Post on 06-Apr-2018
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PA Environment DigestAn Update On Environmental Issues In PAEdited By David E Hess Crisci Associates
Winner 2009 PAEE Business Partner Of The Year Award
Harrisburg Pa February 20 2012
Corbett Signs Marcellus Shale Drilling Fee Bill Into Law
Gov Tom Corbett Monday signed House Bill 1950 (Ellis-R-Butler) the Marcellus Shale bill
into law The bill enhances protection of our natural resources through stronger environmental
standards authorizes counties to adopt an impact fee and builds upon efforts to help move
Pennsylvania toward energy independenceThe historic measure is the first comprehensive re-write of the statersquos Oil and Gas Act
since 1984 It contains much of what Corbett outlined in his Marcellus Shale proposal last
October His plan followed the work of the Governorrsquos Marcellus Shale Advisory Commission
House Bill 1950 contains 24 of the legislative recommendations offered by the advisory
commission
ldquoThis growing industry will provide new career opportunities that will give our children a
reason to stay here in Pennsylvaniardquo Corbett said ldquoThanks to this legislation this natural
resource will safely and fairly fuel our generating plants and heat our homes while creating jobs
and powering our statersquos economic engine for generations to comerdquo
The new law enhances environmental standards by
-- Increasing well-setback distance from 100 feet to 300 feet for streams rivers ponds and other
water bodies and from 200 feet to 500 feet from buildings and private water wells and to 1000
feet for public drinking water systems
-- Expanding an unconventional operatorrsquos ldquopresumed liabilityrdquo for impairing water quality from
1000 feet to 2500 feet from a gas well and extends the duration from 6 months to 12 months
-- Enhancing water quality replacement standards to meet Safe Drinking Water Act standards
-- Enabling DEP to revoke permits in a more efficient manner to deal with imminent safety or
environmental concerns
-- Increasing blanket bonds from $25000 up to $600000
-- Providing for strong uniform and consistent statewide environmental standards ndash building
upon and incorporating the best practices used by industry leaders and-- Enhancing hydraulic fracturing disclosure including online posting through FracFocusorg
This law also authorizes counties within the shale regions to adopt an impact fee which
will be used by local communities experiencing the actual impacts of unconventional shale gas
development
To recognize the tight economics associated with low natural gas prices the fee amount
can fluctuate annually and is based on the average price of natural gas for the preceding year
832019 Pa Environment Digest Feb 20 2012
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If all eligible counties adopt the fee estimates for revenue are approximately $180
million in 2012 climbing to $211 million in 2013 and $264 million in 2014
State agencies with a role in mitigating shale gas impacts such as the Department of
Environmental Protection the Public Utility Commission Pennsylvania Emergency
Management Agency State Fire Commissioner and the Fish and Boat Commission will receive
fixed dollar amounts off the top of the revenues collected from the feeAfter that 60 percent is directly distributed to impacted counties A significant
percentage of the remaining 40 percent will also be distributed to those counties through either
population- or road-mileage-based formulas or through the awarding of competitive grants
The new law also provides long-term regulatory predictability for job-creators and capital
investors and helps businesses succeed by providing increased uniformity and fairness of local
regulations while preserving local governmentrsquos traditional zoning authority Upon petition the
Public Utility Commission is authorized to review ordinances to make sure they comply with
state law
Finally the law creates a Natural Gas Energy Development Program which will provide
incentives to convert fleets with vehicles weighing at least 14000 pounds to compressed natural
gas liquefied natural gas or bi-fuel vehicles At least 50 percent of the funds must be used for grants to local transportation organizations including mass transit agencies
The lawrsquos provisions authorizing counties to adopt ordinances imposing an impact fee go
into effect immediately The majority of the law takes effect in 60 days
A detailed summary of House Bill 1950 from the Governors Office is available online
NewsClips
Corbett Signs Marcellus Shale Fee Into Law
Corbett Signs Shale Well Impact Fee Into Law
Corbett Approves Marcellus Shale Fee
Bradford Commissioner Foolish Not To Accept Drilling Fee Money
Bradford Commissioners Disagree On Drilling FeeWhats Next For PAs Impact Fee Bradford Against Fee
Bradford Commissioners Disagree On Drilling Fee
Washington County To Seek Marcellus Fees
Editorial Corbetts Gas Fee About To Evaporate
Robinson Twp To Contest New Marcellus Law
South Fayette Eyes Legal Action On Drilling Bill
Fish amp Boat Commission Grateful For Marcellus Fees
PUC Eyes Private Firm For Impact Fee Collection
PUC Chair Let Marcellus Play Come To Us
PUC Would Get Shale Role Under Drilling Bill
Editorial It Makes Sense For PUC To Deal With Drilling NE Counties To Raise Millions Or Nothing Under Drilling Fee
House GOP Marcellus Bill A Win For Jobs
Norquists No-Tax Pledge Cant Give Drill Fee The Ax
PA Natural Gas Levy Became Inevitable
Vertical Exploratory Wells Wont Be Hit With Drilling Fee
Impact Fee Bill Addresses Housing Needs
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832019 Pa Environment Digest Feb 20 2012
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Rep Camille Bud George (D-Clearfield) Minority Chair of the House Environmental
Resources and Energy Committee Tuesday said that industrial gas drillers received a sweetheart
deal from the Corbett administration just in time for Valentinersquos Day
A review of the 27 lsquosuggestionsrsquo the industry made to House Republican leaders for the
final Marcellus shale legislation shows it got its wishes on 23 of them said Rep George of Clearfield County Some were not complete compliance with industry desires but an overall
score of 85 percent is a pretty substantial kiss
Rep George said that on January 12 the Marcellus Shale Coalition and the Associated
Petroleum Industries of Pennsylvania addressed correspondence to the House Speaker the
Majority Leader and Rep Brian Ellis R-Butler the author of House Bill 1950 with several
suggestions to amend the billrsquos final language
The industry got its way on everything from reducing the presumed liability of a well
polluting water sources to eliminating language requiring operators to conduct free pre-drilling
surveys for landowners with wells between 2500 and 5000 feet from a well said Rep George
of the bill signed into law Monday by Gov Tom Corbett It seems the industry barked and the
Republicans heeledThe industryrsquos suggestions are available online
It was stated ndash erroneously ndash on the House floor that the pre-drilling survey language
was included in the conference committee report Rep George said It is not in the bill despite
having twice won approval in the House
Rep George said the pitiful tax rate to be paid by the industry ndash a fraction of what
Pennsylvanians pay in sales or state income taxes ndash risks further irrelevance by reports that
producing counties may not opt in to the impact fee
Proponents touted House Bill 1950 as lsquocompromisersquo legislation when in fact the
measure ndash and the pittance it would collect for local and statewide impacts ndash seemingly will be
compromised Rep George said The projected revenues were a joke but now could be alaughing stock
Rep George said proposals by Democratic members of the conference committee
deserve consideration The proposals would
-- Increase initial per-well fee to $60000 ndash from $50000 ndash and improve first-year revenues by
$35 million
-- Decrease fee by $5000 a year but make fees last for 20 years not 15
-- Eliminate county option and
-- Bolster environmental safeguards of water by establishing setbacks from the edge of a well
pad
As it now stands House Bill 1950 has me torn about which Valentinersquos Day ad is the
most fitting description Rep George said Is it lsquoGive and You Will Receiversquo or lsquoEvery KissBegins withhellip Campaign Contributionsrsquo
DCNR Budget Hearing No New Drilling Leases Planned For State Forests
Department of Conservation and Natural Resources Secretary Richard Allan appeared before the
Senate Appropriations Committee Thursday for a little over an hour answering questions about
DCNRs proposed FY 2012-13 budget
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As usual the Committee dispensed with Secretary Allans prepared remarks Here are
some of the highlights from the questions asked--
Drilling Leases There are no plans to lease additional State Forest Land but if they would they
would follow the recommendations of the Governors Marcellus Shale Commission to only do
leases where they leave little or no surface impactOf the 812 well permits have been approved by DCNR on State Forest land 778
Marcellus Shale wells have been permitted by DEP 442 wells have been drilled and there are
152 producing wells
DCNR anticipates receiving $65 million in FY 2012-13 in royalties and rents from
drilling Secretary Allan said He said there may be some decrease in drilling revenues in the
next year or so with lower natural gas prices
In response to a question Secretary Allan said the agency professionals are constantly
monitoring drilling companies to make sure they comply with their leases and agency best
management practices He said so far the drillers have been good stewards and have minimized
their impacts on State Forest lands
Drilling In State Parks DCNR has a policy that there will be no drilling in State Parks where
the state owns the mineral rights Secretary Allan said Unfortunately he said the state owns
mineral rights on only 20 percent of the land in State Parks and on 80 percent in State Forests
He said DCNR will look to enforce their guidelines and best management practices on drillers
on State Park land and other areas where they dont own mineral rights to make sure any surface
impacts are minimized
State Parks In spite of budget constraints Secretary Allan said DCNR anticipates being able to
keep all State Parks open and available for residents but acknowledged there may be some
changes in some services offered such as the hours in some parksSecretary Allan said an updated economic study shows for every dollar invested State
Parks bring in $12 for a total of $11 billion of economic activity annually and they support over
13000 jobs in and around the parks
Keystone Fund The proposed transfer of all DCNR revenues from the Keystone Parks and
Conservation Fund to the General Fund Secretary Allan said will require the agency to look to
other sources of monies to support their operations like the Oil and Gas Fund the
Environmental Stewardship (Growing Greener) Fund and the new drilling fee revenue
He said he advised the Governors Office the reduction in funding will require the agency
to put off some maintenance projects and reduce the funding going for grants
Secretary Allan said he believes in the future there will be more revenue in the Oil andGas Fund and from the new drilling fee to replace at least some of the Keystone Fund monies
Oil and Gas Lease Fund Secretary Allan said he does not believe the transfers from the Oil
and Gas Fund to the agency to pay administrative expenses violate the intended use of the Oil
and Gas Fund Approximately 30 percent of DCNRs administrative budget is now supported by
the Fund
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Gas Pipelines Secretary Allan said the agency has asked drilling companies to locate natural
gas gathering pipelines on existing rights-of-way where possible and that DCNR staff foresters
geologists and other professionals work closely with the drilling companies on the details of
pipeline routing
Wild Resource Research In response to a question about a controversy over a reduction inWild Resource Conservation grants Secretary Allan said much of the information about the cuts
were inaccurate He said his review of grant applications showed a significant amount of the
funding was duplicating the research already done by DCNR professional staff (see 262012
story )
Complement DCNR now has an authorized complement of about 1375 The budget proposal
will require the agency to reduce that by 14 positions but those reductions will be done through
attrition and elimination of vacant positions
Flood Damage DCNR had about $6 million in damage from flooding last fall Secretary Allan
said they submitted those damages to the Federal Emergency Management Agency for potentialreimbursement
Dogs In State Parks Secretary Allan said DCNR has a pilot project underway to allow visitors
using cabins and camping areas to bring their dogs He said they are still evaluating the results
A copy of Secretary Allans remarks are available online
NewsClip DCNR Secretary Says Report On Wildlife Research Not Accurate
Related Stories
Governors Budget Cuts Environment Again Keystone Fund Zeroed Out For DCNR The Record $18 Billion CutDiverted From Environmental Programs Last 10 Years
Senate House Budget Hearing Schedule
Note You can watch the hearings live through the Senate webpage and the House webpage or
on the PA Cable Network website
NewsClips
Corbett Signs Marcellus Shale Fee Into Law
Corbett Signs Shale Well Impact Fee Into Law
Corbett Approves Marcellus Shale Fee
Bradford Commissioner Foolish Not To Accept Drilling Fee MoneyBradford Commissioners Disagree On Drilling Fee
Whats Next For PAs Impact Fee Bradford Against Fee
Bradford Commissioners Disagree On Drilling Fee
Washington County To Seek Marcellus Fees
Editorial Corbetts Gas Fee About To Evaporate
Robinson Twp To Contest New Marcellus Law
South Fayette Eyes Legal Action On Drilling Bill
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Fish amp Boat Commission Grateful For Marcellus Fees
PUC Eyes Private Firm For Impact Fee Collection
PUC Chair Let Marcellus Play Come To Us
PUC Would Get Shale Role Under Drilling Bill
Editorial It Makes Sense For PUC To Deal With Drilling
NE Counties To Raise Millions Or Nothing Under Drilling FeeHouse GOP Marcellus Bill A Win For Jobs
Norquists No-Tax Pledge Cant Give Drill Fee The Ax
PA Natural Gas Levy Became Inevitable
Vertical Exploratory Wells Wont Be Hit With Drilling Fee
Impact Fee Bill Addresses Housing Needs
Drilling Bill Authors Health Experts Fears Unfounded
Health Officials Drilling Law Disclosure Rules Lax
Op-Ed Natural Gas Fee May Be Too Late
Editorial Marcellus Fee A Tax Stupid
Editorial Shale Drillers Got The Better Part Of Deal
Corbett Raiding Special FundsHouse Capital Budget Bill Debate Focuses On Jobs
Editorial Capital Budget Funds Must Be Kept Under Control
Can Pennsylvanians Survive Under Another Corbett Budget
As Roads Bridges Deteriorate Governor Silent
Analysis Taking Baby Steps On Fixing Roads Bridges
Editorial Must A Bridge Fall Down
Obama Cuts EPA Increases Chesapeake Bay Program
Chesapeake Bay Program Increased Under Obama Budget
EPA Budget Cut For States Superfund Cleanup
Obama Proposes $14 Million For Fracking Research$67 Million Requested For Federal Pipeline Safety
Schedule For Remaining Senate House Budget Hearings
The Senate and House Appropriations Committees both have budget hearings scheduled this
week on Gov Corbetts proposed budget You can watch the hearings live through the Senate
webpage and the House webpage or on the PA Cable Network website
Heres the schedule of the remaining budget hearings--
February 21-- House Appropriations Committee budget hearings 930 - Global Economy
1100 - Independent Fiscal Office 130 - Department of Revenue All House hearings will be inRoom 140
February 22-- Senate Appropriations Committee budget hearings 930 - Department of
Environmental Protection 100 - Department of Transportation
February 27-- House Appropriations Committee budget hearings 1000 - Public Utility
Commission 1100 - Office of Consumer Advocate Small Business Advocate
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updates through your favorite RSS read You can also sign up for a once daily email alerting
you to new items posted on this blog
PA Capitol Digest Daily Blog to get updates every day on Pennsylvania State Government
including NewsClips coverage of key press conferences and more Sign up and receive as they
are posted updates through your favorite RSS reader You can also sign up for a once dailyemail alerting you to new items posted on this blog
PA Capitol Digest Twitter Feed Dont forget to sign up to receive the PA Capitol Digest
Twitter feed to get instant updates on other news from in and around the Pennsylvania State
Capitol
SenateHouse AgendaSession ScheduleBills Introduced
Here are the Senate and House Calendars and Committee meetings showing bills of interest as
well as a list of new environmental bills introduced--
Session Schedule
Here is the latest voting session schedule for the Senate and House--
Senate
Budget Hearings Feb 21 22 23 27 28 29 and March 1
March 5 6 7 12 13 14 26 27 28
April 2 3 30
May 1 2 7 8 9 21 22 23
June 4 5 6 11 12 13 18 19 20 25 26 27 28 29
House
Budget Hearings Feb 21 22 23 24 27 28 29 March 1 2 5 6 7 8 9
March 12 13 14 26 27 28
April 2 3 4 30
May 1 2 7 8 9 21 22 23
June 4 5 6 11 12 13 18 19 20 21 22 25 26 27 28 29
Bill Calendars
House (March 12) House Bill 1934 (FKeller-R-Snyder) excluding people residing in federal or state facilities for determining when a municipality must recycle House Resolution 438 (Cruz-
D-Philadelphia) urging Philadelphia to establish a waste tire removal and disposal
program House Resolution 423 (Petri-R-Bucks) directing the Legislative Budget and Finance
Committee to study state funding formulas and how they impact counties House Resolution
505 (Preston-D-Allegheny) disapproving the PUC regulation on natural gas competition
ltgt Click Here for full House Bill Calendar
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Senate (March 5) Senate Bill 1324 (Yaw-R-Bradford) quieting mineral property title
rights Senate Bill 1398 (Yudichak-D-Luzerne) extending the Underground Storage Tank
Environmental Cleanup Program from 2012 to 2017 House Bill 1813 (Tobash-R-Schuylkill)
further providing for anthracite reclamation fees and guarantees ltgt Click Here for full Senate
Bill Calendar
Committees
House the Appropriations Committee holds budget hearings on Global Economy
Independent Fiscal Office Department of Revenue the House Democratic Policy
Committee holds a hearing on Southeast PA oil refinery closings in Philadelphia ltgt Click
Here for full House Committee Schedule
Senate the Appropriations Committee holds budget hearings on Department of
Environmental Protection Department of Transportation ltgt Click Here for full Senate
Committee Schedule
Note You can watch the hearings live through the Senate webpage and the House webpage or
on the PA Cable Network website
Bills Introduced
The following bills of interest were introduced this week--
Defining Chronic Dementia House Bill 2196 (Curry-D-Montgomery) amending the Older
Adult Protective Services Act to define chronic dementia and cognitive impairment and making
other changes
Oil amp Gas Dust House Bill 2197 (Curry-D-Montgomery) amending the Air Pollution Control
Act to make dust from oil and gas operations air pollution under the act
Cambria County Land Senate Bill 1425 (Wozniak-D-Cambria) authority DCNR to lease
certain State Forest land in Cambria County to an alternative energy company
Bills On Governors Desk
The following bill was given final approval by the Senate and House and is now with the
Governor for his action--
Infrastructure Funding House Bill 1294 (Godshall-R-Montgomery) authorizing the PUC to
establish a distribution system improvement charge (DSIC) as an alternative to regular rate cases
to recover costs associated with replacing pipelines and other utility infrastructure A summary
and House Fiscal Note are available The bill was signed into law by the Governor as Act 11
NewsClips Corbett Signs 3 Energy Sector Bills
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Marcellus Shale House Bill 1950 (Ellis-R-Butler) imposing a Marcellus Shale drilling fee and
enacting a laundry list of additional environmental protection measures related to drilling was
signed into law by the Governor as Act 13
SenateHouse Bills Moving
The following bills of interest saw action this week in the House and Senate--
Senate
Nominations Gov Corbett this week re-nominated John Coleman as a Commissioner on the
Public Utility Commission
House
Conservation Easements House Bill 2059 (Miller-R-York) amending the Agricultural Area
Security Law to provide for the inspection of agricultural conservation easements on at least a
biennial basis (a summary and House Fiscal Note are available) and House Bill 2106 (Ross-R-
Chester) further providing for the relinquishment of the right to farmland preservation (a
summary and House Fiscal Note are available) were referred into and out of the House
Appropriations Committee and passed by the House The bills now go to the Senate for
consideration
Land Banks House Bill 1682 (Taylor-R-Philadelphia) providing for the creation of land banks
for the conversion of vacant properties into productive use was removed from the Table
amended on the House Floor and referred into and out of the House Appropriations Committeeand passed by the House A summary and House Fiscal Note are available The bill now goes to
the Senate for consideration
NewsClip Land Bank Bill Newest Anti-Blight Tool
Capital Budget Process House Bill 2175 (Turzai-R-Allegheny) making changes to Capital
Budget process and reducing the ability of state government to borrow and spend taxpayer
dollars was reported out of the House Finance Committee debated in the House and referred to
the House Appropriations Committee
NewsClip House Capital Budget Bill Debate Focuses On Jobs
Transportation Partnerships House Bill 3 (Geist-R-Blair) authorizing public-privatetransportation partnerships was amended on the House Floor and was referred to the House
Appropriations Committee
Recycling Requirement House Bill 1934 (FKeller-R-Snyder) excluding people residing in
federal or state facilities for determining when a municipality must recycle was reported out of
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the House Environmental Resources and Energy Committee and is on the House Calendar for
action
News From The Capitol
House Committee Moves Capital Budget Reform Legislation
The House Finance Committee Monday reported out House Bill 2175 (Turzai-R-Allegheny)
making changes to Capital Budget process and reducing the ability of state government to
borrow and spend taxpayer dollars
ldquoThe balance on the statersquos credit card is too highrdquo Rep Kerry Benninghoff (R-Mifflin)
Majority Chair of the Committee said ldquoItrsquos time to pay down the debt and stop spending money
that taxpayers donrsquot haverdquo
House Bill 2175 would reduce the debt ceiling of the Commonwealthrsquos Redevelopment
Assistance Capital Project (RACP) a program created to fund economic development and
infrastructure projects using borrowed money
In 1999 the program had a debt ceiling of approximately $12 billion Since that time
approximately 8000 projects have been added to the programrsquos list and the debt ceiling was
raised to more than $4 billion
The program has come under recurring scrutiny after funding was used to help build
stadiums for professional sports teams and projects honoring former politicians Millions of
dollars were earmarked through the program to fund a library named after former US Senator
Arlen Specter and a public policy center named after former Congressman John Murtha
ldquoPeople are tired of seeing their hard-earned money used to pay for legacy projects for
politiciansrdquo Rep Benninghoff said ldquoThis program has gone far outside its original intent of
providing help with legitimate economic development projectsrdquo
The bill would reduce the RACP debt ceiling initially by a half-billion dollars to $35 billion and then continue to incrementally decrease the debt limit until it falls to $15 billion The
legislation also calls for stricter limits on the type of projects eligible to receive funding and
would increase oversight of the program
ldquoWe want to lower the credit limit on the statersquos credit cardrdquo Rep Benninghoff said
ldquoThis would reduce the ability of state government to spend money that taxpayers donrsquot haverdquo
House Bill 2175 now heads to the full House for consideration
NewsClips House Capital Budget Bill Debate Focuses On Jobs
Editorial Capital Budget Funds Must Be Kept Under Control
Report On Game Commission Strategic Plan Released By Joint Committee
The Joint Legislative Budget and Finance Committee this week released the fifth in a series of
progress reports on the Game Commissions compliance with its strategic plan A copy of the
report highlights and the full report are available online
News From Around The State
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EPA States On Track To Meet Chesapeake Bay Cleanup Goals PA Plan Needs Work
Delaware Maryland Pennsylvania Virginia West Virginia and the District of Columbia are
generally on track to meet pollution reduction goals for the Chesapeake Bay and its rivers by
2025 according to the US Environmental Protection Agencyrsquos evaluations of the jurisdictions
cleanup plansThe six Bay states and the District of Columbia recently submitted their Phase II
Watershed Implementation Plans (WIPs) and their 2012-2013 pollution reduction milestones
These plans lay out how each jurisdiction will meet pollution reduction goals set by the EPA in
the Chesapeake Bay TMDL
Overall the jurisdictions built considerably upon their Phase I plans according to the
EPA The Phase II plans provide more specific cleanup strategies and detail restoration actions
on a local level
In a cover letter transmitting comments to the Department of Environmental Protection
on Pennsylvanias Plan EPA said greatly appreciate(s) the efforts of the Pennsylvania
Department of Environmental Protection and your partner agencies as well as stakeholder groups
in the development of these documents (WIP)The letter said EPAs primary concern is the WIP does not identify important next steps
to implement core initiatives of Pennsylvanias Phase I agriculture strategy such as supporting
manure to energy technologies and development of methods to defensibly track and report non-
cost-shared practices These strategies account for a sizable portion of the nutrient and sediment
reductions in the Plan
EPA also said it lacks assurance that Pennsylvania will be able to achieve the
reductions in stormwater loads identified in the WIP through methods such as reissuing the
PAG-13 General Permit for Municipal Separate Storm Sewer System permittees
A copy of the detailed comments is available online along with related comments related
documents Other state evaluations are also available EPA is still reviewing New Yorkrsquos planwhich was submitted after the deadline
The EPA said it will continue to work with the jurisdictions between now and March 30
when the final Phase II WIPs are due
CBF Funding Now Available For Farm Conservation Improvements In Northcentral PA
The Chesapeake Bay Foundation is pleased to announce funding is now available to farmers
interested in improving farm profitability and water quality through the installation of on-farm
conservation practices in Bradford Sullivan Susquehanna Tioga Wyoming and Lycoming
counties
The funding is being made available through CBFrsquos ldquoBuffer Bonusrdquo program incooperation with the Bradford County Conservation District The program has enabled current
and past participants to make onfarm improvements including rotational grazing practices such
as fencing watering systems and laneways
Other options include the installation of waste transfer lines for milk house waste and
silage leachate stabilization of access roads and the installation of roof gutters to include a few
ldquoThese conservation improvements are a win-win for both the farmer and local water
qualityrdquo said Jennifer Johns CBF Buffer Specialist in Bradford County ldquoWhile each project
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ultimately produces different results we find that creating healthier living conditions for the
livestock through the installation of conservation practices improves herd health and the farmerrsquos
bottom linerdquo
Another goal of this program is to provide at no cost to the farmer a new or updated
Conservation and Nutrient Management Plan By combining this plan with an engineerrsquos
evaluation of the farm which is also provided the plans are then considered a Comprehensive Nutrient Management Plan or a CNMP
Having a CNMP enables the farmer to apply for federal funding to assist with larger on-
farm improvements such as manure storage facilities and concrete barnyards
Farmers interested in participating in the Buffer Bonus program must be willing to install
a forested riparian streamside buffer through the USDArsquos Conservation Reserve Enhancement
Program (CREP) Those already enrolled in CREP with a contract date of April 1 2009 or later
may be eligible to enroll
This funding will not be available for long and farms will be served on a first come first
serve basis
For more information contact BradfordSullivan Counties Jennifer Johns
570-578-6900 TiogaLycoming Counties Steve Smith 570-578-7000 SusquehannaWyomingCounties Jeremy Wagner 570-278-1011 xt 107
Spring Creek Watershed Association Hosts Chesapeake Bay GIS Tool Workshop Feb 21
On February 21 the Spring Creek Watershed Association will host John Dawes Foundation for
PA Watersheds for a presentation about the Chesapeake Commons a web-based Geographic
Information Systems (GIS) and data management tool developed for the Chesapeake Bay
restoration effort
The presentation will be held from 800 am to 900 am at the Patton Township
Municipal Building near State College PaThere is also an option to hear the presentation through a webinar at the same time Click
Here for details
The Chesapeake Commons Tool is a free web-based Geographic Information Systems
(GIS) and data management tool available to all organizations working to restore the Chesapeake
Bay The Tool is designed to serve as a centralized knowledge base of data maps and articles
contributed by government nonprofits funders and citizen organizers
Policy makers will have a centralized pool of peer vetted information from which they
can make the best possible decisions in the context of the Bay restoration effort
Chesapeake Commons is a project developed and funded by the Chesapeake Bay Funders
Network with financial support from the John Heinz III Center for Science Economics and the
Environment
Town Meeting On Health Of The Wissahickon Creek March 29
On March 29 the Wissahickon Valley Watershed Association and the Springside Chestnut Hill
Academy with support from the Friends of the Wissahickon and Chestnut Hill College are
sponsoring a Town Meeting to inform the community about significant environmental challenges
to the Wissahickon Creek
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The meeting will be held on the Cherokee Campus of Springside Chestnut Hill Academy
8000 Cherokee Street Philadelphia and will begin at 7 pm doors will open at 630 pm and
light refreshments will be provided
A Creek in Crisis A Town Meeting on the Health of the Wissahickon Creek will
examine the numerous threats to the Wissahickon including diminishing water quantity
stormwater runoff impaired water quality and flooding that severely impact the health of theWissahickon Creek and its tributaries
The impact of the Wissahickon Creek on the lives of those living in the Wissahickon
Watershed is absolute Though the Wissahickon Creek has a humble beginning in the parking lot
at Montgomery Mall it continues through nine municipalities to the confluence of the Schuylkill
River in Philadelphia
It is a significant waterway providing approximately 10 percent of the drinking water to
Philadelphians as well as habitat for local wildlife and recreation and natural beauty for area
residents
Moderated by Patrick Starr Vice President of the PA Environmental Council Southeast
Regional Office the Town Meeting will feature a panel of environmental experts who will
examine the numerous threats to the WissahickonPanelists will be Carol R Collier Executive Director of the Delaware River Basin
Commission John K Jackson PhD Senior Research Scientist at the Stroud Water Research
Center and Chris Crockett Deputy Commissioner at the Philadelphia Water Department
More information will be posted on the Friends of the Wissahickon website
Conservation Reserve Program Training Courses Offered By Penn State Extension
Conservation professionals working across the Chesapeake Bay Watershed are invited to a
special training program on Conservation Reserve Planning for professionals on March 7 and 8
at the Lancaster County Farm and Home CenterA national team of facilitators will be conducting the Lancaster workshop including from
University of Wisconsin University of Minnesota Montana State University University of
Georgia and Penn State ndash along with experienced and skilled US Natural Resource
Conservation Service professionals
Also involved in the program are conservation partners who are in formal agreements
with NRCS to deliver the Conservation Reserve Enhancement Program to landowners for
example the Chesapeake Bay Foundation will also be on hand at the workshop to provide
additional training related to CREP
This training workshop is designed to create a group of skilled conservation professionals
working in partnership with farmers and landowners to develop quality CRP conservation plans
that result in measurable impacts on land and water resource managementWorkshop goals include
-- Understanding the purpose and intent of the Conservation Reserve Program (CRP)
-- Determining eligibility of lands for CRP
-- Knowing how to find information for CRP plans
-- Effectively working with a landowner in developing a CRP plan
-- Becoming familiar with regionally specific conservation practices
-- Understanding how to implement a CRP plan
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-- Working with NRCS and FSA to submit a quality CRP plan
The Conservation Reserve Program Readiness Initiative was created to help the Natural
Resources Conservation Service accomplish the work involved with managing CRP enrollments
CRP plan development and implementation and the follow up management of developed plans
A national team of Extension staff NRCS and FSA staff and representatives from NRCS
partner agencies and organizations has collaborated to develop a multi-faceted training programto meet the needs of the initiative
Click Here for the full schedule of workshops available
Latest Lessons From The Land Webinar Feb 21 On Managing Phosphorus
Penn State Extension and the Conewago Watershed Initiative will host a webcast on February 21
from noon to 100 pm on Measuring and Managing Phosphorus In Wet Pennsylvania
Landscapes part of the Lessons From The Land series
Dr Tony Buda USDA ARS and Dr Patrick Drohan Penn State Department of Crop
and Soil Science will present research conducted by PA USDA NRCS USDA-ARS and Penn
State to look at how saturated soils and soils with fragipans have contributed to higher runoffMatt Royer Director of the Lower Susquehanna Initiative Penn State AG amp
Environment Center will moderate
These wet landscapes are often critical sources of phosphorus that contribute to loads of
pollutants in streamsmdashand should be targeted for conservation practices
A pilot study undertaken within the Conewago Watershed serves as a proving ground for
the development of ldquonext generation nutrient management practicesrdquo necessary to reduce the
loads of phosphorus emanating from agricultural lands that contribute to the degradation of the
Chesapeake Bay Watershed
One Nutrient Management credit is available for eligible participants from the state
Department of Agriculture Those seeking credits will be required to sign-in during the webinar to verify their attendance
The program can be viewed online as a recording after the live broadcast Continuing ed
credits are not available for the recorded session
To join this webinar you will need a high speed Internet and can sign in on this
webpage at the webinars noon start time This program will be broadcasting live from the
Conewago Initiativersquos Project Advisory Team meeting at Penn Statersquos Harrisburg campus
Lake Management Annual Conference Set For March 7-8 In State College
The 22nd annual Pennsylvania Lake Management Society annual conference will once again be
at the Days Inn State College on March 7 and 8This years theme is Staying Blue by Going Green and our keynote speaker is Bill
Jones from Indiana School of Public and Environmental Affairs in Bloomington Indiana
As always the Conference will have a great line up of speakers It also offers aquatic
applicator credits for PA OH NY and NJ
Please check out the Conference webpage for more details or contact Kerilynn Frey by
sending email to palakeshotmailcom
832019 Pa Environment Digest Feb 20 2012
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Penn State Extension How To Avoid Septic System Failures
Owning your own home is challenging enough what do you do when it comes with its own
sewage treatment plant This article provides some clues for owners of septic systems who want
to make them last a very long time
According to the US Environmental Protection Agency failure rates for on-lot sewagesystems across the country are reported at 10 percent annually In Pennsylvania approximately
12 million homes (one in three) use on-lot sewage systems for the treatment and disposal of
waste water
Responsibility for maintaining the system rests with the homeowner Proper maintenance
is a good idea since replacing it can cost thousands of dollars Proper maintenance also protects
groundwater that might be a source of drinking water
The most obvious on-lot sewage system failures are easy to spot Sewage backing up into
your home will typically command your immediate attention Raw sewage surfacing in your
yard in nearby ditches or on the neighborrsquos lawn is another clear indicator of failure Muddy
soil around the drain field or pooled water there or in your basement are other signs of serious
malfunction Notice whether your toilet or sink backs up when you flush or do laundry Stripsof bright green grass over the drainfield may be another indicator of problems A toilet running
sluggish or sewer odors in the house andor drinking water are signs of an on-lot system in
trouble
On-lot sewage systems also fail when partially treated wastewater comes into contact
with groundwater This type of failure is not easy to detect but it can result in the pollution of
wells nearby streams or other bodies of water Illness often to household visitors may be
another indicator of system failure that has affected your well and household drinking water
For those considering building a new home or replacing an existing septic system one of
the most critical factors in on-lot sewage system performance is the nature of the soils used for
the septic system soil absorption fieldYou can minimize failures by carefully and deliberately considering all aspects of on-lot
sewage system construction site selection design installation maintenance and use Hire
reputable individuals to design and install your system Also make sure the system is designed to
meet your present and future needs
You should contact your Township Sewage Enforcement Officer concerning permits
needed to install a new on-lot sewage system or repair a failing system
Once properly installed the key to preventing your on-lot system from failing is proper
maintenance Regularly pumping the tank being careful in what you put down the drains and
avoiding such things as planting trees over the field or covering the system with permanent
patios and home additions are important to keep the system running well
Water conservation in the home is also an excellent method of preventing future problems from occurring Divert downspouts and surface water away from the septic tank and
especially the drain field Do not physically damage the system by driving over the components
with heavy vehicles or by digging up the system for other utility lines etc Keep a record of the
location and dimensions of your system along with maintenance and repair information
Homeowners interested in finding out about the overall health of their on-lot sewage
system may want to consider having their septic systems inspected by a trained professional The
PA Septage Management Association in cooperation with the National Onsite Wastewater
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Education and Research Foundation has adopted uniform On-lot Wastewater Treatment
Inspection procedures
PSMA is a professional association of septage pumpers system installers maintenance
technicians real estate inspectors and industry affiliates PSMA Certified Inspectors which
includes many septic tank pumpers are trained to understand how on-lot systems work why they
fail and recognize impending malfunctionsSee the PSMA website for more details about PSMANOF inspections or call them at
717-763-7762
Many fact sheets about on-lot sewage systems are available from the Agricultural and
Biological Engineering department Topics include septic tank pumping percolation tests
elevated sand mounds inspections and alternative systems and pharmaceutical disposal
(Article reprinted from Penn State Extension Watershed Winds online newsletter)
Wissahickon Watershed Maple Sugaring Program Set For March 3
Ever wonder how maple syrup and sugar are made The Wissahickon Vally WatershedAssociation will offer a unique program on maple syrup on March 3 in Ambler Montgomery
County
The event offers a fun and informative event ideal for families Scout groups and anyone
curious about the maple sugar process
Choose a specific time as guides take small groups through the woods to see the tapped
trees and then watch it being boiled into sugar End your walk at WVWArsquos historic headquarters
for hot chocolate and warm treats with maple syrup
RSVP requested by sending email to infowvwaorg or call 215-646-8866 There is a
fee for the program WVWA member fee $5 per person $15 per family Non-WVWA member
fee $10 per person $20 per family or Become a WVWA member and be their guest for $45In Ambler and look for signage Walk over the Butler Avenue Bridge and turn left onto
the Green Ribbon Trail
KPB Greenways Mini-Grant Program Applications Due March 15
Keep Pennsylvania Beautiful is now accepting applications for their Greenways Mini-Grant
Program to provide community groups with project supplies for outdoor based work events
within a greenway enabling the renewal of Pennsylvaniarsquos Greenways in need into something
beautiful
The deadline for applications is March 15 and hard copies are required Grants will be
awarded on April 16Fifteen grant awardees along with their volunteers will be eligible for up to $500 in
project supplies and direct project costs for Prevent it Clean it and Keep it projects within a
Greenway
Pennsylvania and its partners are developing an outstanding network of greenways across
the Commonwealth creating an asset that will enhance the quality of life for all while connecting
open space natural landscape features scenic cultural historic and recreations sites and urban
and rural communities
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A greenway is a linear corridor across the land that conserves natural areas and provides
people with recreation and transportation opportunities
As one of the Commonwealthrsquos most powerful tools to achieve sustainable growth and
livable communities greenways are ensuring future generations the opportunity to live amongst
the natural beauty of Pennrsquos Woods
This program is financed by a grant from the Community Conservation PartnershipProgram Environmental Stewardship Fund under the administration of the Department of
Conservation and Natural Resources Bureau of Recreation and Conservation
The Greenways Mini-Grant is available to any tax-exempt group within Pennsylvania
Private property owners or individual applicants cannot apply
Applications must meet the following requirements to be considered ndash it is within a
Greenway and is in at least one of the following categories Prevent it Clean it and Keep it (see
application for details) plus provide proof of liability insurance signed permission to enter from
the private property owner and 100 percent match of donated or in-kind services Selected
awardees must also agree to provide a final report with before during and after photos
ldquoWe are excited to collaborate with DCNR in offering Greenways Mini-Grants to
organizations working to build clean and beautiful communities across the staterdquo said ShannonReiter President of Keep Pennsylvania Beautiful ldquoGreenways are integral to healthy livable
communities and we are grateful to have the opportunity to empower Pennsylvania with the
tools and resources they need to enhance greenways in their communitiesrdquo
For more information visit the Greenways Mini-Grant Program webpage to download an
application Any additional questions can be answered by Susan Carmichael Greenways Mini-
Grant Program Coordinator at 1-877-772-3673 ext 102 or send email to
scarmichaelkeeppabeautifulorg
Pennsylvania Adds 1470 Acres Of Farmland To Preservation Program
Pennsylvania has added 1470 additional acres of land to its nationally recognized farmland
preservation program under action by the Pennsylvania Agricultural Land Preservation Board at
its meeting Thursday in Harrisburg
The 14 newly preserved farms are located in Beaver Berks Bucks Butler Cambria
Cumberland Juniata Lackawanna Lancaster Lebanon Northampton and Somerset counties
ldquoWersquove preserved nearly 15000 acres of farmland across the state in just the past year
alonerdquo said Agriculture Secretary George Greig ldquoThis speaks volumes to the value our farm
families place on ensuring the future viability of Pennsylvania agriculture ndash our statersquos number-
one industryrdquo
Since the program started in 1988 state county and local governments have invested
more than $11 billion to safeguard 459007 acres on 4243 farmsldquoOur producers know the importance of preserving farms so our next generation of
agriculturalists can keep Pennsylvania growing far into the future and I thank them for that
foresightrdquo Greig said
Pennsylvaniarsquos farmland preservation efforts work through the Pennsylvania Agricultural
Conservation Easement Purchase Program The program was developed to slow the loss of prime
farmland to non-agricultural uses It enables state county and local governments to purchase
conservation easements also called development rights from owners of quality farmland
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For more information visit Agricultures Farmland Preservation webpage
PUC Finalizes Implementation Plan For Pipeline Safety Act
The Public Utility Commission Thursday finalized an Order as the first step in implementing Act
127 the Gas and Hazardous Liquids Pipelines ActThe Commission voted 5-0 to finalize the Order which begins the process of creating a
statewide registry for non-public utility gas and hazardous liquids pipeline equipment and
facilities within the Commonwealth provides resources to conduct safety inspections to enforce
Federal pipeline safety laws on certain classifications of pipeline and assesses entities for the
costs
The Order established the following
-- The registration fee is $250
-- The 2012 registration deadline is March 16
-- Assessment invoices for the Commissionrsquos 2011-12 fiscal year will be mailed by March 30
and due by April 30 and
-- Assessment invoices for the Commissionrsquos 2012-13 fiscal year will be mailed in July 2012with payment due within 30 days
Final forms and other materials will be available on the Commissionrsquos website
Act 127 direct the PUC to develop a registry and conduct safety inspections of these lines
for ldquopipeline operatorsrdquo in the state The Commission also is to track the development of
pipelines in less populated areas which transport gas from non-conventional wells
Act 127 expands the Commissionrsquos authority to enforce the federal pipeline safety laws
as they relate to those pipelines and facilities Non-public utility gas and hazardous liquids
pipeline operators include several different categories of pipelines such as cooperatively owned
natural gas distribution systems non-utility natural gas transportation and gathering lines and
propane distribution pipeline systemsFor more information visit the PUCs Act 127 webpage
DEP Sets Feb 22 Meeting On Jefferson County Drilling Permit
The Department of Environmental Protection will host a public meeting on February 22 to
discuss Flatirons Resources LLCrsquos proposal to drill a Marcellus Shale well in Brockway
Jefferson County
The 6 pm meeting will be held at the Brockway Area JuniorSenior High School on
Alexander Street in Brockway
ldquoWe recognize that there are a lot of questions and that people want detailsrdquo DEP
Northwest Regional Director Kelly Burch said ldquoDEP staff will provide information about our role in the permitting process and address any questions and concerns the audience may have
about our oversight and environmental protectionrdquo
The horizontal well that Flatirons proposes to drill would be the second on this pad
which is on Brockway Borough Municipal Authority property in the Rattlesnake Creek
Watershed The first well was drilled in February 2011 and hydraulically fractured in November
2011
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After DEPrsquos presentation at the meeting company representatives will describe their
plans to drill the well if approved A question-and-answer session will follow
DEPrsquos decision to issue a well permit is based on the applicationrsquos technical merits and
whether the applicantrsquos drilling casing and cementing plan will protect water resources The
agency issued Flatirons a permit to drill a second well on the pad in December 2010 but it
expired a year later because the well was never drilled The permit application was resubmittedon December 27 2011
HACC Offers Free Environmental Technician Training At Midtown Campus
Training for emerging environmental jobs in the cleanup and reuse of brownfields will be offered
starting April 16 at the Midtown location of HACC Central Pennsylvaniarsquos Community College
Candidates for the federally funded program are displaced workers the unemployed or
underemployed as well as low-income or minority residents who live in the Harrisburg said
Cheryl Dietz HACC Workforce Training coordinator
Potential students can find out more by attending one of two upcoming information
sessions in Room 228 of Midtown 1 1500 N Fourth St The sessions will be held from 6-7 pmFebruary 29 and 11 am-noon March 3
HACC representatives will answer questions about the free job training program which
will consist of an eight-week 320-hour training cycle with classes meeting 8 am-3 pm April
16-June 8
To be eligible a candidate must have a general education diploma (GED) or high school
diploma test at a 10th-grade math and reading level have a valid driverrsquos license have access to
reliable transportation be drug free and demonstrate an interest in the environment
Successful graduates will receive certifications in all of the following Hazardous Waste
Operations and Emergency Response (HAZWOPER) confined space entrantattendant and
supervisor lead-based paint inspector and asbestos inspectorAdditional training will be offered in environmental site assessment air and water
quality and environmental remediation techniques
HACC is offering the training through a two-year $199890 grant awarded through the
federal Environmental Protection Agencyrsquos Brownfields Program
Two classes were held last year at HACC-Harrisburg Campus with 35 graduates Of this
number 26 have jobs (19 of them are in the environmental field) and four are continuing their
education A third class is under way in Lancaster As part of the grant HACC helps successful
graduates find environmental jobs and tracks those graduates for one year
A brownfield site is real property the expansion redevelopment or reuse of which may
be complicated by the presence or potential presence of a hazardous substance pollutant or
contaminant according to the EPAThe EPA estimates there are 180 brownfield sites in the Lancaster area and a combined
total of 120 brownfield sites in Harrisburg and Steelton
For more information or to register to attend an information session contact Cheryl
Deitz HACC Workforce Training coordinator at 221-1338 or send email to chdeitzhaccedu
PUC Chair Urges Utilities To Participate In Programs To Create Jobs For Returning
Troops
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Public Utility Commission Chairman Robert F Powelson Thursday urged the statersquos public
utilities to participate in several new programs proposed by Gov Tom Corbett and the Edison
Electric Institute to create jobs in the energy sector
The Chairman also noted that the time is right for job growth with the development of the
Marcellus Shale industry and electric competition across the stateldquoToday I encourage Pennsylvaniarsquos electric and natural gas utilities to learn from the
example set by EEI and participate in the Troops to Energy Jobs program as well as Governor
Corbettrsquos Jobs First PA initiative Chairman Powelson said in a statement at the PUCrsquos Public
Meeting In the days ahead the PUC will be coordinating with EEI and the Corbett
Administration to connect our energy companies with these innovative programsrdquo
The Chairman referenced Gov Corbetts annual budget address to the General Assembly
last week
ldquoIn his address the Governor recognized that the energy sector has enormous potential
for producing new jobs and putting the unemployed back to workrdquo Chairman Powelson said
ldquoIn announcing his new Jobs First program the Governor stated that lsquoas our energy sector
expands Pennsylvania needs a trained workforce ready to meet the demand for workersrsquordquoChairman Powelson said the EEI launched its Troops for Energy Jobs initiative which is
designed to accelerate the training and employability of veterans in key energy programs EEI is
currently piloting this program through five energy companies throughout the nation
For more information visit the Troops for Energy Jobs Initiative website
PA Chamber Environmental amp Energy Conference April 18 In Lancaster
The annual PA Chamber of Business and Industry Environmental and Energy Conference will be
held on April 18 at the Eden Resort Inn amp Suites in Lancaster
Major environmental regulatory areas continue to see numerous changes at the state andfederal level that impact business Thats why the Pennsylvania Chamber is offering four
learning tracks with answers you need on the latest environmental and energy issues-all in one
day
-- Compliance help from state and national top experts on the toughest environmental issues
-- Details on the latest regulatory changes and proposed changes
-- Proven strategies best practices and practical business tips to help you comply cost-effectively
in each area and
-- Advanced environmental roundtable
There will be two keynotes The Economic Benefits of Marcellus Shale and Natural Gas-
American Petroleum Institute Washington DC and Converting Trash into Renewable Energy-
National Solid Wastes Management Association Washington DCVisit with more than 50 exhibitors offering an exciting array of advanced technology
solutions and exhibitor educational sessions Access and network with more than 300 of your
peers from across the state
For more information and to register visit the Conference webpage or contact Sue Smith
at 717-720-5457 or send email to ssmithpachamberorg
Volunteers Needed To Plant 100 Acre Wind Break At Flight 93 Memorial In April
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The federal Office of Surface Mining Reclamation and Enforcement through their Appalachian
Regional Reforestation Initiative and the Department of Environmental Protection are working
with the National Park Service to plant a wind break at the Flight 93 Memorial in Somerset
County
Volunteers are needed to plant trees on April 20 21 27 and 28 Volunteers may sign upfor one day or multiple days
If you are interested in volunteering send a Volunteer Sign-Up Form and a Photo
Release Form and send to Leroy Renninger of the National Park Service by email
to Leroy_Renningernpsgov
State Fly Tying Champions Announced At Eastern Sports amp Outdoor Show
The Eastern Sports amp Outdoor Show Cumberland Valley Trout Unlimited Bass Pro Shops of
Harrisburg Mid Atlantic Fly Fishing Guide magazine and the Fish and Boat Commission
sponsored the Pennsylvania State Fly Tying Championship held on February 11 at the Eastern
Sports amp Outdoor Show at the State Farm Show Complex in HarrisburgThirteen contestants in three categories competed for money trophies and prizes in the
annual event to crown the best fly tyers in Pennsylvania
In the Open Division the winners are 1st Place - Andy Fresch Summerhill 2nd Place -
Ken Moser Severna Park MD 3rd Place - John Shosh Hamburg
The Amateur Division winners are 1st Place - Matthew Edinger Sharon Hill 2nd Place -
- Mike Marino Souderton and 3rd Place -- Elliott DeFrancesco Wilburton
The Youth Division winners are 1st Place - Gaeron Friedrichs Milford 2nd Place
Bobby Faust Dalmatia
The contestants at the final event were the top tiers selected from entries previously
submitted In order to qualify the entrants had to submit three flies from a list of flies for eachcategory
At the event each finalist was required to tie three flies over a two hour time period The
finalists knew ahead of time two of the flies that were to be tied and a third ldquomystery flyrdquo was
announced to them at the event
The championship will be held again at the 2013 Eastern Sports and Outdoor Show and
applications information and details will be posted at the Cumberland Valley Trout Unlimited or
Eastern Sports and Outdoor Show websites as they become available
PA State Parks Forest App Now Updated And Free
The Official Pennsylvania State Parks amp Forests App is now completely FREE This latestversion now on the market includes advanced interactive capabilities such as GPS trail mapping
the Friend Finder to keep track of your family and friends on the trail and more
Featured Update List Increased performance speed Multi-tasking Capability
GeoChallenge (GeocacheGeoQuest) Feature FREE enhanced GPS features
This new version increases performance speed and cuts activation time in half With the
new multi-tasking capability users gain enhanced user navigation The more adventurous
832019 Pa Environment Digest Feb 20 2012
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outdoor enthusiasts will benefit from the recently added GeoChallenges that include geocache
and geoquest activities which will be updated regularly
The waypointphoto waypoint marking tools have been upgraded and there has been a
fine-tuning of the trail-tracking feature located on the side navigation bar of the free GPS
Mapping section Use the app to track record and share your explorations with others-all at no
chargeTry out the app and let the PA Parks amp Forests Foundation know what you think
Feature
Bald Eagle Pair Get Help With Home Improvement Project
While most people try to avoid home improvement projects in the winter a pair of bald eagles
got some much needed help recently from a team of Game Commission land managers with a
very important and timely renovation project
A sycamore tree on Haldeman Island has been used by at least three mated pairs as a
nesting site since 1989 The island is just upriver of the confluence of the Susquehanna and
Juniata rivers north of Harrisburg and the tree stands just across a pond from one of three
hacking towers the Game Commission used at two locations in its bald eagle recovery program
About two weeks ago one of the limbs supporting the nest collapsed under the weight of the
nest
On Friday Steve Bernardi Game Commission Land Management Group Supervisor for
Juniata Mifflin Perry and Snyder counties was joined by Terry Willow Game Lands
Maintenance Worker with the River Island Food and Cover Corps Crew and Scott Bills Land
Management Group Supervisor for Dauphin and Lebanon counties to construct a platform to
encourage the bald eagle pair to reuse this nest site
The three men measured and cut lumber used hammers and nails as well as screws anddrills to secure the lumber in place and then placed branches and sticks on the platform to
encourage the bald eagles ndash who were watching the activity while perched in nearby trees ndash to
begin rebuilding a nest
A pair built a nest in this tree in 1989 and had their first young in 1990 Bernardi said
A storm blew the original nest out of the tree in 1995 Scott Bills who was the Wildlife
Conservation Officer in Dauphin County at that time worked with a Food and Cover Corps crew
and PPL to erect the first platform similar to what we put in place on Friday
Adult bald eagles are preparing to nest and hopefully they will come back and reuse this
platform just like they did back in 1995
Haldeman Island played a key role in the recovery of bald eagles in Pennsylvania In the
1980s it was one of two locations used for reintroduction of eagles brought by the GameCommission from Canada in the early years of restoration of eagles to our state About 40
eaglets were released at the Haldeman Island tower overlooking the ponds on the north side of
the island by 1989
When the reintroduced birds successfully raised young at a nest on Haldeman in 1990
the whole state had only seven nesting pairs And there has been an active eagle nest in that spot
every year since except 2004 when the birds took a year off
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While we dont know if the same pair have been active that whole time the same old
sycamore tree has been used during this period and that nest has produced more than 40 young
over this period said Dan Brauning Game Commission Wildlife Diversity Division chief
Since the site is well-protected on a Game Commission island with limited access this site has
particular value to us
Continued support for this nest will help sustain this historic location in the recovery of baldeagles in Pennsylvania
In 1983 the Game Commission began a seven-year bald eagle restoration program in
which the agency sent employees to Saskatchewan to obtain eaglets from wilderness nests The
Richard King Mellon Foundation of Pittsburgh and the federal Endangered Species Fund
provided financial assistance for this effort
In all 88 bald eaglets from Canada were released from sites at Dauphin Countys
Haldeman Island and Pike Countys Shohola Falls The resurgence of eagles in Pennsylvania is
directly related to this program which also was carried out in other states in the Northeast
When the restoration program began in 1983 only three Crawford County nests remained
in the state By 2006 the agency announced that the state had surpassed the 100 bald eagle nest
mark Just five years later in 2011 the number of known bald eagle nests had doubled to 203spread out over 50 counties
Residents aware of a bald eagle nest ndash which are among the largest nests of all birds ndash in
their area should consider reporting it to the Pennsylvania Game Commission The easiest way to
contact the agency by sending email to pgccommentspagov Use the words Eagle Nest
Information in the subject field
The Game Commission continues to further the publics understanding of bald eagles In
2010 a comprehensive Bald Eagle threatened species account and Bald Eagle Nest Etiquette
guide were added to the agencys website
In 2011 the agency launched its series of Eagle-watching in Pennsylvania guides that
will help direct those interested in viewing bald eagles in the wild on where to go how to getthere what to expect and other wildlife viewing opportunities available at each site
Currently posted are eagle-watching guides for Erie National Wildlife Refuge Crawford
County Conneaut Marsh Geneva Marsh State Game Land 213 Crawford County Raystown
Lake Huntingdon County State Game Land 180 Shohola Lake Pike County Middle Creek
Wildlife Management Area Lebanon and Lancaster counties Bald Eagle State Park Centre
County Glendale Lake Price Gallitzin State Park Cambria County John Heinz National
Wildlife Refuge Philadelphia and Delaware counties Lower Susquehanna River Lancaster and
York counties Moraine State Park Butler County Pine Creek Valley Lycoming and Tioga
counties Promised Land State Park Pike County Pymatuning Reservoir Crawford County and
the Upper Delaware River in Pike Wayne and Monroe counties
Game Commission Announces April 1 Deadline For Ads In Hunting-Trapping Digest
Game Commission Executive Director Carl G Roe Thursday announced Liberty Press
Publications publisher of the Pennsylvania Digest of Hunting amp Trapping Regulations has set
April 1 as the deadline for advertising copy in the 2012-13 Digest Click Here for details
For advertising information contact Liberty Press Publications toll-free at
1-800-296-6402
832019 Pa Environment Digest Feb 20 2012
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Opportunity To Bid On McKean County Abandoned Well Plugging Project
The Department of Environmental Protection published notice of an opportunity to bid on a
project to plug 24 abandoned oil wells in McKean County
Help Wanted Chesapeake Bay Foundation PA Grassroots Coordinator Field Specialist
The Chesapeake Bay Foundation is seeking a PA Grassroots Coordinator and a Field Specialist
to be based at their Pennsylvania State Office located in Harrisburg This position is a 2 year
term position with the possibility of extension Click Here for details
Help Wanted Conewago Creek Assistant Project Coordinator
Penn State Cooperative Extension on behalf of the Conewago Creek Initiative seeks an Assistant
Project Coordinator to be an integral part of a dynamic partnership team working together with
local state and federal partnersThe Assistant Project Coordinator will report to the Director of the Lower Susquehanna
Initiative who serves as the Project Coordinator for the Conewago Creek Initiative
The deadline for applications is March 1 Click Here for details
Help Wanted ALLARM Assistant Director Of Outreach Marcellus
The Alliance for Aquatic Resource Monitoring (ALLARM) is seeking candidate to fill a third
full time position to the organization-- Assistant Director of Outreach-- to assist with Marcellus
Monitoring program training community volunteers throughout the shale gas regions in
Pennsylvania to monitor small streams for early pollution detection Click Here for fullannouncement
Grants amp 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
February 23-- PA Pathways To Green Schools Nominations
February 24-- PA Trout In The Classroom Grants
February 29-- EPA Environmental Justice Small Grants
February 29-- Ben Franklin BIG IDEA Business Plan ContestFebruary 29-- PA American Water Stream of Learning Scholarships
February 29-- West Branch Susquehanna Orange Rock Awards
March 1-- Erie TreeVitalize Grants
March 2-- Coca-Cola Keep America Beautiful Recycling Bin Grants
March 2-- Conservation Innovation Grants Chesapeake Bay Nutrient Credit Grants
March 5-- TogetherGreen Fellowship and Innovation Grants
832019 Pa Environment Digest Feb 20 2012
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March 5-- PECDominion Western PA Environmental Awards
March 10-- PA American Water Environmental Grants
March 15-- NEW Keep PA Beautiful Greenways Mini-Grants
March 23-- Water Resources Education Network Grants
March 30-- PA American Water Protect Our Watersheds Student Art Contest
March 31-- DEP Host Municipal Inspector GrantsApril 3-- West Penn Power Sustainable Energy Fund Grants Loans
April 4-- DCNR Community Conservation Partnership Grants
April 15-- Wild Resource Conservation Fund Income Tax Checkoff Deadline
March 1-- Keystone Historic Preservation Project and Construction Grants
August 1-- PA Snowmobile Assn Trail Improvement Grants
August 24-- Foundation for PA Watershed Grants
September 1-- Erie TreeVitalize Grants
October 31-- PA Resources Council Lens On Litter Contest
-- Visit the DEP Grants and Loan Programs webpage for more ideas on how to get financial
assistance for environmental projects
BudgetQuick Clips
Heres a selection of NewClips on environmental topics from around the state--
Budget
Corbett Signs Marcellus Shale Fee Into Law
Corbett Signs Shale Well Impact Fee Into Law
Corbett Approves Marcellus Shale Fee
Bradford Commissioner Foolish Not To Accept Drilling Fee MoneyWhats Next For PAs Impact Fee Bradford Against Fee
Bradford Commissioners Disagree On Drilling Fee
Washington County To Seek Marcellus Fees
Editorial Corbetts Gas Fee About To Evaporate
Robinson Twp To Contest New Marcellus Law
South Fayette Eyes Legal Action On Drilling Bill
Fish amp Boat Commission Grateful For Marcellus Fees
PUC Eyes Private Firm For Impact Fee Collection
PUC Chair Let Marcellus Play Come To Us
PUC Would Get Shale Role Under Drilling Bill
Editorial It Makes Sense For PUC To Deal With Drilling NE Counties To Raise Millions Or Nothing Under Drilling Fee
House Capital Budget Bill Debate Focuses On Jobs
House GOP Marcellus Bill A Win For Jobs
Norquists No-Tax Pledge Cant Give Drill Fee The Ax
PA Natural Gas Levy Became Inevitable
Bradford Commissioners Disagree On Drilling Fee
832019 Pa Environment Digest Feb 20 2012
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Vertical Exploratory Wells Wont Be Hit With Drilling Fee
Impact Fee Bill Addresses Housing Needs
Op-Ed Natural Gas Fee May Be Too Late
Editorial Marcellus Fee A Tax Stupid
Editorial Shale Drillers Got The Better Part Of Deal
Corbett Raiding Special FundsCan Pennsylvanians Survive Under Another Corbett Budget
As Roads Bridges Deteriorate Governor Silent
Analysis Taking Baby Steps On Fixing Roads Bridges
Editorial Must A Bridge Fall Down
House Capital Budget Bill Debate Focuses On Jobs
Editorial Capital Budget Funds Must Be Kept Under Control
Obama Cuts EPA Increases Chesapeake Bay Program
Chesapeake Bay Program Increased Under Obama Budget
EPA Budget Cut For States Superfund Cleanup
Obama Proposes $14 Million For Fracking Research
$67 Million Requested For Federal Pipeline SafetyDCNR Secretary Says Report On Wildlife Research Not Accurate
Other
Electronics Recycling Date Set At Greensburg Mall
Hershey Plants Achieve Zero Waste Status
RecycleBank Named On Of Worlds Most Innovative Companies
Editorial Fine Litterers No Ifs Or Butts
Corbett Signs 3 Energy Sector Bills
Op-Ed Anti-Coal Agenda Is Detrimental To PA
Op-Ed Global Warming As Fact Not Hypothesis
Op-Ed Climate Change Education Is NecessaryHomer City Power Plant Still To Dirty Groups Claim
DEP Sets March 14 Public Hearing On Homer City Power Plant
Concerns Voiced Over PPL Lines
Consumer Alert Electricity Price Discounts Heat Up
Turbine Load To Hit The Road To Holtwood Dam
PPL Plans $664 Million In Electric Delivery System Improvements
Exelon Gives Dauphin County $110000 For Emergency Response
Groups Ask For Expansion Of Nuclear Plant Evacuation Zone
Feds Give PPL Reactor Low Grade
Allentown Council Rejects Waste-To-Energy Sewage Plant
GE Invests In Cleaner Evolution LocomotiveDEP Hopeful Buyer Will Emerge For ConocoPhillips Refinery
DEP Renews ConocoPhillips Trainer Refinery Discharge Permit
100 Sunoco Workers In PA Get Layoff Notices
Meehan PA Refinery Closures Threat To National Security
Refinery Closings Could Affect 15000 Jobs Study Says
Gasoline Could Reach $5 By July 4
$4 A Gallon Gasoline By Memorial Day
832019 Pa Environment Digest Feb 20 2012
httpslidepdfcomreaderfullpa-environment-digest-feb-20-2012 2934
Gasoline Prices Have Never Been This High This Early
Electric Bicycle Waiver Sought
Land Bank Bill Newest Anti-Blight Tool
Game Commission Prepares For Controlled Burn On Centre County
2012 Great Backyard Bird Count Begins Friday
Birders-Eye View Of Conservation In PhiladelphiaState Could Take Over Refurbished Point State Park
New Ohiopyle Visitors Center Project To Be Bid This Spring
Winterfest At Ohiopyle No Snow Still A Go
Protecting Landscapes Changing Face Of Conservation
Marcellus Shale NewsClips
Here are NewsClips on topics related to Marcellus Shale natural gas drilling---
Corbett Signs Marcellus Shale Fee Into Law
Corbett Signs Shale Well Impact Fee Into Law
Corbett Approves Marcellus Shale Fee
Bradford Commissioner Foolish Not To Accept Drilling Fee Money
Whats Next For PAs Impact Fee Bradford Against Fee
Bradford Commissioners Disagree On Drilling Fee
Washington County To Seek Marcellus Fees
Editorial Corbetts Gas Fee About To Evaporate
Robinson Twp To Contest New Marcellus Law
South Fayette Eyes Legal Action On Drilling Bill
Fish amp Boat Commission Grateful For Marcellus Fees
PUC Eyes Private Firm For Impact Fee CollectionPUC Chair Let Marcellus Play Come To Us
PUC Would Get Shale Role Under Drilling Bill
Editorial It Makes Sense For PUC To Deal With Drilling
Corbett Raiding Special Funds
NE Counties To Raise Millions Or Nothing Under Drilling Fee
House GOP Marcellus Bill A Win For Jobs
Norquists No-Tax Pledge Cant Give Drill Fee The Ax
PA Natural Gas Levy Became Inevitable
Wayne County Landowners Push For Drilling
Vertical Exploratory Wells Wont Be Hit With Drilling Fee
Impact Fee Bill Addresses Housing NeedsDrilling Bill Authors Health Experts Fears Unfounded
Health Officials Drilling Law Disclosure Rules Lax
Op-Ed Natural Gas Fee May Be Too Late
Editorial Marcellus Fee A Tax Stupid
Editorial Shale Drillers Got The Better Part Of Deal
Delaware Riverkeeper Reports Settlement Over Gas Well
832019 Pa Environment Digest Feb 20 2012
httpslidepdfcomreaderfullpa-environment-digest-feb-20-2012 3034
EPA Probing Washington County Shale Operations
Marcellus Boom Has Pressed Law Firms To Boost Their Staffs
25 More State Troopers In NE Shale Region
Recorders Of Deeds May Not Reject Multiple Gas Leases
Rural Loophole Curbing PA Pipeline Inspections
Pipeline Tested Ahead Of Tie-In To Shale WellsFirefighters Learn To Deal With Drilling Emergencies
Assessing PGWs Liquid Natural Gas Future
Dominion Resources Playing Responsible Role In Drilling
Report Philly Should Consider Selling Gas Company
Company Files For Gas Drilling Permit In Bucks County
Gas Drilling Debate Returns To Bucks County
Shale Drillers Drinking From Slippery Rock Creek
Gas Wells With Smaller Footprint Get Greater Scrutiny
PennEnvironment Violations Report Half-Baked
Water Tanker Truck Lands In Creek In Monroe Twp
Industry Says Over 93230 New Hires As A Result Of Marcellus ShaleBCCC Begins Classes For Marcellus Shale Workers
Marcellus Gas Creates Demand For Cars
Ex-Drilling Exec Took Nearly $1 Million Or More
Op-Ed Gas Drillers New Wild West
Marcellus Gas Production Rises So Does Recycling
FinancialOther StatesNational
Drillers Cut Natural Gas Production As Prices Drop
Talisman Cutting Back Drilling Plans
Ultra Petroleum Reports 2011 Financial Operating Results
Gas Firms Drill Less As Prices Nose DiveObama Proposes $14 Million For Fracking Research
$67 Million Requested For Federal Pipeline Safety
FloodingWatershed NewsClips
Here are NewsClips on watershed topics from around the state--
Flooding
New Bank Coming To Flood-Ravaged Shickshinny
Other Watershed NewsClips
Mon River QUEST Wins Regional IMPACT AwardEPA Evaluates States Chesapeake Bay Plans
Shale Drillers Drinking From Slippery Rock Creek
Sewage Woes Close Lewisburg Area Park
$375000 To Aid Little Buck Run Restoration Effort
Loyalhanna Creek Sewage Overflow Problem Goes To State
Turbine Load To Hit The Road To Holtwood Dam
832019 Pa Environment Digest Feb 20 2012
httpslidepdfcomreaderfullpa-environment-digest-feb-20-2012 3134
Funding Sought For Restoration Of Speedwell Lake
Obama Cuts EPA Increases Chesapeake Bay Program
Chesapeake Bay Program Increased Under Obama Budget
EPA Budget Cut For States Superfund Cleanup
Editorial Delaware Dredging A Step Closer
Regulations Technical Guidance amp Permits
No new regulations were published this week Pennsylvania Bulletin - February 18 2012
Proposed Regulations Open For Comment - DEP webpage
Proposed Regulations With Closed Comment Periods - DEP webpage
DEP Regulatory Agenda - DEP webpage
Technical Guidance amp Permits
The Department of Environmental Protection published notice of bond rate calculations for mine
reclamation The Fish and Boat Commission published notice of nursery water designation for
the Shenango River Crawford County
DEP also published an update to the list of companies certified to perform radon-related
activities (PA Bulletin page 994)
Technical Guidance Comment Deadlines - DEP webpage
Copies Of Draft Technical Guidance - DEP webpage
Copies of Final Technical Guidance - DEP webpage
Calendar Of Events
Upcoming legislative meetings conferences workshops plus links to other online calendars
Meetings are in Harrisburg unless otherwise noted NEW means new from last week Go to the
online Calendar webpage
Click on Agenda Released on calendar entries to see the NEW meeting agendas published this
week
Note You can watch the hearings live through the Senate webpage and the House webpage or
on the PA Cable Network website
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February 21-- House Appropriations Committee budget hearings 930 - Global Economy
1100 - Independent Fiscal Office 130 - Department of Revenue Room 140
February 21-- CANCELED Environmental Quality Board meeting Next scheduled meeting is
March 20 ( formal notice )
February 21-- Agenda Released DEP Citizens Advisory Council meeting Room 105 Rachel
Carson Building 1130
February 22-- Senate Appropriations Committee budget hearings 930 - Department of
Environmental Protection 100 - Department of Transportation Hearing Room 1 North Office
February 23-- NEW House Democratic Policy Committee holds a hearing on Southeast PA oil
refinery closings National Constitution Center Philadelphia 1000
February 27-- House Appropriations Committee budget hearings 1000 - Public Utility
Commission 1100 - Office of Consumer Advocate Small Business Advocate Room 140
February 27-- NEW House Democratic Policy Committee holds a hearing on Marcellus Shale
air emissions Bryn Mawr Presbyterian Church Bryn Mawr 1000
February 28-- Senate Appropriations Committee budget hearings 100 - Department of
Agriculture Hearing Room 1 North Office
February 28-- House Appropriations Committee budget hearings 930 - Department of
Agriculture 1030 - Department of Conservation and Natural Resources Room 140
February 29-- Senate Appropriations Committee budget hearings 930 - PA Emergency
Management Agency Hearing Room 1 North Office
February 29-- House Game and Fisheries Committee informational meeting on Fish and Boat
Commissions Annual Report Room 39 East Wing 1000
February 29-- House Appropriations Committee budget hearings 930 - Department of
Transportation 300 - Department of Environmental Protection Room 140
March 1-- House Appropriations Committee budget hearings 1000 Department of Labor amp
Industry 100 - Department of Community and Economic Development Room 140
March 6-- House Appropriations Committee budget hearings 930 - State PoliceOffice of
Homeland Security 1100 - PA Emergency Management Agency 300 - Department of General
Services Room 140
March 6-- CANCELED DEP Storage Tank Advisory Committee meeting Next scheduled
meeting is June 5 ( formal notice )
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March 7-- House Game and Fisheries Committee informational meeting on Game Commissions
Annual Report Room 39 East Wing 1000
March 8-- House Appropriations Committee budget hearings 1000 - Budget Secretary 100 -
House Member Testimony Room 140
March 14-- DEP Air Quality Technical Advisory Committee meeting Room 105 Rachel Carson
Building 915 ( formal notice )
March 26-- Environmental Issues Forum Joint Legislative Air and Water Pollution Control and
Conservation Committee featuring a presentation by DCNR Secretary Richard Allan (Location
to be determined) Noon
DEP Calendar of Events
Note The Environmental Education Workshop Calendar is no longer available from the PACenter for Environmental Education because funding for the Center was eliminated in the FY
2011-12 state budget The PCEE website was also shutdown but some content was moved to
the PA Association of Environmental Educators website
Senate Committee Schedule House Committee Schedule
You can watch the Senate Floor Session and House Floor Session live online
Stories Invited
Send your stories photos and videos about your project environmental issues or programs for
publication in the PA Environment Digest to DHessCrisciAssociatescom
PA Environment Digest is edited by David E Hess former Secretary Pennsylvania Department
of Environmental Protection and is published as a service to the clients of Crisci Associates a
Harrisburg-based government and public affairs firm whose clients include Fortune 500
companies and non-profit organizations For more information on Crisci Associates call
717-234-1716
PA Environment Digest weekly was the winner of the PA Association of Environmental
Educators 2009 Business Partner of the Year Award
Also sign up for these other services from Crisci Associates--
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832019 Pa Environment Digest Feb 20 2012
httpslidepdfcomreaderfullpa-environment-digest-feb-20-2012 3434
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832019 Pa Environment Digest Feb 20 2012
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If all eligible counties adopt the fee estimates for revenue are approximately $180
million in 2012 climbing to $211 million in 2013 and $264 million in 2014
State agencies with a role in mitigating shale gas impacts such as the Department of
Environmental Protection the Public Utility Commission Pennsylvania Emergency
Management Agency State Fire Commissioner and the Fish and Boat Commission will receive
fixed dollar amounts off the top of the revenues collected from the feeAfter that 60 percent is directly distributed to impacted counties A significant
percentage of the remaining 40 percent will also be distributed to those counties through either
population- or road-mileage-based formulas or through the awarding of competitive grants
The new law also provides long-term regulatory predictability for job-creators and capital
investors and helps businesses succeed by providing increased uniformity and fairness of local
regulations while preserving local governmentrsquos traditional zoning authority Upon petition the
Public Utility Commission is authorized to review ordinances to make sure they comply with
state law
Finally the law creates a Natural Gas Energy Development Program which will provide
incentives to convert fleets with vehicles weighing at least 14000 pounds to compressed natural
gas liquefied natural gas or bi-fuel vehicles At least 50 percent of the funds must be used for grants to local transportation organizations including mass transit agencies
The lawrsquos provisions authorizing counties to adopt ordinances imposing an impact fee go
into effect immediately The majority of the law takes effect in 60 days
A detailed summary of House Bill 1950 from the Governors Office is available online
NewsClips
Corbett Signs Marcellus Shale Fee Into Law
Corbett Signs Shale Well Impact Fee Into Law
Corbett Approves Marcellus Shale Fee
Bradford Commissioner Foolish Not To Accept Drilling Fee Money
Bradford Commissioners Disagree On Drilling FeeWhats Next For PAs Impact Fee Bradford Against Fee
Bradford Commissioners Disagree On Drilling Fee
Washington County To Seek Marcellus Fees
Editorial Corbetts Gas Fee About To Evaporate
Robinson Twp To Contest New Marcellus Law
South Fayette Eyes Legal Action On Drilling Bill
Fish amp Boat Commission Grateful For Marcellus Fees
PUC Eyes Private Firm For Impact Fee Collection
PUC Chair Let Marcellus Play Come To Us
PUC Would Get Shale Role Under Drilling Bill
Editorial It Makes Sense For PUC To Deal With Drilling NE Counties To Raise Millions Or Nothing Under Drilling Fee
House GOP Marcellus Bill A Win For Jobs
Norquists No-Tax Pledge Cant Give Drill Fee The Ax
PA Natural Gas Levy Became Inevitable
Vertical Exploratory Wells Wont Be Hit With Drilling Fee
Impact Fee Bill Addresses Housing Needs
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Rep Camille Bud George (D-Clearfield) Minority Chair of the House Environmental
Resources and Energy Committee Tuesday said that industrial gas drillers received a sweetheart
deal from the Corbett administration just in time for Valentinersquos Day
A review of the 27 lsquosuggestionsrsquo the industry made to House Republican leaders for the
final Marcellus shale legislation shows it got its wishes on 23 of them said Rep George of Clearfield County Some were not complete compliance with industry desires but an overall
score of 85 percent is a pretty substantial kiss
Rep George said that on January 12 the Marcellus Shale Coalition and the Associated
Petroleum Industries of Pennsylvania addressed correspondence to the House Speaker the
Majority Leader and Rep Brian Ellis R-Butler the author of House Bill 1950 with several
suggestions to amend the billrsquos final language
The industry got its way on everything from reducing the presumed liability of a well
polluting water sources to eliminating language requiring operators to conduct free pre-drilling
surveys for landowners with wells between 2500 and 5000 feet from a well said Rep George
of the bill signed into law Monday by Gov Tom Corbett It seems the industry barked and the
Republicans heeledThe industryrsquos suggestions are available online
It was stated ndash erroneously ndash on the House floor that the pre-drilling survey language
was included in the conference committee report Rep George said It is not in the bill despite
having twice won approval in the House
Rep George said the pitiful tax rate to be paid by the industry ndash a fraction of what
Pennsylvanians pay in sales or state income taxes ndash risks further irrelevance by reports that
producing counties may not opt in to the impact fee
Proponents touted House Bill 1950 as lsquocompromisersquo legislation when in fact the
measure ndash and the pittance it would collect for local and statewide impacts ndash seemingly will be
compromised Rep George said The projected revenues were a joke but now could be alaughing stock
Rep George said proposals by Democratic members of the conference committee
deserve consideration The proposals would
-- Increase initial per-well fee to $60000 ndash from $50000 ndash and improve first-year revenues by
$35 million
-- Decrease fee by $5000 a year but make fees last for 20 years not 15
-- Eliminate county option and
-- Bolster environmental safeguards of water by establishing setbacks from the edge of a well
pad
As it now stands House Bill 1950 has me torn about which Valentinersquos Day ad is the
most fitting description Rep George said Is it lsquoGive and You Will Receiversquo or lsquoEvery KissBegins withhellip Campaign Contributionsrsquo
DCNR Budget Hearing No New Drilling Leases Planned For State Forests
Department of Conservation and Natural Resources Secretary Richard Allan appeared before the
Senate Appropriations Committee Thursday for a little over an hour answering questions about
DCNRs proposed FY 2012-13 budget
832019 Pa Environment Digest Feb 20 2012
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As usual the Committee dispensed with Secretary Allans prepared remarks Here are
some of the highlights from the questions asked--
Drilling Leases There are no plans to lease additional State Forest Land but if they would they
would follow the recommendations of the Governors Marcellus Shale Commission to only do
leases where they leave little or no surface impactOf the 812 well permits have been approved by DCNR on State Forest land 778
Marcellus Shale wells have been permitted by DEP 442 wells have been drilled and there are
152 producing wells
DCNR anticipates receiving $65 million in FY 2012-13 in royalties and rents from
drilling Secretary Allan said He said there may be some decrease in drilling revenues in the
next year or so with lower natural gas prices
In response to a question Secretary Allan said the agency professionals are constantly
monitoring drilling companies to make sure they comply with their leases and agency best
management practices He said so far the drillers have been good stewards and have minimized
their impacts on State Forest lands
Drilling In State Parks DCNR has a policy that there will be no drilling in State Parks where
the state owns the mineral rights Secretary Allan said Unfortunately he said the state owns
mineral rights on only 20 percent of the land in State Parks and on 80 percent in State Forests
He said DCNR will look to enforce their guidelines and best management practices on drillers
on State Park land and other areas where they dont own mineral rights to make sure any surface
impacts are minimized
State Parks In spite of budget constraints Secretary Allan said DCNR anticipates being able to
keep all State Parks open and available for residents but acknowledged there may be some
changes in some services offered such as the hours in some parksSecretary Allan said an updated economic study shows for every dollar invested State
Parks bring in $12 for a total of $11 billion of economic activity annually and they support over
13000 jobs in and around the parks
Keystone Fund The proposed transfer of all DCNR revenues from the Keystone Parks and
Conservation Fund to the General Fund Secretary Allan said will require the agency to look to
other sources of monies to support their operations like the Oil and Gas Fund the
Environmental Stewardship (Growing Greener) Fund and the new drilling fee revenue
He said he advised the Governors Office the reduction in funding will require the agency
to put off some maintenance projects and reduce the funding going for grants
Secretary Allan said he believes in the future there will be more revenue in the Oil andGas Fund and from the new drilling fee to replace at least some of the Keystone Fund monies
Oil and Gas Lease Fund Secretary Allan said he does not believe the transfers from the Oil
and Gas Fund to the agency to pay administrative expenses violate the intended use of the Oil
and Gas Fund Approximately 30 percent of DCNRs administrative budget is now supported by
the Fund
832019 Pa Environment Digest Feb 20 2012
httpslidepdfcomreaderfullpa-environment-digest-feb-20-2012 634
Gas Pipelines Secretary Allan said the agency has asked drilling companies to locate natural
gas gathering pipelines on existing rights-of-way where possible and that DCNR staff foresters
geologists and other professionals work closely with the drilling companies on the details of
pipeline routing
Wild Resource Research In response to a question about a controversy over a reduction inWild Resource Conservation grants Secretary Allan said much of the information about the cuts
were inaccurate He said his review of grant applications showed a significant amount of the
funding was duplicating the research already done by DCNR professional staff (see 262012
story )
Complement DCNR now has an authorized complement of about 1375 The budget proposal
will require the agency to reduce that by 14 positions but those reductions will be done through
attrition and elimination of vacant positions
Flood Damage DCNR had about $6 million in damage from flooding last fall Secretary Allan
said they submitted those damages to the Federal Emergency Management Agency for potentialreimbursement
Dogs In State Parks Secretary Allan said DCNR has a pilot project underway to allow visitors
using cabins and camping areas to bring their dogs He said they are still evaluating the results
A copy of Secretary Allans remarks are available online
NewsClip DCNR Secretary Says Report On Wildlife Research Not Accurate
Related Stories
Governors Budget Cuts Environment Again Keystone Fund Zeroed Out For DCNR The Record $18 Billion CutDiverted From Environmental Programs Last 10 Years
Senate House Budget Hearing Schedule
Note You can watch the hearings live through the Senate webpage and the House webpage or
on the PA Cable Network website
NewsClips
Corbett Signs Marcellus Shale Fee Into Law
Corbett Signs Shale Well Impact Fee Into Law
Corbett Approves Marcellus Shale Fee
Bradford Commissioner Foolish Not To Accept Drilling Fee MoneyBradford Commissioners Disagree On Drilling Fee
Whats Next For PAs Impact Fee Bradford Against Fee
Bradford Commissioners Disagree On Drilling Fee
Washington County To Seek Marcellus Fees
Editorial Corbetts Gas Fee About To Evaporate
Robinson Twp To Contest New Marcellus Law
South Fayette Eyes Legal Action On Drilling Bill
832019 Pa Environment Digest Feb 20 2012
httpslidepdfcomreaderfullpa-environment-digest-feb-20-2012 734
Fish amp Boat Commission Grateful For Marcellus Fees
PUC Eyes Private Firm For Impact Fee Collection
PUC Chair Let Marcellus Play Come To Us
PUC Would Get Shale Role Under Drilling Bill
Editorial It Makes Sense For PUC To Deal With Drilling
NE Counties To Raise Millions Or Nothing Under Drilling FeeHouse GOP Marcellus Bill A Win For Jobs
Norquists No-Tax Pledge Cant Give Drill Fee The Ax
PA Natural Gas Levy Became Inevitable
Vertical Exploratory Wells Wont Be Hit With Drilling Fee
Impact Fee Bill Addresses Housing Needs
Drilling Bill Authors Health Experts Fears Unfounded
Health Officials Drilling Law Disclosure Rules Lax
Op-Ed Natural Gas Fee May Be Too Late
Editorial Marcellus Fee A Tax Stupid
Editorial Shale Drillers Got The Better Part Of Deal
Corbett Raiding Special FundsHouse Capital Budget Bill Debate Focuses On Jobs
Editorial Capital Budget Funds Must Be Kept Under Control
Can Pennsylvanians Survive Under Another Corbett Budget
As Roads Bridges Deteriorate Governor Silent
Analysis Taking Baby Steps On Fixing Roads Bridges
Editorial Must A Bridge Fall Down
Obama Cuts EPA Increases Chesapeake Bay Program
Chesapeake Bay Program Increased Under Obama Budget
EPA Budget Cut For States Superfund Cleanup
Obama Proposes $14 Million For Fracking Research$67 Million Requested For Federal Pipeline Safety
Schedule For Remaining Senate House Budget Hearings
The Senate and House Appropriations Committees both have budget hearings scheduled this
week on Gov Corbetts proposed budget You can watch the hearings live through the Senate
webpage and the House webpage or on the PA Cable Network website
Heres the schedule of the remaining budget hearings--
February 21-- House Appropriations Committee budget hearings 930 - Global Economy
1100 - Independent Fiscal Office 130 - Department of Revenue All House hearings will be inRoom 140
February 22-- Senate Appropriations Committee budget hearings 930 - Department of
Environmental Protection 100 - Department of Transportation
February 27-- House Appropriations Committee budget hearings 1000 - Public Utility
Commission 1100 - Office of Consumer Advocate Small Business Advocate
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httpslidepdfcomreaderfullpa-environment-digest-feb-20-2012 834
832019 Pa Environment Digest Feb 20 2012
httpslidepdfcomreaderfullpa-environment-digest-feb-20-2012 934
updates through your favorite RSS read You can also sign up for a once daily email alerting
you to new items posted on this blog
PA Capitol Digest Daily Blog to get updates every day on Pennsylvania State Government
including NewsClips coverage of key press conferences and more Sign up and receive as they
are posted updates through your favorite RSS reader You can also sign up for a once dailyemail alerting you to new items posted on this blog
PA Capitol Digest Twitter Feed Dont forget to sign up to receive the PA Capitol Digest
Twitter feed to get instant updates on other news from in and around the Pennsylvania State
Capitol
SenateHouse AgendaSession ScheduleBills Introduced
Here are the Senate and House Calendars and Committee meetings showing bills of interest as
well as a list of new environmental bills introduced--
Session Schedule
Here is the latest voting session schedule for the Senate and House--
Senate
Budget Hearings Feb 21 22 23 27 28 29 and March 1
March 5 6 7 12 13 14 26 27 28
April 2 3 30
May 1 2 7 8 9 21 22 23
June 4 5 6 11 12 13 18 19 20 25 26 27 28 29
House
Budget Hearings Feb 21 22 23 24 27 28 29 March 1 2 5 6 7 8 9
March 12 13 14 26 27 28
April 2 3 4 30
May 1 2 7 8 9 21 22 23
June 4 5 6 11 12 13 18 19 20 21 22 25 26 27 28 29
Bill Calendars
House (March 12) House Bill 1934 (FKeller-R-Snyder) excluding people residing in federal or state facilities for determining when a municipality must recycle House Resolution 438 (Cruz-
D-Philadelphia) urging Philadelphia to establish a waste tire removal and disposal
program House Resolution 423 (Petri-R-Bucks) directing the Legislative Budget and Finance
Committee to study state funding formulas and how they impact counties House Resolution
505 (Preston-D-Allegheny) disapproving the PUC regulation on natural gas competition
ltgt Click Here for full House Bill Calendar
832019 Pa Environment Digest Feb 20 2012
httpslidepdfcomreaderfullpa-environment-digest-feb-20-2012 1034
Senate (March 5) Senate Bill 1324 (Yaw-R-Bradford) quieting mineral property title
rights Senate Bill 1398 (Yudichak-D-Luzerne) extending the Underground Storage Tank
Environmental Cleanup Program from 2012 to 2017 House Bill 1813 (Tobash-R-Schuylkill)
further providing for anthracite reclamation fees and guarantees ltgt Click Here for full Senate
Bill Calendar
Committees
House the Appropriations Committee holds budget hearings on Global Economy
Independent Fiscal Office Department of Revenue the House Democratic Policy
Committee holds a hearing on Southeast PA oil refinery closings in Philadelphia ltgt Click
Here for full House Committee Schedule
Senate the Appropriations Committee holds budget hearings on Department of
Environmental Protection Department of Transportation ltgt Click Here for full Senate
Committee Schedule
Note You can watch the hearings live through the Senate webpage and the House webpage or
on the PA Cable Network website
Bills Introduced
The following bills of interest were introduced this week--
Defining Chronic Dementia House Bill 2196 (Curry-D-Montgomery) amending the Older
Adult Protective Services Act to define chronic dementia and cognitive impairment and making
other changes
Oil amp Gas Dust House Bill 2197 (Curry-D-Montgomery) amending the Air Pollution Control
Act to make dust from oil and gas operations air pollution under the act
Cambria County Land Senate Bill 1425 (Wozniak-D-Cambria) authority DCNR to lease
certain State Forest land in Cambria County to an alternative energy company
Bills On Governors Desk
The following bill was given final approval by the Senate and House and is now with the
Governor for his action--
Infrastructure Funding House Bill 1294 (Godshall-R-Montgomery) authorizing the PUC to
establish a distribution system improvement charge (DSIC) as an alternative to regular rate cases
to recover costs associated with replacing pipelines and other utility infrastructure A summary
and House Fiscal Note are available The bill was signed into law by the Governor as Act 11
NewsClips Corbett Signs 3 Energy Sector Bills
832019 Pa Environment Digest Feb 20 2012
httpslidepdfcomreaderfullpa-environment-digest-feb-20-2012 1134
Marcellus Shale House Bill 1950 (Ellis-R-Butler) imposing a Marcellus Shale drilling fee and
enacting a laundry list of additional environmental protection measures related to drilling was
signed into law by the Governor as Act 13
SenateHouse Bills Moving
The following bills of interest saw action this week in the House and Senate--
Senate
Nominations Gov Corbett this week re-nominated John Coleman as a Commissioner on the
Public Utility Commission
House
Conservation Easements House Bill 2059 (Miller-R-York) amending the Agricultural Area
Security Law to provide for the inspection of agricultural conservation easements on at least a
biennial basis (a summary and House Fiscal Note are available) and House Bill 2106 (Ross-R-
Chester) further providing for the relinquishment of the right to farmland preservation (a
summary and House Fiscal Note are available) were referred into and out of the House
Appropriations Committee and passed by the House The bills now go to the Senate for
consideration
Land Banks House Bill 1682 (Taylor-R-Philadelphia) providing for the creation of land banks
for the conversion of vacant properties into productive use was removed from the Table
amended on the House Floor and referred into and out of the House Appropriations Committeeand passed by the House A summary and House Fiscal Note are available The bill now goes to
the Senate for consideration
NewsClip Land Bank Bill Newest Anti-Blight Tool
Capital Budget Process House Bill 2175 (Turzai-R-Allegheny) making changes to Capital
Budget process and reducing the ability of state government to borrow and spend taxpayer
dollars was reported out of the House Finance Committee debated in the House and referred to
the House Appropriations Committee
NewsClip House Capital Budget Bill Debate Focuses On Jobs
Transportation Partnerships House Bill 3 (Geist-R-Blair) authorizing public-privatetransportation partnerships was amended on the House Floor and was referred to the House
Appropriations Committee
Recycling Requirement House Bill 1934 (FKeller-R-Snyder) excluding people residing in
federal or state facilities for determining when a municipality must recycle was reported out of
832019 Pa Environment Digest Feb 20 2012
httpslidepdfcomreaderfullpa-environment-digest-feb-20-2012 1234
the House Environmental Resources and Energy Committee and is on the House Calendar for
action
News From The Capitol
House Committee Moves Capital Budget Reform Legislation
The House Finance Committee Monday reported out House Bill 2175 (Turzai-R-Allegheny)
making changes to Capital Budget process and reducing the ability of state government to
borrow and spend taxpayer dollars
ldquoThe balance on the statersquos credit card is too highrdquo Rep Kerry Benninghoff (R-Mifflin)
Majority Chair of the Committee said ldquoItrsquos time to pay down the debt and stop spending money
that taxpayers donrsquot haverdquo
House Bill 2175 would reduce the debt ceiling of the Commonwealthrsquos Redevelopment
Assistance Capital Project (RACP) a program created to fund economic development and
infrastructure projects using borrowed money
In 1999 the program had a debt ceiling of approximately $12 billion Since that time
approximately 8000 projects have been added to the programrsquos list and the debt ceiling was
raised to more than $4 billion
The program has come under recurring scrutiny after funding was used to help build
stadiums for professional sports teams and projects honoring former politicians Millions of
dollars were earmarked through the program to fund a library named after former US Senator
Arlen Specter and a public policy center named after former Congressman John Murtha
ldquoPeople are tired of seeing their hard-earned money used to pay for legacy projects for
politiciansrdquo Rep Benninghoff said ldquoThis program has gone far outside its original intent of
providing help with legitimate economic development projectsrdquo
The bill would reduce the RACP debt ceiling initially by a half-billion dollars to $35 billion and then continue to incrementally decrease the debt limit until it falls to $15 billion The
legislation also calls for stricter limits on the type of projects eligible to receive funding and
would increase oversight of the program
ldquoWe want to lower the credit limit on the statersquos credit cardrdquo Rep Benninghoff said
ldquoThis would reduce the ability of state government to spend money that taxpayers donrsquot haverdquo
House Bill 2175 now heads to the full House for consideration
NewsClips House Capital Budget Bill Debate Focuses On Jobs
Editorial Capital Budget Funds Must Be Kept Under Control
Report On Game Commission Strategic Plan Released By Joint Committee
The Joint Legislative Budget and Finance Committee this week released the fifth in a series of
progress reports on the Game Commissions compliance with its strategic plan A copy of the
report highlights and the full report are available online
News From Around The State
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EPA States On Track To Meet Chesapeake Bay Cleanup Goals PA Plan Needs Work
Delaware Maryland Pennsylvania Virginia West Virginia and the District of Columbia are
generally on track to meet pollution reduction goals for the Chesapeake Bay and its rivers by
2025 according to the US Environmental Protection Agencyrsquos evaluations of the jurisdictions
cleanup plansThe six Bay states and the District of Columbia recently submitted their Phase II
Watershed Implementation Plans (WIPs) and their 2012-2013 pollution reduction milestones
These plans lay out how each jurisdiction will meet pollution reduction goals set by the EPA in
the Chesapeake Bay TMDL
Overall the jurisdictions built considerably upon their Phase I plans according to the
EPA The Phase II plans provide more specific cleanup strategies and detail restoration actions
on a local level
In a cover letter transmitting comments to the Department of Environmental Protection
on Pennsylvanias Plan EPA said greatly appreciate(s) the efforts of the Pennsylvania
Department of Environmental Protection and your partner agencies as well as stakeholder groups
in the development of these documents (WIP)The letter said EPAs primary concern is the WIP does not identify important next steps
to implement core initiatives of Pennsylvanias Phase I agriculture strategy such as supporting
manure to energy technologies and development of methods to defensibly track and report non-
cost-shared practices These strategies account for a sizable portion of the nutrient and sediment
reductions in the Plan
EPA also said it lacks assurance that Pennsylvania will be able to achieve the
reductions in stormwater loads identified in the WIP through methods such as reissuing the
PAG-13 General Permit for Municipal Separate Storm Sewer System permittees
A copy of the detailed comments is available online along with related comments related
documents Other state evaluations are also available EPA is still reviewing New Yorkrsquos planwhich was submitted after the deadline
The EPA said it will continue to work with the jurisdictions between now and March 30
when the final Phase II WIPs are due
CBF Funding Now Available For Farm Conservation Improvements In Northcentral PA
The Chesapeake Bay Foundation is pleased to announce funding is now available to farmers
interested in improving farm profitability and water quality through the installation of on-farm
conservation practices in Bradford Sullivan Susquehanna Tioga Wyoming and Lycoming
counties
The funding is being made available through CBFrsquos ldquoBuffer Bonusrdquo program incooperation with the Bradford County Conservation District The program has enabled current
and past participants to make onfarm improvements including rotational grazing practices such
as fencing watering systems and laneways
Other options include the installation of waste transfer lines for milk house waste and
silage leachate stabilization of access roads and the installation of roof gutters to include a few
ldquoThese conservation improvements are a win-win for both the farmer and local water
qualityrdquo said Jennifer Johns CBF Buffer Specialist in Bradford County ldquoWhile each project
832019 Pa Environment Digest Feb 20 2012
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ultimately produces different results we find that creating healthier living conditions for the
livestock through the installation of conservation practices improves herd health and the farmerrsquos
bottom linerdquo
Another goal of this program is to provide at no cost to the farmer a new or updated
Conservation and Nutrient Management Plan By combining this plan with an engineerrsquos
evaluation of the farm which is also provided the plans are then considered a Comprehensive Nutrient Management Plan or a CNMP
Having a CNMP enables the farmer to apply for federal funding to assist with larger on-
farm improvements such as manure storage facilities and concrete barnyards
Farmers interested in participating in the Buffer Bonus program must be willing to install
a forested riparian streamside buffer through the USDArsquos Conservation Reserve Enhancement
Program (CREP) Those already enrolled in CREP with a contract date of April 1 2009 or later
may be eligible to enroll
This funding will not be available for long and farms will be served on a first come first
serve basis
For more information contact BradfordSullivan Counties Jennifer Johns
570-578-6900 TiogaLycoming Counties Steve Smith 570-578-7000 SusquehannaWyomingCounties Jeremy Wagner 570-278-1011 xt 107
Spring Creek Watershed Association Hosts Chesapeake Bay GIS Tool Workshop Feb 21
On February 21 the Spring Creek Watershed Association will host John Dawes Foundation for
PA Watersheds for a presentation about the Chesapeake Commons a web-based Geographic
Information Systems (GIS) and data management tool developed for the Chesapeake Bay
restoration effort
The presentation will be held from 800 am to 900 am at the Patton Township
Municipal Building near State College PaThere is also an option to hear the presentation through a webinar at the same time Click
Here for details
The Chesapeake Commons Tool is a free web-based Geographic Information Systems
(GIS) and data management tool available to all organizations working to restore the Chesapeake
Bay The Tool is designed to serve as a centralized knowledge base of data maps and articles
contributed by government nonprofits funders and citizen organizers
Policy makers will have a centralized pool of peer vetted information from which they
can make the best possible decisions in the context of the Bay restoration effort
Chesapeake Commons is a project developed and funded by the Chesapeake Bay Funders
Network with financial support from the John Heinz III Center for Science Economics and the
Environment
Town Meeting On Health Of The Wissahickon Creek March 29
On March 29 the Wissahickon Valley Watershed Association and the Springside Chestnut Hill
Academy with support from the Friends of the Wissahickon and Chestnut Hill College are
sponsoring a Town Meeting to inform the community about significant environmental challenges
to the Wissahickon Creek
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The meeting will be held on the Cherokee Campus of Springside Chestnut Hill Academy
8000 Cherokee Street Philadelphia and will begin at 7 pm doors will open at 630 pm and
light refreshments will be provided
A Creek in Crisis A Town Meeting on the Health of the Wissahickon Creek will
examine the numerous threats to the Wissahickon including diminishing water quantity
stormwater runoff impaired water quality and flooding that severely impact the health of theWissahickon Creek and its tributaries
The impact of the Wissahickon Creek on the lives of those living in the Wissahickon
Watershed is absolute Though the Wissahickon Creek has a humble beginning in the parking lot
at Montgomery Mall it continues through nine municipalities to the confluence of the Schuylkill
River in Philadelphia
It is a significant waterway providing approximately 10 percent of the drinking water to
Philadelphians as well as habitat for local wildlife and recreation and natural beauty for area
residents
Moderated by Patrick Starr Vice President of the PA Environmental Council Southeast
Regional Office the Town Meeting will feature a panel of environmental experts who will
examine the numerous threats to the WissahickonPanelists will be Carol R Collier Executive Director of the Delaware River Basin
Commission John K Jackson PhD Senior Research Scientist at the Stroud Water Research
Center and Chris Crockett Deputy Commissioner at the Philadelphia Water Department
More information will be posted on the Friends of the Wissahickon website
Conservation Reserve Program Training Courses Offered By Penn State Extension
Conservation professionals working across the Chesapeake Bay Watershed are invited to a
special training program on Conservation Reserve Planning for professionals on March 7 and 8
at the Lancaster County Farm and Home CenterA national team of facilitators will be conducting the Lancaster workshop including from
University of Wisconsin University of Minnesota Montana State University University of
Georgia and Penn State ndash along with experienced and skilled US Natural Resource
Conservation Service professionals
Also involved in the program are conservation partners who are in formal agreements
with NRCS to deliver the Conservation Reserve Enhancement Program to landowners for
example the Chesapeake Bay Foundation will also be on hand at the workshop to provide
additional training related to CREP
This training workshop is designed to create a group of skilled conservation professionals
working in partnership with farmers and landowners to develop quality CRP conservation plans
that result in measurable impacts on land and water resource managementWorkshop goals include
-- Understanding the purpose and intent of the Conservation Reserve Program (CRP)
-- Determining eligibility of lands for CRP
-- Knowing how to find information for CRP plans
-- Effectively working with a landowner in developing a CRP plan
-- Becoming familiar with regionally specific conservation practices
-- Understanding how to implement a CRP plan
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-- Working with NRCS and FSA to submit a quality CRP plan
The Conservation Reserve Program Readiness Initiative was created to help the Natural
Resources Conservation Service accomplish the work involved with managing CRP enrollments
CRP plan development and implementation and the follow up management of developed plans
A national team of Extension staff NRCS and FSA staff and representatives from NRCS
partner agencies and organizations has collaborated to develop a multi-faceted training programto meet the needs of the initiative
Click Here for the full schedule of workshops available
Latest Lessons From The Land Webinar Feb 21 On Managing Phosphorus
Penn State Extension and the Conewago Watershed Initiative will host a webcast on February 21
from noon to 100 pm on Measuring and Managing Phosphorus In Wet Pennsylvania
Landscapes part of the Lessons From The Land series
Dr Tony Buda USDA ARS and Dr Patrick Drohan Penn State Department of Crop
and Soil Science will present research conducted by PA USDA NRCS USDA-ARS and Penn
State to look at how saturated soils and soils with fragipans have contributed to higher runoffMatt Royer Director of the Lower Susquehanna Initiative Penn State AG amp
Environment Center will moderate
These wet landscapes are often critical sources of phosphorus that contribute to loads of
pollutants in streamsmdashand should be targeted for conservation practices
A pilot study undertaken within the Conewago Watershed serves as a proving ground for
the development of ldquonext generation nutrient management practicesrdquo necessary to reduce the
loads of phosphorus emanating from agricultural lands that contribute to the degradation of the
Chesapeake Bay Watershed
One Nutrient Management credit is available for eligible participants from the state
Department of Agriculture Those seeking credits will be required to sign-in during the webinar to verify their attendance
The program can be viewed online as a recording after the live broadcast Continuing ed
credits are not available for the recorded session
To join this webinar you will need a high speed Internet and can sign in on this
webpage at the webinars noon start time This program will be broadcasting live from the
Conewago Initiativersquos Project Advisory Team meeting at Penn Statersquos Harrisburg campus
Lake Management Annual Conference Set For March 7-8 In State College
The 22nd annual Pennsylvania Lake Management Society annual conference will once again be
at the Days Inn State College on March 7 and 8This years theme is Staying Blue by Going Green and our keynote speaker is Bill
Jones from Indiana School of Public and Environmental Affairs in Bloomington Indiana
As always the Conference will have a great line up of speakers It also offers aquatic
applicator credits for PA OH NY and NJ
Please check out the Conference webpage for more details or contact Kerilynn Frey by
sending email to palakeshotmailcom
832019 Pa Environment Digest Feb 20 2012
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Penn State Extension How To Avoid Septic System Failures
Owning your own home is challenging enough what do you do when it comes with its own
sewage treatment plant This article provides some clues for owners of septic systems who want
to make them last a very long time
According to the US Environmental Protection Agency failure rates for on-lot sewagesystems across the country are reported at 10 percent annually In Pennsylvania approximately
12 million homes (one in three) use on-lot sewage systems for the treatment and disposal of
waste water
Responsibility for maintaining the system rests with the homeowner Proper maintenance
is a good idea since replacing it can cost thousands of dollars Proper maintenance also protects
groundwater that might be a source of drinking water
The most obvious on-lot sewage system failures are easy to spot Sewage backing up into
your home will typically command your immediate attention Raw sewage surfacing in your
yard in nearby ditches or on the neighborrsquos lawn is another clear indicator of failure Muddy
soil around the drain field or pooled water there or in your basement are other signs of serious
malfunction Notice whether your toilet or sink backs up when you flush or do laundry Stripsof bright green grass over the drainfield may be another indicator of problems A toilet running
sluggish or sewer odors in the house andor drinking water are signs of an on-lot system in
trouble
On-lot sewage systems also fail when partially treated wastewater comes into contact
with groundwater This type of failure is not easy to detect but it can result in the pollution of
wells nearby streams or other bodies of water Illness often to household visitors may be
another indicator of system failure that has affected your well and household drinking water
For those considering building a new home or replacing an existing septic system one of
the most critical factors in on-lot sewage system performance is the nature of the soils used for
the septic system soil absorption fieldYou can minimize failures by carefully and deliberately considering all aspects of on-lot
sewage system construction site selection design installation maintenance and use Hire
reputable individuals to design and install your system Also make sure the system is designed to
meet your present and future needs
You should contact your Township Sewage Enforcement Officer concerning permits
needed to install a new on-lot sewage system or repair a failing system
Once properly installed the key to preventing your on-lot system from failing is proper
maintenance Regularly pumping the tank being careful in what you put down the drains and
avoiding such things as planting trees over the field or covering the system with permanent
patios and home additions are important to keep the system running well
Water conservation in the home is also an excellent method of preventing future problems from occurring Divert downspouts and surface water away from the septic tank and
especially the drain field Do not physically damage the system by driving over the components
with heavy vehicles or by digging up the system for other utility lines etc Keep a record of the
location and dimensions of your system along with maintenance and repair information
Homeowners interested in finding out about the overall health of their on-lot sewage
system may want to consider having their septic systems inspected by a trained professional The
PA Septage Management Association in cooperation with the National Onsite Wastewater
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Education and Research Foundation has adopted uniform On-lot Wastewater Treatment
Inspection procedures
PSMA is a professional association of septage pumpers system installers maintenance
technicians real estate inspectors and industry affiliates PSMA Certified Inspectors which
includes many septic tank pumpers are trained to understand how on-lot systems work why they
fail and recognize impending malfunctionsSee the PSMA website for more details about PSMANOF inspections or call them at
717-763-7762
Many fact sheets about on-lot sewage systems are available from the Agricultural and
Biological Engineering department Topics include septic tank pumping percolation tests
elevated sand mounds inspections and alternative systems and pharmaceutical disposal
(Article reprinted from Penn State Extension Watershed Winds online newsletter)
Wissahickon Watershed Maple Sugaring Program Set For March 3
Ever wonder how maple syrup and sugar are made The Wissahickon Vally WatershedAssociation will offer a unique program on maple syrup on March 3 in Ambler Montgomery
County
The event offers a fun and informative event ideal for families Scout groups and anyone
curious about the maple sugar process
Choose a specific time as guides take small groups through the woods to see the tapped
trees and then watch it being boiled into sugar End your walk at WVWArsquos historic headquarters
for hot chocolate and warm treats with maple syrup
RSVP requested by sending email to infowvwaorg or call 215-646-8866 There is a
fee for the program WVWA member fee $5 per person $15 per family Non-WVWA member
fee $10 per person $20 per family or Become a WVWA member and be their guest for $45In Ambler and look for signage Walk over the Butler Avenue Bridge and turn left onto
the Green Ribbon Trail
KPB Greenways Mini-Grant Program Applications Due March 15
Keep Pennsylvania Beautiful is now accepting applications for their Greenways Mini-Grant
Program to provide community groups with project supplies for outdoor based work events
within a greenway enabling the renewal of Pennsylvaniarsquos Greenways in need into something
beautiful
The deadline for applications is March 15 and hard copies are required Grants will be
awarded on April 16Fifteen grant awardees along with their volunteers will be eligible for up to $500 in
project supplies and direct project costs for Prevent it Clean it and Keep it projects within a
Greenway
Pennsylvania and its partners are developing an outstanding network of greenways across
the Commonwealth creating an asset that will enhance the quality of life for all while connecting
open space natural landscape features scenic cultural historic and recreations sites and urban
and rural communities
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A greenway is a linear corridor across the land that conserves natural areas and provides
people with recreation and transportation opportunities
As one of the Commonwealthrsquos most powerful tools to achieve sustainable growth and
livable communities greenways are ensuring future generations the opportunity to live amongst
the natural beauty of Pennrsquos Woods
This program is financed by a grant from the Community Conservation PartnershipProgram Environmental Stewardship Fund under the administration of the Department of
Conservation and Natural Resources Bureau of Recreation and Conservation
The Greenways Mini-Grant is available to any tax-exempt group within Pennsylvania
Private property owners or individual applicants cannot apply
Applications must meet the following requirements to be considered ndash it is within a
Greenway and is in at least one of the following categories Prevent it Clean it and Keep it (see
application for details) plus provide proof of liability insurance signed permission to enter from
the private property owner and 100 percent match of donated or in-kind services Selected
awardees must also agree to provide a final report with before during and after photos
ldquoWe are excited to collaborate with DCNR in offering Greenways Mini-Grants to
organizations working to build clean and beautiful communities across the staterdquo said ShannonReiter President of Keep Pennsylvania Beautiful ldquoGreenways are integral to healthy livable
communities and we are grateful to have the opportunity to empower Pennsylvania with the
tools and resources they need to enhance greenways in their communitiesrdquo
For more information visit the Greenways Mini-Grant Program webpage to download an
application Any additional questions can be answered by Susan Carmichael Greenways Mini-
Grant Program Coordinator at 1-877-772-3673 ext 102 or send email to
scarmichaelkeeppabeautifulorg
Pennsylvania Adds 1470 Acres Of Farmland To Preservation Program
Pennsylvania has added 1470 additional acres of land to its nationally recognized farmland
preservation program under action by the Pennsylvania Agricultural Land Preservation Board at
its meeting Thursday in Harrisburg
The 14 newly preserved farms are located in Beaver Berks Bucks Butler Cambria
Cumberland Juniata Lackawanna Lancaster Lebanon Northampton and Somerset counties
ldquoWersquove preserved nearly 15000 acres of farmland across the state in just the past year
alonerdquo said Agriculture Secretary George Greig ldquoThis speaks volumes to the value our farm
families place on ensuring the future viability of Pennsylvania agriculture ndash our statersquos number-
one industryrdquo
Since the program started in 1988 state county and local governments have invested
more than $11 billion to safeguard 459007 acres on 4243 farmsldquoOur producers know the importance of preserving farms so our next generation of
agriculturalists can keep Pennsylvania growing far into the future and I thank them for that
foresightrdquo Greig said
Pennsylvaniarsquos farmland preservation efforts work through the Pennsylvania Agricultural
Conservation Easement Purchase Program The program was developed to slow the loss of prime
farmland to non-agricultural uses It enables state county and local governments to purchase
conservation easements also called development rights from owners of quality farmland
832019 Pa Environment Digest Feb 20 2012
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For more information visit Agricultures Farmland Preservation webpage
PUC Finalizes Implementation Plan For Pipeline Safety Act
The Public Utility Commission Thursday finalized an Order as the first step in implementing Act
127 the Gas and Hazardous Liquids Pipelines ActThe Commission voted 5-0 to finalize the Order which begins the process of creating a
statewide registry for non-public utility gas and hazardous liquids pipeline equipment and
facilities within the Commonwealth provides resources to conduct safety inspections to enforce
Federal pipeline safety laws on certain classifications of pipeline and assesses entities for the
costs
The Order established the following
-- The registration fee is $250
-- The 2012 registration deadline is March 16
-- Assessment invoices for the Commissionrsquos 2011-12 fiscal year will be mailed by March 30
and due by April 30 and
-- Assessment invoices for the Commissionrsquos 2012-13 fiscal year will be mailed in July 2012with payment due within 30 days
Final forms and other materials will be available on the Commissionrsquos website
Act 127 direct the PUC to develop a registry and conduct safety inspections of these lines
for ldquopipeline operatorsrdquo in the state The Commission also is to track the development of
pipelines in less populated areas which transport gas from non-conventional wells
Act 127 expands the Commissionrsquos authority to enforce the federal pipeline safety laws
as they relate to those pipelines and facilities Non-public utility gas and hazardous liquids
pipeline operators include several different categories of pipelines such as cooperatively owned
natural gas distribution systems non-utility natural gas transportation and gathering lines and
propane distribution pipeline systemsFor more information visit the PUCs Act 127 webpage
DEP Sets Feb 22 Meeting On Jefferson County Drilling Permit
The Department of Environmental Protection will host a public meeting on February 22 to
discuss Flatirons Resources LLCrsquos proposal to drill a Marcellus Shale well in Brockway
Jefferson County
The 6 pm meeting will be held at the Brockway Area JuniorSenior High School on
Alexander Street in Brockway
ldquoWe recognize that there are a lot of questions and that people want detailsrdquo DEP
Northwest Regional Director Kelly Burch said ldquoDEP staff will provide information about our role in the permitting process and address any questions and concerns the audience may have
about our oversight and environmental protectionrdquo
The horizontal well that Flatirons proposes to drill would be the second on this pad
which is on Brockway Borough Municipal Authority property in the Rattlesnake Creek
Watershed The first well was drilled in February 2011 and hydraulically fractured in November
2011
832019 Pa Environment Digest Feb 20 2012
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After DEPrsquos presentation at the meeting company representatives will describe their
plans to drill the well if approved A question-and-answer session will follow
DEPrsquos decision to issue a well permit is based on the applicationrsquos technical merits and
whether the applicantrsquos drilling casing and cementing plan will protect water resources The
agency issued Flatirons a permit to drill a second well on the pad in December 2010 but it
expired a year later because the well was never drilled The permit application was resubmittedon December 27 2011
HACC Offers Free Environmental Technician Training At Midtown Campus
Training for emerging environmental jobs in the cleanup and reuse of brownfields will be offered
starting April 16 at the Midtown location of HACC Central Pennsylvaniarsquos Community College
Candidates for the federally funded program are displaced workers the unemployed or
underemployed as well as low-income or minority residents who live in the Harrisburg said
Cheryl Dietz HACC Workforce Training coordinator
Potential students can find out more by attending one of two upcoming information
sessions in Room 228 of Midtown 1 1500 N Fourth St The sessions will be held from 6-7 pmFebruary 29 and 11 am-noon March 3
HACC representatives will answer questions about the free job training program which
will consist of an eight-week 320-hour training cycle with classes meeting 8 am-3 pm April
16-June 8
To be eligible a candidate must have a general education diploma (GED) or high school
diploma test at a 10th-grade math and reading level have a valid driverrsquos license have access to
reliable transportation be drug free and demonstrate an interest in the environment
Successful graduates will receive certifications in all of the following Hazardous Waste
Operations and Emergency Response (HAZWOPER) confined space entrantattendant and
supervisor lead-based paint inspector and asbestos inspectorAdditional training will be offered in environmental site assessment air and water
quality and environmental remediation techniques
HACC is offering the training through a two-year $199890 grant awarded through the
federal Environmental Protection Agencyrsquos Brownfields Program
Two classes were held last year at HACC-Harrisburg Campus with 35 graduates Of this
number 26 have jobs (19 of them are in the environmental field) and four are continuing their
education A third class is under way in Lancaster As part of the grant HACC helps successful
graduates find environmental jobs and tracks those graduates for one year
A brownfield site is real property the expansion redevelopment or reuse of which may
be complicated by the presence or potential presence of a hazardous substance pollutant or
contaminant according to the EPAThe EPA estimates there are 180 brownfield sites in the Lancaster area and a combined
total of 120 brownfield sites in Harrisburg and Steelton
For more information or to register to attend an information session contact Cheryl
Deitz HACC Workforce Training coordinator at 221-1338 or send email to chdeitzhaccedu
PUC Chair Urges Utilities To Participate In Programs To Create Jobs For Returning
Troops
832019 Pa Environment Digest Feb 20 2012
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Public Utility Commission Chairman Robert F Powelson Thursday urged the statersquos public
utilities to participate in several new programs proposed by Gov Tom Corbett and the Edison
Electric Institute to create jobs in the energy sector
The Chairman also noted that the time is right for job growth with the development of the
Marcellus Shale industry and electric competition across the stateldquoToday I encourage Pennsylvaniarsquos electric and natural gas utilities to learn from the
example set by EEI and participate in the Troops to Energy Jobs program as well as Governor
Corbettrsquos Jobs First PA initiative Chairman Powelson said in a statement at the PUCrsquos Public
Meeting In the days ahead the PUC will be coordinating with EEI and the Corbett
Administration to connect our energy companies with these innovative programsrdquo
The Chairman referenced Gov Corbetts annual budget address to the General Assembly
last week
ldquoIn his address the Governor recognized that the energy sector has enormous potential
for producing new jobs and putting the unemployed back to workrdquo Chairman Powelson said
ldquoIn announcing his new Jobs First program the Governor stated that lsquoas our energy sector
expands Pennsylvania needs a trained workforce ready to meet the demand for workersrsquordquoChairman Powelson said the EEI launched its Troops for Energy Jobs initiative which is
designed to accelerate the training and employability of veterans in key energy programs EEI is
currently piloting this program through five energy companies throughout the nation
For more information visit the Troops for Energy Jobs Initiative website
PA Chamber Environmental amp Energy Conference April 18 In Lancaster
The annual PA Chamber of Business and Industry Environmental and Energy Conference will be
held on April 18 at the Eden Resort Inn amp Suites in Lancaster
Major environmental regulatory areas continue to see numerous changes at the state andfederal level that impact business Thats why the Pennsylvania Chamber is offering four
learning tracks with answers you need on the latest environmental and energy issues-all in one
day
-- Compliance help from state and national top experts on the toughest environmental issues
-- Details on the latest regulatory changes and proposed changes
-- Proven strategies best practices and practical business tips to help you comply cost-effectively
in each area and
-- Advanced environmental roundtable
There will be two keynotes The Economic Benefits of Marcellus Shale and Natural Gas-
American Petroleum Institute Washington DC and Converting Trash into Renewable Energy-
National Solid Wastes Management Association Washington DCVisit with more than 50 exhibitors offering an exciting array of advanced technology
solutions and exhibitor educational sessions Access and network with more than 300 of your
peers from across the state
For more information and to register visit the Conference webpage or contact Sue Smith
at 717-720-5457 or send email to ssmithpachamberorg
Volunteers Needed To Plant 100 Acre Wind Break At Flight 93 Memorial In April
832019 Pa Environment Digest Feb 20 2012
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The federal Office of Surface Mining Reclamation and Enforcement through their Appalachian
Regional Reforestation Initiative and the Department of Environmental Protection are working
with the National Park Service to plant a wind break at the Flight 93 Memorial in Somerset
County
Volunteers are needed to plant trees on April 20 21 27 and 28 Volunteers may sign upfor one day or multiple days
If you are interested in volunteering send a Volunteer Sign-Up Form and a Photo
Release Form and send to Leroy Renninger of the National Park Service by email
to Leroy_Renningernpsgov
State Fly Tying Champions Announced At Eastern Sports amp Outdoor Show
The Eastern Sports amp Outdoor Show Cumberland Valley Trout Unlimited Bass Pro Shops of
Harrisburg Mid Atlantic Fly Fishing Guide magazine and the Fish and Boat Commission
sponsored the Pennsylvania State Fly Tying Championship held on February 11 at the Eastern
Sports amp Outdoor Show at the State Farm Show Complex in HarrisburgThirteen contestants in three categories competed for money trophies and prizes in the
annual event to crown the best fly tyers in Pennsylvania
In the Open Division the winners are 1st Place - Andy Fresch Summerhill 2nd Place -
Ken Moser Severna Park MD 3rd Place - John Shosh Hamburg
The Amateur Division winners are 1st Place - Matthew Edinger Sharon Hill 2nd Place -
- Mike Marino Souderton and 3rd Place -- Elliott DeFrancesco Wilburton
The Youth Division winners are 1st Place - Gaeron Friedrichs Milford 2nd Place
Bobby Faust Dalmatia
The contestants at the final event were the top tiers selected from entries previously
submitted In order to qualify the entrants had to submit three flies from a list of flies for eachcategory
At the event each finalist was required to tie three flies over a two hour time period The
finalists knew ahead of time two of the flies that were to be tied and a third ldquomystery flyrdquo was
announced to them at the event
The championship will be held again at the 2013 Eastern Sports and Outdoor Show and
applications information and details will be posted at the Cumberland Valley Trout Unlimited or
Eastern Sports and Outdoor Show websites as they become available
PA State Parks Forest App Now Updated And Free
The Official Pennsylvania State Parks amp Forests App is now completely FREE This latestversion now on the market includes advanced interactive capabilities such as GPS trail mapping
the Friend Finder to keep track of your family and friends on the trail and more
Featured Update List Increased performance speed Multi-tasking Capability
GeoChallenge (GeocacheGeoQuest) Feature FREE enhanced GPS features
This new version increases performance speed and cuts activation time in half With the
new multi-tasking capability users gain enhanced user navigation The more adventurous
832019 Pa Environment Digest Feb 20 2012
httpslidepdfcomreaderfullpa-environment-digest-feb-20-2012 2434
outdoor enthusiasts will benefit from the recently added GeoChallenges that include geocache
and geoquest activities which will be updated regularly
The waypointphoto waypoint marking tools have been upgraded and there has been a
fine-tuning of the trail-tracking feature located on the side navigation bar of the free GPS
Mapping section Use the app to track record and share your explorations with others-all at no
chargeTry out the app and let the PA Parks amp Forests Foundation know what you think
Feature
Bald Eagle Pair Get Help With Home Improvement Project
While most people try to avoid home improvement projects in the winter a pair of bald eagles
got some much needed help recently from a team of Game Commission land managers with a
very important and timely renovation project
A sycamore tree on Haldeman Island has been used by at least three mated pairs as a
nesting site since 1989 The island is just upriver of the confluence of the Susquehanna and
Juniata rivers north of Harrisburg and the tree stands just across a pond from one of three
hacking towers the Game Commission used at two locations in its bald eagle recovery program
About two weeks ago one of the limbs supporting the nest collapsed under the weight of the
nest
On Friday Steve Bernardi Game Commission Land Management Group Supervisor for
Juniata Mifflin Perry and Snyder counties was joined by Terry Willow Game Lands
Maintenance Worker with the River Island Food and Cover Corps Crew and Scott Bills Land
Management Group Supervisor for Dauphin and Lebanon counties to construct a platform to
encourage the bald eagle pair to reuse this nest site
The three men measured and cut lumber used hammers and nails as well as screws anddrills to secure the lumber in place and then placed branches and sticks on the platform to
encourage the bald eagles ndash who were watching the activity while perched in nearby trees ndash to
begin rebuilding a nest
A pair built a nest in this tree in 1989 and had their first young in 1990 Bernardi said
A storm blew the original nest out of the tree in 1995 Scott Bills who was the Wildlife
Conservation Officer in Dauphin County at that time worked with a Food and Cover Corps crew
and PPL to erect the first platform similar to what we put in place on Friday
Adult bald eagles are preparing to nest and hopefully they will come back and reuse this
platform just like they did back in 1995
Haldeman Island played a key role in the recovery of bald eagles in Pennsylvania In the
1980s it was one of two locations used for reintroduction of eagles brought by the GameCommission from Canada in the early years of restoration of eagles to our state About 40
eaglets were released at the Haldeman Island tower overlooking the ponds on the north side of
the island by 1989
When the reintroduced birds successfully raised young at a nest on Haldeman in 1990
the whole state had only seven nesting pairs And there has been an active eagle nest in that spot
every year since except 2004 when the birds took a year off
832019 Pa Environment Digest Feb 20 2012
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While we dont know if the same pair have been active that whole time the same old
sycamore tree has been used during this period and that nest has produced more than 40 young
over this period said Dan Brauning Game Commission Wildlife Diversity Division chief
Since the site is well-protected on a Game Commission island with limited access this site has
particular value to us
Continued support for this nest will help sustain this historic location in the recovery of baldeagles in Pennsylvania
In 1983 the Game Commission began a seven-year bald eagle restoration program in
which the agency sent employees to Saskatchewan to obtain eaglets from wilderness nests The
Richard King Mellon Foundation of Pittsburgh and the federal Endangered Species Fund
provided financial assistance for this effort
In all 88 bald eaglets from Canada were released from sites at Dauphin Countys
Haldeman Island and Pike Countys Shohola Falls The resurgence of eagles in Pennsylvania is
directly related to this program which also was carried out in other states in the Northeast
When the restoration program began in 1983 only three Crawford County nests remained
in the state By 2006 the agency announced that the state had surpassed the 100 bald eagle nest
mark Just five years later in 2011 the number of known bald eagle nests had doubled to 203spread out over 50 counties
Residents aware of a bald eagle nest ndash which are among the largest nests of all birds ndash in
their area should consider reporting it to the Pennsylvania Game Commission The easiest way to
contact the agency by sending email to pgccommentspagov Use the words Eagle Nest
Information in the subject field
The Game Commission continues to further the publics understanding of bald eagles In
2010 a comprehensive Bald Eagle threatened species account and Bald Eagle Nest Etiquette
guide were added to the agencys website
In 2011 the agency launched its series of Eagle-watching in Pennsylvania guides that
will help direct those interested in viewing bald eagles in the wild on where to go how to getthere what to expect and other wildlife viewing opportunities available at each site
Currently posted are eagle-watching guides for Erie National Wildlife Refuge Crawford
County Conneaut Marsh Geneva Marsh State Game Land 213 Crawford County Raystown
Lake Huntingdon County State Game Land 180 Shohola Lake Pike County Middle Creek
Wildlife Management Area Lebanon and Lancaster counties Bald Eagle State Park Centre
County Glendale Lake Price Gallitzin State Park Cambria County John Heinz National
Wildlife Refuge Philadelphia and Delaware counties Lower Susquehanna River Lancaster and
York counties Moraine State Park Butler County Pine Creek Valley Lycoming and Tioga
counties Promised Land State Park Pike County Pymatuning Reservoir Crawford County and
the Upper Delaware River in Pike Wayne and Monroe counties
Game Commission Announces April 1 Deadline For Ads In Hunting-Trapping Digest
Game Commission Executive Director Carl G Roe Thursday announced Liberty Press
Publications publisher of the Pennsylvania Digest of Hunting amp Trapping Regulations has set
April 1 as the deadline for advertising copy in the 2012-13 Digest Click Here for details
For advertising information contact Liberty Press Publications toll-free at
1-800-296-6402
832019 Pa Environment Digest Feb 20 2012
httpslidepdfcomreaderfullpa-environment-digest-feb-20-2012 2634
Opportunity To Bid On McKean County Abandoned Well Plugging Project
The Department of Environmental Protection published notice of an opportunity to bid on a
project to plug 24 abandoned oil wells in McKean County
Help Wanted Chesapeake Bay Foundation PA Grassroots Coordinator Field Specialist
The Chesapeake Bay Foundation is seeking a PA Grassroots Coordinator and a Field Specialist
to be based at their Pennsylvania State Office located in Harrisburg This position is a 2 year
term position with the possibility of extension Click Here for details
Help Wanted Conewago Creek Assistant Project Coordinator
Penn State Cooperative Extension on behalf of the Conewago Creek Initiative seeks an Assistant
Project Coordinator to be an integral part of a dynamic partnership team working together with
local state and federal partnersThe Assistant Project Coordinator will report to the Director of the Lower Susquehanna
Initiative who serves as the Project Coordinator for the Conewago Creek Initiative
The deadline for applications is March 1 Click Here for details
Help Wanted ALLARM Assistant Director Of Outreach Marcellus
The Alliance for Aquatic Resource Monitoring (ALLARM) is seeking candidate to fill a third
full time position to the organization-- Assistant Director of Outreach-- to assist with Marcellus
Monitoring program training community volunteers throughout the shale gas regions in
Pennsylvania to monitor small streams for early pollution detection Click Here for fullannouncement
Grants amp 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
February 23-- PA Pathways To Green Schools Nominations
February 24-- PA Trout In The Classroom Grants
February 29-- EPA Environmental Justice Small Grants
February 29-- Ben Franklin BIG IDEA Business Plan ContestFebruary 29-- PA American Water Stream of Learning Scholarships
February 29-- West Branch Susquehanna Orange Rock Awards
March 1-- Erie TreeVitalize Grants
March 2-- Coca-Cola Keep America Beautiful Recycling Bin Grants
March 2-- Conservation Innovation Grants Chesapeake Bay Nutrient Credit Grants
March 5-- TogetherGreen Fellowship and Innovation Grants
832019 Pa Environment Digest Feb 20 2012
httpslidepdfcomreaderfullpa-environment-digest-feb-20-2012 2734
March 5-- PECDominion Western PA Environmental Awards
March 10-- PA American Water Environmental Grants
March 15-- NEW Keep PA Beautiful Greenways Mini-Grants
March 23-- Water Resources Education Network Grants
March 30-- PA American Water Protect Our Watersheds Student Art Contest
March 31-- DEP Host Municipal Inspector GrantsApril 3-- West Penn Power Sustainable Energy Fund Grants Loans
April 4-- DCNR Community Conservation Partnership Grants
April 15-- Wild Resource Conservation Fund Income Tax Checkoff Deadline
March 1-- Keystone Historic Preservation Project and Construction Grants
August 1-- PA Snowmobile Assn Trail Improvement Grants
August 24-- Foundation for PA Watershed Grants
September 1-- Erie TreeVitalize Grants
October 31-- PA Resources Council Lens On Litter Contest
-- Visit the DEP Grants and Loan Programs webpage for more ideas on how to get financial
assistance for environmental projects
BudgetQuick Clips
Heres a selection of NewClips on environmental topics from around the state--
Budget
Corbett Signs Marcellus Shale Fee Into Law
Corbett Signs Shale Well Impact Fee Into Law
Corbett Approves Marcellus Shale Fee
Bradford Commissioner Foolish Not To Accept Drilling Fee MoneyWhats Next For PAs Impact Fee Bradford Against Fee
Bradford Commissioners Disagree On Drilling Fee
Washington County To Seek Marcellus Fees
Editorial Corbetts Gas Fee About To Evaporate
Robinson Twp To Contest New Marcellus Law
South Fayette Eyes Legal Action On Drilling Bill
Fish amp Boat Commission Grateful For Marcellus Fees
PUC Eyes Private Firm For Impact Fee Collection
PUC Chair Let Marcellus Play Come To Us
PUC Would Get Shale Role Under Drilling Bill
Editorial It Makes Sense For PUC To Deal With Drilling NE Counties To Raise Millions Or Nothing Under Drilling Fee
House Capital Budget Bill Debate Focuses On Jobs
House GOP Marcellus Bill A Win For Jobs
Norquists No-Tax Pledge Cant Give Drill Fee The Ax
PA Natural Gas Levy Became Inevitable
Bradford Commissioners Disagree On Drilling Fee
832019 Pa Environment Digest Feb 20 2012
httpslidepdfcomreaderfullpa-environment-digest-feb-20-2012 2834
Vertical Exploratory Wells Wont Be Hit With Drilling Fee
Impact Fee Bill Addresses Housing Needs
Op-Ed Natural Gas Fee May Be Too Late
Editorial Marcellus Fee A Tax Stupid
Editorial Shale Drillers Got The Better Part Of Deal
Corbett Raiding Special FundsCan Pennsylvanians Survive Under Another Corbett Budget
As Roads Bridges Deteriorate Governor Silent
Analysis Taking Baby Steps On Fixing Roads Bridges
Editorial Must A Bridge Fall Down
House Capital Budget Bill Debate Focuses On Jobs
Editorial Capital Budget Funds Must Be Kept Under Control
Obama Cuts EPA Increases Chesapeake Bay Program
Chesapeake Bay Program Increased Under Obama Budget
EPA Budget Cut For States Superfund Cleanup
Obama Proposes $14 Million For Fracking Research
$67 Million Requested For Federal Pipeline SafetyDCNR Secretary Says Report On Wildlife Research Not Accurate
Other
Electronics Recycling Date Set At Greensburg Mall
Hershey Plants Achieve Zero Waste Status
RecycleBank Named On Of Worlds Most Innovative Companies
Editorial Fine Litterers No Ifs Or Butts
Corbett Signs 3 Energy Sector Bills
Op-Ed Anti-Coal Agenda Is Detrimental To PA
Op-Ed Global Warming As Fact Not Hypothesis
Op-Ed Climate Change Education Is NecessaryHomer City Power Plant Still To Dirty Groups Claim
DEP Sets March 14 Public Hearing On Homer City Power Plant
Concerns Voiced Over PPL Lines
Consumer Alert Electricity Price Discounts Heat Up
Turbine Load To Hit The Road To Holtwood Dam
PPL Plans $664 Million In Electric Delivery System Improvements
Exelon Gives Dauphin County $110000 For Emergency Response
Groups Ask For Expansion Of Nuclear Plant Evacuation Zone
Feds Give PPL Reactor Low Grade
Allentown Council Rejects Waste-To-Energy Sewage Plant
GE Invests In Cleaner Evolution LocomotiveDEP Hopeful Buyer Will Emerge For ConocoPhillips Refinery
DEP Renews ConocoPhillips Trainer Refinery Discharge Permit
100 Sunoco Workers In PA Get Layoff Notices
Meehan PA Refinery Closures Threat To National Security
Refinery Closings Could Affect 15000 Jobs Study Says
Gasoline Could Reach $5 By July 4
$4 A Gallon Gasoline By Memorial Day
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httpslidepdfcomreaderfullpa-environment-digest-feb-20-2012 2934
Gasoline Prices Have Never Been This High This Early
Electric Bicycle Waiver Sought
Land Bank Bill Newest Anti-Blight Tool
Game Commission Prepares For Controlled Burn On Centre County
2012 Great Backyard Bird Count Begins Friday
Birders-Eye View Of Conservation In PhiladelphiaState Could Take Over Refurbished Point State Park
New Ohiopyle Visitors Center Project To Be Bid This Spring
Winterfest At Ohiopyle No Snow Still A Go
Protecting Landscapes Changing Face Of Conservation
Marcellus Shale NewsClips
Here are NewsClips on topics related to Marcellus Shale natural gas drilling---
Corbett Signs Marcellus Shale Fee Into Law
Corbett Signs Shale Well Impact Fee Into Law
Corbett Approves Marcellus Shale Fee
Bradford Commissioner Foolish Not To Accept Drilling Fee Money
Whats Next For PAs Impact Fee Bradford Against Fee
Bradford Commissioners Disagree On Drilling Fee
Washington County To Seek Marcellus Fees
Editorial Corbetts Gas Fee About To Evaporate
Robinson Twp To Contest New Marcellus Law
South Fayette Eyes Legal Action On Drilling Bill
Fish amp Boat Commission Grateful For Marcellus Fees
PUC Eyes Private Firm For Impact Fee CollectionPUC Chair Let Marcellus Play Come To Us
PUC Would Get Shale Role Under Drilling Bill
Editorial It Makes Sense For PUC To Deal With Drilling
Corbett Raiding Special Funds
NE Counties To Raise Millions Or Nothing Under Drilling Fee
House GOP Marcellus Bill A Win For Jobs
Norquists No-Tax Pledge Cant Give Drill Fee The Ax
PA Natural Gas Levy Became Inevitable
Wayne County Landowners Push For Drilling
Vertical Exploratory Wells Wont Be Hit With Drilling Fee
Impact Fee Bill Addresses Housing NeedsDrilling Bill Authors Health Experts Fears Unfounded
Health Officials Drilling Law Disclosure Rules Lax
Op-Ed Natural Gas Fee May Be Too Late
Editorial Marcellus Fee A Tax Stupid
Editorial Shale Drillers Got The Better Part Of Deal
Delaware Riverkeeper Reports Settlement Over Gas Well
832019 Pa Environment Digest Feb 20 2012
httpslidepdfcomreaderfullpa-environment-digest-feb-20-2012 3034
EPA Probing Washington County Shale Operations
Marcellus Boom Has Pressed Law Firms To Boost Their Staffs
25 More State Troopers In NE Shale Region
Recorders Of Deeds May Not Reject Multiple Gas Leases
Rural Loophole Curbing PA Pipeline Inspections
Pipeline Tested Ahead Of Tie-In To Shale WellsFirefighters Learn To Deal With Drilling Emergencies
Assessing PGWs Liquid Natural Gas Future
Dominion Resources Playing Responsible Role In Drilling
Report Philly Should Consider Selling Gas Company
Company Files For Gas Drilling Permit In Bucks County
Gas Drilling Debate Returns To Bucks County
Shale Drillers Drinking From Slippery Rock Creek
Gas Wells With Smaller Footprint Get Greater Scrutiny
PennEnvironment Violations Report Half-Baked
Water Tanker Truck Lands In Creek In Monroe Twp
Industry Says Over 93230 New Hires As A Result Of Marcellus ShaleBCCC Begins Classes For Marcellus Shale Workers
Marcellus Gas Creates Demand For Cars
Ex-Drilling Exec Took Nearly $1 Million Or More
Op-Ed Gas Drillers New Wild West
Marcellus Gas Production Rises So Does Recycling
FinancialOther StatesNational
Drillers Cut Natural Gas Production As Prices Drop
Talisman Cutting Back Drilling Plans
Ultra Petroleum Reports 2011 Financial Operating Results
Gas Firms Drill Less As Prices Nose DiveObama Proposes $14 Million For Fracking Research
$67 Million Requested For Federal Pipeline Safety
FloodingWatershed NewsClips
Here are NewsClips on watershed topics from around the state--
Flooding
New Bank Coming To Flood-Ravaged Shickshinny
Other Watershed NewsClips
Mon River QUEST Wins Regional IMPACT AwardEPA Evaluates States Chesapeake Bay Plans
Shale Drillers Drinking From Slippery Rock Creek
Sewage Woes Close Lewisburg Area Park
$375000 To Aid Little Buck Run Restoration Effort
Loyalhanna Creek Sewage Overflow Problem Goes To State
Turbine Load To Hit The Road To Holtwood Dam
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Funding Sought For Restoration Of Speedwell Lake
Obama Cuts EPA Increases Chesapeake Bay Program
Chesapeake Bay Program Increased Under Obama Budget
EPA Budget Cut For States Superfund Cleanup
Editorial Delaware Dredging A Step Closer
Regulations Technical Guidance amp Permits
No new regulations were published this week Pennsylvania Bulletin - February 18 2012
Proposed Regulations Open For Comment - DEP webpage
Proposed Regulations With Closed Comment Periods - DEP webpage
DEP Regulatory Agenda - DEP webpage
Technical Guidance amp Permits
The Department of Environmental Protection published notice of bond rate calculations for mine
reclamation The Fish and Boat Commission published notice of nursery water designation for
the Shenango River Crawford County
DEP also published an update to the list of companies certified to perform radon-related
activities (PA Bulletin page 994)
Technical Guidance Comment Deadlines - DEP webpage
Copies Of Draft Technical Guidance - DEP webpage
Copies of Final Technical Guidance - DEP webpage
Calendar Of Events
Upcoming legislative meetings conferences workshops plus links to other online calendars
Meetings are in Harrisburg unless otherwise noted NEW means new from last week Go to the
online Calendar webpage
Click on Agenda Released on calendar entries to see the NEW meeting agendas published this
week
Note You can watch the hearings live through the Senate webpage and the House webpage or
on the PA Cable Network website
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February 21-- House Appropriations Committee budget hearings 930 - Global Economy
1100 - Independent Fiscal Office 130 - Department of Revenue Room 140
February 21-- CANCELED Environmental Quality Board meeting Next scheduled meeting is
March 20 ( formal notice )
February 21-- Agenda Released DEP Citizens Advisory Council meeting Room 105 Rachel
Carson Building 1130
February 22-- Senate Appropriations Committee budget hearings 930 - Department of
Environmental Protection 100 - Department of Transportation Hearing Room 1 North Office
February 23-- NEW House Democratic Policy Committee holds a hearing on Southeast PA oil
refinery closings National Constitution Center Philadelphia 1000
February 27-- House Appropriations Committee budget hearings 1000 - Public Utility
Commission 1100 - Office of Consumer Advocate Small Business Advocate Room 140
February 27-- NEW House Democratic Policy Committee holds a hearing on Marcellus Shale
air emissions Bryn Mawr Presbyterian Church Bryn Mawr 1000
February 28-- Senate Appropriations Committee budget hearings 100 - Department of
Agriculture Hearing Room 1 North Office
February 28-- House Appropriations Committee budget hearings 930 - Department of
Agriculture 1030 - Department of Conservation and Natural Resources Room 140
February 29-- Senate Appropriations Committee budget hearings 930 - PA Emergency
Management Agency Hearing Room 1 North Office
February 29-- House Game and Fisheries Committee informational meeting on Fish and Boat
Commissions Annual Report Room 39 East Wing 1000
February 29-- House Appropriations Committee budget hearings 930 - Department of
Transportation 300 - Department of Environmental Protection Room 140
March 1-- House Appropriations Committee budget hearings 1000 Department of Labor amp
Industry 100 - Department of Community and Economic Development Room 140
March 6-- House Appropriations Committee budget hearings 930 - State PoliceOffice of
Homeland Security 1100 - PA Emergency Management Agency 300 - Department of General
Services Room 140
March 6-- CANCELED DEP Storage Tank Advisory Committee meeting Next scheduled
meeting is June 5 ( formal notice )
832019 Pa Environment Digest Feb 20 2012
httpslidepdfcomreaderfullpa-environment-digest-feb-20-2012 3334
March 7-- House Game and Fisheries Committee informational meeting on Game Commissions
Annual Report Room 39 East Wing 1000
March 8-- House Appropriations Committee budget hearings 1000 - Budget Secretary 100 -
House Member Testimony Room 140
March 14-- DEP Air Quality Technical Advisory Committee meeting Room 105 Rachel Carson
Building 915 ( formal notice )
March 26-- Environmental Issues Forum Joint Legislative Air and Water Pollution Control and
Conservation Committee featuring a presentation by DCNR Secretary Richard Allan (Location
to be determined) Noon
DEP Calendar of Events
Note The Environmental Education Workshop Calendar is no longer available from the PACenter for Environmental Education because funding for the Center was eliminated in the FY
2011-12 state budget The PCEE website was also shutdown but some content was moved to
the PA Association of Environmental Educators website
Senate Committee Schedule House Committee Schedule
You can watch the Senate Floor Session and House Floor Session live online
Stories Invited
Send your stories photos and videos about your project environmental issues or programs for
publication in the PA Environment Digest to DHessCrisciAssociatescom
PA Environment Digest is edited by David E Hess former Secretary Pennsylvania Department
of Environmental Protection and is published as a service to the clients of Crisci Associates a
Harrisburg-based government and public affairs firm whose clients include Fortune 500
companies and non-profit organizations For more information on Crisci Associates call
717-234-1716
PA Environment Digest weekly was the winner of the PA Association of Environmental
Educators 2009 Business Partner of the Year Award
Also sign up for these other services from Crisci Associates--
PA Environment Digest Twitter Feed On Twitter sign up to receive instant updates from
PAEnviroDigest
832019 Pa Environment Digest Feb 20 2012
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PA Environment Daily Blog provides daily environmental NewsClips and significant stories
and announcements on environmental topics in Pennsylvania of immediate value Sign up and
receive as they are posted updates through your favorite RSS reader You can also sign up for a
once daily email alerting you to new items posted on this blog
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you to new items posted on this blog
PA Capitol Digest Dont forget to sign up to receive the PA Capitol Digest Twitter feed by
going to wwwTwittercomPaCapitolDigest or click on this link for the regular daily PA
Capitol Digest Blog to get other news from in and around the Pennsylvania State Capitol
Supporting Member PA Outdoor Writers AssnPA Trout Unlimited
PA Environment Digest is a supporting member of the Pennsylvania Outdoor Writers
Association Pennsylvania Council Trout Unlimited and the Doc Fritchey Chapter Trout
Unlimited
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Rep Camille Bud George (D-Clearfield) Minority Chair of the House Environmental
Resources and Energy Committee Tuesday said that industrial gas drillers received a sweetheart
deal from the Corbett administration just in time for Valentinersquos Day
A review of the 27 lsquosuggestionsrsquo the industry made to House Republican leaders for the
final Marcellus shale legislation shows it got its wishes on 23 of them said Rep George of Clearfield County Some were not complete compliance with industry desires but an overall
score of 85 percent is a pretty substantial kiss
Rep George said that on January 12 the Marcellus Shale Coalition and the Associated
Petroleum Industries of Pennsylvania addressed correspondence to the House Speaker the
Majority Leader and Rep Brian Ellis R-Butler the author of House Bill 1950 with several
suggestions to amend the billrsquos final language
The industry got its way on everything from reducing the presumed liability of a well
polluting water sources to eliminating language requiring operators to conduct free pre-drilling
surveys for landowners with wells between 2500 and 5000 feet from a well said Rep George
of the bill signed into law Monday by Gov Tom Corbett It seems the industry barked and the
Republicans heeledThe industryrsquos suggestions are available online
It was stated ndash erroneously ndash on the House floor that the pre-drilling survey language
was included in the conference committee report Rep George said It is not in the bill despite
having twice won approval in the House
Rep George said the pitiful tax rate to be paid by the industry ndash a fraction of what
Pennsylvanians pay in sales or state income taxes ndash risks further irrelevance by reports that
producing counties may not opt in to the impact fee
Proponents touted House Bill 1950 as lsquocompromisersquo legislation when in fact the
measure ndash and the pittance it would collect for local and statewide impacts ndash seemingly will be
compromised Rep George said The projected revenues were a joke but now could be alaughing stock
Rep George said proposals by Democratic members of the conference committee
deserve consideration The proposals would
-- Increase initial per-well fee to $60000 ndash from $50000 ndash and improve first-year revenues by
$35 million
-- Decrease fee by $5000 a year but make fees last for 20 years not 15
-- Eliminate county option and
-- Bolster environmental safeguards of water by establishing setbacks from the edge of a well
pad
As it now stands House Bill 1950 has me torn about which Valentinersquos Day ad is the
most fitting description Rep George said Is it lsquoGive and You Will Receiversquo or lsquoEvery KissBegins withhellip Campaign Contributionsrsquo
DCNR Budget Hearing No New Drilling Leases Planned For State Forests
Department of Conservation and Natural Resources Secretary Richard Allan appeared before the
Senate Appropriations Committee Thursday for a little over an hour answering questions about
DCNRs proposed FY 2012-13 budget
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As usual the Committee dispensed with Secretary Allans prepared remarks Here are
some of the highlights from the questions asked--
Drilling Leases There are no plans to lease additional State Forest Land but if they would they
would follow the recommendations of the Governors Marcellus Shale Commission to only do
leases where they leave little or no surface impactOf the 812 well permits have been approved by DCNR on State Forest land 778
Marcellus Shale wells have been permitted by DEP 442 wells have been drilled and there are
152 producing wells
DCNR anticipates receiving $65 million in FY 2012-13 in royalties and rents from
drilling Secretary Allan said He said there may be some decrease in drilling revenues in the
next year or so with lower natural gas prices
In response to a question Secretary Allan said the agency professionals are constantly
monitoring drilling companies to make sure they comply with their leases and agency best
management practices He said so far the drillers have been good stewards and have minimized
their impacts on State Forest lands
Drilling In State Parks DCNR has a policy that there will be no drilling in State Parks where
the state owns the mineral rights Secretary Allan said Unfortunately he said the state owns
mineral rights on only 20 percent of the land in State Parks and on 80 percent in State Forests
He said DCNR will look to enforce their guidelines and best management practices on drillers
on State Park land and other areas where they dont own mineral rights to make sure any surface
impacts are minimized
State Parks In spite of budget constraints Secretary Allan said DCNR anticipates being able to
keep all State Parks open and available for residents but acknowledged there may be some
changes in some services offered such as the hours in some parksSecretary Allan said an updated economic study shows for every dollar invested State
Parks bring in $12 for a total of $11 billion of economic activity annually and they support over
13000 jobs in and around the parks
Keystone Fund The proposed transfer of all DCNR revenues from the Keystone Parks and
Conservation Fund to the General Fund Secretary Allan said will require the agency to look to
other sources of monies to support their operations like the Oil and Gas Fund the
Environmental Stewardship (Growing Greener) Fund and the new drilling fee revenue
He said he advised the Governors Office the reduction in funding will require the agency
to put off some maintenance projects and reduce the funding going for grants
Secretary Allan said he believes in the future there will be more revenue in the Oil andGas Fund and from the new drilling fee to replace at least some of the Keystone Fund monies
Oil and Gas Lease Fund Secretary Allan said he does not believe the transfers from the Oil
and Gas Fund to the agency to pay administrative expenses violate the intended use of the Oil
and Gas Fund Approximately 30 percent of DCNRs administrative budget is now supported by
the Fund
832019 Pa Environment Digest Feb 20 2012
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Gas Pipelines Secretary Allan said the agency has asked drilling companies to locate natural
gas gathering pipelines on existing rights-of-way where possible and that DCNR staff foresters
geologists and other professionals work closely with the drilling companies on the details of
pipeline routing
Wild Resource Research In response to a question about a controversy over a reduction inWild Resource Conservation grants Secretary Allan said much of the information about the cuts
were inaccurate He said his review of grant applications showed a significant amount of the
funding was duplicating the research already done by DCNR professional staff (see 262012
story )
Complement DCNR now has an authorized complement of about 1375 The budget proposal
will require the agency to reduce that by 14 positions but those reductions will be done through
attrition and elimination of vacant positions
Flood Damage DCNR had about $6 million in damage from flooding last fall Secretary Allan
said they submitted those damages to the Federal Emergency Management Agency for potentialreimbursement
Dogs In State Parks Secretary Allan said DCNR has a pilot project underway to allow visitors
using cabins and camping areas to bring their dogs He said they are still evaluating the results
A copy of Secretary Allans remarks are available online
NewsClip DCNR Secretary Says Report On Wildlife Research Not Accurate
Related Stories
Governors Budget Cuts Environment Again Keystone Fund Zeroed Out For DCNR The Record $18 Billion CutDiverted From Environmental Programs Last 10 Years
Senate House Budget Hearing Schedule
Note You can watch the hearings live through the Senate webpage and the House webpage or
on the PA Cable Network website
NewsClips
Corbett Signs Marcellus Shale Fee Into Law
Corbett Signs Shale Well Impact Fee Into Law
Corbett Approves Marcellus Shale Fee
Bradford Commissioner Foolish Not To Accept Drilling Fee MoneyBradford Commissioners Disagree On Drilling Fee
Whats Next For PAs Impact Fee Bradford Against Fee
Bradford Commissioners Disagree On Drilling Fee
Washington County To Seek Marcellus Fees
Editorial Corbetts Gas Fee About To Evaporate
Robinson Twp To Contest New Marcellus Law
South Fayette Eyes Legal Action On Drilling Bill
832019 Pa Environment Digest Feb 20 2012
httpslidepdfcomreaderfullpa-environment-digest-feb-20-2012 734
Fish amp Boat Commission Grateful For Marcellus Fees
PUC Eyes Private Firm For Impact Fee Collection
PUC Chair Let Marcellus Play Come To Us
PUC Would Get Shale Role Under Drilling Bill
Editorial It Makes Sense For PUC To Deal With Drilling
NE Counties To Raise Millions Or Nothing Under Drilling FeeHouse GOP Marcellus Bill A Win For Jobs
Norquists No-Tax Pledge Cant Give Drill Fee The Ax
PA Natural Gas Levy Became Inevitable
Vertical Exploratory Wells Wont Be Hit With Drilling Fee
Impact Fee Bill Addresses Housing Needs
Drilling Bill Authors Health Experts Fears Unfounded
Health Officials Drilling Law Disclosure Rules Lax
Op-Ed Natural Gas Fee May Be Too Late
Editorial Marcellus Fee A Tax Stupid
Editorial Shale Drillers Got The Better Part Of Deal
Corbett Raiding Special FundsHouse Capital Budget Bill Debate Focuses On Jobs
Editorial Capital Budget Funds Must Be Kept Under Control
Can Pennsylvanians Survive Under Another Corbett Budget
As Roads Bridges Deteriorate Governor Silent
Analysis Taking Baby Steps On Fixing Roads Bridges
Editorial Must A Bridge Fall Down
Obama Cuts EPA Increases Chesapeake Bay Program
Chesapeake Bay Program Increased Under Obama Budget
EPA Budget Cut For States Superfund Cleanup
Obama Proposes $14 Million For Fracking Research$67 Million Requested For Federal Pipeline Safety
Schedule For Remaining Senate House Budget Hearings
The Senate and House Appropriations Committees both have budget hearings scheduled this
week on Gov Corbetts proposed budget You can watch the hearings live through the Senate
webpage and the House webpage or on the PA Cable Network website
Heres the schedule of the remaining budget hearings--
February 21-- House Appropriations Committee budget hearings 930 - Global Economy
1100 - Independent Fiscal Office 130 - Department of Revenue All House hearings will be inRoom 140
February 22-- Senate Appropriations Committee budget hearings 930 - Department of
Environmental Protection 100 - Department of Transportation
February 27-- House Appropriations Committee budget hearings 1000 - Public Utility
Commission 1100 - Office of Consumer Advocate Small Business Advocate
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updates through your favorite RSS read You can also sign up for a once daily email alerting
you to new items posted on this blog
PA Capitol Digest Daily Blog to get updates every day on Pennsylvania State Government
including NewsClips coverage of key press conferences and more Sign up and receive as they
are posted updates through your favorite RSS reader You can also sign up for a once dailyemail alerting you to new items posted on this blog
PA Capitol Digest Twitter Feed Dont forget to sign up to receive the PA Capitol Digest
Twitter feed to get instant updates on other news from in and around the Pennsylvania State
Capitol
SenateHouse AgendaSession ScheduleBills Introduced
Here are the Senate and House Calendars and Committee meetings showing bills of interest as
well as a list of new environmental bills introduced--
Session Schedule
Here is the latest voting session schedule for the Senate and House--
Senate
Budget Hearings Feb 21 22 23 27 28 29 and March 1
March 5 6 7 12 13 14 26 27 28
April 2 3 30
May 1 2 7 8 9 21 22 23
June 4 5 6 11 12 13 18 19 20 25 26 27 28 29
House
Budget Hearings Feb 21 22 23 24 27 28 29 March 1 2 5 6 7 8 9
March 12 13 14 26 27 28
April 2 3 4 30
May 1 2 7 8 9 21 22 23
June 4 5 6 11 12 13 18 19 20 21 22 25 26 27 28 29
Bill Calendars
House (March 12) House Bill 1934 (FKeller-R-Snyder) excluding people residing in federal or state facilities for determining when a municipality must recycle House Resolution 438 (Cruz-
D-Philadelphia) urging Philadelphia to establish a waste tire removal and disposal
program House Resolution 423 (Petri-R-Bucks) directing the Legislative Budget and Finance
Committee to study state funding formulas and how they impact counties House Resolution
505 (Preston-D-Allegheny) disapproving the PUC regulation on natural gas competition
ltgt Click Here for full House Bill Calendar
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Senate (March 5) Senate Bill 1324 (Yaw-R-Bradford) quieting mineral property title
rights Senate Bill 1398 (Yudichak-D-Luzerne) extending the Underground Storage Tank
Environmental Cleanup Program from 2012 to 2017 House Bill 1813 (Tobash-R-Schuylkill)
further providing for anthracite reclamation fees and guarantees ltgt Click Here for full Senate
Bill Calendar
Committees
House the Appropriations Committee holds budget hearings on Global Economy
Independent Fiscal Office Department of Revenue the House Democratic Policy
Committee holds a hearing on Southeast PA oil refinery closings in Philadelphia ltgt Click
Here for full House Committee Schedule
Senate the Appropriations Committee holds budget hearings on Department of
Environmental Protection Department of Transportation ltgt Click Here for full Senate
Committee Schedule
Note You can watch the hearings live through the Senate webpage and the House webpage or
on the PA Cable Network website
Bills Introduced
The following bills of interest were introduced this week--
Defining Chronic Dementia House Bill 2196 (Curry-D-Montgomery) amending the Older
Adult Protective Services Act to define chronic dementia and cognitive impairment and making
other changes
Oil amp Gas Dust House Bill 2197 (Curry-D-Montgomery) amending the Air Pollution Control
Act to make dust from oil and gas operations air pollution under the act
Cambria County Land Senate Bill 1425 (Wozniak-D-Cambria) authority DCNR to lease
certain State Forest land in Cambria County to an alternative energy company
Bills On Governors Desk
The following bill was given final approval by the Senate and House and is now with the
Governor for his action--
Infrastructure Funding House Bill 1294 (Godshall-R-Montgomery) authorizing the PUC to
establish a distribution system improvement charge (DSIC) as an alternative to regular rate cases
to recover costs associated with replacing pipelines and other utility infrastructure A summary
and House Fiscal Note are available The bill was signed into law by the Governor as Act 11
NewsClips Corbett Signs 3 Energy Sector Bills
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Marcellus Shale House Bill 1950 (Ellis-R-Butler) imposing a Marcellus Shale drilling fee and
enacting a laundry list of additional environmental protection measures related to drilling was
signed into law by the Governor as Act 13
SenateHouse Bills Moving
The following bills of interest saw action this week in the House and Senate--
Senate
Nominations Gov Corbett this week re-nominated John Coleman as a Commissioner on the
Public Utility Commission
House
Conservation Easements House Bill 2059 (Miller-R-York) amending the Agricultural Area
Security Law to provide for the inspection of agricultural conservation easements on at least a
biennial basis (a summary and House Fiscal Note are available) and House Bill 2106 (Ross-R-
Chester) further providing for the relinquishment of the right to farmland preservation (a
summary and House Fiscal Note are available) were referred into and out of the House
Appropriations Committee and passed by the House The bills now go to the Senate for
consideration
Land Banks House Bill 1682 (Taylor-R-Philadelphia) providing for the creation of land banks
for the conversion of vacant properties into productive use was removed from the Table
amended on the House Floor and referred into and out of the House Appropriations Committeeand passed by the House A summary and House Fiscal Note are available The bill now goes to
the Senate for consideration
NewsClip Land Bank Bill Newest Anti-Blight Tool
Capital Budget Process House Bill 2175 (Turzai-R-Allegheny) making changes to Capital
Budget process and reducing the ability of state government to borrow and spend taxpayer
dollars was reported out of the House Finance Committee debated in the House and referred to
the House Appropriations Committee
NewsClip House Capital Budget Bill Debate Focuses On Jobs
Transportation Partnerships House Bill 3 (Geist-R-Blair) authorizing public-privatetransportation partnerships was amended on the House Floor and was referred to the House
Appropriations Committee
Recycling Requirement House Bill 1934 (FKeller-R-Snyder) excluding people residing in
federal or state facilities for determining when a municipality must recycle was reported out of
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the House Environmental Resources and Energy Committee and is on the House Calendar for
action
News From The Capitol
House Committee Moves Capital Budget Reform Legislation
The House Finance Committee Monday reported out House Bill 2175 (Turzai-R-Allegheny)
making changes to Capital Budget process and reducing the ability of state government to
borrow and spend taxpayer dollars
ldquoThe balance on the statersquos credit card is too highrdquo Rep Kerry Benninghoff (R-Mifflin)
Majority Chair of the Committee said ldquoItrsquos time to pay down the debt and stop spending money
that taxpayers donrsquot haverdquo
House Bill 2175 would reduce the debt ceiling of the Commonwealthrsquos Redevelopment
Assistance Capital Project (RACP) a program created to fund economic development and
infrastructure projects using borrowed money
In 1999 the program had a debt ceiling of approximately $12 billion Since that time
approximately 8000 projects have been added to the programrsquos list and the debt ceiling was
raised to more than $4 billion
The program has come under recurring scrutiny after funding was used to help build
stadiums for professional sports teams and projects honoring former politicians Millions of
dollars were earmarked through the program to fund a library named after former US Senator
Arlen Specter and a public policy center named after former Congressman John Murtha
ldquoPeople are tired of seeing their hard-earned money used to pay for legacy projects for
politiciansrdquo Rep Benninghoff said ldquoThis program has gone far outside its original intent of
providing help with legitimate economic development projectsrdquo
The bill would reduce the RACP debt ceiling initially by a half-billion dollars to $35 billion and then continue to incrementally decrease the debt limit until it falls to $15 billion The
legislation also calls for stricter limits on the type of projects eligible to receive funding and
would increase oversight of the program
