hot
Idle
Residents, Officials Push For Answers About Response To Clairton Coke (Coal) Works Fire
Mon Valley Residents, Advocacy Groups Call For More Action On Air Quality
Hopey: Passions Still Hot In Aftermath Of Coke (Coal) Works Fire
Frazier: Residents Question Air Quality Notification Delay After Clairton Coke (Coal) Works
Fire
Clairton Residents Demand Action After Coke Works Fire Caused Dangerous Emissions
Editorial: Achilles’ Heel: Bad Air Quality Requires More Attention In Western PA
Related Story:
PennDOT, Lebanon Transit Open CNG Transit Fueling Station
[Posted: Jan. 22, 2019]
PennDOT, Lebanon Transit Open CNG Transit Fueling Station
On January 22, the Department of

Transportation, Lebanon Transit and Trillium
CNG mark the opening of a Compressed Natural
44
Gas transit fueling station at 200 Willow Street in Lebanon.
Under the program, Lebanon Transit will convert eight buses to CNG. The authority
estimates saving roughly $50,000 annually based on current diesel costs and their diesel usage of
roughly 35,000 gallons per year.
Through the $84.5 million statewide P3 project, Trillium is designing, building,
financing, and will operate and maintain CNG fueling stations at 29 public transit agency sites
through a 20-year P3 agreement. Thirteen fueling stations are now open.
“This innovative program is helping transit agencies save on fuel costs while allowing
them to move to a cleaner burning fuel,” Governor Wolf said. “These are important steps to
helping us improve the quality of life across Pennsylvania.”
Other stations will be constructed over the next several years, and Trillium is also making
CNG-related upgrades to existing transit maintenance facilities.
“Pennsylvania is now a leading producer of natural gas, and this initiative aims to take
advantage of that new, cleaner burning fuel source,” said PennDOT Deputy Secretary for
Multimodal Jennie Granger. “PennDOT is excited to partner on this program that will bring
benefits for the state, transit agencies, and the public for years to come.”
Click Here for the complete announcement and list of CNG facilities.
NewsClips:
Idle
Fire
Related Story:
DEP Accepting Grant Applications To Replace, Repower Or Retrofit Fleet Diesel Trucks, Buses,
Other Vehicles
[Posted: Jan. 22, 2019]
PUC Now Accepting Comments On Home Energy Cost Affordability Report
The Public Utility Commission is now

accepting comments on a report on home
energy-- electric and natural gas-- burdens
for low-income Pennsylvanians. Initial
comments are due March 11. (f ormal notice)
On January 17, the Commission voted 5-0 to
release the report, “Home Energy
Affordability for Low-Income Customers in
Pennsylvania,” prepared by Commission
staff.
The report found low-income households,
45
even with the help of utility customer assistance programs, still had a higher energy cost burden--
8 to 10 percent of income for heating customers-- than those not participating-- 4 percent--
regardless of heating, non-heating or energy type.
The federal Low-Income Home Energy Assistance Program, which is separate from
utility customer assistance programs, had a measurable impact on reducing the energy cost
burden of CAP customers by approximately 5 to 6 percentage points for gas heating, 6 to 8
percentage points for electric non-heating, and approximately 7 to 9 percentage points for
electric heating.
The report said these findings, however, do not meet the desired outcome called for in
PUC guidance for customer assistance programs.
Although nearly 8 in 10 Pennsylvanians live in urban areas, households in rural areas
may experience the highest energy burden levels due to poor housing stock, the report said.
Focusing energy-efficient education and weatherization services can help to reduce the energy
burden disparity in these areas and help make CAPs more effective.
The report also noted energy efficiency and conservation can play major roles in making
energy bills more affordable. The impact of these programs on energy burden levels, however,
was not measured as part of this study.
This report is the Commission’s starting point for an evaluation of the effectiveness of
customer assistance programs (CAPs) and other Universal Service programs that are intended to
help low-income consumers maintain essential utility services.
A key factor of this review involves examination of the “energy burden,” which refers to
the percentage of household income that is dedicated to paying energy-related utility bills.
“The energy burden for low-income customers in Pennsylvania is higher than most
comparable states,” said Vice Chairman David W. Sweet, who issued a statement at the
Commission’s public meeting. “We now need to determine if there is sufficient funding for
assistance programs and also whether there needs to be more efficient oversight of them.”
“There are questions that are yet to be answered before we can put forth a final
recommendation,” said Commissioner Andrew G. Place in his statement. “I look forward to the
continued engagement with stakeholders as we progress. This continues to be an important and
complex undertaking, a task to which we remain committed.”
Along with publication of the Home Energy Affordability report, the Commission
requested additional information from the natural gas and electric utilities to be filed by February
19, 2019.
After that additional utility information has been filed, interested parties will have a
20-day period to submit written comments for consideration by the Commission (until March 11,
2019), and another 15 days for reply comments (until March 26, 2019).
Comments and reply comments may be submitted using the Commission’s e-filing
system or printed copies may be filed with the Secretary of the PUC, referencing Docket
#M-2017-2587711, at the following address: Public Utility Commission, Commonwealth
Keystone Building, 400 North Street, Harrisburg, Pennsylvania 17120.
Click Here for a copy of the report. Questions should be directed to Joseph Magee by
sending email to: jmagee@pa.gov or calling 717-772-1204.
Stakeholder Meeting Feb. 6
Also, as part of the review and comment process, the Commission will convene a
stakeholder meeting on February 6, from 1 p.m. to 3 p.m., in Harrisburg, to allow discussion of
46
the report among interested parties and Commission staff.
A Universal Service Reporting Working Group consisting of Commission staff, utilities,
and stakeholders will be established to address inconsistencies and limitations in utility data.
The Pennsylvania Public Utility Code requires that universal service and energy
conservation programs be developed, maintained, and appropriately funded to serve low-income
customers.
Affordability concerns have been raised in cases before the Commission – and the
Commission has stated in the past that energy burden levels in Pennsylvania may be too high and
that policies may need to be revised. The Commission’s CAP Policy Statement was
promulgated in 1992 and revised in 1999.
A 2017 Commission order directed staff to initiate a study to determine what constitutes
an affordable energy burden for the state’s low-income households and, based on this analysis,
whether any changes are needed to bring CAP and Universal Service programs into alignment
with affordability recommendations.
That study resulted in the report released January 17.
Related Story:
Penn State Chosen By U.S. Dept. Of Energy To Help Modernize Power Grid
[Posted: Jan. 25, 2019]
By Erin Cassidy Hendrik, Penn State News
In an effort to modernize and reimagine the

United States' power grid, Penn State
researchers have qualified for a highly selective,
innovative competition sponsored by the U.S.
Department of Energy.
The Penn State team of researchers, one of only
ten universities chosen for the Grid
Optimization Competition's first challenge, is
led by Uday V. Shanbhag, the Gary and Sheila
Bello Chair and professor in the Harold and Inge
Marcus Department of Industrial and
Manufacturing Engineering.
"As the United States begins incorporating more renewable energy sources, there are
some new and unique challenges that today's infrastructure simply can't handle," Shanbhag said.
Announced by the Advanced Research Projects Agency-Energy (ARPA-E) within the
DOE, the competition challenges researchers from universities and national laboratories to solve
the fundamental issues facing the electricity infrastructure, while addressing the concerns that
widespread renewable energy sources will introduce in the future.
The Network
"With a network as large as the U.S. power grid, the optimization problems we need to
solve are incredibly large and complex," Shanbhag said.
Not only does every power generation facility — including wind, solar, coal, nuclear, and
47
hydroelectric sources — need to route their energy in a responsive, cost-conserving way, there
are also an enormous number of contingencies that arise at a moment's notice.
With the first round of funding, the teams are being challenged to design algorithms that
address the next generation of security-constrained optimal power flow (OPF), essentially
finding ways to provide electricity more quickly, efficiently, safely and reliably within the
current grid.
Distinct from past models, the new set of models are complicated by the need to model
the flow of electricity, as governed by power flow equations, with much higher fidelity.
Using the mathematical principles of optimization, the software controlling the grid
signals that a certain set of generators need to be "dispatched'' to meet current demand.
But if one of those generators fails, Shanbhag said, "Can the algorithm controlling the
power grid take recourse and keep the lights on?"
"Providing for every contingency possible in a network like this, serving more than 65
million nodes, it's a large and nasty problem," Shanbhag said. "And it is one that has to be solved
every ten minutes."
Over the past few decades, the models used in the power grid have been adapted to
handle these situations.
"But in their expanded, nonlinear form, it is computationally challenging, so coarse
approximations were used," Shanbhag said. "But now, it is essential to consider more accurate
models that are complicated by size and uncertainty.''
Between the sheer number of customers, the speed in which contingencies need to be
solved, and the fluctuating nature of renewable energies like solar and wind power, the nation is
ready for the next generation of power grid technology.
The Challenge
Innovating these solutions places a Herculean, but inspiring, challenge ahead of the team.
"There are many reasons why this is a daunting mathematical and computational
challenge, and why Dr. Shanbhag's vision for computationally efficient solution methods could
be a major game changer," said Hosam Fathy, the Bryant Early Career Professor of Mechanical
Engineering. "If the Penn State team wins this competition, it will be an indication that we have
made substantial strides in the stochastic grid optimization domain, thereby paving the way
towards significant leaps in how the electric power grid is operated both now and in the future."
Their approach will focus on creating a method that is able to both scale appropriately
with the size of the underlying optimization problem and address the underlying nonlinearity.
The underlying code needs to be able to adapt instantaneously, while also conserving
computing resources so the system does not become overburdened.
"With this mindset, the power grid will be able to better deal with the challenges
expected to emerge in future power systems," said Mort Webster, professor of energy and
mineral engineering in the College of Earth and Mineral Sciences.
Their project will also aim to develop the mathematical tools to enable a trustworthy
infrastructure well into the future.
The Next Phase
In the next phase of the competition, ARPA-E will provide each team with sample data
from the power grid to test their algorithms.
"We'll take this actual network information, apply our algorithms, and see how well we
do!" Shanbhag said.
48
Participants that develop scalable schemes for finding minimum-cost solutions to these
problems will advance to the next round.
"Penn State's research institute model has been crucial in developing a foundation for this
work, as well as facilitating the current research," Shanbhag said. "In fact, the Institute of Energy
and the Environment provided crucial seed funding that fueled the conceptualization of these
schemes and the Institute of CyberScience has been tremendously helpful as we attempt to
develop efficient algorithms for such problems."
The Team
Capitalizing on interdisciplinary strengths, a team was assembled from the College of
Engineering and the College of Earth and Mineral Science, and also includes of Nilanjan Ray
Chaudhuri, assistant professor of electrical engineering and computer science; Chiara Lo Prete,
assistant professor of energy economics; and Minghui Zhu, assistant professor of electrical
engineering.
This team brings together a diversity of methodological backgrounds in stochastic
optimization, nonlinear/nonconvex optimization, and control theory, with domain interests in
power systems, electricity market design and operation, and battery modeling and energy
storage.
"Penn State has always been a global leader in energy systems research, but in order to
maintain this leadership we need to join forces across different disciplines in order to build
larger, cohesive teams in the energy area," said Fathy.
Collectively, the group was chosen to include experience with both the theoretical and
applied principles surrounding sophisticated power systems, with a particular emphasis on
addressing the new questions that are posed by renewable energy.
"The hope was to build a team at Penn State that is not just capable of solving today's
energy problems, but also to establish a research infrastructure for the future of power systems
and markets," Shanbhag said.
According to Fathy, given the University's pursuit to be at the forefront of a re-imagined
energy infrastructure, this competition and team of researchers presents a critical turning point.
"This is an example of what Penn State's Energy University initiative is about. It is not
about our individual successes within our individual research silos, but rather about how we
come together to do something much bigger," said Fathy.
"By bringing these minds together," Shanbhag said, "we believe that we have a chance to
solve this problem."
Related Story:
PUC Now Accepting Comments On Home Energy Cost Affordability Study
(Reprinted from Penn State News.)

