Pa Environment Digest Jan. 5, 2015

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PA Environment Digest

An Update On Environmental Issues In PAEdited By: David E. Hess, Crisci Associates

Winner 2009 PAEE Business PartnerOf The Year Award

Harrisburg, Pa January 5, 2015

Analysis: Funding Deficit For Basic PA Environmental Programs Is Now $2.4 Billion

Pennsylvanias General Fund budget might be $2 billion in debt, but the Commonwealths basic

environmental programs have a $2.4 billion deficit accrued over the last 12 years thanks to cuts

and diversion of environmental funding to balance the state budget or to fund programs that were

not funded on their own.Over the last 12 years, DEPs authorized complement has been reduced by about 548

positions since FY 2002-03 or 17 percent. DCNR has not suffered as much because cuts in

General Fund money has been made up by income from upfront payments and royalties from

Marcellus Shale gas development on State Forest land.

But a lawsuit now in Commonwealth Courthas challenged these diversions from

DCNRs Oil and Gas Fund as unconstitutional and illegal. A decision on the issue is expected at

any time which could further complicate funding issues for DCNR and the state budget.

On the plus side of the ledger in recent years, DEP and DCNR have received an

additional $30 million a year as a result of the transportation funding package for the Dirt and

Gravel Road Program, the $45 million in additional funding for State Park and Forest

infrastructure investments in the Enhance Penns Woodsinitiative and additional fundingprovided by the Act 13 drilling impact fees.

DEP also received the first significant increase in General Fund monies in the FY

2014-15 budget in the last 12 years-- about $12.4 million-- while the number of authorized

complement continued to fall.

This years budget also included the $10 million in continued funding for the Resource

Enhancement and Protection (REAP) farm conservation tax credit program for the fourth year in

a row.

With a new Governor being sworn in on January 20 and Gov. Wolf set to offer his first

budget in March, now is the time to stop all the cuts and diversions that hurt basic environmental

protection programs and stem the bleeding of DEP staff positions that has occurred every year

for the last 12 years.It is also time for additional resources to be invested in environmental restoration

programs-- watershed improvement, abandoned mine drainage abatement and other programs

that make a real, measurable difference in environmental quality.

Nearly 20,000 miles of Pennsylvanias streamsare polluted to the point they do not meet

federal Clean Water Act standards.

A good start would be to use a major portion of revenue from any new natural gas

severance tax to support restoration efforts, including our commitments to clean up our rivers
http://www.google.com/url?q=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.paenvironmentdigest.com%2Fnewsletter%2Fdefault.asp%3FNewsletterArticleID%3D30168&sa=D&sntz=1&usg=AFQjCNHAeTYywJTDi2jaFuqjNLTySl3Mfwhttp://www.google.com/url?q=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.paenvironmentdigest.com%2Fnewsletter%2Fdefault.asp%3FNewsletterArticleID%3D11953&sa=D&sntz=1&usg=AFQjCNFSPEUcwhnqVJLvxVyzABsEHAreLQhttp://www.google.com/url?q=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.paenvironmentdigest.com%2Fnewsletter%2Fdefault.asp%3FNewsletterArticleID%3D26668&sa=D&sntz=1&usg=AFQjCNEI4qG--O9FuZCaSVDUZM-ImpokcQhttp://www.google.com/url?q=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.paenvironmentdigest.com%2Fnewsletter%2Fdefault.asp%3FNewsletterArticleID%3D28325&sa=D&sntz=1&usg=AFQjCNE3HKwhEQgQw8sCOQFxiOruu1OETAhttp://www.google.com/url?q=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.dcnr.state.pa.us%2Fdiscoverdcnr%2Fataglance%2Fenhancepennswoods%2Findex.htm&sa=D&sntz=1&usg=AFQjCNHbsYo9WxyybwwtMCuzIkuKPLU3gQhttp://www.google.com/url?q=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.paenvironmentdigest.com%2Fnewsletter%2Fdefault.asp%3FNewsletterArticleID%3D30168&sa=D&sntz=1&usg=AFQjCNHAeTYywJTDi2jaFuqjNLTySl3Mfwhttp://www.google.com/url?q=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.paenvironmentdigest.com%2Fnewsletter%2Fdefault.asp%3FNewsletterArticleID%3D11953&sa=D&sntz=1&usg=AFQjCNFSPEUcwhnqVJLvxVyzABsEHAreLQ


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and streams across the state and in the Chesapeake Bay Watershed.