ldquoWe want to lower the credit limit on the statersquos credit cardrdquo Rep Benninghoff said
ldquoThis would reduce the ability of state government to spend money that taxpayers donrsquot haverdquo
House Bill 2175 now heads to the full House for consideration
NewsClips House Capital Budget Bill Debate Focuses On Jobs
Editorial Capital Budget Funds Must Be Kept Under Control
Report On Game Commission Strategic Plan Released By Joint Committee
The Joint Legislative Budget and Finance Committee this week released the fifth in a series of
progress reports on the Game Commissions compliance with its strategic plan A copy of the
report highlights and the full report are available online
News From Around The State
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EPA States On Track To Meet Chesapeake Bay Cleanup Goals PA Plan Needs Work
Delaware Maryland Pennsylvania Virginia West Virginia and the District of Columbia are
generally on track to meet pollution reduction goals for the Chesapeake Bay and its rivers by
2025 according to the US Environmental Protection Agencyrsquos evaluations of the jurisdictions
cleanup plansThe six Bay states and the District of Columbia recently submitted their Phase II
Watershed Implementation Plans (WIPs) and their 2012-2013 pollution reduction milestones
These plans lay out how each jurisdiction will meet pollution reduction goals set by the EPA in
the Chesapeake Bay TMDL
Overall the jurisdictions built considerably upon their Phase I plans according to the
EPA The Phase II plans provide more specific cleanup strategies and detail restoration actions
on a local level
In a cover letter transmitting comments to the Department of Environmental Protection
on Pennsylvanias Plan EPA said greatly appreciate(s) the efforts of the Pennsylvania
Department of Environmental Protection and your partner agencies as well as stakeholder groups
in the development of these documents (WIP)The letter said EPAs primary concern is the WIP does not identify important next steps
to implement core initiatives of Pennsylvanias Phase I agriculture strategy such as supporting
manure to energy technologies and development of methods to defensibly track and report non-
cost-shared practices These strategies account for a sizable portion of the nutrient and sediment
reductions in the Plan
EPA also said it lacks assurance that Pennsylvania will be able to achieve the
reductions in stormwater loads identified in the WIP through methods such as reissuing the
PAG-13 General Permit for Municipal Separate Storm Sewer System permittees
A copy of the detailed comments is available online along with related comments related
documents Other state evaluations are also available EPA is still reviewing New Yorkrsquos planwhich was submitted after the deadline
The EPA said it will continue to work with the jurisdictions between now and March 30
when the final Phase II WIPs are due
CBF Funding Now Available For Farm Conservation Improvements In Northcentral PA
The Chesapeake Bay Foundation is pleased to announce funding is now available to farmers
interested in improving farm profitability and water quality through the installation of on-farm
conservation practices in Bradford Sullivan Susquehanna Tioga Wyoming and Lycoming
counties
The funding is being made available through CBFrsquos ldquoBuffer Bonusrdquo program incooperation with the Bradford County Conservation District The program has enabled current
and past participants to make onfarm improvements including rotational grazing practices such
as fencing watering systems and laneways
Other options include the installation of waste transfer lines for milk house waste and
silage leachate stabilization of access roads and the installation of roof gutters to include a few
ldquoThese conservation improvements are a win-win for both the farmer and local water
qualityrdquo said Jennifer Johns CBF Buffer Specialist in Bradford County ldquoWhile each project
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ultimately produces different results we find that creating healthier living conditions for the
livestock through the installation of conservation practices improves herd health and the farmerrsquos
bottom linerdquo
Another goal of this program is to provide at no cost to the farmer a new or updated
Conservation and Nutrient Management Plan By combining this plan with an engineerrsquos
evaluation of the farm which is also provided the plans are then considered a Comprehensive Nutrient Management Plan or a CNMP
Having a CNMP enables the farmer to apply for federal funding to assist with larger on-
farm improvements such as manure storage facilities and concrete barnyards
Farmers interested in participating in the Buffer Bonus program must be willing to install
a forested riparian streamside buffer through the USDArsquos Conservation Reserve Enhancement
Program (CREP) Those already enrolled in CREP with a contract date of April 1 2009 or later
may be eligible to enroll
This funding will not be available for long and farms will be served on a first come first
serve basis
For more information contact BradfordSullivan Counties Jennifer Johns
570-578-6900 TiogaLycoming Counties Steve Smith 570-578-7000 SusquehannaWyomingCounties Jeremy Wagner 570-278-1011 xt 107
Spring Creek Watershed Association Hosts Chesapeake Bay GIS Tool Workshop Feb 21
On February 21 the Spring Creek Watershed Association will host John Dawes Foundation for
PA Watersheds for a presentation about the Chesapeake Commons a web-based Geographic
Information Systems (GIS) and data management tool developed for the Chesapeake Bay
restoration effort
The presentation will be held from 800 am to 900 am at the Patton Township
Municipal Building near State College PaThere is also an option to hear the presentation through a webinar at the same time Click
Here for details
The Chesapeake Commons Tool is a free web-based Geographic Information Systems
(GIS) and data management tool available to all organizations working to restore the Chesapeake
Bay The Tool is designed to serve as a centralized knowledge base of data maps and articles
contributed by government nonprofits funders and citizen organizers
Policy makers will have a centralized pool of peer vetted information from which they
can make the best possible decisions in the context of the Bay restoration effort
Chesapeake Commons is a project developed and funded by the Chesapeake Bay Funders
Network with financial support from the John Heinz III Center for Science Economics and the
Environment
Town Meeting On Health Of The Wissahickon Creek March 29
On March 29 the Wissahickon Valley Watershed Association and the Springside Chestnut Hill
Academy with support from the Friends of the Wissahickon and Chestnut Hill College are
sponsoring a Town Meeting to inform the community about significant environmental challenges
to the Wissahickon Creek
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The meeting will be held on the Cherokee Campus of Springside Chestnut Hill Academy
8000 Cherokee Street Philadelphia and will begin at 7 pm doors will open at 630 pm and
light refreshments will be provided
A Creek in Crisis A Town Meeting on the Health of the Wissahickon Creek will
examine the numerous threats to the Wissahickon including diminishing water quantity
stormwater runoff impaired water quality and flooding that severely impact the health of theWissahickon Creek and its tributaries
The impact of the Wissahickon Creek on the lives of those living in the Wissahickon
Watershed is absolute Though the Wissahickon Creek has a humble beginning in the parking lot
at Montgomery Mall it continues through nine municipalities to the confluence of the Schuylkill
River in Philadelphia
It is a significant waterway providing approximately 10 percent of the drinking water to
Philadelphians as well as habitat for local wildlife and recreation and natural beauty for area
residents
Moderated by Patrick Starr Vice President of the PA Environmental Council Southeast
Regional Office the Town Meeting will feature a panel of environmental experts who will
examine the numerous threats to the WissahickonPanelists will be Carol R Collier Executive Director of the Delaware River Basin
Commission John K Jackson PhD Senior Research Scientist at the Stroud Water Research
Center and Chris Crockett Deputy Commissioner at the Philadelphia Water Department
More information will be posted on the Friends of the Wissahickon website
Conservation Reserve Program Training Courses Offered By Penn State Extension
Conservation professionals working across the Chesapeake Bay Watershed are invited to a
special training program on Conservation Reserve Planning for professionals on March 7 and 8
at the Lancaster County Farm and Home CenterA national team of facilitators will be conducting the Lancaster workshop including from
University of Wisconsin University of Minnesota Montana State University University of
Georgia and Penn State ndash along with experienced and skilled US Natural Resource
Conservation Service professionals
Also involved in the program are conservation partners who are in formal agreements
with NRCS to deliver the Conservation Reserve Enhancement Program to landowners for
example the Chesapeake Bay Foundation will also be on hand at the workshop to provide
additional training related to CREP
This training workshop is designed to create a group of skilled conservation professionals
working in partnership with farmers and landowners to develop quality CRP conservation plans
that result in measurable impacts on land and water resource managementWorkshop goals include
-- Understanding the purpose and intent of the Conservation Reserve Program (CRP)
-- Determining eligibility of lands for CRP
-- Knowing how to find information for CRP plans
-- Effectively working with a landowner in developing a CRP plan
-- Becoming familiar with regionally specific conservation practices
-- Understanding how to implement a CRP plan
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-- Working with NRCS and FSA to submit a quality CRP plan
The Conservation Reserve Program Readiness Initiative was created to help the Natural
Resources Conservation Service accomplish the work involved with managing CRP enrollments
CRP plan development and implementation and the follow up management of developed plans
A national team of Extension staff NRCS and FSA staff and representatives from NRCS
partner agencies and organizations has collaborated to develop a multi-faceted training programto meet the needs of the initiative
Click Here for the full schedule of workshops available
Latest Lessons From The Land Webinar Feb 21 On Managing Phosphorus
Penn State Extension and the Conewago Watershed Initiative will host a webcast on February 21
from noon to 100 pm on Measuring and Managing Phosphorus In Wet Pennsylvania
Landscapes part of the Lessons From The Land series
Dr Tony Buda USDA ARS and Dr Patrick Drohan Penn State Department of Crop
and Soil Science will present research conducted by PA USDA NRCS USDA-ARS and Penn
State to look at how saturated soils and soils with fragipans have contributed to higher runoffMatt Royer Director of the Lower Susquehanna Initiative Penn State AG amp
Environment Center will moderate
These wet landscapes are often critical sources of phosphorus that contribute to loads of
pollutants in streamsmdashand should be targeted for conservation practices
A pilot study undertaken within the Conewago Watershed serves as a proving ground for
the development of ldquonext generation nutrient management practicesrdquo necessary to reduce the
loads of phosphorus emanating from agricultural lands that contribute to the degradation of the
Chesapeake Bay Watershed
One Nutrient Management credit is available for eligible participants from the state
Department of Agriculture Those seeking credits will be required to sign-in during the webinar to verify their attendance
The program can be viewed online as a recording after the live broadcast Continuing ed
credits are not available for the recorded session
To join this webinar you will need a high speed Internet and can sign in on this
webpage at the webinars noon start time This program will be broadcasting live from the
Conewago Initiativersquos Project Advisory Team meeting at Penn Statersquos Harrisburg campus
Lake Management Annual Conference Set For March 7-8 In State College
The 22nd annual Pennsylvania Lake Management Society annual conference will once again be
at the Days Inn State College on March 7 and 8This years theme is Staying Blue by Going Green and our keynote speaker is Bill
Jones from Indiana School of Public and Environmental Affairs in Bloomington Indiana
As always the Conference will have a great line up of speakers It also offers aquatic
applicator credits for PA OH NY and NJ
Please check out the Conference webpage for more details or contact Kerilynn Frey by
sending email to palakeshotmailcom
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Penn State Extension How To Avoid Septic System Failures
Owning your own home is challenging enough what do you do when it comes with its own
sewage treatment plant This article provides some clues for owners of septic systems who want
to make them last a very long time
According to the US Environmental Protection Agency failure rates for on-lot sewagesystems across the country are reported at 10 percent annually In Pennsylvania approximately
12 million homes (one in three) use on-lot sewage systems for the treatment and disposal of
waste water
Responsibility for maintaining the system rests with the homeowner Proper maintenance
is a good idea since replacing it can cost thousands of dollars Proper maintenance also protects
groundwater that might be a source of drinking water
The most obvious on-lot sewage system failures are easy to spot Sewage backing up into
your home will typically command your immediate attention Raw sewage surfacing in your
yard in nearby ditches or on the neighborrsquos lawn is another clear indicator of failure Muddy
soil around the drain field or pooled water there or in your basement are other signs of serious
malfunction Notice whether your toilet or sink backs up when you flush or do laundry Stripsof bright green grass over the drainfield may be another indicator of problems A toilet running
sluggish or sewer odors in the house andor drinking water are signs of an on-lot system in
trouble
On-lot sewage systems also fail when partially treated wastewater comes into contact
with groundwater This type of failure is not easy to detect but it can result in the pollution of
wells nearby streams or other bodies of water Illness often to household visitors may be
another indicator of system failure that has affected your well and household drinking water
For those considering building a new home or replacing an existing septic system one of
the most critical factors in on-lot sewage system performance is the nature of the soils used for
the septic system soil absorption fieldYou can minimize failures by carefully and deliberately considering all aspects of on-lot
sewage system construction site selection design installation maintenance and use Hire
reputable individuals to design and install your system Also make sure the system is designed to
meet your present and future needs
You should contact your Township Sewage Enforcement Officer concerning permits
needed to install a new on-lot sewage system or repair a failing system
Once properly installed the key to preventing your on-lot system from failing is proper
maintenance Regularly pumping the tank being careful in what you put down the drains and
avoiding such things as planting trees over the field or covering the system with permanent
patios and home additions are important to keep the system running well
Water conservation in the home is also an excellent method of preventing future problems from occurring Divert downspouts and surface water away from the septic tank and
especially the drain field Do not physically damage the system by driving over the components
with heavy vehicles or by digging up the system for other utility lines etc Keep a record of the
location and dimensions of your system along with maintenance and repair information
Homeowners interested in finding out about the overall health of their on-lot sewage
system may want to consider having their septic systems inspected by a trained professional The
PA Septage Management Association in cooperation with the National Onsite Wastewater
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Education and Research Foundation has adopted uniform On-lot Wastewater Treatment
Inspection procedures
PSMA is a professional association of septage pumpers system installers maintenance
technicians real estate inspectors and industry affiliates PSMA Certified Inspectors which
includes many septic tank pumpers are trained to understand how on-lot systems work why they
fail and recognize impending malfunctionsSee the PSMA website for more details about PSMANOF inspections or call them at
717-763-7762
Many fact sheets about on-lot sewage systems are available from the Agricultural and
Biological Engineering department Topics include septic tank pumping percolation tests
elevated sand mounds inspections and alternative systems and pharmaceutical disposal
(Article reprinted from Penn State Extension Watershed Winds online newsletter)
Wissahickon Watershed Maple Sugaring Program Set For March 3
Ever wonder how maple syrup and sugar are made The Wissahickon Vally WatershedAssociation will offer a unique program on maple syrup on March 3 in Ambler Montgomery
County
The event offers a fun and informative event ideal for families Scout groups and anyone
curious about the maple sugar process
Choose a specific time as guides take small groups through the woods to see the tapped
trees and then watch it being boiled into sugar End your walk at WVWArsquos historic headquarters
for hot chocolate and warm treats with maple syrup
RSVP requested by sending email to infowvwaorg or call 215-646-8866 There is a
fee for the program WVWA member fee $5 per person $15 per family Non-WVWA member
fee $10 per person $20 per family or Become a WVWA member and be their guest for $45In Ambler and look for signage Walk over the Butler Avenue Bridge and turn left onto
the Green Ribbon Trail
KPB Greenways Mini-Grant Program Applications Due March 15
Keep Pennsylvania Beautiful is now accepting applications for their Greenways Mini-Grant
Program to provide community groups with project supplies for outdoor based work events
within a greenway enabling the renewal of Pennsylvaniarsquos Greenways in need into something
beautiful
The deadline for applications is March 15 and hard copies are required Grants will be
awarded on April 16Fifteen grant awardees along with their volunteers will be eligible for up to $500 in
project supplies and direct project costs for Prevent it Clean it and Keep it projects within a
Greenway
Pennsylvania and its partners are developing an outstanding network of greenways across
the Commonwealth creating an asset that will enhance the quality of life for all while connecting
open space natural landscape features scenic cultural historic and recreations sites and urban
and rural communities
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A greenway is a linear corridor across the land that conserves natural areas and provides
people with recreation and transportation opportunities
As one of the Commonwealthrsquos most powerful tools to achieve sustainable growth and
livable communities greenways are ensuring future generations the opportunity to live amongst
the natural beauty of Pennrsquos Woods
This program is financed by a grant from the Community Conservation PartnershipProgram Environmental Stewardship Fund under the administration of the Department of
Conservation and Natural Resources Bureau of Recreation and Conservation
The Greenways Mini-Grant is available to any tax-exempt group within Pennsylvania
Private property owners or individual applicants cannot apply
Applications must meet the following requirements to be considered ndash it is within a
Greenway and is in at least one of the following categories Prevent it Clean it and Keep it (see
application for details) plus provide proof of liability insurance signed permission to enter from
the private property owner and 100 percent match of donated or in-kind services Selected
awardees must also agree to provide a final report with before during and after photos
ldquoWe are excited to collaborate with DCNR in offering Greenways Mini-Grants to
organizations working to build clean and beautiful communities across the staterdquo said ShannonReiter President of Keep Pennsylvania Beautiful ldquoGreenways are integral to healthy livable
communities and we are grateful to have the opportunity to empower Pennsylvania with the
tools and resources they need to enhance greenways in their communitiesrdquo
For more information visit the Greenways Mini-Grant Program webpage to download an
application Any additional questions can be answered by Susan Carmichael Greenways Mini-
Grant Program Coordinator at 1-877-772-3673 ext 102 or send email to
scarmichaelkeeppabeautifulorg
Pennsylvania Adds 1470 Acres Of Farmland To Preservation Program
Pennsylvania has added 1470 additional acres of land to its nationally recognized farmland
preservation program under action by the Pennsylvania Agricultural Land Preservation Board at
its meeting Thursday in Harrisburg
The 14 newly preserved farms are located in Beaver Berks Bucks Butler Cambria
Cumberland Juniata Lackawanna Lancaster Lebanon Northampton and Somerset counties
ldquoWersquove preserved nearly 15000 acres of farmland across the state in just the past year
alonerdquo said Agriculture Secretary George Greig ldquoThis speaks volumes to the value our farm
families place on ensuring the future viability of Pennsylvania agriculture ndash our statersquos number-
one industryrdquo
Since the program started in 1988 state county and local governments have invested
more than $11 billion to safeguard 459007 acres on 4243 farmsldquoOur producers know the importance of preserving farms so our next generation of
agriculturalists can keep Pennsylvania growing far into the future and I thank them for that
foresightrdquo Greig said
Pennsylvaniarsquos farmland preservation efforts work through the Pennsylvania Agricultural
Conservation Easement Purchase Program The program was developed to slow the loss of prime
farmland to non-agricultural uses It enables state county and local governments to purchase
conservation easements also called development rights from owners of quality farmland
832019 Pa Environment Digest Feb 20 2012
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For more information visit Agricultures Farmland Preservation webpage
PUC Finalizes Implementation Plan For Pipeline Safety Act
The Public Utility Commission Thursday finalized an Order as the first step in implementing Act
127 the Gas and Hazardous Liquids Pipelines ActThe Commission voted 5-0 to finalize the Order which begins the process of creating a
statewide registry for non-public utility gas and hazardous liquids pipeline equipment and
facilities within the Commonwealth provides resources to conduct safety inspections to enforce
Federal pipeline safety laws on certain classifications of pipeline and assesses entities for the
costs
The Order established the following
-- The registration fee is $250
-- The 2012 registration deadline is March 16
-- Assessment invoices for the Commissionrsquos 2011-12 fiscal year will be mailed by March 30
and due by April 30 and
-- Assessment invoices for the Commissionrsquos 2012-13 fiscal year will be mailed in July 2012with payment due within 30 days
Final forms and other materials will be available on the Commissionrsquos website
Act 127 direct the PUC to develop a registry and conduct safety inspections of these lines
for ldquopipeline operatorsrdquo in the state The Commission also is to track the development of
pipelines in less populated areas which transport gas from non-conventional wells
Act 127 expands the Commissionrsquos authority to enforce the federal pipeline safety laws
as they relate to those pipelines and facilities Non-public utility gas and hazardous liquids
pipeline operators include several different categories of pipelines such as cooperatively owned
natural gas distribution systems non-utility natural gas transportation and gathering lines and
propane distribution pipeline systemsFor more information visit the PUCs Act 127 webpage
DEP Sets Feb 22 Meeting On Jefferson County Drilling Permit
The Department of Environmental Protection will host a public meeting on February 22 to
discuss Flatirons Resources LLCrsquos proposal to drill a Marcellus Shale well in Brockway
Jefferson County
The 6 pm meeting will be held at the Brockway Area JuniorSenior High School on
Alexander Street in Brockway
ldquoWe recognize that there are a lot of questions and that people want detailsrdquo DEP
Northwest Regional Director Kelly Burch said ldquoDEP staff will provide information about our role in the permitting process and address any questions and concerns the audience may have
about our oversight and environmental protectionrdquo
The horizontal well that Flatirons proposes to drill would be the second on this pad
which is on Brockway Borough Municipal Authority property in the Rattlesnake Creek
Watershed The first well was drilled in February 2011 and hydraulically fractured in November
2011
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After DEPrsquos presentation at the meeting company representatives will describe their
plans to drill the well if approved A question-and-answer session will follow
DEPrsquos decision to issue a well permit is based on the applicationrsquos technical merits and
whether the applicantrsquos drilling casing and cementing plan will protect water resources The
agency issued Flatirons a permit to drill a second well on the pad in December 2010 but it
expired a year later because the well was never drilled The permit application was resubmittedon December 27 2011
HACC Offers Free Environmental Technician Training At Midtown Campus
Training for emerging environmental jobs in the cleanup and reuse of brownfields will be offered
starting April 16 at the Midtown location of HACC Central Pennsylvaniarsquos Community College
Candidates for the federally funded program are displaced workers the unemployed or
underemployed as well as low-income or minority residents who live in the Harrisburg said
Cheryl Dietz HACC Workforce Training coordinator
Potential students can find out more by attending one of two upcoming information
sessions in Room 228 of Midtown 1 1500 N Fourth St The sessions will be held from 6-7 pmFebruary 29 and 11 am-noon March 3
HACC representatives will answer questions about the free job training program which
will consist of an eight-week 320-hour training cycle with classes meeting 8 am-3 pm April
16-June 8
To be eligible a candidate must have a general education diploma (GED) or high school
diploma test at a 10th-grade math and reading level have a valid driverrsquos license have access to
reliable transportation be drug free and demonstrate an interest in the environment
Successful graduates will receive certifications in all of the following Hazardous Waste
Operations and Emergency Response (HAZWOPER) confined space entrantattendant and
supervisor lead-based paint inspector and asbestos inspectorAdditional training will be offered in environmental site assessment air and water
quality and environmental remediation techniques
HACC is offering the training through a two-year $199890 grant awarded through the
federal Environmental Protection Agencyrsquos Brownfields Program
Two classes were held last year at HACC-Harrisburg Campus with 35 graduates Of this
number 26 have jobs (19 of them are in the environmental field) and four are continuing their
education A third class is under way in Lancaster As part of the grant HACC helps successful
graduates find environmental jobs and tracks those graduates for one year
A brownfield site is real property the expansion redevelopment or reuse of which may
be complicated by the presence or potential presence of a hazardous substance pollutant or
contaminant according to the EPAThe EPA estimates there are 180 brownfield sites in the Lancaster area and a combined
total of 120 brownfield sites in Harrisburg and Steelton
For more information or to register to attend an information session contact Cheryl
Deitz HACC Workforce Training coordinator at 221-1338 or send email to chdeitzhaccedu
PUC Chair Urges Utilities To Participate In Programs To Create Jobs For Returning
Troops
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Public Utility Commission Chairman Robert F Powelson Thursday urged the statersquos public
utilities to participate in several new programs proposed by Gov Tom Corbett and the Edison
Electric Institute to create jobs in the energy sector
The Chairman also noted that the time is right for job growth with the development of the
Marcellus Shale industry and electric competition across the stateldquoToday I encourage Pennsylvaniarsquos electric and natural gas utilities to learn from the
example set by EEI and participate in the Troops to Energy Jobs program as well as Governor
Corbettrsquos Jobs First PA initiative Chairman Powelson said in a statement at the PUCrsquos Public
Meeting In the days ahead the PUC will be coordinating with EEI and the Corbett
Administration to connect our energy companies with these innovative programsrdquo
The Chairman referenced Gov Corbetts annual budget address to the General Assembly
last week
ldquoIn his address the Governor recognized that the energy sector has enormous potential
for producing new jobs and putting the unemployed back to workrdquo Chairman Powelson said
ldquoIn announcing his new Jobs First program the Governor stated that lsquoas our energy sector
expands Pennsylvania needs a trained workforce ready to meet the demand for workersrsquordquoChairman Powelson said the EEI launched its Troops for Energy Jobs initiative which is
designed to accelerate the training and employability of veterans in key energy programs EEI is
currently piloting this program through five energy companies throughout the nation
For more information visit the Troops for Energy Jobs Initiative website
PA Chamber Environmental amp Energy Conference April 18 In Lancaster
The annual PA Chamber of Business and Industry Environmental and Energy Conference will be
held on April 18 at the Eden Resort Inn amp Suites in Lancaster
Major environmental regulatory areas continue to see numerous changes at the state andfederal level that impact business Thats why the Pennsylvania Chamber is offering four
learning tracks with answers you need on the latest environmental and energy issues-all in one
day
-- Compliance help from state and national top experts on the toughest environmental issues
-- Details on the latest regulatory changes and proposed changes
-- Proven strategies best practices and practical business tips to help you comply cost-effectively
in each area and
-- Advanced environmental roundtable
There will be two keynotes The Economic Benefits of Marcellus Shale and Natural Gas-
American Petroleum Institute Washington DC and Converting Trash into Renewable Energy-
National Solid Wastes Management Association Washington DCVisit with more than 50 exhibitors offering an exciting array of advanced technology
solutions and exhibitor educational sessions Access and network with more than 300 of your
peers from across the state
For more information and to register visit the Conference webpage or contact Sue Smith
at 717-720-5457 or send email to ssmithpachamberorg
Volunteers Needed To Plant 100 Acre Wind Break At Flight 93 Memorial In April
832019 Pa Environment Digest Feb 20 2012
httpslidepdfcomreaderfullpa-environment-digest-feb-20-2012 2334
The federal Office of Surface Mining Reclamation and Enforcement through their Appalachian
Regional Reforestation Initiative and the Department of Environmental Protection are working
with the National Park Service to plant a wind break at the Flight 93 Memorial in Somerset
County
Volunteers are needed to plant trees on April 20 21 27 and 28 Volunteers may sign upfor one day or multiple days
If you are interested in volunteering send a Volunteer Sign-Up Form and a Photo
Release Form and send to Leroy Renninger of the National Park Service by email
to Leroy_Renningernpsgov
State Fly Tying Champions Announced At Eastern Sports amp Outdoor Show
The Eastern Sports amp Outdoor Show Cumberland Valley Trout Unlimited Bass Pro Shops of
Harrisburg Mid Atlantic Fly Fishing Guide magazine and the Fish and Boat Commission
sponsored the Pennsylvania State Fly Tying Championship held on February 11 at the Eastern
Sports amp Outdoor Show at the State Farm Show Complex in HarrisburgThirteen contestants in three categories competed for money trophies and prizes in the
annual event to crown the best fly tyers in Pennsylvania
In the Open Division the winners are 1st Place - Andy Fresch Summerhill 2nd Place -
Ken Moser Severna Park MD 3rd Place - John Shosh Hamburg
The Amateur Division winners are 1st Place - Matthew Edinger Sharon Hill 2nd Place -
- Mike Marino Souderton and 3rd Place -- Elliott DeFrancesco Wilburton
The Youth Division winners are 1st Place - Gaeron Friedrichs Milford 2nd Place
Bobby Faust Dalmatia
The contestants at the final event were the top tiers selected from entries previously
submitted In order to qualify the entrants had to submit three flies from a list of flies for eachcategory
At the event each finalist was required to tie three flies over a two hour time period The
finalists knew ahead of time two of the flies that were to be tied and a third ldquomystery flyrdquo was
announced to them at the event
The championship will be held again at the 2013 Eastern Sports and Outdoor Show and
applications information and details will be posted at the Cumberland Valley Trout Unlimited or
Eastern Sports and Outdoor Show websites as they become available
PA State Parks Forest App Now Updated And Free
The Official Pennsylvania State Parks amp Forests App is now completely FREE This latestversion now on the market includes advanced interactive capabilities such as GPS trail mapping
the Friend Finder to keep track of your family and friends on the trail and more
Featured Update List Increased performance speed Multi-tasking Capability
GeoChallenge (GeocacheGeoQuest) Feature FREE enhanced GPS features
This new version increases performance speed and cuts activation time in half With the
new multi-tasking capability users gain enhanced user navigation The more adventurous
832019 Pa Environment Digest Feb 20 2012
httpslidepdfcomreaderfullpa-environment-digest-feb-20-2012 2434
outdoor enthusiasts will benefit from the recently added GeoChallenges that include geocache
and geoquest activities which will be updated regularly
The waypointphoto waypoint marking tools have been upgraded and there has been a
fine-tuning of the trail-tracking feature located on the side navigation bar of the free GPS
Mapping section Use the app to track record and share your explorations with others-all at no
chargeTry out the app and let the PA Parks amp Forests Foundation know what you think
Feature
Bald Eagle Pair Get Help With Home Improvement Project
While most people try to avoid home improvement projects in the winter a pair of bald eagles
got some much needed help recently from a team of Game Commission land managers with a
very important and timely renovation project
A sycamore tree on Haldeman Island has been used by at least three mated pairs as a
nesting site since 1989 The island is just upriver of the confluence of the Susquehanna and
Juniata rivers north of Harrisburg and the tree stands just across a pond from one of three
hacking towers the Game Commission used at two locations in its bald eagle recovery program
About two weeks ago one of the limbs supporting the nest collapsed under the weight of the
nest
On Friday Steve Bernardi Game Commission Land Management Group Supervisor for
Juniata Mifflin Perry and Snyder counties was joined by Terry Willow Game Lands
Maintenance Worker with the River Island Food and Cover Corps Crew and Scott Bills Land
Management Group Supervisor for Dauphin and Lebanon counties to construct a platform to
encourage the bald eagle pair to reuse this nest site
The three men measured and cut lumber used hammers and nails as well as screws anddrills to secure the lumber in place and then placed branches and sticks on the platform to
encourage the bald eagles ndash who were watching the activity while perched in nearby trees ndash to
begin rebuilding a nest
A pair built a nest in this tree in 1989 and had their first young in 1990 Bernardi said
A storm blew the original nest out of the tree in 1995 Scott Bills who was the Wildlife
Conservation Officer in Dauphin County at that time worked with a Food and Cover Corps crew
and PPL to erect the first platform similar to what we put in place on Friday
Adult bald eagles are preparing to nest and hopefully they will come back and reuse this
platform just like they did back in 1995
Haldeman Island played a key role in the recovery of bald eagles in Pennsylvania In the
1980s it was one of two locations used for reintroduction of eagles brought by the GameCommission from Canada in the early years of restoration of eagles to our state About 40
eaglets were released at the Haldeman Island tower overlooking the ponds on the north side of
the island by 1989
When the reintroduced birds successfully raised young at a nest on Haldeman in 1990
the whole state had only seven nesting pairs And there has been an active eagle nest in that spot
every year since except 2004 when the birds took a year off
832019 Pa Environment Digest Feb 20 2012
httpslidepdfcomreaderfullpa-environment-digest-feb-20-2012 2534
While we dont know if the same pair have been active that whole time the same old
sycamore tree has been used during this period and that nest has produced more than 40 young
over this period said Dan Brauning Game Commission Wildlife Diversity Division chief
Since the site is well-protected on a Game Commission island with limited access this site has
particular value to us
Continued support for this nest will help sustain this historic location in the recovery of baldeagles in Pennsylvania
In 1983 the Game Commission began a seven-year bald eagle restoration program in
which the agency sent employees to Saskatchewan to obtain eaglets from wilderness nests The
Richard King Mellon Foundation of Pittsburgh and the federal Endangered Species Fund
provided financial assistance for this effort
In all 88 bald eaglets from Canada were released from sites at Dauphin Countys
Haldeman Island and Pike Countys Shohola Falls The resurgence of eagles in Pennsylvania is
directly related to this program which also was carried out in other states in the Northeast
When the restoration program began in 1983 only three Crawford County nests remained
in the state By 2006 the agency announced that the state had surpassed the 100 bald eagle nest
mark Just five years later in 2011 the number of known bald eagle nests had doubled to 203spread out over 50 counties
Residents aware of a bald eagle nest ndash which are among the largest nests of all birds ndash in
their area should consider reporting it to the Pennsylvania Game Commission The easiest way to
contact the agency by sending email to pgccommentspagov Use the words Eagle Nest
Information in the subject field
The Game Commission continues to further the publics understanding of bald eagles In
2010 a comprehensive Bald Eagle threatened species account and Bald Eagle Nest Etiquette
guide were added to the agencys website
In 2011 the agency launched its series of Eagle-watching in Pennsylvania guides that
will help direct those interested in viewing bald eagles in the wild on where to go how to getthere what to expect and other wildlife viewing opportunities available at each site
Currently posted are eagle-watching guides for Erie National Wildlife Refuge Crawford
County Conneaut Marsh Geneva Marsh State Game Land 213 Crawford County Raystown
Lake Huntingdon County State Game Land 180 Shohola Lake Pike County Middle Creek
Wildlife Management Area Lebanon and Lancaster counties Bald Eagle State Park Centre
County Glendale Lake Price Gallitzin State Park Cambria County John Heinz National
Wildlife Refuge Philadelphia and Delaware counties Lower Susquehanna River Lancaster and
York counties Moraine State Park Butler County Pine Creek Valley Lycoming and Tioga
counties Promised Land State Park Pike County Pymatuning Reservoir Crawford County and
the Upper Delaware River in Pike Wayne and Monroe counties
Game Commission Announces April 1 Deadline For Ads In Hunting-Trapping Digest
Game Commission Executive Director Carl G Roe Thursday announced Liberty Press
Publications publisher of the Pennsylvania Digest of Hunting amp Trapping Regulations has set
April 1 as the deadline for advertising copy in the 2012-13 Digest Click Here for details
For advertising information contact Liberty Press Publications toll-free at
1-800-296-6402
832019 Pa Environment Digest Feb 20 2012
httpslidepdfcomreaderfullpa-environment-digest-feb-20-2012 2634
Opportunity To Bid On McKean County Abandoned Well Plugging Project
The Department of Environmental Protection published notice of an opportunity to bid on a
project to plug 24 abandoned oil wells in McKean County
Help Wanted Chesapeake Bay Foundation PA Grassroots Coordinator Field Specialist
The Chesapeake Bay Foundation is seeking a PA Grassroots Coordinator and a Field Specialist
to be based at their Pennsylvania State Office located in Harrisburg This position is a 2 year
term position with the possibility of extension Click Here for details
Help Wanted Conewago Creek Assistant Project Coordinator
Penn State Cooperative Extension on behalf of the Conewago Creek Initiative seeks an Assistant
Project Coordinator to be an integral part of a dynamic partnership team working together with
local state and federal partnersThe Assistant Project Coordinator will report to the Director of the Lower Susquehanna
Initiative who serves as the Project Coordinator for the Conewago Creek Initiative
The deadline for applications is March 1 Click Here for details
Help Wanted ALLARM Assistant Director Of Outreach Marcellus
The Alliance for Aquatic Resource Monitoring (ALLARM) is seeking candidate to fill a third
full time position to the organization-- Assistant Director of Outreach-- to assist with Marcellus
Monitoring program training community volunteers throughout the shale gas regions in
Pennsylvania to monitor small streams for early pollution detection Click Here for fullannouncement
Grants amp 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
February 23-- PA Pathways To Green Schools Nominations
February 24-- PA Trout In The Classroom Grants
February 29-- EPA Environmental Justice Small Grants
February 29-- Ben Franklin BIG IDEA Business Plan ContestFebruary 29-- PA American Water Stream of Learning Scholarships
February 29-- West Branch Susquehanna Orange Rock Awards
March 1-- Erie TreeVitalize Grants
March 2-- Coca-Cola Keep America Beautiful Recycling Bin Grants
March 2-- Conservation Innovation Grants Chesapeake Bay Nutrient Credit Grants
March 5-- TogetherGreen Fellowship and Innovation Grants
832019 Pa Environment Digest Feb 20 2012
httpslidepdfcomreaderfullpa-environment-digest-feb-20-2012 2734
March 5-- PECDominion Western PA Environmental Awards
March 10-- PA American Water Environmental Grants
March 15-- NEW Keep PA Beautiful Greenways Mini-Grants
March 23-- Water Resources Education Network Grants
March 30-- PA American Water Protect Our Watersheds Student Art Contest
March 31-- DEP Host Municipal Inspector GrantsApril 3-- West Penn Power Sustainable Energy Fund Grants Loans
April 4-- DCNR Community Conservation Partnership Grants
April 15-- Wild Resource Conservation Fund Income Tax Checkoff Deadline
March 1-- Keystone Historic Preservation Project and Construction Grants
August 1-- PA Snowmobile Assn Trail Improvement Grants
August 24-- Foundation for PA Watershed Grants
September 1-- Erie TreeVitalize Grants
October 31-- PA Resources Council Lens On Litter Contest
-- Visit the DEP Grants and Loan Programs webpage for more ideas on how to get financial
assistance for environmental projects
BudgetQuick Clips
Heres a selection of NewClips on environmental topics from around the state--
Budget
Corbett Signs Marcellus Shale Fee Into Law
Corbett Signs Shale Well Impact Fee Into Law
Corbett Approves Marcellus Shale Fee
Bradford Commissioner Foolish Not To Accept Drilling Fee MoneyWhats Next For PAs Impact Fee Bradford Against Fee
Bradford Commissioners Disagree On Drilling Fee
Washington County To Seek Marcellus Fees
Editorial Corbetts Gas Fee About To Evaporate
Robinson Twp To Contest New Marcellus Law
South Fayette Eyes Legal Action On Drilling Bill
Fish amp Boat Commission Grateful For Marcellus Fees
PUC Eyes Private Firm For Impact Fee Collection
PUC Chair Let Marcellus Play Come To Us
PUC Would Get Shale Role Under Drilling Bill
Editorial It Makes Sense For PUC To Deal With Drilling NE Counties To Raise Millions Or Nothing Under Drilling Fee
House Capital Budget Bill Debate Focuses On Jobs
House GOP Marcellus Bill A Win For Jobs
Norquists No-Tax Pledge Cant Give Drill Fee The Ax
PA Natural Gas Levy Became Inevitable
Bradford Commissioners Disagree On Drilling Fee
832019 Pa Environment Digest Feb 20 2012
httpslidepdfcomreaderfullpa-environment-digest-feb-20-2012 2834
Vertical Exploratory Wells Wont Be Hit With Drilling Fee
Impact Fee Bill Addresses Housing Needs
Op-Ed Natural Gas Fee May Be Too Late
Editorial Marcellus Fee A Tax Stupid
Editorial Shale Drillers Got The Better Part Of Deal
Corbett Raiding Special FundsCan Pennsylvanians Survive Under Another Corbett Budget
As Roads Bridges Deteriorate Governor Silent
Analysis Taking Baby Steps On Fixing Roads Bridges
Editorial Must A Bridge Fall Down
House Capital Budget Bill Debate Focuses On Jobs
Editorial Capital Budget Funds Must Be Kept Under Control
Obama Cuts EPA Increases Chesapeake Bay Program
Chesapeake Bay Program Increased Under Obama Budget
EPA Budget Cut For States Superfund Cleanup
Obama Proposes $14 Million For Fracking Research
$67 Million Requested For Federal Pipeline SafetyDCNR Secretary Says Report On Wildlife Research Not Accurate
Other
Electronics Recycling Date Set At Greensburg Mall
Hershey Plants Achieve Zero Waste Status
RecycleBank Named On Of Worlds Most Innovative Companies
Editorial Fine Litterers No Ifs Or Butts
Corbett Signs 3 Energy Sector Bills
Op-Ed Anti-Coal Agenda Is Detrimental To PA
Op-Ed Global Warming As Fact Not Hypothesis
Op-Ed Climate Change Education Is NecessaryHomer City Power Plant Still To Dirty Groups Claim
DEP Sets March 14 Public Hearing On Homer City Power Plant
Concerns Voiced Over PPL Lines
Consumer Alert Electricity Price Discounts Heat Up
Turbine Load To Hit The Road To Holtwood Dam
PPL Plans $664 Million In Electric Delivery System Improvements
Exelon Gives Dauphin County $110000 For Emergency Response
Groups Ask For Expansion Of Nuclear Plant Evacuation Zone
Feds Give PPL Reactor Low Grade
Allentown Council Rejects Waste-To-Energy Sewage Plant
GE Invests In Cleaner Evolution LocomotiveDEP Hopeful Buyer Will Emerge For ConocoPhillips Refinery
DEP Renews ConocoPhillips Trainer Refinery Discharge Permit
100 Sunoco Workers In PA Get Layoff Notices
Meehan PA Refinery Closures Threat To National Security
Refinery Closings Could Affect 15000 Jobs Study Says
Gasoline Could Reach $5 By July 4
$4 A Gallon Gasoline By Memorial Day
832019 Pa Environment Digest Feb 20 2012
httpslidepdfcomreaderfullpa-environment-digest-feb-20-2012 2934
Gasoline Prices Have Never Been This High This Early
Electric Bicycle Waiver Sought
Land Bank Bill Newest Anti-Blight Tool
Game Commission Prepares For Controlled Burn On Centre County
2012 Great Backyard Bird Count Begins Friday
Birders-Eye View Of Conservation In PhiladelphiaState Could Take Over Refurbished Point State Park
New Ohiopyle Visitors Center Project To Be Bid This Spring
Winterfest At Ohiopyle No Snow Still A Go
Protecting Landscapes Changing Face Of Conservation
Marcellus Shale NewsClips
Here are NewsClips on topics related to Marcellus Shale natural gas drilling---
Corbett Signs Marcellus Shale Fee Into Law
Corbett Signs Shale Well Impact Fee Into Law
Corbett Approves Marcellus Shale Fee
Bradford Commissioner Foolish Not To Accept Drilling Fee Money
Whats Next For PAs Impact Fee Bradford Against Fee
Bradford Commissioners Disagree On Drilling Fee
Washington County To Seek Marcellus Fees
Editorial Corbetts Gas Fee About To Evaporate
Robinson Twp To Contest New Marcellus Law
South Fayette Eyes Legal Action On Drilling Bill
Fish amp Boat Commission Grateful For Marcellus Fees
PUC Eyes Private Firm For Impact Fee CollectionPUC Chair Let Marcellus Play Come To Us
PUC Would Get Shale Role Under Drilling Bill
Editorial It Makes Sense For PUC To Deal With Drilling
Corbett Raiding Special Funds
NE Counties To Raise Millions Or Nothing Under Drilling Fee
House GOP Marcellus Bill A Win For Jobs
Norquists No-Tax Pledge Cant Give Drill Fee The Ax
PA Natural Gas Levy Became Inevitable
Wayne County Landowners Push For Drilling
Vertical Exploratory Wells Wont Be Hit With Drilling Fee
Impact Fee Bill Addresses Housing NeedsDrilling Bill Authors Health Experts Fears Unfounded
Health Officials Drilling Law Disclosure Rules Lax
Op-Ed Natural Gas Fee May Be Too Late
Editorial Marcellus Fee A Tax Stupid
Editorial Shale Drillers Got The Better Part Of Deal
Delaware Riverkeeper Reports Settlement Over Gas Well
832019 Pa Environment Digest Feb 20 2012
httpslidepdfcomreaderfullpa-environment-digest-feb-20-2012 3034
EPA Probing Washington County Shale Operations
Marcellus Boom Has Pressed Law Firms To Boost Their Staffs
25 More State Troopers In NE Shale Region
Recorders Of Deeds May Not Reject Multiple Gas Leases
Rural Loophole Curbing PA Pipeline Inspections
Pipeline Tested Ahead Of Tie-In To Shale WellsFirefighters Learn To Deal With Drilling Emergencies
Assessing PGWs Liquid Natural Gas Future
Dominion Resources Playing Responsible Role In Drilling
Report Philly Should Consider Selling Gas Company
Company Files For Gas Drilling Permit In Bucks County
Gas Drilling Debate Returns To Bucks County
Shale Drillers Drinking From Slippery Rock Creek
Gas Wells With Smaller Footprint Get Greater Scrutiny
PennEnvironment Violations Report Half-Baked
Water Tanker Truck Lands In Creek In Monroe Twp
Industry Says Over 93230 New Hires As A Result Of Marcellus ShaleBCCC Begins Classes For Marcellus Shale Workers
Marcellus Gas Creates Demand For Cars
Ex-Drilling Exec Took Nearly $1 Million Or More
Op-Ed Gas Drillers New Wild West
Marcellus Gas Production Rises So Does Recycling
FinancialOther StatesNational
Drillers Cut Natural Gas Production As Prices Drop
Talisman Cutting Back Drilling Plans
Ultra Petroleum Reports 2011 Financial Operating Results
Gas Firms Drill Less As Prices Nose DiveObama Proposes $14 Million For Fracking Research
$67 Million Requested For Federal Pipeline Safety
FloodingWatershed NewsClips
Here are NewsClips on watershed topics from around the state--
Flooding
New Bank Coming To Flood-Ravaged Shickshinny
Other Watershed NewsClips
Mon River QUEST Wins Regional IMPACT AwardEPA Evaluates States Chesapeake Bay Plans
Shale Drillers Drinking From Slippery Rock Creek
Sewage Woes Close Lewisburg Area Park
$375000 To Aid Little Buck Run Restoration Effort
Loyalhanna Creek Sewage Overflow Problem Goes To State
Turbine Load To Hit The Road To Holtwood Dam
832019 Pa Environment Digest Feb 20 2012
httpslidepdfcomreaderfullpa-environment-digest-feb-20-2012 3134
Funding Sought For Restoration Of Speedwell Lake
Obama Cuts EPA Increases Chesapeake Bay Program
Chesapeake Bay Program Increased Under Obama Budget
EPA Budget Cut For States Superfund Cleanup
Editorial Delaware Dredging A Step Closer
Regulations Technical Guidance amp Permits
No new regulations were published this week Pennsylvania Bulletin - February 18 2012
Proposed Regulations Open For Comment - DEP webpage
Proposed Regulations With Closed Comment Periods - DEP webpage
DEP Regulatory Agenda - DEP webpage
Technical Guidance amp Permits
The Department of Environmental Protection published notice of bond rate calculations for mine
reclamation The Fish and Boat Commission published notice of nursery water designation for
the Shenango River Crawford County
DEP also published an update to the list of companies certified to perform radon-related
activities (PA Bulletin page 994)
Technical Guidance Comment Deadlines - DEP webpage
Copies Of Draft Technical Guidance - DEP webpage
Copies of Final Technical Guidance - DEP webpage
Calendar Of Events
Upcoming legislative meetings conferences workshops plus links to other online calendars
Meetings are in Harrisburg unless otherwise noted NEW means new from last week Go to the
online Calendar webpage
Click on Agenda Released on calendar entries to see the NEW meeting agendas published this
week
Note You can watch the hearings live through the Senate webpage and the House webpage or
on the PA Cable Network website
832019 Pa Environment Digest Feb 20 2012
httpslidepdfcomreaderfullpa-environment-digest-feb-20-2012 3234
February 21-- House Appropriations Committee budget hearings 930 - Global Economy
1100 - Independent Fiscal Office 130 - Department of Revenue Room 140
February 21-- CANCELED Environmental Quality Board meeting Next scheduled meeting is
March 20 ( formal notice )
February 21-- Agenda Released DEP Citizens Advisory Council meeting Room 105 Rachel
Carson Building 1130
February 22-- Senate Appropriations Committee budget hearings 930 - Department of
Environmental Protection 100 - Department of Transportation Hearing Room 1 North Office
February 23-- NEW House Democratic Policy Committee holds a hearing on Southeast PA oil
refinery closings National Constitution Center Philadelphia 1000
February 27-- House Appropriations Committee budget hearings 1000 - Public Utility
Commission 1100 - Office of Consumer Advocate Small Business Advocate Room 140
February 27-- NEW House Democratic Policy Committee holds a hearing on Marcellus Shale
air emissions Bryn Mawr Presbyterian Church Bryn Mawr 1000
February 28-- Senate Appropriations Committee budget hearings 100 - Department of
Agriculture Hearing Room 1 North Office
February 28-- House Appropriations Committee budget hearings 930 - Department of
Agriculture 1030 - Department of Conservation and Natural Resources Room 140
February 29-- Senate Appropriations Committee budget hearings 930 - PA Emergency
Management Agency Hearing Room 1 North Office
February 29-- House Game and Fisheries Committee informational meeting on Fish and Boat
Commissions Annual Report Room 39 East Wing 1000
February 29-- House Appropriations Committee budget hearings 930 - Department of
Transportation 300 - Department of Environmental Protection Room 140
March 1-- House Appropriations Committee budget hearings 1000 Department of Labor amp
Industry 100 - Department of Community and Economic Development Room 140
March 6-- House Appropriations Committee budget hearings 930 - State PoliceOffice of
Homeland Security 1100 - PA Emergency Management Agency 300 - Department of General
Services Room 140
March 6-- CANCELED DEP Storage Tank Advisory Committee meeting Next scheduled
meeting is June 5 ( formal notice )
832019 Pa Environment Digest Feb 20 2012
httpslidepdfcomreaderfullpa-environment-digest-feb-20-2012 3334
March 7-- House Game and Fisheries Committee informational meeting on Game Commissions
Annual Report Room 39 East Wing 1000
March 8-- House Appropriations Committee budget hearings 1000 - Budget Secretary 100 -
House Member Testimony Room 140
March 14-- DEP Air Quality Technical Advisory Committee meeting Room 105 Rachel Carson
Building 915 ( formal notice )
March 26-- Environmental Issues Forum Joint Legislative Air and Water Pollution Control and
Conservation Committee featuring a presentation by DCNR Secretary Richard Allan (Location
to be determined) Noon
DEP Calendar of Events
Note The Environmental Education Workshop Calendar is no longer available from the PACenter for Environmental Education because funding for the Center was eliminated in the FY
2011-12 state budget The PCEE website was also shutdown but some content was moved to
the PA Association of Environmental Educators website
Senate Committee Schedule House Committee Schedule
You can watch the Senate Floor Session and House Floor Session live online
Stories Invited
Send your stories photos and videos about your project environmental issues or programs for
publication in the PA Environment Digest to DHessCrisciAssociatescom
PA Environment Digest is edited by David E Hess former Secretary Pennsylvania Department
of Environmental Protection and is published as a service to the clients of Crisci Associates a
Harrisburg-based government and public affairs firm whose clients include Fortune 500
companies and non-profit organizations For more information on Crisci Associates call
717-234-1716
PA Environment Digest weekly was the winner of the PA Association of Environmental
Educators 2009 Business Partner of the Year Award
Also sign up for these other services from Crisci Associates--
PA Environment Digest Twitter Feed On Twitter sign up to receive instant updates from
PAEnviroDigest
832019 Pa Environment Digest Feb 20 2012
httpslidepdfcomreaderfullpa-environment-digest-feb-20-2012 3434
PA Environment Daily Blog provides daily environmental NewsClips and significant stories
and announcements on environmental topics in Pennsylvania of immediate value Sign up and
receive as they are posted updates through your favorite RSS reader You can also sign up for a
once daily email alerting you to new items posted on this blog
PA Environment Digest Video Blog showcases original and published videos fromenvironmental groups and agencies around the state Sign up to receive as they are posted
updates through your favorite RSS read You can also sign up for a once daily email alerting
you to new items posted on this blog
PA Capitol Digest Dont forget to sign up to receive the PA Capitol Digest Twitter feed by
going to wwwTwittercomPaCapitolDigest or click on this link for the regular daily PA
Capitol Digest Blog to get other news from in and around the Pennsylvania State Capitol
Supporting Member PA Outdoor Writers AssnPA Trout Unlimited
PA Environment Digest is a supporting member of the Pennsylvania Outdoor Writers
Association Pennsylvania Council Trout Unlimited and the Doc Fritchey Chapter Trout
Unlimited
832019 Pa Environment Digest Feb 20 2012
httpslidepdfcomreaderfullpa-environment-digest-feb-20-2012 434
Rep Camille Bud George (D-Clearfield) Minority Chair of the House Environmental
Resources and Energy Committee Tuesday said that industrial gas drillers received a sweetheart
deal from the Corbett administration just in time for Valentinersquos Day
A review of the 27 lsquosuggestionsrsquo the industry made to House Republican leaders for the
final Marcellus shale legislation shows it got its wishes on 23 of them said Rep George of Clearfield County Some were not complete compliance with industry desires but an overall
score of 85 percent is a pretty substantial kiss
Rep George said that on January 12 the Marcellus Shale Coalition and the Associated
Petroleum Industries of Pennsylvania addressed correspondence to the House Speaker the
Majority Leader and Rep Brian Ellis R-Butler the author of House Bill 1950 with several
suggestions to amend the billrsquos final language
The industry got its way on everything from reducing the presumed liability of a well
polluting water sources to eliminating language requiring operators to conduct free pre-drilling
surveys for landowners with wells between 2500 and 5000 feet from a well said Rep George
of the bill signed into law Monday by Gov Tom Corbett It seems the industry barked and the
Republicans heeledThe industryrsquos suggestions are available online
It was stated ndash erroneously ndash on the House floor that the pre-drilling survey language
was included in the conference committee report Rep George said It is not in the bill despite
having twice won approval in the House
Rep George said the pitiful tax rate to be paid by the industry ndash a fraction of what
Pennsylvanians pay in sales or state income taxes ndash risks further irrelevance by reports that
producing counties may not opt in to the impact fee
Proponents touted House Bill 1950 as lsquocompromisersquo legislation when in fact the
measure ndash and the pittance it would collect for local and statewide impacts ndash seemingly will be
compromised Rep George said The projected revenues were a joke but now could be alaughing stock
Rep George said proposals by Democratic members of the conference committee
deserve consideration The proposals would
-- Increase initial per-well fee to $60000 ndash from $50000 ndash and improve first-year revenues by
$35 million
-- Decrease fee by $5000 a year but make fees last for 20 years not 15
-- Eliminate county option and
-- Bolster environmental safeguards of water by establishing setbacks from the edge of a well
pad
As it now stands House Bill 1950 has me torn about which Valentinersquos Day ad is the
most fitting description Rep George said Is it lsquoGive and You Will Receiversquo or lsquoEvery KissBegins withhellip Campaign Contributionsrsquo
DCNR Budget Hearing No New Drilling Leases Planned For State Forests
Department of Conservation and Natural Resources Secretary Richard Allan appeared before the
Senate Appropriations Committee Thursday for a little over an hour answering questions about
DCNRs proposed FY 2012-13 budget
832019 Pa Environment Digest Feb 20 2012
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As usual the Committee dispensed with Secretary Allans prepared remarks Here are
some of the highlights from the questions asked--
Drilling Leases There are no plans to lease additional State Forest Land but if they would they
would follow the recommendations of the Governors Marcellus Shale Commission to only do
leases where they leave little or no surface impactOf the 812 well permits have been approved by DCNR on State Forest land 778
Marcellus Shale wells have been permitted by DEP 442 wells have been drilled and there are
152 producing wells
DCNR anticipates receiving $65 million in FY 2012-13 in royalties and rents from
drilling Secretary Allan said He said there may be some decrease in drilling revenues in the
next year or so with lower natural gas prices
In response to a question Secretary Allan said the agency professionals are constantly
monitoring drilling companies to make sure they comply with their leases and agency best
management practices He said so far the drillers have been good stewards and have minimized
their impacts on State Forest lands
Drilling In State Parks DCNR has a policy that there will be no drilling in State Parks where
the state owns the mineral rights Secretary Allan said Unfortunately he said the state owns
mineral rights on only 20 percent of the land in State Parks and on 80 percent in State Forests
He said DCNR will look to enforce their guidelines and best management practices on drillers
on State Park land and other areas where they dont own mineral rights to make sure any surface
impacts are minimized
State Parks In spite of budget constraints Secretary Allan said DCNR anticipates being able to
keep all State Parks open and available for residents but acknowledged there may be some
changes in some services offered such as the hours in some parksSecretary Allan said an updated economic study shows for every dollar invested State
Parks bring in $12 for a total of $11 billion of economic activity annually and they support over
13000 jobs in and around the parks
Keystone Fund The proposed transfer of all DCNR revenues from the Keystone Parks and
Conservation Fund to the General Fund Secretary Allan said will require the agency to look to
other sources of monies to support their operations like the Oil and Gas Fund the
Environmental Stewardship (Growing Greener) Fund and the new drilling fee revenue
He said he advised the Governors Office the reduction in funding will require the agency
to put off some maintenance projects and reduce the funding going for grants
Secretary Allan said he believes in the future there will be more revenue in the Oil andGas Fund and from the new drilling fee to replace at least some of the Keystone Fund monies
Oil and Gas Lease Fund Secretary Allan said he does not believe the transfers from the Oil
and Gas Fund to the agency to pay administrative expenses violate the intended use of the Oil
and Gas Fund Approximately 30 percent of DCNRs administrative budget is now supported by
the Fund
832019 Pa Environment Digest Feb 20 2012
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Gas Pipelines Secretary Allan said the agency has asked drilling companies to locate natural
gas gathering pipelines on existing rights-of-way where possible and that DCNR staff foresters
geologists and other professionals work closely with the drilling companies on the details of
pipeline routing
Wild Resource Research In response to a question about a controversy over a reduction inWild Resource Conservation grants Secretary Allan said much of the information about the cuts
were inaccurate He said his review of grant applications showed a significant amount of the
funding was duplicating the research already done by DCNR professional staff (see 262012
story )
Complement DCNR now has an authorized complement of about 1375 The budget proposal
will require the agency to reduce that by 14 positions but those reductions will be done through
attrition and elimination of vacant positions
Flood Damage DCNR had about $6 million in damage from flooding last fall Secretary Allan
said they submitted those damages to the Federal Emergency Management Agency for potentialreimbursement
Dogs In State Parks Secretary Allan said DCNR has a pilot project underway to allow visitors
using cabins and camping areas to bring their dogs He said they are still evaluating the results
A copy of Secretary Allans remarks are available online
NewsClip DCNR Secretary Says Report On Wildlife Research Not Accurate
Related Stories
Governors Budget Cuts Environment Again Keystone Fund Zeroed Out For DCNR The Record $18 Billion CutDiverted From Environmental Programs Last 10 Years
Senate House Budget Hearing Schedule
Note You can watch the hearings live through the Senate webpage and the House webpage or
on the PA Cable Network website
NewsClips
Corbett Signs Marcellus Shale Fee Into Law
Corbett Signs Shale Well Impact Fee Into Law
Corbett Approves Marcellus Shale Fee
Bradford Commissioner Foolish Not To Accept Drilling Fee MoneyBradford Commissioners Disagree On Drilling Fee
Whats Next For PAs Impact Fee Bradford Against Fee
Bradford Commissioners Disagree On Drilling Fee
Washington County To Seek Marcellus Fees
Editorial Corbetts Gas Fee About To Evaporate
Robinson Twp To Contest New Marcellus Law
South Fayette Eyes Legal Action On Drilling Bill
832019 Pa Environment Digest Feb 20 2012
httpslidepdfcomreaderfullpa-environment-digest-feb-20-2012 734
Fish amp Boat Commission Grateful For Marcellus Fees
PUC Eyes Private Firm For Impact Fee Collection
PUC Chair Let Marcellus Play Come To Us
PUC Would Get Shale Role Under Drilling Bill
Editorial It Makes Sense For PUC To Deal With Drilling
NE Counties To Raise Millions Or Nothing Under Drilling FeeHouse GOP Marcellus Bill A Win For Jobs
Norquists No-Tax Pledge Cant Give Drill Fee The Ax
PA Natural Gas Levy Became Inevitable
Vertical Exploratory Wells Wont Be Hit With Drilling Fee
Impact Fee Bill Addresses Housing Needs
Drilling Bill Authors Health Experts Fears Unfounded
Health Officials Drilling Law Disclosure Rules Lax
Op-Ed Natural Gas Fee May Be Too Late
Editorial Marcellus Fee A Tax Stupid
Editorial Shale Drillers Got The Better Part Of Deal
Corbett Raiding Special FundsHouse Capital Budget Bill Debate Focuses On Jobs
Editorial Capital Budget Funds Must Be Kept Under Control
Can Pennsylvanians Survive Under Another Corbett Budget
As Roads Bridges Deteriorate Governor Silent
Analysis Taking Baby Steps On Fixing Roads Bridges
Editorial Must A Bridge Fall Down
Obama Cuts EPA Increases Chesapeake Bay Program
Chesapeake Bay Program Increased Under Obama Budget
EPA Budget Cut For States Superfund Cleanup
Obama Proposes $14 Million For Fracking Research$67 Million Requested For Federal Pipeline Safety
Schedule For Remaining Senate House Budget Hearings
The Senate and House Appropriations Committees both have budget hearings scheduled this
week on Gov Corbetts proposed budget You can watch the hearings live through the Senate
webpage and the House webpage or on the PA Cable Network website
Heres the schedule of the remaining budget hearings--
February 21-- House Appropriations Committee budget hearings 930 - Global Economy
1100 - Independent Fiscal Office 130 - Department of Revenue All House hearings will be inRoom 140
February 22-- Senate Appropriations Committee budget hearings 930 - Department of
Environmental Protection 100 - Department of Transportation
February 27-- House Appropriations Committee budget hearings 1000 - Public Utility
Commission 1100 - Office of Consumer Advocate Small Business Advocate
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httpslidepdfcomreaderfullpa-environment-digest-feb-20-2012 834
832019 Pa Environment Digest Feb 20 2012
httpslidepdfcomreaderfullpa-environment-digest-feb-20-2012 934
updates through your favorite RSS read You can also sign up for a once daily email alerting
you to new items posted on this blog
PA Capitol Digest Daily Blog to get updates every day on Pennsylvania State Government
including NewsClips coverage of key press conferences and more Sign up and receive as they
are posted updates through your favorite RSS reader You can also sign up for a once dailyemail alerting you to new items posted on this blog
PA Capitol Digest Twitter Feed Dont forget to sign up to receive the PA Capitol Digest
Twitter feed to get instant updates on other news from in and around the Pennsylvania State
Capitol
SenateHouse AgendaSession ScheduleBills Introduced
Here are the Senate and House Calendars and Committee meetings showing bills of interest as
well as a list of new environmental bills introduced--
Session Schedule
Here is the latest voting session schedule for the Senate and House--
Senate
Budget Hearings Feb 21 22 23 27 28 29 and March 1
March 5 6 7 12 13 14 26 27 28
April 2 3 30
May 1 2 7 8 9 21 22 23
June 4 5 6 11 12 13 18 19 20 25 26 27 28 29
House
Budget Hearings Feb 21 22 23 24 27 28 29 March 1 2 5 6 7 8 9
March 12 13 14 26 27 28
April 2 3 4 30
May 1 2 7 8 9 21 22 23
June 4 5 6 11 12 13 18 19 20 21 22 25 26 27 28 29
Bill Calendars
House (March 12) House Bill 1934 (FKeller-R-Snyder) excluding people residing in federal or state facilities for determining when a municipality must recycle House Resolution 438 (Cruz-
D-Philadelphia) urging Philadelphia to establish a waste tire removal and disposal
program House Resolution 423 (Petri-R-Bucks) directing the Legislative Budget and Finance
Committee to study state funding formulas and how they impact counties House Resolution
505 (Preston-D-Allegheny) disapproving the PUC regulation on natural gas competition
ltgt Click Here for full House Bill Calendar
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httpslidepdfcomreaderfullpa-environment-digest-feb-20-2012 1034
Senate (March 5) Senate Bill 1324 (Yaw-R-Bradford) quieting mineral property title
rights Senate Bill 1398 (Yudichak-D-Luzerne) extending the Underground Storage Tank
Environmental Cleanup Program from 2012 to 2017 House Bill 1813 (Tobash-R-Schuylkill)
further providing for anthracite reclamation fees and guarantees ltgt Click Here for full Senate
Bill Calendar
Committees
House the Appropriations Committee holds budget hearings on Global Economy
Independent Fiscal Office Department of Revenue the House Democratic Policy
Committee holds a hearing on Southeast PA oil refinery closings in Philadelphia ltgt Click
Here for full House Committee Schedule
Senate the Appropriations Committee holds budget hearings on Department of
Environmental Protection Department of Transportation ltgt Click Here for full Senate
Committee Schedule
Note You can watch the hearings live through the Senate webpage and the House webpage or
on the PA Cable Network website
Bills Introduced
The following bills of interest were introduced this week--
Defining Chronic Dementia House Bill 2196 (Curry-D-Montgomery) amending the Older
Adult Protective Services Act to define chronic dementia and cognitive impairment and making
other changes
Oil amp Gas Dust House Bill 2197 (Curry-D-Montgomery) amending the Air Pollution Control
Act to make dust from oil and gas operations air pollution under the act
Cambria County Land Senate Bill 1425 (Wozniak-D-Cambria) authority DCNR to lease
certain State Forest land in Cambria County to an alternative energy company
Bills On Governors Desk
The following bill was given final approval by the Senate and House and is now with the
Governor for his action--
Infrastructure Funding House Bill 1294 (Godshall-R-Montgomery) authorizing the PUC to
establish a distribution system improvement charge (DSIC) as an alternative to regular rate cases
to recover costs associated with replacing pipelines and other utility infrastructure A summary
and House Fiscal Note are available The bill was signed into law by the Governor as Act 11
NewsClips Corbett Signs 3 Energy Sector Bills
832019 Pa Environment Digest Feb 20 2012
httpslidepdfcomreaderfullpa-environment-digest-feb-20-2012 1134
Marcellus Shale House Bill 1950 (Ellis-R-Butler) imposing a Marcellus Shale drilling fee and
enacting a laundry list of additional environmental protection measures related to drilling was
signed into law by the Governor as Act 13
SenateHouse Bills Moving
The following bills of interest saw action this week in the House and Senate--
Senate
Nominations Gov Corbett this week re-nominated John Coleman as a Commissioner on the
Public Utility Commission
House
Conservation Easements House Bill 2059 (Miller-R-York) amending the Agricultural Area
Security Law to provide for the inspection of agricultural conservation easements on at least a
biennial basis (a summary and House Fiscal Note are available) and House Bill 2106 (Ross-R-
Chester) further providing for the relinquishment of the right to farmland preservation (a
summary and House Fiscal Note are available) were referred into and out of the House
Appropriations Committee and passed by the House The bills now go to the Senate for
consideration
Land Banks House Bill 1682 (Taylor-R-Philadelphia) providing for the creation of land banks
for the conversion of vacant properties into productive use was removed from the Table
amended on the House Floor and referred into and out of the House Appropriations Committeeand passed by the House A summary and House Fiscal Note are available The bill now goes to
the Senate for consideration
NewsClip Land Bank Bill Newest Anti-Blight Tool
Capital Budget Process House Bill 2175 (Turzai-R-Allegheny) making changes to Capital
Budget process and reducing the ability of state government to borrow and spend taxpayer
dollars was reported out of the House Finance Committee debated in the House and referred to
the House Appropriations Committee
NewsClip House Capital Budget Bill Debate Focuses On Jobs
Transportation Partnerships House Bill 3 (Geist-R-Blair) authorizing public-privatetransportation partnerships was amended on the House Floor and was referred to the House
Appropriations Committee
Recycling Requirement House Bill 1934 (FKeller-R-Snyder) excluding people residing in
federal or state facilities for determining when a municipality must recycle was reported out of
832019 Pa Environment Digest Feb 20 2012
httpslidepdfcomreaderfullpa-environment-digest-feb-20-2012 1234
the House Environmental Resources and Energy Committee and is on the House Calendar for
action
News From The Capitol
House Committee Moves Capital Budget Reform Legislation
The House Finance Committee Monday reported out House Bill 2175 (Turzai-R-Allegheny)
making changes to Capital Budget process and reducing the ability of state government to
borrow and spend taxpayer dollars
ldquoThe balance on the statersquos credit card is too highrdquo Rep Kerry Benninghoff (R-Mifflin)
Majority Chair of the Committee said ldquoItrsquos time to pay down the debt and stop spending money
that taxpayers donrsquot haverdquo
House Bill 2175 would reduce the debt ceiling of the Commonwealthrsquos Redevelopment
Assistance Capital Project (RACP) a program created to fund economic development and
infrastructure projects using borrowed money
In 1999 the program had a debt ceiling of approximately $12 billion Since that time
approximately 8000 projects have been added to the programrsquos list and the debt ceiling was
raised to more than $4 billion
The program has come under recurring scrutiny after funding was used to help build
stadiums for professional sports teams and projects honoring former politicians Millions of
dollars were earmarked through the program to fund a library named after former US Senator
Arlen Specter and a public policy center named after former Congressman John Murtha
ldquoPeople are tired of seeing their hard-earned money used to pay for legacy projects for
politiciansrdquo Rep Benninghoff said ldquoThis program has gone far outside its original intent of
providing help with legitimate economic development projectsrdquo
The bill would reduce the RACP debt ceiling initially by a half-billion dollars to $35 billion and then continue to incrementally decrease the debt limit until it falls to $15 billion The
legislation also calls for stricter limits on the type of projects eligible to receive funding and
would increase oversight of the program
ldquoWe want to lower the credit limit on the statersquos credit cardrdquo Rep Benninghoff said
ldquoThis would reduce the ability of state government to spend money that taxpayers donrsquot haverdquo
House Bill 2175 now heads to the full House for consideration
NewsClips House Capital Budget Bill Debate Focuses On Jobs
Editorial Capital Budget Funds Must Be Kept Under Control
Report On Game Commission Strategic Plan Released By Joint Committee
The Joint Legislative Budget and Finance Committee this week released the fifth in a series of
progress reports on the Game Commissions compliance with its strategic plan A copy of the
report highlights and the full report are available online
News From Around The State
832019 Pa Environment Digest Feb 20 2012
httpslidepdfcomreaderfullpa-environment-digest-feb-20-2012 1334
EPA States On Track To Meet Chesapeake Bay Cleanup Goals PA Plan Needs Work
Delaware Maryland Pennsylvania Virginia West Virginia and the District of Columbia are
generally on track to meet pollution reduction goals for the Chesapeake Bay and its rivers by
2025 according to the US Environmental Protection Agencyrsquos evaluations of the jurisdictions
cleanup plansThe six Bay states and the District of Columbia recently submitted their Phase II
Watershed Implementation Plans (WIPs) and their 2012-2013 pollution reduction milestones
These plans lay out how each jurisdiction will meet pollution reduction goals set by the EPA in
the Chesapeake Bay TMDL
Overall the jurisdictions built considerably upon their Phase I plans according to the
EPA The Phase II plans provide more specific cleanup strategies and detail restoration actions
on a local level
In a cover letter transmitting comments to the Department of Environmental Protection
on Pennsylvanias Plan EPA said greatly appreciate(s) the efforts of the Pennsylvania
Department of Environmental Protection and your partner agencies as well as stakeholder groups
in the development of these documents (WIP)The letter said EPAs primary concern is the WIP does not identify important next steps
to implement core initiatives of Pennsylvanias Phase I agriculture strategy such as supporting
manure to energy technologies and development of methods to defensibly track and report non-
cost-shared practices These strategies account for a sizable portion of the nutrient and sediment
reductions in the Plan
EPA also said it lacks assurance that Pennsylvania will be able to achieve the
reductions in stormwater loads identified in the WIP through methods such as reissuing the
PAG-13 General Permit for Municipal Separate Storm Sewer System permittees
A copy of the detailed comments is available online along with related comments related
documents Other state evaluations are also available EPA is still reviewing New Yorkrsquos planwhich was submitted after the deadline
The EPA said it will continue to work with the jurisdictions between now and March 30
when the final Phase II WIPs are due
CBF Funding Now Available For Farm Conservation Improvements In Northcentral PA
The Chesapeake Bay Foundation is pleased to announce funding is now available to farmers
interested in improving farm profitability and water quality through the installation of on-farm
conservation practices in Bradford Sullivan Susquehanna Tioga Wyoming and Lycoming
counties
The funding is being made available through CBFrsquos ldquoBuffer Bonusrdquo program incooperation with the Bradford County Conservation District The program has enabled current
and past participants to make onfarm improvements including rotational grazing practices such
as fencing watering systems and laneways
Other options include the installation of waste transfer lines for milk house waste and
silage leachate stabilization of access roads and the installation of roof gutters to include a few
ldquoThese conservation improvements are a win-win for both the farmer and local water
qualityrdquo said Jennifer Johns CBF Buffer Specialist in Bradford County ldquoWhile each project
832019 Pa Environment Digest Feb 20 2012
httpslidepdfcomreaderfullpa-environment-digest-feb-20-2012 1434
ultimately produces different results we find that creating healthier living conditions for the
livestock through the installation of conservation practices improves herd health and the farmerrsquos
bottom linerdquo
Another goal of this program is to provide at no cost to the farmer a new or updated
Conservation and Nutrient Management Plan By combining this plan with an engineerrsquos
evaluation of the farm which is also provided the plans are then considered a Comprehensive Nutrient Management Plan or a CNMP
Having a CNMP enables the farmer to apply for federal funding to assist with larger on-
farm improvements such as manure storage facilities and concrete barnyards
Farmers interested in participating in the Buffer Bonus program must be willing to install
a forested riparian streamside buffer through the USDArsquos Conservation Reserve Enhancement
Program (CREP) Those already enrolled in CREP with a contract date of April 1 2009 or later
may be eligible to enroll
This funding will not be available for long and farms will be served on a first come first
serve basis
For more information contact BradfordSullivan Counties Jennifer Johns
570-578-6900 TiogaLycoming Counties Steve Smith 570-578-7000 SusquehannaWyomingCounties Jeremy Wagner 570-278-1011 xt 107
Spring Creek Watershed Association Hosts Chesapeake Bay GIS Tool Workshop Feb 21
On February 21 the Spring Creek Watershed Association will host John Dawes Foundation for
PA Watersheds for a presentation about the Chesapeake Commons a web-based Geographic
Information Systems (GIS) and data management tool developed for the Chesapeake Bay
restoration effort
The presentation will be held from 800 am to 900 am at the Patton Township
Municipal Building near State College PaThere is also an option to hear the presentation through a webinar at the same time Click
Here for details
The Chesapeake Commons Tool is a free web-based Geographic Information Systems
(GIS) and data management tool available to all organizations working to restore the Chesapeake
Bay The Tool is designed to serve as a centralized knowledge base of data maps and articles
contributed by government nonprofits funders and citizen organizers
Policy makers will have a centralized pool of peer vetted information from which they
can make the best possible decisions in the context of the Bay restoration effort
Chesapeake Commons is a project developed and funded by the Chesapeake Bay Funders
Network with financial support from the John Heinz III Center for Science Economics and the
Environment
Town Meeting On Health Of The Wissahickon Creek March 29
On March 29 the Wissahickon Valley Watershed Association and the Springside Chestnut Hill
Academy with support from the Friends of the Wissahickon and Chestnut Hill College are
sponsoring a Town Meeting to inform the community about significant environmental challenges
to the Wissahickon Creek
832019 Pa Environment Digest Feb 20 2012
httpslidepdfcomreaderfullpa-environment-digest-feb-20-2012 1534
The meeting will be held on the Cherokee Campus of Springside Chestnut Hill Academy
8000 Cherokee Street Philadelphia and will begin at 7 pm doors will open at 630 pm and
light refreshments will be provided
A Creek in Crisis A Town Meeting on the Health of the Wissahickon Creek will
examine the numerous threats to the Wissahickon including diminishing water quantity
stormwater runoff impaired water quality and flooding that severely impact the health of theWissahickon Creek and its tributaries
The impact of the Wissahickon Creek on the lives of those living in the Wissahickon
Watershed is absolute Though the Wissahickon Creek has a humble beginning in the parking lot
at Montgomery Mall it continues through nine municipalities to the confluence of the Schuylkill
River in Philadelphia
It is a significant waterway providing approximately 10 percent of the drinking water to
Philadelphians as well as habitat for local wildlife and recreation and natural beauty for area
residents
Moderated by Patrick Starr Vice President of the PA Environmental Council Southeast
Regional Office the Town Meeting will feature a panel of environmental experts who will
examine the numerous threats to the WissahickonPanelists will be Carol R Collier Executive Director of the Delaware River Basin
Commission John K Jackson PhD Senior Research Scientist at the Stroud Water Research
Center and Chris Crockett Deputy Commissioner at the Philadelphia Water Department
More information will be posted on the Friends of the Wissahickon website
Conservation Reserve Program Training Courses Offered By Penn State Extension
Conservation professionals working across the Chesapeake Bay Watershed are invited to a
special training program on Conservation Reserve Planning for professionals on March 7 and 8
at the Lancaster County Farm and Home CenterA national team of facilitators will be conducting the Lancaster workshop including from
University of Wisconsin University of Minnesota Montana State University University of
Georgia and Penn State ndash along with experienced and skilled US Natural Resource
Conservation Service professionals
Also involved in the program are conservation partners who are in formal agreements
with NRCS to deliver the Conservation Reserve Enhancement Program to landowners for
example the Chesapeake Bay Foundation will also be on hand at the workshop to provide
additional training related to CREP
This training workshop is designed to create a group of skilled conservation professionals
working in partnership with farmers and landowners to develop quality CRP conservation plans
that result in measurable impacts on land and water resource managementWorkshop goals include
-- Understanding the purpose and intent of the Conservation Reserve Program (CRP)
-- Determining eligibility of lands for CRP
-- Knowing how to find information for CRP plans
-- Effectively working with a landowner in developing a CRP plan
-- Becoming familiar with regionally specific conservation practices
-- Understanding how to implement a CRP plan
832019 Pa Environment Digest Feb 20 2012
httpslidepdfcomreaderfullpa-environment-digest-feb-20-2012 1634
-- Working with NRCS and FSA to submit a quality CRP plan
The Conservation Reserve Program Readiness Initiative was created to help the Natural
Resources Conservation Service accomplish the work involved with managing CRP enrollments
CRP plan development and implementation and the follow up management of developed plans
A national team of Extension staff NRCS and FSA staff and representatives from NRCS
partner agencies and organizations has collaborated to develop a multi-faceted training programto meet the needs of the initiative
Click Here for the full schedule of workshops available
Latest Lessons From The Land Webinar Feb 21 On Managing Phosphorus
Penn State Extension and the Conewago Watershed Initiative will host a webcast on February 21
from noon to 100 pm on Measuring and Managing Phosphorus In Wet Pennsylvania
Landscapes part of the Lessons From The Land series
Dr Tony Buda USDA ARS and Dr Patrick Drohan Penn State Department of Crop
and Soil Science will present research conducted by PA USDA NRCS USDA-ARS and Penn
State to look at how saturated soils and soils with fragipans have contributed to higher runoffMatt Royer Director of the Lower Susquehanna Initiative Penn State AG amp
Environment Center will moderate
These wet landscapes are often critical sources of phosphorus that contribute to loads of
pollutants in streamsmdashand should be targeted for conservation practices
A pilot study undertaken within the Conewago Watershed serves as a proving ground for
the development of ldquonext generation nutrient management practicesrdquo necessary to reduce the
loads of phosphorus emanating from agricultural lands that contribute to the degradation of the
Chesapeake Bay Watershed
One Nutrient Management credit is available for eligible participants from the state
Department of Agriculture Those seeking credits will be required to sign-in during the webinar to verify their attendance
The program can be viewed online as a recording after the live broadcast Continuing ed
credits are not available for the recorded session
To join this webinar you will need a high speed Internet and can sign in on this
webpage at the webinars noon start time This program will be broadcasting live from the
Conewago Initiativersquos Project Advisory Team meeting at Penn Statersquos Harrisburg campus
Lake Management Annual Conference Set For March 7-8 In State College
The 22nd annual Pennsylvania Lake Management Society annual conference will once again be
at the Days Inn State College on March 7 and 8This years theme is Staying Blue by Going Green and our keynote speaker is Bill
Jones from Indiana School of Public and Environmental Affairs in Bloomington Indiana
As always the Conference will have a great line up of speakers It also offers aquatic
applicator credits for PA OH NY and NJ
Please check out the Conference webpage for more details or contact Kerilynn Frey by
sending email to palakeshotmailcom
832019 Pa Environment Digest Feb 20 2012
httpslidepdfcomreaderfullpa-environment-digest-feb-20-2012 1734
Penn State Extension How To Avoid Septic System Failures
Owning your own home is challenging enough what do you do when it comes with its own
sewage treatment plant This article provides some clues for owners of septic systems who want
to make them last a very long time
According to the US Environmental Protection Agency failure rates for on-lot sewagesystems across the country are reported at 10 percent annually In Pennsylvania approximately
12 million homes (one in three) use on-lot sewage systems for the treatment and disposal of
waste water
Responsibility for maintaining the system rests with the homeowner Proper maintenance
is a good idea since replacing it can cost thousands of dollars Proper maintenance also protects
groundwater that might be a source of drinking water
The most obvious on-lot sewage system failures are easy to spot Sewage backing up into
your home will typically command your immediate attention Raw sewage surfacing in your
yard in nearby ditches or on the neighborrsquos lawn is another clear indicator of failure Muddy
soil around the drain field or pooled water there or in your basement are other signs of serious
malfunction Notice whether your toilet or sink backs up when you flush or do laundry Stripsof bright green grass over the drainfield may be another indicator of problems A toilet running
sluggish or sewer odors in the house andor drinking water are signs of an on-lot system in
trouble
On-lot sewage systems also fail when partially treated wastewater comes into contact
with groundwater This type of failure is not easy to detect but it can result in the pollution of
wells nearby streams or other bodies of water Illness often to household visitors may be
another indicator of system failure that has affected your well and household drinking water
For those considering building a new home or replacing an existing septic system one of
the most critical factors in on-lot sewage system performance is the nature of the soils used for
the septic system soil absorption fieldYou can minimize failures by carefully and deliberately considering all aspects of on-lot
sewage system construction site selection design installation maintenance and use Hire
reputable individuals to design and install your system Also make sure the system is designed to
meet your present and future needs
You should contact your Township Sewage Enforcement Officer concerning permits
needed to install a new on-lot sewage system or repair a failing system
Once properly installed the key to preventing your on-lot system from failing is proper
maintenance Regularly pumping the tank being careful in what you put down the drains and
avoiding such things as planting trees over the field or covering the system with permanent
patios and home additions are important to keep the system running well
Water conservation in the home is also an excellent method of preventing future problems from occurring Divert downspouts and surface water away from the septic tank and
especially the drain field Do not physically damage the system by driving over the components
with heavy vehicles or by digging up the system for other utility lines etc Keep a record of the
location and dimensions of your system along with maintenance and repair information
Homeowners interested in finding out about the overall health of their on-lot sewage
system may want to consider having their septic systems inspected by a trained professional The
PA Septage Management Association in cooperation with the National Onsite Wastewater
832019 Pa Environment Digest Feb 20 2012
httpslidepdfcomreaderfullpa-environment-digest-feb-20-2012 1834
Education and Research Foundation has adopted uniform On-lot Wastewater Treatment
Inspection procedures
PSMA is a professional association of septage pumpers system installers maintenance
technicians real estate inspectors and industry affiliates PSMA Certified Inspectors which
includes many septic tank pumpers are trained to understand how on-lot systems work why they
fail and recognize impending malfunctionsSee the PSMA website for more details about PSMANOF inspections or call them at
717-763-7762
Many fact sheets about on-lot sewage systems are available from the Agricultural and
Biological Engineering department Topics include septic tank pumping percolation tests
elevated sand mounds inspections and alternative systems and pharmaceutical disposal
(Article reprinted from Penn State Extension Watershed Winds online newsletter)
Wissahickon Watershed Maple Sugaring Program Set For March 3
Ever wonder how maple syrup and sugar are made The Wissahickon Vally WatershedAssociation will offer a unique program on maple syrup on March 3 in Ambler Montgomery
County
The event offers a fun and informative event ideal for families Scout groups and anyone
curious about the maple sugar process
Choose a specific time as guides take small groups through the woods to see the tapped
trees and then watch it being boiled into sugar End your walk at WVWArsquos historic headquarters
for hot chocolate and warm treats with maple syrup
RSVP requested by sending email to infowvwaorg or call 215-646-8866 There is a
fee for the program WVWA member fee $5 per person $15 per family Non-WVWA member
fee $10 per person $20 per family or Become a WVWA member and be their guest for $45In Ambler and look for signage Walk over the Butler Avenue Bridge and turn left onto
the Green Ribbon Trail
KPB Greenways Mini-Grant Program Applications Due March 15
Keep Pennsylvania Beautiful is now accepting applications for their Greenways Mini-Grant
Program to provide community groups with project supplies for outdoor based work events
within a greenway enabling the renewal of Pennsylvaniarsquos Greenways in need into something
beautiful
The deadline for applications is March 15 and hard copies are required Grants will be
awarded on April 16Fifteen grant awardees along with their volunteers will be eligible for up to $500 in
project supplies and direct project costs for Prevent it Clean it and Keep it projects within a
Greenway
Pennsylvania and its partners are developing an outstanding network of greenways across
the Commonwealth creating an asset that will enhance the quality of life for all while connecting
open space natural landscape features scenic cultural historic and recreations sites and urban
and rural communities
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A greenway is a linear corridor across the land that conserves natural areas and provides
people with recreation and transportation opportunities
As one of the Commonwealthrsquos most powerful tools to achieve sustainable growth and
livable communities greenways are ensuring future generations the opportunity to live amongst
the natural beauty of Pennrsquos Woods
This program is financed by a grant from the Community Conservation PartnershipProgram Environmental Stewardship Fund under the administration of the Department of
Conservation and Natural Resources Bureau of Recreation and Conservation
The Greenways Mini-Grant is available to any tax-exempt group within Pennsylvania
Private property owners or individual applicants cannot apply
Applications must meet the following requirements to be considered ndash it is within a
Greenway and is in at least one of the following categories Prevent it Clean it and Keep it (see
application for details) plus provide proof of liability insurance signed permission to enter from
the private property owner and 100 percent match of donated or in-kind services Selected
awardees must also agree to provide a final report with before during and after photos
ldquoWe are excited to collaborate with DCNR in offering Greenways Mini-Grants to
organizations working to build clean and beautiful communities across the staterdquo said ShannonReiter President of Keep Pennsylvania Beautiful ldquoGreenways are integral to healthy livable
communities and we are grateful to have the opportunity to empower Pennsylvania with the
tools and resources they need to enhance greenways in their communitiesrdquo
For more information visit the Greenways Mini-Grant Program webpage to download an
application Any additional questions can be answered by Susan Carmichael Greenways Mini-
Grant Program Coordinator at 1-877-772-3673 ext 102 or send email to
scarmichaelkeeppabeautifulorg
Pennsylvania Adds 1470 Acres Of Farmland To Preservation Program
Pennsylvania has added 1470 additional acres of land to its nationally recognized farmland
preservation program under action by the Pennsylvania Agricultural Land Preservation Board at
its meeting Thursday in Harrisburg
The 14 newly preserved farms are located in Beaver Berks Bucks Butler Cambria
Cumberland Juniata Lackawanna Lancaster Lebanon Northampton and Somerset counties
ldquoWersquove preserved nearly 15000 acres of farmland across the state in just the past year
alonerdquo said Agriculture Secretary George Greig ldquoThis speaks volumes to the value our farm
families place on ensuring the future viability of Pennsylvania agriculture ndash our statersquos number-
one industryrdquo
Since the program started in 1988 state county and local governments have invested
more than $11 billion to safeguard 459007 acres on 4243 farmsldquoOur producers know the importance of preserving farms so our next generation of
agriculturalists can keep Pennsylvania growing far into the future and I thank them for that
foresightrdquo Greig said
Pennsylvaniarsquos farmland preservation efforts work through the Pennsylvania Agricultural
Conservation Easement Purchase Program The program was developed to slow the loss of prime
farmland to non-agricultural uses It enables state county and local governments to purchase
conservation easements also called development rights from owners of quality farmland
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For more information visit Agricultures Farmland Preservation webpage
PUC Finalizes Implementation Plan For Pipeline Safety Act
The Public Utility Commission Thursday finalized an Order as the first step in implementing Act
127 the Gas and Hazardous Liquids Pipelines ActThe Commission voted 5-0 to finalize the Order which begins the process of creating a
statewide registry for non-public utility gas and hazardous liquids pipeline equipment and
facilities within the Commonwealth provides resources to conduct safety inspections to enforce
Federal pipeline safety laws on certain classifications of pipeline and assesses entities for the
costs
The Order established the following
-- The registration fee is $250
-- The 2012 registration deadline is March 16
-- Assessment invoices for the Commissionrsquos 2011-12 fiscal year will be mailed by March 30
and due by April 30 and
-- Assessment invoices for the Commissionrsquos 2012-13 fiscal year will be mailed in July 2012with payment due within 30 days
Final forms and other materials will be available on the Commissionrsquos website
Act 127 direct the PUC to develop a registry and conduct safety inspections of these lines
for ldquopipeline operatorsrdquo in the state The Commission also is to track the development of
pipelines in less populated areas which transport gas from non-conventional wells
Act 127 expands the Commissionrsquos authority to enforce the federal pipeline safety laws
as they relate to those pipelines and facilities Non-public utility gas and hazardous liquids
pipeline operators include several different categories of pipelines such as cooperatively owned
natural gas distribution systems non-utility natural gas transportation and gathering lines and
propane distribution pipeline systemsFor more information visit the PUCs Act 127 webpage
DEP Sets Feb 22 Meeting On Jefferson County Drilling Permit
The Department of Environmental Protection will host a public meeting on February 22 to
discuss Flatirons Resources LLCrsquos proposal to drill a Marcellus Shale well in Brockway
Jefferson County
The 6 pm meeting will be held at the Brockway Area JuniorSenior High School on
Alexander Street in Brockway
ldquoWe recognize that there are a lot of questions and that people want detailsrdquo DEP
Northwest Regional Director Kelly Burch said ldquoDEP staff will provide information about our role in the permitting process and address any questions and concerns the audience may have
about our oversight and environmental protectionrdquo
The horizontal well that Flatirons proposes to drill would be the second on this pad
which is on Brockway Borough Municipal Authority property in the Rattlesnake Creek
Watershed The first well was drilled in February 2011 and hydraulically fractured in November
2011
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After DEPrsquos presentation at the meeting company representatives will describe their
plans to drill the well if approved A question-and-answer session will follow
DEPrsquos decision to issue a well permit is based on the applicationrsquos technical merits and
whether the applicantrsquos drilling casing and cementing plan will protect water resources The
agency issued Flatirons a permit to drill a second well on the pad in December 2010 but it
expired a year later because the well was never drilled The permit application was resubmittedon December 27 2011
HACC Offers Free Environmental Technician Training At Midtown Campus
Training for emerging environmental jobs in the cleanup and reuse of brownfields will be offered
starting April 16 at the Midtown location of HACC Central Pennsylvaniarsquos Community College
Candidates for the federally funded program are displaced workers the unemployed or
underemployed as well as low-income or minority residents who live in the Harrisburg said
Cheryl Dietz HACC Workforce Training coordinator
Potential students can find out more by attending one of two upcoming information
sessions in Room 228 of Midtown 1 1500 N Fourth St The sessions will be held from 6-7 pmFebruary 29 and 11 am-noon March 3
HACC representatives will answer questions about the free job training program which
will consist of an eight-week 320-hour training cycle with classes meeting 8 am-3 pm April
16-June 8
To be eligible a candidate must have a general education diploma (GED) or high school
diploma test at a 10th-grade math and reading level have a valid driverrsquos license have access to
reliable transportation be drug free and demonstrate an interest in the environment
Successful graduates will receive certifications in all of the following Hazardous Waste
Operations and Emergency Response (HAZWOPER) confined space entrantattendant and
supervisor lead-based paint inspector and asbestos inspectorAdditional training will be offered in environmental site assessment air and water
quality and environmental remediation techniques
HACC is offering the training through a two-year $199890 grant awarded through the
federal Environmental Protection Agencyrsquos Brownfields Program
Two classes were held last year at HACC-Harrisburg Campus with 35 graduates Of this
number 26 have jobs (19 of them are in the environmental field) and four are continuing their
education A third class is under way in Lancaster As part of the grant HACC helps successful
graduates find environmental jobs and tracks those graduates for one year
A brownfield site is real property the expansion redevelopment or reuse of which may
be complicated by the presence or potential presence of a hazardous substance pollutant or
contaminant according to the EPAThe EPA estimates there are 180 brownfield sites in the Lancaster area and a combined
total of 120 brownfield sites in Harrisburg and Steelton
For more information or to register to attend an information session contact Cheryl
Deitz HACC Workforce Training coordinator at 221-1338 or send email to chdeitzhaccedu
PUC Chair Urges Utilities To Participate In Programs To Create Jobs For Returning
Troops
832019 Pa Environment Digest Feb 20 2012
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Public Utility Commission Chairman Robert F Powelson Thursday urged the statersquos public
utilities to participate in several new programs proposed by Gov Tom Corbett and the Edison
Electric Institute to create jobs in the energy sector
The Chairman also noted that the time is right for job growth with the development of the
Marcellus Shale industry and electric competition across the stateldquoToday I encourage Pennsylvaniarsquos electric and natural gas utilities to learn from the
example set by EEI and participate in the Troops to Energy Jobs program as well as Governor
Corbettrsquos Jobs First PA initiative Chairman Powelson said in a statement at the PUCrsquos Public
Meeting In the days ahead the PUC will be coordinating with EEI and the Corbett
Administration to connect our energy companies with these innovative programsrdquo
The Chairman referenced Gov Corbetts annual budget address to the General Assembly
last week
ldquoIn his address the Governor recognized that the energy sector has enormous potential
for producing new jobs and putting the unemployed back to workrdquo Chairman Powelson said
ldquoIn announcing his new Jobs First program the Governor stated that lsquoas our energy sector
expands Pennsylvania needs a trained workforce ready to meet the demand for workersrsquordquoChairman Powelson said the EEI launched its Troops for Energy Jobs initiative which is
designed to accelerate the training and employability of veterans in key energy programs EEI is
currently piloting this program through five energy companies throughout the nation
For more information visit the Troops for Energy Jobs Initiative website
PA Chamber Environmental amp Energy Conference April 18 In Lancaster
The annual PA Chamber of Business and Industry Environmental and Energy Conference will be
held on April 18 at the Eden Resort Inn amp Suites in Lancaster
Major environmental regulatory areas continue to see numerous changes at the state andfederal level that impact business Thats why the Pennsylvania Chamber is offering four
learning tracks with answers you need on the latest environmental and energy issues-all in one
day
-- Compliance help from state and national top experts on the toughest environmental issues
-- Details on the latest regulatory changes and proposed changes
-- Proven strategies best practices and practical business tips to help you comply cost-effectively
in each area and
-- Advanced environmental roundtable
There will be two keynotes The Economic Benefits of Marcellus Shale and Natural Gas-
American Petroleum Institute Washington DC and Converting Trash into Renewable Energy-
National Solid Wastes Management Association Washington DCVisit with more than 50 exhibitors offering an exciting array of advanced technology
solutions and exhibitor educational sessions Access and network with more than 300 of your
peers from across the state
For more information and to register visit the Conference webpage or contact Sue Smith
at 717-720-5457 or send email to ssmithpachamberorg
Volunteers Needed To Plant 100 Acre Wind Break At Flight 93 Memorial In April
832019 Pa Environment Digest Feb 20 2012
httpslidepdfcomreaderfullpa-environment-digest-feb-20-2012 2334
The federal Office of Surface Mining Reclamation and Enforcement through their Appalachian
Regional Reforestation Initiative and the Department of Environmental Protection are working
with the National Park Service to plant a wind break at the Flight 93 Memorial in Somerset
County
Volunteers are needed to plant trees on April 20 21 27 and 28 Volunteers may sign upfor one day or multiple days
If you are interested in volunteering send a Volunteer Sign-Up Form and a Photo
Release Form and send to Leroy Renninger of the National Park Service by email
to Leroy_Renningernpsgov
State Fly Tying Champions Announced At Eastern Sports amp Outdoor Show
The Eastern Sports amp Outdoor Show Cumberland Valley Trout Unlimited Bass Pro Shops of
Harrisburg Mid Atlantic Fly Fishing Guide magazine and the Fish and Boat Commission
sponsored the Pennsylvania State Fly Tying Championship held on February 11 at the Eastern
Sports amp Outdoor Show at the State Farm Show Complex in HarrisburgThirteen contestants in three categories competed for money trophies and prizes in the
annual event to crown the best fly tyers in Pennsylvania
In the Open Division the winners are 1st Place - Andy Fresch Summerhill 2nd Place -
Ken Moser Severna Park MD 3rd Place - John Shosh Hamburg
The Amateur Division winners are 1st Place - Matthew Edinger Sharon Hill 2nd Place -
- Mike Marino Souderton and 3rd Place -- Elliott DeFrancesco Wilburton
The Youth Division winners are 1st Place - Gaeron Friedrichs Milford 2nd Place
Bobby Faust Dalmatia
The contestants at the final event were the top tiers selected from entries previously
submitted In order to qualify the entrants had to submit three flies from a list of flies for eachcategory
At the event each finalist was required to tie three flies over a two hour time period The
finalists knew ahead of time two of the flies that were to be tied and a third ldquomystery flyrdquo was
announced to them at the event
The championship will be held again at the 2013 Eastern Sports and Outdoor Show and
applications information and details will be posted at the Cumberland Valley Trout Unlimited or
Eastern Sports and Outdoor Show websites as they become available
PA State Parks Forest App Now Updated And Free
The Official Pennsylvania State Parks amp Forests App is now completely FREE This latestversion now on the market includes advanced interactive capabilities such as GPS trail mapping
the Friend Finder to keep track of your family and friends on the trail and more
Featured Update List Increased performance speed Multi-tasking Capability
GeoChallenge (GeocacheGeoQuest) Feature FREE enhanced GPS features
This new version increases performance speed and cuts activation time in half With the
new multi-tasking capability users gain enhanced user navigation The more adventurous
832019 Pa Environment Digest Feb 20 2012
httpslidepdfcomreaderfullpa-environment-digest-feb-20-2012 2434
outdoor enthusiasts will benefit from the recently added GeoChallenges that include geocache
and geoquest activities which will be updated regularly
The waypointphoto waypoint marking tools have been upgraded and there has been a
fine-tuning of the trail-tracking feature located on the side navigation bar of the free GPS
Mapping section Use the app to track record and share your explorations with others-all at no
chargeTry out the app and let the PA Parks amp Forests Foundation know what you think
Feature
Bald Eagle Pair Get Help With Home Improvement Project
While most people try to avoid home improvement projects in the winter a pair of bald eagles
got some much needed help recently from a team of Game Commission land managers with a
very important and timely renovation project
A sycamore tree on Haldeman Island has been used by at least three mated pairs as a
nesting site since 1989 The island is just upriver of the confluence of the Susquehanna and
Juniata rivers north of Harrisburg and the tree stands just across a pond from one of three
hacking towers the Game Commission used at two locations in its bald eagle recovery program
About two weeks ago one of the limbs supporting the nest collapsed under the weight of the
nest
On Friday Steve Bernardi Game Commission Land Management Group Supervisor for
Juniata Mifflin Perry and Snyder counties was joined by Terry Willow Game Lands
Maintenance Worker with the River Island Food and Cover Corps Crew and Scott Bills Land
Management Group Supervisor for Dauphin and Lebanon counties to construct a platform to
encourage the bald eagle pair to reuse this nest site
The three men measured and cut lumber used hammers and nails as well as screws anddrills to secure the lumber in place and then placed branches and sticks on the platform to
encourage the bald eagles ndash who were watching the activity while perched in nearby trees ndash to
begin rebuilding a nest
A pair built a nest in this tree in 1989 and had their first young in 1990 Bernardi said
A storm blew the original nest out of the tree in 1995 Scott Bills who was the Wildlife
Conservation Officer in Dauphin County at that time worked with a Food and Cover Corps crew
and PPL to erect the first platform similar to what we put in place on Friday
Adult bald eagles are preparing to nest and hopefully they will come back and reuse this
platform just like they did back in 1995
Haldeman Island played a key role in the recovery of bald eagles in Pennsylvania In the
1980s it was one of two locations used for reintroduction of eagles brought by the GameCommission from Canada in the early years of restoration of eagles to our state About 40
eaglets were released at the Haldeman Island tower overlooking the ponds on the north side of
the island by 1989
When the reintroduced birds successfully raised young at a nest on Haldeman in 1990
the whole state had only seven nesting pairs And there has been an active eagle nest in that spot
every year since except 2004 when the birds took a year off
832019 Pa Environment Digest Feb 20 2012
httpslidepdfcomreaderfullpa-environment-digest-feb-20-2012 2534
While we dont know if the same pair have been active that whole time the same old
sycamore tree has been used during this period and that nest has produced more than 40 young
over this period said Dan Brauning Game Commission Wildlife Diversity Division chief
Since the site is well-protected on a Game Commission island with limited access this site has
particular value to us
Continued support for this nest will help sustain this historic location in the recovery of baldeagles in Pennsylvania
In 1983 the Game Commission began a seven-year bald eagle restoration program in
which the agency sent employees to Saskatchewan to obtain eaglets from wilderness nests The
Richard King Mellon Foundation of Pittsburgh and the federal Endangered Species Fund
provided financial assistance for this effort
In all 88 bald eaglets from Canada were released from sites at Dauphin Countys
Haldeman Island and Pike Countys Shohola Falls The resurgence of eagles in Pennsylvania is
directly related to this program which also was carried out in other states in the Northeast
When the restoration program began in 1983 only three Crawford County nests remained
in the state By 2006 the agency announced that the state had surpassed the 100 bald eagle nest
mark Just five years later in 2011 the number of known bald eagle nests had doubled to 203spread out over 50 counties
Residents aware of a bald eagle nest ndash which are among the largest nests of all birds ndash in
their area should consider reporting it to the Pennsylvania Game Commission The easiest way to
contact the agency by sending email to pgccommentspagov Use the words Eagle Nest
Information in the subject field
The Game Commission continues to further the publics understanding of bald eagles In
2010 a comprehensive Bald Eagle threatened species account and Bald Eagle Nest Etiquette
guide were added to the agencys website
In 2011 the agency launched its series of Eagle-watching in Pennsylvania guides that
will help direct those interested in viewing bald eagles in the wild on where to go how to getthere what to expect and other wildlife viewing opportunities available at each site
Currently posted are eagle-watching guides for Erie National Wildlife Refuge Crawford
County Conneaut Marsh Geneva Marsh State Game Land 213 Crawford County Raystown
Lake Huntingdon County State Game Land 180 Shohola Lake Pike County Middle Creek
Wildlife Management Area Lebanon and Lancaster counties Bald Eagle State Park Centre
County Glendale Lake Price Gallitzin State Park Cambria County John Heinz National
Wildlife Refuge Philadelphia and Delaware counties Lower Susquehanna River Lancaster and
York counties Moraine State Park Butler County Pine Creek Valley Lycoming and Tioga
counties Promised Land State Park Pike County Pymatuning Reservoir Crawford County and
the Upper Delaware River in Pike Wayne and Monroe counties
Game Commission Announces April 1 Deadline For Ads In Hunting-Trapping Digest
Game Commission Executive Director Carl G Roe Thursday announced Liberty Press
Publications publisher of the Pennsylvania Digest of Hunting amp Trapping Regulations has set
April 1 as the deadline for advertising copy in the 2012-13 Digest Click Here for details
For advertising information contact Liberty Press Publications toll-free at
1-800-296-6402
832019 Pa Environment Digest Feb 20 2012
httpslidepdfcomreaderfullpa-environment-digest-feb-20-2012 2634
Opportunity To Bid On McKean County Abandoned Well Plugging Project
The Department of Environmental Protection published notice of an opportunity to bid on a
project to plug 24 abandoned oil wells in McKean County
Help Wanted Chesapeake Bay Foundation PA Grassroots Coordinator Field Specialist
The Chesapeake Bay Foundation is seeking a PA Grassroots Coordinator and a Field Specialist
to be based at their Pennsylvania State Office located in Harrisburg This position is a 2 year
term position with the possibility of extension Click Here for details
Help Wanted Conewago Creek Assistant Project Coordinator
Penn State Cooperative Extension on behalf of the Conewago Creek Initiative seeks an Assistant
Project Coordinator to be an integral part of a dynamic partnership team working together with
local state and federal partnersThe Assistant Project Coordinator will report to the Director of the Lower Susquehanna
Initiative who serves as the Project Coordinator for the Conewago Creek Initiative
The deadline for applications is March 1 Click Here for details
Help Wanted ALLARM Assistant Director Of Outreach Marcellus
The Alliance for Aquatic Resource Monitoring (ALLARM) is seeking candidate to fill a third
full time position to the organization-- Assistant Director of Outreach-- to assist with Marcellus
Monitoring program training community volunteers throughout the shale gas regions in
Pennsylvania to monitor small streams for early pollution detection Click Here for fullannouncement
Grants amp 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
February 23-- PA Pathways To Green Schools Nominations
February 24-- PA Trout In The Classroom Grants
February 29-- EPA Environmental Justice Small Grants
February 29-- Ben Franklin BIG IDEA Business Plan ContestFebruary 29-- PA American Water Stream of Learning Scholarships
February 29-- West Branch Susquehanna Orange Rock Awards
March 1-- Erie TreeVitalize Grants
March 2-- Coca-Cola Keep America Beautiful Recycling Bin Grants
March 2-- Conservation Innovation Grants Chesapeake Bay Nutrient Credit Grants
March 5-- TogetherGreen Fellowship and Innovation Grants
832019 Pa Environment Digest Feb 20 2012
httpslidepdfcomreaderfullpa-environment-digest-feb-20-2012 2734
March 5-- PECDominion Western PA Environmental Awards
March 10-- PA American Water Environmental Grants
March 15-- NEW Keep PA Beautiful Greenways Mini-Grants
March 23-- Water Resources Education Network Grants
March 30-- PA American Water Protect Our Watersheds Student Art Contest
March 31-- DEP Host Municipal Inspector GrantsApril 3-- West Penn Power Sustainable Energy Fund Grants Loans
April 4-- DCNR Community Conservation Partnership Grants
April 15-- Wild Resource Conservation Fund Income Tax Checkoff Deadline
March 1-- Keystone Historic Preservation Project and Construction Grants
August 1-- PA Snowmobile Assn Trail Improvement Grants
August 24-- Foundation for PA Watershed Grants
September 1-- Erie TreeVitalize Grants
October 31-- PA Resources Council Lens On Litter Contest
-- Visit the DEP Grants and Loan Programs webpage for more ideas on how to get financial
assistance for environmental projects
BudgetQuick Clips
Heres a selection of NewClips on environmental topics from around the state--
Budget
Corbett Signs Marcellus Shale Fee Into Law
Corbett Signs Shale Well Impact Fee Into Law
Corbett Approves Marcellus Shale Fee
Bradford Commissioner Foolish Not To Accept Drilling Fee MoneyWhats Next For PAs Impact Fee Bradford Against Fee
Bradford Commissioners Disagree On Drilling Fee
Washington County To Seek Marcellus Fees
Editorial Corbetts Gas Fee About To Evaporate
Robinson Twp To Contest New Marcellus Law
South Fayette Eyes Legal Action On Drilling Bill
Fish amp Boat Commission Grateful For Marcellus Fees
PUC Eyes Private Firm For Impact Fee Collection
PUC Chair Let Marcellus Play Come To Us
PUC Would Get Shale Role Under Drilling Bill
Editorial It Makes Sense For PUC To Deal With Drilling NE Counties To Raise Millions Or Nothing Under Drilling Fee
House Capital Budget Bill Debate Focuses On Jobs
House GOP Marcellus Bill A Win For Jobs
Norquists No-Tax Pledge Cant Give Drill Fee The Ax
PA Natural Gas Levy Became Inevitable
Bradford Commissioners Disagree On Drilling Fee
832019 Pa Environment Digest Feb 20 2012
httpslidepdfcomreaderfullpa-environment-digest-feb-20-2012 2834
Vertical Exploratory Wells Wont Be Hit With Drilling Fee
Impact Fee Bill Addresses Housing Needs
Op-Ed Natural Gas Fee May Be Too Late
Editorial Marcellus Fee A Tax Stupid
Editorial Shale Drillers Got The Better Part Of Deal
Corbett Raiding Special FundsCan Pennsylvanians Survive Under Another Corbett Budget
As Roads Bridges Deteriorate Governor Silent
Analysis Taking Baby Steps On Fixing Roads Bridges
Editorial Must A Bridge Fall Down
House Capital Budget Bill Debate Focuses On Jobs
Editorial Capital Budget Funds Must Be Kept Under Control
Obama Cuts EPA Increases Chesapeake Bay Program
Chesapeake Bay Program Increased Under Obama Budget
EPA Budget Cut For States Superfund Cleanup
Obama Proposes $14 Million For Fracking Research
$67 Million Requested For Federal Pipeline SafetyDCNR Secretary Says Report On Wildlife Research Not Accurate
Other
Electronics Recycling Date Set At Greensburg Mall
Hershey Plants Achieve Zero Waste Status
RecycleBank Named On Of Worlds Most Innovative Companies
Editorial Fine Litterers No Ifs Or Butts
Corbett Signs 3 Energy Sector Bills
Op-Ed Anti-Coal Agenda Is Detrimental To PA
Op-Ed Global Warming As Fact Not Hypothesis
Op-Ed Climate Change Education Is NecessaryHomer City Power Plant Still To Dirty Groups Claim
DEP Sets March 14 Public Hearing On Homer City Power Plant
Concerns Voiced Over PPL Lines
Consumer Alert Electricity Price Discounts Heat Up
Turbine Load To Hit The Road To Holtwood Dam
PPL Plans $664 Million In Electric Delivery System Improvements
Exelon Gives Dauphin County $110000 For Emergency Response
Groups Ask For Expansion Of Nuclear Plant Evacuation Zone
Feds Give PPL Reactor Low Grade
Allentown Council Rejects Waste-To-Energy Sewage Plant
GE Invests In Cleaner Evolution LocomotiveDEP Hopeful Buyer Will Emerge For ConocoPhillips Refinery
DEP Renews ConocoPhillips Trainer Refinery Discharge Permit
100 Sunoco Workers In PA Get Layoff Notices
Meehan PA Refinery Closures Threat To National Security
Refinery Closings Could Affect 15000 Jobs Study Says
Gasoline Could Reach $5 By July 4
$4 A Gallon Gasoline By Memorial Day
832019 Pa Environment Digest Feb 20 2012
httpslidepdfcomreaderfullpa-environment-digest-feb-20-2012 2934
Gasoline Prices Have Never Been This High This Early
Electric Bicycle Waiver Sought
Land Bank Bill Newest Anti-Blight Tool
Game Commission Prepares For Controlled Burn On Centre County
2012 Great Backyard Bird Count Begins Friday
Birders-Eye View Of Conservation In PhiladelphiaState Could Take Over Refurbished Point State Park
New Ohiopyle Visitors Center Project To Be Bid This Spring
Winterfest At Ohiopyle No Snow Still A Go
Protecting Landscapes Changing Face Of Conservation
Marcellus Shale NewsClips
Here are NewsClips on topics related to Marcellus Shale natural gas drilling---
Corbett Signs Marcellus Shale Fee Into Law
Corbett Signs Shale Well Impact Fee Into Law
Corbett Approves Marcellus Shale Fee
Bradford Commissioner Foolish Not To Accept Drilling Fee Money
Whats Next For PAs Impact Fee Bradford Against Fee
Bradford Commissioners Disagree On Drilling Fee
Washington County To Seek Marcellus Fees
Editorial Corbetts Gas Fee About To Evaporate
Robinson Twp To Contest New Marcellus Law
South Fayette Eyes Legal Action On Drilling Bill
Fish amp Boat Commission Grateful For Marcellus Fees
PUC Eyes Private Firm For Impact Fee CollectionPUC Chair Let Marcellus Play Come To Us
PUC Would Get Shale Role Under Drilling Bill
Editorial It Makes Sense For PUC To Deal With Drilling
Corbett Raiding Special Funds
NE Counties To Raise Millions Or Nothing Under Drilling Fee
House GOP Marcellus Bill A Win For Jobs
Norquists No-Tax Pledge Cant Give Drill Fee The Ax
PA Natural Gas Levy Became Inevitable
Wayne County Landowners Push For Drilling
Vertical Exploratory Wells Wont Be Hit With Drilling Fee
Impact Fee Bill Addresses Housing NeedsDrilling Bill Authors Health Experts Fears Unfounded
Health Officials Drilling Law Disclosure Rules Lax
Op-Ed Natural Gas Fee May Be Too Late
Editorial Marcellus Fee A Tax Stupid
Editorial Shale Drillers Got The Better Part Of Deal
Delaware Riverkeeper Reports Settlement Over Gas Well
832019 Pa Environment Digest Feb 20 2012
httpslidepdfcomreaderfullpa-environment-digest-feb-20-2012 3034
EPA Probing Washington County Shale Operations
Marcellus Boom Has Pressed Law Firms To Boost Their Staffs
25 More State Troopers In NE Shale Region
Recorders Of Deeds May Not Reject Multiple Gas Leases
Rural Loophole Curbing PA Pipeline Inspections
Pipeline Tested Ahead Of Tie-In To Shale WellsFirefighters Learn To Deal With Drilling Emergencies
Assessing PGWs Liquid Natural Gas Future
Dominion Resources Playing Responsible Role In Drilling
Report Philly Should Consider Selling Gas Company
Company Files For Gas Drilling Permit In Bucks County
Gas Drilling Debate Returns To Bucks County
Shale Drillers Drinking From Slippery Rock Creek
Gas Wells With Smaller Footprint Get Greater Scrutiny
PennEnvironment Violations Report Half-Baked
Water Tanker Truck Lands In Creek In Monroe Twp
Industry Says Over 93230 New Hires As A Result Of Marcellus ShaleBCCC Begins Classes For Marcellus Shale Workers
Marcellus Gas Creates Demand For Cars
Ex-Drilling Exec Took Nearly $1 Million Or More
Op-Ed Gas Drillers New Wild West
Marcellus Gas Production Rises So Does Recycling
FinancialOther StatesNational
Drillers Cut Natural Gas Production As Prices Drop
Talisman Cutting Back Drilling Plans
Ultra Petroleum Reports 2011 Financial Operating Results
Gas Firms Drill Less As Prices Nose DiveObama Proposes $14 Million For Fracking Research
$67 Million Requested For Federal Pipeline Safety
FloodingWatershed NewsClips
Here are NewsClips on watershed topics from around the state--
Flooding
New Bank Coming To Flood-Ravaged Shickshinny
Other Watershed NewsClips
Mon River QUEST Wins Regional IMPACT AwardEPA Evaluates States Chesapeake Bay Plans
Shale Drillers Drinking From Slippery Rock Creek
Sewage Woes Close Lewisburg Area Park
$375000 To Aid Little Buck Run Restoration Effort
Loyalhanna Creek Sewage Overflow Problem Goes To State
Turbine Load To Hit The Road To Holtwood Dam
832019 Pa Environment Digest Feb 20 2012
httpslidepdfcomreaderfullpa-environment-digest-feb-20-2012 3134
Funding Sought For Restoration Of Speedwell Lake
Obama Cuts EPA Increases Chesapeake Bay Program
Chesapeake Bay Program Increased Under Obama Budget
EPA Budget Cut For States Superfund Cleanup
Editorial Delaware Dredging A Step Closer
Regulations Technical Guidance amp Permits
No new regulations were published this week Pennsylvania Bulletin - February 18 2012
Proposed Regulations Open For Comment - DEP webpage
Proposed Regulations With Closed Comment Periods - DEP webpage
DEP Regulatory Agenda - DEP webpage
Technical Guidance amp Permits
The Department of Environmental Protection published notice of bond rate calculations for mine
reclamation The Fish and Boat Commission published notice of nursery water designation for
the Shenango River Crawford County
DEP also published an update to the list of companies certified to perform radon-related
activities (PA Bulletin page 994)
Technical Guidance Comment Deadlines - DEP webpage
Copies Of Draft Technical Guidance - DEP webpage
Copies of Final Technical Guidance - DEP webpage
Calendar Of Events
Upcoming legislative meetings conferences workshops plus links to other online calendars
Meetings are in Harrisburg unless otherwise noted NEW means new from last week Go to the
online Calendar webpage
Click on Agenda Released on calendar entries to see the NEW meeting agendas published this
week
Note You can watch the hearings live through the Senate webpage and the House webpage or
on the PA Cable Network website
832019 Pa Environment Digest Feb 20 2012
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February 21-- House Appropriations Committee budget hearings 930 - Global Economy
1100 - Independent Fiscal Office 130 - Department of Revenue Room 140
February 21-- CANCELED Environmental Quality Board meeting Next scheduled meeting is
March 20 ( formal notice )
February 21-- Agenda Released DEP Citizens Advisory Council meeting Room 105 Rachel
Carson Building 1130
February 22-- Senate Appropriations Committee budget hearings 930 - Department of
Environmental Protection 100 - Department of Transportation Hearing Room 1 North Office
February 23-- NEW House Democratic Policy Committee holds a hearing on Southeast PA oil
refinery closings National Constitution Center Philadelphia 1000
February 27-- House Appropriations Committee budget hearings 1000 - Public Utility
Commission 1100 - Office of Consumer Advocate Small Business Advocate Room 140
February 27-- NEW House Democratic Policy Committee holds a hearing on Marcellus Shale
air emissions Bryn Mawr Presbyterian Church Bryn Mawr 1000
February 28-- Senate Appropriations Committee budget hearings 100 - Department of
Agriculture Hearing Room 1 North Office
February 28-- House Appropriations Committee budget hearings 930 - Department of
Agriculture 1030 - Department of Conservation and Natural Resources Room 140
February 29-- Senate Appropriations Committee budget hearings 930 - PA Emergency
Management Agency Hearing Room 1 North Office
February 29-- House Game and Fisheries Committee informational meeting on Fish and Boat
Commissions Annual Report Room 39 East Wing 1000
February 29-- House Appropriations Committee budget hearings 930 - Department of
Transportation 300 - Department of Environmental Protection Room 140
March 1-- House Appropriations Committee budget hearings 1000 Department of Labor amp
Industry 100 - Department of Community and Economic Development Room 140
March 6-- House Appropriations Committee budget hearings 930 - State PoliceOffice of
Homeland Security 1100 - PA Emergency Management Agency 300 - Department of General
Services Room 140
March 6-- CANCELED DEP Storage Tank Advisory Committee meeting Next scheduled
meeting is June 5 ( formal notice )
832019 Pa Environment Digest Feb 20 2012
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March 7-- House Game and Fisheries Committee informational meeting on Game Commissions
Annual Report Room 39 East Wing 1000
March 8-- House Appropriations Committee budget hearings 1000 - Budget Secretary 100 -
House Member Testimony Room 140
March 14-- DEP Air Quality Technical Advisory Committee meeting Room 105 Rachel Carson
Building 915 ( formal notice )
March 26-- Environmental Issues Forum Joint Legislative Air and Water Pollution Control and
Conservation Committee featuring a presentation by DCNR Secretary Richard Allan (Location
to be determined) Noon
DEP Calendar of Events
Note The Environmental Education Workshop Calendar is no longer available from the PACenter for Environmental Education because funding for the Center was eliminated in the FY
2011-12 state budget The PCEE website was also shutdown but some content was moved to
the PA Association of Environmental Educators website
Senate Committee Schedule House Committee Schedule
You can watch the Senate Floor Session and House Floor Session live online
Stories Invited
Send your stories photos and videos about your project environmental issues or programs for
publication in the PA Environment Digest to DHessCrisciAssociatescom
PA Environment Digest is edited by David E Hess former Secretary Pennsylvania Department
of Environmental Protection and is published as a service to the clients of Crisci Associates a
Harrisburg-based government and public affairs firm whose clients include Fortune 500
companies and non-profit organizations For more information on Crisci Associates call
717-234-1716
PA Environment Digest weekly was the winner of the PA Association of Environmental
Educators 2009 Business Partner of the Year Award
Also sign up for these other services from Crisci Associates--
PA Environment Digest Twitter Feed On Twitter sign up to receive instant updates from
PAEnviroDigest
832019 Pa Environment Digest Feb 20 2012
httpslidepdfcomreaderfullpa-environment-digest-feb-20-2012 3434
PA Environment Daily Blog provides daily environmental NewsClips and significant stories
and announcements on environmental topics in Pennsylvania of immediate value Sign up and
receive as they are posted updates through your favorite RSS reader You can also sign up for a
once daily email alerting you to new items posted on this blog
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you to new items posted on this blog
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going to wwwTwittercomPaCapitolDigest or click on this link for the regular daily PA
Capitol Digest Blog to get other news from in and around the Pennsylvania State Capitol
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PA Environment Digest is a supporting member of the Pennsylvania Outdoor Writers
Association Pennsylvania Council Trout Unlimited and the Doc Fritchey Chapter Trout
Unlimited
832019 Pa Environment Digest Feb 20 2012
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As usual the Committee dispensed with Secretary Allans prepared remarks Here are
some of the highlights from the questions asked--
Drilling Leases There are no plans to lease additional State Forest Land but if they would they
would follow the recommendations of the Governors Marcellus Shale Commission to only do
leases where they leave little or no surface impactOf the 812 well permits have been approved by DCNR on State Forest land 778
Marcellus Shale wells have been permitted by DEP 442 wells have been drilled and there are
152 producing wells
DCNR anticipates receiving $65 million in FY 2012-13 in royalties and rents from
drilling Secretary Allan said He said there may be some decrease in drilling revenues in the
next year or so with lower natural gas prices
In response to a question Secretary Allan said the agency professionals are constantly
monitoring drilling companies to make sure they comply with their leases and agency best
management practices He said so far the drillers have been good stewards and have minimized
their impacts on State Forest lands
Drilling In State Parks DCNR has a policy that there will be no drilling in State Parks where
the state owns the mineral rights Secretary Allan said Unfortunately he said the state owns
mineral rights on only 20 percent of the land in State Parks and on 80 percent in State Forests
He said DCNR will look to enforce their guidelines and best management practices on drillers
on State Park land and other areas where they dont own mineral rights to make sure any surface
impacts are minimized
State Parks In spite of budget constraints Secretary Allan said DCNR anticipates being able to
keep all State Parks open and available for residents but acknowledged there may be some
changes in some services offered such as the hours in some parksSecretary Allan said an updated economic study shows for every dollar invested State
Parks bring in $12 for a total of $11 billion of economic activity annually and they support over
13000 jobs in and around the parks
Keystone Fund The proposed transfer of all DCNR revenues from the Keystone Parks and
Conservation Fund to the General Fund Secretary Allan said will require the agency to look to
other sources of monies to support their operations like the Oil and Gas Fund the
Environmental Stewardship (Growing Greener) Fund and the new drilling fee revenue
He said he advised the Governors Office the reduction in funding will require the agency
to put off some maintenance projects and reduce the funding going for grants
Secretary Allan said he believes in the future there will be more revenue in the Oil andGas Fund and from the new drilling fee to replace at least some of the Keystone Fund monies
Oil and Gas Lease Fund Secretary Allan said he does not believe the transfers from the Oil
and Gas Fund to the agency to pay administrative expenses violate the intended use of the Oil
and Gas Fund Approximately 30 percent of DCNRs administrative budget is now supported by
the Fund
832019 Pa Environment Digest Feb 20 2012
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Gas Pipelines Secretary Allan said the agency has asked drilling companies to locate natural
gas gathering pipelines on existing rights-of-way where possible and that DCNR staff foresters
geologists and other professionals work closely with the drilling companies on the details of
pipeline routing
Wild Resource Research In response to a question about a controversy over a reduction inWild Resource Conservation grants Secretary Allan said much of the information about the cuts
were inaccurate He said his review of grant applications showed a significant amount of the
funding was duplicating the research already done by DCNR professional staff (see 262012
story )
Complement DCNR now has an authorized complement of about 1375 The budget proposal
will require the agency to reduce that by 14 positions but those reductions will be done through
attrition and elimination of vacant positions
Flood Damage DCNR had about $6 million in damage from flooding last fall Secretary Allan
said they submitted those damages to the Federal Emergency Management Agency for potentialreimbursement
Dogs In State Parks Secretary Allan said DCNR has a pilot project underway to allow visitors
using cabins and camping areas to bring their dogs He said they are still evaluating the results
A copy of Secretary Allans remarks are available online
NewsClip DCNR Secretary Says Report On Wildlife Research Not Accurate
Related Stories
Governors Budget Cuts Environment Again Keystone Fund Zeroed Out For DCNR The Record $18 Billion CutDiverted From Environmental Programs Last 10 Years
Senate House Budget Hearing Schedule
Note You can watch the hearings live through the Senate webpage and the House webpage or
on the PA Cable Network website
NewsClips
Corbett Signs Marcellus Shale Fee Into Law
Corbett Signs Shale Well Impact Fee Into Law
Corbett Approves Marcellus Shale Fee
Bradford Commissioner Foolish Not To Accept Drilling Fee MoneyBradford Commissioners Disagree On Drilling Fee
Whats Next For PAs Impact Fee Bradford Against Fee
Bradford Commissioners Disagree On Drilling Fee
Washington County To Seek Marcellus Fees
Editorial Corbetts Gas Fee About To Evaporate
Robinson Twp To Contest New Marcellus Law
South Fayette Eyes Legal Action On Drilling Bill
832019 Pa Environment Digest Feb 20 2012
httpslidepdfcomreaderfullpa-environment-digest-feb-20-2012 734
Fish amp Boat Commission Grateful For Marcellus Fees
PUC Eyes Private Firm For Impact Fee Collection
PUC Chair Let Marcellus Play Come To Us
PUC Would Get Shale Role Under Drilling Bill
Editorial It Makes Sense For PUC To Deal With Drilling
NE Counties To Raise Millions Or Nothing Under Drilling FeeHouse GOP Marcellus Bill A Win For Jobs
Norquists No-Tax Pledge Cant Give Drill Fee The Ax
PA Natural Gas Levy Became Inevitable
Vertical Exploratory Wells Wont Be Hit With Drilling Fee
Impact Fee Bill Addresses Housing Needs
Drilling Bill Authors Health Experts Fears Unfounded
Health Officials Drilling Law Disclosure Rules Lax
Op-Ed Natural Gas Fee May Be Too Late
Editorial Marcellus Fee A Tax Stupid
Editorial Shale Drillers Got The Better Part Of Deal
Corbett Raiding Special FundsHouse Capital Budget Bill Debate Focuses On Jobs
Editorial Capital Budget Funds Must Be Kept Under Control
Can Pennsylvanians Survive Under Another Corbett Budget
As Roads Bridges Deteriorate Governor Silent
Analysis Taking Baby Steps On Fixing Roads Bridges
Editorial Must A Bridge Fall Down
Obama Cuts EPA Increases Chesapeake Bay Program
Chesapeake Bay Program Increased Under Obama Budget
EPA Budget Cut For States Superfund Cleanup
Obama Proposes $14 Million For Fracking Research$67 Million Requested For Federal Pipeline Safety
Schedule For Remaining Senate House Budget Hearings
The Senate and House Appropriations Committees both have budget hearings scheduled this
week on Gov Corbetts proposed budget You can watch the hearings live through the Senate
webpage and the House webpage or on the PA Cable Network website
Heres the schedule of the remaining budget hearings--
February 21-- House Appropriations Committee budget hearings 930 - Global Economy
1100 - Independent Fiscal Office 130 - Department of Revenue All House hearings will be inRoom 140
February 22-- Senate Appropriations Committee budget hearings 930 - Department of
Environmental Protection 100 - Department of Transportation
February 27-- House Appropriations Committee budget hearings 1000 - Public Utility
Commission 1100 - Office of Consumer Advocate Small Business Advocate
832019 Pa Environment Digest Feb 20 2012
httpslidepdfcomreaderfullpa-environment-digest-feb-20-2012 834
832019 Pa Environment Digest Feb 20 2012
httpslidepdfcomreaderfullpa-environment-digest-feb-20-2012 934
updates through your favorite RSS read You can also sign up for a once daily email alerting
you to new items posted on this blog
PA Capitol Digest Daily Blog to get updates every day on Pennsylvania State Government
including NewsClips coverage of key press conferences and more Sign up and receive as they
are posted updates through your favorite RSS reader You can also sign up for a once dailyemail alerting you to new items posted on this blog
PA Capitol Digest Twitter Feed Dont forget to sign up to receive the PA Capitol Digest
Twitter feed to get instant updates on other news from in and around the Pennsylvania State
Capitol
SenateHouse AgendaSession ScheduleBills Introduced
Here are the Senate and House Calendars and Committee meetings showing bills of interest as
well as a list of new environmental bills introduced--
Session Schedule
Here is the latest voting session schedule for the Senate and House--
Senate
Budget Hearings Feb 21 22 23 27 28 29 and March 1
March 5 6 7 12 13 14 26 27 28
April 2 3 30
May 1 2 7 8 9 21 22 23
June 4 5 6 11 12 13 18 19 20 25 26 27 28 29
House
Budget Hearings Feb 21 22 23 24 27 28 29 March 1 2 5 6 7 8 9
March 12 13 14 26 27 28
April 2 3 4 30
May 1 2 7 8 9 21 22 23
June 4 5 6 11 12 13 18 19 20 21 22 25 26 27 28 29
Bill Calendars
House (March 12) House Bill 1934 (FKeller-R-Snyder) excluding people residing in federal or state facilities for determining when a municipality must recycle House Resolution 438 (Cruz-
D-Philadelphia) urging Philadelphia to establish a waste tire removal and disposal
program House Resolution 423 (Petri-R-Bucks) directing the Legislative Budget and Finance
Committee to study state funding formulas and how they impact counties House Resolution
505 (Preston-D-Allegheny) disapproving the PUC regulation on natural gas competition
ltgt Click Here for full House Bill Calendar
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Senate (March 5) Senate Bill 1324 (Yaw-R-Bradford) quieting mineral property title
rights Senate Bill 1398 (Yudichak-D-Luzerne) extending the Underground Storage Tank
Environmental Cleanup Program from 2012 to 2017 House Bill 1813 (Tobash-R-Schuylkill)
further providing for anthracite reclamation fees and guarantees ltgt Click Here for full Senate
Bill Calendar
Committees
House the Appropriations Committee holds budget hearings on Global Economy
Independent Fiscal Office Department of Revenue the House Democratic Policy
Committee holds a hearing on Southeast PA oil refinery closings in Philadelphia ltgt Click
Here for full House Committee Schedule
Senate the Appropriations Committee holds budget hearings on Department of
Environmental Protection Department of Transportation ltgt Click Here for full Senate
Committee Schedule
Note You can watch the hearings live through the Senate webpage and the House webpage or
on the PA Cable Network website
Bills Introduced
The following bills of interest were introduced this week--
Defining Chronic Dementia House Bill 2196 (Curry-D-Montgomery) amending the Older
Adult Protective Services Act to define chronic dementia and cognitive impairment and making
other changes
Oil amp Gas Dust House Bill 2197 (Curry-D-Montgomery) amending the Air Pollution Control
Act to make dust from oil and gas operations air pollution under the act
Cambria County Land Senate Bill 1425 (Wozniak-D-Cambria) authority DCNR to lease
certain State Forest land in Cambria County to an alternative energy company
Bills On Governors Desk
The following bill was given final approval by the Senate and House and is now with the
Governor for his action--
Infrastructure Funding House Bill 1294 (Godshall-R-Montgomery) authorizing the PUC to
establish a distribution system improvement charge (DSIC) as an alternative to regular rate cases
to recover costs associated with replacing pipelines and other utility infrastructure A summary
and House Fiscal Note are available The bill was signed into law by the Governor as Act 11
NewsClips Corbett Signs 3 Energy Sector Bills
832019 Pa Environment Digest Feb 20 2012
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Marcellus Shale House Bill 1950 (Ellis-R-Butler) imposing a Marcellus Shale drilling fee and
enacting a laundry list of additional environmental protection measures related to drilling was
signed into law by the Governor as Act 13
SenateHouse Bills Moving
The following bills of interest saw action this week in the House and Senate--
Senate
Nominations Gov Corbett this week re-nominated John Coleman as a Commissioner on the
Public Utility Commission
House
Conservation Easements House Bill 2059 (Miller-R-York) amending the Agricultural Area
Security Law to provide for the inspection of agricultural conservation easements on at least a
biennial basis (a summary and House Fiscal Note are available) and House Bill 2106 (Ross-R-
Chester) further providing for the relinquishment of the right to farmland preservation (a
summary and House Fiscal Note are available) were referred into and out of the House
Appropriations Committee and passed by the House The bills now go to the Senate for
consideration
Land Banks House Bill 1682 (Taylor-R-Philadelphia) providing for the creation of land banks
for the conversion of vacant properties into productive use was removed from the Table
amended on the House Floor and referred into and out of the House Appropriations Committeeand passed by the House A summary and House Fiscal Note are available The bill now goes to
the Senate for consideration
NewsClip Land Bank Bill Newest Anti-Blight Tool
Capital Budget Process House Bill 2175 (Turzai-R-Allegheny) making changes to Capital
Budget process and reducing the ability of state government to borrow and spend taxpayer
dollars was reported out of the House Finance Committee debated in the House and referred to
the House Appropriations Committee
NewsClip House Capital Budget Bill Debate Focuses On Jobs
Transportation Partnerships House Bill 3 (Geist-R-Blair) authorizing public-privatetransportation partnerships was amended on the House Floor and was referred to the House
Appropriations Committee
Recycling Requirement House Bill 1934 (FKeller-R-Snyder) excluding people residing in
federal or state facilities for determining when a municipality must recycle was reported out of
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httpslidepdfcomreaderfullpa-environment-digest-feb-20-2012 1234
the House Environmental Resources and Energy Committee and is on the House Calendar for
action
News From The Capitol
House Committee Moves Capital Budget Reform Legislation
The House Finance Committee Monday reported out House Bill 2175 (Turzai-R-Allegheny)
making changes to Capital Budget process and reducing the ability of state government to
borrow and spend taxpayer dollars
ldquoThe balance on the statersquos credit card is too highrdquo Rep Kerry Benninghoff (R-Mifflin)
Majority Chair of the Committee said ldquoItrsquos time to pay down the debt and stop spending money
that taxpayers donrsquot haverdquo
House Bill 2175 would reduce the debt ceiling of the Commonwealthrsquos Redevelopment
Assistance Capital Project (RACP) a program created to fund economic development and
infrastructure projects using borrowed money
In 1999 the program had a debt ceiling of approximately $12 billion Since that time
approximately 8000 projects have been added to the programrsquos list and the debt ceiling was
raised to more than $4 billion
The program has come under recurring scrutiny after funding was used to help build
stadiums for professional sports teams and projects honoring former politicians Millions of
dollars were earmarked through the program to fund a library named after former US Senator
Arlen Specter and a public policy center named after former Congressman John Murtha
ldquoPeople are tired of seeing their hard-earned money used to pay for legacy projects for
politiciansrdquo Rep Benninghoff said ldquoThis program has gone far outside its original intent of
providing help with legitimate economic development projectsrdquo
The bill would reduce the RACP debt ceiling initially by a half-billion dollars to $35 billion and then continue to incrementally decrease the debt limit until it falls to $15 billion The
legislation also calls for stricter limits on the type of projects eligible to receive funding and
would increase oversight of the program
ldquoWe want to lower the credit limit on the statersquos credit cardrdquo Rep Benninghoff said
ldquoThis would reduce the ability of state government to spend money that taxpayers donrsquot haverdquo
House Bill 2175 now heads to the full House for consideration
NewsClips House Capital Budget Bill Debate Focuses On Jobs
Editorial Capital Budget Funds Must Be Kept Under Control
Report On Game Commission Strategic Plan Released By Joint Committee
The Joint Legislative Budget and Finance Committee this week released the fifth in a series of
progress reports on the Game Commissions compliance with its strategic plan A copy of the
report highlights and the full report are available online
News From Around The State
832019 Pa Environment Digest Feb 20 2012
httpslidepdfcomreaderfullpa-environment-digest-feb-20-2012 1334
EPA States On Track To Meet Chesapeake Bay Cleanup Goals PA Plan Needs Work
Delaware Maryland Pennsylvania Virginia West Virginia and the District of Columbia are
generally on track to meet pollution reduction goals for the Chesapeake Bay and its rivers by
2025 according to the US Environmental Protection Agencyrsquos evaluations of the jurisdictions
cleanup plansThe six Bay states and the District of Columbia recently submitted their Phase II
Watershed Implementation Plans (WIPs) and their 2012-2013 pollution reduction milestones
These plans lay out how each jurisdiction will meet pollution reduction goals set by the EPA in
the Chesapeake Bay TMDL
Overall the jurisdictions built considerably upon their Phase I plans according to the
EPA The Phase II plans provide more specific cleanup strategies and detail restoration actions
on a local level
In a cover letter transmitting comments to the Department of Environmental Protection
on Pennsylvanias Plan EPA said greatly appreciate(s) the efforts of the Pennsylvania
Department of Environmental Protection and your partner agencies as well as stakeholder groups
in the development of these documents (WIP)The letter said EPAs primary concern is the WIP does not identify important next steps
to implement core initiatives of Pennsylvanias Phase I agriculture strategy such as supporting
manure to energy technologies and development of methods to defensibly track and report non-
cost-shared practices These strategies account for a sizable portion of the nutrient and sediment
reductions in the Plan
EPA also said it lacks assurance that Pennsylvania will be able to achieve the
reductions in stormwater loads identified in the WIP through methods such as reissuing the
PAG-13 General Permit for Municipal Separate Storm Sewer System permittees
A copy of the detailed comments is available online along with related comments related
documents Other state evaluations are also available EPA is still reviewing New Yorkrsquos planwhich was submitted after the deadline
The EPA said it will continue to work with the jurisdictions between now and March 30
when the final Phase II WIPs are due
CBF Funding Now Available For Farm Conservation Improvements In Northcentral PA
The Chesapeake Bay Foundation is pleased to announce funding is now available to farmers
interested in improving farm profitability and water quality through the installation of on-farm
conservation practices in Bradford Sullivan Susquehanna Tioga Wyoming and Lycoming
counties
The funding is being made available through CBFrsquos ldquoBuffer Bonusrdquo program incooperation with the Bradford County Conservation District The program has enabled current
and past participants to make onfarm improvements including rotational grazing practices such
as fencing watering systems and laneways
Other options include the installation of waste transfer lines for milk house waste and
silage leachate stabilization of access roads and the installation of roof gutters to include a few
ldquoThese conservation improvements are a win-win for both the farmer and local water
qualityrdquo said Jennifer Johns CBF Buffer Specialist in Bradford County ldquoWhile each project
832019 Pa Environment Digest Feb 20 2012
httpslidepdfcomreaderfullpa-environment-digest-feb-20-2012 1434
ultimately produces different results we find that creating healthier living conditions for the
livestock through the installation of conservation practices improves herd health and the farmerrsquos
bottom linerdquo
Another goal of this program is to provide at no cost to the farmer a new or updated
Conservation and Nutrient Management Plan By combining this plan with an engineerrsquos
evaluation of the farm which is also provided the plans are then considered a Comprehensive Nutrient Management Plan or a CNMP
Having a CNMP enables the farmer to apply for federal funding to assist with larger on-
farm improvements such as manure storage facilities and concrete barnyards
Farmers interested in participating in the Buffer Bonus program must be willing to install
a forested riparian streamside buffer through the USDArsquos Conservation Reserve Enhancement
Program (CREP) Those already enrolled in CREP with a contract date of April 1 2009 or later
may be eligible to enroll
This funding will not be available for long and farms will be served on a first come first
serve basis
For more information contact BradfordSullivan Counties Jennifer Johns
570-578-6900 TiogaLycoming Counties Steve Smith 570-578-7000 SusquehannaWyomingCounties Jeremy Wagner 570-278-1011 xt 107
Spring Creek Watershed Association Hosts Chesapeake Bay GIS Tool Workshop Feb 21
On February 21 the Spring Creek Watershed Association will host John Dawes Foundation for
PA Watersheds for a presentation about the Chesapeake Commons a web-based Geographic
Information Systems (GIS) and data management tool developed for the Chesapeake Bay
restoration effort
The presentation will be held from 800 am to 900 am at the Patton Township
Municipal Building near State College PaThere is also an option to hear the presentation through a webinar at the same time Click
Here for details
The Chesapeake Commons Tool is a free web-based Geographic Information Systems
(GIS) and data management tool available to all organizations working to restore the Chesapeake
Bay The Tool is designed to serve as a centralized knowledge base of data maps and articles
contributed by government nonprofits funders and citizen organizers
Policy makers will have a centralized pool of peer vetted information from which they
can make the best possible decisions in the context of the Bay restoration effort
Chesapeake Commons is a project developed and funded by the Chesapeake Bay Funders
Network with financial support from the John Heinz III Center for Science Economics and the
Environment
Town Meeting On Health Of The Wissahickon Creek March 29
On March 29 the Wissahickon Valley Watershed Association and the Springside Chestnut Hill
Academy with support from the Friends of the Wissahickon and Chestnut Hill College are
sponsoring a Town Meeting to inform the community about significant environmental challenges
to the Wissahickon Creek
832019 Pa Environment Digest Feb 20 2012
httpslidepdfcomreaderfullpa-environment-digest-feb-20-2012 1534
The meeting will be held on the Cherokee Campus of Springside Chestnut Hill Academy
8000 Cherokee Street Philadelphia and will begin at 7 pm doors will open at 630 pm and
light refreshments will be provided
A Creek in Crisis A Town Meeting on the Health of the Wissahickon Creek will
examine the numerous threats to the Wissahickon including diminishing water quantity
stormwater runoff impaired water quality and flooding that severely impact the health of theWissahickon Creek and its tributaries
The impact of the Wissahickon Creek on the lives of those living in the Wissahickon
Watershed is absolute Though the Wissahickon Creek has a humble beginning in the parking lot
at Montgomery Mall it continues through nine municipalities to the confluence of the Schuylkill
River in Philadelphia
It is a significant waterway providing approximately 10 percent of the drinking water to
Philadelphians as well as habitat for local wildlife and recreation and natural beauty for area
residents
Moderated by Patrick Starr Vice President of the PA Environmental Council Southeast
Regional Office the Town Meeting will feature a panel of environmental experts who will
examine the numerous threats to the WissahickonPanelists will be Carol R Collier Executive Director of the Delaware River Basin
Commission John K Jackson PhD Senior Research Scientist at the Stroud Water Research
Center and Chris Crockett Deputy Commissioner at the Philadelphia Water Department
More information will be posted on the Friends of the Wissahickon website
Conservation Reserve Program Training Courses Offered By Penn State Extension
Conservation professionals working across the Chesapeake Bay Watershed are invited to a
special training program on Conservation Reserve Planning for professionals on March 7 and 8
at the Lancaster County Farm and Home CenterA national team of facilitators will be conducting the Lancaster workshop including from
University of Wisconsin University of Minnesota Montana State University University of
Georgia and Penn State ndash along with experienced and skilled US Natural Resource
Conservation Service professionals
Also involved in the program are conservation partners who are in formal agreements
with NRCS to deliver the Conservation Reserve Enhancement Program to landowners for
example the Chesapeake Bay Foundation will also be on hand at the workshop to provide
additional training related to CREP
This training workshop is designed to create a group of skilled conservation professionals
working in partnership with farmers and landowners to develop quality CRP conservation plans
that result in measurable impacts on land and water resource managementWorkshop goals include
-- Understanding the purpose and intent of the Conservation Reserve Program (CRP)
-- Determining eligibility of lands for CRP
-- Knowing how to find information for CRP plans
-- Effectively working with a landowner in developing a CRP plan
-- Becoming familiar with regionally specific conservation practices
-- Understanding how to implement a CRP plan
832019 Pa Environment Digest Feb 20 2012
httpslidepdfcomreaderfullpa-environment-digest-feb-20-2012 1634
-- Working with NRCS and FSA to submit a quality CRP plan
The Conservation Reserve Program Readiness Initiative was created to help the Natural
Resources Conservation Service accomplish the work involved with managing CRP enrollments
CRP plan development and implementation and the follow up management of developed plans
A national team of Extension staff NRCS and FSA staff and representatives from NRCS
partner agencies and organizations has collaborated to develop a multi-faceted training programto meet the needs of the initiative
Click Here for the full schedule of workshops available
Latest Lessons From The Land Webinar Feb 21 On Managing Phosphorus
Penn State Extension and the Conewago Watershed Initiative will host a webcast on February 21
from noon to 100 pm on Measuring and Managing Phosphorus In Wet Pennsylvania
Landscapes part of the Lessons From The Land series
Dr Tony Buda USDA ARS and Dr Patrick Drohan Penn State Department of Crop
and Soil Science will present research conducted by PA USDA NRCS USDA-ARS and Penn
State to look at how saturated soils and soils with fragipans have contributed to higher runoffMatt Royer Director of the Lower Susquehanna Initiative Penn State AG amp
Environment Center will moderate
These wet landscapes are often critical sources of phosphorus that contribute to loads of
pollutants in streamsmdashand should be targeted for conservation practices
A pilot study undertaken within the Conewago Watershed serves as a proving ground for
the development of ldquonext generation nutrient management practicesrdquo necessary to reduce the
loads of phosphorus emanating from agricultural lands that contribute to the degradation of the
Chesapeake Bay Watershed
One Nutrient Management credit is available for eligible participants from the state
Department of Agriculture Those seeking credits will be required to sign-in during the webinar to verify their attendance
The program can be viewed online as a recording after the live broadcast Continuing ed
credits are not available for the recorded session
To join this webinar you will need a high speed Internet and can sign in on this
webpage at the webinars noon start time This program will be broadcasting live from the
Conewago Initiativersquos Project Advisory Team meeting at Penn Statersquos Harrisburg campus
Lake Management Annual Conference Set For March 7-8 In State College
The 22nd annual Pennsylvania Lake Management Society annual conference will once again be
at the Days Inn State College on March 7 and 8This years theme is Staying Blue by Going Green and our keynote speaker is Bill
Jones from Indiana School of Public and Environmental Affairs in Bloomington Indiana
As always the Conference will have a great line up of speakers It also offers aquatic
applicator credits for PA OH NY and NJ
Please check out the Conference webpage for more details or contact Kerilynn Frey by
sending email to palakeshotmailcom
832019 Pa Environment Digest Feb 20 2012
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Penn State Extension How To Avoid Septic System Failures
Owning your own home is challenging enough what do you do when it comes with its own
sewage treatment plant This article provides some clues for owners of septic systems who want
to make them last a very long time
According to the US Environmental Protection Agency failure rates for on-lot sewagesystems across the country are reported at 10 percent annually In Pennsylvania approximately
12 million homes (one in three) use on-lot sewage systems for the treatment and disposal of
waste water
Responsibility for maintaining the system rests with the homeowner Proper maintenance
is a good idea since replacing it can cost thousands of dollars Proper maintenance also protects
groundwater that might be a source of drinking water
The most obvious on-lot sewage system failures are easy to spot Sewage backing up into
your home will typically command your immediate attention Raw sewage surfacing in your
yard in nearby ditches or on the neighborrsquos lawn is another clear indicator of failure Muddy
soil around the drain field or pooled water there or in your basement are other signs of serious
malfunction Notice whether your toilet or sink backs up when you flush or do laundry Stripsof bright green grass over the drainfield may be another indicator of problems A toilet running
sluggish or sewer odors in the house andor drinking water are signs of an on-lot system in
trouble
On-lot sewage systems also fail when partially treated wastewater comes into contact
with groundwater This type of failure is not easy to detect but it can result in the pollution of
wells nearby streams or other bodies of water Illness often to household visitors may be
another indicator of system failure that has affected your well and household drinking water
For those considering building a new home or replacing an existing septic system one of
the most critical factors in on-lot sewage system performance is the nature of the soils used for
the septic system soil absorption fieldYou can minimize failures by carefully and deliberately considering all aspects of on-lot
sewage system construction site selection design installation maintenance and use Hire
reputable individuals to design and install your system Also make sure the system is designed to
meet your present and future needs
You should contact your Township Sewage Enforcement Officer concerning permits
needed to install a new on-lot sewage system or repair a failing system
Once properly installed the key to preventing your on-lot system from failing is proper
maintenance Regularly pumping the tank being careful in what you put down the drains and
avoiding such things as planting trees over the field or covering the system with permanent
patios and home additions are important to keep the system running well
Water conservation in the home is also an excellent method of preventing future problems from occurring Divert downspouts and surface water away from the septic tank and
especially the drain field Do not physically damage the system by driving over the components
with heavy vehicles or by digging up the system for other utility lines etc Keep a record of the
location and dimensions of your system along with maintenance and repair information
Homeowners interested in finding out about the overall health of their on-lot sewage
system may want to consider having their septic systems inspected by a trained professional The
PA Septage Management Association in cooperation with the National Onsite Wastewater
832019 Pa Environment Digest Feb 20 2012
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Education and Research Foundation has adopted uniform On-lot Wastewater Treatment
Inspection procedures
PSMA is a professional association of septage pumpers system installers maintenance
technicians real estate inspectors and industry affiliates PSMA Certified Inspectors which
includes many septic tank pumpers are trained to understand how on-lot systems work why they
fail and recognize impending malfunctionsSee the PSMA website for more details about PSMANOF inspections or call them at
717-763-7762
Many fact sheets about on-lot sewage systems are available from the Agricultural and
Biological Engineering department Topics include septic tank pumping percolation tests
elevated sand mounds inspections and alternative systems and pharmaceutical disposal
(Article reprinted from Penn State Extension Watershed Winds online newsletter)
Wissahickon Watershed Maple Sugaring Program Set For March 3
Ever wonder how maple syrup and sugar are made The Wissahickon Vally WatershedAssociation will offer a unique program on maple syrup on March 3 in Ambler Montgomery
County
The event offers a fun and informative event ideal for families Scout groups and anyone
curious about the maple sugar process
Choose a specific time as guides take small groups through the woods to see the tapped
trees and then watch it being boiled into sugar End your walk at WVWArsquos historic headquarters
for hot chocolate and warm treats with maple syrup
RSVP requested by sending email to infowvwaorg or call 215-646-8866 There is a
fee for the program WVWA member fee $5 per person $15 per family Non-WVWA member
fee $10 per person $20 per family or Become a WVWA member and be their guest for $45In Ambler and look for signage Walk over the Butler Avenue Bridge and turn left onto
the Green Ribbon Trail
KPB Greenways Mini-Grant Program Applications Due March 15
Keep Pennsylvania Beautiful is now accepting applications for their Greenways Mini-Grant
Program to provide community groups with project supplies for outdoor based work events
within a greenway enabling the renewal of Pennsylvaniarsquos Greenways in need into something
beautiful
The deadline for applications is March 15 and hard copies are required Grants will be
awarded on April 16Fifteen grant awardees along with their volunteers will be eligible for up to $500 in
project supplies and direct project costs for Prevent it Clean it and Keep it projects within a
Greenway
Pennsylvania and its partners are developing an outstanding network of greenways across
the Commonwealth creating an asset that will enhance the quality of life for all while connecting
open space natural landscape features scenic cultural historic and recreations sites and urban
and rural communities
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A greenway is a linear corridor across the land that conserves natural areas and provides
people with recreation and transportation opportunities
As one of the Commonwealthrsquos most powerful tools to achieve sustainable growth and
livable communities greenways are ensuring future generations the opportunity to live amongst
the natural beauty of Pennrsquos Woods
This program is financed by a grant from the Community Conservation PartnershipProgram Environmental Stewardship Fund under the administration of the Department of
Conservation and Natural Resources Bureau of Recreation and Conservation
The Greenways Mini-Grant is available to any tax-exempt group within Pennsylvania
Private property owners or individual applicants cannot apply
Applications must meet the following requirements to be considered ndash it is within a
Greenway and is in at least one of the following categories Prevent it Clean it and Keep it (see
application for details) plus provide proof of liability insurance signed permission to enter from
the private property owner and 100 percent match of donated or in-kind services Selected
awardees must also agree to provide a final report with before during and after photos
ldquoWe are excited to collaborate with DCNR in offering Greenways Mini-Grants to
organizations working to build clean and beautiful communities across the staterdquo said ShannonReiter President of Keep Pennsylvania Beautiful ldquoGreenways are integral to healthy livable
communities and we are grateful to have the opportunity to empower Pennsylvania with the
tools and resources they need to enhance greenways in their communitiesrdquo
For more information visit the Greenways Mini-Grant Program webpage to download an
application Any additional questions can be answered by Susan Carmichael Greenways Mini-
Grant Program Coordinator at 1-877-772-3673 ext 102 or send email to
scarmichaelkeeppabeautifulorg
Pennsylvania Adds 1470 Acres Of Farmland To Preservation Program
Pennsylvania has added 1470 additional acres of land to its nationally recognized farmland
preservation program under action by the Pennsylvania Agricultural Land Preservation Board at
its meeting Thursday in Harrisburg
The 14 newly preserved farms are located in Beaver Berks Bucks Butler Cambria
Cumberland Juniata Lackawanna Lancaster Lebanon Northampton and Somerset counties
ldquoWersquove preserved nearly 15000 acres of farmland across the state in just the past year
alonerdquo said Agriculture Secretary George Greig ldquoThis speaks volumes to the value our farm
families place on ensuring the future viability of Pennsylvania agriculture ndash our statersquos number-
one industryrdquo
Since the program started in 1988 state county and local governments have invested
more than $11 billion to safeguard 459007 acres on 4243 farmsldquoOur producers know the importance of preserving farms so our next generation of
agriculturalists can keep Pennsylvania growing far into the future and I thank them for that
foresightrdquo Greig said
Pennsylvaniarsquos farmland preservation efforts work through the Pennsylvania Agricultural
Conservation Easement Purchase Program The program was developed to slow the loss of prime
farmland to non-agricultural uses It enables state county and local governments to purchase
conservation easements also called development rights from owners of quality farmland
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For more information visit Agricultures Farmland Preservation webpage
PUC Finalizes Implementation Plan For Pipeline Safety Act
The Public Utility Commission Thursday finalized an Order as the first step in implementing Act
127 the Gas and Hazardous Liquids Pipelines ActThe Commission voted 5-0 to finalize the Order which begins the process of creating a
statewide registry for non-public utility gas and hazardous liquids pipeline equipment and
facilities within the Commonwealth provides resources to conduct safety inspections to enforce
Federal pipeline safety laws on certain classifications of pipeline and assesses entities for the
costs
The Order established the following
-- The registration fee is $250
-- The 2012 registration deadline is March 16
-- Assessment invoices for the Commissionrsquos 2011-12 fiscal year will be mailed by March 30
and due by April 30 and
-- Assessment invoices for the Commissionrsquos 2012-13 fiscal year will be mailed in July 2012with payment due within 30 days
Final forms and other materials will be available on the Commissionrsquos website
Act 127 direct the PUC to develop a registry and conduct safety inspections of these lines
for ldquopipeline operatorsrdquo in the state The Commission also is to track the development of
pipelines in less populated areas which transport gas from non-conventional wells
Act 127 expands the Commissionrsquos authority to enforce the federal pipeline safety laws
as they relate to those pipelines and facilities Non-public utility gas and hazardous liquids
pipeline operators include several different categories of pipelines such as cooperatively owned
natural gas distribution systems non-utility natural gas transportation and gathering lines and
propane distribution pipeline systemsFor more information visit the PUCs Act 127 webpage
DEP Sets Feb 22 Meeting On Jefferson County Drilling Permit
The Department of Environmental Protection will host a public meeting on February 22 to
discuss Flatirons Resources LLCrsquos proposal to drill a Marcellus Shale well in Brockway
Jefferson County
The 6 pm meeting will be held at the Brockway Area JuniorSenior High School on
Alexander Street in Brockway
ldquoWe recognize that there are a lot of questions and that people want detailsrdquo DEP
Northwest Regional Director Kelly Burch said ldquoDEP staff will provide information about our role in the permitting process and address any questions and concerns the audience may have
about our oversight and environmental protectionrdquo
The horizontal well that Flatirons proposes to drill would be the second on this pad
which is on Brockway Borough Municipal Authority property in the Rattlesnake Creek
Watershed The first well was drilled in February 2011 and hydraulically fractured in November
2011
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After DEPrsquos presentation at the meeting company representatives will describe their
plans to drill the well if approved A question-and-answer session will follow
DEPrsquos decision to issue a well permit is based on the applicationrsquos technical merits and
whether the applicantrsquos drilling casing and cementing plan will protect water resources The
agency issued Flatirons a permit to drill a second well on the pad in December 2010 but it
expired a year later because the well was never drilled The permit application was resubmittedon December 27 2011
HACC Offers Free Environmental Technician Training At Midtown Campus
Training for emerging environmental jobs in the cleanup and reuse of brownfields will be offered
starting April 16 at the Midtown location of HACC Central Pennsylvaniarsquos Community College
Candidates for the federally funded program are displaced workers the unemployed or
underemployed as well as low-income or minority residents who live in the Harrisburg said
Cheryl Dietz HACC Workforce Training coordinator
Potential students can find out more by attending one of two upcoming information
sessions in Room 228 of Midtown 1 1500 N Fourth St The sessions will be held from 6-7 pmFebruary 29 and 11 am-noon March 3
HACC representatives will answer questions about the free job training program which
will consist of an eight-week 320-hour training cycle with classes meeting 8 am-3 pm April
16-June 8
To be eligible a candidate must have a general education diploma (GED) or high school
diploma test at a 10th-grade math and reading level have a valid driverrsquos license have access to
reliable transportation be drug free and demonstrate an interest in the environment
Successful graduates will receive certifications in all of the following Hazardous Waste
Operations and Emergency Response (HAZWOPER) confined space entrantattendant and
supervisor lead-based paint inspector and asbestos inspectorAdditional training will be offered in environmental site assessment air and water
quality and environmental remediation techniques
HACC is offering the training through a two-year $199890 grant awarded through the
federal Environmental Protection Agencyrsquos Brownfields Program
Two classes were held last year at HACC-Harrisburg Campus with 35 graduates Of this
number 26 have jobs (19 of them are in the environmental field) and four are continuing their
education A third class is under way in Lancaster As part of the grant HACC helps successful
graduates find environmental jobs and tracks those graduates for one year
A brownfield site is real property the expansion redevelopment or reuse of which may