[Posted: Jan. 25, 2019]
The 2019 Pennsylvania Solar Congress will be held on February 24 at the Community Forge,
1256 Franklin Avenue in Pittsburgh from 9:30 a.m. to 4:00 p.m.
The Solar Congress is a free public conference that brings together solar supporters from
across the state to learn and discuss the current state and future for solar energy in Pennsylvania.
49
The day will include a series of presentations about solar technology and policy topics as
well as ways to get involved with growing solar in Pennsylvania.
The day will conclude with a participatory open forum for all attendees to discuss the
priorities and opportunities that solar supporters in Pennsylvania should focus on in the coming
year.
Click Here to RSVP or for more information This event is free and open to the public.
Related Stories:
[Posted: Jan. 24, 2019]
U.S. EIA Energy Outlook: Renewables Share Of Electricity Generation To Almost Double
By 2050, Coal Continues To Drop
On January 24, the U.S. Energy Information

Agency reported in its 2019 Annual Energy
Outlook that electricity generation from
renewables will nearly double between now
and 2050 from 18 to 31 percent and coal-fired
generation will drop from 28 to 17 percent.
Natural gas generation will continue to
increase from 34 to 39 percent by 2050 and
nuclear energy generation will fall slightly
from 19 to 12 percent.
As noted, the power sector experiences a notable shift in fuels used to generate
electricity, driven in part by historically low natural gas prices. Increased natural gas-fired
electricity generation; larger shares of intermittent renewables; and additional retirements of less
economic existing coal and nuclear plants occur during the projection period.
The continuing decline in natural gas prices and increasing penetration of renewable
electricity generation have resulted in lower wholesale electricity prices, changes in utilization
rates, and operating losses for a large number of baseload coal and nuclear generators.
Assumptions of declining costs and improving performance make wind and solar
increasingly competitive compared with other renewable resources in the Reference case
(existing policy assumptions).
Most of the wind generation increase occurs in the near term, when new projects enter
service ahead of the expiration of key federal production tax credits.
Solar Investment Tax Credits (ITC) phase down after 2024, but solar generation growth
continues because the costs for solar continue to fall faster than for other sources.
U.S. EIA also reported increasing energy efficiency across end-use sectors keeps U.S.
50
energy consumption relatively flat, even as the U.S. economy continues to expand.
With respect to carbon dioxide emissions, U.S. EIA said in the Reference case, the CO2
intensities of the residential and commercial sectors decline less than 1 percent when only their
direct CO2 intensities are counted.
When the electric power sector energy is distributed to the end-use sectors, the residential
and commercial sectors decline by 11 percent and 10 percent, respectively, while the industrial
sector declines by 11 percent. Transportation carbon intensity declines by 5 percent.
As a point of reference, the Reference case using existing policy assumptions, will clearly
not yield enough carbon dioxide reductions to meet the 80 percent or more in reductions needed
to prevent significant climate disruptions.
Click Here for a copy of the complete report.
Related Stories:
[Posted: Jan. 25, 2019]
The Hershey Company Announces New Environmental, Climate Initiatives To

Significantly Reduce Its Impact On The Planet
On January 24, The Hershey Company, based in

Hershey, PA, announced from Kakum National
Park in Southern Ghana a package of
environmental initiatives and commitments,
including establishing a new comprehensive
environmental policy, signing the United Nations
Global Compact (UNGC) and joining the Science
Based Targets initiative.
In addition, Hershey is launching the Kakum Cocoa
Agroforestry Landscape Program, focused on
improving the well-being of cocoa farmers and
their families and strengthening the region’s
socio-economic and ecological resilience to climate
change.
“Hershey has long demonstrated its belief that business has a responsibility to help
protect our communities and the planet we all share,” said Michele Buck, Hershey President and
Chief Executive Officer. “Together, these strategic environmental policies and initiatives will
further strengthen how Hershey operates, creating a positive social impact from farm to finished
product.”
Hershey’s environmental journey began nearly a decade ago when the company set its
first carbon reduction targets and soon after began to transition most of its manufacturing
51
facilities to “zero waste to landfill.”
This announcement of new initiatives elevates the company’s commitment to
environmental stewardship and reflects its belief that commercial enterprises must do their part
to protect the planet.
Environmental Policy
Hershey recognizes that climate change is an increasing threat to the health of the planet,
and the company’s new comprehensive environmental policy seeks to make meaningful and
sustainable change in its impact on the environment.
The policy supports the company’s sustainability strategy, called Our Shared Goodness
Promise, and creates a framework that will guide future business decisions that have an impact
on the environment.
It also aligns with the Paris Climate Agreement and supports the UN’s Sustainable
Development Goals.
Hershey will leverage available data science and engage qualified external stakeholders
to inform the company’s environmental strategy.
United Nations Global Compact
Hershey has joined the United Nations Global Compact (UNGC), a voluntary initiative
that encourages businesses from around the world to adopt sustainable and socially responsible
policies and to report on their implementation.
The compact is based on a commitment to implement universal sustainability principles
and to take steps to support UN Sustainable Development Goals.
Through this partnership, UNGC will help guide Hershey to conduct business more
responsibly by aligning strategies and operations with 10 principles focused on the environment,
human rights, labor and anti-corruption, while taking substantive actions to advance broader
societal goals.
Science-Based Targeting
Hershey also will join the Science Based Targets initiative, a global effort that champions
the latest in climate science to set science-based targets as an effective way to help companies
transition to a low-carbon economy.
The initiative is a collaboration between CDP (formerly Carbon Development Project),
the UNGC, World Resources Institute and the World Wildlife Fund.
Hershey has begun the two-year process of developing science-based targets that
encompass the company’s total environmental footprint.
Kakum Cocoa Agroforestry Landscape Program
The Hershey Company has joined forces with cocoa supplier Ecom, Ghana’s Nature
Conservation Research Centre, the Ghana Forestry Commission and the Ghana Cocoa Board to
launch an initiative to protect the forest surrounding the Kakum National Park in Southern Ghana
and create a more sustainable cocoa agroforestry system.
The program is designed to benefit more than 100,000 people in the region and enhance
the livelihoods of local cocoa farmers and strengthen the socio-economic and ecological
resilience to climate change across this 118,000 sq. hectare landscape.
The program is part of the company’s commitment as a member of the Cocoa Forest
Initiative (CFI) and supports Hershey’s half-billion-dollar Cocoa For Good sustainability
strategy.
The program seeks to drive zero deforestation and create long-term systemic change with
52
increased agroforestry and shade grown cocoa along with landscape governance and community
empowerment.
Hershey’s CFI commitment was made last year in partnership with the World Cocoa
Foundation and 11 other leading cocoa and chocolate companies with a goal to end deforestation
and forest degradation in the global cocoa supply chain. The work will focus initially on Côte
d’Ivoire and Ghana.
Hershey’s no deforestation work includes three pillars: forest protection and restoration,
sustainable production and farmer livelihoods, and community engagement and social inclusion.
“Protecting forests and preserving the natural resources of the cocoa-growing areas here
in West Africa is good for society and the bottom line,” added Hershey’s Jeff King, Senior
Director of Global Sustainability and Social Impact. “Our commitment to forest protection aligns
perfectly with our sourcing partners in the region and we know that by combining resources we
will have greater impact on these communities and surrounding landscapes.”
“We are excited by the pioneering commitment that Hershey has shown to the Kakum
Program here in Ghana, and to the environment globally,” said Rebecca Ashley Asare, Director
of Programmes & Research, Nature Conservation Research Centre in Ghana. “This program will
demonstrate that at scale, cocoa agroforestry practices can transform how the crop is farmed in
Ghana and beyond. And through the partnership, we can increase resilience and adaptability by
reaching all the way to individual farmers with resources that can reduce deforestation and loss
of ecosystem services through community-based landscape governance mechanism.”
For more information on its sustainability and environmental initiatives, visit Hershey’s
Shared Business webpage.
Related Stories:
[Posted: Jan. 24, 2019]
Just a reminder the Department of Conservation and

Natural Resources is now accepting applications for
its Community Conservation Partnerships Program
grants. The deadline for applications is April 10.
Local governments and recreation and conservation
organizations are encouraged to apply for funding to
assist with:
-- Planning, acquisition, and development of public
parks
-- Recreation areas
-- Motorized and non-motorized trails (ATV and
snowmobile)
53
-- River conservation and access
-- Stream buffers
-- Conservation of open space
Grants also support regional and statewide partnerships that build capacity to better
develop and manage resources.
Two webinars have been scheduled to help applicants create a competitive grant
application:
-- January 30, from 10:00 - 11:30 a.m. -- Grants for locally based recreation, conservation, trail,
and stream buffer projects, Click Here to register.
-- February 27, from 110:00 - 11:30 a.m. -- Grants for public recreation, conservation, or
heritage-area initiatives undertaken across a statewide or regional landscape, Click Here to
register.
For more information, visit DCNR’s Community Conservation Partnership Grant
Program webpage.
More information on the full range of DCNR grant opportunities is available on the
DCNR Grants webpage.
CFA Accepting Applications
The Commonwealth Financing Authority will accept applications from February 1 to
May 31 for its Act 13 Watershed Restoration and Recreation Grants. Click Here for more.
Forest Buffer Summit
Registration is now open for the DCNR and Western PA Conservancy Pennsylvania
Riparian Forest Buffer Summit on February 20-21 at the Best Western Premier Conference
Center, 800 East Park Drive in Harrisburg. Click Here for more.
Related Stories:
Stormwater Runoff
for your own copy.)
[Posted: Jan. 24, 2019]
The PA Environmental Council is now accepting