The fact is, Pennsylvania has a legal obligation under the federal Clean Water Act to

clean up our our rivers, streams and lakes to meet minimum water quality standards and we have

the experience and the award-winning programs, like the original Growing Greener, to do just

that.

Now is the time for a more thorough debate on these issues and to show the kind ofleadership Pennsylvania has had in the past to deal with our most pressing need-- clean water.

Itemized List Of Cuts/Diversions

Here's an itemized list of the cuts and diversions of environmental funding over the last

12 years--

-- $635 million in Act 339 grants intended to support wastewater plant operations over the last

nine years were eliminated to balance the budget ($52 million or so each year)

-- $143 million diverted from the DCNR Oil and Gas Fund to balance the FY 2008-09 budget

-- $79 million cut from the DEP and DCNR General Fund budget during FY2009-10

-- $60 million diverted from the DCNR Oil and Gas Fund to balance the FY 2009-10 budget

-- $100 million in 2002 from the Underground Storage Tank cleanup insurance fund to balance

the budget (although this is slowly being repaid over 10 years)-- $52.7 million one-time diversion from the Keystone Recreation, Parks and Conservation

Fund in 2006 to balance the budget

-- $50 million in 2007 and 2008 from the Environmental Stewardship Fund, which supports mine

reclamation and watershed restoration, to fund the Hazardous Sites Cleanup Program because

there was no agreement on how to fund that program

-- $285.7 million in FY 2007-08, 2008-09, 2009-10, 2010-11, 2011-12, 2012-13, 2013-14,

2014-15 from the Environmental Stewardship Fund to pay debt service on the Growing Greener

II bond issue and taking funding away from restoration projects each year for the next 25 years

reflecting a pattern of only environmental programs being required to address their own bond

debt service

-- $15 million from the Recycling Fund in to balance the FY 2008-09 budget

-- $18.4 million put into budgetary reserve in 2008-09 from the Department of Environmental

Protection and Department of Conservation and Natural Resources

-- $5 million reduction in Resource Enhancement and Protection (REAP) farm conservation tax

credit program in FY 2009-10

-- $102.8 million cut from the DEP and DCNR General Fund budget in FY 2010-11 budget

-- $180 million diverted from the DCNR Oil and Gas Fund to General Fund in proposed FY

2010-11 budget

-- $5.5 million reduction in Resource Enhancement and Protection (REAP) farm conservation

tax credits in FY 2010-11

-- $5 million in additional cuts to the agencies to balance the FY 2010-11 budget-- $3.9 million in across-the-board cuts to help fill gaps caused by reduced federal Medicaid

appropriations-- $2.4 million from DEP, $1.5 million from DCNR

-- $669,000 from the Safe Water line item in DEP's budget

-- $102.8 million cut continued from the FY 2010-11 DEP and DCNR General Fund budget in

FY 2011-12 budget

-- $8.3 million Mid-year budget freeze cuts additional resources for environmental programs:

Agriculture: $2.6 million DCNR: $1.5 million and DEP: $4.2 million


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-- FY 2012-13 budget eliminates $11.8 million in General Fund monies from DEP, and $2.5

million from DCNR

-- FY 2012-13 budget continues the $102.8 million cut made by Gov. Rendell beginning in FY

2010-11

-- FY 2012-13 budget for the State System of Higher Education zeroes out funding again for the

PA Center for Environmental Education ($368,000) and McKeever Environmental Center($213,000)


2010-11


PA Center for Environmental Education ($368,000) and McKeever Environmental Center

($213,000)

-- FY 2013-14 budget diverts $106.5 million from the Oil and Gas Fund to support DCNR

operations

-- FY 2014-15 budget diverts $73 million from the Oil and Gas Fund to support DCNR

operations. [While still funding environmental programs, this transfer takes funds away from

supporting long-term investments in the environment to funding day-to-day operations. It alsoraises a concern over whether it is sustainable without forcing additional leasing of state forest

lands for natural gas drilling.]

-- FY 2014-15 budget diverts another $95 million in royalties and payments from the Oil and

Gas Fund to balance the state budget

-- FY 2014-15 budget diverts $20 million from State Forest Timber operations to balance the

state budget

-- FY 2014-15 budget diverts $6.2 million from the Alternative Fuels Incentive Grant Fund to

balance the state budget


2010-11


PA Center for Environmental Education ($368,000) and McKeever Environmental Center

($213,000) and

-- FY 2014-15 budget cuts $500,000 for Delaware River Basin Commission.