be complicated by the presence or potential presence of a hazardous substance pollutant or
contaminant according to the EPAThe EPA estimates there are 180 brownfield sites in the Lancaster area and a combined
total of 120 brownfield sites in Harrisburg and Steelton
For more information or to register to attend an information session contact Cheryl
Deitz HACC Workforce Training coordinator at 221-1338 or send email to chdeitzhaccedu
PUC Chair Urges Utilities To Participate In Programs To Create Jobs For Returning
Troops
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Public Utility Commission Chairman Robert F Powelson Thursday urged the statersquos public
utilities to participate in several new programs proposed by Gov Tom Corbett and the Edison
Electric Institute to create jobs in the energy sector
The Chairman also noted that the time is right for job growth with the development of the
Marcellus Shale industry and electric competition across the stateldquoToday I encourage Pennsylvaniarsquos electric and natural gas utilities to learn from the
example set by EEI and participate in the Troops to Energy Jobs program as well as Governor
Corbettrsquos Jobs First PA initiative Chairman Powelson said in a statement at the PUCrsquos Public
Meeting In the days ahead the PUC will be coordinating with EEI and the Corbett
Administration to connect our energy companies with these innovative programsrdquo
The Chairman referenced Gov Corbetts annual budget address to the General Assembly
last week
ldquoIn his address the Governor recognized that the energy sector has enormous potential
for producing new jobs and putting the unemployed back to workrdquo Chairman Powelson said
ldquoIn announcing his new Jobs First program the Governor stated that lsquoas our energy sector
expands Pennsylvania needs a trained workforce ready to meet the demand for workersrsquordquoChairman Powelson said the EEI launched its Troops for Energy Jobs initiative which is
designed to accelerate the training and employability of veterans in key energy programs EEI is
currently piloting this program through five energy companies throughout the nation
For more information visit the Troops for Energy Jobs Initiative website
PA Chamber Environmental amp Energy Conference April 18 In Lancaster
The annual PA Chamber of Business and Industry Environmental and Energy Conference will be
held on April 18 at the Eden Resort Inn amp Suites in Lancaster
Major environmental regulatory areas continue to see numerous changes at the state andfederal level that impact business Thats why the Pennsylvania Chamber is offering four
learning tracks with answers you need on the latest environmental and energy issues-all in one
day
-- Compliance help from state and national top experts on the toughest environmental issues
-- Details on the latest regulatory changes and proposed changes
-- Proven strategies best practices and practical business tips to help you comply cost-effectively
in each area and
-- Advanced environmental roundtable
There will be two keynotes The Economic Benefits of Marcellus Shale and Natural Gas-
American Petroleum Institute Washington DC and Converting Trash into Renewable Energy-
National Solid Wastes Management Association Washington DCVisit with more than 50 exhibitors offering an exciting array of advanced technology
solutions and exhibitor educational sessions Access and network with more than 300 of your
peers from across the state
For more information and to register visit the Conference webpage or contact Sue Smith
at 717-720-5457 or send email to ssmithpachamberorg
Volunteers Needed To Plant 100 Acre Wind Break At Flight 93 Memorial In April
832019 Pa Environment Digest Feb 20 2012
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The federal Office of Surface Mining Reclamation and Enforcement through their Appalachian
Regional Reforestation Initiative and the Department of Environmental Protection are working
with the National Park Service to plant a wind break at the Flight 93 Memorial in Somerset
County
Volunteers are needed to plant trees on April 20 21 27 and 28 Volunteers may sign upfor one day or multiple days
If you are interested in volunteering send a Volunteer Sign-Up Form and a Photo
Release Form and send to Leroy Renninger of the National Park Service by email
to Leroy_Renningernpsgov
State Fly Tying Champions Announced At Eastern Sports amp Outdoor Show
The Eastern Sports amp Outdoor Show Cumberland Valley Trout Unlimited Bass Pro Shops of
Harrisburg Mid Atlantic Fly Fishing Guide magazine and the Fish and Boat Commission
sponsored the Pennsylvania State Fly Tying Championship held on February 11 at the Eastern
Sports amp Outdoor Show at the State Farm Show Complex in HarrisburgThirteen contestants in three categories competed for money trophies and prizes in the
annual event to crown the best fly tyers in Pennsylvania
In the Open Division the winners are 1st Place - Andy Fresch Summerhill 2nd Place -
Ken Moser Severna Park MD 3rd Place - John Shosh Hamburg
The Amateur Division winners are 1st Place - Matthew Edinger Sharon Hill 2nd Place -
- Mike Marino Souderton and 3rd Place -- Elliott DeFrancesco Wilburton
The Youth Division winners are 1st Place - Gaeron Friedrichs Milford 2nd Place
Bobby Faust Dalmatia
The contestants at the final event were the top tiers selected from entries previously
submitted In order to qualify the entrants had to submit three flies from a list of flies for eachcategory
At the event each finalist was required to tie three flies over a two hour time period The
finalists knew ahead of time two of the flies that were to be tied and a third ldquomystery flyrdquo was
announced to them at the event
The championship will be held again at the 2013 Eastern Sports and Outdoor Show and
applications information and details will be posted at the Cumberland Valley Trout Unlimited or
Eastern Sports and Outdoor Show websites as they become available
PA State Parks Forest App Now Updated And Free
The Official Pennsylvania State Parks amp Forests App is now completely FREE This latestversion now on the market includes advanced interactive capabilities such as GPS trail mapping
the Friend Finder to keep track of your family and friends on the trail and more
Featured Update List Increased performance speed Multi-tasking Capability
GeoChallenge (GeocacheGeoQuest) Feature FREE enhanced GPS features
This new version increases performance speed and cuts activation time in half With the
new multi-tasking capability users gain enhanced user navigation The more adventurous
832019 Pa Environment Digest Feb 20 2012
httpslidepdfcomreaderfullpa-environment-digest-feb-20-2012 2434
outdoor enthusiasts will benefit from the recently added GeoChallenges that include geocache
and geoquest activities which will be updated regularly
The waypointphoto waypoint marking tools have been upgraded and there has been a
fine-tuning of the trail-tracking feature located on the side navigation bar of the free GPS
Mapping section Use the app to track record and share your explorations with others-all at no
chargeTry out the app and let the PA Parks amp Forests Foundation know what you think
Feature
Bald Eagle Pair Get Help With Home Improvement Project
While most people try to avoid home improvement projects in the winter a pair of bald eagles
got some much needed help recently from a team of Game Commission land managers with a
very important and timely renovation project
A sycamore tree on Haldeman Island has been used by at least three mated pairs as a
nesting site since 1989 The island is just upriver of the confluence of the Susquehanna and
Juniata rivers north of Harrisburg and the tree stands just across a pond from one of three
hacking towers the Game Commission used at two locations in its bald eagle recovery program
About two weeks ago one of the limbs supporting the nest collapsed under the weight of the
nest
On Friday Steve Bernardi Game Commission Land Management Group Supervisor for
Juniata Mifflin Perry and Snyder counties was joined by Terry Willow Game Lands
Maintenance Worker with the River Island Food and Cover Corps Crew and Scott Bills Land
Management Group Supervisor for Dauphin and Lebanon counties to construct a platform to
encourage the bald eagle pair to reuse this nest site
The three men measured and cut lumber used hammers and nails as well as screws anddrills to secure the lumber in place and then placed branches and sticks on the platform to
encourage the bald eagles ndash who were watching the activity while perched in nearby trees ndash to
begin rebuilding a nest
A pair built a nest in this tree in 1989 and had their first young in 1990 Bernardi said
A storm blew the original nest out of the tree in 1995 Scott Bills who was the Wildlife
Conservation Officer in Dauphin County at that time worked with a Food and Cover Corps crew
and PPL to erect the first platform similar to what we put in place on Friday
Adult bald eagles are preparing to nest and hopefully they will come back and reuse this
platform just like they did back in 1995
Haldeman Island played a key role in the recovery of bald eagles in Pennsylvania In the
1980s it was one of two locations used for reintroduction of eagles brought by the GameCommission from Canada in the early years of restoration of eagles to our state About 40
eaglets were released at the Haldeman Island tower overlooking the ponds on the north side of
the island by 1989
When the reintroduced birds successfully raised young at a nest on Haldeman in 1990
the whole state had only seven nesting pairs And there has been an active eagle nest in that spot
every year since except 2004 when the birds took a year off
832019 Pa Environment Digest Feb 20 2012
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While we dont know if the same pair have been active that whole time the same old
sycamore tree has been used during this period and that nest has produced more than 40 young
over this period said Dan Brauning Game Commission Wildlife Diversity Division chief
Since the site is well-protected on a Game Commission island with limited access this site has
particular value to us
Continued support for this nest will help sustain this historic location in the recovery of baldeagles in Pennsylvania
In 1983 the Game Commission began a seven-year bald eagle restoration program in
which the agency sent employees to Saskatchewan to obtain eaglets from wilderness nests The
Richard King Mellon Foundation of Pittsburgh and the federal Endangered Species Fund
provided financial assistance for this effort
In all 88 bald eaglets from Canada were released from sites at Dauphin Countys
Haldeman Island and Pike Countys Shohola Falls The resurgence of eagles in Pennsylvania is
directly related to this program which also was carried out in other states in the Northeast
When the restoration program began in 1983 only three Crawford County nests remained
in the state By 2006 the agency announced that the state had surpassed the 100 bald eagle nest
mark Just five years later in 2011 the number of known bald eagle nests had doubled to 203spread out over 50 counties
Residents aware of a bald eagle nest ndash which are among the largest nests of all birds ndash in
their area should consider reporting it to the Pennsylvania Game Commission The easiest way to
contact the agency by sending email to pgccommentspagov Use the words Eagle Nest
Information in the subject field
The Game Commission continues to further the publics understanding of bald eagles In
2010 a comprehensive Bald Eagle threatened species account and Bald Eagle Nest Etiquette
guide were added to the agencys website
In 2011 the agency launched its series of Eagle-watching in Pennsylvania guides that
will help direct those interested in viewing bald eagles in the wild on where to go how to getthere what to expect and other wildlife viewing opportunities available at each site
Currently posted are eagle-watching guides for Erie National Wildlife Refuge Crawford
County Conneaut Marsh Geneva Marsh State Game Land 213 Crawford County Raystown
Lake Huntingdon County State Game Land 180 Shohola Lake Pike County Middle Creek
Wildlife Management Area Lebanon and Lancaster counties Bald Eagle State Park Centre
County Glendale Lake Price Gallitzin State Park Cambria County John Heinz National
Wildlife Refuge Philadelphia and Delaware counties Lower Susquehanna River Lancaster and
York counties Moraine State Park Butler County Pine Creek Valley Lycoming and Tioga
counties Promised Land State Park Pike County Pymatuning Reservoir Crawford County and
the Upper Delaware River in Pike Wayne and Monroe counties
Game Commission Announces April 1 Deadline For Ads In Hunting-Trapping Digest
Game Commission Executive Director Carl G Roe Thursday announced Liberty Press
Publications publisher of the Pennsylvania Digest of Hunting amp Trapping Regulations has set
April 1 as the deadline for advertising copy in the 2012-13 Digest Click Here for details
For advertising information contact Liberty Press Publications toll-free at
1-800-296-6402
832019 Pa Environment Digest Feb 20 2012
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Opportunity To Bid On McKean County Abandoned Well Plugging Project
The Department of Environmental Protection published notice of an opportunity to bid on a
project to plug 24 abandoned oil wells in McKean County
Help Wanted Chesapeake Bay Foundation PA Grassroots Coordinator Field Specialist
The Chesapeake Bay Foundation is seeking a PA Grassroots Coordinator and a Field Specialist
to be based at their Pennsylvania State Office located in Harrisburg This position is a 2 year
term position with the possibility of extension Click Here for details
Help Wanted Conewago Creek Assistant Project Coordinator
Penn State Cooperative Extension on behalf of the Conewago Creek Initiative seeks an Assistant
Project Coordinator to be an integral part of a dynamic partnership team working together with
local state and federal partnersThe Assistant Project Coordinator will report to the Director of the Lower Susquehanna
Initiative who serves as the Project Coordinator for the Conewago Creek Initiative
The deadline for applications is March 1 Click Here for details
Help Wanted ALLARM Assistant Director Of Outreach Marcellus
The Alliance for Aquatic Resource Monitoring (ALLARM) is seeking candidate to fill a third
full time position to the organization-- Assistant Director of Outreach-- to assist with Marcellus
Monitoring program training community volunteers throughout the shale gas regions in
Pennsylvania to monitor small streams for early pollution detection Click Here for fullannouncement
Grants amp 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
February 23-- PA Pathways To Green Schools Nominations
February 24-- PA Trout In The Classroom Grants
February 29-- EPA Environmental Justice Small Grants
February 29-- Ben Franklin BIG IDEA Business Plan ContestFebruary 29-- PA American Water Stream of Learning Scholarships
February 29-- West Branch Susquehanna Orange Rock Awards
March 1-- Erie TreeVitalize Grants
March 2-- Coca-Cola Keep America Beautiful Recycling Bin Grants
March 2-- Conservation Innovation Grants Chesapeake Bay Nutrient Credit Grants
March 5-- TogetherGreen Fellowship and Innovation Grants
832019 Pa Environment Digest Feb 20 2012
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March 5-- PECDominion Western PA Environmental Awards
March 10-- PA American Water Environmental Grants
March 15-- NEW Keep PA Beautiful Greenways Mini-Grants
March 23-- Water Resources Education Network Grants
March 30-- PA American Water Protect Our Watersheds Student Art Contest
March 31-- DEP Host Municipal Inspector GrantsApril 3-- West Penn Power Sustainable Energy Fund Grants Loans
April 4-- DCNR Community Conservation Partnership Grants
April 15-- Wild Resource Conservation Fund Income Tax Checkoff Deadline
March 1-- Keystone Historic Preservation Project and Construction Grants
August 1-- PA Snowmobile Assn Trail Improvement Grants
August 24-- Foundation for PA Watershed Grants
September 1-- Erie TreeVitalize Grants
October 31-- PA Resources Council Lens On Litter Contest
-- Visit the DEP Grants and Loan Programs webpage for more ideas on how to get financial
assistance for environmental projects
BudgetQuick Clips
Heres a selection of NewClips on environmental topics from around the state--
Budget
Corbett Signs Marcellus Shale Fee Into Law
Corbett Signs Shale Well Impact Fee Into Law
Corbett Approves Marcellus Shale Fee
Bradford Commissioner Foolish Not To Accept Drilling Fee MoneyWhats Next For PAs Impact Fee Bradford Against Fee
Bradford Commissioners Disagree On Drilling Fee
Washington County To Seek Marcellus Fees
Editorial Corbetts Gas Fee About To Evaporate
Robinson Twp To Contest New Marcellus Law
South Fayette Eyes Legal Action On Drilling Bill
Fish amp Boat Commission Grateful For Marcellus Fees
PUC Eyes Private Firm For Impact Fee Collection
PUC Chair Let Marcellus Play Come To Us
PUC Would Get Shale Role Under Drilling Bill
Editorial It Makes Sense For PUC To Deal With Drilling NE Counties To Raise Millions Or Nothing Under Drilling Fee
House Capital Budget Bill Debate Focuses On Jobs
House GOP Marcellus Bill A Win For Jobs
Norquists No-Tax Pledge Cant Give Drill Fee The Ax
PA Natural Gas Levy Became Inevitable
Bradford Commissioners Disagree On Drilling Fee
832019 Pa Environment Digest Feb 20 2012
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Vertical Exploratory Wells Wont Be Hit With Drilling Fee
Impact Fee Bill Addresses Housing Needs
Op-Ed Natural Gas Fee May Be Too Late
Editorial Marcellus Fee A Tax Stupid
Editorial Shale Drillers Got The Better Part Of Deal
Corbett Raiding Special FundsCan Pennsylvanians Survive Under Another Corbett Budget
As Roads Bridges Deteriorate Governor Silent
Analysis Taking Baby Steps On Fixing Roads Bridges
Editorial Must A Bridge Fall Down
House Capital Budget Bill Debate Focuses On Jobs
Editorial Capital Budget Funds Must Be Kept Under Control
Obama Cuts EPA Increases Chesapeake Bay Program
Chesapeake Bay Program Increased Under Obama Budget
EPA Budget Cut For States Superfund Cleanup
Obama Proposes $14 Million For Fracking Research
$67 Million Requested For Federal Pipeline SafetyDCNR Secretary Says Report On Wildlife Research Not Accurate
Other
Electronics Recycling Date Set At Greensburg Mall
Hershey Plants Achieve Zero Waste Status
RecycleBank Named On Of Worlds Most Innovative Companies
Editorial Fine Litterers No Ifs Or Butts
Corbett Signs 3 Energy Sector Bills
Op-Ed Anti-Coal Agenda Is Detrimental To PA
Op-Ed Global Warming As Fact Not Hypothesis
Op-Ed Climate Change Education Is NecessaryHomer City Power Plant Still To Dirty Groups Claim
DEP Sets March 14 Public Hearing On Homer City Power Plant
Concerns Voiced Over PPL Lines
Consumer Alert Electricity Price Discounts Heat Up
Turbine Load To Hit The Road To Holtwood Dam
PPL Plans $664 Million In Electric Delivery System Improvements
Exelon Gives Dauphin County $110000 For Emergency Response
Groups Ask For Expansion Of Nuclear Plant Evacuation Zone
Feds Give PPL Reactor Low Grade
Allentown Council Rejects Waste-To-Energy Sewage Plant
GE Invests In Cleaner Evolution LocomotiveDEP Hopeful Buyer Will Emerge For ConocoPhillips Refinery
DEP Renews ConocoPhillips Trainer Refinery Discharge Permit
100 Sunoco Workers In PA Get Layoff Notices
Meehan PA Refinery Closures Threat To National Security
Refinery Closings Could Affect 15000 Jobs Study Says
Gasoline Could Reach $5 By July 4
$4 A Gallon Gasoline By Memorial Day
832019 Pa Environment Digest Feb 20 2012
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Gasoline Prices Have Never Been This High This Early
Electric Bicycle Waiver Sought
Land Bank Bill Newest Anti-Blight Tool
Game Commission Prepares For Controlled Burn On Centre County
2012 Great Backyard Bird Count Begins Friday
Birders-Eye View Of Conservation In PhiladelphiaState Could Take Over Refurbished Point State Park
New Ohiopyle Visitors Center Project To Be Bid This Spring
Winterfest At Ohiopyle No Snow Still A Go
Protecting Landscapes Changing Face Of Conservation
Marcellus Shale NewsClips
Here are NewsClips on topics related to Marcellus Shale natural gas drilling---
Corbett Signs Marcellus Shale Fee Into Law
Corbett Signs Shale Well Impact Fee Into Law
Corbett Approves Marcellus Shale Fee
Bradford Commissioner Foolish Not To Accept Drilling Fee Money
Whats Next For PAs Impact Fee Bradford Against Fee
Bradford Commissioners Disagree On Drilling Fee
Washington County To Seek Marcellus Fees
Editorial Corbetts Gas Fee About To Evaporate
Robinson Twp To Contest New Marcellus Law
South Fayette Eyes Legal Action On Drilling Bill
Fish amp Boat Commission Grateful For Marcellus Fees
PUC Eyes Private Firm For Impact Fee CollectionPUC Chair Let Marcellus Play Come To Us
PUC Would Get Shale Role Under Drilling Bill
Editorial It Makes Sense For PUC To Deal With Drilling
Corbett Raiding Special Funds
NE Counties To Raise Millions Or Nothing Under Drilling Fee
House GOP Marcellus Bill A Win For Jobs
Norquists No-Tax Pledge Cant Give Drill Fee The Ax
PA Natural Gas Levy Became Inevitable
Wayne County Landowners Push For Drilling
Vertical Exploratory Wells Wont Be Hit With Drilling Fee
Impact Fee Bill Addresses Housing NeedsDrilling Bill Authors Health Experts Fears Unfounded
Health Officials Drilling Law Disclosure Rules Lax
Op-Ed Natural Gas Fee May Be Too Late
Editorial Marcellus Fee A Tax Stupid
Editorial Shale Drillers Got The Better Part Of Deal
Delaware Riverkeeper Reports Settlement Over Gas Well
832019 Pa Environment Digest Feb 20 2012
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EPA Probing Washington County Shale Operations
Marcellus Boom Has Pressed Law Firms To Boost Their Staffs
25 More State Troopers In NE Shale Region
Recorders Of Deeds May Not Reject Multiple Gas Leases
Rural Loophole Curbing PA Pipeline Inspections
Pipeline Tested Ahead Of Tie-In To Shale WellsFirefighters Learn To Deal With Drilling Emergencies
Assessing PGWs Liquid Natural Gas Future
Dominion Resources Playing Responsible Role In Drilling
Report Philly Should Consider Selling Gas Company
Company Files For Gas Drilling Permit In Bucks County
Gas Drilling Debate Returns To Bucks County
Shale Drillers Drinking From Slippery Rock Creek
Gas Wells With Smaller Footprint Get Greater Scrutiny
PennEnvironment Violations Report Half-Baked
Water Tanker Truck Lands In Creek In Monroe Twp
Industry Says Over 93230 New Hires As A Result Of Marcellus ShaleBCCC Begins Classes For Marcellus Shale Workers
Marcellus Gas Creates Demand For Cars
Ex-Drilling Exec Took Nearly $1 Million Or More
Op-Ed Gas Drillers New Wild West
Marcellus Gas Production Rises So Does Recycling
FinancialOther StatesNational
Drillers Cut Natural Gas Production As Prices Drop
Talisman Cutting Back Drilling Plans
Ultra Petroleum Reports 2011 Financial Operating Results
Gas Firms Drill Less As Prices Nose DiveObama Proposes $14 Million For Fracking Research
$67 Million Requested For Federal Pipeline Safety
FloodingWatershed NewsClips
Here are NewsClips on watershed topics from around the state--
Flooding
New Bank Coming To Flood-Ravaged Shickshinny
Other Watershed NewsClips
Mon River QUEST Wins Regional IMPACT AwardEPA Evaluates States Chesapeake Bay Plans
Shale Drillers Drinking From Slippery Rock Creek
Sewage Woes Close Lewisburg Area Park
$375000 To Aid Little Buck Run Restoration Effort
Loyalhanna Creek Sewage Overflow Problem Goes To State
Turbine Load To Hit The Road To Holtwood Dam
832019 Pa Environment Digest Feb 20 2012
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Funding Sought For Restoration Of Speedwell Lake
Obama Cuts EPA Increases Chesapeake Bay Program
Chesapeake Bay Program Increased Under Obama Budget
EPA Budget Cut For States Superfund Cleanup
Editorial Delaware Dredging A Step Closer
Regulations Technical Guidance amp Permits
No new regulations were published this week Pennsylvania Bulletin - February 18 2012
Proposed Regulations Open For Comment - DEP webpage
Proposed Regulations With Closed Comment Periods - DEP webpage
DEP Regulatory Agenda - DEP webpage
Technical Guidance amp Permits
The Department of Environmental Protection published notice of bond rate calculations for mine
reclamation The Fish and Boat Commission published notice of nursery water designation for
the Shenango River Crawford County
DEP also published an update to the list of companies certified to perform radon-related
activities (PA Bulletin page 994)
Technical Guidance Comment Deadlines - DEP webpage
Copies Of Draft Technical Guidance - DEP webpage
Copies of Final Technical Guidance - DEP webpage
Calendar Of Events
Upcoming legislative meetings conferences workshops plus links to other online calendars
Meetings are in Harrisburg unless otherwise noted NEW means new from last week Go to the
online Calendar webpage
Click on Agenda Released on calendar entries to see the NEW meeting agendas published this
week
Note You can watch the hearings live through the Senate webpage and the House webpage or
on the PA Cable Network website
832019 Pa Environment Digest Feb 20 2012
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February 21-- House Appropriations Committee budget hearings 930 - Global Economy
1100 - Independent Fiscal Office 130 - Department of Revenue Room 140
February 21-- CANCELED Environmental Quality Board meeting Next scheduled meeting is
March 20 ( formal notice )
February 21-- Agenda Released DEP Citizens Advisory Council meeting Room 105 Rachel
Carson Building 1130
February 22-- Senate Appropriations Committee budget hearings 930 - Department of
Environmental Protection 100 - Department of Transportation Hearing Room 1 North Office
February 23-- NEW House Democratic Policy Committee holds a hearing on Southeast PA oil
refinery closings National Constitution Center Philadelphia 1000
February 27-- House Appropriations Committee budget hearings 1000 - Public Utility
Commission 1100 - Office of Consumer Advocate Small Business Advocate Room 140
February 27-- NEW House Democratic Policy Committee holds a hearing on Marcellus Shale
air emissions Bryn Mawr Presbyterian Church Bryn Mawr 1000
February 28-- Senate Appropriations Committee budget hearings 100 - Department of
Agriculture Hearing Room 1 North Office
February 28-- House Appropriations Committee budget hearings 930 - Department of
Agriculture 1030 - Department of Conservation and Natural Resources Room 140
February 29-- Senate Appropriations Committee budget hearings 930 - PA Emergency
Management Agency Hearing Room 1 North Office
February 29-- House Game and Fisheries Committee informational meeting on Fish and Boat
Commissions Annual Report Room 39 East Wing 1000
February 29-- House Appropriations Committee budget hearings 930 - Department of
Transportation 300 - Department of Environmental Protection Room 140
March 1-- House Appropriations Committee budget hearings 1000 Department of Labor amp
Industry 100 - Department of Community and Economic Development Room 140
March 6-- House Appropriations Committee budget hearings 930 - State PoliceOffice of
Homeland Security 1100 - PA Emergency Management Agency 300 - Department of General
Services Room 140
March 6-- CANCELED DEP Storage Tank Advisory Committee meeting Next scheduled
meeting is June 5 ( formal notice )
832019 Pa Environment Digest Feb 20 2012
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March 7-- House Game and Fisheries Committee informational meeting on Game Commissions
Annual Report Room 39 East Wing 1000
March 8-- House Appropriations Committee budget hearings 1000 - Budget Secretary 100 -
House Member Testimony Room 140
March 14-- DEP Air Quality Technical Advisory Committee meeting Room 105 Rachel Carson
Building 915 ( formal notice )
March 26-- Environmental Issues Forum Joint Legislative Air and Water Pollution Control and
Conservation Committee featuring a presentation by DCNR Secretary Richard Allan (Location
to be determined) Noon
DEP Calendar of Events
Note The Environmental Education Workshop Calendar is no longer available from the PACenter for Environmental Education because funding for the Center was eliminated in the FY
2011-12 state budget The PCEE website was also shutdown but some content was moved to
the PA Association of Environmental Educators website
Senate Committee Schedule House Committee Schedule
You can watch the Senate Floor Session and House Floor Session live online
Stories Invited
Send your stories photos and videos about your project environmental issues or programs for
publication in the PA Environment Digest to DHessCrisciAssociatescom
PA Environment Digest is edited by David E Hess former Secretary Pennsylvania Department
of Environmental Protection and is published as a service to the clients of Crisci Associates a
Harrisburg-based government and public affairs firm whose clients include Fortune 500
companies and non-profit organizations For more information on Crisci Associates call
717-234-1716
PA Environment Digest weekly was the winner of the PA Association of Environmental
Educators 2009 Business Partner of the Year Award
Also sign up for these other services from Crisci Associates--
PA Environment Digest Twitter Feed On Twitter sign up to receive instant updates from
PAEnviroDigest
832019 Pa Environment Digest Feb 20 2012
httpslidepdfcomreaderfullpa-environment-digest-feb-20-2012 3434
PA Environment Daily Blog provides daily environmental NewsClips and significant stories
and announcements on environmental topics in Pennsylvania of immediate value Sign up and
receive as they are posted updates through your favorite RSS reader You can also sign up for a
once daily email alerting you to new items posted on this blog
PA Environment Digest Video Blog showcases original and published videos fromenvironmental groups and agencies around the state Sign up to receive as they are posted
updates through your favorite RSS read You can also sign up for a once daily email alerting
you to new items posted on this blog
PA Capitol Digest Dont forget to sign up to receive the PA Capitol Digest Twitter feed by
going to wwwTwittercomPaCapitolDigest or click on this link for the regular daily PA
Capitol Digest Blog to get other news from in and around the Pennsylvania State Capitol
Supporting Member PA Outdoor Writers AssnPA Trout Unlimited
PA Environment Digest is a supporting member of the Pennsylvania Outdoor Writers
Association Pennsylvania Council Trout Unlimited and the Doc Fritchey Chapter Trout
Unlimited
832019 Pa Environment Digest Feb 20 2012
httpslidepdfcomreaderfullpa-environment-digest-feb-20-2012 634
Gas Pipelines Secretary Allan said the agency has asked drilling companies to locate natural
gas gathering pipelines on existing rights-of-way where possible and that DCNR staff foresters
geologists and other professionals work closely with the drilling companies on the details of
pipeline routing
Wild Resource Research In response to a question about a controversy over a reduction inWild Resource Conservation grants Secretary Allan said much of the information about the cuts
were inaccurate He said his review of grant applications showed a significant amount of the
funding was duplicating the research already done by DCNR professional staff (see 262012
story )
Complement DCNR now has an authorized complement of about 1375 The budget proposal
will require the agency to reduce that by 14 positions but those reductions will be done through
attrition and elimination of vacant positions
Flood Damage DCNR had about $6 million in damage from flooding last fall Secretary Allan
said they submitted those damages to the Federal Emergency Management Agency for potentialreimbursement
Dogs In State Parks Secretary Allan said DCNR has a pilot project underway to allow visitors
using cabins and camping areas to bring their dogs He said they are still evaluating the results
A copy of Secretary Allans remarks are available online
NewsClip DCNR Secretary Says Report On Wildlife Research Not Accurate
Related Stories
Governors Budget Cuts Environment Again Keystone Fund Zeroed Out For DCNR The Record $18 Billion CutDiverted From Environmental Programs Last 10 Years
Senate House Budget Hearing Schedule
Note You can watch the hearings live through the Senate webpage and the House webpage or
on the PA Cable Network website
NewsClips
Corbett Signs Marcellus Shale Fee Into Law
Corbett Signs Shale Well Impact Fee Into Law
Corbett Approves Marcellus Shale Fee
Bradford Commissioner Foolish Not To Accept Drilling Fee MoneyBradford Commissioners Disagree On Drilling Fee
Whats Next For PAs Impact Fee Bradford Against Fee
Bradford Commissioners Disagree On Drilling Fee
Washington County To Seek Marcellus Fees
Editorial Corbetts Gas Fee About To Evaporate
Robinson Twp To Contest New Marcellus Law
South Fayette Eyes Legal Action On Drilling Bill
832019 Pa Environment Digest Feb 20 2012
httpslidepdfcomreaderfullpa-environment-digest-feb-20-2012 734
Fish amp Boat Commission Grateful For Marcellus Fees
PUC Eyes Private Firm For Impact Fee Collection
PUC Chair Let Marcellus Play Come To Us
PUC Would Get Shale Role Under Drilling Bill
Editorial It Makes Sense For PUC To Deal With Drilling
NE Counties To Raise Millions Or Nothing Under Drilling FeeHouse GOP Marcellus Bill A Win For Jobs
Norquists No-Tax Pledge Cant Give Drill Fee The Ax
PA Natural Gas Levy Became Inevitable
Vertical Exploratory Wells Wont Be Hit With Drilling Fee
Impact Fee Bill Addresses Housing Needs
Drilling Bill Authors Health Experts Fears Unfounded
Health Officials Drilling Law Disclosure Rules Lax
Op-Ed Natural Gas Fee May Be Too Late
Editorial Marcellus Fee A Tax Stupid
Editorial Shale Drillers Got The Better Part Of Deal
Corbett Raiding Special FundsHouse Capital Budget Bill Debate Focuses On Jobs
Editorial Capital Budget Funds Must Be Kept Under Control
Can Pennsylvanians Survive Under Another Corbett Budget
As Roads Bridges Deteriorate Governor Silent
Analysis Taking Baby Steps On Fixing Roads Bridges
Editorial Must A Bridge Fall Down
Obama Cuts EPA Increases Chesapeake Bay Program
Chesapeake Bay Program Increased Under Obama Budget
EPA Budget Cut For States Superfund Cleanup
Obama Proposes $14 Million For Fracking Research$67 Million Requested For Federal Pipeline Safety
Schedule For Remaining Senate House Budget Hearings
The Senate and House Appropriations Committees both have budget hearings scheduled this
week on Gov Corbetts proposed budget You can watch the hearings live through the Senate
webpage and the House webpage or on the PA Cable Network website
Heres the schedule of the remaining budget hearings--
February 21-- House Appropriations Committee budget hearings 930 - Global Economy
1100 - Independent Fiscal Office 130 - Department of Revenue All House hearings will be inRoom 140
February 22-- Senate Appropriations Committee budget hearings 930 - Department of
Environmental Protection 100 - Department of Transportation
February 27-- House Appropriations Committee budget hearings 1000 - Public Utility
Commission 1100 - Office of Consumer Advocate Small Business Advocate
832019 Pa Environment Digest Feb 20 2012
httpslidepdfcomreaderfullpa-environment-digest-feb-20-2012 834
832019 Pa Environment Digest Feb 20 2012
httpslidepdfcomreaderfullpa-environment-digest-feb-20-2012 934
updates through your favorite RSS read You can also sign up for a once daily email alerting
you to new items posted on this blog
PA Capitol Digest Daily Blog to get updates every day on Pennsylvania State Government
including NewsClips coverage of key press conferences and more Sign up and receive as they
are posted updates through your favorite RSS reader You can also sign up for a once dailyemail alerting you to new items posted on this blog
PA Capitol Digest Twitter Feed Dont forget to sign up to receive the PA Capitol Digest
Twitter feed to get instant updates on other news from in and around the Pennsylvania State
Capitol
SenateHouse AgendaSession ScheduleBills Introduced
Here are the Senate and House Calendars and Committee meetings showing bills of interest as
well as a list of new environmental bills introduced--
Session Schedule
Here is the latest voting session schedule for the Senate and House--
Senate
Budget Hearings Feb 21 22 23 27 28 29 and March 1
March 5 6 7 12 13 14 26 27 28
April 2 3 30
May 1 2 7 8 9 21 22 23
June 4 5 6 11 12 13 18 19 20 25 26 27 28 29
House
Budget Hearings Feb 21 22 23 24 27 28 29 March 1 2 5 6 7 8 9
March 12 13 14 26 27 28
April 2 3 4 30
May 1 2 7 8 9 21 22 23
June 4 5 6 11 12 13 18 19 20 21 22 25 26 27 28 29
Bill Calendars
House (March 12) House Bill 1934 (FKeller-R-Snyder) excluding people residing in federal or state facilities for determining when a municipality must recycle House Resolution 438 (Cruz-
D-Philadelphia) urging Philadelphia to establish a waste tire removal and disposal
program House Resolution 423 (Petri-R-Bucks) directing the Legislative Budget and Finance
Committee to study state funding formulas and how they impact counties House Resolution
505 (Preston-D-Allegheny) disapproving the PUC regulation on natural gas competition
ltgt Click Here for full House Bill Calendar
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Senate (March 5) Senate Bill 1324 (Yaw-R-Bradford) quieting mineral property title
rights Senate Bill 1398 (Yudichak-D-Luzerne) extending the Underground Storage Tank
Environmental Cleanup Program from 2012 to 2017 House Bill 1813 (Tobash-R-Schuylkill)
further providing for anthracite reclamation fees and guarantees ltgt Click Here for full Senate
Bill Calendar
Committees
House the Appropriations Committee holds budget hearings on Global Economy
Independent Fiscal Office Department of Revenue the House Democratic Policy
Committee holds a hearing on Southeast PA oil refinery closings in Philadelphia ltgt Click
Here for full House Committee Schedule
Senate the Appropriations Committee holds budget hearings on Department of
Environmental Protection Department of Transportation ltgt Click Here for full Senate
Committee Schedule
Note You can watch the hearings live through the Senate webpage and the House webpage or
on the PA Cable Network website
Bills Introduced
The following bills of interest were introduced this week--
Defining Chronic Dementia House Bill 2196 (Curry-D-Montgomery) amending the Older
Adult Protective Services Act to define chronic dementia and cognitive impairment and making
other changes
Oil amp Gas Dust House Bill 2197 (Curry-D-Montgomery) amending the Air Pollution Control
Act to make dust from oil and gas operations air pollution under the act
Cambria County Land Senate Bill 1425 (Wozniak-D-Cambria) authority DCNR to lease
certain State Forest land in Cambria County to an alternative energy company
Bills On Governors Desk
The following bill was given final approval by the Senate and House and is now with the
Governor for his action--
Infrastructure Funding House Bill 1294 (Godshall-R-Montgomery) authorizing the PUC to
establish a distribution system improvement charge (DSIC) as an alternative to regular rate cases
to recover costs associated with replacing pipelines and other utility infrastructure A summary
and House Fiscal Note are available The bill was signed into law by the Governor as Act 11
NewsClips Corbett Signs 3 Energy Sector Bills
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Marcellus Shale House Bill 1950 (Ellis-R-Butler) imposing a Marcellus Shale drilling fee and
enacting a laundry list of additional environmental protection measures related to drilling was
signed into law by the Governor as Act 13
SenateHouse Bills Moving
The following bills of interest saw action this week in the House and Senate--
Senate
Nominations Gov Corbett this week re-nominated John Coleman as a Commissioner on the
Public Utility Commission
House
Conservation Easements House Bill 2059 (Miller-R-York) amending the Agricultural Area
Security Law to provide for the inspection of agricultural conservation easements on at least a
biennial basis (a summary and House Fiscal Note are available) and House Bill 2106 (Ross-R-
Chester) further providing for the relinquishment of the right to farmland preservation (a
summary and House Fiscal Note are available) were referred into and out of the House
Appropriations Committee and passed by the House The bills now go to the Senate for
consideration
Land Banks House Bill 1682 (Taylor-R-Philadelphia) providing for the creation of land banks
for the conversion of vacant properties into productive use was removed from the Table
amended on the House Floor and referred into and out of the House Appropriations Committeeand passed by the House A summary and House Fiscal Note are available The bill now goes to
the Senate for consideration
NewsClip Land Bank Bill Newest Anti-Blight Tool
Capital Budget Process House Bill 2175 (Turzai-R-Allegheny) making changes to Capital
Budget process and reducing the ability of state government to borrow and spend taxpayer
dollars was reported out of the House Finance Committee debated in the House and referred to
the House Appropriations Committee
NewsClip House Capital Budget Bill Debate Focuses On Jobs
Transportation Partnerships House Bill 3 (Geist-R-Blair) authorizing public-privatetransportation partnerships was amended on the House Floor and was referred to the House
Appropriations Committee
Recycling Requirement House Bill 1934 (FKeller-R-Snyder) excluding people residing in
federal or state facilities for determining when a municipality must recycle was reported out of
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the House Environmental Resources and Energy Committee and is on the House Calendar for
action
News From The Capitol
House Committee Moves Capital Budget Reform Legislation
The House Finance Committee Monday reported out House Bill 2175 (Turzai-R-Allegheny)
making changes to Capital Budget process and reducing the ability of state government to
borrow and spend taxpayer dollars
ldquoThe balance on the statersquos credit card is too highrdquo Rep Kerry Benninghoff (R-Mifflin)
Majority Chair of the Committee said ldquoItrsquos time to pay down the debt and stop spending money
that taxpayers donrsquot haverdquo
House Bill 2175 would reduce the debt ceiling of the Commonwealthrsquos Redevelopment
Assistance Capital Project (RACP) a program created to fund economic development and
infrastructure projects using borrowed money
In 1999 the program had a debt ceiling of approximately $12 billion Since that time
approximately 8000 projects have been added to the programrsquos list and the debt ceiling was
raised to more than $4 billion
The program has come under recurring scrutiny after funding was used to help build
stadiums for professional sports teams and projects honoring former politicians Millions of
dollars were earmarked through the program to fund a library named after former US Senator
Arlen Specter and a public policy center named after former Congressman John Murtha
ldquoPeople are tired of seeing their hard-earned money used to pay for legacy projects for
politiciansrdquo Rep Benninghoff said ldquoThis program has gone far outside its original intent of
providing help with legitimate economic development projectsrdquo
The bill would reduce the RACP debt ceiling initially by a half-billion dollars to $35 billion and then continue to incrementally decrease the debt limit until it falls to $15 billion The
legislation also calls for stricter limits on the type of projects eligible to receive funding and
would increase oversight of the program
ldquoWe want to lower the credit limit on the statersquos credit cardrdquo Rep Benninghoff said
ldquoThis would reduce the ability of state government to spend money that taxpayers donrsquot haverdquo
House Bill 2175 now heads to the full House for consideration
NewsClips House Capital Budget Bill Debate Focuses On Jobs
Editorial Capital Budget Funds Must Be Kept Under Control
Report On Game Commission Strategic Plan Released By Joint Committee
The Joint Legislative Budget and Finance Committee this week released the fifth in a series of
progress reports on the Game Commissions compliance with its strategic plan A copy of the
report highlights and the full report are available online
News From Around The State
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EPA States On Track To Meet Chesapeake Bay Cleanup Goals PA Plan Needs Work
Delaware Maryland Pennsylvania Virginia West Virginia and the District of Columbia are
generally on track to meet pollution reduction goals for the Chesapeake Bay and its rivers by
2025 according to the US Environmental Protection Agencyrsquos evaluations of the jurisdictions
cleanup plansThe six Bay states and the District of Columbia recently submitted their Phase II
Watershed Implementation Plans (WIPs) and their 2012-2013 pollution reduction milestones
These plans lay out how each jurisdiction will meet pollution reduction goals set by the EPA in
the Chesapeake Bay TMDL
Overall the jurisdictions built considerably upon their Phase I plans according to the
EPA The Phase II plans provide more specific cleanup strategies and detail restoration actions
on a local level
In a cover letter transmitting comments to the Department of Environmental Protection
on Pennsylvanias Plan EPA said greatly appreciate(s) the efforts of the Pennsylvania
Department of Environmental Protection and your partner agencies as well as stakeholder groups
in the development of these documents (WIP)The letter said EPAs primary concern is the WIP does not identify important next steps
to implement core initiatives of Pennsylvanias Phase I agriculture strategy such as supporting
manure to energy technologies and development of methods to defensibly track and report non-
cost-shared practices These strategies account for a sizable portion of the nutrient and sediment
reductions in the Plan
EPA also said it lacks assurance that Pennsylvania will be able to achieve the
reductions in stormwater loads identified in the WIP through methods such as reissuing the
PAG-13 General Permit for Municipal Separate Storm Sewer System permittees
A copy of the detailed comments is available online along with related comments related
documents Other state evaluations are also available EPA is still reviewing New Yorkrsquos planwhich was submitted after the deadline
The EPA said it will continue to work with the jurisdictions between now and March 30
when the final Phase II WIPs are due
CBF Funding Now Available For Farm Conservation Improvements In Northcentral PA
The Chesapeake Bay Foundation is pleased to announce funding is now available to farmers
interested in improving farm profitability and water quality through the installation of on-farm
conservation practices in Bradford Sullivan Susquehanna Tioga Wyoming and Lycoming
counties
The funding is being made available through CBFrsquos ldquoBuffer Bonusrdquo program incooperation with the Bradford County Conservation District The program has enabled current
and past participants to make onfarm improvements including rotational grazing practices such
as fencing watering systems and laneways
Other options include the installation of waste transfer lines for milk house waste and
silage leachate stabilization of access roads and the installation of roof gutters to include a few
ldquoThese conservation improvements are a win-win for both the farmer and local water
qualityrdquo said Jennifer Johns CBF Buffer Specialist in Bradford County ldquoWhile each project
832019 Pa Environment Digest Feb 20 2012
httpslidepdfcomreaderfullpa-environment-digest-feb-20-2012 1434
ultimately produces different results we find that creating healthier living conditions for the
livestock through the installation of conservation practices improves herd health and the farmerrsquos
bottom linerdquo
Another goal of this program is to provide at no cost to the farmer a new or updated
Conservation and Nutrient Management Plan By combining this plan with an engineerrsquos
evaluation of the farm which is also provided the plans are then considered a Comprehensive Nutrient Management Plan or a CNMP
Having a CNMP enables the farmer to apply for federal funding to assist with larger on-
farm improvements such as manure storage facilities and concrete barnyards
Farmers interested in participating in the Buffer Bonus program must be willing to install
a forested riparian streamside buffer through the USDArsquos Conservation Reserve Enhancement
Program (CREP) Those already enrolled in CREP with a contract date of April 1 2009 or later
may be eligible to enroll
This funding will not be available for long and farms will be served on a first come first
serve basis
For more information contact BradfordSullivan Counties Jennifer Johns
570-578-6900 TiogaLycoming Counties Steve Smith 570-578-7000 SusquehannaWyomingCounties Jeremy Wagner 570-278-1011 xt 107
Spring Creek Watershed Association Hosts Chesapeake Bay GIS Tool Workshop Feb 21
On February 21 the Spring Creek Watershed Association will host John Dawes Foundation for
PA Watersheds for a presentation about the Chesapeake Commons a web-based Geographic
Information Systems (GIS) and data management tool developed for the Chesapeake Bay
restoration effort
The presentation will be held from 800 am to 900 am at the Patton Township
Municipal Building near State College PaThere is also an option to hear the presentation through a webinar at the same time Click
Here for details
The Chesapeake Commons Tool is a free web-based Geographic Information Systems
(GIS) and data management tool available to all organizations working to restore the Chesapeake
Bay The Tool is designed to serve as a centralized knowledge base of data maps and articles
contributed by government nonprofits funders and citizen organizers
Policy makers will have a centralized pool of peer vetted information from which they
can make the best possible decisions in the context of the Bay restoration effort
Chesapeake Commons is a project developed and funded by the Chesapeake Bay Funders
Network with financial support from the John Heinz III Center for Science Economics and the
Environment
Town Meeting On Health Of The Wissahickon Creek March 29
On March 29 the Wissahickon Valley Watershed Association and the Springside Chestnut Hill
Academy with support from the Friends of the Wissahickon and Chestnut Hill College are
sponsoring a Town Meeting to inform the community about significant environmental challenges
to the Wissahickon Creek
832019 Pa Environment Digest Feb 20 2012
httpslidepdfcomreaderfullpa-environment-digest-feb-20-2012 1534
The meeting will be held on the Cherokee Campus of Springside Chestnut Hill Academy
8000 Cherokee Street Philadelphia and will begin at 7 pm doors will open at 630 pm and
light refreshments will be provided
A Creek in Crisis A Town Meeting on the Health of the Wissahickon Creek will
examine the numerous threats to the Wissahickon including diminishing water quantity
stormwater runoff impaired water quality and flooding that severely impact the health of theWissahickon Creek and its tributaries
The impact of the Wissahickon Creek on the lives of those living in the Wissahickon
Watershed is absolute Though the Wissahickon Creek has a humble beginning in the parking lot
at Montgomery Mall it continues through nine municipalities to the confluence of the Schuylkill
River in Philadelphia
It is a significant waterway providing approximately 10 percent of the drinking water to
Philadelphians as well as habitat for local wildlife and recreation and natural beauty for area
residents
Moderated by Patrick Starr Vice President of the PA Environmental Council Southeast
Regional Office the Town Meeting will feature a panel of environmental experts who will
examine the numerous threats to the WissahickonPanelists will be Carol R Collier Executive Director of the Delaware River Basin
Commission John K Jackson PhD Senior Research Scientist at the Stroud Water Research
Center and Chris Crockett Deputy Commissioner at the Philadelphia Water Department
More information will be posted on the Friends of the Wissahickon website
Conservation Reserve Program Training Courses Offered By Penn State Extension
Conservation professionals working across the Chesapeake Bay Watershed are invited to a
special training program on Conservation Reserve Planning for professionals on March 7 and 8
at the Lancaster County Farm and Home CenterA national team of facilitators will be conducting the Lancaster workshop including from
University of Wisconsin University of Minnesota Montana State University University of
Georgia and Penn State ndash along with experienced and skilled US Natural Resource
Conservation Service professionals
Also involved in the program are conservation partners who are in formal agreements
with NRCS to deliver the Conservation Reserve Enhancement Program to landowners for
example the Chesapeake Bay Foundation will also be on hand at the workshop to provide
additional training related to CREP
This training workshop is designed to create a group of skilled conservation professionals
working in partnership with farmers and landowners to develop quality CRP conservation plans
that result in measurable impacts on land and water resource managementWorkshop goals include
-- Understanding the purpose and intent of the Conservation Reserve Program (CRP)
-- Determining eligibility of lands for CRP
-- Knowing how to find information for CRP plans
-- Effectively working with a landowner in developing a CRP plan
-- Becoming familiar with regionally specific conservation practices
-- Understanding how to implement a CRP plan
832019 Pa Environment Digest Feb 20 2012
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-- Working with NRCS and FSA to submit a quality CRP plan
The Conservation Reserve Program Readiness Initiative was created to help the Natural
Resources Conservation Service accomplish the work involved with managing CRP enrollments
CRP plan development and implementation and the follow up management of developed plans
A national team of Extension staff NRCS and FSA staff and representatives from NRCS
partner agencies and organizations has collaborated to develop a multi-faceted training programto meet the needs of the initiative
Click Here for the full schedule of workshops available
Latest Lessons From The Land Webinar Feb 21 On Managing Phosphorus
Penn State Extension and the Conewago Watershed Initiative will host a webcast on February 21
from noon to 100 pm on Measuring and Managing Phosphorus In Wet Pennsylvania
Landscapes part of the Lessons From The Land series
Dr Tony Buda USDA ARS and Dr Patrick Drohan Penn State Department of Crop
and Soil Science will present research conducted by PA USDA NRCS USDA-ARS and Penn
State to look at how saturated soils and soils with fragipans have contributed to higher runoffMatt Royer Director of the Lower Susquehanna Initiative Penn State AG amp
Environment Center will moderate
These wet landscapes are often critical sources of phosphorus that contribute to loads of
pollutants in streamsmdashand should be targeted for conservation practices
A pilot study undertaken within the Conewago Watershed serves as a proving ground for
the development of ldquonext generation nutrient management practicesrdquo necessary to reduce the
loads of phosphorus emanating from agricultural lands that contribute to the degradation of the
Chesapeake Bay Watershed
One Nutrient Management credit is available for eligible participants from the state
Department of Agriculture Those seeking credits will be required to sign-in during the webinar to verify their attendance
The program can be viewed online as a recording after the live broadcast Continuing ed
credits are not available for the recorded session
To join this webinar you will need a high speed Internet and can sign in on this
webpage at the webinars noon start time This program will be broadcasting live from the
Conewago Initiativersquos Project Advisory Team meeting at Penn Statersquos Harrisburg campus
Lake Management Annual Conference Set For March 7-8 In State College
The 22nd annual Pennsylvania Lake Management Society annual conference will once again be
at the Days Inn State College on March 7 and 8This years theme is Staying Blue by Going Green and our keynote speaker is Bill
Jones from Indiana School of Public and Environmental Affairs in Bloomington Indiana
As always the Conference will have a great line up of speakers It also offers aquatic
applicator credits for PA OH NY and NJ
Please check out the Conference webpage for more details or contact Kerilynn Frey by
sending email to palakeshotmailcom
832019 Pa Environment Digest Feb 20 2012
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Penn State Extension How To Avoid Septic System Failures
Owning your own home is challenging enough what do you do when it comes with its own
sewage treatment plant This article provides some clues for owners of septic systems who want
to make them last a very long time
According to the US Environmental Protection Agency failure rates for on-lot sewagesystems across the country are reported at 10 percent annually In Pennsylvania approximately
12 million homes (one in three) use on-lot sewage systems for the treatment and disposal of
waste water
Responsibility for maintaining the system rests with the homeowner Proper maintenance
is a good idea since replacing it can cost thousands of dollars Proper maintenance also protects
groundwater that might be a source of drinking water
The most obvious on-lot sewage system failures are easy to spot Sewage backing up into
your home will typically command your immediate attention Raw sewage surfacing in your
yard in nearby ditches or on the neighborrsquos lawn is another clear indicator of failure Muddy
soil around the drain field or pooled water there or in your basement are other signs of serious
malfunction Notice whether your toilet or sink backs up when you flush or do laundry Stripsof bright green grass over the drainfield may be another indicator of problems A toilet running
sluggish or sewer odors in the house andor drinking water are signs of an on-lot system in
trouble
On-lot sewage systems also fail when partially treated wastewater comes into contact
with groundwater This type of failure is not easy to detect but it can result in the pollution of
wells nearby streams or other bodies of water Illness often to household visitors may be
another indicator of system failure that has affected your well and household drinking water
For those considering building a new home or replacing an existing septic system one of
the most critical factors in on-lot sewage system performance is the nature of the soils used for
the septic system soil absorption fieldYou can minimize failures by carefully and deliberately considering all aspects of on-lot
sewage system construction site selection design installation maintenance and use Hire
reputable individuals to design and install your system Also make sure the system is designed to
meet your present and future needs
You should contact your Township Sewage Enforcement Officer concerning permits
needed to install a new on-lot sewage system or repair a failing system
Once properly installed the key to preventing your on-lot system from failing is proper
maintenance Regularly pumping the tank being careful in what you put down the drains and
avoiding such things as planting trees over the field or covering the system with permanent
patios and home additions are important to keep the system running well
Water conservation in the home is also an excellent method of preventing future problems from occurring Divert downspouts and surface water away from the septic tank and
especially the drain field Do not physically damage the system by driving over the components
with heavy vehicles or by digging up the system for other utility lines etc Keep a record of the
location and dimensions of your system along with maintenance and repair information
Homeowners interested in finding out about the overall health of their on-lot sewage
system may want to consider having their septic systems inspected by a trained professional The
PA Septage Management Association in cooperation with the National Onsite Wastewater
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Education and Research Foundation has adopted uniform On-lot Wastewater Treatment
Inspection procedures
PSMA is a professional association of septage pumpers system installers maintenance
technicians real estate inspectors and industry affiliates PSMA Certified Inspectors which
includes many septic tank pumpers are trained to understand how on-lot systems work why they
fail and recognize impending malfunctionsSee the PSMA website for more details about PSMANOF inspections or call them at
717-763-7762
Many fact sheets about on-lot sewage systems are available from the Agricultural and
Biological Engineering department Topics include septic tank pumping percolation tests
elevated sand mounds inspections and alternative systems and pharmaceutical disposal
(Article reprinted from Penn State Extension Watershed Winds online newsletter)
Wissahickon Watershed Maple Sugaring Program Set For March 3
Ever wonder how maple syrup and sugar are made The Wissahickon Vally WatershedAssociation will offer a unique program on maple syrup on March 3 in Ambler Montgomery
County
The event offers a fun and informative event ideal for families Scout groups and anyone
curious about the maple sugar process
Choose a specific time as guides take small groups through the woods to see the tapped
trees and then watch it being boiled into sugar End your walk at WVWArsquos historic headquarters
for hot chocolate and warm treats with maple syrup
RSVP requested by sending email to infowvwaorg or call 215-646-8866 There is a
fee for the program WVWA member fee $5 per person $15 per family Non-WVWA member
fee $10 per person $20 per family or Become a WVWA member and be their guest for $45In Ambler and look for signage Walk over the Butler Avenue Bridge and turn left onto
the Green Ribbon Trail
KPB Greenways Mini-Grant Program Applications Due March 15
Keep Pennsylvania Beautiful is now accepting applications for their Greenways Mini-Grant
Program to provide community groups with project supplies for outdoor based work events
within a greenway enabling the renewal of Pennsylvaniarsquos Greenways in need into something
beautiful
The deadline for applications is March 15 and hard copies are required Grants will be
awarded on April 16Fifteen grant awardees along with their volunteers will be eligible for up to $500 in
project supplies and direct project costs for Prevent it Clean it and Keep it projects within a
Greenway
Pennsylvania and its partners are developing an outstanding network of greenways across
the Commonwealth creating an asset that will enhance the quality of life for all while connecting
open space natural landscape features scenic cultural historic and recreations sites and urban
and rural communities
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A greenway is a linear corridor across the land that conserves natural areas and provides
people with recreation and transportation opportunities
As one of the Commonwealthrsquos most powerful tools to achieve sustainable growth and
livable communities greenways are ensuring future generations the opportunity to live amongst
the natural beauty of Pennrsquos Woods
This program is financed by a grant from the Community Conservation PartnershipProgram Environmental Stewardship Fund under the administration of the Department of
Conservation and Natural Resources Bureau of Recreation and Conservation
The Greenways Mini-Grant is available to any tax-exempt group within Pennsylvania
Private property owners or individual applicants cannot apply
Applications must meet the following requirements to be considered ndash it is within a
Greenway and is in at least one of the following categories Prevent it Clean it and Keep it (see
application for details) plus provide proof of liability insurance signed permission to enter from
the private property owner and 100 percent match of donated or in-kind services Selected
awardees must also agree to provide a final report with before during and after photos
ldquoWe are excited to collaborate with DCNR in offering Greenways Mini-Grants to
organizations working to build clean and beautiful communities across the staterdquo said ShannonReiter President of Keep Pennsylvania Beautiful ldquoGreenways are integral to healthy livable
communities and we are grateful to have the opportunity to empower Pennsylvania with the
tools and resources they need to enhance greenways in their communitiesrdquo
For more information visit the Greenways Mini-Grant Program webpage to download an
application Any additional questions can be answered by Susan Carmichael Greenways Mini-
Grant Program Coordinator at 1-877-772-3673 ext 102 or send email to
scarmichaelkeeppabeautifulorg
Pennsylvania Adds 1470 Acres Of Farmland To Preservation Program
Pennsylvania has added 1470 additional acres of land to its nationally recognized farmland
preservation program under action by the Pennsylvania Agricultural Land Preservation Board at
its meeting Thursday in Harrisburg
The 14 newly preserved farms are located in Beaver Berks Bucks Butler Cambria
Cumberland Juniata Lackawanna Lancaster Lebanon Northampton and Somerset counties
ldquoWersquove preserved nearly 15000 acres of farmland across the state in just the past year
alonerdquo said Agriculture Secretary George Greig ldquoThis speaks volumes to the value our farm
families place on ensuring the future viability of Pennsylvania agriculture ndash our statersquos number-
one industryrdquo
Since the program started in 1988 state county and local governments have invested
more than $11 billion to safeguard 459007 acres on 4243 farmsldquoOur producers know the importance of preserving farms so our next generation of
agriculturalists can keep Pennsylvania growing far into the future and I thank them for that
foresightrdquo Greig said
Pennsylvaniarsquos farmland preservation efforts work through the Pennsylvania Agricultural
Conservation Easement Purchase Program The program was developed to slow the loss of prime
farmland to non-agricultural uses It enables state county and local governments to purchase
conservation easements also called development rights from owners of quality farmland
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For more information visit Agricultures Farmland Preservation webpage
PUC Finalizes Implementation Plan For Pipeline Safety Act
The Public Utility Commission Thursday finalized an Order as the first step in implementing Act
127 the Gas and Hazardous Liquids Pipelines ActThe Commission voted 5-0 to finalize the Order which begins the process of creating a
statewide registry for non-public utility gas and hazardous liquids pipeline equipment and
facilities within the Commonwealth provides resources to conduct safety inspections to enforce
Federal pipeline safety laws on certain classifications of pipeline and assesses entities for the
costs
The Order established the following
-- The registration fee is $250
-- The 2012 registration deadline is March 16
-- Assessment invoices for the Commissionrsquos 2011-12 fiscal year will be mailed by March 30
and due by April 30 and
-- Assessment invoices for the Commissionrsquos 2012-13 fiscal year will be mailed in July 2012with payment due within 30 days
Final forms and other materials will be available on the Commissionrsquos website
Act 127 direct the PUC to develop a registry and conduct safety inspections of these lines
for ldquopipeline operatorsrdquo in the state The Commission also is to track the development of
pipelines in less populated areas which transport gas from non-conventional wells
Act 127 expands the Commissionrsquos authority to enforce the federal pipeline safety laws
as they relate to those pipelines and facilities Non-public utility gas and hazardous liquids
pipeline operators include several different categories of pipelines such as cooperatively owned
natural gas distribution systems non-utility natural gas transportation and gathering lines and
propane distribution pipeline systemsFor more information visit the PUCs Act 127 webpage
DEP Sets Feb 22 Meeting On Jefferson County Drilling Permit
The Department of Environmental Protection will host a public meeting on February 22 to
discuss Flatirons Resources LLCrsquos proposal to drill a Marcellus Shale well in Brockway
Jefferson County
The 6 pm meeting will be held at the Brockway Area JuniorSenior High School on
Alexander Street in Brockway
ldquoWe recognize that there are a lot of questions and that people want detailsrdquo DEP
Northwest Regional Director Kelly Burch said ldquoDEP staff will provide information about our role in the permitting process and address any questions and concerns the audience may have
about our oversight and environmental protectionrdquo
The horizontal well that Flatirons proposes to drill would be the second on this pad
which is on Brockway Borough Municipal Authority property in the Rattlesnake Creek
Watershed The first well was drilled in February 2011 and hydraulically fractured in November
2011
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After DEPrsquos presentation at the meeting company representatives will describe their
plans to drill the well if approved A question-and-answer session will follow
DEPrsquos decision to issue a well permit is based on the applicationrsquos technical merits and
whether the applicantrsquos drilling casing and cementing plan will protect water resources The
agency issued Flatirons a permit to drill a second well on the pad in December 2010 but it
expired a year later because the well was never drilled The permit application was resubmittedon December 27 2011
HACC Offers Free Environmental Technician Training At Midtown Campus
Training for emerging environmental jobs in the cleanup and reuse of brownfields will be offered
starting April 16 at the Midtown location of HACC Central Pennsylvaniarsquos Community College
Candidates for the federally funded program are displaced workers the unemployed or
underemployed as well as low-income or minority residents who live in the Harrisburg said
Cheryl Dietz HACC Workforce Training coordinator
Potential students can find out more by attending one of two upcoming information
sessions in Room 228 of Midtown 1 1500 N Fourth St The sessions will be held from 6-7 pmFebruary 29 and 11 am-noon March 3
HACC representatives will answer questions about the free job training program which
will consist of an eight-week 320-hour training cycle with classes meeting 8 am-3 pm April
16-June 8
To be eligible a candidate must have a general education diploma (GED) or high school
diploma test at a 10th-grade math and reading level have a valid driverrsquos license have access to
reliable transportation be drug free and demonstrate an interest in the environment
Successful graduates will receive certifications in all of the following Hazardous Waste
Operations and Emergency Response (HAZWOPER) confined space entrantattendant and
supervisor lead-based paint inspector and asbestos inspectorAdditional training will be offered in environmental site assessment air and water
quality and environmental remediation techniques
HACC is offering the training through a two-year $199890 grant awarded through the
federal Environmental Protection Agencyrsquos Brownfields Program
Two classes were held last year at HACC-Harrisburg Campus with 35 graduates Of this
number 26 have jobs (19 of them are in the environmental field) and four are continuing their
education A third class is under way in Lancaster As part of the grant HACC helps successful
graduates find environmental jobs and tracks those graduates for one year
A brownfield site is real property the expansion redevelopment or reuse of which may
be complicated by the presence or potential presence of a hazardous substance pollutant or
contaminant according to the EPAThe EPA estimates there are 180 brownfield sites in the Lancaster area and a combined
total of 120 brownfield sites in Harrisburg and Steelton
For more information or to register to attend an information session contact Cheryl
Deitz HACC Workforce Training coordinator at 221-1338 or send email to chdeitzhaccedu
PUC Chair Urges Utilities To Participate In Programs To Create Jobs For Returning
Troops
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Public Utility Commission Chairman Robert F Powelson Thursday urged the statersquos public
utilities to participate in several new programs proposed by Gov Tom Corbett and the Edison
Electric Institute to create jobs in the energy sector
The Chairman also noted that the time is right for job growth with the development of the
Marcellus Shale industry and electric competition across the stateldquoToday I encourage Pennsylvaniarsquos electric and natural gas utilities to learn from the
example set by EEI and participate in the Troops to Energy Jobs program as well as Governor
Corbettrsquos Jobs First PA initiative Chairman Powelson said in a statement at the PUCrsquos Public
Meeting In the days ahead the PUC will be coordinating with EEI and the Corbett
Administration to connect our energy companies with these innovative programsrdquo
The Chairman referenced Gov Corbetts annual budget address to the General Assembly
last week
ldquoIn his address the Governor recognized that the energy sector has enormous potential
for producing new jobs and putting the unemployed back to workrdquo Chairman Powelson said
ldquoIn announcing his new Jobs First program the Governor stated that lsquoas our energy sector
expands Pennsylvania needs a trained workforce ready to meet the demand for workersrsquordquoChairman Powelson said the EEI launched its Troops for Energy Jobs initiative which is
designed to accelerate the training and employability of veterans in key energy programs EEI is
currently piloting this program through five energy companies throughout the nation
For more information visit the Troops for Energy Jobs Initiative website
PA Chamber Environmental amp Energy Conference April 18 In Lancaster
The annual PA Chamber of Business and Industry Environmental and Energy Conference will be
held on April 18 at the Eden Resort Inn amp Suites in Lancaster
Major environmental regulatory areas continue to see numerous changes at the state andfederal level that impact business Thats why the Pennsylvania Chamber is offering four
learning tracks with answers you need on the latest environmental and energy issues-all in one
day
-- Compliance help from state and national top experts on the toughest environmental issues
-- Details on the latest regulatory changes and proposed changes
-- Proven strategies best practices and practical business tips to help you comply cost-effectively
in each area and
-- Advanced environmental roundtable
There will be two keynotes The Economic Benefits of Marcellus Shale and Natural Gas-
American Petroleum Institute Washington DC and Converting Trash into Renewable Energy-
National Solid Wastes Management Association Washington DCVisit with more than 50 exhibitors offering an exciting array of advanced technology
solutions and exhibitor educational sessions Access and network with more than 300 of your
peers from across the state
For more information and to register visit the Conference webpage or contact Sue Smith
at 717-720-5457 or send email to ssmithpachamberorg
Volunteers Needed To Plant 100 Acre Wind Break At Flight 93 Memorial In April
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The federal Office of Surface Mining Reclamation and Enforcement through their Appalachian
Regional Reforestation Initiative and the Department of Environmental Protection are working
with the National Park Service to plant a wind break at the Flight 93 Memorial in Somerset
County
Volunteers are needed to plant trees on April 20 21 27 and 28 Volunteers may sign upfor one day or multiple days
If you are interested in volunteering send a Volunteer Sign-Up Form and a Photo
Release Form and send to Leroy Renninger of the National Park Service by email
to Leroy_Renningernpsgov
State Fly Tying Champions Announced At Eastern Sports amp Outdoor Show
The Eastern Sports amp Outdoor Show Cumberland Valley Trout Unlimited Bass Pro Shops of
Harrisburg Mid Atlantic Fly Fishing Guide magazine and the Fish and Boat Commission
sponsored the Pennsylvania State Fly Tying Championship held on February 11 at the Eastern
Sports amp Outdoor Show at the State Farm Show Complex in HarrisburgThirteen contestants in three categories competed for money trophies and prizes in the
annual event to crown the best fly tyers in Pennsylvania
In the Open Division the winners are 1st Place - Andy Fresch Summerhill 2nd Place -
Ken Moser Severna Park MD 3rd Place - John Shosh Hamburg
The Amateur Division winners are 1st Place - Matthew Edinger Sharon Hill 2nd Place -
- Mike Marino Souderton and 3rd Place -- Elliott DeFrancesco Wilburton
The Youth Division winners are 1st Place - Gaeron Friedrichs Milford 2nd Place
Bobby Faust Dalmatia
The contestants at the final event were the top tiers selected from entries previously
submitted In order to qualify the entrants had to submit three flies from a list of flies for eachcategory
At the event each finalist was required to tie three flies over a two hour time period The
finalists knew ahead of time two of the flies that were to be tied and a third ldquomystery flyrdquo was
announced to them at the event
The championship will be held again at the 2013 Eastern Sports and Outdoor Show and
applications information and details will be posted at the Cumberland Valley Trout Unlimited or
Eastern Sports and Outdoor Show websites as they become available
PA State Parks Forest App Now Updated And Free
The Official Pennsylvania State Parks amp Forests App is now completely FREE This latestversion now on the market includes advanced interactive capabilities such as GPS trail mapping
the Friend Finder to keep track of your family and friends on the trail and more
Featured Update List Increased performance speed Multi-tasking Capability
GeoChallenge (GeocacheGeoQuest) Feature FREE enhanced GPS features
This new version increases performance speed and cuts activation time in half With the
new multi-tasking capability users gain enhanced user navigation The more adventurous
832019 Pa Environment Digest Feb 20 2012
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outdoor enthusiasts will benefit from the recently added GeoChallenges that include geocache
and geoquest activities which will be updated regularly
The waypointphoto waypoint marking tools have been upgraded and there has been a
fine-tuning of the trail-tracking feature located on the side navigation bar of the free GPS
Mapping section Use the app to track record and share your explorations with others-all at no
chargeTry out the app and let the PA Parks amp Forests Foundation know what you think
Feature
Bald Eagle Pair Get Help With Home Improvement Project
While most people try to avoid home improvement projects in the winter a pair of bald eagles
got some much needed help recently from a team of Game Commission land managers with a
very important and timely renovation project
A sycamore tree on Haldeman Island has been used by at least three mated pairs as a
nesting site since 1989 The island is just upriver of the confluence of the Susquehanna and
Juniata rivers north of Harrisburg and the tree stands just across a pond from one of three
hacking towers the Game Commission used at two locations in its bald eagle recovery program
About two weeks ago one of the limbs supporting the nest collapsed under the weight of the
nest
On Friday Steve Bernardi Game Commission Land Management Group Supervisor for
Juniata Mifflin Perry and Snyder counties was joined by Terry Willow Game Lands
Maintenance Worker with the River Island Food and Cover Corps Crew and Scott Bills Land
Management Group Supervisor for Dauphin and Lebanon counties to construct a platform to
encourage the bald eagle pair to reuse this nest site
The three men measured and cut lumber used hammers and nails as well as screws anddrills to secure the lumber in place and then placed branches and sticks on the platform to
encourage the bald eagles ndash who were watching the activity while perched in nearby trees ndash to
begin rebuilding a nest
A pair built a nest in this tree in 1989 and had their first young in 1990 Bernardi said
A storm blew the original nest out of the tree in 1995 Scott Bills who was the Wildlife
Conservation Officer in Dauphin County at that time worked with a Food and Cover Corps crew
and PPL to erect the first platform similar to what we put in place on Friday
Adult bald eagles are preparing to nest and hopefully they will come back and reuse this
platform just like they did back in 1995
Haldeman Island played a key role in the recovery of bald eagles in Pennsylvania In the
1980s it was one of two locations used for reintroduction of eagles brought by the GameCommission from Canada in the early years of restoration of eagles to our state About 40
eaglets were released at the Haldeman Island tower overlooking the ponds on the north side of
the island by 1989
When the reintroduced birds successfully raised young at a nest on Haldeman in 1990
the whole state had only seven nesting pairs And there has been an active eagle nest in that spot
every year since except 2004 when the birds took a year off
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While we dont know if the same pair have been active that whole time the same old
sycamore tree has been used during this period and that nest has produced more than 40 young
over this period said Dan Brauning Game Commission Wildlife Diversity Division chief
Since the site is well-protected on a Game Commission island with limited access this site has
particular value to us
Continued support for this nest will help sustain this historic location in the recovery of baldeagles in Pennsylvania
In 1983 the Game Commission began a seven-year bald eagle restoration program in
which the agency sent employees to Saskatchewan to obtain eaglets from wilderness nests The
Richard King Mellon Foundation of Pittsburgh and the federal Endangered Species Fund
provided financial assistance for this effort
In all 88 bald eaglets from Canada were released from sites at Dauphin Countys
Haldeman Island and Pike Countys Shohola Falls The resurgence of eagles in Pennsylvania is
directly related to this program which also was carried out in other states in the Northeast
When the restoration program began in 1983 only three Crawford County nests remained
in the state By 2006 the agency announced that the state had surpassed the 100 bald eagle nest
mark Just five years later in 2011 the number of known bald eagle nests had doubled to 203spread out over 50 counties
Residents aware of a bald eagle nest ndash which are among the largest nests of all birds ndash in
their area should consider reporting it to the Pennsylvania Game Commission The easiest way to
contact the agency by sending email to pgccommentspagov Use the words Eagle Nest
Information in the subject field
The Game Commission continues to further the publics understanding of bald eagles In
2010 a comprehensive Bald Eagle threatened species account and Bald Eagle Nest Etiquette
guide were added to the agencys website
In 2011 the agency launched its series of Eagle-watching in Pennsylvania guides that
will help direct those interested in viewing bald eagles in the wild on where to go how to getthere what to expect and other wildlife viewing opportunities available at each site
Currently posted are eagle-watching guides for Erie National Wildlife Refuge Crawford
County Conneaut Marsh Geneva Marsh State Game Land 213 Crawford County Raystown
Lake Huntingdon County State Game Land 180 Shohola Lake Pike County Middle Creek
Wildlife Management Area Lebanon and Lancaster counties Bald Eagle State Park Centre
County Glendale Lake Price Gallitzin State Park Cambria County John Heinz National
Wildlife Refuge Philadelphia and Delaware counties Lower Susquehanna River Lancaster and
York counties Moraine State Park Butler County Pine Creek Valley Lycoming and Tioga
counties Promised Land State Park Pike County Pymatuning Reservoir Crawford County and
the Upper Delaware River in Pike Wayne and Monroe counties
Game Commission Announces April 1 Deadline For Ads In Hunting-Trapping Digest
Game Commission Executive Director Carl G Roe Thursday announced Liberty Press
Publications publisher of the Pennsylvania Digest of Hunting amp Trapping Regulations has set
April 1 as the deadline for advertising copy in the 2012-13 Digest Click Here for details
For advertising information contact Liberty Press Publications toll-free at
1-800-296-6402
832019 Pa Environment Digest Feb 20 2012
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Opportunity To Bid On McKean County Abandoned Well Plugging Project
The Department of Environmental Protection published notice of an opportunity to bid on a
project to plug 24 abandoned oil wells in McKean County
Help Wanted Chesapeake Bay Foundation PA Grassroots Coordinator Field Specialist
The Chesapeake Bay Foundation is seeking a PA Grassroots Coordinator and a Field Specialist
to be based at their Pennsylvania State Office located in Harrisburg This position is a 2 year
term position with the possibility of extension Click Here for details
Help Wanted Conewago Creek Assistant Project Coordinator
Penn State Cooperative Extension on behalf of the Conewago Creek Initiative seeks an Assistant
Project Coordinator to be an integral part of a dynamic partnership team working together with
local state and federal partnersThe Assistant Project Coordinator will report to the Director of the Lower Susquehanna
Initiative who serves as the Project Coordinator for the Conewago Creek Initiative
The deadline for applications is March 1 Click Here for details
Help Wanted ALLARM Assistant Director Of Outreach Marcellus
The Alliance for Aquatic Resource Monitoring (ALLARM) is seeking candidate to fill a third
full time position to the organization-- Assistant Director of Outreach-- to assist with Marcellus
Monitoring program training community volunteers throughout the shale gas regions in
Pennsylvania to monitor small streams for early pollution detection Click Here for fullannouncement
Grants amp 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
February 23-- PA Pathways To Green Schools Nominations
February 24-- PA Trout In The Classroom Grants
February 29-- EPA Environmental Justice Small Grants
February 29-- Ben Franklin BIG IDEA Business Plan ContestFebruary 29-- PA American Water Stream of Learning Scholarships
February 29-- West Branch Susquehanna Orange Rock Awards
March 1-- Erie TreeVitalize Grants
March 2-- Coca-Cola Keep America Beautiful Recycling Bin Grants
March 2-- Conservation Innovation Grants Chesapeake Bay Nutrient Credit Grants
March 5-- TogetherGreen Fellowship and Innovation Grants
832019 Pa Environment Digest Feb 20 2012
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March 5-- PECDominion Western PA Environmental Awards
March 10-- PA American Water Environmental Grants
March 15-- NEW Keep PA Beautiful Greenways Mini-Grants
March 23-- Water Resources Education Network Grants
March 30-- PA American Water Protect Our Watersheds Student Art Contest
March 31-- DEP Host Municipal Inspector GrantsApril 3-- West Penn Power Sustainable Energy Fund Grants Loans
April 4-- DCNR Community Conservation Partnership Grants
April 15-- Wild Resource Conservation Fund Income Tax Checkoff Deadline
March 1-- Keystone Historic Preservation Project and Construction Grants
August 1-- PA Snowmobile Assn Trail Improvement Grants
August 24-- Foundation for PA Watershed Grants
September 1-- Erie TreeVitalize Grants
October 31-- PA Resources Council Lens On Litter Contest
-- Visit the DEP Grants and Loan Programs webpage for more ideas on how to get financial
assistance for environmental projects
BudgetQuick Clips
Heres a selection of NewClips on environmental topics from around the state--
Budget
Corbett Signs Marcellus Shale Fee Into Law
Corbett Signs Shale Well Impact Fee Into Law
Corbett Approves Marcellus Shale Fee
Bradford Commissioner Foolish Not To Accept Drilling Fee MoneyWhats Next For PAs Impact Fee Bradford Against Fee
Bradford Commissioners Disagree On Drilling Fee
Washington County To Seek Marcellus Fees
Editorial Corbetts Gas Fee About To Evaporate
Robinson Twp To Contest New Marcellus Law
South Fayette Eyes Legal Action On Drilling Bill
Fish amp Boat Commission Grateful For Marcellus Fees
PUC Eyes Private Firm For Impact Fee Collection
PUC Chair Let Marcellus Play Come To Us
PUC Would Get Shale Role Under Drilling Bill
Editorial It Makes Sense For PUC To Deal With Drilling NE Counties To Raise Millions Or Nothing Under Drilling Fee
House Capital Budget Bill Debate Focuses On Jobs
House GOP Marcellus Bill A Win For Jobs
Norquists No-Tax Pledge Cant Give Drill Fee The Ax
PA Natural Gas Levy Became Inevitable
Bradford Commissioners Disagree On Drilling Fee
832019 Pa Environment Digest Feb 20 2012
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Vertical Exploratory Wells Wont Be Hit With Drilling Fee
Impact Fee Bill Addresses Housing Needs
Op-Ed Natural Gas Fee May Be Too Late
Editorial Marcellus Fee A Tax Stupid
Editorial Shale Drillers Got The Better Part Of Deal
Corbett Raiding Special FundsCan Pennsylvanians Survive Under Another Corbett Budget
As Roads Bridges Deteriorate Governor Silent
Analysis Taking Baby Steps On Fixing Roads Bridges
Editorial Must A Bridge Fall Down
House Capital Budget Bill Debate Focuses On Jobs
Editorial Capital Budget Funds Must Be Kept Under Control
Obama Cuts EPA Increases Chesapeake Bay Program
Chesapeake Bay Program Increased Under Obama Budget
EPA Budget Cut For States Superfund Cleanup
Obama Proposes $14 Million For Fracking Research
$67 Million Requested For Federal Pipeline SafetyDCNR Secretary Says Report On Wildlife Research Not Accurate
Other
Electronics Recycling Date Set At Greensburg Mall
Hershey Plants Achieve Zero Waste Status
RecycleBank Named On Of Worlds Most Innovative Companies
Editorial Fine Litterers No Ifs Or Butts
Corbett Signs 3 Energy Sector Bills
Op-Ed Anti-Coal Agenda Is Detrimental To PA
Op-Ed Global Warming As Fact Not Hypothesis
Op-Ed Climate Change Education Is NecessaryHomer City Power Plant Still To Dirty Groups Claim
DEP Sets March 14 Public Hearing On Homer City Power Plant
Concerns Voiced Over PPL Lines
Consumer Alert Electricity Price Discounts Heat Up
Turbine Load To Hit The Road To Holtwood Dam
PPL Plans $664 Million In Electric Delivery System Improvements
Exelon Gives Dauphin County $110000 For Emergency Response
Groups Ask For Expansion Of Nuclear Plant Evacuation Zone
Feds Give PPL Reactor Low Grade
Allentown Council Rejects Waste-To-Energy Sewage Plant
GE Invests In Cleaner Evolution LocomotiveDEP Hopeful Buyer Will Emerge For ConocoPhillips Refinery
DEP Renews ConocoPhillips Trainer Refinery Discharge Permit
100 Sunoco Workers In PA Get Layoff Notices
Meehan PA Refinery Closures Threat To National Security
Refinery Closings Could Affect 15000 Jobs Study Says
Gasoline Could Reach $5 By July 4
$4 A Gallon Gasoline By Memorial Day
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Gasoline Prices Have Never Been This High This Early
Electric Bicycle Waiver Sought
Land Bank Bill Newest Anti-Blight Tool
Game Commission Prepares For Controlled Burn On Centre County
2012 Great Backyard Bird Count Begins Friday
Birders-Eye View Of Conservation In PhiladelphiaState Could Take Over Refurbished Point State Park
New Ohiopyle Visitors Center Project To Be Bid This Spring
Winterfest At Ohiopyle No Snow Still A Go
Protecting Landscapes Changing Face Of Conservation
Marcellus Shale NewsClips
Here are NewsClips on topics related to Marcellus Shale natural gas drilling---
Corbett Signs Marcellus Shale Fee Into Law
Corbett Signs Shale Well Impact Fee Into Law
Corbett Approves Marcellus Shale Fee
Bradford Commissioner Foolish Not To Accept Drilling Fee Money
Whats Next For PAs Impact Fee Bradford Against Fee
Bradford Commissioners Disagree On Drilling Fee
Washington County To Seek Marcellus Fees
Editorial Corbetts Gas Fee About To Evaporate
Robinson Twp To Contest New Marcellus Law
South Fayette Eyes Legal Action On Drilling Bill
Fish amp Boat Commission Grateful For Marcellus Fees
PUC Eyes Private Firm For Impact Fee CollectionPUC Chair Let Marcellus Play Come To Us
PUC Would Get Shale Role Under Drilling Bill
Editorial It Makes Sense For PUC To Deal With Drilling
Corbett Raiding Special Funds
NE Counties To Raise Millions Or Nothing Under Drilling Fee
House GOP Marcellus Bill A Win For Jobs
Norquists No-Tax Pledge Cant Give Drill Fee The Ax
PA Natural Gas Levy Became Inevitable
Wayne County Landowners Push For Drilling
Vertical Exploratory Wells Wont Be Hit With Drilling Fee
Impact Fee Bill Addresses Housing NeedsDrilling Bill Authors Health Experts Fears Unfounded
Health Officials Drilling Law Disclosure Rules Lax
Op-Ed Natural Gas Fee May Be Too Late
Editorial Marcellus Fee A Tax Stupid
Editorial Shale Drillers Got The Better Part Of Deal
Delaware Riverkeeper Reports Settlement Over Gas Well
832019 Pa Environment Digest Feb 20 2012
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EPA Probing Washington County Shale Operations
Marcellus Boom Has Pressed Law Firms To Boost Their Staffs
25 More State Troopers In NE Shale Region
Recorders Of Deeds May Not Reject Multiple Gas Leases
Rural Loophole Curbing PA Pipeline Inspections
Pipeline Tested Ahead Of Tie-In To Shale WellsFirefighters Learn To Deal With Drilling Emergencies
Assessing PGWs Liquid Natural Gas Future
Dominion Resources Playing Responsible Role In Drilling
Report Philly Should Consider Selling Gas Company
Company Files For Gas Drilling Permit In Bucks County
Gas Drilling Debate Returns To Bucks County
Shale Drillers Drinking From Slippery Rock Creek
Gas Wells With Smaller Footprint Get Greater Scrutiny
PennEnvironment Violations Report Half-Baked
Water Tanker Truck Lands In Creek In Monroe Twp
Industry Says Over 93230 New Hires As A Result Of Marcellus ShaleBCCC Begins Classes For Marcellus Shale Workers
Marcellus Gas Creates Demand For Cars
Ex-Drilling Exec Took Nearly $1 Million Or More
Op-Ed Gas Drillers New Wild West
Marcellus Gas Production Rises So Does Recycling
FinancialOther StatesNational
Drillers Cut Natural Gas Production As Prices Drop
Talisman Cutting Back Drilling Plans
Ultra Petroleum Reports 2011 Financial Operating Results
Gas Firms Drill Less As Prices Nose DiveObama Proposes $14 Million For Fracking Research
$67 Million Requested For Federal Pipeline Safety
FloodingWatershed NewsClips
Here are NewsClips on watershed topics from around the state--
Flooding
New Bank Coming To Flood-Ravaged Shickshinny
Other Watershed NewsClips
Mon River QUEST Wins Regional IMPACT AwardEPA Evaluates States Chesapeake Bay Plans
Shale Drillers Drinking From Slippery Rock Creek
Sewage Woes Close Lewisburg Area Park
$375000 To Aid Little Buck Run Restoration Effort
Loyalhanna Creek Sewage Overflow Problem Goes To State
Turbine Load To Hit The Road To Holtwood Dam
832019 Pa Environment Digest Feb 20 2012
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Funding Sought For Restoration Of Speedwell Lake
Obama Cuts EPA Increases Chesapeake Bay Program
Chesapeake Bay Program Increased Under Obama Budget
EPA Budget Cut For States Superfund Cleanup
Editorial Delaware Dredging A Step Closer
Regulations Technical Guidance amp Permits
No new regulations were published this week Pennsylvania Bulletin - February 18 2012
Proposed Regulations Open For Comment - DEP webpage
Proposed Regulations With Closed Comment Periods - DEP webpage
DEP Regulatory Agenda - DEP webpage
Technical Guidance amp Permits
The Department of Environmental Protection published notice of bond rate calculations for mine
reclamation The Fish and Boat Commission published notice of nursery water designation for
the Shenango River Crawford County
DEP also published an update to the list of companies certified to perform radon-related
activities (PA Bulletin page 994)
Technical Guidance Comment Deadlines - DEP webpage
Copies Of Draft Technical Guidance - DEP webpage
Copies of Final Technical Guidance - DEP webpage
Calendar Of Events
Upcoming legislative meetings conferences workshops plus links to other online calendars
Meetings are in Harrisburg unless otherwise noted NEW means new from last week Go to the
online Calendar webpage
Click on Agenda Released on calendar entries to see the NEW meeting agendas published this
week
Note You can watch the hearings live through the Senate webpage and the House webpage or
on the PA Cable Network website
832019 Pa Environment Digest Feb 20 2012
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February 21-- House Appropriations Committee budget hearings 930 - Global Economy
1100 - Independent Fiscal Office 130 - Department of Revenue Room 140
February 21-- CANCELED Environmental Quality Board meeting Next scheduled meeting is
March 20 ( formal notice )
February 21-- Agenda Released DEP Citizens Advisory Council meeting Room 105 Rachel
Carson Building 1130
February 22-- Senate Appropriations Committee budget hearings 930 - Department of
Environmental Protection 100 - Department of Transportation Hearing Room 1 North Office
February 23-- NEW House Democratic Policy Committee holds a hearing on Southeast PA oil
refinery closings National Constitution Center Philadelphia 1000
February 27-- House Appropriations Committee budget hearings 1000 - Public Utility
Commission 1100 - Office of Consumer Advocate Small Business Advocate Room 140
February 27-- NEW House Democratic Policy Committee holds a hearing on Marcellus Shale
air emissions Bryn Mawr Presbyterian Church Bryn Mawr 1000
February 28-- Senate Appropriations Committee budget hearings 100 - Department of
Agriculture Hearing Room 1 North Office
February 28-- House Appropriations Committee budget hearings 930 - Department of
Agriculture 1030 - Department of Conservation and Natural Resources Room 140
February 29-- Senate Appropriations Committee budget hearings 930 - PA Emergency
Management Agency Hearing Room 1 North Office
February 29-- House Game and Fisheries Committee informational meeting on Fish and Boat
Commissions Annual Report Room 39 East Wing 1000
February 29-- House Appropriations Committee budget hearings 930 - Department of
Transportation 300 - Department of Environmental Protection Room 140
March 1-- House Appropriations Committee budget hearings 1000 Department of Labor amp
Industry 100 - Department of Community and Economic Development Room 140
March 6-- House Appropriations Committee budget hearings 930 - State PoliceOffice of
Homeland Security 1100 - PA Emergency Management Agency 300 - Department of General
Services Room 140
March 6-- CANCELED DEP Storage Tank Advisory Committee meeting Next scheduled
meeting is June 5 ( formal notice )
832019 Pa Environment Digest Feb 20 2012
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March 7-- House Game and Fisheries Committee informational meeting on Game Commissions
Annual Report Room 39 East Wing 1000
March 8-- House Appropriations Committee budget hearings 1000 - Budget Secretary 100 -
House Member Testimony Room 140
March 14-- DEP Air Quality Technical Advisory Committee meeting Room 105 Rachel Carson
Building 915 ( formal notice )
March 26-- Environmental Issues Forum Joint Legislative Air and Water Pollution Control and
Conservation Committee featuring a presentation by DCNR Secretary Richard Allan (Location
to be determined) Noon
DEP Calendar of Events
Note The Environmental Education Workshop Calendar is no longer available from the PACenter for Environmental Education because funding for the Center was eliminated in the FY
2011-12 state budget The PCEE website was also shutdown but some content was moved to
the PA Association of Environmental Educators website
Senate Committee Schedule House Committee Schedule
You can watch the Senate Floor Session and House Floor Session live online
Stories Invited
Send your stories photos and videos about your project environmental issues or programs for
publication in the PA Environment Digest to DHessCrisciAssociatescom
PA Environment Digest is edited by David E Hess former Secretary Pennsylvania Department
of Environmental Protection and is published as a service to the clients of Crisci Associates a
Harrisburg-based government and public affairs firm whose clients include Fortune 500
companies and non-profit organizations For more information on Crisci Associates call
717-234-1716
PA Environment Digest weekly was the winner of the PA Association of Environmental
Educators 2009 Business Partner of the Year Award
Also sign up for these other services from Crisci Associates--
PA Environment Digest Twitter Feed On Twitter sign up to receive instant updates from
PAEnviroDigest
832019 Pa Environment Digest Feb 20 2012
httpslidepdfcomreaderfullpa-environment-digest-feb-20-2012 3434
PA Environment Daily Blog provides daily environmental NewsClips and significant stories
and announcements on environmental topics in Pennsylvania of immediate value Sign up and
receive as they are posted updates through your favorite RSS reader You can also sign up for a
once daily email alerting you to new items posted on this blog
PA Environment Digest Video Blog showcases original and published videos fromenvironmental groups and agencies around the state Sign up to receive as they are posted
updates through your favorite RSS read You can also sign up for a once daily email alerting
you to new items posted on this blog
PA Capitol Digest Dont forget to sign up to receive the PA Capitol Digest Twitter feed by
going to wwwTwittercomPaCapitolDigest or click on this link for the regular daily PA
Capitol Digest Blog to get other news from in and around the Pennsylvania State Capitol
Supporting Member PA Outdoor Writers AssnPA Trout Unlimited
PA Environment Digest is a supporting member of the Pennsylvania Outdoor Writers
Association Pennsylvania Council Trout Unlimited and the Doc Fritchey Chapter Trout
Unlimited
832019 Pa Environment Digest Feb 20 2012
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Fish amp Boat Commission Grateful For Marcellus Fees
PUC Eyes Private Firm For Impact Fee Collection
PUC Chair Let Marcellus Play Come To Us
PUC Would Get Shale Role Under Drilling Bill
Editorial It Makes Sense For PUC To Deal With Drilling
NE Counties To Raise Millions Or Nothing Under Drilling FeeHouse GOP Marcellus Bill A Win For Jobs
Norquists No-Tax Pledge Cant Give Drill Fee The Ax
PA Natural Gas Levy Became Inevitable
Vertical Exploratory Wells Wont Be Hit With Drilling Fee
Impact Fee Bill Addresses Housing Needs
Drilling Bill Authors Health Experts Fears Unfounded
Health Officials Drilling Law Disclosure Rules Lax
Op-Ed Natural Gas Fee May Be Too Late
Editorial Marcellus Fee A Tax Stupid
Editorial Shale Drillers Got The Better Part Of Deal
Corbett Raiding Special FundsHouse Capital Budget Bill Debate Focuses On Jobs
Editorial Capital Budget Funds Must Be Kept Under Control
Can Pennsylvanians Survive Under Another Corbett Budget
As Roads Bridges Deteriorate Governor Silent
Analysis Taking Baby Steps On Fixing Roads Bridges
Editorial Must A Bridge Fall Down
Obama Cuts EPA Increases Chesapeake Bay Program
Chesapeake Bay Program Increased Under Obama Budget
EPA Budget Cut For States Superfund Cleanup
Obama Proposes $14 Million For Fracking Research$67 Million Requested For Federal Pipeline Safety
Schedule For Remaining Senate House Budget Hearings
The Senate and House Appropriations Committees both have budget hearings scheduled this
week on Gov Corbetts proposed budget You can watch the hearings live through the Senate
webpage and the House webpage or on the PA Cable Network website
Heres the schedule of the remaining budget hearings--
February 21-- House Appropriations Committee budget hearings 930 - Global Economy
1100 - Independent Fiscal Office 130 - Department of Revenue All House hearings will be inRoom 140
February 22-- Senate Appropriations Committee budget hearings 930 - Department of
Environmental Protection 100 - Department of Transportation
February 27-- House Appropriations Committee budget hearings 1000 - Public Utility
Commission 1100 - Office of Consumer Advocate Small Business Advocate
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832019 Pa Environment Digest Feb 20 2012
httpslidepdfcomreaderfullpa-environment-digest-feb-20-2012 934
updates through your favorite RSS read You can also sign up for a once daily email alerting
you to new items posted on this blog
PA Capitol Digest Daily Blog to get updates every day on Pennsylvania State Government
including NewsClips coverage of key press conferences and more Sign up and receive as they
are posted updates through your favorite RSS reader You can also sign up for a once dailyemail alerting you to new items posted on this blog
PA Capitol Digest Twitter Feed Dont forget to sign up to receive the PA Capitol Digest
Twitter feed to get instant updates on other news from in and around the Pennsylvania State
Capitol
SenateHouse AgendaSession ScheduleBills Introduced
Here are the Senate and House Calendars and Committee meetings showing bills of interest as
well as a list of new environmental bills introduced--
Session Schedule
Here is the latest voting session schedule for the Senate and House--
Senate
Budget Hearings Feb 21 22 23 27 28 29 and March 1
March 5 6 7 12 13 14 26 27 28
April 2 3 30
May 1 2 7 8 9 21 22 23
June 4 5 6 11 12 13 18 19 20 25 26 27 28 29
House
Budget Hearings Feb 21 22 23 24 27 28 29 March 1 2 5 6 7 8 9
March 12 13 14 26 27 28
April 2 3 4 30
May 1 2 7 8 9 21 22 23
June 4 5 6 11 12 13 18 19 20 21 22 25 26 27 28 29
Bill Calendars
House (March 12) House Bill 1934 (FKeller-R-Snyder) excluding people residing in federal or state facilities for determining when a municipality must recycle House Resolution 438 (Cruz-
D-Philadelphia) urging Philadelphia to establish a waste tire removal and disposal
program House Resolution 423 (Petri-R-Bucks) directing the Legislative Budget and Finance
Committee to study state funding formulas and how they impact counties House Resolution
505 (Preston-D-Allegheny) disapproving the PUC regulation on natural gas competition
ltgt Click Here for full House Bill Calendar
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Senate (March 5) Senate Bill 1324 (Yaw-R-Bradford) quieting mineral property title
rights Senate Bill 1398 (Yudichak-D-Luzerne) extending the Underground Storage Tank
Environmental Cleanup Program from 2012 to 2017 House Bill 1813 (Tobash-R-Schuylkill)
further providing for anthracite reclamation fees and guarantees ltgt Click Here for full Senate
Bill Calendar
Committees
House the Appropriations Committee holds budget hearings on Global Economy
Independent Fiscal Office Department of Revenue the House Democratic Policy
Committee holds a hearing on Southeast PA oil refinery closings in Philadelphia ltgt Click
Here for full House Committee Schedule
Senate the Appropriations Committee holds budget hearings on Department of
Environmental Protection Department of Transportation ltgt Click Here for full Senate
Committee Schedule
Note You can watch the hearings live through the Senate webpage and the House webpage or
on the PA Cable Network website
Bills Introduced
The following bills of interest were introduced this week--
Defining Chronic Dementia House Bill 2196 (Curry-D-Montgomery) amending the Older
Adult Protective Services Act to define chronic dementia and cognitive impairment and making
other changes
Oil amp Gas Dust House Bill 2197 (Curry-D-Montgomery) amending the Air Pollution Control
Act to make dust from oil and gas operations air pollution under the act
Cambria County Land Senate Bill 1425 (Wozniak-D-Cambria) authority DCNR to lease
certain State Forest land in Cambria County to an alternative energy company
Bills On Governors Desk
The following bill was given final approval by the Senate and House and is now with the
Governor for his action--
Infrastructure Funding House Bill 1294 (Godshall-R-Montgomery) authorizing the PUC to
establish a distribution system improvement charge (DSIC) as an alternative to regular rate cases
to recover costs associated with replacing pipelines and other utility infrastructure A summary
and House Fiscal Note are available The bill was signed into law by the Governor as Act 11
NewsClips Corbett Signs 3 Energy Sector Bills
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Marcellus Shale House Bill 1950 (Ellis-R-Butler) imposing a Marcellus Shale drilling fee and
enacting a laundry list of additional environmental protection measures related to drilling was
signed into law by the Governor as Act 13
SenateHouse Bills Moving
The following bills of interest saw action this week in the House and Senate--
Senate
Nominations Gov Corbett this week re-nominated John Coleman as a Commissioner on the
Public Utility Commission
House
Conservation Easements House Bill 2059 (Miller-R-York) amending the Agricultural Area
Security Law to provide for the inspection of agricultural conservation easements on at least a
biennial basis (a summary and House Fiscal Note are available) and House Bill 2106 (Ross-R-
Chester) further providing for the relinquishment of the right to farmland preservation (a
summary and House Fiscal Note are available) were referred into and out of the House
Appropriations Committee and passed by the House The bills now go to the Senate for
consideration
Land Banks House Bill 1682 (Taylor-R-Philadelphia) providing for the creation of land banks
for the conversion of vacant properties into productive use was removed from the Table
amended on the House Floor and referred into and out of the House Appropriations Committeeand passed by the House A summary and House Fiscal Note are available The bill now goes to
the Senate for consideration
NewsClip Land Bank Bill Newest Anti-Blight Tool
Capital Budget Process House Bill 2175 (Turzai-R-Allegheny) making changes to Capital
Budget process and reducing the ability of state government to borrow and spend taxpayer
dollars was reported out of the House Finance Committee debated in the House and referred to
the House Appropriations Committee
NewsClip House Capital Budget Bill Debate Focuses On Jobs
Transportation Partnerships House Bill 3 (Geist-R-Blair) authorizing public-privatetransportation partnerships was amended on the House Floor and was referred to the House
Appropriations Committee
Recycling Requirement House Bill 1934 (FKeller-R-Snyder) excluding people residing in
federal or state facilities for determining when a municipality must recycle was reported out of
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the House Environmental Resources and Energy Committee and is on the House Calendar for
action
News From The Capitol
House Committee Moves Capital Budget Reform Legislation
The House Finance Committee Monday reported out House Bill 2175 (Turzai-R-Allegheny)
making changes to Capital Budget process and reducing the ability of state government to
borrow and spend taxpayer dollars
ldquoThe balance on the statersquos credit card is too highrdquo Rep Kerry Benninghoff (R-Mifflin)
Majority Chair of the Committee said ldquoItrsquos time to pay down the debt and stop spending money
that taxpayers donrsquot haverdquo
House Bill 2175 would reduce the debt ceiling of the Commonwealthrsquos Redevelopment
Assistance Capital Project (RACP) a program created to fund economic development and
infrastructure projects using borrowed money
In 1999 the program had a debt ceiling of approximately $12 billion Since that time
approximately 8000 projects have been added to the programrsquos list and the debt ceiling was
raised to more than $4 billion
The program has come under recurring scrutiny after funding was used to help build
stadiums for professional sports teams and projects honoring former politicians Millions of
dollars were earmarked through the program to fund a library named after former US Senator
Arlen Specter and a public policy center named after former Congressman John Murtha
ldquoPeople are tired of seeing their hard-earned money used to pay for legacy projects for
politiciansrdquo Rep Benninghoff said ldquoThis program has gone far outside its original intent of
providing help with legitimate economic development projectsrdquo
The bill would reduce the RACP debt ceiling initially by a half-billion dollars to $35 billion and then continue to incrementally decrease the debt limit until it falls to $15 billion The
legislation also calls for stricter limits on the type of projects eligible to receive funding and
would increase oversight of the program
ldquoWe want to lower the credit limit on the statersquos credit cardrdquo Rep Benninghoff said
ldquoThis would reduce the ability of state government to spend money that taxpayers donrsquot haverdquo
House Bill 2175 now heads to the full House for consideration
NewsClips House Capital Budget Bill Debate Focuses On Jobs
Editorial Capital Budget Funds Must Be Kept Under Control
Report On Game Commission Strategic Plan Released By Joint Committee
The Joint Legislative Budget and Finance Committee this week released the fifth in a series of
progress reports on the Game Commissions compliance with its strategic plan A copy of the
report highlights and the full report are available online
News From Around The State
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EPA States On Track To Meet Chesapeake Bay Cleanup Goals PA Plan Needs Work
Delaware Maryland Pennsylvania Virginia West Virginia and the District of Columbia are
generally on track to meet pollution reduction goals for the Chesapeake Bay and its rivers by
2025 according to the US Environmental Protection Agencyrsquos evaluations of the jurisdictions
cleanup plansThe six Bay states and the District of Columbia recently submitted their Phase II
Watershed Implementation Plans (WIPs) and their 2012-2013 pollution reduction milestones
These plans lay out how each jurisdiction will meet pollution reduction goals set by the EPA in
the Chesapeake Bay TMDL
Overall the jurisdictions built considerably upon their Phase I plans according to the
EPA The Phase II plans provide more specific cleanup strategies and detail restoration actions
on a local level
In a cover letter transmitting comments to the Department of Environmental Protection
on Pennsylvanias Plan EPA said greatly appreciate(s) the efforts of the Pennsylvania
Department of Environmental Protection and your partner agencies as well as stakeholder groups
in the development of these documents (WIP)The letter said EPAs primary concern is the WIP does not identify important next steps
to implement core initiatives of Pennsylvanias Phase I agriculture strategy such as supporting
manure to energy technologies and development of methods to defensibly track and report non-
cost-shared practices These strategies account for a sizable portion of the nutrient and sediment
reductions in the Plan
EPA also said it lacks assurance that Pennsylvania will be able to achieve the
reductions in stormwater loads identified in the WIP through methods such as reissuing the
PAG-13 General Permit for Municipal Separate Storm Sewer System permittees
A copy of the detailed comments is available online along with related comments related
documents Other state evaluations are also available EPA is still reviewing New Yorkrsquos planwhich was submitted after the deadline
The EPA said it will continue to work with the jurisdictions between now and March 30
when the final Phase II WIPs are due
CBF Funding Now Available For Farm Conservation Improvements In Northcentral PA
The Chesapeake Bay Foundation is pleased to announce funding is now available to farmers
interested in improving farm profitability and water quality through the installation of on-farm
conservation practices in Bradford Sullivan Susquehanna Tioga Wyoming and Lycoming
counties
The funding is being made available through CBFrsquos ldquoBuffer Bonusrdquo program incooperation with the Bradford County Conservation District The program has enabled current
and past participants to make onfarm improvements including rotational grazing practices such
as fencing watering systems and laneways
Other options include the installation of waste transfer lines for milk house waste and
silage leachate stabilization of access roads and the installation of roof gutters to include a few
ldquoThese conservation improvements are a win-win for both the farmer and local water
qualityrdquo said Jennifer Johns CBF Buffer Specialist in Bradford County ldquoWhile each project
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ultimately produces different results we find that creating healthier living conditions for the
livestock through the installation of conservation practices improves herd health and the farmerrsquos
bottom linerdquo
Another goal of this program is to provide at no cost to the farmer a new or updated
Conservation and Nutrient Management Plan By combining this plan with an engineerrsquos
evaluation of the farm which is also provided the plans are then considered a Comprehensive Nutrient Management Plan or a CNMP
Having a CNMP enables the farmer to apply for federal funding to assist with larger on-
farm improvements such as manure storage facilities and concrete barnyards
Farmers interested in participating in the Buffer Bonus program must be willing to install
a forested riparian streamside buffer through the USDArsquos Conservation Reserve Enhancement
Program (CREP) Those already enrolled in CREP with a contract date of April 1 2009 or later
may be eligible to enroll
This funding will not be available for long and farms will be served on a first come first
serve basis
For more information contact BradfordSullivan Counties Jennifer Johns
570-578-6900 TiogaLycoming Counties Steve Smith 570-578-7000 SusquehannaWyomingCounties Jeremy Wagner 570-278-1011 xt 107
Spring Creek Watershed Association Hosts Chesapeake Bay GIS Tool Workshop Feb 21
On February 21 the Spring Creek Watershed Association will host John Dawes Foundation for
PA Watersheds for a presentation about the Chesapeake Commons a web-based Geographic
Information Systems (GIS) and data management tool developed for the Chesapeake Bay
restoration effort
The presentation will be held from 800 am to 900 am at the Patton Township
Municipal Building near State College PaThere is also an option to hear the presentation through a webinar at the same time Click
Here for details
The Chesapeake Commons Tool is a free web-based Geographic Information Systems
(GIS) and data management tool available to all organizations working to restore the Chesapeake
Bay The Tool is designed to serve as a centralized knowledge base of data maps and articles
contributed by government nonprofits funders and citizen organizers
Policy makers will have a centralized pool of peer vetted information from which they
can make the best possible decisions in the context of the Bay restoration effort
Chesapeake Commons is a project developed and funded by the Chesapeake Bay Funders
Network with financial support from the John Heinz III Center for Science Economics and the
Environment
Town Meeting On Health Of The Wissahickon Creek March 29
On March 29 the Wissahickon Valley Watershed Association and the Springside Chestnut Hill
Academy with support from the Friends of the Wissahickon and Chestnut Hill College are
sponsoring a Town Meeting to inform the community about significant environmental challenges
to the Wissahickon Creek
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The meeting will be held on the Cherokee Campus of Springside Chestnut Hill Academy
8000 Cherokee Street Philadelphia and will begin at 7 pm doors will open at 630 pm and
light refreshments will be provided
A Creek in Crisis A Town Meeting on the Health of the Wissahickon Creek will
examine the numerous threats to the Wissahickon including diminishing water quantity
stormwater runoff impaired water quality and flooding that severely impact the health of theWissahickon Creek and its tributaries
The impact of the Wissahickon Creek on the lives of those living in the Wissahickon
Watershed is absolute Though the Wissahickon Creek has a humble beginning in the parking lot
at Montgomery Mall it continues through nine municipalities to the confluence of the Schuylkill
River in Philadelphia
It is a significant waterway providing approximately 10 percent of the drinking water to
Philadelphians as well as habitat for local wildlife and recreation and natural beauty for area
residents
Moderated by Patrick Starr Vice President of the PA Environmental Council Southeast
Regional Office the Town Meeting will feature a panel of environmental experts who will
examine the numerous threats to the WissahickonPanelists will be Carol R Collier Executive Director of the Delaware River Basin
Commission John K Jackson PhD Senior Research Scientist at the Stroud Water Research
Center and Chris Crockett Deputy Commissioner at the Philadelphia Water Department
More information will be posted on the Friends of the Wissahickon website
Conservation Reserve Program Training Courses Offered By Penn State Extension
Conservation professionals working across the Chesapeake Bay Watershed are invited to a
special training program on Conservation Reserve Planning for professionals on March 7 and 8
at the Lancaster County Farm and Home CenterA national team of facilitators will be conducting the Lancaster workshop including from
University of Wisconsin University of Minnesota Montana State University University of
Georgia and Penn State ndash along with experienced and skilled US Natural Resource
Conservation Service professionals
Also involved in the program are conservation partners who are in formal agreements
with NRCS to deliver the Conservation Reserve Enhancement Program to landowners for
example the Chesapeake Bay Foundation will also be on hand at the workshop to provide
additional training related to CREP
This training workshop is designed to create a group of skilled conservation professionals
working in partnership with farmers and landowners to develop quality CRP conservation plans
that result in measurable impacts on land and water resource managementWorkshop goals include
-- Understanding the purpose and intent of the Conservation Reserve Program (CRP)
-- Determining eligibility of lands for CRP
-- Knowing how to find information for CRP plans
-- Effectively working with a landowner in developing a CRP plan
-- Becoming familiar with regionally specific conservation practices
-- Understanding how to implement a CRP plan
832019 Pa Environment Digest Feb 20 2012
httpslidepdfcomreaderfullpa-environment-digest-feb-20-2012 1634
-- Working with NRCS and FSA to submit a quality CRP plan
The Conservation Reserve Program Readiness Initiative was created to help the Natural
Resources Conservation Service accomplish the work involved with managing CRP enrollments
CRP plan development and implementation and the follow up management of developed plans
A national team of Extension staff NRCS and FSA staff and representatives from NRCS
partner agencies and organizations has collaborated to develop a multi-faceted training programto meet the needs of the initiative
Click Here for the full schedule of workshops available
Latest Lessons From The Land Webinar Feb 21 On Managing Phosphorus
Penn State Extension and the Conewago Watershed Initiative will host a webcast on February 21
from noon to 100 pm on Measuring and Managing Phosphorus In Wet Pennsylvania
Landscapes part of the Lessons From The Land series
Dr Tony Buda USDA ARS and Dr Patrick Drohan Penn State Department of Crop
and Soil Science will present research conducted by PA USDA NRCS USDA-ARS and Penn
State to look at how saturated soils and soils with fragipans have contributed to higher runoffMatt Royer Director of the Lower Susquehanna Initiative Penn State AG amp
Environment Center will moderate
These wet landscapes are often critical sources of phosphorus that contribute to loads of
pollutants in streamsmdashand should be targeted for conservation practices
A pilot study undertaken within the Conewago Watershed serves as a proving ground for
the development of ldquonext generation nutrient management practicesrdquo necessary to reduce the
loads of phosphorus emanating from agricultural lands that contribute to the degradation of the
Chesapeake Bay Watershed
One Nutrient Management credit is available for eligible participants from the state
Department of Agriculture Those seeking credits will be required to sign-in during the webinar to verify their attendance
The program can be viewed online as a recording after the live broadcast Continuing ed
credits are not available for the recorded session
To join this webinar you will need a high speed Internet and can sign in on this
webpage at the webinars noon start time This program will be broadcasting live from the
Conewago Initiativersquos Project Advisory Team meeting at Penn Statersquos Harrisburg campus
Lake Management Annual Conference Set For March 7-8 In State College
The 22nd annual Pennsylvania Lake Management Society annual conference will once again be
at the Days Inn State College on March 7 and 8This years theme is Staying Blue by Going Green and our keynote speaker is Bill
Jones from Indiana School of Public and Environmental Affairs in Bloomington Indiana
As always the Conference will have a great line up of speakers It also offers aquatic
applicator credits for PA OH NY and NJ
Please check out the Conference webpage for more details or contact Kerilynn Frey by
sending email to palakeshotmailcom
832019 Pa Environment Digest Feb 20 2012
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Penn State Extension How To Avoid Septic System Failures
Owning your own home is challenging enough what do you do when it comes with its own
sewage treatment plant This article provides some clues for owners of septic systems who want
to make them last a very long time
According to the US Environmental Protection Agency failure rates for on-lot sewagesystems across the country are reported at 10 percent annually In Pennsylvania approximately
12 million homes (one in three) use on-lot sewage systems for the treatment and disposal of
waste water
Responsibility for maintaining the system rests with the homeowner Proper maintenance
is a good idea since replacing it can cost thousands of dollars Proper maintenance also protects
groundwater that might be a source of drinking water
The most obvious on-lot sewage system failures are easy to spot Sewage backing up into
your home will typically command your immediate attention Raw sewage surfacing in your
yard in nearby ditches or on the neighborrsquos lawn is another clear indicator of failure Muddy
soil around the drain field or pooled water there or in your basement are other signs of serious
malfunction Notice whether your toilet or sink backs up when you flush or do laundry Stripsof bright green grass over the drainfield may be another indicator of problems A toilet running
sluggish or sewer odors in the house andor drinking water are signs of an on-lot system in
trouble
On-lot sewage systems also fail when partially treated wastewater comes into contact
with groundwater This type of failure is not easy to detect but it can result in the pollution of
wells nearby streams or other bodies of water Illness often to household visitors may be
another indicator of system failure that has affected your well and household drinking water
For those considering building a new home or replacing an existing septic system one of
the most critical factors in on-lot sewage system performance is the nature of the soils used for
the septic system soil absorption fieldYou can minimize failures by carefully and deliberately considering all aspects of on-lot
sewage system construction site selection design installation maintenance and use Hire
reputable individuals to design and install your system Also make sure the system is designed to
meet your present and future needs
You should contact your Township Sewage Enforcement Officer concerning permits
needed to install a new on-lot sewage system or repair a failing system
Once properly installed the key to preventing your on-lot system from failing is proper
maintenance Regularly pumping the tank being careful in what you put down the drains and
avoiding such things as planting trees over the field or covering the system with permanent
patios and home additions are important to keep the system running well
Water conservation in the home is also an excellent method of preventing future problems from occurring Divert downspouts and surface water away from the septic tank and
especially the drain field Do not physically damage the system by driving over the components
with heavy vehicles or by digging up the system for other utility lines etc Keep a record of the
location and dimensions of your system along with maintenance and repair information
Homeowners interested in finding out about the overall health of their on-lot sewage
system may want to consider having their septic systems inspected by a trained professional The
PA Septage Management Association in cooperation with the National Onsite Wastewater
832019 Pa Environment Digest Feb 20 2012
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Education and Research Foundation has adopted uniform On-lot Wastewater Treatment
Inspection procedures
PSMA is a professional association of septage pumpers system installers maintenance
technicians real estate inspectors and industry affiliates PSMA Certified Inspectors which
includes many septic tank pumpers are trained to understand how on-lot systems work why they
fail and recognize impending malfunctionsSee the PSMA website for more details about PSMANOF inspections or call them at
717-763-7762
Many fact sheets about on-lot sewage systems are available from the Agricultural and
Biological Engineering department Topics include septic tank pumping percolation tests
elevated sand mounds inspections and alternative systems and pharmaceutical disposal
(Article reprinted from Penn State Extension Watershed Winds online newsletter)
Wissahickon Watershed Maple Sugaring Program Set For March 3
Ever wonder how maple syrup and sugar are made The Wissahickon Vally WatershedAssociation will offer a unique program on maple syrup on March 3 in Ambler Montgomery
County
The event offers a fun and informative event ideal for families Scout groups and anyone
curious about the maple sugar process
Choose a specific time as guides take small groups through the woods to see the tapped
trees and then watch it being boiled into sugar End your walk at WVWArsquos historic headquarters
for hot chocolate and warm treats with maple syrup
RSVP requested by sending email to infowvwaorg or call 215-646-8866 There is a
fee for the program WVWA member fee $5 per person $15 per family Non-WVWA member
fee $10 per person $20 per family or Become a WVWA member and be their guest for $45In Ambler and look for signage Walk over the Butler Avenue Bridge and turn left onto
the Green Ribbon Trail
KPB Greenways Mini-Grant Program Applications Due March 15
Keep Pennsylvania Beautiful is now accepting applications for their Greenways Mini-Grant
Program to provide community groups with project supplies for outdoor based work events
within a greenway enabling the renewal of Pennsylvaniarsquos Greenways in need into something
beautiful
The deadline for applications is March 15 and hard copies are required Grants will be
awarded on April 16Fifteen grant awardees along with their volunteers will be eligible for up to $500 in
project supplies and direct project costs for Prevent it Clean it and Keep it projects within a
Greenway
Pennsylvania and its partners are developing an outstanding network of greenways across
the Commonwealth creating an asset that will enhance the quality of life for all while connecting
open space natural landscape features scenic cultural historic and recreations sites and urban
and rural communities
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A greenway is a linear corridor across the land that conserves natural areas and provides
people with recreation and transportation opportunities
As one of the Commonwealthrsquos most powerful tools to achieve sustainable growth and
livable communities greenways are ensuring future generations the opportunity to live amongst
the natural beauty of Pennrsquos Woods
This program is financed by a grant from the Community Conservation PartnershipProgram Environmental Stewardship Fund under the administration of the Department of
Conservation and Natural Resources Bureau of Recreation and Conservation
The Greenways Mini-Grant is available to any tax-exempt group within Pennsylvania
Private property owners or individual applicants cannot apply
Applications must meet the following requirements to be considered ndash it is within a
Greenway and is in at least one of the following categories Prevent it Clean it and Keep it (see
application for details) plus provide proof of liability insurance signed permission to enter from
the private property owner and 100 percent match of donated or in-kind services Selected
awardees must also agree to provide a final report with before during and after photos
ldquoWe are excited to collaborate with DCNR in offering Greenways Mini-Grants to
organizations working to build clean and beautiful communities across the staterdquo said ShannonReiter President of Keep Pennsylvania Beautiful ldquoGreenways are integral to healthy livable
communities and we are grateful to have the opportunity to empower Pennsylvania with the
tools and resources they need to enhance greenways in their communitiesrdquo
For more information visit the Greenways Mini-Grant Program webpage to download an
application Any additional questions can be answered by Susan Carmichael Greenways Mini-
Grant Program Coordinator at 1-877-772-3673 ext 102 or send email to
scarmichaelkeeppabeautifulorg
Pennsylvania Adds 1470 Acres Of Farmland To Preservation Program
Pennsylvania has added 1470 additional acres of land to its nationally recognized farmland
preservation program under action by the Pennsylvania Agricultural Land Preservation Board at
its meeting Thursday in Harrisburg
The 14 newly preserved farms are located in Beaver Berks Bucks Butler Cambria
Cumberland Juniata Lackawanna Lancaster Lebanon Northampton and Somerset counties
ldquoWersquove preserved nearly 15000 acres of farmland across the state in just the past year
alonerdquo said Agriculture Secretary George Greig ldquoThis speaks volumes to the value our farm
families place on ensuring the future viability of Pennsylvania agriculture ndash our statersquos number-
one industryrdquo
Since the program started in 1988 state county and local governments have invested
more than $11 billion to safeguard 459007 acres on 4243 farmsldquoOur producers know the importance of preserving farms so our next generation of
agriculturalists can keep Pennsylvania growing far into the future and I thank them for that
foresightrdquo Greig said
Pennsylvaniarsquos farmland preservation efforts work through the Pennsylvania Agricultural
Conservation Easement Purchase Program The program was developed to slow the loss of prime
farmland to non-agricultural uses It enables state county and local governments to purchase
conservation easements also called development rights from owners of quality farmland
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For more information visit Agricultures Farmland Preservation webpage
PUC Finalizes Implementation Plan For Pipeline Safety Act
The Public Utility Commission Thursday finalized an Order as the first step in implementing Act
127 the Gas and Hazardous Liquids Pipelines ActThe Commission voted 5-0 to finalize the Order which begins the process of creating a
statewide registry for non-public utility gas and hazardous liquids pipeline equipment and
facilities within the Commonwealth provides resources to conduct safety inspections to enforce
Federal pipeline safety laws on certain classifications of pipeline and assesses entities for the
costs
The Order established the following
-- The registration fee is $250
-- The 2012 registration deadline is March 16
-- Assessment invoices for the Commissionrsquos 2011-12 fiscal year will be mailed by March 30
and due by April 30 and
-- Assessment invoices for the Commissionrsquos 2012-13 fiscal year will be mailed in July 2012with payment due within 30 days
Final forms and other materials will be available on the Commissionrsquos website
Act 127 direct the PUC to develop a registry and conduct safety inspections of these lines
for ldquopipeline operatorsrdquo in the state The Commission also is to track the development of
pipelines in less populated areas which transport gas from non-conventional wells
Act 127 expands the Commissionrsquos authority to enforce the federal pipeline safety laws
as they relate to those pipelines and facilities Non-public utility gas and hazardous liquids
pipeline operators include several different categories of pipelines such as cooperatively owned
natural gas distribution systems non-utility natural gas transportation and gathering lines and
propane distribution pipeline systemsFor more information visit the PUCs Act 127 webpage
DEP Sets Feb 22 Meeting On Jefferson County Drilling Permit
The Department of Environmental Protection will host a public meeting on February 22 to
discuss Flatirons Resources LLCrsquos proposal to drill a Marcellus Shale well in Brockway
Jefferson County
The 6 pm meeting will be held at the Brockway Area JuniorSenior High School on
Alexander Street in Brockway
ldquoWe recognize that there are a lot of questions and that people want detailsrdquo DEP
Northwest Regional Director Kelly Burch said ldquoDEP staff will provide information about our role in the permitting process and address any questions and concerns the audience may have
about our oversight and environmental protectionrdquo
The horizontal well that Flatirons proposes to drill would be the second on this pad
which is on Brockway Borough Municipal Authority property in the Rattlesnake Creek
Watershed The first well was drilled in February 2011 and hydraulically fractured in November
2011
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After DEPrsquos presentation at the meeting company representatives will describe their
plans to drill the well if approved A question-and-answer session will follow
DEPrsquos decision to issue a well permit is based on the applicationrsquos technical merits and
whether the applicantrsquos drilling casing and cementing plan will protect water resources The
agency issued Flatirons a permit to drill a second well on the pad in December 2010 but it
expired a year later because the well was never drilled The permit application was resubmittedon December 27 2011
HACC Offers Free Environmental Technician Training At Midtown Campus
Training for emerging environmental jobs in the cleanup and reuse of brownfields will be offered
starting April 16 at the Midtown location of HACC Central Pennsylvaniarsquos Community College
Candidates for the federally funded program are displaced workers the unemployed or
underemployed as well as low-income or minority residents who live in the Harrisburg said
Cheryl Dietz HACC Workforce Training coordinator
Potential students can find out more by attending one of two upcoming information
sessions in Room 228 of Midtown 1 1500 N Fourth St The sessions will be held from 6-7 pmFebruary 29 and 11 am-noon March 3
HACC representatives will answer questions about the free job training program which
will consist of an eight-week 320-hour training cycle with classes meeting 8 am-3 pm April
16-June 8
To be eligible a candidate must have a general education diploma (GED) or high school
diploma test at a 10th-grade math and reading level have a valid driverrsquos license have access to
reliable transportation be drug free and demonstrate an interest in the environment
Successful graduates will receive certifications in all of the following Hazardous Waste
Operations and Emergency Response (HAZWOPER) confined space entrantattendant and
supervisor lead-based paint inspector and asbestos inspectorAdditional training will be offered in environmental site assessment air and water
quality and environmental remediation techniques
HACC is offering the training through a two-year $199890 grant awarded through the
federal Environmental Protection Agencyrsquos Brownfields Program
Two classes were held last year at HACC-Harrisburg Campus with 35 graduates Of this
number 26 have jobs (19 of them are in the environmental field) and four are continuing their
education A third class is under way in Lancaster As part of the grant HACC helps successful
graduates find environmental jobs and tracks those graduates for one year
A brownfield site is real property the expansion redevelopment or reuse of which may
be complicated by the presence or potential presence of a hazardous substance pollutant or
contaminant according to the EPAThe EPA estimates there are 180 brownfield sites in the Lancaster area and a combined
total of 120 brownfield sites in Harrisburg and Steelton
For more information or to register to attend an information session contact Cheryl
Deitz HACC Workforce Training coordinator at 221-1338 or send email to chdeitzhaccedu
PUC Chair Urges Utilities To Participate In Programs To Create Jobs For Returning
Troops
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Public Utility Commission Chairman Robert F Powelson Thursday urged the statersquos public
utilities to participate in several new programs proposed by Gov Tom Corbett and the Edison
Electric Institute to create jobs in the energy sector
The Chairman also noted that the time is right for job growth with the development of the
Marcellus Shale industry and electric competition across the stateldquoToday I encourage Pennsylvaniarsquos electric and natural gas utilities to learn from the
example set by EEI and participate in the Troops to Energy Jobs program as well as Governor
Corbettrsquos Jobs First PA initiative Chairman Powelson said in a statement at the PUCrsquos Public
Meeting In the days ahead the PUC will be coordinating with EEI and the Corbett
Administration to connect our energy companies with these innovative programsrdquo
The Chairman referenced Gov Corbetts annual budget address to the General Assembly
last week
ldquoIn his address the Governor recognized that the energy sector has enormous potential
for producing new jobs and putting the unemployed back to workrdquo Chairman Powelson said
ldquoIn announcing his new Jobs First program the Governor stated that lsquoas our energy sector
expands Pennsylvania needs a trained workforce ready to meet the demand for workersrsquordquoChairman Powelson said the EEI launched its Troops for Energy Jobs initiative which is
designed to accelerate the training and employability of veterans in key energy programs EEI is
currently piloting this program through five energy companies throughout the nation
For more information visit the Troops for Energy Jobs Initiative website
PA Chamber Environmental amp Energy Conference April 18 In Lancaster
The annual PA Chamber of Business and Industry Environmental and Energy Conference will be
held on April 18 at the Eden Resort Inn amp Suites in Lancaster
Major environmental regulatory areas continue to see numerous changes at the state andfederal level that impact business Thats why the Pennsylvania Chamber is offering four
learning tracks with answers you need on the latest environmental and energy issues-all in one
day
-- Compliance help from state and national top experts on the toughest environmental issues
-- Details on the latest regulatory changes and proposed changes
-- Proven strategies best practices and practical business tips to help you comply cost-effectively
in each area and
-- Advanced environmental roundtable
There will be two keynotes The Economic Benefits of Marcellus Shale and Natural Gas-
American Petroleum Institute Washington DC and Converting Trash into Renewable Energy-
National Solid Wastes Management Association Washington DCVisit with more than 50 exhibitors offering an exciting array of advanced technology
solutions and exhibitor educational sessions Access and network with more than 300 of your
peers from across the state
For more information and to register visit the Conference webpage or contact Sue Smith
at 717-720-5457 or send email to ssmithpachamberorg
Volunteers Needed To Plant 100 Acre Wind Break At Flight 93 Memorial In April
832019 Pa Environment Digest Feb 20 2012
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The federal Office of Surface Mining Reclamation and Enforcement through their Appalachian
Regional Reforestation Initiative and the Department of Environmental Protection are working
with the National Park Service to plant a wind break at the Flight 93 Memorial in Somerset
County
Volunteers are needed to plant trees on April 20 21 27 and 28 Volunteers may sign upfor one day or multiple days
If you are interested in volunteering send a Volunteer Sign-Up Form and a Photo
Release Form and send to Leroy Renninger of the National Park Service by email
to Leroy_Renningernpsgov
State Fly Tying Champions Announced At Eastern Sports amp Outdoor Show
The Eastern Sports amp Outdoor Show Cumberland Valley Trout Unlimited Bass Pro Shops of
Harrisburg Mid Atlantic Fly Fishing Guide magazine and the Fish and Boat Commission
sponsored the Pennsylvania State Fly Tying Championship held on February 11 at the Eastern
Sports amp Outdoor Show at the State Farm Show Complex in HarrisburgThirteen contestants in three categories competed for money trophies and prizes in the
annual event to crown the best fly tyers in Pennsylvania
In the Open Division the winners are 1st Place - Andy Fresch Summerhill 2nd Place -
Ken Moser Severna Park MD 3rd Place - John Shosh Hamburg
The Amateur Division winners are 1st Place - Matthew Edinger Sharon Hill 2nd Place -
- Mike Marino Souderton and 3rd Place -- Elliott DeFrancesco Wilburton
The Youth Division winners are 1st Place - Gaeron Friedrichs Milford 2nd Place
Bobby Faust Dalmatia
The contestants at the final event were the top tiers selected from entries previously
submitted In order to qualify the entrants had to submit three flies from a list of flies for eachcategory
At the event each finalist was required to tie three flies over a two hour time period The
finalists knew ahead of time two of the flies that were to be tied and a third ldquomystery flyrdquo was
announced to them at the event
The championship will be held again at the 2013 Eastern Sports and Outdoor Show and
applications information and details will be posted at the Cumberland Valley Trout Unlimited or
Eastern Sports and Outdoor Show websites as they become available
PA State Parks Forest App Now Updated And Free
The Official Pennsylvania State Parks amp Forests App is now completely FREE This latestversion now on the market includes advanced interactive capabilities such as GPS trail mapping
the Friend Finder to keep track of your family and friends on the trail and more
Featured Update List Increased performance speed Multi-tasking Capability
GeoChallenge (GeocacheGeoQuest) Feature FREE enhanced GPS features
This new version increases performance speed and cuts activation time in half With the
new multi-tasking capability users gain enhanced user navigation The more adventurous
832019 Pa Environment Digest Feb 20 2012
httpslidepdfcomreaderfullpa-environment-digest-feb-20-2012 2434
outdoor enthusiasts will benefit from the recently added GeoChallenges that include geocache
and geoquest activities which will be updated regularly
The waypointphoto waypoint marking tools have been upgraded and there has been a
fine-tuning of the trail-tracking feature located on the side navigation bar of the free GPS
Mapping section Use the app to track record and share your explorations with others-all at no
chargeTry out the app and let the PA Parks amp Forests Foundation know what you think
Feature
Bald Eagle Pair Get Help With Home Improvement Project
While most people try to avoid home improvement projects in the winter a pair of bald eagles
got some much needed help recently from a team of Game Commission land managers with a
very important and timely renovation project
A sycamore tree on Haldeman Island has been used by at least three mated pairs as a
nesting site since 1989 The island is just upriver of the confluence of the Susquehanna and
Juniata rivers north of Harrisburg and the tree stands just across a pond from one of three
hacking towers the Game Commission used at two locations in its bald eagle recovery program
About two weeks ago one of the limbs supporting the nest collapsed under the weight of the
nest
On Friday Steve Bernardi Game Commission Land Management Group Supervisor for
Juniata Mifflin Perry and Snyder counties was joined by Terry Willow Game Lands
Maintenance Worker with the River Island Food and Cover Corps Crew and Scott Bills Land
Management Group Supervisor for Dauphin and Lebanon counties to construct a platform to
encourage the bald eagle pair to reuse this nest site
The three men measured and cut lumber used hammers and nails as well as screws anddrills to secure the lumber in place and then placed branches and sticks on the platform to
encourage the bald eagles ndash who were watching the activity while perched in nearby trees ndash to
begin rebuilding a nest
A pair built a nest in this tree in 1989 and had their first young in 1990 Bernardi said
A storm blew the original nest out of the tree in 1995 Scott Bills who was the Wildlife
Conservation Officer in Dauphin County at that time worked with a Food and Cover Corps crew
and PPL to erect the first platform similar to what we put in place on Friday
Adult bald eagles are preparing to nest and hopefully they will come back and reuse this
platform just like they did back in 1995
Haldeman Island played a key role in the recovery of bald eagles in Pennsylvania In the
1980s it was one of two locations used for reintroduction of eagles brought by the GameCommission from Canada in the early years of restoration of eagles to our state About 40
eaglets were released at the Haldeman Island tower overlooking the ponds on the north side of
the island by 1989
When the reintroduced birds successfully raised young at a nest on Haldeman in 1990
the whole state had only seven nesting pairs And there has been an active eagle nest in that spot
every year since except 2004 when the birds took a year off
832019 Pa Environment Digest Feb 20 2012
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While we dont know if the same pair have been active that whole time the same old
sycamore tree has been used during this period and that nest has produced more than 40 young
over this period said Dan Brauning Game Commission Wildlife Diversity Division chief
Since the site is well-protected on a Game Commission island with limited access this site has
particular value to us
Continued support for this nest will help sustain this historic location in the recovery of baldeagles in Pennsylvania
In 1983 the Game Commission began a seven-year bald eagle restoration program in
which the agency sent employees to Saskatchewan to obtain eaglets from wilderness nests The
Richard King Mellon Foundation of Pittsburgh and the federal Endangered Species Fund
provided financial assistance for this effort
In all 88 bald eaglets from Canada were released from sites at Dauphin Countys
Haldeman Island and Pike Countys Shohola Falls The resurgence of eagles in Pennsylvania is
directly related to this program which also was carried out in other states in the Northeast
When the restoration program began in 1983 only three Crawford County nests remained
in the state By 2006 the agency announced that the state had surpassed the 100 bald eagle nest
mark Just five years later in 2011 the number of known bald eagle nests had doubled to 203spread out over 50 counties
Residents aware of a bald eagle nest ndash which are among the largest nests of all birds ndash in
their area should consider reporting it to the Pennsylvania Game Commission The easiest way to
contact the agency by sending email to pgccommentspagov Use the words Eagle Nest
Information in the subject field
The Game Commission continues to further the publics understanding of bald eagles In
2010 a comprehensive Bald Eagle threatened species account and Bald Eagle Nest Etiquette
guide were added to the agencys website
In 2011 the agency launched its series of Eagle-watching in Pennsylvania guides that
will help direct those interested in viewing bald eagles in the wild on where to go how to getthere what to expect and other wildlife viewing opportunities available at each site
Currently posted are eagle-watching guides for Erie National Wildlife Refuge Crawford
County Conneaut Marsh Geneva Marsh State Game Land 213 Crawford County Raystown
Lake Huntingdon County State Game Land 180 Shohola Lake Pike County Middle Creek
Wildlife Management Area Lebanon and Lancaster counties Bald Eagle State Park Centre
County Glendale Lake Price Gallitzin State Park Cambria County John Heinz National
Wildlife Refuge Philadelphia and Delaware counties Lower Susquehanna River Lancaster and
York counties Moraine State Park Butler County Pine Creek Valley Lycoming and Tioga
counties Promised Land State Park Pike County Pymatuning Reservoir Crawford County and
the Upper Delaware River in Pike Wayne and Monroe counties
Game Commission Announces April 1 Deadline For Ads In Hunting-Trapping Digest
Game Commission Executive Director Carl G Roe Thursday announced Liberty Press
Publications publisher of the Pennsylvania Digest of Hunting amp Trapping Regulations has set
April 1 as the deadline for advertising copy in the 2012-13 Digest Click Here for details
For advertising information contact Liberty Press Publications toll-free at
1-800-296-6402
832019 Pa Environment Digest Feb 20 2012
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Opportunity To Bid On McKean County Abandoned Well Plugging Project
The Department of Environmental Protection published notice of an opportunity to bid on a
project to plug 24 abandoned oil wells in McKean County
Help Wanted Chesapeake Bay Foundation PA Grassroots Coordinator Field Specialist
The Chesapeake Bay Foundation is seeking a PA Grassroots Coordinator and a Field Specialist
to be based at their Pennsylvania State Office located in Harrisburg This position is a 2 year
term position with the possibility of extension Click Here for details
Help Wanted Conewago Creek Assistant Project Coordinator
Penn State Cooperative Extension on behalf of the Conewago Creek Initiative seeks an Assistant
Project Coordinator to be an integral part of a dynamic partnership team working together with
local state and federal partnersThe Assistant Project Coordinator will report to the Director of the Lower Susquehanna
Initiative who serves as the Project Coordinator for the Conewago Creek Initiative
The deadline for applications is March 1 Click Here for details
Help Wanted ALLARM Assistant Director Of Outreach Marcellus
The Alliance for Aquatic Resource Monitoring (ALLARM) is seeking candidate to fill a third
full time position to the organization-- Assistant Director of Outreach-- to assist with Marcellus
Monitoring program training community volunteers throughout the shale gas regions in
Pennsylvania to monitor small streams for early pollution detection Click Here for fullannouncement
Grants amp 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
February 23-- PA Pathways To Green Schools Nominations
February 24-- PA Trout In The Classroom Grants
February 29-- EPA Environmental Justice Small Grants
February 29-- Ben Franklin BIG IDEA Business Plan ContestFebruary 29-- PA American Water Stream of Learning Scholarships
February 29-- West Branch Susquehanna Orange Rock Awards
March 1-- Erie TreeVitalize Grants
March 2-- Coca-Cola Keep America Beautiful Recycling Bin Grants
March 2-- Conservation Innovation Grants Chesapeake Bay Nutrient Credit Grants
March 5-- TogetherGreen Fellowship and Innovation Grants
832019 Pa Environment Digest Feb 20 2012
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March 5-- PECDominion Western PA Environmental Awards
March 10-- PA American Water Environmental Grants
March 15-- NEW Keep PA Beautiful Greenways Mini-Grants
March 23-- Water Resources Education Network Grants
March 30-- PA American Water Protect Our Watersheds Student Art Contest
March 31-- DEP Host Municipal Inspector GrantsApril 3-- West Penn Power Sustainable Energy Fund Grants Loans
April 4-- DCNR Community Conservation Partnership Grants
April 15-- Wild Resource Conservation Fund Income Tax Checkoff Deadline
March 1-- Keystone Historic Preservation Project and Construction Grants
August 1-- PA Snowmobile Assn Trail Improvement Grants
August 24-- Foundation for PA Watershed Grants
September 1-- Erie TreeVitalize Grants
October 31-- PA Resources Council Lens On Litter Contest
-- Visit the DEP Grants and Loan Programs webpage for more ideas on how to get financial
assistance for environmental projects
BudgetQuick Clips
Heres a selection of NewClips on environmental topics from around the state--
Budget
Corbett Signs Marcellus Shale Fee Into Law
Corbett Signs Shale Well Impact Fee Into Law
Corbett Approves Marcellus Shale Fee
Bradford Commissioner Foolish Not To Accept Drilling Fee MoneyWhats Next For PAs Impact Fee Bradford Against Fee
Bradford Commissioners Disagree On Drilling Fee
Washington County To Seek Marcellus Fees
Editorial Corbetts Gas Fee About To Evaporate
Robinson Twp To Contest New Marcellus Law
South Fayette Eyes Legal Action On Drilling Bill
Fish amp Boat Commission Grateful For Marcellus Fees
PUC Eyes Private Firm For Impact Fee Collection
PUC Chair Let Marcellus Play Come To Us
PUC Would Get Shale Role Under Drilling Bill
Editorial It Makes Sense For PUC To Deal With Drilling NE Counties To Raise Millions Or Nothing Under Drilling Fee
House Capital Budget Bill Debate Focuses On Jobs
House GOP Marcellus Bill A Win For Jobs
Norquists No-Tax Pledge Cant Give Drill Fee The Ax
PA Natural Gas Levy Became Inevitable
Bradford Commissioners Disagree On Drilling Fee
832019 Pa Environment Digest Feb 20 2012
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Vertical Exploratory Wells Wont Be Hit With Drilling Fee
Impact Fee Bill Addresses Housing Needs
Op-Ed Natural Gas Fee May Be Too Late
Editorial Marcellus Fee A Tax Stupid
Editorial Shale Drillers Got The Better Part Of Deal
Corbett Raiding Special FundsCan Pennsylvanians Survive Under Another Corbett Budget
As Roads Bridges Deteriorate Governor Silent
Analysis Taking Baby Steps On Fixing Roads Bridges
Editorial Must A Bridge Fall Down
House Capital Budget Bill Debate Focuses On Jobs
Editorial Capital Budget Funds Must Be Kept Under Control
Obama Cuts EPA Increases Chesapeake Bay Program
Chesapeake Bay Program Increased Under Obama Budget
EPA Budget Cut For States Superfund Cleanup
Obama Proposes $14 Million For Fracking Research
$67 Million Requested For Federal Pipeline SafetyDCNR Secretary Says Report On Wildlife Research Not Accurate
Other
Electronics Recycling Date Set At Greensburg Mall
Hershey Plants Achieve Zero Waste Status
RecycleBank Named On Of Worlds Most Innovative Companies
Editorial Fine Litterers No Ifs Or Butts
Corbett Signs 3 Energy Sector Bills
Op-Ed Anti-Coal Agenda Is Detrimental To PA
Op-Ed Global Warming As Fact Not Hypothesis
Op-Ed Climate Change Education Is NecessaryHomer City Power Plant Still To Dirty Groups Claim
DEP Sets March 14 Public Hearing On Homer City Power Plant
Concerns Voiced Over PPL Lines
Consumer Alert Electricity Price Discounts Heat Up
Turbine Load To Hit The Road To Holtwood Dam
PPL Plans $664 Million In Electric Delivery System Improvements
Exelon Gives Dauphin County $110000 For Emergency Response
Groups Ask For Expansion Of Nuclear Plant Evacuation Zone
Feds Give PPL Reactor Low Grade
Allentown Council Rejects Waste-To-Energy Sewage Plant
GE Invests In Cleaner Evolution LocomotiveDEP Hopeful Buyer Will Emerge For ConocoPhillips Refinery
DEP Renews ConocoPhillips Trainer Refinery Discharge Permit
100 Sunoco Workers In PA Get Layoff Notices
Meehan PA Refinery Closures Threat To National Security
Refinery Closings Could Affect 15000 Jobs Study Says
Gasoline Could Reach $5 By July 4
$4 A Gallon Gasoline By Memorial Day
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Gasoline Prices Have Never Been This High This Early
Electric Bicycle Waiver Sought
Land Bank Bill Newest Anti-Blight Tool
Game Commission Prepares For Controlled Burn On Centre County
2012 Great Backyard Bird Count Begins Friday
Birders-Eye View Of Conservation In PhiladelphiaState Could Take Over Refurbished Point State Park
New Ohiopyle Visitors Center Project To Be Bid This Spring
Winterfest At Ohiopyle No Snow Still A Go
Protecting Landscapes Changing Face Of Conservation
Marcellus Shale NewsClips
Here are NewsClips on topics related to Marcellus Shale natural gas drilling---
Corbett Signs Marcellus Shale Fee Into Law
Corbett Signs Shale Well Impact Fee Into Law
Corbett Approves Marcellus Shale Fee
Bradford Commissioner Foolish Not To Accept Drilling Fee Money
Whats Next For PAs Impact Fee Bradford Against Fee
Bradford Commissioners Disagree On Drilling Fee
Washington County To Seek Marcellus Fees
Editorial Corbetts Gas Fee About To Evaporate
Robinson Twp To Contest New Marcellus Law
South Fayette Eyes Legal Action On Drilling Bill
Fish amp Boat Commission Grateful For Marcellus Fees
PUC Eyes Private Firm For Impact Fee CollectionPUC Chair Let Marcellus Play Come To Us
PUC Would Get Shale Role Under Drilling Bill
Editorial It Makes Sense For PUC To Deal With Drilling
Corbett Raiding Special Funds
NE Counties To Raise Millions Or Nothing Under Drilling Fee
House GOP Marcellus Bill A Win For Jobs
Norquists No-Tax Pledge Cant Give Drill Fee The Ax
PA Natural Gas Levy Became Inevitable
Wayne County Landowners Push For Drilling
Vertical Exploratory Wells Wont Be Hit With Drilling Fee
Impact Fee Bill Addresses Housing NeedsDrilling Bill Authors Health Experts Fears Unfounded
Health Officials Drilling Law Disclosure Rules Lax
Op-Ed Natural Gas Fee May Be Too Late
Editorial Marcellus Fee A Tax Stupid
Editorial Shale Drillers Got The Better Part Of Deal
Delaware Riverkeeper Reports Settlement Over Gas Well
832019 Pa Environment Digest Feb 20 2012
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EPA Probing Washington County Shale Operations
Marcellus Boom Has Pressed Law Firms To Boost Their Staffs
25 More State Troopers In NE Shale Region
Recorders Of Deeds May Not Reject Multiple Gas Leases
Rural Loophole Curbing PA Pipeline Inspections
Pipeline Tested Ahead Of Tie-In To Shale WellsFirefighters Learn To Deal With Drilling Emergencies
Assessing PGWs Liquid Natural Gas Future
Dominion Resources Playing Responsible Role In Drilling
Report Philly Should Consider Selling Gas Company
Company Files For Gas Drilling Permit In Bucks County
Gas Drilling Debate Returns To Bucks County
Shale Drillers Drinking From Slippery Rock Creek
Gas Wells With Smaller Footprint Get Greater Scrutiny
PennEnvironment Violations Report Half-Baked
Water Tanker Truck Lands In Creek In Monroe Twp
Industry Says Over 93230 New Hires As A Result Of Marcellus ShaleBCCC Begins Classes For Marcellus Shale Workers
Marcellus Gas Creates Demand For Cars
Ex-Drilling Exec Took Nearly $1 Million Or More
Op-Ed Gas Drillers New Wild West
Marcellus Gas Production Rises So Does Recycling
FinancialOther StatesNational
Drillers Cut Natural Gas Production As Prices Drop
Talisman Cutting Back Drilling Plans
Ultra Petroleum Reports 2011 Financial Operating Results
Gas Firms Drill Less As Prices Nose DiveObama Proposes $14 Million For Fracking Research
$67 Million Requested For Federal Pipeline Safety
FloodingWatershed NewsClips
Here are NewsClips on watershed topics from around the state--
Flooding
New Bank Coming To Flood-Ravaged Shickshinny
Other Watershed NewsClips
Mon River QUEST Wins Regional IMPACT AwardEPA Evaluates States Chesapeake Bay Plans
Shale Drillers Drinking From Slippery Rock Creek
Sewage Woes Close Lewisburg Area Park
$375000 To Aid Little Buck Run Restoration Effort
Loyalhanna Creek Sewage Overflow Problem Goes To State
Turbine Load To Hit The Road To Holtwood Dam
832019 Pa Environment Digest Feb 20 2012
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Funding Sought For Restoration Of Speedwell Lake
Obama Cuts EPA Increases Chesapeake Bay Program
Chesapeake Bay Program Increased Under Obama Budget
EPA Budget Cut For States Superfund Cleanup
Editorial Delaware Dredging A Step Closer
Regulations Technical Guidance amp Permits
No new regulations were published this week Pennsylvania Bulletin - February 18 2012
Proposed Regulations Open For Comment - DEP webpage
Proposed Regulations With Closed Comment Periods - DEP webpage
DEP Regulatory Agenda - DEP webpage
Technical Guidance amp Permits
The Department of Environmental Protection published notice of bond rate calculations for mine
reclamation The Fish and Boat Commission published notice of nursery water designation for
the Shenango River Crawford County
DEP also published an update to the list of companies certified to perform radon-related
activities (PA Bulletin page 994)
Technical Guidance Comment Deadlines - DEP webpage
Copies Of Draft Technical Guidance - DEP webpage
Copies of Final Technical Guidance - DEP webpage
Calendar Of Events
Upcoming legislative meetings conferences workshops plus links to other online calendars
Meetings are in Harrisburg unless otherwise noted NEW means new from last week Go to the
online Calendar webpage
Click on Agenda Released on calendar entries to see the NEW meeting agendas published this
week
Note You can watch the hearings live through the Senate webpage and the House webpage or
on the PA Cable Network website
832019 Pa Environment Digest Feb 20 2012
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February 21-- House Appropriations Committee budget hearings 930 - Global Economy
1100 - Independent Fiscal Office 130 - Department of Revenue Room 140
February 21-- CANCELED Environmental Quality Board meeting Next scheduled meeting is
March 20 ( formal notice )
February 21-- Agenda Released DEP Citizens Advisory Council meeting Room 105 Rachel
Carson Building 1130
February 22-- Senate Appropriations Committee budget hearings 930 - Department of
Environmental Protection 100 - Department of Transportation Hearing Room 1 North Office
February 23-- NEW House Democratic Policy Committee holds a hearing on Southeast PA oil
refinery closings National Constitution Center Philadelphia 1000
February 27-- House Appropriations Committee budget hearings 1000 - Public Utility
Commission 1100 - Office of Consumer Advocate Small Business Advocate Room 140
February 27-- NEW House Democratic Policy Committee holds a hearing on Marcellus Shale
air emissions Bryn Mawr Presbyterian Church Bryn Mawr 1000
February 28-- Senate Appropriations Committee budget hearings 100 - Department of
Agriculture Hearing Room 1 North Office
February 28-- House Appropriations Committee budget hearings 930 - Department of
Agriculture 1030 - Department of Conservation and Natural Resources Room 140
February 29-- Senate Appropriations Committee budget hearings 930 - PA Emergency
Management Agency Hearing Room 1 North Office
February 29-- House Game and Fisheries Committee informational meeting on Fish and Boat
Commissions Annual Report Room 39 East Wing 1000
February 29-- House Appropriations Committee budget hearings 930 - Department of
Transportation 300 - Department of Environmental Protection Room 140
March 1-- House Appropriations Committee budget hearings 1000 Department of Labor amp
Industry 100 - Department of Community and Economic Development Room 140
March 6-- House Appropriations Committee budget hearings 930 - State PoliceOffice of
Homeland Security 1100 - PA Emergency Management Agency 300 - Department of General
Services Room 140
March 6-- CANCELED DEP Storage Tank Advisory Committee meeting Next scheduled
meeting is June 5 ( formal notice )
832019 Pa Environment Digest Feb 20 2012
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March 7-- House Game and Fisheries Committee informational meeting on Game Commissions
Annual Report Room 39 East Wing 1000
March 8-- House Appropriations Committee budget hearings 1000 - Budget Secretary 100 -
House Member Testimony Room 140
March 14-- DEP Air Quality Technical Advisory Committee meeting Room 105 Rachel Carson
Building 915 ( formal notice )
March 26-- Environmental Issues Forum Joint Legislative Air and Water Pollution Control and
Conservation Committee featuring a presentation by DCNR Secretary Richard Allan (Location
to be determined) Noon
DEP Calendar of Events
Note The Environmental Education Workshop Calendar is no longer available from the PACenter for Environmental Education because funding for the Center was eliminated in the FY
2011-12 state budget The PCEE website was also shutdown but some content was moved to
the PA Association of Environmental Educators website
Senate Committee Schedule House Committee Schedule
You can watch the Senate Floor Session and House Floor Session live online
Stories Invited
Send your stories photos and videos about your project environmental issues or programs for
publication in the PA Environment Digest to DHessCrisciAssociatescom
PA Environment Digest is edited by David E Hess former Secretary Pennsylvania Department
of Environmental Protection and is published as a service to the clients of Crisci Associates a
Harrisburg-based government and public affairs firm whose clients include Fortune 500
companies and non-profit organizations For more information on Crisci Associates call
717-234-1716
PA Environment Digest weekly was the winner of the PA Association of Environmental
Educators 2009 Business Partner of the Year Award
Also sign up for these other services from Crisci Associates--
PA Environment Digest Twitter Feed On Twitter sign up to receive instant updates from
PAEnviroDigest
832019 Pa Environment Digest Feb 20 2012
httpslidepdfcomreaderfullpa-environment-digest-feb-20-2012 3434
PA Environment Daily Blog provides daily environmental NewsClips and significant stories
and announcements on environmental topics in Pennsylvania of immediate value Sign up and
receive as they are posted updates through your favorite RSS reader You can also sign up for a
once daily email alerting you to new items posted on this blog
PA Environment Digest Video Blog showcases original and published videos fromenvironmental groups and agencies around the state Sign up to receive as they are posted
updates through your favorite RSS read You can also sign up for a once daily email alerting
you to new items posted on this blog
PA Capitol Digest Dont forget to sign up to receive the PA Capitol Digest Twitter feed by
going to wwwTwittercomPaCapitolDigest or click on this link for the regular daily PA
Capitol Digest Blog to get other news from in and around the Pennsylvania State Capitol
Supporting Member PA Outdoor Writers AssnPA Trout Unlimited
PA Environment Digest is a supporting member of the Pennsylvania Outdoor Writers
Association Pennsylvania Council Trout Unlimited and the Doc Fritchey Chapter Trout
Unlimited
832019 Pa Environment Digest Feb 20 2012
httpslidepdfcomreaderfullpa-environment-digest-feb-20-2012 834
832019 Pa Environment Digest Feb 20 2012
httpslidepdfcomreaderfullpa-environment-digest-feb-20-2012 934
updates through your favorite RSS read You can also sign up for a once daily email alerting
you to new items posted on this blog
PA Capitol Digest Daily Blog to get updates every day on Pennsylvania State Government
including NewsClips coverage of key press conferences and more Sign up and receive as they
are posted updates through your favorite RSS reader You can also sign up for a once dailyemail alerting you to new items posted on this blog
PA Capitol Digest Twitter Feed Dont forget to sign up to receive the PA Capitol Digest
Twitter feed to get instant updates on other news from in and around the Pennsylvania State
Capitol
SenateHouse AgendaSession ScheduleBills Introduced
Here are the Senate and House Calendars and Committee meetings showing bills of interest as
well as a list of new environmental bills introduced--
Session Schedule
Here is the latest voting session schedule for the Senate and House--
Senate
Budget Hearings Feb 21 22 23 27 28 29 and March 1
March 5 6 7 12 13 14 26 27 28
April 2 3 30
May 1 2 7 8 9 21 22 23
June 4 5 6 11 12 13 18 19 20 25 26 27 28 29
House
Budget Hearings Feb 21 22 23 24 27 28 29 March 1 2 5 6 7 8 9
March 12 13 14 26 27 28
April 2 3 4 30
May 1 2 7 8 9 21 22 23
June 4 5 6 11 12 13 18 19 20 21 22 25 26 27 28 29
Bill Calendars
House (March 12) House Bill 1934 (FKeller-R-Snyder) excluding people residing in federal or state facilities for determining when a municipality must recycle House Resolution 438 (Cruz-
D-Philadelphia) urging Philadelphia to establish a waste tire removal and disposal
program House Resolution 423 (Petri-R-Bucks) directing the Legislative Budget and Finance
Committee to study state funding formulas and how they impact counties House Resolution
505 (Preston-D-Allegheny) disapproving the PUC regulation on natural gas competition
ltgt Click Here for full House Bill Calendar
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Senate (March 5) Senate Bill 1324 (Yaw-R-Bradford) quieting mineral property title
rights Senate Bill 1398 (Yudichak-D-Luzerne) extending the Underground Storage Tank
Environmental Cleanup Program from 2012 to 2017 House Bill 1813 (Tobash-R-Schuylkill)
further providing for anthracite reclamation fees and guarantees ltgt Click Here for full Senate
Bill Calendar
Committees
House the Appropriations Committee holds budget hearings on Global Economy
Independent Fiscal Office Department of Revenue the House Democratic Policy
Committee holds a hearing on Southeast PA oil refinery closings in Philadelphia ltgt Click
Here for full House Committee Schedule
Senate the Appropriations Committee holds budget hearings on Department of
Environmental Protection Department of Transportation ltgt Click Here for full Senate
Committee Schedule
Note You can watch the hearings live through the Senate webpage and the House webpage or
on the PA Cable Network website
Bills Introduced
The following bills of interest were introduced this week--
Defining Chronic Dementia House Bill 2196 (Curry-D-Montgomery) amending the Older
Adult Protective Services Act to define chronic dementia and cognitive impairment and making
other changes
Oil amp Gas Dust House Bill 2197 (Curry-D-Montgomery) amending the Air Pollution Control
Act to make dust from oil and gas operations air pollution under the act
Cambria County Land Senate Bill 1425 (Wozniak-D-Cambria) authority DCNR to lease
certain State Forest land in Cambria County to an alternative energy company
Bills On Governors Desk
The following bill was given final approval by the Senate and House and is now with the
Governor for his action--
Infrastructure Funding House Bill 1294 (Godshall-R-Montgomery) authorizing the PUC to
establish a distribution system improvement charge (DSIC) as an alternative to regular rate cases
to recover costs associated with replacing pipelines and other utility infrastructure A summary
and House Fiscal Note are available The bill was signed into law by the Governor as Act 11
NewsClips Corbett Signs 3 Energy Sector Bills
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Marcellus Shale House Bill 1950 (Ellis-R-Butler) imposing a Marcellus Shale drilling fee and
enacting a laundry list of additional environmental protection measures related to drilling was
signed into law by the Governor as Act 13
SenateHouse Bills Moving
The following bills of interest saw action this week in the House and Senate--
Senate
Nominations Gov Corbett this week re-nominated John Coleman as a Commissioner on the
Public Utility Commission
House
Conservation Easements House Bill 2059 (Miller-R-York) amending the Agricultural Area
Security Law to provide for the inspection of agricultural conservation easements on at least a
biennial basis (a summary and House Fiscal Note are available) and House Bill 2106 (Ross-R-
Chester) further providing for the relinquishment of the right to farmland preservation (a
summary and House Fiscal Note are available) were referred into and out of the House
Appropriations Committee and passed by the House The bills now go to the Senate for
consideration
Land Banks House Bill 1682 (Taylor-R-Philadelphia) providing for the creation of land banks
for the conversion of vacant properties into productive use was removed from the Table
amended on the House Floor and referred into and out of the House Appropriations Committeeand passed by the House A summary and House Fiscal Note are available The bill now goes to
the Senate for consideration
NewsClip Land Bank Bill Newest Anti-Blight Tool
Capital Budget Process House Bill 2175 (Turzai-R-Allegheny) making changes to Capital
Budget process and reducing the ability of state government to borrow and spend taxpayer
dollars was reported out of the House Finance Committee debated in the House and referred to
the House Appropriations Committee
NewsClip House Capital Budget Bill Debate Focuses On Jobs
Transportation Partnerships House Bill 3 (Geist-R-Blair) authorizing public-privatetransportation partnerships was amended on the House Floor and was referred to the House
Appropriations Committee
Recycling Requirement House Bill 1934 (FKeller-R-Snyder) excluding people residing in
federal or state facilities for determining when a municipality must recycle was reported out of
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the House Environmental Resources and Energy Committee and is on the House Calendar for
action
News From The Capitol
House Committee Moves Capital Budget Reform Legislation
The House Finance Committee Monday reported out House Bill 2175 (Turzai-R-Allegheny)
making changes to Capital Budget process and reducing the ability of state government to
borrow and spend taxpayer dollars
ldquoThe balance on the statersquos credit card is too highrdquo Rep Kerry Benninghoff (R-Mifflin)
Majority Chair of the Committee said ldquoItrsquos time to pay down the debt and stop spending money
that taxpayers donrsquot haverdquo
House Bill 2175 would reduce the debt ceiling of the Commonwealthrsquos Redevelopment
Assistance Capital Project (RACP) a program created to fund economic development and
infrastructure projects using borrowed money
In 1999 the program had a debt ceiling of approximately $12 billion Since that time
approximately 8000 projects have been added to the programrsquos list and the debt ceiling was
raised to more than $4 billion
The program has come under recurring scrutiny after funding was used to help build
stadiums for professional sports teams and projects honoring former politicians Millions of
dollars were earmarked through the program to fund a library named after former US Senator
Arlen Specter and a public policy center named after former Congressman John Murtha
ldquoPeople are tired of seeing their hard-earned money used to pay for legacy projects for
politiciansrdquo Rep Benninghoff said ldquoThis program has gone far outside its original intent of
providing help with legitimate economic development projectsrdquo
The bill would reduce the RACP debt ceiling initially by a half-billion dollars to $35 billion and then continue to incrementally decrease the debt limit until it falls to $15 billion The
legislation also calls for stricter limits on the type of projects eligible to receive funding and
would increase oversight of the program
ldquoWe want to lower the credit limit on the statersquos credit cardrdquo Rep Benninghoff said
ldquoThis would reduce the ability of state government to spend money that taxpayers donrsquot haverdquo
House Bill 2175 now heads to the full House for consideration
NewsClips House Capital Budget Bill Debate Focuses On Jobs
Editorial Capital Budget Funds Must Be Kept Under Control
Report On Game Commission Strategic Plan Released By Joint Committee
The Joint Legislative Budget and Finance Committee this week released the fifth in a series of
progress reports on the Game Commissions compliance with its strategic plan A copy of the
report highlights and the full report are available online
News From Around The State
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EPA States On Track To Meet Chesapeake Bay Cleanup Goals PA Plan Needs Work
Delaware Maryland Pennsylvania Virginia West Virginia and the District of Columbia are
generally on track to meet pollution reduction goals for the Chesapeake Bay and its rivers by
2025 according to the US Environmental Protection Agencyrsquos evaluations of the jurisdictions
cleanup plansThe six Bay states and the District of Columbia recently submitted their Phase II
Watershed Implementation Plans (WIPs) and their 2012-2013 pollution reduction milestones
These plans lay out how each jurisdiction will meet pollution reduction goals set by the EPA in
the Chesapeake Bay TMDL
Overall the jurisdictions built considerably upon their Phase I plans according to the
EPA The Phase II plans provide more specific cleanup strategies and detail restoration actions
on a local level
In a cover letter transmitting comments to the Department of Environmental Protection