applications for Laurel Highlands Conservation Landscape
Mini-Grants to support projects in Somerset, Fayette,
Cambria, and Westmoreland counties. The deadline for
applications is February 21.
Mini-grants of $1,000 to $5,000 for projects are available to
support and advance conservation and outdoor recreation in
the Laurel Highlands Conservation Landscape are
available.
Local governments, registered Pennsylvania nonprofits,
county conservation districts, and learning institutions are
54
encouraged to apply.
A total of $50,000 in grant funding is available. All mini-grants require a one-to-one
match -- the mini-grant cannot exceed 50 percent of the total project costs.
Funding for these grants is provided by the Department of Conservation and Natural
Resources.
For more information and to apply, visit PEC’s Laurel Highlands Conservation
Landscape Mini-Grants webpage. Questions should be directed to Marla Meyer Papernick, PEC,
412-481-9400 or send email to: mpapernick@pecpa.org.
(Photo: Boaters pass Latrobe Hospital on the Loyalhanna Water Trail.)
Related Stories:
for your own copy.)
[Posted: Jan. 24, 2019]
PA Wilds Center Now Seeking 2019 Champion Of PA Wilds Award Nominations
The PA Wilds Center for Entrepreneurship, Inc. is

now accepting nominations for the 2019 PA Wilds
Champion Awards. The deadline of nominations is
July 1.
The prestigious PA Wilds Champion Awards
are given out annually to individuals, groups,
organizations, communities and businesses that in the
last year have made significant contributions to help grow and sustainably develop the outdoor
recreation economy and nature tourism in the Pennsylvania Wilds in a way that creates jobs,
diversifies local economies, inspires stewardship and improves quality of life.
The Pennsylvania Wilds region includes the counties of Warren, Forest, Elk, Potter,
McKean, Tioga, Clinton, Lycoming, Clearfield, Jefferson, Cameron and Clarion, Northern
Centre.
The region’s 12 county governments, visitor bureaus and many local organizations
participate in the effort, along with Department of Conservation & Natural Resources and
Department of Community & Economic Development.
“Based on feedback we received, we’re excited to move this important event to later in
the year, creating a longer window for nominations and planning. As the PA Wilds initiative
grows, our partner network is growing. We have so many new leaders, businesses, youth,
conservation movements, community revitalization groups and more involved in the work – we
really needed the extra time in the calendar year to be sure we’re covering all these participants
and that the public has ample time to nominate their champions. The PA Wilds initiative is and
has always been a people movement,” said Ta Enos, Executive Director of the PA Wilds Center.
“The PA Wilds champions represent the very best of our rural communities each year; their
enthusiasm is contagious and inspiring.”
55
Award winners will be recognized at a special dinner on November 7 at the Dubois
Country Club.
Click Here to make nominations or for more information.
For more information on programs, initiatives and other upcoming events, visit the PA
Wilds Center for Entrepreneurship, Inc. website.
[Posted: Jan. 22, 2019]
DCNR Blog: Planning For A Healthy State Forest System
The definition of management is the process of

dealing with or controlling things or people.
You may think that when it comes to the
forest, we just let nature take its course. Managing
the 2.2 million acre state forest system is a big part
of the mission of DCNR’s Bureau of Forestry.
Why Manage the Forest?
Forests are an important part of our state’s
environment and economy. We manage them to
make sure they remain healthy, and continue to
provide:
-- Clean water sources
-- Wildlife habitat
-- Sustainable harvests of timber for forest products
-- Beautiful places to enjoy and be active outdoors
-- Some of the things that impact the health of the forest are:
-- Destructive insects
-- Diseases
-- Fire
-- Impacts from people, roads, and industry
Statewide Forest Management Planning
Achieving the Bureau of Forestry’s mission requires the teamwork of thousands of
dedicated professionals, whose combined efforts are guided by the State Forest Resource
Management Plan.
It is the primary instrument that DCNR’s Bureau of Forestry uses to plan, coordinate, and
communicate its management of the state forest system.
The plan includes the broad policies, goals and objectives, and operational guidelines to
ensure the overarching goal of state forest management -- sustainability.
DCNR’s Bureau of Forestry developed its first written statewide plan for Pennsylvania’s
state forests in 1955. This plan was subsequently revised in 1970, 1985, 2003, 2007, and 2016.
Local State Forest Management Planning
There are limitations of a statewide plan as it applies to local forest district management.
That’s why DCNR also crafts plans specific to each of the 20 forest districts in Pennsylvania.
These district plans carry forth a greater degree of local specificity in terms of forest
resource management.
Public involvement is a critical component of the bureau’s planning process. In
56
developing all of the district plans, public input is sought by a variety of means, including public
meetings and online surveys.
In December, the Bureau of Forestry completed the final public meeting for the draft
District State Forest Resource Management Plans.
The bureau held 20 public meetings between May and December of 2018, and drafted 20
district plans covering the entire Commonwealth.
District plans provide an overview of district resources and operations on state forest
land. They also set district-level and landscape-level priority management goals, covering
multiple state forest resources and values, such as:
-- Plant and wildlife habitat enhancements
-- Recreational opportunities
-- Sustainable timber harvesting
-- Environmentally sound natural gas extraction
A two-month public comment period follows each meeting. Online surveys are still
available for the meetings held during the end of 2018. They can be found on each state forest
district’s respective webpage.
Although some surveys are still open, a preliminary analysis of results from online
surveys indicates:
-- Hiking, seeking peace and solitude, and wildlife viewing are the three most common uses of
state forest land.
-- The top three values that survey respondents place on state forest land are outdoor recreation
(such as hiking, biking, and picnicking), provision of plant and wildlife habitat, and provision of
clean air and water.
-- The top three threats that survey respondents see for state forest land are coal, natural gas, and
mineral extraction, forest pests (including plants, insects, and disease), and forest loss due to
development.
Through this winter and early spring, the Bureau of Forestry will be busy incorporating
peer comments and public input into the district plans. The plans are anticipated to provide the
framework for district operations for a period of 5-10 years.
The plans should be completed by summer, with the final plans being posted on
respective state forest district webpages.
For more information, visit DCNR’s State Forest Resource Management Plan webpage.
NewsClips:
Westmoreland Sawmill Tour Highlights Changing Lumber Industry
Blair County Lawmakers Renew Push To Ease Allegheny National Forest Drilling Restrictions
Forests - Wildfires
Deadly 2017 California Wildfire Caused By Homeowner Equipment, Not Utility
Related Stories:
Earth Conservancy Donates 407 Acres To Pinchot State Forest In Luzerne County
PA Environmental Defense Foundation Urges DCNR To Manage Drilling In State Forests
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Consistent With The Environmental Rights Amendment Court Decision
(Reprinted from the DCNR Blog Good Natured.)

[Posted: Jan. 24, 2019]
The Department of Conservation and Natural

Resources Secretary Cindy Adams Dunn announced
that 407 acres will be added to the Pinchot State
Forest District near Wilkes-Barre, Luzerne County.
Donated by the Earth Conservancy, the land provides
connectivity to adjacent sections of Pinchot State
Forest, including a wild trout stream and its Seven
Tubs Recreation Area, and supports completion of a
final portion of the D&L Trail.
“With its proximity to existing Pinchot state
forestlands, and the watershed protection and public
access it provides, this tract is an invaluable acquisition for Pennsylvania’s state forest system,”
Dunn said. “The Earth Conservancy has again proven itself a strong ally in our bid to expand and
enhance Pinchot State Forest.”
Located in Laurel Run Borough and Plains and Wilkes-Barre townships, the newly
acquired land adjoins the Deep Hollow Tract of the Pinchot State Forest.
The property includes a section of the former Delaware and Lehigh railroad bed, under
development by the North Branch Land Trust to be part of the 165-mile D&L Trail.
Eventually connecting the Seven Tubs Recreation Area with the East Northampton Street
in Wilkes-Barre Township, this nearly 6-mile section of rail trail will be donated to the Bureau of
Forestry.
“We are extremely pleased to have collaborated on this project,” said Earth Conservancy
President and CEO Mike Dziak. “Earth Conservancy intends to conserve 10,000 acres for
recreation and greenspace, as part of its mission. This tract not only moves us closer to our goal,
but also adds a critical piece needed to complete the D&L Trail. We’re excited to be part of
something that will have so many benefits, not just for the region, but for outdoor enthusiasts
across the Commonwealth.”
The second longest rail trail in the state, D&L Trail stretches north along the Delaware &
Lehigh National Heritage Corridor from Bristol, Bucks County, to Mountain Top, Luzerne
County.
Pinchot State Forest honors the late Gifford Pinchot, pioneering American forester who
served as first chief of the United States Forest Service from 1905 until 1910. He also served two
terms as Pennsylvania governor.
The district bearing his name includes 49,081 acres of state forestland in Lackawanna,
Luzerne, Wyoming, Susquehanna, and Wayne counties.
58
Related Stories:
Natural Lands Places 137-Acres Of Historic Ker-Feal Property Under Conservation Easement In
Chester County
DCNR Now Accepting Applications For Parks, Recreation, Trail, Buffer, Conservation Grants
Registration Now Open For PA Land Conservation Conference May 16-18 In Monroe County
for your own copy.)
[Posted: Jan. 24, 2019]
Natural Lands Places 137-Acres Of Historic Ker-Feal Property Under Conservation

Easement In Chester County
On January 25, Natural Lands announced it has

placed a conservation easement on 137 acres of
the historic Ker-Feal property located in West
Pikeland, Chester County.
Ker-Feal was built in 1775 and purchased by Dr.
Albert C. Barnes, founder of the Barnes
Foundation, and his wife Laura in 1940 for use as
a country getaway.
Natural Lands partnered with The Barnes
Foundation, Chester County, and West Pikeland
Township to conserve the property.
A conservation easement is a legal agreement that permanently limits uses of land in
order to protect its conservation values. Conservation easements must provide public benefits,
such as scenic views, water quality, wildlife habitat, and historic preservation.
The Ker-Feal conservation easement ensures that development of the property is
restricted in perpetuity.
Many associate Dr. Albert Barnes with the priceless art collection he displayed in
Merion, Montgomery County, which was relocated to the Benjamin Franklin Parkway in
Philadelphia in 2012.
Dr. Barnes and his wife, Laura Leggett Barnes, acquired an 18th century farmhouse in
Chester Springs, Chester County in 1940 and called it “Ker-Feal.” Named after Barnes’s favorite
dog, Fidèle de Port Manech, Ker-Feal translates to "Fidèle's House" in Breton. He adopted the
Brittany spaniel mix on a trip to France.
Notably, this easement protects and formalizes the status of the Horse-Shoe Trail, which
cuts through Ker-Feal. The 140-mile Horse-Shoe Trail runs from Valley Forge National
Historical Park to Harrisburg and crosses parks, game lands, and private property.
While the Horse-Shoe Trail has always been on the Ker-Feal property, its status was
never formalized until now.
“This is a success story on many levels—for open space, for history, and for outdoor
recreation,” said Oliver Bass, president of Natural Lands. “We are pleased to play a part in
59
protecting this remarkable landscape.”
“We are grateful to Natural Lands, Chester County, and West Pikeland Township for the
opportunity to preserve the open space and rural character of Ker-Feal for future generations.
The proceeds from the easement have been designated by our board to be added to the Barnes
Foundation’s endowment to further our educational mission,” said Thom Collins, executive
director and president of the Barnes Foundation.
In a joint statement, Chester County Commissioners Michelle Kichline, Kathi Cozzone,
and Terence Farrell said: “This investment is a win-win for all of the conservation easement
partners and the citizens of Chester County, and we are pleased to be able to help facilitate the
preservation of the Ker-Feal acreage. This project is a perfect example of why Chester County is
lauded for its ‘quality of place,’ and knowing that the proceeds will provide funding for the
Barnes Foundation’s educational mission is a bonus. Yes, it is a win-win.”
“West Pikeland Township is grateful for the work done by the West Pikeland Land Trust
and Natural Lands in working towards the preservation of this special property,” said Charlie
Humphreys, chairman of the West Pikeland Township Board of Supervisors. “We also thank the
Barnes Foundation for working with us to keep and enhance this historic resource.”
“The Horse-Shoe Trail Conservancy is immensely grateful to Natural Lands, West
Pikeland Township, and the Barnes Foundation for formally protecting the trail through
Ker-Feal,” said Ingrid Cantarella-Fox, president of the Horse-Shoe Trail Conservancy. “This
mile-long section can now keep to the bucolic route laid out in 1935 when the trail was first
established; running along the fields and through the woods on the eastern edge of the property,
entirely off the road.”
Support for this conservation success came from Chester County and West Pikeland
Township.
For more information on programs, initiatives and upcoming events, visit the Natural
Lands website. Click Here to sign up for regular updates from Natural Lands and Like them on
Facebook. Click Here to support their activities.
Related Stories:
[Posted: Jan. 25, 2019]
Registration Now Open For PA Land Conservation Conference May 16-18 In Monroe
County
The PA Land Trust Association is now accepting