NewsClips:

State Revenues Continue Late Year Uptick

Gov.-Elect Wolf Faces Big Challenges

GOP Draws Lines As Wolf Focuses On Huge Deficit

Some Lawmakers Float Business Tax Hikes To Close Budget Gap

Op-Ed: State Has An Obligation To Enact Severance Tax

PoliticsPA: Severance Tax Should Be Wolfs Top PriorityOp-Ed: Time For Tom Wolf To End Blame Game And Govern

Op-Ed: Dealing With PAs Budget Deficit Has Consequences

Editorial: Wolf Must Articulate Positive Vision For PA

PA Gasoline Taxes To Rise After Big Drop In Price

PennDOT Not Sure If Motorists Fees Will Rise

Links To Other Yearend Stories:

General Assembly Ends Legislative Session With Few Positive Environmental Bills
http://www.google.com/url?q=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.paenvironmentdigest.com%2Fnewsletter%2Fdefault.asp%3FNewsletterArticleID%3D30583&sa=D&sntz=1&usg=AFQjCNGYxXFe-S_lgjD8o1bq2yKXDrdTAAhttp://www.google.com/url?q=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.pennlive.com%2Fpolitics%2Findex.ssf%2F2014%2F12%2Fpenndot_officials_not_sure_if.html%23incart_m-rpt-1&sa=D&sntz=1&usg=AFQjCNFKLpiC7lOx2lwT4E9BkgWK5Fjl4whttp://www.google.com/url?q=http%3A%2F%2Fcitizensvoice.com%2Fnews%2Fpa-gas-taxes-to-rise-after-big-drop-in-2014-price-1.1810694&sa=D&sntz=1&usg=AFQjCNF-VAifqkc30IdwM2IICBrDClbvmghttp://www.google.com/url?q=http%3A%2F%2Flancasteronline.com%2Fopinion%2Feditorials%2Fgov--elect-wolf-must-articulate-a-positive-vision-for%2Farticle_9ad817fc-8b93-11e4-9d14-7fdb21660b0b.html&sa=D&sntz=1&usg=AFQjCNEqFwiqOk_2J2L0jz3j2zo7h8F3cQhttp://www.google.com/url?q=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.pennlive.com%2Fopinion%2F2015%2F01%2Fpennsylvania_structural_defici.html%23incart_river&sa=D&sntz=1&usg=AFQjCNGK5oDiOTfvYA-ZrXKWI9aDLMRMxQhttp://www.google.com/url?q=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.timesleader.com%2Fnews%2Fopinion_columns%2F50905731%2FTHEIR-VIEW-Wolf-urged-to-end-blame-game&sa=D&sntz=1&usg=AFQjCNFkDvCQJ_efWjfMFicxPeoekycYEAhttp://www.google.com/url?q=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.politicspa.com%2Freader-poll-extraction-tax-should-be-wolfs-top-priority%2F62648%2F&sa=D&sntz=1&usg=AFQjCNGvobE3A3fUJ8s17n6RKcAhdf2-aghttp://www.google.com/url?q=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.philly.com%2Fphilly%2Fopinion%2Finquirer%2F20150101_State_has_an_obligation_to_tax_gas_extraction.html&sa=D&sntz=1&usg=AFQjCNEEdAZ0domPMbqLTC0TDfocECsdJAhttp://www.google.com/url?q=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.mcall.com%2Fnews%2Fnationworld%2Fpennsylvania%2Fmc-pa-wolf-legislature-taxes-20141231-story.html&sa=D&sntz=1&usg=AFQjCNElwFlOldYAQQfT9GzBOefvlEiAWAhttp://www.google.com/url?q=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.philly.com%2Fphilly%2Fnews%2Fpolitics%2F20141227_ap_40e609a793ab4710a6d2ecffb6b2de1c.html&sa=D&sntz=1&usg=AFQjCNFkAKjeWWj9LbpJ2pCv6goXF4NKZwhttp://www.google.com/url?q=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.post-gazette.com%2Fnews%2Fstate%2F2015%2F01%2F01%2FPennsylvania-s-Governor-elect-Wolf-faces-big-challenges%2Fstories%2F201501010162&sa=D&sntz=1&usg=AFQjCNEiWo3zL1TfBhaD0L55KRsvoNyqtAhttp://www.google.com/url?q=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.pennlive.com%2Fmidstate%2Findex.ssf%2F2015%2F01%2Fstate_government_revenues_cont.html%23incart_river&sa=D&sntz=1&usg=AFQjCNEnG_IZC49vpCQ1zCVHpPrB11yD7Q


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What Can We Expect For The Environment Next Legislative Session?