on Pennsylvanias Plan EPA said greatly appreciate(s) the efforts of the Pennsylvania
Department of Environmental Protection and your partner agencies as well as stakeholder groups
in the development of these documents (WIP)The letter said EPAs primary concern is the WIP does not identify important next steps
to implement core initiatives of Pennsylvanias Phase I agriculture strategy such as supporting
manure to energy technologies and development of methods to defensibly track and report non-
cost-shared practices These strategies account for a sizable portion of the nutrient and sediment
reductions in the Plan
EPA also said it lacks assurance that Pennsylvania will be able to achieve the
reductions in stormwater loads identified in the WIP through methods such as reissuing the
PAG-13 General Permit for Municipal Separate Storm Sewer System permittees
A copy of the detailed comments is available online along with related comments related
documents Other state evaluations are also available EPA is still reviewing New Yorkrsquos planwhich was submitted after the deadline
The EPA said it will continue to work with the jurisdictions between now and March 30
when the final Phase II WIPs are due
CBF Funding Now Available For Farm Conservation Improvements In Northcentral PA
The Chesapeake Bay Foundation is pleased to announce funding is now available to farmers
interested in improving farm profitability and water quality through the installation of on-farm
conservation practices in Bradford Sullivan Susquehanna Tioga Wyoming and Lycoming
counties
The funding is being made available through CBFrsquos ldquoBuffer Bonusrdquo program incooperation with the Bradford County Conservation District The program has enabled current
and past participants to make onfarm improvements including rotational grazing practices such
as fencing watering systems and laneways
Other options include the installation of waste transfer lines for milk house waste and
silage leachate stabilization of access roads and the installation of roof gutters to include a few
ldquoThese conservation improvements are a win-win for both the farmer and local water
qualityrdquo said Jennifer Johns CBF Buffer Specialist in Bradford County ldquoWhile each project
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httpslidepdfcomreaderfullpa-environment-digest-feb-20-2012 1434
ultimately produces different results we find that creating healthier living conditions for the
livestock through the installation of conservation practices improves herd health and the farmerrsquos
bottom linerdquo
Another goal of this program is to provide at no cost to the farmer a new or updated
Conservation and Nutrient Management Plan By combining this plan with an engineerrsquos
evaluation of the farm which is also provided the plans are then considered a Comprehensive Nutrient Management Plan or a CNMP
Having a CNMP enables the farmer to apply for federal funding to assist with larger on-
farm improvements such as manure storage facilities and concrete barnyards
Farmers interested in participating in the Buffer Bonus program must be willing to install
a forested riparian streamside buffer through the USDArsquos Conservation Reserve Enhancement
Program (CREP) Those already enrolled in CREP with a contract date of April 1 2009 or later
may be eligible to enroll
This funding will not be available for long and farms will be served on a first come first
serve basis
For more information contact BradfordSullivan Counties Jennifer Johns
570-578-6900 TiogaLycoming Counties Steve Smith 570-578-7000 SusquehannaWyomingCounties Jeremy Wagner 570-278-1011 xt 107
Spring Creek Watershed Association Hosts Chesapeake Bay GIS Tool Workshop Feb 21
On February 21 the Spring Creek Watershed Association will host John Dawes Foundation for
PA Watersheds for a presentation about the Chesapeake Commons a web-based Geographic
Information Systems (GIS) and data management tool developed for the Chesapeake Bay
restoration effort
The presentation will be held from 800 am to 900 am at the Patton Township
Municipal Building near State College PaThere is also an option to hear the presentation through a webinar at the same time Click
Here for details
The Chesapeake Commons Tool is a free web-based Geographic Information Systems
(GIS) and data management tool available to all organizations working to restore the Chesapeake
Bay The Tool is designed to serve as a centralized knowledge base of data maps and articles
contributed by government nonprofits funders and citizen organizers
Policy makers will have a centralized pool of peer vetted information from which they
can make the best possible decisions in the context of the Bay restoration effort
Chesapeake Commons is a project developed and funded by the Chesapeake Bay Funders
Network with financial support from the John Heinz III Center for Science Economics and the
Environment
Town Meeting On Health Of The Wissahickon Creek March 29
On March 29 the Wissahickon Valley Watershed Association and the Springside Chestnut Hill
Academy with support from the Friends of the Wissahickon and Chestnut Hill College are
sponsoring a Town Meeting to inform the community about significant environmental challenges
to the Wissahickon Creek
832019 Pa Environment Digest Feb 20 2012
httpslidepdfcomreaderfullpa-environment-digest-feb-20-2012 1534
The meeting will be held on the Cherokee Campus of Springside Chestnut Hill Academy
8000 Cherokee Street Philadelphia and will begin at 7 pm doors will open at 630 pm and
light refreshments will be provided
A Creek in Crisis A Town Meeting on the Health of the Wissahickon Creek will
examine the numerous threats to the Wissahickon including diminishing water quantity
stormwater runoff impaired water quality and flooding that severely impact the health of theWissahickon Creek and its tributaries
The impact of the Wissahickon Creek on the lives of those living in the Wissahickon
Watershed is absolute Though the Wissahickon Creek has a humble beginning in the parking lot
at Montgomery Mall it continues through nine municipalities to the confluence of the Schuylkill
River in Philadelphia
It is a significant waterway providing approximately 10 percent of the drinking water to
Philadelphians as well as habitat for local wildlife and recreation and natural beauty for area
residents
Moderated by Patrick Starr Vice President of the PA Environmental Council Southeast
Regional Office the Town Meeting will feature a panel of environmental experts who will
examine the numerous threats to the WissahickonPanelists will be Carol R Collier Executive Director of the Delaware River Basin
Commission John K Jackson PhD Senior Research Scientist at the Stroud Water Research
Center and Chris Crockett Deputy Commissioner at the Philadelphia Water Department
More information will be posted on the Friends of the Wissahickon website
Conservation Reserve Program Training Courses Offered By Penn State Extension
Conservation professionals working across the Chesapeake Bay Watershed are invited to a
special training program on Conservation Reserve Planning for professionals on March 7 and 8
at the Lancaster County Farm and Home CenterA national team of facilitators will be conducting the Lancaster workshop including from
University of Wisconsin University of Minnesota Montana State University University of
Georgia and Penn State ndash along with experienced and skilled US Natural Resource
Conservation Service professionals
Also involved in the program are conservation partners who are in formal agreements
with NRCS to deliver the Conservation Reserve Enhancement Program to landowners for
example the Chesapeake Bay Foundation will also be on hand at the workshop to provide
additional training related to CREP
This training workshop is designed to create a group of skilled conservation professionals
working in partnership with farmers and landowners to develop quality CRP conservation plans
that result in measurable impacts on land and water resource managementWorkshop goals include
-- Understanding the purpose and intent of the Conservation Reserve Program (CRP)
-- Determining eligibility of lands for CRP
-- Knowing how to find information for CRP plans
-- Effectively working with a landowner in developing a CRP plan
-- Becoming familiar with regionally specific conservation practices
-- Understanding how to implement a CRP plan
832019 Pa Environment Digest Feb 20 2012
httpslidepdfcomreaderfullpa-environment-digest-feb-20-2012 1634
-- Working with NRCS and FSA to submit a quality CRP plan
The Conservation Reserve Program Readiness Initiative was created to help the Natural
Resources Conservation Service accomplish the work involved with managing CRP enrollments
CRP plan development and implementation and the follow up management of developed plans
A national team of Extension staff NRCS and FSA staff and representatives from NRCS
partner agencies and organizations has collaborated to develop a multi-faceted training programto meet the needs of the initiative
Click Here for the full schedule of workshops available
Latest Lessons From The Land Webinar Feb 21 On Managing Phosphorus
Penn State Extension and the Conewago Watershed Initiative will host a webcast on February 21
from noon to 100 pm on Measuring and Managing Phosphorus In Wet Pennsylvania
Landscapes part of the Lessons From The Land series
Dr Tony Buda USDA ARS and Dr Patrick Drohan Penn State Department of Crop
and Soil Science will present research conducted by PA USDA NRCS USDA-ARS and Penn
State to look at how saturated soils and soils with fragipans have contributed to higher runoffMatt Royer Director of the Lower Susquehanna Initiative Penn State AG amp
Environment Center will moderate
These wet landscapes are often critical sources of phosphorus that contribute to loads of
pollutants in streamsmdashand should be targeted for conservation practices
A pilot study undertaken within the Conewago Watershed serves as a proving ground for
the development of ldquonext generation nutrient management practicesrdquo necessary to reduce the
loads of phosphorus emanating from agricultural lands that contribute to the degradation of the
Chesapeake Bay Watershed
One Nutrient Management credit is available for eligible participants from the state
Department of Agriculture Those seeking credits will be required to sign-in during the webinar to verify their attendance
The program can be viewed online as a recording after the live broadcast Continuing ed
credits are not available for the recorded session
To join this webinar you will need a high speed Internet and can sign in on this
webpage at the webinars noon start time This program will be broadcasting live from the
Conewago Initiativersquos Project Advisory Team meeting at Penn Statersquos Harrisburg campus
Lake Management Annual Conference Set For March 7-8 In State College
The 22nd annual Pennsylvania Lake Management Society annual conference will once again be
at the Days Inn State College on March 7 and 8This years theme is Staying Blue by Going Green and our keynote speaker is Bill
Jones from Indiana School of Public and Environmental Affairs in Bloomington Indiana
As always the Conference will have a great line up of speakers It also offers aquatic
applicator credits for PA OH NY and NJ
Please check out the Conference webpage for more details or contact Kerilynn Frey by
sending email to palakeshotmailcom
832019 Pa Environment Digest Feb 20 2012
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Penn State Extension How To Avoid Septic System Failures
Owning your own home is challenging enough what do you do when it comes with its own
sewage treatment plant This article provides some clues for owners of septic systems who want
to make them last a very long time
According to the US Environmental Protection Agency failure rates for on-lot sewagesystems across the country are reported at 10 percent annually In Pennsylvania approximately
12 million homes (one in three) use on-lot sewage systems for the treatment and disposal of
waste water
Responsibility for maintaining the system rests with the homeowner Proper maintenance
is a good idea since replacing it can cost thousands of dollars Proper maintenance also protects
groundwater that might be a source of drinking water
The most obvious on-lot sewage system failures are easy to spot Sewage backing up into
your home will typically command your immediate attention Raw sewage surfacing in your
yard in nearby ditches or on the neighborrsquos lawn is another clear indicator of failure Muddy
soil around the drain field or pooled water there or in your basement are other signs of serious
malfunction Notice whether your toilet or sink backs up when you flush or do laundry Stripsof bright green grass over the drainfield may be another indicator of problems A toilet running
sluggish or sewer odors in the house andor drinking water are signs of an on-lot system in
trouble
On-lot sewage systems also fail when partially treated wastewater comes into contact
with groundwater This type of failure is not easy to detect but it can result in the pollution of
wells nearby streams or other bodies of water Illness often to household visitors may be
another indicator of system failure that has affected your well and household drinking water
For those considering building a new home or replacing an existing septic system one of
the most critical factors in on-lot sewage system performance is the nature of the soils used for
the septic system soil absorption fieldYou can minimize failures by carefully and deliberately considering all aspects of on-lot
sewage system construction site selection design installation maintenance and use Hire
reputable individuals to design and install your system Also make sure the system is designed to
meet your present and future needs
You should contact your Township Sewage Enforcement Officer concerning permits
needed to install a new on-lot sewage system or repair a failing system
Once properly installed the key to preventing your on-lot system from failing is proper
maintenance Regularly pumping the tank being careful in what you put down the drains and
avoiding such things as planting trees over the field or covering the system with permanent
patios and home additions are important to keep the system running well
Water conservation in the home is also an excellent method of preventing future problems from occurring Divert downspouts and surface water away from the septic tank and
especially the drain field Do not physically damage the system by driving over the components
with heavy vehicles or by digging up the system for other utility lines etc Keep a record of the
location and dimensions of your system along with maintenance and repair information
Homeowners interested in finding out about the overall health of their on-lot sewage
system may want to consider having their septic systems inspected by a trained professional The
PA Septage Management Association in cooperation with the National Onsite Wastewater
832019 Pa Environment Digest Feb 20 2012
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Education and Research Foundation has adopted uniform On-lot Wastewater Treatment
Inspection procedures
PSMA is a professional association of septage pumpers system installers maintenance
technicians real estate inspectors and industry affiliates PSMA Certified Inspectors which
includes many septic tank pumpers are trained to understand how on-lot systems work why they
fail and recognize impending malfunctionsSee the PSMA website for more details about PSMANOF inspections or call them at
717-763-7762
Many fact sheets about on-lot sewage systems are available from the Agricultural and
Biological Engineering department Topics include septic tank pumping percolation tests
elevated sand mounds inspections and alternative systems and pharmaceutical disposal
(Article reprinted from Penn State Extension Watershed Winds online newsletter)
Wissahickon Watershed Maple Sugaring Program Set For March 3
Ever wonder how maple syrup and sugar are made The Wissahickon Vally WatershedAssociation will offer a unique program on maple syrup on March 3 in Ambler Montgomery
County
The event offers a fun and informative event ideal for families Scout groups and anyone
curious about the maple sugar process
Choose a specific time as guides take small groups through the woods to see the tapped
trees and then watch it being boiled into sugar End your walk at WVWArsquos historic headquarters
for hot chocolate and warm treats with maple syrup
RSVP requested by sending email to infowvwaorg or call 215-646-8866 There is a
fee for the program WVWA member fee $5 per person $15 per family Non-WVWA member
fee $10 per person $20 per family or Become a WVWA member and be their guest for $45In Ambler and look for signage Walk over the Butler Avenue Bridge and turn left onto
the Green Ribbon Trail
KPB Greenways Mini-Grant Program Applications Due March 15
Keep Pennsylvania Beautiful is now accepting applications for their Greenways Mini-Grant
Program to provide community groups with project supplies for outdoor based work events
within a greenway enabling the renewal of Pennsylvaniarsquos Greenways in need into something
beautiful
The deadline for applications is March 15 and hard copies are required Grants will be
awarded on April 16Fifteen grant awardees along with their volunteers will be eligible for up to $500 in
project supplies and direct project costs for Prevent it Clean it and Keep it projects within a
Greenway
Pennsylvania and its partners are developing an outstanding network of greenways across
the Commonwealth creating an asset that will enhance the quality of life for all while connecting
open space natural landscape features scenic cultural historic and recreations sites and urban
and rural communities
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A greenway is a linear corridor across the land that conserves natural areas and provides
people with recreation and transportation opportunities
As one of the Commonwealthrsquos most powerful tools to achieve sustainable growth and
livable communities greenways are ensuring future generations the opportunity to live amongst
the natural beauty of Pennrsquos Woods
This program is financed by a grant from the Community Conservation PartnershipProgram Environmental Stewardship Fund under the administration of the Department of
Conservation and Natural Resources Bureau of Recreation and Conservation
The Greenways Mini-Grant is available to any tax-exempt group within Pennsylvania
Private property owners or individual applicants cannot apply
Applications must meet the following requirements to be considered ndash it is within a
Greenway and is in at least one of the following categories Prevent it Clean it and Keep it (see
application for details) plus provide proof of liability insurance signed permission to enter from
the private property owner and 100 percent match of donated or in-kind services Selected
awardees must also agree to provide a final report with before during and after photos
ldquoWe are excited to collaborate with DCNR in offering Greenways Mini-Grants to
organizations working to build clean and beautiful communities across the staterdquo said ShannonReiter President of Keep Pennsylvania Beautiful ldquoGreenways are integral to healthy livable
communities and we are grateful to have the opportunity to empower Pennsylvania with the
tools and resources they need to enhance greenways in their communitiesrdquo
For more information visit the Greenways Mini-Grant Program webpage to download an
application Any additional questions can be answered by Susan Carmichael Greenways Mini-
Grant Program Coordinator at 1-877-772-3673 ext 102 or send email to
scarmichaelkeeppabeautifulorg
Pennsylvania Adds 1470 Acres Of Farmland To Preservation Program
Pennsylvania has added 1470 additional acres of land to its nationally recognized farmland
preservation program under action by the Pennsylvania Agricultural Land Preservation Board at
its meeting Thursday in Harrisburg
The 14 newly preserved farms are located in Beaver Berks Bucks Butler Cambria
Cumberland Juniata Lackawanna Lancaster Lebanon Northampton and Somerset counties
ldquoWersquove preserved nearly 15000 acres of farmland across the state in just the past year
alonerdquo said Agriculture Secretary George Greig ldquoThis speaks volumes to the value our farm
families place on ensuring the future viability of Pennsylvania agriculture ndash our statersquos number-
one industryrdquo
Since the program started in 1988 state county and local governments have invested
more than $11 billion to safeguard 459007 acres on 4243 farmsldquoOur producers know the importance of preserving farms so our next generation of
agriculturalists can keep Pennsylvania growing far into the future and I thank them for that
foresightrdquo Greig said
Pennsylvaniarsquos farmland preservation efforts work through the Pennsylvania Agricultural
Conservation Easement Purchase Program The program was developed to slow the loss of prime
farmland to non-agricultural uses It enables state county and local governments to purchase
conservation easements also called development rights from owners of quality farmland
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For more information visit Agricultures Farmland Preservation webpage
PUC Finalizes Implementation Plan For Pipeline Safety Act
The Public Utility Commission Thursday finalized an Order as the first step in implementing Act
127 the Gas and Hazardous Liquids Pipelines ActThe Commission voted 5-0 to finalize the Order which begins the process of creating a
statewide registry for non-public utility gas and hazardous liquids pipeline equipment and
facilities within the Commonwealth provides resources to conduct safety inspections to enforce
Federal pipeline safety laws on certain classifications of pipeline and assesses entities for the
costs
The Order established the following
-- The registration fee is $250
-- The 2012 registration deadline is March 16
-- Assessment invoices for the Commissionrsquos 2011-12 fiscal year will be mailed by March 30
and due by April 30 and
-- Assessment invoices for the Commissionrsquos 2012-13 fiscal year will be mailed in July 2012with payment due within 30 days
Final forms and other materials will be available on the Commissionrsquos website
Act 127 direct the PUC to develop a registry and conduct safety inspections of these lines
for ldquopipeline operatorsrdquo in the state The Commission also is to track the development of
pipelines in less populated areas which transport gas from non-conventional wells
Act 127 expands the Commissionrsquos authority to enforce the federal pipeline safety laws
as they relate to those pipelines and facilities Non-public utility gas and hazardous liquids
pipeline operators include several different categories of pipelines such as cooperatively owned
natural gas distribution systems non-utility natural gas transportation and gathering lines and
propane distribution pipeline systemsFor more information visit the PUCs Act 127 webpage
DEP Sets Feb 22 Meeting On Jefferson County Drilling Permit
The Department of Environmental Protection will host a public meeting on February 22 to
discuss Flatirons Resources LLCrsquos proposal to drill a Marcellus Shale well in Brockway
Jefferson County
The 6 pm meeting will be held at the Brockway Area JuniorSenior High School on
Alexander Street in Brockway
ldquoWe recognize that there are a lot of questions and that people want detailsrdquo DEP
Northwest Regional Director Kelly Burch said ldquoDEP staff will provide information about our role in the permitting process and address any questions and concerns the audience may have
about our oversight and environmental protectionrdquo
The horizontal well that Flatirons proposes to drill would be the second on this pad
which is on Brockway Borough Municipal Authority property in the Rattlesnake Creek
Watershed The first well was drilled in February 2011 and hydraulically fractured in November
2011
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After DEPrsquos presentation at the meeting company representatives will describe their
plans to drill the well if approved A question-and-answer session will follow
DEPrsquos decision to issue a well permit is based on the applicationrsquos technical merits and
whether the applicantrsquos drilling casing and cementing plan will protect water resources The
agency issued Flatirons a permit to drill a second well on the pad in December 2010 but it
expired a year later because the well was never drilled The permit application was resubmittedon December 27 2011
HACC Offers Free Environmental Technician Training At Midtown Campus
Training for emerging environmental jobs in the cleanup and reuse of brownfields will be offered
starting April 16 at the Midtown location of HACC Central Pennsylvaniarsquos Community College
Candidates for the federally funded program are displaced workers the unemployed or
underemployed as well as low-income or minority residents who live in the Harrisburg said
Cheryl Dietz HACC Workforce Training coordinator
Potential students can find out more by attending one of two upcoming information
sessions in Room 228 of Midtown 1 1500 N Fourth St The sessions will be held from 6-7 pmFebruary 29 and 11 am-noon March 3
HACC representatives will answer questions about the free job training program which
will consist of an eight-week 320-hour training cycle with classes meeting 8 am-3 pm April
16-June 8
To be eligible a candidate must have a general education diploma (GED) or high school
diploma test at a 10th-grade math and reading level have a valid driverrsquos license have access to
reliable transportation be drug free and demonstrate an interest in the environment
Successful graduates will receive certifications in all of the following Hazardous Waste
Operations and Emergency Response (HAZWOPER) confined space entrantattendant and
supervisor lead-based paint inspector and asbestos inspectorAdditional training will be offered in environmental site assessment air and water
quality and environmental remediation techniques
HACC is offering the training through a two-year $199890 grant awarded through the
federal Environmental Protection Agencyrsquos Brownfields Program
Two classes were held last year at HACC-Harrisburg Campus with 35 graduates Of this
number 26 have jobs (19 of them are in the environmental field) and four are continuing their
education A third class is under way in Lancaster As part of the grant HACC helps successful
graduates find environmental jobs and tracks those graduates for one year
A brownfield site is real property the expansion redevelopment or reuse of which may
be complicated by the presence or potential presence of a hazardous substance pollutant or
contaminant according to the EPAThe EPA estimates there are 180 brownfield sites in the Lancaster area and a combined
total of 120 brownfield sites in Harrisburg and Steelton
For more information or to register to attend an information session contact Cheryl
Deitz HACC Workforce Training coordinator at 221-1338 or send email to chdeitzhaccedu
PUC Chair Urges Utilities To Participate In Programs To Create Jobs For Returning
Troops
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Public Utility Commission Chairman Robert F Powelson Thursday urged the statersquos public
utilities to participate in several new programs proposed by Gov Tom Corbett and the Edison
Electric Institute to create jobs in the energy sector
The Chairman also noted that the time is right for job growth with the development of the
Marcellus Shale industry and electric competition across the stateldquoToday I encourage Pennsylvaniarsquos electric and natural gas utilities to learn from the
example set by EEI and participate in the Troops to Energy Jobs program as well as Governor
Corbettrsquos Jobs First PA initiative Chairman Powelson said in a statement at the PUCrsquos Public
Meeting In the days ahead the PUC will be coordinating with EEI and the Corbett
Administration to connect our energy companies with these innovative programsrdquo
The Chairman referenced Gov Corbetts annual budget address to the General Assembly
last week
ldquoIn his address the Governor recognized that the energy sector has enormous potential
for producing new jobs and putting the unemployed back to workrdquo Chairman Powelson said
ldquoIn announcing his new Jobs First program the Governor stated that lsquoas our energy sector
expands Pennsylvania needs a trained workforce ready to meet the demand for workersrsquordquoChairman Powelson said the EEI launched its Troops for Energy Jobs initiative which is
designed to accelerate the training and employability of veterans in key energy programs EEI is
currently piloting this program through five energy companies throughout the nation
For more information visit the Troops for Energy Jobs Initiative website
PA Chamber Environmental amp Energy Conference April 18 In Lancaster
The annual PA Chamber of Business and Industry Environmental and Energy Conference will be
held on April 18 at the Eden Resort Inn amp Suites in Lancaster
Major environmental regulatory areas continue to see numerous changes at the state andfederal level that impact business Thats why the Pennsylvania Chamber is offering four
learning tracks with answers you need on the latest environmental and energy issues-all in one
day
-- Compliance help from state and national top experts on the toughest environmental issues
-- Details on the latest regulatory changes and proposed changes
-- Proven strategies best practices and practical business tips to help you comply cost-effectively
in each area and
-- Advanced environmental roundtable
There will be two keynotes The Economic Benefits of Marcellus Shale and Natural Gas-
American Petroleum Institute Washington DC and Converting Trash into Renewable Energy-
National Solid Wastes Management Association Washington DCVisit with more than 50 exhibitors offering an exciting array of advanced technology
solutions and exhibitor educational sessions Access and network with more than 300 of your
peers from across the state
For more information and to register visit the Conference webpage or contact Sue Smith
at 717-720-5457 or send email to ssmithpachamberorg
Volunteers Needed To Plant 100 Acre Wind Break At Flight 93 Memorial In April
832019 Pa Environment Digest Feb 20 2012
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The federal Office of Surface Mining Reclamation and Enforcement through their Appalachian
Regional Reforestation Initiative and the Department of Environmental Protection are working
with the National Park Service to plant a wind break at the Flight 93 Memorial in Somerset
County
Volunteers are needed to plant trees on April 20 21 27 and 28 Volunteers may sign upfor one day or multiple days
If you are interested in volunteering send a Volunteer Sign-Up Form and a Photo
Release Form and send to Leroy Renninger of the National Park Service by email
to Leroy_Renningernpsgov
State Fly Tying Champions Announced At Eastern Sports amp Outdoor Show
The Eastern Sports amp Outdoor Show Cumberland Valley Trout Unlimited Bass Pro Shops of
Harrisburg Mid Atlantic Fly Fishing Guide magazine and the Fish and Boat Commission
sponsored the Pennsylvania State Fly Tying Championship held on February 11 at the Eastern
Sports amp Outdoor Show at the State Farm Show Complex in HarrisburgThirteen contestants in three categories competed for money trophies and prizes in the
annual event to crown the best fly tyers in Pennsylvania
In the Open Division the winners are 1st Place - Andy Fresch Summerhill 2nd Place -
Ken Moser Severna Park MD 3rd Place - John Shosh Hamburg
The Amateur Division winners are 1st Place - Matthew Edinger Sharon Hill 2nd Place -
- Mike Marino Souderton and 3rd Place -- Elliott DeFrancesco Wilburton
The Youth Division winners are 1st Place - Gaeron Friedrichs Milford 2nd Place
Bobby Faust Dalmatia
The contestants at the final event were the top tiers selected from entries previously
submitted In order to qualify the entrants had to submit three flies from a list of flies for eachcategory
At the event each finalist was required to tie three flies over a two hour time period The
finalists knew ahead of time two of the flies that were to be tied and a third ldquomystery flyrdquo was
announced to them at the event
The championship will be held again at the 2013 Eastern Sports and Outdoor Show and
applications information and details will be posted at the Cumberland Valley Trout Unlimited or
Eastern Sports and Outdoor Show websites as they become available
PA State Parks Forest App Now Updated And Free
The Official Pennsylvania State Parks amp Forests App is now completely FREE This latestversion now on the market includes advanced interactive capabilities such as GPS trail mapping
the Friend Finder to keep track of your family and friends on the trail and more
Featured Update List Increased performance speed Multi-tasking Capability
GeoChallenge (GeocacheGeoQuest) Feature FREE enhanced GPS features
This new version increases performance speed and cuts activation time in half With the
new multi-tasking capability users gain enhanced user navigation The more adventurous
832019 Pa Environment Digest Feb 20 2012
httpslidepdfcomreaderfullpa-environment-digest-feb-20-2012 2434
outdoor enthusiasts will benefit from the recently added GeoChallenges that include geocache
and geoquest activities which will be updated regularly
The waypointphoto waypoint marking tools have been upgraded and there has been a
fine-tuning of the trail-tracking feature located on the side navigation bar of the free GPS
Mapping section Use the app to track record and share your explorations with others-all at no
chargeTry out the app and let the PA Parks amp Forests Foundation know what you think
Feature
Bald Eagle Pair Get Help With Home Improvement Project
While most people try to avoid home improvement projects in the winter a pair of bald eagles
got some much needed help recently from a team of Game Commission land managers with a
very important and timely renovation project
A sycamore tree on Haldeman Island has been used by at least three mated pairs as a
nesting site since 1989 The island is just upriver of the confluence of the Susquehanna and
Juniata rivers north of Harrisburg and the tree stands just across a pond from one of three
hacking towers the Game Commission used at two locations in its bald eagle recovery program
About two weeks ago one of the limbs supporting the nest collapsed under the weight of the
nest
On Friday Steve Bernardi Game Commission Land Management Group Supervisor for
Juniata Mifflin Perry and Snyder counties was joined by Terry Willow Game Lands
Maintenance Worker with the River Island Food and Cover Corps Crew and Scott Bills Land
Management Group Supervisor for Dauphin and Lebanon counties to construct a platform to
encourage the bald eagle pair to reuse this nest site
The three men measured and cut lumber used hammers and nails as well as screws anddrills to secure the lumber in place and then placed branches and sticks on the platform to
encourage the bald eagles ndash who were watching the activity while perched in nearby trees ndash to
begin rebuilding a nest
A pair built a nest in this tree in 1989 and had their first young in 1990 Bernardi said
A storm blew the original nest out of the tree in 1995 Scott Bills who was the Wildlife
Conservation Officer in Dauphin County at that time worked with a Food and Cover Corps crew
and PPL to erect the first platform similar to what we put in place on Friday
Adult bald eagles are preparing to nest and hopefully they will come back and reuse this
platform just like they did back in 1995
Haldeman Island played a key role in the recovery of bald eagles in Pennsylvania In the
1980s it was one of two locations used for reintroduction of eagles brought by the GameCommission from Canada in the early years of restoration of eagles to our state About 40
eaglets were released at the Haldeman Island tower overlooking the ponds on the north side of
the island by 1989
When the reintroduced birds successfully raised young at a nest on Haldeman in 1990
the whole state had only seven nesting pairs And there has been an active eagle nest in that spot
every year since except 2004 when the birds took a year off
832019 Pa Environment Digest Feb 20 2012
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While we dont know if the same pair have been active that whole time the same old
sycamore tree has been used during this period and that nest has produced more than 40 young
over this period said Dan Brauning Game Commission Wildlife Diversity Division chief
Since the site is well-protected on a Game Commission island with limited access this site has
particular value to us
Continued support for this nest will help sustain this historic location in the recovery of baldeagles in Pennsylvania
In 1983 the Game Commission began a seven-year bald eagle restoration program in
which the agency sent employees to Saskatchewan to obtain eaglets from wilderness nests The
Richard King Mellon Foundation of Pittsburgh and the federal Endangered Species Fund
provided financial assistance for this effort
In all 88 bald eaglets from Canada were released from sites at Dauphin Countys
Haldeman Island and Pike Countys Shohola Falls The resurgence of eagles in Pennsylvania is
directly related to this program which also was carried out in other states in the Northeast
When the restoration program began in 1983 only three Crawford County nests remained
in the state By 2006 the agency announced that the state had surpassed the 100 bald eagle nest
mark Just five years later in 2011 the number of known bald eagle nests had doubled to 203spread out over 50 counties
Residents aware of a bald eagle nest ndash which are among the largest nests of all birds ndash in
their area should consider reporting it to the Pennsylvania Game Commission The easiest way to
contact the agency by sending email to pgccommentspagov Use the words Eagle Nest
Information in the subject field
The Game Commission continues to further the publics understanding of bald eagles In
2010 a comprehensive Bald Eagle threatened species account and Bald Eagle Nest Etiquette
guide were added to the agencys website
In 2011 the agency launched its series of Eagle-watching in Pennsylvania guides that
will help direct those interested in viewing bald eagles in the wild on where to go how to getthere what to expect and other wildlife viewing opportunities available at each site
Currently posted are eagle-watching guides for Erie National Wildlife Refuge Crawford
County Conneaut Marsh Geneva Marsh State Game Land 213 Crawford County Raystown
Lake Huntingdon County State Game Land 180 Shohola Lake Pike County Middle Creek
Wildlife Management Area Lebanon and Lancaster counties Bald Eagle State Park Centre
County Glendale Lake Price Gallitzin State Park Cambria County John Heinz National
Wildlife Refuge Philadelphia and Delaware counties Lower Susquehanna River Lancaster and
York counties Moraine State Park Butler County Pine Creek Valley Lycoming and Tioga
counties Promised Land State Park Pike County Pymatuning Reservoir Crawford County and
the Upper Delaware River in Pike Wayne and Monroe counties
Game Commission Announces April 1 Deadline For Ads In Hunting-Trapping Digest
Game Commission Executive Director Carl G Roe Thursday announced Liberty Press
Publications publisher of the Pennsylvania Digest of Hunting amp Trapping Regulations has set
April 1 as the deadline for advertising copy in the 2012-13 Digest Click Here for details
For advertising information contact Liberty Press Publications toll-free at
1-800-296-6402
832019 Pa Environment Digest Feb 20 2012
httpslidepdfcomreaderfullpa-environment-digest-feb-20-2012 2634
Opportunity To Bid On McKean County Abandoned Well Plugging Project
The Department of Environmental Protection published notice of an opportunity to bid on a
project to plug 24 abandoned oil wells in McKean County
Help Wanted Chesapeake Bay Foundation PA Grassroots Coordinator Field Specialist
The Chesapeake Bay Foundation is seeking a PA Grassroots Coordinator and a Field Specialist
to be based at their Pennsylvania State Office located in Harrisburg This position is a 2 year
term position with the possibility of extension Click Here for details
Help Wanted Conewago Creek Assistant Project Coordinator
Penn State Cooperative Extension on behalf of the Conewago Creek Initiative seeks an Assistant
Project Coordinator to be an integral part of a dynamic partnership team working together with
local state and federal partnersThe Assistant Project Coordinator will report to the Director of the Lower Susquehanna
Initiative who serves as the Project Coordinator for the Conewago Creek Initiative
The deadline for applications is March 1 Click Here for details
Help Wanted ALLARM Assistant Director Of Outreach Marcellus
The Alliance for Aquatic Resource Monitoring (ALLARM) is seeking candidate to fill a third
full time position to the organization-- Assistant Director of Outreach-- to assist with Marcellus
Monitoring program training community volunteers throughout the shale gas regions in
Pennsylvania to monitor small streams for early pollution detection Click Here for fullannouncement
Grants amp 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
February 23-- PA Pathways To Green Schools Nominations
February 24-- PA Trout In The Classroom Grants
February 29-- EPA Environmental Justice Small Grants
February 29-- Ben Franklin BIG IDEA Business Plan ContestFebruary 29-- PA American Water Stream of Learning Scholarships
February 29-- West Branch Susquehanna Orange Rock Awards
March 1-- Erie TreeVitalize Grants
March 2-- Coca-Cola Keep America Beautiful Recycling Bin Grants
March 2-- Conservation Innovation Grants Chesapeake Bay Nutrient Credit Grants
March 5-- TogetherGreen Fellowship and Innovation Grants
832019 Pa Environment Digest Feb 20 2012
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March 5-- PECDominion Western PA Environmental Awards
March 10-- PA American Water Environmental Grants
March 15-- NEW Keep PA Beautiful Greenways Mini-Grants
March 23-- Water Resources Education Network Grants
March 30-- PA American Water Protect Our Watersheds Student Art Contest
March 31-- DEP Host Municipal Inspector GrantsApril 3-- West Penn Power Sustainable Energy Fund Grants Loans
April 4-- DCNR Community Conservation Partnership Grants
April 15-- Wild Resource Conservation Fund Income Tax Checkoff Deadline
March 1-- Keystone Historic Preservation Project and Construction Grants
August 1-- PA Snowmobile Assn Trail Improvement Grants
August 24-- Foundation for PA Watershed Grants
September 1-- Erie TreeVitalize Grants
October 31-- PA Resources Council Lens On Litter Contest
-- Visit the DEP Grants and Loan Programs webpage for more ideas on how to get financial
assistance for environmental projects
BudgetQuick Clips
Heres a selection of NewClips on environmental topics from around the state--
Budget
Corbett Signs Marcellus Shale Fee Into Law
Corbett Signs Shale Well Impact Fee Into Law
Corbett Approves Marcellus Shale Fee
Bradford Commissioner Foolish Not To Accept Drilling Fee MoneyWhats Next For PAs Impact Fee Bradford Against Fee
Bradford Commissioners Disagree On Drilling Fee
Washington County To Seek Marcellus Fees
Editorial Corbetts Gas Fee About To Evaporate
Robinson Twp To Contest New Marcellus Law
South Fayette Eyes Legal Action On Drilling Bill
Fish amp Boat Commission Grateful For Marcellus Fees
PUC Eyes Private Firm For Impact Fee Collection
PUC Chair Let Marcellus Play Come To Us
PUC Would Get Shale Role Under Drilling Bill
Editorial It Makes Sense For PUC To Deal With Drilling NE Counties To Raise Millions Or Nothing Under Drilling Fee
House Capital Budget Bill Debate Focuses On Jobs
House GOP Marcellus Bill A Win For Jobs
Norquists No-Tax Pledge Cant Give Drill Fee The Ax
PA Natural Gas Levy Became Inevitable
Bradford Commissioners Disagree On Drilling Fee
832019 Pa Environment Digest Feb 20 2012
httpslidepdfcomreaderfullpa-environment-digest-feb-20-2012 2834
Vertical Exploratory Wells Wont Be Hit With Drilling Fee
Impact Fee Bill Addresses Housing Needs
Op-Ed Natural Gas Fee May Be Too Late
Editorial Marcellus Fee A Tax Stupid
Editorial Shale Drillers Got The Better Part Of Deal
Corbett Raiding Special FundsCan Pennsylvanians Survive Under Another Corbett Budget
As Roads Bridges Deteriorate Governor Silent
Analysis Taking Baby Steps On Fixing Roads Bridges
Editorial Must A Bridge Fall Down
House Capital Budget Bill Debate Focuses On Jobs
Editorial Capital Budget Funds Must Be Kept Under Control
Obama Cuts EPA Increases Chesapeake Bay Program
Chesapeake Bay Program Increased Under Obama Budget
EPA Budget Cut For States Superfund Cleanup
Obama Proposes $14 Million For Fracking Research
$67 Million Requested For Federal Pipeline SafetyDCNR Secretary Says Report On Wildlife Research Not Accurate
Other
Electronics Recycling Date Set At Greensburg Mall
Hershey Plants Achieve Zero Waste Status
RecycleBank Named On Of Worlds Most Innovative Companies
Editorial Fine Litterers No Ifs Or Butts
Corbett Signs 3 Energy Sector Bills
Op-Ed Anti-Coal Agenda Is Detrimental To PA
Op-Ed Global Warming As Fact Not Hypothesis
Op-Ed Climate Change Education Is NecessaryHomer City Power Plant Still To Dirty Groups Claim
DEP Sets March 14 Public Hearing On Homer City Power Plant
Concerns Voiced Over PPL Lines
Consumer Alert Electricity Price Discounts Heat Up
Turbine Load To Hit The Road To Holtwood Dam
PPL Plans $664 Million In Electric Delivery System Improvements
Exelon Gives Dauphin County $110000 For Emergency Response
Groups Ask For Expansion Of Nuclear Plant Evacuation Zone
Feds Give PPL Reactor Low Grade
Allentown Council Rejects Waste-To-Energy Sewage Plant
GE Invests In Cleaner Evolution LocomotiveDEP Hopeful Buyer Will Emerge For ConocoPhillips Refinery
DEP Renews ConocoPhillips Trainer Refinery Discharge Permit
100 Sunoco Workers In PA Get Layoff Notices
Meehan PA Refinery Closures Threat To National Security
Refinery Closings Could Affect 15000 Jobs Study Says
Gasoline Could Reach $5 By July 4
$4 A Gallon Gasoline By Memorial Day
832019 Pa Environment Digest Feb 20 2012
httpslidepdfcomreaderfullpa-environment-digest-feb-20-2012 2934
Gasoline Prices Have Never Been This High This Early
Electric Bicycle Waiver Sought
Land Bank Bill Newest Anti-Blight Tool
Game Commission Prepares For Controlled Burn On Centre County
2012 Great Backyard Bird Count Begins Friday
Birders-Eye View Of Conservation In PhiladelphiaState Could Take Over Refurbished Point State Park
New Ohiopyle Visitors Center Project To Be Bid This Spring
Winterfest At Ohiopyle No Snow Still A Go
Protecting Landscapes Changing Face Of Conservation
Marcellus Shale NewsClips
Here are NewsClips on topics related to Marcellus Shale natural gas drilling---
Corbett Signs Marcellus Shale Fee Into Law
Corbett Signs Shale Well Impact Fee Into Law
Corbett Approves Marcellus Shale Fee
Bradford Commissioner Foolish Not To Accept Drilling Fee Money
Whats Next For PAs Impact Fee Bradford Against Fee
Bradford Commissioners Disagree On Drilling Fee
Washington County To Seek Marcellus Fees
Editorial Corbetts Gas Fee About To Evaporate
Robinson Twp To Contest New Marcellus Law
South Fayette Eyes Legal Action On Drilling Bill
Fish amp Boat Commission Grateful For Marcellus Fees
PUC Eyes Private Firm For Impact Fee CollectionPUC Chair Let Marcellus Play Come To Us
PUC Would Get Shale Role Under Drilling Bill
Editorial It Makes Sense For PUC To Deal With Drilling
Corbett Raiding Special Funds
NE Counties To Raise Millions Or Nothing Under Drilling Fee
House GOP Marcellus Bill A Win For Jobs
Norquists No-Tax Pledge Cant Give Drill Fee The Ax
PA Natural Gas Levy Became Inevitable
Wayne County Landowners Push For Drilling
Vertical Exploratory Wells Wont Be Hit With Drilling Fee
Impact Fee Bill Addresses Housing NeedsDrilling Bill Authors Health Experts Fears Unfounded
Health Officials Drilling Law Disclosure Rules Lax
Op-Ed Natural Gas Fee May Be Too Late
Editorial Marcellus Fee A Tax Stupid
Editorial Shale Drillers Got The Better Part Of Deal
Delaware Riverkeeper Reports Settlement Over Gas Well
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EPA Probing Washington County Shale Operations
Marcellus Boom Has Pressed Law Firms To Boost Their Staffs
25 More State Troopers In NE Shale Region
Recorders Of Deeds May Not Reject Multiple Gas Leases
Rural Loophole Curbing PA Pipeline Inspections
Pipeline Tested Ahead Of Tie-In To Shale WellsFirefighters Learn To Deal With Drilling Emergencies
Assessing PGWs Liquid Natural Gas Future
Dominion Resources Playing Responsible Role In Drilling
Report Philly Should Consider Selling Gas Company
Company Files For Gas Drilling Permit In Bucks County
Gas Drilling Debate Returns To Bucks County
Shale Drillers Drinking From Slippery Rock Creek
Gas Wells With Smaller Footprint Get Greater Scrutiny
PennEnvironment Violations Report Half-Baked
Water Tanker Truck Lands In Creek In Monroe Twp
Industry Says Over 93230 New Hires As A Result Of Marcellus ShaleBCCC Begins Classes For Marcellus Shale Workers
Marcellus Gas Creates Demand For Cars
Ex-Drilling Exec Took Nearly $1 Million Or More
Op-Ed Gas Drillers New Wild West
Marcellus Gas Production Rises So Does Recycling
FinancialOther StatesNational
Drillers Cut Natural Gas Production As Prices Drop
Talisman Cutting Back Drilling Plans
Ultra Petroleum Reports 2011 Financial Operating Results
Gas Firms Drill Less As Prices Nose DiveObama Proposes $14 Million For Fracking Research
$67 Million Requested For Federal Pipeline Safety
FloodingWatershed NewsClips
Here are NewsClips on watershed topics from around the state--
Flooding
New Bank Coming To Flood-Ravaged Shickshinny
Other Watershed NewsClips
Mon River QUEST Wins Regional IMPACT AwardEPA Evaluates States Chesapeake Bay Plans
Shale Drillers Drinking From Slippery Rock Creek
Sewage Woes Close Lewisburg Area Park
$375000 To Aid Little Buck Run Restoration Effort
Loyalhanna Creek Sewage Overflow Problem Goes To State
Turbine Load To Hit The Road To Holtwood Dam
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Funding Sought For Restoration Of Speedwell Lake
Obama Cuts EPA Increases Chesapeake Bay Program
Chesapeake Bay Program Increased Under Obama Budget
EPA Budget Cut For States Superfund Cleanup
Editorial Delaware Dredging A Step Closer
Regulations Technical Guidance amp Permits
No new regulations were published this week Pennsylvania Bulletin - February 18 2012
Proposed Regulations Open For Comment - DEP webpage
Proposed Regulations With Closed Comment Periods - DEP webpage
DEP Regulatory Agenda - DEP webpage
Technical Guidance amp Permits
The Department of Environmental Protection published notice of bond rate calculations for mine
reclamation The Fish and Boat Commission published notice of nursery water designation for
the Shenango River Crawford County
DEP also published an update to the list of companies certified to perform radon-related
activities (PA Bulletin page 994)
Technical Guidance Comment Deadlines - DEP webpage
Copies Of Draft Technical Guidance - DEP webpage
Copies of Final Technical Guidance - DEP webpage
Calendar Of Events
Upcoming legislative meetings conferences workshops plus links to other online calendars
Meetings are in Harrisburg unless otherwise noted NEW means new from last week Go to the
online Calendar webpage
Click on Agenda Released on calendar entries to see the NEW meeting agendas published this
week
Note You can watch the hearings live through the Senate webpage and the House webpage or
on the PA Cable Network website
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February 21-- House Appropriations Committee budget hearings 930 - Global Economy
1100 - Independent Fiscal Office 130 - Department of Revenue Room 140
February 21-- CANCELED Environmental Quality Board meeting Next scheduled meeting is
March 20 ( formal notice )
February 21-- Agenda Released DEP Citizens Advisory Council meeting Room 105 Rachel
Carson Building 1130
February 22-- Senate Appropriations Committee budget hearings 930 - Department of
Environmental Protection 100 - Department of Transportation Hearing Room 1 North Office
February 23-- NEW House Democratic Policy Committee holds a hearing on Southeast PA oil
refinery closings National Constitution Center Philadelphia 1000
February 27-- House Appropriations Committee budget hearings 1000 - Public Utility
Commission 1100 - Office of Consumer Advocate Small Business Advocate Room 140
February 27-- NEW House Democratic Policy Committee holds a hearing on Marcellus Shale
air emissions Bryn Mawr Presbyterian Church Bryn Mawr 1000
February 28-- Senate Appropriations Committee budget hearings 100 - Department of
Agriculture Hearing Room 1 North Office
February 28-- House Appropriations Committee budget hearings 930 - Department of
Agriculture 1030 - Department of Conservation and Natural Resources Room 140
February 29-- Senate Appropriations Committee budget hearings 930 - PA Emergency
Management Agency Hearing Room 1 North Office
February 29-- House Game and Fisheries Committee informational meeting on Fish and Boat
Commissions Annual Report Room 39 East Wing 1000
February 29-- House Appropriations Committee budget hearings 930 - Department of
Transportation 300 - Department of Environmental Protection Room 140
March 1-- House Appropriations Committee budget hearings 1000 Department of Labor amp
Industry 100 - Department of Community and Economic Development Room 140
March 6-- House Appropriations Committee budget hearings 930 - State PoliceOffice of
Homeland Security 1100 - PA Emergency Management Agency 300 - Department of General
Services Room 140
March 6-- CANCELED DEP Storage Tank Advisory Committee meeting Next scheduled
meeting is June 5 ( formal notice )
832019 Pa Environment Digest Feb 20 2012
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March 7-- House Game and Fisheries Committee informational meeting on Game Commissions
Annual Report Room 39 East Wing 1000
March 8-- House Appropriations Committee budget hearings 1000 - Budget Secretary 100 -
House Member Testimony Room 140
March 14-- DEP Air Quality Technical Advisory Committee meeting Room 105 Rachel Carson
Building 915 ( formal notice )
March 26-- Environmental Issues Forum Joint Legislative Air and Water Pollution Control and
Conservation Committee featuring a presentation by DCNR Secretary Richard Allan (Location
to be determined) Noon
DEP Calendar of Events
Note The Environmental Education Workshop Calendar is no longer available from the PACenter for Environmental Education because funding for the Center was eliminated in the FY
2011-12 state budget The PCEE website was also shutdown but some content was moved to
the PA Association of Environmental Educators website
Senate Committee Schedule House Committee Schedule
You can watch the Senate Floor Session and House Floor Session live online
Stories Invited
Send your stories photos and videos about your project environmental issues or programs for
publication in the PA Environment Digest to DHessCrisciAssociatescom
PA Environment Digest is edited by David E Hess former Secretary Pennsylvania Department
of Environmental Protection and is published as a service to the clients of Crisci Associates a
Harrisburg-based government and public affairs firm whose clients include Fortune 500
companies and non-profit organizations For more information on Crisci Associates call
717-234-1716
PA Environment Digest weekly was the winner of the PA Association of Environmental
Educators 2009 Business Partner of the Year Award
Also sign up for these other services from Crisci Associates--
PA Environment Digest Twitter Feed On Twitter sign up to receive instant updates from
PAEnviroDigest
832019 Pa Environment Digest Feb 20 2012
httpslidepdfcomreaderfullpa-environment-digest-feb-20-2012 3434
PA Environment Daily Blog provides daily environmental NewsClips and significant stories
and announcements on environmental topics in Pennsylvania of immediate value Sign up and
receive as they are posted updates through your favorite RSS reader You can also sign up for a
once daily email alerting you to new items posted on this blog
PA Environment Digest Video Blog showcases original and published videos fromenvironmental groups and agencies around the state Sign up to receive as they are posted
updates through your favorite RSS read You can also sign up for a once daily email alerting
you to new items posted on this blog
PA Capitol Digest Dont forget to sign up to receive the PA Capitol Digest Twitter feed by
going to wwwTwittercomPaCapitolDigest or click on this link for the regular daily PA
Capitol Digest Blog to get other news from in and around the Pennsylvania State Capitol
Supporting Member PA Outdoor Writers AssnPA Trout Unlimited
PA Environment Digest is a supporting member of the Pennsylvania Outdoor Writers
Association Pennsylvania Council Trout Unlimited and the Doc Fritchey Chapter Trout
Unlimited
832019 Pa Environment Digest Feb 20 2012
httpslidepdfcomreaderfullpa-environment-digest-feb-20-2012 934
updates through your favorite RSS read You can also sign up for a once daily email alerting
you to new items posted on this blog
PA Capitol Digest Daily Blog to get updates every day on Pennsylvania State Government
including NewsClips coverage of key press conferences and more Sign up and receive as they
are posted updates through your favorite RSS reader You can also sign up for a once dailyemail alerting you to new items posted on this blog
PA Capitol Digest Twitter Feed Dont forget to sign up to receive the PA Capitol Digest
Twitter feed to get instant updates on other news from in and around the Pennsylvania State
Capitol
SenateHouse AgendaSession ScheduleBills Introduced
Here are the Senate and House Calendars and Committee meetings showing bills of interest as
well as a list of new environmental bills introduced--
Session Schedule
Here is the latest voting session schedule for the Senate and House--
Senate
Budget Hearings Feb 21 22 23 27 28 29 and March 1
March 5 6 7 12 13 14 26 27 28
April 2 3 30
May 1 2 7 8 9 21 22 23
June 4 5 6 11 12 13 18 19 20 25 26 27 28 29
House
Budget Hearings Feb 21 22 23 24 27 28 29 March 1 2 5 6 7 8 9
March 12 13 14 26 27 28
April 2 3 4 30
May 1 2 7 8 9 21 22 23
June 4 5 6 11 12 13 18 19 20 21 22 25 26 27 28 29
Bill Calendars
House (March 12) House Bill 1934 (FKeller-R-Snyder) excluding people residing in federal or state facilities for determining when a municipality must recycle House Resolution 438 (Cruz-
D-Philadelphia) urging Philadelphia to establish a waste tire removal and disposal
program House Resolution 423 (Petri-R-Bucks) directing the Legislative Budget and Finance
Committee to study state funding formulas and how they impact counties House Resolution
505 (Preston-D-Allegheny) disapproving the PUC regulation on natural gas competition
ltgt Click Here for full House Bill Calendar
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Senate (March 5) Senate Bill 1324 (Yaw-R-Bradford) quieting mineral property title
rights Senate Bill 1398 (Yudichak-D-Luzerne) extending the Underground Storage Tank
Environmental Cleanup Program from 2012 to 2017 House Bill 1813 (Tobash-R-Schuylkill)
further providing for anthracite reclamation fees and guarantees ltgt Click Here for full Senate
Bill Calendar
Committees
House the Appropriations Committee holds budget hearings on Global Economy
Independent Fiscal Office Department of Revenue the House Democratic Policy
Committee holds a hearing on Southeast PA oil refinery closings in Philadelphia ltgt Click
Here for full House Committee Schedule
Senate the Appropriations Committee holds budget hearings on Department of
Environmental Protection Department of Transportation ltgt Click Here for full Senate
Committee Schedule
Note You can watch the hearings live through the Senate webpage and the House webpage or
on the PA Cable Network website
Bills Introduced
The following bills of interest were introduced this week--
Defining Chronic Dementia House Bill 2196 (Curry-D-Montgomery) amending the Older
Adult Protective Services Act to define chronic dementia and cognitive impairment and making
other changes
Oil amp Gas Dust House Bill 2197 (Curry-D-Montgomery) amending the Air Pollution Control
Act to make dust from oil and gas operations air pollution under the act
Cambria County Land Senate Bill 1425 (Wozniak-D-Cambria) authority DCNR to lease
certain State Forest land in Cambria County to an alternative energy company
Bills On Governors Desk
The following bill was given final approval by the Senate and House and is now with the
Governor for his action--
Infrastructure Funding House Bill 1294 (Godshall-R-Montgomery) authorizing the PUC to
establish a distribution system improvement charge (DSIC) as an alternative to regular rate cases
to recover costs associated with replacing pipelines and other utility infrastructure A summary
and House Fiscal Note are available The bill was signed into law by the Governor as Act 11
NewsClips Corbett Signs 3 Energy Sector Bills
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Marcellus Shale House Bill 1950 (Ellis-R-Butler) imposing a Marcellus Shale drilling fee and
enacting a laundry list of additional environmental protection measures related to drilling was
signed into law by the Governor as Act 13
SenateHouse Bills Moving
The following bills of interest saw action this week in the House and Senate--
Senate
Nominations Gov Corbett this week re-nominated John Coleman as a Commissioner on the
Public Utility Commission
House
Conservation Easements House Bill 2059 (Miller-R-York) amending the Agricultural Area
Security Law to provide for the inspection of agricultural conservation easements on at least a
biennial basis (a summary and House Fiscal Note are available) and House Bill 2106 (Ross-R-
Chester) further providing for the relinquishment of the right to farmland preservation (a
summary and House Fiscal Note are available) were referred into and out of the House
Appropriations Committee and passed by the House The bills now go to the Senate for
consideration
Land Banks House Bill 1682 (Taylor-R-Philadelphia) providing for the creation of land banks
for the conversion of vacant properties into productive use was removed from the Table
amended on the House Floor and referred into and out of the House Appropriations Committeeand passed by the House A summary and House Fiscal Note are available The bill now goes to
the Senate for consideration
NewsClip Land Bank Bill Newest Anti-Blight Tool
Capital Budget Process House Bill 2175 (Turzai-R-Allegheny) making changes to Capital
Budget process and reducing the ability of state government to borrow and spend taxpayer
dollars was reported out of the House Finance Committee debated in the House and referred to
the House Appropriations Committee
NewsClip House Capital Budget Bill Debate Focuses On Jobs
Transportation Partnerships House Bill 3 (Geist-R-Blair) authorizing public-privatetransportation partnerships was amended on the House Floor and was referred to the House
Appropriations Committee
Recycling Requirement House Bill 1934 (FKeller-R-Snyder) excluding people residing in
federal or state facilities for determining when a municipality must recycle was reported out of
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the House Environmental Resources and Energy Committee and is on the House Calendar for
action
News From The Capitol
House Committee Moves Capital Budget Reform Legislation
The House Finance Committee Monday reported out House Bill 2175 (Turzai-R-Allegheny)
making changes to Capital Budget process and reducing the ability of state government to
borrow and spend taxpayer dollars
ldquoThe balance on the statersquos credit card is too highrdquo Rep Kerry Benninghoff (R-Mifflin)
Majority Chair of the Committee said ldquoItrsquos time to pay down the debt and stop spending money
that taxpayers donrsquot haverdquo
House Bill 2175 would reduce the debt ceiling of the Commonwealthrsquos Redevelopment
Assistance Capital Project (RACP) a program created to fund economic development and
infrastructure projects using borrowed money
In 1999 the program had a debt ceiling of approximately $12 billion Since that time
approximately 8000 projects have been added to the programrsquos list and the debt ceiling was
raised to more than $4 billion
The program has come under recurring scrutiny after funding was used to help build
stadiums for professional sports teams and projects honoring former politicians Millions of
dollars were earmarked through the program to fund a library named after former US Senator
Arlen Specter and a public policy center named after former Congressman John Murtha
ldquoPeople are tired of seeing their hard-earned money used to pay for legacy projects for
politiciansrdquo Rep Benninghoff said ldquoThis program has gone far outside its original intent of
providing help with legitimate economic development projectsrdquo
The bill would reduce the RACP debt ceiling initially by a half-billion dollars to $35 billion and then continue to incrementally decrease the debt limit until it falls to $15 billion The
legislation also calls for stricter limits on the type of projects eligible to receive funding and
would increase oversight of the program
ldquoWe want to lower the credit limit on the statersquos credit cardrdquo Rep Benninghoff said
ldquoThis would reduce the ability of state government to spend money that taxpayers donrsquot haverdquo
House Bill 2175 now heads to the full House for consideration
NewsClips House Capital Budget Bill Debate Focuses On Jobs
Editorial Capital Budget Funds Must Be Kept Under Control
Report On Game Commission Strategic Plan Released By Joint Committee
The Joint Legislative Budget and Finance Committee this week released the fifth in a series of
progress reports on the Game Commissions compliance with its strategic plan A copy of the
report highlights and the full report are available online
News From Around The State
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EPA States On Track To Meet Chesapeake Bay Cleanup Goals PA Plan Needs Work
Delaware Maryland Pennsylvania Virginia West Virginia and the District of Columbia are
generally on track to meet pollution reduction goals for the Chesapeake Bay and its rivers by
2025 according to the US Environmental Protection Agencyrsquos evaluations of the jurisdictions
cleanup plansThe six Bay states and the District of Columbia recently submitted their Phase II
Watershed Implementation Plans (WIPs) and their 2012-2013 pollution reduction milestones
These plans lay out how each jurisdiction will meet pollution reduction goals set by the EPA in
the Chesapeake Bay TMDL
Overall the jurisdictions built considerably upon their Phase I plans according to the
EPA The Phase II plans provide more specific cleanup strategies and detail restoration actions
on a local level
In a cover letter transmitting comments to the Department of Environmental Protection
on Pennsylvanias Plan EPA said greatly appreciate(s) the efforts of the Pennsylvania
Department of Environmental Protection and your partner agencies as well as stakeholder groups
in the development of these documents (WIP)The letter said EPAs primary concern is the WIP does not identify important next steps
to implement core initiatives of Pennsylvanias Phase I agriculture strategy such as supporting
manure to energy technologies and development of methods to defensibly track and report non-
cost-shared practices These strategies account for a sizable portion of the nutrient and sediment
reductions in the Plan
EPA also said it lacks assurance that Pennsylvania will be able to achieve the
reductions in stormwater loads identified in the WIP through methods such as reissuing the
PAG-13 General Permit for Municipal Separate Storm Sewer System permittees
A copy of the detailed comments is available online along with related comments related
documents Other state evaluations are also available EPA is still reviewing New Yorkrsquos planwhich was submitted after the deadline
The EPA said it will continue to work with the jurisdictions between now and March 30
when the final Phase II WIPs are due
CBF Funding Now Available For Farm Conservation Improvements In Northcentral PA
The Chesapeake Bay Foundation is pleased to announce funding is now available to farmers
interested in improving farm profitability and water quality through the installation of on-farm
conservation practices in Bradford Sullivan Susquehanna Tioga Wyoming and Lycoming
counties
The funding is being made available through CBFrsquos ldquoBuffer Bonusrdquo program incooperation with the Bradford County Conservation District The program has enabled current
and past participants to make onfarm improvements including rotational grazing practices such
as fencing watering systems and laneways
Other options include the installation of waste transfer lines for milk house waste and
silage leachate stabilization of access roads and the installation of roof gutters to include a few
ldquoThese conservation improvements are a win-win for both the farmer and local water
qualityrdquo said Jennifer Johns CBF Buffer Specialist in Bradford County ldquoWhile each project
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httpslidepdfcomreaderfullpa-environment-digest-feb-20-2012 1434
ultimately produces different results we find that creating healthier living conditions for the
livestock through the installation of conservation practices improves herd health and the farmerrsquos
bottom linerdquo
Another goal of this program is to provide at no cost to the farmer a new or updated
Conservation and Nutrient Management Plan By combining this plan with an engineerrsquos
evaluation of the farm which is also provided the plans are then considered a Comprehensive Nutrient Management Plan or a CNMP
Having a CNMP enables the farmer to apply for federal funding to assist with larger on-
farm improvements such as manure storage facilities and concrete barnyards
Farmers interested in participating in the Buffer Bonus program must be willing to install
a forested riparian streamside buffer through the USDArsquos Conservation Reserve Enhancement
Program (CREP) Those already enrolled in CREP with a contract date of April 1 2009 or later
may be eligible to enroll
This funding will not be available for long and farms will be served on a first come first
serve basis
For more information contact BradfordSullivan Counties Jennifer Johns
570-578-6900 TiogaLycoming Counties Steve Smith 570-578-7000 SusquehannaWyomingCounties Jeremy Wagner 570-278-1011 xt 107
Spring Creek Watershed Association Hosts Chesapeake Bay GIS Tool Workshop Feb 21
On February 21 the Spring Creek Watershed Association will host John Dawes Foundation for
PA Watersheds for a presentation about the Chesapeake Commons a web-based Geographic
Information Systems (GIS) and data management tool developed for the Chesapeake Bay
restoration effort
The presentation will be held from 800 am to 900 am at the Patton Township
Municipal Building near State College PaThere is also an option to hear the presentation through a webinar at the same time Click
Here for details
The Chesapeake Commons Tool is a free web-based Geographic Information Systems
(GIS) and data management tool available to all organizations working to restore the Chesapeake
Bay The Tool is designed to serve as a centralized knowledge base of data maps and articles
contributed by government nonprofits funders and citizen organizers
Policy makers will have a centralized pool of peer vetted information from which they
can make the best possible decisions in the context of the Bay restoration effort
Chesapeake Commons is a project developed and funded by the Chesapeake Bay Funders
Network with financial support from the John Heinz III Center for Science Economics and the
Environment
Town Meeting On Health Of The Wissahickon Creek March 29
On March 29 the Wissahickon Valley Watershed Association and the Springside Chestnut Hill
Academy with support from the Friends of the Wissahickon and Chestnut Hill College are
sponsoring a Town Meeting to inform the community about significant environmental challenges
to the Wissahickon Creek
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The meeting will be held on the Cherokee Campus of Springside Chestnut Hill Academy
8000 Cherokee Street Philadelphia and will begin at 7 pm doors will open at 630 pm and
light refreshments will be provided
A Creek in Crisis A Town Meeting on the Health of the Wissahickon Creek will
examine the numerous threats to the Wissahickon including diminishing water quantity
stormwater runoff impaired water quality and flooding that severely impact the health of theWissahickon Creek and its tributaries
The impact of the Wissahickon Creek on the lives of those living in the Wissahickon
Watershed is absolute Though the Wissahickon Creek has a humble beginning in the parking lot
at Montgomery Mall it continues through nine municipalities to the confluence of the Schuylkill
River in Philadelphia
It is a significant waterway providing approximately 10 percent of the drinking water to
Philadelphians as well as habitat for local wildlife and recreation and natural beauty for area
residents
Moderated by Patrick Starr Vice President of the PA Environmental Council Southeast
Regional Office the Town Meeting will feature a panel of environmental experts who will
examine the numerous threats to the WissahickonPanelists will be Carol R Collier Executive Director of the Delaware River Basin
Commission John K Jackson PhD Senior Research Scientist at the Stroud Water Research
Center and Chris Crockett Deputy Commissioner at the Philadelphia Water Department
More information will be posted on the Friends of the Wissahickon website
Conservation Reserve Program Training Courses Offered By Penn State Extension
Conservation professionals working across the Chesapeake Bay Watershed are invited to a
special training program on Conservation Reserve Planning for professionals on March 7 and 8
at the Lancaster County Farm and Home CenterA national team of facilitators will be conducting the Lancaster workshop including from
University of Wisconsin University of Minnesota Montana State University University of
Georgia and Penn State ndash along with experienced and skilled US Natural Resource
Conservation Service professionals
Also involved in the program are conservation partners who are in formal agreements
with NRCS to deliver the Conservation Reserve Enhancement Program to landowners for
example the Chesapeake Bay Foundation will also be on hand at the workshop to provide
additional training related to CREP
This training workshop is designed to create a group of skilled conservation professionals
working in partnership with farmers and landowners to develop quality CRP conservation plans
that result in measurable impacts on land and water resource managementWorkshop goals include
-- Understanding the purpose and intent of the Conservation Reserve Program (CRP)
-- Determining eligibility of lands for CRP
-- Knowing how to find information for CRP plans
-- Effectively working with a landowner in developing a CRP plan
-- Becoming familiar with regionally specific conservation practices
-- Understanding how to implement a CRP plan
832019 Pa Environment Digest Feb 20 2012
httpslidepdfcomreaderfullpa-environment-digest-feb-20-2012 1634
-- Working with NRCS and FSA to submit a quality CRP plan
The Conservation Reserve Program Readiness Initiative was created to help the Natural
Resources Conservation Service accomplish the work involved with managing CRP enrollments
CRP plan development and implementation and the follow up management of developed plans
A national team of Extension staff NRCS and FSA staff and representatives from NRCS
partner agencies and organizations has collaborated to develop a multi-faceted training programto meet the needs of the initiative
Click Here for the full schedule of workshops available
Latest Lessons From The Land Webinar Feb 21 On Managing Phosphorus
Penn State Extension and the Conewago Watershed Initiative will host a webcast on February 21
from noon to 100 pm on Measuring and Managing Phosphorus In Wet Pennsylvania
Landscapes part of the Lessons From The Land series
Dr Tony Buda USDA ARS and Dr Patrick Drohan Penn State Department of Crop
and Soil Science will present research conducted by PA USDA NRCS USDA-ARS and Penn
State to look at how saturated soils and soils with fragipans have contributed to higher runoffMatt Royer Director of the Lower Susquehanna Initiative Penn State AG amp
Environment Center will moderate
These wet landscapes are often critical sources of phosphorus that contribute to loads of
pollutants in streamsmdashand should be targeted for conservation practices
A pilot study undertaken within the Conewago Watershed serves as a proving ground for
the development of ldquonext generation nutrient management practicesrdquo necessary to reduce the
loads of phosphorus emanating from agricultural lands that contribute to the degradation of the
Chesapeake Bay Watershed
One Nutrient Management credit is available for eligible participants from the state
Department of Agriculture Those seeking credits will be required to sign-in during the webinar to verify their attendance
The program can be viewed online as a recording after the live broadcast Continuing ed
credits are not available for the recorded session
To join this webinar you will need a high speed Internet and can sign in on this
webpage at the webinars noon start time This program will be broadcasting live from the
Conewago Initiativersquos Project Advisory Team meeting at Penn Statersquos Harrisburg campus
Lake Management Annual Conference Set For March 7-8 In State College
The 22nd annual Pennsylvania Lake Management Society annual conference will once again be
at the Days Inn State College on March 7 and 8This years theme is Staying Blue by Going Green and our keynote speaker is Bill
Jones from Indiana School of Public and Environmental Affairs in Bloomington Indiana
As always the Conference will have a great line up of speakers It also offers aquatic
applicator credits for PA OH NY and NJ
Please check out the Conference webpage for more details or contact Kerilynn Frey by
sending email to palakeshotmailcom
832019 Pa Environment Digest Feb 20 2012
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Penn State Extension How To Avoid Septic System Failures
Owning your own home is challenging enough what do you do when it comes with its own
sewage treatment plant This article provides some clues for owners of septic systems who want
to make them last a very long time
According to the US Environmental Protection Agency failure rates for on-lot sewagesystems across the country are reported at 10 percent annually In Pennsylvania approximately
12 million homes (one in three) use on-lot sewage systems for the treatment and disposal of
waste water
Responsibility for maintaining the system rests with the homeowner Proper maintenance
is a good idea since replacing it can cost thousands of dollars Proper maintenance also protects
groundwater that might be a source of drinking water
The most obvious on-lot sewage system failures are easy to spot Sewage backing up into
your home will typically command your immediate attention Raw sewage surfacing in your
yard in nearby ditches or on the neighborrsquos lawn is another clear indicator of failure Muddy
soil around the drain field or pooled water there or in your basement are other signs of serious
malfunction Notice whether your toilet or sink backs up when you flush or do laundry Stripsof bright green grass over the drainfield may be another indicator of problems A toilet running
sluggish or sewer odors in the house andor drinking water are signs of an on-lot system in
trouble
On-lot sewage systems also fail when partially treated wastewater comes into contact
with groundwater This type of failure is not easy to detect but it can result in the pollution of
wells nearby streams or other bodies of water Illness often to household visitors may be
another indicator of system failure that has affected your well and household drinking water
For those considering building a new home or replacing an existing septic system one of
the most critical factors in on-lot sewage system performance is the nature of the soils used for
the septic system soil absorption fieldYou can minimize failures by carefully and deliberately considering all aspects of on-lot
sewage system construction site selection design installation maintenance and use Hire
reputable individuals to design and install your system Also make sure the system is designed to
meet your present and future needs
You should contact your Township Sewage Enforcement Officer concerning permits
needed to install a new on-lot sewage system or repair a failing system
Once properly installed the key to preventing your on-lot system from failing is proper
maintenance Regularly pumping the tank being careful in what you put down the drains and
avoiding such things as planting trees over the field or covering the system with permanent
patios and home additions are important to keep the system running well
Water conservation in the home is also an excellent method of preventing future problems from occurring Divert downspouts and surface water away from the septic tank and
especially the drain field Do not physically damage the system by driving over the components
with heavy vehicles or by digging up the system for other utility lines etc Keep a record of the
location and dimensions of your system along with maintenance and repair information
Homeowners interested in finding out about the overall health of their on-lot sewage
system may want to consider having their septic systems inspected by a trained professional The
PA Septage Management Association in cooperation with the National Onsite Wastewater
832019 Pa Environment Digest Feb 20 2012
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Education and Research Foundation has adopted uniform On-lot Wastewater Treatment
Inspection procedures
PSMA is a professional association of septage pumpers system installers maintenance
technicians real estate inspectors and industry affiliates PSMA Certified Inspectors which
includes many septic tank pumpers are trained to understand how on-lot systems work why they
fail and recognize impending malfunctionsSee the PSMA website for more details about PSMANOF inspections or call them at
717-763-7762
Many fact sheets about on-lot sewage systems are available from the Agricultural and
Biological Engineering department Topics include septic tank pumping percolation tests
elevated sand mounds inspections and alternative systems and pharmaceutical disposal
(Article reprinted from Penn State Extension Watershed Winds online newsletter)
Wissahickon Watershed Maple Sugaring Program Set For March 3
Ever wonder how maple syrup and sugar are made The Wissahickon Vally WatershedAssociation will offer a unique program on maple syrup on March 3 in Ambler Montgomery
County
The event offers a fun and informative event ideal for families Scout groups and anyone
curious about the maple sugar process
Choose a specific time as guides take small groups through the woods to see the tapped
trees and then watch it being boiled into sugar End your walk at WVWArsquos historic headquarters
for hot chocolate and warm treats with maple syrup
RSVP requested by sending email to infowvwaorg or call 215-646-8866 There is a
fee for the program WVWA member fee $5 per person $15 per family Non-WVWA member
fee $10 per person $20 per family or Become a WVWA member and be their guest for $45In Ambler and look for signage Walk over the Butler Avenue Bridge and turn left onto
the Green Ribbon Trail
KPB Greenways Mini-Grant Program Applications Due March 15
Keep Pennsylvania Beautiful is now accepting applications for their Greenways Mini-Grant
Program to provide community groups with project supplies for outdoor based work events
within a greenway enabling the renewal of Pennsylvaniarsquos Greenways in need into something
beautiful
The deadline for applications is March 15 and hard copies are required Grants will be
awarded on April 16Fifteen grant awardees along with their volunteers will be eligible for up to $500 in
project supplies and direct project costs for Prevent it Clean it and Keep it projects within a
Greenway
Pennsylvania and its partners are developing an outstanding network of greenways across
the Commonwealth creating an asset that will enhance the quality of life for all while connecting
open space natural landscape features scenic cultural historic and recreations sites and urban
and rural communities
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A greenway is a linear corridor across the land that conserves natural areas and provides
people with recreation and transportation opportunities
As one of the Commonwealthrsquos most powerful tools to achieve sustainable growth and
livable communities greenways are ensuring future generations the opportunity to live amongst
the natural beauty of Pennrsquos Woods
This program is financed by a grant from the Community Conservation PartnershipProgram Environmental Stewardship Fund under the administration of the Department of
Conservation and Natural Resources Bureau of Recreation and Conservation
The Greenways Mini-Grant is available to any tax-exempt group within Pennsylvania
Private property owners or individual applicants cannot apply
Applications must meet the following requirements to be considered ndash it is within a
Greenway and is in at least one of the following categories Prevent it Clean it and Keep it (see
application for details) plus provide proof of liability insurance signed permission to enter from
the private property owner and 100 percent match of donated or in-kind services Selected
awardees must also agree to provide a final report with before during and after photos
ldquoWe are excited to collaborate with DCNR in offering Greenways Mini-Grants to
organizations working to build clean and beautiful communities across the staterdquo said ShannonReiter President of Keep Pennsylvania Beautiful ldquoGreenways are integral to healthy livable
communities and we are grateful to have the opportunity to empower Pennsylvania with the
tools and resources they need to enhance greenways in their communitiesrdquo
For more information visit the Greenways Mini-Grant Program webpage to download an
application Any additional questions can be answered by Susan Carmichael Greenways Mini-
Grant Program Coordinator at 1-877-772-3673 ext 102 or send email to
scarmichaelkeeppabeautifulorg
Pennsylvania Adds 1470 Acres Of Farmland To Preservation Program
Pennsylvania has added 1470 additional acres of land to its nationally recognized farmland
preservation program under action by the Pennsylvania Agricultural Land Preservation Board at
its meeting Thursday in Harrisburg
The 14 newly preserved farms are located in Beaver Berks Bucks Butler Cambria
Cumberland Juniata Lackawanna Lancaster Lebanon Northampton and Somerset counties
ldquoWersquove preserved nearly 15000 acres of farmland across the state in just the past year
alonerdquo said Agriculture Secretary George Greig ldquoThis speaks volumes to the value our farm
families place on ensuring the future viability of Pennsylvania agriculture ndash our statersquos number-
one industryrdquo
Since the program started in 1988 state county and local governments have invested
more than $11 billion to safeguard 459007 acres on 4243 farmsldquoOur producers know the importance of preserving farms so our next generation of
agriculturalists can keep Pennsylvania growing far into the future and I thank them for that
foresightrdquo Greig said
Pennsylvaniarsquos farmland preservation efforts work through the Pennsylvania Agricultural
Conservation Easement Purchase Program The program was developed to slow the loss of prime
farmland to non-agricultural uses It enables state county and local governments to purchase
conservation easements also called development rights from owners of quality farmland
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For more information visit Agricultures Farmland Preservation webpage
PUC Finalizes Implementation Plan For Pipeline Safety Act
The Public Utility Commission Thursday finalized an Order as the first step in implementing Act
127 the Gas and Hazardous Liquids Pipelines ActThe Commission voted 5-0 to finalize the Order which begins the process of creating a
statewide registry for non-public utility gas and hazardous liquids pipeline equipment and
facilities within the Commonwealth provides resources to conduct safety inspections to enforce
Federal pipeline safety laws on certain classifications of pipeline and assesses entities for the
costs
The Order established the following
-- The registration fee is $250
-- The 2012 registration deadline is March 16
-- Assessment invoices for the Commissionrsquos 2011-12 fiscal year will be mailed by March 30
and due by April 30 and
-- Assessment invoices for the Commissionrsquos 2012-13 fiscal year will be mailed in July 2012with payment due within 30 days
Final forms and other materials will be available on the Commissionrsquos website
Act 127 direct the PUC to develop a registry and conduct safety inspections of these lines
for ldquopipeline operatorsrdquo in the state The Commission also is to track the development of
pipelines in less populated areas which transport gas from non-conventional wells
Act 127 expands the Commissionrsquos authority to enforce the federal pipeline safety laws
as they relate to those pipelines and facilities Non-public utility gas and hazardous liquids
pipeline operators include several different categories of pipelines such as cooperatively owned
natural gas distribution systems non-utility natural gas transportation and gathering lines and
propane distribution pipeline systemsFor more information visit the PUCs Act 127 webpage
DEP Sets Feb 22 Meeting On Jefferson County Drilling Permit
The Department of Environmental Protection will host a public meeting on February 22 to
discuss Flatirons Resources LLCrsquos proposal to drill a Marcellus Shale well in Brockway
Jefferson County
The 6 pm meeting will be held at the Brockway Area JuniorSenior High School on
Alexander Street in Brockway
ldquoWe recognize that there are a lot of questions and that people want detailsrdquo DEP
Northwest Regional Director Kelly Burch said ldquoDEP staff will provide information about our role in the permitting process and address any questions and concerns the audience may have
about our oversight and environmental protectionrdquo
The horizontal well that Flatirons proposes to drill would be the second on this pad
which is on Brockway Borough Municipal Authority property in the Rattlesnake Creek
Watershed The first well was drilled in February 2011 and hydraulically fractured in November
2011
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After DEPrsquos presentation at the meeting company representatives will describe their
plans to drill the well if approved A question-and-answer session will follow
DEPrsquos decision to issue a well permit is based on the applicationrsquos technical merits and
whether the applicantrsquos drilling casing and cementing plan will protect water resources The
agency issued Flatirons a permit to drill a second well on the pad in December 2010 but it
expired a year later because the well was never drilled The permit application was resubmittedon December 27 2011
HACC Offers Free Environmental Technician Training At Midtown Campus
Training for emerging environmental jobs in the cleanup and reuse of brownfields will be offered
starting April 16 at the Midtown location of HACC Central Pennsylvaniarsquos Community College
Candidates for the federally funded program are displaced workers the unemployed or
underemployed as well as low-income or minority residents who live in the Harrisburg said
Cheryl Dietz HACC Workforce Training coordinator
Potential students can find out more by attending one of two upcoming information
sessions in Room 228 of Midtown 1 1500 N Fourth St The sessions will be held from 6-7 pmFebruary 29 and 11 am-noon March 3
HACC representatives will answer questions about the free job training program which
will consist of an eight-week 320-hour training cycle with classes meeting 8 am-3 pm April
16-June 8
To be eligible a candidate must have a general education diploma (GED) or high school
diploma test at a 10th-grade math and reading level have a valid driverrsquos license have access to
reliable transportation be drug free and demonstrate an interest in the environment
Successful graduates will receive certifications in all of the following Hazardous Waste
Operations and Emergency Response (HAZWOPER) confined space entrantattendant and
supervisor lead-based paint inspector and asbestos inspectorAdditional training will be offered in environmental site assessment air and water
quality and environmental remediation techniques
HACC is offering the training through a two-year $199890 grant awarded through the
federal Environmental Protection Agencyrsquos Brownfields Program
Two classes were held last year at HACC-Harrisburg Campus with 35 graduates Of this
number 26 have jobs (19 of them are in the environmental field) and four are continuing their
education A third class is under way in Lancaster As part of the grant HACC helps successful
graduates find environmental jobs and tracks those graduates for one year
A brownfield site is real property the expansion redevelopment or reuse of which may
be complicated by the presence or potential presence of a hazardous substance pollutant or
contaminant according to the EPAThe EPA estimates there are 180 brownfield sites in the Lancaster area and a combined
total of 120 brownfield sites in Harrisburg and Steelton
For more information or to register to attend an information session contact Cheryl
Deitz HACC Workforce Training coordinator at 221-1338 or send email to chdeitzhaccedu
PUC Chair Urges Utilities To Participate In Programs To Create Jobs For Returning
Troops
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Public Utility Commission Chairman Robert F Powelson Thursday urged the statersquos public
utilities to participate in several new programs proposed by Gov Tom Corbett and the Edison
Electric Institute to create jobs in the energy sector
The Chairman also noted that the time is right for job growth with the development of the
Marcellus Shale industry and electric competition across the stateldquoToday I encourage Pennsylvaniarsquos electric and natural gas utilities to learn from the
example set by EEI and participate in the Troops to Energy Jobs program as well as Governor
Corbettrsquos Jobs First PA initiative Chairman Powelson said in a statement at the PUCrsquos Public
Meeting In the days ahead the PUC will be coordinating with EEI and the Corbett
Administration to connect our energy companies with these innovative programsrdquo
The Chairman referenced Gov Corbetts annual budget address to the General Assembly
last week
ldquoIn his address the Governor recognized that the energy sector has enormous potential
for producing new jobs and putting the unemployed back to workrdquo Chairman Powelson said
ldquoIn announcing his new Jobs First program the Governor stated that lsquoas our energy sector
expands Pennsylvania needs a trained workforce ready to meet the demand for workersrsquordquoChairman Powelson said the EEI launched its Troops for Energy Jobs initiative which is
designed to accelerate the training and employability of veterans in key energy programs EEI is
currently piloting this program through five energy companies throughout the nation
For more information visit the Troops for Energy Jobs Initiative website
PA Chamber Environmental amp Energy Conference April 18 In Lancaster
The annual PA Chamber of Business and Industry Environmental and Energy Conference will be
held on April 18 at the Eden Resort Inn amp Suites in Lancaster
Major environmental regulatory areas continue to see numerous changes at the state andfederal level that impact business Thats why the Pennsylvania Chamber is offering four
learning tracks with answers you need on the latest environmental and energy issues-all in one
day
-- Compliance help from state and national top experts on the toughest environmental issues
-- Details on the latest regulatory changes and proposed changes
-- Proven strategies best practices and practical business tips to help you comply cost-effectively
in each area and
-- Advanced environmental roundtable
There will be two keynotes The Economic Benefits of Marcellus Shale and Natural Gas-
American Petroleum Institute Washington DC and Converting Trash into Renewable Energy-
National Solid Wastes Management Association Washington DCVisit with more than 50 exhibitors offering an exciting array of advanced technology
solutions and exhibitor educational sessions Access and network with more than 300 of your
peers from across the state
For more information and to register visit the Conference webpage or contact Sue Smith
at 717-720-5457 or send email to ssmithpachamberorg
Volunteers Needed To Plant 100 Acre Wind Break At Flight 93 Memorial In April
832019 Pa Environment Digest Feb 20 2012
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The federal Office of Surface Mining Reclamation and Enforcement through their Appalachian
Regional Reforestation Initiative and the Department of Environmental Protection are working
with the National Park Service to plant a wind break at the Flight 93 Memorial in Somerset
County
Volunteers are needed to plant trees on April 20 21 27 and 28 Volunteers may sign upfor one day or multiple days
If you are interested in volunteering send a Volunteer Sign-Up Form and a Photo
Release Form and send to Leroy Renninger of the National Park Service by email
to Leroy_Renningernpsgov
State Fly Tying Champions Announced At Eastern Sports amp Outdoor Show
The Eastern Sports amp Outdoor Show Cumberland Valley Trout Unlimited Bass Pro Shops of
Harrisburg Mid Atlantic Fly Fishing Guide magazine and the Fish and Boat Commission
sponsored the Pennsylvania State Fly Tying Championship held on February 11 at the Eastern
Sports amp Outdoor Show at the State Farm Show Complex in HarrisburgThirteen contestants in three categories competed for money trophies and prizes in the
annual event to crown the best fly tyers in Pennsylvania
In the Open Division the winners are 1st Place - Andy Fresch Summerhill 2nd Place -
Ken Moser Severna Park MD 3rd Place - John Shosh Hamburg
The Amateur Division winners are 1st Place - Matthew Edinger Sharon Hill 2nd Place -
- Mike Marino Souderton and 3rd Place -- Elliott DeFrancesco Wilburton
The Youth Division winners are 1st Place - Gaeron Friedrichs Milford 2nd Place
Bobby Faust Dalmatia
The contestants at the final event were the top tiers selected from entries previously
submitted In order to qualify the entrants had to submit three flies from a list of flies for eachcategory
At the event each finalist was required to tie three flies over a two hour time period The
finalists knew ahead of time two of the flies that were to be tied and a third ldquomystery flyrdquo was
announced to them at the event
The championship will be held again at the 2013 Eastern Sports and Outdoor Show and
applications information and details will be posted at the Cumberland Valley Trout Unlimited or
Eastern Sports and Outdoor Show websites as they become available
PA State Parks Forest App Now Updated And Free
The Official Pennsylvania State Parks amp Forests App is now completely FREE This latestversion now on the market includes advanced interactive capabilities such as GPS trail mapping
the Friend Finder to keep track of your family and friends on the trail and more
Featured Update List Increased performance speed Multi-tasking Capability
GeoChallenge (GeocacheGeoQuest) Feature FREE enhanced GPS features
This new version increases performance speed and cuts activation time in half With the
new multi-tasking capability users gain enhanced user navigation The more adventurous
832019 Pa Environment Digest Feb 20 2012
httpslidepdfcomreaderfullpa-environment-digest-feb-20-2012 2434
outdoor enthusiasts will benefit from the recently added GeoChallenges that include geocache
and geoquest activities which will be updated regularly
The waypointphoto waypoint marking tools have been upgraded and there has been a
fine-tuning of the trail-tracking feature located on the side navigation bar of the free GPS
Mapping section Use the app to track record and share your explorations with others-all at no
chargeTry out the app and let the PA Parks amp Forests Foundation know what you think
Feature
Bald Eagle Pair Get Help With Home Improvement Project
While most people try to avoid home improvement projects in the winter a pair of bald eagles
got some much needed help recently from a team of Game Commission land managers with a
very important and timely renovation project
A sycamore tree on Haldeman Island has been used by at least three mated pairs as a
nesting site since 1989 The island is just upriver of the confluence of the Susquehanna and
Juniata rivers north of Harrisburg and the tree stands just across a pond from one of three
hacking towers the Game Commission used at two locations in its bald eagle recovery program
About two weeks ago one of the limbs supporting the nest collapsed under the weight of the
nest
On Friday Steve Bernardi Game Commission Land Management Group Supervisor for
Juniata Mifflin Perry and Snyder counties was joined by Terry Willow Game Lands
Maintenance Worker with the River Island Food and Cover Corps Crew and Scott Bills Land
Management Group Supervisor for Dauphin and Lebanon counties to construct a platform to
encourage the bald eagle pair to reuse this nest site
The three men measured and cut lumber used hammers and nails as well as screws anddrills to secure the lumber in place and then placed branches and sticks on the platform to
encourage the bald eagles ndash who were watching the activity while perched in nearby trees ndash to
begin rebuilding a nest
A pair built a nest in this tree in 1989 and had their first young in 1990 Bernardi said
A storm blew the original nest out of the tree in 1995 Scott Bills who was the Wildlife
Conservation Officer in Dauphin County at that time worked with a Food and Cover Corps crew
and PPL to erect the first platform similar to what we put in place on Friday
Adult bald eagles are preparing to nest and hopefully they will come back and reuse this
platform just like they did back in 1995
Haldeman Island played a key role in the recovery of bald eagles in Pennsylvania In the
1980s it was one of two locations used for reintroduction of eagles brought by the GameCommission from Canada in the early years of restoration of eagles to our state About 40
eaglets were released at the Haldeman Island tower overlooking the ponds on the north side of
the island by 1989
When the reintroduced birds successfully raised young at a nest on Haldeman in 1990
the whole state had only seven nesting pairs And there has been an active eagle nest in that spot
every year since except 2004 when the birds took a year off
832019 Pa Environment Digest Feb 20 2012
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While we dont know if the same pair have been active that whole time the same old
sycamore tree has been used during this period and that nest has produced more than 40 young
over this period said Dan Brauning Game Commission Wildlife Diversity Division chief
Since the site is well-protected on a Game Commission island with limited access this site has
particular value to us
Continued support for this nest will help sustain this historic location in the recovery of baldeagles in Pennsylvania
In 1983 the Game Commission began a seven-year bald eagle restoration program in
which the agency sent employees to Saskatchewan to obtain eaglets from wilderness nests The
Richard King Mellon Foundation of Pittsburgh and the federal Endangered Species Fund
provided financial assistance for this effort
In all 88 bald eaglets from Canada were released from sites at Dauphin Countys
Haldeman Island and Pike Countys Shohola Falls The resurgence of eagles in Pennsylvania is
directly related to this program which also was carried out in other states in the Northeast
When the restoration program began in 1983 only three Crawford County nests remained
in the state By 2006 the agency announced that the state had surpassed the 100 bald eagle nest
mark Just five years later in 2011 the number of known bald eagle nests had doubled to 203spread out over 50 counties
Residents aware of a bald eagle nest ndash which are among the largest nests of all birds ndash in
their area should consider reporting it to the Pennsylvania Game Commission The easiest way to
contact the agency by sending email to pgccommentspagov Use the words Eagle Nest
Information in the subject field
The Game Commission continues to further the publics understanding of bald eagles In
2010 a comprehensive Bald Eagle threatened species account and Bald Eagle Nest Etiquette
guide were added to the agencys website
In 2011 the agency launched its series of Eagle-watching in Pennsylvania guides that
will help direct those interested in viewing bald eagles in the wild on where to go how to getthere what to expect and other wildlife viewing opportunities available at each site
Currently posted are eagle-watching guides for Erie National Wildlife Refuge Crawford
County Conneaut Marsh Geneva Marsh State Game Land 213 Crawford County Raystown
Lake Huntingdon County State Game Land 180 Shohola Lake Pike County Middle Creek
Wildlife Management Area Lebanon and Lancaster counties Bald Eagle State Park Centre
County Glendale Lake Price Gallitzin State Park Cambria County John Heinz National
Wildlife Refuge Philadelphia and Delaware counties Lower Susquehanna River Lancaster and
York counties Moraine State Park Butler County Pine Creek Valley Lycoming and Tioga
counties Promised Land State Park Pike County Pymatuning Reservoir Crawford County and
the Upper Delaware River in Pike Wayne and Monroe counties
Game Commission Announces April 1 Deadline For Ads In Hunting-Trapping Digest
Game Commission Executive Director Carl G Roe Thursday announced Liberty Press
Publications publisher of the Pennsylvania Digest of Hunting amp Trapping Regulations has set
April 1 as the deadline for advertising copy in the 2012-13 Digest Click Here for details
For advertising information contact Liberty Press Publications toll-free at
1-800-296-6402
832019 Pa Environment Digest Feb 20 2012
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Opportunity To Bid On McKean County Abandoned Well Plugging Project
The Department of Environmental Protection published notice of an opportunity to bid on a
project to plug 24 abandoned oil wells in McKean County
Help Wanted Chesapeake Bay Foundation PA Grassroots Coordinator Field Specialist
The Chesapeake Bay Foundation is seeking a PA Grassroots Coordinator and a Field Specialist
to be based at their Pennsylvania State Office located in Harrisburg This position is a 2 year
term position with the possibility of extension Click Here for details
Help Wanted Conewago Creek Assistant Project Coordinator
Penn State Cooperative Extension on behalf of the Conewago Creek Initiative seeks an Assistant
Project Coordinator to be an integral part of a dynamic partnership team working together with
local state and federal partnersThe Assistant Project Coordinator will report to the Director of the Lower Susquehanna
Initiative who serves as the Project Coordinator for the Conewago Creek Initiative
The deadline for applications is March 1 Click Here for details
Help Wanted ALLARM Assistant Director Of Outreach Marcellus
The Alliance for Aquatic Resource Monitoring (ALLARM) is seeking candidate to fill a third
full time position to the organization-- Assistant Director of Outreach-- to assist with Marcellus
Monitoring program training community volunteers throughout the shale gas regions in
Pennsylvania to monitor small streams for early pollution detection Click Here for fullannouncement
Grants amp 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
February 23-- PA Pathways To Green Schools Nominations
February 24-- PA Trout In The Classroom Grants
February 29-- EPA Environmental Justice Small Grants
February 29-- Ben Franklin BIG IDEA Business Plan ContestFebruary 29-- PA American Water Stream of Learning Scholarships
February 29-- West Branch Susquehanna Orange Rock Awards
March 1-- Erie TreeVitalize Grants
March 2-- Coca-Cola Keep America Beautiful Recycling Bin Grants
March 2-- Conservation Innovation Grants Chesapeake Bay Nutrient Credit Grants
March 5-- TogetherGreen Fellowship and Innovation Grants
832019 Pa Environment Digest Feb 20 2012
httpslidepdfcomreaderfullpa-environment-digest-feb-20-2012 2734
March 5-- PECDominion Western PA Environmental Awards
March 10-- PA American Water Environmental Grants
March 15-- NEW Keep PA Beautiful Greenways Mini-Grants
March 23-- Water Resources Education Network Grants
March 30-- PA American Water Protect Our Watersheds Student Art Contest
March 31-- DEP Host Municipal Inspector GrantsApril 3-- West Penn Power Sustainable Energy Fund Grants Loans
April 4-- DCNR Community Conservation Partnership Grants
April 15-- Wild Resource Conservation Fund Income Tax Checkoff Deadline
March 1-- Keystone Historic Preservation Project and Construction Grants
August 1-- PA Snowmobile Assn Trail Improvement Grants
August 24-- Foundation for PA Watershed Grants
September 1-- Erie TreeVitalize Grants
October 31-- PA Resources Council Lens On Litter Contest
-- Visit the DEP Grants and Loan Programs webpage for more ideas on how to get financial
assistance for environmental projects
BudgetQuick Clips
Heres a selection of NewClips on environmental topics from around the state--
Budget
Corbett Signs Marcellus Shale Fee Into Law
Corbett Signs Shale Well Impact Fee Into Law
Corbett Approves Marcellus Shale Fee
Bradford Commissioner Foolish Not To Accept Drilling Fee MoneyWhats Next For PAs Impact Fee Bradford Against Fee
Bradford Commissioners Disagree On Drilling Fee
Washington County To Seek Marcellus Fees
Editorial Corbetts Gas Fee About To Evaporate
Robinson Twp To Contest New Marcellus Law
South Fayette Eyes Legal Action On Drilling Bill
Fish amp Boat Commission Grateful For Marcellus Fees
PUC Eyes Private Firm For Impact Fee Collection
PUC Chair Let Marcellus Play Come To Us
PUC Would Get Shale Role Under Drilling Bill
Editorial It Makes Sense For PUC To Deal With Drilling NE Counties To Raise Millions Or Nothing Under Drilling Fee
House Capital Budget Bill Debate Focuses On Jobs
House GOP Marcellus Bill A Win For Jobs
Norquists No-Tax Pledge Cant Give Drill Fee The Ax
PA Natural Gas Levy Became Inevitable
Bradford Commissioners Disagree On Drilling Fee
832019 Pa Environment Digest Feb 20 2012
httpslidepdfcomreaderfullpa-environment-digest-feb-20-2012 2834
Vertical Exploratory Wells Wont Be Hit With Drilling Fee
Impact Fee Bill Addresses Housing Needs
Op-Ed Natural Gas Fee May Be Too Late
Editorial Marcellus Fee A Tax Stupid
Editorial Shale Drillers Got The Better Part Of Deal
Corbett Raiding Special FundsCan Pennsylvanians Survive Under Another Corbett Budget
As Roads Bridges Deteriorate Governor Silent
Analysis Taking Baby Steps On Fixing Roads Bridges
Editorial Must A Bridge Fall Down
House Capital Budget Bill Debate Focuses On Jobs
Editorial Capital Budget Funds Must Be Kept Under Control
Obama Cuts EPA Increases Chesapeake Bay Program
Chesapeake Bay Program Increased Under Obama Budget
EPA Budget Cut For States Superfund Cleanup
Obama Proposes $14 Million For Fracking Research
$67 Million Requested For Federal Pipeline SafetyDCNR Secretary Says Report On Wildlife Research Not Accurate
Other
Electronics Recycling Date Set At Greensburg Mall
Hershey Plants Achieve Zero Waste Status
RecycleBank Named On Of Worlds Most Innovative Companies
Editorial Fine Litterers No Ifs Or Butts
Corbett Signs 3 Energy Sector Bills
Op-Ed Anti-Coal Agenda Is Detrimental To PA
Op-Ed Global Warming As Fact Not Hypothesis
Op-Ed Climate Change Education Is NecessaryHomer City Power Plant Still To Dirty Groups Claim
DEP Sets March 14 Public Hearing On Homer City Power Plant
Concerns Voiced Over PPL Lines
Consumer Alert Electricity Price Discounts Heat Up
Turbine Load To Hit The Road To Holtwood Dam
PPL Plans $664 Million In Electric Delivery System Improvements
Exelon Gives Dauphin County $110000 For Emergency Response
Groups Ask For Expansion Of Nuclear Plant Evacuation Zone
Feds Give PPL Reactor Low Grade
Allentown Council Rejects Waste-To-Energy Sewage Plant
GE Invests In Cleaner Evolution LocomotiveDEP Hopeful Buyer Will Emerge For ConocoPhillips Refinery
DEP Renews ConocoPhillips Trainer Refinery Discharge Permit
100 Sunoco Workers In PA Get Layoff Notices
Meehan PA Refinery Closures Threat To National Security
Refinery Closings Could Affect 15000 Jobs Study Says
Gasoline Could Reach $5 By July 4
$4 A Gallon Gasoline By Memorial Day
832019 Pa Environment Digest Feb 20 2012
httpslidepdfcomreaderfullpa-environment-digest-feb-20-2012 2934
Gasoline Prices Have Never Been This High This Early
Electric Bicycle Waiver Sought
Land Bank Bill Newest Anti-Blight Tool
Game Commission Prepares For Controlled Burn On Centre County
2012 Great Backyard Bird Count Begins Friday
Birders-Eye View Of Conservation In PhiladelphiaState Could Take Over Refurbished Point State Park
New Ohiopyle Visitors Center Project To Be Bid This Spring
Winterfest At Ohiopyle No Snow Still A Go
Protecting Landscapes Changing Face Of Conservation
Marcellus Shale NewsClips
Here are NewsClips on topics related to Marcellus Shale natural gas drilling---
Corbett Signs Marcellus Shale Fee Into Law
Corbett Signs Shale Well Impact Fee Into Law
Corbett Approves Marcellus Shale Fee
Bradford Commissioner Foolish Not To Accept Drilling Fee Money
Whats Next For PAs Impact Fee Bradford Against Fee
Bradford Commissioners Disagree On Drilling Fee
Washington County To Seek Marcellus Fees
Editorial Corbetts Gas Fee About To Evaporate
Robinson Twp To Contest New Marcellus Law
South Fayette Eyes Legal Action On Drilling Bill
Fish amp Boat Commission Grateful For Marcellus Fees
PUC Eyes Private Firm For Impact Fee CollectionPUC Chair Let Marcellus Play Come To Us
PUC Would Get Shale Role Under Drilling Bill
Editorial It Makes Sense For PUC To Deal With Drilling
Corbett Raiding Special Funds
NE Counties To Raise Millions Or Nothing Under Drilling Fee
House GOP Marcellus Bill A Win For Jobs
Norquists No-Tax Pledge Cant Give Drill Fee The Ax
PA Natural Gas Levy Became Inevitable
Wayne County Landowners Push For Drilling
Vertical Exploratory Wells Wont Be Hit With Drilling Fee
Impact Fee Bill Addresses Housing NeedsDrilling Bill Authors Health Experts Fears Unfounded
Health Officials Drilling Law Disclosure Rules Lax
Op-Ed Natural Gas Fee May Be Too Late
Editorial Marcellus Fee A Tax Stupid
Editorial Shale Drillers Got The Better Part Of Deal
Delaware Riverkeeper Reports Settlement Over Gas Well
832019 Pa Environment Digest Feb 20 2012
httpslidepdfcomreaderfullpa-environment-digest-feb-20-2012 3034
EPA Probing Washington County Shale Operations
Marcellus Boom Has Pressed Law Firms To Boost Their Staffs
25 More State Troopers In NE Shale Region
Recorders Of Deeds May Not Reject Multiple Gas Leases
Rural Loophole Curbing PA Pipeline Inspections
Pipeline Tested Ahead Of Tie-In To Shale WellsFirefighters Learn To Deal With Drilling Emergencies
Assessing PGWs Liquid Natural Gas Future
Dominion Resources Playing Responsible Role In Drilling
Report Philly Should Consider Selling Gas Company
Company Files For Gas Drilling Permit In Bucks County
Gas Drilling Debate Returns To Bucks County
Shale Drillers Drinking From Slippery Rock Creek
Gas Wells With Smaller Footprint Get Greater Scrutiny
PennEnvironment Violations Report Half-Baked
Water Tanker Truck Lands In Creek In Monroe Twp
Industry Says Over 93230 New Hires As A Result Of Marcellus ShaleBCCC Begins Classes For Marcellus Shale Workers
Marcellus Gas Creates Demand For Cars
Ex-Drilling Exec Took Nearly $1 Million Or More
Op-Ed Gas Drillers New Wild West
Marcellus Gas Production Rises So Does Recycling
FinancialOther StatesNational
Drillers Cut Natural Gas Production As Prices Drop
Talisman Cutting Back Drilling Plans
Ultra Petroleum Reports 2011 Financial Operating Results
Gas Firms Drill Less As Prices Nose DiveObama Proposes $14 Million For Fracking Research
$67 Million Requested For Federal Pipeline Safety
FloodingWatershed NewsClips
Here are NewsClips on watershed topics from around the state--
Flooding
New Bank Coming To Flood-Ravaged Shickshinny
Other Watershed NewsClips
Mon River QUEST Wins Regional IMPACT AwardEPA Evaluates States Chesapeake Bay Plans
Shale Drillers Drinking From Slippery Rock Creek
Sewage Woes Close Lewisburg Area Park
$375000 To Aid Little Buck Run Restoration Effort
Loyalhanna Creek Sewage Overflow Problem Goes To State
Turbine Load To Hit The Road To Holtwood Dam
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Funding Sought For Restoration Of Speedwell Lake
Obama Cuts EPA Increases Chesapeake Bay Program
Chesapeake Bay Program Increased Under Obama Budget
EPA Budget Cut For States Superfund Cleanup
Editorial Delaware Dredging A Step Closer
Regulations Technical Guidance amp Permits
No new regulations were published this week Pennsylvania Bulletin - February 18 2012
Proposed Regulations Open For Comment - DEP webpage
Proposed Regulations With Closed Comment Periods - DEP webpage
DEP Regulatory Agenda - DEP webpage
Technical Guidance amp Permits
The Department of Environmental Protection published notice of bond rate calculations for mine
reclamation The Fish and Boat Commission published notice of nursery water designation for
the Shenango River Crawford County
DEP also published an update to the list of companies certified to perform radon-related
activities (PA Bulletin page 994)
Technical Guidance Comment Deadlines - DEP webpage
Copies Of Draft Technical Guidance - DEP webpage
Copies of Final Technical Guidance - DEP webpage
Calendar Of Events
Upcoming legislative meetings conferences workshops plus links to other online calendars
Meetings are in Harrisburg unless otherwise noted NEW means new from last week Go to the
online Calendar webpage
Click on Agenda Released on calendar entries to see the NEW meeting agendas published this
week
Note You can watch the hearings live through the Senate webpage and the House webpage or
on the PA Cable Network website
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February 21-- House Appropriations Committee budget hearings 930 - Global Economy
1100 - Independent Fiscal Office 130 - Department of Revenue Room 140
February 21-- CANCELED Environmental Quality Board meeting Next scheduled meeting is
March 20 ( formal notice )
February 21-- Agenda Released DEP Citizens Advisory Council meeting Room 105 Rachel
Carson Building 1130
February 22-- Senate Appropriations Committee budget hearings 930 - Department of
Environmental Protection 100 - Department of Transportation Hearing Room 1 North Office
February 23-- NEW House Democratic Policy Committee holds a hearing on Southeast PA oil
refinery closings National Constitution Center Philadelphia 1000
February 27-- House Appropriations Committee budget hearings 1000 - Public Utility
Commission 1100 - Office of Consumer Advocate Small Business Advocate Room 140
February 27-- NEW House Democratic Policy Committee holds a hearing on Marcellus Shale
air emissions Bryn Mawr Presbyterian Church Bryn Mawr 1000
February 28-- Senate Appropriations Committee budget hearings 100 - Department of
Agriculture Hearing Room 1 North Office
February 28-- House Appropriations Committee budget hearings 930 - Department of
Agriculture 1030 - Department of Conservation and Natural Resources Room 140
February 29-- Senate Appropriations Committee budget hearings 930 - PA Emergency
Management Agency Hearing Room 1 North Office
February 29-- House Game and Fisheries Committee informational meeting on Fish and Boat
Commissions Annual Report Room 39 East Wing 1000
February 29-- House Appropriations Committee budget hearings 930 - Department of
Transportation 300 - Department of Environmental Protection Room 140
March 1-- House Appropriations Committee budget hearings 1000 Department of Labor amp
Industry 100 - Department of Community and Economic Development Room 140
March 6-- House Appropriations Committee budget hearings 930 - State PoliceOffice of
Homeland Security 1100 - PA Emergency Management Agency 300 - Department of General
Services Room 140
March 6-- CANCELED DEP Storage Tank Advisory Committee meeting Next scheduled
meeting is June 5 ( formal notice )
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March 7-- House Game and Fisheries Committee informational meeting on Game Commissions
Annual Report Room 39 East Wing 1000
March 8-- House Appropriations Committee budget hearings 1000 - Budget Secretary 100 -
House Member Testimony Room 140
March 14-- DEP Air Quality Technical Advisory Committee meeting Room 105 Rachel Carson
Building 915 ( formal notice )
March 26-- Environmental Issues Forum Joint Legislative Air and Water Pollution Control and
Conservation Committee featuring a presentation by DCNR Secretary Richard Allan (Location
to be determined) Noon
DEP Calendar of Events
Note The Environmental Education Workshop Calendar is no longer available from the PACenter for Environmental Education because funding for the Center was eliminated in the FY
2011-12 state budget The PCEE website was also shutdown but some content was moved to
the PA Association of Environmental Educators website
Senate Committee Schedule House Committee Schedule
You can watch the Senate Floor Session and House Floor Session live online
Stories Invited
Send your stories photos and videos about your project environmental issues or programs for
publication in the PA Environment Digest to DHessCrisciAssociatescom
PA Environment Digest is edited by David E Hess former Secretary Pennsylvania Department
of Environmental Protection and is published as a service to the clients of Crisci Associates a
Harrisburg-based government and public affairs firm whose clients include Fortune 500
companies and non-profit organizations For more information on Crisci Associates call
717-234-1716
PA Environment Digest weekly was the winner of the PA Association of Environmental
Educators 2009 Business Partner of the Year Award
Also sign up for these other services from Crisci Associates--
PA Environment Digest Twitter Feed On Twitter sign up to receive instant updates from
PAEnviroDigest
832019 Pa Environment Digest Feb 20 2012
httpslidepdfcomreaderfullpa-environment-digest-feb-20-2012 3434
PA Environment Daily Blog provides daily environmental NewsClips and significant stories
and announcements on environmental topics in Pennsylvania of immediate value Sign up and
receive as they are posted updates through your favorite RSS reader You can also sign up for a
once daily email alerting you to new items posted on this blog
PA Environment Digest Video Blog showcases original and published videos fromenvironmental groups and agencies around the state Sign up to receive as they are posted
updates through your favorite RSS read You can also sign up for a once daily email alerting
you to new items posted on this blog
PA Capitol Digest Dont forget to sign up to receive the PA Capitol Digest Twitter feed by
going to wwwTwittercomPaCapitolDigest or click on this link for the regular daily PA
Capitol Digest Blog to get other news from in and around the Pennsylvania State Capitol
Supporting Member PA Outdoor Writers AssnPA Trout Unlimited
PA Environment Digest is a supporting member of the Pennsylvania Outdoor Writers
Association Pennsylvania Council Trout Unlimited and the Doc Fritchey Chapter Trout
Unlimited
832019 Pa Environment Digest Feb 20 2012
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Senate (March 5) Senate Bill 1324 (Yaw-R-Bradford) quieting mineral property title
rights Senate Bill 1398 (Yudichak-D-Luzerne) extending the Underground Storage Tank
Environmental Cleanup Program from 2012 to 2017 House Bill 1813 (Tobash-R-Schuylkill)
further providing for anthracite reclamation fees and guarantees ltgt Click Here for full Senate
Bill Calendar
Committees
House the Appropriations Committee holds budget hearings on Global Economy
Independent Fiscal Office Department of Revenue the House Democratic Policy
Committee holds a hearing on Southeast PA oil refinery closings in Philadelphia ltgt Click
Here for full House Committee Schedule
Senate the Appropriations Committee holds budget hearings on Department of
Environmental Protection Department of Transportation ltgt Click Here for full Senate
Committee Schedule
Note You can watch the hearings live through the Senate webpage and the House webpage or
on the PA Cable Network website
Bills Introduced
The following bills of interest were introduced this week--
Defining Chronic Dementia House Bill 2196 (Curry-D-Montgomery) amending the Older
Adult Protective Services Act to define chronic dementia and cognitive impairment and making
other changes
Oil amp Gas Dust House Bill 2197 (Curry-D-Montgomery) amending the Air Pollution Control
Act to make dust from oil and gas operations air pollution under the act
Cambria County Land Senate Bill 1425 (Wozniak-D-Cambria) authority DCNR to lease
certain State Forest land in Cambria County to an alternative energy company
Bills On Governors Desk
The following bill was given final approval by the Senate and House and is now with the
Governor for his action--
Infrastructure Funding House Bill 1294 (Godshall-R-Montgomery) authorizing the PUC to
establish a distribution system improvement charge (DSIC) as an alternative to regular rate cases
to recover costs associated with replacing pipelines and other utility infrastructure A summary
and House Fiscal Note are available The bill was signed into law by the Governor as Act 11
NewsClips Corbett Signs 3 Energy Sector Bills
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Marcellus Shale House Bill 1950 (Ellis-R-Butler) imposing a Marcellus Shale drilling fee and
enacting a laundry list of additional environmental protection measures related to drilling was
signed into law by the Governor as Act 13
SenateHouse Bills Moving
The following bills of interest saw action this week in the House and Senate--
Senate
Nominations Gov Corbett this week re-nominated John Coleman as a Commissioner on the
Public Utility Commission
House
Conservation Easements House Bill 2059 (Miller-R-York) amending the Agricultural Area
Security Law to provide for the inspection of agricultural conservation easements on at least a
biennial basis (a summary and House Fiscal Note are available) and House Bill 2106 (Ross-R-
Chester) further providing for the relinquishment of the right to farmland preservation (a
summary and House Fiscal Note are available) were referred into and out of the House
Appropriations Committee and passed by the House The bills now go to the Senate for
consideration
Land Banks House Bill 1682 (Taylor-R-Philadelphia) providing for the creation of land banks
for the conversion of vacant properties into productive use was removed from the Table
amended on the House Floor and referred into and out of the House Appropriations Committeeand passed by the House A summary and House Fiscal Note are available The bill now goes to
the Senate for consideration
NewsClip Land Bank Bill Newest Anti-Blight Tool
Capital Budget Process House Bill 2175 (Turzai-R-Allegheny) making changes to Capital
Budget process and reducing the ability of state government to borrow and spend taxpayer
dollars was reported out of the House Finance Committee debated in the House and referred to
the House Appropriations Committee
NewsClip House Capital Budget Bill Debate Focuses On Jobs
Transportation Partnerships House Bill 3 (Geist-R-Blair) authorizing public-privatetransportation partnerships was amended on the House Floor and was referred to the House
Appropriations Committee
Recycling Requirement House Bill 1934 (FKeller-R-Snyder) excluding people residing in
federal or state facilities for determining when a municipality must recycle was reported out of
832019 Pa Environment Digest Feb 20 2012
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the House Environmental Resources and Energy Committee and is on the House Calendar for
action
News From The Capitol
House Committee Moves Capital Budget Reform Legislation
The House Finance Committee Monday reported out House Bill 2175 (Turzai-R-Allegheny)
making changes to Capital Budget process and reducing the ability of state government to
borrow and spend taxpayer dollars
ldquoThe balance on the statersquos credit card is too highrdquo Rep Kerry Benninghoff (R-Mifflin)
Majority Chair of the Committee said ldquoItrsquos time to pay down the debt and stop spending money
that taxpayers donrsquot haverdquo
House Bill 2175 would reduce the debt ceiling of the Commonwealthrsquos Redevelopment
Assistance Capital Project (RACP) a program created to fund economic development and
infrastructure projects using borrowed money
In 1999 the program had a debt ceiling of approximately $12 billion Since that time
approximately 8000 projects have been added to the programrsquos list and the debt ceiling was
raised to more than $4 billion
The program has come under recurring scrutiny after funding was used to help build
stadiums for professional sports teams and projects honoring former politicians Millions of
dollars were earmarked through the program to fund a library named after former US Senator
Arlen Specter and a public policy center named after former Congressman John Murtha
ldquoPeople are tired of seeing their hard-earned money used to pay for legacy projects for
politiciansrdquo Rep Benninghoff said ldquoThis program has gone far outside its original intent of
providing help with legitimate economic development projectsrdquo
The bill would reduce the RACP debt ceiling initially by a half-billion dollars to $35 billion and then continue to incrementally decrease the debt limit until it falls to $15 billion The
legislation also calls for stricter limits on the type of projects eligible to receive funding and
would increase oversight of the program
ldquoWe want to lower the credit limit on the statersquos credit cardrdquo Rep Benninghoff said
ldquoThis would reduce the ability of state government to spend money that taxpayers donrsquot haverdquo
House Bill 2175 now heads to the full House for consideration
NewsClips House Capital Budget Bill Debate Focuses On Jobs
Editorial Capital Budget Funds Must Be Kept Under Control
Report On Game Commission Strategic Plan Released By Joint Committee
The Joint Legislative Budget and Finance Committee this week released the fifth in a series of
progress reports on the Game Commissions compliance with its strategic plan A copy of the
report highlights and the full report are available online
News From Around The State
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EPA States On Track To Meet Chesapeake Bay Cleanup Goals PA Plan Needs Work
Delaware Maryland Pennsylvania Virginia West Virginia and the District of Columbia are
generally on track to meet pollution reduction goals for the Chesapeake Bay and its rivers by
2025 according to the US Environmental Protection Agencyrsquos evaluations of the jurisdictions
cleanup plansThe six Bay states and the District of Columbia recently submitted their Phase II
Watershed Implementation Plans (WIPs) and their 2012-2013 pollution reduction milestones
These plans lay out how each jurisdiction will meet pollution reduction goals set by the EPA in
the Chesapeake Bay TMDL
Overall the jurisdictions built considerably upon their Phase I plans according to the
EPA The Phase II plans provide more specific cleanup strategies and detail restoration actions
on a local level
In a cover letter transmitting comments to the Department of Environmental Protection
on Pennsylvanias Plan EPA said greatly appreciate(s) the efforts of the Pennsylvania
Department of Environmental Protection and your partner agencies as well as stakeholder groups
in the development of these documents (WIP)The letter said EPAs primary concern is the WIP does not identify important next steps
to implement core initiatives of Pennsylvanias Phase I agriculture strategy such as supporting
manure to energy technologies and development of methods to defensibly track and report non-
cost-shared practices These strategies account for a sizable portion of the nutrient and sediment
reductions in the Plan
EPA also said it lacks assurance that Pennsylvania will be able to achieve the
reductions in stormwater loads identified in the WIP through methods such as reissuing the
PAG-13 General Permit for Municipal Separate Storm Sewer System permittees
A copy of the detailed comments is available online along with related comments related
documents Other state evaluations are also available EPA is still reviewing New Yorkrsquos planwhich was submitted after the deadline
The EPA said it will continue to work with the jurisdictions between now and March 30
when the final Phase II WIPs are due
CBF Funding Now Available For Farm Conservation Improvements In Northcentral PA
The Chesapeake Bay Foundation is pleased to announce funding is now available to farmers
interested in improving farm profitability and water quality through the installation of on-farm
conservation practices in Bradford Sullivan Susquehanna Tioga Wyoming and Lycoming
counties
The funding is being made available through CBFrsquos ldquoBuffer Bonusrdquo program incooperation with the Bradford County Conservation District The program has enabled current
and past participants to make onfarm improvements including rotational grazing practices such
as fencing watering systems and laneways
Other options include the installation of waste transfer lines for milk house waste and
silage leachate stabilization of access roads and the installation of roof gutters to include a few
ldquoThese conservation improvements are a win-win for both the farmer and local water
qualityrdquo said Jennifer Johns CBF Buffer Specialist in Bradford County ldquoWhile each project
832019 Pa Environment Digest Feb 20 2012
httpslidepdfcomreaderfullpa-environment-digest-feb-20-2012 1434
ultimately produces different results we find that creating healthier living conditions for the
livestock through the installation of conservation practices improves herd health and the farmerrsquos
bottom linerdquo
Another goal of this program is to provide at no cost to the farmer a new or updated
Conservation and Nutrient Management Plan By combining this plan with an engineerrsquos
evaluation of the farm which is also provided the plans are then considered a Comprehensive Nutrient Management Plan or a CNMP
Having a CNMP enables the farmer to apply for federal funding to assist with larger on-
farm improvements such as manure storage facilities and concrete barnyards
Farmers interested in participating in the Buffer Bonus program must be willing to install
a forested riparian streamside buffer through the USDArsquos Conservation Reserve Enhancement
Program (CREP) Those already enrolled in CREP with a contract date of April 1 2009 or later
may be eligible to enroll
This funding will not be available for long and farms will be served on a first come first
serve basis
For more information contact BradfordSullivan Counties Jennifer Johns
570-578-6900 TiogaLycoming Counties Steve Smith 570-578-7000 SusquehannaWyomingCounties Jeremy Wagner 570-278-1011 xt 107
Spring Creek Watershed Association Hosts Chesapeake Bay GIS Tool Workshop Feb 21
On February 21 the Spring Creek Watershed Association will host John Dawes Foundation for
PA Watersheds for a presentation about the Chesapeake Commons a web-based Geographic
Information Systems (GIS) and data management tool developed for the Chesapeake Bay
restoration effort
The presentation will be held from 800 am to 900 am at the Patton Township
Municipal Building near State College PaThere is also an option to hear the presentation through a webinar at the same time Click
Here for details
The Chesapeake Commons Tool is a free web-based Geographic Information Systems
(GIS) and data management tool available to all organizations working to restore the Chesapeake
Bay The Tool is designed to serve as a centralized knowledge base of data maps and articles
contributed by government nonprofits funders and citizen organizers
Policy makers will have a centralized pool of peer vetted information from which they
can make the best possible decisions in the context of the Bay restoration effort
Chesapeake Commons is a project developed and funded by the Chesapeake Bay Funders
Network with financial support from the John Heinz III Center for Science Economics and the
Environment
Town Meeting On Health Of The Wissahickon Creek March 29
On March 29 the Wissahickon Valley Watershed Association and the Springside Chestnut Hill
Academy with support from the Friends of the Wissahickon and Chestnut Hill College are
sponsoring a Town Meeting to inform the community about significant environmental challenges
to the Wissahickon Creek
832019 Pa Environment Digest Feb 20 2012
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The meeting will be held on the Cherokee Campus of Springside Chestnut Hill Academy
8000 Cherokee Street Philadelphia and will begin at 7 pm doors will open at 630 pm and
light refreshments will be provided
A Creek in Crisis A Town Meeting on the Health of the Wissahickon Creek will
examine the numerous threats to the Wissahickon including diminishing water quantity
stormwater runoff impaired water quality and flooding that severely impact the health of theWissahickon Creek and its tributaries
The impact of the Wissahickon Creek on the lives of those living in the Wissahickon
Watershed is absolute Though the Wissahickon Creek has a humble beginning in the parking lot
at Montgomery Mall it continues through nine municipalities to the confluence of the Schuylkill
River in Philadelphia
It is a significant waterway providing approximately 10 percent of the drinking water to
Philadelphians as well as habitat for local wildlife and recreation and natural beauty for area
residents
Moderated by Patrick Starr Vice President of the PA Environmental Council Southeast
Regional Office the Town Meeting will feature a panel of environmental experts who will
examine the numerous threats to the WissahickonPanelists will be Carol R Collier Executive Director of the Delaware River Basin
Commission John K Jackson PhD Senior Research Scientist at the Stroud Water Research
Center and Chris Crockett Deputy Commissioner at the Philadelphia Water Department
More information will be posted on the Friends of the Wissahickon website
Conservation Reserve Program Training Courses Offered By Penn State Extension
Conservation professionals working across the Chesapeake Bay Watershed are invited to a
special training program on Conservation Reserve Planning for professionals on March 7 and 8
at the Lancaster County Farm and Home CenterA national team of facilitators will be conducting the Lancaster workshop including from
University of Wisconsin University of Minnesota Montana State University University of
Georgia and Penn State ndash along with experienced and skilled US Natural Resource
Conservation Service professionals
Also involved in the program are conservation partners who are in formal agreements
with NRCS to deliver the Conservation Reserve Enhancement Program to landowners for
example the Chesapeake Bay Foundation will also be on hand at the workshop to provide
additional training related to CREP
This training workshop is designed to create a group of skilled conservation professionals
working in partnership with farmers and landowners to develop quality CRP conservation plans
that result in measurable impacts on land and water resource managementWorkshop goals include
-- Understanding the purpose and intent of the Conservation Reserve Program (CRP)
-- Determining eligibility of lands for CRP
-- Knowing how to find information for CRP plans
-- Effectively working with a landowner in developing a CRP plan
-- Becoming familiar with regionally specific conservation practices
-- Understanding how to implement a CRP plan
832019 Pa Environment Digest Feb 20 2012
httpslidepdfcomreaderfullpa-environment-digest-feb-20-2012 1634
-- Working with NRCS and FSA to submit a quality CRP plan
The Conservation Reserve Program Readiness Initiative was created to help the Natural
Resources Conservation Service accomplish the work involved with managing CRP enrollments
CRP plan development and implementation and the follow up management of developed plans
A national team of Extension staff NRCS and FSA staff and representatives from NRCS
partner agencies and organizations has collaborated to develop a multi-faceted training programto meet the needs of the initiative
Click Here for the full schedule of workshops available
Latest Lessons From The Land Webinar Feb 21 On Managing Phosphorus
Penn State Extension and the Conewago Watershed Initiative will host a webcast on February 21
from noon to 100 pm on Measuring and Managing Phosphorus In Wet Pennsylvania
Landscapes part of the Lessons From The Land series
Dr Tony Buda USDA ARS and Dr Patrick Drohan Penn State Department of Crop
and Soil Science will present research conducted by PA USDA NRCS USDA-ARS and Penn
State to look at how saturated soils and soils with fragipans have contributed to higher runoffMatt Royer Director of the Lower Susquehanna Initiative Penn State AG amp
Environment Center will moderate
These wet landscapes are often critical sources of phosphorus that contribute to loads of
pollutants in streamsmdashand should be targeted for conservation practices
A pilot study undertaken within the Conewago Watershed serves as a proving ground for
the development of ldquonext generation nutrient management practicesrdquo necessary to reduce the
loads of phosphorus emanating from agricultural lands that contribute to the degradation of the
Chesapeake Bay Watershed
One Nutrient Management credit is available for eligible participants from the state
Department of Agriculture Those seeking credits will be required to sign-in during the webinar to verify their attendance
The program can be viewed online as a recording after the live broadcast Continuing ed
credits are not available for the recorded session
To join this webinar you will need a high speed Internet and can sign in on this
webpage at the webinars noon start time This program will be broadcasting live from the
Conewago Initiativersquos Project Advisory Team meeting at Penn Statersquos Harrisburg campus
Lake Management Annual Conference Set For March 7-8 In State College
The 22nd annual Pennsylvania Lake Management Society annual conference will once again be
at the Days Inn State College on March 7 and 8This years theme is Staying Blue by Going Green and our keynote speaker is Bill
Jones from Indiana School of Public and Environmental Affairs in Bloomington Indiana
As always the Conference will have a great line up of speakers It also offers aquatic
applicator credits for PA OH NY and NJ
Please check out the Conference webpage for more details or contact Kerilynn Frey by
sending email to palakeshotmailcom
832019 Pa Environment Digest Feb 20 2012
httpslidepdfcomreaderfullpa-environment-digest-feb-20-2012 1734
Penn State Extension How To Avoid Septic System Failures
Owning your own home is challenging enough what do you do when it comes with its own
sewage treatment plant This article provides some clues for owners of septic systems who want
to make them last a very long time
According to the US Environmental Protection Agency failure rates for on-lot sewagesystems across the country are reported at 10 percent annually In Pennsylvania approximately
12 million homes (one in three) use on-lot sewage systems for the treatment and disposal of
waste water
Responsibility for maintaining the system rests with the homeowner Proper maintenance
is a good idea since replacing it can cost thousands of dollars Proper maintenance also protects
groundwater that might be a source of drinking water
The most obvious on-lot sewage system failures are easy to spot Sewage backing up into
your home will typically command your immediate attention Raw sewage surfacing in your
yard in nearby ditches or on the neighborrsquos lawn is another clear indicator of failure Muddy
soil around the drain field or pooled water there or in your basement are other signs of serious
malfunction Notice whether your toilet or sink backs up when you flush or do laundry Stripsof bright green grass over the drainfield may be another indicator of problems A toilet running
sluggish or sewer odors in the house andor drinking water are signs of an on-lot system in
trouble
On-lot sewage systems also fail when partially treated wastewater comes into contact
with groundwater This type of failure is not easy to detect but it can result in the pollution of
wells nearby streams or other bodies of water Illness often to household visitors may be
another indicator of system failure that has affected your well and household drinking water
For those considering building a new home or replacing an existing septic system one of
the most critical factors in on-lot sewage system performance is the nature of the soils used for
the septic system soil absorption fieldYou can minimize failures by carefully and deliberately considering all aspects of on-lot
sewage system construction site selection design installation maintenance and use Hire
reputable individuals to design and install your system Also make sure the system is designed to
meet your present and future needs
You should contact your Township Sewage Enforcement Officer concerning permits
needed to install a new on-lot sewage system or repair a failing system
Once properly installed the key to preventing your on-lot system from failing is proper
maintenance Regularly pumping the tank being careful in what you put down the drains and
avoiding such things as planting trees over the field or covering the system with permanent
patios and home additions are important to keep the system running well
Water conservation in the home is also an excellent method of preventing future problems from occurring Divert downspouts and surface water away from the septic tank and
especially the drain field Do not physically damage the system by driving over the components
with heavy vehicles or by digging up the system for other utility lines etc Keep a record of the
location and dimensions of your system along with maintenance and repair information
Homeowners interested in finding out about the overall health of their on-lot sewage
system may want to consider having their septic systems inspected by a trained professional The
PA Septage Management Association in cooperation with the National Onsite Wastewater
832019 Pa Environment Digest Feb 20 2012
httpslidepdfcomreaderfullpa-environment-digest-feb-20-2012 1834
Education and Research Foundation has adopted uniform On-lot Wastewater Treatment
Inspection procedures
PSMA is a professional association of septage pumpers system installers maintenance
technicians real estate inspectors and industry affiliates PSMA Certified Inspectors which
includes many septic tank pumpers are trained to understand how on-lot systems work why they
fail and recognize impending malfunctionsSee the PSMA website for more details about PSMANOF inspections or call them at
717-763-7762
Many fact sheets about on-lot sewage systems are available from the Agricultural and
Biological Engineering department Topics include septic tank pumping percolation tests
elevated sand mounds inspections and alternative systems and pharmaceutical disposal
(Article reprinted from Penn State Extension Watershed Winds online newsletter)
Wissahickon Watershed Maple Sugaring Program Set For March 3
Ever wonder how maple syrup and sugar are made The Wissahickon Vally WatershedAssociation will offer a unique program on maple syrup on March 3 in Ambler Montgomery
County
The event offers a fun and informative event ideal for families Scout groups and anyone
curious about the maple sugar process
Choose a specific time as guides take small groups through the woods to see the tapped
trees and then watch it being boiled into sugar End your walk at WVWArsquos historic headquarters
for hot chocolate and warm treats with maple syrup
RSVP requested by sending email to infowvwaorg or call 215-646-8866 There is a
fee for the program WVWA member fee $5 per person $15 per family Non-WVWA member
fee $10 per person $20 per family or Become a WVWA member and be their guest for $45In Ambler and look for signage Walk over the Butler Avenue Bridge and turn left onto
the Green Ribbon Trail
KPB Greenways Mini-Grant Program Applications Due March 15
Keep Pennsylvania Beautiful is now accepting applications for their Greenways Mini-Grant
Program to provide community groups with project supplies for outdoor based work events
within a greenway enabling the renewal of Pennsylvaniarsquos Greenways in need into something
beautiful
The deadline for applications is March 15 and hard copies are required Grants will be
awarded on April 16Fifteen grant awardees along with their volunteers will be eligible for up to $500 in
project supplies and direct project costs for Prevent it Clean it and Keep it projects within a
Greenway
Pennsylvania and its partners are developing an outstanding network of greenways across
the Commonwealth creating an asset that will enhance the quality of life for all while connecting
open space natural landscape features scenic cultural historic and recreations sites and urban
and rural communities
832019 Pa Environment Digest Feb 20 2012
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A greenway is a linear corridor across the land that conserves natural areas and provides
people with recreation and transportation opportunities
As one of the Commonwealthrsquos most powerful tools to achieve sustainable growth and
livable communities greenways are ensuring future generations the opportunity to live amongst
the natural beauty of Pennrsquos Woods
This program is financed by a grant from the Community Conservation PartnershipProgram Environmental Stewardship Fund under the administration of the Department of
Conservation and Natural Resources Bureau of Recreation and Conservation
The Greenways Mini-Grant is available to any tax-exempt group within Pennsylvania
Private property owners or individual applicants cannot apply
Applications must meet the following requirements to be considered ndash it is within a
Greenway and is in at least one of the following categories Prevent it Clean it and Keep it (see
application for details) plus provide proof of liability insurance signed permission to enter from
the private property owner and 100 percent match of donated or in-kind services Selected
awardees must also agree to provide a final report with before during and after photos
ldquoWe are excited to collaborate with DCNR in offering Greenways Mini-Grants to
organizations working to build clean and beautiful communities across the staterdquo said ShannonReiter President of Keep Pennsylvania Beautiful ldquoGreenways are integral to healthy livable
communities and we are grateful to have the opportunity to empower Pennsylvania with the
tools and resources they need to enhance greenways in their communitiesrdquo
For more information visit the Greenways Mini-Grant Program webpage to download an
application Any additional questions can be answered by Susan Carmichael Greenways Mini-
Grant Program Coordinator at 1-877-772-3673 ext 102 or send email to
scarmichaelkeeppabeautifulorg
Pennsylvania Adds 1470 Acres Of Farmland To Preservation Program
Pennsylvania has added 1470 additional acres of land to its nationally recognized farmland
preservation program under action by the Pennsylvania Agricultural Land Preservation Board at
its meeting Thursday in Harrisburg
The 14 newly preserved farms are located in Beaver Berks Bucks Butler Cambria
Cumberland Juniata Lackawanna Lancaster Lebanon Northampton and Somerset counties
ldquoWersquove preserved nearly 15000 acres of farmland across the state in just the past year
alonerdquo said Agriculture Secretary George Greig ldquoThis speaks volumes to the value our farm
families place on ensuring the future viability of Pennsylvania agriculture ndash our statersquos number-
one industryrdquo
Since the program started in 1988 state county and local governments have invested
more than $11 billion to safeguard 459007 acres on 4243 farmsldquoOur producers know the importance of preserving farms so our next generation of
agriculturalists can keep Pennsylvania growing far into the future and I thank them for that
foresightrdquo Greig said
Pennsylvaniarsquos farmland preservation efforts work through the Pennsylvania Agricultural
Conservation Easement Purchase Program The program was developed to slow the loss of prime
farmland to non-agricultural uses It enables state county and local governments to purchase
conservation easements also called development rights from owners of quality farmland
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For more information visit Agricultures Farmland Preservation webpage
PUC Finalizes Implementation Plan For Pipeline Safety Act
The Public Utility Commission Thursday finalized an Order as the first step in implementing Act
127 the Gas and Hazardous Liquids Pipelines ActThe Commission voted 5-0 to finalize the Order which begins the process of creating a
statewide registry for non-public utility gas and hazardous liquids pipeline equipment and
facilities within the Commonwealth provides resources to conduct safety inspections to enforce
Federal pipeline safety laws on certain classifications of pipeline and assesses entities for the
costs
The Order established the following
-- The registration fee is $250
-- The 2012 registration deadline is March 16
-- Assessment invoices for the Commissionrsquos 2011-12 fiscal year will be mailed by March 30
and due by April 30 and
-- Assessment invoices for the Commissionrsquos 2012-13 fiscal year will be mailed in July 2012with payment due within 30 days
Final forms and other materials will be available on the Commissionrsquos website
Act 127 direct the PUC to develop a registry and conduct safety inspections of these lines
for ldquopipeline operatorsrdquo in the state The Commission also is to track the development of
pipelines in less populated areas which transport gas from non-conventional wells
Act 127 expands the Commissionrsquos authority to enforce the federal pipeline safety laws
as they relate to those pipelines and facilities Non-public utility gas and hazardous liquids
pipeline operators include several different categories of pipelines such as cooperatively owned
natural gas distribution systems non-utility natural gas transportation and gathering lines and
propane distribution pipeline systemsFor more information visit the PUCs Act 127 webpage
DEP Sets Feb 22 Meeting On Jefferson County Drilling Permit
The Department of Environmental Protection will host a public meeting on February 22 to
discuss Flatirons Resources LLCrsquos proposal to drill a Marcellus Shale well in Brockway
Jefferson County
The 6 pm meeting will be held at the Brockway Area JuniorSenior High School on
Alexander Street in Brockway
ldquoWe recognize that there are a lot of questions and that people want detailsrdquo DEP
Northwest Regional Director Kelly Burch said ldquoDEP staff will provide information about our role in the permitting process and address any questions and concerns the audience may have
about our oversight and environmental protectionrdquo
The horizontal well that Flatirons proposes to drill would be the second on this pad
which is on Brockway Borough Municipal Authority property in the Rattlesnake Creek
Watershed The first well was drilled in February 2011 and hydraulically fractured in November
2011
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After DEPrsquos presentation at the meeting company representatives will describe their
plans to drill the well if approved A question-and-answer session will follow
DEPrsquos decision to issue a well permit is based on the applicationrsquos technical merits and
whether the applicantrsquos drilling casing and cementing plan will protect water resources The
agency issued Flatirons a permit to drill a second well on the pad in December 2010 but it
expired a year later because the well was never drilled The permit application was resubmittedon December 27 2011
HACC Offers Free Environmental Technician Training At Midtown Campus
Training for emerging environmental jobs in the cleanup and reuse of brownfields will be offered
starting April 16 at the Midtown location of HACC Central Pennsylvaniarsquos Community College
Candidates for the federally funded program are displaced workers the unemployed or
underemployed as well as low-income or minority residents who live in the Harrisburg said
Cheryl Dietz HACC Workforce Training coordinator
Potential students can find out more by attending one of two upcoming information
sessions in Room 228 of Midtown 1 1500 N Fourth St The sessions will be held from 6-7 pmFebruary 29 and 11 am-noon March 3
HACC representatives will answer questions about the free job training program which
will consist of an eight-week 320-hour training cycle with classes meeting 8 am-3 pm April
16-June 8
To be eligible a candidate must have a general education diploma (GED) or high school
diploma test at a 10th-grade math and reading level have a valid driverrsquos license have access to
reliable transportation be drug free and demonstrate an interest in the environment
Successful graduates will receive certifications in all of the following Hazardous Waste
Operations and Emergency Response (HAZWOPER) confined space entrantattendant and
supervisor lead-based paint inspector and asbestos inspectorAdditional training will be offered in environmental site assessment air and water
quality and environmental remediation techniques
HACC is offering the training through a two-year $199890 grant awarded through the
federal Environmental Protection Agencyrsquos Brownfields Program
Two classes were held last year at HACC-Harrisburg Campus with 35 graduates Of this
number 26 have jobs (19 of them are in the environmental field) and four are continuing their
education A third class is under way in Lancaster As part of the grant HACC helps successful
graduates find environmental jobs and tracks those graduates for one year
A brownfield site is real property the expansion redevelopment or reuse of which may
be complicated by the presence or potential presence of a hazardous substance pollutant or
contaminant according to the EPAThe EPA estimates there are 180 brownfield sites in the Lancaster area and a combined
total of 120 brownfield sites in Harrisburg and Steelton
For more information or to register to attend an information session contact Cheryl
Deitz HACC Workforce Training coordinator at 221-1338 or send email to chdeitzhaccedu
PUC Chair Urges Utilities To Participate In Programs To Create Jobs For Returning
Troops
832019 Pa Environment Digest Feb 20 2012
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Public Utility Commission Chairman Robert F Powelson Thursday urged the statersquos public
utilities to participate in several new programs proposed by Gov Tom Corbett and the Edison
Electric Institute to create jobs in the energy sector
The Chairman also noted that the time is right for job growth with the development of the
Marcellus Shale industry and electric competition across the stateldquoToday I encourage Pennsylvaniarsquos electric and natural gas utilities to learn from the
example set by EEI and participate in the Troops to Energy Jobs program as well as Governor
Corbettrsquos Jobs First PA initiative Chairman Powelson said in a statement at the PUCrsquos Public
Meeting In the days ahead the PUC will be coordinating with EEI and the Corbett
Administration to connect our energy companies with these innovative programsrdquo
The Chairman referenced Gov Corbetts annual budget address to the General Assembly
last week
ldquoIn his address the Governor recognized that the energy sector has enormous potential
for producing new jobs and putting the unemployed back to workrdquo Chairman Powelson said
ldquoIn announcing his new Jobs First program the Governor stated that lsquoas our energy sector
expands Pennsylvania needs a trained workforce ready to meet the demand for workersrsquordquoChairman Powelson said the EEI launched its Troops for Energy Jobs initiative which is
designed to accelerate the training and employability of veterans in key energy programs EEI is
currently piloting this program through five energy companies throughout the nation
For more information visit the Troops for Energy Jobs Initiative website
PA Chamber Environmental amp Energy Conference April 18 In Lancaster
The annual PA Chamber of Business and Industry Environmental and Energy Conference will be
held on April 18 at the Eden Resort Inn amp Suites in Lancaster
Major environmental regulatory areas continue to see numerous changes at the state andfederal level that impact business Thats why the Pennsylvania Chamber is offering four
learning tracks with answers you need on the latest environmental and energy issues-all in one
day
-- Compliance help from state and national top experts on the toughest environmental issues
-- Details on the latest regulatory changes and proposed changes
-- Proven strategies best practices and practical business tips to help you comply cost-effectively
in each area and
-- Advanced environmental roundtable
There will be two keynotes The Economic Benefits of Marcellus Shale and Natural Gas-
American Petroleum Institute Washington DC and Converting Trash into Renewable Energy-
National Solid Wastes Management Association Washington DCVisit with more than 50 exhibitors offering an exciting array of advanced technology
solutions and exhibitor educational sessions Access and network with more than 300 of your
peers from across the state
For more information and to register visit the Conference webpage or contact Sue Smith
at 717-720-5457 or send email to ssmithpachamberorg
Volunteers Needed To Plant 100 Acre Wind Break At Flight 93 Memorial In April
832019 Pa Environment Digest Feb 20 2012
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The federal Office of Surface Mining Reclamation and Enforcement through their Appalachian
Regional Reforestation Initiative and the Department of Environmental Protection are working
with the National Park Service to plant a wind break at the Flight 93 Memorial in Somerset
County
Volunteers are needed to plant trees on April 20 21 27 and 28 Volunteers may sign upfor one day or multiple days
If you are interested in volunteering send a Volunteer Sign-Up Form and a Photo
Release Form and send to Leroy Renninger of the National Park Service by email
to Leroy_Renningernpsgov
State Fly Tying Champions Announced At Eastern Sports amp Outdoor Show
The Eastern Sports amp Outdoor Show Cumberland Valley Trout Unlimited Bass Pro Shops of
Harrisburg Mid Atlantic Fly Fishing Guide magazine and the Fish and Boat Commission
sponsored the Pennsylvania State Fly Tying Championship held on February 11 at the Eastern
Sports amp Outdoor Show at the State Farm Show Complex in HarrisburgThirteen contestants in three categories competed for money trophies and prizes in the
annual event to crown the best fly tyers in Pennsylvania
In the Open Division the winners are 1st Place - Andy Fresch Summerhill 2nd Place -
Ken Moser Severna Park MD 3rd Place - John Shosh Hamburg
The Amateur Division winners are 1st Place - Matthew Edinger Sharon Hill 2nd Place -
- Mike Marino Souderton and 3rd Place -- Elliott DeFrancesco Wilburton
The Youth Division winners are 1st Place - Gaeron Friedrichs Milford 2nd Place
Bobby Faust Dalmatia
The contestants at the final event were the top tiers selected from entries previously
submitted In order to qualify the entrants had to submit three flies from a list of flies for eachcategory
At the event each finalist was required to tie three flies over a two hour time period The
finalists knew ahead of time two of the flies that were to be tied and a third ldquomystery flyrdquo was
announced to them at the event
The championship will be held again at the 2013 Eastern Sports and Outdoor Show and
applications information and details will be posted at the Cumberland Valley Trout Unlimited or
Eastern Sports and Outdoor Show websites as they become available
PA State Parks Forest App Now Updated And Free
The Official Pennsylvania State Parks amp Forests App is now completely FREE This latestversion now on the market includes advanced interactive capabilities such as GPS trail mapping
the Friend Finder to keep track of your family and friends on the trail and more
Featured Update List Increased performance speed Multi-tasking Capability
GeoChallenge (GeocacheGeoQuest) Feature FREE enhanced GPS features
This new version increases performance speed and cuts activation time in half With the
new multi-tasking capability users gain enhanced user navigation The more adventurous
832019 Pa Environment Digest Feb 20 2012
httpslidepdfcomreaderfullpa-environment-digest-feb-20-2012 2434
outdoor enthusiasts will benefit from the recently added GeoChallenges that include geocache
and geoquest activities which will be updated regularly
The waypointphoto waypoint marking tools have been upgraded and there has been a
fine-tuning of the trail-tracking feature located on the side navigation bar of the free GPS
Mapping section Use the app to track record and share your explorations with others-all at no
chargeTry out the app and let the PA Parks amp Forests Foundation know what you think
Feature
Bald Eagle Pair Get Help With Home Improvement Project
While most people try to avoid home improvement projects in the winter a pair of bald eagles
got some much needed help recently from a team of Game Commission land managers with a
very important and timely renovation project
A sycamore tree on Haldeman Island has been used by at least three mated pairs as a
nesting site since 1989 The island is just upriver of the confluence of the Susquehanna and
Juniata rivers north of Harrisburg and the tree stands just across a pond from one of three
hacking towers the Game Commission used at two locations in its bald eagle recovery program
About two weeks ago one of the limbs supporting the nest collapsed under the weight of the
nest
On Friday Steve Bernardi Game Commission Land Management Group Supervisor for
Juniata Mifflin Perry and Snyder counties was joined by Terry Willow Game Lands
Maintenance Worker with the River Island Food and Cover Corps Crew and Scott Bills Land
Management Group Supervisor for Dauphin and Lebanon counties to construct a platform to
encourage the bald eagle pair to reuse this nest site
The three men measured and cut lumber used hammers and nails as well as screws anddrills to secure the lumber in place and then placed branches and sticks on the platform to
encourage the bald eagles ndash who were watching the activity while perched in nearby trees ndash to
begin rebuilding a nest
A pair built a nest in this tree in 1989 and had their first young in 1990 Bernardi said
A storm blew the original nest out of the tree in 1995 Scott Bills who was the Wildlife
Conservation Officer in Dauphin County at that time worked with a Food and Cover Corps crew
and PPL to erect the first platform similar to what we put in place on Friday
Adult bald eagles are preparing to nest and hopefully they will come back and reuse this
platform just like they did back in 1995
Haldeman Island played a key role in the recovery of bald eagles in Pennsylvania In the
1980s it was one of two locations used for reintroduction of eagles brought by the GameCommission from Canada in the early years of restoration of eagles to our state About 40
eaglets were released at the Haldeman Island tower overlooking the ponds on the north side of
the island by 1989
When the reintroduced birds successfully raised young at a nest on Haldeman in 1990
the whole state had only seven nesting pairs And there has been an active eagle nest in that spot
every year since except 2004 when the birds took a year off
832019 Pa Environment Digest Feb 20 2012
httpslidepdfcomreaderfullpa-environment-digest-feb-20-2012 2534
While we dont know if the same pair have been active that whole time the same old
sycamore tree has been used during this period and that nest has produced more than 40 young
over this period said Dan Brauning Game Commission Wildlife Diversity Division chief
Since the site is well-protected on a Game Commission island with limited access this site has
particular value to us
Continued support for this nest will help sustain this historic location in the recovery of baldeagles in Pennsylvania
In 1983 the Game Commission began a seven-year bald eagle restoration program in
which the agency sent employees to Saskatchewan to obtain eaglets from wilderness nests The
Richard King Mellon Foundation of Pittsburgh and the federal Endangered Species Fund
provided financial assistance for this effort
In all 88 bald eaglets from Canada were released from sites at Dauphin Countys
Haldeman Island and Pike Countys Shohola Falls The resurgence of eagles in Pennsylvania is
directly related to this program which also was carried out in other states in the Northeast
When the restoration program began in 1983 only three Crawford County nests remained
in the state By 2006 the agency announced that the state had surpassed the 100 bald eagle nest
mark Just five years later in 2011 the number of known bald eagle nests had doubled to 203spread out over 50 counties
Residents aware of a bald eagle nest ndash which are among the largest nests of all birds ndash in
their area should consider reporting it to the Pennsylvania Game Commission The easiest way to
contact the agency by sending email to pgccommentspagov Use the words Eagle Nest
Information in the subject field
The Game Commission continues to further the publics understanding of bald eagles In
2010 a comprehensive Bald Eagle threatened species account and Bald Eagle Nest Etiquette
guide were added to the agencys website
In 2011 the agency launched its series of Eagle-watching in Pennsylvania guides that
will help direct those interested in viewing bald eagles in the wild on where to go how to getthere what to expect and other wildlife viewing opportunities available at each site
Currently posted are eagle-watching guides for Erie National Wildlife Refuge Crawford
County Conneaut Marsh Geneva Marsh State Game Land 213 Crawford County Raystown
Lake Huntingdon County State Game Land 180 Shohola Lake Pike County Middle Creek
Wildlife Management Area Lebanon and Lancaster counties Bald Eagle State Park Centre
County Glendale Lake Price Gallitzin State Park Cambria County John Heinz National
Wildlife Refuge Philadelphia and Delaware counties Lower Susquehanna River Lancaster and
York counties Moraine State Park Butler County Pine Creek Valley Lycoming and Tioga
counties Promised Land State Park Pike County Pymatuning Reservoir Crawford County and
the Upper Delaware River in Pike Wayne and Monroe counties
Game Commission Announces April 1 Deadline For Ads In Hunting-Trapping Digest
Game Commission Executive Director Carl G Roe Thursday announced Liberty Press
Publications publisher of the Pennsylvania Digest of Hunting amp Trapping Regulations has set
April 1 as the deadline for advertising copy in the 2012-13 Digest Click Here for details
For advertising information contact Liberty Press Publications toll-free at
1-800-296-6402
832019 Pa Environment Digest Feb 20 2012
httpslidepdfcomreaderfullpa-environment-digest-feb-20-2012 2634
Opportunity To Bid On McKean County Abandoned Well Plugging Project
The Department of Environmental Protection published notice of an opportunity to bid on a
project to plug 24 abandoned oil wells in McKean County
Help Wanted Chesapeake Bay Foundation PA Grassroots Coordinator Field Specialist
The Chesapeake Bay Foundation is seeking a PA Grassroots Coordinator and a Field Specialist
to be based at their Pennsylvania State Office located in Harrisburg This position is a 2 year
term position with the possibility of extension Click Here for details
Help Wanted Conewago Creek Assistant Project Coordinator
Penn State Cooperative Extension on behalf of the Conewago Creek Initiative seeks an Assistant
Project Coordinator to be an integral part of a dynamic partnership team working together with
local state and federal partnersThe Assistant Project Coordinator will report to the Director of the Lower Susquehanna
Initiative who serves as the Project Coordinator for the Conewago Creek Initiative
The deadline for applications is March 1 Click Here for details
Help Wanted ALLARM Assistant Director Of Outreach Marcellus
The Alliance for Aquatic Resource Monitoring (ALLARM) is seeking candidate to fill a third
full time position to the organization-- Assistant Director of Outreach-- to assist with Marcellus
Monitoring program training community volunteers throughout the shale gas regions in
Pennsylvania to monitor small streams for early pollution detection Click Here for fullannouncement
Grants amp 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
February 23-- PA Pathways To Green Schools Nominations
February 24-- PA Trout In The Classroom Grants
February 29-- EPA Environmental Justice Small Grants
February 29-- Ben Franklin BIG IDEA Business Plan ContestFebruary 29-- PA American Water Stream of Learning Scholarships
February 29-- West Branch Susquehanna Orange Rock Awards
March 1-- Erie TreeVitalize Grants
March 2-- Coca-Cola Keep America Beautiful Recycling Bin Grants
March 2-- Conservation Innovation Grants Chesapeake Bay Nutrient Credit Grants
March 5-- TogetherGreen Fellowship and Innovation Grants
832019 Pa Environment Digest Feb 20 2012
httpslidepdfcomreaderfullpa-environment-digest-feb-20-2012 2734
March 5-- PECDominion Western PA Environmental Awards
March 10-- PA American Water Environmental Grants
March 15-- NEW Keep PA Beautiful Greenways Mini-Grants
March 23-- Water Resources Education Network Grants
March 30-- PA American Water Protect Our Watersheds Student Art Contest
March 31-- DEP Host Municipal Inspector GrantsApril 3-- West Penn Power Sustainable Energy Fund Grants Loans
April 4-- DCNR Community Conservation Partnership Grants
April 15-- Wild Resource Conservation Fund Income Tax Checkoff Deadline
March 1-- Keystone Historic Preservation Project and Construction Grants
August 1-- PA Snowmobile Assn Trail Improvement Grants
August 24-- Foundation for PA Watershed Grants
September 1-- Erie TreeVitalize Grants
October 31-- PA Resources Council Lens On Litter Contest
-- Visit the DEP Grants and Loan Programs webpage for more ideas on how to get financial
assistance for environmental projects
BudgetQuick Clips
Heres a selection of NewClips on environmental topics from around the state--
Budget
Corbett Signs Marcellus Shale Fee Into Law
Corbett Signs Shale Well Impact Fee Into Law
Corbett Approves Marcellus Shale Fee
Bradford Commissioner Foolish Not To Accept Drilling Fee MoneyWhats Next For PAs Impact Fee Bradford Against Fee
Bradford Commissioners Disagree On Drilling Fee
Washington County To Seek Marcellus Fees
Editorial Corbetts Gas Fee About To Evaporate
Robinson Twp To Contest New Marcellus Law
South Fayette Eyes Legal Action On Drilling Bill
Fish amp Boat Commission Grateful For Marcellus Fees
PUC Eyes Private Firm For Impact Fee Collection
PUC Chair Let Marcellus Play Come To Us
PUC Would Get Shale Role Under Drilling Bill
Editorial It Makes Sense For PUC To Deal With Drilling NE Counties To Raise Millions Or Nothing Under Drilling Fee
House Capital Budget Bill Debate Focuses On Jobs
House GOP Marcellus Bill A Win For Jobs
Norquists No-Tax Pledge Cant Give Drill Fee The Ax
PA Natural Gas Levy Became Inevitable
Bradford Commissioners Disagree On Drilling Fee
832019 Pa Environment Digest Feb 20 2012
httpslidepdfcomreaderfullpa-environment-digest-feb-20-2012 2834
Vertical Exploratory Wells Wont Be Hit With Drilling Fee
Impact Fee Bill Addresses Housing Needs
Op-Ed Natural Gas Fee May Be Too Late
Editorial Marcellus Fee A Tax Stupid
Editorial Shale Drillers Got The Better Part Of Deal
Corbett Raiding Special FundsCan Pennsylvanians Survive Under Another Corbett Budget
As Roads Bridges Deteriorate Governor Silent
Analysis Taking Baby Steps On Fixing Roads Bridges
Editorial Must A Bridge Fall Down
House Capital Budget Bill Debate Focuses On Jobs
Editorial Capital Budget Funds Must Be Kept Under Control
Obama Cuts EPA Increases Chesapeake Bay Program
Chesapeake Bay Program Increased Under Obama Budget
EPA Budget Cut For States Superfund Cleanup
Obama Proposes $14 Million For Fracking Research
$67 Million Requested For Federal Pipeline SafetyDCNR Secretary Says Report On Wildlife Research Not Accurate
Other
Electronics Recycling Date Set At Greensburg Mall
Hershey Plants Achieve Zero Waste Status
RecycleBank Named On Of Worlds Most Innovative Companies
Editorial Fine Litterers No Ifs Or Butts
Corbett Signs 3 Energy Sector Bills
Op-Ed Anti-Coal Agenda Is Detrimental To PA
Op-Ed Global Warming As Fact Not Hypothesis
Op-Ed Climate Change Education Is NecessaryHomer City Power Plant Still To Dirty Groups Claim
DEP Sets March 14 Public Hearing On Homer City Power Plant
Concerns Voiced Over PPL Lines
Consumer Alert Electricity Price Discounts Heat Up
Turbine Load To Hit The Road To Holtwood Dam
PPL Plans $664 Million In Electric Delivery System Improvements
Exelon Gives Dauphin County $110000 For Emergency Response
Groups Ask For Expansion Of Nuclear Plant Evacuation Zone
Feds Give PPL Reactor Low Grade
Allentown Council Rejects Waste-To-Energy Sewage Plant
GE Invests In Cleaner Evolution LocomotiveDEP Hopeful Buyer Will Emerge For ConocoPhillips Refinery
DEP Renews ConocoPhillips Trainer Refinery Discharge Permit
100 Sunoco Workers In PA Get Layoff Notices
Meehan PA Refinery Closures Threat To National Security
Refinery Closings Could Affect 15000 Jobs Study Says
Gasoline Could Reach $5 By July 4
$4 A Gallon Gasoline By Memorial Day
832019 Pa Environment Digest Feb 20 2012
httpslidepdfcomreaderfullpa-environment-digest-feb-20-2012 2934
Gasoline Prices Have Never Been This High This Early
Electric Bicycle Waiver Sought
Land Bank Bill Newest Anti-Blight Tool
Game Commission Prepares For Controlled Burn On Centre County
2012 Great Backyard Bird Count Begins Friday
Birders-Eye View Of Conservation In PhiladelphiaState Could Take Over Refurbished Point State Park
New Ohiopyle Visitors Center Project To Be Bid This Spring
Winterfest At Ohiopyle No Snow Still A Go
Protecting Landscapes Changing Face Of Conservation
Marcellus Shale NewsClips
Here are NewsClips on topics related to Marcellus Shale natural gas drilling---
Corbett Signs Marcellus Shale Fee Into Law
Corbett Signs Shale Well Impact Fee Into Law
Corbett Approves Marcellus Shale Fee
Bradford Commissioner Foolish Not To Accept Drilling Fee Money
Whats Next For PAs Impact Fee Bradford Against Fee
Bradford Commissioners Disagree On Drilling Fee
Washington County To Seek Marcellus Fees
Editorial Corbetts Gas Fee About To Evaporate
Robinson Twp To Contest New Marcellus Law
South Fayette Eyes Legal Action On Drilling Bill
Fish amp Boat Commission Grateful For Marcellus Fees
PUC Eyes Private Firm For Impact Fee CollectionPUC Chair Let Marcellus Play Come To Us
PUC Would Get Shale Role Under Drilling Bill
Editorial It Makes Sense For PUC To Deal With Drilling
Corbett Raiding Special Funds
NE Counties To Raise Millions Or Nothing Under Drilling Fee
House GOP Marcellus Bill A Win For Jobs
Norquists No-Tax Pledge Cant Give Drill Fee The Ax
PA Natural Gas Levy Became Inevitable
Wayne County Landowners Push For Drilling
Vertical Exploratory Wells Wont Be Hit With Drilling Fee
Impact Fee Bill Addresses Housing NeedsDrilling Bill Authors Health Experts Fears Unfounded
Health Officials Drilling Law Disclosure Rules Lax
Op-Ed Natural Gas Fee May Be Too Late
Editorial Marcellus Fee A Tax Stupid
Editorial Shale Drillers Got The Better Part Of Deal
Delaware Riverkeeper Reports Settlement Over Gas Well
832019 Pa Environment Digest Feb 20 2012
httpslidepdfcomreaderfullpa-environment-digest-feb-20-2012 3034
EPA Probing Washington County Shale Operations
Marcellus Boom Has Pressed Law Firms To Boost Their Staffs
25 More State Troopers In NE Shale Region
Recorders Of Deeds May Not Reject Multiple Gas Leases
Rural Loophole Curbing PA Pipeline Inspections
Pipeline Tested Ahead Of Tie-In To Shale WellsFirefighters Learn To Deal With Drilling Emergencies
Assessing PGWs Liquid Natural Gas Future
Dominion Resources Playing Responsible Role In Drilling
Report Philly Should Consider Selling Gas Company
Company Files For Gas Drilling Permit In Bucks County
Gas Drilling Debate Returns To Bucks County
Shale Drillers Drinking From Slippery Rock Creek
Gas Wells With Smaller Footprint Get Greater Scrutiny
PennEnvironment Violations Report Half-Baked
Water Tanker Truck Lands In Creek In Monroe Twp