registrations for the 2019 PA Land Conservation
Conference to be held May 16-18 at the Skytop Lodge
in Monroe County.
The theme of the Conference this year is Beyond
Boundaries: United To Protect Land and Water.
60
With nearly 60 sessions (including mobile workshops, roundtables, and full-day
seminars), specialized tracks and professional credits, it has never been easier to develop a
conference agenda designed just for you.
Join conservation professionals from across Pennsylvania and beyond in registering for
the networking, training and inspirational event of the year.
Early bird rates in effect before March 1.
Click Here to register, the Conference agenda and much more.
For more information on programs, initiatives and upcoming events, visit the PA Land
Trust Association website, Click Here to sign up for regular updates from PLTA, Like them on
Facebook, and Follow them on Twitter. Click Here to support their work.
Related Stories:
Chester County
[Posted: Jan. 21, 2019]
Jan. 23 Resource Newsletter Now Available From DCNR
The January 23 issue of the Resource

newsletter is now available from the
Department of Conservation and Natural
Resources featuring stories on--
-- DCNR Blog: Planning For A Healthy State
Forest System
-- Clarion River Named 2019 PA River Of The
Year
-- Earth Conservancy Donates 407 Acres To
Pinchot State Forest In Luzerne County
-- DCNR: New Wild Plant Regulations Now In
Place In PA
-- PA State Parks, Forests Offering Visitors A Winter Playground
-- Health, DCNR Highlights Importance Of Naloxone Availability In State Parks, Forests
-- Good Natured Pennsylvanian: Steph Stonsick, Wildlife Rehabilitator
-- Gov. Wolf Sets Goal Of Reducing Greenhouse Gas Emissions By 80% By 2050
-- DCNR Accepting Applications For Parks, Recreation, Trail, Buffer Conservation Grants
-- Penn State Extension Woods In Your Backyard Webinar Series For Forest Landowners
-- Register Now For Pennsylvania Riparian Forest Buffer Summit Feb. 20-21
-- Funding Available For Chesapeake Bay Watershed Communities To Reduce Polluted
Stormwater Runoff
-- Applications Being Accepted For Laurel Highlands Conservation Mini-Grants
-- First Day Hikers Log Almost 8,000 Miles In PA On New Year’s Day
-- Click Here to sign up for your own copy
61
DCNR’s website, Visit the Good Natured DCNR Blog, Click Here for upcoming events, Click
Here to hook up with DCNR on other social media-- Facebook, Twitter, YouTube and Flickr.
(Photo: Sugar Run in P
ymatuning State Park, Crawford County.)
[Posted: Jan. 24, 2019]
Wildlands Conservancy Highlights Programs Coming Up In February
On January 24, the Lehigh Valley-based Wildlands

Conservancy highlighted education and other
programs coming up in February. They include--
-- Feb. 9: Nature Treks Pancake Hike
-- Feb. 14: Snowshoe Or Stroll With Your
Sweetheart
-- Feb. 14: PreK Pathfinders Bunny Buddies
-- Feb. 17: Great Backyard Bird Count
-- Every Saturday and Sunday Project FeederWatch
-- Save The Date: Lehigh River Sojourn June
22-24
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.
[Posted: Jan. 24, 2019]
Tickets Now On Sale For April 5 Wildlife For Everyone We Love Wild Things & Wild
Places Gala
Tickets are now on sale for the Wildlife For Everyone

Foundation We Love Wild Things And Wild Places
Gala on April 5 at the Nittany Lion Inn in State College,
Centre County.
This special event will feature live music and dinner as
well as a presentation by Game Commission wildlife
biologist Mark Ternent.
Click Here to purchase tickets or sponsor this event.
Questions should be directed to Judy Onufrak at
814-238-8138 or send email to: info@wildlifeforeveryone.org.
For more information on programs, initiatives and how you can get involved, visit the
Wildlife For Everyone Foundation website.
[Posted: Jan. 25, 2019]
Good Natured Pennsylvanian: Steph Stonsick, Wildlife Rehabilitator
Steph Stonsick began her wildlife rehabilitation journey 12

years ago while residing in San Diego, Ca., when she
62
volunteered at a local nonprofit wildlife rehabilitation organization.
She learned how to feed baby songbirds, handle shorebirds, and then birds of prey;
however, her interest in bat rehabilitation started when the organization rescued all native
southern California species with the exception of bats.
Steph initiated their first bat rescue and rehabilitation protocol while mentoring under a
bat rehabilitator.
After relocating back to her home state of Pennsylvania and working as a bat rehabilitator
for a local wildlife rehabilitation center, Steph established the Pennsylvania Bat Rescue in Berks
County in 2014.
Steph and her team of volunteers provide medical evaluation, examination, diagnosis, and
treatment for bats, with the ultimate goal of releasing bats back into their natural habitat and a
second chance to fly the night sky!
Running a bat rescue is no easy undertaking. Bats are normally a species not accepted at
other wildlife rehab centers. In addition, PA Bat Rescue efforts are supported solely by public
contributions. They do not receive any grants or financial assistance from state or federal
agencies.
At any given time, there are 30-50 bats under their care, and more than 200 bats being
cared for each year! Balancing the responsibilities of being a wildlife rehabilitator with family
and work can be challenging.
Winter and summer seasons are busy times. Unseasonable winter temperatures can
confuse hibernating bats to wake and look for food, which puts them in serious trouble when
colder temperatures return.
This was the case for two sets of state parks bats currently under Steph’s care. Steph is
providing a safe winter home for these bats until they can be released back in the parks in the
spring.
During the summer, the PA Bat Rescue is caring for more than 30-40 baby bats each
year, which are fed every two hours around the clock with a specialized formula.
“The most rewarding part about rescue is giving a second chance to one of the most
misunderstood species in the world,” said Steph. “Bats that come into our care that were less
likely to survive without our services are given the opportunity to fly free.”
Steph hopes to expand their rehabilitation space, continue to work closely with state and
federal biologists, monitor local populations, and increase their public education outreach.
“Without public concern about a distressed bat we would not be able to do what we do.
Education is such a vital portion of our rescue, and we get the opportunity to meet so many
wonderful people,” said Steph.
Learn more about Steph’s work by visiting the PA Bat Rescue website, and following
them on Facebook and Instagram.
Know of a good natured Pennsylvanian who is passionate about outdoor recreation and/or
conservation that we should feature? Send DCNR’s Resource newsletter an email to:
ra-resource@pa.gov to nominate someone.
63
(Reprinted from the January 23 issue of the DCNR Resource newsletter. C
lick Here to sign up
for your own copy.)
[Posted: Jan. 24, 2019]
On January 25, the Fish and Boat Commission