117 Stories About Hundreds Of PA Environmental Stewards Honored In 2014

DEP Report: 40% Of Streams Show Adverse Impacts Of Underground Coal Mining

The Department of Environmental ProtectionTuesday released the fourth in a series of

ongoing reportsdetailing the effects of surface

subsidence related to underground bituminous

coal mining in Pennsylvania covering the

period between 2008-2013.

The report addresses the effects of

underground mining in Armstrong, Beaver,

Cambria, Clearfield, Elk, Greene, Indiana,

Jefferson, Somerset and Washington counties.

Forty percent of the streams

undermined by deep coal mining (39 of 96 miles) suffered flow loss or pooling that had anadverse impacts on aquatic life, pH and conductivity in the streams.

Eight of the 55 stream segments identified as being affected in the 2003-2008 report have

yet to recover from the impacts of mining.

There were 855 reported impacts to water supplies from longwall mining: 393 were

found to be from longwall mining, 384 from room-and-pillar deep mining, 54 from inactive deep

mines and 24 from pillar recovery mining.

In one-third of the cases, the mining company was not found liable for the water loss or

contamination.

Despite an 18 percent drop in the number of acres undermined, the number of water

supply reported effects has increased by approximately 25 percent (855 from 683).

It took an average of 220 days to resolve water loss/water contamination issues either

through permanent replacement water supplies, repair of the water well or agreements for

compensation with landowners.

A total of 201 water loss/water contamination cases were not resolved by the end of the

2008-2013 reporting period.

There were 389 cases of reported damage to surface structures of which 238 were

determined to be caused by mining: 315 from longwall mining, 48 from room-and-pillar, 19

from inactive deep mines and 7 from pillar recovery mining.

It took an average of 169 days to resolve cases of surface structure damage.

The report also included sections on impacts to wetlands and groundwater.

This report provides vital information about the significance of bituminous mining onPennsylvanias landscape, DEP Deputy Secretary for Active and Abandoned Mine Operations

John Stefanko said. We will use this information to evaluate the effectiveness of our mining

program and consider ways to enhance the program in the future.

The report, mandated by Act 54, details the amount of structures, water supplies and

streams undermined during a five-year assessment period. It also provides an overview of the

type of effects to surface structures and surface features, as well as information on how long it

took to resolve those issues. Three previous Act 54 reportscovered 1993 through 2008.
http://www.google.com/url?q=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.portal.state.pa.us%2Fportal%2Fserver.pt%2Fcommunity%2Fact_54%2F20876&sa=D&sntz=1&usg=AFQjCNH8ujidD3FZ1QW77KgRh02NKaBvJAhttp://www.google.com/url?q=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.portal.state.pa.us%2Fportal%2Fserver.pt%2Fcommunity%2Fact_54%2F20876&sa=D&sntz=1&usg=AFQjCNH8ujidD3FZ1QW77KgRh02NKaBvJAhttp://www.google.com/url?q=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.portal.state.pa.us%2Fportal%2Fserver.pt%2Fcommunity%2Fact_54%2F20876&sa=D&sntz=1&usg=AFQjCNH8ujidD3FZ1QW77KgRh02NKaBvJAhttp://www.google.com/url?q=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.paenvironmentdigest.com%2Fnewsletter%2Fdefault.asp%3FNewsletterArticleID%3D30807&sa=D&sntz=1&usg=AFQjCNF5FMQ7h7_3HvYlkLuXzGZDxXNhYwhttp://www.google.com/url?q=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.paenvironmentdigest.com%2Fnewsletter%2Fdefault.asp%3FNewsletterArticleID%3D30584&sa=D&sntz=1&usg=AFQjCNErsqDM4EZ3ry5n27bgLjtAXTAlmQ


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According to the report, there were 46 underground coal mines active during the

reporting period beneath 31,343 acres of land, an 18 percent decline in the amount of land

undermined during the previous five-year assessment period.

In total, there were approximately 1,250 different effects, or incidents reported to DEP

during this most recent five-year period by its staff, coal companies or landowners.

Other FindingsOther findings of the report include:

Since the last assessment, DEP has been able to identify more than double the amount of

pre-mining wetland acreage due to improved techniques

Continued study is warranted to assess wetland mitigation sites, if required, to make sure that

the sites achieve proposed functionality.

Total biological scores, a measure of the insect life, show improvement over time at sites

impacted by flow loss.

Gate cut mitigation, a method of leveling-out land that has experienced subsidence, has

emerged as a successful tool to restore streams to their pre-mining condition.