Industry Says Over 93230 New Hires As A Result Of Marcellus ShaleBCCC Begins Classes For Marcellus Shale Workers
Marcellus Gas Creates Demand For Cars
Ex-Drilling Exec Took Nearly $1 Million Or More
Op-Ed Gas Drillers New Wild West
Marcellus Gas Production Rises So Does Recycling
FinancialOther StatesNational
Drillers Cut Natural Gas Production As Prices Drop
Talisman Cutting Back Drilling Plans
Ultra Petroleum Reports 2011 Financial Operating Results
Gas Firms Drill Less As Prices Nose DiveObama Proposes $14 Million For Fracking Research
$67 Million Requested For Federal Pipeline Safety
FloodingWatershed NewsClips
Here are NewsClips on watershed topics from around the state--
Flooding
New Bank Coming To Flood-Ravaged Shickshinny
Other Watershed NewsClips
Mon River QUEST Wins Regional IMPACT AwardEPA Evaluates States Chesapeake Bay Plans
Shale Drillers Drinking From Slippery Rock Creek
Sewage Woes Close Lewisburg Area Park
$375000 To Aid Little Buck Run Restoration Effort
Loyalhanna Creek Sewage Overflow Problem Goes To State
Turbine Load To Hit The Road To Holtwood Dam
832019 Pa Environment Digest Feb 20 2012
httpslidepdfcomreaderfullpa-environment-digest-feb-20-2012 3134
Funding Sought For Restoration Of Speedwell Lake
Obama Cuts EPA Increases Chesapeake Bay Program
Chesapeake Bay Program Increased Under Obama Budget
EPA Budget Cut For States Superfund Cleanup
Editorial Delaware Dredging A Step Closer
Regulations Technical Guidance amp Permits
No new regulations were published this week Pennsylvania Bulletin - February 18 2012
Proposed Regulations Open For Comment - DEP webpage
Proposed Regulations With Closed Comment Periods - DEP webpage
DEP Regulatory Agenda - DEP webpage
Technical Guidance amp Permits
The Department of Environmental Protection published notice of bond rate calculations for mine
reclamation The Fish and Boat Commission published notice of nursery water designation for
the Shenango River Crawford County
DEP also published an update to the list of companies certified to perform radon-related
activities (PA Bulletin page 994)
Technical Guidance Comment Deadlines - DEP webpage
Copies Of Draft Technical Guidance - DEP webpage
Copies of Final Technical Guidance - DEP webpage
Calendar Of Events
Upcoming legislative meetings conferences workshops plus links to other online calendars
Meetings are in Harrisburg unless otherwise noted NEW means new from last week Go to the
online Calendar webpage
Click on Agenda Released on calendar entries to see the NEW meeting agendas published this
week
Note You can watch the hearings live through the Senate webpage and the House webpage or
on the PA Cable Network website
832019 Pa Environment Digest Feb 20 2012
httpslidepdfcomreaderfullpa-environment-digest-feb-20-2012 3234
February 21-- House Appropriations Committee budget hearings 930 - Global Economy
1100 - Independent Fiscal Office 130 - Department of Revenue Room 140
February 21-- CANCELED Environmental Quality Board meeting Next scheduled meeting is
March 20 ( formal notice )
February 21-- Agenda Released DEP Citizens Advisory Council meeting Room 105 Rachel
Carson Building 1130
February 22-- Senate Appropriations Committee budget hearings 930 - Department of
Environmental Protection 100 - Department of Transportation Hearing Room 1 North Office
February 23-- NEW House Democratic Policy Committee holds a hearing on Southeast PA oil
refinery closings National Constitution Center Philadelphia 1000
February 27-- House Appropriations Committee budget hearings 1000 - Public Utility
Commission 1100 - Office of Consumer Advocate Small Business Advocate Room 140
February 27-- NEW House Democratic Policy Committee holds a hearing on Marcellus Shale
air emissions Bryn Mawr Presbyterian Church Bryn Mawr 1000
February 28-- Senate Appropriations Committee budget hearings 100 - Department of
Agriculture Hearing Room 1 North Office
February 28-- House Appropriations Committee budget hearings 930 - Department of
Agriculture 1030 - Department of Conservation and Natural Resources Room 140
February 29-- Senate Appropriations Committee budget hearings 930 - PA Emergency
Management Agency Hearing Room 1 North Office
February 29-- House Game and Fisheries Committee informational meeting on Fish and Boat
Commissions Annual Report Room 39 East Wing 1000
February 29-- House Appropriations Committee budget hearings 930 - Department of
Transportation 300 - Department of Environmental Protection Room 140
March 1-- House Appropriations Committee budget hearings 1000 Department of Labor amp
Industry 100 - Department of Community and Economic Development Room 140
March 6-- House Appropriations Committee budget hearings 930 - State PoliceOffice of
Homeland Security 1100 - PA Emergency Management Agency 300 - Department of General
Services Room 140
March 6-- CANCELED DEP Storage Tank Advisory Committee meeting Next scheduled
meeting is June 5 ( formal notice )
832019 Pa Environment Digest Feb 20 2012
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March 7-- House Game and Fisheries Committee informational meeting on Game Commissions
Annual Report Room 39 East Wing 1000
March 8-- House Appropriations Committee budget hearings 1000 - Budget Secretary 100 -
House Member Testimony Room 140
March 14-- DEP Air Quality Technical Advisory Committee meeting Room 105 Rachel Carson
Building 915 ( formal notice )
March 26-- Environmental Issues Forum Joint Legislative Air and Water Pollution Control and
Conservation Committee featuring a presentation by DCNR Secretary Richard Allan (Location
to be determined) Noon
DEP Calendar of Events
Note The Environmental Education Workshop Calendar is no longer available from the PACenter for Environmental Education because funding for the Center was eliminated in the FY
2011-12 state budget The PCEE website was also shutdown but some content was moved to
the PA Association of Environmental Educators website
Senate Committee Schedule House Committee Schedule
You can watch the Senate Floor Session and House Floor Session live online
Stories Invited
Send your stories photos and videos about your project environmental issues or programs for
publication in the PA Environment Digest to DHessCrisciAssociatescom
PA Environment Digest is edited by David E Hess former Secretary Pennsylvania Department
of Environmental Protection and is published as a service to the clients of Crisci Associates a
Harrisburg-based government and public affairs firm whose clients include Fortune 500
companies and non-profit organizations For more information on Crisci Associates call
717-234-1716
PA Environment Digest weekly was the winner of the PA Association of Environmental
Educators 2009 Business Partner of the Year Award
Also sign up for these other services from Crisci Associates--
PA Environment Digest Twitter Feed On Twitter sign up to receive instant updates from
PAEnviroDigest
832019 Pa Environment Digest Feb 20 2012
httpslidepdfcomreaderfullpa-environment-digest-feb-20-2012 3434
PA Environment Daily Blog provides daily environmental NewsClips and significant stories
and announcements on environmental topics in Pennsylvania of immediate value Sign up and
receive as they are posted updates through your favorite RSS reader You can also sign up for a
once daily email alerting you to new items posted on this blog
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you to new items posted on this blog
PA Capitol Digest Dont forget to sign up to receive the PA Capitol Digest Twitter feed by
going to wwwTwittercomPaCapitolDigest or click on this link for the regular daily PA
Capitol Digest Blog to get other news from in and around the Pennsylvania State Capitol
Supporting Member PA Outdoor Writers AssnPA Trout Unlimited
PA Environment Digest is a supporting member of the Pennsylvania Outdoor Writers
Association Pennsylvania Council Trout Unlimited and the Doc Fritchey Chapter Trout
Unlimited
832019 Pa Environment Digest Feb 20 2012
httpslidepdfcomreaderfullpa-environment-digest-feb-20-2012 1134
Marcellus Shale House Bill 1950 (Ellis-R-Butler) imposing a Marcellus Shale drilling fee and
enacting a laundry list of additional environmental protection measures related to drilling was
signed into law by the Governor as Act 13
SenateHouse Bills Moving
The following bills of interest saw action this week in the House and Senate--
Senate
Nominations Gov Corbett this week re-nominated John Coleman as a Commissioner on the
Public Utility Commission
House
Conservation Easements House Bill 2059 (Miller-R-York) amending the Agricultural Area
Security Law to provide for the inspection of agricultural conservation easements on at least a
biennial basis (a summary and House Fiscal Note are available) and House Bill 2106 (Ross-R-
Chester) further providing for the relinquishment of the right to farmland preservation (a
summary and House Fiscal Note are available) were referred into and out of the House
Appropriations Committee and passed by the House The bills now go to the Senate for
consideration
Land Banks House Bill 1682 (Taylor-R-Philadelphia) providing for the creation of land banks
for the conversion of vacant properties into productive use was removed from the Table
amended on the House Floor and referred into and out of the House Appropriations Committeeand passed by the House A summary and House Fiscal Note are available The bill now goes to
the Senate for consideration
NewsClip Land Bank Bill Newest Anti-Blight Tool
Capital Budget Process House Bill 2175 (Turzai-R-Allegheny) making changes to Capital
Budget process and reducing the ability of state government to borrow and spend taxpayer
dollars was reported out of the House Finance Committee debated in the House and referred to
the House Appropriations Committee
NewsClip House Capital Budget Bill Debate Focuses On Jobs
Transportation Partnerships House Bill 3 (Geist-R-Blair) authorizing public-privatetransportation partnerships was amended on the House Floor and was referred to the House
Appropriations Committee
Recycling Requirement House Bill 1934 (FKeller-R-Snyder) excluding people residing in
federal or state facilities for determining when a municipality must recycle was reported out of
832019 Pa Environment Digest Feb 20 2012
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the House Environmental Resources and Energy Committee and is on the House Calendar for
action
News From The Capitol
House Committee Moves Capital Budget Reform Legislation
The House Finance Committee Monday reported out House Bill 2175 (Turzai-R-Allegheny)
making changes to Capital Budget process and reducing the ability of state government to
borrow and spend taxpayer dollars
ldquoThe balance on the statersquos credit card is too highrdquo Rep Kerry Benninghoff (R-Mifflin)
Majority Chair of the Committee said ldquoItrsquos time to pay down the debt and stop spending money
that taxpayers donrsquot haverdquo
House Bill 2175 would reduce the debt ceiling of the Commonwealthrsquos Redevelopment
Assistance Capital Project (RACP) a program created to fund economic development and
infrastructure projects using borrowed money
In 1999 the program had a debt ceiling of approximately $12 billion Since that time
approximately 8000 projects have been added to the programrsquos list and the debt ceiling was
raised to more than $4 billion
The program has come under recurring scrutiny after funding was used to help build
stadiums for professional sports teams and projects honoring former politicians Millions of
dollars were earmarked through the program to fund a library named after former US Senator
Arlen Specter and a public policy center named after former Congressman John Murtha
ldquoPeople are tired of seeing their hard-earned money used to pay for legacy projects for
politiciansrdquo Rep Benninghoff said ldquoThis program has gone far outside its original intent of
providing help with legitimate economic development projectsrdquo
The bill would reduce the RACP debt ceiling initially by a half-billion dollars to $35 billion and then continue to incrementally decrease the debt limit until it falls to $15 billion The
legislation also calls for stricter limits on the type of projects eligible to receive funding and
would increase oversight of the program
ldquoWe want to lower the credit limit on the statersquos credit cardrdquo Rep Benninghoff said
ldquoThis would reduce the ability of state government to spend money that taxpayers donrsquot haverdquo
House Bill 2175 now heads to the full House for consideration
NewsClips House Capital Budget Bill Debate Focuses On Jobs
Editorial Capital Budget Funds Must Be Kept Under Control
Report On Game Commission Strategic Plan Released By Joint Committee
The Joint Legislative Budget and Finance Committee this week released the fifth in a series of
progress reports on the Game Commissions compliance with its strategic plan A copy of the
report highlights and the full report are available online
News From Around The State
832019 Pa Environment Digest Feb 20 2012
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EPA States On Track To Meet Chesapeake Bay Cleanup Goals PA Plan Needs Work
Delaware Maryland Pennsylvania Virginia West Virginia and the District of Columbia are
generally on track to meet pollution reduction goals for the Chesapeake Bay and its rivers by
2025 according to the US Environmental Protection Agencyrsquos evaluations of the jurisdictions
cleanup plansThe six Bay states and the District of Columbia recently submitted their Phase II
Watershed Implementation Plans (WIPs) and their 2012-2013 pollution reduction milestones
These plans lay out how each jurisdiction will meet pollution reduction goals set by the EPA in
the Chesapeake Bay TMDL
Overall the jurisdictions built considerably upon their Phase I plans according to the
EPA The Phase II plans provide more specific cleanup strategies and detail restoration actions
on a local level
In a cover letter transmitting comments to the Department of Environmental Protection
on Pennsylvanias Plan EPA said greatly appreciate(s) the efforts of the Pennsylvania
Department of Environmental Protection and your partner agencies as well as stakeholder groups
in the development of these documents (WIP)The letter said EPAs primary concern is the WIP does not identify important next steps
to implement core initiatives of Pennsylvanias Phase I agriculture strategy such as supporting
manure to energy technologies and development of methods to defensibly track and report non-
cost-shared practices These strategies account for a sizable portion of the nutrient and sediment
reductions in the Plan
EPA also said it lacks assurance that Pennsylvania will be able to achieve the
reductions in stormwater loads identified in the WIP through methods such as reissuing the
PAG-13 General Permit for Municipal Separate Storm Sewer System permittees
A copy of the detailed comments is available online along with related comments related
documents Other state evaluations are also available EPA is still reviewing New Yorkrsquos planwhich was submitted after the deadline
The EPA said it will continue to work with the jurisdictions between now and March 30
when the final Phase II WIPs are due
CBF Funding Now Available For Farm Conservation Improvements In Northcentral PA
The Chesapeake Bay Foundation is pleased to announce funding is now available to farmers
interested in improving farm profitability and water quality through the installation of on-farm
conservation practices in Bradford Sullivan Susquehanna Tioga Wyoming and Lycoming
counties
The funding is being made available through CBFrsquos ldquoBuffer Bonusrdquo program incooperation with the Bradford County Conservation District The program has enabled current
and past participants to make onfarm improvements including rotational grazing practices such
as fencing watering systems and laneways
Other options include the installation of waste transfer lines for milk house waste and
silage leachate stabilization of access roads and the installation of roof gutters to include a few
ldquoThese conservation improvements are a win-win for both the farmer and local water
qualityrdquo said Jennifer Johns CBF Buffer Specialist in Bradford County ldquoWhile each project
832019 Pa Environment Digest Feb 20 2012
httpslidepdfcomreaderfullpa-environment-digest-feb-20-2012 1434
ultimately produces different results we find that creating healthier living conditions for the
livestock through the installation of conservation practices improves herd health and the farmerrsquos
bottom linerdquo
Another goal of this program is to provide at no cost to the farmer a new or updated
Conservation and Nutrient Management Plan By combining this plan with an engineerrsquos
evaluation of the farm which is also provided the plans are then considered a Comprehensive Nutrient Management Plan or a CNMP
Having a CNMP enables the farmer to apply for federal funding to assist with larger on-
farm improvements such as manure storage facilities and concrete barnyards
Farmers interested in participating in the Buffer Bonus program must be willing to install
a forested riparian streamside buffer through the USDArsquos Conservation Reserve Enhancement
Program (CREP) Those already enrolled in CREP with a contract date of April 1 2009 or later
may be eligible to enroll
This funding will not be available for long and farms will be served on a first come first
serve basis
For more information contact BradfordSullivan Counties Jennifer Johns
570-578-6900 TiogaLycoming Counties Steve Smith 570-578-7000 SusquehannaWyomingCounties Jeremy Wagner 570-278-1011 xt 107
Spring Creek Watershed Association Hosts Chesapeake Bay GIS Tool Workshop Feb 21
On February 21 the Spring Creek Watershed Association will host John Dawes Foundation for
PA Watersheds for a presentation about the Chesapeake Commons a web-based Geographic
Information Systems (GIS) and data management tool developed for the Chesapeake Bay
restoration effort
The presentation will be held from 800 am to 900 am at the Patton Township
Municipal Building near State College PaThere is also an option to hear the presentation through a webinar at the same time Click
Here for details
The Chesapeake Commons Tool is a free web-based Geographic Information Systems
(GIS) and data management tool available to all organizations working to restore the Chesapeake
Bay The Tool is designed to serve as a centralized knowledge base of data maps and articles
contributed by government nonprofits funders and citizen organizers
Policy makers will have a centralized pool of peer vetted information from which they
can make the best possible decisions in the context of the Bay restoration effort
Chesapeake Commons is a project developed and funded by the Chesapeake Bay Funders
Network with financial support from the John Heinz III Center for Science Economics and the
Environment
Town Meeting On Health Of The Wissahickon Creek March 29
On March 29 the Wissahickon Valley Watershed Association and the Springside Chestnut Hill
Academy with support from the Friends of the Wissahickon and Chestnut Hill College are
sponsoring a Town Meeting to inform the community about significant environmental challenges
to the Wissahickon Creek
832019 Pa Environment Digest Feb 20 2012
httpslidepdfcomreaderfullpa-environment-digest-feb-20-2012 1534
The meeting will be held on the Cherokee Campus of Springside Chestnut Hill Academy
8000 Cherokee Street Philadelphia and will begin at 7 pm doors will open at 630 pm and
light refreshments will be provided
A Creek in Crisis A Town Meeting on the Health of the Wissahickon Creek will
examine the numerous threats to the Wissahickon including diminishing water quantity
stormwater runoff impaired water quality and flooding that severely impact the health of theWissahickon Creek and its tributaries
The impact of the Wissahickon Creek on the lives of those living in the Wissahickon
Watershed is absolute Though the Wissahickon Creek has a humble beginning in the parking lot
at Montgomery Mall it continues through nine municipalities to the confluence of the Schuylkill
River in Philadelphia
It is a significant waterway providing approximately 10 percent of the drinking water to
Philadelphians as well as habitat for local wildlife and recreation and natural beauty for area
residents
Moderated by Patrick Starr Vice President of the PA Environmental Council Southeast
Regional Office the Town Meeting will feature a panel of environmental experts who will
examine the numerous threats to the WissahickonPanelists will be Carol R Collier Executive Director of the Delaware River Basin
Commission John K Jackson PhD Senior Research Scientist at the Stroud Water Research
Center and Chris Crockett Deputy Commissioner at the Philadelphia Water Department
More information will be posted on the Friends of the Wissahickon website
Conservation Reserve Program Training Courses Offered By Penn State Extension
Conservation professionals working across the Chesapeake Bay Watershed are invited to a
special training program on Conservation Reserve Planning for professionals on March 7 and 8
at the Lancaster County Farm and Home CenterA national team of facilitators will be conducting the Lancaster workshop including from
University of Wisconsin University of Minnesota Montana State University University of
Georgia and Penn State ndash along with experienced and skilled US Natural Resource
Conservation Service professionals
Also involved in the program are conservation partners who are in formal agreements
with NRCS to deliver the Conservation Reserve Enhancement Program to landowners for
example the Chesapeake Bay Foundation will also be on hand at the workshop to provide
additional training related to CREP
This training workshop is designed to create a group of skilled conservation professionals
working in partnership with farmers and landowners to develop quality CRP conservation plans
that result in measurable impacts on land and water resource managementWorkshop goals include
-- Understanding the purpose and intent of the Conservation Reserve Program (CRP)
-- Determining eligibility of lands for CRP
-- Knowing how to find information for CRP plans
-- Effectively working with a landowner in developing a CRP plan
-- Becoming familiar with regionally specific conservation practices
-- Understanding how to implement a CRP plan
832019 Pa Environment Digest Feb 20 2012
httpslidepdfcomreaderfullpa-environment-digest-feb-20-2012 1634
-- Working with NRCS and FSA to submit a quality CRP plan
The Conservation Reserve Program Readiness Initiative was created to help the Natural
Resources Conservation Service accomplish the work involved with managing CRP enrollments
CRP plan development and implementation and the follow up management of developed plans
A national team of Extension staff NRCS and FSA staff and representatives from NRCS
partner agencies and organizations has collaborated to develop a multi-faceted training programto meet the needs of the initiative
Click Here for the full schedule of workshops available
Latest Lessons From The Land Webinar Feb 21 On Managing Phosphorus
Penn State Extension and the Conewago Watershed Initiative will host a webcast on February 21
from noon to 100 pm on Measuring and Managing Phosphorus In Wet Pennsylvania
Landscapes part of the Lessons From The Land series
Dr Tony Buda USDA ARS and Dr Patrick Drohan Penn State Department of Crop
and Soil Science will present research conducted by PA USDA NRCS USDA-ARS and Penn
State to look at how saturated soils and soils with fragipans have contributed to higher runoffMatt Royer Director of the Lower Susquehanna Initiative Penn State AG amp
Environment Center will moderate
These wet landscapes are often critical sources of phosphorus that contribute to loads of
pollutants in streamsmdashand should be targeted for conservation practices
A pilot study undertaken within the Conewago Watershed serves as a proving ground for
the development of ldquonext generation nutrient management practicesrdquo necessary to reduce the
loads of phosphorus emanating from agricultural lands that contribute to the degradation of the
Chesapeake Bay Watershed
One Nutrient Management credit is available for eligible participants from the state
Department of Agriculture Those seeking credits will be required to sign-in during the webinar to verify their attendance
The program can be viewed online as a recording after the live broadcast Continuing ed
credits are not available for the recorded session
To join this webinar you will need a high speed Internet and can sign in on this
webpage at the webinars noon start time This program will be broadcasting live from the
Conewago Initiativersquos Project Advisory Team meeting at Penn Statersquos Harrisburg campus
Lake Management Annual Conference Set For March 7-8 In State College
The 22nd annual Pennsylvania Lake Management Society annual conference will once again be
at the Days Inn State College on March 7 and 8This years theme is Staying Blue by Going Green and our keynote speaker is Bill
Jones from Indiana School of Public and Environmental Affairs in Bloomington Indiana
As always the Conference will have a great line up of speakers It also offers aquatic
applicator credits for PA OH NY and NJ
Please check out the Conference webpage for more details or contact Kerilynn Frey by
sending email to palakeshotmailcom
832019 Pa Environment Digest Feb 20 2012
httpslidepdfcomreaderfullpa-environment-digest-feb-20-2012 1734
Penn State Extension How To Avoid Septic System Failures
Owning your own home is challenging enough what do you do when it comes with its own
sewage treatment plant This article provides some clues for owners of septic systems who want
to make them last a very long time
According to the US Environmental Protection Agency failure rates for on-lot sewagesystems across the country are reported at 10 percent annually In Pennsylvania approximately
12 million homes (one in three) use on-lot sewage systems for the treatment and disposal of
waste water
Responsibility for maintaining the system rests with the homeowner Proper maintenance
is a good idea since replacing it can cost thousands of dollars Proper maintenance also protects
groundwater that might be a source of drinking water
The most obvious on-lot sewage system failures are easy to spot Sewage backing up into
your home will typically command your immediate attention Raw sewage surfacing in your
yard in nearby ditches or on the neighborrsquos lawn is another clear indicator of failure Muddy
soil around the drain field or pooled water there or in your basement are other signs of serious
malfunction Notice whether your toilet or sink backs up when you flush or do laundry Stripsof bright green grass over the drainfield may be another indicator of problems A toilet running
sluggish or sewer odors in the house andor drinking water are signs of an on-lot system in
trouble
On-lot sewage systems also fail when partially treated wastewater comes into contact
with groundwater This type of failure is not easy to detect but it can result in the pollution of
wells nearby streams or other bodies of water Illness often to household visitors may be
another indicator of system failure that has affected your well and household drinking water
For those considering building a new home or replacing an existing septic system one of
the most critical factors in on-lot sewage system performance is the nature of the soils used for
the septic system soil absorption fieldYou can minimize failures by carefully and deliberately considering all aspects of on-lot
sewage system construction site selection design installation maintenance and use Hire
reputable individuals to design and install your system Also make sure the system is designed to
meet your present and future needs
You should contact your Township Sewage Enforcement Officer concerning permits
needed to install a new on-lot sewage system or repair a failing system
Once properly installed the key to preventing your on-lot system from failing is proper
maintenance Regularly pumping the tank being careful in what you put down the drains and
avoiding such things as planting trees over the field or covering the system with permanent
patios and home additions are important to keep the system running well
Water conservation in the home is also an excellent method of preventing future problems from occurring Divert downspouts and surface water away from the septic tank and
especially the drain field Do not physically damage the system by driving over the components
with heavy vehicles or by digging up the system for other utility lines etc Keep a record of the
location and dimensions of your system along with maintenance and repair information
Homeowners interested in finding out about the overall health of their on-lot sewage
system may want to consider having their septic systems inspected by a trained professional The
PA Septage Management Association in cooperation with the National Onsite Wastewater
832019 Pa Environment Digest Feb 20 2012
httpslidepdfcomreaderfullpa-environment-digest-feb-20-2012 1834
Education and Research Foundation has adopted uniform On-lot Wastewater Treatment
Inspection procedures
PSMA is a professional association of septage pumpers system installers maintenance
technicians real estate inspectors and industry affiliates PSMA Certified Inspectors which
includes many septic tank pumpers are trained to understand how on-lot systems work why they
fail and recognize impending malfunctionsSee the PSMA website for more details about PSMANOF inspections or call them at
717-763-7762
Many fact sheets about on-lot sewage systems are available from the Agricultural and
Biological Engineering department Topics include septic tank pumping percolation tests
elevated sand mounds inspections and alternative systems and pharmaceutical disposal
(Article reprinted from Penn State Extension Watershed Winds online newsletter)
Wissahickon Watershed Maple Sugaring Program Set For March 3
Ever wonder how maple syrup and sugar are made The Wissahickon Vally WatershedAssociation will offer a unique program on maple syrup on March 3 in Ambler Montgomery
County
The event offers a fun and informative event ideal for families Scout groups and anyone
curious about the maple sugar process
Choose a specific time as guides take small groups through the woods to see the tapped
trees and then watch it being boiled into sugar End your walk at WVWArsquos historic headquarters
for hot chocolate and warm treats with maple syrup
RSVP requested by sending email to infowvwaorg or call 215-646-8866 There is a
fee for the program WVWA member fee $5 per person $15 per family Non-WVWA member
fee $10 per person $20 per family or Become a WVWA member and be their guest for $45In Ambler and look for signage Walk over the Butler Avenue Bridge and turn left onto
the Green Ribbon Trail
KPB Greenways Mini-Grant Program Applications Due March 15
Keep Pennsylvania Beautiful is now accepting applications for their Greenways Mini-Grant
Program to provide community groups with project supplies for outdoor based work events
within a greenway enabling the renewal of Pennsylvaniarsquos Greenways in need into something
beautiful
The deadline for applications is March 15 and hard copies are required Grants will be
awarded on April 16Fifteen grant awardees along with their volunteers will be eligible for up to $500 in
project supplies and direct project costs for Prevent it Clean it and Keep it projects within a
Greenway
Pennsylvania and its partners are developing an outstanding network of greenways across
the Commonwealth creating an asset that will enhance the quality of life for all while connecting
open space natural landscape features scenic cultural historic and recreations sites and urban
and rural communities
832019 Pa Environment Digest Feb 20 2012
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A greenway is a linear corridor across the land that conserves natural areas and provides
people with recreation and transportation opportunities
As one of the Commonwealthrsquos most powerful tools to achieve sustainable growth and
livable communities greenways are ensuring future generations the opportunity to live amongst
the natural beauty of Pennrsquos Woods
This program is financed by a grant from the Community Conservation PartnershipProgram Environmental Stewardship Fund under the administration of the Department of
Conservation and Natural Resources Bureau of Recreation and Conservation
The Greenways Mini-Grant is available to any tax-exempt group within Pennsylvania
Private property owners or individual applicants cannot apply
Applications must meet the following requirements to be considered ndash it is within a
Greenway and is in at least one of the following categories Prevent it Clean it and Keep it (see
application for details) plus provide proof of liability insurance signed permission to enter from
the private property owner and 100 percent match of donated or in-kind services Selected
awardees must also agree to provide a final report with before during and after photos
ldquoWe are excited to collaborate with DCNR in offering Greenways Mini-Grants to
organizations working to build clean and beautiful communities across the staterdquo said ShannonReiter President of Keep Pennsylvania Beautiful ldquoGreenways are integral to healthy livable
communities and we are grateful to have the opportunity to empower Pennsylvania with the
tools and resources they need to enhance greenways in their communitiesrdquo
For more information visit the Greenways Mini-Grant Program webpage to download an
application Any additional questions can be answered by Susan Carmichael Greenways Mini-
Grant Program Coordinator at 1-877-772-3673 ext 102 or send email to
scarmichaelkeeppabeautifulorg
Pennsylvania Adds 1470 Acres Of Farmland To Preservation Program
Pennsylvania has added 1470 additional acres of land to its nationally recognized farmland
preservation program under action by the Pennsylvania Agricultural Land Preservation Board at
its meeting Thursday in Harrisburg
The 14 newly preserved farms are located in Beaver Berks Bucks Butler Cambria
Cumberland Juniata Lackawanna Lancaster Lebanon Northampton and Somerset counties
ldquoWersquove preserved nearly 15000 acres of farmland across the state in just the past year
alonerdquo said Agriculture Secretary George Greig ldquoThis speaks volumes to the value our farm
families place on ensuring the future viability of Pennsylvania agriculture ndash our statersquos number-
one industryrdquo
Since the program started in 1988 state county and local governments have invested
more than $11 billion to safeguard 459007 acres on 4243 farmsldquoOur producers know the importance of preserving farms so our next generation of
agriculturalists can keep Pennsylvania growing far into the future and I thank them for that
foresightrdquo Greig said
Pennsylvaniarsquos farmland preservation efforts work through the Pennsylvania Agricultural
Conservation Easement Purchase Program The program was developed to slow the loss of prime
farmland to non-agricultural uses It enables state county and local governments to purchase
conservation easements also called development rights from owners of quality farmland
832019 Pa Environment Digest Feb 20 2012
httpslidepdfcomreaderfullpa-environment-digest-feb-20-2012 2034
For more information visit Agricultures Farmland Preservation webpage
PUC Finalizes Implementation Plan For Pipeline Safety Act
The Public Utility Commission Thursday finalized an Order as the first step in implementing Act
127 the Gas and Hazardous Liquids Pipelines ActThe Commission voted 5-0 to finalize the Order which begins the process of creating a
statewide registry for non-public utility gas and hazardous liquids pipeline equipment and
facilities within the Commonwealth provides resources to conduct safety inspections to enforce
Federal pipeline safety laws on certain classifications of pipeline and assesses entities for the
costs
The Order established the following
-- The registration fee is $250
-- The 2012 registration deadline is March 16
-- Assessment invoices for the Commissionrsquos 2011-12 fiscal year will be mailed by March 30
and due by April 30 and
-- Assessment invoices for the Commissionrsquos 2012-13 fiscal year will be mailed in July 2012with payment due within 30 days
Final forms and other materials will be available on the Commissionrsquos website
Act 127 direct the PUC to develop a registry and conduct safety inspections of these lines
for ldquopipeline operatorsrdquo in the state The Commission also is to track the development of
pipelines in less populated areas which transport gas from non-conventional wells
Act 127 expands the Commissionrsquos authority to enforce the federal pipeline safety laws
as they relate to those pipelines and facilities Non-public utility gas and hazardous liquids
pipeline operators include several different categories of pipelines such as cooperatively owned
natural gas distribution systems non-utility natural gas transportation and gathering lines and
propane distribution pipeline systemsFor more information visit the PUCs Act 127 webpage
DEP Sets Feb 22 Meeting On Jefferson County Drilling Permit
The Department of Environmental Protection will host a public meeting on February 22 to
discuss Flatirons Resources LLCrsquos proposal to drill a Marcellus Shale well in Brockway
Jefferson County
The 6 pm meeting will be held at the Brockway Area JuniorSenior High School on
Alexander Street in Brockway
ldquoWe recognize that there are a lot of questions and that people want detailsrdquo DEP
Northwest Regional Director Kelly Burch said ldquoDEP staff will provide information about our role in the permitting process and address any questions and concerns the audience may have
about our oversight and environmental protectionrdquo
The horizontal well that Flatirons proposes to drill would be the second on this pad
which is on Brockway Borough Municipal Authority property in the Rattlesnake Creek
Watershed The first well was drilled in February 2011 and hydraulically fractured in November
2011
832019 Pa Environment Digest Feb 20 2012
httpslidepdfcomreaderfullpa-environment-digest-feb-20-2012 2134
After DEPrsquos presentation at the meeting company representatives will describe their
plans to drill the well if approved A question-and-answer session will follow
DEPrsquos decision to issue a well permit is based on the applicationrsquos technical merits and
whether the applicantrsquos drilling casing and cementing plan will protect water resources The
agency issued Flatirons a permit to drill a second well on the pad in December 2010 but it
expired a year later because the well was never drilled The permit application was resubmittedon December 27 2011
HACC Offers Free Environmental Technician Training At Midtown Campus
Training for emerging environmental jobs in the cleanup and reuse of brownfields will be offered
starting April 16 at the Midtown location of HACC Central Pennsylvaniarsquos Community College
Candidates for the federally funded program are displaced workers the unemployed or
underemployed as well as low-income or minority residents who live in the Harrisburg said
Cheryl Dietz HACC Workforce Training coordinator
Potential students can find out more by attending one of two upcoming information
sessions in Room 228 of Midtown 1 1500 N Fourth St The sessions will be held from 6-7 pmFebruary 29 and 11 am-noon March 3
HACC representatives will answer questions about the free job training program which
will consist of an eight-week 320-hour training cycle with classes meeting 8 am-3 pm April
16-June 8
To be eligible a candidate must have a general education diploma (GED) or high school
diploma test at a 10th-grade math and reading level have a valid driverrsquos license have access to
reliable transportation be drug free and demonstrate an interest in the environment
Successful graduates will receive certifications in all of the following Hazardous Waste
Operations and Emergency Response (HAZWOPER) confined space entrantattendant and
supervisor lead-based paint inspector and asbestos inspectorAdditional training will be offered in environmental site assessment air and water
quality and environmental remediation techniques
HACC is offering the training through a two-year $199890 grant awarded through the
federal Environmental Protection Agencyrsquos Brownfields Program
Two classes were held last year at HACC-Harrisburg Campus with 35 graduates Of this
number 26 have jobs (19 of them are in the environmental field) and four are continuing their
education A third class is under way in Lancaster As part of the grant HACC helps successful
graduates find environmental jobs and tracks those graduates for one year
A brownfield site is real property the expansion redevelopment or reuse of which may
be complicated by the presence or potential presence of a hazardous substance pollutant or
contaminant according to the EPAThe EPA estimates there are 180 brownfield sites in the Lancaster area and a combined
total of 120 brownfield sites in Harrisburg and Steelton
For more information or to register to attend an information session contact Cheryl
Deitz HACC Workforce Training coordinator at 221-1338 or send email to chdeitzhaccedu
PUC Chair Urges Utilities To Participate In Programs To Create Jobs For Returning
Troops
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Public Utility Commission Chairman Robert F Powelson Thursday urged the statersquos public
utilities to participate in several new programs proposed by Gov Tom Corbett and the Edison
Electric Institute to create jobs in the energy sector
The Chairman also noted that the time is right for job growth with the development of the
Marcellus Shale industry and electric competition across the stateldquoToday I encourage Pennsylvaniarsquos electric and natural gas utilities to learn from the
example set by EEI and participate in the Troops to Energy Jobs program as well as Governor
Corbettrsquos Jobs First PA initiative Chairman Powelson said in a statement at the PUCrsquos Public
Meeting In the days ahead the PUC will be coordinating with EEI and the Corbett
Administration to connect our energy companies with these innovative programsrdquo
The Chairman referenced Gov Corbetts annual budget address to the General Assembly
last week
ldquoIn his address the Governor recognized that the energy sector has enormous potential
for producing new jobs and putting the unemployed back to workrdquo Chairman Powelson said
ldquoIn announcing his new Jobs First program the Governor stated that lsquoas our energy sector
expands Pennsylvania needs a trained workforce ready to meet the demand for workersrsquordquoChairman Powelson said the EEI launched its Troops for Energy Jobs initiative which is
designed to accelerate the training and employability of veterans in key energy programs EEI is
currently piloting this program through five energy companies throughout the nation
For more information visit the Troops for Energy Jobs Initiative website
PA Chamber Environmental amp Energy Conference April 18 In Lancaster
The annual PA Chamber of Business and Industry Environmental and Energy Conference will be
held on April 18 at the Eden Resort Inn amp Suites in Lancaster
Major environmental regulatory areas continue to see numerous changes at the state andfederal level that impact business Thats why the Pennsylvania Chamber is offering four
learning tracks with answers you need on the latest environmental and energy issues-all in one
day
-- Compliance help from state and national top experts on the toughest environmental issues
-- Details on the latest regulatory changes and proposed changes
-- Proven strategies best practices and practical business tips to help you comply cost-effectively
in each area and
-- Advanced environmental roundtable
There will be two keynotes The Economic Benefits of Marcellus Shale and Natural Gas-
American Petroleum Institute Washington DC and Converting Trash into Renewable Energy-
National Solid Wastes Management Association Washington DCVisit with more than 50 exhibitors offering an exciting array of advanced technology
solutions and exhibitor educational sessions Access and network with more than 300 of your
peers from across the state
For more information and to register visit the Conference webpage or contact Sue Smith
at 717-720-5457 or send email to ssmithpachamberorg
Volunteers Needed To Plant 100 Acre Wind Break At Flight 93 Memorial In April
832019 Pa Environment Digest Feb 20 2012
httpslidepdfcomreaderfullpa-environment-digest-feb-20-2012 2334
The federal Office of Surface Mining Reclamation and Enforcement through their Appalachian
Regional Reforestation Initiative and the Department of Environmental Protection are working
with the National Park Service to plant a wind break at the Flight 93 Memorial in Somerset
County
Volunteers are needed to plant trees on April 20 21 27 and 28 Volunteers may sign upfor one day or multiple days
If you are interested in volunteering send a Volunteer Sign-Up Form and a Photo
Release Form and send to Leroy Renninger of the National Park Service by email
to Leroy_Renningernpsgov
State Fly Tying Champions Announced At Eastern Sports amp Outdoor Show
The Eastern Sports amp Outdoor Show Cumberland Valley Trout Unlimited Bass Pro Shops of
Harrisburg Mid Atlantic Fly Fishing Guide magazine and the Fish and Boat Commission
sponsored the Pennsylvania State Fly Tying Championship held on February 11 at the Eastern
Sports amp Outdoor Show at the State Farm Show Complex in HarrisburgThirteen contestants in three categories competed for money trophies and prizes in the
annual event to crown the best fly tyers in Pennsylvania
In the Open Division the winners are 1st Place - Andy Fresch Summerhill 2nd Place -
Ken Moser Severna Park MD 3rd Place - John Shosh Hamburg
The Amateur Division winners are 1st Place - Matthew Edinger Sharon Hill 2nd Place -
- Mike Marino Souderton and 3rd Place -- Elliott DeFrancesco Wilburton
The Youth Division winners are 1st Place - Gaeron Friedrichs Milford 2nd Place
Bobby Faust Dalmatia
The contestants at the final event were the top tiers selected from entries previously
submitted In order to qualify the entrants had to submit three flies from a list of flies for eachcategory
At the event each finalist was required to tie three flies over a two hour time period The
finalists knew ahead of time two of the flies that were to be tied and a third ldquomystery flyrdquo was
announced to them at the event
The championship will be held again at the 2013 Eastern Sports and Outdoor Show and
applications information and details will be posted at the Cumberland Valley Trout Unlimited or
Eastern Sports and Outdoor Show websites as they become available
PA State Parks Forest App Now Updated And Free
The Official Pennsylvania State Parks amp Forests App is now completely FREE This latestversion now on the market includes advanced interactive capabilities such as GPS trail mapping
the Friend Finder to keep track of your family and friends on the trail and more
Featured Update List Increased performance speed Multi-tasking Capability
GeoChallenge (GeocacheGeoQuest) Feature FREE enhanced GPS features
This new version increases performance speed and cuts activation time in half With the
new multi-tasking capability users gain enhanced user navigation The more adventurous
832019 Pa Environment Digest Feb 20 2012
httpslidepdfcomreaderfullpa-environment-digest-feb-20-2012 2434
outdoor enthusiasts will benefit from the recently added GeoChallenges that include geocache
and geoquest activities which will be updated regularly
The waypointphoto waypoint marking tools have been upgraded and there has been a
fine-tuning of the trail-tracking feature located on the side navigation bar of the free GPS
Mapping section Use the app to track record and share your explorations with others-all at no
chargeTry out the app and let the PA Parks amp Forests Foundation know what you think
Feature
Bald Eagle Pair Get Help With Home Improvement Project
While most people try to avoid home improvement projects in the winter a pair of bald eagles
got some much needed help recently from a team of Game Commission land managers with a
very important and timely renovation project
A sycamore tree on Haldeman Island has been used by at least three mated pairs as a
nesting site since 1989 The island is just upriver of the confluence of the Susquehanna and
Juniata rivers north of Harrisburg and the tree stands just across a pond from one of three
hacking towers the Game Commission used at two locations in its bald eagle recovery program
About two weeks ago one of the limbs supporting the nest collapsed under the weight of the
nest
On Friday Steve Bernardi Game Commission Land Management Group Supervisor for
Juniata Mifflin Perry and Snyder counties was joined by Terry Willow Game Lands
Maintenance Worker with the River Island Food and Cover Corps Crew and Scott Bills Land
Management Group Supervisor for Dauphin and Lebanon counties to construct a platform to
encourage the bald eagle pair to reuse this nest site
The three men measured and cut lumber used hammers and nails as well as screws anddrills to secure the lumber in place and then placed branches and sticks on the platform to
encourage the bald eagles ndash who were watching the activity while perched in nearby trees ndash to
begin rebuilding a nest
A pair built a nest in this tree in 1989 and had their first young in 1990 Bernardi said
A storm blew the original nest out of the tree in 1995 Scott Bills who was the Wildlife
Conservation Officer in Dauphin County at that time worked with a Food and Cover Corps crew
and PPL to erect the first platform similar to what we put in place on Friday
Adult bald eagles are preparing to nest and hopefully they will come back and reuse this
platform just like they did back in 1995
Haldeman Island played a key role in the recovery of bald eagles in Pennsylvania In the
1980s it was one of two locations used for reintroduction of eagles brought by the GameCommission from Canada in the early years of restoration of eagles to our state About 40
eaglets were released at the Haldeman Island tower overlooking the ponds on the north side of
the island by 1989
When the reintroduced birds successfully raised young at a nest on Haldeman in 1990
the whole state had only seven nesting pairs And there has been an active eagle nest in that spot
every year since except 2004 when the birds took a year off
832019 Pa Environment Digest Feb 20 2012
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While we dont know if the same pair have been active that whole time the same old
sycamore tree has been used during this period and that nest has produced more than 40 young
over this period said Dan Brauning Game Commission Wildlife Diversity Division chief
Since the site is well-protected on a Game Commission island with limited access this site has
particular value to us
Continued support for this nest will help sustain this historic location in the recovery of baldeagles in Pennsylvania
In 1983 the Game Commission began a seven-year bald eagle restoration program in
which the agency sent employees to Saskatchewan to obtain eaglets from wilderness nests The
Richard King Mellon Foundation of Pittsburgh and the federal Endangered Species Fund
provided financial assistance for this effort
In all 88 bald eaglets from Canada were released from sites at Dauphin Countys
Haldeman Island and Pike Countys Shohola Falls The resurgence of eagles in Pennsylvania is
directly related to this program which also was carried out in other states in the Northeast
When the restoration program began in 1983 only three Crawford County nests remained
in the state By 2006 the agency announced that the state had surpassed the 100 bald eagle nest
mark Just five years later in 2011 the number of known bald eagle nests had doubled to 203spread out over 50 counties
Residents aware of a bald eagle nest ndash which are among the largest nests of all birds ndash in
their area should consider reporting it to the Pennsylvania Game Commission The easiest way to
contact the agency by sending email to pgccommentspagov Use the words Eagle Nest
Information in the subject field
The Game Commission continues to further the publics understanding of bald eagles In
2010 a comprehensive Bald Eagle threatened species account and Bald Eagle Nest Etiquette
guide were added to the agencys website
In 2011 the agency launched its series of Eagle-watching in Pennsylvania guides that
will help direct those interested in viewing bald eagles in the wild on where to go how to getthere what to expect and other wildlife viewing opportunities available at each site
Currently posted are eagle-watching guides for Erie National Wildlife Refuge Crawford
County Conneaut Marsh Geneva Marsh State Game Land 213 Crawford County Raystown
Lake Huntingdon County State Game Land 180 Shohola Lake Pike County Middle Creek
Wildlife Management Area Lebanon and Lancaster counties Bald Eagle State Park Centre
County Glendale Lake Price Gallitzin State Park Cambria County John Heinz National
Wildlife Refuge Philadelphia and Delaware counties Lower Susquehanna River Lancaster and
York counties Moraine State Park Butler County Pine Creek Valley Lycoming and Tioga
counties Promised Land State Park Pike County Pymatuning Reservoir Crawford County and
the Upper Delaware River in Pike Wayne and Monroe counties
Game Commission Announces April 1 Deadline For Ads In Hunting-Trapping Digest
Game Commission Executive Director Carl G Roe Thursday announced Liberty Press
Publications publisher of the Pennsylvania Digest of Hunting amp Trapping Regulations has set
April 1 as the deadline for advertising copy in the 2012-13 Digest Click Here for details
For advertising information contact Liberty Press Publications toll-free at
1-800-296-6402
832019 Pa Environment Digest Feb 20 2012
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Opportunity To Bid On McKean County Abandoned Well Plugging Project
The Department of Environmental Protection published notice of an opportunity to bid on a
project to plug 24 abandoned oil wells in McKean County
Help Wanted Chesapeake Bay Foundation PA Grassroots Coordinator Field Specialist
The Chesapeake Bay Foundation is seeking a PA Grassroots Coordinator and a Field Specialist
to be based at their Pennsylvania State Office located in Harrisburg This position is a 2 year
term position with the possibility of extension Click Here for details
Help Wanted Conewago Creek Assistant Project Coordinator
Penn State Cooperative Extension on behalf of the Conewago Creek Initiative seeks an Assistant
Project Coordinator to be an integral part of a dynamic partnership team working together with
local state and federal partnersThe Assistant Project Coordinator will report to the Director of the Lower Susquehanna
Initiative who serves as the Project Coordinator for the Conewago Creek Initiative
The deadline for applications is March 1 Click Here for details
Help Wanted ALLARM Assistant Director Of Outreach Marcellus
The Alliance for Aquatic Resource Monitoring (ALLARM) is seeking candidate to fill a third
full time position to the organization-- Assistant Director of Outreach-- to assist with Marcellus
Monitoring program training community volunteers throughout the shale gas regions in
Pennsylvania to monitor small streams for early pollution detection Click Here for fullannouncement
Grants amp 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
February 23-- PA Pathways To Green Schools Nominations
February 24-- PA Trout In The Classroom Grants
February 29-- EPA Environmental Justice Small Grants
February 29-- Ben Franklin BIG IDEA Business Plan ContestFebruary 29-- PA American Water Stream of Learning Scholarships
February 29-- West Branch Susquehanna Orange Rock Awards
March 1-- Erie TreeVitalize Grants
March 2-- Coca-Cola Keep America Beautiful Recycling Bin Grants
March 2-- Conservation Innovation Grants Chesapeake Bay Nutrient Credit Grants
March 5-- TogetherGreen Fellowship and Innovation Grants
832019 Pa Environment Digest Feb 20 2012
httpslidepdfcomreaderfullpa-environment-digest-feb-20-2012 2734
March 5-- PECDominion Western PA Environmental Awards
March 10-- PA American Water Environmental Grants
March 15-- NEW Keep PA Beautiful Greenways Mini-Grants
March 23-- Water Resources Education Network Grants
March 30-- PA American Water Protect Our Watersheds Student Art Contest
March 31-- DEP Host Municipal Inspector GrantsApril 3-- West Penn Power Sustainable Energy Fund Grants Loans
April 4-- DCNR Community Conservation Partnership Grants
April 15-- Wild Resource Conservation Fund Income Tax Checkoff Deadline
March 1-- Keystone Historic Preservation Project and Construction Grants
August 1-- PA Snowmobile Assn Trail Improvement Grants
August 24-- Foundation for PA Watershed Grants
September 1-- Erie TreeVitalize Grants
October 31-- PA Resources Council Lens On Litter Contest
-- Visit the DEP Grants and Loan Programs webpage for more ideas on how to get financial
assistance for environmental projects
BudgetQuick Clips
Heres a selection of NewClips on environmental topics from around the state--
Budget
Corbett Signs Marcellus Shale Fee Into Law
Corbett Signs Shale Well Impact Fee Into Law
Corbett Approves Marcellus Shale Fee
Bradford Commissioner Foolish Not To Accept Drilling Fee MoneyWhats Next For PAs Impact Fee Bradford Against Fee
Bradford Commissioners Disagree On Drilling Fee
Washington County To Seek Marcellus Fees
Editorial Corbetts Gas Fee About To Evaporate
Robinson Twp To Contest New Marcellus Law
South Fayette Eyes Legal Action On Drilling Bill
Fish amp Boat Commission Grateful For Marcellus Fees
PUC Eyes Private Firm For Impact Fee Collection
PUC Chair Let Marcellus Play Come To Us
PUC Would Get Shale Role Under Drilling Bill
Editorial It Makes Sense For PUC To Deal With Drilling NE Counties To Raise Millions Or Nothing Under Drilling Fee
House Capital Budget Bill Debate Focuses On Jobs
House GOP Marcellus Bill A Win For Jobs
Norquists No-Tax Pledge Cant Give Drill Fee The Ax
PA Natural Gas Levy Became Inevitable
Bradford Commissioners Disagree On Drilling Fee
832019 Pa Environment Digest Feb 20 2012
httpslidepdfcomreaderfullpa-environment-digest-feb-20-2012 2834
Vertical Exploratory Wells Wont Be Hit With Drilling Fee
Impact Fee Bill Addresses Housing Needs
Op-Ed Natural Gas Fee May Be Too Late
Editorial Marcellus Fee A Tax Stupid
Editorial Shale Drillers Got The Better Part Of Deal
Corbett Raiding Special FundsCan Pennsylvanians Survive Under Another Corbett Budget
As Roads Bridges Deteriorate Governor Silent
Analysis Taking Baby Steps On Fixing Roads Bridges
Editorial Must A Bridge Fall Down
House Capital Budget Bill Debate Focuses On Jobs
Editorial Capital Budget Funds Must Be Kept Under Control
Obama Cuts EPA Increases Chesapeake Bay Program
Chesapeake Bay Program Increased Under Obama Budget
EPA Budget Cut For States Superfund Cleanup
Obama Proposes $14 Million For Fracking Research
$67 Million Requested For Federal Pipeline SafetyDCNR Secretary Says Report On Wildlife Research Not Accurate
Other
Electronics Recycling Date Set At Greensburg Mall
Hershey Plants Achieve Zero Waste Status
RecycleBank Named On Of Worlds Most Innovative Companies
Editorial Fine Litterers No Ifs Or Butts
Corbett Signs 3 Energy Sector Bills
Op-Ed Anti-Coal Agenda Is Detrimental To PA
Op-Ed Global Warming As Fact Not Hypothesis
Op-Ed Climate Change Education Is NecessaryHomer City Power Plant Still To Dirty Groups Claim
DEP Sets March 14 Public Hearing On Homer City Power Plant
Concerns Voiced Over PPL Lines
Consumer Alert Electricity Price Discounts Heat Up
Turbine Load To Hit The Road To Holtwood Dam
PPL Plans $664 Million In Electric Delivery System Improvements
Exelon Gives Dauphin County $110000 For Emergency Response
Groups Ask For Expansion Of Nuclear Plant Evacuation Zone
Feds Give PPL Reactor Low Grade
Allentown Council Rejects Waste-To-Energy Sewage Plant
GE Invests In Cleaner Evolution LocomotiveDEP Hopeful Buyer Will Emerge For ConocoPhillips Refinery
DEP Renews ConocoPhillips Trainer Refinery Discharge Permit
100 Sunoco Workers In PA Get Layoff Notices
Meehan PA Refinery Closures Threat To National Security
Refinery Closings Could Affect 15000 Jobs Study Says
Gasoline Could Reach $5 By July 4
$4 A Gallon Gasoline By Memorial Day
832019 Pa Environment Digest Feb 20 2012
httpslidepdfcomreaderfullpa-environment-digest-feb-20-2012 2934
Gasoline Prices Have Never Been This High This Early
Electric Bicycle Waiver Sought
Land Bank Bill Newest Anti-Blight Tool
Game Commission Prepares For Controlled Burn On Centre County
2012 Great Backyard Bird Count Begins Friday
Birders-Eye View Of Conservation In PhiladelphiaState Could Take Over Refurbished Point State Park
New Ohiopyle Visitors Center Project To Be Bid This Spring
Winterfest At Ohiopyle No Snow Still A Go
Protecting Landscapes Changing Face Of Conservation
Marcellus Shale NewsClips
Here are NewsClips on topics related to Marcellus Shale natural gas drilling---
Corbett Signs Marcellus Shale Fee Into Law
Corbett Signs Shale Well Impact Fee Into Law
Corbett Approves Marcellus Shale Fee
Bradford Commissioner Foolish Not To Accept Drilling Fee Money
Whats Next For PAs Impact Fee Bradford Against Fee
Bradford Commissioners Disagree On Drilling Fee
Washington County To Seek Marcellus Fees
Editorial Corbetts Gas Fee About To Evaporate
Robinson Twp To Contest New Marcellus Law
South Fayette Eyes Legal Action On Drilling Bill
Fish amp Boat Commission Grateful For Marcellus Fees
PUC Eyes Private Firm For Impact Fee CollectionPUC Chair Let Marcellus Play Come To Us
PUC Would Get Shale Role Under Drilling Bill
Editorial It Makes Sense For PUC To Deal With Drilling
Corbett Raiding Special Funds
NE Counties To Raise Millions Or Nothing Under Drilling Fee
House GOP Marcellus Bill A Win For Jobs
Norquists No-Tax Pledge Cant Give Drill Fee The Ax
PA Natural Gas Levy Became Inevitable
Wayne County Landowners Push For Drilling
Vertical Exploratory Wells Wont Be Hit With Drilling Fee
Impact Fee Bill Addresses Housing NeedsDrilling Bill Authors Health Experts Fears Unfounded
Health Officials Drilling Law Disclosure Rules Lax
Op-Ed Natural Gas Fee May Be Too Late
Editorial Marcellus Fee A Tax Stupid
Editorial Shale Drillers Got The Better Part Of Deal
Delaware Riverkeeper Reports Settlement Over Gas Well
832019 Pa Environment Digest Feb 20 2012
httpslidepdfcomreaderfullpa-environment-digest-feb-20-2012 3034
EPA Probing Washington County Shale Operations
Marcellus Boom Has Pressed Law Firms To Boost Their Staffs
25 More State Troopers In NE Shale Region
Recorders Of Deeds May Not Reject Multiple Gas Leases
Rural Loophole Curbing PA Pipeline Inspections
Pipeline Tested Ahead Of Tie-In To Shale WellsFirefighters Learn To Deal With Drilling Emergencies
Assessing PGWs Liquid Natural Gas Future
Dominion Resources Playing Responsible Role In Drilling
Report Philly Should Consider Selling Gas Company
Company Files For Gas Drilling Permit In Bucks County
Gas Drilling Debate Returns To Bucks County
Shale Drillers Drinking From Slippery Rock Creek
Gas Wells With Smaller Footprint Get Greater Scrutiny
PennEnvironment Violations Report Half-Baked
Water Tanker Truck Lands In Creek In Monroe Twp
Industry Says Over 93230 New Hires As A Result Of Marcellus ShaleBCCC Begins Classes For Marcellus Shale Workers
Marcellus Gas Creates Demand For Cars
Ex-Drilling Exec Took Nearly $1 Million Or More
Op-Ed Gas Drillers New Wild West
Marcellus Gas Production Rises So Does Recycling
FinancialOther StatesNational
Drillers Cut Natural Gas Production As Prices Drop
Talisman Cutting Back Drilling Plans
Ultra Petroleum Reports 2011 Financial Operating Results
Gas Firms Drill Less As Prices Nose DiveObama Proposes $14 Million For Fracking Research
$67 Million Requested For Federal Pipeline Safety
FloodingWatershed NewsClips
Here are NewsClips on watershed topics from around the state--
Flooding
New Bank Coming To Flood-Ravaged Shickshinny
Other Watershed NewsClips
Mon River QUEST Wins Regional IMPACT AwardEPA Evaluates States Chesapeake Bay Plans
Shale Drillers Drinking From Slippery Rock Creek
Sewage Woes Close Lewisburg Area Park
$375000 To Aid Little Buck Run Restoration Effort
Loyalhanna Creek Sewage Overflow Problem Goes To State
Turbine Load To Hit The Road To Holtwood Dam
832019 Pa Environment Digest Feb 20 2012
httpslidepdfcomreaderfullpa-environment-digest-feb-20-2012 3134
Funding Sought For Restoration Of Speedwell Lake
Obama Cuts EPA Increases Chesapeake Bay Program
Chesapeake Bay Program Increased Under Obama Budget
EPA Budget Cut For States Superfund Cleanup
Editorial Delaware Dredging A Step Closer
Regulations Technical Guidance amp Permits
No new regulations were published this week Pennsylvania Bulletin - February 18 2012
Proposed Regulations Open For Comment - DEP webpage
Proposed Regulations With Closed Comment Periods - DEP webpage
DEP Regulatory Agenda - DEP webpage
Technical Guidance amp Permits
The Department of Environmental Protection published notice of bond rate calculations for mine
reclamation The Fish and Boat Commission published notice of nursery water designation for
the Shenango River Crawford County
DEP also published an update to the list of companies certified to perform radon-related
activities (PA Bulletin page 994)
Technical Guidance Comment Deadlines - DEP webpage
Copies Of Draft Technical Guidance - DEP webpage
Copies of Final Technical Guidance - DEP webpage
Calendar Of Events
Upcoming legislative meetings conferences workshops plus links to other online calendars
Meetings are in Harrisburg unless otherwise noted NEW means new from last week Go to the
online Calendar webpage
Click on Agenda Released on calendar entries to see the NEW meeting agendas published this
week
Note You can watch the hearings live through the Senate webpage and the House webpage or
on the PA Cable Network website
832019 Pa Environment Digest Feb 20 2012
httpslidepdfcomreaderfullpa-environment-digest-feb-20-2012 3234
February 21-- House Appropriations Committee budget hearings 930 - Global Economy
1100 - Independent Fiscal Office 130 - Department of Revenue Room 140
February 21-- CANCELED Environmental Quality Board meeting Next scheduled meeting is
March 20 ( formal notice )
February 21-- Agenda Released DEP Citizens Advisory Council meeting Room 105 Rachel
Carson Building 1130
February 22-- Senate Appropriations Committee budget hearings 930 - Department of
Environmental Protection 100 - Department of Transportation Hearing Room 1 North Office
February 23-- NEW House Democratic Policy Committee holds a hearing on Southeast PA oil
refinery closings National Constitution Center Philadelphia 1000
February 27-- House Appropriations Committee budget hearings 1000 - Public Utility
Commission 1100 - Office of Consumer Advocate Small Business Advocate Room 140
February 27-- NEW House Democratic Policy Committee holds a hearing on Marcellus Shale
air emissions Bryn Mawr Presbyterian Church Bryn Mawr 1000
February 28-- Senate Appropriations Committee budget hearings 100 - Department of
Agriculture Hearing Room 1 North Office
February 28-- House Appropriations Committee budget hearings 930 - Department of
Agriculture 1030 - Department of Conservation and Natural Resources Room 140
February 29-- Senate Appropriations Committee budget hearings 930 - PA Emergency
Management Agency Hearing Room 1 North Office
February 29-- House Game and Fisheries Committee informational meeting on Fish and Boat
Commissions Annual Report Room 39 East Wing 1000
February 29-- House Appropriations Committee budget hearings 930 - Department of
Transportation 300 - Department of Environmental Protection Room 140
March 1-- House Appropriations Committee budget hearings 1000 Department of Labor amp
Industry 100 - Department of Community and Economic Development Room 140
March 6-- House Appropriations Committee budget hearings 930 - State PoliceOffice of
Homeland Security 1100 - PA Emergency Management Agency 300 - Department of General
Services Room 140
March 6-- CANCELED DEP Storage Tank Advisory Committee meeting Next scheduled
meeting is June 5 ( formal notice )
832019 Pa Environment Digest Feb 20 2012
httpslidepdfcomreaderfullpa-environment-digest-feb-20-2012 3334
March 7-- House Game and Fisheries Committee informational meeting on Game Commissions
Annual Report Room 39 East Wing 1000
March 8-- House Appropriations Committee budget hearings 1000 - Budget Secretary 100 -
House Member Testimony Room 140
March 14-- DEP Air Quality Technical Advisory Committee meeting Room 105 Rachel Carson
Building 915 ( formal notice )
March 26-- Environmental Issues Forum Joint Legislative Air and Water Pollution Control and
Conservation Committee featuring a presentation by DCNR Secretary Richard Allan (Location
to be determined) Noon
DEP Calendar of Events
Note The Environmental Education Workshop Calendar is no longer available from the PACenter for Environmental Education because funding for the Center was eliminated in the FY
2011-12 state budget The PCEE website was also shutdown but some content was moved to
the PA Association of Environmental Educators website
Senate Committee Schedule House Committee Schedule
You can watch the Senate Floor Session and House Floor Session live online
Stories Invited
Send your stories photos and videos about your project environmental issues or programs for
publication in the PA Environment Digest to DHessCrisciAssociatescom
PA Environment Digest is edited by David E Hess former Secretary Pennsylvania Department
of Environmental Protection and is published as a service to the clients of Crisci Associates a
Harrisburg-based government and public affairs firm whose clients include Fortune 500
companies and non-profit organizations For more information on Crisci Associates call
717-234-1716
PA Environment Digest weekly was the winner of the PA Association of Environmental
Educators 2009 Business Partner of the Year Award
Also sign up for these other services from Crisci Associates--
PA Environment Digest Twitter Feed On Twitter sign up to receive instant updates from
PAEnviroDigest
832019 Pa Environment Digest Feb 20 2012
httpslidepdfcomreaderfullpa-environment-digest-feb-20-2012 3434
PA Environment Daily Blog provides daily environmental NewsClips and significant stories
and announcements on environmental topics in Pennsylvania of immediate value Sign up and
receive as they are posted updates through your favorite RSS reader You can also sign up for a
once daily email alerting you to new items posted on this blog
PA Environment Digest Video Blog showcases original and published videos fromenvironmental groups and agencies around the state Sign up to receive as they are posted
updates through your favorite RSS read You can also sign up for a once daily email alerting
you to new items posted on this blog
PA Capitol Digest Dont forget to sign up to receive the PA Capitol Digest Twitter feed by
going to wwwTwittercomPaCapitolDigest or click on this link for the regular daily PA
Capitol Digest Blog to get other news from in and around the Pennsylvania State Capitol
Supporting Member PA Outdoor Writers AssnPA Trout Unlimited
PA Environment Digest is a supporting member of the Pennsylvania Outdoor Writers
Association Pennsylvania Council Trout Unlimited and the Doc Fritchey Chapter Trout
Unlimited
832019 Pa Environment Digest Feb 20 2012
httpslidepdfcomreaderfullpa-environment-digest-feb-20-2012 1234
the House Environmental Resources and Energy Committee and is on the House Calendar for
action
News From The Capitol
House Committee Moves Capital Budget Reform Legislation
The House Finance Committee Monday reported out House Bill 2175 (Turzai-R-Allegheny)
making changes to Capital Budget process and reducing the ability of state government to
borrow and spend taxpayer dollars
ldquoThe balance on the statersquos credit card is too highrdquo Rep Kerry Benninghoff (R-Mifflin)
Majority Chair of the Committee said ldquoItrsquos time to pay down the debt and stop spending money
that taxpayers donrsquot haverdquo
House Bill 2175 would reduce the debt ceiling of the Commonwealthrsquos Redevelopment
Assistance Capital Project (RACP) a program created to fund economic development and
infrastructure projects using borrowed money
In 1999 the program had a debt ceiling of approximately $12 billion Since that time
approximately 8000 projects have been added to the programrsquos list and the debt ceiling was
raised to more than $4 billion
The program has come under recurring scrutiny after funding was used to help build
stadiums for professional sports teams and projects honoring former politicians Millions of
dollars were earmarked through the program to fund a library named after former US Senator
Arlen Specter and a public policy center named after former Congressman John Murtha
ldquoPeople are tired of seeing their hard-earned money used to pay for legacy projects for
politiciansrdquo Rep Benninghoff said ldquoThis program has gone far outside its original intent of
providing help with legitimate economic development projectsrdquo
The bill would reduce the RACP debt ceiling initially by a half-billion dollars to $35 billion and then continue to incrementally decrease the debt limit until it falls to $15 billion The
legislation also calls for stricter limits on the type of projects eligible to receive funding and
would increase oversight of the program
ldquoWe want to lower the credit limit on the statersquos credit cardrdquo Rep Benninghoff said
ldquoThis would reduce the ability of state government to spend money that taxpayers donrsquot haverdquo
House Bill 2175 now heads to the full House for consideration
NewsClips House Capital Budget Bill Debate Focuses On Jobs
Editorial Capital Budget Funds Must Be Kept Under Control
Report On Game Commission Strategic Plan Released By Joint Committee
The Joint Legislative Budget and Finance Committee this week released the fifth in a series of
progress reports on the Game Commissions compliance with its strategic plan A copy of the
report highlights and the full report are available online
News From Around The State
832019 Pa Environment Digest Feb 20 2012
httpslidepdfcomreaderfullpa-environment-digest-feb-20-2012 1334
EPA States On Track To Meet Chesapeake Bay Cleanup Goals PA Plan Needs Work
Delaware Maryland Pennsylvania Virginia West Virginia and the District of Columbia are
generally on track to meet pollution reduction goals for the Chesapeake Bay and its rivers by
2025 according to the US Environmental Protection Agencyrsquos evaluations of the jurisdictions
cleanup plansThe six Bay states and the District of Columbia recently submitted their Phase II
Watershed Implementation Plans (WIPs) and their 2012-2013 pollution reduction milestones
These plans lay out how each jurisdiction will meet pollution reduction goals set by the EPA in
the Chesapeake Bay TMDL
Overall the jurisdictions built considerably upon their Phase I plans according to the
EPA The Phase II plans provide more specific cleanup strategies and detail restoration actions
on a local level
In a cover letter transmitting comments to the Department of Environmental Protection
on Pennsylvanias Plan EPA said greatly appreciate(s) the efforts of the Pennsylvania
Department of Environmental Protection and your partner agencies as well as stakeholder groups
in the development of these documents (WIP)The letter said EPAs primary concern is the WIP does not identify important next steps
to implement core initiatives of Pennsylvanias Phase I agriculture strategy such as supporting
manure to energy technologies and development of methods to defensibly track and report non-
cost-shared practices These strategies account for a sizable portion of the nutrient and sediment
reductions in the Plan
EPA also said it lacks assurance that Pennsylvania will be able to achieve the
reductions in stormwater loads identified in the WIP through methods such as reissuing the
PAG-13 General Permit for Municipal Separate Storm Sewer System permittees
A copy of the detailed comments is available online along with related comments related
documents Other state evaluations are also available EPA is still reviewing New Yorkrsquos planwhich was submitted after the deadline
The EPA said it will continue to work with the jurisdictions between now and March 30
when the final Phase II WIPs are due
CBF Funding Now Available For Farm Conservation Improvements In Northcentral PA
The Chesapeake Bay Foundation is pleased to announce funding is now available to farmers
interested in improving farm profitability and water quality through the installation of on-farm
conservation practices in Bradford Sullivan Susquehanna Tioga Wyoming and Lycoming
counties
The funding is being made available through CBFrsquos ldquoBuffer Bonusrdquo program incooperation with the Bradford County Conservation District The program has enabled current
and past participants to make onfarm improvements including rotational grazing practices such
as fencing watering systems and laneways
Other options include the installation of waste transfer lines for milk house waste and
silage leachate stabilization of access roads and the installation of roof gutters to include a few
ldquoThese conservation improvements are a win-win for both the farmer and local water
qualityrdquo said Jennifer Johns CBF Buffer Specialist in Bradford County ldquoWhile each project
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ultimately produces different results we find that creating healthier living conditions for the
livestock through the installation of conservation practices improves herd health and the farmerrsquos
bottom linerdquo
Another goal of this program is to provide at no cost to the farmer a new or updated
Conservation and Nutrient Management Plan By combining this plan with an engineerrsquos
evaluation of the farm which is also provided the plans are then considered a Comprehensive Nutrient Management Plan or a CNMP
Having a CNMP enables the farmer to apply for federal funding to assist with larger on-
farm improvements such as manure storage facilities and concrete barnyards
Farmers interested in participating in the Buffer Bonus program must be willing to install
a forested riparian streamside buffer through the USDArsquos Conservation Reserve Enhancement
Program (CREP) Those already enrolled in CREP with a contract date of April 1 2009 or later
may be eligible to enroll
This funding will not be available for long and farms will be served on a first come first
serve basis
For more information contact BradfordSullivan Counties Jennifer Johns
570-578-6900 TiogaLycoming Counties Steve Smith 570-578-7000 SusquehannaWyomingCounties Jeremy Wagner 570-278-1011 xt 107
Spring Creek Watershed Association Hosts Chesapeake Bay GIS Tool Workshop Feb 21
On February 21 the Spring Creek Watershed Association will host John Dawes Foundation for
PA Watersheds for a presentation about the Chesapeake Commons a web-based Geographic
Information Systems (GIS) and data management tool developed for the Chesapeake Bay
restoration effort
The presentation will be held from 800 am to 900 am at the Patton Township
Municipal Building near State College PaThere is also an option to hear the presentation through a webinar at the same time Click
Here for details
The Chesapeake Commons Tool is a free web-based Geographic Information Systems
(GIS) and data management tool available to all organizations working to restore the Chesapeake
Bay The Tool is designed to serve as a centralized knowledge base of data maps and articles
contributed by government nonprofits funders and citizen organizers
Policy makers will have a centralized pool of peer vetted information from which they
can make the best possible decisions in the context of the Bay restoration effort
Chesapeake Commons is a project developed and funded by the Chesapeake Bay Funders
Network with financial support from the John Heinz III Center for Science Economics and the
Environment
Town Meeting On Health Of The Wissahickon Creek March 29
On March 29 the Wissahickon Valley Watershed Association and the Springside Chestnut Hill
Academy with support from the Friends of the Wissahickon and Chestnut Hill College are
sponsoring a Town Meeting to inform the community about significant environmental challenges
to the Wissahickon Creek
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The meeting will be held on the Cherokee Campus of Springside Chestnut Hill Academy
8000 Cherokee Street Philadelphia and will begin at 7 pm doors will open at 630 pm and
light refreshments will be provided
A Creek in Crisis A Town Meeting on the Health of the Wissahickon Creek will
examine the numerous threats to the Wissahickon including diminishing water quantity
stormwater runoff impaired water quality and flooding that severely impact the health of theWissahickon Creek and its tributaries
The impact of the Wissahickon Creek on the lives of those living in the Wissahickon
Watershed is absolute Though the Wissahickon Creek has a humble beginning in the parking lot
at Montgomery Mall it continues through nine municipalities to the confluence of the Schuylkill
River in Philadelphia
It is a significant waterway providing approximately 10 percent of the drinking water to
Philadelphians as well as habitat for local wildlife and recreation and natural beauty for area
residents
Moderated by Patrick Starr Vice President of the PA Environmental Council Southeast
Regional Office the Town Meeting will feature a panel of environmental experts who will
examine the numerous threats to the WissahickonPanelists will be Carol R Collier Executive Director of the Delaware River Basin
Commission John K Jackson PhD Senior Research Scientist at the Stroud Water Research
Center and Chris Crockett Deputy Commissioner at the Philadelphia Water Department
More information will be posted on the Friends of the Wissahickon website
Conservation Reserve Program Training Courses Offered By Penn State Extension
Conservation professionals working across the Chesapeake Bay Watershed are invited to a
special training program on Conservation Reserve Planning for professionals on March 7 and 8
at the Lancaster County Farm and Home CenterA national team of facilitators will be conducting the Lancaster workshop including from
University of Wisconsin University of Minnesota Montana State University University of
Georgia and Penn State ndash along with experienced and skilled US Natural Resource
Conservation Service professionals
Also involved in the program are conservation partners who are in formal agreements
with NRCS to deliver the Conservation Reserve Enhancement Program to landowners for
example the Chesapeake Bay Foundation will also be on hand at the workshop to provide
additional training related to CREP
This training workshop is designed to create a group of skilled conservation professionals
working in partnership with farmers and landowners to develop quality CRP conservation plans
that result in measurable impacts on land and water resource managementWorkshop goals include
-- Understanding the purpose and intent of the Conservation Reserve Program (CRP)
-- Determining eligibility of lands for CRP
-- Knowing how to find information for CRP plans
-- Effectively working with a landowner in developing a CRP plan
-- Becoming familiar with regionally specific conservation practices
-- Understanding how to implement a CRP plan
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-- Working with NRCS and FSA to submit a quality CRP plan
The Conservation Reserve Program Readiness Initiative was created to help the Natural
Resources Conservation Service accomplish the work involved with managing CRP enrollments
CRP plan development and implementation and the follow up management of developed plans
A national team of Extension staff NRCS and FSA staff and representatives from NRCS
partner agencies and organizations has collaborated to develop a multi-faceted training programto meet the needs of the initiative
Click Here for the full schedule of workshops available
Latest Lessons From The Land Webinar Feb 21 On Managing Phosphorus
Penn State Extension and the Conewago Watershed Initiative will host a webcast on February 21
from noon to 100 pm on Measuring and Managing Phosphorus In Wet Pennsylvania
Landscapes part of the Lessons From The Land series
Dr Tony Buda USDA ARS and Dr Patrick Drohan Penn State Department of Crop
and Soil Science will present research conducted by PA USDA NRCS USDA-ARS and Penn
State to look at how saturated soils and soils with fragipans have contributed to higher runoffMatt Royer Director of the Lower Susquehanna Initiative Penn State AG amp
Environment Center will moderate
These wet landscapes are often critical sources of phosphorus that contribute to loads of
pollutants in streamsmdashand should be targeted for conservation practices
A pilot study undertaken within the Conewago Watershed serves as a proving ground for
the development of ldquonext generation nutrient management practicesrdquo necessary to reduce the
loads of phosphorus emanating from agricultural lands that contribute to the degradation of the
Chesapeake Bay Watershed
One Nutrient Management credit is available for eligible participants from the state
Department of Agriculture Those seeking credits will be required to sign-in during the webinar to verify their attendance
The program can be viewed online as a recording after the live broadcast Continuing ed
credits are not available for the recorded session
To join this webinar you will need a high speed Internet and can sign in on this
webpage at the webinars noon start time This program will be broadcasting live from the
Conewago Initiativersquos Project Advisory Team meeting at Penn Statersquos Harrisburg campus
Lake Management Annual Conference Set For March 7-8 In State College
The 22nd annual Pennsylvania Lake Management Society annual conference will once again be
at the Days Inn State College on March 7 and 8This years theme is Staying Blue by Going Green and our keynote speaker is Bill
Jones from Indiana School of Public and Environmental Affairs in Bloomington Indiana
As always the Conference will have a great line up of speakers It also offers aquatic
applicator credits for PA OH NY and NJ
Please check out the Conference webpage for more details or contact Kerilynn Frey by
sending email to palakeshotmailcom
832019 Pa Environment Digest Feb 20 2012
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Penn State Extension How To Avoid Septic System Failures
Owning your own home is challenging enough what do you do when it comes with its own
sewage treatment plant This article provides some clues for owners of septic systems who want
to make them last a very long time
According to the US Environmental Protection Agency failure rates for on-lot sewagesystems across the country are reported at 10 percent annually In Pennsylvania approximately
12 million homes (one in three) use on-lot sewage systems for the treatment and disposal of
waste water
Responsibility for maintaining the system rests with the homeowner Proper maintenance
is a good idea since replacing it can cost thousands of dollars Proper maintenance also protects
groundwater that might be a source of drinking water
The most obvious on-lot sewage system failures are easy to spot Sewage backing up into
your home will typically command your immediate attention Raw sewage surfacing in your
yard in nearby ditches or on the neighborrsquos lawn is another clear indicator of failure Muddy
soil around the drain field or pooled water there or in your basement are other signs of serious
malfunction Notice whether your toilet or sink backs up when you flush or do laundry Stripsof bright green grass over the drainfield may be another indicator of problems A toilet running
sluggish or sewer odors in the house andor drinking water are signs of an on-lot system in
trouble
On-lot sewage systems also fail when partially treated wastewater comes into contact
with groundwater This type of failure is not easy to detect but it can result in the pollution of
wells nearby streams or other bodies of water Illness often to household visitors may be
another indicator of system failure that has affected your well and household drinking water
For those considering building a new home or replacing an existing septic system one of
the most critical factors in on-lot sewage system performance is the nature of the soils used for
the septic system soil absorption fieldYou can minimize failures by carefully and deliberately considering all aspects of on-lot
sewage system construction site selection design installation maintenance and use Hire
reputable individuals to design and install your system Also make sure the system is designed to
meet your present and future needs
You should contact your Township Sewage Enforcement Officer concerning permits
needed to install a new on-lot sewage system or repair a failing system
Once properly installed the key to preventing your on-lot system from failing is proper
maintenance Regularly pumping the tank being careful in what you put down the drains and
avoiding such things as planting trees over the field or covering the system with permanent
patios and home additions are important to keep the system running well
Water conservation in the home is also an excellent method of preventing future problems from occurring Divert downspouts and surface water away from the septic tank and
especially the drain field Do not physically damage the system by driving over the components
with heavy vehicles or by digging up the system for other utility lines etc Keep a record of the
location and dimensions of your system along with maintenance and repair information
Homeowners interested in finding out about the overall health of their on-lot sewage
system may want to consider having their septic systems inspected by a trained professional The
PA Septage Management Association in cooperation with the National Onsite Wastewater
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Education and Research Foundation has adopted uniform On-lot Wastewater Treatment
Inspection procedures
PSMA is a professional association of septage pumpers system installers maintenance
technicians real estate inspectors and industry affiliates PSMA Certified Inspectors which
includes many septic tank pumpers are trained to understand how on-lot systems work why they
fail and recognize impending malfunctionsSee the PSMA website for more details about PSMANOF inspections or call them at
717-763-7762
Many fact sheets about on-lot sewage systems are available from the Agricultural and
Biological Engineering department Topics include septic tank pumping percolation tests
elevated sand mounds inspections and alternative systems and pharmaceutical disposal
(Article reprinted from Penn State Extension Watershed Winds online newsletter)
Wissahickon Watershed Maple Sugaring Program Set For March 3
Ever wonder how maple syrup and sugar are made The Wissahickon Vally WatershedAssociation will offer a unique program on maple syrup on March 3 in Ambler Montgomery
County
The event offers a fun and informative event ideal for families Scout groups and anyone
curious about the maple sugar process
Choose a specific time as guides take small groups through the woods to see the tapped
trees and then watch it being boiled into sugar End your walk at WVWArsquos historic headquarters
for hot chocolate and warm treats with maple syrup
RSVP requested by sending email to infowvwaorg or call 215-646-8866 There is a
fee for the program WVWA member fee $5 per person $15 per family Non-WVWA member
fee $10 per person $20 per family or Become a WVWA member and be their guest for $45In Ambler and look for signage Walk over the Butler Avenue Bridge and turn left onto
the Green Ribbon Trail
KPB Greenways Mini-Grant Program Applications Due March 15
Keep Pennsylvania Beautiful is now accepting applications for their Greenways Mini-Grant
Program to provide community groups with project supplies for outdoor based work events
within a greenway enabling the renewal of Pennsylvaniarsquos Greenways in need into something
beautiful
The deadline for applications is March 15 and hard copies are required Grants will be
awarded on April 16Fifteen grant awardees along with their volunteers will be eligible for up to $500 in
project supplies and direct project costs for Prevent it Clean it and Keep it projects within a
Greenway
Pennsylvania and its partners are developing an outstanding network of greenways across
the Commonwealth creating an asset that will enhance the quality of life for all while connecting
open space natural landscape features scenic cultural historic and recreations sites and urban
and rural communities
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A greenway is a linear corridor across the land that conserves natural areas and provides
people with recreation and transportation opportunities
As one of the Commonwealthrsquos most powerful tools to achieve sustainable growth and
livable communities greenways are ensuring future generations the opportunity to live amongst
the natural beauty of Pennrsquos Woods
This program is financed by a grant from the Community Conservation PartnershipProgram Environmental Stewardship Fund under the administration of the Department of
Conservation and Natural Resources Bureau of Recreation and Conservation
The Greenways Mini-Grant is available to any tax-exempt group within Pennsylvania
Private property owners or individual applicants cannot apply
Applications must meet the following requirements to be considered ndash it is within a
Greenway and is in at least one of the following categories Prevent it Clean it and Keep it (see
application for details) plus provide proof of liability insurance signed permission to enter from
the private property owner and 100 percent match of donated or in-kind services Selected
awardees must also agree to provide a final report with before during and after photos
ldquoWe are excited to collaborate with DCNR in offering Greenways Mini-Grants to
organizations working to build clean and beautiful communities across the staterdquo said ShannonReiter President of Keep Pennsylvania Beautiful ldquoGreenways are integral to healthy livable
communities and we are grateful to have the opportunity to empower Pennsylvania with the
tools and resources they need to enhance greenways in their communitiesrdquo
For more information visit the Greenways Mini-Grant Program webpage to download an
application Any additional questions can be answered by Susan Carmichael Greenways Mini-
Grant Program Coordinator at 1-877-772-3673 ext 102 or send email to
scarmichaelkeeppabeautifulorg
Pennsylvania Adds 1470 Acres Of Farmland To Preservation Program
Pennsylvania has added 1470 additional acres of land to its nationally recognized farmland
preservation program under action by the Pennsylvania Agricultural Land Preservation Board at
its meeting Thursday in Harrisburg
The 14 newly preserved farms are located in Beaver Berks Bucks Butler Cambria
Cumberland Juniata Lackawanna Lancaster Lebanon Northampton and Somerset counties
ldquoWersquove preserved nearly 15000 acres of farmland across the state in just the past year
alonerdquo said Agriculture Secretary George Greig ldquoThis speaks volumes to the value our farm
families place on ensuring the future viability of Pennsylvania agriculture ndash our statersquos number-
one industryrdquo
Since the program started in 1988 state county and local governments have invested
more than $11 billion to safeguard 459007 acres on 4243 farmsldquoOur producers know the importance of preserving farms so our next generation of
agriculturalists can keep Pennsylvania growing far into the future and I thank them for that
foresightrdquo Greig said
Pennsylvaniarsquos farmland preservation efforts work through the Pennsylvania Agricultural
Conservation Easement Purchase Program The program was developed to slow the loss of prime
farmland to non-agricultural uses It enables state county and local governments to purchase
conservation easements also called development rights from owners of quality farmland
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For more information visit Agricultures Farmland Preservation webpage
PUC Finalizes Implementation Plan For Pipeline Safety Act
The Public Utility Commission Thursday finalized an Order as the first step in implementing Act
127 the Gas and Hazardous Liquids Pipelines ActThe Commission voted 5-0 to finalize the Order which begins the process of creating a
statewide registry for non-public utility gas and hazardous liquids pipeline equipment and
facilities within the Commonwealth provides resources to conduct safety inspections to enforce
Federal pipeline safety laws on certain classifications of pipeline and assesses entities for the
costs
The Order established the following
-- The registration fee is $250
-- The 2012 registration deadline is March 16
-- Assessment invoices for the Commissionrsquos 2011-12 fiscal year will be mailed by March 30
and due by April 30 and
-- Assessment invoices for the Commissionrsquos 2012-13 fiscal year will be mailed in July 2012with payment due within 30 days
Final forms and other materials will be available on the Commissionrsquos website
Act 127 direct the PUC to develop a registry and conduct safety inspections of these lines
for ldquopipeline operatorsrdquo in the state The Commission also is to track the development of
pipelines in less populated areas which transport gas from non-conventional wells
Act 127 expands the Commissionrsquos authority to enforce the federal pipeline safety laws
as they relate to those pipelines and facilities Non-public utility gas and hazardous liquids
pipeline operators include several different categories of pipelines such as cooperatively owned
natural gas distribution systems non-utility natural gas transportation and gathering lines and
propane distribution pipeline systemsFor more information visit the PUCs Act 127 webpage
DEP Sets Feb 22 Meeting On Jefferson County Drilling Permit
The Department of Environmental Protection will host a public meeting on February 22 to
discuss Flatirons Resources LLCrsquos proposal to drill a Marcellus Shale well in Brockway
Jefferson County
The 6 pm meeting will be held at the Brockway Area JuniorSenior High School on
Alexander Street in Brockway
ldquoWe recognize that there are a lot of questions and that people want detailsrdquo DEP
Northwest Regional Director Kelly Burch said ldquoDEP staff will provide information about our role in the permitting process and address any questions and concerns the audience may have
about our oversight and environmental protectionrdquo
The horizontal well that Flatirons proposes to drill would be the second on this pad
which is on Brockway Borough Municipal Authority property in the Rattlesnake Creek
Watershed The first well was drilled in February 2011 and hydraulically fractured in November
2011
832019 Pa Environment Digest Feb 20 2012
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After DEPrsquos presentation at the meeting company representatives will describe their
plans to drill the well if approved A question-and-answer session will follow
DEPrsquos decision to issue a well permit is based on the applicationrsquos technical merits and
whether the applicantrsquos drilling casing and cementing plan will protect water resources The
agency issued Flatirons a permit to drill a second well on the pad in December 2010 but it
expired a year later because the well was never drilled The permit application was resubmittedon December 27 2011
HACC Offers Free Environmental Technician Training At Midtown Campus
Training for emerging environmental jobs in the cleanup and reuse of brownfields will be offered
starting April 16 at the Midtown location of HACC Central Pennsylvaniarsquos Community College
Candidates for the federally funded program are displaced workers the unemployed or
underemployed as well as low-income or minority residents who live in the Harrisburg said
Cheryl Dietz HACC Workforce Training coordinator
Potential students can find out more by attending one of two upcoming information
sessions in Room 228 of Midtown 1 1500 N Fourth St The sessions will be held from 6-7 pmFebruary 29 and 11 am-noon March 3
HACC representatives will answer questions about the free job training program which
will consist of an eight-week 320-hour training cycle with classes meeting 8 am-3 pm April
16-June 8
To be eligible a candidate must have a general education diploma (GED) or high school
diploma test at a 10th-grade math and reading level have a valid driverrsquos license have access to
reliable transportation be drug free and demonstrate an interest in the environment
Successful graduates will receive certifications in all of the following Hazardous Waste
Operations and Emergency Response (HAZWOPER) confined space entrantattendant and
supervisor lead-based paint inspector and asbestos inspectorAdditional training will be offered in environmental site assessment air and water
quality and environmental remediation techniques
HACC is offering the training through a two-year $199890 grant awarded through the
federal Environmental Protection Agencyrsquos Brownfields Program
Two classes were held last year at HACC-Harrisburg Campus with 35 graduates Of this
number 26 have jobs (19 of them are in the environmental field) and four are continuing their
education A third class is under way in Lancaster As part of the grant HACC helps successful
graduates find environmental jobs and tracks those graduates for one year
A brownfield site is real property the expansion redevelopment or reuse of which may
be complicated by the presence or potential presence of a hazardous substance pollutant or
contaminant according to the EPAThe EPA estimates there are 180 brownfield sites in the Lancaster area and a combined
total of 120 brownfield sites in Harrisburg and Steelton
For more information or to register to attend an information session contact Cheryl
Deitz HACC Workforce Training coordinator at 221-1338 or send email to chdeitzhaccedu
PUC Chair Urges Utilities To Participate In Programs To Create Jobs For Returning
Troops
832019 Pa Environment Digest Feb 20 2012
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Public Utility Commission Chairman Robert F Powelson Thursday urged the statersquos public
utilities to participate in several new programs proposed by Gov Tom Corbett and the Edison
Electric Institute to create jobs in the energy sector
The Chairman also noted that the time is right for job growth with the development of the
Marcellus Shale industry and electric competition across the stateldquoToday I encourage Pennsylvaniarsquos electric and natural gas utilities to learn from the
example set by EEI and participate in the Troops to Energy Jobs program as well as Governor
Corbettrsquos Jobs First PA initiative Chairman Powelson said in a statement at the PUCrsquos Public
Meeting In the days ahead the PUC will be coordinating with EEI and the Corbett
Administration to connect our energy companies with these innovative programsrdquo
The Chairman referenced Gov Corbetts annual budget address to the General Assembly
last week
ldquoIn his address the Governor recognized that the energy sector has enormous potential
for producing new jobs and putting the unemployed back to workrdquo Chairman Powelson said
ldquoIn announcing his new Jobs First program the Governor stated that lsquoas our energy sector
expands Pennsylvania needs a trained workforce ready to meet the demand for workersrsquordquoChairman Powelson said the EEI launched its Troops for Energy Jobs initiative which is
designed to accelerate the training and employability of veterans in key energy programs EEI is
currently piloting this program through five energy companies throughout the nation
For more information visit the Troops for Energy Jobs Initiative website
PA Chamber Environmental amp Energy Conference April 18 In Lancaster
The annual PA Chamber of Business and Industry Environmental and Energy Conference will be
held on April 18 at the Eden Resort Inn amp Suites in Lancaster
Major environmental regulatory areas continue to see numerous changes at the state andfederal level that impact business Thats why the Pennsylvania Chamber is offering four
learning tracks with answers you need on the latest environmental and energy issues-all in one
day
-- Compliance help from state and national top experts on the toughest environmental issues
-- Details on the latest regulatory changes and proposed changes
-- Proven strategies best practices and practical business tips to help you comply cost-effectively
in each area and
-- Advanced environmental roundtable
There will be two keynotes The Economic Benefits of Marcellus Shale and Natural Gas-
American Petroleum Institute Washington DC and Converting Trash into Renewable Energy-
National Solid Wastes Management Association Washington DCVisit with more than 50 exhibitors offering an exciting array of advanced technology
solutions and exhibitor educational sessions Access and network with more than 300 of your
peers from across the state
For more information and to register visit the Conference webpage or contact Sue Smith
at 717-720-5457 or send email to ssmithpachamberorg
Volunteers Needed To Plant 100 Acre Wind Break At Flight 93 Memorial In April
832019 Pa Environment Digest Feb 20 2012
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The federal Office of Surface Mining Reclamation and Enforcement through their Appalachian
Regional Reforestation Initiative and the Department of Environmental Protection are working
with the National Park Service to plant a wind break at the Flight 93 Memorial in Somerset
County
Volunteers are needed to plant trees on April 20 21 27 and 28 Volunteers may sign upfor one day or multiple days
If you are interested in volunteering send a Volunteer Sign-Up Form and a Photo
Release Form and send to Leroy Renninger of the National Park Service by email
to Leroy_Renningernpsgov
State Fly Tying Champions Announced At Eastern Sports amp Outdoor Show
The Eastern Sports amp Outdoor Show Cumberland Valley Trout Unlimited Bass Pro Shops of
Harrisburg Mid Atlantic Fly Fishing Guide magazine and the Fish and Boat Commission
sponsored the Pennsylvania State Fly Tying Championship held on February 11 at the Eastern
Sports amp Outdoor Show at the State Farm Show Complex in HarrisburgThirteen contestants in three categories competed for money trophies and prizes in the
annual event to crown the best fly tyers in Pennsylvania
In the Open Division the winners are 1st Place - Andy Fresch Summerhill 2nd Place -
Ken Moser Severna Park MD 3rd Place - John Shosh Hamburg
The Amateur Division winners are 1st Place - Matthew Edinger Sharon Hill 2nd Place -
- Mike Marino Souderton and 3rd Place -- Elliott DeFrancesco Wilburton
The Youth Division winners are 1st Place - Gaeron Friedrichs Milford 2nd Place
Bobby Faust Dalmatia
The contestants at the final event were the top tiers selected from entries previously
submitted In order to qualify the entrants had to submit three flies from a list of flies for eachcategory
At the event each finalist was required to tie three flies over a two hour time period The
finalists knew ahead of time two of the flies that were to be tied and a third ldquomystery flyrdquo was
announced to them at the event
The championship will be held again at the 2013 Eastern Sports and Outdoor Show and
applications information and details will be posted at the Cumberland Valley Trout Unlimited or
Eastern Sports and Outdoor Show websites as they become available
PA State Parks Forest App Now Updated And Free
The Official Pennsylvania State Parks amp Forests App is now completely FREE This latestversion now on the market includes advanced interactive capabilities such as GPS trail mapping
the Friend Finder to keep track of your family and friends on the trail and more
Featured Update List Increased performance speed Multi-tasking Capability
GeoChallenge (GeocacheGeoQuest) Feature FREE enhanced GPS features
This new version increases performance speed and cuts activation time in half With the
new multi-tasking capability users gain enhanced user navigation The more adventurous
832019 Pa Environment Digest Feb 20 2012
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outdoor enthusiasts will benefit from the recently added GeoChallenges that include geocache
and geoquest activities which will be updated regularly
The waypointphoto waypoint marking tools have been upgraded and there has been a
fine-tuning of the trail-tracking feature located on the side navigation bar of the free GPS
Mapping section Use the app to track record and share your explorations with others-all at no
chargeTry out the app and let the PA Parks amp Forests Foundation know what you think
Feature
Bald Eagle Pair Get Help With Home Improvement Project
While most people try to avoid home improvement projects in the winter a pair of bald eagles
got some much needed help recently from a team of Game Commission land managers with a
very important and timely renovation project
A sycamore tree on Haldeman Island has been used by at least three mated pairs as a
nesting site since 1989 The island is just upriver of the confluence of the Susquehanna and
Juniata rivers north of Harrisburg and the tree stands just across a pond from one of three
hacking towers the Game Commission used at two locations in its bald eagle recovery program
About two weeks ago one of the limbs supporting the nest collapsed under the weight of the
nest
On Friday Steve Bernardi Game Commission Land Management Group Supervisor for
Juniata Mifflin Perry and Snyder counties was joined by Terry Willow Game Lands
Maintenance Worker with the River Island Food and Cover Corps Crew and Scott Bills Land
Management Group Supervisor for Dauphin and Lebanon counties to construct a platform to
encourage the bald eagle pair to reuse this nest site
The three men measured and cut lumber used hammers and nails as well as screws anddrills to secure the lumber in place and then placed branches and sticks on the platform to
encourage the bald eagles ndash who were watching the activity while perched in nearby trees ndash to
begin rebuilding a nest
A pair built a nest in this tree in 1989 and had their first young in 1990 Bernardi said
A storm blew the original nest out of the tree in 1995 Scott Bills who was the Wildlife
Conservation Officer in Dauphin County at that time worked with a Food and Cover Corps crew
and PPL to erect the first platform similar to what we put in place on Friday
Adult bald eagles are preparing to nest and hopefully they will come back and reuse this
platform just like they did back in 1995
Haldeman Island played a key role in the recovery of bald eagles in Pennsylvania In the
1980s it was one of two locations used for reintroduction of eagles brought by the GameCommission from Canada in the early years of restoration of eagles to our state About 40
eaglets were released at the Haldeman Island tower overlooking the ponds on the north side of
the island by 1989
When the reintroduced birds successfully raised young at a nest on Haldeman in 1990
the whole state had only seven nesting pairs And there has been an active eagle nest in that spot
every year since except 2004 when the birds took a year off
832019 Pa Environment Digest Feb 20 2012
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While we dont know if the same pair have been active that whole time the same old
sycamore tree has been used during this period and that nest has produced more than 40 young
over this period said Dan Brauning Game Commission Wildlife Diversity Division chief
Since the site is well-protected on a Game Commission island with limited access this site has
particular value to us
Continued support for this nest will help sustain this historic location in the recovery of baldeagles in Pennsylvania
In 1983 the Game Commission began a seven-year bald eagle restoration program in
which the agency sent employees to Saskatchewan to obtain eaglets from wilderness nests The
Richard King Mellon Foundation of Pittsburgh and the federal Endangered Species Fund
provided financial assistance for this effort
In all 88 bald eaglets from Canada were released from sites at Dauphin Countys
Haldeman Island and Pike Countys Shohola Falls The resurgence of eagles in Pennsylvania is
directly related to this program which also was carried out in other states in the Northeast
When the restoration program began in 1983 only three Crawford County nests remained
in the state By 2006 the agency announced that the state had surpassed the 100 bald eagle nest
mark Just five years later in 2011 the number of known bald eagle nests had doubled to 203spread out over 50 counties
Residents aware of a bald eagle nest ndash which are among the largest nests of all birds ndash in
their area should consider reporting it to the Pennsylvania Game Commission The easiest way to
contact the agency by sending email to pgccommentspagov Use the words Eagle Nest
Information in the subject field
The Game Commission continues to further the publics understanding of bald eagles In
2010 a comprehensive Bald Eagle threatened species account and Bald Eagle Nest Etiquette
guide were added to the agencys website
In 2011 the agency launched its series of Eagle-watching in Pennsylvania guides that
will help direct those interested in viewing bald eagles in the wild on where to go how to getthere what to expect and other wildlife viewing opportunities available at each site
Currently posted are eagle-watching guides for Erie National Wildlife Refuge Crawford
County Conneaut Marsh Geneva Marsh State Game Land 213 Crawford County Raystown
Lake Huntingdon County State Game Land 180 Shohola Lake Pike County Middle Creek
Wildlife Management Area Lebanon and Lancaster counties Bald Eagle State Park Centre
County Glendale Lake Price Gallitzin State Park Cambria County John Heinz National
Wildlife Refuge Philadelphia and Delaware counties Lower Susquehanna River Lancaster and
York counties Moraine State Park Butler County Pine Creek Valley Lycoming and Tioga
counties Promised Land State Park Pike County Pymatuning Reservoir Crawford County and
the Upper Delaware River in Pike Wayne and Monroe counties
Game Commission Announces April 1 Deadline For Ads In Hunting-Trapping Digest
Game Commission Executive Director Carl G Roe Thursday announced Liberty Press
Publications publisher of the Pennsylvania Digest of Hunting amp Trapping Regulations has set
April 1 as the deadline for advertising copy in the 2012-13 Digest Click Here for details
For advertising information contact Liberty Press Publications toll-free at
1-800-296-6402
832019 Pa Environment Digest Feb 20 2012
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Opportunity To Bid On McKean County Abandoned Well Plugging Project
The Department of Environmental Protection published notice of an opportunity to bid on a
project to plug 24 abandoned oil wells in McKean County
Help Wanted Chesapeake Bay Foundation PA Grassroots Coordinator Field Specialist
The Chesapeake Bay Foundation is seeking a PA Grassroots Coordinator and a Field Specialist
to be based at their Pennsylvania State Office located in Harrisburg This position is a 2 year
term position with the possibility of extension Click Here for details
Help Wanted Conewago Creek Assistant Project Coordinator
Penn State Cooperative Extension on behalf of the Conewago Creek Initiative seeks an Assistant
Project Coordinator to be an integral part of a dynamic partnership team working together with
local state and federal partnersThe Assistant Project Coordinator will report to the Director of the Lower Susquehanna
Initiative who serves as the Project Coordinator for the Conewago Creek Initiative
The deadline for applications is March 1 Click Here for details
Help Wanted ALLARM Assistant Director Of Outreach Marcellus
The Alliance for Aquatic Resource Monitoring (ALLARM) is seeking candidate to fill a third
full time position to the organization-- Assistant Director of Outreach-- to assist with Marcellus
Monitoring program training community volunteers throughout the shale gas regions in
Pennsylvania to monitor small streams for early pollution detection Click Here for fullannouncement
Grants amp 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
February 23-- PA Pathways To Green Schools Nominations
February 24-- PA Trout In The Classroom Grants
February 29-- EPA Environmental Justice Small Grants
February 29-- Ben Franklin BIG IDEA Business Plan ContestFebruary 29-- PA American Water Stream of Learning Scholarships
February 29-- West Branch Susquehanna Orange Rock Awards
March 1-- Erie TreeVitalize Grants
March 2-- Coca-Cola Keep America Beautiful Recycling Bin Grants
March 2-- Conservation Innovation Grants Chesapeake Bay Nutrient Credit Grants
March 5-- TogetherGreen Fellowship and Innovation Grants
832019 Pa Environment Digest Feb 20 2012
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March 5-- PECDominion Western PA Environmental Awards
March 10-- PA American Water Environmental Grants
March 15-- NEW Keep PA Beautiful Greenways Mini-Grants
March 23-- Water Resources Education Network Grants
March 30-- PA American Water Protect Our Watersheds Student Art Contest
March 31-- DEP Host Municipal Inspector GrantsApril 3-- West Penn Power Sustainable Energy Fund Grants Loans
April 4-- DCNR Community Conservation Partnership Grants
April 15-- Wild Resource Conservation Fund Income Tax Checkoff Deadline
March 1-- Keystone Historic Preservation Project and Construction Grants
August 1-- PA Snowmobile Assn Trail Improvement Grants
August 24-- Foundation for PA Watershed Grants
September 1-- Erie TreeVitalize Grants
October 31-- PA Resources Council Lens On Litter Contest
-- Visit the DEP Grants and Loan Programs webpage for more ideas on how to get financial
assistance for environmental projects
BudgetQuick Clips
Heres a selection of NewClips on environmental topics from around the state--
Budget
Corbett Signs Marcellus Shale Fee Into Law
Corbett Signs Shale Well Impact Fee Into Law
Corbett Approves Marcellus Shale Fee
Bradford Commissioner Foolish Not To Accept Drilling Fee MoneyWhats Next For PAs Impact Fee Bradford Against Fee
Bradford Commissioners Disagree On Drilling Fee
Washington County To Seek Marcellus Fees
Editorial Corbetts Gas Fee About To Evaporate
Robinson Twp To Contest New Marcellus Law
South Fayette Eyes Legal Action On Drilling Bill
Fish amp Boat Commission Grateful For Marcellus Fees
PUC Eyes Private Firm For Impact Fee Collection
PUC Chair Let Marcellus Play Come To Us
PUC Would Get Shale Role Under Drilling Bill
Editorial It Makes Sense For PUC To Deal With Drilling NE Counties To Raise Millions Or Nothing Under Drilling Fee
House Capital Budget Bill Debate Focuses On Jobs
House GOP Marcellus Bill A Win For Jobs
Norquists No-Tax Pledge Cant Give Drill Fee The Ax
PA Natural Gas Levy Became Inevitable
Bradford Commissioners Disagree On Drilling Fee
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httpslidepdfcomreaderfullpa-environment-digest-feb-20-2012 2834
Vertical Exploratory Wells Wont Be Hit With Drilling Fee
Impact Fee Bill Addresses Housing Needs
Op-Ed Natural Gas Fee May Be Too Late
Editorial Marcellus Fee A Tax Stupid
Editorial Shale Drillers Got The Better Part Of Deal
Corbett Raiding Special FundsCan Pennsylvanians Survive Under Another Corbett Budget
As Roads Bridges Deteriorate Governor Silent
Analysis Taking Baby Steps On Fixing Roads Bridges
Editorial Must A Bridge Fall Down
House Capital Budget Bill Debate Focuses On Jobs
Editorial Capital Budget Funds Must Be Kept Under Control
Obama Cuts EPA Increases Chesapeake Bay Program
Chesapeake Bay Program Increased Under Obama Budget
EPA Budget Cut For States Superfund Cleanup
Obama Proposes $14 Million For Fracking Research
$67 Million Requested For Federal Pipeline SafetyDCNR Secretary Says Report On Wildlife Research Not Accurate
Other
Electronics Recycling Date Set At Greensburg Mall
Hershey Plants Achieve Zero Waste Status
RecycleBank Named On Of Worlds Most Innovative Companies
Editorial Fine Litterers No Ifs Or Butts
Corbett Signs 3 Energy Sector Bills
Op-Ed Anti-Coal Agenda Is Detrimental To PA
Op-Ed Global Warming As Fact Not Hypothesis
Op-Ed Climate Change Education Is NecessaryHomer City Power Plant Still To Dirty Groups Claim
DEP Sets March 14 Public Hearing On Homer City Power Plant
Concerns Voiced Over PPL Lines
Consumer Alert Electricity Price Discounts Heat Up
Turbine Load To Hit The Road To Holtwood Dam
PPL Plans $664 Million In Electric Delivery System Improvements
Exelon Gives Dauphin County $110000 For Emergency Response
Groups Ask For Expansion Of Nuclear Plant Evacuation Zone
Feds Give PPL Reactor Low Grade
Allentown Council Rejects Waste-To-Energy Sewage Plant
GE Invests In Cleaner Evolution LocomotiveDEP Hopeful Buyer Will Emerge For ConocoPhillips Refinery
DEP Renews ConocoPhillips Trainer Refinery Discharge Permit
100 Sunoco Workers In PA Get Layoff Notices
Meehan PA Refinery Closures Threat To National Security
Refinery Closings Could Affect 15000 Jobs Study Says
Gasoline Could Reach $5 By July 4
$4 A Gallon Gasoline By Memorial Day
832019 Pa Environment Digest Feb 20 2012
httpslidepdfcomreaderfullpa-environment-digest-feb-20-2012 2934
Gasoline Prices Have Never Been This High This Early
Electric Bicycle Waiver Sought
Land Bank Bill Newest Anti-Blight Tool
Game Commission Prepares For Controlled Burn On Centre County
2012 Great Backyard Bird Count Begins Friday
Birders-Eye View Of Conservation In PhiladelphiaState Could Take Over Refurbished Point State Park
New Ohiopyle Visitors Center Project To Be Bid This Spring
Winterfest At Ohiopyle No Snow Still A Go
Protecting Landscapes Changing Face Of Conservation
Marcellus Shale NewsClips
Here are NewsClips on topics related to Marcellus Shale natural gas drilling---
Corbett Signs Marcellus Shale Fee Into Law
Corbett Signs Shale Well Impact Fee Into Law
Corbett Approves Marcellus Shale Fee
Bradford Commissioner Foolish Not To Accept Drilling Fee Money
Whats Next For PAs Impact Fee Bradford Against Fee
Bradford Commissioners Disagree On Drilling Fee
Washington County To Seek Marcellus Fees
Editorial Corbetts Gas Fee About To Evaporate
Robinson Twp To Contest New Marcellus Law
South Fayette Eyes Legal Action On Drilling Bill
Fish amp Boat Commission Grateful For Marcellus Fees
PUC Eyes Private Firm For Impact Fee CollectionPUC Chair Let Marcellus Play Come To Us
PUC Would Get Shale Role Under Drilling Bill
Editorial It Makes Sense For PUC To Deal With Drilling
Corbett Raiding Special Funds
NE Counties To Raise Millions Or Nothing Under Drilling Fee
House GOP Marcellus Bill A Win For Jobs
Norquists No-Tax Pledge Cant Give Drill Fee The Ax
PA Natural Gas Levy Became Inevitable
Wayne County Landowners Push For Drilling
Vertical Exploratory Wells Wont Be Hit With Drilling Fee
Impact Fee Bill Addresses Housing NeedsDrilling Bill Authors Health Experts Fears Unfounded
Health Officials Drilling Law Disclosure Rules Lax
Op-Ed Natural Gas Fee May Be Too Late
Editorial Marcellus Fee A Tax Stupid
Editorial Shale Drillers Got The Better Part Of Deal
Delaware Riverkeeper Reports Settlement Over Gas Well
832019 Pa Environment Digest Feb 20 2012
httpslidepdfcomreaderfullpa-environment-digest-feb-20-2012 3034
EPA Probing Washington County Shale Operations
Marcellus Boom Has Pressed Law Firms To Boost Their Staffs
25 More State Troopers In NE Shale Region
Recorders Of Deeds May Not Reject Multiple Gas Leases
Rural Loophole Curbing PA Pipeline Inspections
Pipeline Tested Ahead Of Tie-In To Shale WellsFirefighters Learn To Deal With Drilling Emergencies
Assessing PGWs Liquid Natural Gas Future
Dominion Resources Playing Responsible Role In Drilling
Report Philly Should Consider Selling Gas Company
Company Files For Gas Drilling Permit In Bucks County
Gas Drilling Debate Returns To Bucks County
Shale Drillers Drinking From Slippery Rock Creek
Gas Wells With Smaller Footprint Get Greater Scrutiny
PennEnvironment Violations Report Half-Baked
Water Tanker Truck Lands In Creek In Monroe Twp
Industry Says Over 93230 New Hires As A Result Of Marcellus ShaleBCCC Begins Classes For Marcellus Shale Workers
Marcellus Gas Creates Demand For Cars
Ex-Drilling Exec Took Nearly $1 Million Or More
Op-Ed Gas Drillers New Wild West
Marcellus Gas Production Rises So Does Recycling
FinancialOther StatesNational
Drillers Cut Natural Gas Production As Prices Drop
Talisman Cutting Back Drilling Plans
Ultra Petroleum Reports 2011 Financial Operating Results
Gas Firms Drill Less As Prices Nose DiveObama Proposes $14 Million For Fracking Research
$67 Million Requested For Federal Pipeline Safety
FloodingWatershed NewsClips
Here are NewsClips on watershed topics from around the state--
Flooding
New Bank Coming To Flood-Ravaged Shickshinny
Other Watershed NewsClips
Mon River QUEST Wins Regional IMPACT AwardEPA Evaluates States Chesapeake Bay Plans
Shale Drillers Drinking From Slippery Rock Creek
Sewage Woes Close Lewisburg Area Park
$375000 To Aid Little Buck Run Restoration Effort
Loyalhanna Creek Sewage Overflow Problem Goes To State
Turbine Load To Hit The Road To Holtwood Dam
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Funding Sought For Restoration Of Speedwell Lake
Obama Cuts EPA Increases Chesapeake Bay Program
Chesapeake Bay Program Increased Under Obama Budget
EPA Budget Cut For States Superfund Cleanup
Editorial Delaware Dredging A Step Closer
Regulations Technical Guidance amp Permits
No new regulations were published this week Pennsylvania Bulletin - February 18 2012
Proposed Regulations Open For Comment - DEP webpage
Proposed Regulations With Closed Comment Periods - DEP webpage
DEP Regulatory Agenda - DEP webpage
Technical Guidance amp Permits
The Department of Environmental Protection published notice of bond rate calculations for mine
reclamation The Fish and Boat Commission published notice of nursery water designation for
the Shenango River Crawford County
DEP also published an update to the list of companies certified to perform radon-related
activities (PA Bulletin page 994)
Technical Guidance Comment Deadlines - DEP webpage
Copies Of Draft Technical Guidance - DEP webpage
Copies of Final Technical Guidance - DEP webpage
Calendar Of Events
Upcoming legislative meetings conferences workshops plus links to other online calendars
Meetings are in Harrisburg unless otherwise noted NEW means new from last week Go to the
online Calendar webpage
Click on Agenda Released on calendar entries to see the NEW meeting agendas published this
week
Note You can watch the hearings live through the Senate webpage and the House webpage or
on the PA Cable Network website
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February 21-- House Appropriations Committee budget hearings 930 - Global Economy
1100 - Independent Fiscal Office 130 - Department of Revenue Room 140
February 21-- CANCELED Environmental Quality Board meeting Next scheduled meeting is
March 20 ( formal notice )
February 21-- Agenda Released DEP Citizens Advisory Council meeting Room 105 Rachel
Carson Building 1130
February 22-- Senate Appropriations Committee budget hearings 930 - Department of
Environmental Protection 100 - Department of Transportation Hearing Room 1 North Office
February 23-- NEW House Democratic Policy Committee holds a hearing on Southeast PA oil
refinery closings National Constitution Center Philadelphia 1000
February 27-- House Appropriations Committee budget hearings 1000 - Public Utility
Commission 1100 - Office of Consumer Advocate Small Business Advocate Room 140
February 27-- NEW House Democratic Policy Committee holds a hearing on Marcellus Shale
air emissions Bryn Mawr Presbyterian Church Bryn Mawr 1000
February 28-- Senate Appropriations Committee budget hearings 100 - Department of
Agriculture Hearing Room 1 North Office
February 28-- House Appropriations Committee budget hearings 930 - Department of
Agriculture 1030 - Department of Conservation and Natural Resources Room 140
February 29-- Senate Appropriations Committee budget hearings 930 - PA Emergency
Management Agency Hearing Room 1 North Office
February 29-- House Game and Fisheries Committee informational meeting on Fish and Boat
Commissions Annual Report Room 39 East Wing 1000
February 29-- House Appropriations Committee budget hearings 930 - Department of
Transportation 300 - Department of Environmental Protection Room 140
March 1-- House Appropriations Committee budget hearings 1000 Department of Labor amp
Industry 100 - Department of Community and Economic Development Room 140
March 6-- House Appropriations Committee budget hearings 930 - State PoliceOffice of
Homeland Security 1100 - PA Emergency Management Agency 300 - Department of General
Services Room 140
March 6-- CANCELED DEP Storage Tank Advisory Committee meeting Next scheduled
meeting is June 5 ( formal notice )
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March 7-- House Game and Fisheries Committee informational meeting on Game Commissions
Annual Report Room 39 East Wing 1000
March 8-- House Appropriations Committee budget hearings 1000 - Budget Secretary 100 -
House Member Testimony Room 140
March 14-- DEP Air Quality Technical Advisory Committee meeting Room 105 Rachel Carson
Building 915 ( formal notice )
March 26-- Environmental Issues Forum Joint Legislative Air and Water Pollution Control and
Conservation Committee featuring a presentation by DCNR Secretary Richard Allan (Location
to be determined) Noon
DEP Calendar of Events
Note The Environmental Education Workshop Calendar is no longer available from the PACenter for Environmental Education because funding for the Center was eliminated in the FY
2011-12 state budget The PCEE website was also shutdown but some content was moved to
the PA Association of Environmental Educators website
Senate Committee Schedule House Committee Schedule
You can watch the Senate Floor Session and House Floor Session live online
Stories Invited
Send your stories photos and videos about your project environmental issues or programs for
publication in the PA Environment Digest to DHessCrisciAssociatescom
PA Environment Digest is edited by David E Hess former Secretary Pennsylvania Department
of Environmental Protection and is published as a service to the clients of Crisci Associates a
Harrisburg-based government and public affairs firm whose clients include Fortune 500
companies and non-profit organizations For more information on Crisci Associates call
717-234-1716
PA Environment Digest weekly was the winner of the PA Association of Environmental
Educators 2009 Business Partner of the Year Award
Also sign up for these other services from Crisci Associates--
PA Environment Digest Twitter Feed On Twitter sign up to receive instant updates from
PAEnviroDigest
832019 Pa Environment Digest Feb 20 2012
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PA Environment Daily Blog provides daily environmental NewsClips and significant stories
and announcements on environmental topics in Pennsylvania of immediate value Sign up and
receive as they are posted updates through your favorite RSS reader You can also sign up for a
once daily email alerting you to new items posted on this blog
PA Environment Digest Video Blog showcases original and published videos fromenvironmental groups and agencies around the state Sign up to receive as they are posted
updates through your favorite RSS read You can also sign up for a once daily email alerting
you to new items posted on this blog
PA Capitol Digest Dont forget to sign up to receive the PA Capitol Digest Twitter feed by
going to wwwTwittercomPaCapitolDigest or click on this link for the regular daily PA
Capitol Digest Blog to get other news from in and around the Pennsylvania State Capitol
Supporting Member PA Outdoor Writers AssnPA Trout Unlimited
PA Environment Digest is a supporting member of the Pennsylvania Outdoor Writers
Association Pennsylvania Council Trout Unlimited and the Doc Fritchey Chapter Trout
Unlimited
832019 Pa Environment Digest Feb 20 2012
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EPA States On Track To Meet Chesapeake Bay Cleanup Goals PA Plan Needs Work
Delaware Maryland Pennsylvania Virginia West Virginia and the District of Columbia are
generally on track to meet pollution reduction goals for the Chesapeake Bay and its rivers by
2025 according to the US Environmental Protection Agencyrsquos evaluations of the jurisdictions
cleanup plansThe six Bay states and the District of Columbia recently submitted their Phase II
Watershed Implementation Plans (WIPs) and their 2012-2013 pollution reduction milestones
These plans lay out how each jurisdiction will meet pollution reduction goals set by the EPA in
the Chesapeake Bay TMDL
Overall the jurisdictions built considerably upon their Phase I plans according to the
EPA The Phase II plans provide more specific cleanup strategies and detail restoration actions
on a local level
In a cover letter transmitting comments to the Department of Environmental Protection
on Pennsylvanias Plan EPA said greatly appreciate(s) the efforts of the Pennsylvania
Department of Environmental Protection and your partner agencies as well as stakeholder groups
in the development of these documents (WIP)The letter said EPAs primary concern is the WIP does not identify important next steps
to implement core initiatives of Pennsylvanias Phase I agriculture strategy such as supporting
manure to energy technologies and development of methods to defensibly track and report non-
cost-shared practices These strategies account for a sizable portion of the nutrient and sediment
reductions in the Plan
EPA also said it lacks assurance that Pennsylvania will be able to achieve the
reductions in stormwater loads identified in the WIP through methods such as reissuing the
PAG-13 General Permit for Municipal Separate Storm Sewer System permittees
A copy of the detailed comments is available online along with related comments related
documents Other state evaluations are also available EPA is still reviewing New Yorkrsquos planwhich was submitted after the deadline
The EPA said it will continue to work with the jurisdictions between now and March 30
when the final Phase II WIPs are due
CBF Funding Now Available For Farm Conservation Improvements In Northcentral PA
The Chesapeake Bay Foundation is pleased to announce funding is now available to farmers
interested in improving farm profitability and water quality through the installation of on-farm
conservation practices in Bradford Sullivan Susquehanna Tioga Wyoming and Lycoming
counties
The funding is being made available through CBFrsquos ldquoBuffer Bonusrdquo program incooperation with the Bradford County Conservation District The program has enabled current
and past participants to make onfarm improvements including rotational grazing practices such
as fencing watering systems and laneways
Other options include the installation of waste transfer lines for milk house waste and
silage leachate stabilization of access roads and the installation of roof gutters to include a few
ldquoThese conservation improvements are a win-win for both the farmer and local water
qualityrdquo said Jennifer Johns CBF Buffer Specialist in Bradford County ldquoWhile each project
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httpslidepdfcomreaderfullpa-environment-digest-feb-20-2012 1434
ultimately produces different results we find that creating healthier living conditions for the
livestock through the installation of conservation practices improves herd health and the farmerrsquos
bottom linerdquo
Another goal of this program is to provide at no cost to the farmer a new or updated
Conservation and Nutrient Management Plan By combining this plan with an engineerrsquos
evaluation of the farm which is also provided the plans are then considered a Comprehensive Nutrient Management Plan or a CNMP
Having a CNMP enables the farmer to apply for federal funding to assist with larger on-
farm improvements such as manure storage facilities and concrete barnyards
Farmers interested in participating in the Buffer Bonus program must be willing to install
a forested riparian streamside buffer through the USDArsquos Conservation Reserve Enhancement
Program (CREP) Those already enrolled in CREP with a contract date of April 1 2009 or later
may be eligible to enroll
This funding will not be available for long and farms will be served on a first come first
serve basis
For more information contact BradfordSullivan Counties Jennifer Johns
570-578-6900 TiogaLycoming Counties Steve Smith 570-578-7000 SusquehannaWyomingCounties Jeremy Wagner 570-278-1011 xt 107
Spring Creek Watershed Association Hosts Chesapeake Bay GIS Tool Workshop Feb 21
On February 21 the Spring Creek Watershed Association will host John Dawes Foundation for
PA Watersheds for a presentation about the Chesapeake Commons a web-based Geographic
Information Systems (GIS) and data management tool developed for the Chesapeake Bay
restoration effort
The presentation will be held from 800 am to 900 am at the Patton Township
Municipal Building near State College PaThere is also an option to hear the presentation through a webinar at the same time Click
Here for details
The Chesapeake Commons Tool is a free web-based Geographic Information Systems
(GIS) and data management tool available to all organizations working to restore the Chesapeake
Bay The Tool is designed to serve as a centralized knowledge base of data maps and articles
contributed by government nonprofits funders and citizen organizers
Policy makers will have a centralized pool of peer vetted information from which they
can make the best possible decisions in the context of the Bay restoration effort
Chesapeake Commons is a project developed and funded by the Chesapeake Bay Funders
Network with financial support from the John Heinz III Center for Science Economics and the
Environment
Town Meeting On Health Of The Wissahickon Creek March 29
On March 29 the Wissahickon Valley Watershed Association and the Springside Chestnut Hill
Academy with support from the Friends of the Wissahickon and Chestnut Hill College are
sponsoring a Town Meeting to inform the community about significant environmental challenges
to the Wissahickon Creek
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httpslidepdfcomreaderfullpa-environment-digest-feb-20-2012 1534
The meeting will be held on the Cherokee Campus of Springside Chestnut Hill Academy
8000 Cherokee Street Philadelphia and will begin at 7 pm doors will open at 630 pm and
light refreshments will be provided
A Creek in Crisis A Town Meeting on the Health of the Wissahickon Creek will
examine the numerous threats to the Wissahickon including diminishing water quantity
stormwater runoff impaired water quality and flooding that severely impact the health of theWissahickon Creek and its tributaries
The impact of the Wissahickon Creek on the lives of those living in the Wissahickon
Watershed is absolute Though the Wissahickon Creek has a humble beginning in the parking lot
at Montgomery Mall it continues through nine municipalities to the confluence of the Schuylkill
River in Philadelphia
It is a significant waterway providing approximately 10 percent of the drinking water to
Philadelphians as well as habitat for local wildlife and recreation and natural beauty for area
residents
Moderated by Patrick Starr Vice President of the PA Environmental Council Southeast
Regional Office the Town Meeting will feature a panel of environmental experts who will
examine the numerous threats to the WissahickonPanelists will be Carol R Collier Executive Director of the Delaware River Basin
Commission John K Jackson PhD Senior Research Scientist at the Stroud Water Research
Center and Chris Crockett Deputy Commissioner at the Philadelphia Water Department
More information will be posted on the Friends of the Wissahickon website
Conservation Reserve Program Training Courses Offered By Penn State Extension
Conservation professionals working across the Chesapeake Bay Watershed are invited to a
special training program on Conservation Reserve Planning for professionals on March 7 and 8
at the Lancaster County Farm and Home CenterA national team of facilitators will be conducting the Lancaster workshop including from
University of Wisconsin University of Minnesota Montana State University University of
Georgia and Penn State ndash along with experienced and skilled US Natural Resource
Conservation Service professionals
Also involved in the program are conservation partners who are in formal agreements
with NRCS to deliver the Conservation Reserve Enhancement Program to landowners for
example the Chesapeake Bay Foundation will also be on hand at the workshop to provide
additional training related to CREP
This training workshop is designed to create a group of skilled conservation professionals
working in partnership with farmers and landowners to develop quality CRP conservation plans
that result in measurable impacts on land and water resource managementWorkshop goals include
-- Understanding the purpose and intent of the Conservation Reserve Program (CRP)
-- Determining eligibility of lands for CRP
-- Knowing how to find information for CRP plans
-- Effectively working with a landowner in developing a CRP plan
-- Becoming familiar with regionally specific conservation practices
-- Understanding how to implement a CRP plan
832019 Pa Environment Digest Feb 20 2012
httpslidepdfcomreaderfullpa-environment-digest-feb-20-2012 1634
-- Working with NRCS and FSA to submit a quality CRP plan
The Conservation Reserve Program Readiness Initiative was created to help the Natural
Resources Conservation Service accomplish the work involved with managing CRP enrollments
CRP plan development and implementation and the follow up management of developed plans
A national team of Extension staff NRCS and FSA staff and representatives from NRCS
partner agencies and organizations has collaborated to develop a multi-faceted training programto meet the needs of the initiative
Click Here for the full schedule of workshops available
Latest Lessons From The Land Webinar Feb 21 On Managing Phosphorus
Penn State Extension and the Conewago Watershed Initiative will host a webcast on February 21
from noon to 100 pm on Measuring and Managing Phosphorus In Wet Pennsylvania
Landscapes part of the Lessons From The Land series
Dr Tony Buda USDA ARS and Dr Patrick Drohan Penn State Department of Crop
and Soil Science will present research conducted by PA USDA NRCS USDA-ARS and Penn
State to look at how saturated soils and soils with fragipans have contributed to higher runoffMatt Royer Director of the Lower Susquehanna Initiative Penn State AG amp
Environment Center will moderate
These wet landscapes are often critical sources of phosphorus that contribute to loads of
pollutants in streamsmdashand should be targeted for conservation practices
A pilot study undertaken within the Conewago Watershed serves as a proving ground for
the development of ldquonext generation nutrient management practicesrdquo necessary to reduce the
loads of phosphorus emanating from agricultural lands that contribute to the degradation of the
Chesapeake Bay Watershed
One Nutrient Management credit is available for eligible participants from the state
Department of Agriculture Those seeking credits will be required to sign-in during the webinar to verify their attendance
The program can be viewed online as a recording after the live broadcast Continuing ed
credits are not available for the recorded session
To join this webinar you will need a high speed Internet and can sign in on this
webpage at the webinars noon start time This program will be broadcasting live from the
Conewago Initiativersquos Project Advisory Team meeting at Penn Statersquos Harrisburg campus
Lake Management Annual Conference Set For March 7-8 In State College
The 22nd annual Pennsylvania Lake Management Society annual conference will once again be
at the Days Inn State College on March 7 and 8This years theme is Staying Blue by Going Green and our keynote speaker is Bill
Jones from Indiana School of Public and Environmental Affairs in Bloomington Indiana
As always the Conference will have a great line up of speakers It also offers aquatic
applicator credits for PA OH NY and NJ
Please check out the Conference webpage for more details or contact Kerilynn Frey by
sending email to palakeshotmailcom
832019 Pa Environment Digest Feb 20 2012
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Penn State Extension How To Avoid Septic System Failures
Owning your own home is challenging enough what do you do when it comes with its own
sewage treatment plant This article provides some clues for owners of septic systems who want
to make them last a very long time
According to the US Environmental Protection Agency failure rates for on-lot sewagesystems across the country are reported at 10 percent annually In Pennsylvania approximately
12 million homes (one in three) use on-lot sewage systems for the treatment and disposal of
waste water
Responsibility for maintaining the system rests with the homeowner Proper maintenance
is a good idea since replacing it can cost thousands of dollars Proper maintenance also protects
groundwater that might be a source of drinking water
The most obvious on-lot sewage system failures are easy to spot Sewage backing up into
your home will typically command your immediate attention Raw sewage surfacing in your
yard in nearby ditches or on the neighborrsquos lawn is another clear indicator of failure Muddy
soil around the drain field or pooled water there or in your basement are other signs of serious
malfunction Notice whether your toilet or sink backs up when you flush or do laundry Stripsof bright green grass over the drainfield may be another indicator of problems A toilet running
sluggish or sewer odors in the house andor drinking water are signs of an on-lot system in
trouble
On-lot sewage systems also fail when partially treated wastewater comes into contact
with groundwater This type of failure is not easy to detect but it can result in the pollution of
wells nearby streams or other bodies of water Illness often to household visitors may be
another indicator of system failure that has affected your well and household drinking water
For those considering building a new home or replacing an existing septic system one of
the most critical factors in on-lot sewage system performance is the nature of the soils used for
the septic system soil absorption fieldYou can minimize failures by carefully and deliberately considering all aspects of on-lot
sewage system construction site selection design installation maintenance and use Hire
reputable individuals to design and install your system Also make sure the system is designed to
meet your present and future needs
You should contact your Township Sewage Enforcement Officer concerning permits
needed to install a new on-lot sewage system or repair a failing system
Once properly installed the key to preventing your on-lot system from failing is proper
maintenance Regularly pumping the tank being careful in what you put down the drains and
avoiding such things as planting trees over the field or covering the system with permanent
patios and home additions are important to keep the system running well
Water conservation in the home is also an excellent method of preventing future problems from occurring Divert downspouts and surface water away from the septic tank and
especially the drain field Do not physically damage the system by driving over the components
with heavy vehicles or by digging up the system for other utility lines etc Keep a record of the
location and dimensions of your system along with maintenance and repair information
Homeowners interested in finding out about the overall health of their on-lot sewage
system may want to consider having their septic systems inspected by a trained professional The
PA Septage Management Association in cooperation with the National Onsite Wastewater
832019 Pa Environment Digest Feb 20 2012
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Education and Research Foundation has adopted uniform On-lot Wastewater Treatment
Inspection procedures
PSMA is a professional association of septage pumpers system installers maintenance
technicians real estate inspectors and industry affiliates PSMA Certified Inspectors which
includes many septic tank pumpers are trained to understand how on-lot systems work why they
fail and recognize impending malfunctionsSee the PSMA website for more details about PSMANOF inspections or call them at
717-763-7762
Many fact sheets about on-lot sewage systems are available from the Agricultural and
Biological Engineering department Topics include septic tank pumping percolation tests
elevated sand mounds inspections and alternative systems and pharmaceutical disposal
(Article reprinted from Penn State Extension Watershed Winds online newsletter)
Wissahickon Watershed Maple Sugaring Program Set For March 3
Ever wonder how maple syrup and sugar are made The Wissahickon Vally WatershedAssociation will offer a unique program on maple syrup on March 3 in Ambler Montgomery
County
The event offers a fun and informative event ideal for families Scout groups and anyone
curious about the maple sugar process
Choose a specific time as guides take small groups through the woods to see the tapped
trees and then watch it being boiled into sugar End your walk at WVWArsquos historic headquarters
for hot chocolate and warm treats with maple syrup
RSVP requested by sending email to infowvwaorg or call 215-646-8866 There is a
fee for the program WVWA member fee $5 per person $15 per family Non-WVWA member
fee $10 per person $20 per family or Become a WVWA member and be their guest for $45In Ambler and look for signage Walk over the Butler Avenue Bridge and turn left onto
the Green Ribbon Trail
KPB Greenways Mini-Grant Program Applications Due March 15
Keep Pennsylvania Beautiful is now accepting applications for their Greenways Mini-Grant
Program to provide community groups with project supplies for outdoor based work events
within a greenway enabling the renewal of Pennsylvaniarsquos Greenways in need into something
beautiful
The deadline for applications is March 15 and hard copies are required Grants will be
awarded on April 16Fifteen grant awardees along with their volunteers will be eligible for up to $500 in
project supplies and direct project costs for Prevent it Clean it and Keep it projects within a
Greenway
Pennsylvania and its partners are developing an outstanding network of greenways across
the Commonwealth creating an asset that will enhance the quality of life for all while connecting
open space natural landscape features scenic cultural historic and recreations sites and urban
and rural communities
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A greenway is a linear corridor across the land that conserves natural areas and provides
people with recreation and transportation opportunities
As one of the Commonwealthrsquos most powerful tools to achieve sustainable growth and
livable communities greenways are ensuring future generations the opportunity to live amongst
the natural beauty of Pennrsquos Woods
This program is financed by a grant from the Community Conservation PartnershipProgram Environmental Stewardship Fund under the administration of the Department of
Conservation and Natural Resources Bureau of Recreation and Conservation
The Greenways Mini-Grant is available to any tax-exempt group within Pennsylvania
Private property owners or individual applicants cannot apply
Applications must meet the following requirements to be considered ndash it is within a
Greenway and is in at least one of the following categories Prevent it Clean it and Keep it (see
application for details) plus provide proof of liability insurance signed permission to enter from
the private property owner and 100 percent match of donated or in-kind services Selected
awardees must also agree to provide a final report with before during and after photos
ldquoWe are excited to collaborate with DCNR in offering Greenways Mini-Grants to
organizations working to build clean and beautiful communities across the staterdquo said ShannonReiter President of Keep Pennsylvania Beautiful ldquoGreenways are integral to healthy livable
communities and we are grateful to have the opportunity to empower Pennsylvania with the
tools and resources they need to enhance greenways in their communitiesrdquo
For more information visit the Greenways Mini-Grant Program webpage to download an
application Any additional questions can be answered by Susan Carmichael Greenways Mini-
Grant Program Coordinator at 1-877-772-3673 ext 102 or send email to
scarmichaelkeeppabeautifulorg
Pennsylvania Adds 1470 Acres Of Farmland To Preservation Program
Pennsylvania has added 1470 additional acres of land to its nationally recognized farmland
preservation program under action by the Pennsylvania Agricultural Land Preservation Board at
its meeting Thursday in Harrisburg
The 14 newly preserved farms are located in Beaver Berks Bucks Butler Cambria
Cumberland Juniata Lackawanna Lancaster Lebanon Northampton and Somerset counties
ldquoWersquove preserved nearly 15000 acres of farmland across the state in just the past year
alonerdquo said Agriculture Secretary George Greig ldquoThis speaks volumes to the value our farm
families place on ensuring the future viability of Pennsylvania agriculture ndash our statersquos number-
one industryrdquo
Since the program started in 1988 state county and local governments have invested
more than $11 billion to safeguard 459007 acres on 4243 farmsldquoOur producers know the importance of preserving farms so our next generation of
agriculturalists can keep Pennsylvania growing far into the future and I thank them for that
foresightrdquo Greig said
Pennsylvaniarsquos farmland preservation efforts work through the Pennsylvania Agricultural
Conservation Easement Purchase Program The program was developed to slow the loss of prime
farmland to non-agricultural uses It enables state county and local governments to purchase
conservation easements also called development rights from owners of quality farmland
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For more information visit Agricultures Farmland Preservation webpage
PUC Finalizes Implementation Plan For Pipeline Safety Act
The Public Utility Commission Thursday finalized an Order as the first step in implementing Act
127 the Gas and Hazardous Liquids Pipelines ActThe Commission voted 5-0 to finalize the Order which begins the process of creating a
statewide registry for non-public utility gas and hazardous liquids pipeline equipment and
facilities within the Commonwealth provides resources to conduct safety inspections to enforce
Federal pipeline safety laws on certain classifications of pipeline and assesses entities for the
costs
The Order established the following
-- The registration fee is $250
-- The 2012 registration deadline is March 16
-- Assessment invoices for the Commissionrsquos 2011-12 fiscal year will be mailed by March 30
and due by April 30 and
-- Assessment invoices for the Commissionrsquos 2012-13 fiscal year will be mailed in July 2012with payment due within 30 days
Final forms and other materials will be available on the Commissionrsquos website
Act 127 direct the PUC to develop a registry and conduct safety inspections of these lines
for ldquopipeline operatorsrdquo in the state The Commission also is to track the development of
pipelines in less populated areas which transport gas from non-conventional wells
Act 127 expands the Commissionrsquos authority to enforce the federal pipeline safety laws
as they relate to those pipelines and facilities Non-public utility gas and hazardous liquids
pipeline operators include several different categories of pipelines such as cooperatively owned
natural gas distribution systems non-utility natural gas transportation and gathering lines and
propane distribution pipeline systemsFor more information visit the PUCs Act 127 webpage
DEP Sets Feb 22 Meeting On Jefferson County Drilling Permit
The Department of Environmental Protection will host a public meeting on February 22 to
discuss Flatirons Resources LLCrsquos proposal to drill a Marcellus Shale well in Brockway
Jefferson County
The 6 pm meeting will be held at the Brockway Area JuniorSenior High School on
Alexander Street in Brockway
ldquoWe recognize that there are a lot of questions and that people want detailsrdquo DEP
Northwest Regional Director Kelly Burch said ldquoDEP staff will provide information about our role in the permitting process and address any questions and concerns the audience may have
about our oversight and environmental protectionrdquo
The horizontal well that Flatirons proposes to drill would be the second on this pad
which is on Brockway Borough Municipal Authority property in the Rattlesnake Creek
Watershed The first well was drilled in February 2011 and hydraulically fractured in November
2011
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After DEPrsquos presentation at the meeting company representatives will describe their
plans to drill the well if approved A question-and-answer session will follow
DEPrsquos decision to issue a well permit is based on the applicationrsquos technical merits and
whether the applicantrsquos drilling casing and cementing plan will protect water resources The
agency issued Flatirons a permit to drill a second well on the pad in December 2010 but it
expired a year later because the well was never drilled The permit application was resubmittedon December 27 2011
HACC Offers Free Environmental Technician Training At Midtown Campus
Training for emerging environmental jobs in the cleanup and reuse of brownfields will be offered
starting April 16 at the Midtown location of HACC Central Pennsylvaniarsquos Community College
Candidates for the federally funded program are displaced workers the unemployed or
underemployed as well as low-income or minority residents who live in the Harrisburg said
Cheryl Dietz HACC Workforce Training coordinator
Potential students can find out more by attending one of two upcoming information
sessions in Room 228 of Midtown 1 1500 N Fourth St The sessions will be held from 6-7 pmFebruary 29 and 11 am-noon March 3
HACC representatives will answer questions about the free job training program which
will consist of an eight-week 320-hour training cycle with classes meeting 8 am-3 pm April
16-June 8
To be eligible a candidate must have a general education diploma (GED) or high school
diploma test at a 10th-grade math and reading level have a valid driverrsquos license have access to
reliable transportation be drug free and demonstrate an interest in the environment
Successful graduates will receive certifications in all of the following Hazardous Waste
Operations and Emergency Response (HAZWOPER) confined space entrantattendant and
supervisor lead-based paint inspector and asbestos inspectorAdditional training will be offered in environmental site assessment air and water
quality and environmental remediation techniques
HACC is offering the training through a two-year $199890 grant awarded through the
federal Environmental Protection Agencyrsquos Brownfields Program
Two classes were held last year at HACC-Harrisburg Campus with 35 graduates Of this
number 26 have jobs (19 of them are in the environmental field) and four are continuing their
education A third class is under way in Lancaster As part of the grant HACC helps successful
graduates find environmental jobs and tracks those graduates for one year
A brownfield site is real property the expansion redevelopment or reuse of which may
be complicated by the presence or potential presence of a hazardous substance pollutant or
contaminant according to the EPAThe EPA estimates there are 180 brownfield sites in the Lancaster area and a combined
total of 120 brownfield sites in Harrisburg and Steelton
For more information or to register to attend an information session contact Cheryl
Deitz HACC Workforce Training coordinator at 221-1338 or send email to chdeitzhaccedu
PUC Chair Urges Utilities To Participate In Programs To Create Jobs For Returning
Troops
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Public Utility Commission Chairman Robert F Powelson Thursday urged the statersquos public
utilities to participate in several new programs proposed by Gov Tom Corbett and the Edison
Electric Institute to create jobs in the energy sector
The Chairman also noted that the time is right for job growth with the development of the
Marcellus Shale industry and electric competition across the stateldquoToday I encourage Pennsylvaniarsquos electric and natural gas utilities to learn from the
example set by EEI and participate in the Troops to Energy Jobs program as well as Governor
Corbettrsquos Jobs First PA initiative Chairman Powelson said in a statement at the PUCrsquos Public
Meeting In the days ahead the PUC will be coordinating with EEI and the Corbett
Administration to connect our energy companies with these innovative programsrdquo
The Chairman referenced Gov Corbetts annual budget address to the General Assembly
last week
ldquoIn his address the Governor recognized that the energy sector has enormous potential
for producing new jobs and putting the unemployed back to workrdquo Chairman Powelson said
ldquoIn announcing his new Jobs First program the Governor stated that lsquoas our energy sector
expands Pennsylvania needs a trained workforce ready to meet the demand for workersrsquordquoChairman Powelson said the EEI launched its Troops for Energy Jobs initiative which is
designed to accelerate the training and employability of veterans in key energy programs EEI is
currently piloting this program through five energy companies throughout the nation
For more information visit the Troops for Energy Jobs Initiative website
PA Chamber Environmental amp Energy Conference April 18 In Lancaster
The annual PA Chamber of Business and Industry Environmental and Energy Conference will be
held on April 18 at the Eden Resort Inn amp Suites in Lancaster
Major environmental regulatory areas continue to see numerous changes at the state andfederal level that impact business Thats why the Pennsylvania Chamber is offering four
learning tracks with answers you need on the latest environmental and energy issues-all in one
day
-- Compliance help from state and national top experts on the toughest environmental issues
-- Details on the latest regulatory changes and proposed changes
-- Proven strategies best practices and practical business tips to help you comply cost-effectively
in each area and
-- Advanced environmental roundtable
There will be two keynotes The Economic Benefits of Marcellus Shale and Natural Gas-
American Petroleum Institute Washington DC and Converting Trash into Renewable Energy-
National Solid Wastes Management Association Washington DCVisit with more than 50 exhibitors offering an exciting array of advanced technology
solutions and exhibitor educational sessions Access and network with more than 300 of your
peers from across the state
For more information and to register visit the Conference webpage or contact Sue Smith
at 717-720-5457 or send email to ssmithpachamberorg
Volunteers Needed To Plant 100 Acre Wind Break At Flight 93 Memorial In April
832019 Pa Environment Digest Feb 20 2012
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The federal Office of Surface Mining Reclamation and Enforcement through their Appalachian
Regional Reforestation Initiative and the Department of Environmental Protection are working
with the National Park Service to plant a wind break at the Flight 93 Memorial in Somerset
County
Volunteers are needed to plant trees on April 20 21 27 and 28 Volunteers may sign upfor one day or multiple days
If you are interested in volunteering send a Volunteer Sign-Up Form and a Photo
Release Form and send to Leroy Renninger of the National Park Service by email
to Leroy_Renningernpsgov
State Fly Tying Champions Announced At Eastern Sports amp Outdoor Show
The Eastern Sports amp Outdoor Show Cumberland Valley Trout Unlimited Bass Pro Shops of
Harrisburg Mid Atlantic Fly Fishing Guide magazine and the Fish and Boat Commission
sponsored the Pennsylvania State Fly Tying Championship held on February 11 at the Eastern
Sports amp Outdoor Show at the State Farm Show Complex in HarrisburgThirteen contestants in three categories competed for money trophies and prizes in the
annual event to crown the best fly tyers in Pennsylvania
In the Open Division the winners are 1st Place - Andy Fresch Summerhill 2nd Place -
Ken Moser Severna Park MD 3rd Place - John Shosh Hamburg
The Amateur Division winners are 1st Place - Matthew Edinger Sharon Hill 2nd Place -
- Mike Marino Souderton and 3rd Place -- Elliott DeFrancesco Wilburton
The Youth Division winners are 1st Place - Gaeron Friedrichs Milford 2nd Place
Bobby Faust Dalmatia
The contestants at the final event were the top tiers selected from entries previously
submitted In order to qualify the entrants had to submit three flies from a list of flies for eachcategory
At the event each finalist was required to tie three flies over a two hour time period The
finalists knew ahead of time two of the flies that were to be tied and a third ldquomystery flyrdquo was
announced to them at the event
The championship will be held again at the 2013 Eastern Sports and Outdoor Show and
applications information and details will be posted at the Cumberland Valley Trout Unlimited or
Eastern Sports and Outdoor Show websites as they become available
PA State Parks Forest App Now Updated And Free
The Official Pennsylvania State Parks amp Forests App is now completely FREE This latestversion now on the market includes advanced interactive capabilities such as GPS trail mapping
the Friend Finder to keep track of your family and friends on the trail and more
Featured Update List Increased performance speed Multi-tasking Capability
GeoChallenge (GeocacheGeoQuest) Feature FREE enhanced GPS features
This new version increases performance speed and cuts activation time in half With the
new multi-tasking capability users gain enhanced user navigation The more adventurous
832019 Pa Environment Digest Feb 20 2012
httpslidepdfcomreaderfullpa-environment-digest-feb-20-2012 2434
outdoor enthusiasts will benefit from the recently added GeoChallenges that include geocache
and geoquest activities which will be updated regularly
The waypointphoto waypoint marking tools have been upgraded and there has been a
fine-tuning of the trail-tracking feature located on the side navigation bar of the free GPS
Mapping section Use the app to track record and share your explorations with others-all at no
chargeTry out the app and let the PA Parks amp Forests Foundation know what you think
Feature
Bald Eagle Pair Get Help With Home Improvement Project
While most people try to avoid home improvement projects in the winter a pair of bald eagles
got some much needed help recently from a team of Game Commission land managers with a
very important and timely renovation project
A sycamore tree on Haldeman Island has been used by at least three mated pairs as a
nesting site since 1989 The island is just upriver of the confluence of the Susquehanna and
Juniata rivers north of Harrisburg and the tree stands just across a pond from one of three
hacking towers the Game Commission used at two locations in its bald eagle recovery program
About two weeks ago one of the limbs supporting the nest collapsed under the weight of the
nest
On Friday Steve Bernardi Game Commission Land Management Group Supervisor for
Juniata Mifflin Perry and Snyder counties was joined by Terry Willow Game Lands
Maintenance Worker with the River Island Food and Cover Corps Crew and Scott Bills Land
Management Group Supervisor for Dauphin and Lebanon counties to construct a platform to
encourage the bald eagle pair to reuse this nest site
The three men measured and cut lumber used hammers and nails as well as screws anddrills to secure the lumber in place and then placed branches and sticks on the platform to
encourage the bald eagles ndash who were watching the activity while perched in nearby trees ndash to
begin rebuilding a nest
A pair built a nest in this tree in 1989 and had their first young in 1990 Bernardi said
A storm blew the original nest out of the tree in 1995 Scott Bills who was the Wildlife
Conservation Officer in Dauphin County at that time worked with a Food and Cover Corps crew
and PPL to erect the first platform similar to what we put in place on Friday
Adult bald eagles are preparing to nest and hopefully they will come back and reuse this
platform just like they did back in 1995
Haldeman Island played a key role in the recovery of bald eagles in Pennsylvania In the
1980s it was one of two locations used for reintroduction of eagles brought by the GameCommission from Canada in the early years of restoration of eagles to our state About 40
eaglets were released at the Haldeman Island tower overlooking the ponds on the north side of
the island by 1989
When the reintroduced birds successfully raised young at a nest on Haldeman in 1990
the whole state had only seven nesting pairs And there has been an active eagle nest in that spot
every year since except 2004 when the birds took a year off
832019 Pa Environment Digest Feb 20 2012
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While we dont know if the same pair have been active that whole time the same old
sycamore tree has been used during this period and that nest has produced more than 40 young
over this period said Dan Brauning Game Commission Wildlife Diversity Division chief
Since the site is well-protected on a Game Commission island with limited access this site has
particular value to us
Continued support for this nest will help sustain this historic location in the recovery of baldeagles in Pennsylvania
In 1983 the Game Commission began a seven-year bald eagle restoration program in
which the agency sent employees to Saskatchewan to obtain eaglets from wilderness nests The
Richard King Mellon Foundation of Pittsburgh and the federal Endangered Species Fund
provided financial assistance for this effort
In all 88 bald eaglets from Canada were released from sites at Dauphin Countys
Haldeman Island and Pike Countys Shohola Falls The resurgence of eagles in Pennsylvania is
directly related to this program which also was carried out in other states in the Northeast
When the restoration program began in 1983 only three Crawford County nests remained
in the state By 2006 the agency announced that the state had surpassed the 100 bald eagle nest
mark Just five years later in 2011 the number of known bald eagle nests had doubled to 203spread out over 50 counties
Residents aware of a bald eagle nest ndash which are among the largest nests of all birds ndash in
their area should consider reporting it to the Pennsylvania Game Commission The easiest way to
contact the agency by sending email to pgccommentspagov Use the words Eagle Nest
Information in the subject field
The Game Commission continues to further the publics understanding of bald eagles In
2010 a comprehensive Bald Eagle threatened species account and Bald Eagle Nest Etiquette
guide were added to the agencys website
In 2011 the agency launched its series of Eagle-watching in Pennsylvania guides that
will help direct those interested in viewing bald eagles in the wild on where to go how to getthere what to expect and other wildlife viewing opportunities available at each site
Currently posted are eagle-watching guides for Erie National Wildlife Refuge Crawford
County Conneaut Marsh Geneva Marsh State Game Land 213 Crawford County Raystown
Lake Huntingdon County State Game Land 180 Shohola Lake Pike County Middle Creek
Wildlife Management Area Lebanon and Lancaster counties Bald Eagle State Park Centre
County Glendale Lake Price Gallitzin State Park Cambria County John Heinz National
Wildlife Refuge Philadelphia and Delaware counties Lower Susquehanna River Lancaster and
York counties Moraine State Park Butler County Pine Creek Valley Lycoming and Tioga
counties Promised Land State Park Pike County Pymatuning Reservoir Crawford County and
the Upper Delaware River in Pike Wayne and Monroe counties
Game Commission Announces April 1 Deadline For Ads In Hunting-Trapping Digest
Game Commission Executive Director Carl G Roe Thursday announced Liberty Press
Publications publisher of the Pennsylvania Digest of Hunting amp Trapping Regulations has set
April 1 as the deadline for advertising copy in the 2012-13 Digest Click Here for details
For advertising information contact Liberty Press Publications toll-free at
1-800-296-6402
832019 Pa Environment Digest Feb 20 2012
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Opportunity To Bid On McKean County Abandoned Well Plugging Project
The Department of Environmental Protection published notice of an opportunity to bid on a
project to plug 24 abandoned oil wells in McKean County
Help Wanted Chesapeake Bay Foundation PA Grassroots Coordinator Field Specialist
The Chesapeake Bay Foundation is seeking a PA Grassroots Coordinator and a Field Specialist
to be based at their Pennsylvania State Office located in Harrisburg This position is a 2 year
term position with the possibility of extension Click Here for details
Help Wanted Conewago Creek Assistant Project Coordinator
Penn State Cooperative Extension on behalf of the Conewago Creek Initiative seeks an Assistant
Project Coordinator to be an integral part of a dynamic partnership team working together with
local state and federal partnersThe Assistant Project Coordinator will report to the Director of the Lower Susquehanna
Initiative who serves as the Project Coordinator for the Conewago Creek Initiative
The deadline for applications is March 1 Click Here for details
Help Wanted ALLARM Assistant Director Of Outreach Marcellus
The Alliance for Aquatic Resource Monitoring (ALLARM) is seeking candidate to fill a third
full time position to the organization-- Assistant Director of Outreach-- to assist with Marcellus
Monitoring program training community volunteers throughout the shale gas regions in
Pennsylvania to monitor small streams for early pollution detection Click Here for fullannouncement
Grants amp 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
February 23-- PA Pathways To Green Schools Nominations
February 24-- PA Trout In The Classroom Grants
February 29-- EPA Environmental Justice Small Grants
February 29-- Ben Franklin BIG IDEA Business Plan ContestFebruary 29-- PA American Water Stream of Learning Scholarships
February 29-- West Branch Susquehanna Orange Rock Awards
March 1-- Erie TreeVitalize Grants
March 2-- Coca-Cola Keep America Beautiful Recycling Bin Grants
March 2-- Conservation Innovation Grants Chesapeake Bay Nutrient Credit Grants
March 5-- TogetherGreen Fellowship and Innovation Grants
832019 Pa Environment Digest Feb 20 2012
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March 5-- PECDominion Western PA Environmental Awards
March 10-- PA American Water Environmental Grants
March 15-- NEW Keep PA Beautiful Greenways Mini-Grants
March 23-- Water Resources Education Network Grants
March 30-- PA American Water Protect Our Watersheds Student Art Contest
March 31-- DEP Host Municipal Inspector GrantsApril 3-- West Penn Power Sustainable Energy Fund Grants Loans
April 4-- DCNR Community Conservation Partnership Grants
April 15-- Wild Resource Conservation Fund Income Tax Checkoff Deadline
March 1-- Keystone Historic Preservation Project and Construction Grants
August 1-- PA Snowmobile Assn Trail Improvement Grants
August 24-- Foundation for PA Watershed Grants
September 1-- Erie TreeVitalize Grants
October 31-- PA Resources Council Lens On Litter Contest
-- Visit the DEP Grants and Loan Programs webpage for more ideas on how to get financial
assistance for environmental projects
BudgetQuick Clips
Heres a selection of NewClips on environmental topics from around the state--
Budget
Corbett Signs Marcellus Shale Fee Into Law
Corbett Signs Shale Well Impact Fee Into Law
Corbett Approves Marcellus Shale Fee
Bradford Commissioner Foolish Not To Accept Drilling Fee MoneyWhats Next For PAs Impact Fee Bradford Against Fee
Bradford Commissioners Disagree On Drilling Fee
Washington County To Seek Marcellus Fees
Editorial Corbetts Gas Fee About To Evaporate
Robinson Twp To Contest New Marcellus Law
South Fayette Eyes Legal Action On Drilling Bill
Fish amp Boat Commission Grateful For Marcellus Fees
PUC Eyes Private Firm For Impact Fee Collection
PUC Chair Let Marcellus Play Come To Us
PUC Would Get Shale Role Under Drilling Bill
Editorial It Makes Sense For PUC To Deal With Drilling NE Counties To Raise Millions Or Nothing Under Drilling Fee
House Capital Budget Bill Debate Focuses On Jobs
House GOP Marcellus Bill A Win For Jobs
Norquists No-Tax Pledge Cant Give Drill Fee The Ax
PA Natural Gas Levy Became Inevitable
Bradford Commissioners Disagree On Drilling Fee
832019 Pa Environment Digest Feb 20 2012
httpslidepdfcomreaderfullpa-environment-digest-feb-20-2012 2834
Vertical Exploratory Wells Wont Be Hit With Drilling Fee
Impact Fee Bill Addresses Housing Needs
Op-Ed Natural Gas Fee May Be Too Late
Editorial Marcellus Fee A Tax Stupid
Editorial Shale Drillers Got The Better Part Of Deal
Corbett Raiding Special FundsCan Pennsylvanians Survive Under Another Corbett Budget
As Roads Bridges Deteriorate Governor Silent
Analysis Taking Baby Steps On Fixing Roads Bridges
Editorial Must A Bridge Fall Down
House Capital Budget Bill Debate Focuses On Jobs
Editorial Capital Budget Funds Must Be Kept Under Control
Obama Cuts EPA Increases Chesapeake Bay Program
Chesapeake Bay Program Increased Under Obama Budget
EPA Budget Cut For States Superfund Cleanup
Obama Proposes $14 Million For Fracking Research
$67 Million Requested For Federal Pipeline SafetyDCNR Secretary Says Report On Wildlife Research Not Accurate
Other
Electronics Recycling Date Set At Greensburg Mall
Hershey Plants Achieve Zero Waste Status
RecycleBank Named On Of Worlds Most Innovative Companies
Editorial Fine Litterers No Ifs Or Butts
Corbett Signs 3 Energy Sector Bills
Op-Ed Anti-Coal Agenda Is Detrimental To PA
Op-Ed Global Warming As Fact Not Hypothesis
Op-Ed Climate Change Education Is NecessaryHomer City Power Plant Still To Dirty Groups Claim
DEP Sets March 14 Public Hearing On Homer City Power Plant
Concerns Voiced Over PPL Lines
Consumer Alert Electricity Price Discounts Heat Up
Turbine Load To Hit The Road To Holtwood Dam
PPL Plans $664 Million In Electric Delivery System Improvements
Exelon Gives Dauphin County $110000 For Emergency Response
Groups Ask For Expansion Of Nuclear Plant Evacuation Zone
Feds Give PPL Reactor Low Grade
Allentown Council Rejects Waste-To-Energy Sewage Plant
GE Invests In Cleaner Evolution LocomotiveDEP Hopeful Buyer Will Emerge For ConocoPhillips Refinery
DEP Renews ConocoPhillips Trainer Refinery Discharge Permit
100 Sunoco Workers In PA Get Layoff Notices
Meehan PA Refinery Closures Threat To National Security
Refinery Closings Could Affect 15000 Jobs Study Says
Gasoline Could Reach $5 By July 4
$4 A Gallon Gasoline By Memorial Day
832019 Pa Environment Digest Feb 20 2012
httpslidepdfcomreaderfullpa-environment-digest-feb-20-2012 2934
Gasoline Prices Have Never Been This High This Early
Electric Bicycle Waiver Sought
Land Bank Bill Newest Anti-Blight Tool
Game Commission Prepares For Controlled Burn On Centre County
2012 Great Backyard Bird Count Begins Friday
Birders-Eye View Of Conservation In PhiladelphiaState Could Take Over Refurbished Point State Park
New Ohiopyle Visitors Center Project To Be Bid This Spring
Winterfest At Ohiopyle No Snow Still A Go
Protecting Landscapes Changing Face Of Conservation
Marcellus Shale NewsClips
Here are NewsClips on topics related to Marcellus Shale natural gas drilling---
Corbett Signs Marcellus Shale Fee Into Law
Corbett Signs Shale Well Impact Fee Into Law
Corbett Approves Marcellus Shale Fee
Bradford Commissioner Foolish Not To Accept Drilling Fee Money
Whats Next For PAs Impact Fee Bradford Against Fee
Bradford Commissioners Disagree On Drilling Fee
Washington County To Seek Marcellus Fees
Editorial Corbetts Gas Fee About To Evaporate
Robinson Twp To Contest New Marcellus Law
South Fayette Eyes Legal Action On Drilling Bill
Fish amp Boat Commission Grateful For Marcellus Fees
PUC Eyes Private Firm For Impact Fee CollectionPUC Chair Let Marcellus Play Come To Us
PUC Would Get Shale Role Under Drilling Bill
Editorial It Makes Sense For PUC To Deal With Drilling
Corbett Raiding Special Funds
NE Counties To Raise Millions Or Nothing Under Drilling Fee
House GOP Marcellus Bill A Win For Jobs
Norquists No-Tax Pledge Cant Give Drill Fee The Ax
PA Natural Gas Levy Became Inevitable
Wayne County Landowners Push For Drilling
Vertical Exploratory Wells Wont Be Hit With Drilling Fee
Impact Fee Bill Addresses Housing NeedsDrilling Bill Authors Health Experts Fears Unfounded
Health Officials Drilling Law Disclosure Rules Lax
Op-Ed Natural Gas Fee May Be Too Late
Editorial Marcellus Fee A Tax Stupid
Editorial Shale Drillers Got The Better Part Of Deal
Delaware Riverkeeper Reports Settlement Over Gas Well
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EPA Probing Washington County Shale Operations
Marcellus Boom Has Pressed Law Firms To Boost Their Staffs