announced is recruiting the 22nd class of Waterways
Conservation Officer (WCO) Trainees at its H.R.
Stackhouse School of Fishery Conservation and
Watercraft Safety.
The State Civil Service Commission will begin accepting
applications January 30 until February 19, 2019.
Click Here for the complete announcement.
Related Stories:
Game Commission To Recruit New Game Warden Class
[Posted: Jan. 25, 2019]
Help Wanted: Public Utility Commission Executive Director; Jan Freeman Retiring
The Public Utility Commission is seeking qualified candidate to fill the position of Executive
Director. The position is now held by Jan Freeman, who will be retiring this year. Click Here
for all the details. The deadline for applications is February 25.
[Posted: Jan. 24, 2019]
Environmental NewsClips - All Topics
Here are NewsClips from around the state on all environmental topics, including General
Environment, Budget, Marcellus Shale, Watershed Protection and much more.
The latest environmental NewsClips and news is available at the PA Environment Digest Daily
Blog and Twitter Feed.
Op-Ed: New Chair Of House Environmental Committee Gift To Big Energy, Threat To The
Environment
Letter: Wolf Editorial Should Have Mentioned Need For Environmental Progress
Senate Committee Member Assignments Now Complete With Republicans Naming Their Team
Politics
Woman Accusing Rep. Ellis Of Sexual Assault Believes She Was Drugged
AP-Scolforo: House Republican Leadership Urge Rep. Ellis To Resign Over Sexual Allegations
Murphy: Republic Leaders Call On Rep. Ellis To Resign After Sexual Assault Allegation
Meyer: PA Officials Call For Resignations Of Lawmakers Accused Of Sexual Assault
Esack: Rep. Ellis Faces Calls To Resign Over Sexual Assault Claim
64
Top Senate Democrats Knew Of Allegation Against Sen. Leach Months Before Launching
Investigation
Click Here for a Week’s Worth Of Political NewsClips
Air
Idle
Fire
Awards & Recognition
Flight 93 Memorial Tower Of Voices Named #8 Best New Attraction
Biodiversity/Invasive Species
Phillips: Freshwater Mussel Hatchery Aims To Provide Natural Filter For PA Rivers & Streams
Budget
Letter: Don’t Leave Taxpayers On Hook For Environmental Cleanup
Chesapeake Bay
Stormwater Runoff
Requirements
Williamsport
Reintroduced
Click Here to subscribe to the free Chesapeake Bay Journal
Click Here to support the Chesapeake Bay Journal
65
Follow Chesapeake Bay Journal On Twitter
Like Chesapeake Bay Journal On Facebook
Citizen Action
Reintroduced
Penn State Extension: Great Time To Make Resolutions To Protect Water For The New Year
Committee
Climate
What Does Climate Change Look Like For NE PA?
StateImpact PA Reporters Discuss What Zero Carbon Might Mean
Letter: Reducing Greenhouse Gas Emissions With Cap-And-Trade
Planet
New Jersey Looks To Rejoin RGGI Regional Climate Initiative
Dear Mr. President, That’s Not How Global Warming Works
Poll Shows Americans’ Climate Change Concerns Surge To Record Levels
2018 Was 4th Warmest Year On Record
Persists
Coal Mining
Litvak: FirstEnergy Scraps Deal With Exelon, Will Keep Operating Bruce Mansfield, Beaver
Valley For Now
Editorial: Anthracite Still Runs Through Veins Of Region
Panel Discussion Planned For Anthracite Mining Heritage Month Jan. 31
Knox Mine Disaster Film Debuts To Sellout Crowd
Luzerne Residents Brave Cold, Snow To Mark Knox Mine Disaster
60 Years later, Documentary Preserves Knox Mine Disaster History
60 Years Ago - Flood Traps 30 Men In Knox Mine
Editorial: We Must Appreciate The Coal Miners Who Toiled To Benefit Us All
Calls For Change Following NPR/Frontline Coal Miners’ Black Lung Investigation
Compliance Action
Penn Hills Fined $17.5K For Plum Creek Sewage Discharge In Allegheny County
Delaware River
Delaware River Watershed Initiative Wins National American Water Resources Assn. Award
66
Committee
Drinking Water
Comments
2019
2019
Pittsburgh Water Authority Awards $35.9 Million In Contracts For Lead Line Replacement
Pittsburgh Water Authority To Embark On 12-Year Plan To Improve Lines, Service
Rain Delays Lake Williams Dam Project Again In York County
Boil Water Advisory For Port Vue, McKeesport
Water Main Break Closes Harrisburg Street, Boil-Water Advisory For Several Properties
As Temps Drop, Philly Water Dept. Steps Up On Water Main Breaks
Erie Water Works Dealing With Water Line Breaks, Natural Gas Line Break
Education
Reintroduced
Springside Chestnut Hill Academy Students Take Deep Analytical Dive Into The Wissahickon
AP: Western PA 9-Year Old’s Green Thumb Brings Green Case For Giant Cabbage
ShiverFest Raises Awareness For Lackawanna River In Scranton
Wildlands Conservancy Highlights Programs Coming Up In February
Chevron Partners With Project Lead The Way To Provide Grants To Southwest PA Schools
Energy
Maykuth: Hundreds Of Jobs On Line As Bailout Deadline Looms For Struggling PA Nuclear
Plants
Op-Ed: Give Nuclear Energy A Chance, Protect Our Children
Editorial: Bailing Out The State’s Nuclear Power Industry
Valley For Now
67
PUC Now Accepting Comments On Home Energy Cost Affordability Study
Penn State Chosen By U.S. Dept. Of Energy to Help Modernize Power Grid
Energy Dept. Taps Penn State To Help Modernize U.S. Power Grid
5 Injured Following Chemical Exposure At Monroe Energy In Delaware County
PSEG In NJ Drives Home Vow To Shutter Nuclear Power Plants Unless Public Subsidizes Them
Persists
Environmental Heritage
Luzerne Residents Brave Cold, Snow To Mark Knox Mine Disaster
60 Years later, Documentary Preserves Knox Mine Disaster History
Environmental Justice
Schuylkill Environmental Ed Center: Environmental Justice In Pennsylvania - A New Vision
Feb. 7 In Philadelphia
Farming
After A Rain-Soaked 2018 Farmers Brace For Another Wet Year
AP: Western PA 9-Year Old’s Green Thumb Brings Green Case For Giant Cabbage
PA Opens Door To Commercial Hemp Growing Operations
PA Throws The Door Wide Open For Industrial Hemp Production
Flooding
Williamsport
Uncertified Levee Takes Toll On Industry Flood Insurance In Lycoming County
Flooding Forces Roads To Close Across Lehigh Valley
Yellow Breeches Creek Floods In Cumberland County
Susquehanna River To Crest Below Flood Stage In Wilkes-Barre
Effort To Fix Flooding Problem In Bethlehem Twp Just Got A Boost
Wetlands Mitigation Project Would Reduce Sediment In Brush Run In Blair County
Western PA Municipalities Will Vie For Federal Landslide, Flood Relief
Forests
Westmoreland Sawmill Tour Highlights Changing Lumber Industry
Forests - Wildfires
Deadly 2017 California Wildfire Caused By Homeowner Equipment, Not Utility
Geologic Hazards
Several Squirrel Hill Homes Evacuated Due To Landslide Risk
City Of Pittsburgh Cites Property Owners After Squirrel Hill Landslide
Mudslide Creates Mess In Upper Milford Twp., Lehigh County
Western PA Municipalities Will Vie For Federal Landslide, Flood Relief
Green Infrastructure
68
Stormwater Runoff
Requirements
Williamsport
Planted Stream Buffers Protect Pennsylvania Waterways
With Raw Sewage Spilling Into Waterways, Lehigh County Communities Ramp Up Repairs
Newtown Gets $12K To Build Rain Gardens To Reduce Stormwater Runoff
Hazardous Substances
Comments
Lackawanna River
Land Conservation
Lower Nazareth Twp Considers Referendum On Open Space Tax
Chester County
Lehigh River
Mine Reclamation
American Society Of Mining & Reclamation Accepting Registrations For Annual Meeting June
3-7 In Montana
Noncoal Mining
Officials: DEP Continuing Investigation Of Rockhill Quarry In Bucks
Oil & Gas
Inspections of Natural Gas Storage Areas
69
Letter: Fracking Under Edgar Thomson Steel Plant Poses Health Risks
AG Shapiro Answers Questions About Landowner Royalty Lawsuit In Bradford County
Homes Evacuated Sunday In Westmoreland Due To Gas Leak
Erie Water Works Dealing With Water Line Breaks, Natural Gas Line Break
Chevron Partners With Project Lead The Way To Provide Grants To Southwest PA Schools
Litvak: EQT Outlines Plan To Ward Off Rice Take Over
Persists
Permitting
Pipelines
Testing
Concerns
County
Shutting It Down
Westmoreland County
PUC
Help Wanted: Public Utility Commission Executive Director; Jan Freeman Retiring
Radiation Protection
70
Maykuth: Hundreds Of Jobs On Line As Bailout Deadline Looms For Struggling PA Nuclear
Plants
Op-Ed: Give Nuclear Energy A Chance, Protect Our Children
Editorial: Bailing Out The State’s Nuclear Power Industry
Valley For Now
PSEG In NJ Drives Home Vow To Shutter Nuclear Power Plants Unless Public Subsidizes Them
Radon
Recreation
DCNR Accepting Applications For Parks, Recreation, Trail, Buffer Conservation Grants
Jan. 25 Take Five Fridays With Pam, PA Parks & Forests Foundation
Northampton County Council To Review Plans For $21 Million Trail Thru 14 Municipalities
Planning Moves Forward For Armstrong Bridge As Part Of Northeast Trail In Lancaster
Bucks Towns Get Grants To Improve Trails, Walkable Communities
Chester County
Busy Cumberland County Highway’s Future Might Belong To Walkers, Bikers
Seeking Peace, Quiet On Schuylkill River Trail, Finding Noisy Fans Instead
Cold Weather Slowed Down Blakely’s Park Renovation Project In Lackawanna
Jan. 23 Resource Newsletter Now Available From DCNR
Flight 93 Memorial Tower Of Voices Named #8 Best New Attraction
Parts Of Flight 93 Memorial Remain Open During Federal Shutdown
Recycling/Waste
Kummer: At Least Half Of Philly’s Recycling Goes Straight To An Incinerator
York County Take-Back Program Destroys 4 Tons Of Unused Medications
AP: Betsy Ross Bridge Reopens Following Tire Fire In Philadelphia
Renewable Energy
Persists
Schuylkill River
Storage Tanks
Opportunity to Bid On DEP Storage Tank Cleanup In Dauphin County
71
Stormwater
Stormwater Runoff
Requirements
Williamsport
Sustainability
Planet
Philadelphia Sustainability Office Looks To Reach New Audience With Annual Magazine
Wastewater Facilities
Large Cave-In Shuts Down Center City Philly Intersection
Penn Hills Fined $17.5K For Plum Creek Sewage Discharge In Allegheny County
Watershed Protection
Stormwater Runoff
Requirements
Williamsport
Springside Chestnut Hill Academy Students Take Deep Analytical Dive Into The Wissahickon
Click Here to subscribe to the Chesapeake Bay Journal
72
Follow Chesapeake Bay Journal On Twitter
Like Chesapeake Bay Journal On Facebook
Wildlife
Reintroduced
Game Commission Taking Action To Reduce Chronic Wasting Disease Threat In Bedford, Blair
Counties Through Targeted Deer Removals
Venesky: Pivotal Game Commission Meeting Nears
Reilly: Keystone Trails Assn. Voices Opposition To Expanding Sunday Hunting
Reilly: Sunday Hunting, Other Ideas To Improve PA Deer Hunting
Letter: Hunters Must Push For Sunday Hunting
Why Is There A Pit Filled With Dead Deer In Lebanon County?
Editorial: Deer God, Fining Good Samaritan Is Absurd
AP: Rabies Confirmed In Raccoon In Allegheny County
Schneck: What Do We Fish For, And When, In Pennsylvania?
Cold Brings Out Anglers In Luzerne County
Loyalhanna Watershed Assn. Plans Feb. 6 Trip To View Bald Eagles
Great Backyard Bird Count Set For Feb. 15-18 Worldwide
Rare Winter Sightings In Erie Of Wood Duck, Field Sparrows
Schneck: 17 Facts That Will Make You Nuts For Squirrels
Mamma Bear, 4 Cubs Get New Home In McKean County
Wolf Hybrid Owner Not Guilty In Attack On Child
Alligator Serves As Emotional Support Animal As Owner Shops, Gives Presentations
Good Natured Pennsylvanian: Steph Stonsick, Wildlife Rehabilitator
Tickets Now On Sale For April 5 Wildlife For Everyone We Love Wild Things & Wild Places
Gala
Other
Several Pittsburgh Brides Shut Down After 12 Barges Break Loose On Mon River
Several Mon Bridges Shut Down Due To Loose Barges, Light-Rail Service Suspended In
Pittsburgh
All Pittsburgh Bridges Reopen After Barges Break Loose
PA Native Takes Helm As New Mexico’s Environmental Secretary, Brings New Perspective
Federal Policy
PA Lawmakers Hail End Of Shutdown, But Still Differ On Border Wall
Op-Ed: Govt. Shutdown Ended When Wealthy People Finally Were Hurt
Editorial: Government Is Open For Now
Gov. Wolf Outlines Continuing Impacts Of Federal Shutdown On PA, Including DCNR, DEP
Parts Of Flight 93 Memorial Remain Open During Federal Shutdown
Click Here For This Week's Allegheny Front Radio Program
73
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. Go to the online Calendar webpage for updates.
Note: DEP published the 2019 schedules of its advisory committees, councils and board
meetings in the Dec. 10 PA Bulletin, page 7708.
January 26-- Delaware Highlands Conservancy Eagle Watch Bus Tour. Noon to 1:00. Click
Here for more.
January 27-28-- Better Path Coalition Environmental Rights Amendment Events. St. Stephen’s
Episcopal Cathedral, 221 N. Front Street, Harrisburg. 2:30.
January 27-30-- Partnership For The Delaware Estuary. 2019 Delaware Estuary Science &
Environmental Summit. Cape May, NJ.
January 28-- Berks County Master Watershed Stewards Volunteer Information Meeting. Berks
County Ag Center Auditorium, 1238 County Welfare Road, Leesport. 6:00.
January 28-- NEW. PA Parks & Forests Foundation Unveils Infrastructure Funding Needs
Report. Capitol Rotunda, Harrisburg. 1:00.
January 29-- StateImpact PA Public Climate Forum On A Zero Carbon Future. Energy
Innovation Center, 1435 Bedford Avenue, Pittsburgh. 6:15 to 8:30.
January 30-- DEP Open House/Hearing On Specialty Granules, LLC NPDES Water Quality
Permit for a Mining Operation In Adams County. Fairfield Fire and EMS Building, 106
Steelman Street, Fairfield. 6:00
January 30-- DCNR Webinar On Applying For Recreation, Conservation, Trail and Riparian
Buffer Grants. 10:00 to 11:30.
January 31-- Agenda Posted. DEP Small Water Systems Technical Assistance Center Board
meeting. Room 105 Rachel Carson Building. 9:00. Contact: Dawn Hissner, 717-772-2189 or
dhissner@pa.gov. Click Here to attend the meeting by webinar. Event number: 645 907 071;
Event password: TAC-Jan2019; Audio Only: Call-in toll number (US/Canada):
1-650-479-3208; Access code: 645 907 071.
--Presentation On Proposed Changes to Manganese Water Quality Standard
January 31-- Green Building Alliance Inspired Speakers Series - A Vibrant And Just Region.
Elsie H. Hillman Auditorium at the Kauffman Center, 1825 Centre Avenue, Pittsburgh. 5:30 to
8:30.
74
January 31-- NEW. Rep. Comitta, Sen. Killion Host Public Meeting On Mariner East Pipeline
Safety Concerns. Fugett Middle School, 500 Ellis Lane, West Chester, Chester County. 7:00.
February 2-- Delaware Highlands Conservancy Eagle Watch Bus Tour. 10:00 to 1:00. Click
Here for more.
February 4-- NEW. DEP PA State Clean Diesel Grant Program Webinar. 10:00.
February 5- Governor’s Budget Address.
February 5-- Brandywine Conservancy Public Meeting On Chester County Greenway Water
Trail Project. Downingtown Borough Annex, 4 West Lancaster Ave., Downingtown. 5:00 to
7:00.
February 5-6-- Monroe, Pike Conservation Districts Hold Water Quality Permitting, Green
Infrastructure, Invasive Species Workshop. Keystone Hall and Gallery, Room 202, Northampton
Community College - Monroe Campus, 2411 Rte. 715, Tannersville.
February 6-- NEW. Agenda Posted. DEP Aggregate Advisory Board meeting. Room 105
Rachel Carson Building. 10:00. Contact: Daniel Snowden, 717-787-5103, dsnowden@pa.gov.
February 6-- NEW. DEP State Board for Certification of Water and Wastewater Systems
Operators meeting.. 10th Floor Conference Room, Rachel Carson Building. 10:00. Contact:
Edgar Chescattie, echescattie@pa.gov.
February 6-- Penn State Extension Woods In Your Backyard Webinar Series Starts. 7:00 to
8:00 p.m.
February 6-- Public Utility Commission Low-Income Utility Customer Assistance Program
Stakeholder Group.
February 6-8-- Penn State Agriculture & Environment Center. PA In The Balance Conference
On Farm Conservation. Hershey Lodge, Hershey.
February 6-9-- PA Association For Sustainable Agriculture. Pennsylvania Sustainable