A technical guidance document, titled Surface Water Protection Underground Bituminous

Coal Mining Operations, which was put in place in 2007, has improved the way DEP quantifiesand interprets impacts to surface waters.

DEP has increased the amount and type of data required to make permit decisions related to

mining activities

Data management and storage must be enhanced and standardized in order to efficiently

enforce the requirements of Act 54 and its implementing regulations.

The report was prepared by the University of Pittsburghs Departments of Biological

Sciences, Geology and Planetary Science, Civil and Environmental Engineering. The University

was selected to conduct the study because it employs faculty and research staff with the expertise

to review all aspects of the effects of mining-related subsidence.

Representatives from the university will present their findings to DEPs Citizens

Advisory Councilduring an upcoming meeting. The meeting is public, and a date will be posted

to DEPs online calendar in the near future.

Act 54 was passed in 1994 and requires DEP to assess the impacts of underground

bituminous coal mining on surface features. It expanded the list of structures for which mine

operators were liable and held deep mine operators legally responsible for mining-related

impacts to water supplies for the first time in Pennsylvanias history.

The report illustrates the subsidence potential for active mines. Abandoned mines also

pose a danger, so it is important for those owning property above abandoned underground mines

to insure themselves and their belongings against subsidence-related damage.

DEP offers Mine Subsidence Insuranceto residents owning property above abandoned

mines. Mine subsidence insurance is as affordable as ever, costing about 26 cents a day to insurehomes, businesses and other structures.

Currently, there are 58,146 MSI policies that cover approximately $10.34 billion in

property.

The report is posted on DEPs Act 54 webpagealong with previous reports.

NewsClips:

7,000 Fewer Acres In PA Sit Atop Deep Coal Mines

Pennsylvania Coal Comes Of Age
http://www.google.com/url?q=http%3A%2F%2Fpowersource.post-gazette.com%2Fpowersource%2Fcompanies-powersource%2F2014%2F12%2F30%2FSulfur-regulations-first-boost-then-leapfrog-Central-Appalachian-coal-mines%2Fstories%2F201412300014&sa=D&sntz=1&usg=AFQjCNGn_XJa9U56ijEcwJeYN08cvsDhMwhttp://www.google.com/url?q=http%3A%2F%2Ftriblive.com%2Fbusiness%2Fheadlines%2F7471140-74%2Fmines-report-coal%23axzz3NBNgeReR&sa=D&sntz=1&usg=AFQjCNFWCMsGdN8WUkwm7juB68-bo9crMAhttp://www.google.com/url?q=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.portal.state.pa.us%2Fportal%2Fserver.pt%2Fcommunity%2Fact_54%2F20876&sa=D&sntz=1&usg=AFQjCNH8ujidD3FZ1QW77KgRh02NKaBvJAhttp://www.google.com/url?q=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.dep.state.pa.us%2Fmsihomeowners&sa=D&sntz=1&usg=AFQjCNGDGFZWB732zBoe1KS8m0vXuYSdaQhttp://www.google.com/url?q=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.portal.state.pa.us%2Fportal%2Fserver.pt%2Fcommunity%2Fcitizens_advisory_council%2F21503&sa=D&sntz=1&usg=AFQjCNEUW90I9uNIlcz_cOFzUqhkQM0EzQhttp://www.google.com/url?q=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.portal.state.pa.us%2Fportal%2Fserver.pt%2Fcommunity%2Fcitizens_advisory_council%2F21503&sa=D&sntz=1&usg=AFQjCNEUW90I9uNIlcz_cOFzUqhkQM0EzQ


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Coal Industry Trains For Zero-Accident Mine

Rosebud Takes Over Former Amfire Mines In PA

States Look To Tweak EPA Clean Power Plan

Op-Ed: PA Should Embrace New Energy Economy

Editorial: Government Funded Energy Deals Paying Off

Fitzgerald Touts Pittsburghs Development, Cleaner Air, Economy

Trout Unlimited Raises Concerns About Shale Drilling Hurting Lake Erie

Trout Unlimited is featuring the Lake Erie watershed in a new reporthighlighting outstanding

public fishing and hunting areas in the Central Appalachian region that are at risk from shale gas

drilling-related activities.

The organizations 10 Special Places report focuses on areas that are rich in fish, game

and natural beauty, and that have for generations provided abundant opportunities for hunters

and anglers. It covers threats to the specific regions and offers recommendations for the best

approaches sportsmen and women can use to protect these areas from potential risks.

The Lake Erie watershed is the ninth of the 10 Special Places to be announced. TroutUnlimited will announce a new place weekly this fall, releasing the full report in December.