25 More State Troopers In NE Shale Region
Recorders Of Deeds May Not Reject Multiple Gas Leases
Rural Loophole Curbing PA Pipeline Inspections
Pipeline Tested Ahead Of Tie-In To Shale WellsFirefighters Learn To Deal With Drilling Emergencies
Assessing PGWs Liquid Natural Gas Future
Dominion Resources Playing Responsible Role In Drilling
Report Philly Should Consider Selling Gas Company
Company Files For Gas Drilling Permit In Bucks County
Gas Drilling Debate Returns To Bucks County
Shale Drillers Drinking From Slippery Rock Creek
Gas Wells With Smaller Footprint Get Greater Scrutiny
PennEnvironment Violations Report Half-Baked
Water Tanker Truck Lands In Creek In Monroe Twp
Industry Says Over 93230 New Hires As A Result Of Marcellus ShaleBCCC Begins Classes For Marcellus Shale Workers
Marcellus Gas Creates Demand For Cars
Ex-Drilling Exec Took Nearly $1 Million Or More
Op-Ed Gas Drillers New Wild West
Marcellus Gas Production Rises So Does Recycling
FinancialOther StatesNational
Drillers Cut Natural Gas Production As Prices Drop
Talisman Cutting Back Drilling Plans
Ultra Petroleum Reports 2011 Financial Operating Results
Gas Firms Drill Less As Prices Nose DiveObama Proposes $14 Million For Fracking Research
$67 Million Requested For Federal Pipeline Safety
FloodingWatershed NewsClips
Here are NewsClips on watershed topics from around the state--
Flooding
New Bank Coming To Flood-Ravaged Shickshinny
Other Watershed NewsClips
Mon River QUEST Wins Regional IMPACT AwardEPA Evaluates States Chesapeake Bay Plans
Shale Drillers Drinking From Slippery Rock Creek
Sewage Woes Close Lewisburg Area Park
$375000 To Aid Little Buck Run Restoration Effort
Loyalhanna Creek Sewage Overflow Problem Goes To State
Turbine Load To Hit The Road To Holtwood Dam
832019 Pa Environment Digest Feb 20 2012
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Funding Sought For Restoration Of Speedwell Lake
Obama Cuts EPA Increases Chesapeake Bay Program
Chesapeake Bay Program Increased Under Obama Budget
EPA Budget Cut For States Superfund Cleanup
Editorial Delaware Dredging A Step Closer
Regulations Technical Guidance amp Permits
No new regulations were published this week Pennsylvania Bulletin - February 18 2012
Proposed Regulations Open For Comment - DEP webpage
Proposed Regulations With Closed Comment Periods - DEP webpage
DEP Regulatory Agenda - DEP webpage
Technical Guidance amp Permits
The Department of Environmental Protection published notice of bond rate calculations for mine
reclamation The Fish and Boat Commission published notice of nursery water designation for
the Shenango River Crawford County
DEP also published an update to the list of companies certified to perform radon-related
activities (PA Bulletin page 994)
Technical Guidance Comment Deadlines - DEP webpage
Copies Of Draft Technical Guidance - DEP webpage
Copies of Final Technical Guidance - DEP webpage
Calendar Of Events
Upcoming legislative meetings conferences workshops plus links to other online calendars
Meetings are in Harrisburg unless otherwise noted NEW means new from last week Go to the
online Calendar webpage
Click on Agenda Released on calendar entries to see the NEW meeting agendas published this
week
Note You can watch the hearings live through the Senate webpage and the House webpage or
on the PA Cable Network website
832019 Pa Environment Digest Feb 20 2012
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February 21-- House Appropriations Committee budget hearings 930 - Global Economy
1100 - Independent Fiscal Office 130 - Department of Revenue Room 140
February 21-- CANCELED Environmental Quality Board meeting Next scheduled meeting is
March 20 ( formal notice )
February 21-- Agenda Released DEP Citizens Advisory Council meeting Room 105 Rachel
Carson Building 1130
February 22-- Senate Appropriations Committee budget hearings 930 - Department of
Environmental Protection 100 - Department of Transportation Hearing Room 1 North Office
February 23-- NEW House Democratic Policy Committee holds a hearing on Southeast PA oil
refinery closings National Constitution Center Philadelphia 1000
February 27-- House Appropriations Committee budget hearings 1000 - Public Utility
Commission 1100 - Office of Consumer Advocate Small Business Advocate Room 140
February 27-- NEW House Democratic Policy Committee holds a hearing on Marcellus Shale
air emissions Bryn Mawr Presbyterian Church Bryn Mawr 1000
February 28-- Senate Appropriations Committee budget hearings 100 - Department of
Agriculture Hearing Room 1 North Office
February 28-- House Appropriations Committee budget hearings 930 - Department of
Agriculture 1030 - Department of Conservation and Natural Resources Room 140
February 29-- Senate Appropriations Committee budget hearings 930 - PA Emergency
Management Agency Hearing Room 1 North Office
February 29-- House Game and Fisheries Committee informational meeting on Fish and Boat
Commissions Annual Report Room 39 East Wing 1000
February 29-- House Appropriations Committee budget hearings 930 - Department of
Transportation 300 - Department of Environmental Protection Room 140
March 1-- House Appropriations Committee budget hearings 1000 Department of Labor amp
Industry 100 - Department of Community and Economic Development Room 140
March 6-- House Appropriations Committee budget hearings 930 - State PoliceOffice of
Homeland Security 1100 - PA Emergency Management Agency 300 - Department of General
Services Room 140
March 6-- CANCELED DEP Storage Tank Advisory Committee meeting Next scheduled
meeting is June 5 ( formal notice )
832019 Pa Environment Digest Feb 20 2012
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March 7-- House Game and Fisheries Committee informational meeting on Game Commissions
Annual Report Room 39 East Wing 1000
March 8-- House Appropriations Committee budget hearings 1000 - Budget Secretary 100 -
House Member Testimony Room 140
March 14-- DEP Air Quality Technical Advisory Committee meeting Room 105 Rachel Carson
Building 915 ( formal notice )
March 26-- Environmental Issues Forum Joint Legislative Air and Water Pollution Control and
Conservation Committee featuring a presentation by DCNR Secretary Richard Allan (Location
to be determined) Noon
DEP Calendar of Events
Note The Environmental Education Workshop Calendar is no longer available from the PACenter for Environmental Education because funding for the Center was eliminated in the FY
2011-12 state budget The PCEE website was also shutdown but some content was moved to
the PA Association of Environmental Educators website
Senate Committee Schedule House Committee Schedule
You can watch the Senate Floor Session and House Floor Session live online
Stories Invited
Send your stories photos and videos about your project environmental issues or programs for
publication in the PA Environment Digest to DHessCrisciAssociatescom
PA Environment Digest is edited by David E Hess former Secretary Pennsylvania Department
of Environmental Protection and is published as a service to the clients of Crisci Associates a
Harrisburg-based government and public affairs firm whose clients include Fortune 500
companies and non-profit organizations For more information on Crisci Associates call
717-234-1716
PA Environment Digest weekly was the winner of the PA Association of Environmental
Educators 2009 Business Partner of the Year Award
Also sign up for these other services from Crisci Associates--
PA Environment Digest Twitter Feed On Twitter sign up to receive instant updates from
PAEnviroDigest
832019 Pa Environment Digest Feb 20 2012
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PA Environment Daily Blog provides daily environmental NewsClips and significant stories
and announcements on environmental topics in Pennsylvania of immediate value Sign up and
receive as they are posted updates through your favorite RSS reader You can also sign up for a
once daily email alerting you to new items posted on this blog
PA Environment Digest Video Blog showcases original and published videos fromenvironmental groups and agencies around the state Sign up to receive as they are posted
updates through your favorite RSS read You can also sign up for a once daily email alerting
you to new items posted on this blog
PA Capitol Digest Dont forget to sign up to receive the PA Capitol Digest Twitter feed by
going to wwwTwittercomPaCapitolDigest or click on this link for the regular daily PA
Capitol Digest Blog to get other news from in and around the Pennsylvania State Capitol
Supporting Member PA Outdoor Writers AssnPA Trout Unlimited
PA Environment Digest is a supporting member of the Pennsylvania Outdoor Writers
Association Pennsylvania Council Trout Unlimited and the Doc Fritchey Chapter Trout
Unlimited
832019 Pa Environment Digest Feb 20 2012
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ultimately produces different results we find that creating healthier living conditions for the
livestock through the installation of conservation practices improves herd health and the farmerrsquos
bottom linerdquo
Another goal of this program is to provide at no cost to the farmer a new or updated
Conservation and Nutrient Management Plan By combining this plan with an engineerrsquos
evaluation of the farm which is also provided the plans are then considered a Comprehensive Nutrient Management Plan or a CNMP
Having a CNMP enables the farmer to apply for federal funding to assist with larger on-
farm improvements such as manure storage facilities and concrete barnyards
Farmers interested in participating in the Buffer Bonus program must be willing to install
a forested riparian streamside buffer through the USDArsquos Conservation Reserve Enhancement
Program (CREP) Those already enrolled in CREP with a contract date of April 1 2009 or later
may be eligible to enroll
This funding will not be available for long and farms will be served on a first come first
serve basis
For more information contact BradfordSullivan Counties Jennifer Johns
570-578-6900 TiogaLycoming Counties Steve Smith 570-578-7000 SusquehannaWyomingCounties Jeremy Wagner 570-278-1011 xt 107
Spring Creek Watershed Association Hosts Chesapeake Bay GIS Tool Workshop Feb 21
On February 21 the Spring Creek Watershed Association will host John Dawes Foundation for
PA Watersheds for a presentation about the Chesapeake Commons a web-based Geographic
Information Systems (GIS) and data management tool developed for the Chesapeake Bay
restoration effort
The presentation will be held from 800 am to 900 am at the Patton Township
Municipal Building near State College PaThere is also an option to hear the presentation through a webinar at the same time Click
Here for details
The Chesapeake Commons Tool is a free web-based Geographic Information Systems
(GIS) and data management tool available to all organizations working to restore the Chesapeake
Bay The Tool is designed to serve as a centralized knowledge base of data maps and articles
contributed by government nonprofits funders and citizen organizers
Policy makers will have a centralized pool of peer vetted information from which they
can make the best possible decisions in the context of the Bay restoration effort
Chesapeake Commons is a project developed and funded by the Chesapeake Bay Funders
Network with financial support from the John Heinz III Center for Science Economics and the
Environment
Town Meeting On Health Of The Wissahickon Creek March 29
On March 29 the Wissahickon Valley Watershed Association and the Springside Chestnut Hill
Academy with support from the Friends of the Wissahickon and Chestnut Hill College are
sponsoring a Town Meeting to inform the community about significant environmental challenges
to the Wissahickon Creek
832019 Pa Environment Digest Feb 20 2012
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The meeting will be held on the Cherokee Campus of Springside Chestnut Hill Academy
8000 Cherokee Street Philadelphia and will begin at 7 pm doors will open at 630 pm and
light refreshments will be provided
A Creek in Crisis A Town Meeting on the Health of the Wissahickon Creek will
examine the numerous threats to the Wissahickon including diminishing water quantity
stormwater runoff impaired water quality and flooding that severely impact the health of theWissahickon Creek and its tributaries
The impact of the Wissahickon Creek on the lives of those living in the Wissahickon
Watershed is absolute Though the Wissahickon Creek has a humble beginning in the parking lot
at Montgomery Mall it continues through nine municipalities to the confluence of the Schuylkill
River in Philadelphia
It is a significant waterway providing approximately 10 percent of the drinking water to
Philadelphians as well as habitat for local wildlife and recreation and natural beauty for area
residents
Moderated by Patrick Starr Vice President of the PA Environmental Council Southeast
Regional Office the Town Meeting will feature a panel of environmental experts who will
examine the numerous threats to the WissahickonPanelists will be Carol R Collier Executive Director of the Delaware River Basin
Commission John K Jackson PhD Senior Research Scientist at the Stroud Water Research
Center and Chris Crockett Deputy Commissioner at the Philadelphia Water Department
More information will be posted on the Friends of the Wissahickon website
Conservation Reserve Program Training Courses Offered By Penn State Extension
Conservation professionals working across the Chesapeake Bay Watershed are invited to a
special training program on Conservation Reserve Planning for professionals on March 7 and 8
at the Lancaster County Farm and Home CenterA national team of facilitators will be conducting the Lancaster workshop including from
University of Wisconsin University of Minnesota Montana State University University of
Georgia and Penn State ndash along with experienced and skilled US Natural Resource
Conservation Service professionals
Also involved in the program are conservation partners who are in formal agreements
with NRCS to deliver the Conservation Reserve Enhancement Program to landowners for
example the Chesapeake Bay Foundation will also be on hand at the workshop to provide
additional training related to CREP
This training workshop is designed to create a group of skilled conservation professionals
working in partnership with farmers and landowners to develop quality CRP conservation plans
that result in measurable impacts on land and water resource managementWorkshop goals include
-- Understanding the purpose and intent of the Conservation Reserve Program (CRP)
-- Determining eligibility of lands for CRP
-- Knowing how to find information for CRP plans
-- Effectively working with a landowner in developing a CRP plan
-- Becoming familiar with regionally specific conservation practices
-- Understanding how to implement a CRP plan
832019 Pa Environment Digest Feb 20 2012
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-- Working with NRCS and FSA to submit a quality CRP plan
The Conservation Reserve Program Readiness Initiative was created to help the Natural
Resources Conservation Service accomplish the work involved with managing CRP enrollments
CRP plan development and implementation and the follow up management of developed plans
A national team of Extension staff NRCS and FSA staff and representatives from NRCS
partner agencies and organizations has collaborated to develop a multi-faceted training programto meet the needs of the initiative
Click Here for the full schedule of workshops available
Latest Lessons From The Land Webinar Feb 21 On Managing Phosphorus
Penn State Extension and the Conewago Watershed Initiative will host a webcast on February 21
from noon to 100 pm on Measuring and Managing Phosphorus In Wet Pennsylvania
Landscapes part of the Lessons From The Land series
Dr Tony Buda USDA ARS and Dr Patrick Drohan Penn State Department of Crop
and Soil Science will present research conducted by PA USDA NRCS USDA-ARS and Penn
State to look at how saturated soils and soils with fragipans have contributed to higher runoffMatt Royer Director of the Lower Susquehanna Initiative Penn State AG amp
Environment Center will moderate
These wet landscapes are often critical sources of phosphorus that contribute to loads of
pollutants in streamsmdashand should be targeted for conservation practices
A pilot study undertaken within the Conewago Watershed serves as a proving ground for
the development of ldquonext generation nutrient management practicesrdquo necessary to reduce the
loads of phosphorus emanating from agricultural lands that contribute to the degradation of the
Chesapeake Bay Watershed
One Nutrient Management credit is available for eligible participants from the state
Department of Agriculture Those seeking credits will be required to sign-in during the webinar to verify their attendance
The program can be viewed online as a recording after the live broadcast Continuing ed
credits are not available for the recorded session
To join this webinar you will need a high speed Internet and can sign in on this
webpage at the webinars noon start time This program will be broadcasting live from the
Conewago Initiativersquos Project Advisory Team meeting at Penn Statersquos Harrisburg campus
Lake Management Annual Conference Set For March 7-8 In State College
The 22nd annual Pennsylvania Lake Management Society annual conference will once again be
at the Days Inn State College on March 7 and 8This years theme is Staying Blue by Going Green and our keynote speaker is Bill
Jones from Indiana School of Public and Environmental Affairs in Bloomington Indiana
As always the Conference will have a great line up of speakers It also offers aquatic
applicator credits for PA OH NY and NJ
Please check out the Conference webpage for more details or contact Kerilynn Frey by
sending email to palakeshotmailcom
832019 Pa Environment Digest Feb 20 2012
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Penn State Extension How To Avoid Septic System Failures
Owning your own home is challenging enough what do you do when it comes with its own
sewage treatment plant This article provides some clues for owners of septic systems who want
to make them last a very long time
According to the US Environmental Protection Agency failure rates for on-lot sewagesystems across the country are reported at 10 percent annually In Pennsylvania approximately
12 million homes (one in three) use on-lot sewage systems for the treatment and disposal of
waste water
Responsibility for maintaining the system rests with the homeowner Proper maintenance
is a good idea since replacing it can cost thousands of dollars Proper maintenance also protects
groundwater that might be a source of drinking water
The most obvious on-lot sewage system failures are easy to spot Sewage backing up into
your home will typically command your immediate attention Raw sewage surfacing in your
yard in nearby ditches or on the neighborrsquos lawn is another clear indicator of failure Muddy
soil around the drain field or pooled water there or in your basement are other signs of serious
malfunction Notice whether your toilet or sink backs up when you flush or do laundry Stripsof bright green grass over the drainfield may be another indicator of problems A toilet running
sluggish or sewer odors in the house andor drinking water are signs of an on-lot system in
trouble
On-lot sewage systems also fail when partially treated wastewater comes into contact
with groundwater This type of failure is not easy to detect but it can result in the pollution of
wells nearby streams or other bodies of water Illness often to household visitors may be
another indicator of system failure that has affected your well and household drinking water
For those considering building a new home or replacing an existing septic system one of
the most critical factors in on-lot sewage system performance is the nature of the soils used for
the septic system soil absorption fieldYou can minimize failures by carefully and deliberately considering all aspects of on-lot
sewage system construction site selection design installation maintenance and use Hire
reputable individuals to design and install your system Also make sure the system is designed to
meet your present and future needs
You should contact your Township Sewage Enforcement Officer concerning permits
needed to install a new on-lot sewage system or repair a failing system
Once properly installed the key to preventing your on-lot system from failing is proper
maintenance Regularly pumping the tank being careful in what you put down the drains and
avoiding such things as planting trees over the field or covering the system with permanent
patios and home additions are important to keep the system running well
Water conservation in the home is also an excellent method of preventing future problems from occurring Divert downspouts and surface water away from the septic tank and
especially the drain field Do not physically damage the system by driving over the components
with heavy vehicles or by digging up the system for other utility lines etc Keep a record of the
location and dimensions of your system along with maintenance and repair information
Homeowners interested in finding out about the overall health of their on-lot sewage
system may want to consider having their septic systems inspected by a trained professional The
PA Septage Management Association in cooperation with the National Onsite Wastewater
832019 Pa Environment Digest Feb 20 2012
httpslidepdfcomreaderfullpa-environment-digest-feb-20-2012 1834
Education and Research Foundation has adopted uniform On-lot Wastewater Treatment
Inspection procedures
PSMA is a professional association of septage pumpers system installers maintenance
technicians real estate inspectors and industry affiliates PSMA Certified Inspectors which
includes many septic tank pumpers are trained to understand how on-lot systems work why they
fail and recognize impending malfunctionsSee the PSMA website for more details about PSMANOF inspections or call them at
717-763-7762
Many fact sheets about on-lot sewage systems are available from the Agricultural and
Biological Engineering department Topics include septic tank pumping percolation tests
elevated sand mounds inspections and alternative systems and pharmaceutical disposal
(Article reprinted from Penn State Extension Watershed Winds online newsletter)
Wissahickon Watershed Maple Sugaring Program Set For March 3
Ever wonder how maple syrup and sugar are made The Wissahickon Vally WatershedAssociation will offer a unique program on maple syrup on March 3 in Ambler Montgomery
County
The event offers a fun and informative event ideal for families Scout groups and anyone
curious about the maple sugar process
Choose a specific time as guides take small groups through the woods to see the tapped
trees and then watch it being boiled into sugar End your walk at WVWArsquos historic headquarters
for hot chocolate and warm treats with maple syrup
RSVP requested by sending email to infowvwaorg or call 215-646-8866 There is a
fee for the program WVWA member fee $5 per person $15 per family Non-WVWA member
fee $10 per person $20 per family or Become a WVWA member and be their guest for $45In Ambler and look for signage Walk over the Butler Avenue Bridge and turn left onto
the Green Ribbon Trail
KPB Greenways Mini-Grant Program Applications Due March 15
Keep Pennsylvania Beautiful is now accepting applications for their Greenways Mini-Grant
Program to provide community groups with project supplies for outdoor based work events
within a greenway enabling the renewal of Pennsylvaniarsquos Greenways in need into something
beautiful
The deadline for applications is March 15 and hard copies are required Grants will be
awarded on April 16Fifteen grant awardees along with their volunteers will be eligible for up to $500 in
project supplies and direct project costs for Prevent it Clean it and Keep it projects within a
Greenway
Pennsylvania and its partners are developing an outstanding network of greenways across
the Commonwealth creating an asset that will enhance the quality of life for all while connecting
open space natural landscape features scenic cultural historic and recreations sites and urban
and rural communities
832019 Pa Environment Digest Feb 20 2012
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A greenway is a linear corridor across the land that conserves natural areas and provides
people with recreation and transportation opportunities
As one of the Commonwealthrsquos most powerful tools to achieve sustainable growth and
livable communities greenways are ensuring future generations the opportunity to live amongst
the natural beauty of Pennrsquos Woods
This program is financed by a grant from the Community Conservation PartnershipProgram Environmental Stewardship Fund under the administration of the Department of
Conservation and Natural Resources Bureau of Recreation and Conservation
The Greenways Mini-Grant is available to any tax-exempt group within Pennsylvania
Private property owners or individual applicants cannot apply
Applications must meet the following requirements to be considered ndash it is within a
Greenway and is in at least one of the following categories Prevent it Clean it and Keep it (see
application for details) plus provide proof of liability insurance signed permission to enter from
the private property owner and 100 percent match of donated or in-kind services Selected
awardees must also agree to provide a final report with before during and after photos
ldquoWe are excited to collaborate with DCNR in offering Greenways Mini-Grants to
organizations working to build clean and beautiful communities across the staterdquo said ShannonReiter President of Keep Pennsylvania Beautiful ldquoGreenways are integral to healthy livable
communities and we are grateful to have the opportunity to empower Pennsylvania with the
tools and resources they need to enhance greenways in their communitiesrdquo
For more information visit the Greenways Mini-Grant Program webpage to download an
application Any additional questions can be answered by Susan Carmichael Greenways Mini-
Grant Program Coordinator at 1-877-772-3673 ext 102 or send email to
scarmichaelkeeppabeautifulorg
Pennsylvania Adds 1470 Acres Of Farmland To Preservation Program
Pennsylvania has added 1470 additional acres of land to its nationally recognized farmland
preservation program under action by the Pennsylvania Agricultural Land Preservation Board at
its meeting Thursday in Harrisburg
The 14 newly preserved farms are located in Beaver Berks Bucks Butler Cambria
Cumberland Juniata Lackawanna Lancaster Lebanon Northampton and Somerset counties
ldquoWersquove preserved nearly 15000 acres of farmland across the state in just the past year
alonerdquo said Agriculture Secretary George Greig ldquoThis speaks volumes to the value our farm
families place on ensuring the future viability of Pennsylvania agriculture ndash our statersquos number-
one industryrdquo
Since the program started in 1988 state county and local governments have invested
more than $11 billion to safeguard 459007 acres on 4243 farmsldquoOur producers know the importance of preserving farms so our next generation of
agriculturalists can keep Pennsylvania growing far into the future and I thank them for that
foresightrdquo Greig said
Pennsylvaniarsquos farmland preservation efforts work through the Pennsylvania Agricultural
Conservation Easement Purchase Program The program was developed to slow the loss of prime
farmland to non-agricultural uses It enables state county and local governments to purchase
conservation easements also called development rights from owners of quality farmland
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For more information visit Agricultures Farmland Preservation webpage
PUC Finalizes Implementation Plan For Pipeline Safety Act
The Public Utility Commission Thursday finalized an Order as the first step in implementing Act
127 the Gas and Hazardous Liquids Pipelines ActThe Commission voted 5-0 to finalize the Order which begins the process of creating a
statewide registry for non-public utility gas and hazardous liquids pipeline equipment and
facilities within the Commonwealth provides resources to conduct safety inspections to enforce
Federal pipeline safety laws on certain classifications of pipeline and assesses entities for the
costs
The Order established the following
-- The registration fee is $250
-- The 2012 registration deadline is March 16
-- Assessment invoices for the Commissionrsquos 2011-12 fiscal year will be mailed by March 30
and due by April 30 and
-- Assessment invoices for the Commissionrsquos 2012-13 fiscal year will be mailed in July 2012with payment due within 30 days
Final forms and other materials will be available on the Commissionrsquos website
Act 127 direct the PUC to develop a registry and conduct safety inspections of these lines
for ldquopipeline operatorsrdquo in the state The Commission also is to track the development of
pipelines in less populated areas which transport gas from non-conventional wells
Act 127 expands the Commissionrsquos authority to enforce the federal pipeline safety laws
as they relate to those pipelines and facilities Non-public utility gas and hazardous liquids
pipeline operators include several different categories of pipelines such as cooperatively owned
natural gas distribution systems non-utility natural gas transportation and gathering lines and
propane distribution pipeline systemsFor more information visit the PUCs Act 127 webpage
DEP Sets Feb 22 Meeting On Jefferson County Drilling Permit
The Department of Environmental Protection will host a public meeting on February 22 to
discuss Flatirons Resources LLCrsquos proposal to drill a Marcellus Shale well in Brockway
Jefferson County
The 6 pm meeting will be held at the Brockway Area JuniorSenior High School on
Alexander Street in Brockway
ldquoWe recognize that there are a lot of questions and that people want detailsrdquo DEP
Northwest Regional Director Kelly Burch said ldquoDEP staff will provide information about our role in the permitting process and address any questions and concerns the audience may have
about our oversight and environmental protectionrdquo
The horizontal well that Flatirons proposes to drill would be the second on this pad
which is on Brockway Borough Municipal Authority property in the Rattlesnake Creek
Watershed The first well was drilled in February 2011 and hydraulically fractured in November
2011
832019 Pa Environment Digest Feb 20 2012
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After DEPrsquos presentation at the meeting company representatives will describe their
plans to drill the well if approved A question-and-answer session will follow
DEPrsquos decision to issue a well permit is based on the applicationrsquos technical merits and
whether the applicantrsquos drilling casing and cementing plan will protect water resources The
agency issued Flatirons a permit to drill a second well on the pad in December 2010 but it
expired a year later because the well was never drilled The permit application was resubmittedon December 27 2011
HACC Offers Free Environmental Technician Training At Midtown Campus
Training for emerging environmental jobs in the cleanup and reuse of brownfields will be offered
starting April 16 at the Midtown location of HACC Central Pennsylvaniarsquos Community College
Candidates for the federally funded program are displaced workers the unemployed or
underemployed as well as low-income or minority residents who live in the Harrisburg said
Cheryl Dietz HACC Workforce Training coordinator
Potential students can find out more by attending one of two upcoming information
sessions in Room 228 of Midtown 1 1500 N Fourth St The sessions will be held from 6-7 pmFebruary 29 and 11 am-noon March 3
HACC representatives will answer questions about the free job training program which
will consist of an eight-week 320-hour training cycle with classes meeting 8 am-3 pm April
16-June 8
To be eligible a candidate must have a general education diploma (GED) or high school
diploma test at a 10th-grade math and reading level have a valid driverrsquos license have access to
reliable transportation be drug free and demonstrate an interest in the environment
Successful graduates will receive certifications in all of the following Hazardous Waste
Operations and Emergency Response (HAZWOPER) confined space entrantattendant and
supervisor lead-based paint inspector and asbestos inspectorAdditional training will be offered in environmental site assessment air and water
quality and environmental remediation techniques
HACC is offering the training through a two-year $199890 grant awarded through the
federal Environmental Protection Agencyrsquos Brownfields Program
Two classes were held last year at HACC-Harrisburg Campus with 35 graduates Of this
number 26 have jobs (19 of them are in the environmental field) and four are continuing their
education A third class is under way in Lancaster As part of the grant HACC helps successful
graduates find environmental jobs and tracks those graduates for one year
A brownfield site is real property the expansion redevelopment or reuse of which may
be complicated by the presence or potential presence of a hazardous substance pollutant or
contaminant according to the EPAThe EPA estimates there are 180 brownfield sites in the Lancaster area and a combined
total of 120 brownfield sites in Harrisburg and Steelton
For more information or to register to attend an information session contact Cheryl
Deitz HACC Workforce Training coordinator at 221-1338 or send email to chdeitzhaccedu
PUC Chair Urges Utilities To Participate In Programs To Create Jobs For Returning
Troops
832019 Pa Environment Digest Feb 20 2012
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Public Utility Commission Chairman Robert F Powelson Thursday urged the statersquos public
utilities to participate in several new programs proposed by Gov Tom Corbett and the Edison
Electric Institute to create jobs in the energy sector
The Chairman also noted that the time is right for job growth with the development of the
Marcellus Shale industry and electric competition across the stateldquoToday I encourage Pennsylvaniarsquos electric and natural gas utilities to learn from the
example set by EEI and participate in the Troops to Energy Jobs program as well as Governor
Corbettrsquos Jobs First PA initiative Chairman Powelson said in a statement at the PUCrsquos Public
Meeting In the days ahead the PUC will be coordinating with EEI and the Corbett
Administration to connect our energy companies with these innovative programsrdquo
The Chairman referenced Gov Corbetts annual budget address to the General Assembly
last week
ldquoIn his address the Governor recognized that the energy sector has enormous potential
for producing new jobs and putting the unemployed back to workrdquo Chairman Powelson said
ldquoIn announcing his new Jobs First program the Governor stated that lsquoas our energy sector
expands Pennsylvania needs a trained workforce ready to meet the demand for workersrsquordquoChairman Powelson said the EEI launched its Troops for Energy Jobs initiative which is
designed to accelerate the training and employability of veterans in key energy programs EEI is
currently piloting this program through five energy companies throughout the nation
For more information visit the Troops for Energy Jobs Initiative website
PA Chamber Environmental amp Energy Conference April 18 In Lancaster
The annual PA Chamber of Business and Industry Environmental and Energy Conference will be
held on April 18 at the Eden Resort Inn amp Suites in Lancaster
Major environmental regulatory areas continue to see numerous changes at the state andfederal level that impact business Thats why the Pennsylvania Chamber is offering four
learning tracks with answers you need on the latest environmental and energy issues-all in one
day
-- Compliance help from state and national top experts on the toughest environmental issues
-- Details on the latest regulatory changes and proposed changes
-- Proven strategies best practices and practical business tips to help you comply cost-effectively
in each area and
-- Advanced environmental roundtable
There will be two keynotes The Economic Benefits of Marcellus Shale and Natural Gas-
American Petroleum Institute Washington DC and Converting Trash into Renewable Energy-
National Solid Wastes Management Association Washington DCVisit with more than 50 exhibitors offering an exciting array of advanced technology
solutions and exhibitor educational sessions Access and network with more than 300 of your
peers from across the state
For more information and to register visit the Conference webpage or contact Sue Smith
at 717-720-5457 or send email to ssmithpachamberorg
Volunteers Needed To Plant 100 Acre Wind Break At Flight 93 Memorial In April
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The federal Office of Surface Mining Reclamation and Enforcement through their Appalachian
Regional Reforestation Initiative and the Department of Environmental Protection are working
with the National Park Service to plant a wind break at the Flight 93 Memorial in Somerset
County
Volunteers are needed to plant trees on April 20 21 27 and 28 Volunteers may sign upfor one day or multiple days
If you are interested in volunteering send a Volunteer Sign-Up Form and a Photo
Release Form and send to Leroy Renninger of the National Park Service by email
to Leroy_Renningernpsgov
State Fly Tying Champions Announced At Eastern Sports amp Outdoor Show
The Eastern Sports amp Outdoor Show Cumberland Valley Trout Unlimited Bass Pro Shops of
Harrisburg Mid Atlantic Fly Fishing Guide magazine and the Fish and Boat Commission
sponsored the Pennsylvania State Fly Tying Championship held on February 11 at the Eastern
Sports amp Outdoor Show at the State Farm Show Complex in HarrisburgThirteen contestants in three categories competed for money trophies and prizes in the
annual event to crown the best fly tyers in Pennsylvania
In the Open Division the winners are 1st Place - Andy Fresch Summerhill 2nd Place -
Ken Moser Severna Park MD 3rd Place - John Shosh Hamburg
The Amateur Division winners are 1st Place - Matthew Edinger Sharon Hill 2nd Place -
- Mike Marino Souderton and 3rd Place -- Elliott DeFrancesco Wilburton
The Youth Division winners are 1st Place - Gaeron Friedrichs Milford 2nd Place
Bobby Faust Dalmatia
The contestants at the final event were the top tiers selected from entries previously
submitted In order to qualify the entrants had to submit three flies from a list of flies for eachcategory
At the event each finalist was required to tie three flies over a two hour time period The
finalists knew ahead of time two of the flies that were to be tied and a third ldquomystery flyrdquo was
announced to them at the event
The championship will be held again at the 2013 Eastern Sports and Outdoor Show and
applications information and details will be posted at the Cumberland Valley Trout Unlimited or
Eastern Sports and Outdoor Show websites as they become available
PA State Parks Forest App Now Updated And Free
The Official Pennsylvania State Parks amp Forests App is now completely FREE This latestversion now on the market includes advanced interactive capabilities such as GPS trail mapping
the Friend Finder to keep track of your family and friends on the trail and more
Featured Update List Increased performance speed Multi-tasking Capability
GeoChallenge (GeocacheGeoQuest) Feature FREE enhanced GPS features
This new version increases performance speed and cuts activation time in half With the
new multi-tasking capability users gain enhanced user navigation The more adventurous
832019 Pa Environment Digest Feb 20 2012
httpslidepdfcomreaderfullpa-environment-digest-feb-20-2012 2434
outdoor enthusiasts will benefit from the recently added GeoChallenges that include geocache
and geoquest activities which will be updated regularly
The waypointphoto waypoint marking tools have been upgraded and there has been a
fine-tuning of the trail-tracking feature located on the side navigation bar of the free GPS
Mapping section Use the app to track record and share your explorations with others-all at no
chargeTry out the app and let the PA Parks amp Forests Foundation know what you think
Feature
Bald Eagle Pair Get Help With Home Improvement Project
While most people try to avoid home improvement projects in the winter a pair of bald eagles
got some much needed help recently from a team of Game Commission land managers with a
very important and timely renovation project
A sycamore tree on Haldeman Island has been used by at least three mated pairs as a
nesting site since 1989 The island is just upriver of the confluence of the Susquehanna and
Juniata rivers north of Harrisburg and the tree stands just across a pond from one of three
hacking towers the Game Commission used at two locations in its bald eagle recovery program
About two weeks ago one of the limbs supporting the nest collapsed under the weight of the
nest
On Friday Steve Bernardi Game Commission Land Management Group Supervisor for
Juniata Mifflin Perry and Snyder counties was joined by Terry Willow Game Lands
Maintenance Worker with the River Island Food and Cover Corps Crew and Scott Bills Land
Management Group Supervisor for Dauphin and Lebanon counties to construct a platform to
encourage the bald eagle pair to reuse this nest site
The three men measured and cut lumber used hammers and nails as well as screws anddrills to secure the lumber in place and then placed branches and sticks on the platform to
encourage the bald eagles ndash who were watching the activity while perched in nearby trees ndash to
begin rebuilding a nest
A pair built a nest in this tree in 1989 and had their first young in 1990 Bernardi said
A storm blew the original nest out of the tree in 1995 Scott Bills who was the Wildlife
Conservation Officer in Dauphin County at that time worked with a Food and Cover Corps crew
and PPL to erect the first platform similar to what we put in place on Friday
Adult bald eagles are preparing to nest and hopefully they will come back and reuse this
platform just like they did back in 1995
Haldeman Island played a key role in the recovery of bald eagles in Pennsylvania In the
1980s it was one of two locations used for reintroduction of eagles brought by the GameCommission from Canada in the early years of restoration of eagles to our state About 40
eaglets were released at the Haldeman Island tower overlooking the ponds on the north side of
the island by 1989
When the reintroduced birds successfully raised young at a nest on Haldeman in 1990
the whole state had only seven nesting pairs And there has been an active eagle nest in that spot
every year since except 2004 when the birds took a year off
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While we dont know if the same pair have been active that whole time the same old
sycamore tree has been used during this period and that nest has produced more than 40 young
over this period said Dan Brauning Game Commission Wildlife Diversity Division chief
Since the site is well-protected on a Game Commission island with limited access this site has
particular value to us
Continued support for this nest will help sustain this historic location in the recovery of baldeagles in Pennsylvania
In 1983 the Game Commission began a seven-year bald eagle restoration program in
which the agency sent employees to Saskatchewan to obtain eaglets from wilderness nests The
Richard King Mellon Foundation of Pittsburgh and the federal Endangered Species Fund
provided financial assistance for this effort
In all 88 bald eaglets from Canada were released from sites at Dauphin Countys
Haldeman Island and Pike Countys Shohola Falls The resurgence of eagles in Pennsylvania is
directly related to this program which also was carried out in other states in the Northeast
When the restoration program began in 1983 only three Crawford County nests remained
in the state By 2006 the agency announced that the state had surpassed the 100 bald eagle nest
mark Just five years later in 2011 the number of known bald eagle nests had doubled to 203spread out over 50 counties
Residents aware of a bald eagle nest ndash which are among the largest nests of all birds ndash in
their area should consider reporting it to the Pennsylvania Game Commission The easiest way to
contact the agency by sending email to pgccommentspagov Use the words Eagle Nest
Information in the subject field
The Game Commission continues to further the publics understanding of bald eagles In
2010 a comprehensive Bald Eagle threatened species account and Bald Eagle Nest Etiquette
guide were added to the agencys website
In 2011 the agency launched its series of Eagle-watching in Pennsylvania guides that
will help direct those interested in viewing bald eagles in the wild on where to go how to getthere what to expect and other wildlife viewing opportunities available at each site
Currently posted are eagle-watching guides for Erie National Wildlife Refuge Crawford
County Conneaut Marsh Geneva Marsh State Game Land 213 Crawford County Raystown
Lake Huntingdon County State Game Land 180 Shohola Lake Pike County Middle Creek
Wildlife Management Area Lebanon and Lancaster counties Bald Eagle State Park Centre
County Glendale Lake Price Gallitzin State Park Cambria County John Heinz National
Wildlife Refuge Philadelphia and Delaware counties Lower Susquehanna River Lancaster and
York counties Moraine State Park Butler County Pine Creek Valley Lycoming and Tioga
counties Promised Land State Park Pike County Pymatuning Reservoir Crawford County and
the Upper Delaware River in Pike Wayne and Monroe counties
Game Commission Announces April 1 Deadline For Ads In Hunting-Trapping Digest
Game Commission Executive Director Carl G Roe Thursday announced Liberty Press
Publications publisher of the Pennsylvania Digest of Hunting amp Trapping Regulations has set
April 1 as the deadline for advertising copy in the 2012-13 Digest Click Here for details
For advertising information contact Liberty Press Publications toll-free at
1-800-296-6402
832019 Pa Environment Digest Feb 20 2012
httpslidepdfcomreaderfullpa-environment-digest-feb-20-2012 2634
Opportunity To Bid On McKean County Abandoned Well Plugging Project
The Department of Environmental Protection published notice of an opportunity to bid on a
project to plug 24 abandoned oil wells in McKean County
Help Wanted Chesapeake Bay Foundation PA Grassroots Coordinator Field Specialist
The Chesapeake Bay Foundation is seeking a PA Grassroots Coordinator and a Field Specialist
to be based at their Pennsylvania State Office located in Harrisburg This position is a 2 year
term position with the possibility of extension Click Here for details
Help Wanted Conewago Creek Assistant Project Coordinator
Penn State Cooperative Extension on behalf of the Conewago Creek Initiative seeks an Assistant
Project Coordinator to be an integral part of a dynamic partnership team working together with
local state and federal partnersThe Assistant Project Coordinator will report to the Director of the Lower Susquehanna
Initiative who serves as the Project Coordinator for the Conewago Creek Initiative
The deadline for applications is March 1 Click Here for details
Help Wanted ALLARM Assistant Director Of Outreach Marcellus
The Alliance for Aquatic Resource Monitoring (ALLARM) is seeking candidate to fill a third
full time position to the organization-- Assistant Director of Outreach-- to assist with Marcellus
Monitoring program training community volunteers throughout the shale gas regions in
Pennsylvania to monitor small streams for early pollution detection Click Here for fullannouncement
Grants amp 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
February 23-- PA Pathways To Green Schools Nominations
February 24-- PA Trout In The Classroom Grants
February 29-- EPA Environmental Justice Small Grants
February 29-- Ben Franklin BIG IDEA Business Plan ContestFebruary 29-- PA American Water Stream of Learning Scholarships
February 29-- West Branch Susquehanna Orange Rock Awards
March 1-- Erie TreeVitalize Grants
March 2-- Coca-Cola Keep America Beautiful Recycling Bin Grants
March 2-- Conservation Innovation Grants Chesapeake Bay Nutrient Credit Grants
March 5-- TogetherGreen Fellowship and Innovation Grants
832019 Pa Environment Digest Feb 20 2012
httpslidepdfcomreaderfullpa-environment-digest-feb-20-2012 2734
March 5-- PECDominion Western PA Environmental Awards
March 10-- PA American Water Environmental Grants
March 15-- NEW Keep PA Beautiful Greenways Mini-Grants
March 23-- Water Resources Education Network Grants
March 30-- PA American Water Protect Our Watersheds Student Art Contest
March 31-- DEP Host Municipal Inspector GrantsApril 3-- West Penn Power Sustainable Energy Fund Grants Loans
April 4-- DCNR Community Conservation Partnership Grants
April 15-- Wild Resource Conservation Fund Income Tax Checkoff Deadline
March 1-- Keystone Historic Preservation Project and Construction Grants
August 1-- PA Snowmobile Assn Trail Improvement Grants
August 24-- Foundation for PA Watershed Grants
September 1-- Erie TreeVitalize Grants
October 31-- PA Resources Council Lens On Litter Contest
-- Visit the DEP Grants and Loan Programs webpage for more ideas on how to get financial
assistance for environmental projects
BudgetQuick Clips
Heres a selection of NewClips on environmental topics from around the state--
Budget
Corbett Signs Marcellus Shale Fee Into Law
Corbett Signs Shale Well Impact Fee Into Law
Corbett Approves Marcellus Shale Fee
Bradford Commissioner Foolish Not To Accept Drilling Fee MoneyWhats Next For PAs Impact Fee Bradford Against Fee
Bradford Commissioners Disagree On Drilling Fee
Washington County To Seek Marcellus Fees
Editorial Corbetts Gas Fee About To Evaporate
Robinson Twp To Contest New Marcellus Law
South Fayette Eyes Legal Action On Drilling Bill
Fish amp Boat Commission Grateful For Marcellus Fees
PUC Eyes Private Firm For Impact Fee Collection
PUC Chair Let Marcellus Play Come To Us
PUC Would Get Shale Role Under Drilling Bill
Editorial It Makes Sense For PUC To Deal With Drilling NE Counties To Raise Millions Or Nothing Under Drilling Fee
House Capital Budget Bill Debate Focuses On Jobs
House GOP Marcellus Bill A Win For Jobs
Norquists No-Tax Pledge Cant Give Drill Fee The Ax
PA Natural Gas Levy Became Inevitable
Bradford Commissioners Disagree On Drilling Fee
832019 Pa Environment Digest Feb 20 2012
httpslidepdfcomreaderfullpa-environment-digest-feb-20-2012 2834
Vertical Exploratory Wells Wont Be Hit With Drilling Fee
Impact Fee Bill Addresses Housing Needs
Op-Ed Natural Gas Fee May Be Too Late
Editorial Marcellus Fee A Tax Stupid
Editorial Shale Drillers Got The Better Part Of Deal
Corbett Raiding Special FundsCan Pennsylvanians Survive Under Another Corbett Budget
As Roads Bridges Deteriorate Governor Silent
Analysis Taking Baby Steps On Fixing Roads Bridges
Editorial Must A Bridge Fall Down
House Capital Budget Bill Debate Focuses On Jobs
Editorial Capital Budget Funds Must Be Kept Under Control
Obama Cuts EPA Increases Chesapeake Bay Program
Chesapeake Bay Program Increased Under Obama Budget
EPA Budget Cut For States Superfund Cleanup
Obama Proposes $14 Million For Fracking Research
$67 Million Requested For Federal Pipeline SafetyDCNR Secretary Says Report On Wildlife Research Not Accurate
Other
Electronics Recycling Date Set At Greensburg Mall
Hershey Plants Achieve Zero Waste Status
RecycleBank Named On Of Worlds Most Innovative Companies
Editorial Fine Litterers No Ifs Or Butts
Corbett Signs 3 Energy Sector Bills
Op-Ed Anti-Coal Agenda Is Detrimental To PA
Op-Ed Global Warming As Fact Not Hypothesis
Op-Ed Climate Change Education Is NecessaryHomer City Power Plant Still To Dirty Groups Claim
DEP Sets March 14 Public Hearing On Homer City Power Plant
Concerns Voiced Over PPL Lines
Consumer Alert Electricity Price Discounts Heat Up
Turbine Load To Hit The Road To Holtwood Dam
PPL Plans $664 Million In Electric Delivery System Improvements
Exelon Gives Dauphin County $110000 For Emergency Response
Groups Ask For Expansion Of Nuclear Plant Evacuation Zone
Feds Give PPL Reactor Low Grade
Allentown Council Rejects Waste-To-Energy Sewage Plant
GE Invests In Cleaner Evolution LocomotiveDEP Hopeful Buyer Will Emerge For ConocoPhillips Refinery
DEP Renews ConocoPhillips Trainer Refinery Discharge Permit
100 Sunoco Workers In PA Get Layoff Notices
Meehan PA Refinery Closures Threat To National Security
Refinery Closings Could Affect 15000 Jobs Study Says
Gasoline Could Reach $5 By July 4
$4 A Gallon Gasoline By Memorial Day
832019 Pa Environment Digest Feb 20 2012
httpslidepdfcomreaderfullpa-environment-digest-feb-20-2012 2934
Gasoline Prices Have Never Been This High This Early
Electric Bicycle Waiver Sought
Land Bank Bill Newest Anti-Blight Tool
Game Commission Prepares For Controlled Burn On Centre County
2012 Great Backyard Bird Count Begins Friday
Birders-Eye View Of Conservation In PhiladelphiaState Could Take Over Refurbished Point State Park
New Ohiopyle Visitors Center Project To Be Bid This Spring
Winterfest At Ohiopyle No Snow Still A Go
Protecting Landscapes Changing Face Of Conservation
Marcellus Shale NewsClips
Here are NewsClips on topics related to Marcellus Shale natural gas drilling---
Corbett Signs Marcellus Shale Fee Into Law
Corbett Signs Shale Well Impact Fee Into Law
Corbett Approves Marcellus Shale Fee
Bradford Commissioner Foolish Not To Accept Drilling Fee Money
Whats Next For PAs Impact Fee Bradford Against Fee
Bradford Commissioners Disagree On Drilling Fee
Washington County To Seek Marcellus Fees
Editorial Corbetts Gas Fee About To Evaporate
Robinson Twp To Contest New Marcellus Law
South Fayette Eyes Legal Action On Drilling Bill
Fish amp Boat Commission Grateful For Marcellus Fees
PUC Eyes Private Firm For Impact Fee CollectionPUC Chair Let Marcellus Play Come To Us
PUC Would Get Shale Role Under Drilling Bill
Editorial It Makes Sense For PUC To Deal With Drilling
Corbett Raiding Special Funds
NE Counties To Raise Millions Or Nothing Under Drilling Fee
House GOP Marcellus Bill A Win For Jobs
Norquists No-Tax Pledge Cant Give Drill Fee The Ax
PA Natural Gas Levy Became Inevitable
Wayne County Landowners Push For Drilling
Vertical Exploratory Wells Wont Be Hit With Drilling Fee
Impact Fee Bill Addresses Housing NeedsDrilling Bill Authors Health Experts Fears Unfounded
Health Officials Drilling Law Disclosure Rules Lax
Op-Ed Natural Gas Fee May Be Too Late
Editorial Marcellus Fee A Tax Stupid
Editorial Shale Drillers Got The Better Part Of Deal
Delaware Riverkeeper Reports Settlement Over Gas Well
832019 Pa Environment Digest Feb 20 2012
httpslidepdfcomreaderfullpa-environment-digest-feb-20-2012 3034
EPA Probing Washington County Shale Operations
Marcellus Boom Has Pressed Law Firms To Boost Their Staffs
25 More State Troopers In NE Shale Region
Recorders Of Deeds May Not Reject Multiple Gas Leases
Rural Loophole Curbing PA Pipeline Inspections
Pipeline Tested Ahead Of Tie-In To Shale WellsFirefighters Learn To Deal With Drilling Emergencies
Assessing PGWs Liquid Natural Gas Future
Dominion Resources Playing Responsible Role In Drilling
Report Philly Should Consider Selling Gas Company
Company Files For Gas Drilling Permit In Bucks County
Gas Drilling Debate Returns To Bucks County
Shale Drillers Drinking From Slippery Rock Creek
Gas Wells With Smaller Footprint Get Greater Scrutiny
PennEnvironment Violations Report Half-Baked
Water Tanker Truck Lands In Creek In Monroe Twp
Industry Says Over 93230 New Hires As A Result Of Marcellus ShaleBCCC Begins Classes For Marcellus Shale Workers
Marcellus Gas Creates Demand For Cars
Ex-Drilling Exec Took Nearly $1 Million Or More
Op-Ed Gas Drillers New Wild West
Marcellus Gas Production Rises So Does Recycling
FinancialOther StatesNational
Drillers Cut Natural Gas Production As Prices Drop
Talisman Cutting Back Drilling Plans
Ultra Petroleum Reports 2011 Financial Operating Results
Gas Firms Drill Less As Prices Nose DiveObama Proposes $14 Million For Fracking Research
$67 Million Requested For Federal Pipeline Safety
FloodingWatershed NewsClips
Here are NewsClips on watershed topics from around the state--
Flooding
New Bank Coming To Flood-Ravaged Shickshinny
Other Watershed NewsClips
Mon River QUEST Wins Regional IMPACT AwardEPA Evaluates States Chesapeake Bay Plans
Shale Drillers Drinking From Slippery Rock Creek
Sewage Woes Close Lewisburg Area Park
$375000 To Aid Little Buck Run Restoration Effort
Loyalhanna Creek Sewage Overflow Problem Goes To State
Turbine Load To Hit The Road To Holtwood Dam
832019 Pa Environment Digest Feb 20 2012
httpslidepdfcomreaderfullpa-environment-digest-feb-20-2012 3134
Funding Sought For Restoration Of Speedwell Lake
Obama Cuts EPA Increases Chesapeake Bay Program
Chesapeake Bay Program Increased Under Obama Budget
EPA Budget Cut For States Superfund Cleanup
Editorial Delaware Dredging A Step Closer
Regulations Technical Guidance amp Permits
No new regulations were published this week Pennsylvania Bulletin - February 18 2012
Proposed Regulations Open For Comment - DEP webpage
Proposed Regulations With Closed Comment Periods - DEP webpage
DEP Regulatory Agenda - DEP webpage
Technical Guidance amp Permits
The Department of Environmental Protection published notice of bond rate calculations for mine
reclamation The Fish and Boat Commission published notice of nursery water designation for
the Shenango River Crawford County
DEP also published an update to the list of companies certified to perform radon-related
activities (PA Bulletin page 994)
Technical Guidance Comment Deadlines - DEP webpage
Copies Of Draft Technical Guidance - DEP webpage
Copies of Final Technical Guidance - DEP webpage
Calendar Of Events
Upcoming legislative meetings conferences workshops plus links to other online calendars
Meetings are in Harrisburg unless otherwise noted NEW means new from last week Go to the
online Calendar webpage
Click on Agenda Released on calendar entries to see the NEW meeting agendas published this
week
Note You can watch the hearings live through the Senate webpage and the House webpage or
on the PA Cable Network website
832019 Pa Environment Digest Feb 20 2012
httpslidepdfcomreaderfullpa-environment-digest-feb-20-2012 3234
February 21-- House Appropriations Committee budget hearings 930 - Global Economy
1100 - Independent Fiscal Office 130 - Department of Revenue Room 140
February 21-- CANCELED Environmental Quality Board meeting Next scheduled meeting is
March 20 ( formal notice )
February 21-- Agenda Released DEP Citizens Advisory Council meeting Room 105 Rachel
Carson Building 1130
February 22-- Senate Appropriations Committee budget hearings 930 - Department of
Environmental Protection 100 - Department of Transportation Hearing Room 1 North Office
February 23-- NEW House Democratic Policy Committee holds a hearing on Southeast PA oil
refinery closings National Constitution Center Philadelphia 1000
February 27-- House Appropriations Committee budget hearings 1000 - Public Utility
Commission 1100 - Office of Consumer Advocate Small Business Advocate Room 140
February 27-- NEW House Democratic Policy Committee holds a hearing on Marcellus Shale
air emissions Bryn Mawr Presbyterian Church Bryn Mawr 1000
February 28-- Senate Appropriations Committee budget hearings 100 - Department of
Agriculture Hearing Room 1 North Office
February 28-- House Appropriations Committee budget hearings 930 - Department of
Agriculture 1030 - Department of Conservation and Natural Resources Room 140
February 29-- Senate Appropriations Committee budget hearings 930 - PA Emergency
Management Agency Hearing Room 1 North Office
February 29-- House Game and Fisheries Committee informational meeting on Fish and Boat
Commissions Annual Report Room 39 East Wing 1000
February 29-- House Appropriations Committee budget hearings 930 - Department of
Transportation 300 - Department of Environmental Protection Room 140
March 1-- House Appropriations Committee budget hearings 1000 Department of Labor amp
Industry 100 - Department of Community and Economic Development Room 140
March 6-- House Appropriations Committee budget hearings 930 - State PoliceOffice of
Homeland Security 1100 - PA Emergency Management Agency 300 - Department of General
Services Room 140
March 6-- CANCELED DEP Storage Tank Advisory Committee meeting Next scheduled
meeting is June 5 ( formal notice )
832019 Pa Environment Digest Feb 20 2012
httpslidepdfcomreaderfullpa-environment-digest-feb-20-2012 3334
March 7-- House Game and Fisheries Committee informational meeting on Game Commissions
Annual Report Room 39 East Wing 1000
March 8-- House Appropriations Committee budget hearings 1000 - Budget Secretary 100 -
House Member Testimony Room 140
March 14-- DEP Air Quality Technical Advisory Committee meeting Room 105 Rachel Carson
Building 915 ( formal notice )
March 26-- Environmental Issues Forum Joint Legislative Air and Water Pollution Control and
Conservation Committee featuring a presentation by DCNR Secretary Richard Allan (Location
to be determined) Noon
DEP Calendar of Events
Note The Environmental Education Workshop Calendar is no longer available from the PACenter for Environmental Education because funding for the Center was eliminated in the FY
2011-12 state budget The PCEE website was also shutdown but some content was moved to
the PA Association of Environmental Educators website
Senate Committee Schedule House Committee Schedule
You can watch the Senate Floor Session and House Floor Session live online
Stories Invited
Send your stories photos and videos about your project environmental issues or programs for
publication in the PA Environment Digest to DHessCrisciAssociatescom
PA Environment Digest is edited by David E Hess former Secretary Pennsylvania Department
of Environmental Protection and is published as a service to the clients of Crisci Associates a
Harrisburg-based government and public affairs firm whose clients include Fortune 500
companies and non-profit organizations For more information on Crisci Associates call
717-234-1716
PA Environment Digest weekly was the winner of the PA Association of Environmental
Educators 2009 Business Partner of the Year Award
Also sign up for these other services from Crisci Associates--
PA Environment Digest Twitter Feed On Twitter sign up to receive instant updates from
PAEnviroDigest
832019 Pa Environment Digest Feb 20 2012
httpslidepdfcomreaderfullpa-environment-digest-feb-20-2012 3434
PA Environment Daily Blog provides daily environmental NewsClips and significant stories
and announcements on environmental topics in Pennsylvania of immediate value Sign up and
receive as they are posted updates through your favorite RSS reader You can also sign up for a
once daily email alerting you to new items posted on this blog
PA Environment Digest Video Blog showcases original and published videos fromenvironmental groups and agencies around the state Sign up to receive as they are posted
updates through your favorite RSS read You can also sign up for a once daily email alerting
you to new items posted on this blog
PA Capitol Digest Dont forget to sign up to receive the PA Capitol Digest Twitter feed by
going to wwwTwittercomPaCapitolDigest or click on this link for the regular daily PA
Capitol Digest Blog to get other news from in and around the Pennsylvania State Capitol
Supporting Member PA Outdoor Writers AssnPA Trout Unlimited
PA Environment Digest is a supporting member of the Pennsylvania Outdoor Writers
Association Pennsylvania Council Trout Unlimited and the Doc Fritchey Chapter Trout
Unlimited
832019 Pa Environment Digest Feb 20 2012
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The meeting will be held on the Cherokee Campus of Springside Chestnut Hill Academy
8000 Cherokee Street Philadelphia and will begin at 7 pm doors will open at 630 pm and
light refreshments will be provided
A Creek in Crisis A Town Meeting on the Health of the Wissahickon Creek will
examine the numerous threats to the Wissahickon including diminishing water quantity
stormwater runoff impaired water quality and flooding that severely impact the health of theWissahickon Creek and its tributaries
The impact of the Wissahickon Creek on the lives of those living in the Wissahickon
Watershed is absolute Though the Wissahickon Creek has a humble beginning in the parking lot
at Montgomery Mall it continues through nine municipalities to the confluence of the Schuylkill
River in Philadelphia
It is a significant waterway providing approximately 10 percent of the drinking water to
Philadelphians as well as habitat for local wildlife and recreation and natural beauty for area
residents
Moderated by Patrick Starr Vice President of the PA Environmental Council Southeast
Regional Office the Town Meeting will feature a panel of environmental experts who will
examine the numerous threats to the WissahickonPanelists will be Carol R Collier Executive Director of the Delaware River Basin
Commission John K Jackson PhD Senior Research Scientist at the Stroud Water Research
Center and Chris Crockett Deputy Commissioner at the Philadelphia Water Department
More information will be posted on the Friends of the Wissahickon website
Conservation Reserve Program Training Courses Offered By Penn State Extension
Conservation professionals working across the Chesapeake Bay Watershed are invited to a
special training program on Conservation Reserve Planning for professionals on March 7 and 8
at the Lancaster County Farm and Home CenterA national team of facilitators will be conducting the Lancaster workshop including from
University of Wisconsin University of Minnesota Montana State University University of
Georgia and Penn State ndash along with experienced and skilled US Natural Resource
Conservation Service professionals
Also involved in the program are conservation partners who are in formal agreements
with NRCS to deliver the Conservation Reserve Enhancement Program to landowners for
example the Chesapeake Bay Foundation will also be on hand at the workshop to provide
additional training related to CREP
This training workshop is designed to create a group of skilled conservation professionals
working in partnership with farmers and landowners to develop quality CRP conservation plans
that result in measurable impacts on land and water resource managementWorkshop goals include
-- Understanding the purpose and intent of the Conservation Reserve Program (CRP)
-- Determining eligibility of lands for CRP
-- Knowing how to find information for CRP plans
-- Effectively working with a landowner in developing a CRP plan
-- Becoming familiar with regionally specific conservation practices
-- Understanding how to implement a CRP plan
832019 Pa Environment Digest Feb 20 2012
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-- Working with NRCS and FSA to submit a quality CRP plan
The Conservation Reserve Program Readiness Initiative was created to help the Natural
Resources Conservation Service accomplish the work involved with managing CRP enrollments
CRP plan development and implementation and the follow up management of developed plans
A national team of Extension staff NRCS and FSA staff and representatives from NRCS
partner agencies and organizations has collaborated to develop a multi-faceted training programto meet the needs of the initiative
Click Here for the full schedule of workshops available
Latest Lessons From The Land Webinar Feb 21 On Managing Phosphorus
Penn State Extension and the Conewago Watershed Initiative will host a webcast on February 21
from noon to 100 pm on Measuring and Managing Phosphorus In Wet Pennsylvania
Landscapes part of the Lessons From The Land series
Dr Tony Buda USDA ARS and Dr Patrick Drohan Penn State Department of Crop
and Soil Science will present research conducted by PA USDA NRCS USDA-ARS and Penn
State to look at how saturated soils and soils with fragipans have contributed to higher runoffMatt Royer Director of the Lower Susquehanna Initiative Penn State AG amp
Environment Center will moderate
These wet landscapes are often critical sources of phosphorus that contribute to loads of
pollutants in streamsmdashand should be targeted for conservation practices
A pilot study undertaken within the Conewago Watershed serves as a proving ground for
the development of ldquonext generation nutrient management practicesrdquo necessary to reduce the
loads of phosphorus emanating from agricultural lands that contribute to the degradation of the
Chesapeake Bay Watershed
One Nutrient Management credit is available for eligible participants from the state
Department of Agriculture Those seeking credits will be required to sign-in during the webinar to verify their attendance
The program can be viewed online as a recording after the live broadcast Continuing ed
credits are not available for the recorded session
To join this webinar you will need a high speed Internet and can sign in on this
webpage at the webinars noon start time This program will be broadcasting live from the
Conewago Initiativersquos Project Advisory Team meeting at Penn Statersquos Harrisburg campus
Lake Management Annual Conference Set For March 7-8 In State College
The 22nd annual Pennsylvania Lake Management Society annual conference will once again be
at the Days Inn State College on March 7 and 8This years theme is Staying Blue by Going Green and our keynote speaker is Bill
Jones from Indiana School of Public and Environmental Affairs in Bloomington Indiana
As always the Conference will have a great line up of speakers It also offers aquatic
applicator credits for PA OH NY and NJ
Please check out the Conference webpage for more details or contact Kerilynn Frey by
sending email to palakeshotmailcom
832019 Pa Environment Digest Feb 20 2012
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Penn State Extension How To Avoid Septic System Failures
Owning your own home is challenging enough what do you do when it comes with its own
sewage treatment plant This article provides some clues for owners of septic systems who want
to make them last a very long time
According to the US Environmental Protection Agency failure rates for on-lot sewagesystems across the country are reported at 10 percent annually In Pennsylvania approximately
12 million homes (one in three) use on-lot sewage systems for the treatment and disposal of
waste water
Responsibility for maintaining the system rests with the homeowner Proper maintenance
is a good idea since replacing it can cost thousands of dollars Proper maintenance also protects
groundwater that might be a source of drinking water
The most obvious on-lot sewage system failures are easy to spot Sewage backing up into
your home will typically command your immediate attention Raw sewage surfacing in your
yard in nearby ditches or on the neighborrsquos lawn is another clear indicator of failure Muddy
soil around the drain field or pooled water there or in your basement are other signs of serious
malfunction Notice whether your toilet or sink backs up when you flush or do laundry Stripsof bright green grass over the drainfield may be another indicator of problems A toilet running
sluggish or sewer odors in the house andor drinking water are signs of an on-lot system in
trouble
On-lot sewage systems also fail when partially treated wastewater comes into contact
with groundwater This type of failure is not easy to detect but it can result in the pollution of
wells nearby streams or other bodies of water Illness often to household visitors may be
another indicator of system failure that has affected your well and household drinking water
For those considering building a new home or replacing an existing septic system one of
the most critical factors in on-lot sewage system performance is the nature of the soils used for
the septic system soil absorption fieldYou can minimize failures by carefully and deliberately considering all aspects of on-lot
sewage system construction site selection design installation maintenance and use Hire
reputable individuals to design and install your system Also make sure the system is designed to
meet your present and future needs
You should contact your Township Sewage Enforcement Officer concerning permits
needed to install a new on-lot sewage system or repair a failing system
Once properly installed the key to preventing your on-lot system from failing is proper
maintenance Regularly pumping the tank being careful in what you put down the drains and
avoiding such things as planting trees over the field or covering the system with permanent
patios and home additions are important to keep the system running well
Water conservation in the home is also an excellent method of preventing future problems from occurring Divert downspouts and surface water away from the septic tank and
especially the drain field Do not physically damage the system by driving over the components
with heavy vehicles or by digging up the system for other utility lines etc Keep a record of the
location and dimensions of your system along with maintenance and repair information
Homeowners interested in finding out about the overall health of their on-lot sewage
system may want to consider having their septic systems inspected by a trained professional The
PA Septage Management Association in cooperation with the National Onsite Wastewater
832019 Pa Environment Digest Feb 20 2012
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Education and Research Foundation has adopted uniform On-lot Wastewater Treatment
Inspection procedures
PSMA is a professional association of septage pumpers system installers maintenance
technicians real estate inspectors and industry affiliates PSMA Certified Inspectors which
includes many septic tank pumpers are trained to understand how on-lot systems work why they
fail and recognize impending malfunctionsSee the PSMA website for more details about PSMANOF inspections or call them at
717-763-7762
Many fact sheets about on-lot sewage systems are available from the Agricultural and
Biological Engineering department Topics include septic tank pumping percolation tests
elevated sand mounds inspections and alternative systems and pharmaceutical disposal
(Article reprinted from Penn State Extension Watershed Winds online newsletter)
Wissahickon Watershed Maple Sugaring Program Set For March 3
Ever wonder how maple syrup and sugar are made The Wissahickon Vally WatershedAssociation will offer a unique program on maple syrup on March 3 in Ambler Montgomery
County
The event offers a fun and informative event ideal for families Scout groups and anyone
curious about the maple sugar process
Choose a specific time as guides take small groups through the woods to see the tapped
trees and then watch it being boiled into sugar End your walk at WVWArsquos historic headquarters
for hot chocolate and warm treats with maple syrup
RSVP requested by sending email to infowvwaorg or call 215-646-8866 There is a
fee for the program WVWA member fee $5 per person $15 per family Non-WVWA member
fee $10 per person $20 per family or Become a WVWA member and be their guest for $45In Ambler and look for signage Walk over the Butler Avenue Bridge and turn left onto
the Green Ribbon Trail
KPB Greenways Mini-Grant Program Applications Due March 15
Keep Pennsylvania Beautiful is now accepting applications for their Greenways Mini-Grant
Program to provide community groups with project supplies for outdoor based work events
within a greenway enabling the renewal of Pennsylvaniarsquos Greenways in need into something
beautiful
The deadline for applications is March 15 and hard copies are required Grants will be
awarded on April 16Fifteen grant awardees along with their volunteers will be eligible for up to $500 in
project supplies and direct project costs for Prevent it Clean it and Keep it projects within a
Greenway
Pennsylvania and its partners are developing an outstanding network of greenways across
the Commonwealth creating an asset that will enhance the quality of life for all while connecting
open space natural landscape features scenic cultural historic and recreations sites and urban
and rural communities
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A greenway is a linear corridor across the land that conserves natural areas and provides
people with recreation and transportation opportunities
As one of the Commonwealthrsquos most powerful tools to achieve sustainable growth and
livable communities greenways are ensuring future generations the opportunity to live amongst
the natural beauty of Pennrsquos Woods
This program is financed by a grant from the Community Conservation PartnershipProgram Environmental Stewardship Fund under the administration of the Department of
Conservation and Natural Resources Bureau of Recreation and Conservation
The Greenways Mini-Grant is available to any tax-exempt group within Pennsylvania
Private property owners or individual applicants cannot apply
Applications must meet the following requirements to be considered ndash it is within a
Greenway and is in at least one of the following categories Prevent it Clean it and Keep it (see
application for details) plus provide proof of liability insurance signed permission to enter from
the private property owner and 100 percent match of donated or in-kind services Selected
awardees must also agree to provide a final report with before during and after photos
ldquoWe are excited to collaborate with DCNR in offering Greenways Mini-Grants to
organizations working to build clean and beautiful communities across the staterdquo said ShannonReiter President of Keep Pennsylvania Beautiful ldquoGreenways are integral to healthy livable
communities and we are grateful to have the opportunity to empower Pennsylvania with the
tools and resources they need to enhance greenways in their communitiesrdquo
For more information visit the Greenways Mini-Grant Program webpage to download an
application Any additional questions can be answered by Susan Carmichael Greenways Mini-
Grant Program Coordinator at 1-877-772-3673 ext 102 or send email to
scarmichaelkeeppabeautifulorg
Pennsylvania Adds 1470 Acres Of Farmland To Preservation Program
Pennsylvania has added 1470 additional acres of land to its nationally recognized farmland
preservation program under action by the Pennsylvania Agricultural Land Preservation Board at
its meeting Thursday in Harrisburg
The 14 newly preserved farms are located in Beaver Berks Bucks Butler Cambria
Cumberland Juniata Lackawanna Lancaster Lebanon Northampton and Somerset counties
ldquoWersquove preserved nearly 15000 acres of farmland across the state in just the past year
alonerdquo said Agriculture Secretary George Greig ldquoThis speaks volumes to the value our farm
families place on ensuring the future viability of Pennsylvania agriculture ndash our statersquos number-
one industryrdquo
Since the program started in 1988 state county and local governments have invested
more than $11 billion to safeguard 459007 acres on 4243 farmsldquoOur producers know the importance of preserving farms so our next generation of
agriculturalists can keep Pennsylvania growing far into the future and I thank them for that
foresightrdquo Greig said
Pennsylvaniarsquos farmland preservation efforts work through the Pennsylvania Agricultural
Conservation Easement Purchase Program The program was developed to slow the loss of prime
farmland to non-agricultural uses It enables state county and local governments to purchase
conservation easements also called development rights from owners of quality farmland
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For more information visit Agricultures Farmland Preservation webpage
PUC Finalizes Implementation Plan For Pipeline Safety Act
The Public Utility Commission Thursday finalized an Order as the first step in implementing Act
127 the Gas and Hazardous Liquids Pipelines ActThe Commission voted 5-0 to finalize the Order which begins the process of creating a
statewide registry for non-public utility gas and hazardous liquids pipeline equipment and
facilities within the Commonwealth provides resources to conduct safety inspections to enforce
Federal pipeline safety laws on certain classifications of pipeline and assesses entities for the
costs
The Order established the following
-- The registration fee is $250
-- The 2012 registration deadline is March 16
-- Assessment invoices for the Commissionrsquos 2011-12 fiscal year will be mailed by March 30
and due by April 30 and
-- Assessment invoices for the Commissionrsquos 2012-13 fiscal year will be mailed in July 2012with payment due within 30 days
Final forms and other materials will be available on the Commissionrsquos website
Act 127 direct the PUC to develop a registry and conduct safety inspections of these lines
for ldquopipeline operatorsrdquo in the state The Commission also is to track the development of
pipelines in less populated areas which transport gas from non-conventional wells
Act 127 expands the Commissionrsquos authority to enforce the federal pipeline safety laws
as they relate to those pipelines and facilities Non-public utility gas and hazardous liquids
pipeline operators include several different categories of pipelines such as cooperatively owned
natural gas distribution systems non-utility natural gas transportation and gathering lines and
propane distribution pipeline systemsFor more information visit the PUCs Act 127 webpage
DEP Sets Feb 22 Meeting On Jefferson County Drilling Permit
The Department of Environmental Protection will host a public meeting on February 22 to
discuss Flatirons Resources LLCrsquos proposal to drill a Marcellus Shale well in Brockway
Jefferson County
The 6 pm meeting will be held at the Brockway Area JuniorSenior High School on
Alexander Street in Brockway
ldquoWe recognize that there are a lot of questions and that people want detailsrdquo DEP
Northwest Regional Director Kelly Burch said ldquoDEP staff will provide information about our role in the permitting process and address any questions and concerns the audience may have
about our oversight and environmental protectionrdquo
The horizontal well that Flatirons proposes to drill would be the second on this pad
which is on Brockway Borough Municipal Authority property in the Rattlesnake Creek
Watershed The first well was drilled in February 2011 and hydraulically fractured in November
2011
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After DEPrsquos presentation at the meeting company representatives will describe their
plans to drill the well if approved A question-and-answer session will follow
DEPrsquos decision to issue a well permit is based on the applicationrsquos technical merits and
whether the applicantrsquos drilling casing and cementing plan will protect water resources The
agency issued Flatirons a permit to drill a second well on the pad in December 2010 but it
expired a year later because the well was never drilled The permit application was resubmittedon December 27 2011
HACC Offers Free Environmental Technician Training At Midtown Campus
Training for emerging environmental jobs in the cleanup and reuse of brownfields will be offered
starting April 16 at the Midtown location of HACC Central Pennsylvaniarsquos Community College
Candidates for the federally funded program are displaced workers the unemployed or
underemployed as well as low-income or minority residents who live in the Harrisburg said
Cheryl Dietz HACC Workforce Training coordinator
Potential students can find out more by attending one of two upcoming information
sessions in Room 228 of Midtown 1 1500 N Fourth St The sessions will be held from 6-7 pmFebruary 29 and 11 am-noon March 3
HACC representatives will answer questions about the free job training program which
will consist of an eight-week 320-hour training cycle with classes meeting 8 am-3 pm April
16-June 8
To be eligible a candidate must have a general education diploma (GED) or high school
diploma test at a 10th-grade math and reading level have a valid driverrsquos license have access to
reliable transportation be drug free and demonstrate an interest in the environment
Successful graduates will receive certifications in all of the following Hazardous Waste
Operations and Emergency Response (HAZWOPER) confined space entrantattendant and
supervisor lead-based paint inspector and asbestos inspectorAdditional training will be offered in environmental site assessment air and water
quality and environmental remediation techniques
HACC is offering the training through a two-year $199890 grant awarded through the
federal Environmental Protection Agencyrsquos Brownfields Program
Two classes were held last year at HACC-Harrisburg Campus with 35 graduates Of this
number 26 have jobs (19 of them are in the environmental field) and four are continuing their
education A third class is under way in Lancaster As part of the grant HACC helps successful
graduates find environmental jobs and tracks those graduates for one year
A brownfield site is real property the expansion redevelopment or reuse of which may
be complicated by the presence or potential presence of a hazardous substance pollutant or
contaminant according to the EPAThe EPA estimates there are 180 brownfield sites in the Lancaster area and a combined
total of 120 brownfield sites in Harrisburg and Steelton
For more information or to register to attend an information session contact Cheryl
Deitz HACC Workforce Training coordinator at 221-1338 or send email to chdeitzhaccedu
PUC Chair Urges Utilities To Participate In Programs To Create Jobs For Returning
Troops
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Public Utility Commission Chairman Robert F Powelson Thursday urged the statersquos public
utilities to participate in several new programs proposed by Gov Tom Corbett and the Edison
Electric Institute to create jobs in the energy sector
The Chairman also noted that the time is right for job growth with the development of the
Marcellus Shale industry and electric competition across the stateldquoToday I encourage Pennsylvaniarsquos electric and natural gas utilities to learn from the
example set by EEI and participate in the Troops to Energy Jobs program as well as Governor
Corbettrsquos Jobs First PA initiative Chairman Powelson said in a statement at the PUCrsquos Public
Meeting In the days ahead the PUC will be coordinating with EEI and the Corbett
Administration to connect our energy companies with these innovative programsrdquo
The Chairman referenced Gov Corbetts annual budget address to the General Assembly
last week
ldquoIn his address the Governor recognized that the energy sector has enormous potential
for producing new jobs and putting the unemployed back to workrdquo Chairman Powelson said
ldquoIn announcing his new Jobs First program the Governor stated that lsquoas our energy sector
expands Pennsylvania needs a trained workforce ready to meet the demand for workersrsquordquoChairman Powelson said the EEI launched its Troops for Energy Jobs initiative which is
designed to accelerate the training and employability of veterans in key energy programs EEI is
currently piloting this program through five energy companies throughout the nation
For more information visit the Troops for Energy Jobs Initiative website
PA Chamber Environmental amp Energy Conference April 18 In Lancaster
The annual PA Chamber of Business and Industry Environmental and Energy Conference will be
held on April 18 at the Eden Resort Inn amp Suites in Lancaster
Major environmental regulatory areas continue to see numerous changes at the state andfederal level that impact business Thats why the Pennsylvania Chamber is offering four
learning tracks with answers you need on the latest environmental and energy issues-all in one
day
-- Compliance help from state and national top experts on the toughest environmental issues
-- Details on the latest regulatory changes and proposed changes
-- Proven strategies best practices and practical business tips to help you comply cost-effectively
in each area and
-- Advanced environmental roundtable
There will be two keynotes The Economic Benefits of Marcellus Shale and Natural Gas-
American Petroleum Institute Washington DC and Converting Trash into Renewable Energy-
National Solid Wastes Management Association Washington DCVisit with more than 50 exhibitors offering an exciting array of advanced technology
solutions and exhibitor educational sessions Access and network with more than 300 of your
peers from across the state
For more information and to register visit the Conference webpage or contact Sue Smith
at 717-720-5457 or send email to ssmithpachamberorg
Volunteers Needed To Plant 100 Acre Wind Break At Flight 93 Memorial In April
832019 Pa Environment Digest Feb 20 2012
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The federal Office of Surface Mining Reclamation and Enforcement through their Appalachian
Regional Reforestation Initiative and the Department of Environmental Protection are working
with the National Park Service to plant a wind break at the Flight 93 Memorial in Somerset
County
Volunteers are needed to plant trees on April 20 21 27 and 28 Volunteers may sign upfor one day or multiple days
If you are interested in volunteering send a Volunteer Sign-Up Form and a Photo
Release Form and send to Leroy Renninger of the National Park Service by email
to Leroy_Renningernpsgov
State Fly Tying Champions Announced At Eastern Sports amp Outdoor Show
The Eastern Sports amp Outdoor Show Cumberland Valley Trout Unlimited Bass Pro Shops of
Harrisburg Mid Atlantic Fly Fishing Guide magazine and the Fish and Boat Commission
sponsored the Pennsylvania State Fly Tying Championship held on February 11 at the Eastern
Sports amp Outdoor Show at the State Farm Show Complex in HarrisburgThirteen contestants in three categories competed for money trophies and prizes in the
annual event to crown the best fly tyers in Pennsylvania
In the Open Division the winners are 1st Place - Andy Fresch Summerhill 2nd Place -
Ken Moser Severna Park MD 3rd Place - John Shosh Hamburg
The Amateur Division winners are 1st Place - Matthew Edinger Sharon Hill 2nd Place -
- Mike Marino Souderton and 3rd Place -- Elliott DeFrancesco Wilburton
The Youth Division winners are 1st Place - Gaeron Friedrichs Milford 2nd Place
Bobby Faust Dalmatia
The contestants at the final event were the top tiers selected from entries previously
submitted In order to qualify the entrants had to submit three flies from a list of flies for eachcategory
At the event each finalist was required to tie three flies over a two hour time period The
finalists knew ahead of time two of the flies that were to be tied and a third ldquomystery flyrdquo was
announced to them at the event
The championship will be held again at the 2013 Eastern Sports and Outdoor Show and
applications information and details will be posted at the Cumberland Valley Trout Unlimited or
Eastern Sports and Outdoor Show websites as they become available
PA State Parks Forest App Now Updated And Free
The Official Pennsylvania State Parks amp Forests App is now completely FREE This latestversion now on the market includes advanced interactive capabilities such as GPS trail mapping
the Friend Finder to keep track of your family and friends on the trail and more
Featured Update List Increased performance speed Multi-tasking Capability
GeoChallenge (GeocacheGeoQuest) Feature FREE enhanced GPS features
This new version increases performance speed and cuts activation time in half With the
new multi-tasking capability users gain enhanced user navigation The more adventurous
832019 Pa Environment Digest Feb 20 2012
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outdoor enthusiasts will benefit from the recently added GeoChallenges that include geocache
and geoquest activities which will be updated regularly
The waypointphoto waypoint marking tools have been upgraded and there has been a
fine-tuning of the trail-tracking feature located on the side navigation bar of the free GPS
Mapping section Use the app to track record and share your explorations with others-all at no
chargeTry out the app and let the PA Parks amp Forests Foundation know what you think
Feature
Bald Eagle Pair Get Help With Home Improvement Project
While most people try to avoid home improvement projects in the winter a pair of bald eagles
got some much needed help recently from a team of Game Commission land managers with a
very important and timely renovation project
A sycamore tree on Haldeman Island has been used by at least three mated pairs as a
nesting site since 1989 The island is just upriver of the confluence of the Susquehanna and
Juniata rivers north of Harrisburg and the tree stands just across a pond from one of three
hacking towers the Game Commission used at two locations in its bald eagle recovery program
About two weeks ago one of the limbs supporting the nest collapsed under the weight of the
nest
On Friday Steve Bernardi Game Commission Land Management Group Supervisor for
Juniata Mifflin Perry and Snyder counties was joined by Terry Willow Game Lands
Maintenance Worker with the River Island Food and Cover Corps Crew and Scott Bills Land
Management Group Supervisor for Dauphin and Lebanon counties to construct a platform to
encourage the bald eagle pair to reuse this nest site
The three men measured and cut lumber used hammers and nails as well as screws anddrills to secure the lumber in place and then placed branches and sticks on the platform to
encourage the bald eagles ndash who were watching the activity while perched in nearby trees ndash to
begin rebuilding a nest
A pair built a nest in this tree in 1989 and had their first young in 1990 Bernardi said
A storm blew the original nest out of the tree in 1995 Scott Bills who was the Wildlife
Conservation Officer in Dauphin County at that time worked with a Food and Cover Corps crew
and PPL to erect the first platform similar to what we put in place on Friday
Adult bald eagles are preparing to nest and hopefully they will come back and reuse this
platform just like they did back in 1995
Haldeman Island played a key role in the recovery of bald eagles in Pennsylvania In the
1980s it was one of two locations used for reintroduction of eagles brought by the GameCommission from Canada in the early years of restoration of eagles to our state About 40
eaglets were released at the Haldeman Island tower overlooking the ponds on the north side of
the island by 1989
When the reintroduced birds successfully raised young at a nest on Haldeman in 1990
the whole state had only seven nesting pairs And there has been an active eagle nest in that spot
every year since except 2004 when the birds took a year off
832019 Pa Environment Digest Feb 20 2012
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While we dont know if the same pair have been active that whole time the same old
sycamore tree has been used during this period and that nest has produced more than 40 young
over this period said Dan Brauning Game Commission Wildlife Diversity Division chief
Since the site is well-protected on a Game Commission island with limited access this site has
particular value to us
Continued support for this nest will help sustain this historic location in the recovery of baldeagles in Pennsylvania
In 1983 the Game Commission began a seven-year bald eagle restoration program in
which the agency sent employees to Saskatchewan to obtain eaglets from wilderness nests The
Richard King Mellon Foundation of Pittsburgh and the federal Endangered Species Fund
provided financial assistance for this effort
In all 88 bald eaglets from Canada were released from sites at Dauphin Countys
Haldeman Island and Pike Countys Shohola Falls The resurgence of eagles in Pennsylvania is
directly related to this program which also was carried out in other states in the Northeast
When the restoration program began in 1983 only three Crawford County nests remained
in the state By 2006 the agency announced that the state had surpassed the 100 bald eagle nest
mark Just five years later in 2011 the number of known bald eagle nests had doubled to 203spread out over 50 counties
Residents aware of a bald eagle nest ndash which are among the largest nests of all birds ndash in
their area should consider reporting it to the Pennsylvania Game Commission The easiest way to
contact the agency by sending email to pgccommentspagov Use the words Eagle Nest
Information in the subject field
The Game Commission continues to further the publics understanding of bald eagles In
2010 a comprehensive Bald Eagle threatened species account and Bald Eagle Nest Etiquette
guide were added to the agencys website
In 2011 the agency launched its series of Eagle-watching in Pennsylvania guides that
will help direct those interested in viewing bald eagles in the wild on where to go how to getthere what to expect and other wildlife viewing opportunities available at each site
Currently posted are eagle-watching guides for Erie National Wildlife Refuge Crawford
County Conneaut Marsh Geneva Marsh State Game Land 213 Crawford County Raystown
Lake Huntingdon County State Game Land 180 Shohola Lake Pike County Middle Creek
Wildlife Management Area Lebanon and Lancaster counties Bald Eagle State Park Centre
County Glendale Lake Price Gallitzin State Park Cambria County John Heinz National
Wildlife Refuge Philadelphia and Delaware counties Lower Susquehanna River Lancaster and
York counties Moraine State Park Butler County Pine Creek Valley Lycoming and Tioga
counties Promised Land State Park Pike County Pymatuning Reservoir Crawford County and
the Upper Delaware River in Pike Wayne and Monroe counties
Game Commission Announces April 1 Deadline For Ads In Hunting-Trapping Digest
Game Commission Executive Director Carl G Roe Thursday announced Liberty Press
Publications publisher of the Pennsylvania Digest of Hunting amp Trapping Regulations has set
April 1 as the deadline for advertising copy in the 2012-13 Digest Click Here for details
For advertising information contact Liberty Press Publications toll-free at
1-800-296-6402
832019 Pa Environment Digest Feb 20 2012
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Opportunity To Bid On McKean County Abandoned Well Plugging Project
The Department of Environmental Protection published notice of an opportunity to bid on a
project to plug 24 abandoned oil wells in McKean County
Help Wanted Chesapeake Bay Foundation PA Grassroots Coordinator Field Specialist
The Chesapeake Bay Foundation is seeking a PA Grassroots Coordinator and a Field Specialist
to be based at their Pennsylvania State Office located in Harrisburg This position is a 2 year
term position with the possibility of extension Click Here for details
Help Wanted Conewago Creek Assistant Project Coordinator
Penn State Cooperative Extension on behalf of the Conewago Creek Initiative seeks an Assistant
Project Coordinator to be an integral part of a dynamic partnership team working together with
local state and federal partnersThe Assistant Project Coordinator will report to the Director of the Lower Susquehanna
Initiative who serves as the Project Coordinator for the Conewago Creek Initiative
The deadline for applications is March 1 Click Here for details
Help Wanted ALLARM Assistant Director Of Outreach Marcellus
The Alliance for Aquatic Resource Monitoring (ALLARM) is seeking candidate to fill a third
full time position to the organization-- Assistant Director of Outreach-- to assist with Marcellus
Monitoring program training community volunteers throughout the shale gas regions in
Pennsylvania to monitor small streams for early pollution detection Click Here for fullannouncement
Grants amp 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
February 23-- PA Pathways To Green Schools Nominations
February 24-- PA Trout In The Classroom Grants
February 29-- EPA Environmental Justice Small Grants
February 29-- Ben Franklin BIG IDEA Business Plan ContestFebruary 29-- PA American Water Stream of Learning Scholarships
February 29-- West Branch Susquehanna Orange Rock Awards
March 1-- Erie TreeVitalize Grants
March 2-- Coca-Cola Keep America Beautiful Recycling Bin Grants
March 2-- Conservation Innovation Grants Chesapeake Bay Nutrient Credit Grants
March 5-- TogetherGreen Fellowship and Innovation Grants
832019 Pa Environment Digest Feb 20 2012
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March 5-- PECDominion Western PA Environmental Awards
March 10-- PA American Water Environmental Grants
March 15-- NEW Keep PA Beautiful Greenways Mini-Grants
March 23-- Water Resources Education Network Grants
March 30-- PA American Water Protect Our Watersheds Student Art Contest
March 31-- DEP Host Municipal Inspector GrantsApril 3-- West Penn Power Sustainable Energy Fund Grants Loans
April 4-- DCNR Community Conservation Partnership Grants
April 15-- Wild Resource Conservation Fund Income Tax Checkoff Deadline
March 1-- Keystone Historic Preservation Project and Construction Grants
August 1-- PA Snowmobile Assn Trail Improvement Grants
August 24-- Foundation for PA Watershed Grants
September 1-- Erie TreeVitalize Grants
October 31-- PA Resources Council Lens On Litter Contest
-- Visit the DEP Grants and Loan Programs webpage for more ideas on how to get financial
assistance for environmental projects
BudgetQuick Clips
Heres a selection of NewClips on environmental topics from around the state--
Budget
Corbett Signs Marcellus Shale Fee Into Law
Corbett Signs Shale Well Impact Fee Into Law
Corbett Approves Marcellus Shale Fee
Bradford Commissioner Foolish Not To Accept Drilling Fee MoneyWhats Next For PAs Impact Fee Bradford Against Fee
Bradford Commissioners Disagree On Drilling Fee
Washington County To Seek Marcellus Fees
Editorial Corbetts Gas Fee About To Evaporate
Robinson Twp To Contest New Marcellus Law
South Fayette Eyes Legal Action On Drilling Bill
Fish amp Boat Commission Grateful For Marcellus Fees
PUC Eyes Private Firm For Impact Fee Collection
PUC Chair Let Marcellus Play Come To Us
PUC Would Get Shale Role Under Drilling Bill
Editorial It Makes Sense For PUC To Deal With Drilling NE Counties To Raise Millions Or Nothing Under Drilling Fee
House Capital Budget Bill Debate Focuses On Jobs
House GOP Marcellus Bill A Win For Jobs
Norquists No-Tax Pledge Cant Give Drill Fee The Ax
PA Natural Gas Levy Became Inevitable
Bradford Commissioners Disagree On Drilling Fee
832019 Pa Environment Digest Feb 20 2012
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Vertical Exploratory Wells Wont Be Hit With Drilling Fee
Impact Fee Bill Addresses Housing Needs
Op-Ed Natural Gas Fee May Be Too Late
Editorial Marcellus Fee A Tax Stupid
Editorial Shale Drillers Got The Better Part Of Deal
Corbett Raiding Special FundsCan Pennsylvanians Survive Under Another Corbett Budget
As Roads Bridges Deteriorate Governor Silent
Analysis Taking Baby Steps On Fixing Roads Bridges
Editorial Must A Bridge Fall Down
House Capital Budget Bill Debate Focuses On Jobs
Editorial Capital Budget Funds Must Be Kept Under Control
Obama Cuts EPA Increases Chesapeake Bay Program
Chesapeake Bay Program Increased Under Obama Budget
EPA Budget Cut For States Superfund Cleanup
Obama Proposes $14 Million For Fracking Research
$67 Million Requested For Federal Pipeline SafetyDCNR Secretary Says Report On Wildlife Research Not Accurate
Other
Electronics Recycling Date Set At Greensburg Mall
Hershey Plants Achieve Zero Waste Status
RecycleBank Named On Of Worlds Most Innovative Companies
Editorial Fine Litterers No Ifs Or Butts
Corbett Signs 3 Energy Sector Bills
Op-Ed Anti-Coal Agenda Is Detrimental To PA
Op-Ed Global Warming As Fact Not Hypothesis
Op-Ed Climate Change Education Is NecessaryHomer City Power Plant Still To Dirty Groups Claim
DEP Sets March 14 Public Hearing On Homer City Power Plant
Concerns Voiced Over PPL Lines
Consumer Alert Electricity Price Discounts Heat Up
Turbine Load To Hit The Road To Holtwood Dam
PPL Plans $664 Million In Electric Delivery System Improvements
Exelon Gives Dauphin County $110000 For Emergency Response
Groups Ask For Expansion Of Nuclear Plant Evacuation Zone
Feds Give PPL Reactor Low Grade
Allentown Council Rejects Waste-To-Energy Sewage Plant
GE Invests In Cleaner Evolution LocomotiveDEP Hopeful Buyer Will Emerge For ConocoPhillips Refinery
DEP Renews ConocoPhillips Trainer Refinery Discharge Permit
100 Sunoco Workers In PA Get Layoff Notices
Meehan PA Refinery Closures Threat To National Security
Refinery Closings Could Affect 15000 Jobs Study Says
Gasoline Could Reach $5 By July 4
$4 A Gallon Gasoline By Memorial Day
832019 Pa Environment Digest Feb 20 2012
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Gasoline Prices Have Never Been This High This Early
Electric Bicycle Waiver Sought
Land Bank Bill Newest Anti-Blight Tool
Game Commission Prepares For Controlled Burn On Centre County
2012 Great Backyard Bird Count Begins Friday
Birders-Eye View Of Conservation In PhiladelphiaState Could Take Over Refurbished Point State Park
New Ohiopyle Visitors Center Project To Be Bid This Spring
Winterfest At Ohiopyle No Snow Still A Go
Protecting Landscapes Changing Face Of Conservation
Marcellus Shale NewsClips
Here are NewsClips on topics related to Marcellus Shale natural gas drilling---
Corbett Signs Marcellus Shale Fee Into Law
Corbett Signs Shale Well Impact Fee Into Law
Corbett Approves Marcellus Shale Fee
Bradford Commissioner Foolish Not To Accept Drilling Fee Money
Whats Next For PAs Impact Fee Bradford Against Fee
Bradford Commissioners Disagree On Drilling Fee
Washington County To Seek Marcellus Fees
Editorial Corbetts Gas Fee About To Evaporate
Robinson Twp To Contest New Marcellus Law
South Fayette Eyes Legal Action On Drilling Bill
Fish amp Boat Commission Grateful For Marcellus Fees
PUC Eyes Private Firm For Impact Fee CollectionPUC Chair Let Marcellus Play Come To Us
PUC Would Get Shale Role Under Drilling Bill
Editorial It Makes Sense For PUC To Deal With Drilling
Corbett Raiding Special Funds
NE Counties To Raise Millions Or Nothing Under Drilling Fee
House GOP Marcellus Bill A Win For Jobs
Norquists No-Tax Pledge Cant Give Drill Fee The Ax
PA Natural Gas Levy Became Inevitable
Wayne County Landowners Push For Drilling
Vertical Exploratory Wells Wont Be Hit With Drilling Fee
Impact Fee Bill Addresses Housing NeedsDrilling Bill Authors Health Experts Fears Unfounded
Health Officials Drilling Law Disclosure Rules Lax
Op-Ed Natural Gas Fee May Be Too Late
Editorial Marcellus Fee A Tax Stupid
Editorial Shale Drillers Got The Better Part Of Deal
Delaware Riverkeeper Reports Settlement Over Gas Well
832019 Pa Environment Digest Feb 20 2012
httpslidepdfcomreaderfullpa-environment-digest-feb-20-2012 3034
EPA Probing Washington County Shale Operations
Marcellus Boom Has Pressed Law Firms To Boost Their Staffs
25 More State Troopers In NE Shale Region
Recorders Of Deeds May Not Reject Multiple Gas Leases
Rural Loophole Curbing PA Pipeline Inspections
Pipeline Tested Ahead Of Tie-In To Shale WellsFirefighters Learn To Deal With Drilling Emergencies
Assessing PGWs Liquid Natural Gas Future
Dominion Resources Playing Responsible Role In Drilling
Report Philly Should Consider Selling Gas Company
Company Files For Gas Drilling Permit In Bucks County
Gas Drilling Debate Returns To Bucks County
Shale Drillers Drinking From Slippery Rock Creek
Gas Wells With Smaller Footprint Get Greater Scrutiny
PennEnvironment Violations Report Half-Baked
Water Tanker Truck Lands In Creek In Monroe Twp
Industry Says Over 93230 New Hires As A Result Of Marcellus ShaleBCCC Begins Classes For Marcellus Shale Workers
Marcellus Gas Creates Demand For Cars
Ex-Drilling Exec Took Nearly $1 Million Or More
Op-Ed Gas Drillers New Wild West
Marcellus Gas Production Rises So Does Recycling
FinancialOther StatesNational
Drillers Cut Natural Gas Production As Prices Drop
Talisman Cutting Back Drilling Plans
Ultra Petroleum Reports 2011 Financial Operating Results
Gas Firms Drill Less As Prices Nose DiveObama Proposes $14 Million For Fracking Research
$67 Million Requested For Federal Pipeline Safety
FloodingWatershed NewsClips
Here are NewsClips on watershed topics from around the state--
Flooding
New Bank Coming To Flood-Ravaged Shickshinny
Other Watershed NewsClips
Mon River QUEST Wins Regional IMPACT AwardEPA Evaluates States Chesapeake Bay Plans
Shale Drillers Drinking From Slippery Rock Creek
Sewage Woes Close Lewisburg Area Park
$375000 To Aid Little Buck Run Restoration Effort
Loyalhanna Creek Sewage Overflow Problem Goes To State
Turbine Load To Hit The Road To Holtwood Dam
832019 Pa Environment Digest Feb 20 2012
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Funding Sought For Restoration Of Speedwell Lake
Obama Cuts EPA Increases Chesapeake Bay Program
Chesapeake Bay Program Increased Under Obama Budget
EPA Budget Cut For States Superfund Cleanup
Editorial Delaware Dredging A Step Closer
Regulations Technical Guidance amp Permits
No new regulations were published this week Pennsylvania Bulletin - February 18 2012
Proposed Regulations Open For Comment - DEP webpage
Proposed Regulations With Closed Comment Periods - DEP webpage
DEP Regulatory Agenda - DEP webpage
Technical Guidance amp Permits
The Department of Environmental Protection published notice of bond rate calculations for mine
reclamation The Fish and Boat Commission published notice of nursery water designation for
the Shenango River Crawford County
DEP also published an update to the list of companies certified to perform radon-related
activities (PA Bulletin page 994)
Technical Guidance Comment Deadlines - DEP webpage
Copies Of Draft Technical Guidance - DEP webpage
Copies of Final Technical Guidance - DEP webpage
Calendar Of Events
Upcoming legislative meetings conferences workshops plus links to other online calendars
Meetings are in Harrisburg unless otherwise noted NEW means new from last week Go to the
online Calendar webpage
Click on Agenda Released on calendar entries to see the NEW meeting agendas published this
week
Note You can watch the hearings live through the Senate webpage and the House webpage or
on the PA Cable Network website
832019 Pa Environment Digest Feb 20 2012
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February 21-- House Appropriations Committee budget hearings 930 - Global Economy
1100 - Independent Fiscal Office 130 - Department of Revenue Room 140
February 21-- CANCELED Environmental Quality Board meeting Next scheduled meeting is
March 20 ( formal notice )
February 21-- Agenda Released DEP Citizens Advisory Council meeting Room 105 Rachel
Carson Building 1130
February 22-- Senate Appropriations Committee budget hearings 930 - Department of
Environmental Protection 100 - Department of Transportation Hearing Room 1 North Office
February 23-- NEW House Democratic Policy Committee holds a hearing on Southeast PA oil
refinery closings National Constitution Center Philadelphia 1000
February 27-- House Appropriations Committee budget hearings 1000 - Public Utility
Commission 1100 - Office of Consumer Advocate Small Business Advocate Room 140
February 27-- NEW House Democratic Policy Committee holds a hearing on Marcellus Shale
air emissions Bryn Mawr Presbyterian Church Bryn Mawr 1000
February 28-- Senate Appropriations Committee budget hearings 100 - Department of
Agriculture Hearing Room 1 North Office
February 28-- House Appropriations Committee budget hearings 930 - Department of
Agriculture 1030 - Department of Conservation and Natural Resources Room 140
February 29-- Senate Appropriations Committee budget hearings 930 - PA Emergency
Management Agency Hearing Room 1 North Office
February 29-- House Game and Fisheries Committee informational meeting on Fish and Boat
Commissions Annual Report Room 39 East Wing 1000
February 29-- House Appropriations Committee budget hearings 930 - Department of
Transportation 300 - Department of Environmental Protection Room 140
March 1-- House Appropriations Committee budget hearings 1000 Department of Labor amp
Industry 100 - Department of Community and Economic Development Room 140
March 6-- House Appropriations Committee budget hearings 930 - State PoliceOffice of
Homeland Security 1100 - PA Emergency Management Agency 300 - Department of General
Services Room 140
March 6-- CANCELED DEP Storage Tank Advisory Committee meeting Next scheduled
meeting is June 5 ( formal notice )
832019 Pa Environment Digest Feb 20 2012
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March 7-- House Game and Fisheries Committee informational meeting on Game Commissions
Annual Report Room 39 East Wing 1000
March 8-- House Appropriations Committee budget hearings 1000 - Budget Secretary 100 -
House Member Testimony Room 140
March 14-- DEP Air Quality Technical Advisory Committee meeting Room 105 Rachel Carson
Building 915 ( formal notice )
March 26-- Environmental Issues Forum Joint Legislative Air and Water Pollution Control and
Conservation Committee featuring a presentation by DCNR Secretary Richard Allan (Location
to be determined) Noon
DEP Calendar of Events
Note The Environmental Education Workshop Calendar is no longer available from the PACenter for Environmental Education because funding for the Center was eliminated in the FY
2011-12 state budget The PCEE website was also shutdown but some content was moved to
the PA Association of Environmental Educators website
Senate Committee Schedule House Committee Schedule
You can watch the Senate Floor Session and House Floor Session live online
Stories Invited
Send your stories photos and videos about your project environmental issues or programs for
publication in the PA Environment Digest to DHessCrisciAssociatescom
PA Environment Digest is edited by David E Hess former Secretary Pennsylvania Department
of Environmental Protection and is published as a service to the clients of Crisci Associates a
Harrisburg-based government and public affairs firm whose clients include Fortune 500
companies and non-profit organizations For more information on Crisci Associates call
717-234-1716
PA Environment Digest weekly was the winner of the PA Association of Environmental
Educators 2009 Business Partner of the Year Award
Also sign up for these other services from Crisci Associates--
PA Environment Digest Twitter Feed On Twitter sign up to receive instant updates from
PAEnviroDigest
832019 Pa Environment Digest Feb 20 2012
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PA Environment Daily Blog provides daily environmental NewsClips and significant stories
and announcements on environmental topics in Pennsylvania of immediate value Sign up and
receive as they are posted updates through your favorite RSS reader You can also sign up for a
once daily email alerting you to new items posted on this blog
PA Environment Digest Video Blog showcases original and published videos fromenvironmental groups and agencies around the state Sign up to receive as they are posted
updates through your favorite RSS read You can also sign up for a once daily email alerting
you to new items posted on this blog
PA Capitol Digest Dont forget to sign up to receive the PA Capitol Digest Twitter feed by
going to wwwTwittercomPaCapitolDigest or click on this link for the regular daily PA
Capitol Digest Blog to get other news from in and around the Pennsylvania State Capitol
Supporting Member PA Outdoor Writers AssnPA Trout Unlimited
PA Environment Digest is a supporting member of the Pennsylvania Outdoor Writers
Association Pennsylvania Council Trout Unlimited and the Doc Fritchey Chapter Trout
Unlimited
832019 Pa Environment Digest Feb 20 2012
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-- Working with NRCS and FSA to submit a quality CRP plan
The Conservation Reserve Program Readiness Initiative was created to help the Natural
Resources Conservation Service accomplish the work involved with managing CRP enrollments
CRP plan development and implementation and the follow up management of developed plans
A national team of Extension staff NRCS and FSA staff and representatives from NRCS
partner agencies and organizations has collaborated to develop a multi-faceted training programto meet the needs of the initiative
Click Here for the full schedule of workshops available
Latest Lessons From The Land Webinar Feb 21 On Managing Phosphorus
Penn State Extension and the Conewago Watershed Initiative will host a webcast on February 21
from noon to 100 pm on Measuring and Managing Phosphorus In Wet Pennsylvania
Landscapes part of the Lessons From The Land series
Dr Tony Buda USDA ARS and Dr Patrick Drohan Penn State Department of Crop
and Soil Science will present research conducted by PA USDA NRCS USDA-ARS and Penn
State to look at how saturated soils and soils with fragipans have contributed to higher runoffMatt Royer Director of the Lower Susquehanna Initiative Penn State AG amp
Environment Center will moderate
These wet landscapes are often critical sources of phosphorus that contribute to loads of
pollutants in streamsmdashand should be targeted for conservation practices
A pilot study undertaken within the Conewago Watershed serves as a proving ground for
the development of ldquonext generation nutrient management practicesrdquo necessary to reduce the
loads of phosphorus emanating from agricultural lands that contribute to the degradation of the
Chesapeake Bay Watershed
One Nutrient Management credit is available for eligible participants from the state
Department of Agriculture Those seeking credits will be required to sign-in during the webinar to verify their attendance
The program can be viewed online as a recording after the live broadcast Continuing ed
credits are not available for the recorded session
To join this webinar you will need a high speed Internet and can sign in on this
webpage at the webinars noon start time This program will be broadcasting live from the
Conewago Initiativersquos Project Advisory Team meeting at Penn Statersquos Harrisburg campus
Lake Management Annual Conference Set For March 7-8 In State College
The 22nd annual Pennsylvania Lake Management Society annual conference will once again be
at the Days Inn State College on March 7 and 8This years theme is Staying Blue by Going Green and our keynote speaker is Bill
Jones from Indiana School of Public and Environmental Affairs in Bloomington Indiana
As always the Conference will have a great line up of speakers It also offers aquatic
applicator credits for PA OH NY and NJ
Please check out the Conference webpage for more details or contact Kerilynn Frey by
sending email to palakeshotmailcom
832019 Pa Environment Digest Feb 20 2012
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Penn State Extension How To Avoid Septic System Failures
Owning your own home is challenging enough what do you do when it comes with its own
sewage treatment plant This article provides some clues for owners of septic systems who want
to make them last a very long time
According to the US Environmental Protection Agency failure rates for on-lot sewagesystems across the country are reported at 10 percent annually In Pennsylvania approximately
12 million homes (one in three) use on-lot sewage systems for the treatment and disposal of
waste water
Responsibility for maintaining the system rests with the homeowner Proper maintenance
is a good idea since replacing it can cost thousands of dollars Proper maintenance also protects
groundwater that might be a source of drinking water
The most obvious on-lot sewage system failures are easy to spot Sewage backing up into
your home will typically command your immediate attention Raw sewage surfacing in your
yard in nearby ditches or on the neighborrsquos lawn is another clear indicator of failure Muddy
soil around the drain field or pooled water there or in your basement are other signs of serious
malfunction Notice whether your toilet or sink backs up when you flush or do laundry Stripsof bright green grass over the drainfield may be another indicator of problems A toilet running
sluggish or sewer odors in the house andor drinking water are signs of an on-lot system in
trouble
On-lot sewage systems also fail when partially treated wastewater comes into contact
with groundwater This type of failure is not easy to detect but it can result in the pollution of
wells nearby streams or other bodies of water Illness often to household visitors may be
another indicator of system failure that has affected your well and household drinking water
For those considering building a new home or replacing an existing septic system one of
the most critical factors in on-lot sewage system performance is the nature of the soils used for
the septic system soil absorption fieldYou can minimize failures by carefully and deliberately considering all aspects of on-lot
sewage system construction site selection design installation maintenance and use Hire
reputable individuals to design and install your system Also make sure the system is designed to
meet your present and future needs
You should contact your Township Sewage Enforcement Officer concerning permits
needed to install a new on-lot sewage system or repair a failing system
Once properly installed the key to preventing your on-lot system from failing is proper
maintenance Regularly pumping the tank being careful in what you put down the drains and
avoiding such things as planting trees over the field or covering the system with permanent
patios and home additions are important to keep the system running well
Water conservation in the home is also an excellent method of preventing future problems from occurring Divert downspouts and surface water away from the septic tank and
especially the drain field Do not physically damage the system by driving over the components
with heavy vehicles or by digging up the system for other utility lines etc Keep a record of the
location and dimensions of your system along with maintenance and repair information
Homeowners interested in finding out about the overall health of their on-lot sewage
system may want to consider having their septic systems inspected by a trained professional The
PA Septage Management Association in cooperation with the National Onsite Wastewater
832019 Pa Environment Digest Feb 20 2012
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Education and Research Foundation has adopted uniform On-lot Wastewater Treatment
Inspection procedures
PSMA is a professional association of septage pumpers system installers maintenance
technicians real estate inspectors and industry affiliates PSMA Certified Inspectors which
includes many septic tank pumpers are trained to understand how on-lot systems work why they
fail and recognize impending malfunctionsSee the PSMA website for more details about PSMANOF inspections or call them at
717-763-7762
Many fact sheets about on-lot sewage systems are available from the Agricultural and
Biological Engineering department Topics include septic tank pumping percolation tests
elevated sand mounds inspections and alternative systems and pharmaceutical disposal
(Article reprinted from Penn State Extension Watershed Winds online newsletter)
Wissahickon Watershed Maple Sugaring Program Set For March 3
Ever wonder how maple syrup and sugar are made The Wissahickon Vally WatershedAssociation will offer a unique program on maple syrup on March 3 in Ambler Montgomery
County
The event offers a fun and informative event ideal for families Scout groups and anyone
curious about the maple sugar process
Choose a specific time as guides take small groups through the woods to see the tapped
trees and then watch it being boiled into sugar End your walk at WVWArsquos historic headquarters
for hot chocolate and warm treats with maple syrup
RSVP requested by sending email to infowvwaorg or call 215-646-8866 There is a
fee for the program WVWA member fee $5 per person $15 per family Non-WVWA member
fee $10 per person $20 per family or Become a WVWA member and be their guest for $45In Ambler and look for signage Walk over the Butler Avenue Bridge and turn left onto
the Green Ribbon Trail
KPB Greenways Mini-Grant Program Applications Due March 15
Keep Pennsylvania Beautiful is now accepting applications for their Greenways Mini-Grant
Program to provide community groups with project supplies for outdoor based work events
within a greenway enabling the renewal of Pennsylvaniarsquos Greenways in need into something
beautiful
The deadline for applications is March 15 and hard copies are required Grants will be
awarded on April 16Fifteen grant awardees along with their volunteers will be eligible for up to $500 in
project supplies and direct project costs for Prevent it Clean it and Keep it projects within a
Greenway
Pennsylvania and its partners are developing an outstanding network of greenways across
the Commonwealth creating an asset that will enhance the quality of life for all while connecting
open space natural landscape features scenic cultural historic and recreations sites and urban
and rural communities
832019 Pa Environment Digest Feb 20 2012
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A greenway is a linear corridor across the land that conserves natural areas and provides
people with recreation and transportation opportunities
As one of the Commonwealthrsquos most powerful tools to achieve sustainable growth and
livable communities greenways are ensuring future generations the opportunity to live amongst
the natural beauty of Pennrsquos Woods
This program is financed by a grant from the Community Conservation PartnershipProgram Environmental Stewardship Fund under the administration of the Department of
Conservation and Natural Resources Bureau of Recreation and Conservation
The Greenways Mini-Grant is available to any tax-exempt group within Pennsylvania
Private property owners or individual applicants cannot apply
Applications must meet the following requirements to be considered ndash it is within a
Greenway and is in at least one of the following categories Prevent it Clean it and Keep it (see
application for details) plus provide proof of liability insurance signed permission to enter from
the private property owner and 100 percent match of donated or in-kind services Selected
awardees must also agree to provide a final report with before during and after photos
ldquoWe are excited to collaborate with DCNR in offering Greenways Mini-Grants to
organizations working to build clean and beautiful communities across the staterdquo said ShannonReiter President of Keep Pennsylvania Beautiful ldquoGreenways are integral to healthy livable
communities and we are grateful to have the opportunity to empower Pennsylvania with the
tools and resources they need to enhance greenways in their communitiesrdquo
For more information visit the Greenways Mini-Grant Program webpage to download an
application Any additional questions can be answered by Susan Carmichael Greenways Mini-
Grant Program Coordinator at 1-877-772-3673 ext 102 or send email to
scarmichaelkeeppabeautifulorg
Pennsylvania Adds 1470 Acres Of Farmland To Preservation Program
Pennsylvania has added 1470 additional acres of land to its nationally recognized farmland
preservation program under action by the Pennsylvania Agricultural Land Preservation Board at
its meeting Thursday in Harrisburg
The 14 newly preserved farms are located in Beaver Berks Bucks Butler Cambria
Cumberland Juniata Lackawanna Lancaster Lebanon Northampton and Somerset counties
ldquoWersquove preserved nearly 15000 acres of farmland across the state in just the past year
alonerdquo said Agriculture Secretary George Greig ldquoThis speaks volumes to the value our farm
families place on ensuring the future viability of Pennsylvania agriculture ndash our statersquos number-
one industryrdquo
Since the program started in 1988 state county and local governments have invested
more than $11 billion to safeguard 459007 acres on 4243 farmsldquoOur producers know the importance of preserving farms so our next generation of
agriculturalists can keep Pennsylvania growing far into the future and I thank them for that
foresightrdquo Greig said
Pennsylvaniarsquos farmland preservation efforts work through the Pennsylvania Agricultural
Conservation Easement Purchase Program The program was developed to slow the loss of prime
farmland to non-agricultural uses It enables state county and local governments to purchase
conservation easements also called development rights from owners of quality farmland
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For more information visit Agricultures Farmland Preservation webpage
PUC Finalizes Implementation Plan For Pipeline Safety Act
The Public Utility Commission Thursday finalized an Order as the first step in implementing Act
127 the Gas and Hazardous Liquids Pipelines ActThe Commission voted 5-0 to finalize the Order which begins the process of creating a
statewide registry for non-public utility gas and hazardous liquids pipeline equipment and
facilities within the Commonwealth provides resources to conduct safety inspections to enforce
Federal pipeline safety laws on certain classifications of pipeline and assesses entities for the
costs
The Order established the following
-- The registration fee is $250
-- The 2012 registration deadline is March 16
-- Assessment invoices for the Commissionrsquos 2011-12 fiscal year will be mailed by March 30
and due by April 30 and
-- Assessment invoices for the Commissionrsquos 2012-13 fiscal year will be mailed in July 2012with payment due within 30 days
Final forms and other materials will be available on the Commissionrsquos website
Act 127 direct the PUC to develop a registry and conduct safety inspections of these lines
for ldquopipeline operatorsrdquo in the state The Commission also is to track the development of
pipelines in less populated areas which transport gas from non-conventional wells
Act 127 expands the Commissionrsquos authority to enforce the federal pipeline safety laws
as they relate to those pipelines and facilities Non-public utility gas and hazardous liquids
pipeline operators include several different categories of pipelines such as cooperatively owned
natural gas distribution systems non-utility natural gas transportation and gathering lines and
propane distribution pipeline systemsFor more information visit the PUCs Act 127 webpage
DEP Sets Feb 22 Meeting On Jefferson County Drilling Permit
The Department of Environmental Protection will host a public meeting on February 22 to
discuss Flatirons Resources LLCrsquos proposal to drill a Marcellus Shale well in Brockway
Jefferson County
The 6 pm meeting will be held at the Brockway Area JuniorSenior High School on
Alexander Street in Brockway
ldquoWe recognize that there are a lot of questions and that people want detailsrdquo DEP
Northwest Regional Director Kelly Burch said ldquoDEP staff will provide information about our role in the permitting process and address any questions and concerns the audience may have
about our oversight and environmental protectionrdquo
The horizontal well that Flatirons proposes to drill would be the second on this pad
which is on Brockway Borough Municipal Authority property in the Rattlesnake Creek
Watershed The first well was drilled in February 2011 and hydraulically fractured in November
2011
832019 Pa Environment Digest Feb 20 2012
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After DEPrsquos presentation at the meeting company representatives will describe their
plans to drill the well if approved A question-and-answer session will follow
DEPrsquos decision to issue a well permit is based on the applicationrsquos technical merits and
whether the applicantrsquos drilling casing and cementing plan will protect water resources The
agency issued Flatirons a permit to drill a second well on the pad in December 2010 but it
expired a year later because the well was never drilled The permit application was resubmittedon December 27 2011
HACC Offers Free Environmental Technician Training At Midtown Campus
Training for emerging environmental jobs in the cleanup and reuse of brownfields will be offered
starting April 16 at the Midtown location of HACC Central Pennsylvaniarsquos Community College
Candidates for the federally funded program are displaced workers the unemployed or
underemployed as well as low-income or minority residents who live in the Harrisburg said
Cheryl Dietz HACC Workforce Training coordinator
Potential students can find out more by attending one of two upcoming information
sessions in Room 228 of Midtown 1 1500 N Fourth St The sessions will be held from 6-7 pmFebruary 29 and 11 am-noon March 3
HACC representatives will answer questions about the free job training program which
will consist of an eight-week 320-hour training cycle with classes meeting 8 am-3 pm April
16-June 8
To be eligible a candidate must have a general education diploma (GED) or high school
diploma test at a 10th-grade math and reading level have a valid driverrsquos license have access to
reliable transportation be drug free and demonstrate an interest in the environment
Successful graduates will receive certifications in all of the following Hazardous Waste
Operations and Emergency Response (HAZWOPER) confined space entrantattendant and
supervisor lead-based paint inspector and asbestos inspectorAdditional training will be offered in environmental site assessment air and water
quality and environmental remediation techniques
HACC is offering the training through a two-year $199890 grant awarded through the
federal Environmental Protection Agencyrsquos Brownfields Program
Two classes were held last year at HACC-Harrisburg Campus with 35 graduates Of this
number 26 have jobs (19 of them are in the environmental field) and four are continuing their
education A third class is under way in Lancaster As part of the grant HACC helps successful
graduates find environmental jobs and tracks those graduates for one year
A brownfield site is real property the expansion redevelopment or reuse of which may
be complicated by the presence or potential presence of a hazardous substance pollutant or
contaminant according to the EPAThe EPA estimates there are 180 brownfield sites in the Lancaster area and a combined
total of 120 brownfield sites in Harrisburg and Steelton
For more information or to register to attend an information session contact Cheryl
Deitz HACC Workforce Training coordinator at 221-1338 or send email to chdeitzhaccedu
PUC Chair Urges Utilities To Participate In Programs To Create Jobs For Returning
Troops
832019 Pa Environment Digest Feb 20 2012
httpslidepdfcomreaderfullpa-environment-digest-feb-20-2012 2234
Public Utility Commission Chairman Robert F Powelson Thursday urged the statersquos public
utilities to participate in several new programs proposed by Gov Tom Corbett and the Edison
Electric Institute to create jobs in the energy sector
The Chairman also noted that the time is right for job growth with the development of the
Marcellus Shale industry and electric competition across the stateldquoToday I encourage Pennsylvaniarsquos electric and natural gas utilities to learn from the
example set by EEI and participate in the Troops to Energy Jobs program as well as Governor
Corbettrsquos Jobs First PA initiative Chairman Powelson said in a statement at the PUCrsquos Public
Meeting In the days ahead the PUC will be coordinating with EEI and the Corbett
Administration to connect our energy companies with these innovative programsrdquo
The Chairman referenced Gov Corbetts annual budget address to the General Assembly
last week
ldquoIn his address the Governor recognized that the energy sector has enormous potential
for producing new jobs and putting the unemployed back to workrdquo Chairman Powelson said
ldquoIn announcing his new Jobs First program the Governor stated that lsquoas our energy sector
expands Pennsylvania needs a trained workforce ready to meet the demand for workersrsquordquoChairman Powelson said the EEI launched its Troops for Energy Jobs initiative which is
designed to accelerate the training and employability of veterans in key energy programs EEI is
currently piloting this program through five energy companies throughout the nation
For more information visit the Troops for Energy Jobs Initiative website
PA Chamber Environmental amp Energy Conference April 18 In Lancaster
The annual PA Chamber of Business and Industry Environmental and Energy Conference will be
held on April 18 at the Eden Resort Inn amp Suites in Lancaster
Major environmental regulatory areas continue to see numerous changes at the state andfederal level that impact business Thats why the Pennsylvania Chamber is offering four
learning tracks with answers you need on the latest environmental and energy issues-all in one
day
-- Compliance help from state and national top experts on the toughest environmental issues
-- Details on the latest regulatory changes and proposed changes
-- Proven strategies best practices and practical business tips to help you comply cost-effectively
in each area and
-- Advanced environmental roundtable
There will be two keynotes The Economic Benefits of Marcellus Shale and Natural Gas-
American Petroleum Institute Washington DC and Converting Trash into Renewable Energy-
National Solid Wastes Management Association Washington DCVisit with more than 50 exhibitors offering an exciting array of advanced technology
solutions and exhibitor educational sessions Access and network with more than 300 of your
peers from across the state
For more information and to register visit the Conference webpage or contact Sue Smith
at 717-720-5457 or send email to ssmithpachamberorg
Volunteers Needed To Plant 100 Acre Wind Break At Flight 93 Memorial In April
832019 Pa Environment Digest Feb 20 2012
httpslidepdfcomreaderfullpa-environment-digest-feb-20-2012 2334
The federal Office of Surface Mining Reclamation and Enforcement through their Appalachian
Regional Reforestation Initiative and the Department of Environmental Protection are working
with the National Park Service to plant a wind break at the Flight 93 Memorial in Somerset
County
Volunteers are needed to plant trees on April 20 21 27 and 28 Volunteers may sign upfor one day or multiple days
If you are interested in volunteering send a Volunteer Sign-Up Form and a Photo
Release Form and send to Leroy Renninger of the National Park Service by email
to Leroy_Renningernpsgov
State Fly Tying Champions Announced At Eastern Sports amp Outdoor Show
The Eastern Sports amp Outdoor Show Cumberland Valley Trout Unlimited Bass Pro Shops of
Harrisburg Mid Atlantic Fly Fishing Guide magazine and the Fish and Boat Commission
sponsored the Pennsylvania State Fly Tying Championship held on February 11 at the Eastern
Sports amp Outdoor Show at the State Farm Show Complex in HarrisburgThirteen contestants in three categories competed for money trophies and prizes in the
annual event to crown the best fly tyers in Pennsylvania
In the Open Division the winners are 1st Place - Andy Fresch Summerhill 2nd Place -
Ken Moser Severna Park MD 3rd Place - John Shosh Hamburg
The Amateur Division winners are 1st Place - Matthew Edinger Sharon Hill 2nd Place -
- Mike Marino Souderton and 3rd Place -- Elliott DeFrancesco Wilburton
The Youth Division winners are 1st Place - Gaeron Friedrichs Milford 2nd Place
Bobby Faust Dalmatia
The contestants at the final event were the top tiers selected from entries previously
submitted In order to qualify the entrants had to submit three flies from a list of flies for eachcategory
At the event each finalist was required to tie three flies over a two hour time period The
finalists knew ahead of time two of the flies that were to be tied and a third ldquomystery flyrdquo was
announced to them at the event
The championship will be held again at the 2013 Eastern Sports and Outdoor Show and
applications information and details will be posted at the Cumberland Valley Trout Unlimited or
Eastern Sports and Outdoor Show websites as they become available
PA State Parks Forest App Now Updated And Free
The Official Pennsylvania State Parks amp Forests App is now completely FREE This latestversion now on the market includes advanced interactive capabilities such as GPS trail mapping
the Friend Finder to keep track of your family and friends on the trail and more
Featured Update List Increased performance speed Multi-tasking Capability
GeoChallenge (GeocacheGeoQuest) Feature FREE enhanced GPS features
This new version increases performance speed and cuts activation time in half With the
new multi-tasking capability users gain enhanced user navigation The more adventurous
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outdoor enthusiasts will benefit from the recently added GeoChallenges that include geocache
and geoquest activities which will be updated regularly
The waypointphoto waypoint marking tools have been upgraded and there has been a
fine-tuning of the trail-tracking feature located on the side navigation bar of the free GPS
Mapping section Use the app to track record and share your explorations with others-all at no
chargeTry out the app and let the PA Parks amp Forests Foundation know what you think
Feature
Bald Eagle Pair Get Help With Home Improvement Project
While most people try to avoid home improvement projects in the winter a pair of bald eagles
got some much needed help recently from a team of Game Commission land managers with a
very important and timely renovation project
A sycamore tree on Haldeman Island has been used by at least three mated pairs as a
nesting site since 1989 The island is just upriver of the confluence of the Susquehanna and
Juniata rivers north of Harrisburg and the tree stands just across a pond from one of three
hacking towers the Game Commission used at two locations in its bald eagle recovery program
About two weeks ago one of the limbs supporting the nest collapsed under the weight of the
nest
On Friday Steve Bernardi Game Commission Land Management Group Supervisor for
Juniata Mifflin Perry and Snyder counties was joined by Terry Willow Game Lands
Maintenance Worker with the River Island Food and Cover Corps Crew and Scott Bills Land
Management Group Supervisor for Dauphin and Lebanon counties to construct a platform to
encourage the bald eagle pair to reuse this nest site
The three men measured and cut lumber used hammers and nails as well as screws anddrills to secure the lumber in place and then placed branches and sticks on the platform to
encourage the bald eagles ndash who were watching the activity while perched in nearby trees ndash to
begin rebuilding a nest
A pair built a nest in this tree in 1989 and had their first young in 1990 Bernardi said
A storm blew the original nest out of the tree in 1995 Scott Bills who was the Wildlife
Conservation Officer in Dauphin County at that time worked with a Food and Cover Corps crew
and PPL to erect the first platform similar to what we put in place on Friday
Adult bald eagles are preparing to nest and hopefully they will come back and reuse this
platform just like they did back in 1995
Haldeman Island played a key role in the recovery of bald eagles in Pennsylvania In the
1980s it was one of two locations used for reintroduction of eagles brought by the GameCommission from Canada in the early years of restoration of eagles to our state About 40
eaglets were released at the Haldeman Island tower overlooking the ponds on the north side of
the island by 1989
When the reintroduced birds successfully raised young at a nest on Haldeman in 1990
the whole state had only seven nesting pairs And there has been an active eagle nest in that spot
every year since except 2004 when the birds took a year off
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While we dont know if the same pair have been active that whole time the same old
sycamore tree has been used during this period and that nest has produced more than 40 young
over this period said Dan Brauning Game Commission Wildlife Diversity Division chief
Since the site is well-protected on a Game Commission island with limited access this site has
particular value to us
Continued support for this nest will help sustain this historic location in the recovery of baldeagles in Pennsylvania
In 1983 the Game Commission began a seven-year bald eagle restoration program in
which the agency sent employees to Saskatchewan to obtain eaglets from wilderness nests The
Richard King Mellon Foundation of Pittsburgh and the federal Endangered Species Fund
provided financial assistance for this effort
In all 88 bald eaglets from Canada were released from sites at Dauphin Countys
Haldeman Island and Pike Countys Shohola Falls The resurgence of eagles in Pennsylvania is
directly related to this program which also was carried out in other states in the Northeast
When the restoration program began in 1983 only three Crawford County nests remained
in the state By 2006 the agency announced that the state had surpassed the 100 bald eagle nest
mark Just five years later in 2011 the number of known bald eagle nests had doubled to 203spread out over 50 counties
Residents aware of a bald eagle nest ndash which are among the largest nests of all birds ndash in
their area should consider reporting it to the Pennsylvania Game Commission The easiest way to
contact the agency by sending email to pgccommentspagov Use the words Eagle Nest
Information in the subject field
The Game Commission continues to further the publics understanding of bald eagles In
2010 a comprehensive Bald Eagle threatened species account and Bald Eagle Nest Etiquette
guide were added to the agencys website
In 2011 the agency launched its series of Eagle-watching in Pennsylvania guides that
will help direct those interested in viewing bald eagles in the wild on where to go how to getthere what to expect and other wildlife viewing opportunities available at each site
Currently posted are eagle-watching guides for Erie National Wildlife Refuge Crawford
County Conneaut Marsh Geneva Marsh State Game Land 213 Crawford County Raystown
Lake Huntingdon County State Game Land 180 Shohola Lake Pike County Middle Creek
Wildlife Management Area Lebanon and Lancaster counties Bald Eagle State Park Centre
County Glendale Lake Price Gallitzin State Park Cambria County John Heinz National
Wildlife Refuge Philadelphia and Delaware counties Lower Susquehanna River Lancaster and
York counties Moraine State Park Butler County Pine Creek Valley Lycoming and Tioga
counties Promised Land State Park Pike County Pymatuning Reservoir Crawford County and
the Upper Delaware River in Pike Wayne and Monroe counties
Game Commission Announces April 1 Deadline For Ads In Hunting-Trapping Digest
Game Commission Executive Director Carl G Roe Thursday announced Liberty Press
Publications publisher of the Pennsylvania Digest of Hunting amp Trapping Regulations has set
April 1 as the deadline for advertising copy in the 2012-13 Digest Click Here for details
For advertising information contact Liberty Press Publications toll-free at
1-800-296-6402
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Opportunity To Bid On McKean County Abandoned Well Plugging Project
The Department of Environmental Protection published notice of an opportunity to bid on a
project to plug 24 abandoned oil wells in McKean County
Help Wanted Chesapeake Bay Foundation PA Grassroots Coordinator Field Specialist
The Chesapeake Bay Foundation is seeking a PA Grassroots Coordinator and a Field Specialist
to be based at their Pennsylvania State Office located in Harrisburg This position is a 2 year
term position with the possibility of extension Click Here for details
Help Wanted Conewago Creek Assistant Project Coordinator
Penn State Cooperative Extension on behalf of the Conewago Creek Initiative seeks an Assistant
Project Coordinator to be an integral part of a dynamic partnership team working together with
local state and federal partnersThe Assistant Project Coordinator will report to the Director of the Lower Susquehanna
Initiative who serves as the Project Coordinator for the Conewago Creek Initiative
The deadline for applications is March 1 Click Here for details
Help Wanted ALLARM Assistant Director Of Outreach Marcellus
The Alliance for Aquatic Resource Monitoring (ALLARM) is seeking candidate to fill a third
full time position to the organization-- Assistant Director of Outreach-- to assist with Marcellus
Monitoring program training community volunteers throughout the shale gas regions in
Pennsylvania to monitor small streams for early pollution detection Click Here for fullannouncement
Grants amp 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
February 23-- PA Pathways To Green Schools Nominations
February 24-- PA Trout In The Classroom Grants
February 29-- EPA Environmental Justice Small Grants
February 29-- Ben Franklin BIG IDEA Business Plan ContestFebruary 29-- PA American Water Stream of Learning Scholarships
February 29-- West Branch Susquehanna Orange Rock Awards
March 1-- Erie TreeVitalize Grants
March 2-- Coca-Cola Keep America Beautiful Recycling Bin Grants
March 2-- Conservation Innovation Grants Chesapeake Bay Nutrient Credit Grants
March 5-- TogetherGreen Fellowship and Innovation Grants
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March 5-- PECDominion Western PA Environmental Awards
March 10-- PA American Water Environmental Grants
March 15-- NEW Keep PA Beautiful Greenways Mini-Grants
March 23-- Water Resources Education Network Grants
March 30-- PA American Water Protect Our Watersheds Student Art Contest
March 31-- DEP Host Municipal Inspector GrantsApril 3-- West Penn Power Sustainable Energy Fund Grants Loans
April 4-- DCNR Community Conservation Partnership Grants
April 15-- Wild Resource Conservation Fund Income Tax Checkoff Deadline
March 1-- Keystone Historic Preservation Project and Construction Grants
August 1-- PA Snowmobile Assn Trail Improvement Grants
August 24-- Foundation for PA Watershed Grants
September 1-- Erie TreeVitalize Grants
October 31-- PA Resources Council Lens On Litter Contest
-- Visit the DEP Grants and Loan Programs webpage for more ideas on how to get financial
assistance for environmental projects
BudgetQuick Clips
Heres a selection of NewClips on environmental topics from around the state--
Budget
Corbett Signs Marcellus Shale Fee Into Law
Corbett Signs Shale Well Impact Fee Into Law
Corbett Approves Marcellus Shale Fee
Bradford Commissioner Foolish Not To Accept Drilling Fee MoneyWhats Next For PAs Impact Fee Bradford Against Fee
Bradford Commissioners Disagree On Drilling Fee
Washington County To Seek Marcellus Fees
Editorial Corbetts Gas Fee About To Evaporate
Robinson Twp To Contest New Marcellus Law
South Fayette Eyes Legal Action On Drilling Bill
Fish amp Boat Commission Grateful For Marcellus Fees
PUC Eyes Private Firm For Impact Fee Collection
PUC Chair Let Marcellus Play Come To Us
PUC Would Get Shale Role Under Drilling Bill
Editorial It Makes Sense For PUC To Deal With Drilling NE Counties To Raise Millions Or Nothing Under Drilling Fee
House Capital Budget Bill Debate Focuses On Jobs
House GOP Marcellus Bill A Win For Jobs
Norquists No-Tax Pledge Cant Give Drill Fee The Ax
PA Natural Gas Levy Became Inevitable
Bradford Commissioners Disagree On Drilling Fee
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Vertical Exploratory Wells Wont Be Hit With Drilling Fee
Impact Fee Bill Addresses Housing Needs
Op-Ed Natural Gas Fee May Be Too Late
Editorial Marcellus Fee A Tax Stupid
Editorial Shale Drillers Got The Better Part Of Deal
Corbett Raiding Special FundsCan Pennsylvanians Survive Under Another Corbett Budget
As Roads Bridges Deteriorate Governor Silent
Analysis Taking Baby Steps On Fixing Roads Bridges
Editorial Must A Bridge Fall Down
House Capital Budget Bill Debate Focuses On Jobs
Editorial Capital Budget Funds Must Be Kept Under Control
Obama Cuts EPA Increases Chesapeake Bay Program
Chesapeake Bay Program Increased Under Obama Budget
EPA Budget Cut For States Superfund Cleanup
Obama Proposes $14 Million For Fracking Research
$67 Million Requested For Federal Pipeline SafetyDCNR Secretary Says Report On Wildlife Research Not Accurate
Other
Electronics Recycling Date Set At Greensburg Mall
Hershey Plants Achieve Zero Waste Status
RecycleBank Named On Of Worlds Most Innovative Companies
Editorial Fine Litterers No Ifs Or Butts
Corbett Signs 3 Energy Sector Bills
Op-Ed Anti-Coal Agenda Is Detrimental To PA
Op-Ed Global Warming As Fact Not Hypothesis
Op-Ed Climate Change Education Is NecessaryHomer City Power Plant Still To Dirty Groups Claim
DEP Sets March 14 Public Hearing On Homer City Power Plant
Concerns Voiced Over PPL Lines
Consumer Alert Electricity Price Discounts Heat Up
Turbine Load To Hit The Road To Holtwood Dam
PPL Plans $664 Million In Electric Delivery System Improvements
Exelon Gives Dauphin County $110000 For Emergency Response
Groups Ask For Expansion Of Nuclear Plant Evacuation Zone
Feds Give PPL Reactor Low Grade
Allentown Council Rejects Waste-To-Energy Sewage Plant
GE Invests In Cleaner Evolution LocomotiveDEP Hopeful Buyer Will Emerge For ConocoPhillips Refinery
DEP Renews ConocoPhillips Trainer Refinery Discharge Permit
100 Sunoco Workers In PA Get Layoff Notices
Meehan PA Refinery Closures Threat To National Security
Refinery Closings Could Affect 15000 Jobs Study Says
Gasoline Could Reach $5 By July 4
$4 A Gallon Gasoline By Memorial Day
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Gasoline Prices Have Never Been This High This Early
Electric Bicycle Waiver Sought
Land Bank Bill Newest Anti-Blight Tool
Game Commission Prepares For Controlled Burn On Centre County
2012 Great Backyard Bird Count Begins Friday
Birders-Eye View Of Conservation In PhiladelphiaState Could Take Over Refurbished Point State Park
New Ohiopyle Visitors Center Project To Be Bid This Spring
Winterfest At Ohiopyle No Snow Still A Go
Protecting Landscapes Changing Face Of Conservation
Marcellus Shale NewsClips
Here are NewsClips on topics related to Marcellus Shale natural gas drilling---
Corbett Signs Marcellus Shale Fee Into Law
Corbett Signs Shale Well Impact Fee Into Law
Corbett Approves Marcellus Shale Fee
Bradford Commissioner Foolish Not To Accept Drilling Fee Money
Whats Next For PAs Impact Fee Bradford Against Fee
Bradford Commissioners Disagree On Drilling Fee
Washington County To Seek Marcellus Fees
Editorial Corbetts Gas Fee About To Evaporate
Robinson Twp To Contest New Marcellus Law
South Fayette Eyes Legal Action On Drilling Bill
Fish amp Boat Commission Grateful For Marcellus Fees
PUC Eyes Private Firm For Impact Fee CollectionPUC Chair Let Marcellus Play Come To Us
PUC Would Get Shale Role Under Drilling Bill
Editorial It Makes Sense For PUC To Deal With Drilling
Corbett Raiding Special Funds
NE Counties To Raise Millions Or Nothing Under Drilling Fee
House GOP Marcellus Bill A Win For Jobs
Norquists No-Tax Pledge Cant Give Drill Fee The Ax
PA Natural Gas Levy Became Inevitable
Wayne County Landowners Push For Drilling
Vertical Exploratory Wells Wont Be Hit With Drilling Fee
Impact Fee Bill Addresses Housing NeedsDrilling Bill Authors Health Experts Fears Unfounded
Health Officials Drilling Law Disclosure Rules Lax
Op-Ed Natural Gas Fee May Be Too Late
Editorial Marcellus Fee A Tax Stupid
Editorial Shale Drillers Got The Better Part Of Deal
Delaware Riverkeeper Reports Settlement Over Gas Well
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EPA Probing Washington County Shale Operations
Marcellus Boom Has Pressed Law Firms To Boost Their Staffs
25 More State Troopers In NE Shale Region
Recorders Of Deeds May Not Reject Multiple Gas Leases
Rural Loophole Curbing PA Pipeline Inspections
Pipeline Tested Ahead Of Tie-In To Shale WellsFirefighters Learn To Deal With Drilling Emergencies
Assessing PGWs Liquid Natural Gas Future
Dominion Resources Playing Responsible Role In Drilling
Report Philly Should Consider Selling Gas Company
Company Files For Gas Drilling Permit In Bucks County
Gas Drilling Debate Returns To Bucks County
Shale Drillers Drinking From Slippery Rock Creek
Gas Wells With Smaller Footprint Get Greater Scrutiny
PennEnvironment Violations Report Half-Baked
Water Tanker Truck Lands In Creek In Monroe Twp
Industry Says Over 93230 New Hires As A Result Of Marcellus ShaleBCCC Begins Classes For Marcellus Shale Workers
Marcellus Gas Creates Demand For Cars
Ex-Drilling Exec Took Nearly $1 Million Or More
Op-Ed Gas Drillers New Wild West
Marcellus Gas Production Rises So Does Recycling
FinancialOther StatesNational
Drillers Cut Natural Gas Production As Prices Drop
Talisman Cutting Back Drilling Plans
Ultra Petroleum Reports 2011 Financial Operating Results
Gas Firms Drill Less As Prices Nose DiveObama Proposes $14 Million For Fracking Research
$67 Million Requested For Federal Pipeline Safety
FloodingWatershed NewsClips
Here are NewsClips on watershed topics from around the state--
Flooding
New Bank Coming To Flood-Ravaged Shickshinny
Other Watershed NewsClips
Mon River QUEST Wins Regional IMPACT AwardEPA Evaluates States Chesapeake Bay Plans
Shale Drillers Drinking From Slippery Rock Creek
Sewage Woes Close Lewisburg Area Park
$375000 To Aid Little Buck Run Restoration Effort
Loyalhanna Creek Sewage Overflow Problem Goes To State
Turbine Load To Hit The Road To Holtwood Dam
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Funding Sought For Restoration Of Speedwell Lake
Obama Cuts EPA Increases Chesapeake Bay Program
Chesapeake Bay Program Increased Under Obama Budget
EPA Budget Cut For States Superfund Cleanup
Editorial Delaware Dredging A Step Closer
Regulations Technical Guidance amp Permits
No new regulations were published this week Pennsylvania Bulletin - February 18 2012
Proposed Regulations Open For Comment - DEP webpage
Proposed Regulations With Closed Comment Periods - DEP webpage
DEP Regulatory Agenda - DEP webpage
Technical Guidance amp Permits
The Department of Environmental Protection published notice of bond rate calculations for mine
reclamation The Fish and Boat Commission published notice of nursery water designation for
the Shenango River Crawford County
DEP also published an update to the list of companies certified to perform radon-related
activities (PA Bulletin page 994)
Technical Guidance Comment Deadlines - DEP webpage
Copies Of Draft Technical Guidance - DEP webpage
Copies of Final Technical Guidance - DEP webpage
Calendar Of Events
Upcoming legislative meetings conferences workshops plus links to other online calendars
Meetings are in Harrisburg unless otherwise noted NEW means new from last week Go to the
online Calendar webpage
Click on Agenda Released on calendar entries to see the NEW meeting agendas published this
week
Note You can watch the hearings live through the Senate webpage and the House webpage or
on the PA Cable Network website
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February 21-- House Appropriations Committee budget hearings 930 - Global Economy
1100 - Independent Fiscal Office 130 - Department of Revenue Room 140
February 21-- CANCELED Environmental Quality Board meeting Next scheduled meeting is
March 20 ( formal notice )
February 21-- Agenda Released DEP Citizens Advisory Council meeting Room 105 Rachel
Carson Building 1130
February 22-- Senate Appropriations Committee budget hearings 930 - Department of
Environmental Protection 100 - Department of Transportation Hearing Room 1 North Office
February 23-- NEW House Democratic Policy Committee holds a hearing on Southeast PA oil
refinery closings National Constitution Center Philadelphia 1000
February 27-- House Appropriations Committee budget hearings 1000 - Public Utility
Commission 1100 - Office of Consumer Advocate Small Business Advocate Room 140
February 27-- NEW House Democratic Policy Committee holds a hearing on Marcellus Shale
air emissions Bryn Mawr Presbyterian Church Bryn Mawr 1000
February 28-- Senate Appropriations Committee budget hearings 100 - Department of
Agriculture Hearing Room 1 North Office
February 28-- House Appropriations Committee budget hearings 930 - Department of
Agriculture 1030 - Department of Conservation and Natural Resources Room 140
February 29-- Senate Appropriations Committee budget hearings 930 - PA Emergency
Management Agency Hearing Room 1 North Office
February 29-- House Game and Fisheries Committee informational meeting on Fish and Boat
Commissions Annual Report Room 39 East Wing 1000
February 29-- House Appropriations Committee budget hearings 930 - Department of
Transportation 300 - Department of Environmental Protection Room 140
March 1-- House Appropriations Committee budget hearings 1000 Department of Labor amp
Industry 100 - Department of Community and Economic Development Room 140
March 6-- House Appropriations Committee budget hearings 930 - State PoliceOffice of
Homeland Security 1100 - PA Emergency Management Agency 300 - Department of General
Services Room 140
March 6-- CANCELED DEP Storage Tank Advisory Committee meeting Next scheduled
meeting is June 5 ( formal notice )
832019 Pa Environment Digest Feb 20 2012
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March 7-- House Game and Fisheries Committee informational meeting on Game Commissions
Annual Report Room 39 East Wing 1000
March 8-- House Appropriations Committee budget hearings 1000 - Budget Secretary 100 -
House Member Testimony Room 140
March 14-- DEP Air Quality Technical Advisory Committee meeting Room 105 Rachel Carson
Building 915 ( formal notice )
March 26-- Environmental Issues Forum Joint Legislative Air and Water Pollution Control and
Conservation Committee featuring a presentation by DCNR Secretary Richard Allan (Location
to be determined) Noon
DEP Calendar of Events
Note The Environmental Education Workshop Calendar is no longer available from the PACenter for Environmental Education because funding for the Center was eliminated in the FY
2011-12 state budget The PCEE website was also shutdown but some content was moved to
the PA Association of Environmental Educators website
Senate Committee Schedule House Committee Schedule
You can watch the Senate Floor Session and House Floor Session live online
Stories Invited
Send your stories photos and videos about your project environmental issues or programs for
publication in the PA Environment Digest to DHessCrisciAssociatescom
PA Environment Digest is edited by David E Hess former Secretary Pennsylvania Department
of Environmental Protection and is published as a service to the clients of Crisci Associates a
Harrisburg-based government and public affairs firm whose clients include Fortune 500
companies and non-profit organizations For more information on Crisci Associates call
717-234-1716
PA Environment Digest weekly was the winner of the PA Association of Environmental
Educators 2009 Business Partner of the Year Award
Also sign up for these other services from Crisci Associates--
PA Environment Digest Twitter Feed On Twitter sign up to receive instant updates from
PAEnviroDigest
832019 Pa Environment Digest Feb 20 2012
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PA Environment Daily Blog provides daily environmental NewsClips and significant stories
and announcements on environmental topics in Pennsylvania of immediate value Sign up and
receive as they are posted updates through your favorite RSS reader You can also sign up for a
once daily email alerting you to new items posted on this blog
PA Environment Digest Video Blog showcases original and published videos fromenvironmental groups and agencies around the state Sign up to receive as they are posted
updates through your favorite RSS read You can also sign up for a once daily email alerting
you to new items posted on this blog
PA Capitol Digest Dont forget to sign up to receive the PA Capitol Digest Twitter feed by
going to wwwTwittercomPaCapitolDigest or click on this link for the regular daily PA
Capitol Digest Blog to get other news from in and around the Pennsylvania State Capitol
Supporting Member PA Outdoor Writers AssnPA Trout Unlimited
PA Environment Digest is a supporting member of the Pennsylvania Outdoor Writers
Association Pennsylvania Council Trout Unlimited and the Doc Fritchey Chapter Trout
Unlimited
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Penn State Extension How To Avoid Septic System Failures
Owning your own home is challenging enough what do you do when it comes with its own
sewage treatment plant This article provides some clues for owners of septic systems who want
to make them last a very long time
According to the US Environmental Protection Agency failure rates for on-lot sewagesystems across the country are reported at 10 percent annually In Pennsylvania approximately
12 million homes (one in three) use on-lot sewage systems for the treatment and disposal of
waste water
Responsibility for maintaining the system rests with the homeowner Proper maintenance
is a good idea since replacing it can cost thousands of dollars Proper maintenance also protects
groundwater that might be a source of drinking water
The most obvious on-lot sewage system failures are easy to spot Sewage backing up into
your home will typically command your immediate attention Raw sewage surfacing in your
yard in nearby ditches or on the neighborrsquos lawn is another clear indicator of failure Muddy
soil around the drain field or pooled water there or in your basement are other signs of serious
malfunction Notice whether your toilet or sink backs up when you flush or do laundry Stripsof bright green grass over the drainfield may be another indicator of problems A toilet running
sluggish or sewer odors in the house andor drinking water are signs of an on-lot system in
trouble
On-lot sewage systems also fail when partially treated wastewater comes into contact
with groundwater This type of failure is not easy to detect but it can result in the pollution of
wells nearby streams or other bodies of water Illness often to household visitors may be
another indicator of system failure that has affected your well and household drinking water
For those considering building a new home or replacing an existing septic system one of
the most critical factors in on-lot sewage system performance is the nature of the soils used for
the septic system soil absorption fieldYou can minimize failures by carefully and deliberately considering all aspects of on-lot
sewage system construction site selection design installation maintenance and use Hire
reputable individuals to design and install your system Also make sure the system is designed to
meet your present and future needs
You should contact your Township Sewage Enforcement Officer concerning permits
needed to install a new on-lot sewage system or repair a failing system
Once properly installed the key to preventing your on-lot system from failing is proper
maintenance Regularly pumping the tank being careful in what you put down the drains and
avoiding such things as planting trees over the field or covering the system with permanent
patios and home additions are important to keep the system running well
Water conservation in the home is also an excellent method of preventing future problems from occurring Divert downspouts and surface water away from the septic tank and
especially the drain field Do not physically damage the system by driving over the components
with heavy vehicles or by digging up the system for other utility lines etc Keep a record of the
location and dimensions of your system along with maintenance and repair information
Homeowners interested in finding out about the overall health of their on-lot sewage
system may want to consider having their septic systems inspected by a trained professional The
PA Septage Management Association in cooperation with the National Onsite Wastewater
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Education and Research Foundation has adopted uniform On-lot Wastewater Treatment
Inspection procedures
PSMA is a professional association of septage pumpers system installers maintenance
technicians real estate inspectors and industry affiliates PSMA Certified Inspectors which
includes many septic tank pumpers are trained to understand how on-lot systems work why they
fail and recognize impending malfunctionsSee the PSMA website for more details about PSMANOF inspections or call them at
717-763-7762
Many fact sheets about on-lot sewage systems are available from the Agricultural and
Biological Engineering department Topics include septic tank pumping percolation tests
elevated sand mounds inspections and alternative systems and pharmaceutical disposal
(Article reprinted from Penn State Extension Watershed Winds online newsletter)
Wissahickon Watershed Maple Sugaring Program Set For March 3
Ever wonder how maple syrup and sugar are made The Wissahickon Vally WatershedAssociation will offer a unique program on maple syrup on March 3 in Ambler Montgomery
County
The event offers a fun and informative event ideal for families Scout groups and anyone
curious about the maple sugar process
Choose a specific time as guides take small groups through the woods to see the tapped
trees and then watch it being boiled into sugar End your walk at WVWArsquos historic headquarters
for hot chocolate and warm treats with maple syrup
RSVP requested by sending email to infowvwaorg or call 215-646-8866 There is a
fee for the program WVWA member fee $5 per person $15 per family Non-WVWA member
fee $10 per person $20 per family or Become a WVWA member and be their guest for $45In Ambler and look for signage Walk over the Butler Avenue Bridge and turn left onto
the Green Ribbon Trail
KPB Greenways Mini-Grant Program Applications Due March 15
Keep Pennsylvania Beautiful is now accepting applications for their Greenways Mini-Grant
Program to provide community groups with project supplies for outdoor based work events
within a greenway enabling the renewal of Pennsylvaniarsquos Greenways in need into something
beautiful
The deadline for applications is March 15 and hard copies are required Grants will be
awarded on April 16Fifteen grant awardees along with their volunteers will be eligible for up to $500 in
project supplies and direct project costs for Prevent it Clean it and Keep it projects within a
Greenway
Pennsylvania and its partners are developing an outstanding network of greenways across
the Commonwealth creating an asset that will enhance the quality of life for all while connecting
open space natural landscape features scenic cultural historic and recreations sites and urban
and rural communities
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A greenway is a linear corridor across the land that conserves natural areas and provides
people with recreation and transportation opportunities
As one of the Commonwealthrsquos most powerful tools to achieve sustainable growth and
livable communities greenways are ensuring future generations the opportunity to live amongst
the natural beauty of Pennrsquos Woods
This program is financed by a grant from the Community Conservation PartnershipProgram Environmental Stewardship Fund under the administration of the Department of
Conservation and Natural Resources Bureau of Recreation and Conservation
The Greenways Mini-Grant is available to any tax-exempt group within Pennsylvania
Private property owners or individual applicants cannot apply
Applications must meet the following requirements to be considered ndash it is within a
Greenway and is in at least one of the following categories Prevent it Clean it and Keep it (see
application for details) plus provide proof of liability insurance signed permission to enter from
the private property owner and 100 percent match of donated or in-kind services Selected
awardees must also agree to provide a final report with before during and after photos
ldquoWe are excited to collaborate with DCNR in offering Greenways Mini-Grants to
organizations working to build clean and beautiful communities across the staterdquo said ShannonReiter President of Keep Pennsylvania Beautiful ldquoGreenways are integral to healthy livable
communities and we are grateful to have the opportunity to empower Pennsylvania with the
tools and resources they need to enhance greenways in their communitiesrdquo
For more information visit the Greenways Mini-Grant Program webpage to download an
application Any additional questions can be answered by Susan Carmichael Greenways Mini-
Grant Program Coordinator at 1-877-772-3673 ext 102 or send email to
scarmichaelkeeppabeautifulorg
Pennsylvania Adds 1470 Acres Of Farmland To Preservation Program
Pennsylvania has added 1470 additional acres of land to its nationally recognized farmland
preservation program under action by the Pennsylvania Agricultural Land Preservation Board at
its meeting Thursday in Harrisburg
The 14 newly preserved farms are located in Beaver Berks Bucks Butler Cambria
Cumberland Juniata Lackawanna Lancaster Lebanon Northampton and Somerset counties
ldquoWersquove preserved nearly 15000 acres of farmland across the state in just the past year
alonerdquo said Agriculture Secretary George Greig ldquoThis speaks volumes to the value our farm
families place on ensuring the future viability of Pennsylvania agriculture ndash our statersquos number-
one industryrdquo
Since the program started in 1988 state county and local governments have invested
more than $11 billion to safeguard 459007 acres on 4243 farmsldquoOur producers know the importance of preserving farms so our next generation of
agriculturalists can keep Pennsylvania growing far into the future and I thank them for that
foresightrdquo Greig said
Pennsylvaniarsquos farmland preservation efforts work through the Pennsylvania Agricultural
Conservation Easement Purchase Program The program was developed to slow the loss of prime
farmland to non-agricultural uses It enables state county and local governments to purchase
conservation easements also called development rights from owners of quality farmland
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For more information visit Agricultures Farmland Preservation webpage
PUC Finalizes Implementation Plan For Pipeline Safety Act
The Public Utility Commission Thursday finalized an Order as the first step in implementing Act
127 the Gas and Hazardous Liquids Pipelines ActThe Commission voted 5-0 to finalize the Order which begins the process of creating a
statewide registry for non-public utility gas and hazardous liquids pipeline equipment and
facilities within the Commonwealth provides resources to conduct safety inspections to enforce
Federal pipeline safety laws on certain classifications of pipeline and assesses entities for the
costs
The Order established the following
-- The registration fee is $250
-- The 2012 registration deadline is March 16
-- Assessment invoices for the Commissionrsquos 2011-12 fiscal year will be mailed by March 30
and due by April 30 and
-- Assessment invoices for the Commissionrsquos 2012-13 fiscal year will be mailed in July 2012with payment due within 30 days
Final forms and other materials will be available on the Commissionrsquos website
Act 127 direct the PUC to develop a registry and conduct safety inspections of these lines
for ldquopipeline operatorsrdquo in the state The Commission also is to track the development of
pipelines in less populated areas which transport gas from non-conventional wells
Act 127 expands the Commissionrsquos authority to enforce the federal pipeline safety laws
as they relate to those pipelines and facilities Non-public utility gas and hazardous liquids
pipeline operators include several different categories of pipelines such as cooperatively owned
natural gas distribution systems non-utility natural gas transportation and gathering lines and
propane distribution pipeline systemsFor more information visit the PUCs Act 127 webpage
DEP Sets Feb 22 Meeting On Jefferson County Drilling Permit
The Department of Environmental Protection will host a public meeting on February 22 to
discuss Flatirons Resources LLCrsquos proposal to drill a Marcellus Shale well in Brockway
Jefferson County
The 6 pm meeting will be held at the Brockway Area JuniorSenior High School on
Alexander Street in Brockway
ldquoWe recognize that there are a lot of questions and that people want detailsrdquo DEP
Northwest Regional Director Kelly Burch said ldquoDEP staff will provide information about our role in the permitting process and address any questions and concerns the audience may have
about our oversight and environmental protectionrdquo
The horizontal well that Flatirons proposes to drill would be the second on this pad
which is on Brockway Borough Municipal Authority property in the Rattlesnake Creek
Watershed The first well was drilled in February 2011 and hydraulically fractured in November
2011
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After DEPrsquos presentation at the meeting company representatives will describe their
plans to drill the well if approved A question-and-answer session will follow
DEPrsquos decision to issue a well permit is based on the applicationrsquos technical merits and
whether the applicantrsquos drilling casing and cementing plan will protect water resources The
agency issued Flatirons a permit to drill a second well on the pad in December 2010 but it
expired a year later because the well was never drilled The permit application was resubmittedon December 27 2011
HACC Offers Free Environmental Technician Training At Midtown Campus
Training for emerging environmental jobs in the cleanup and reuse of brownfields will be offered
starting April 16 at the Midtown location of HACC Central Pennsylvaniarsquos Community College
Candidates for the federally funded program are displaced workers the unemployed or
underemployed as well as low-income or minority residents who live in the Harrisburg said
Cheryl Dietz HACC Workforce Training coordinator
Potential students can find out more by attending one of two upcoming information
sessions in Room 228 of Midtown 1 1500 N Fourth St The sessions will be held from 6-7 pmFebruary 29 and 11 am-noon March 3
HACC representatives will answer questions about the free job training program which
will consist of an eight-week 320-hour training cycle with classes meeting 8 am-3 pm April
16-June 8
To be eligible a candidate must have a general education diploma (GED) or high school
diploma test at a 10th-grade math and reading level have a valid driverrsquos license have access to
reliable transportation be drug free and demonstrate an interest in the environment
Successful graduates will receive certifications in all of the following Hazardous Waste
Operations and Emergency Response (HAZWOPER) confined space entrantattendant and
supervisor lead-based paint inspector and asbestos inspectorAdditional training will be offered in environmental site assessment air and water
quality and environmental remediation techniques
HACC is offering the training through a two-year $199890 grant awarded through the
federal Environmental Protection Agencyrsquos Brownfields Program
Two classes were held last year at HACC-Harrisburg Campus with 35 graduates Of this
number 26 have jobs (19 of them are in the environmental field) and four are continuing their
education A third class is under way in Lancaster As part of the grant HACC helps successful
graduates find environmental jobs and tracks those graduates for one year
A brownfield site is real property the expansion redevelopment or reuse of which may
be complicated by the presence or potential presence of a hazardous substance pollutant or
contaminant according to the EPAThe EPA estimates there are 180 brownfield sites in the Lancaster area and a combined
total of 120 brownfield sites in Harrisburg and Steelton
For more information or to register to attend an information session contact Cheryl
Deitz HACC Workforce Training coordinator at 221-1338 or send email to chdeitzhaccedu
PUC Chair Urges Utilities To Participate In Programs To Create Jobs For Returning
Troops
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Public Utility Commission Chairman Robert F Powelson Thursday urged the statersquos public
utilities to participate in several new programs proposed by Gov Tom Corbett and the Edison
Electric Institute to create jobs in the energy sector
The Chairman also noted that the time is right for job growth with the development of the
Marcellus Shale industry and electric competition across the stateldquoToday I encourage Pennsylvaniarsquos electric and natural gas utilities to learn from the
example set by EEI and participate in the Troops to Energy Jobs program as well as Governor
Corbettrsquos Jobs First PA initiative Chairman Powelson said in a statement at the PUCrsquos Public
Meeting In the days ahead the PUC will be coordinating with EEI and the Corbett
Administration to connect our energy companies with these innovative programsrdquo
The Chairman referenced Gov Corbetts annual budget address to the General Assembly
last week
ldquoIn his address the Governor recognized that the energy sector has enormous potential
for producing new jobs and putting the unemployed back to workrdquo Chairman Powelson said
ldquoIn announcing his new Jobs First program the Governor stated that lsquoas our energy sector
expands Pennsylvania needs a trained workforce ready to meet the demand for workersrsquordquoChairman Powelson said the EEI launched its Troops for Energy Jobs initiative which is
designed to accelerate the training and employability of veterans in key energy programs EEI is