Agriculture Conference. Lancaster County Convention Center, Lancaster.
February 7-- CANCELED. DEP Air Quality Technical Advisory Committee meeting. Next
scheduled meeting is April 11. DEP Contact: Kirit Dalal, 717-772-3436 or send email to:
kdalal@pa.gov. (f ormal notice)
February 7-- Susquehanna River Basin Commission hearing on proposed water withdrawal
actions tentatively on the March agenda of the Commission. Hearing Room 1, North Office
Building, Harrisburg. 2:30. SRBC Contact: Ava Stoops, Administrative Specialist,
717-238-0423, fax 717-238-2436. (formal notice and agenda)
75
February 7-- NEW. Schuylkill Environmental Ed Center: Environmental Justice In
Pennsylvania - A New Vision Presentation. Schuylkill Center, 8480 Hagy's Mill Road,
Philadelphia. 7:00 to 9:00.
February 8-- Change Of Date. Harrisburg University Center for Environment, Energy &
Economy Climate Disruption & Sustainable Development Series: Is 100% Renewable Energy
The Answer To Climate Change?. Harrisburg University, 14th Floor Auditorium, 326 Market
Street, Harrisburg. 11:30 to 1:00.
February 11-- House Appropriations Committee Budget Hearings: 10:00- Independent Fiscal
ouse Republican
Office. Room 140 Main Capitol. Hearings are typically webcast through the H
Caucus website.
February 11-- Berks County Master Watershed Stewards Volunteer Information Meeting. Berks
County Ag Center Auditorium, 1238 County Welfare Road, Leesport. 6:00.
February 12-- NEW. DEP Environmental Justice Advisory Board meeting. 16th Floor Delaware
Room, Rachel Carson Building. 8:30. Contact: Allison Acevedo, 484-250-5818,
alacevedo@pa.gov.
February 12-- Brandywine Conservancy Public Meeting On Chester County Greenway Water
Trail Project. Brandywine River Museum of Art, 1 Hoffman’s Mill Rd., Chadds Ford. 5:00 to
7:00.
February 12-13-- Advanced Watershed Educator Workshops For Non-Formal Educators.

Dauphin County Agriculture & Natural Resources Center, 1451 Peters Mountain Road, Dauphin,
Dauphin County. Click Here to register.
February 13-- House Appropriations Committee Budget Hearings: 10:00- State Treasurer, 1:00-
Auditor General, 3:00- Attorney General. Room 140 Main Capitol. Hearings are typically
ouse Republican Caucus website.
webcast through the H
February 13-- NEW. DEP Cleanup Standards Scientific Advisory Board meeting. Room 105
Rachel Carson Building. 9:00. Contact: Michael Maddigan, 717-772-3609,
mmaddigan@pa.gov.
February 13-- NEW. DEP State Board for Certification of Sewage Enforcement Officers
meeting. 11th Floor Conference Room B, Rachel Carson Building. 10:00. Contact: Amy
Forney, aforney@pa.gov.
February 14-- House Appropriations Committee Budget Hearings: 10:00- Dept. of

Environmental Protection, 1:00- Dept. of Conservation and Natural Resources. Room 140 Main
Capitol. Hearings are typically webcast through the H
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February 14-- NEW. DEP Radiation Protection Advisory Committee meeting. Room 105
Rachel Carson Building. 9:00. Contact: John Chippo, 717-783-9730, jchippo@pa.gov.
February 19-- Senate Appropriations Committee Budget Hearings: 10::00- Dept. of

Revenue/Lottery, 1:00- Independent Fiscal Office, 3:00- Public Utility Commission. Hearing
Room 1, North Office Building.
February 19-- NEW. Environmental Quality Board meeting. Room 105 Rachel Carson
Building. 9:00. Contact: Laura Edinger, 717-772-3277, ledinger@pa.gov.
February 19-- NEW. DEP Citizens Advisory Council meeting. Room 105 Rachel Carson
Building. 10:00. Contact: Keith Calador, Executive Director, 717-787-8171 or send email to:
ksalador@pa.gov.
February 20-- Penn State Extension Land Use Webinar Series. Geodesign: Using Data
Transparency And Community Voices For Enhanced Land Use Planning. Noon to 1:15.
February 20-- Southwest PA Commission Water Resource Center Winning Public Support For
Water Infrastructure Projects Workshop. Fisher Hall at Burrell Lake Park, 209 Delberta Road,
Lower Burrell, Westmoreland County. 9:00 to Noon.
February 20-21-- DCNR, Western PA Conservancy. PA Riparian Forest Buffer Summit. Best
Western Premier Conference Center, 800 East Park Drive, Harrisburg.
February 21-- Senate Appropriations Committee Budget Hearings: 1:00- State Police/Homeland
Security, 3:00- PA Emergency Management Agency/Fire Commissioner. Hearing Room 1,
North Office Building.
February 21-- PA Resources Council. Zero Waste Pennsylvania. Green Building Alliance. True
Zero Waste Symposium. Phipps Conservatory and Botanical Gardens, Pittsburgh. 8:00 to 3:00.
February 21-- Southwest PA Commission Water Resource Center Winning Public Support For
Water Infrastructure Projects Workshop. Findlay Township Activity Center, 310 Main Street in
Imperial, Allegheny County. 9:00 to Noon.
February 21-- Manada Conservancy Spotted Lanternfly Program. Hershey Conservatory at

Hershey Gardens, Dauphin County. 7:00 to 8:00.
February 22-- Foundation for Sustainable Forests. French Creek Valley Conservancy. Woods &
Waters Film Series. Erie National Wildlife Refuge Visitor Center, 11296 Wood Duck Lance,
Guys Mills, Crawford County. 6:30.
February 24-25-- PA Environmental Council, PA Organization For Watersheds & Rivers.
Statewide Watershed Connections Conference. State College.
77
February 25-- House Appropriations Committee Budget Hearings: 10:00- State
Police/Homeland Security, 3:00- Dept. of Health. Room 140 Main Capitol. Hearings are
typically webcast through the H
February 25-- Senate Appropriations Committee Budget Hearings: 3:00- Dept. of

Transportation. Hearing Room 1, North Office Building.
February 26-- House Appropriations Committee Budget Hearings: 1:00- Dept. of

Transportation, 3:00- Dept. of General Services. Room 140 Main Capitol. Hearings are
typically webcast through the H
February 26-- NEW. DEP Climate Change Advisory Committee meeting. Room 105 Rachel
Carson Building. 10:00. Contact: Lindsay Byron, 717-772-8951, lbyron@pa.gov.
February 27-- House Appropriations Committee Budget Hearings: 1:00- Dept. of Community &
Economic Development. Room 140 Main Capitol. Hearings are typically webcast through the
House Republican Caucus website.
February 27-- Senate Appropriations Committee Budget Hearings: 10:00- Dept. of Health.
Hearing Room 1, North Office Building.
February 27-- DCNR Webinar On Applying For Statewide and Regional Partnership Grants.
10:00 to 11:30.
February 28-- Senate Appropriations Committee Budget Hearings: 3:00- Dept. of