We need to proceed cautiously, said Jerry Darkes, a fly fishing guide who operates

Angling Consulting Services in Strongsville, Ohio. It doesnt have to be a race to pull

everything out as fast as we can get it out.

The steelhead fishery has developed to a point where it really is very important to the

economics of not only northeast Ohio, but northwest Pennsylvania.

Lake Erie and its tributaries in Ohio, Pennsylvania and New York are home to large

commercial and recreational fisheries. An estimated 450,000 people fish the Ohio waters of Lake

Erie annually, targeting species including steelhead, trout, walleye, bass and perch, and

contributing $680 million to the states economy.

A recent survey of steelhead anglers in Erie County, Pa., found that they spent nearly

$9.5 million on trip-related expenditures in a single year.

The Lake Erie watershed is a unique place and an anglers paradise, said Katy Dunlap,

Eastern Water ProjectDirector for Trout Unlimited. It is imperative that any shale gas-related

development -- including Utica Shale gas drilling, water withdrawals for hydraulic fracturing and

wastewater management -- is done in a way that avoids or minimizes impacts to these

ecologically and economically valuable fisheries.

Trout Unlimited promotes responsible energy development and, in collaboration with

others, seeks to ensure that all reasonable efforts are made to avoid or mitigate the impacts such

development may have on important coldwater resources, such as Lake Erie and its watershed.

Most of the Lake Erie watershed that overlies the Utica shale gas formation is found inOhio, where a law adopted in 2012 allows companies to withdraw an average of 2.5 million

gallons of water per day out of the lake over three months, without a permit.

The law also allows up to 1 million gallons per day to be pulled from streams that feed

Lake Erie. Such withdrawals could adversely impact streamflows and steelhead fishing, and also

could increase the risk of invasive species introductions.

While Utica shale gas drilling is just getting underway in Ohio, the state has been

receiving wastewater from drilling operations in Pennsylvania, and disposing of the water in
http://www.google.com/url?q=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.tu.org%2Ftu-projects%2Feastern-shale-gas-development&sa=D&sntz=1&usg=AFQjCNEZZvCcYjPYI3-QsX5SiWH9yk_fyAhttp://www.google.com/url?q=http%3A%2F%2Ftu.org%2Fspecial-places&sa=D&sntz=1&usg=AFQjCNHNIiP06tDhV3nfCXGX4iIrvlHA1Qhttp://www.google.com/url?q=http%3A%2F%2Ftriblive.com%2Fnews%2Fallegheny%2F7332153-74%2Ffitzgerald-pittsburgh-county&sa=D&sntz=1&usg=AFQjCNFAP5_S_DBpeQJ5ocRIEfMgk1sHdQhttp://www.google.com/url?q=http%3A%2F%2Fthetimes-tribune.com%2Fopinion%2Fenergy-deals-paying-off-1.1810719&sa=D&sntz=1&usg=AFQjCNH9NKsitTellD5wq-084_6B8mlMpghttp://www.google.com/url?q=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.post-gazette.com%2Fopinion%2F2014%2F12%2F30%2FPennsylvania-should-embrace-the-new-energy-economy-coal%2Fstories%2F201412300055&sa=D&sntz=1&usg=AFQjCNE9tUOCmvUoksBJjwU5j4WBb7iwZAhttp://www.google.com/url?q=http%3A%2F%2Fpowersource.post-gazette.com%2Fbusiness%2F2014%2F12%2F30%2FWith-GOP-in-command-states-look-to-tweak-Clean-Power-Plan%2Fstories%2F201412300015&sa=D&sntz=1&usg=AFQjCNGVM-cm_6E8GXsWo5NJl99gcZnlCQhttp://www.google.com/url?q=http%3A%2F%2Ftriblive.com%2Fbusiness%2Fheadlines%2F7469964-74%2Fmines-rosebud-alpha&sa=D&sntz=1&usg=AFQjCNGu66ilbfVJn-QI5v9CcDn354E6Ighttp://www.google.com/url?q=http%3A%2F%2Fpowersource.post-gazette.com%2Fpowersource%2Fcompanies-powersource%2F2014%2F12%2F30%2FCoal-industry-trains-for-a-zero-accident-coal-mine%2Fstories%2F201412300007&sa=D&sntz=1&usg=AFQjCNHfydRlq3sqxwfQE41fjsBYwwACWA


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deep injection wells.