currently piloting this program through five energy companies throughout the nation
For more information visit the Troops for Energy Jobs Initiative website
PA Chamber Environmental amp Energy Conference April 18 In Lancaster
The annual PA Chamber of Business and Industry Environmental and Energy Conference will be
held on April 18 at the Eden Resort Inn amp Suites in Lancaster
Major environmental regulatory areas continue to see numerous changes at the state andfederal level that impact business Thats why the Pennsylvania Chamber is offering four
learning tracks with answers you need on the latest environmental and energy issues-all in one
day
-- Compliance help from state and national top experts on the toughest environmental issues
-- Details on the latest regulatory changes and proposed changes
-- Proven strategies best practices and practical business tips to help you comply cost-effectively
in each area and
-- Advanced environmental roundtable
There will be two keynotes The Economic Benefits of Marcellus Shale and Natural Gas-
American Petroleum Institute Washington DC and Converting Trash into Renewable Energy-
National Solid Wastes Management Association Washington DCVisit with more than 50 exhibitors offering an exciting array of advanced technology
solutions and exhibitor educational sessions Access and network with more than 300 of your
peers from across the state
For more information and to register visit the Conference webpage or contact Sue Smith
at 717-720-5457 or send email to ssmithpachamberorg
Volunteers Needed To Plant 100 Acre Wind Break At Flight 93 Memorial In April
832019 Pa Environment Digest Feb 20 2012
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The federal Office of Surface Mining Reclamation and Enforcement through their Appalachian
Regional Reforestation Initiative and the Department of Environmental Protection are working
with the National Park Service to plant a wind break at the Flight 93 Memorial in Somerset
County
Volunteers are needed to plant trees on April 20 21 27 and 28 Volunteers may sign upfor one day or multiple days
If you are interested in volunteering send a Volunteer Sign-Up Form and a Photo
Release Form and send to Leroy Renninger of the National Park Service by email
to Leroy_Renningernpsgov
State Fly Tying Champions Announced At Eastern Sports amp Outdoor Show
The Eastern Sports amp Outdoor Show Cumberland Valley Trout Unlimited Bass Pro Shops of
Harrisburg Mid Atlantic Fly Fishing Guide magazine and the Fish and Boat Commission
sponsored the Pennsylvania State Fly Tying Championship held on February 11 at the Eastern
Sports amp Outdoor Show at the State Farm Show Complex in HarrisburgThirteen contestants in three categories competed for money trophies and prizes in the
annual event to crown the best fly tyers in Pennsylvania
In the Open Division the winners are 1st Place - Andy Fresch Summerhill 2nd Place -
Ken Moser Severna Park MD 3rd Place - John Shosh Hamburg
The Amateur Division winners are 1st Place - Matthew Edinger Sharon Hill 2nd Place -
- Mike Marino Souderton and 3rd Place -- Elliott DeFrancesco Wilburton
The Youth Division winners are 1st Place - Gaeron Friedrichs Milford 2nd Place
Bobby Faust Dalmatia
The contestants at the final event were the top tiers selected from entries previously
submitted In order to qualify the entrants had to submit three flies from a list of flies for eachcategory
At the event each finalist was required to tie three flies over a two hour time period The
finalists knew ahead of time two of the flies that were to be tied and a third ldquomystery flyrdquo was
announced to them at the event
The championship will be held again at the 2013 Eastern Sports and Outdoor Show and
applications information and details will be posted at the Cumberland Valley Trout Unlimited or
Eastern Sports and Outdoor Show websites as they become available
PA State Parks Forest App Now Updated And Free
The Official Pennsylvania State Parks amp Forests App is now completely FREE This latestversion now on the market includes advanced interactive capabilities such as GPS trail mapping
the Friend Finder to keep track of your family and friends on the trail and more
Featured Update List Increased performance speed Multi-tasking Capability
GeoChallenge (GeocacheGeoQuest) Feature FREE enhanced GPS features
This new version increases performance speed and cuts activation time in half With the
new multi-tasking capability users gain enhanced user navigation The more adventurous
832019 Pa Environment Digest Feb 20 2012
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outdoor enthusiasts will benefit from the recently added GeoChallenges that include geocache
and geoquest activities which will be updated regularly
The waypointphoto waypoint marking tools have been upgraded and there has been a
fine-tuning of the trail-tracking feature located on the side navigation bar of the free GPS
Mapping section Use the app to track record and share your explorations with others-all at no
chargeTry out the app and let the PA Parks amp Forests Foundation know what you think
Feature
Bald Eagle Pair Get Help With Home Improvement Project
While most people try to avoid home improvement projects in the winter a pair of bald eagles
got some much needed help recently from a team of Game Commission land managers with a
very important and timely renovation project
A sycamore tree on Haldeman Island has been used by at least three mated pairs as a
nesting site since 1989 The island is just upriver of the confluence of the Susquehanna and
Juniata rivers north of Harrisburg and the tree stands just across a pond from one of three
hacking towers the Game Commission used at two locations in its bald eagle recovery program
About two weeks ago one of the limbs supporting the nest collapsed under the weight of the
nest
On Friday Steve Bernardi Game Commission Land Management Group Supervisor for
Juniata Mifflin Perry and Snyder counties was joined by Terry Willow Game Lands
Maintenance Worker with the River Island Food and Cover Corps Crew and Scott Bills Land
Management Group Supervisor for Dauphin and Lebanon counties to construct a platform to
encourage the bald eagle pair to reuse this nest site
The three men measured and cut lumber used hammers and nails as well as screws anddrills to secure the lumber in place and then placed branches and sticks on the platform to
encourage the bald eagles ndash who were watching the activity while perched in nearby trees ndash to
begin rebuilding a nest
A pair built a nest in this tree in 1989 and had their first young in 1990 Bernardi said
A storm blew the original nest out of the tree in 1995 Scott Bills who was the Wildlife
Conservation Officer in Dauphin County at that time worked with a Food and Cover Corps crew
and PPL to erect the first platform similar to what we put in place on Friday
Adult bald eagles are preparing to nest and hopefully they will come back and reuse this
platform just like they did back in 1995
Haldeman Island played a key role in the recovery of bald eagles in Pennsylvania In the
1980s it was one of two locations used for reintroduction of eagles brought by the GameCommission from Canada in the early years of restoration of eagles to our state About 40
eaglets were released at the Haldeman Island tower overlooking the ponds on the north side of
the island by 1989
When the reintroduced birds successfully raised young at a nest on Haldeman in 1990
the whole state had only seven nesting pairs And there has been an active eagle nest in that spot
every year since except 2004 when the birds took a year off
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While we dont know if the same pair have been active that whole time the same old
sycamore tree has been used during this period and that nest has produced more than 40 young
over this period said Dan Brauning Game Commission Wildlife Diversity Division chief
Since the site is well-protected on a Game Commission island with limited access this site has
particular value to us
Continued support for this nest will help sustain this historic location in the recovery of baldeagles in Pennsylvania
In 1983 the Game Commission began a seven-year bald eagle restoration program in
which the agency sent employees to Saskatchewan to obtain eaglets from wilderness nests The
Richard King Mellon Foundation of Pittsburgh and the federal Endangered Species Fund
provided financial assistance for this effort
In all 88 bald eaglets from Canada were released from sites at Dauphin Countys
Haldeman Island and Pike Countys Shohola Falls The resurgence of eagles in Pennsylvania is
directly related to this program which also was carried out in other states in the Northeast
When the restoration program began in 1983 only three Crawford County nests remained
in the state By 2006 the agency announced that the state had surpassed the 100 bald eagle nest
mark Just five years later in 2011 the number of known bald eagle nests had doubled to 203spread out over 50 counties
Residents aware of a bald eagle nest ndash which are among the largest nests of all birds ndash in
their area should consider reporting it to the Pennsylvania Game Commission The easiest way to
contact the agency by sending email to pgccommentspagov Use the words Eagle Nest
Information in the subject field
The Game Commission continues to further the publics understanding of bald eagles In
2010 a comprehensive Bald Eagle threatened species account and Bald Eagle Nest Etiquette
guide were added to the agencys website
In 2011 the agency launched its series of Eagle-watching in Pennsylvania guides that
will help direct those interested in viewing bald eagles in the wild on where to go how to getthere what to expect and other wildlife viewing opportunities available at each site
Currently posted are eagle-watching guides for Erie National Wildlife Refuge Crawford
County Conneaut Marsh Geneva Marsh State Game Land 213 Crawford County Raystown
Lake Huntingdon County State Game Land 180 Shohola Lake Pike County Middle Creek
Wildlife Management Area Lebanon and Lancaster counties Bald Eagle State Park Centre
County Glendale Lake Price Gallitzin State Park Cambria County John Heinz National
Wildlife Refuge Philadelphia and Delaware counties Lower Susquehanna River Lancaster and
York counties Moraine State Park Butler County Pine Creek Valley Lycoming and Tioga
counties Promised Land State Park Pike County Pymatuning Reservoir Crawford County and
the Upper Delaware River in Pike Wayne and Monroe counties
Game Commission Announces April 1 Deadline For Ads In Hunting-Trapping Digest
Game Commission Executive Director Carl G Roe Thursday announced Liberty Press
Publications publisher of the Pennsylvania Digest of Hunting amp Trapping Regulations has set
April 1 as the deadline for advertising copy in the 2012-13 Digest Click Here for details
For advertising information contact Liberty Press Publications toll-free at
1-800-296-6402
832019 Pa Environment Digest Feb 20 2012
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Opportunity To Bid On McKean County Abandoned Well Plugging Project
The Department of Environmental Protection published notice of an opportunity to bid on a
project to plug 24 abandoned oil wells in McKean County
Help Wanted Chesapeake Bay Foundation PA Grassroots Coordinator Field Specialist
The Chesapeake Bay Foundation is seeking a PA Grassroots Coordinator and a Field Specialist
to be based at their Pennsylvania State Office located in Harrisburg This position is a 2 year
term position with the possibility of extension Click Here for details
Help Wanted Conewago Creek Assistant Project Coordinator
Penn State Cooperative Extension on behalf of the Conewago Creek Initiative seeks an Assistant
Project Coordinator to be an integral part of a dynamic partnership team working together with
local state and federal partnersThe Assistant Project Coordinator will report to the Director of the Lower Susquehanna
Initiative who serves as the Project Coordinator for the Conewago Creek Initiative
The deadline for applications is March 1 Click Here for details
Help Wanted ALLARM Assistant Director Of Outreach Marcellus
The Alliance for Aquatic Resource Monitoring (ALLARM) is seeking candidate to fill a third
full time position to the organization-- Assistant Director of Outreach-- to assist with Marcellus
Monitoring program training community volunteers throughout the shale gas regions in
Pennsylvania to monitor small streams for early pollution detection Click Here for fullannouncement
Grants amp 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
February 23-- PA Pathways To Green Schools Nominations
February 24-- PA Trout In The Classroom Grants
February 29-- EPA Environmental Justice Small Grants
February 29-- Ben Franklin BIG IDEA Business Plan ContestFebruary 29-- PA American Water Stream of Learning Scholarships
February 29-- West Branch Susquehanna Orange Rock Awards
March 1-- Erie TreeVitalize Grants
March 2-- Coca-Cola Keep America Beautiful Recycling Bin Grants
March 2-- Conservation Innovation Grants Chesapeake Bay Nutrient Credit Grants
March 5-- TogetherGreen Fellowship and Innovation Grants
832019 Pa Environment Digest Feb 20 2012
httpslidepdfcomreaderfullpa-environment-digest-feb-20-2012 2734
March 5-- PECDominion Western PA Environmental Awards
March 10-- PA American Water Environmental Grants
March 15-- NEW Keep PA Beautiful Greenways Mini-Grants
March 23-- Water Resources Education Network Grants
March 30-- PA American Water Protect Our Watersheds Student Art Contest
March 31-- DEP Host Municipal Inspector GrantsApril 3-- West Penn Power Sustainable Energy Fund Grants Loans
April 4-- DCNR Community Conservation Partnership Grants
April 15-- Wild Resource Conservation Fund Income Tax Checkoff Deadline
March 1-- Keystone Historic Preservation Project and Construction Grants
August 1-- PA Snowmobile Assn Trail Improvement Grants
August 24-- Foundation for PA Watershed Grants
September 1-- Erie TreeVitalize Grants
October 31-- PA Resources Council Lens On Litter Contest
-- Visit the DEP Grants and Loan Programs webpage for more ideas on how to get financial
assistance for environmental projects
BudgetQuick Clips
Heres a selection of NewClips on environmental topics from around the state--
Budget
Corbett Signs Marcellus Shale Fee Into Law
Corbett Signs Shale Well Impact Fee Into Law
Corbett Approves Marcellus Shale Fee
Bradford Commissioner Foolish Not To Accept Drilling Fee MoneyWhats Next For PAs Impact Fee Bradford Against Fee
Bradford Commissioners Disagree On Drilling Fee
Washington County To Seek Marcellus Fees
Editorial Corbetts Gas Fee About To Evaporate
Robinson Twp To Contest New Marcellus Law
South Fayette Eyes Legal Action On Drilling Bill
Fish amp Boat Commission Grateful For Marcellus Fees
PUC Eyes Private Firm For Impact Fee Collection
PUC Chair Let Marcellus Play Come To Us
PUC Would Get Shale Role Under Drilling Bill
Editorial It Makes Sense For PUC To Deal With Drilling NE Counties To Raise Millions Or Nothing Under Drilling Fee
House Capital Budget Bill Debate Focuses On Jobs
House GOP Marcellus Bill A Win For Jobs
Norquists No-Tax Pledge Cant Give Drill Fee The Ax
PA Natural Gas Levy Became Inevitable
Bradford Commissioners Disagree On Drilling Fee
832019 Pa Environment Digest Feb 20 2012
httpslidepdfcomreaderfullpa-environment-digest-feb-20-2012 2834
Vertical Exploratory Wells Wont Be Hit With Drilling Fee
Impact Fee Bill Addresses Housing Needs
Op-Ed Natural Gas Fee May Be Too Late
Editorial Marcellus Fee A Tax Stupid
Editorial Shale Drillers Got The Better Part Of Deal
Corbett Raiding Special FundsCan Pennsylvanians Survive Under Another Corbett Budget
As Roads Bridges Deteriorate Governor Silent
Analysis Taking Baby Steps On Fixing Roads Bridges
Editorial Must A Bridge Fall Down
House Capital Budget Bill Debate Focuses On Jobs
Editorial Capital Budget Funds Must Be Kept Under Control
Obama Cuts EPA Increases Chesapeake Bay Program
Chesapeake Bay Program Increased Under Obama Budget
EPA Budget Cut For States Superfund Cleanup
Obama Proposes $14 Million For Fracking Research
$67 Million Requested For Federal Pipeline SafetyDCNR Secretary Says Report On Wildlife Research Not Accurate
Other
Electronics Recycling Date Set At Greensburg Mall
Hershey Plants Achieve Zero Waste Status
RecycleBank Named On Of Worlds Most Innovative Companies
Editorial Fine Litterers No Ifs Or Butts
Corbett Signs 3 Energy Sector Bills
Op-Ed Anti-Coal Agenda Is Detrimental To PA
Op-Ed Global Warming As Fact Not Hypothesis
Op-Ed Climate Change Education Is NecessaryHomer City Power Plant Still To Dirty Groups Claim
DEP Sets March 14 Public Hearing On Homer City Power Plant
Concerns Voiced Over PPL Lines
Consumer Alert Electricity Price Discounts Heat Up
Turbine Load To Hit The Road To Holtwood Dam
PPL Plans $664 Million In Electric Delivery System Improvements
Exelon Gives Dauphin County $110000 For Emergency Response
Groups Ask For Expansion Of Nuclear Plant Evacuation Zone
Feds Give PPL Reactor Low Grade
Allentown Council Rejects Waste-To-Energy Sewage Plant
GE Invests In Cleaner Evolution LocomotiveDEP Hopeful Buyer Will Emerge For ConocoPhillips Refinery
DEP Renews ConocoPhillips Trainer Refinery Discharge Permit
100 Sunoco Workers In PA Get Layoff Notices
Meehan PA Refinery Closures Threat To National Security
Refinery Closings Could Affect 15000 Jobs Study Says
Gasoline Could Reach $5 By July 4
$4 A Gallon Gasoline By Memorial Day
832019 Pa Environment Digest Feb 20 2012
httpslidepdfcomreaderfullpa-environment-digest-feb-20-2012 2934
Gasoline Prices Have Never Been This High This Early
Electric Bicycle Waiver Sought
Land Bank Bill Newest Anti-Blight Tool
Game Commission Prepares For Controlled Burn On Centre County
2012 Great Backyard Bird Count Begins Friday
Birders-Eye View Of Conservation In PhiladelphiaState Could Take Over Refurbished Point State Park
New Ohiopyle Visitors Center Project To Be Bid This Spring
Winterfest At Ohiopyle No Snow Still A Go
Protecting Landscapes Changing Face Of Conservation
Marcellus Shale NewsClips
Here are NewsClips on topics related to Marcellus Shale natural gas drilling---
Corbett Signs Marcellus Shale Fee Into Law
Corbett Signs Shale Well Impact Fee Into Law
Corbett Approves Marcellus Shale Fee
Bradford Commissioner Foolish Not To Accept Drilling Fee Money
Whats Next For PAs Impact Fee Bradford Against Fee
Bradford Commissioners Disagree On Drilling Fee
Washington County To Seek Marcellus Fees
Editorial Corbetts Gas Fee About To Evaporate
Robinson Twp To Contest New Marcellus Law
South Fayette Eyes Legal Action On Drilling Bill
Fish amp Boat Commission Grateful For Marcellus Fees
PUC Eyes Private Firm For Impact Fee CollectionPUC Chair Let Marcellus Play Come To Us
PUC Would Get Shale Role Under Drilling Bill
Editorial It Makes Sense For PUC To Deal With Drilling
Corbett Raiding Special Funds
NE Counties To Raise Millions Or Nothing Under Drilling Fee
House GOP Marcellus Bill A Win For Jobs
Norquists No-Tax Pledge Cant Give Drill Fee The Ax
PA Natural Gas Levy Became Inevitable
Wayne County Landowners Push For Drilling
Vertical Exploratory Wells Wont Be Hit With Drilling Fee
Impact Fee Bill Addresses Housing NeedsDrilling Bill Authors Health Experts Fears Unfounded
Health Officials Drilling Law Disclosure Rules Lax
Op-Ed Natural Gas Fee May Be Too Late
Editorial Marcellus Fee A Tax Stupid
Editorial Shale Drillers Got The Better Part Of Deal
Delaware Riverkeeper Reports Settlement Over Gas Well
832019 Pa Environment Digest Feb 20 2012
httpslidepdfcomreaderfullpa-environment-digest-feb-20-2012 3034
EPA Probing Washington County Shale Operations
Marcellus Boom Has Pressed Law Firms To Boost Their Staffs
25 More State Troopers In NE Shale Region
Recorders Of Deeds May Not Reject Multiple Gas Leases
Rural Loophole Curbing PA Pipeline Inspections
Pipeline Tested Ahead Of Tie-In To Shale WellsFirefighters Learn To Deal With Drilling Emergencies
Assessing PGWs Liquid Natural Gas Future
Dominion Resources Playing Responsible Role In Drilling
Report Philly Should Consider Selling Gas Company
Company Files For Gas Drilling Permit In Bucks County
Gas Drilling Debate Returns To Bucks County
Shale Drillers Drinking From Slippery Rock Creek
Gas Wells With Smaller Footprint Get Greater Scrutiny
PennEnvironment Violations Report Half-Baked
Water Tanker Truck Lands In Creek In Monroe Twp
Industry Says Over 93230 New Hires As A Result Of Marcellus ShaleBCCC Begins Classes For Marcellus Shale Workers
Marcellus Gas Creates Demand For Cars
Ex-Drilling Exec Took Nearly $1 Million Or More
Op-Ed Gas Drillers New Wild West
Marcellus Gas Production Rises So Does Recycling
FinancialOther StatesNational
Drillers Cut Natural Gas Production As Prices Drop
Talisman Cutting Back Drilling Plans
Ultra Petroleum Reports 2011 Financial Operating Results
Gas Firms Drill Less As Prices Nose DiveObama Proposes $14 Million For Fracking Research
$67 Million Requested For Federal Pipeline Safety
FloodingWatershed NewsClips
Here are NewsClips on watershed topics from around the state--
Flooding
New Bank Coming To Flood-Ravaged Shickshinny
Other Watershed NewsClips
Mon River QUEST Wins Regional IMPACT AwardEPA Evaluates States Chesapeake Bay Plans
Shale Drillers Drinking From Slippery Rock Creek
Sewage Woes Close Lewisburg Area Park
$375000 To Aid Little Buck Run Restoration Effort
Loyalhanna Creek Sewage Overflow Problem Goes To State
Turbine Load To Hit The Road To Holtwood Dam
832019 Pa Environment Digest Feb 20 2012
httpslidepdfcomreaderfullpa-environment-digest-feb-20-2012 3134
Funding Sought For Restoration Of Speedwell Lake
Obama Cuts EPA Increases Chesapeake Bay Program
Chesapeake Bay Program Increased Under Obama Budget
EPA Budget Cut For States Superfund Cleanup
Editorial Delaware Dredging A Step Closer
Regulations Technical Guidance amp Permits
No new regulations were published this week Pennsylvania Bulletin - February 18 2012
Proposed Regulations Open For Comment - DEP webpage
Proposed Regulations With Closed Comment Periods - DEP webpage
DEP Regulatory Agenda - DEP webpage
Technical Guidance amp Permits
The Department of Environmental Protection published notice of bond rate calculations for mine
reclamation The Fish and Boat Commission published notice of nursery water designation for
the Shenango River Crawford County
DEP also published an update to the list of companies certified to perform radon-related
activities (PA Bulletin page 994)
Technical Guidance Comment Deadlines - DEP webpage
Copies Of Draft Technical Guidance - DEP webpage
Copies of Final Technical Guidance - DEP webpage
Calendar Of Events
Upcoming legislative meetings conferences workshops plus links to other online calendars
Meetings are in Harrisburg unless otherwise noted NEW means new from last week Go to the
online Calendar webpage
Click on Agenda Released on calendar entries to see the NEW meeting agendas published this
week
Note You can watch the hearings live through the Senate webpage and the House webpage or
on the PA Cable Network website
832019 Pa Environment Digest Feb 20 2012
httpslidepdfcomreaderfullpa-environment-digest-feb-20-2012 3234
February 21-- House Appropriations Committee budget hearings 930 - Global Economy
1100 - Independent Fiscal Office 130 - Department of Revenue Room 140
February 21-- CANCELED Environmental Quality Board meeting Next scheduled meeting is
March 20 ( formal notice )
February 21-- Agenda Released DEP Citizens Advisory Council meeting Room 105 Rachel
Carson Building 1130
February 22-- Senate Appropriations Committee budget hearings 930 - Department of
Environmental Protection 100 - Department of Transportation Hearing Room 1 North Office
February 23-- NEW House Democratic Policy Committee holds a hearing on Southeast PA oil
refinery closings National Constitution Center Philadelphia 1000
February 27-- House Appropriations Committee budget hearings 1000 - Public Utility
Commission 1100 - Office of Consumer Advocate Small Business Advocate Room 140
February 27-- NEW House Democratic Policy Committee holds a hearing on Marcellus Shale
air emissions Bryn Mawr Presbyterian Church Bryn Mawr 1000
February 28-- Senate Appropriations Committee budget hearings 100 - Department of
Agriculture Hearing Room 1 North Office
February 28-- House Appropriations Committee budget hearings 930 - Department of
Agriculture 1030 - Department of Conservation and Natural Resources Room 140
February 29-- Senate Appropriations Committee budget hearings 930 - PA Emergency
Management Agency Hearing Room 1 North Office
February 29-- House Game and Fisheries Committee informational meeting on Fish and Boat
Commissions Annual Report Room 39 East Wing 1000
February 29-- House Appropriations Committee budget hearings 930 - Department of
Transportation 300 - Department of Environmental Protection Room 140
March 1-- House Appropriations Committee budget hearings 1000 Department of Labor amp
Industry 100 - Department of Community and Economic Development Room 140
March 6-- House Appropriations Committee budget hearings 930 - State PoliceOffice of
Homeland Security 1100 - PA Emergency Management Agency 300 - Department of General
Services Room 140
March 6-- CANCELED DEP Storage Tank Advisory Committee meeting Next scheduled
meeting is June 5 ( formal notice )
832019 Pa Environment Digest Feb 20 2012
httpslidepdfcomreaderfullpa-environment-digest-feb-20-2012 3334
March 7-- House Game and Fisheries Committee informational meeting on Game Commissions
Annual Report Room 39 East Wing 1000
March 8-- House Appropriations Committee budget hearings 1000 - Budget Secretary 100 -
House Member Testimony Room 140
March 14-- DEP Air Quality Technical Advisory Committee meeting Room 105 Rachel Carson
Building 915 ( formal notice )
March 26-- Environmental Issues Forum Joint Legislative Air and Water Pollution Control and
Conservation Committee featuring a presentation by DCNR Secretary Richard Allan (Location
to be determined) Noon
DEP Calendar of Events
Note The Environmental Education Workshop Calendar is no longer available from the PACenter for Environmental Education because funding for the Center was eliminated in the FY
2011-12 state budget The PCEE website was also shutdown but some content was moved to
the PA Association of Environmental Educators website
Senate Committee Schedule House Committee Schedule
You can watch the Senate Floor Session and House Floor Session live online
Stories Invited
Send your stories photos and videos about your project environmental issues or programs for
publication in the PA Environment Digest to DHessCrisciAssociatescom
PA Environment Digest is edited by David E Hess former Secretary Pennsylvania Department
of Environmental Protection and is published as a service to the clients of Crisci Associates a
Harrisburg-based government and public affairs firm whose clients include Fortune 500
companies and non-profit organizations For more information on Crisci Associates call
717-234-1716
PA Environment Digest weekly was the winner of the PA Association of Environmental
Educators 2009 Business Partner of the Year Award
Also sign up for these other services from Crisci Associates--
PA Environment Digest Twitter Feed On Twitter sign up to receive instant updates from
PAEnviroDigest
832019 Pa Environment Digest Feb 20 2012
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PA Environment Daily Blog provides daily environmental NewsClips and significant stories
and announcements on environmental topics in Pennsylvania of immediate value Sign up and
receive as they are posted updates through your favorite RSS reader You can also sign up for a
once daily email alerting you to new items posted on this blog
PA Environment Digest Video Blog showcases original and published videos fromenvironmental groups and agencies around the state Sign up to receive as they are posted
updates through your favorite RSS read You can also sign up for a once daily email alerting
you to new items posted on this blog
PA Capitol Digest Dont forget to sign up to receive the PA Capitol Digest Twitter feed by
going to wwwTwittercomPaCapitolDigest or click on this link for the regular daily PA
Capitol Digest Blog to get other news from in and around the Pennsylvania State Capitol
Supporting Member PA Outdoor Writers AssnPA Trout Unlimited
PA Environment Digest is a supporting member of the Pennsylvania Outdoor Writers
Association Pennsylvania Council Trout Unlimited and the Doc Fritchey Chapter Trout
Unlimited
832019 Pa Environment Digest Feb 20 2012
httpslidepdfcomreaderfullpa-environment-digest-feb-20-2012 1834
Education and Research Foundation has adopted uniform On-lot Wastewater Treatment
Inspection procedures
PSMA is a professional association of septage pumpers system installers maintenance
technicians real estate inspectors and industry affiliates PSMA Certified Inspectors which
includes many septic tank pumpers are trained to understand how on-lot systems work why they
fail and recognize impending malfunctionsSee the PSMA website for more details about PSMANOF inspections or call them at
717-763-7762
Many fact sheets about on-lot sewage systems are available from the Agricultural and
Biological Engineering department Topics include septic tank pumping percolation tests
elevated sand mounds inspections and alternative systems and pharmaceutical disposal
(Article reprinted from Penn State Extension Watershed Winds online newsletter)
Wissahickon Watershed Maple Sugaring Program Set For March 3
Ever wonder how maple syrup and sugar are made The Wissahickon Vally WatershedAssociation will offer a unique program on maple syrup on March 3 in Ambler Montgomery
County
The event offers a fun and informative event ideal for families Scout groups and anyone
curious about the maple sugar process
Choose a specific time as guides take small groups through the woods to see the tapped
trees and then watch it being boiled into sugar End your walk at WVWArsquos historic headquarters
for hot chocolate and warm treats with maple syrup
RSVP requested by sending email to infowvwaorg or call 215-646-8866 There is a
fee for the program WVWA member fee $5 per person $15 per family Non-WVWA member
fee $10 per person $20 per family or Become a WVWA member and be their guest for $45In Ambler and look for signage Walk over the Butler Avenue Bridge and turn left onto
the Green Ribbon Trail
KPB Greenways Mini-Grant Program Applications Due March 15
Keep Pennsylvania Beautiful is now accepting applications for their Greenways Mini-Grant
Program to provide community groups with project supplies for outdoor based work events
within a greenway enabling the renewal of Pennsylvaniarsquos Greenways in need into something
beautiful
The deadline for applications is March 15 and hard copies are required Grants will be
awarded on April 16Fifteen grant awardees along with their volunteers will be eligible for up to $500 in
project supplies and direct project costs for Prevent it Clean it and Keep it projects within a
Greenway
Pennsylvania and its partners are developing an outstanding network of greenways across
the Commonwealth creating an asset that will enhance the quality of life for all while connecting
open space natural landscape features scenic cultural historic and recreations sites and urban
and rural communities
832019 Pa Environment Digest Feb 20 2012
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A greenway is a linear corridor across the land that conserves natural areas and provides
people with recreation and transportation opportunities
As one of the Commonwealthrsquos most powerful tools to achieve sustainable growth and
livable communities greenways are ensuring future generations the opportunity to live amongst
the natural beauty of Pennrsquos Woods
This program is financed by a grant from the Community Conservation PartnershipProgram Environmental Stewardship Fund under the administration of the Department of
Conservation and Natural Resources Bureau of Recreation and Conservation
The Greenways Mini-Grant is available to any tax-exempt group within Pennsylvania
Private property owners or individual applicants cannot apply
Applications must meet the following requirements to be considered ndash it is within a
Greenway and is in at least one of the following categories Prevent it Clean it and Keep it (see
application for details) plus provide proof of liability insurance signed permission to enter from
the private property owner and 100 percent match of donated or in-kind services Selected
awardees must also agree to provide a final report with before during and after photos
ldquoWe are excited to collaborate with DCNR in offering Greenways Mini-Grants to
organizations working to build clean and beautiful communities across the staterdquo said ShannonReiter President of Keep Pennsylvania Beautiful ldquoGreenways are integral to healthy livable
communities and we are grateful to have the opportunity to empower Pennsylvania with the
tools and resources they need to enhance greenways in their communitiesrdquo
For more information visit the Greenways Mini-Grant Program webpage to download an
application Any additional questions can be answered by Susan Carmichael Greenways Mini-
Grant Program Coordinator at 1-877-772-3673 ext 102 or send email to
scarmichaelkeeppabeautifulorg
Pennsylvania Adds 1470 Acres Of Farmland To Preservation Program
Pennsylvania has added 1470 additional acres of land to its nationally recognized farmland
preservation program under action by the Pennsylvania Agricultural Land Preservation Board at
its meeting Thursday in Harrisburg
The 14 newly preserved farms are located in Beaver Berks Bucks Butler Cambria
Cumberland Juniata Lackawanna Lancaster Lebanon Northampton and Somerset counties
ldquoWersquove preserved nearly 15000 acres of farmland across the state in just the past year
alonerdquo said Agriculture Secretary George Greig ldquoThis speaks volumes to the value our farm
families place on ensuring the future viability of Pennsylvania agriculture ndash our statersquos number-
one industryrdquo
Since the program started in 1988 state county and local governments have invested
more than $11 billion to safeguard 459007 acres on 4243 farmsldquoOur producers know the importance of preserving farms so our next generation of
agriculturalists can keep Pennsylvania growing far into the future and I thank them for that
foresightrdquo Greig said
Pennsylvaniarsquos farmland preservation efforts work through the Pennsylvania Agricultural
Conservation Easement Purchase Program The program was developed to slow the loss of prime
farmland to non-agricultural uses It enables state county and local governments to purchase
conservation easements also called development rights from owners of quality farmland
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For more information visit Agricultures Farmland Preservation webpage
PUC Finalizes Implementation Plan For Pipeline Safety Act
The Public Utility Commission Thursday finalized an Order as the first step in implementing Act
127 the Gas and Hazardous Liquids Pipelines ActThe Commission voted 5-0 to finalize the Order which begins the process of creating a
statewide registry for non-public utility gas and hazardous liquids pipeline equipment and
facilities within the Commonwealth provides resources to conduct safety inspections to enforce
Federal pipeline safety laws on certain classifications of pipeline and assesses entities for the
costs
The Order established the following
-- The registration fee is $250
-- The 2012 registration deadline is March 16
-- Assessment invoices for the Commissionrsquos 2011-12 fiscal year will be mailed by March 30
and due by April 30 and
-- Assessment invoices for the Commissionrsquos 2012-13 fiscal year will be mailed in July 2012with payment due within 30 days
Final forms and other materials will be available on the Commissionrsquos website
Act 127 direct the PUC to develop a registry and conduct safety inspections of these lines
for ldquopipeline operatorsrdquo in the state The Commission also is to track the development of
pipelines in less populated areas which transport gas from non-conventional wells
Act 127 expands the Commissionrsquos authority to enforce the federal pipeline safety laws
as they relate to those pipelines and facilities Non-public utility gas and hazardous liquids
pipeline operators include several different categories of pipelines such as cooperatively owned
natural gas distribution systems non-utility natural gas transportation and gathering lines and
propane distribution pipeline systemsFor more information visit the PUCs Act 127 webpage
DEP Sets Feb 22 Meeting On Jefferson County Drilling Permit
The Department of Environmental Protection will host a public meeting on February 22 to
discuss Flatirons Resources LLCrsquos proposal to drill a Marcellus Shale well in Brockway
Jefferson County
The 6 pm meeting will be held at the Brockway Area JuniorSenior High School on
Alexander Street in Brockway
ldquoWe recognize that there are a lot of questions and that people want detailsrdquo DEP
Northwest Regional Director Kelly Burch said ldquoDEP staff will provide information about our role in the permitting process and address any questions and concerns the audience may have
about our oversight and environmental protectionrdquo
The horizontal well that Flatirons proposes to drill would be the second on this pad
which is on Brockway Borough Municipal Authority property in the Rattlesnake Creek
Watershed The first well was drilled in February 2011 and hydraulically fractured in November
2011
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After DEPrsquos presentation at the meeting company representatives will describe their
plans to drill the well if approved A question-and-answer session will follow
DEPrsquos decision to issue a well permit is based on the applicationrsquos technical merits and
whether the applicantrsquos drilling casing and cementing plan will protect water resources The
agency issued Flatirons a permit to drill a second well on the pad in December 2010 but it
expired a year later because the well was never drilled The permit application was resubmittedon December 27 2011
HACC Offers Free Environmental Technician Training At Midtown Campus
Training for emerging environmental jobs in the cleanup and reuse of brownfields will be offered
starting April 16 at the Midtown location of HACC Central Pennsylvaniarsquos Community College
Candidates for the federally funded program are displaced workers the unemployed or
underemployed as well as low-income or minority residents who live in the Harrisburg said
Cheryl Dietz HACC Workforce Training coordinator
Potential students can find out more by attending one of two upcoming information
sessions in Room 228 of Midtown 1 1500 N Fourth St The sessions will be held from 6-7 pmFebruary 29 and 11 am-noon March 3
HACC representatives will answer questions about the free job training program which
will consist of an eight-week 320-hour training cycle with classes meeting 8 am-3 pm April
16-June 8
To be eligible a candidate must have a general education diploma (GED) or high school
diploma test at a 10th-grade math and reading level have a valid driverrsquos license have access to
reliable transportation be drug free and demonstrate an interest in the environment
Successful graduates will receive certifications in all of the following Hazardous Waste
Operations and Emergency Response (HAZWOPER) confined space entrantattendant and
supervisor lead-based paint inspector and asbestos inspectorAdditional training will be offered in environmental site assessment air and water
quality and environmental remediation techniques
HACC is offering the training through a two-year $199890 grant awarded through the
federal Environmental Protection Agencyrsquos Brownfields Program
Two classes were held last year at HACC-Harrisburg Campus with 35 graduates Of this
number 26 have jobs (19 of them are in the environmental field) and four are continuing their
education A third class is under way in Lancaster As part of the grant HACC helps successful
graduates find environmental jobs and tracks those graduates for one year
A brownfield site is real property the expansion redevelopment or reuse of which may
be complicated by the presence or potential presence of a hazardous substance pollutant or
contaminant according to the EPAThe EPA estimates there are 180 brownfield sites in the Lancaster area and a combined
total of 120 brownfield sites in Harrisburg and Steelton
For more information or to register to attend an information session contact Cheryl
Deitz HACC Workforce Training coordinator at 221-1338 or send email to chdeitzhaccedu
PUC Chair Urges Utilities To Participate In Programs To Create Jobs For Returning
Troops
832019 Pa Environment Digest Feb 20 2012
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Public Utility Commission Chairman Robert F Powelson Thursday urged the statersquos public
utilities to participate in several new programs proposed by Gov Tom Corbett and the Edison
Electric Institute to create jobs in the energy sector
The Chairman also noted that the time is right for job growth with the development of the
Marcellus Shale industry and electric competition across the stateldquoToday I encourage Pennsylvaniarsquos electric and natural gas utilities to learn from the
example set by EEI and participate in the Troops to Energy Jobs program as well as Governor
Corbettrsquos Jobs First PA initiative Chairman Powelson said in a statement at the PUCrsquos Public
Meeting In the days ahead the PUC will be coordinating with EEI and the Corbett
Administration to connect our energy companies with these innovative programsrdquo
The Chairman referenced Gov Corbetts annual budget address to the General Assembly
last week
ldquoIn his address the Governor recognized that the energy sector has enormous potential
for producing new jobs and putting the unemployed back to workrdquo Chairman Powelson said
ldquoIn announcing his new Jobs First program the Governor stated that lsquoas our energy sector
expands Pennsylvania needs a trained workforce ready to meet the demand for workersrsquordquoChairman Powelson said the EEI launched its Troops for Energy Jobs initiative which is
designed to accelerate the training and employability of veterans in key energy programs EEI is
currently piloting this program through five energy companies throughout the nation
For more information visit the Troops for Energy Jobs Initiative website
PA Chamber Environmental amp Energy Conference April 18 In Lancaster
The annual PA Chamber of Business and Industry Environmental and Energy Conference will be
held on April 18 at the Eden Resort Inn amp Suites in Lancaster
Major environmental regulatory areas continue to see numerous changes at the state andfederal level that impact business Thats why the Pennsylvania Chamber is offering four
learning tracks with answers you need on the latest environmental and energy issues-all in one
day
-- Compliance help from state and national top experts on the toughest environmental issues
-- Details on the latest regulatory changes and proposed changes
-- Proven strategies best practices and practical business tips to help you comply cost-effectively
in each area and
-- Advanced environmental roundtable
There will be two keynotes The Economic Benefits of Marcellus Shale and Natural Gas-
American Petroleum Institute Washington DC and Converting Trash into Renewable Energy-
National Solid Wastes Management Association Washington DCVisit with more than 50 exhibitors offering an exciting array of advanced technology
solutions and exhibitor educational sessions Access and network with more than 300 of your
peers from across the state
For more information and to register visit the Conference webpage or contact Sue Smith
at 717-720-5457 or send email to ssmithpachamberorg
Volunteers Needed To Plant 100 Acre Wind Break At Flight 93 Memorial In April
832019 Pa Environment Digest Feb 20 2012
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The federal Office of Surface Mining Reclamation and Enforcement through their Appalachian
Regional Reforestation Initiative and the Department of Environmental Protection are working
with the National Park Service to plant a wind break at the Flight 93 Memorial in Somerset
County
Volunteers are needed to plant trees on April 20 21 27 and 28 Volunteers may sign upfor one day or multiple days
If you are interested in volunteering send a Volunteer Sign-Up Form and a Photo
Release Form and send to Leroy Renninger of the National Park Service by email
to Leroy_Renningernpsgov
State Fly Tying Champions Announced At Eastern Sports amp Outdoor Show
The Eastern Sports amp Outdoor Show Cumberland Valley Trout Unlimited Bass Pro Shops of
Harrisburg Mid Atlantic Fly Fishing Guide magazine and the Fish and Boat Commission
sponsored the Pennsylvania State Fly Tying Championship held on February 11 at the Eastern
Sports amp Outdoor Show at the State Farm Show Complex in HarrisburgThirteen contestants in three categories competed for money trophies and prizes in the
annual event to crown the best fly tyers in Pennsylvania
In the Open Division the winners are 1st Place - Andy Fresch Summerhill 2nd Place -
Ken Moser Severna Park MD 3rd Place - John Shosh Hamburg
The Amateur Division winners are 1st Place - Matthew Edinger Sharon Hill 2nd Place -
- Mike Marino Souderton and 3rd Place -- Elliott DeFrancesco Wilburton
The Youth Division winners are 1st Place - Gaeron Friedrichs Milford 2nd Place
Bobby Faust Dalmatia
The contestants at the final event were the top tiers selected from entries previously
submitted In order to qualify the entrants had to submit three flies from a list of flies for eachcategory
At the event each finalist was required to tie three flies over a two hour time period The
finalists knew ahead of time two of the flies that were to be tied and a third ldquomystery flyrdquo was
announced to them at the event
The championship will be held again at the 2013 Eastern Sports and Outdoor Show and
applications information and details will be posted at the Cumberland Valley Trout Unlimited or
Eastern Sports and Outdoor Show websites as they become available
PA State Parks Forest App Now Updated And Free
The Official Pennsylvania State Parks amp Forests App is now completely FREE This latestversion now on the market includes advanced interactive capabilities such as GPS trail mapping
the Friend Finder to keep track of your family and friends on the trail and more
Featured Update List Increased performance speed Multi-tasking Capability
GeoChallenge (GeocacheGeoQuest) Feature FREE enhanced GPS features
This new version increases performance speed and cuts activation time in half With the
new multi-tasking capability users gain enhanced user navigation The more adventurous
832019 Pa Environment Digest Feb 20 2012
httpslidepdfcomreaderfullpa-environment-digest-feb-20-2012 2434
outdoor enthusiasts will benefit from the recently added GeoChallenges that include geocache
and geoquest activities which will be updated regularly
The waypointphoto waypoint marking tools have been upgraded and there has been a
fine-tuning of the trail-tracking feature located on the side navigation bar of the free GPS
Mapping section Use the app to track record and share your explorations with others-all at no
chargeTry out the app and let the PA Parks amp Forests Foundation know what you think
Feature
Bald Eagle Pair Get Help With Home Improvement Project
While most people try to avoid home improvement projects in the winter a pair of bald eagles
got some much needed help recently from a team of Game Commission land managers with a
very important and timely renovation project
A sycamore tree on Haldeman Island has been used by at least three mated pairs as a
nesting site since 1989 The island is just upriver of the confluence of the Susquehanna and
Juniata rivers north of Harrisburg and the tree stands just across a pond from one of three
hacking towers the Game Commission used at two locations in its bald eagle recovery program
About two weeks ago one of the limbs supporting the nest collapsed under the weight of the
nest
On Friday Steve Bernardi Game Commission Land Management Group Supervisor for
Juniata Mifflin Perry and Snyder counties was joined by Terry Willow Game Lands
Maintenance Worker with the River Island Food and Cover Corps Crew and Scott Bills Land
Management Group Supervisor for Dauphin and Lebanon counties to construct a platform to
encourage the bald eagle pair to reuse this nest site
The three men measured and cut lumber used hammers and nails as well as screws anddrills to secure the lumber in place and then placed branches and sticks on the platform to
encourage the bald eagles ndash who were watching the activity while perched in nearby trees ndash to
begin rebuilding a nest
A pair built a nest in this tree in 1989 and had their first young in 1990 Bernardi said
A storm blew the original nest out of the tree in 1995 Scott Bills who was the Wildlife
Conservation Officer in Dauphin County at that time worked with a Food and Cover Corps crew
and PPL to erect the first platform similar to what we put in place on Friday
Adult bald eagles are preparing to nest and hopefully they will come back and reuse this
platform just like they did back in 1995
Haldeman Island played a key role in the recovery of bald eagles in Pennsylvania In the
1980s it was one of two locations used for reintroduction of eagles brought by the GameCommission from Canada in the early years of restoration of eagles to our state About 40
eaglets were released at the Haldeman Island tower overlooking the ponds on the north side of
the island by 1989
When the reintroduced birds successfully raised young at a nest on Haldeman in 1990
the whole state had only seven nesting pairs And there has been an active eagle nest in that spot
every year since except 2004 when the birds took a year off
832019 Pa Environment Digest Feb 20 2012
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While we dont know if the same pair have been active that whole time the same old
sycamore tree has been used during this period and that nest has produced more than 40 young
over this period said Dan Brauning Game Commission Wildlife Diversity Division chief
Since the site is well-protected on a Game Commission island with limited access this site has
particular value to us
Continued support for this nest will help sustain this historic location in the recovery of baldeagles in Pennsylvania
In 1983 the Game Commission began a seven-year bald eagle restoration program in
which the agency sent employees to Saskatchewan to obtain eaglets from wilderness nests The
Richard King Mellon Foundation of Pittsburgh and the federal Endangered Species Fund
provided financial assistance for this effort
In all 88 bald eaglets from Canada were released from sites at Dauphin Countys
Haldeman Island and Pike Countys Shohola Falls The resurgence of eagles in Pennsylvania is
directly related to this program which also was carried out in other states in the Northeast
When the restoration program began in 1983 only three Crawford County nests remained
in the state By 2006 the agency announced that the state had surpassed the 100 bald eagle nest
mark Just five years later in 2011 the number of known bald eagle nests had doubled to 203spread out over 50 counties
Residents aware of a bald eagle nest ndash which are among the largest nests of all birds ndash in
their area should consider reporting it to the Pennsylvania Game Commission The easiest way to
contact the agency by sending email to pgccommentspagov Use the words Eagle Nest
Information in the subject field
The Game Commission continues to further the publics understanding of bald eagles In
2010 a comprehensive Bald Eagle threatened species account and Bald Eagle Nest Etiquette
guide were added to the agencys website
In 2011 the agency launched its series of Eagle-watching in Pennsylvania guides that
will help direct those interested in viewing bald eagles in the wild on where to go how to getthere what to expect and other wildlife viewing opportunities available at each site
Currently posted are eagle-watching guides for Erie National Wildlife Refuge Crawford
County Conneaut Marsh Geneva Marsh State Game Land 213 Crawford County Raystown
Lake Huntingdon County State Game Land 180 Shohola Lake Pike County Middle Creek
Wildlife Management Area Lebanon and Lancaster counties Bald Eagle State Park Centre
County Glendale Lake Price Gallitzin State Park Cambria County John Heinz National
Wildlife Refuge Philadelphia and Delaware counties Lower Susquehanna River Lancaster and
York counties Moraine State Park Butler County Pine Creek Valley Lycoming and Tioga
counties Promised Land State Park Pike County Pymatuning Reservoir Crawford County and
the Upper Delaware River in Pike Wayne and Monroe counties
Game Commission Announces April 1 Deadline For Ads In Hunting-Trapping Digest
Game Commission Executive Director Carl G Roe Thursday announced Liberty Press
Publications publisher of the Pennsylvania Digest of Hunting amp Trapping Regulations has set
April 1 as the deadline for advertising copy in the 2012-13 Digest Click Here for details
For advertising information contact Liberty Press Publications toll-free at
1-800-296-6402
832019 Pa Environment Digest Feb 20 2012
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Opportunity To Bid On McKean County Abandoned Well Plugging Project
The Department of Environmental Protection published notice of an opportunity to bid on a
project to plug 24 abandoned oil wells in McKean County
Help Wanted Chesapeake Bay Foundation PA Grassroots Coordinator Field Specialist
The Chesapeake Bay Foundation is seeking a PA Grassroots Coordinator and a Field Specialist
to be based at their Pennsylvania State Office located in Harrisburg This position is a 2 year
term position with the possibility of extension Click Here for details
Help Wanted Conewago Creek Assistant Project Coordinator
Penn State Cooperative Extension on behalf of the Conewago Creek Initiative seeks an Assistant
Project Coordinator to be an integral part of a dynamic partnership team working together with
local state and federal partnersThe Assistant Project Coordinator will report to the Director of the Lower Susquehanna
Initiative who serves as the Project Coordinator for the Conewago Creek Initiative
The deadline for applications is March 1 Click Here for details
Help Wanted ALLARM Assistant Director Of Outreach Marcellus
The Alliance for Aquatic Resource Monitoring (ALLARM) is seeking candidate to fill a third
full time position to the organization-- Assistant Director of Outreach-- to assist with Marcellus
Monitoring program training community volunteers throughout the shale gas regions in
Pennsylvania to monitor small streams for early pollution detection Click Here for fullannouncement
Grants amp 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
February 23-- PA Pathways To Green Schools Nominations
February 24-- PA Trout In The Classroom Grants
February 29-- EPA Environmental Justice Small Grants
February 29-- Ben Franklin BIG IDEA Business Plan ContestFebruary 29-- PA American Water Stream of Learning Scholarships
February 29-- West Branch Susquehanna Orange Rock Awards
March 1-- Erie TreeVitalize Grants
March 2-- Coca-Cola Keep America Beautiful Recycling Bin Grants
March 2-- Conservation Innovation Grants Chesapeake Bay Nutrient Credit Grants
March 5-- TogetherGreen Fellowship and Innovation Grants
832019 Pa Environment Digest Feb 20 2012
httpslidepdfcomreaderfullpa-environment-digest-feb-20-2012 2734
March 5-- PECDominion Western PA Environmental Awards
March 10-- PA American Water Environmental Grants
March 15-- NEW Keep PA Beautiful Greenways Mini-Grants
March 23-- Water Resources Education Network Grants
March 30-- PA American Water Protect Our Watersheds Student Art Contest
March 31-- DEP Host Municipal Inspector GrantsApril 3-- West Penn Power Sustainable Energy Fund Grants Loans
April 4-- DCNR Community Conservation Partnership Grants
April 15-- Wild Resource Conservation Fund Income Tax Checkoff Deadline
March 1-- Keystone Historic Preservation Project and Construction Grants
August 1-- PA Snowmobile Assn Trail Improvement Grants
August 24-- Foundation for PA Watershed Grants
September 1-- Erie TreeVitalize Grants
October 31-- PA Resources Council Lens On Litter Contest
-- Visit the DEP Grants and Loan Programs webpage for more ideas on how to get financial
assistance for environmental projects
BudgetQuick Clips
Heres a selection of NewClips on environmental topics from around the state--
Budget
Corbett Signs Marcellus Shale Fee Into Law
Corbett Signs Shale Well Impact Fee Into Law
Corbett Approves Marcellus Shale Fee
Bradford Commissioner Foolish Not To Accept Drilling Fee MoneyWhats Next For PAs Impact Fee Bradford Against Fee
Bradford Commissioners Disagree On Drilling Fee
Washington County To Seek Marcellus Fees
Editorial Corbetts Gas Fee About To Evaporate
Robinson Twp To Contest New Marcellus Law
South Fayette Eyes Legal Action On Drilling Bill
Fish amp Boat Commission Grateful For Marcellus Fees
PUC Eyes Private Firm For Impact Fee Collection
PUC Chair Let Marcellus Play Come To Us
PUC Would Get Shale Role Under Drilling Bill
Editorial It Makes Sense For PUC To Deal With Drilling NE Counties To Raise Millions Or Nothing Under Drilling Fee
House Capital Budget Bill Debate Focuses On Jobs
House GOP Marcellus Bill A Win For Jobs
Norquists No-Tax Pledge Cant Give Drill Fee The Ax
PA Natural Gas Levy Became Inevitable
Bradford Commissioners Disagree On Drilling Fee
832019 Pa Environment Digest Feb 20 2012
httpslidepdfcomreaderfullpa-environment-digest-feb-20-2012 2834
Vertical Exploratory Wells Wont Be Hit With Drilling Fee
Impact Fee Bill Addresses Housing Needs
Op-Ed Natural Gas Fee May Be Too Late
Editorial Marcellus Fee A Tax Stupid
Editorial Shale Drillers Got The Better Part Of Deal
Corbett Raiding Special FundsCan Pennsylvanians Survive Under Another Corbett Budget
As Roads Bridges Deteriorate Governor Silent
Analysis Taking Baby Steps On Fixing Roads Bridges
Editorial Must A Bridge Fall Down
House Capital Budget Bill Debate Focuses On Jobs
Editorial Capital Budget Funds Must Be Kept Under Control
Obama Cuts EPA Increases Chesapeake Bay Program
Chesapeake Bay Program Increased Under Obama Budget
EPA Budget Cut For States Superfund Cleanup
Obama Proposes $14 Million For Fracking Research
$67 Million Requested For Federal Pipeline SafetyDCNR Secretary Says Report On Wildlife Research Not Accurate
Other
Electronics Recycling Date Set At Greensburg Mall
Hershey Plants Achieve Zero Waste Status
RecycleBank Named On Of Worlds Most Innovative Companies
Editorial Fine Litterers No Ifs Or Butts
Corbett Signs 3 Energy Sector Bills
Op-Ed Anti-Coal Agenda Is Detrimental To PA
Op-Ed Global Warming As Fact Not Hypothesis
Op-Ed Climate Change Education Is NecessaryHomer City Power Plant Still To Dirty Groups Claim
DEP Sets March 14 Public Hearing On Homer City Power Plant
Concerns Voiced Over PPL Lines
Consumer Alert Electricity Price Discounts Heat Up
Turbine Load To Hit The Road To Holtwood Dam
PPL Plans $664 Million In Electric Delivery System Improvements
Exelon Gives Dauphin County $110000 For Emergency Response
Groups Ask For Expansion Of Nuclear Plant Evacuation Zone
Feds Give PPL Reactor Low Grade
Allentown Council Rejects Waste-To-Energy Sewage Plant
GE Invests In Cleaner Evolution LocomotiveDEP Hopeful Buyer Will Emerge For ConocoPhillips Refinery
DEP Renews ConocoPhillips Trainer Refinery Discharge Permit
100 Sunoco Workers In PA Get Layoff Notices
Meehan PA Refinery Closures Threat To National Security
Refinery Closings Could Affect 15000 Jobs Study Says
Gasoline Could Reach $5 By July 4
$4 A Gallon Gasoline By Memorial Day
832019 Pa Environment Digest Feb 20 2012
httpslidepdfcomreaderfullpa-environment-digest-feb-20-2012 2934
Gasoline Prices Have Never Been This High This Early
Electric Bicycle Waiver Sought
Land Bank Bill Newest Anti-Blight Tool
Game Commission Prepares For Controlled Burn On Centre County
2012 Great Backyard Bird Count Begins Friday
Birders-Eye View Of Conservation In PhiladelphiaState Could Take Over Refurbished Point State Park
New Ohiopyle Visitors Center Project To Be Bid This Spring
Winterfest At Ohiopyle No Snow Still A Go
Protecting Landscapes Changing Face Of Conservation
Marcellus Shale NewsClips
Here are NewsClips on topics related to Marcellus Shale natural gas drilling---
Corbett Signs Marcellus Shale Fee Into Law
Corbett Signs Shale Well Impact Fee Into Law
Corbett Approves Marcellus Shale Fee
Bradford Commissioner Foolish Not To Accept Drilling Fee Money
Whats Next For PAs Impact Fee Bradford Against Fee
Bradford Commissioners Disagree On Drilling Fee
Washington County To Seek Marcellus Fees
Editorial Corbetts Gas Fee About To Evaporate
Robinson Twp To Contest New Marcellus Law
South Fayette Eyes Legal Action On Drilling Bill
Fish amp Boat Commission Grateful For Marcellus Fees
PUC Eyes Private Firm For Impact Fee CollectionPUC Chair Let Marcellus Play Come To Us
PUC Would Get Shale Role Under Drilling Bill
Editorial It Makes Sense For PUC To Deal With Drilling
Corbett Raiding Special Funds
NE Counties To Raise Millions Or Nothing Under Drilling Fee
House GOP Marcellus Bill A Win For Jobs
Norquists No-Tax Pledge Cant Give Drill Fee The Ax
PA Natural Gas Levy Became Inevitable
Wayne County Landowners Push For Drilling
Vertical Exploratory Wells Wont Be Hit With Drilling Fee
Impact Fee Bill Addresses Housing NeedsDrilling Bill Authors Health Experts Fears Unfounded
Health Officials Drilling Law Disclosure Rules Lax
Op-Ed Natural Gas Fee May Be Too Late
Editorial Marcellus Fee A Tax Stupid
Editorial Shale Drillers Got The Better Part Of Deal
Delaware Riverkeeper Reports Settlement Over Gas Well
832019 Pa Environment Digest Feb 20 2012
httpslidepdfcomreaderfullpa-environment-digest-feb-20-2012 3034
EPA Probing Washington County Shale Operations
Marcellus Boom Has Pressed Law Firms To Boost Their Staffs
25 More State Troopers In NE Shale Region
Recorders Of Deeds May Not Reject Multiple Gas Leases
Rural Loophole Curbing PA Pipeline Inspections
Pipeline Tested Ahead Of Tie-In To Shale WellsFirefighters Learn To Deal With Drilling Emergencies
Assessing PGWs Liquid Natural Gas Future
Dominion Resources Playing Responsible Role In Drilling
Report Philly Should Consider Selling Gas Company
Company Files For Gas Drilling Permit In Bucks County
Gas Drilling Debate Returns To Bucks County
Shale Drillers Drinking From Slippery Rock Creek
Gas Wells With Smaller Footprint Get Greater Scrutiny
PennEnvironment Violations Report Half-Baked
Water Tanker Truck Lands In Creek In Monroe Twp
Industry Says Over 93230 New Hires As A Result Of Marcellus ShaleBCCC Begins Classes For Marcellus Shale Workers
Marcellus Gas Creates Demand For Cars
Ex-Drilling Exec Took Nearly $1 Million Or More
Op-Ed Gas Drillers New Wild West
Marcellus Gas Production Rises So Does Recycling
FinancialOther StatesNational
Drillers Cut Natural Gas Production As Prices Drop
Talisman Cutting Back Drilling Plans
Ultra Petroleum Reports 2011 Financial Operating Results
Gas Firms Drill Less As Prices Nose DiveObama Proposes $14 Million For Fracking Research
$67 Million Requested For Federal Pipeline Safety
FloodingWatershed NewsClips
Here are NewsClips on watershed topics from around the state--
Flooding
New Bank Coming To Flood-Ravaged Shickshinny
Other Watershed NewsClips
Mon River QUEST Wins Regional IMPACT AwardEPA Evaluates States Chesapeake Bay Plans
Shale Drillers Drinking From Slippery Rock Creek
Sewage Woes Close Lewisburg Area Park
$375000 To Aid Little Buck Run Restoration Effort
Loyalhanna Creek Sewage Overflow Problem Goes To State
Turbine Load To Hit The Road To Holtwood Dam
832019 Pa Environment Digest Feb 20 2012
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Funding Sought For Restoration Of Speedwell Lake
Obama Cuts EPA Increases Chesapeake Bay Program
Chesapeake Bay Program Increased Under Obama Budget
EPA Budget Cut For States Superfund Cleanup
Editorial Delaware Dredging A Step Closer
Regulations Technical Guidance amp Permits
No new regulations were published this week Pennsylvania Bulletin - February 18 2012
Proposed Regulations Open For Comment - DEP webpage
Proposed Regulations With Closed Comment Periods - DEP webpage
DEP Regulatory Agenda - DEP webpage
Technical Guidance amp Permits
The Department of Environmental Protection published notice of bond rate calculations for mine
reclamation The Fish and Boat Commission published notice of nursery water designation for
the Shenango River Crawford County
DEP also published an update to the list of companies certified to perform radon-related
activities (PA Bulletin page 994)
Technical Guidance Comment Deadlines - DEP webpage
Copies Of Draft Technical Guidance - DEP webpage
Copies of Final Technical Guidance - DEP webpage
Calendar Of Events
Upcoming legislative meetings conferences workshops plus links to other online calendars
Meetings are in Harrisburg unless otherwise noted NEW means new from last week Go to the
online Calendar webpage
Click on Agenda Released on calendar entries to see the NEW meeting agendas published this
week
Note You can watch the hearings live through the Senate webpage and the House webpage or
on the PA Cable Network website
832019 Pa Environment Digest Feb 20 2012
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February 21-- House Appropriations Committee budget hearings 930 - Global Economy
1100 - Independent Fiscal Office 130 - Department of Revenue Room 140
February 21-- CANCELED Environmental Quality Board meeting Next scheduled meeting is
March 20 ( formal notice )
February 21-- Agenda Released DEP Citizens Advisory Council meeting Room 105 Rachel
Carson Building 1130
February 22-- Senate Appropriations Committee budget hearings 930 - Department of
Environmental Protection 100 - Department of Transportation Hearing Room 1 North Office
February 23-- NEW House Democratic Policy Committee holds a hearing on Southeast PA oil
refinery closings National Constitution Center Philadelphia 1000
February 27-- House Appropriations Committee budget hearings 1000 - Public Utility
Commission 1100 - Office of Consumer Advocate Small Business Advocate Room 140
February 27-- NEW House Democratic Policy Committee holds a hearing on Marcellus Shale
air emissions Bryn Mawr Presbyterian Church Bryn Mawr 1000
February 28-- Senate Appropriations Committee budget hearings 100 - Department of
Agriculture Hearing Room 1 North Office
February 28-- House Appropriations Committee budget hearings 930 - Department of
Agriculture 1030 - Department of Conservation and Natural Resources Room 140
February 29-- Senate Appropriations Committee budget hearings 930 - PA Emergency
Management Agency Hearing Room 1 North Office
February 29-- House Game and Fisheries Committee informational meeting on Fish and Boat
Commissions Annual Report Room 39 East Wing 1000
February 29-- House Appropriations Committee budget hearings 930 - Department of
Transportation 300 - Department of Environmental Protection Room 140
March 1-- House Appropriations Committee budget hearings 1000 Department of Labor amp
Industry 100 - Department of Community and Economic Development Room 140
March 6-- House Appropriations Committee budget hearings 930 - State PoliceOffice of
Homeland Security 1100 - PA Emergency Management Agency 300 - Department of General
Services Room 140
March 6-- CANCELED DEP Storage Tank Advisory Committee meeting Next scheduled
meeting is June 5 ( formal notice )
832019 Pa Environment Digest Feb 20 2012
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March 7-- House Game and Fisheries Committee informational meeting on Game Commissions
Annual Report Room 39 East Wing 1000
March 8-- House Appropriations Committee budget hearings 1000 - Budget Secretary 100 -
House Member Testimony Room 140
March 14-- DEP Air Quality Technical Advisory Committee meeting Room 105 Rachel Carson
Building 915 ( formal notice )
March 26-- Environmental Issues Forum Joint Legislative Air and Water Pollution Control and
Conservation Committee featuring a presentation by DCNR Secretary Richard Allan (Location
to be determined) Noon
DEP Calendar of Events
Note The Environmental Education Workshop Calendar is no longer available from the PACenter for Environmental Education because funding for the Center was eliminated in the FY
2011-12 state budget The PCEE website was also shutdown but some content was moved to
the PA Association of Environmental Educators website
Senate Committee Schedule House Committee Schedule
You can watch the Senate Floor Session and House Floor Session live online
Stories Invited
Send your stories photos and videos about your project environmental issues or programs for
publication in the PA Environment Digest to DHessCrisciAssociatescom
PA Environment Digest is edited by David E Hess former Secretary Pennsylvania Department
of Environmental Protection and is published as a service to the clients of Crisci Associates a
Harrisburg-based government and public affairs firm whose clients include Fortune 500
companies and non-profit organizations For more information on Crisci Associates call
717-234-1716
PA Environment Digest weekly was the winner of the PA Association of Environmental
Educators 2009 Business Partner of the Year Award
Also sign up for these other services from Crisci Associates--
PA Environment Digest Twitter Feed On Twitter sign up to receive instant updates from
PAEnviroDigest
832019 Pa Environment Digest Feb 20 2012
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PA Environment Daily Blog provides daily environmental NewsClips and significant stories
and announcements on environmental topics in Pennsylvania of immediate value Sign up and
receive as they are posted updates through your favorite RSS reader You can also sign up for a
once daily email alerting you to new items posted on this blog
PA Environment Digest Video Blog showcases original and published videos fromenvironmental groups and agencies around the state Sign up to receive as they are posted
updates through your favorite RSS read You can also sign up for a once daily email alerting
you to new items posted on this blog
PA Capitol Digest Dont forget to sign up to receive the PA Capitol Digest Twitter feed by
going to wwwTwittercomPaCapitolDigest or click on this link for the regular daily PA
Capitol Digest Blog to get other news from in and around the Pennsylvania State Capitol
Supporting Member PA Outdoor Writers AssnPA Trout Unlimited
PA Environment Digest is a supporting member of the Pennsylvania Outdoor Writers
Association Pennsylvania Council Trout Unlimited and the Doc Fritchey Chapter Trout
Unlimited
832019 Pa Environment Digest Feb 20 2012
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A greenway is a linear corridor across the land that conserves natural areas and provides
people with recreation and transportation opportunities
As one of the Commonwealthrsquos most powerful tools to achieve sustainable growth and
livable communities greenways are ensuring future generations the opportunity to live amongst
the natural beauty of Pennrsquos Woods
This program is financed by a grant from the Community Conservation PartnershipProgram Environmental Stewardship Fund under the administration of the Department of
Conservation and Natural Resources Bureau of Recreation and Conservation
The Greenways Mini-Grant is available to any tax-exempt group within Pennsylvania
Private property owners or individual applicants cannot apply
Applications must meet the following requirements to be considered ndash it is within a
Greenway and is in at least one of the following categories Prevent it Clean it and Keep it (see
application for details) plus provide proof of liability insurance signed permission to enter from
the private property owner and 100 percent match of donated or in-kind services Selected
awardees must also agree to provide a final report with before during and after photos
ldquoWe are excited to collaborate with DCNR in offering Greenways Mini-Grants to
organizations working to build clean and beautiful communities across the staterdquo said ShannonReiter President of Keep Pennsylvania Beautiful ldquoGreenways are integral to healthy livable
communities and we are grateful to have the opportunity to empower Pennsylvania with the
tools and resources they need to enhance greenways in their communitiesrdquo
For more information visit the Greenways Mini-Grant Program webpage to download an
application Any additional questions can be answered by Susan Carmichael Greenways Mini-
Grant Program Coordinator at 1-877-772-3673 ext 102 or send email to
scarmichaelkeeppabeautifulorg
Pennsylvania Adds 1470 Acres Of Farmland To Preservation Program
Pennsylvania has added 1470 additional acres of land to its nationally recognized farmland
preservation program under action by the Pennsylvania Agricultural Land Preservation Board at
its meeting Thursday in Harrisburg
The 14 newly preserved farms are located in Beaver Berks Bucks Butler Cambria
Cumberland Juniata Lackawanna Lancaster Lebanon Northampton and Somerset counties
ldquoWersquove preserved nearly 15000 acres of farmland across the state in just the past year
alonerdquo said Agriculture Secretary George Greig ldquoThis speaks volumes to the value our farm
families place on ensuring the future viability of Pennsylvania agriculture ndash our statersquos number-
one industryrdquo
Since the program started in 1988 state county and local governments have invested
more than $11 billion to safeguard 459007 acres on 4243 farmsldquoOur producers know the importance of preserving farms so our next generation of
agriculturalists can keep Pennsylvania growing far into the future and I thank them for that
foresightrdquo Greig said
Pennsylvaniarsquos farmland preservation efforts work through the Pennsylvania Agricultural
Conservation Easement Purchase Program The program was developed to slow the loss of prime
farmland to non-agricultural uses It enables state county and local governments to purchase
conservation easements also called development rights from owners of quality farmland
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For more information visit Agricultures Farmland Preservation webpage
PUC Finalizes Implementation Plan For Pipeline Safety Act
The Public Utility Commission Thursday finalized an Order as the first step in implementing Act
127 the Gas and Hazardous Liquids Pipelines ActThe Commission voted 5-0 to finalize the Order which begins the process of creating a
statewide registry for non-public utility gas and hazardous liquids pipeline equipment and
facilities within the Commonwealth provides resources to conduct safety inspections to enforce
Federal pipeline safety laws on certain classifications of pipeline and assesses entities for the
costs
The Order established the following
-- The registration fee is $250
-- The 2012 registration deadline is March 16
-- Assessment invoices for the Commissionrsquos 2011-12 fiscal year will be mailed by March 30
and due by April 30 and
-- Assessment invoices for the Commissionrsquos 2012-13 fiscal year will be mailed in July 2012with payment due within 30 days
Final forms and other materials will be available on the Commissionrsquos website
Act 127 direct the PUC to develop a registry and conduct safety inspections of these lines
for ldquopipeline operatorsrdquo in the state The Commission also is to track the development of
pipelines in less populated areas which transport gas from non-conventional wells
Act 127 expands the Commissionrsquos authority to enforce the federal pipeline safety laws
as they relate to those pipelines and facilities Non-public utility gas and hazardous liquids
pipeline operators include several different categories of pipelines such as cooperatively owned
natural gas distribution systems non-utility natural gas transportation and gathering lines and
propane distribution pipeline systemsFor more information visit the PUCs Act 127 webpage
DEP Sets Feb 22 Meeting On Jefferson County Drilling Permit
The Department of Environmental Protection will host a public meeting on February 22 to
discuss Flatirons Resources LLCrsquos proposal to drill a Marcellus Shale well in Brockway
Jefferson County
The 6 pm meeting will be held at the Brockway Area JuniorSenior High School on
Alexander Street in Brockway
ldquoWe recognize that there are a lot of questions and that people want detailsrdquo DEP
Northwest Regional Director Kelly Burch said ldquoDEP staff will provide information about our role in the permitting process and address any questions and concerns the audience may have
about our oversight and environmental protectionrdquo
The horizontal well that Flatirons proposes to drill would be the second on this pad
which is on Brockway Borough Municipal Authority property in the Rattlesnake Creek
Watershed The first well was drilled in February 2011 and hydraulically fractured in November
2011
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After DEPrsquos presentation at the meeting company representatives will describe their
plans to drill the well if approved A question-and-answer session will follow
DEPrsquos decision to issue a well permit is based on the applicationrsquos technical merits and
whether the applicantrsquos drilling casing and cementing plan will protect water resources The
agency issued Flatirons a permit to drill a second well on the pad in December 2010 but it
expired a year later because the well was never drilled The permit application was resubmittedon December 27 2011
HACC Offers Free Environmental Technician Training At Midtown Campus
Training for emerging environmental jobs in the cleanup and reuse of brownfields will be offered
starting April 16 at the Midtown location of HACC Central Pennsylvaniarsquos Community College
Candidates for the federally funded program are displaced workers the unemployed or
underemployed as well as low-income or minority residents who live in the Harrisburg said
Cheryl Dietz HACC Workforce Training coordinator
Potential students can find out more by attending one of two upcoming information
sessions in Room 228 of Midtown 1 1500 N Fourth St The sessions will be held from 6-7 pmFebruary 29 and 11 am-noon March 3
HACC representatives will answer questions about the free job training program which
will consist of an eight-week 320-hour training cycle with classes meeting 8 am-3 pm April
16-June 8
To be eligible a candidate must have a general education diploma (GED) or high school
diploma test at a 10th-grade math and reading level have a valid driverrsquos license have access to
reliable transportation be drug free and demonstrate an interest in the environment
Successful graduates will receive certifications in all of the following Hazardous Waste
Operations and Emergency Response (HAZWOPER) confined space entrantattendant and
supervisor lead-based paint inspector and asbestos inspectorAdditional training will be offered in environmental site assessment air and water
quality and environmental remediation techniques
HACC is offering the training through a two-year $199890 grant awarded through the
federal Environmental Protection Agencyrsquos Brownfields Program
Two classes were held last year at HACC-Harrisburg Campus with 35 graduates Of this
number 26 have jobs (19 of them are in the environmental field) and four are continuing their
education A third class is under way in Lancaster As part of the grant HACC helps successful
graduates find environmental jobs and tracks those graduates for one year
A brownfield site is real property the expansion redevelopment or reuse of which may
be complicated by the presence or potential presence of a hazardous substance pollutant or
contaminant according to the EPAThe EPA estimates there are 180 brownfield sites in the Lancaster area and a combined
total of 120 brownfield sites in Harrisburg and Steelton
For more information or to register to attend an information session contact Cheryl
Deitz HACC Workforce Training coordinator at 221-1338 or send email to chdeitzhaccedu
PUC Chair Urges Utilities To Participate In Programs To Create Jobs For Returning
Troops
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Public Utility Commission Chairman Robert F Powelson Thursday urged the statersquos public
utilities to participate in several new programs proposed by Gov Tom Corbett and the Edison
Electric Institute to create jobs in the energy sector
The Chairman also noted that the time is right for job growth with the development of the
Marcellus Shale industry and electric competition across the stateldquoToday I encourage Pennsylvaniarsquos electric and natural gas utilities to learn from the
example set by EEI and participate in the Troops to Energy Jobs program as well as Governor
Corbettrsquos Jobs First PA initiative Chairman Powelson said in a statement at the PUCrsquos Public
Meeting In the days ahead the PUC will be coordinating with EEI and the Corbett
Administration to connect our energy companies with these innovative programsrdquo
The Chairman referenced Gov Corbetts annual budget address to the General Assembly
last week
ldquoIn his address the Governor recognized that the energy sector has enormous potential
for producing new jobs and putting the unemployed back to workrdquo Chairman Powelson said
ldquoIn announcing his new Jobs First program the Governor stated that lsquoas our energy sector
expands Pennsylvania needs a trained workforce ready to meet the demand for workersrsquordquoChairman Powelson said the EEI launched its Troops for Energy Jobs initiative which is
designed to accelerate the training and employability of veterans in key energy programs EEI is
currently piloting this program through five energy companies throughout the nation
For more information visit the Troops for Energy Jobs Initiative website
PA Chamber Environmental amp Energy Conference April 18 In Lancaster
The annual PA Chamber of Business and Industry Environmental and Energy Conference will be
held on April 18 at the Eden Resort Inn amp Suites in Lancaster
Major environmental regulatory areas continue to see numerous changes at the state andfederal level that impact business Thats why the Pennsylvania Chamber is offering four
learning tracks with answers you need on the latest environmental and energy issues-all in one
day
-- Compliance help from state and national top experts on the toughest environmental issues
-- Details on the latest regulatory changes and proposed changes
-- Proven strategies best practices and practical business tips to help you comply cost-effectively
in each area and
-- Advanced environmental roundtable
There will be two keynotes The Economic Benefits of Marcellus Shale and Natural Gas-
American Petroleum Institute Washington DC and Converting Trash into Renewable Energy-
National Solid Wastes Management Association Washington DCVisit with more than 50 exhibitors offering an exciting array of advanced technology
solutions and exhibitor educational sessions Access and network with more than 300 of your
peers from across the state
For more information and to register visit the Conference webpage or contact Sue Smith
at 717-720-5457 or send email to ssmithpachamberorg
Volunteers Needed To Plant 100 Acre Wind Break At Flight 93 Memorial In April
832019 Pa Environment Digest Feb 20 2012
httpslidepdfcomreaderfullpa-environment-digest-feb-20-2012 2334
The federal Office of Surface Mining Reclamation and Enforcement through their Appalachian
Regional Reforestation Initiative and the Department of Environmental Protection are working
with the National Park Service to plant a wind break at the Flight 93 Memorial in Somerset
County
Volunteers are needed to plant trees on April 20 21 27 and 28 Volunteers may sign upfor one day or multiple days
If you are interested in volunteering send a Volunteer Sign-Up Form and a Photo
Release Form and send to Leroy Renninger of the National Park Service by email
to Leroy_Renningernpsgov
State Fly Tying Champions Announced At Eastern Sports amp Outdoor Show
The Eastern Sports amp Outdoor Show Cumberland Valley Trout Unlimited Bass Pro Shops of
Harrisburg Mid Atlantic Fly Fishing Guide magazine and the Fish and Boat Commission
sponsored the Pennsylvania State Fly Tying Championship held on February 11 at the Eastern
Sports amp Outdoor Show at the State Farm Show Complex in HarrisburgThirteen contestants in three categories competed for money trophies and prizes in the
annual event to crown the best fly tyers in Pennsylvania
In the Open Division the winners are 1st Place - Andy Fresch Summerhill 2nd Place -
Ken Moser Severna Park MD 3rd Place - John Shosh Hamburg
The Amateur Division winners are 1st Place - Matthew Edinger Sharon Hill 2nd Place -
- Mike Marino Souderton and 3rd Place -- Elliott DeFrancesco Wilburton
The Youth Division winners are 1st Place - Gaeron Friedrichs Milford 2nd Place
Bobby Faust Dalmatia
The contestants at the final event were the top tiers selected from entries previously
submitted In order to qualify the entrants had to submit three flies from a list of flies for eachcategory
At the event each finalist was required to tie three flies over a two hour time period The
finalists knew ahead of time two of the flies that were to be tied and a third ldquomystery flyrdquo was
announced to them at the event
The championship will be held again at the 2013 Eastern Sports and Outdoor Show and
applications information and details will be posted at the Cumberland Valley Trout Unlimited or
Eastern Sports and Outdoor Show websites as they become available
PA State Parks Forest App Now Updated And Free
The Official Pennsylvania State Parks amp Forests App is now completely FREE This latestversion now on the market includes advanced interactive capabilities such as GPS trail mapping
the Friend Finder to keep track of your family and friends on the trail and more
Featured Update List Increased performance speed Multi-tasking Capability
GeoChallenge (GeocacheGeoQuest) Feature FREE enhanced GPS features
This new version increases performance speed and cuts activation time in half With the
new multi-tasking capability users gain enhanced user navigation The more adventurous
832019 Pa Environment Digest Feb 20 2012
httpslidepdfcomreaderfullpa-environment-digest-feb-20-2012 2434
outdoor enthusiasts will benefit from the recently added GeoChallenges that include geocache
and geoquest activities which will be updated regularly
The waypointphoto waypoint marking tools have been upgraded and there has been a
fine-tuning of the trail-tracking feature located on the side navigation bar of the free GPS
Mapping section Use the app to track record and share your explorations with others-all at no
chargeTry out the app and let the PA Parks amp Forests Foundation know what you think
Feature
Bald Eagle Pair Get Help With Home Improvement Project
While most people try to avoid home improvement projects in the winter a pair of bald eagles
got some much needed help recently from a team of Game Commission land managers with a
very important and timely renovation project
A sycamore tree on Haldeman Island has been used by at least three mated pairs as a
nesting site since 1989 The island is just upriver of the confluence of the Susquehanna and
Juniata rivers north of Harrisburg and the tree stands just across a pond from one of three
hacking towers the Game Commission used at two locations in its bald eagle recovery program
About two weeks ago one of the limbs supporting the nest collapsed under the weight of the
nest
On Friday Steve Bernardi Game Commission Land Management Group Supervisor for
Juniata Mifflin Perry and Snyder counties was joined by Terry Willow Game Lands
Maintenance Worker with the River Island Food and Cover Corps Crew and Scott Bills Land
Management Group Supervisor for Dauphin and Lebanon counties to construct a platform to
encourage the bald eagle pair to reuse this nest site
The three men measured and cut lumber used hammers and nails as well as screws anddrills to secure the lumber in place and then placed branches and sticks on the platform to
encourage the bald eagles ndash who were watching the activity while perched in nearby trees ndash to
begin rebuilding a nest
A pair built a nest in this tree in 1989 and had their first young in 1990 Bernardi said
A storm blew the original nest out of the tree in 1995 Scott Bills who was the Wildlife
Conservation Officer in Dauphin County at that time worked with a Food and Cover Corps crew
and PPL to erect the first platform similar to what we put in place on Friday
Adult bald eagles are preparing to nest and hopefully they will come back and reuse this
platform just like they did back in 1995
Haldeman Island played a key role in the recovery of bald eagles in Pennsylvania In the
1980s it was one of two locations used for reintroduction of eagles brought by the GameCommission from Canada in the early years of restoration of eagles to our state About 40
eaglets were released at the Haldeman Island tower overlooking the ponds on the north side of
the island by 1989
When the reintroduced birds successfully raised young at a nest on Haldeman in 1990
the whole state had only seven nesting pairs And there has been an active eagle nest in that spot
every year since except 2004 when the birds took a year off
832019 Pa Environment Digest Feb 20 2012
httpslidepdfcomreaderfullpa-environment-digest-feb-20-2012 2534
While we dont know if the same pair have been active that whole time the same old
sycamore tree has been used during this period and that nest has produced more than 40 young
over this period said Dan Brauning Game Commission Wildlife Diversity Division chief
Since the site is well-protected on a Game Commission island with limited access this site has
particular value to us
Continued support for this nest will help sustain this historic location in the recovery of baldeagles in Pennsylvania
In 1983 the Game Commission began a seven-year bald eagle restoration program in
which the agency sent employees to Saskatchewan to obtain eaglets from wilderness nests The
Richard King Mellon Foundation of Pittsburgh and the federal Endangered Species Fund
provided financial assistance for this effort
In all 88 bald eaglets from Canada were released from sites at Dauphin Countys
Haldeman Island and Pike Countys Shohola Falls The resurgence of eagles in Pennsylvania is
directly related to this program which also was carried out in other states in the Northeast
When the restoration program began in 1983 only three Crawford County nests remained
in the state By 2006 the agency announced that the state had surpassed the 100 bald eagle nest
mark Just five years later in 2011 the number of known bald eagle nests had doubled to 203spread out over 50 counties
Residents aware of a bald eagle nest ndash which are among the largest nests of all birds ndash in
their area should consider reporting it to the Pennsylvania Game Commission The easiest way to
contact the agency by sending email to pgccommentspagov Use the words Eagle Nest
Information in the subject field
The Game Commission continues to further the publics understanding of bald eagles In
2010 a comprehensive Bald Eagle threatened species account and Bald Eagle Nest Etiquette
guide were added to the agencys website
In 2011 the agency launched its series of Eagle-watching in Pennsylvania guides that
will help direct those interested in viewing bald eagles in the wild on where to go how to getthere what to expect and other wildlife viewing opportunities available at each site
Currently posted are eagle-watching guides for Erie National Wildlife Refuge Crawford
County Conneaut Marsh Geneva Marsh State Game Land 213 Crawford County Raystown
Lake Huntingdon County State Game Land 180 Shohola Lake Pike County Middle Creek
Wildlife Management Area Lebanon and Lancaster counties Bald Eagle State Park Centre
County Glendale Lake Price Gallitzin State Park Cambria County John Heinz National
Wildlife Refuge Philadelphia and Delaware counties Lower Susquehanna River Lancaster and
York counties Moraine State Park Butler County Pine Creek Valley Lycoming and Tioga
counties Promised Land State Park Pike County Pymatuning Reservoir Crawford County and
the Upper Delaware River in Pike Wayne and Monroe counties
Game Commission Announces April 1 Deadline For Ads In Hunting-Trapping Digest
Game Commission Executive Director Carl G Roe Thursday announced Liberty Press
Publications publisher of the Pennsylvania Digest of Hunting amp Trapping Regulations has set
April 1 as the deadline for advertising copy in the 2012-13 Digest Click Here for details
For advertising information contact Liberty Press Publications toll-free at
1-800-296-6402
832019 Pa Environment Digest Feb 20 2012
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Opportunity To Bid On McKean County Abandoned Well Plugging Project
The Department of Environmental Protection published notice of an opportunity to bid on a
project to plug 24 abandoned oil wells in McKean County
Help Wanted Chesapeake Bay Foundation PA Grassroots Coordinator Field Specialist
The Chesapeake Bay Foundation is seeking a PA Grassroots Coordinator and a Field Specialist
to be based at their Pennsylvania State Office located in Harrisburg This position is a 2 year
term position with the possibility of extension Click Here for details
Help Wanted Conewago Creek Assistant Project Coordinator
Penn State Cooperative Extension on behalf of the Conewago Creek Initiative seeks an Assistant
Project Coordinator to be an integral part of a dynamic partnership team working together with
local state and federal partnersThe Assistant Project Coordinator will report to the Director of the Lower Susquehanna
Initiative who serves as the Project Coordinator for the Conewago Creek Initiative
The deadline for applications is March 1 Click Here for details
Help Wanted ALLARM Assistant Director Of Outreach Marcellus
The Alliance for Aquatic Resource Monitoring (ALLARM) is seeking candidate to fill a third
full time position to the organization-- Assistant Director of Outreach-- to assist with Marcellus
Monitoring program training community volunteers throughout the shale gas regions in
Pennsylvania to monitor small streams for early pollution detection Click Here for fullannouncement
Grants amp 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
February 23-- PA Pathways To Green Schools Nominations
February 24-- PA Trout In The Classroom Grants
February 29-- EPA Environmental Justice Small Grants
February 29-- Ben Franklin BIG IDEA Business Plan ContestFebruary 29-- PA American Water Stream of Learning Scholarships
February 29-- West Branch Susquehanna Orange Rock Awards
March 1-- Erie TreeVitalize Grants
March 2-- Coca-Cola Keep America Beautiful Recycling Bin Grants
March 2-- Conservation Innovation Grants Chesapeake Bay Nutrient Credit Grants
March 5-- TogetherGreen Fellowship and Innovation Grants
832019 Pa Environment Digest Feb 20 2012
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March 5-- PECDominion Western PA Environmental Awards
March 10-- PA American Water Environmental Grants
March 15-- NEW Keep PA Beautiful Greenways Mini-Grants
March 23-- Water Resources Education Network Grants
March 30-- PA American Water Protect Our Watersheds Student Art Contest
March 31-- DEP Host Municipal Inspector GrantsApril 3-- West Penn Power Sustainable Energy Fund Grants Loans
April 4-- DCNR Community Conservation Partnership Grants
April 15-- Wild Resource Conservation Fund Income Tax Checkoff Deadline
March 1-- Keystone Historic Preservation Project and Construction Grants
August 1-- PA Snowmobile Assn Trail Improvement Grants
August 24-- Foundation for PA Watershed Grants
September 1-- Erie TreeVitalize Grants
October 31-- PA Resources Council Lens On Litter Contest
-- Visit the DEP Grants and Loan Programs webpage for more ideas on how to get financial
assistance for environmental projects
BudgetQuick Clips
Heres a selection of NewClips on environmental topics from around the state--
Budget
Corbett Signs Marcellus Shale Fee Into Law
Corbett Signs Shale Well Impact Fee Into Law
Corbett Approves Marcellus Shale Fee
Bradford Commissioner Foolish Not To Accept Drilling Fee MoneyWhats Next For PAs Impact Fee Bradford Against Fee
Bradford Commissioners Disagree On Drilling Fee
Washington County To Seek Marcellus Fees
Editorial Corbetts Gas Fee About To Evaporate
Robinson Twp To Contest New Marcellus Law
South Fayette Eyes Legal Action On Drilling Bill
Fish amp Boat Commission Grateful For Marcellus Fees
PUC Eyes Private Firm For Impact Fee Collection
PUC Chair Let Marcellus Play Come To Us
PUC Would Get Shale Role Under Drilling Bill
Editorial It Makes Sense For PUC To Deal With Drilling NE Counties To Raise Millions Or Nothing Under Drilling Fee
House Capital Budget Bill Debate Focuses On Jobs
House GOP Marcellus Bill A Win For Jobs
Norquists No-Tax Pledge Cant Give Drill Fee The Ax
PA Natural Gas Levy Became Inevitable
Bradford Commissioners Disagree On Drilling Fee
832019 Pa Environment Digest Feb 20 2012
httpslidepdfcomreaderfullpa-environment-digest-feb-20-2012 2834
Vertical Exploratory Wells Wont Be Hit With Drilling Fee
Impact Fee Bill Addresses Housing Needs
Op-Ed Natural Gas Fee May Be Too Late
Editorial Marcellus Fee A Tax Stupid
Editorial Shale Drillers Got The Better Part Of Deal
Corbett Raiding Special FundsCan Pennsylvanians Survive Under Another Corbett Budget
As Roads Bridges Deteriorate Governor Silent
Analysis Taking Baby Steps On Fixing Roads Bridges
Editorial Must A Bridge Fall Down
House Capital Budget Bill Debate Focuses On Jobs
Editorial Capital Budget Funds Must Be Kept Under Control
Obama Cuts EPA Increases Chesapeake Bay Program
Chesapeake Bay Program Increased Under Obama Budget
EPA Budget Cut For States Superfund Cleanup
Obama Proposes $14 Million For Fracking Research
$67 Million Requested For Federal Pipeline SafetyDCNR Secretary Says Report On Wildlife Research Not Accurate
Other
Electronics Recycling Date Set At Greensburg Mall
Hershey Plants Achieve Zero Waste Status
RecycleBank Named On Of Worlds Most Innovative Companies
Editorial Fine Litterers No Ifs Or Butts
Corbett Signs 3 Energy Sector Bills
Op-Ed Anti-Coal Agenda Is Detrimental To PA
Op-Ed Global Warming As Fact Not Hypothesis
Op-Ed Climate Change Education Is NecessaryHomer City Power Plant Still To Dirty Groups Claim
DEP Sets March 14 Public Hearing On Homer City Power Plant
Concerns Voiced Over PPL Lines
Consumer Alert Electricity Price Discounts Heat Up
Turbine Load To Hit The Road To Holtwood Dam
PPL Plans $664 Million In Electric Delivery System Improvements
Exelon Gives Dauphin County $110000 For Emergency Response
Groups Ask For Expansion Of Nuclear Plant Evacuation Zone
Feds Give PPL Reactor Low Grade
Allentown Council Rejects Waste-To-Energy Sewage Plant
GE Invests In Cleaner Evolution LocomotiveDEP Hopeful Buyer Will Emerge For ConocoPhillips Refinery
DEP Renews ConocoPhillips Trainer Refinery Discharge Permit
100 Sunoco Workers In PA Get Layoff Notices
Meehan PA Refinery Closures Threat To National Security
Refinery Closings Could Affect 15000 Jobs Study Says
Gasoline Could Reach $5 By July 4
$4 A Gallon Gasoline By Memorial Day
832019 Pa Environment Digest Feb 20 2012
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Gasoline Prices Have Never Been This High This Early
Electric Bicycle Waiver Sought
Land Bank Bill Newest Anti-Blight Tool
Game Commission Prepares For Controlled Burn On Centre County
2012 Great Backyard Bird Count Begins Friday
Birders-Eye View Of Conservation In PhiladelphiaState Could Take Over Refurbished Point State Park
New Ohiopyle Visitors Center Project To Be Bid This Spring
Winterfest At Ohiopyle No Snow Still A Go
Protecting Landscapes Changing Face Of Conservation
Marcellus Shale NewsClips
Here are NewsClips on topics related to Marcellus Shale natural gas drilling---
Corbett Signs Marcellus Shale Fee Into Law
Corbett Signs Shale Well Impact Fee Into Law
Corbett Approves Marcellus Shale Fee
Bradford Commissioner Foolish Not To Accept Drilling Fee Money
Whats Next For PAs Impact Fee Bradford Against Fee
Bradford Commissioners Disagree On Drilling Fee
Washington County To Seek Marcellus Fees
Editorial Corbetts Gas Fee About To Evaporate
Robinson Twp To Contest New Marcellus Law
South Fayette Eyes Legal Action On Drilling Bill
Fish amp Boat Commission Grateful For Marcellus Fees
PUC Eyes Private Firm For Impact Fee CollectionPUC Chair Let Marcellus Play Come To Us
PUC Would Get Shale Role Under Drilling Bill
Editorial It Makes Sense For PUC To Deal With Drilling
Corbett Raiding Special Funds
NE Counties To Raise Millions Or Nothing Under Drilling Fee
House GOP Marcellus Bill A Win For Jobs
Norquists No-Tax Pledge Cant Give Drill Fee The Ax
PA Natural Gas Levy Became Inevitable
Wayne County Landowners Push For Drilling
Vertical Exploratory Wells Wont Be Hit With Drilling Fee
Impact Fee Bill Addresses Housing NeedsDrilling Bill Authors Health Experts Fears Unfounded
Health Officials Drilling Law Disclosure Rules Lax
Op-Ed Natural Gas Fee May Be Too Late
Editorial Marcellus Fee A Tax Stupid
Editorial Shale Drillers Got The Better Part Of Deal
Delaware Riverkeeper Reports Settlement Over Gas Well
832019 Pa Environment Digest Feb 20 2012
httpslidepdfcomreaderfullpa-environment-digest-feb-20-2012 3034
EPA Probing Washington County Shale Operations
Marcellus Boom Has Pressed Law Firms To Boost Their Staffs
25 More State Troopers In NE Shale Region
Recorders Of Deeds May Not Reject Multiple Gas Leases
Rural Loophole Curbing PA Pipeline Inspections
Pipeline Tested Ahead Of Tie-In To Shale WellsFirefighters Learn To Deal With Drilling Emergencies
Assessing PGWs Liquid Natural Gas Future
Dominion Resources Playing Responsible Role In Drilling
Report Philly Should Consider Selling Gas Company
Company Files For Gas Drilling Permit In Bucks County
Gas Drilling Debate Returns To Bucks County
Shale Drillers Drinking From Slippery Rock Creek
Gas Wells With Smaller Footprint Get Greater Scrutiny
PennEnvironment Violations Report Half-Baked
Water Tanker Truck Lands In Creek In Monroe Twp
Industry Says Over 93230 New Hires As A Result Of Marcellus ShaleBCCC Begins Classes For Marcellus Shale Workers
Marcellus Gas Creates Demand For Cars
Ex-Drilling Exec Took Nearly $1 Million Or More
Op-Ed Gas Drillers New Wild West
Marcellus Gas Production Rises So Does Recycling
FinancialOther StatesNational
Drillers Cut Natural Gas Production As Prices Drop
Talisman Cutting Back Drilling Plans
Ultra Petroleum Reports 2011 Financial Operating Results
Gas Firms Drill Less As Prices Nose DiveObama Proposes $14 Million For Fracking Research
$67 Million Requested For Federal Pipeline Safety
FloodingWatershed NewsClips
Here are NewsClips on watershed topics from around the state--
Flooding
New Bank Coming To Flood-Ravaged Shickshinny
Other Watershed NewsClips
Mon River QUEST Wins Regional IMPACT AwardEPA Evaluates States Chesapeake Bay Plans
Shale Drillers Drinking From Slippery Rock Creek
Sewage Woes Close Lewisburg Area Park
$375000 To Aid Little Buck Run Restoration Effort
Loyalhanna Creek Sewage Overflow Problem Goes To State
Turbine Load To Hit The Road To Holtwood Dam
832019 Pa Environment Digest Feb 20 2012
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Funding Sought For Restoration Of Speedwell Lake
Obama Cuts EPA Increases Chesapeake Bay Program
Chesapeake Bay Program Increased Under Obama Budget
EPA Budget Cut For States Superfund Cleanup
Editorial Delaware Dredging A Step Closer
Regulations Technical Guidance amp Permits
No new regulations were published this week Pennsylvania Bulletin - February 18 2012
Proposed Regulations Open For Comment - DEP webpage
Proposed Regulations With Closed Comment Periods - DEP webpage
DEP Regulatory Agenda - DEP webpage
Technical Guidance amp Permits
The Department of Environmental Protection published notice of bond rate calculations for mine
reclamation The Fish and Boat Commission published notice of nursery water designation for
the Shenango River Crawford County
DEP also published an update to the list of companies certified to perform radon-related
activities (PA Bulletin page 994)
Technical Guidance Comment Deadlines - DEP webpage
Copies Of Draft Technical Guidance - DEP webpage
Copies of Final Technical Guidance - DEP webpage
Calendar Of Events
Upcoming legislative meetings conferences workshops plus links to other online calendars
Meetings are in Harrisburg unless otherwise noted NEW means new from last week Go to the
online Calendar webpage
Click on Agenda Released on calendar entries to see the NEW meeting agendas published this
week
Note You can watch the hearings live through the Senate webpage and the House webpage or
on the PA Cable Network website
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February 21-- House Appropriations Committee budget hearings 930 - Global Economy
1100 - Independent Fiscal Office 130 - Department of Revenue Room 140
February 21-- CANCELED Environmental Quality Board meeting Next scheduled meeting is
March 20 ( formal notice )
February 21-- Agenda Released DEP Citizens Advisory Council meeting Room 105 Rachel
Carson Building 1130
February 22-- Senate Appropriations Committee budget hearings 930 - Department of
Environmental Protection 100 - Department of Transportation Hearing Room 1 North Office
February 23-- NEW House Democratic Policy Committee holds a hearing on Southeast PA oil
refinery closings National Constitution Center Philadelphia 1000
February 27-- House Appropriations Committee budget hearings 1000 - Public Utility
Commission 1100 - Office of Consumer Advocate Small Business Advocate Room 140
February 27-- NEW House Democratic Policy Committee holds a hearing on Marcellus Shale
air emissions Bryn Mawr Presbyterian Church Bryn Mawr 1000
February 28-- Senate Appropriations Committee budget hearings 100 - Department of
Agriculture Hearing Room 1 North Office
February 28-- House Appropriations Committee budget hearings 930 - Department of
Agriculture 1030 - Department of Conservation and Natural Resources Room 140
February 29-- Senate Appropriations Committee budget hearings 930 - PA Emergency
Management Agency Hearing Room 1 North Office
February 29-- House Game and Fisheries Committee informational meeting on Fish and Boat
Commissions Annual Report Room 39 East Wing 1000
February 29-- House Appropriations Committee budget hearings 930 - Department of
Transportation 300 - Department of Environmental Protection Room 140
March 1-- House Appropriations Committee budget hearings 1000 Department of Labor amp
Industry 100 - Department of Community and Economic Development Room 140
March 6-- House Appropriations Committee budget hearings 930 - State PoliceOffice of
Homeland Security 1100 - PA Emergency Management Agency 300 - Department of General
Services Room 140
March 6-- CANCELED DEP Storage Tank Advisory Committee meeting Next scheduled
meeting is June 5 ( formal notice )
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March 7-- House Game and Fisheries Committee informational meeting on Game Commissions
Annual Report Room 39 East Wing 1000
March 8-- House Appropriations Committee budget hearings 1000 - Budget Secretary 100 -
House Member Testimony Room 140
March 14-- DEP Air Quality Technical Advisory Committee meeting Room 105 Rachel Carson
Building 915 ( formal notice )
March 26-- Environmental Issues Forum Joint Legislative Air and Water Pollution Control and
Conservation Committee featuring a presentation by DCNR Secretary Richard Allan (Location
to be determined) Noon
DEP Calendar of Events
Note The Environmental Education Workshop Calendar is no longer available from the PACenter for Environmental Education because funding for the Center was eliminated in the FY
2011-12 state budget The PCEE website was also shutdown but some content was moved to
the PA Association of Environmental Educators website
Senate Committee Schedule House Committee Schedule
You can watch the Senate Floor Session and House Floor Session live online
Stories Invited
Send your stories photos and videos about your project environmental issues or programs for
publication in the PA Environment Digest to DHessCrisciAssociatescom
PA Environment Digest is edited by David E Hess former Secretary Pennsylvania Department
of Environmental Protection and is published as a service to the clients of Crisci Associates a
Harrisburg-based government and public affairs firm whose clients include Fortune 500
companies and non-profit organizations For more information on Crisci Associates call
717-234-1716
PA Environment Digest weekly was the winner of the PA Association of Environmental
Educators 2009 Business Partner of the Year Award
Also sign up for these other services from Crisci Associates--
PA Environment Digest Twitter Feed On Twitter sign up to receive instant updates from
PAEnviroDigest
832019 Pa Environment Digest Feb 20 2012
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PA Environment Daily Blog provides daily environmental NewsClips and significant stories
and announcements on environmental topics in Pennsylvania of immediate value Sign up and
receive as they are posted updates through your favorite RSS reader You can also sign up for a
once daily email alerting you to new items posted on this blog
PA Environment Digest Video Blog showcases original and published videos fromenvironmental groups and agencies around the state Sign up to receive as they are posted
updates through your favorite RSS read You can also sign up for a once daily email alerting
you to new items posted on this blog
PA Capitol Digest Dont forget to sign up to receive the PA Capitol Digest Twitter feed by
going to wwwTwittercomPaCapitolDigest or click on this link for the regular daily PA
Capitol Digest Blog to get other news from in and around the Pennsylvania State Capitol
Supporting Member PA Outdoor Writers AssnPA Trout Unlimited
PA Environment Digest is a supporting member of the Pennsylvania Outdoor Writers
Association Pennsylvania Council Trout Unlimited and the Doc Fritchey Chapter Trout
Unlimited
832019 Pa Environment Digest Feb 20 2012
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For more information visit Agricultures Farmland Preservation webpage
PUC Finalizes Implementation Plan For Pipeline Safety Act
The Public Utility Commission Thursday finalized an Order as the first step in implementing Act
127 the Gas and Hazardous Liquids Pipelines ActThe Commission voted 5-0 to finalize the Order which begins the process of creating a
statewide registry for non-public utility gas and hazardous liquids pipeline equipment and
facilities within the Commonwealth provides resources to conduct safety inspections to enforce
Federal pipeline safety laws on certain classifications of pipeline and assesses entities for the
costs
The Order established the following
-- The registration fee is $250
-- The 2012 registration deadline is March 16
-- Assessment invoices for the Commissionrsquos 2011-12 fiscal year will be mailed by March 30
and due by April 30 and
-- Assessment invoices for the Commissionrsquos 2012-13 fiscal year will be mailed in July 2012with payment due within 30 days
Final forms and other materials will be available on the Commissionrsquos website
Act 127 direct the PUC to develop a registry and conduct safety inspections of these lines
for ldquopipeline operatorsrdquo in the state The Commission also is to track the development of
pipelines in less populated areas which transport gas from non-conventional wells
Act 127 expands the Commissionrsquos authority to enforce the federal pipeline safety laws
as they relate to those pipelines and facilities Non-public utility gas and hazardous liquids
pipeline operators include several different categories of pipelines such as cooperatively owned
natural gas distribution systems non-utility natural gas transportation and gathering lines and
propane distribution pipeline systemsFor more information visit the PUCs Act 127 webpage
DEP Sets Feb 22 Meeting On Jefferson County Drilling Permit
The Department of Environmental Protection will host a public meeting on February 22 to
discuss Flatirons Resources LLCrsquos proposal to drill a Marcellus Shale well in Brockway
Jefferson County
The 6 pm meeting will be held at the Brockway Area JuniorSenior High School on
Alexander Street in Brockway
ldquoWe recognize that there are a lot of questions and that people want detailsrdquo DEP
Northwest Regional Director Kelly Burch said ldquoDEP staff will provide information about our role in the permitting process and address any questions and concerns the audience may have
about our oversight and environmental protectionrdquo
The horizontal well that Flatirons proposes to drill would be the second on this pad
which is on Brockway Borough Municipal Authority property in the Rattlesnake Creek
Watershed The first well was drilled in February 2011 and hydraulically fractured in November
2011
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After DEPrsquos presentation at the meeting company representatives will describe their
plans to drill the well if approved A question-and-answer session will follow
DEPrsquos decision to issue a well permit is based on the applicationrsquos technical merits and
whether the applicantrsquos drilling casing and cementing plan will protect water resources The
agency issued Flatirons a permit to drill a second well on the pad in December 2010 but it
expired a year later because the well was never drilled The permit application was resubmittedon December 27 2011
HACC Offers Free Environmental Technician Training At Midtown Campus
Training for emerging environmental jobs in the cleanup and reuse of brownfields will be offered
starting April 16 at the Midtown location of HACC Central Pennsylvaniarsquos Community College
Candidates for the federally funded program are displaced workers the unemployed or
underemployed as well as low-income or minority residents who live in the Harrisburg said
Cheryl Dietz HACC Workforce Training coordinator
Potential students can find out more by attending one of two upcoming information
sessions in Room 228 of Midtown 1 1500 N Fourth St The sessions will be held from 6-7 pmFebruary 29 and 11 am-noon March 3
HACC representatives will answer questions about the free job training program which
will consist of an eight-week 320-hour training cycle with classes meeting 8 am-3 pm April
16-June 8
To be eligible a candidate must have a general education diploma (GED) or high school
diploma test at a 10th-grade math and reading level have a valid driverrsquos license have access to
reliable transportation be drug free and demonstrate an interest in the environment
Successful graduates will receive certifications in all of the following Hazardous Waste
Operations and Emergency Response (HAZWOPER) confined space entrantattendant and
supervisor lead-based paint inspector and asbestos inspectorAdditional training will be offered in environmental site assessment air and water
quality and environmental remediation techniques
HACC is offering the training through a two-year $199890 grant awarded through the
federal Environmental Protection Agencyrsquos Brownfields Program
Two classes were held last year at HACC-Harrisburg Campus with 35 graduates Of this
number 26 have jobs (19 of them are in the environmental field) and four are continuing their
education A third class is under way in Lancaster As part of the grant HACC helps successful
graduates find environmental jobs and tracks those graduates for one year
A brownfield site is real property the expansion redevelopment or reuse of which may
be complicated by the presence or potential presence of a hazardous substance pollutant or
contaminant according to the EPAThe EPA estimates there are 180 brownfield sites in the Lancaster area and a combined
total of 120 brownfield sites in Harrisburg and Steelton
For more information or to register to attend an information session contact Cheryl
Deitz HACC Workforce Training coordinator at 221-1338 or send email to chdeitzhaccedu
PUC Chair Urges Utilities To Participate In Programs To Create Jobs For Returning
Troops
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Public Utility Commission Chairman Robert F Powelson Thursday urged the statersquos public
utilities to participate in several new programs proposed by Gov Tom Corbett and the Edison
Electric Institute to create jobs in the energy sector
The Chairman also noted that the time is right for job growth with the development of the
Marcellus Shale industry and electric competition across the stateldquoToday I encourage Pennsylvaniarsquos electric and natural gas utilities to learn from the
example set by EEI and participate in the Troops to Energy Jobs program as well as Governor
Corbettrsquos Jobs First PA initiative Chairman Powelson said in a statement at the PUCrsquos Public
Meeting In the days ahead the PUC will be coordinating with EEI and the Corbett
Administration to connect our energy companies with these innovative programsrdquo
The Chairman referenced Gov Corbetts annual budget address to the General Assembly
last week
ldquoIn his address the Governor recognized that the energy sector has enormous potential
for producing new jobs and putting the unemployed back to workrdquo Chairman Powelson said
ldquoIn announcing his new Jobs First program the Governor stated that lsquoas our energy sector
expands Pennsylvania needs a trained workforce ready to meet the demand for workersrsquordquoChairman Powelson said the EEI launched its Troops for Energy Jobs initiative which is
designed to accelerate the training and employability of veterans in key energy programs EEI is
currently piloting this program through five energy companies throughout the nation
For more information visit the Troops for Energy Jobs Initiative website
PA Chamber Environmental amp Energy Conference April 18 In Lancaster
The annual PA Chamber of Business and Industry Environmental and Energy Conference will be
held on April 18 at the Eden Resort Inn amp Suites in Lancaster
Major environmental regulatory areas continue to see numerous changes at the state andfederal level that impact business Thats why the Pennsylvania Chamber is offering four
learning tracks with answers you need on the latest environmental and energy issues-all in one
day
-- Compliance help from state and national top experts on the toughest environmental issues
-- Details on the latest regulatory changes and proposed changes
-- Proven strategies best practices and practical business tips to help you comply cost-effectively
in each area and
-- Advanced environmental roundtable
There will be two keynotes The Economic Benefits of Marcellus Shale and Natural Gas-
American Petroleum Institute Washington DC and Converting Trash into Renewable Energy-
National Solid Wastes Management Association Washington DCVisit with more than 50 exhibitors offering an exciting array of advanced technology
solutions and exhibitor educational sessions Access and network with more than 300 of your
peers from across the state
For more information and to register visit the Conference webpage or contact Sue Smith
at 717-720-5457 or send email to ssmithpachamberorg
Volunteers Needed To Plant 100 Acre Wind Break At Flight 93 Memorial In April
832019 Pa Environment Digest Feb 20 2012
httpslidepdfcomreaderfullpa-environment-digest-feb-20-2012 2334
The federal Office of Surface Mining Reclamation and Enforcement through their Appalachian
Regional Reforestation Initiative and the Department of Environmental Protection are working
with the National Park Service to plant a wind break at the Flight 93 Memorial in Somerset
County
Volunteers are needed to plant trees on April 20 21 27 and 28 Volunteers may sign upfor one day or multiple days
If you are interested in volunteering send a Volunteer Sign-Up Form and a Photo
Release Form and send to Leroy Renninger of the National Park Service by email
to Leroy_Renningernpsgov
State Fly Tying Champions Announced At Eastern Sports amp Outdoor Show
The Eastern Sports amp Outdoor Show Cumberland Valley Trout Unlimited Bass Pro Shops of
Harrisburg Mid Atlantic Fly Fishing Guide magazine and the Fish and Boat Commission
sponsored the Pennsylvania State Fly Tying Championship held on February 11 at the Eastern
Sports amp Outdoor Show at the State Farm Show Complex in HarrisburgThirteen contestants in three categories competed for money trophies and prizes in the
annual event to crown the best fly tyers in Pennsylvania
In the Open Division the winners are 1st Place - Andy Fresch Summerhill 2nd Place -
Ken Moser Severna Park MD 3rd Place - John Shosh Hamburg
The Amateur Division winners are 1st Place - Matthew Edinger Sharon Hill 2nd Place -
- Mike Marino Souderton and 3rd Place -- Elliott DeFrancesco Wilburton
The Youth Division winners are 1st Place - Gaeron Friedrichs Milford 2nd Place
Bobby Faust Dalmatia
The contestants at the final event were the top tiers selected from entries previously
submitted In order to qualify the entrants had to submit three flies from a list of flies for eachcategory
At the event each finalist was required to tie three flies over a two hour time period The
finalists knew ahead of time two of the flies that were to be tied and a third ldquomystery flyrdquo was
announced to them at the event
The championship will be held again at the 2013 Eastern Sports and Outdoor Show and
applications information and details will be posted at the Cumberland Valley Trout Unlimited or
Eastern Sports and Outdoor Show websites as they become available
PA State Parks Forest App Now Updated And Free
The Official Pennsylvania State Parks amp Forests App is now completely FREE This latestversion now on the market includes advanced interactive capabilities such as GPS trail mapping
the Friend Finder to keep track of your family and friends on the trail and more
Featured Update List Increased performance speed Multi-tasking Capability
GeoChallenge (GeocacheGeoQuest) Feature FREE enhanced GPS features
This new version increases performance speed and cuts activation time in half With the
new multi-tasking capability users gain enhanced user navigation The more adventurous
832019 Pa Environment Digest Feb 20 2012
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outdoor enthusiasts will benefit from the recently added GeoChallenges that include geocache
and geoquest activities which will be updated regularly
The waypointphoto waypoint marking tools have been upgraded and there has been a
fine-tuning of the trail-tracking feature located on the side navigation bar of the free GPS
Mapping section Use the app to track record and share your explorations with others-all at no
chargeTry out the app and let the PA Parks amp Forests Foundation know what you think
Feature
Bald Eagle Pair Get Help With Home Improvement Project
While most people try to avoid home improvement projects in the winter a pair of bald eagles
got some much needed help recently from a team of Game Commission land managers with a
very important and timely renovation project
A sycamore tree on Haldeman Island has been used by at least three mated pairs as a
nesting site since 1989 The island is just upriver of the confluence of the Susquehanna and
Juniata rivers north of Harrisburg and the tree stands just across a pond from one of three
hacking towers the Game Commission used at two locations in its bald eagle recovery program
About two weeks ago one of the limbs supporting the nest collapsed under the weight of the
nest
On Friday Steve Bernardi Game Commission Land Management Group Supervisor for
Juniata Mifflin Perry and Snyder counties was joined by Terry Willow Game Lands
Maintenance Worker with the River Island Food and Cover Corps Crew and Scott Bills Land
Management Group Supervisor for Dauphin and Lebanon counties to construct a platform to
encourage the bald eagle pair to reuse this nest site
The three men measured and cut lumber used hammers and nails as well as screws anddrills to secure the lumber in place and then placed branches and sticks on the platform to
encourage the bald eagles ndash who were watching the activity while perched in nearby trees ndash to
begin rebuilding a nest
A pair built a nest in this tree in 1989 and had their first young in 1990 Bernardi said
A storm blew the original nest out of the tree in 1995 Scott Bills who was the Wildlife
Conservation Officer in Dauphin County at that time worked with a Food and Cover Corps crew
and PPL to erect the first platform similar to what we put in place on Friday
Adult bald eagles are preparing to nest and hopefully they will come back and reuse this
platform just like they did back in 1995
Haldeman Island played a key role in the recovery of bald eagles in Pennsylvania In the
1980s it was one of two locations used for reintroduction of eagles brought by the GameCommission from Canada in the early years of restoration of eagles to our state About 40
eaglets were released at the Haldeman Island tower overlooking the ponds on the north side of
the island by 1989
When the reintroduced birds successfully raised young at a nest on Haldeman in 1990
the whole state had only seven nesting pairs And there has been an active eagle nest in that spot
every year since except 2004 when the birds took a year off
832019 Pa Environment Digest Feb 20 2012
httpslidepdfcomreaderfullpa-environment-digest-feb-20-2012 2534
While we dont know if the same pair have been active that whole time the same old
sycamore tree has been used during this period and that nest has produced more than 40 young
over this period said Dan Brauning Game Commission Wildlife Diversity Division chief
Since the site is well-protected on a Game Commission island with limited access this site has
particular value to us
Continued support for this nest will help sustain this historic location in the recovery of baldeagles in Pennsylvania
In 1983 the Game Commission began a seven-year bald eagle restoration program in
which the agency sent employees to Saskatchewan to obtain eaglets from wilderness nests The
Richard King Mellon Foundation of Pittsburgh and the federal Endangered Species Fund
provided financial assistance for this effort
In all 88 bald eaglets from Canada were released from sites at Dauphin Countys
Haldeman Island and Pike Countys Shohola Falls The resurgence of eagles in Pennsylvania is
directly related to this program which also was carried out in other states in the Northeast
When the restoration program began in 1983 only three Crawford County nests remained
in the state By 2006 the agency announced that the state had surpassed the 100 bald eagle nest
mark Just five years later in 2011 the number of known bald eagle nests had doubled to 203spread out over 50 counties
Residents aware of a bald eagle nest ndash which are among the largest nests of all birds ndash in
their area should consider reporting it to the Pennsylvania Game Commission The easiest way to
contact the agency by sending email to pgccommentspagov Use the words Eagle Nest
Information in the subject field
The Game Commission continues to further the publics understanding of bald eagles In
2010 a comprehensive Bald Eagle threatened species account and Bald Eagle Nest Etiquette
guide were added to the agencys website
In 2011 the agency launched its series of Eagle-watching in Pennsylvania guides that
will help direct those interested in viewing bald eagles in the wild on where to go how to getthere what to expect and other wildlife viewing opportunities available at each site
Currently posted are eagle-watching guides for Erie National Wildlife Refuge Crawford
County Conneaut Marsh Geneva Marsh State Game Land 213 Crawford County Raystown
Lake Huntingdon County State Game Land 180 Shohola Lake Pike County Middle Creek
Wildlife Management Area Lebanon and Lancaster counties Bald Eagle State Park Centre
County Glendale Lake Price Gallitzin State Park Cambria County John Heinz National
Wildlife Refuge Philadelphia and Delaware counties Lower Susquehanna River Lancaster and
York counties Moraine State Park Butler County Pine Creek Valley Lycoming and Tioga
counties Promised Land State Park Pike County Pymatuning Reservoir Crawford County and
the Upper Delaware River in Pike Wayne and Monroe counties
Game Commission Announces April 1 Deadline For Ads In Hunting-Trapping Digest
Game Commission Executive Director Carl G Roe Thursday announced Liberty Press
Publications publisher of the Pennsylvania Digest of Hunting amp Trapping Regulations has set
April 1 as the deadline for advertising copy in the 2012-13 Digest Click Here for details
For advertising information contact Liberty Press Publications toll-free at
1-800-296-6402
832019 Pa Environment Digest Feb 20 2012
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Opportunity To Bid On McKean County Abandoned Well Plugging Project
The Department of Environmental Protection published notice of an opportunity to bid on a
project to plug 24 abandoned oil wells in McKean County
Help Wanted Chesapeake Bay Foundation PA Grassroots Coordinator Field Specialist
The Chesapeake Bay Foundation is seeking a PA Grassroots Coordinator and a Field Specialist
to be based at their Pennsylvania State Office located in Harrisburg This position is a 2 year
term position with the possibility of extension Click Here for details
Help Wanted Conewago Creek Assistant Project Coordinator
Penn State Cooperative Extension on behalf of the Conewago Creek Initiative seeks an Assistant
Project Coordinator to be an integral part of a dynamic partnership team working together with
local state and federal partnersThe Assistant Project Coordinator will report to the Director of the Lower Susquehanna
Initiative who serves as the Project Coordinator for the Conewago Creek Initiative
The deadline for applications is March 1 Click Here for details
Help Wanted ALLARM Assistant Director Of Outreach Marcellus
The Alliance for Aquatic Resource Monitoring (ALLARM) is seeking candidate to fill a third
full time position to the organization-- Assistant Director of Outreach-- to assist with Marcellus
Monitoring program training community volunteers throughout the shale gas regions in
Pennsylvania to monitor small streams for early pollution detection Click Here for fullannouncement
Grants amp 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
February 23-- PA Pathways To Green Schools Nominations
February 24-- PA Trout In The Classroom Grants
February 29-- EPA Environmental Justice Small Grants
February 29-- Ben Franklin BIG IDEA Business Plan ContestFebruary 29-- PA American Water Stream of Learning Scholarships
February 29-- West Branch Susquehanna Orange Rock Awards
March 1-- Erie TreeVitalize Grants
March 2-- Coca-Cola Keep America Beautiful Recycling Bin Grants
March 2-- Conservation Innovation Grants Chesapeake Bay Nutrient Credit Grants
March 5-- TogetherGreen Fellowship and Innovation Grants
832019 Pa Environment Digest Feb 20 2012
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March 5-- PECDominion Western PA Environmental Awards
March 10-- PA American Water Environmental Grants
March 15-- NEW Keep PA Beautiful Greenways Mini-Grants
March 23-- Water Resources Education Network Grants
March 30-- PA American Water Protect Our Watersheds Student Art Contest
March 31-- DEP Host Municipal Inspector GrantsApril 3-- West Penn Power Sustainable Energy Fund Grants Loans
April 4-- DCNR Community Conservation Partnership Grants
April 15-- Wild Resource Conservation Fund Income Tax Checkoff Deadline
March 1-- Keystone Historic Preservation Project and Construction Grants
August 1-- PA Snowmobile Assn Trail Improvement Grants
August 24-- Foundation for PA Watershed Grants
September 1-- Erie TreeVitalize Grants
October 31-- PA Resources Council Lens On Litter Contest
-- Visit the DEP Grants and Loan Programs webpage for more ideas on how to get financial
assistance for environmental projects
BudgetQuick Clips
Heres a selection of NewClips on environmental topics from around the state--
Budget
Corbett Signs Marcellus Shale Fee Into Law
Corbett Signs Shale Well Impact Fee Into Law
Corbett Approves Marcellus Shale Fee
Bradford Commissioner Foolish Not To Accept Drilling Fee MoneyWhats Next For PAs Impact Fee Bradford Against Fee
Bradford Commissioners Disagree On Drilling Fee
Washington County To Seek Marcellus Fees
Editorial Corbetts Gas Fee About To Evaporate
Robinson Twp To Contest New Marcellus Law
South Fayette Eyes Legal Action On Drilling Bill
Fish amp Boat Commission Grateful For Marcellus Fees
PUC Eyes Private Firm For Impact Fee Collection
PUC Chair Let Marcellus Play Come To Us
PUC Would Get Shale Role Under Drilling Bill
Editorial It Makes Sense For PUC To Deal With Drilling NE Counties To Raise Millions Or Nothing Under Drilling Fee
House Capital Budget Bill Debate Focuses On Jobs
House GOP Marcellus Bill A Win For Jobs
Norquists No-Tax Pledge Cant Give Drill Fee The Ax
PA Natural Gas Levy Became Inevitable
Bradford Commissioners Disagree On Drilling Fee
832019 Pa Environment Digest Feb 20 2012
httpslidepdfcomreaderfullpa-environment-digest-feb-20-2012 2834
Vertical Exploratory Wells Wont Be Hit With Drilling Fee
Impact Fee Bill Addresses Housing Needs
Op-Ed Natural Gas Fee May Be Too Late
Editorial Marcellus Fee A Tax Stupid
Editorial Shale Drillers Got The Better Part Of Deal
Corbett Raiding Special FundsCan Pennsylvanians Survive Under Another Corbett Budget
As Roads Bridges Deteriorate Governor Silent
Analysis Taking Baby Steps On Fixing Roads Bridges
Editorial Must A Bridge Fall Down
House Capital Budget Bill Debate Focuses On Jobs
Editorial Capital Budget Funds Must Be Kept Under Control
Obama Cuts EPA Increases Chesapeake Bay Program
Chesapeake Bay Program Increased Under Obama Budget
EPA Budget Cut For States Superfund Cleanup
Obama Proposes $14 Million For Fracking Research
$67 Million Requested For Federal Pipeline SafetyDCNR Secretary Says Report On Wildlife Research Not Accurate
Other
Electronics Recycling Date Set At Greensburg Mall
Hershey Plants Achieve Zero Waste Status
RecycleBank Named On Of Worlds Most Innovative Companies
Editorial Fine Litterers No Ifs Or Butts
Corbett Signs 3 Energy Sector Bills
Op-Ed Anti-Coal Agenda Is Detrimental To PA
Op-Ed Global Warming As Fact Not Hypothesis
Op-Ed Climate Change Education Is NecessaryHomer City Power Plant Still To Dirty Groups Claim
DEP Sets March 14 Public Hearing On Homer City Power Plant
Concerns Voiced Over PPL Lines
Consumer Alert Electricity Price Discounts Heat Up
Turbine Load To Hit The Road To Holtwood Dam
PPL Plans $664 Million In Electric Delivery System Improvements
Exelon Gives Dauphin County $110000 For Emergency Response
Groups Ask For Expansion Of Nuclear Plant Evacuation Zone
Feds Give PPL Reactor Low Grade
Allentown Council Rejects Waste-To-Energy Sewage Plant
GE Invests In Cleaner Evolution LocomotiveDEP Hopeful Buyer Will Emerge For ConocoPhillips Refinery
DEP Renews ConocoPhillips Trainer Refinery Discharge Permit
100 Sunoco Workers In PA Get Layoff Notices
Meehan PA Refinery Closures Threat To National Security
Refinery Closings Could Affect 15000 Jobs Study Says
Gasoline Could Reach $5 By July 4
$4 A Gallon Gasoline By Memorial Day
832019 Pa Environment Digest Feb 20 2012
httpslidepdfcomreaderfullpa-environment-digest-feb-20-2012 2934
Gasoline Prices Have Never Been This High This Early
Electric Bicycle Waiver Sought
Land Bank Bill Newest Anti-Blight Tool
Game Commission Prepares For Controlled Burn On Centre County
2012 Great Backyard Bird Count Begins Friday
Birders-Eye View Of Conservation In PhiladelphiaState Could Take Over Refurbished Point State Park
New Ohiopyle Visitors Center Project To Be Bid This Spring
Winterfest At Ohiopyle No Snow Still A Go
Protecting Landscapes Changing Face Of Conservation
Marcellus Shale NewsClips
Here are NewsClips on topics related to Marcellus Shale natural gas drilling---
Corbett Signs Marcellus Shale Fee Into Law
Corbett Signs Shale Well Impact Fee Into Law
Corbett Approves Marcellus Shale Fee
Bradford Commissioner Foolish Not To Accept Drilling Fee Money
Whats Next For PAs Impact Fee Bradford Against Fee
Bradford Commissioners Disagree On Drilling Fee
Washington County To Seek Marcellus Fees
Editorial Corbetts Gas Fee About To Evaporate
Robinson Twp To Contest New Marcellus Law
South Fayette Eyes Legal Action On Drilling Bill
Fish amp Boat Commission Grateful For Marcellus Fees
PUC Eyes Private Firm For Impact Fee CollectionPUC Chair Let Marcellus Play Come To Us
PUC Would Get Shale Role Under Drilling Bill
Editorial It Makes Sense For PUC To Deal With Drilling
Corbett Raiding Special Funds
NE Counties To Raise Millions Or Nothing Under Drilling Fee
House GOP Marcellus Bill A Win For Jobs
Norquists No-Tax Pledge Cant Give Drill Fee The Ax
PA Natural Gas Levy Became Inevitable
Wayne County Landowners Push For Drilling
Vertical Exploratory Wells Wont Be Hit With Drilling Fee
Impact Fee Bill Addresses Housing NeedsDrilling Bill Authors Health Experts Fears Unfounded
Health Officials Drilling Law Disclosure Rules Lax
Op-Ed Natural Gas Fee May Be Too Late
Editorial Marcellus Fee A Tax Stupid
Editorial Shale Drillers Got The Better Part Of Deal
Delaware Riverkeeper Reports Settlement Over Gas Well
832019 Pa Environment Digest Feb 20 2012
httpslidepdfcomreaderfullpa-environment-digest-feb-20-2012 3034
EPA Probing Washington County Shale Operations
Marcellus Boom Has Pressed Law Firms To Boost Their Staffs
25 More State Troopers In NE Shale Region
Recorders Of Deeds May Not Reject Multiple Gas Leases
Rural Loophole Curbing PA Pipeline Inspections
Pipeline Tested Ahead Of Tie-In To Shale WellsFirefighters Learn To Deal With Drilling Emergencies
Assessing PGWs Liquid Natural Gas Future
Dominion Resources Playing Responsible Role In Drilling
Report Philly Should Consider Selling Gas Company
Company Files For Gas Drilling Permit In Bucks County
Gas Drilling Debate Returns To Bucks County
Shale Drillers Drinking From Slippery Rock Creek
Gas Wells With Smaller Footprint Get Greater Scrutiny
PennEnvironment Violations Report Half-Baked
Water Tanker Truck Lands In Creek In Monroe Twp
Industry Says Over 93230 New Hires As A Result Of Marcellus ShaleBCCC Begins Classes For Marcellus Shale Workers
Marcellus Gas Creates Demand For Cars
Ex-Drilling Exec Took Nearly $1 Million Or More
Op-Ed Gas Drillers New Wild West
Marcellus Gas Production Rises So Does Recycling
FinancialOther StatesNational
Drillers Cut Natural Gas Production As Prices Drop
Talisman Cutting Back Drilling Plans
Ultra Petroleum Reports 2011 Financial Operating Results
Gas Firms Drill Less As Prices Nose DiveObama Proposes $14 Million For Fracking Research
$67 Million Requested For Federal Pipeline Safety
FloodingWatershed NewsClips
Here are NewsClips on watershed topics from around the state--
Flooding
New Bank Coming To Flood-Ravaged Shickshinny
Other Watershed NewsClips
Mon River QUEST Wins Regional IMPACT AwardEPA Evaluates States Chesapeake Bay Plans
Shale Drillers Drinking From Slippery Rock Creek
Sewage Woes Close Lewisburg Area Park
$375000 To Aid Little Buck Run Restoration Effort
Loyalhanna Creek Sewage Overflow Problem Goes To State
Turbine Load To Hit The Road To Holtwood Dam
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Funding Sought For Restoration Of Speedwell Lake
Obama Cuts EPA Increases Chesapeake Bay Program
Chesapeake Bay Program Increased Under Obama Budget
EPA Budget Cut For States Superfund Cleanup
Editorial Delaware Dredging A Step Closer
Regulations Technical Guidance amp Permits
No new regulations were published this week Pennsylvania Bulletin - February 18 2012
Proposed Regulations Open For Comment - DEP webpage
Proposed Regulations With Closed Comment Periods - DEP webpage
DEP Regulatory Agenda - DEP webpage
Technical Guidance amp Permits
The Department of Environmental Protection published notice of bond rate calculations for mine
reclamation The Fish and Boat Commission published notice of nursery water designation for
the Shenango River Crawford County
DEP also published an update to the list of companies certified to perform radon-related
activities (PA Bulletin page 994)
Technical Guidance Comment Deadlines - DEP webpage
Copies Of Draft Technical Guidance - DEP webpage
Copies of Final Technical Guidance - DEP webpage
Calendar Of Events
Upcoming legislative meetings conferences workshops plus links to other online calendars
Meetings are in Harrisburg unless otherwise noted NEW means new from last week Go to the
online Calendar webpage
Click on Agenda Released on calendar entries to see the NEW meeting agendas published this
week
Note You can watch the hearings live through the Senate webpage and the House webpage or
on the PA Cable Network website
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February 21-- House Appropriations Committee budget hearings 930 - Global Economy
1100 - Independent Fiscal Office 130 - Department of Revenue Room 140
February 21-- CANCELED Environmental Quality Board meeting Next scheduled meeting is
March 20 ( formal notice )
February 21-- Agenda Released DEP Citizens Advisory Council meeting Room 105 Rachel
Carson Building 1130
February 22-- Senate Appropriations Committee budget hearings 930 - Department of
Environmental Protection 100 - Department of Transportation Hearing Room 1 North Office
February 23-- NEW House Democratic Policy Committee holds a hearing on Southeast PA oil
refinery closings National Constitution Center Philadelphia 1000
February 27-- House Appropriations Committee budget hearings 1000 - Public Utility
Commission 1100 - Office of Consumer Advocate Small Business Advocate Room 140
February 27-- NEW House Democratic Policy Committee holds a hearing on Marcellus Shale
air emissions Bryn Mawr Presbyterian Church Bryn Mawr 1000
February 28-- Senate Appropriations Committee budget hearings 100 - Department of
Agriculture Hearing Room 1 North Office
February 28-- House Appropriations Committee budget hearings 930 - Department of
Agriculture 1030 - Department of Conservation and Natural Resources Room 140
February 29-- Senate Appropriations Committee budget hearings 930 - PA Emergency
Management Agency Hearing Room 1 North Office
February 29-- House Game and Fisheries Committee informational meeting on Fish and Boat
Commissions Annual Report Room 39 East Wing 1000
February 29-- House Appropriations Committee budget hearings 930 - Department of
Transportation 300 - Department of Environmental Protection Room 140
March 1-- House Appropriations Committee budget hearings 1000 Department of Labor amp
Industry 100 - Department of Community and Economic Development Room 140
March 6-- House Appropriations Committee budget hearings 930 - State PoliceOffice of
Homeland Security 1100 - PA Emergency Management Agency 300 - Department of General
Services Room 140
March 6-- CANCELED DEP Storage Tank Advisory Committee meeting Next scheduled
meeting is June 5 ( formal notice )
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March 7-- House Game and Fisheries Committee informational meeting on Game Commissions
Annual Report Room 39 East Wing 1000
March 8-- House Appropriations Committee budget hearings 1000 - Budget Secretary 100 -
House Member Testimony Room 140
March 14-- DEP Air Quality Technical Advisory Committee meeting Room 105 Rachel Carson
Building 915 ( formal notice )
March 26-- Environmental Issues Forum Joint Legislative Air and Water Pollution Control and
Conservation Committee featuring a presentation by DCNR Secretary Richard Allan (Location
to be determined) Noon
DEP Calendar of Events
Note The Environmental Education Workshop Calendar is no longer available from the PACenter for Environmental Education because funding for the Center was eliminated in the FY
2011-12 state budget The PCEE website was also shutdown but some content was moved to
the PA Association of Environmental Educators website
Senate Committee Schedule House Committee Schedule
You can watch the Senate Floor Session and House Floor Session live online
Stories Invited
Send your stories photos and videos about your project environmental issues or programs for
publication in the PA Environment Digest to DHessCrisciAssociatescom
PA Environment Digest is edited by David E Hess former Secretary Pennsylvania Department
of Environmental Protection and is published as a service to the clients of Crisci Associates a
Harrisburg-based government and public affairs firm whose clients include Fortune 500
companies and non-profit organizations For more information on Crisci Associates call
717-234-1716
PA Environment Digest weekly was the winner of the PA Association of Environmental
Educators 2009 Business Partner of the Year Award
Also sign up for these other services from Crisci Associates--
PA Environment Digest Twitter Feed On Twitter sign up to receive instant updates from
PAEnviroDigest
832019 Pa Environment Digest Feb 20 2012
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PA Environment Daily Blog provides daily environmental NewsClips and significant stories
and announcements on environmental topics in Pennsylvania of immediate value Sign up and
receive as they are posted updates through your favorite RSS reader You can also sign up for a
once daily email alerting you to new items posted on this blog
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you to new items posted on this blog
PA Capitol Digest Dont forget to sign up to receive the PA Capitol Digest Twitter feed by
going to wwwTwittercomPaCapitolDigest or click on this link for the regular daily PA
Capitol Digest Blog to get other news from in and around the Pennsylvania State Capitol
Supporting Member PA Outdoor Writers AssnPA Trout Unlimited
PA Environment Digest is a supporting member of the Pennsylvania Outdoor Writers
Association Pennsylvania Council Trout Unlimited and the Doc Fritchey Chapter Trout
Unlimited
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After DEPrsquos presentation at the meeting company representatives will describe their
plans to drill the well if approved A question-and-answer session will follow
DEPrsquos decision to issue a well permit is based on the applicationrsquos technical merits and
whether the applicantrsquos drilling casing and cementing plan will protect water resources The
agency issued Flatirons a permit to drill a second well on the pad in December 2010 but it
expired a year later because the well was never drilled The permit application was resubmittedon December 27 2011
HACC Offers Free Environmental Technician Training At Midtown Campus
Training for emerging environmental jobs in the cleanup and reuse of brownfields will be offered
starting April 16 at the Midtown location of HACC Central Pennsylvaniarsquos Community College
Candidates for the federally funded program are displaced workers the unemployed or
underemployed as well as low-income or minority residents who live in the Harrisburg said
Cheryl Dietz HACC Workforce Training coordinator
Potential students can find out more by attending one of two upcoming information
sessions in Room 228 of Midtown 1 1500 N Fourth St The sessions will be held from 6-7 pmFebruary 29 and 11 am-noon March 3
HACC representatives will answer questions about the free job training program which
will consist of an eight-week 320-hour training cycle with classes meeting 8 am-3 pm April
16-June 8
To be eligible a candidate must have a general education diploma (GED) or high school
diploma test at a 10th-grade math and reading level have a valid driverrsquos license have access to
reliable transportation be drug free and demonstrate an interest in the environment
Successful graduates will receive certifications in all of the following Hazardous Waste
Operations and Emergency Response (HAZWOPER) confined space entrantattendant and
supervisor lead-based paint inspector and asbestos inspectorAdditional training will be offered in environmental site assessment air and water
quality and environmental remediation techniques
HACC is offering the training through a two-year $199890 grant awarded through the
federal Environmental Protection Agencyrsquos Brownfields Program
Two classes were held last year at HACC-Harrisburg Campus with 35 graduates Of this
number 26 have jobs (19 of them are in the environmental field) and four are continuing their
education A third class is under way in Lancaster As part of the grant HACC helps successful
graduates find environmental jobs and tracks those graduates for one year
A brownfield site is real property the expansion redevelopment or reuse of which may
be complicated by the presence or potential presence of a hazardous substance pollutant or
contaminant according to the EPAThe EPA estimates there are 180 brownfield sites in the Lancaster area and a combined
total of 120 brownfield sites in Harrisburg and Steelton
For more information or to register to attend an information session contact Cheryl
Deitz HACC Workforce Training coordinator at 221-1338 or send email to chdeitzhaccedu
PUC Chair Urges Utilities To Participate In Programs To Create Jobs For Returning
Troops
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Public Utility Commission Chairman Robert F Powelson Thursday urged the statersquos public
utilities to participate in several new programs proposed by Gov Tom Corbett and the Edison
Electric Institute to create jobs in the energy sector
The Chairman also noted that the time is right for job growth with the development of the
Marcellus Shale industry and electric competition across the stateldquoToday I encourage Pennsylvaniarsquos electric and natural gas utilities to learn from the
example set by EEI and participate in the Troops to Energy Jobs program as well as Governor
Corbettrsquos Jobs First PA initiative Chairman Powelson said in a statement at the PUCrsquos Public
Meeting In the days ahead the PUC will be coordinating with EEI and the Corbett
Administration to connect our energy companies with these innovative programsrdquo
The Chairman referenced Gov Corbetts annual budget address to the General Assembly
last week
ldquoIn his address the Governor recognized that the energy sector has enormous potential
for producing new jobs and putting the unemployed back to workrdquo Chairman Powelson said
ldquoIn announcing his new Jobs First program the Governor stated that lsquoas our energy sector
expands Pennsylvania needs a trained workforce ready to meet the demand for workersrsquordquoChairman Powelson said the EEI launched its Troops for Energy Jobs initiative which is
designed to accelerate the training and employability of veterans in key energy programs EEI is
currently piloting this program through five energy companies throughout the nation
For more information visit the Troops for Energy Jobs Initiative website
PA Chamber Environmental amp Energy Conference April 18 In Lancaster
The annual PA Chamber of Business and Industry Environmental and Energy Conference will be
held on April 18 at the Eden Resort Inn amp Suites in Lancaster
Major environmental regulatory areas continue to see numerous changes at the state andfederal level that impact business Thats why the Pennsylvania Chamber is offering four
learning tracks with answers you need on the latest environmental and energy issues-all in one
day
-- Compliance help from state and national top experts on the toughest environmental issues
-- Details on the latest regulatory changes and proposed changes
-- Proven strategies best practices and practical business tips to help you comply cost-effectively
in each area and
-- Advanced environmental roundtable
There will be two keynotes The Economic Benefits of Marcellus Shale and Natural Gas-
American Petroleum Institute Washington DC and Converting Trash into Renewable Energy-
National Solid Wastes Management Association Washington DCVisit with more than 50 exhibitors offering an exciting array of advanced technology
solutions and exhibitor educational sessions Access and network with more than 300 of your
peers from across the state
For more information and to register visit the Conference webpage or contact Sue Smith
at 717-720-5457 or send email to ssmithpachamberorg
Volunteers Needed To Plant 100 Acre Wind Break At Flight 93 Memorial In April
832019 Pa Environment Digest Feb 20 2012
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The federal Office of Surface Mining Reclamation and Enforcement through their Appalachian
Regional Reforestation Initiative and the Department of Environmental Protection are working
with the National Park Service to plant a wind break at the Flight 93 Memorial in Somerset
County
Volunteers are needed to plant trees on April 20 21 27 and 28 Volunteers may sign upfor one day or multiple days
If you are interested in volunteering send a Volunteer Sign-Up Form and a Photo
Release Form and send to Leroy Renninger of the National Park Service by email
to Leroy_Renningernpsgov
State Fly Tying Champions Announced At Eastern Sports amp Outdoor Show
The Eastern Sports amp Outdoor Show Cumberland Valley Trout Unlimited Bass Pro Shops of
Harrisburg Mid Atlantic Fly Fishing Guide magazine and the Fish and Boat Commission
sponsored the Pennsylvania State Fly Tying Championship held on February 11 at the Eastern
Sports amp Outdoor Show at the State Farm Show Complex in HarrisburgThirteen contestants in three categories competed for money trophies and prizes in the
annual event to crown the best fly tyers in Pennsylvania
In the Open Division the winners are 1st Place - Andy Fresch Summerhill 2nd Place -
Ken Moser Severna Park MD 3rd Place - John Shosh Hamburg
The Amateur Division winners are 1st Place - Matthew Edinger Sharon Hill 2nd Place -
- Mike Marino Souderton and 3rd Place -- Elliott DeFrancesco Wilburton
The Youth Division winners are 1st Place - Gaeron Friedrichs Milford 2nd Place
Bobby Faust Dalmatia
The contestants at the final event were the top tiers selected from entries previously
submitted In order to qualify the entrants had to submit three flies from a list of flies for eachcategory
At the event each finalist was required to tie three flies over a two hour time period The
finalists knew ahead of time two of the flies that were to be tied and a third ldquomystery flyrdquo was
announced to them at the event
The championship will be held again at the 2013 Eastern Sports and Outdoor Show and
applications information and details will be posted at the Cumberland Valley Trout Unlimited or
Eastern Sports and Outdoor Show websites as they become available
PA State Parks Forest App Now Updated And Free
The Official Pennsylvania State Parks amp Forests App is now completely FREE This latestversion now on the market includes advanced interactive capabilities such as GPS trail mapping
the Friend Finder to keep track of your family and friends on the trail and more
Featured Update List Increased performance speed Multi-tasking Capability
GeoChallenge (GeocacheGeoQuest) Feature FREE enhanced GPS features
This new version increases performance speed and cuts activation time in half With the
new multi-tasking capability users gain enhanced user navigation The more adventurous
832019 Pa Environment Digest Feb 20 2012
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outdoor enthusiasts will benefit from the recently added GeoChallenges that include geocache
and geoquest activities which will be updated regularly
The waypointphoto waypoint marking tools have been upgraded and there has been a
fine-tuning of the trail-tracking feature located on the side navigation bar of the free GPS
Mapping section Use the app to track record and share your explorations with others-all at no
chargeTry out the app and let the PA Parks amp Forests Foundation know what you think
Feature
Bald Eagle Pair Get Help With Home Improvement Project
While most people try to avoid home improvement projects in the winter a pair of bald eagles
got some much needed help recently from a team of Game Commission land managers with a
very important and timely renovation project
A sycamore tree on Haldeman Island has been used by at least three mated pairs as a
nesting site since 1989 The island is just upriver of the confluence of the Susquehanna and
Juniata rivers north of Harrisburg and the tree stands just across a pond from one of three
hacking towers the Game Commission used at two locations in its bald eagle recovery program
About two weeks ago one of the limbs supporting the nest collapsed under the weight of the
nest
On Friday Steve Bernardi Game Commission Land Management Group Supervisor for
Juniata Mifflin Perry and Snyder counties was joined by Terry Willow Game Lands
Maintenance Worker with the River Island Food and Cover Corps Crew and Scott Bills Land
Management Group Supervisor for Dauphin and Lebanon counties to construct a platform to
encourage the bald eagle pair to reuse this nest site
The three men measured and cut lumber used hammers and nails as well as screws anddrills to secure the lumber in place and then placed branches and sticks on the platform to
encourage the bald eagles ndash who were watching the activity while perched in nearby trees ndash to
begin rebuilding a nest
A pair built a nest in this tree in 1989 and had their first young in 1990 Bernardi said
A storm blew the original nest out of the tree in 1995 Scott Bills who was the Wildlife
Conservation Officer in Dauphin County at that time worked with a Food and Cover Corps crew
and PPL to erect the first platform similar to what we put in place on Friday
Adult bald eagles are preparing to nest and hopefully they will come back and reuse this
platform just like they did back in 1995
Haldeman Island played a key role in the recovery of bald eagles in Pennsylvania In the
1980s it was one of two locations used for reintroduction of eagles brought by the GameCommission from Canada in the early years of restoration of eagles to our state About 40
eaglets were released at the Haldeman Island tower overlooking the ponds on the north side of
the island by 1989
When the reintroduced birds successfully raised young at a nest on Haldeman in 1990
the whole state had only seven nesting pairs And there has been an active eagle nest in that spot
every year since except 2004 when the birds took a year off
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While we dont know if the same pair have been active that whole time the same old
sycamore tree has been used during this period and that nest has produced more than 40 young
over this period said Dan Brauning Game Commission Wildlife Diversity Division chief
Since the site is well-protected on a Game Commission island with limited access this site has
particular value to us
Continued support for this nest will help sustain this historic location in the recovery of baldeagles in Pennsylvania
In 1983 the Game Commission began a seven-year bald eagle restoration program in
which the agency sent employees to Saskatchewan to obtain eaglets from wilderness nests The
Richard King Mellon Foundation of Pittsburgh and the federal Endangered Species Fund
provided financial assistance for this effort
In all 88 bald eaglets from Canada were released from sites at Dauphin Countys
Haldeman Island and Pike Countys Shohola Falls The resurgence of eagles in Pennsylvania is
directly related to this program which also was carried out in other states in the Northeast
When the restoration program began in 1983 only three Crawford County nests remained
in the state By 2006 the agency announced that the state had surpassed the 100 bald eagle nest
mark Just five years later in 2011 the number of known bald eagle nests had doubled to 203spread out over 50 counties
Residents aware of a bald eagle nest ndash which are among the largest nests of all birds ndash in
their area should consider reporting it to the Pennsylvania Game Commission The easiest way to
contact the agency by sending email to pgccommentspagov Use the words Eagle Nest
Information in the subject field
The Game Commission continues to further the publics understanding of bald eagles In
2010 a comprehensive Bald Eagle threatened species account and Bald Eagle Nest Etiquette
guide were added to the agencys website
In 2011 the agency launched its series of Eagle-watching in Pennsylvania guides that
will help direct those interested in viewing bald eagles in the wild on where to go how to getthere what to expect and other wildlife viewing opportunities available at each site
Currently posted are eagle-watching guides for Erie National Wildlife Refuge Crawford
County Conneaut Marsh Geneva Marsh State Game Land 213 Crawford County Raystown
Lake Huntingdon County State Game Land 180 Shohola Lake Pike County Middle Creek
Wildlife Management Area Lebanon and Lancaster counties Bald Eagle State Park Centre
County Glendale Lake Price Gallitzin State Park Cambria County John Heinz National
Wildlife Refuge Philadelphia and Delaware counties Lower Susquehanna River Lancaster and
York counties Moraine State Park Butler County Pine Creek Valley Lycoming and Tioga
counties Promised Land State Park Pike County Pymatuning Reservoir Crawford County and
the Upper Delaware River in Pike Wayne and Monroe counties
Game Commission Announces April 1 Deadline For Ads In Hunting-Trapping Digest
Game Commission Executive Director Carl G Roe Thursday announced Liberty Press
Publications publisher of the Pennsylvania Digest of Hunting amp Trapping Regulations has set
April 1 as the deadline for advertising copy in the 2012-13 Digest Click Here for details
For advertising information contact Liberty Press Publications toll-free at
1-800-296-6402
832019 Pa Environment Digest Feb 20 2012
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Opportunity To Bid On McKean County Abandoned Well Plugging Project
The Department of Environmental Protection published notice of an opportunity to bid on a
project to plug 24 abandoned oil wells in McKean County
Help Wanted Chesapeake Bay Foundation PA Grassroots Coordinator Field Specialist
The Chesapeake Bay Foundation is seeking a PA Grassroots Coordinator and a Field Specialist
to be based at their Pennsylvania State Office located in Harrisburg This position is a 2 year
term position with the possibility of extension Click Here for details
Help Wanted Conewago Creek Assistant Project Coordinator
Penn State Cooperative Extension on behalf of the Conewago Creek Initiative seeks an Assistant
Project Coordinator to be an integral part of a dynamic partnership team working together with
local state and federal partnersThe Assistant Project Coordinator will report to the Director of the Lower Susquehanna
Initiative who serves as the Project Coordinator for the Conewago Creek Initiative
The deadline for applications is March 1 Click Here for details
Help Wanted ALLARM Assistant Director Of Outreach Marcellus
The Alliance for Aquatic Resource Monitoring (ALLARM) is seeking candidate to fill a third
full time position to the organization-- Assistant Director of Outreach-- to assist with Marcellus
Monitoring program training community volunteers throughout the shale gas regions in
Pennsylvania to monitor small streams for early pollution detection Click Here for fullannouncement
Grants amp 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
February 23-- PA Pathways To Green Schools Nominations
February 24-- PA Trout In The Classroom Grants
February 29-- EPA Environmental Justice Small Grants
February 29-- Ben Franklin BIG IDEA Business Plan ContestFebruary 29-- PA American Water Stream of Learning Scholarships
February 29-- West Branch Susquehanna Orange Rock Awards
March 1-- Erie TreeVitalize Grants
March 2-- Coca-Cola Keep America Beautiful Recycling Bin Grants
March 2-- Conservation Innovation Grants Chesapeake Bay Nutrient Credit Grants
March 5-- TogetherGreen Fellowship and Innovation Grants
832019 Pa Environment Digest Feb 20 2012
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March 5-- PECDominion Western PA Environmental Awards
March 10-- PA American Water Environmental Grants
March 15-- NEW Keep PA Beautiful Greenways Mini-Grants
March 23-- Water Resources Education Network Grants
March 30-- PA American Water Protect Our Watersheds Student Art Contest
March 31-- DEP Host Municipal Inspector GrantsApril 3-- West Penn Power Sustainable Energy Fund Grants Loans
April 4-- DCNR Community Conservation Partnership Grants
April 15-- Wild Resource Conservation Fund Income Tax Checkoff Deadline
March 1-- Keystone Historic Preservation Project and Construction Grants
August 1-- PA Snowmobile Assn Trail Improvement Grants
August 24-- Foundation for PA Watershed Grants
September 1-- Erie TreeVitalize Grants
October 31-- PA Resources Council Lens On Litter Contest
-- Visit the DEP Grants and Loan Programs webpage for more ideas on how to get financial
assistance for environmental projects
BudgetQuick Clips
Heres a selection of NewClips on environmental topics from around the state--
Budget
Corbett Signs Marcellus Shale Fee Into Law
Corbett Signs Shale Well Impact Fee Into Law
Corbett Approves Marcellus Shale Fee
Bradford Commissioner Foolish Not To Accept Drilling Fee MoneyWhats Next For PAs Impact Fee Bradford Against Fee
Bradford Commissioners Disagree On Drilling Fee
Washington County To Seek Marcellus Fees
Editorial Corbetts Gas Fee About To Evaporate
Robinson Twp To Contest New Marcellus Law
South Fayette Eyes Legal Action On Drilling Bill
Fish amp Boat Commission Grateful For Marcellus Fees
PUC Eyes Private Firm For Impact Fee Collection
PUC Chair Let Marcellus Play Come To Us
PUC Would Get Shale Role Under Drilling Bill
Editorial It Makes Sense For PUC To Deal With Drilling NE Counties To Raise Millions Or Nothing Under Drilling Fee
House Capital Budget Bill Debate Focuses On Jobs
House GOP Marcellus Bill A Win For Jobs
Norquists No-Tax Pledge Cant Give Drill Fee The Ax
PA Natural Gas Levy Became Inevitable
Bradford Commissioners Disagree On Drilling Fee
832019 Pa Environment Digest Feb 20 2012
httpslidepdfcomreaderfullpa-environment-digest-feb-20-2012 2834
Vertical Exploratory Wells Wont Be Hit With Drilling Fee
Impact Fee Bill Addresses Housing Needs
Op-Ed Natural Gas Fee May Be Too Late
Editorial Marcellus Fee A Tax Stupid
Editorial Shale Drillers Got The Better Part Of Deal
Corbett Raiding Special FundsCan Pennsylvanians Survive Under Another Corbett Budget
As Roads Bridges Deteriorate Governor Silent
Analysis Taking Baby Steps On Fixing Roads Bridges
Editorial Must A Bridge Fall Down
House Capital Budget Bill Debate Focuses On Jobs
Editorial Capital Budget Funds Must Be Kept Under Control
Obama Cuts EPA Increases Chesapeake Bay Program
Chesapeake Bay Program Increased Under Obama Budget
EPA Budget Cut For States Superfund Cleanup
Obama Proposes $14 Million For Fracking Research
$67 Million Requested For Federal Pipeline SafetyDCNR Secretary Says Report On Wildlife Research Not Accurate
Other
Electronics Recycling Date Set At Greensburg Mall
Hershey Plants Achieve Zero Waste Status
RecycleBank Named On Of Worlds Most Innovative Companies
Editorial Fine Litterers No Ifs Or Butts
Corbett Signs 3 Energy Sector Bills
Op-Ed Anti-Coal Agenda Is Detrimental To PA
Op-Ed Global Warming As Fact Not Hypothesis
Op-Ed Climate Change Education Is NecessaryHomer City Power Plant Still To Dirty Groups Claim
DEP Sets March 14 Public Hearing On Homer City Power Plant
Concerns Voiced Over PPL Lines
Consumer Alert Electricity Price Discounts Heat Up
Turbine Load To Hit The Road To Holtwood Dam
PPL Plans $664 Million In Electric Delivery System Improvements
Exelon Gives Dauphin County $110000 For Emergency Response
Groups Ask For Expansion Of Nuclear Plant Evacuation Zone
Feds Give PPL Reactor Low Grade
Allentown Council Rejects Waste-To-Energy Sewage Plant
GE Invests In Cleaner Evolution LocomotiveDEP Hopeful Buyer Will Emerge For ConocoPhillips Refinery
DEP Renews ConocoPhillips Trainer Refinery Discharge Permit
100 Sunoco Workers In PA Get Layoff Notices
Meehan PA Refinery Closures Threat To National Security
Refinery Closings Could Affect 15000 Jobs Study Says
Gasoline Could Reach $5 By July 4
$4 A Gallon Gasoline By Memorial Day
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httpslidepdfcomreaderfullpa-environment-digest-feb-20-2012 2934
Gasoline Prices Have Never Been This High This Early
Electric Bicycle Waiver Sought
Land Bank Bill Newest Anti-Blight Tool
Game Commission Prepares For Controlled Burn On Centre County
2012 Great Backyard Bird Count Begins Friday
Birders-Eye View Of Conservation In PhiladelphiaState Could Take Over Refurbished Point State Park
New Ohiopyle Visitors Center Project To Be Bid This Spring
Winterfest At Ohiopyle No Snow Still A Go
Protecting Landscapes Changing Face Of Conservation
Marcellus Shale NewsClips
Here are NewsClips on topics related to Marcellus Shale natural gas drilling---
Corbett Signs Marcellus Shale Fee Into Law
Corbett Signs Shale Well Impact Fee Into Law
Corbett Approves Marcellus Shale Fee
Bradford Commissioner Foolish Not To Accept Drilling Fee Money
Whats Next For PAs Impact Fee Bradford Against Fee
Bradford Commissioners Disagree On Drilling Fee
Washington County To Seek Marcellus Fees
Editorial Corbetts Gas Fee About To Evaporate
Robinson Twp To Contest New Marcellus Law
South Fayette Eyes Legal Action On Drilling Bill
Fish amp Boat Commission Grateful For Marcellus Fees
PUC Eyes Private Firm For Impact Fee CollectionPUC Chair Let Marcellus Play Come To Us
PUC Would Get Shale Role Under Drilling Bill
Editorial It Makes Sense For PUC To Deal With Drilling
Corbett Raiding Special Funds
NE Counties To Raise Millions Or Nothing Under Drilling Fee
House GOP Marcellus Bill A Win For Jobs
Norquists No-Tax Pledge Cant Give Drill Fee The Ax
PA Natural Gas Levy Became Inevitable
Wayne County Landowners Push For Drilling
Vertical Exploratory Wells Wont Be Hit With Drilling Fee
Impact Fee Bill Addresses Housing NeedsDrilling Bill Authors Health Experts Fears Unfounded
Health Officials Drilling Law Disclosure Rules Lax
Op-Ed Natural Gas Fee May Be Too Late
Editorial Marcellus Fee A Tax Stupid
Editorial Shale Drillers Got The Better Part Of Deal
Delaware Riverkeeper Reports Settlement Over Gas Well
832019 Pa Environment Digest Feb 20 2012
httpslidepdfcomreaderfullpa-environment-digest-feb-20-2012 3034
EPA Probing Washington County Shale Operations
Marcellus Boom Has Pressed Law Firms To Boost Their Staffs
25 More State Troopers In NE Shale Region
Recorders Of Deeds May Not Reject Multiple Gas Leases
Rural Loophole Curbing PA Pipeline Inspections
Pipeline Tested Ahead Of Tie-In To Shale WellsFirefighters Learn To Deal With Drilling Emergencies
Assessing PGWs Liquid Natural Gas Future
Dominion Resources Playing Responsible Role In Drilling
Report Philly Should Consider Selling Gas Company
Company Files For Gas Drilling Permit In Bucks County
Gas Drilling Debate Returns To Bucks County
Shale Drillers Drinking From Slippery Rock Creek
Gas Wells With Smaller Footprint Get Greater Scrutiny
PennEnvironment Violations Report Half-Baked
Water Tanker Truck Lands In Creek In Monroe Twp
Industry Says Over 93230 New Hires As A Result Of Marcellus ShaleBCCC Begins Classes For Marcellus Shale Workers
Marcellus Gas Creates Demand For Cars
Ex-Drilling Exec Took Nearly $1 Million Or More
Op-Ed Gas Drillers New Wild West
Marcellus Gas Production Rises So Does Recycling
FinancialOther StatesNational
Drillers Cut Natural Gas Production As Prices Drop
Talisman Cutting Back Drilling Plans
Ultra Petroleum Reports 2011 Financial Operating Results
Gas Firms Drill Less As Prices Nose DiveObama Proposes $14 Million For Fracking Research
$67 Million Requested For Federal Pipeline Safety
FloodingWatershed NewsClips
Here are NewsClips on watershed topics from around the state--
Flooding
New Bank Coming To Flood-Ravaged Shickshinny
Other Watershed NewsClips
Mon River QUEST Wins Regional IMPACT AwardEPA Evaluates States Chesapeake Bay Plans
Shale Drillers Drinking From Slippery Rock Creek
Sewage Woes Close Lewisburg Area Park
$375000 To Aid Little Buck Run Restoration Effort
Loyalhanna Creek Sewage Overflow Problem Goes To State
Turbine Load To Hit The Road To Holtwood Dam
832019 Pa Environment Digest Feb 20 2012
httpslidepdfcomreaderfullpa-environment-digest-feb-20-2012 3134
Funding Sought For Restoration Of Speedwell Lake
Obama Cuts EPA Increases Chesapeake Bay Program
Chesapeake Bay Program Increased Under Obama Budget
EPA Budget Cut For States Superfund Cleanup
Editorial Delaware Dredging A Step Closer
Regulations Technical Guidance amp Permits
No new regulations were published this week Pennsylvania Bulletin - February 18 2012
Proposed Regulations Open For Comment - DEP webpage
Proposed Regulations With Closed Comment Periods - DEP webpage
DEP Regulatory Agenda - DEP webpage
Technical Guidance amp Permits
The Department of Environmental Protection published notice of bond rate calculations for mine
reclamation The Fish and Boat Commission published notice of nursery water designation for
the Shenango River Crawford County
DEP also published an update to the list of companies certified to perform radon-related
activities (PA Bulletin page 994)
Technical Guidance Comment Deadlines - DEP webpage
Copies Of Draft Technical Guidance - DEP webpage
Copies of Final Technical Guidance - DEP webpage
Calendar Of Events
Upcoming legislative meetings conferences workshops plus links to other online calendars
Meetings are in Harrisburg unless otherwise noted NEW means new from last week Go to the
online Calendar webpage
Click on Agenda Released on calendar entries to see the NEW meeting agendas published this
week
Note You can watch the hearings live through the Senate webpage and the House webpage or
on the PA Cable Network website
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February 21-- House Appropriations Committee budget hearings 930 - Global Economy
1100 - Independent Fiscal Office 130 - Department of Revenue Room 140
February 21-- CANCELED Environmental Quality Board meeting Next scheduled meeting is
March 20 ( formal notice )
February 21-- Agenda Released DEP Citizens Advisory Council meeting Room 105 Rachel
Carson Building 1130
February 22-- Senate Appropriations Committee budget hearings 930 - Department of
Environmental Protection 100 - Department of Transportation Hearing Room 1 North Office
February 23-- NEW House Democratic Policy Committee holds a hearing on Southeast PA oil
refinery closings National Constitution Center Philadelphia 1000
February 27-- House Appropriations Committee budget hearings 1000 - Public Utility
Commission 1100 - Office of Consumer Advocate Small Business Advocate Room 140
February 27-- NEW House Democratic Policy Committee holds a hearing on Marcellus Shale
air emissions Bryn Mawr Presbyterian Church Bryn Mawr 1000
February 28-- Senate Appropriations Committee budget hearings 100 - Department of
Agriculture Hearing Room 1 North Office
February 28-- House Appropriations Committee budget hearings 930 - Department of
Agriculture 1030 - Department of Conservation and Natural Resources Room 140
February 29-- Senate Appropriations Committee budget hearings 930 - PA Emergency
Management Agency Hearing Room 1 North Office
February 29-- House Game and Fisheries Committee informational meeting on Fish and Boat
Commissions Annual Report Room 39 East Wing 1000
February 29-- House Appropriations Committee budget hearings 930 - Department of
Transportation 300 - Department of Environmental Protection Room 140
March 1-- House Appropriations Committee budget hearings 1000 Department of Labor amp
Industry 100 - Department of Community and Economic Development Room 140
March 6-- House Appropriations Committee budget hearings 930 - State PoliceOffice of
Homeland Security 1100 - PA Emergency Management Agency 300 - Department of General
Services Room 140
March 6-- CANCELED DEP Storage Tank Advisory Committee meeting Next scheduled
meeting is June 5 ( formal notice )
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March 7-- House Game and Fisheries Committee informational meeting on Game Commissions
Annual Report Room 39 East Wing 1000
March 8-- House Appropriations Committee budget hearings 1000 - Budget Secretary 100 -
House Member Testimony Room 140
March 14-- DEP Air Quality Technical Advisory Committee meeting Room 105 Rachel Carson
Building 915 ( formal notice )
March 26-- Environmental Issues Forum Joint Legislative Air and Water Pollution Control and
Conservation Committee featuring a presentation by DCNR Secretary Richard Allan (Location
to be determined) Noon
DEP Calendar of Events
Note The Environmental Education Workshop Calendar is no longer available from the PACenter for Environmental Education because funding for the Center was eliminated in the FY
2011-12 state budget The PCEE website was also shutdown but some content was moved to
the PA Association of Environmental Educators website
Senate Committee Schedule House Committee Schedule
You can watch the Senate Floor Session and House Floor Session live online
Stories Invited
Send your stories photos and videos about your project environmental issues or programs for
publication in the PA Environment Digest to DHessCrisciAssociatescom
PA Environment Digest is edited by David E Hess former Secretary Pennsylvania Department
of Environmental Protection and is published as a service to the clients of Crisci Associates a
Harrisburg-based government and public affairs firm whose clients include Fortune 500
companies and non-profit organizations For more information on Crisci Associates call
717-234-1716
PA Environment Digest weekly was the winner of the PA Association of Environmental
Educators 2009 Business Partner of the Year Award
Also sign up for these other services from Crisci Associates--
PA Environment Digest Twitter Feed On Twitter sign up to receive instant updates from
PAEnviroDigest
832019 Pa Environment Digest Feb 20 2012
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PA Environment Daily Blog provides daily environmental NewsClips and significant stories
and announcements on environmental topics in Pennsylvania of immediate value Sign up and
receive as they are posted updates through your favorite RSS reader You can also sign up for a
once daily email alerting you to new items posted on this blog
PA Environment Digest Video Blog showcases original and published videos fromenvironmental groups and agencies around the state Sign up to receive as they are posted
updates through your favorite RSS read You can also sign up for a once daily email alerting
you to new items posted on this blog
PA Capitol Digest Dont forget to sign up to receive the PA Capitol Digest Twitter feed by
going to wwwTwittercomPaCapitolDigest or click on this link for the regular daily PA
Capitol Digest Blog to get other news from in and around the Pennsylvania State Capitol
Supporting Member PA Outdoor Writers AssnPA Trout Unlimited
PA Environment Digest is a supporting member of the Pennsylvania Outdoor Writers
Association Pennsylvania Council Trout Unlimited and the Doc Fritchey Chapter Trout
Unlimited
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Public Utility Commission Chairman Robert F Powelson Thursday urged the statersquos public
utilities to participate in several new programs proposed by Gov Tom Corbett and the Edison
Electric Institute to create jobs in the energy sector
The Chairman also noted that the time is right for job growth with the development of the
Marcellus Shale industry and electric competition across the stateldquoToday I encourage Pennsylvaniarsquos electric and natural gas utilities to learn from the
example set by EEI and participate in the Troops to Energy Jobs program as well as Governor
Corbettrsquos Jobs First PA initiative Chairman Powelson said in a statement at the PUCrsquos Public
Meeting In the days ahead the PUC will be coordinating with EEI and the Corbett
Administration to connect our energy companies with these innovative programsrdquo
The Chairman referenced Gov Corbetts annual budget address to the General Assembly
last week
ldquoIn his address the Governor recognized that the energy sector has enormous potential
for producing new jobs and putting the unemployed back to workrdquo Chairman Powelson said
ldquoIn announcing his new Jobs First program the Governor stated that lsquoas our energy sector
expands Pennsylvania needs a trained workforce ready to meet the demand for workersrsquordquoChairman Powelson said the EEI launched its Troops for Energy Jobs initiative which is
designed to accelerate the training and employability of veterans in key energy programs EEI is
currently piloting this program through five energy companies throughout the nation
For more information visit the Troops for Energy Jobs Initiative website
PA Chamber Environmental amp Energy Conference April 18 In Lancaster
The annual PA Chamber of Business and Industry Environmental and Energy Conference will be
held on April 18 at the Eden Resort Inn amp Suites in Lancaster
Major environmental regulatory areas continue to see numerous changes at the state andfederal level that impact business Thats why the Pennsylvania Chamber is offering four
learning tracks with answers you need on the latest environmental and energy issues-all in one
day
-- Compliance help from state and national top experts on the toughest environmental issues
-- Details on the latest regulatory changes and proposed changes
-- Proven strategies best practices and practical business tips to help you comply cost-effectively
in each area and
-- Advanced environmental roundtable
There will be two keynotes The Economic Benefits of Marcellus Shale and Natural Gas-
American Petroleum Institute Washington DC and Converting Trash into Renewable Energy-
National Solid Wastes Management Association Washington DCVisit with more than 50 exhibitors offering an exciting array of advanced technology