Environmental Protection. Hearing Room 1, North Office Building.
March 2-- PA Wilds. Retailers, Producers, Public 3rd Annual PA Wilds Buyer’s Market.
Gemmell Student Complex Multi-Purpose Room, Clarion University.
March 4-- House Appropriations Committee Budget Hearings: 10:00- Dept. of Education.
Room 140 Main Capitol. Hearings are typically webcast through the House Republican Caucus
website.
March 4-- Senate Appropriations Committee Budget Hearings: 3:00- Dept. of Conservation &
Natural Resources. Hearing Room 1, North Office Building.
March 5-- House Appropriations Committee Budget Hearings: 10:00- Dept. of Agriculture.
Room 140 Main Capitol. Hearings are typically webcast through the House Republican Caucus
website.
March 5-- NEW. DEP Storage Tank Advisory Committee meeting. Room 105 Rachel Carson
Building. 10:00. Contact: Kris Shiffer, 717-772-5809, kshiffer@pa.gov.
March 5-- DEP Board Of Coal Mine Safety meeting. DEP Ebensburg Office, 286 Industrial
78
Park Road, Ebensburg. 10:00. DEP Contact: Margaret Scheloske, 724-404-3143,
mscheloske@pa.gov. (f ormal notice)
March 5-- NEW. Montgomery Master Watershed Stewards Environmental Advisory Councils
In Action Workshop. Lower Frederick Township Building, 53 Spring Mount Rd.,
Schwenksville, Montgomery County. 6:00 to 7:00
March 5-6-- Keystone Energy Efficiency Alliance. Healthcare Industry Forum On Energy
Efficiency. Penn Stater Hotel and Conference Center, State College, Centre County.
March 6-- House Appropriations Committee Budget Hearings: 10:00- Governor’s Budget
ouse
Secretary. Room 140 Main Capitol. Hearings are typically webcast through the H
Republican Caucus website.
March 6-- Senate Appropriations Committee Budget Hearings: 1:00- Dept. of Agriculture.
Hearing Room 1, North Office Building.
March 6-7-- PA Lake Management Society Conference. Ramada Conference Center, State
College.
March 7-- House Appropriations Committee Budget Hearings: 10:00- Open. Room 140 Main
Capitol. Hearings are typically webcast through the H
March 7-- Senate Appropriations Committee Budget Hearings: 1:00- Dept. of Community &
Economic Development, 3:00- Budget Secretary. Hearing Room 1, North Office Building.
March 9-- 2019 Watershed Congress Along The Schuylkill River. Montgomery County
Community College campus in Pottstown.
March 9-- Penn State Extension York County Master Gardeners GardenWise Native Plants,
Ecosystems Gardening Workshop Central York Middle School, 1950 N. Hills Road, York. 7:30
to 4:00.
March 13-- NEW. DEP Sewage Advisory Committee meeting. Room 105 Rachel Carson
Building. 10:30. Contact: Janice Vollero, 717-772-5157, jvollero@pa.gov.
March 14-- NEW. DEP Solid Waste Advisory Committee meeting. Room 105 Rachel Carson
Building. 10:00. Contact: Laura Henry, 717-772-5713, lahenry@pa.gov.
March 15-- Harrisburg University Center for Environment, Energy & Economy Climate
Disruption & Sustainable Development Series: Legal Pathways To Zero Greenhouse Gas
Emissions. Harrisburg University, 14th Floor Auditorium, 326 Market Street, Harrisburg. 11:30
to 1:00.
March 18-- NEW. Penn State Extension 2 Home Water And Septic System Workshops.
79
Gracedale Nursing Home Conference Room, 2 Gracedale Ave., Nazareth, Northampton County.
1:30 and 6:00.
March 18-19-- PA Assn. Of Environmental Educators. 2019 Cityscapes & Greenscapes
Conference. Philadelphia.
March 19-- NEW. Environmental Quality Board meeting. Room 105 Rachel Carson Building.
9:00. Contact: Laura Edinger, 717-772-3277, ledinger@pa.gov.
March 19-- NEW. DEP Citizens Advisory Council meeting. Room 105 Rachel Carson
Building. 10:00. Contact: Keith Calador, Executive Director, 717-787-8171 or send email to:
ksalador@pa.gov.
March 19-- DCNR, Penn State Extension Forest Health, Insect & Disease Briefing. Penn Stater
Hotel and Conference Center, State College. 8:30 to 3:30
March 20-- Penn State Extension Land Use Webinar Series. Options For Meeting MS4
Stormwater Pollution Reduction Requirements Without Breaking The Budget. Noon to 1:15.
March 20-21-- Northeast Recycling Council Spring Conference. Wilmington, DE.
March 21-- DEP Oil and Gas Technical Advisory Board meeting. Room 105 Rachel Carson
Building. 10:00. DEP Contact: Todd Wallace, 717-783-9438, twallace@pa.gov. (f ormal
notice)
March 22-23-- Penn State Center For Private Forests 4th Biennial Forest Landowners
Conference. Penn Stater Hotel and Conference Center, State College.
March 27-28-- Advanced Watershed Educator Workshops For Non-Formal Educators. Jennings
Environmental Education Center, 2951 Prospect Road, Slippery Rock, Butler County. Click
Here to register.
March 28-- NEW. DEP Water Resources Advisory Committee meeting. Room 105 Rachel
Carson Building. 9:30. Contact: Diane Wilson, 717-787-3730, diawilson@pa.gov.
March 29-- Harrisburg University Center for Environment, Energy & Economy Climate
Disruption & Sustainable Development Series: Natural Gas In PA: Energy, Innovation And The
Environment. Harrisburg University, 14th Floor Auditorium, 326 Market Street, Harrisburg.
11:30 to 1:00.
April 5-- Wildlife For Everyone We Love Wild Things & Wild Places Gala. Nittany Lion Inn,
State College.
April 5-- Harrisburg University Center for Environment, Energy & Economy Climate Disruption
& Sustainable Development Series: Towards A Public Web-Platform For Limiting Methane
80
Emissions From The Oil & Gas Sector. Harrisburg University, 14th Floor Auditorium, 326
Market Street, Harrisburg. 11:30 to 1:00.
April 7-9-- CMU Mascaro Center For Sustainable Innovation. 2019 Engineering Sustainability
Conference. David L. Lawrence Convention Center, Pittsburgh.
April 11- DEP Air Quality Technical Advisory Committee meeting. Room 105 Rachel Carson
Building. 9:15. DEP Contact: Kirit Dalal, 717-772-3436 or send email to: kdalal@pa.gov.
April 16-18-- PA American Water Works Association Annual Conference. Hershey Lodge and
Convention Center.
April 17-- Penn State Extension Land Use Webinar Series. Making The Most Of Historical And
Heritage Assets. Noon to 1:15.
April 19-- Harrisburg University Center for Environment, Energy & Economy Climate
Disruption & Sustainable Development Series: Using The Latest Digital Innovations To Address
Energy Poverty In Developing Counties. Harrisburg University, Room 1151, 326 Market Street,
Harrisburg. 11:30 to 1:00.
April 29 to May 2-- Center for Watershed Protection. 2019 National Watershed and Stormwater
Conference. South Carolina.
May 1-- Pennsylvania Groundwater Symposium. State College.
May 4-- PA Environmental Council, DCNR Moshannon State Forest Tree Planting, Clearfield
County.
May 4-- Manada Conservancy Native Plant Sale. Hummelstown Boro Park, Poplar Avenue and
Water Street in Hummelstown, Dauphin County.
May 8-10-- PA Assn. Of Environmental Professionals. 2019 Annual Conference - Growth
Through Collaboration. State College.
May 15-- Penn State Extension Land Use Webinar Series. The Benefits And Challenges of
Ridesharing On The Transportation System. Noon to 1:15.
May 16-18-- PA Land Trust Association. Land Conservation Conference. Monroe County.
May 18-- NEW. Environmental Advisory Council Network Conference. Held in conjunction
with the PA Land Conservation Conference in Monroe County
June 3-7-- NEW. American Society of Mining & Reclamation Annual Meeting. Montana.
June 16-21-- Cumberland Valley TU Rivers Conservation & Fly-Fishing Youth Camp. Messiah
81
College, Grantham, Cumberland County.
July 24-26-- Professional Recyclers Of PA. Annual Recycling & Organics Conference.
Harrisburg.
September 22-24-- Pennsylvania Greenways And Trails Summit. Shippensburg University

Conference Center.
October 8-10-- Natural Areas Association Natural Areas Conference. Pittsburgh.
Related Tools ----------------
Visit DEP’s Public Participation Center for public participation opportunities.