Trout Unlimited is urging anglers and hunters to call on the state and the gas industry to:

develop rules to manage water withdrawals to protect streams, wetlands and other bodies of

water in the watershed ensure that comprehensive invasive species control programs are in

place and to also study the cumulative impacts of shale gas wastewater disposal in underground

injection wells in Ohio.The report and related content are available online.

DEP Finalizes Policy On Oil & Gas Spill Reporting, Cleanup

The Department of Environmental Protection finalized one of two enforcement and investigative

policies related to oil and gas and other spill reporting and cleanup, according to a notice

published in the January 3 PA Bulletin.

The policy-- DEP ID: 260-0500-001- Policy for Coordinating Immediate Responses and

Final Remediation of Spills and Releases-- summarizes how the Department oversees immediate

responses and final remediation of spills and releases of regulated substances onto soils.

The purpose of the policy is to facilitate the consistent investigation of and the responseto spills and to coordinate immediate response needs with final remediation endpoints.

The other guidance dealing with aproposed new Oil and Gas Program enforcement

policy has not yet been finalized.

A copy of the policy will be made available on DEPs website. For more information,

contact Randy Roush by calling 717-787-1566 or send email to: [email protected].

Sen. Scarnati Plans To Reintroduce Marcellus Shale Health Advisory Panel Bill

Sen. Joe Scarnati (R-Jefferson) is circulating a co-sponsor memo on legislation he plans to

reintroduce creating a Marcellus Shale Health Advisory Panel he said similar to Senate Bill

555of last session.

The panel would be tasked with thoroughly investigating and studying advancements in

science, technology and public health data in order to provide Pennsylvania elected officials,

regulators and the general public with information, analysis and recommendations regarding the

safe, efficient and environmentally responsible extraction and use of unconventional natural gas

reserves in the Commonwealth.

There has been much discussion regarding the potential effects of Marcellus Shale

drilling on public health and safety, said Sen. Scarnati. The creation of an advisory panel

composed of experts from a wide range of fields including doctors, scientists, academics and

industry leaders will provide Pennsylvania with a critical asset in addressing any current or

future impacts arising from the development of the Marcellus Shale.The creation of a permanent health advisory panel was a suggestion of the Governor's

Marcellus Shale Advisory Commission.

The panel would consist of nine members including the Secretaries of Health and

Environmental Protection, as well as individuals to be appointed by the Governor, President Pro

Tempore of the Senate, Speaker of the House, and the House and Senate Minority Leaders.

NewsClips:

After NY Ban, PA Renews Focus On Fracking Health Impacts
http://www.google.com/url?q=http%3A%2F%2Fstateimpact.npr.org%2Fpennsylvania%2F2014%2F12%2F30%2Fafter-new-york-ban-pennsylvania-renews-focus-on-fracking-health-impacts%2F&sa=D&sntz=1&usg=AFQjCNHlv44W4dIJ2vAw733VjCbNzDwP-Ahttp://www.google.com/url?q=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.paenvironmentdigest.com%2Fnewsletter%2Fdefault.asp%3FNewsletterArticleID%3D19729&sa=D&sntz=1&usg=AFQjCNHcbtnYtdJqvyVXTIdPWKHztl_NiQhttp://www.google.com/url?q=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.paenvironmentdigest.com%2Fnewsletter%2Fdefault.asp%3FNewsletterArticleID%3D19729&sa=D&sntz=1&usg=AFQjCNHcbtnYtdJqvyVXTIdPWKHztl_NiQhttp://www.google.com/url?q=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.legis.state.pa.us%2Fcfdocs%2FbillInfo%2FbillInfo.cfm%3FsYear%3D2013%26sInd%3D0%26body%3DS%26type%3DB%26bn%3D0555&sa=D&sntz=1&usg=AFQjCNExEYr2G2KijkkQHFWfwKlPhh4H7whttp://www.google.com/url?q=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.legis.state.pa.us%2Fcfdocs%2FbillInfo%2FbillInfo.cfm%3FsYear%3D2013%26sInd%3D0%26body%3DS%26type%3DB%26bn%3D0555&sa=D&sntz=1&usg=AFQjCNExEYr2G2KijkkQHFWfwKlPhh4H7wmailto:[email protected]://www.google.com/url?q=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.portal.state.pa.us%2Fportal%2Fserver.pt%2Fcommunity%2Ftechnical_guidance%2F21828%2Frecently_finalized_technical_guidance%2F1831386&sa=D&sntz=1&usg=AFQjCNHxiKilFedCPQ_LrPc-190E6BLG6whttp://www.google.com/url?q=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.paenvironmentdigest.com%2Fnewsletter%2Fdefault.asp%3FNewsletterArticleID%3D30088&sa=D&sntz=1&usg=AFQjCNGce3I1Xb0ktKfzG74-KrE9hkaghQhttp://www.google.com/url?q=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.pabulletin.com%2Fsecure%2Fdata%2Fvol45%2F45-1%2F14.html&sa=D&sntz=1&usg=AFQjCNGAog12pu9Pi6o9YugeQul47Ek2wghttp://www.google.com/url?q=http%3A%2F%2Ftu.org%2Fspecial-places&sa=D&sntz=1&usg=AFQjCNHNIiP06tDhV3nfCXGX4iIrvlHA1Q