solutions and exhibitor educational sessions Access and network with more than 300 of your
peers from across the state
For more information and to register visit the Conference webpage or contact Sue Smith
at 717-720-5457 or send email to ssmithpachamberorg
Volunteers Needed To Plant 100 Acre Wind Break At Flight 93 Memorial In April
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The federal Office of Surface Mining Reclamation and Enforcement through their Appalachian
Regional Reforestation Initiative and the Department of Environmental Protection are working
with the National Park Service to plant a wind break at the Flight 93 Memorial in Somerset
County
Volunteers are needed to plant trees on April 20 21 27 and 28 Volunteers may sign upfor one day or multiple days
If you are interested in volunteering send a Volunteer Sign-Up Form and a Photo
Release Form and send to Leroy Renninger of the National Park Service by email
to Leroy_Renningernpsgov
State Fly Tying Champions Announced At Eastern Sports amp Outdoor Show
The Eastern Sports amp Outdoor Show Cumberland Valley Trout Unlimited Bass Pro Shops of
Harrisburg Mid Atlantic Fly Fishing Guide magazine and the Fish and Boat Commission
sponsored the Pennsylvania State Fly Tying Championship held on February 11 at the Eastern
Sports amp Outdoor Show at the State Farm Show Complex in HarrisburgThirteen contestants in three categories competed for money trophies and prizes in the
annual event to crown the best fly tyers in Pennsylvania
In the Open Division the winners are 1st Place - Andy Fresch Summerhill 2nd Place -
Ken Moser Severna Park MD 3rd Place - John Shosh Hamburg
The Amateur Division winners are 1st Place - Matthew Edinger Sharon Hill 2nd Place -
- Mike Marino Souderton and 3rd Place -- Elliott DeFrancesco Wilburton
The Youth Division winners are 1st Place - Gaeron Friedrichs Milford 2nd Place
Bobby Faust Dalmatia
The contestants at the final event were the top tiers selected from entries previously
submitted In order to qualify the entrants had to submit three flies from a list of flies for eachcategory
At the event each finalist was required to tie three flies over a two hour time period The
finalists knew ahead of time two of the flies that were to be tied and a third ldquomystery flyrdquo was
announced to them at the event
The championship will be held again at the 2013 Eastern Sports and Outdoor Show and
applications information and details will be posted at the Cumberland Valley Trout Unlimited or
Eastern Sports and Outdoor Show websites as they become available
PA State Parks Forest App Now Updated And Free
The Official Pennsylvania State Parks amp Forests App is now completely FREE This latestversion now on the market includes advanced interactive capabilities such as GPS trail mapping
the Friend Finder to keep track of your family and friends on the trail and more
Featured Update List Increased performance speed Multi-tasking Capability
GeoChallenge (GeocacheGeoQuest) Feature FREE enhanced GPS features
This new version increases performance speed and cuts activation time in half With the
new multi-tasking capability users gain enhanced user navigation The more adventurous
832019 Pa Environment Digest Feb 20 2012
httpslidepdfcomreaderfullpa-environment-digest-feb-20-2012 2434
outdoor enthusiasts will benefit from the recently added GeoChallenges that include geocache
and geoquest activities which will be updated regularly
The waypointphoto waypoint marking tools have been upgraded and there has been a
fine-tuning of the trail-tracking feature located on the side navigation bar of the free GPS
Mapping section Use the app to track record and share your explorations with others-all at no
chargeTry out the app and let the PA Parks amp Forests Foundation know what you think
Feature
Bald Eagle Pair Get Help With Home Improvement Project
While most people try to avoid home improvement projects in the winter a pair of bald eagles
got some much needed help recently from a team of Game Commission land managers with a
very important and timely renovation project
A sycamore tree on Haldeman Island has been used by at least three mated pairs as a
nesting site since 1989 The island is just upriver of the confluence of the Susquehanna and
Juniata rivers north of Harrisburg and the tree stands just across a pond from one of three
hacking towers the Game Commission used at two locations in its bald eagle recovery program
About two weeks ago one of the limbs supporting the nest collapsed under the weight of the
nest
On Friday Steve Bernardi Game Commission Land Management Group Supervisor for
Juniata Mifflin Perry and Snyder counties was joined by Terry Willow Game Lands
Maintenance Worker with the River Island Food and Cover Corps Crew and Scott Bills Land
Management Group Supervisor for Dauphin and Lebanon counties to construct a platform to
encourage the bald eagle pair to reuse this nest site
The three men measured and cut lumber used hammers and nails as well as screws anddrills to secure the lumber in place and then placed branches and sticks on the platform to
encourage the bald eagles ndash who were watching the activity while perched in nearby trees ndash to
begin rebuilding a nest
A pair built a nest in this tree in 1989 and had their first young in 1990 Bernardi said
A storm blew the original nest out of the tree in 1995 Scott Bills who was the Wildlife
Conservation Officer in Dauphin County at that time worked with a Food and Cover Corps crew
and PPL to erect the first platform similar to what we put in place on Friday
Adult bald eagles are preparing to nest and hopefully they will come back and reuse this
platform just like they did back in 1995
Haldeman Island played a key role in the recovery of bald eagles in Pennsylvania In the
1980s it was one of two locations used for reintroduction of eagles brought by the GameCommission from Canada in the early years of restoration of eagles to our state About 40
eaglets were released at the Haldeman Island tower overlooking the ponds on the north side of
the island by 1989
When the reintroduced birds successfully raised young at a nest on Haldeman in 1990
the whole state had only seven nesting pairs And there has been an active eagle nest in that spot
every year since except 2004 when the birds took a year off
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httpslidepdfcomreaderfullpa-environment-digest-feb-20-2012 2534
While we dont know if the same pair have been active that whole time the same old
sycamore tree has been used during this period and that nest has produced more than 40 young
over this period said Dan Brauning Game Commission Wildlife Diversity Division chief
Since the site is well-protected on a Game Commission island with limited access this site has
particular value to us
Continued support for this nest will help sustain this historic location in the recovery of baldeagles in Pennsylvania
In 1983 the Game Commission began a seven-year bald eagle restoration program in
which the agency sent employees to Saskatchewan to obtain eaglets from wilderness nests The
Richard King Mellon Foundation of Pittsburgh and the federal Endangered Species Fund
provided financial assistance for this effort
In all 88 bald eaglets from Canada were released from sites at Dauphin Countys
Haldeman Island and Pike Countys Shohola Falls The resurgence of eagles in Pennsylvania is
directly related to this program which also was carried out in other states in the Northeast
When the restoration program began in 1983 only three Crawford County nests remained
in the state By 2006 the agency announced that the state had surpassed the 100 bald eagle nest
mark Just five years later in 2011 the number of known bald eagle nests had doubled to 203spread out over 50 counties
Residents aware of a bald eagle nest ndash which are among the largest nests of all birds ndash in
their area should consider reporting it to the Pennsylvania Game Commission The easiest way to
contact the agency by sending email to pgccommentspagov Use the words Eagle Nest
Information in the subject field
The Game Commission continues to further the publics understanding of bald eagles In
2010 a comprehensive Bald Eagle threatened species account and Bald Eagle Nest Etiquette
guide were added to the agencys website
In 2011 the agency launched its series of Eagle-watching in Pennsylvania guides that
will help direct those interested in viewing bald eagles in the wild on where to go how to getthere what to expect and other wildlife viewing opportunities available at each site
Currently posted are eagle-watching guides for Erie National Wildlife Refuge Crawford
County Conneaut Marsh Geneva Marsh State Game Land 213 Crawford County Raystown
Lake Huntingdon County State Game Land 180 Shohola Lake Pike County Middle Creek
Wildlife Management Area Lebanon and Lancaster counties Bald Eagle State Park Centre
County Glendale Lake Price Gallitzin State Park Cambria County John Heinz National
Wildlife Refuge Philadelphia and Delaware counties Lower Susquehanna River Lancaster and
York counties Moraine State Park Butler County Pine Creek Valley Lycoming and Tioga
counties Promised Land State Park Pike County Pymatuning Reservoir Crawford County and
the Upper Delaware River in Pike Wayne and Monroe counties
Game Commission Announces April 1 Deadline For Ads In Hunting-Trapping Digest
Game Commission Executive Director Carl G Roe Thursday announced Liberty Press
Publications publisher of the Pennsylvania Digest of Hunting amp Trapping Regulations has set
April 1 as the deadline for advertising copy in the 2012-13 Digest Click Here for details
For advertising information contact Liberty Press Publications toll-free at
1-800-296-6402
832019 Pa Environment Digest Feb 20 2012
httpslidepdfcomreaderfullpa-environment-digest-feb-20-2012 2634
Opportunity To Bid On McKean County Abandoned Well Plugging Project
The Department of Environmental Protection published notice of an opportunity to bid on a
project to plug 24 abandoned oil wells in McKean County
Help Wanted Chesapeake Bay Foundation PA Grassroots Coordinator Field Specialist
The Chesapeake Bay Foundation is seeking a PA Grassroots Coordinator and a Field Specialist
to be based at their Pennsylvania State Office located in Harrisburg This position is a 2 year
term position with the possibility of extension Click Here for details
Help Wanted Conewago Creek Assistant Project Coordinator
Penn State Cooperative Extension on behalf of the Conewago Creek Initiative seeks an Assistant
Project Coordinator to be an integral part of a dynamic partnership team working together with
local state and federal partnersThe Assistant Project Coordinator will report to the Director of the Lower Susquehanna
Initiative who serves as the Project Coordinator for the Conewago Creek Initiative
The deadline for applications is March 1 Click Here for details
Help Wanted ALLARM Assistant Director Of Outreach Marcellus
The Alliance for Aquatic Resource Monitoring (ALLARM) is seeking candidate to fill a third
full time position to the organization-- Assistant Director of Outreach-- to assist with Marcellus
Monitoring program training community volunteers throughout the shale gas regions in
Pennsylvania to monitor small streams for early pollution detection Click Here for fullannouncement
Grants amp 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
February 23-- PA Pathways To Green Schools Nominations
February 24-- PA Trout In The Classroom Grants
February 29-- EPA Environmental Justice Small Grants
February 29-- Ben Franklin BIG IDEA Business Plan ContestFebruary 29-- PA American Water Stream of Learning Scholarships
February 29-- West Branch Susquehanna Orange Rock Awards
March 1-- Erie TreeVitalize Grants
March 2-- Coca-Cola Keep America Beautiful Recycling Bin Grants
March 2-- Conservation Innovation Grants Chesapeake Bay Nutrient Credit Grants
March 5-- TogetherGreen Fellowship and Innovation Grants
832019 Pa Environment Digest Feb 20 2012
httpslidepdfcomreaderfullpa-environment-digest-feb-20-2012 2734
March 5-- PECDominion Western PA Environmental Awards
March 10-- PA American Water Environmental Grants
March 15-- NEW Keep PA Beautiful Greenways Mini-Grants
March 23-- Water Resources Education Network Grants
March 30-- PA American Water Protect Our Watersheds Student Art Contest
March 31-- DEP Host Municipal Inspector GrantsApril 3-- West Penn Power Sustainable Energy Fund Grants Loans
April 4-- DCNR Community Conservation Partnership Grants
April 15-- Wild Resource Conservation Fund Income Tax Checkoff Deadline
March 1-- Keystone Historic Preservation Project and Construction Grants
August 1-- PA Snowmobile Assn Trail Improvement Grants
August 24-- Foundation for PA Watershed Grants
September 1-- Erie TreeVitalize Grants
October 31-- PA Resources Council Lens On Litter Contest
-- Visit the DEP Grants and Loan Programs webpage for more ideas on how to get financial
assistance for environmental projects
BudgetQuick Clips
Heres a selection of NewClips on environmental topics from around the state--
Budget
Corbett Signs Marcellus Shale Fee Into Law
Corbett Signs Shale Well Impact Fee Into Law
Corbett Approves Marcellus Shale Fee
Bradford Commissioner Foolish Not To Accept Drilling Fee MoneyWhats Next For PAs Impact Fee Bradford Against Fee
Bradford Commissioners Disagree On Drilling Fee
Washington County To Seek Marcellus Fees
Editorial Corbetts Gas Fee About To Evaporate
Robinson Twp To Contest New Marcellus Law
South Fayette Eyes Legal Action On Drilling Bill
Fish amp Boat Commission Grateful For Marcellus Fees
PUC Eyes Private Firm For Impact Fee Collection
PUC Chair Let Marcellus Play Come To Us
PUC Would Get Shale Role Under Drilling Bill
Editorial It Makes Sense For PUC To Deal With Drilling NE Counties To Raise Millions Or Nothing Under Drilling Fee
House Capital Budget Bill Debate Focuses On Jobs
House GOP Marcellus Bill A Win For Jobs
Norquists No-Tax Pledge Cant Give Drill Fee The Ax
PA Natural Gas Levy Became Inevitable
Bradford Commissioners Disagree On Drilling Fee
832019 Pa Environment Digest Feb 20 2012
httpslidepdfcomreaderfullpa-environment-digest-feb-20-2012 2834
Vertical Exploratory Wells Wont Be Hit With Drilling Fee
Impact Fee Bill Addresses Housing Needs
Op-Ed Natural Gas Fee May Be Too Late
Editorial Marcellus Fee A Tax Stupid
Editorial Shale Drillers Got The Better Part Of Deal
Corbett Raiding Special FundsCan Pennsylvanians Survive Under Another Corbett Budget
As Roads Bridges Deteriorate Governor Silent
Analysis Taking Baby Steps On Fixing Roads Bridges
Editorial Must A Bridge Fall Down
House Capital Budget Bill Debate Focuses On Jobs
Editorial Capital Budget Funds Must Be Kept Under Control
Obama Cuts EPA Increases Chesapeake Bay Program
Chesapeake Bay Program Increased Under Obama Budget
EPA Budget Cut For States Superfund Cleanup
Obama Proposes $14 Million For Fracking Research
$67 Million Requested For Federal Pipeline SafetyDCNR Secretary Says Report On Wildlife Research Not Accurate
Other
Electronics Recycling Date Set At Greensburg Mall
Hershey Plants Achieve Zero Waste Status
RecycleBank Named On Of Worlds Most Innovative Companies
Editorial Fine Litterers No Ifs Or Butts
Corbett Signs 3 Energy Sector Bills
Op-Ed Anti-Coal Agenda Is Detrimental To PA
Op-Ed Global Warming As Fact Not Hypothesis
Op-Ed Climate Change Education Is NecessaryHomer City Power Plant Still To Dirty Groups Claim
DEP Sets March 14 Public Hearing On Homer City Power Plant
Concerns Voiced Over PPL Lines
Consumer Alert Electricity Price Discounts Heat Up
Turbine Load To Hit The Road To Holtwood Dam
PPL Plans $664 Million In Electric Delivery System Improvements
Exelon Gives Dauphin County $110000 For Emergency Response
Groups Ask For Expansion Of Nuclear Plant Evacuation Zone
Feds Give PPL Reactor Low Grade
Allentown Council Rejects Waste-To-Energy Sewage Plant
GE Invests In Cleaner Evolution LocomotiveDEP Hopeful Buyer Will Emerge For ConocoPhillips Refinery
DEP Renews ConocoPhillips Trainer Refinery Discharge Permit
100 Sunoco Workers In PA Get Layoff Notices
Meehan PA Refinery Closures Threat To National Security
Refinery Closings Could Affect 15000 Jobs Study Says
Gasoline Could Reach $5 By July 4
$4 A Gallon Gasoline By Memorial Day
832019 Pa Environment Digest Feb 20 2012
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Gasoline Prices Have Never Been This High This Early
Electric Bicycle Waiver Sought
Land Bank Bill Newest Anti-Blight Tool
Game Commission Prepares For Controlled Burn On Centre County
2012 Great Backyard Bird Count Begins Friday
Birders-Eye View Of Conservation In PhiladelphiaState Could Take Over Refurbished Point State Park
New Ohiopyle Visitors Center Project To Be Bid This Spring
Winterfest At Ohiopyle No Snow Still A Go
Protecting Landscapes Changing Face Of Conservation
Marcellus Shale NewsClips
Here are NewsClips on topics related to Marcellus Shale natural gas drilling---
Corbett Signs Marcellus Shale Fee Into Law
Corbett Signs Shale Well Impact Fee Into Law
Corbett Approves Marcellus Shale Fee
Bradford Commissioner Foolish Not To Accept Drilling Fee Money
Whats Next For PAs Impact Fee Bradford Against Fee
Bradford Commissioners Disagree On Drilling Fee
Washington County To Seek Marcellus Fees
Editorial Corbetts Gas Fee About To Evaporate
Robinson Twp To Contest New Marcellus Law
South Fayette Eyes Legal Action On Drilling Bill
Fish amp Boat Commission Grateful For Marcellus Fees
PUC Eyes Private Firm For Impact Fee CollectionPUC Chair Let Marcellus Play Come To Us
PUC Would Get Shale Role Under Drilling Bill
Editorial It Makes Sense For PUC To Deal With Drilling
Corbett Raiding Special Funds
NE Counties To Raise Millions Or Nothing Under Drilling Fee
House GOP Marcellus Bill A Win For Jobs
Norquists No-Tax Pledge Cant Give Drill Fee The Ax
PA Natural Gas Levy Became Inevitable
Wayne County Landowners Push For Drilling
Vertical Exploratory Wells Wont Be Hit With Drilling Fee
Impact Fee Bill Addresses Housing NeedsDrilling Bill Authors Health Experts Fears Unfounded
Health Officials Drilling Law Disclosure Rules Lax
Op-Ed Natural Gas Fee May Be Too Late
Editorial Marcellus Fee A Tax Stupid
Editorial Shale Drillers Got The Better Part Of Deal
Delaware Riverkeeper Reports Settlement Over Gas Well
832019 Pa Environment Digest Feb 20 2012
httpslidepdfcomreaderfullpa-environment-digest-feb-20-2012 3034
EPA Probing Washington County Shale Operations
Marcellus Boom Has Pressed Law Firms To Boost Their Staffs
25 More State Troopers In NE Shale Region
Recorders Of Deeds May Not Reject Multiple Gas Leases
Rural Loophole Curbing PA Pipeline Inspections
Pipeline Tested Ahead Of Tie-In To Shale WellsFirefighters Learn To Deal With Drilling Emergencies
Assessing PGWs Liquid Natural Gas Future
Dominion Resources Playing Responsible Role In Drilling
Report Philly Should Consider Selling Gas Company
Company Files For Gas Drilling Permit In Bucks County
Gas Drilling Debate Returns To Bucks County
Shale Drillers Drinking From Slippery Rock Creek
Gas Wells With Smaller Footprint Get Greater Scrutiny
PennEnvironment Violations Report Half-Baked
Water Tanker Truck Lands In Creek In Monroe Twp
Industry Says Over 93230 New Hires As A Result Of Marcellus ShaleBCCC Begins Classes For Marcellus Shale Workers
Marcellus Gas Creates Demand For Cars
Ex-Drilling Exec Took Nearly $1 Million Or More
Op-Ed Gas Drillers New Wild West
Marcellus Gas Production Rises So Does Recycling
FinancialOther StatesNational
Drillers Cut Natural Gas Production As Prices Drop
Talisman Cutting Back Drilling Plans
Ultra Petroleum Reports 2011 Financial Operating Results
Gas Firms Drill Less As Prices Nose DiveObama Proposes $14 Million For Fracking Research
$67 Million Requested For Federal Pipeline Safety
FloodingWatershed NewsClips
Here are NewsClips on watershed topics from around the state--
Flooding
New Bank Coming To Flood-Ravaged Shickshinny
Other Watershed NewsClips
Mon River QUEST Wins Regional IMPACT AwardEPA Evaluates States Chesapeake Bay Plans
Shale Drillers Drinking From Slippery Rock Creek
Sewage Woes Close Lewisburg Area Park
$375000 To Aid Little Buck Run Restoration Effort
Loyalhanna Creek Sewage Overflow Problem Goes To State
Turbine Load To Hit The Road To Holtwood Dam
832019 Pa Environment Digest Feb 20 2012
httpslidepdfcomreaderfullpa-environment-digest-feb-20-2012 3134
Funding Sought For Restoration Of Speedwell Lake
Obama Cuts EPA Increases Chesapeake Bay Program
Chesapeake Bay Program Increased Under Obama Budget
EPA Budget Cut For States Superfund Cleanup
Editorial Delaware Dredging A Step Closer
Regulations Technical Guidance amp Permits
No new regulations were published this week Pennsylvania Bulletin - February 18 2012
Proposed Regulations Open For Comment - DEP webpage
Proposed Regulations With Closed Comment Periods - DEP webpage
DEP Regulatory Agenda - DEP webpage
Technical Guidance amp Permits
The Department of Environmental Protection published notice of bond rate calculations for mine
reclamation The Fish and Boat Commission published notice of nursery water designation for
the Shenango River Crawford County
DEP also published an update to the list of companies certified to perform radon-related
activities (PA Bulletin page 994)
Technical Guidance Comment Deadlines - DEP webpage
Copies Of Draft Technical Guidance - DEP webpage
Copies of Final Technical Guidance - DEP webpage
Calendar Of Events
Upcoming legislative meetings conferences workshops plus links to other online calendars
Meetings are in Harrisburg unless otherwise noted NEW means new from last week Go to the
online Calendar webpage
Click on Agenda Released on calendar entries to see the NEW meeting agendas published this
week
Note You can watch the hearings live through the Senate webpage and the House webpage or
on the PA Cable Network website
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February 21-- House Appropriations Committee budget hearings 930 - Global Economy
1100 - Independent Fiscal Office 130 - Department of Revenue Room 140
February 21-- CANCELED Environmental Quality Board meeting Next scheduled meeting is
March 20 ( formal notice )
February 21-- Agenda Released DEP Citizens Advisory Council meeting Room 105 Rachel
Carson Building 1130
February 22-- Senate Appropriations Committee budget hearings 930 - Department of
Environmental Protection 100 - Department of Transportation Hearing Room 1 North Office
February 23-- NEW House Democratic Policy Committee holds a hearing on Southeast PA oil
refinery closings National Constitution Center Philadelphia 1000
February 27-- House Appropriations Committee budget hearings 1000 - Public Utility
Commission 1100 - Office of Consumer Advocate Small Business Advocate Room 140
February 27-- NEW House Democratic Policy Committee holds a hearing on Marcellus Shale
air emissions Bryn Mawr Presbyterian Church Bryn Mawr 1000
February 28-- Senate Appropriations Committee budget hearings 100 - Department of
Agriculture Hearing Room 1 North Office
February 28-- House Appropriations Committee budget hearings 930 - Department of
Agriculture 1030 - Department of Conservation and Natural Resources Room 140
February 29-- Senate Appropriations Committee budget hearings 930 - PA Emergency
Management Agency Hearing Room 1 North Office
February 29-- House Game and Fisheries Committee informational meeting on Fish and Boat
Commissions Annual Report Room 39 East Wing 1000
February 29-- House Appropriations Committee budget hearings 930 - Department of
Transportation 300 - Department of Environmental Protection Room 140
March 1-- House Appropriations Committee budget hearings 1000 Department of Labor amp
Industry 100 - Department of Community and Economic Development Room 140
March 6-- House Appropriations Committee budget hearings 930 - State PoliceOffice of
Homeland Security 1100 - PA Emergency Management Agency 300 - Department of General
Services Room 140
March 6-- CANCELED DEP Storage Tank Advisory Committee meeting Next scheduled
meeting is June 5 ( formal notice )
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March 7-- House Game and Fisheries Committee informational meeting on Game Commissions
Annual Report Room 39 East Wing 1000
March 8-- House Appropriations Committee budget hearings 1000 - Budget Secretary 100 -
House Member Testimony Room 140
March 14-- DEP Air Quality Technical Advisory Committee meeting Room 105 Rachel Carson
Building 915 ( formal notice )
March 26-- Environmental Issues Forum Joint Legislative Air and Water Pollution Control and
Conservation Committee featuring a presentation by DCNR Secretary Richard Allan (Location
to be determined) Noon
DEP Calendar of Events
Note The Environmental Education Workshop Calendar is no longer available from the PACenter for Environmental Education because funding for the Center was eliminated in the FY
2011-12 state budget The PCEE website was also shutdown but some content was moved to
the PA Association of Environmental Educators website
Senate Committee Schedule House Committee Schedule
You can watch the Senate Floor Session and House Floor Session live online
Stories Invited
Send your stories photos and videos about your project environmental issues or programs for
publication in the PA Environment Digest to DHessCrisciAssociatescom
PA Environment Digest is edited by David E Hess former Secretary Pennsylvania Department
of Environmental Protection and is published as a service to the clients of Crisci Associates a
Harrisburg-based government and public affairs firm whose clients include Fortune 500
companies and non-profit organizations For more information on Crisci Associates call
717-234-1716
PA Environment Digest weekly was the winner of the PA Association of Environmental
Educators 2009 Business Partner of the Year Award
Also sign up for these other services from Crisci Associates--
PA Environment Digest Twitter Feed On Twitter sign up to receive instant updates from
PAEnviroDigest
832019 Pa Environment Digest Feb 20 2012
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PA Environment Daily Blog provides daily environmental NewsClips and significant stories
and announcements on environmental topics in Pennsylvania of immediate value Sign up and
receive as they are posted updates through your favorite RSS reader You can also sign up for a
once daily email alerting you to new items posted on this blog
PA Environment Digest Video Blog showcases original and published videos fromenvironmental groups and agencies around the state Sign up to receive as they are posted
updates through your favorite RSS read You can also sign up for a once daily email alerting
you to new items posted on this blog
PA Capitol Digest Dont forget to sign up to receive the PA Capitol Digest Twitter feed by
going to wwwTwittercomPaCapitolDigest or click on this link for the regular daily PA
Capitol Digest Blog to get other news from in and around the Pennsylvania State Capitol
Supporting Member PA Outdoor Writers AssnPA Trout Unlimited
PA Environment Digest is a supporting member of the Pennsylvania Outdoor Writers
Association Pennsylvania Council Trout Unlimited and the Doc Fritchey Chapter Trout
Unlimited
832019 Pa Environment Digest Feb 20 2012
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The federal Office of Surface Mining Reclamation and Enforcement through their Appalachian
Regional Reforestation Initiative and the Department of Environmental Protection are working
with the National Park Service to plant a wind break at the Flight 93 Memorial in Somerset
County
Volunteers are needed to plant trees on April 20 21 27 and 28 Volunteers may sign upfor one day or multiple days
If you are interested in volunteering send a Volunteer Sign-Up Form and a Photo
Release Form and send to Leroy Renninger of the National Park Service by email
to Leroy_Renningernpsgov
State Fly Tying Champions Announced At Eastern Sports amp Outdoor Show
The Eastern Sports amp Outdoor Show Cumberland Valley Trout Unlimited Bass Pro Shops of
Harrisburg Mid Atlantic Fly Fishing Guide magazine and the Fish and Boat Commission
sponsored the Pennsylvania State Fly Tying Championship held on February 11 at the Eastern
Sports amp Outdoor Show at the State Farm Show Complex in HarrisburgThirteen contestants in three categories competed for money trophies and prizes in the
annual event to crown the best fly tyers in Pennsylvania
In the Open Division the winners are 1st Place - Andy Fresch Summerhill 2nd Place -
Ken Moser Severna Park MD 3rd Place - John Shosh Hamburg
The Amateur Division winners are 1st Place - Matthew Edinger Sharon Hill 2nd Place -
- Mike Marino Souderton and 3rd Place -- Elliott DeFrancesco Wilburton
The Youth Division winners are 1st Place - Gaeron Friedrichs Milford 2nd Place
Bobby Faust Dalmatia
The contestants at the final event were the top tiers selected from entries previously
submitted In order to qualify the entrants had to submit three flies from a list of flies for eachcategory
At the event each finalist was required to tie three flies over a two hour time period The
finalists knew ahead of time two of the flies that were to be tied and a third ldquomystery flyrdquo was
announced to them at the event
The championship will be held again at the 2013 Eastern Sports and Outdoor Show and
applications information and details will be posted at the Cumberland Valley Trout Unlimited or
Eastern Sports and Outdoor Show websites as they become available
PA State Parks Forest App Now Updated And Free
The Official Pennsylvania State Parks amp Forests App is now completely FREE This latestversion now on the market includes advanced interactive capabilities such as GPS trail mapping
the Friend Finder to keep track of your family and friends on the trail and more
Featured Update List Increased performance speed Multi-tasking Capability
GeoChallenge (GeocacheGeoQuest) Feature FREE enhanced GPS features
This new version increases performance speed and cuts activation time in half With the
new multi-tasking capability users gain enhanced user navigation The more adventurous
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outdoor enthusiasts will benefit from the recently added GeoChallenges that include geocache
and geoquest activities which will be updated regularly
The waypointphoto waypoint marking tools have been upgraded and there has been a
fine-tuning of the trail-tracking feature located on the side navigation bar of the free GPS
Mapping section Use the app to track record and share your explorations with others-all at no
chargeTry out the app and let the PA Parks amp Forests Foundation know what you think
Feature
Bald Eagle Pair Get Help With Home Improvement Project
While most people try to avoid home improvement projects in the winter a pair of bald eagles
got some much needed help recently from a team of Game Commission land managers with a
very important and timely renovation project
A sycamore tree on Haldeman Island has been used by at least three mated pairs as a
nesting site since 1989 The island is just upriver of the confluence of the Susquehanna and
Juniata rivers north of Harrisburg and the tree stands just across a pond from one of three
hacking towers the Game Commission used at two locations in its bald eagle recovery program
About two weeks ago one of the limbs supporting the nest collapsed under the weight of the
nest
On Friday Steve Bernardi Game Commission Land Management Group Supervisor for
Juniata Mifflin Perry and Snyder counties was joined by Terry Willow Game Lands
Maintenance Worker with the River Island Food and Cover Corps Crew and Scott Bills Land
Management Group Supervisor for Dauphin and Lebanon counties to construct a platform to
encourage the bald eagle pair to reuse this nest site
The three men measured and cut lumber used hammers and nails as well as screws anddrills to secure the lumber in place and then placed branches and sticks on the platform to
encourage the bald eagles ndash who were watching the activity while perched in nearby trees ndash to
begin rebuilding a nest
A pair built a nest in this tree in 1989 and had their first young in 1990 Bernardi said
A storm blew the original nest out of the tree in 1995 Scott Bills who was the Wildlife
Conservation Officer in Dauphin County at that time worked with a Food and Cover Corps crew
and PPL to erect the first platform similar to what we put in place on Friday
Adult bald eagles are preparing to nest and hopefully they will come back and reuse this
platform just like they did back in 1995
Haldeman Island played a key role in the recovery of bald eagles in Pennsylvania In the
1980s it was one of two locations used for reintroduction of eagles brought by the GameCommission from Canada in the early years of restoration of eagles to our state About 40
eaglets were released at the Haldeman Island tower overlooking the ponds on the north side of
the island by 1989
When the reintroduced birds successfully raised young at a nest on Haldeman in 1990
the whole state had only seven nesting pairs And there has been an active eagle nest in that spot
every year since except 2004 when the birds took a year off
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While we dont know if the same pair have been active that whole time the same old
sycamore tree has been used during this period and that nest has produced more than 40 young
over this period said Dan Brauning Game Commission Wildlife Diversity Division chief
Since the site is well-protected on a Game Commission island with limited access this site has
particular value to us
Continued support for this nest will help sustain this historic location in the recovery of baldeagles in Pennsylvania
In 1983 the Game Commission began a seven-year bald eagle restoration program in
which the agency sent employees to Saskatchewan to obtain eaglets from wilderness nests The
Richard King Mellon Foundation of Pittsburgh and the federal Endangered Species Fund
provided financial assistance for this effort
In all 88 bald eaglets from Canada were released from sites at Dauphin Countys
Haldeman Island and Pike Countys Shohola Falls The resurgence of eagles in Pennsylvania is
directly related to this program which also was carried out in other states in the Northeast
When the restoration program began in 1983 only three Crawford County nests remained
in the state By 2006 the agency announced that the state had surpassed the 100 bald eagle nest
mark Just five years later in 2011 the number of known bald eagle nests had doubled to 203spread out over 50 counties
Residents aware of a bald eagle nest ndash which are among the largest nests of all birds ndash in
their area should consider reporting it to the Pennsylvania Game Commission The easiest way to
contact the agency by sending email to pgccommentspagov Use the words Eagle Nest
Information in the subject field
The Game Commission continues to further the publics understanding of bald eagles In
2010 a comprehensive Bald Eagle threatened species account and Bald Eagle Nest Etiquette
guide were added to the agencys website
In 2011 the agency launched its series of Eagle-watching in Pennsylvania guides that
will help direct those interested in viewing bald eagles in the wild on where to go how to getthere what to expect and other wildlife viewing opportunities available at each site
Currently posted are eagle-watching guides for Erie National Wildlife Refuge Crawford
County Conneaut Marsh Geneva Marsh State Game Land 213 Crawford County Raystown
Lake Huntingdon County State Game Land 180 Shohola Lake Pike County Middle Creek
Wildlife Management Area Lebanon and Lancaster counties Bald Eagle State Park Centre
County Glendale Lake Price Gallitzin State Park Cambria County John Heinz National
Wildlife Refuge Philadelphia and Delaware counties Lower Susquehanna River Lancaster and
York counties Moraine State Park Butler County Pine Creek Valley Lycoming and Tioga
counties Promised Land State Park Pike County Pymatuning Reservoir Crawford County and
the Upper Delaware River in Pike Wayne and Monroe counties
Game Commission Announces April 1 Deadline For Ads In Hunting-Trapping Digest
Game Commission Executive Director Carl G Roe Thursday announced Liberty Press
Publications publisher of the Pennsylvania Digest of Hunting amp Trapping Regulations has set
April 1 as the deadline for advertising copy in the 2012-13 Digest Click Here for details
For advertising information contact Liberty Press Publications toll-free at
1-800-296-6402
832019 Pa Environment Digest Feb 20 2012
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Opportunity To Bid On McKean County Abandoned Well Plugging Project
The Department of Environmental Protection published notice of an opportunity to bid on a
project to plug 24 abandoned oil wells in McKean County
Help Wanted Chesapeake Bay Foundation PA Grassroots Coordinator Field Specialist
The Chesapeake Bay Foundation is seeking a PA Grassroots Coordinator and a Field Specialist
to be based at their Pennsylvania State Office located in Harrisburg This position is a 2 year
term position with the possibility of extension Click Here for details
Help Wanted Conewago Creek Assistant Project Coordinator
Penn State Cooperative Extension on behalf of the Conewago Creek Initiative seeks an Assistant
Project Coordinator to be an integral part of a dynamic partnership team working together with
local state and federal partnersThe Assistant Project Coordinator will report to the Director of the Lower Susquehanna
Initiative who serves as the Project Coordinator for the Conewago Creek Initiative
The deadline for applications is March 1 Click Here for details
Help Wanted ALLARM Assistant Director Of Outreach Marcellus
The Alliance for Aquatic Resource Monitoring (ALLARM) is seeking candidate to fill a third
full time position to the organization-- Assistant Director of Outreach-- to assist with Marcellus
Monitoring program training community volunteers throughout the shale gas regions in
Pennsylvania to monitor small streams for early pollution detection Click Here for fullannouncement
Grants amp 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
February 23-- PA Pathways To Green Schools Nominations
February 24-- PA Trout In The Classroom Grants
February 29-- EPA Environmental Justice Small Grants
February 29-- Ben Franklin BIG IDEA Business Plan ContestFebruary 29-- PA American Water Stream of Learning Scholarships
February 29-- West Branch Susquehanna Orange Rock Awards
March 1-- Erie TreeVitalize Grants
March 2-- Coca-Cola Keep America Beautiful Recycling Bin Grants
March 2-- Conservation Innovation Grants Chesapeake Bay Nutrient Credit Grants
March 5-- TogetherGreen Fellowship and Innovation Grants
832019 Pa Environment Digest Feb 20 2012
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March 5-- PECDominion Western PA Environmental Awards
March 10-- PA American Water Environmental Grants
March 15-- NEW Keep PA Beautiful Greenways Mini-Grants
March 23-- Water Resources Education Network Grants
March 30-- PA American Water Protect Our Watersheds Student Art Contest
March 31-- DEP Host Municipal Inspector GrantsApril 3-- West Penn Power Sustainable Energy Fund Grants Loans
April 4-- DCNR Community Conservation Partnership Grants
April 15-- Wild Resource Conservation Fund Income Tax Checkoff Deadline
March 1-- Keystone Historic Preservation Project and Construction Grants
August 1-- PA Snowmobile Assn Trail Improvement Grants
August 24-- Foundation for PA Watershed Grants
September 1-- Erie TreeVitalize Grants
October 31-- PA Resources Council Lens On Litter Contest
-- Visit the DEP Grants and Loan Programs webpage for more ideas on how to get financial
assistance for environmental projects
BudgetQuick Clips
Heres a selection of NewClips on environmental topics from around the state--
Budget
Corbett Signs Marcellus Shale Fee Into Law
Corbett Signs Shale Well Impact Fee Into Law
Corbett Approves Marcellus Shale Fee
Bradford Commissioner Foolish Not To Accept Drilling Fee MoneyWhats Next For PAs Impact Fee Bradford Against Fee
Bradford Commissioners Disagree On Drilling Fee
Washington County To Seek Marcellus Fees
Editorial Corbetts Gas Fee About To Evaporate
Robinson Twp To Contest New Marcellus Law
South Fayette Eyes Legal Action On Drilling Bill
Fish amp Boat Commission Grateful For Marcellus Fees
PUC Eyes Private Firm For Impact Fee Collection
PUC Chair Let Marcellus Play Come To Us
PUC Would Get Shale Role Under Drilling Bill
Editorial It Makes Sense For PUC To Deal With Drilling NE Counties To Raise Millions Or Nothing Under Drilling Fee
House Capital Budget Bill Debate Focuses On Jobs
House GOP Marcellus Bill A Win For Jobs
Norquists No-Tax Pledge Cant Give Drill Fee The Ax
PA Natural Gas Levy Became Inevitable
Bradford Commissioners Disagree On Drilling Fee
832019 Pa Environment Digest Feb 20 2012
httpslidepdfcomreaderfullpa-environment-digest-feb-20-2012 2834
Vertical Exploratory Wells Wont Be Hit With Drilling Fee
Impact Fee Bill Addresses Housing Needs
Op-Ed Natural Gas Fee May Be Too Late
Editorial Marcellus Fee A Tax Stupid
Editorial Shale Drillers Got The Better Part Of Deal
Corbett Raiding Special FundsCan Pennsylvanians Survive Under Another Corbett Budget
As Roads Bridges Deteriorate Governor Silent
Analysis Taking Baby Steps On Fixing Roads Bridges
Editorial Must A Bridge Fall Down
House Capital Budget Bill Debate Focuses On Jobs
Editorial Capital Budget Funds Must Be Kept Under Control
Obama Cuts EPA Increases Chesapeake Bay Program
Chesapeake Bay Program Increased Under Obama Budget
EPA Budget Cut For States Superfund Cleanup
Obama Proposes $14 Million For Fracking Research
$67 Million Requested For Federal Pipeline SafetyDCNR Secretary Says Report On Wildlife Research Not Accurate
Other
Electronics Recycling Date Set At Greensburg Mall
Hershey Plants Achieve Zero Waste Status
RecycleBank Named On Of Worlds Most Innovative Companies
Editorial Fine Litterers No Ifs Or Butts
Corbett Signs 3 Energy Sector Bills
Op-Ed Anti-Coal Agenda Is Detrimental To PA
Op-Ed Global Warming As Fact Not Hypothesis
Op-Ed Climate Change Education Is NecessaryHomer City Power Plant Still To Dirty Groups Claim
DEP Sets March 14 Public Hearing On Homer City Power Plant
Concerns Voiced Over PPL Lines
Consumer Alert Electricity Price Discounts Heat Up
Turbine Load To Hit The Road To Holtwood Dam
PPL Plans $664 Million In Electric Delivery System Improvements
Exelon Gives Dauphin County $110000 For Emergency Response
Groups Ask For Expansion Of Nuclear Plant Evacuation Zone
Feds Give PPL Reactor Low Grade
Allentown Council Rejects Waste-To-Energy Sewage Plant
GE Invests In Cleaner Evolution LocomotiveDEP Hopeful Buyer Will Emerge For ConocoPhillips Refinery
DEP Renews ConocoPhillips Trainer Refinery Discharge Permit
100 Sunoco Workers In PA Get Layoff Notices
Meehan PA Refinery Closures Threat To National Security
Refinery Closings Could Affect 15000 Jobs Study Says
Gasoline Could Reach $5 By July 4
$4 A Gallon Gasoline By Memorial Day
832019 Pa Environment Digest Feb 20 2012
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Gasoline Prices Have Never Been This High This Early
Electric Bicycle Waiver Sought
Land Bank Bill Newest Anti-Blight Tool
Game Commission Prepares For Controlled Burn On Centre County
2012 Great Backyard Bird Count Begins Friday
Birders-Eye View Of Conservation In PhiladelphiaState Could Take Over Refurbished Point State Park
New Ohiopyle Visitors Center Project To Be Bid This Spring
Winterfest At Ohiopyle No Snow Still A Go
Protecting Landscapes Changing Face Of Conservation
Marcellus Shale NewsClips
Here are NewsClips on topics related to Marcellus Shale natural gas drilling---
Corbett Signs Marcellus Shale Fee Into Law
Corbett Signs Shale Well Impact Fee Into Law
Corbett Approves Marcellus Shale Fee
Bradford Commissioner Foolish Not To Accept Drilling Fee Money
Whats Next For PAs Impact Fee Bradford Against Fee
Bradford Commissioners Disagree On Drilling Fee
Washington County To Seek Marcellus Fees
Editorial Corbetts Gas Fee About To Evaporate
Robinson Twp To Contest New Marcellus Law
South Fayette Eyes Legal Action On Drilling Bill
Fish amp Boat Commission Grateful For Marcellus Fees
PUC Eyes Private Firm For Impact Fee CollectionPUC Chair Let Marcellus Play Come To Us
PUC Would Get Shale Role Under Drilling Bill
Editorial It Makes Sense For PUC To Deal With Drilling
Corbett Raiding Special Funds
NE Counties To Raise Millions Or Nothing Under Drilling Fee
House GOP Marcellus Bill A Win For Jobs
Norquists No-Tax Pledge Cant Give Drill Fee The Ax
PA Natural Gas Levy Became Inevitable
Wayne County Landowners Push For Drilling
Vertical Exploratory Wells Wont Be Hit With Drilling Fee
Impact Fee Bill Addresses Housing NeedsDrilling Bill Authors Health Experts Fears Unfounded
Health Officials Drilling Law Disclosure Rules Lax
Op-Ed Natural Gas Fee May Be Too Late
Editorial Marcellus Fee A Tax Stupid
Editorial Shale Drillers Got The Better Part Of Deal
Delaware Riverkeeper Reports Settlement Over Gas Well
832019 Pa Environment Digest Feb 20 2012
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EPA Probing Washington County Shale Operations
Marcellus Boom Has Pressed Law Firms To Boost Their Staffs
25 More State Troopers In NE Shale Region
Recorders Of Deeds May Not Reject Multiple Gas Leases
Rural Loophole Curbing PA Pipeline Inspections
Pipeline Tested Ahead Of Tie-In To Shale WellsFirefighters Learn To Deal With Drilling Emergencies
Assessing PGWs Liquid Natural Gas Future
Dominion Resources Playing Responsible Role In Drilling
Report Philly Should Consider Selling Gas Company
Company Files For Gas Drilling Permit In Bucks County
Gas Drilling Debate Returns To Bucks County
Shale Drillers Drinking From Slippery Rock Creek
Gas Wells With Smaller Footprint Get Greater Scrutiny
PennEnvironment Violations Report Half-Baked
Water Tanker Truck Lands In Creek In Monroe Twp
Industry Says Over 93230 New Hires As A Result Of Marcellus ShaleBCCC Begins Classes For Marcellus Shale Workers
Marcellus Gas Creates Demand For Cars
Ex-Drilling Exec Took Nearly $1 Million Or More
Op-Ed Gas Drillers New Wild West
Marcellus Gas Production Rises So Does Recycling
FinancialOther StatesNational
Drillers Cut Natural Gas Production As Prices Drop
Talisman Cutting Back Drilling Plans
Ultra Petroleum Reports 2011 Financial Operating Results
Gas Firms Drill Less As Prices Nose DiveObama Proposes $14 Million For Fracking Research
$67 Million Requested For Federal Pipeline Safety
FloodingWatershed NewsClips
Here are NewsClips on watershed topics from around the state--
Flooding
New Bank Coming To Flood-Ravaged Shickshinny
Other Watershed NewsClips
Mon River QUEST Wins Regional IMPACT AwardEPA Evaluates States Chesapeake Bay Plans
Shale Drillers Drinking From Slippery Rock Creek
Sewage Woes Close Lewisburg Area Park
$375000 To Aid Little Buck Run Restoration Effort
Loyalhanna Creek Sewage Overflow Problem Goes To State
Turbine Load To Hit The Road To Holtwood Dam
832019 Pa Environment Digest Feb 20 2012
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Funding Sought For Restoration Of Speedwell Lake
Obama Cuts EPA Increases Chesapeake Bay Program
Chesapeake Bay Program Increased Under Obama Budget
EPA Budget Cut For States Superfund Cleanup
Editorial Delaware Dredging A Step Closer
Regulations Technical Guidance amp Permits
No new regulations were published this week Pennsylvania Bulletin - February 18 2012
Proposed Regulations Open For Comment - DEP webpage
Proposed Regulations With Closed Comment Periods - DEP webpage
DEP Regulatory Agenda - DEP webpage
Technical Guidance amp Permits
The Department of Environmental Protection published notice of bond rate calculations for mine
reclamation The Fish and Boat Commission published notice of nursery water designation for
the Shenango River Crawford County
DEP also published an update to the list of companies certified to perform radon-related
activities (PA Bulletin page 994)
Technical Guidance Comment Deadlines - DEP webpage
Copies Of Draft Technical Guidance - DEP webpage
Copies of Final Technical Guidance - DEP webpage
Calendar Of Events
Upcoming legislative meetings conferences workshops plus links to other online calendars
Meetings are in Harrisburg unless otherwise noted NEW means new from last week Go to the
online Calendar webpage
Click on Agenda Released on calendar entries to see the NEW meeting agendas published this
week
Note You can watch the hearings live through the Senate webpage and the House webpage or
on the PA Cable Network website
832019 Pa Environment Digest Feb 20 2012
httpslidepdfcomreaderfullpa-environment-digest-feb-20-2012 3234
February 21-- House Appropriations Committee budget hearings 930 - Global Economy
1100 - Independent Fiscal Office 130 - Department of Revenue Room 140
February 21-- CANCELED Environmental Quality Board meeting Next scheduled meeting is
March 20 ( formal notice )
February 21-- Agenda Released DEP Citizens Advisory Council meeting Room 105 Rachel
Carson Building 1130
February 22-- Senate Appropriations Committee budget hearings 930 - Department of
Environmental Protection 100 - Department of Transportation Hearing Room 1 North Office
February 23-- NEW House Democratic Policy Committee holds a hearing on Southeast PA oil
refinery closings National Constitution Center Philadelphia 1000
February 27-- House Appropriations Committee budget hearings 1000 - Public Utility
Commission 1100 - Office of Consumer Advocate Small Business Advocate Room 140
February 27-- NEW House Democratic Policy Committee holds a hearing on Marcellus Shale
air emissions Bryn Mawr Presbyterian Church Bryn Mawr 1000
February 28-- Senate Appropriations Committee budget hearings 100 - Department of
Agriculture Hearing Room 1 North Office
February 28-- House Appropriations Committee budget hearings 930 - Department of
Agriculture 1030 - Department of Conservation and Natural Resources Room 140
February 29-- Senate Appropriations Committee budget hearings 930 - PA Emergency
Management Agency Hearing Room 1 North Office
February 29-- House Game and Fisheries Committee informational meeting on Fish and Boat
Commissions Annual Report Room 39 East Wing 1000
February 29-- House Appropriations Committee budget hearings 930 - Department of
Transportation 300 - Department of Environmental Protection Room 140
March 1-- House Appropriations Committee budget hearings 1000 Department of Labor amp
Industry 100 - Department of Community and Economic Development Room 140
March 6-- House Appropriations Committee budget hearings 930 - State PoliceOffice of
Homeland Security 1100 - PA Emergency Management Agency 300 - Department of General
Services Room 140
March 6-- CANCELED DEP Storage Tank Advisory Committee meeting Next scheduled
meeting is June 5 ( formal notice )
832019 Pa Environment Digest Feb 20 2012
httpslidepdfcomreaderfullpa-environment-digest-feb-20-2012 3334
March 7-- House Game and Fisheries Committee informational meeting on Game Commissions
Annual Report Room 39 East Wing 1000
March 8-- House Appropriations Committee budget hearings 1000 - Budget Secretary 100 -
House Member Testimony Room 140
March 14-- DEP Air Quality Technical Advisory Committee meeting Room 105 Rachel Carson
Building 915 ( formal notice )
March 26-- Environmental Issues Forum Joint Legislative Air and Water Pollution Control and
Conservation Committee featuring a presentation by DCNR Secretary Richard Allan (Location
to be determined) Noon
DEP Calendar of Events
Note The Environmental Education Workshop Calendar is no longer available from the PACenter for Environmental Education because funding for the Center was eliminated in the FY
2011-12 state budget The PCEE website was also shutdown but some content was moved to
the PA Association of Environmental Educators website
Senate Committee Schedule House Committee Schedule
You can watch the Senate Floor Session and House Floor Session live online
Stories Invited
Send your stories photos and videos about your project environmental issues or programs for
publication in the PA Environment Digest to DHessCrisciAssociatescom
PA Environment Digest is edited by David E Hess former Secretary Pennsylvania Department
of Environmental Protection and is published as a service to the clients of Crisci Associates a
Harrisburg-based government and public affairs firm whose clients include Fortune 500
companies and non-profit organizations For more information on Crisci Associates call
717-234-1716
PA Environment Digest weekly was the winner of the PA Association of Environmental
Educators 2009 Business Partner of the Year Award
Also sign up for these other services from Crisci Associates--
PA Environment Digest Twitter Feed On Twitter sign up to receive instant updates from
PAEnviroDigest
832019 Pa Environment Digest Feb 20 2012
httpslidepdfcomreaderfullpa-environment-digest-feb-20-2012 3434
PA Environment Daily Blog provides daily environmental NewsClips and significant stories
and announcements on environmental topics in Pennsylvania of immediate value Sign up and
receive as they are posted updates through your favorite RSS reader You can also sign up for a
once daily email alerting you to new items posted on this blog
PA Environment Digest Video Blog showcases original and published videos fromenvironmental groups and agencies around the state Sign up to receive as they are posted
updates through your favorite RSS read You can also sign up for a once daily email alerting
you to new items posted on this blog
PA Capitol Digest Dont forget to sign up to receive the PA Capitol Digest Twitter feed by
going to wwwTwittercomPaCapitolDigest or click on this link for the regular daily PA
Capitol Digest Blog to get other news from in and around the Pennsylvania State Capitol
Supporting Member PA Outdoor Writers AssnPA Trout Unlimited
PA Environment Digest is a supporting member of the Pennsylvania Outdoor Writers
Association Pennsylvania Council Trout Unlimited and the Doc Fritchey Chapter Trout
Unlimited
832019 Pa Environment Digest Feb 20 2012
httpslidepdfcomreaderfullpa-environment-digest-feb-20-2012 2434
outdoor enthusiasts will benefit from the recently added GeoChallenges that include geocache
and geoquest activities which will be updated regularly
The waypointphoto waypoint marking tools have been upgraded and there has been a
fine-tuning of the trail-tracking feature located on the side navigation bar of the free GPS
Mapping section Use the app to track record and share your explorations with others-all at no
chargeTry out the app and let the PA Parks amp Forests Foundation know what you think
Feature
Bald Eagle Pair Get Help With Home Improvement Project
While most people try to avoid home improvement projects in the winter a pair of bald eagles
got some much needed help recently from a team of Game Commission land managers with a
very important and timely renovation project
A sycamore tree on Haldeman Island has been used by at least three mated pairs as a
nesting site since 1989 The island is just upriver of the confluence of the Susquehanna and
Juniata rivers north of Harrisburg and the tree stands just across a pond from one of three
hacking towers the Game Commission used at two locations in its bald eagle recovery program
About two weeks ago one of the limbs supporting the nest collapsed under the weight of the
nest
On Friday Steve Bernardi Game Commission Land Management Group Supervisor for
Juniata Mifflin Perry and Snyder counties was joined by Terry Willow Game Lands
Maintenance Worker with the River Island Food and Cover Corps Crew and Scott Bills Land
Management Group Supervisor for Dauphin and Lebanon counties to construct a platform to
encourage the bald eagle pair to reuse this nest site
The three men measured and cut lumber used hammers and nails as well as screws anddrills to secure the lumber in place and then placed branches and sticks on the platform to
encourage the bald eagles ndash who were watching the activity while perched in nearby trees ndash to
begin rebuilding a nest
A pair built a nest in this tree in 1989 and had their first young in 1990 Bernardi said
A storm blew the original nest out of the tree in 1995 Scott Bills who was the Wildlife
Conservation Officer in Dauphin County at that time worked with a Food and Cover Corps crew
and PPL to erect the first platform similar to what we put in place on Friday
Adult bald eagles are preparing to nest and hopefully they will come back and reuse this
platform just like they did back in 1995
Haldeman Island played a key role in the recovery of bald eagles in Pennsylvania In the
1980s it was one of two locations used for reintroduction of eagles brought by the GameCommission from Canada in the early years of restoration of eagles to our state About 40
eaglets were released at the Haldeman Island tower overlooking the ponds on the north side of
the island by 1989
When the reintroduced birds successfully raised young at a nest on Haldeman in 1990
the whole state had only seven nesting pairs And there has been an active eagle nest in that spot
every year since except 2004 when the birds took a year off
832019 Pa Environment Digest Feb 20 2012
httpslidepdfcomreaderfullpa-environment-digest-feb-20-2012 2534
While we dont know if the same pair have been active that whole time the same old
sycamore tree has been used during this period and that nest has produced more than 40 young
over this period said Dan Brauning Game Commission Wildlife Diversity Division chief
Since the site is well-protected on a Game Commission island with limited access this site has
particular value to us
Continued support for this nest will help sustain this historic location in the recovery of baldeagles in Pennsylvania
In 1983 the Game Commission began a seven-year bald eagle restoration program in
which the agency sent employees to Saskatchewan to obtain eaglets from wilderness nests The
Richard King Mellon Foundation of Pittsburgh and the federal Endangered Species Fund
provided financial assistance for this effort
In all 88 bald eaglets from Canada were released from sites at Dauphin Countys
Haldeman Island and Pike Countys Shohola Falls The resurgence of eagles in Pennsylvania is
directly related to this program which also was carried out in other states in the Northeast
When the restoration program began in 1983 only three Crawford County nests remained
in the state By 2006 the agency announced that the state had surpassed the 100 bald eagle nest
mark Just five years later in 2011 the number of known bald eagle nests had doubled to 203spread out over 50 counties
Residents aware of a bald eagle nest ndash which are among the largest nests of all birds ndash in
their area should consider reporting it to the Pennsylvania Game Commission The easiest way to
contact the agency by sending email to pgccommentspagov Use the words Eagle Nest
Information in the subject field
The Game Commission continues to further the publics understanding of bald eagles In
2010 a comprehensive Bald Eagle threatened species account and Bald Eagle Nest Etiquette
guide were added to the agencys website
In 2011 the agency launched its series of Eagle-watching in Pennsylvania guides that
will help direct those interested in viewing bald eagles in the wild on where to go how to getthere what to expect and other wildlife viewing opportunities available at each site
Currently posted are eagle-watching guides for Erie National Wildlife Refuge Crawford
County Conneaut Marsh Geneva Marsh State Game Land 213 Crawford County Raystown
Lake Huntingdon County State Game Land 180 Shohola Lake Pike County Middle Creek
Wildlife Management Area Lebanon and Lancaster counties Bald Eagle State Park Centre
County Glendale Lake Price Gallitzin State Park Cambria County John Heinz National
Wildlife Refuge Philadelphia and Delaware counties Lower Susquehanna River Lancaster and
York counties Moraine State Park Butler County Pine Creek Valley Lycoming and Tioga
counties Promised Land State Park Pike County Pymatuning Reservoir Crawford County and
the Upper Delaware River in Pike Wayne and Monroe counties
Game Commission Announces April 1 Deadline For Ads In Hunting-Trapping Digest
Game Commission Executive Director Carl G Roe Thursday announced Liberty Press
Publications publisher of the Pennsylvania Digest of Hunting amp Trapping Regulations has set
April 1 as the deadline for advertising copy in the 2012-13 Digest Click Here for details
For advertising information contact Liberty Press Publications toll-free at
1-800-296-6402
832019 Pa Environment Digest Feb 20 2012
httpslidepdfcomreaderfullpa-environment-digest-feb-20-2012 2634
Opportunity To Bid On McKean County Abandoned Well Plugging Project
The Department of Environmental Protection published notice of an opportunity to bid on a
project to plug 24 abandoned oil wells in McKean County
Help Wanted Chesapeake Bay Foundation PA Grassroots Coordinator Field Specialist
The Chesapeake Bay Foundation is seeking a PA Grassroots Coordinator and a Field Specialist
to be based at their Pennsylvania State Office located in Harrisburg This position is a 2 year
term position with the possibility of extension Click Here for details
Help Wanted Conewago Creek Assistant Project Coordinator
Penn State Cooperative Extension on behalf of the Conewago Creek Initiative seeks an Assistant
Project Coordinator to be an integral part of a dynamic partnership team working together with
local state and federal partnersThe Assistant Project Coordinator will report to the Director of the Lower Susquehanna
Initiative who serves as the Project Coordinator for the Conewago Creek Initiative
The deadline for applications is March 1 Click Here for details
Help Wanted ALLARM Assistant Director Of Outreach Marcellus
The Alliance for Aquatic Resource Monitoring (ALLARM) is seeking candidate to fill a third
full time position to the organization-- Assistant Director of Outreach-- to assist with Marcellus
Monitoring program training community volunteers throughout the shale gas regions in
Pennsylvania to monitor small streams for early pollution detection Click Here for fullannouncement
Grants amp 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
February 23-- PA Pathways To Green Schools Nominations
February 24-- PA Trout In The Classroom Grants
February 29-- EPA Environmental Justice Small Grants
February 29-- Ben Franklin BIG IDEA Business Plan ContestFebruary 29-- PA American Water Stream of Learning Scholarships
February 29-- West Branch Susquehanna Orange Rock Awards
March 1-- Erie TreeVitalize Grants
March 2-- Coca-Cola Keep America Beautiful Recycling Bin Grants
March 2-- Conservation Innovation Grants Chesapeake Bay Nutrient Credit Grants
March 5-- TogetherGreen Fellowship and Innovation Grants
832019 Pa Environment Digest Feb 20 2012
httpslidepdfcomreaderfullpa-environment-digest-feb-20-2012 2734
March 5-- PECDominion Western PA Environmental Awards
March 10-- PA American Water Environmental Grants
March 15-- NEW Keep PA Beautiful Greenways Mini-Grants
March 23-- Water Resources Education Network Grants
March 30-- PA American Water Protect Our Watersheds Student Art Contest
March 31-- DEP Host Municipal Inspector GrantsApril 3-- West Penn Power Sustainable Energy Fund Grants Loans
April 4-- DCNR Community Conservation Partnership Grants
April 15-- Wild Resource Conservation Fund Income Tax Checkoff Deadline
March 1-- Keystone Historic Preservation Project and Construction Grants
August 1-- PA Snowmobile Assn Trail Improvement Grants
August 24-- Foundation for PA Watershed Grants
September 1-- Erie TreeVitalize Grants
October 31-- PA Resources Council Lens On Litter Contest
-- Visit the DEP Grants and Loan Programs webpage for more ideas on how to get financial
assistance for environmental projects
BudgetQuick Clips
Heres a selection of NewClips on environmental topics from around the state--
Budget
Corbett Signs Marcellus Shale Fee Into Law
Corbett Signs Shale Well Impact Fee Into Law
Corbett Approves Marcellus Shale Fee
Bradford Commissioner Foolish Not To Accept Drilling Fee MoneyWhats Next For PAs Impact Fee Bradford Against Fee
Bradford Commissioners Disagree On Drilling Fee
Washington County To Seek Marcellus Fees
Editorial Corbetts Gas Fee About To Evaporate
Robinson Twp To Contest New Marcellus Law
South Fayette Eyes Legal Action On Drilling Bill
Fish amp Boat Commission Grateful For Marcellus Fees
PUC Eyes Private Firm For Impact Fee Collection
PUC Chair Let Marcellus Play Come To Us
PUC Would Get Shale Role Under Drilling Bill
Editorial It Makes Sense For PUC To Deal With Drilling NE Counties To Raise Millions Or Nothing Under Drilling Fee
House Capital Budget Bill Debate Focuses On Jobs
House GOP Marcellus Bill A Win For Jobs
Norquists No-Tax Pledge Cant Give Drill Fee The Ax
PA Natural Gas Levy Became Inevitable
Bradford Commissioners Disagree On Drilling Fee
832019 Pa Environment Digest Feb 20 2012
httpslidepdfcomreaderfullpa-environment-digest-feb-20-2012 2834
Vertical Exploratory Wells Wont Be Hit With Drilling Fee
Impact Fee Bill Addresses Housing Needs
Op-Ed Natural Gas Fee May Be Too Late
Editorial Marcellus Fee A Tax Stupid
Editorial Shale Drillers Got The Better Part Of Deal
Corbett Raiding Special FundsCan Pennsylvanians Survive Under Another Corbett Budget
As Roads Bridges Deteriorate Governor Silent
Analysis Taking Baby Steps On Fixing Roads Bridges
Editorial Must A Bridge Fall Down
House Capital Budget Bill Debate Focuses On Jobs
Editorial Capital Budget Funds Must Be Kept Under Control
Obama Cuts EPA Increases Chesapeake Bay Program
Chesapeake Bay Program Increased Under Obama Budget
EPA Budget Cut For States Superfund Cleanup
Obama Proposes $14 Million For Fracking Research
$67 Million Requested For Federal Pipeline SafetyDCNR Secretary Says Report On Wildlife Research Not Accurate
Other
Electronics Recycling Date Set At Greensburg Mall
Hershey Plants Achieve Zero Waste Status
RecycleBank Named On Of Worlds Most Innovative Companies
Editorial Fine Litterers No Ifs Or Butts
Corbett Signs 3 Energy Sector Bills
Op-Ed Anti-Coal Agenda Is Detrimental To PA
Op-Ed Global Warming As Fact Not Hypothesis
Op-Ed Climate Change Education Is NecessaryHomer City Power Plant Still To Dirty Groups Claim
DEP Sets March 14 Public Hearing On Homer City Power Plant
Concerns Voiced Over PPL Lines
Consumer Alert Electricity Price Discounts Heat Up
Turbine Load To Hit The Road To Holtwood Dam
PPL Plans $664 Million In Electric Delivery System Improvements
Exelon Gives Dauphin County $110000 For Emergency Response
Groups Ask For Expansion Of Nuclear Plant Evacuation Zone
Feds Give PPL Reactor Low Grade
Allentown Council Rejects Waste-To-Energy Sewage Plant
GE Invests In Cleaner Evolution LocomotiveDEP Hopeful Buyer Will Emerge For ConocoPhillips Refinery
DEP Renews ConocoPhillips Trainer Refinery Discharge Permit
100 Sunoco Workers In PA Get Layoff Notices
Meehan PA Refinery Closures Threat To National Security
Refinery Closings Could Affect 15000 Jobs Study Says
Gasoline Could Reach $5 By July 4
$4 A Gallon Gasoline By Memorial Day
832019 Pa Environment Digest Feb 20 2012
httpslidepdfcomreaderfullpa-environment-digest-feb-20-2012 2934
Gasoline Prices Have Never Been This High This Early
Electric Bicycle Waiver Sought
Land Bank Bill Newest Anti-Blight Tool
Game Commission Prepares For Controlled Burn On Centre County
2012 Great Backyard Bird Count Begins Friday
Birders-Eye View Of Conservation In PhiladelphiaState Could Take Over Refurbished Point State Park
New Ohiopyle Visitors Center Project To Be Bid This Spring
Winterfest At Ohiopyle No Snow Still A Go
Protecting Landscapes Changing Face Of Conservation
Marcellus Shale NewsClips
Here are NewsClips on topics related to Marcellus Shale natural gas drilling---
Corbett Signs Marcellus Shale Fee Into Law
Corbett Signs Shale Well Impact Fee Into Law
Corbett Approves Marcellus Shale Fee
Bradford Commissioner Foolish Not To Accept Drilling Fee Money
Whats Next For PAs Impact Fee Bradford Against Fee
Bradford Commissioners Disagree On Drilling Fee
Washington County To Seek Marcellus Fees
Editorial Corbetts Gas Fee About To Evaporate
Robinson Twp To Contest New Marcellus Law
South Fayette Eyes Legal Action On Drilling Bill
Fish amp Boat Commission Grateful For Marcellus Fees
PUC Eyes Private Firm For Impact Fee CollectionPUC Chair Let Marcellus Play Come To Us
PUC Would Get Shale Role Under Drilling Bill
Editorial It Makes Sense For PUC To Deal With Drilling
Corbett Raiding Special Funds
NE Counties To Raise Millions Or Nothing Under Drilling Fee
House GOP Marcellus Bill A Win For Jobs
Norquists No-Tax Pledge Cant Give Drill Fee The Ax
PA Natural Gas Levy Became Inevitable
Wayne County Landowners Push For Drilling
Vertical Exploratory Wells Wont Be Hit With Drilling Fee
Impact Fee Bill Addresses Housing NeedsDrilling Bill Authors Health Experts Fears Unfounded
Health Officials Drilling Law Disclosure Rules Lax
Op-Ed Natural Gas Fee May Be Too Late
Editorial Marcellus Fee A Tax Stupid
Editorial Shale Drillers Got The Better Part Of Deal
Delaware Riverkeeper Reports Settlement Over Gas Well
832019 Pa Environment Digest Feb 20 2012
httpslidepdfcomreaderfullpa-environment-digest-feb-20-2012 3034
EPA Probing Washington County Shale Operations
Marcellus Boom Has Pressed Law Firms To Boost Their Staffs
25 More State Troopers In NE Shale Region
Recorders Of Deeds May Not Reject Multiple Gas Leases
Rural Loophole Curbing PA Pipeline Inspections
Pipeline Tested Ahead Of Tie-In To Shale WellsFirefighters Learn To Deal With Drilling Emergencies
Assessing PGWs Liquid Natural Gas Future
Dominion Resources Playing Responsible Role In Drilling
Report Philly Should Consider Selling Gas Company
Company Files For Gas Drilling Permit In Bucks County
Gas Drilling Debate Returns To Bucks County
Shale Drillers Drinking From Slippery Rock Creek
Gas Wells With Smaller Footprint Get Greater Scrutiny
PennEnvironment Violations Report Half-Baked
Water Tanker Truck Lands In Creek In Monroe Twp
Industry Says Over 93230 New Hires As A Result Of Marcellus ShaleBCCC Begins Classes For Marcellus Shale Workers
Marcellus Gas Creates Demand For Cars
Ex-Drilling Exec Took Nearly $1 Million Or More
Op-Ed Gas Drillers New Wild West
Marcellus Gas Production Rises So Does Recycling
FinancialOther StatesNational
Drillers Cut Natural Gas Production As Prices Drop
Talisman Cutting Back Drilling Plans
Ultra Petroleum Reports 2011 Financial Operating Results
Gas Firms Drill Less As Prices Nose DiveObama Proposes $14 Million For Fracking Research
$67 Million Requested For Federal Pipeline Safety
FloodingWatershed NewsClips
Here are NewsClips on watershed topics from around the state--
Flooding
New Bank Coming To Flood-Ravaged Shickshinny
Other Watershed NewsClips
Mon River QUEST Wins Regional IMPACT AwardEPA Evaluates States Chesapeake Bay Plans
Shale Drillers Drinking From Slippery Rock Creek
Sewage Woes Close Lewisburg Area Park
$375000 To Aid Little Buck Run Restoration Effort
Loyalhanna Creek Sewage Overflow Problem Goes To State
Turbine Load To Hit The Road To Holtwood Dam
832019 Pa Environment Digest Feb 20 2012
httpslidepdfcomreaderfullpa-environment-digest-feb-20-2012 3134
Funding Sought For Restoration Of Speedwell Lake
Obama Cuts EPA Increases Chesapeake Bay Program
Chesapeake Bay Program Increased Under Obama Budget
EPA Budget Cut For States Superfund Cleanup
Editorial Delaware Dredging A Step Closer
Regulations Technical Guidance amp Permits
No new regulations were published this week Pennsylvania Bulletin - February 18 2012
Proposed Regulations Open For Comment - DEP webpage
Proposed Regulations With Closed Comment Periods - DEP webpage
DEP Regulatory Agenda - DEP webpage
Technical Guidance amp Permits
The Department of Environmental Protection published notice of bond rate calculations for mine
reclamation The Fish and Boat Commission published notice of nursery water designation for
the Shenango River Crawford County
DEP also published an update to the list of companies certified to perform radon-related
activities (PA Bulletin page 994)
Technical Guidance Comment Deadlines - DEP webpage
Copies Of Draft Technical Guidance - DEP webpage
Copies of Final Technical Guidance - DEP webpage
Calendar Of Events
Upcoming legislative meetings conferences workshops plus links to other online calendars
Meetings are in Harrisburg unless otherwise noted NEW means new from last week Go to the
online Calendar webpage
Click on Agenda Released on calendar entries to see the NEW meeting agendas published this
week
Note You can watch the hearings live through the Senate webpage and the House webpage or
on the PA Cable Network website
832019 Pa Environment Digest Feb 20 2012
httpslidepdfcomreaderfullpa-environment-digest-feb-20-2012 3234
February 21-- House Appropriations Committee budget hearings 930 - Global Economy
1100 - Independent Fiscal Office 130 - Department of Revenue Room 140
February 21-- CANCELED Environmental Quality Board meeting Next scheduled meeting is
March 20 ( formal notice )
February 21-- Agenda Released DEP Citizens Advisory Council meeting Room 105 Rachel
Carson Building 1130
February 22-- Senate Appropriations Committee budget hearings 930 - Department of
Environmental Protection 100 - Department of Transportation Hearing Room 1 North Office
February 23-- NEW House Democratic Policy Committee holds a hearing on Southeast PA oil
refinery closings National Constitution Center Philadelphia 1000
February 27-- House Appropriations Committee budget hearings 1000 - Public Utility
Commission 1100 - Office of Consumer Advocate Small Business Advocate Room 140
February 27-- NEW House Democratic Policy Committee holds a hearing on Marcellus Shale
air emissions Bryn Mawr Presbyterian Church Bryn Mawr 1000
February 28-- Senate Appropriations Committee budget hearings 100 - Department of
Agriculture Hearing Room 1 North Office
February 28-- House Appropriations Committee budget hearings 930 - Department of
Agriculture 1030 - Department of Conservation and Natural Resources Room 140
February 29-- Senate Appropriations Committee budget hearings 930 - PA Emergency
Management Agency Hearing Room 1 North Office
February 29-- House Game and Fisheries Committee informational meeting on Fish and Boat
Commissions Annual Report Room 39 East Wing 1000
February 29-- House Appropriations Committee budget hearings 930 - Department of
Transportation 300 - Department of Environmental Protection Room 140
March 1-- House Appropriations Committee budget hearings 1000 Department of Labor amp
Industry 100 - Department of Community and Economic Development Room 140
March 6-- House Appropriations Committee budget hearings 930 - State PoliceOffice of
Homeland Security 1100 - PA Emergency Management Agency 300 - Department of General
Services Room 140
March 6-- CANCELED DEP Storage Tank Advisory Committee meeting Next scheduled
meeting is June 5 ( formal notice )
832019 Pa Environment Digest Feb 20 2012
httpslidepdfcomreaderfullpa-environment-digest-feb-20-2012 3334
March 7-- House Game and Fisheries Committee informational meeting on Game Commissions
Annual Report Room 39 East Wing 1000
March 8-- House Appropriations Committee budget hearings 1000 - Budget Secretary 100 -
House Member Testimony Room 140
March 14-- DEP Air Quality Technical Advisory Committee meeting Room 105 Rachel Carson
Building 915 ( formal notice )
March 26-- Environmental Issues Forum Joint Legislative Air and Water Pollution Control and
Conservation Committee featuring a presentation by DCNR Secretary Richard Allan (Location
to be determined) Noon
DEP Calendar of Events
Note The Environmental Education Workshop Calendar is no longer available from the PACenter for Environmental Education because funding for the Center was eliminated in the FY
2011-12 state budget The PCEE website was also shutdown but some content was moved to
the PA Association of Environmental Educators website
Senate Committee Schedule House Committee Schedule
You can watch the Senate Floor Session and House Floor Session live online
Stories Invited
Send your stories photos and videos about your project environmental issues or programs for
publication in the PA Environment Digest to DHessCrisciAssociatescom
PA Environment Digest is edited by David E Hess former Secretary Pennsylvania Department
of Environmental Protection and is published as a service to the clients of Crisci Associates a
Harrisburg-based government and public affairs firm whose clients include Fortune 500
companies and non-profit organizations For more information on Crisci Associates call
717-234-1716
PA Environment Digest weekly was the winner of the PA Association of Environmental
Educators 2009 Business Partner of the Year Award
Also sign up for these other services from Crisci Associates--
PA Environment Digest Twitter Feed On Twitter sign up to receive instant updates from
PAEnviroDigest
832019 Pa Environment Digest Feb 20 2012
httpslidepdfcomreaderfullpa-environment-digest-feb-20-2012 3434
PA Environment Daily Blog provides daily environmental NewsClips and significant stories
and announcements on environmental topics in Pennsylvania of immediate value Sign up and
receive as they are posted updates through your favorite RSS reader You can also sign up for a
once daily email alerting you to new items posted on this blog
PA Environment Digest Video Blog showcases original and published videos fromenvironmental groups and agencies around the state Sign up to receive as they are posted
updates through your favorite RSS read You can also sign up for a once daily email alerting
you to new items posted on this blog
PA Capitol Digest Dont forget to sign up to receive the PA Capitol Digest Twitter feed by
going to wwwTwittercomPaCapitolDigest or click on this link for the regular daily PA
Capitol Digest Blog to get other news from in and around the Pennsylvania State Capitol
Supporting Member PA Outdoor Writers AssnPA Trout Unlimited
PA Environment Digest is a supporting member of the Pennsylvania Outdoor Writers
Association Pennsylvania Council Trout Unlimited and the Doc Fritchey Chapter Trout
Unlimited
832019 Pa Environment Digest Feb 20 2012
httpslidepdfcomreaderfullpa-environment-digest-feb-20-2012 2534
While we dont know if the same pair have been active that whole time the same old
sycamore tree has been used during this period and that nest has produced more than 40 young
over this period said Dan Brauning Game Commission Wildlife Diversity Division chief
Since the site is well-protected on a Game Commission island with limited access this site has
particular value to us
Continued support for this nest will help sustain this historic location in the recovery of baldeagles in Pennsylvania
In 1983 the Game Commission began a seven-year bald eagle restoration program in
which the agency sent employees to Saskatchewan to obtain eaglets from wilderness nests The
Richard King Mellon Foundation of Pittsburgh and the federal Endangered Species Fund
provided financial assistance for this effort
In all 88 bald eaglets from Canada were released from sites at Dauphin Countys
Haldeman Island and Pike Countys Shohola Falls The resurgence of eagles in Pennsylvania is
directly related to this program which also was carried out in other states in the Northeast
When the restoration program began in 1983 only three Crawford County nests remained
in the state By 2006 the agency announced that the state had surpassed the 100 bald eagle nest
mark Just five years later in 2011 the number of known bald eagle nests had doubled to 203spread out over 50 counties
Residents aware of a bald eagle nest ndash which are among the largest nests of all birds ndash in
their area should consider reporting it to the Pennsylvania Game Commission The easiest way to
contact the agency by sending email to pgccommentspagov Use the words Eagle Nest
Information in the subject field
The Game Commission continues to further the publics understanding of bald eagles In
2010 a comprehensive Bald Eagle threatened species account and Bald Eagle Nest Etiquette
guide were added to the agencys website
In 2011 the agency launched its series of Eagle-watching in Pennsylvania guides that
will help direct those interested in viewing bald eagles in the wild on where to go how to getthere what to expect and other wildlife viewing opportunities available at each site
Currently posted are eagle-watching guides for Erie National Wildlife Refuge Crawford
County Conneaut Marsh Geneva Marsh State Game Land 213 Crawford County Raystown
Lake Huntingdon County State Game Land 180 Shohola Lake Pike County Middle Creek
Wildlife Management Area Lebanon and Lancaster counties Bald Eagle State Park Centre
County Glendale Lake Price Gallitzin State Park Cambria County John Heinz National
Wildlife Refuge Philadelphia and Delaware counties Lower Susquehanna River Lancaster and
York counties Moraine State Park Butler County Pine Creek Valley Lycoming and Tioga
counties Promised Land State Park Pike County Pymatuning Reservoir Crawford County and
the Upper Delaware River in Pike Wayne and Monroe counties
Game Commission Announces April 1 Deadline For Ads In Hunting-Trapping Digest
Game Commission Executive Director Carl G Roe Thursday announced Liberty Press
Publications publisher of the Pennsylvania Digest of Hunting amp Trapping Regulations has set
April 1 as the deadline for advertising copy in the 2012-13 Digest Click Here for details
For advertising information contact Liberty Press Publications toll-free at
1-800-296-6402
832019 Pa Environment Digest Feb 20 2012
httpslidepdfcomreaderfullpa-environment-digest-feb-20-2012 2634
Opportunity To Bid On McKean County Abandoned Well Plugging Project
The Department of Environmental Protection published notice of an opportunity to bid on a
project to plug 24 abandoned oil wells in McKean County
Help Wanted Chesapeake Bay Foundation PA Grassroots Coordinator Field Specialist
The Chesapeake Bay Foundation is seeking a PA Grassroots Coordinator and a Field Specialist
to be based at their Pennsylvania State Office located in Harrisburg This position is a 2 year
term position with the possibility of extension Click Here for details
Help Wanted Conewago Creek Assistant Project Coordinator
Penn State Cooperative Extension on behalf of the Conewago Creek Initiative seeks an Assistant
Project Coordinator to be an integral part of a dynamic partnership team working together with
local state and federal partnersThe Assistant Project Coordinator will report to the Director of the Lower Susquehanna
Initiative who serves as the Project Coordinator for the Conewago Creek Initiative
The deadline for applications is March 1 Click Here for details
Help Wanted ALLARM Assistant Director Of Outreach Marcellus
The Alliance for Aquatic Resource Monitoring (ALLARM) is seeking candidate to fill a third
full time position to the organization-- Assistant Director of Outreach-- to assist with Marcellus
Monitoring program training community volunteers throughout the shale gas regions in
Pennsylvania to monitor small streams for early pollution detection Click Here for fullannouncement
Grants amp 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
February 23-- PA Pathways To Green Schools Nominations
February 24-- PA Trout In The Classroom Grants
February 29-- EPA Environmental Justice Small Grants
February 29-- Ben Franklin BIG IDEA Business Plan ContestFebruary 29-- PA American Water Stream of Learning Scholarships
February 29-- West Branch Susquehanna Orange Rock Awards
March 1-- Erie TreeVitalize Grants
March 2-- Coca-Cola Keep America Beautiful Recycling Bin Grants
March 2-- Conservation Innovation Grants Chesapeake Bay Nutrient Credit Grants
March 5-- TogetherGreen Fellowship and Innovation Grants
832019 Pa Environment Digest Feb 20 2012
httpslidepdfcomreaderfullpa-environment-digest-feb-20-2012 2734
March 5-- PECDominion Western PA Environmental Awards
March 10-- PA American Water Environmental Grants
March 15-- NEW Keep PA Beautiful Greenways Mini-Grants
March 23-- Water Resources Education Network Grants
March 30-- PA American Water Protect Our Watersheds Student Art Contest
March 31-- DEP Host Municipal Inspector GrantsApril 3-- West Penn Power Sustainable Energy Fund Grants Loans
April 4-- DCNR Community Conservation Partnership Grants
April 15-- Wild Resource Conservation Fund Income Tax Checkoff Deadline
March 1-- Keystone Historic Preservation Project and Construction Grants
August 1-- PA Snowmobile Assn Trail Improvement Grants
August 24-- Foundation for PA Watershed Grants
September 1-- Erie TreeVitalize Grants
October 31-- PA Resources Council Lens On Litter Contest
-- Visit the DEP Grants and Loan Programs webpage for more ideas on how to get financial
assistance for environmental projects
BudgetQuick Clips
Heres a selection of NewClips on environmental topics from around the state--
Budget
Corbett Signs Marcellus Shale Fee Into Law
Corbett Signs Shale Well Impact Fee Into Law
Corbett Approves Marcellus Shale Fee
Bradford Commissioner Foolish Not To Accept Drilling Fee MoneyWhats Next For PAs Impact Fee Bradford Against Fee
Bradford Commissioners Disagree On Drilling Fee
Washington County To Seek Marcellus Fees
Editorial Corbetts Gas Fee About To Evaporate
Robinson Twp To Contest New Marcellus Law
South Fayette Eyes Legal Action On Drilling Bill
Fish amp Boat Commission Grateful For Marcellus Fees
PUC Eyes Private Firm For Impact Fee Collection
PUC Chair Let Marcellus Play Come To Us
PUC Would Get Shale Role Under Drilling Bill
Editorial It Makes Sense For PUC To Deal With Drilling NE Counties To Raise Millions Or Nothing Under Drilling Fee
House Capital Budget Bill Debate Focuses On Jobs
House GOP Marcellus Bill A Win For Jobs
Norquists No-Tax Pledge Cant Give Drill Fee The Ax
PA Natural Gas Levy Became Inevitable
Bradford Commissioners Disagree On Drilling Fee
832019 Pa Environment Digest Feb 20 2012
httpslidepdfcomreaderfullpa-environment-digest-feb-20-2012 2834
Vertical Exploratory Wells Wont Be Hit With Drilling Fee
Impact Fee Bill Addresses Housing Needs
Op-Ed Natural Gas Fee May Be Too Late
Editorial Marcellus Fee A Tax Stupid
Editorial Shale Drillers Got The Better Part Of Deal
Corbett Raiding Special FundsCan Pennsylvanians Survive Under Another Corbett Budget
As Roads Bridges Deteriorate Governor Silent
Analysis Taking Baby Steps On Fixing Roads Bridges
Editorial Must A Bridge Fall Down
House Capital Budget Bill Debate Focuses On Jobs
Editorial Capital Budget Funds Must Be Kept Under Control
Obama Cuts EPA Increases Chesapeake Bay Program
Chesapeake Bay Program Increased Under Obama Budget
EPA Budget Cut For States Superfund Cleanup
Obama Proposes $14 Million For Fracking Research
$67 Million Requested For Federal Pipeline SafetyDCNR Secretary Says Report On Wildlife Research Not Accurate
Other
Electronics Recycling Date Set At Greensburg Mall
Hershey Plants Achieve Zero Waste Status
RecycleBank Named On Of Worlds Most Innovative Companies
Editorial Fine Litterers No Ifs Or Butts
Corbett Signs 3 Energy Sector Bills
Op-Ed Anti-Coal Agenda Is Detrimental To PA
Op-Ed Global Warming As Fact Not Hypothesis
Op-Ed Climate Change Education Is NecessaryHomer City Power Plant Still To Dirty Groups Claim
DEP Sets March 14 Public Hearing On Homer City Power Plant
Concerns Voiced Over PPL Lines
Consumer Alert Electricity Price Discounts Heat Up
Turbine Load To Hit The Road To Holtwood Dam
PPL Plans $664 Million In Electric Delivery System Improvements
Exelon Gives Dauphin County $110000 For Emergency Response
Groups Ask For Expansion Of Nuclear Plant Evacuation Zone
Feds Give PPL Reactor Low Grade
Allentown Council Rejects Waste-To-Energy Sewage Plant
GE Invests In Cleaner Evolution LocomotiveDEP Hopeful Buyer Will Emerge For ConocoPhillips Refinery
DEP Renews ConocoPhillips Trainer Refinery Discharge Permit
100 Sunoco Workers In PA Get Layoff Notices
Meehan PA Refinery Closures Threat To National Security
Refinery Closings Could Affect 15000 Jobs Study Says
Gasoline Could Reach $5 By July 4
$4 A Gallon Gasoline By Memorial Day
832019 Pa Environment Digest Feb 20 2012
httpslidepdfcomreaderfullpa-environment-digest-feb-20-2012 2934
Gasoline Prices Have Never Been This High This Early
Electric Bicycle Waiver Sought
Land Bank Bill Newest Anti-Blight Tool
Game Commission Prepares For Controlled Burn On Centre County
2012 Great Backyard Bird Count Begins Friday
Birders-Eye View Of Conservation In PhiladelphiaState Could Take Over Refurbished Point State Park
New Ohiopyle Visitors Center Project To Be Bid This Spring
Winterfest At Ohiopyle No Snow Still A Go
Protecting Landscapes Changing Face Of Conservation
Marcellus Shale NewsClips
Here are NewsClips on topics related to Marcellus Shale natural gas drilling---
Corbett Signs Marcellus Shale Fee Into Law
Corbett Signs Shale Well Impact Fee Into Law
Corbett Approves Marcellus Shale Fee
Bradford Commissioner Foolish Not To Accept Drilling Fee Money
Whats Next For PAs Impact Fee Bradford Against Fee
Bradford Commissioners Disagree On Drilling Fee
Washington County To Seek Marcellus Fees
Editorial Corbetts Gas Fee About To Evaporate
Robinson Twp To Contest New Marcellus Law
South Fayette Eyes Legal Action On Drilling Bill
Fish amp Boat Commission Grateful For Marcellus Fees
PUC Eyes Private Firm For Impact Fee CollectionPUC Chair Let Marcellus Play Come To Us
PUC Would Get Shale Role Under Drilling Bill
Editorial It Makes Sense For PUC To Deal With Drilling
Corbett Raiding Special Funds
NE Counties To Raise Millions Or Nothing Under Drilling Fee
House GOP Marcellus Bill A Win For Jobs
Norquists No-Tax Pledge Cant Give Drill Fee The Ax
PA Natural Gas Levy Became Inevitable
Wayne County Landowners Push For Drilling
Vertical Exploratory Wells Wont Be Hit With Drilling Fee
Impact Fee Bill Addresses Housing NeedsDrilling Bill Authors Health Experts Fears Unfounded
Health Officials Drilling Law Disclosure Rules Lax
Op-Ed Natural Gas Fee May Be Too Late
Editorial Marcellus Fee A Tax Stupid
Editorial Shale Drillers Got The Better Part Of Deal
Delaware Riverkeeper Reports Settlement Over Gas Well
832019 Pa Environment Digest Feb 20 2012
httpslidepdfcomreaderfullpa-environment-digest-feb-20-2012 3034
EPA Probing Washington County Shale Operations
Marcellus Boom Has Pressed Law Firms To Boost Their Staffs
25 More State Troopers In NE Shale Region
Recorders Of Deeds May Not Reject Multiple Gas Leases
Rural Loophole Curbing PA Pipeline Inspections
Pipeline Tested Ahead Of Tie-In To Shale WellsFirefighters Learn To Deal With Drilling Emergencies
Assessing PGWs Liquid Natural Gas Future
Dominion Resources Playing Responsible Role In Drilling
Report Philly Should Consider Selling Gas Company
Company Files For Gas Drilling Permit In Bucks County
Gas Drilling Debate Returns To Bucks County
Shale Drillers Drinking From Slippery Rock Creek
Gas Wells With Smaller Footprint Get Greater Scrutiny
PennEnvironment Violations Report Half-Baked
Water Tanker Truck Lands In Creek In Monroe Twp
Industry Says Over 93230 New Hires As A Result Of Marcellus ShaleBCCC Begins Classes For Marcellus Shale Workers
Marcellus Gas Creates Demand For Cars
Ex-Drilling Exec Took Nearly $1 Million Or More
Op-Ed Gas Drillers New Wild West
Marcellus Gas Production Rises So Does Recycling
FinancialOther StatesNational
Drillers Cut Natural Gas Production As Prices Drop
Talisman Cutting Back Drilling Plans
Ultra Petroleum Reports 2011 Financial Operating Results
Gas Firms Drill Less As Prices Nose DiveObama Proposes $14 Million For Fracking Research
$67 Million Requested For Federal Pipeline Safety
FloodingWatershed NewsClips
Here are NewsClips on watershed topics from around the state--
Flooding
New Bank Coming To Flood-Ravaged Shickshinny
Other Watershed NewsClips
Mon River QUEST Wins Regional IMPACT AwardEPA Evaluates States Chesapeake Bay Plans
Shale Drillers Drinking From Slippery Rock Creek
Sewage Woes Close Lewisburg Area Park
$375000 To Aid Little Buck Run Restoration Effort
Loyalhanna Creek Sewage Overflow Problem Goes To State
Turbine Load To Hit The Road To Holtwood Dam
832019 Pa Environment Digest Feb 20 2012
httpslidepdfcomreaderfullpa-environment-digest-feb-20-2012 3134
Funding Sought For Restoration Of Speedwell Lake
Obama Cuts EPA Increases Chesapeake Bay Program
Chesapeake Bay Program Increased Under Obama Budget
EPA Budget Cut For States Superfund Cleanup
Editorial Delaware Dredging A Step Closer
Regulations Technical Guidance amp Permits
No new regulations were published this week Pennsylvania Bulletin - February 18 2012
Proposed Regulations Open For Comment - DEP webpage
Proposed Regulations With Closed Comment Periods - DEP webpage
DEP Regulatory Agenda - DEP webpage
Technical Guidance amp Permits
The Department of Environmental Protection published notice of bond rate calculations for mine
reclamation The Fish and Boat Commission published notice of nursery water designation for
the Shenango River Crawford County
DEP also published an update to the list of companies certified to perform radon-related
activities (PA Bulletin page 994)
Technical Guidance Comment Deadlines - DEP webpage
Copies Of Draft Technical Guidance - DEP webpage
Copies of Final Technical Guidance - DEP webpage
Calendar Of Events
Upcoming legislative meetings conferences workshops plus links to other online calendars
Meetings are in Harrisburg unless otherwise noted NEW means new from last week Go to the
online Calendar webpage
Click on Agenda Released on calendar entries to see the NEW meeting agendas published this
week
Note You can watch the hearings live through the Senate webpage and the House webpage or
on the PA Cable Network website
832019 Pa Environment Digest Feb 20 2012
httpslidepdfcomreaderfullpa-environment-digest-feb-20-2012 3234
February 21-- House Appropriations Committee budget hearings 930 - Global Economy
1100 - Independent Fiscal Office 130 - Department of Revenue Room 140
February 21-- CANCELED Environmental Quality Board meeting Next scheduled meeting is
March 20 ( formal notice )
February 21-- Agenda Released DEP Citizens Advisory Council meeting Room 105 Rachel
Carson Building 1130
February 22-- Senate Appropriations Committee budget hearings 930 - Department of
Environmental Protection 100 - Department of Transportation Hearing Room 1 North Office
February 23-- NEW House Democratic Policy Committee holds a hearing on Southeast PA oil
refinery closings National Constitution Center Philadelphia 1000
February 27-- House Appropriations Committee budget hearings 1000 - Public Utility
Commission 1100 - Office of Consumer Advocate Small Business Advocate Room 140
February 27-- NEW House Democratic Policy Committee holds a hearing on Marcellus Shale
air emissions Bryn Mawr Presbyterian Church Bryn Mawr 1000
February 28-- Senate Appropriations Committee budget hearings 100 - Department of
Agriculture Hearing Room 1 North Office
February 28-- House Appropriations Committee budget hearings 930 - Department of
Agriculture 1030 - Department of Conservation and Natural Resources Room 140
February 29-- Senate Appropriations Committee budget hearings 930 - PA Emergency
Management Agency Hearing Room 1 North Office
February 29-- House Game and Fisheries Committee informational meeting on Fish and Boat
Commissions Annual Report Room 39 East Wing 1000
February 29-- House Appropriations Committee budget hearings 930 - Department of
Transportation 300 - Department of Environmental Protection Room 140
March 1-- House Appropriations Committee budget hearings 1000 Department of Labor amp
Industry 100 - Department of Community and Economic Development Room 140
March 6-- House Appropriations Committee budget hearings 930 - State PoliceOffice of
Homeland Security 1100 - PA Emergency Management Agency 300 - Department of General
Services Room 140
March 6-- CANCELED DEP Storage Tank Advisory Committee meeting Next scheduled
meeting is June 5 ( formal notice )
832019 Pa Environment Digest Feb 20 2012
httpslidepdfcomreaderfullpa-environment-digest-feb-20-2012 3334
March 7-- House Game and Fisheries Committee informational meeting on Game Commissions
Annual Report Room 39 East Wing 1000
March 8-- House Appropriations Committee budget hearings 1000 - Budget Secretary 100 -
House Member Testimony Room 140
March 14-- DEP Air Quality Technical Advisory Committee meeting Room 105 Rachel Carson
Building 915 ( formal notice )
March 26-- Environmental Issues Forum Joint Legislative Air and Water Pollution Control and
Conservation Committee featuring a presentation by DCNR Secretary Richard Allan (Location
to be determined) Noon
DEP Calendar of Events
Note The Environmental Education Workshop Calendar is no longer available from the PACenter for Environmental Education because funding for the Center was eliminated in the FY
2011-12 state budget The PCEE website was also shutdown but some content was moved to
the PA Association of Environmental Educators website
Senate Committee Schedule House Committee Schedule
You can watch the Senate Floor Session and House Floor Session live online
Stories Invited
Send your stories photos and videos about your project environmental issues or programs for
publication in the PA Environment Digest to DHessCrisciAssociatescom
PA Environment Digest is edited by David E Hess former Secretary Pennsylvania Department
of Environmental Protection and is published as a service to the clients of Crisci Associates a
Harrisburg-based government and public affairs firm whose clients include Fortune 500
companies and non-profit organizations For more information on Crisci Associates call
717-234-1716
PA Environment Digest weekly was the winner of the PA Association of Environmental
Educators 2009 Business Partner of the Year Award
Also sign up for these other services from Crisci Associates--
PA Environment Digest Twitter Feed On Twitter sign up to receive instant updates from
PAEnviroDigest
832019 Pa Environment Digest Feb 20 2012
httpslidepdfcomreaderfullpa-environment-digest-feb-20-2012 3434
PA Environment Daily Blog provides daily environmental NewsClips and significant stories
and announcements on environmental topics in Pennsylvania of immediate value Sign up and
receive as they are posted updates through your favorite RSS reader You can also sign up for a
once daily email alerting you to new items posted on this blog
PA Environment Digest Video Blog showcases original and published videos fromenvironmental groups and agencies around the state Sign up to receive as they are posted
updates through your favorite RSS read You can also sign up for a once daily email alerting
you to new items posted on this blog
PA Capitol Digest Dont forget to sign up to receive the PA Capitol Digest Twitter feed by
going to wwwTwittercomPaCapitolDigest or click on this link for the regular daily PA
Capitol Digest Blog to get other news from in and around the Pennsylvania State Capitol
Supporting Member PA Outdoor Writers AssnPA Trout Unlimited
PA Environment Digest is a supporting member of the Pennsylvania Outdoor Writers
Association Pennsylvania Council Trout Unlimited and the Doc Fritchey Chapter Trout
Unlimited
832019 Pa Environment Digest Feb 20 2012
httpslidepdfcomreaderfullpa-environment-digest-feb-20-2012 2634
Opportunity To Bid On McKean County Abandoned Well Plugging Project
The Department of Environmental Protection published notice of an opportunity to bid on a
project to plug 24 abandoned oil wells in McKean County
Help Wanted Chesapeake Bay Foundation PA Grassroots Coordinator Field Specialist
The Chesapeake Bay Foundation is seeking a PA Grassroots Coordinator and a Field Specialist
to be based at their Pennsylvania State Office located in Harrisburg This position is a 2 year
term position with the possibility of extension Click Here for details
Help Wanted Conewago Creek Assistant Project Coordinator
Penn State Cooperative Extension on behalf of the Conewago Creek Initiative seeks an Assistant
Project Coordinator to be an integral part of a dynamic partnership team working together with
local state and federal partnersThe Assistant Project Coordinator will report to the Director of the Lower Susquehanna
Initiative who serves as the Project Coordinator for the Conewago Creek Initiative
The deadline for applications is March 1 Click Here for details
Help Wanted ALLARM Assistant Director Of Outreach Marcellus
The Alliance for Aquatic Resource Monitoring (ALLARM) is seeking candidate to fill a third
full time position to the organization-- Assistant Director of Outreach-- to assist with Marcellus
Monitoring program training community volunteers throughout the shale gas regions in
Pennsylvania to monitor small streams for early pollution detection Click Here for fullannouncement
Grants amp 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
February 23-- PA Pathways To Green Schools Nominations
February 24-- PA Trout In The Classroom Grants
February 29-- EPA Environmental Justice Small Grants
February 29-- Ben Franklin BIG IDEA Business Plan ContestFebruary 29-- PA American Water Stream of Learning Scholarships
February 29-- West Branch Susquehanna Orange Rock Awards
March 1-- Erie TreeVitalize Grants
March 2-- Coca-Cola Keep America Beautiful Recycling Bin Grants
March 2-- Conservation Innovation Grants Chesapeake Bay Nutrient Credit Grants
March 5-- TogetherGreen Fellowship and Innovation Grants
832019 Pa Environment Digest Feb 20 2012
httpslidepdfcomreaderfullpa-environment-digest-feb-20-2012 2734
March 5-- PECDominion Western PA Environmental Awards
March 10-- PA American Water Environmental Grants
March 15-- NEW Keep PA Beautiful Greenways Mini-Grants
March 23-- Water Resources Education Network Grants
March 30-- PA American Water Protect Our Watersheds Student Art Contest
March 31-- DEP Host Municipal Inspector GrantsApril 3-- West Penn Power Sustainable Energy Fund Grants Loans
April 4-- DCNR Community Conservation Partnership Grants
April 15-- Wild Resource Conservation Fund Income Tax Checkoff Deadline
March 1-- Keystone Historic Preservation Project and Construction Grants
August 1-- PA Snowmobile Assn Trail Improvement Grants
August 24-- Foundation for PA Watershed Grants
September 1-- Erie TreeVitalize Grants
October 31-- PA Resources Council Lens On Litter Contest
-- Visit the DEP Grants and Loan Programs webpage for more ideas on how to get financial
assistance for environmental projects
BudgetQuick Clips
Heres a selection of NewClips on environmental topics from around the state--
Budget
Corbett Signs Marcellus Shale Fee Into Law
Corbett Signs Shale Well Impact Fee Into Law
Corbett Approves Marcellus Shale Fee
Bradford Commissioner Foolish Not To Accept Drilling Fee MoneyWhats Next For PAs Impact Fee Bradford Against Fee
Bradford Commissioners Disagree On Drilling Fee
Washington County To Seek Marcellus Fees
Editorial Corbetts Gas Fee About To Evaporate
Robinson Twp To Contest New Marcellus Law
South Fayette Eyes Legal Action On Drilling Bill
Fish amp Boat Commission Grateful For Marcellus Fees
PUC Eyes Private Firm For Impact Fee Collection
PUC Chair Let Marcellus Play Come To Us
PUC Would Get Shale Role Under Drilling Bill
Editorial It Makes Sense For PUC To Deal With Drilling NE Counties To Raise Millions Or Nothing Under Drilling Fee
House Capital Budget Bill Debate Focuses On Jobs
House GOP Marcellus Bill A Win For Jobs
Norquists No-Tax Pledge Cant Give Drill Fee The Ax
PA Natural Gas Levy Became Inevitable
Bradford Commissioners Disagree On Drilling Fee
832019 Pa Environment Digest Feb 20 2012
httpslidepdfcomreaderfullpa-environment-digest-feb-20-2012 2834
Vertical Exploratory Wells Wont Be Hit With Drilling Fee
Impact Fee Bill Addresses Housing Needs
Op-Ed Natural Gas Fee May Be Too Late
Editorial Marcellus Fee A Tax Stupid
Editorial Shale Drillers Got The Better Part Of Deal
Corbett Raiding Special FundsCan Pennsylvanians Survive Under Another Corbett Budget
As Roads Bridges Deteriorate Governor Silent
Analysis Taking Baby Steps On Fixing Roads Bridges
Editorial Must A Bridge Fall Down
House Capital Budget Bill Debate Focuses On Jobs
Editorial Capital Budget Funds Must Be Kept Under Control
Obama Cuts EPA Increases Chesapeake Bay Program
Chesapeake Bay Program Increased Under Obama Budget
EPA Budget Cut For States Superfund Cleanup
Obama Proposes $14 Million For Fracking Research
$67 Million Requested For Federal Pipeline SafetyDCNR Secretary Says Report On Wildlife Research Not Accurate
Other
Electronics Recycling Date Set At Greensburg Mall
Hershey Plants Achieve Zero Waste Status
RecycleBank Named On Of Worlds Most Innovative Companies
Editorial Fine Litterers No Ifs Or Butts
Corbett Signs 3 Energy Sector Bills
Op-Ed Anti-Coal Agenda Is Detrimental To PA
Op-Ed Global Warming As Fact Not Hypothesis
Op-Ed Climate Change Education Is NecessaryHomer City Power Plant Still To Dirty Groups Claim
DEP Sets March 14 Public Hearing On Homer City Power Plant
Concerns Voiced Over PPL Lines
Consumer Alert Electricity Price Discounts Heat Up
Turbine Load To Hit The Road To Holtwood Dam
PPL Plans $664 Million In Electric Delivery System Improvements
Exelon Gives Dauphin County $110000 For Emergency Response
Groups Ask For Expansion Of Nuclear Plant Evacuation Zone
Feds Give PPL Reactor Low Grade
Allentown Council Rejects Waste-To-Energy Sewage Plant
GE Invests In Cleaner Evolution LocomotiveDEP Hopeful Buyer Will Emerge For ConocoPhillips Refinery
DEP Renews ConocoPhillips Trainer Refinery Discharge Permit
100 Sunoco Workers In PA Get Layoff Notices
Meehan PA Refinery Closures Threat To National Security
Refinery Closings Could Affect 15000 Jobs Study Says
Gasoline Could Reach $5 By July 4
$4 A Gallon Gasoline By Memorial Day
832019 Pa Environment Digest Feb 20 2012
httpslidepdfcomreaderfullpa-environment-digest-feb-20-2012 2934
Gasoline Prices Have Never Been This High This Early
Electric Bicycle Waiver Sought
Land Bank Bill Newest Anti-Blight Tool
Game Commission Prepares For Controlled Burn On Centre County
2012 Great Backyard Bird Count Begins Friday
Birders-Eye View Of Conservation In PhiladelphiaState Could Take Over Refurbished Point State Park
New Ohiopyle Visitors Center Project To Be Bid This Spring
Winterfest At Ohiopyle No Snow Still A Go
Protecting Landscapes Changing Face Of Conservation
Marcellus Shale NewsClips
Here are NewsClips on topics related to Marcellus Shale natural gas drilling---
Corbett Signs Marcellus Shale Fee Into Law
Corbett Signs Shale Well Impact Fee Into Law
Corbett Approves Marcellus Shale Fee
Bradford Commissioner Foolish Not To Accept Drilling Fee Money
Whats Next For PAs Impact Fee Bradford Against Fee
Bradford Commissioners Disagree On Drilling Fee
Washington County To Seek Marcellus Fees
Editorial Corbetts Gas Fee About To Evaporate
Robinson Twp To Contest New Marcellus Law
South Fayette Eyes Legal Action On Drilling Bill
Fish amp Boat Commission Grateful For Marcellus Fees
PUC Eyes Private Firm For Impact Fee CollectionPUC Chair Let Marcellus Play Come To Us
PUC Would Get Shale Role Under Drilling Bill
Editorial It Makes Sense For PUC To Deal With Drilling
Corbett Raiding Special Funds
NE Counties To Raise Millions Or Nothing Under Drilling Fee
House GOP Marcellus Bill A Win For Jobs
Norquists No-Tax Pledge Cant Give Drill Fee The Ax
PA Natural Gas Levy Became Inevitable
Wayne County Landowners Push For Drilling
Vertical Exploratory Wells Wont Be Hit With Drilling Fee
Impact Fee Bill Addresses Housing NeedsDrilling Bill Authors Health Experts Fears Unfounded
Health Officials Drilling Law Disclosure Rules Lax
Op-Ed Natural Gas Fee May Be Too Late
Editorial Marcellus Fee A Tax Stupid
Editorial Shale Drillers Got The Better Part Of Deal
Delaware Riverkeeper Reports Settlement Over Gas Well
832019 Pa Environment Digest Feb 20 2012
httpslidepdfcomreaderfullpa-environment-digest-feb-20-2012 3034
EPA Probing Washington County Shale Operations
Marcellus Boom Has Pressed Law Firms To Boost Their Staffs
25 More State Troopers In NE Shale Region
Recorders Of Deeds May Not Reject Multiple Gas Leases
Rural Loophole Curbing PA Pipeline Inspections
Pipeline Tested Ahead Of Tie-In To Shale WellsFirefighters Learn To Deal With Drilling Emergencies
Assessing PGWs Liquid Natural Gas Future
Dominion Resources Playing Responsible Role In Drilling
Report Philly Should Consider Selling Gas Company
Company Files For Gas Drilling Permit In Bucks County
Gas Drilling Debate Returns To Bucks County
Shale Drillers Drinking From Slippery Rock Creek
Gas Wells With Smaller Footprint Get Greater Scrutiny
PennEnvironment Violations Report Half-Baked
Water Tanker Truck Lands In Creek In Monroe Twp
Industry Says Over 93230 New Hires As A Result Of Marcellus ShaleBCCC Begins Classes For Marcellus Shale Workers
Marcellus Gas Creates Demand For Cars
Ex-Drilling Exec Took Nearly $1 Million Or More
Op-Ed Gas Drillers New Wild West
Marcellus Gas Production Rises So Does Recycling
FinancialOther StatesNational
Drillers Cut Natural Gas Production As Prices Drop
Talisman Cutting Back Drilling Plans
Ultra Petroleum Reports 2011 Financial Operating Results
Gas Firms Drill Less As Prices Nose DiveObama Proposes $14 Million For Fracking Research
$67 Million Requested For Federal Pipeline Safety
FloodingWatershed NewsClips
Here are NewsClips on watershed topics from around the state--
Flooding
New Bank Coming To Flood-Ravaged Shickshinny
Other Watershed NewsClips
Mon River QUEST Wins Regional IMPACT AwardEPA Evaluates States Chesapeake Bay Plans
Shale Drillers Drinking From Slippery Rock Creek
Sewage Woes Close Lewisburg Area Park
$375000 To Aid Little Buck Run Restoration Effort
Loyalhanna Creek Sewage Overflow Problem Goes To State
Turbine Load To Hit The Road To Holtwood Dam
832019 Pa Environment Digest Feb 20 2012
httpslidepdfcomreaderfullpa-environment-digest-feb-20-2012 3134
Funding Sought For Restoration Of Speedwell Lake
Obama Cuts EPA Increases Chesapeake Bay Program
Chesapeake Bay Program Increased Under Obama Budget
EPA Budget Cut For States Superfund Cleanup
Editorial Delaware Dredging A Step Closer
Regulations Technical Guidance amp Permits
No new regulations were published this week Pennsylvania Bulletin - February 18 2012
Proposed Regulations Open For Comment - DEP webpage
Proposed Regulations With Closed Comment Periods - DEP webpage
DEP Regulatory Agenda - DEP webpage
Technical Guidance amp Permits
The Department of Environmental Protection published notice of bond rate calculations for mine
reclamation The Fish and Boat Commission published notice of nursery water designation for
the Shenango River Crawford County
DEP also published an update to the list of companies certified to perform radon-related
activities (PA Bulletin page 994)
Technical Guidance Comment Deadlines - DEP webpage
Copies Of Draft Technical Guidance - DEP webpage
Copies of Final Technical Guidance - DEP webpage
Calendar Of Events
Upcoming legislative meetings conferences workshops plus links to other online calendars
Meetings are in Harrisburg unless otherwise noted NEW means new from last week Go to the
online Calendar webpage
Click on Agenda Released on calendar entries to see the NEW meeting agendas published this
week
Note You can watch the hearings live through the Senate webpage and the House webpage or
on the PA Cable Network website
832019 Pa Environment Digest Feb 20 2012
httpslidepdfcomreaderfullpa-environment-digest-feb-20-2012 3234
February 21-- House Appropriations Committee budget hearings 930 - Global Economy
1100 - Independent Fiscal Office 130 - Department of Revenue Room 140
February 21-- CANCELED Environmental Quality Board meeting Next scheduled meeting is
March 20 ( formal notice )
February 21-- Agenda Released DEP Citizens Advisory Council meeting Room 105 Rachel
Carson Building 1130
February 22-- Senate Appropriations Committee budget hearings 930 - Department of
Environmental Protection 100 - Department of Transportation Hearing Room 1 North Office
February 23-- NEW House Democratic Policy Committee holds a hearing on Southeast PA oil
refinery closings National Constitution Center Philadelphia 1000
February 27-- House Appropriations Committee budget hearings 1000 - Public Utility
Commission 1100 - Office of Consumer Advocate Small Business Advocate Room 140
February 27-- NEW House Democratic Policy Committee holds a hearing on Marcellus Shale
air emissions Bryn Mawr Presbyterian Church Bryn Mawr 1000
February 28-- Senate Appropriations Committee budget hearings 100 - Department of
Agriculture Hearing Room 1 North Office
February 28-- House Appropriations Committee budget hearings 930 - Department of
Agriculture 1030 - Department of Conservation and Natural Resources Room 140
February 29-- Senate Appropriations Committee budget hearings 930 - PA Emergency
Management Agency Hearing Room 1 North Office
February 29-- House Game and Fisheries Committee informational meeting on Fish and Boat
Commissions Annual Report Room 39 East Wing 1000
February 29-- House Appropriations Committee budget hearings 930 - Department of
Transportation 300 - Department of Environmental Protection Room 140
March 1-- House Appropriations Committee budget hearings 1000 Department of Labor amp
Industry 100 - Department of Community and Economic Development Room 140
March 6-- House Appropriations Committee budget hearings 930 - State PoliceOffice of
Homeland Security 1100 - PA Emergency Management Agency 300 - Department of General
Services Room 140
March 6-- CANCELED DEP Storage Tank Advisory Committee meeting Next scheduled
meeting is June 5 ( formal notice )
832019 Pa Environment Digest Feb 20 2012
httpslidepdfcomreaderfullpa-environment-digest-feb-20-2012 3334
March 7-- House Game and Fisheries Committee informational meeting on Game Commissions
Annual Report Room 39 East Wing 1000
March 8-- House Appropriations Committee budget hearings 1000 - Budget Secretary 100 -
House Member Testimony Room 140
March 14-- DEP Air Quality Technical Advisory Committee meeting Room 105 Rachel Carson
Building 915 ( formal notice )
March 26-- Environmental Issues Forum Joint Legislative Air and Water Pollution Control and
Conservation Committee featuring a presentation by DCNR Secretary Richard Allan (Location
to be determined) Noon
DEP Calendar of Events
Note The Environmental Education Workshop Calendar is no longer available from the PACenter for Environmental Education because funding for the Center was eliminated in the FY
2011-12 state budget The PCEE website was also shutdown but some content was moved to
the PA Association of Environmental Educators website
Senate Committee Schedule House Committee Schedule
You can watch the Senate Floor Session and House Floor Session live online
Stories Invited
Send your stories photos and videos about your project environmental issues or programs for
publication in the PA Environment Digest to DHessCrisciAssociatescom
PA Environment Digest is edited by David E Hess former Secretary Pennsylvania Department
of Environmental Protection and is published as a service to the clients of Crisci Associates a
Harrisburg-based government and public affairs firm whose clients include Fortune 500
companies and non-profit organizations For more information on Crisci Associates call
717-234-1716
PA Environment Digest weekly was the winner of the PA Association of Environmental
Educators 2009 Business Partner of the Year Award
Also sign up for these other services from Crisci Associates--
PA Environment Digest Twitter Feed On Twitter sign up to receive instant updates from
PAEnviroDigest
832019 Pa Environment Digest Feb 20 2012
httpslidepdfcomreaderfullpa-environment-digest-feb-20-2012 3434
PA Environment Daily Blog provides daily environmental NewsClips and significant stories
and announcements on environmental topics in Pennsylvania of immediate value Sign up and
receive as they are posted updates through your favorite RSS reader You can also sign up for a
once daily email alerting you to new items posted on this blog
PA Environment Digest Video Blog showcases original and published videos fromenvironmental groups and agencies around the state Sign up to receive as they are posted
updates through your favorite RSS read You can also sign up for a once daily email alerting
you to new items posted on this blog
PA Capitol Digest Dont forget to sign up to receive the PA Capitol Digest Twitter feed by
going to wwwTwittercomPaCapitolDigest or click on this link for the regular daily PA
Capitol Digest Blog to get other news from in and around the Pennsylvania State Capitol
Supporting Member PA Outdoor Writers AssnPA Trout Unlimited
PA Environment Digest is a supporting member of the Pennsylvania Outdoor Writers
Association Pennsylvania Council Trout Unlimited and the Doc Fritchey Chapter Trout
Unlimited
832019 Pa Environment Digest Feb 20 2012
httpslidepdfcomreaderfullpa-environment-digest-feb-20-2012 2734
March 5-- PECDominion Western PA Environmental Awards
March 10-- PA American Water Environmental Grants
March 15-- NEW Keep PA Beautiful Greenways Mini-Grants
March 23-- Water Resources Education Network Grants
March 30-- PA American Water Protect Our Watersheds Student Art Contest
March 31-- DEP Host Municipal Inspector GrantsApril 3-- West Penn Power Sustainable Energy Fund Grants Loans
April 4-- DCNR Community Conservation Partnership Grants
April 15-- Wild Resource Conservation Fund Income Tax Checkoff Deadline
March 1-- Keystone Historic Preservation Project and Construction Grants
August 1-- PA Snowmobile Assn Trail Improvement Grants
August 24-- Foundation for PA Watershed Grants
September 1-- Erie TreeVitalize Grants
October 31-- PA Resources Council Lens On Litter Contest
-- Visit the DEP Grants and Loan Programs webpage for more ideas on how to get financial
assistance for environmental projects
BudgetQuick Clips
Heres a selection of NewClips on environmental topics from around the state--
Budget
Corbett Signs Marcellus Shale Fee Into Law
Corbett Signs Shale Well Impact Fee Into Law
Corbett Approves Marcellus Shale Fee
Bradford Commissioner Foolish Not To Accept Drilling Fee MoneyWhats Next For PAs Impact Fee Bradford Against Fee
Bradford Commissioners Disagree On Drilling Fee
Washington County To Seek Marcellus Fees
Editorial Corbetts Gas Fee About To Evaporate
Robinson Twp To Contest New Marcellus Law
South Fayette Eyes Legal Action On Drilling Bill
Fish amp Boat Commission Grateful For Marcellus Fees
PUC Eyes Private Firm For Impact Fee Collection
PUC Chair Let Marcellus Play Come To Us
PUC Would Get Shale Role Under Drilling Bill
Editorial It Makes Sense For PUC To Deal With Drilling NE Counties To Raise Millions Or Nothing Under Drilling Fee
House Capital Budget Bill Debate Focuses On Jobs
House GOP Marcellus Bill A Win For Jobs
Norquists No-Tax Pledge Cant Give Drill Fee The Ax
PA Natural Gas Levy Became Inevitable
Bradford Commissioners Disagree On Drilling Fee
832019 Pa Environment Digest Feb 20 2012
httpslidepdfcomreaderfullpa-environment-digest-feb-20-2012 2834
Vertical Exploratory Wells Wont Be Hit With Drilling Fee
Impact Fee Bill Addresses Housing Needs
Op-Ed Natural Gas Fee May Be Too Late
Editorial Marcellus Fee A Tax Stupid
Editorial Shale Drillers Got The Better Part Of Deal
Corbett Raiding Special FundsCan Pennsylvanians Survive Under Another Corbett Budget
As Roads Bridges Deteriorate Governor Silent
Analysis Taking Baby Steps On Fixing Roads Bridges
Editorial Must A Bridge Fall Down
House Capital Budget Bill Debate Focuses On Jobs
Editorial Capital Budget Funds Must Be Kept Under Control
Obama Cuts EPA Increases Chesapeake Bay Program
Chesapeake Bay Program Increased Under Obama Budget
EPA Budget Cut For States Superfund Cleanup
Obama Proposes $14 Million For Fracking Research
$67 Million Requested For Federal Pipeline SafetyDCNR Secretary Says Report On Wildlife Research Not Accurate
Other
Electronics Recycling Date Set At Greensburg Mall
Hershey Plants Achieve Zero Waste Status
RecycleBank Named On Of Worlds Most Innovative Companies
Editorial Fine Litterers No Ifs Or Butts
Corbett Signs 3 Energy Sector Bills
Op-Ed Anti-Coal Agenda Is Detrimental To PA
Op-Ed Global Warming As Fact Not Hypothesis
Op-Ed Climate Change Education Is NecessaryHomer City Power Plant Still To Dirty Groups Claim
DEP Sets March 14 Public Hearing On Homer City Power Plant
Concerns Voiced Over PPL Lines
Consumer Alert Electricity Price Discounts Heat Up
Turbine Load To Hit The Road To Holtwood Dam
PPL Plans $664 Million In Electric Delivery System Improvements
Exelon Gives Dauphin County $110000 For Emergency Response
Groups Ask For Expansion Of Nuclear Plant Evacuation Zone
Feds Give PPL Reactor Low Grade
Allentown Council Rejects Waste-To-Energy Sewage Plant
GE Invests In Cleaner Evolution LocomotiveDEP Hopeful Buyer Will Emerge For ConocoPhillips Refinery
DEP Renews ConocoPhillips Trainer Refinery Discharge Permit
100 Sunoco Workers In PA Get Layoff Notices
Meehan PA Refinery Closures Threat To National Security
Refinery Closings Could Affect 15000 Jobs Study Says
Gasoline Could Reach $5 By July 4
$4 A Gallon Gasoline By Memorial Day
832019 Pa Environment Digest Feb 20 2012
httpslidepdfcomreaderfullpa-environment-digest-feb-20-2012 2934
Gasoline Prices Have Never Been This High This Early
Electric Bicycle Waiver Sought
Land Bank Bill Newest Anti-Blight Tool
Game Commission Prepares For Controlled Burn On Centre County
2012 Great Backyard Bird Count Begins Friday
Birders-Eye View Of Conservation In PhiladelphiaState Could Take Over Refurbished Point State Park
New Ohiopyle Visitors Center Project To Be Bid This Spring
Winterfest At Ohiopyle No Snow Still A Go
Protecting Landscapes Changing Face Of Conservation
Marcellus Shale NewsClips
Here are NewsClips on topics related to Marcellus Shale natural gas drilling---
Corbett Signs Marcellus Shale Fee Into Law
Corbett Signs Shale Well Impact Fee Into Law
Corbett Approves Marcellus Shale Fee
Bradford Commissioner Foolish Not To Accept Drilling Fee Money
Whats Next For PAs Impact Fee Bradford Against Fee
Bradford Commissioners Disagree On Drilling Fee
Washington County To Seek Marcellus Fees
Editorial Corbetts Gas Fee About To Evaporate
Robinson Twp To Contest New Marcellus Law
South Fayette Eyes Legal Action On Drilling Bill
Fish amp Boat Commission Grateful For Marcellus Fees
PUC Eyes Private Firm For Impact Fee CollectionPUC Chair Let Marcellus Play Come To Us
PUC Would Get Shale Role Under Drilling Bill
Editorial It Makes Sense For PUC To Deal With Drilling
Corbett Raiding Special Funds
NE Counties To Raise Millions Or Nothing Under Drilling Fee
House GOP Marcellus Bill A Win For Jobs
Norquists No-Tax Pledge Cant Give Drill Fee The Ax
PA Natural Gas Levy Became Inevitable
Wayne County Landowners Push For Drilling
Vertical Exploratory Wells Wont Be Hit With Drilling Fee
Impact Fee Bill Addresses Housing NeedsDrilling Bill Authors Health Experts Fears Unfounded
Health Officials Drilling Law Disclosure Rules Lax
Op-Ed Natural Gas Fee May Be Too Late
Editorial Marcellus Fee A Tax Stupid
Editorial Shale Drillers Got The Better Part Of Deal
Delaware Riverkeeper Reports Settlement Over Gas Well
832019 Pa Environment Digest Feb 20 2012
httpslidepdfcomreaderfullpa-environment-digest-feb-20-2012 3034
EPA Probing Washington County Shale Operations
Marcellus Boom Has Pressed Law Firms To Boost Their Staffs
25 More State Troopers In NE Shale Region
Recorders Of Deeds May Not Reject Multiple Gas Leases
Rural Loophole Curbing PA Pipeline Inspections
Pipeline Tested Ahead Of Tie-In To Shale WellsFirefighters Learn To Deal With Drilling Emergencies
Assessing PGWs Liquid Natural Gas Future
Dominion Resources Playing Responsible Role In Drilling
Report Philly Should Consider Selling Gas Company
Company Files For Gas Drilling Permit In Bucks County
Gas Drilling Debate Returns To Bucks County
Shale Drillers Drinking From Slippery Rock Creek
Gas Wells With Smaller Footprint Get Greater Scrutiny
PennEnvironment Violations Report Half-Baked
Water Tanker Truck Lands In Creek In Monroe Twp
Industry Says Over 93230 New Hires As A Result Of Marcellus ShaleBCCC Begins Classes For Marcellus Shale Workers
Marcellus Gas Creates Demand For Cars
Ex-Drilling Exec Took Nearly $1 Million Or More
Op-Ed Gas Drillers New Wild West
Marcellus Gas Production Rises So Does Recycling
FinancialOther StatesNational
Drillers Cut Natural Gas Production As Prices Drop
Talisman Cutting Back Drilling Plans
Ultra Petroleum Reports 2011 Financial Operating Results
Gas Firms Drill Less As Prices Nose DiveObama Proposes $14 Million For Fracking Research
$67 Million Requested For Federal Pipeline Safety
FloodingWatershed NewsClips
Here are NewsClips on watershed topics from around the state--
Flooding
New Bank Coming To Flood-Ravaged Shickshinny
Other Watershed NewsClips
Mon River QUEST Wins Regional IMPACT AwardEPA Evaluates States Chesapeake Bay Plans
Shale Drillers Drinking From Slippery Rock Creek
Sewage Woes Close Lewisburg Area Park
$375000 To Aid Little Buck Run Restoration Effort
Loyalhanna Creek Sewage Overflow Problem Goes To State
Turbine Load To Hit The Road To Holtwood Dam
832019 Pa Environment Digest Feb 20 2012
httpslidepdfcomreaderfullpa-environment-digest-feb-20-2012 3134
Funding Sought For Restoration Of Speedwell Lake
Obama Cuts EPA Increases Chesapeake Bay Program
Chesapeake Bay Program Increased Under Obama Budget
EPA Budget Cut For States Superfund Cleanup
Editorial Delaware Dredging A Step Closer
Regulations Technical Guidance amp Permits
No new regulations were published this week Pennsylvania Bulletin - February 18 2012
Proposed Regulations Open For Comment - DEP webpage
Proposed Regulations With Closed Comment Periods - DEP webpage
DEP Regulatory Agenda - DEP webpage
Technical Guidance amp Permits
The Department of Environmental Protection published notice of bond rate calculations for mine
reclamation The Fish and Boat Commission published notice of nursery water designation for
the Shenango River Crawford County
DEP also published an update to the list of companies certified to perform radon-related
activities (PA Bulletin page 994)
Technical Guidance Comment Deadlines - DEP webpage
Copies Of Draft Technical Guidance - DEP webpage
Copies of Final Technical Guidance - DEP webpage
Calendar Of Events
Upcoming legislative meetings conferences workshops plus links to other online calendars
Meetings are in Harrisburg unless otherwise noted NEW means new from last week Go to the
online Calendar webpage
Click on Agenda Released on calendar entries to see the NEW meeting agendas published this
week
Note You can watch the hearings live through the Senate webpage and the House webpage or
on the PA Cable Network website
832019 Pa Environment Digest Feb 20 2012
httpslidepdfcomreaderfullpa-environment-digest-feb-20-2012 3234
February 21-- House Appropriations Committee budget hearings 930 - Global Economy
1100 - Independent Fiscal Office 130 - Department of Revenue Room 140
February 21-- CANCELED Environmental Quality Board meeting Next scheduled meeting is
March 20 ( formal notice )
February 21-- Agenda Released DEP Citizens Advisory Council meeting Room 105 Rachel
Carson Building 1130
February 22-- Senate Appropriations Committee budget hearings 930 - Department of
Environmental Protection 100 - Department of Transportation Hearing Room 1 North Office
February 23-- NEW House Democratic Policy Committee holds a hearing on Southeast PA oil
refinery closings National Constitution Center Philadelphia 1000
February 27-- House Appropriations Committee budget hearings 1000 - Public Utility
Commission 1100 - Office of Consumer Advocate Small Business Advocate Room 140
February 27-- NEW House Democratic Policy Committee holds a hearing on Marcellus Shale
air emissions Bryn Mawr Presbyterian Church Bryn Mawr 1000
February 28-- Senate Appropriations Committee budget hearings 100 - Department of
Agriculture Hearing Room 1 North Office
February 28-- House Appropriations Committee budget hearings 930 - Department of
Agriculture 1030 - Department of Conservation and Natural Resources Room 140
February 29-- Senate Appropriations Committee budget hearings 930 - PA Emergency
Management Agency Hearing Room 1 North Office
February 29-- House Game and Fisheries Committee informational meeting on Fish and Boat
Commissions Annual Report Room 39 East Wing 1000
February 29-- House Appropriations Committee budget hearings 930 - Department of
Transportation 300 - Department of Environmental Protection Room 140
March 1-- House Appropriations Committee budget hearings 1000 Department of Labor amp
Industry 100 - Department of Community and Economic Development Room 140
March 6-- House Appropriations Committee budget hearings 930 - State PoliceOffice of
Homeland Security 1100 - PA Emergency Management Agency 300 - Department of General
Services Room 140
March 6-- CANCELED DEP Storage Tank Advisory Committee meeting Next scheduled
meeting is June 5 ( formal notice )
832019 Pa Environment Digest Feb 20 2012
httpslidepdfcomreaderfullpa-environment-digest-feb-20-2012 3334
March 7-- House Game and Fisheries Committee informational meeting on Game Commissions
Annual Report Room 39 East Wing 1000
March 8-- House Appropriations Committee budget hearings 1000 - Budget Secretary 100 -
House Member Testimony Room 140
March 14-- DEP Air Quality Technical Advisory Committee meeting Room 105 Rachel Carson
Building 915 ( formal notice )
March 26-- Environmental Issues Forum Joint Legislative Air and Water Pollution Control and
Conservation Committee featuring a presentation by DCNR Secretary Richard Allan (Location
to be determined) Noon
DEP Calendar of Events
Note The Environmental Education Workshop Calendar is no longer available from the PACenter for Environmental Education because funding for the Center was eliminated in the FY
2011-12 state budget The PCEE website was also shutdown but some content was moved to
the PA Association of Environmental Educators website
Senate Committee Schedule House Committee Schedule
You can watch the Senate Floor Session and House Floor Session live online
Stories Invited
Send your stories photos and videos about your project environmental issues or programs for
publication in the PA Environment Digest to DHessCrisciAssociatescom
PA Environment Digest is edited by David E Hess former Secretary Pennsylvania Department
of Environmental Protection and is published as a service to the clients of Crisci Associates a
Harrisburg-based government and public affairs firm whose clients include Fortune 500
companies and non-profit organizations For more information on Crisci Associates call
717-234-1716
PA Environment Digest weekly was the winner of the PA Association of Environmental
Educators 2009 Business Partner of the Year Award
Also sign up for these other services from Crisci Associates--
PA Environment Digest Twitter Feed On Twitter sign up to receive instant updates from
PAEnviroDigest
832019 Pa Environment Digest Feb 20 2012
httpslidepdfcomreaderfullpa-environment-digest-feb-20-2012 3434
PA Environment Daily Blog provides daily environmental NewsClips and significant stories
and announcements on environmental topics in Pennsylvania of immediate value Sign up and
receive as they are posted updates through your favorite RSS reader You can also sign up for a
once daily email alerting you to new items posted on this blog
PA Environment Digest Video Blog showcases original and published videos fromenvironmental groups and agencies around the state Sign up to receive as they are posted
updates through your favorite RSS read You can also sign up for a once daily email alerting
you to new items posted on this blog
PA Capitol Digest Dont forget to sign up to receive the PA Capitol Digest Twitter feed by
going to wwwTwittercomPaCapitolDigest or click on this link for the regular daily PA
Capitol Digest Blog to get other news from in and around the Pennsylvania State Capitol
Supporting Member PA Outdoor Writers AssnPA Trout Unlimited
PA Environment Digest is a supporting member of the Pennsylvania Outdoor Writers
Association Pennsylvania Council Trout Unlimited and the Doc Fritchey Chapter Trout
Unlimited
832019 Pa Environment Digest Feb 20 2012
httpslidepdfcomreaderfullpa-environment-digest-feb-20-2012 2834
Vertical Exploratory Wells Wont Be Hit With Drilling Fee
Impact Fee Bill Addresses Housing Needs
Op-Ed Natural Gas Fee May Be Too Late
Editorial Marcellus Fee A Tax Stupid
Editorial Shale Drillers Got The Better Part Of Deal
Corbett Raiding Special FundsCan Pennsylvanians Survive Under Another Corbett Budget
As Roads Bridges Deteriorate Governor Silent
Analysis Taking Baby Steps On Fixing Roads Bridges
Editorial Must A Bridge Fall Down
House Capital Budget Bill Debate Focuses On Jobs
Editorial Capital Budget Funds Must Be Kept Under Control
Obama Cuts EPA Increases Chesapeake Bay Program
Chesapeake Bay Program Increased Under Obama Budget
EPA Budget Cut For States Superfund Cleanup
Obama Proposes $14 Million For Fracking Research
$67 Million Requested For Federal Pipeline SafetyDCNR Secretary Says Report On Wildlife Research Not Accurate
Other
Electronics Recycling Date Set At Greensburg Mall
Hershey Plants Achieve Zero Waste Status
RecycleBank Named On Of Worlds Most Innovative Companies
Editorial Fine Litterers No Ifs Or Butts
Corbett Signs 3 Energy Sector Bills
Op-Ed Anti-Coal Agenda Is Detrimental To PA
Op-Ed Global Warming As Fact Not Hypothesis
Op-Ed Climate Change Education Is NecessaryHomer City Power Plant Still To Dirty Groups Claim
DEP Sets March 14 Public Hearing On Homer City Power Plant
Concerns Voiced Over PPL Lines
Consumer Alert Electricity Price Discounts Heat Up
Turbine Load To Hit The Road To Holtwood Dam
PPL Plans $664 Million In Electric Delivery System Improvements
Exelon Gives Dauphin County $110000 For Emergency Response
Groups Ask For Expansion Of Nuclear Plant Evacuation Zone
Feds Give PPL Reactor Low Grade
Allentown Council Rejects Waste-To-Energy Sewage Plant
GE Invests In Cleaner Evolution LocomotiveDEP Hopeful Buyer Will Emerge For ConocoPhillips Refinery
DEP Renews ConocoPhillips Trainer Refinery Discharge Permit
100 Sunoco Workers In PA Get Layoff Notices
Meehan PA Refinery Closures Threat To National Security
Refinery Closings Could Affect 15000 Jobs Study Says
Gasoline Could Reach $5 By July 4
$4 A Gallon Gasoline By Memorial Day
832019 Pa Environment Digest Feb 20 2012
httpslidepdfcomreaderfullpa-environment-digest-feb-20-2012 2934
Gasoline Prices Have Never Been This High This Early
Electric Bicycle Waiver Sought
Land Bank Bill Newest Anti-Blight Tool
Game Commission Prepares For Controlled Burn On Centre County
2012 Great Backyard Bird Count Begins Friday
Birders-Eye View Of Conservation In PhiladelphiaState Could Take Over Refurbished Point State Park
New Ohiopyle Visitors Center Project To Be Bid This Spring
Winterfest At Ohiopyle No Snow Still A Go
Protecting Landscapes Changing Face Of Conservation
Marcellus Shale NewsClips
Here are NewsClips on topics related to Marcellus Shale natural gas drilling---
Corbett Signs Marcellus Shale Fee Into Law
Corbett Signs Shale Well Impact Fee Into Law
Corbett Approves Marcellus Shale Fee
Bradford Commissioner Foolish Not To Accept Drilling Fee Money
Whats Next For PAs Impact Fee Bradford Against Fee
Bradford Commissioners Disagree On Drilling Fee
Washington County To Seek Marcellus Fees
Editorial Corbetts Gas Fee About To Evaporate
Robinson Twp To Contest New Marcellus Law
South Fayette Eyes Legal Action On Drilling Bill
Fish amp Boat Commission Grateful For Marcellus Fees
PUC Eyes Private Firm For Impact Fee CollectionPUC Chair Let Marcellus Play Come To Us
PUC Would Get Shale Role Under Drilling Bill
Editorial It Makes Sense For PUC To Deal With Drilling
Corbett Raiding Special Funds
NE Counties To Raise Millions Or Nothing Under Drilling Fee
House GOP Marcellus Bill A Win For Jobs
Norquists No-Tax Pledge Cant Give Drill Fee The Ax
PA Natural Gas Levy Became Inevitable
Wayne County Landowners Push For Drilling
Vertical Exploratory Wells Wont Be Hit With Drilling Fee
Impact Fee Bill Addresses Housing NeedsDrilling Bill Authors Health Experts Fears Unfounded
Health Officials Drilling Law Disclosure Rules Lax
Op-Ed Natural Gas Fee May Be Too Late
Editorial Marcellus Fee A Tax Stupid
Editorial Shale Drillers Got The Better Part Of Deal
Delaware Riverkeeper Reports Settlement Over Gas Well
832019 Pa Environment Digest Feb 20 2012
httpslidepdfcomreaderfullpa-environment-digest-feb-20-2012 3034
EPA Probing Washington County Shale Operations
Marcellus Boom Has Pressed Law Firms To Boost Their Staffs
25 More State Troopers In NE Shale Region
Recorders Of Deeds May Not Reject Multiple Gas Leases
Rural Loophole Curbing PA Pipeline Inspections
Pipeline Tested Ahead Of Tie-In To Shale WellsFirefighters Learn To Deal With Drilling Emergencies
Assessing PGWs Liquid Natural Gas Future
Dominion Resources Playing Responsible Role In Drilling
Report Philly Should Consider Selling Gas Company
Company Files For Gas Drilling Permit In Bucks County
Gas Drilling Debate Returns To Bucks County
Shale Drillers Drinking From Slippery Rock Creek
Gas Wells With Smaller Footprint Get Greater Scrutiny
PennEnvironment Violations Report Half-Baked
Water Tanker Truck Lands In Creek In Monroe Twp
Industry Says Over 93230 New Hires As A Result Of Marcellus ShaleBCCC Begins Classes For Marcellus Shale Workers
Marcellus Gas Creates Demand For Cars
Ex-Drilling Exec Took Nearly $1 Million Or More
Op-Ed Gas Drillers New Wild West
Marcellus Gas Production Rises So Does Recycling
FinancialOther StatesNational
Drillers Cut Natural Gas Production As Prices Drop
Talisman Cutting Back Drilling Plans
Ultra Petroleum Reports 2011 Financial Operating Results
Gas Firms Drill Less As Prices Nose DiveObama Proposes $14 Million For Fracking Research
$67 Million Requested For Federal Pipeline Safety
FloodingWatershed NewsClips
Here are NewsClips on watershed topics from around the state--
Flooding
New Bank Coming To Flood-Ravaged Shickshinny
Other Watershed NewsClips
Mon River QUEST Wins Regional IMPACT AwardEPA Evaluates States Chesapeake Bay Plans
Shale Drillers Drinking From Slippery Rock Creek
Sewage Woes Close Lewisburg Area Park
$375000 To Aid Little Buck Run Restoration Effort
Loyalhanna Creek Sewage Overflow Problem Goes To State
Turbine Load To Hit The Road To Holtwood Dam
832019 Pa Environment Digest Feb 20 2012
httpslidepdfcomreaderfullpa-environment-digest-feb-20-2012 3134
Funding Sought For Restoration Of Speedwell Lake
Obama Cuts EPA Increases Chesapeake Bay Program
Chesapeake Bay Program Increased Under Obama Budget
EPA Budget Cut For States Superfund Cleanup
Editorial Delaware Dredging A Step Closer
Regulations Technical Guidance amp Permits
No new regulations were published this week Pennsylvania Bulletin - February 18 2012
Proposed Regulations Open For Comment - DEP webpage
Proposed Regulations With Closed Comment Periods - DEP webpage
DEP Regulatory Agenda - DEP webpage
Technical Guidance amp Permits
The Department of Environmental Protection published notice of bond rate calculations for mine
reclamation The Fish and Boat Commission published notice of nursery water designation for
the Shenango River Crawford County
DEP also published an update to the list of companies certified to perform radon-related
activities (PA Bulletin page 994)
Technical Guidance Comment Deadlines - DEP webpage
Copies Of Draft Technical Guidance - DEP webpage
Copies of Final Technical Guidance - DEP webpage
Calendar Of Events
Upcoming legislative meetings conferences workshops plus links to other online calendars
Meetings are in Harrisburg unless otherwise noted NEW means new from last week Go to the
online Calendar webpage
Click on Agenda Released on calendar entries to see the NEW meeting agendas published this
week
Note You can watch the hearings live through the Senate webpage and the House webpage or
on the PA Cable Network website
832019 Pa Environment Digest Feb 20 2012
httpslidepdfcomreaderfullpa-environment-digest-feb-20-2012 3234
February 21-- House Appropriations Committee budget hearings 930 - Global Economy
1100 - Independent Fiscal Office 130 - Department of Revenue Room 140
February 21-- CANCELED Environmental Quality Board meeting Next scheduled meeting is
March 20 ( formal notice )
February 21-- Agenda Released DEP Citizens Advisory Council meeting Room 105 Rachel
Carson Building 1130
February 22-- Senate Appropriations Committee budget hearings 930 - Department of
Environmental Protection 100 - Department of Transportation Hearing Room 1 North Office
February 23-- NEW House Democratic Policy Committee holds a hearing on Southeast PA oil
refinery closings National Constitution Center Philadelphia 1000
February 27-- House Appropriations Committee budget hearings 1000 - Public Utility
Commission 1100 - Office of Consumer Advocate Small Business Advocate Room 140
February 27-- NEW House Democratic Policy Committee holds a hearing on Marcellus Shale
air emissions Bryn Mawr Presbyterian Church Bryn Mawr 1000
February 28-- Senate Appropriations Committee budget hearings 100 - Department of
Agriculture Hearing Room 1 North Office
February 28-- House Appropriations Committee budget hearings 930 - Department of
Agriculture 1030 - Department of Conservation and Natural Resources Room 140
February 29-- Senate Appropriations Committee budget hearings 930 - PA Emergency
Management Agency Hearing Room 1 North Office
February 29-- House Game and Fisheries Committee informational meeting on Fish and Boat
Commissions Annual Report Room 39 East Wing 1000
February 29-- House Appropriations Committee budget hearings 930 - Department of
Transportation 300 - Department of Environmental Protection Room 140
March 1-- House Appropriations Committee budget hearings 1000 Department of Labor amp
Industry 100 - Department of Community and Economic Development Room 140
March 6-- House Appropriations Committee budget hearings 930 - State PoliceOffice of
Homeland Security 1100 - PA Emergency Management Agency 300 - Department of General
Services Room 140
March 6-- CANCELED DEP Storage Tank Advisory Committee meeting Next scheduled
meeting is June 5 ( formal notice )
832019 Pa Environment Digest Feb 20 2012
httpslidepdfcomreaderfullpa-environment-digest-feb-20-2012 3334
March 7-- House Game and Fisheries Committee informational meeting on Game Commissions
Annual Report Room 39 East Wing 1000
March 8-- House Appropriations Committee budget hearings 1000 - Budget Secretary 100 -
House Member Testimony Room 140
March 14-- DEP Air Quality Technical Advisory Committee meeting Room 105 Rachel Carson
Building 915 ( formal notice )
March 26-- Environmental Issues Forum Joint Legislative Air and Water Pollution Control and
Conservation Committee featuring a presentation by DCNR Secretary Richard Allan (Location
to be determined) Noon
DEP Calendar of Events
Note The Environmental Education Workshop Calendar is no longer available from the PACenter for Environmental Education because funding for the Center was eliminated in the FY
2011-12 state budget The PCEE website was also shutdown but some content was moved to
the PA Association of Environmental Educators website
Senate Committee Schedule House Committee Schedule
You can watch the Senate Floor Session and House Floor Session live online
Stories Invited
Send your stories photos and videos about your project environmental issues or programs for
publication in the PA Environment Digest to DHessCrisciAssociatescom
PA Environment Digest is edited by David E Hess former Secretary Pennsylvania Department
of Environmental Protection and is published as a service to the clients of Crisci Associates a
Harrisburg-based government and public affairs firm whose clients include Fortune 500
companies and non-profit organizations For more information on Crisci Associates call
717-234-1716
PA Environment Digest weekly was the winner of the PA Association of Environmental
Educators 2009 Business Partner of the Year Award
Also sign up for these other services from Crisci Associates--
PA Environment Digest Twitter Feed On Twitter sign up to receive instant updates from
PAEnviroDigest
832019 Pa Environment Digest Feb 20 2012
httpslidepdfcomreaderfullpa-environment-digest-feb-20-2012 3434
PA Environment Daily Blog provides daily environmental NewsClips and significant stories
and announcements on environmental topics in Pennsylvania of immediate value Sign up and
receive as they are posted updates through your favorite RSS reader You can also sign up for a
once daily email alerting you to new items posted on this blog
PA Environment Digest Video Blog showcases original and published videos fromenvironmental groups and agencies around the state Sign up to receive as they are posted
updates through your favorite RSS read You can also sign up for a once daily email alerting
you to new items posted on this blog
PA Capitol Digest Dont forget to sign up to receive the PA Capitol Digest Twitter feed by
going to wwwTwittercomPaCapitolDigest or click on this link for the regular daily PA
Capitol Digest Blog to get other news from in and around the Pennsylvania State Capitol
Supporting Member PA Outdoor Writers AssnPA Trout Unlimited
PA Environment Digest is a supporting member of the Pennsylvania Outdoor Writers
Association Pennsylvania Council Trout Unlimited and the Doc Fritchey Chapter Trout
Unlimited
832019 Pa Environment Digest Feb 20 2012
httpslidepdfcomreaderfullpa-environment-digest-feb-20-2012 2934
Gasoline Prices Have Never Been This High This Early
Electric Bicycle Waiver Sought
Land Bank Bill Newest Anti-Blight Tool
Game Commission Prepares For Controlled Burn On Centre County
2012 Great Backyard Bird Count Begins Friday
Birders-Eye View Of Conservation In PhiladelphiaState Could Take Over Refurbished Point State Park
New Ohiopyle Visitors Center Project To Be Bid This Spring
Winterfest At Ohiopyle No Snow Still A Go
Protecting Landscapes Changing Face Of Conservation
Marcellus Shale NewsClips
Here are NewsClips on topics related to Marcellus Shale natural gas drilling---
Corbett Signs Marcellus Shale Fee Into Law
Corbett Signs Shale Well Impact Fee Into Law
Corbett Approves Marcellus Shale Fee
Bradford Commissioner Foolish Not To Accept Drilling Fee Money
Whats Next For PAs Impact Fee Bradford Against Fee
Bradford Commissioners Disagree On Drilling Fee
Washington County To Seek Marcellus Fees
Editorial Corbetts Gas Fee About To Evaporate
Robinson Twp To Contest New Marcellus Law
South Fayette Eyes Legal Action On Drilling Bill
Fish amp Boat Commission Grateful For Marcellus Fees
PUC Eyes Private Firm For Impact Fee CollectionPUC Chair Let Marcellus Play Come To Us
PUC Would Get Shale Role Under Drilling Bill
Editorial It Makes Sense For PUC To Deal With Drilling
Corbett Raiding Special Funds
NE Counties To Raise Millions Or Nothing Under Drilling Fee
House GOP Marcellus Bill A Win For Jobs
Norquists No-Tax Pledge Cant Give Drill Fee The Ax
PA Natural Gas Levy Became Inevitable
Wayne County Landowners Push For Drilling
Vertical Exploratory Wells Wont Be Hit With Drilling Fee
Impact Fee Bill Addresses Housing NeedsDrilling Bill Authors Health Experts Fears Unfounded
Health Officials Drilling Law Disclosure Rules Lax
Op-Ed Natural Gas Fee May Be Too Late
Editorial Marcellus Fee A Tax Stupid
Editorial Shale Drillers Got The Better Part Of Deal
Delaware Riverkeeper Reports Settlement Over Gas Well
832019 Pa Environment Digest Feb 20 2012
httpslidepdfcomreaderfullpa-environment-digest-feb-20-2012 3034
EPA Probing Washington County Shale Operations
Marcellus Boom Has Pressed Law Firms To Boost Their Staffs
25 More State Troopers In NE Shale Region
Recorders Of Deeds May Not Reject Multiple Gas Leases
Rural Loophole Curbing PA Pipeline Inspections
Pipeline Tested Ahead Of Tie-In To Shale WellsFirefighters Learn To Deal With Drilling Emergencies
Assessing PGWs Liquid Natural Gas Future
Dominion Resources Playing Responsible Role In Drilling
Report Philly Should Consider Selling Gas Company
Company Files For Gas Drilling Permit In Bucks County
Gas Drilling Debate Returns To Bucks County
Shale Drillers Drinking From Slippery Rock Creek
Gas Wells With Smaller Footprint Get Greater Scrutiny
PennEnvironment Violations Report Half-Baked
Water Tanker Truck Lands In Creek In Monroe Twp
Industry Says Over 93230 New Hires As A Result Of Marcellus ShaleBCCC Begins Classes For Marcellus Shale Workers
Marcellus Gas Creates Demand For Cars
Ex-Drilling Exec Took Nearly $1 Million Or More
Op-Ed Gas Drillers New Wild West
Marcellus Gas Production Rises So Does Recycling
FinancialOther StatesNational
Drillers Cut Natural Gas Production As Prices Drop
Talisman Cutting Back Drilling Plans
Ultra Petroleum Reports 2011 Financial Operating Results
Gas Firms Drill Less As Prices Nose DiveObama Proposes $14 Million For Fracking Research
$67 Million Requested For Federal Pipeline Safety
FloodingWatershed NewsClips
Here are NewsClips on watershed topics from around the state--
Flooding
New Bank Coming To Flood-Ravaged Shickshinny
Other Watershed NewsClips
Mon River QUEST Wins Regional IMPACT AwardEPA Evaluates States Chesapeake Bay Plans
Shale Drillers Drinking From Slippery Rock Creek
Sewage Woes Close Lewisburg Area Park
$375000 To Aid Little Buck Run Restoration Effort
Loyalhanna Creek Sewage Overflow Problem Goes To State
Turbine Load To Hit The Road To Holtwood Dam
832019 Pa Environment Digest Feb 20 2012
httpslidepdfcomreaderfullpa-environment-digest-feb-20-2012 3134
Funding Sought For Restoration Of Speedwell Lake
Obama Cuts EPA Increases Chesapeake Bay Program
Chesapeake Bay Program Increased Under Obama Budget
EPA Budget Cut For States Superfund Cleanup
Editorial Delaware Dredging A Step Closer
Regulations Technical Guidance amp Permits
No new regulations were published this week Pennsylvania Bulletin - February 18 2012
Proposed Regulations Open For Comment - DEP webpage
Proposed Regulations With Closed Comment Periods - DEP webpage
DEP Regulatory Agenda - DEP webpage
Technical Guidance amp Permits
The Department of Environmental Protection published notice of bond rate calculations for mine
reclamation The Fish and Boat Commission published notice of nursery water designation for
the Shenango River Crawford County
DEP also published an update to the list of companies certified to perform radon-related
activities (PA Bulletin page 994)
Technical Guidance Comment Deadlines - DEP webpage
Copies Of Draft Technical Guidance - DEP webpage
Copies of Final Technical Guidance - DEP webpage
Calendar Of Events
Upcoming legislative meetings conferences workshops plus links to other online calendars
Meetings are in Harrisburg unless otherwise noted NEW means new from last week Go to the
online Calendar webpage
Click on Agenda Released on calendar entries to see the NEW meeting agendas published this
week
Note You can watch the hearings live through the Senate webpage and the House webpage or
on the PA Cable Network website
832019 Pa Environment Digest Feb 20 2012
httpslidepdfcomreaderfullpa-environment-digest-feb-20-2012 3234
February 21-- House Appropriations Committee budget hearings 930 - Global Economy
1100 - Independent Fiscal Office 130 - Department of Revenue Room 140
February 21-- CANCELED Environmental Quality Board meeting Next scheduled meeting is
March 20 ( formal notice )
February 21-- Agenda Released DEP Citizens Advisory Council meeting Room 105 Rachel
Carson Building 1130
February 22-- Senate Appropriations Committee budget hearings 930 - Department of
Environmental Protection 100 - Department of Transportation Hearing Room 1 North Office
February 23-- NEW House Democratic Policy Committee holds a hearing on Southeast PA oil
refinery closings National Constitution Center Philadelphia 1000
February 27-- House Appropriations Committee budget hearings 1000 - Public Utility
Commission 1100 - Office of Consumer Advocate Small Business Advocate Room 140
February 27-- NEW House Democratic Policy Committee holds a hearing on Marcellus Shale
air emissions Bryn Mawr Presbyterian Church Bryn Mawr 1000
February 28-- Senate Appropriations Committee budget hearings 100 - Department of
Agriculture Hearing Room 1 North Office
February 28-- House Appropriations Committee budget hearings 930 - Department of
Agriculture 1030 - Department of Conservation and Natural Resources Room 140
February 29-- Senate Appropriations Committee budget hearings 930 - PA Emergency
Management Agency Hearing Room 1 North Office
February 29-- House Game and Fisheries Committee informational meeting on Fish and Boat
Commissions Annual Report Room 39 East Wing 1000
February 29-- House Appropriations Committee budget hearings 930 - Department of
Transportation 300 - Department of Environmental Protection Room 140
March 1-- House Appropriations Committee budget hearings 1000 Department of Labor amp
Industry 100 - Department of Community and Economic Development Room 140
March 6-- House Appropriations Committee budget hearings 930 - State PoliceOffice of
Homeland Security 1100 - PA Emergency Management Agency 300 - Department of General
Services Room 140
March 6-- CANCELED DEP Storage Tank Advisory Committee meeting Next scheduled
meeting is June 5 ( formal notice )
832019 Pa Environment Digest Feb 20 2012
httpslidepdfcomreaderfullpa-environment-digest-feb-20-2012 3334
March 7-- House Game and Fisheries Committee informational meeting on Game Commissions
Annual Report Room 39 East Wing 1000
March 8-- House Appropriations Committee budget hearings 1000 - Budget Secretary 100 -
House Member Testimony Room 140
March 14-- DEP Air Quality Technical Advisory Committee meeting Room 105 Rachel Carson
Building 915 ( formal notice )
March 26-- Environmental Issues Forum Joint Legislative Air and Water Pollution Control and
Conservation Committee featuring a presentation by DCNR Secretary Richard Allan (Location
to be determined) Noon
DEP Calendar of Events
Note The Environmental Education Workshop Calendar is no longer available from the PACenter for Environmental Education because funding for the Center was eliminated in the FY
2011-12 state budget The PCEE website was also shutdown but some content was moved to
the PA Association of Environmental Educators website
Senate Committee Schedule House Committee Schedule
You can watch the Senate Floor Session and House Floor Session live online
Stories Invited
Send your stories photos and videos about your project environmental issues or programs for
publication in the PA Environment Digest to DHessCrisciAssociatescom
PA Environment Digest is edited by David E Hess former Secretary Pennsylvania Department
of Environmental Protection and is published as a service to the clients of Crisci Associates a
Harrisburg-based government and public affairs firm whose clients include Fortune 500
companies and non-profit organizations For more information on Crisci Associates call
717-234-1716
PA Environment Digest weekly was the winner of the PA Association of Environmental
Educators 2009 Business Partner of the Year Award
Also sign up for these other services from Crisci Associates--
PA Environment Digest Twitter Feed On Twitter sign up to receive instant updates from
PAEnviroDigest
832019 Pa Environment Digest Feb 20 2012
httpslidepdfcomreaderfullpa-environment-digest-feb-20-2012 3434
PA Environment Daily Blog provides daily environmental NewsClips and significant stories
and announcements on environmental topics in Pennsylvania of immediate value Sign up and
receive as they are posted updates through your favorite RSS reader You can also sign up for a
once daily email alerting you to new items posted on this blog
PA Environment Digest Video Blog showcases original and published videos fromenvironmental groups and agencies around the state Sign up to receive as they are posted
updates through your favorite RSS read You can also sign up for a once daily email alerting
you to new items posted on this blog
PA Capitol Digest Dont forget to sign up to receive the PA Capitol Digest Twitter feed by
going to wwwTwittercomPaCapitolDigest or click on this link for the regular daily PA
Capitol Digest Blog to get other news from in and around the Pennsylvania State Capitol
Supporting Member PA Outdoor Writers AssnPA Trout Unlimited
PA Environment Digest is a supporting member of the Pennsylvania Outdoor Writers
Association Pennsylvania Council Trout Unlimited and the Doc Fritchey Chapter Trout
Unlimited
832019 Pa Environment Digest Feb 20 2012
httpslidepdfcomreaderfullpa-environment-digest-feb-20-2012 3034
EPA Probing Washington County Shale Operations
Marcellus Boom Has Pressed Law Firms To Boost Their Staffs
25 More State Troopers In NE Shale Region
Recorders Of Deeds May Not Reject Multiple Gas Leases
Rural Loophole Curbing PA Pipeline Inspections
Pipeline Tested Ahead Of Tie-In To Shale WellsFirefighters Learn To Deal With Drilling Emergencies
Assessing PGWs Liquid Natural Gas Future
Dominion Resources Playing Responsible Role In Drilling
Report Philly Should Consider Selling Gas Company
Company Files For Gas Drilling Permit In Bucks County
Gas Drilling Debate Returns To Bucks County
Shale Drillers Drinking From Slippery Rock Creek
Gas Wells With Smaller Footprint Get Greater Scrutiny
PennEnvironment Violations Report Half-Baked
Water Tanker Truck Lands In Creek In Monroe Twp
Industry Says Over 93230 New Hires As A Result Of Marcellus ShaleBCCC Begins Classes For Marcellus Shale Workers
Marcellus Gas Creates Demand For Cars
Ex-Drilling Exec Took Nearly $1 Million Or More
Op-Ed Gas Drillers New Wild West
Marcellus Gas Production Rises So Does Recycling
FinancialOther StatesNational
Drillers Cut Natural Gas Production As Prices Drop
Talisman Cutting Back Drilling Plans
Ultra Petroleum Reports 2011 Financial Operating Results
Gas Firms Drill Less As Prices Nose DiveObama Proposes $14 Million For Fracking Research
$67 Million Requested For Federal Pipeline Safety
FloodingWatershed NewsClips
Here are NewsClips on watershed topics from around the state--
Flooding
New Bank Coming To Flood-Ravaged Shickshinny
Other Watershed NewsClips
Mon River QUEST Wins Regional IMPACT AwardEPA Evaluates States Chesapeake Bay Plans
Shale Drillers Drinking From Slippery Rock Creek
Sewage Woes Close Lewisburg Area Park
$375000 To Aid Little Buck Run Restoration Effort
Loyalhanna Creek Sewage Overflow Problem Goes To State
Turbine Load To Hit The Road To Holtwood Dam
832019 Pa Environment Digest Feb 20 2012
httpslidepdfcomreaderfullpa-environment-digest-feb-20-2012 3134
Funding Sought For Restoration Of Speedwell Lake
Obama Cuts EPA Increases Chesapeake Bay Program
Chesapeake Bay Program Increased Under Obama Budget
EPA Budget Cut For States Superfund Cleanup
Editorial Delaware Dredging A Step Closer
Regulations Technical Guidance amp Permits
No new regulations were published this week Pennsylvania Bulletin - February 18 2012
Proposed Regulations Open For Comment - DEP webpage
Proposed Regulations With Closed Comment Periods - DEP webpage
DEP Regulatory Agenda - DEP webpage
Technical Guidance amp Permits
The Department of Environmental Protection published notice of bond rate calculations for mine
reclamation The Fish and Boat Commission published notice of nursery water designation for
the Shenango River Crawford County
DEP also published an update to the list of companies certified to perform radon-related
activities (PA Bulletin page 994)
Technical Guidance Comment Deadlines - DEP webpage
Copies Of Draft Technical Guidance - DEP webpage
Copies of Final Technical Guidance - DEP webpage
Calendar Of Events
Upcoming legislative meetings conferences workshops plus links to other online calendars
Meetings are in Harrisburg unless otherwise noted NEW means new from last week Go to the
online Calendar webpage
Click on Agenda Released on calendar entries to see the NEW meeting agendas published this
week
Note You can watch the hearings live through the Senate webpage and the House webpage or
on the PA Cable Network website
832019 Pa Environment Digest Feb 20 2012
httpslidepdfcomreaderfullpa-environment-digest-feb-20-2012 3234
February 21-- House Appropriations Committee budget hearings 930 - Global Economy
1100 - Independent Fiscal Office 130 - Department of Revenue Room 140
February 21-- CANCELED Environmental Quality Board meeting Next scheduled meeting is
March 20 ( formal notice )
February 21-- Agenda Released DEP Citizens Advisory Council meeting Room 105 Rachel
Carson Building 1130
February 22-- Senate Appropriations Committee budget hearings 930 - Department of
Environmental Protection 100 - Department of Transportation Hearing Room 1 North Office
February 23-- NEW House Democratic Policy Committee holds a hearing on Southeast PA oil
refinery closings National Constitution Center Philadelphia 1000
February 27-- House Appropriations Committee budget hearings 1000 - Public Utility
Commission 1100 - Office of Consumer Advocate Small Business Advocate Room 140
February 27-- NEW House Democratic Policy Committee holds a hearing on Marcellus Shale
air emissions Bryn Mawr Presbyterian Church Bryn Mawr 1000
February 28-- Senate Appropriations Committee budget hearings 100 - Department of
Agriculture Hearing Room 1 North Office
February 28-- House Appropriations Committee budget hearings 930 - Department of
Agriculture 1030 - Department of Conservation and Natural Resources Room 140
February 29-- Senate Appropriations Committee budget hearings 930 - PA Emergency
Management Agency Hearing Room 1 North Office
February 29-- House Game and Fisheries Committee informational meeting on Fish and Boat
Commissions Annual Report Room 39 East Wing 1000
February 29-- House Appropriations Committee budget hearings 930 - Department of
Transportation 300 - Department of Environmental Protection Room 140
March 1-- House Appropriations Committee budget hearings 1000 Department of Labor amp
Industry 100 - Department of Community and Economic Development Room 140
March 6-- House Appropriations Committee budget hearings 930 - State PoliceOffice of
Homeland Security 1100 - PA Emergency Management Agency 300 - Department of General
Services Room 140
March 6-- CANCELED DEP Storage Tank Advisory Committee meeting Next scheduled
meeting is June 5 ( formal notice )
832019 Pa Environment Digest Feb 20 2012
httpslidepdfcomreaderfullpa-environment-digest-feb-20-2012 3334
March 7-- House Game and Fisheries Committee informational meeting on Game Commissions
Annual Report Room 39 East Wing 1000
March 8-- House Appropriations Committee budget hearings 1000 - Budget Secretary 100 -
House Member Testimony Room 140
March 14-- DEP Air Quality Technical Advisory Committee meeting Room 105 Rachel Carson
Building 915 ( formal notice )
March 26-- Environmental Issues Forum Joint Legislative Air and Water Pollution Control and
Conservation Committee featuring a presentation by DCNR Secretary Richard Allan (Location
to be determined) Noon
DEP Calendar of Events
Note The Environmental Education Workshop Calendar is no longer available from the PACenter for Environmental Education because funding for the Center was eliminated in the FY
2011-12 state budget The PCEE website was also shutdown but some content was moved to
the PA Association of Environmental Educators website
Senate Committee Schedule House Committee Schedule
You can watch the Senate Floor Session and House Floor Session live online
Stories Invited
Send your stories photos and videos about your project environmental issues or programs for
publication in the PA Environment Digest to DHessCrisciAssociatescom
PA Environment Digest is edited by David E Hess former Secretary Pennsylvania Department
of Environmental Protection and is published as a service to the clients of Crisci Associates a
Harrisburg-based government and public affairs firm whose clients include Fortune 500
companies and non-profit organizations For more information on Crisci Associates call
717-234-1716
PA Environment Digest weekly was the winner of the PA Association of Environmental
Educators 2009 Business Partner of the Year Award
Also sign up for these other services from Crisci Associates--
PA Environment Digest Twitter Feed On Twitter sign up to receive instant updates from
PAEnviroDigest
832019 Pa Environment Digest Feb 20 2012
httpslidepdfcomreaderfullpa-environment-digest-feb-20-2012 3434
PA Environment Daily Blog provides daily environmental NewsClips and significant stories
and announcements on environmental topics in Pennsylvania of immediate value Sign up and
receive as they are posted updates through your favorite RSS reader You can also sign up for a
once daily email alerting you to new items posted on this blog
PA Environment Digest Video Blog showcases original and published videos fromenvironmental groups and agencies around the state Sign up to receive as they are posted
updates through your favorite RSS read You can also sign up for a once daily email alerting
you to new items posted on this blog
PA Capitol Digest Dont forget to sign up to receive the PA Capitol Digest Twitter feed by
going to wwwTwittercomPaCapitolDigest or click on this link for the regular daily PA
Capitol Digest Blog to get other news from in and around the Pennsylvania State Capitol
Supporting Member PA Outdoor Writers AssnPA Trout Unlimited
PA Environment Digest is a supporting member of the Pennsylvania Outdoor Writers
Association Pennsylvania Council Trout Unlimited and the Doc Fritchey Chapter Trout
Unlimited
832019 Pa Environment Digest Feb 20 2012
httpslidepdfcomreaderfullpa-environment-digest-feb-20-2012 3134
Funding Sought For Restoration Of Speedwell Lake
Obama Cuts EPA Increases Chesapeake Bay Program
Chesapeake Bay Program Increased Under Obama Budget
EPA Budget Cut For States Superfund Cleanup
Editorial Delaware Dredging A Step Closer
Regulations Technical Guidance amp Permits
No new regulations were published this week Pennsylvania Bulletin - February 18 2012
Proposed Regulations Open For Comment - DEP webpage
Proposed Regulations With Closed Comment Periods - DEP webpage
DEP Regulatory Agenda - DEP webpage
Technical Guidance amp Permits
The Department of Environmental Protection published notice of bond rate calculations for mine
reclamation The Fish and Boat Commission published notice of nursery water designation for
the Shenango River Crawford County
DEP also published an update to the list of companies certified to perform radon-related
activities (PA Bulletin page 994)
Technical Guidance Comment Deadlines - DEP webpage
Copies Of Draft Technical Guidance - DEP webpage
Copies of Final Technical Guidance - DEP webpage
Calendar Of Events
Upcoming legislative meetings conferences workshops plus links to other online calendars
Meetings are in Harrisburg unless otherwise noted NEW means new from last week Go to the
online Calendar webpage
Click on Agenda Released on calendar entries to see the NEW meeting agendas published this
week
Note You can watch the hearings live through the Senate webpage and the House webpage or
on the PA Cable Network website
832019 Pa Environment Digest Feb 20 2012
httpslidepdfcomreaderfullpa-environment-digest-feb-20-2012 3234
February 21-- House Appropriations Committee budget hearings 930 - Global Economy
1100 - Independent Fiscal Office 130 - Department of Revenue Room 140
February 21-- CANCELED Environmental Quality Board meeting Next scheduled meeting is
March 20 ( formal notice )
February 21-- Agenda Released DEP Citizens Advisory Council meeting Room 105 Rachel
Carson Building 1130
February 22-- Senate Appropriations Committee budget hearings 930 - Department of
Environmental Protection 100 - Department of Transportation Hearing Room 1 North Office
February 23-- NEW House Democratic Policy Committee holds a hearing on Southeast PA oil
refinery closings National Constitution Center Philadelphia 1000
February 27-- House Appropriations Committee budget hearings 1000 - Public Utility
Commission 1100 - Office of Consumer Advocate Small Business Advocate Room 140
February 27-- NEW House Democratic Policy Committee holds a hearing on Marcellus Shale
air emissions Bryn Mawr Presbyterian Church Bryn Mawr 1000
February 28-- Senate Appropriations Committee budget hearings 100 - Department of
Agriculture Hearing Room 1 North Office
February 28-- House Appropriations Committee budget hearings 930 - Department of
Agriculture 1030 - Department of Conservation and Natural Resources Room 140
February 29-- Senate Appropriations Committee budget hearings 930 - PA Emergency
Management Agency Hearing Room 1 North Office
February 29-- House Game and Fisheries Committee informational meeting on Fish and Boat
Commissions Annual Report Room 39 East Wing 1000
February 29-- House Appropriations Committee budget hearings 930 - Department of
Transportation 300 - Department of Environmental Protection Room 140
March 1-- House Appropriations Committee budget hearings 1000 Department of Labor amp
Industry 100 - Department of Community and Economic Development Room 140
March 6-- House Appropriations Committee budget hearings 930 - State PoliceOffice of
Homeland Security 1100 - PA Emergency Management Agency 300 - Department of General
Services Room 140
March 6-- CANCELED DEP Storage Tank Advisory Committee meeting Next scheduled
meeting is June 5 ( formal notice )
832019 Pa Environment Digest Feb 20 2012
httpslidepdfcomreaderfullpa-environment-digest-feb-20-2012 3334
March 7-- House Game and Fisheries Committee informational meeting on Game Commissions
Annual Report Room 39 East Wing 1000
March 8-- House Appropriations Committee budget hearings 1000 - Budget Secretary 100 -
House Member Testimony Room 140
March 14-- DEP Air Quality Technical Advisory Committee meeting Room 105 Rachel Carson
Building 915 ( formal notice )
March 26-- Environmental Issues Forum Joint Legislative Air and Water Pollution Control and
Conservation Committee featuring a presentation by DCNR Secretary Richard Allan (Location
to be determined) Noon
DEP Calendar of Events
Note The Environmental Education Workshop Calendar is no longer available from the PACenter for Environmental Education because funding for the Center was eliminated in the FY
2011-12 state budget The PCEE website was also shutdown but some content was moved to
the PA Association of Environmental Educators website
Senate Committee Schedule House Committee Schedule
You can watch the Senate Floor Session and House Floor Session live online
Stories Invited
Send your stories photos and videos about your project environmental issues or programs for
publication in the PA Environment Digest to DHessCrisciAssociatescom
PA Environment Digest is edited by David E Hess former Secretary Pennsylvania Department
of Environmental Protection and is published as a service to the clients of Crisci Associates a
Harrisburg-based government and public affairs firm whose clients include Fortune 500
companies and non-profit organizations For more information on Crisci Associates call
717-234-1716
PA Environment Digest weekly was the winner of the PA Association of Environmental
Educators 2009 Business Partner of the Year Award
Also sign up for these other services from Crisci Associates--
PA Environment Digest Twitter Feed On Twitter sign up to receive instant updates from
PAEnviroDigest
832019 Pa Environment Digest Feb 20 2012
httpslidepdfcomreaderfullpa-environment-digest-feb-20-2012 3434
PA Environment Daily Blog provides daily environmental NewsClips and significant stories
and announcements on environmental topics in Pennsylvania of immediate value Sign up and
receive as they are posted updates through your favorite RSS reader You can also sign up for a
once daily email alerting you to new items posted on this blog
PA Environment Digest Video Blog showcases original and published videos fromenvironmental groups and agencies around the state Sign up to receive as they are posted
updates through your favorite RSS read You can also sign up for a once daily email alerting
you to new items posted on this blog
PA Capitol Digest Dont forget to sign up to receive the PA Capitol Digest Twitter feed by
going to wwwTwittercomPaCapitolDigest or click on this link for the regular daily PA
Capitol Digest Blog to get other news from in and around the Pennsylvania State Capitol
Supporting Member PA Outdoor Writers AssnPA Trout Unlimited
PA Environment Digest is a supporting member of the Pennsylvania Outdoor Writers
Association Pennsylvania Council Trout Unlimited and the Doc Fritchey Chapter Trout
Unlimited
832019 Pa Environment Digest Feb 20 2012
httpslidepdfcomreaderfullpa-environment-digest-feb-20-2012 3234
February 21-- House Appropriations Committee budget hearings 930 - Global Economy
1100 - Independent Fiscal Office 130 - Department of Revenue Room 140
February 21-- CANCELED Environmental Quality Board meeting Next scheduled meeting is
March 20 ( formal notice )
February 21-- Agenda Released DEP Citizens Advisory Council meeting Room 105 Rachel
Carson Building 1130
February 22-- Senate Appropriations Committee budget hearings 930 - Department of
Environmental Protection 100 - Department of Transportation Hearing Room 1 North Office
February 23-- NEW House Democratic Policy Committee holds a hearing on Southeast PA oil
refinery closings National Constitution Center Philadelphia 1000
February 27-- House Appropriations Committee budget hearings 1000 - Public Utility
Commission 1100 - Office of Consumer Advocate Small Business Advocate Room 140
February 27-- NEW House Democratic Policy Committee holds a hearing on Marcellus Shale
air emissions Bryn Mawr Presbyterian Church Bryn Mawr 1000
February 28-- Senate Appropriations Committee budget hearings 100 - Department of
Agriculture Hearing Room 1 North Office
February 28-- House Appropriations Committee budget hearings 930 - Department of
Agriculture 1030 - Department of Conservation and Natural Resources Room 140
February 29-- Senate Appropriations Committee budget hearings 930 - PA Emergency
Management Agency Hearing Room 1 North Office
February 29-- House Game and Fisheries Committee informational meeting on Fish and Boat
Commissions Annual Report Room 39 East Wing 1000
February 29-- House Appropriations Committee budget hearings 930 - Department of
Transportation 300 - Department of Environmental Protection Room 140
March 1-- House Appropriations Committee budget hearings 1000 Department of Labor amp
Industry 100 - Department of Community and Economic Development Room 140
March 6-- House Appropriations Committee budget hearings 930 - State PoliceOffice of
Homeland Security 1100 - PA Emergency Management Agency 300 - Department of General
Services Room 140
March 6-- CANCELED DEP Storage Tank Advisory Committee meeting Next scheduled
meeting is June 5 ( formal notice )
832019 Pa Environment Digest Feb 20 2012
httpslidepdfcomreaderfullpa-environment-digest-feb-20-2012 3334
March 7-- House Game and Fisheries Committee informational meeting on Game Commissions
Annual Report Room 39 East Wing 1000
March 8-- House Appropriations Committee budget hearings 1000 - Budget Secretary 100 -
House Member Testimony Room 140
March 14-- DEP Air Quality Technical Advisory Committee meeting Room 105 Rachel Carson
Building 915 ( formal notice )
March 26-- Environmental Issues Forum Joint Legislative Air and Water Pollution Control and
Conservation Committee featuring a presentation by DCNR Secretary Richard Allan (Location
to be determined) Noon
DEP Calendar of Events
Note The Environmental Education Workshop Calendar is no longer available from the PACenter for Environmental Education because funding for the Center was eliminated in the FY
2011-12 state budget The PCEE website was also shutdown but some content was moved to
the PA Association of Environmental Educators website
Senate Committee Schedule House Committee Schedule
You can watch the Senate Floor Session and House Floor Session live online
Stories Invited
Send your stories photos and videos about your project environmental issues or programs for
publication in the PA Environment Digest to DHessCrisciAssociatescom
PA Environment Digest is edited by David E Hess former Secretary Pennsylvania Department
of Environmental Protection and is published as a service to the clients of Crisci Associates a
Harrisburg-based government and public affairs firm whose clients include Fortune 500
companies and non-profit organizations For more information on Crisci Associates call
717-234-1716
PA Environment Digest weekly was the winner of the PA Association of Environmental
Educators 2009 Business Partner of the Year Award
Also sign up for these other services from Crisci Associates--
PA Environment Digest Twitter Feed On Twitter sign up to receive instant updates from
PAEnviroDigest
832019 Pa Environment Digest Feb 20 2012
httpslidepdfcomreaderfullpa-environment-digest-feb-20-2012 3434
PA Environment Daily Blog provides daily environmental NewsClips and significant stories
and announcements on environmental topics in Pennsylvania of immediate value Sign up and
receive as they are posted updates through your favorite RSS reader You can also sign up for a
once daily email alerting you to new items posted on this blog
PA Environment Digest Video Blog showcases original and published videos fromenvironmental groups and agencies around the state Sign up to receive as they are posted
updates through your favorite RSS read You can also sign up for a once daily email alerting
you to new items posted on this blog
PA Capitol Digest Dont forget to sign up to receive the PA Capitol Digest Twitter feed by
going to wwwTwittercomPaCapitolDigest or click on this link for the regular daily PA
Capitol Digest Blog to get other news from in and around the Pennsylvania State Capitol
Supporting Member PA Outdoor Writers AssnPA Trout Unlimited
PA Environment Digest is a supporting member of the Pennsylvania Outdoor Writers
Association Pennsylvania Council Trout Unlimited and the Doc Fritchey Chapter Trout
Unlimited
832019 Pa Environment Digest Feb 20 2012
httpslidepdfcomreaderfullpa-environment-digest-feb-20-2012 3334
March 7-- House Game and Fisheries Committee informational meeting on Game Commissions
Annual Report Room 39 East Wing 1000
March 8-- House Appropriations Committee budget hearings 1000 - Budget Secretary 100 -
House Member Testimony Room 140
March 14-- DEP Air Quality Technical Advisory Committee meeting Room 105 Rachel Carson
Building 915 ( formal notice )
March 26-- Environmental Issues Forum Joint Legislative Air and Water Pollution Control and
Conservation Committee featuring a presentation by DCNR Secretary Richard Allan (Location
to be determined) Noon
DEP Calendar of Events
Note The Environmental Education Workshop Calendar is no longer available from the PACenter for Environmental Education because funding for the Center was eliminated in the FY
2011-12 state budget The PCEE website was also shutdown but some content was moved to
the PA Association of Environmental Educators website
Senate Committee Schedule House Committee Schedule
You can watch the Senate Floor Session and House Floor Session live online
Stories Invited
Send your stories photos and videos about your project environmental issues or programs for
publication in the PA Environment Digest to DHessCrisciAssociatescom
PA Environment Digest is edited by David E Hess former Secretary Pennsylvania Department
of Environmental Protection and is published as a service to the clients of Crisci Associates a
Harrisburg-based government and public affairs firm whose clients include Fortune 500
companies and non-profit organizations For more information on Crisci Associates call
717-234-1716
PA Environment Digest weekly was the winner of the PA Association of Environmental
Educators 2009 Business Partner of the Year Award
Also sign up for these other services from Crisci Associates--
PA Environment Digest Twitter Feed On Twitter sign up to receive instant updates from
PAEnviroDigest
832019 Pa Environment Digest Feb 20 2012
httpslidepdfcomreaderfullpa-environment-digest-feb-20-2012 3434
PA Environment Daily Blog provides daily environmental NewsClips and significant stories
and announcements on environmental topics in Pennsylvania of immediate value Sign up and
receive as they are posted updates through your favorite RSS reader You can also sign up for a
once daily email alerting you to new items posted on this blog
PA Environment Digest Video Blog showcases original and published videos fromenvironmental groups and agencies around the state Sign up to receive as they are posted
updates through your favorite RSS read You can also sign up for a once daily email alerting
you to new items posted on this blog
PA Capitol Digest Dont forget to sign up to receive the PA Capitol Digest Twitter feed by
going to wwwTwittercomPaCapitolDigest or click on this link for the regular daily PA
Capitol Digest Blog to get other news from in and around the Pennsylvania State Capitol
Supporting Member PA Outdoor Writers AssnPA Trout Unlimited
PA Environment Digest is a supporting member of the Pennsylvania Outdoor Writers
Association Pennsylvania Council Trout Unlimited and the Doc Fritchey Chapter Trout
Unlimited
832019 Pa Environment Digest Feb 20 2012
httpslidepdfcomreaderfullpa-environment-digest-feb-20-2012 3434
PA Environment Daily Blog provides daily environmental NewsClips and significant stories
and announcements on environmental topics in Pennsylvania of immediate value Sign up and
receive as they are posted updates through your favorite RSS reader You can also sign up for a
once daily email alerting you to new items posted on this blog
PA Environment Digest Video Blog showcases original and published videos fromenvironmental groups and agencies around the state Sign up to receive as they are posted
updates through your favorite RSS read You can also sign up for a once daily email alerting
you to new items posted on this blog
PA Capitol Digest Dont forget to sign up to receive the PA Capitol Digest Twitter feed by
going to wwwTwittercomPaCapitolDigest or click on this link for the regular daily PA
Capitol Digest Blog to get other news from in and around the Pennsylvania State Capitol
Supporting Member PA Outdoor Writers AssnPA Trout Unlimited
PA Environment Digest is a supporting member of the Pennsylvania Outdoor Writers
Association Pennsylvania Council Trout Unlimited and the Doc Fritchey Chapter Trout
Unlimited