Click Here for links to DEP’s Advisory Committee webpages.
Visit DEP Connects for opportunities to interact with DEP staff at field offices.
Click Here to sign up for DEP News a biweekly newsletter from the Department.
DEP Facebook Page DEP Twitter Feed DEP YouTube Channel
DEP Calendar of Events DCNR Calendar of Events
Click Here to hook up with DCNR on other social media-- Facebook, Twitter, YouTube and
Flickr.
Senate Committee Schedule House Committee Schedule
You can watch the Senate Floor Session and House Floor Session live online.
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.
January 31-- NFWF Five Star & Urban Waters Restoration Grants
January 31-- EPA Brownfields Assessment, Cleanup and Multipurpose Grants
January 31-- Appalachian Trail Museum Hall Of Fame Nominations
February 1-- Accepting CFA Act 13 Watershed Restoration Grants
February 1-- Accepting CFA Act 13 Abandoned Mine Drainage Treatment Grants
February 1-- Accepting CFA Act 13 Orphan or Abandoned Well Plugging Grants
February 1-- Accepting CFA Act 13 Baseline Water Quality Data Grants
February 1-- Accepting CFA Act 13 Sewage Facilities Grants
February 1-- Accepting CFA Act 13 Flood Mitigation Grants
February 1-- Accepting CFA Act 13 Greenways, Trails & Recreation Grants
February 4-- PA Environmental Professionals College Scholarships
February 4-- Accepting Game Commission Seedlings For Schools
February 8-- PEC, Dominion Energy Western PA Environmental Awards
February 8-- Pocono Arts Council Entries To Earth Speaks V Exhibition
February 8-- DEP FAST Act Alternative Fuels Corridor Infrastructure Grants
February 11-- PA Land Trust Assn. Government Leadership Award
February 15-- Extended. Wildlife Leadership Academy Youth Conservation Ambassador
82
February 15-- Schuylkill River Restoration Fund Water Quality Improvement Grants
February 15-- EPA Environmental Justice Small Grants
February 15--PA Lake Management Society Awards
February 15-- Delaware River Basin Commission Winter Photo Contest
February 15-- Green Stormwater Infrastructure Partners Awards - Philly Area
February 20-- NOAA Chesapeake Bay Watershed Education & Training Grants
February 21-- NEW. PEC/DCNR Laurel Highlands Conservation Mini-Grants
February 22-- Celebrating Women In Conservation Awards
February 26-- POWR PA Sojourn Grants
February 28-- PA Great Outdoors Visitors Bureau Winter Photo Contest
February 28-- NEW. DEP PA State Clean Diesel Grants
March 1-- PHMC Keystone Fund Historic, Archaeological Protection Grants
March 1-- PA Parks & Forests Foundation Wilderness Wheels Grants (Rolling Deadline)
March 1-- West Penn Power Sustainable Energy Investment Funding (Rolling Deadline)
March 4-- DCNR PA Outdoor Corps Young Adult Crews (At The Very Latest!)
March 6-- PA Lake Management Society Photo Contest
March 7-- NEW. Chesapeake Bay Watershed Community Stormwater Grants
March 11-- Pennsylvania Sea Grant Research Grants
March 15-- WPC TreeVitalize Pittsburgh, Allegheny County Tree Planting Grants
March 21-- Rivers Conservation & Fly-Fishing Youth Camp
March 22-- CFA Alternative & Clean Energy Funding
March 22-- CFA Renewable Energy-Geothermal and Wind Funding
March 22-- CFA Solar Energy Funding
March 22-- CFA High Performance Building Funding
March 31-- DEP Level 2 Electric Charging Station Rebates (First-Come)
March 31-- DEP Municipal, Hazardous Waste Host Municipality Inspector Grants
April 10-- DCNR Community Conservation Partnership, Recreation, Buffer Grants
April 18-- Schuylkill River Restoration Fund Land Transaction Grants
May 10-- DEP Class 8 Truck/Transit Bus Clean Vehicle Grants
May 17-- CFA Alternative & Clean Energy Funding
May 17-- CFA Renewable Energy-Geothermal and Wind Funding
May 17-- CFA Solar Energy Funding
May 17-- CFA High Performance Building Funding
May 31-- CFA Act 13 Watershed Restoration Grants
May 31-- CFA Act 13 Abandoned Mine Drainage Abatement and Treatment Grants
May 31-- CFA Act 13 Orphan or Abandoned Well Plugging Grants
May 31-- CFA Act 13 Baseline Water Quality Data Grants
May 31-- CFA Act 13 Sewage Facilities Grants
May 31-- CFA Act 13 Flood Mitigation Grants
May 31-- CFA Act 13 Greenways, Trails And Recreation Grants
July 1-- NEW. PA Wilds Center Champion Of PA Wilds Awards
July 15-- DEP Grants/Rebates Electric Vehicle Charging Stations
July 19-- CFA Alternative & Clean Energy Funding
July 19-- CFA Renewable Energy-Geothermal and Wind Funding
July 19-- CFA Solar Energy Funding
83
July 19-- CFA High Performance Building Funding
December 16-- DEP Grants/Rebates Electric Vehicle Charging Stations
March 1-- Western PA Trail Volunteer Fund Grants
March 22-- DEP Act 101 Recycling Implementation Grants
June 1-- Western PA Trail Volunteer Fund Grants
September 1-- Western PA Trail Volunteer Fund Grants
September 23-- DEP Class 8 Truck/Transit Bus Clean Vehicle Grants
December 1-- Western PA Trail Volunteer Fund 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.
Regulations, Technical Guidance & Permits
Here are highlights of actions taken by agencies on environmental regulations, technical

guidance and permits.
Regulations -----------------------
No new regulations were published this week. Pennsylvania Bulletin - January 26, 2019
Technical Guidance -------------------
No new technical guidance published this week.
Permits ------------
Note: The Department of Environmental Protection published 32 pages of public notices related
to proposed and final permit and approval/ disapproval actions in the January 26 PA Bulletin -
pages 390 to 422.
Sign Up For DEP’s 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.
Related Tools ----------------------
Visit DEP’s Public Participation Center for public participation opportunities.
DEP Proposals Out For Public Review

Other Proposals Open For Public Comment - DEP webpage
Submit Comments on Proposals Through DEP’s eComment System
84
Recently Closed Comment Periods For Other Proposals - DEP webpage
Other Proposals Recently Finalized - DEP webpage
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 4, 2018 DEP Regulatory Agenda - PA Bulletin, Page 4733
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 2018)- DEP webpage
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PA Environment Digest is a publication of PA Environment News LLC and is edited by

David E. Hess, former Secretary Pennsylvania Department of Environmental Protection. He can
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Issue #761 Harrisburg, PA Jan.

PA Environment Digest Blog​ ​Twitter Feed​ ​ Facebook Page

On January 22, Scott Perry, Deputy Secretary for Oil and

PUC Investigation Of Mariner East 1 Pipeline Sinkhole In Chester County Shifts To

On January 25, the Public Utility Commission announced

On January 22, Chester County District Attorney Tom Hogan

At the request of East Goshen Township in

On January 24, the Independent Fiscal Office ​estimated

PA Environmental Council Releases Report Recommending PA Join RGGI Regional

Calling on Gov. Tom Wolf and

On January 24, the ​PFAS Action Team​ announced it will hold

The ​American Water Resources Association

The Hellbender’s Back!

On January 23, Sen. Gene Yaw

Keep PA Beautiful Recognizes Outstanding Volunteers In Blair, Clinton, Huntingdon,

On January 22, ​Keep Pennsylvania

On January 24, the ​PA Parks and Forests Foundation​ announced

On January 24, the ​PA Trails Advisory

Senate/House Agenda/Session Schedule/Gov’s Schedule/ Bills Introduced

House:​ ​Click Here​ for full House Bill Calendar.

Senate: ​ ​Click Here​ for full Senate Bill Calendar.

Committee Meetings 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--

Eastern Hellbender:​ ​Senate Bill 9​ (Yaw-R-Lycoming) designating the Eastern Hellbender as

PennVEST Non-Point Source Funding:​ ​Senate Bill 97​ (Hutchinson-R-Venango) would

Keystone Tree Fund:​ ​Senate Bill 108​ (Yaw-R-Lycoming, Yudichak-D-Luzerne) establishing

Community Solar: ​House Bill 136​ (Quinn-R-Delaware) authorizing community solar

House and Senate Co-Sponsorship Memos

House: ​Click Here​ for all new co-sponsorship memos

News From The Capitol

On January 24, the ​House Democratic Policy Committee​ held a

On January 25, Senate President Pro Tempore

On January 23, Gov. Tom Wolf ​provided an update​ on how

News From Around The State

On January 25, the ​Pittsburgh Water and Sewer Authority

Funding Available For Chesapeake Bay Watershed Communities To Reduce Polluted

The ​Chesapeake Bay Trust​ is now accepting

By Harry Campbell, PA Office, ​Chesapeake Bay Foundation

On behalf of the conservation

On January 24, the Department of

Registration is now open for the ​American

Opportunity To Bid On DEP Storage Tank Cleanup In Dauphin County

The Department of Environmental Protection ​published notice​ in the January 26 PA Bulletin of

Environmental Advisory Councils In Action Workshop March 5 In Montgomery County

Penn State Extension will be hosting an ​Environmental

Environmental Advisory Council Network Conference May 18 In Monroe County

The ​2019 Environmental Advisory Council

Schuylkill Environmental Ed Center: Environmental Justice In Pennsylvania: A New

New year, fresh start! If you’re looking to make

Home Water And Septic System Workshops March 18 In Northampton County

Penn State Extension is hosting 2 ​Home Water And

Apply now for the week-long ​Schuylkill Acts

Intern Wanted: Brandywine Conservancy Land Stewardship Intern

The ​Brandywine Conservancy​ in Delaware

On January 25, the Department of Conservation and

The Fish and Boat Commission is seeking

By Kyle Steffish, Millersville University Student

While environmental issues-- whether they are

(​Reprinted from the RiverStewards Blog.​ )

The ​PA Association of Environmental

PennDOT, Lebanon Transit Open CNG Transit Fueling Station

On January 22, the Department of

PUC Now Accepting Comments On Home Energy Cost Affordability Report

The Public Utility Commission is now

By Erin Cassidy Hendrik, ​Penn State News

PA Environment Digest Blog Twitter Feed Facebook Page

On January 24, the Independent Fiscal Office estimated

On January 24, the PFAS Action Team announced it will hold

The American Water Resources Association

On January 22, Keep Pennsylvania

On January 24, the PA Parks and Forests Foundation announced

On January 24, the PA Trails Advisory

House: Click Here for full House Bill Calendar.

Senate: Click Here for full Senate Bill Calendar.

House: Click Here for full House Committee Schedule.

Senate: Click Here for full Senate Committee Schedule.

Eastern Hellbender: Senate Bill 9 (Yaw-R-Lycoming) designating the Eastern Hellbender as

PennVEST Non-Point Source Funding: Senate Bill 97 (Hutchinson-R-Venango) would

Keystone Tree Fund: Senate Bill 108 (Yaw-R-Lycoming, Yudichak-D-Luzerne) establishing

Community Solar: House Bill 136 (Quinn-R-Delaware) authorizing community solar

House: Click Here for all new co-sponsorship memos

On January 24, the House Democratic Policy Committee held a

On January 23, Gov. Tom Wolf provided an update on how

On January 25, the Pittsburgh Water and Sewer Authority

The Chesapeake Bay Trust is now accepting

By Harry Campbell, PA Office, Chesapeake Bay Foundation

Registration is now open for the American

The Department of Environmental Protection published notice in the January 26 PA Bulletin of

Penn State Extension will be hosting an Environmental

The 2019 Environmental Advisory Council

Penn State Extension is hosting 2 Home Water And

Apply now for the week-long Schuylkill Acts

The Brandywine Conservancy in Delaware

(Reprinted from the RiverStewards Blog. )

The PA Association of Environmental

By Erin Cassidy Hendrik, Penn State News

(Reprinted from Penn State News.)

On January 24, The Hershey Company, based in

The PA Environmental Council is now accepting

The PA Wilds Center for Entrepreneurship, Inc. is

(Reprinted from the DCNR Blog Good Natured.)

The PA Land Trust Association is now accepting

The January 23 issue of the Resource

On January 24, the Lehigh Valley-based Wildlands

Tickets are now on sale for the Wildlife For Everyone

On January 25, the Fish and Boat Commission

February 5- Governor’s Budget Address.

February 6-9-- PA Association For Sustainable Agriculture. Pennsylvania Sustainable

February 12-13-- Advanced Watershed Educator Workshops For Non-Formal Educators.

February 14-- House Appropriations Committee Budget Hearings: 10:00- Dept. of

February 19-- Senate Appropriations Committee Budget Hearings: 10::00- Dept. of

February 21-- Manada Conservancy Spotted Lanternfly Program. Hershey Conservatory at

February 25-- Senate Appropriations Committee Budget Hearings: 3:00- Dept. of

February 26-- House Appropriations Committee Budget Hearings: 1:00- Dept. of

February 28-- Senate Appropriations Committee Budget Hearings: 3:00- Dept. of

March 20-21-- Northeast Recycling Council Spring Conference. Wilmington, DE.

May 1-- Pennsylvania Groundwater Symposium. State College.

September 22-24-- Pennsylvania Greenways And Trails Summit. Shippensburg University

October 8-10-- Natural Areas Association Natural Areas Conference. Pittsburgh.

Visit DEP’s Public Participation Center for public participation opportunities.

Visit DEP’s Public Participation Center for public participation opportunities.

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