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Obama Official: Fracking Bans Are Wrong Way To Go

White House Plans New Oil & Gas Methane Regulations

Report Clears Coal Waste Of Affecting Inmates Health

Gov.-Elect Wolf Adds To DEP Transition Agency Review Team

Gov.-Elect Wolf Monday added four new members to his Agency Review Team for DEP: David

Masur, PennEnvironment, Josh McNeil, PA League of Conservation Voters, Charlie Schliebs,

Managing Director, Stone Pier Capital Advisors, LP and Denise Brinley, Former DEP Deputy

Secretary for Environmental Cleanup and Brownfields. Click Herefor the complete

agency-by-agency Team members.

Add Us To Your Google+ Circle

PA Environment Digest now has a Google+ Circle called Green Works In PA. Just go to your

Google+ page and search for [email protected], the email for the Digest Editor

David Hess, and let us join your Circle.Google+ now combines all the news you now get through the PA Environment Digest,

Weekly, Blog, Twitter and Video sites into one resource.

Youll receive as-it-happens postings on Pennsylvania environmental news, daily

NewsClips and links to the weekly Digest and videos.

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

PA Environment Digest Twitter Feed: On Twitter, sign up to receive instant updates from:

PAEnviroDigest.

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. NEW! Add your constructive

comment to any blog posting.

PA Capitol Digest Daily Blogto 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 daily

email alerting you to new items posted on this blog.

PA Capitol Digest Twitter Feed: Don't forget to sign up to receive the PA Capitol Digest

Twitterfeed to get instant updates on other news from in and around the Pennsylvania State

Capitol.

Senate/House Agenda/Session Schedule

Here are the Senate and House Calendars and Committee meetings showing bills of interest as
http://www.google.com/url?q=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.twitter.com%2FPaCapitolDigest&sa=D&sntz=1&usg=AFQjCNGWrE0J29KeaafDM7MJyMC8ers1CAhttp://www.google.com/url?q=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.crisciassociates.com%2Fcategory%2Fcapitol-blog%2F&sa=D&sntz=1&usg=AFQjCNEr34LqbrgLctLRRFIpQj8389er0Qhttp://www.google.com/url?q=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.crisciassociates.com%2Fcategory%2Fenvironment-blog%2F&sa=D&sntz=1&usg=AFQjCNFbHV5G7iUyBtnZtTKN4KGsug3TQQhttp://www.google.com/url?q=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.twitter.com%2F&sa=D&sntz=1&usg=AFQjCNGXriPf7nAwCc24P4VynFe1LpqWFghttp://www.google.com/url?q=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.crisciassociates.com%2F&sa=D&sntz=1&usg=AFQjCNHXIVMkGh_c7n4BmGVntccrLXM7egmailto:[email protected]://www.google.com/url?q=http%3A%2F%2Fwolftransitionpa.com%2Fsections%2Fpage%2Fcommittee-members&sa=D&sntz=1&usg=AFQjCNGZjm4ZpCgL238m1wtj3G1z5yfXHghttp://www.google.com/url?q=http%3A%2F%2Ftriblive.com%2Fnews%2Ffayette%2F7478025-74%2Ffayette-coal-sci&sa=D&sntz=1&usg=AFQjCNHvPARViq3PdMpErsZv01dqBTYnBAhttp://www.google.com/url?q=http%3A%2F%2Fonline.wsj.com%2Farticles%2Foil-and-gas-regulatory-push-coming-from-obama-administration-1419890081&sa=D&sntz=1&usg=AFQjCNEYEBvHjVqlVyaE8HBrTB_bdd0iuAhttp://www.google.com/url?q=http%3A%2F%2Fstateimpact.npr.org%2Fpennsylvania%2F2015%2F01%2F02%2Fobamas-interior-secretary-says-fracking-bans-are-wrong-way-to-go%2F&sa=D&sntz=1&usg=AFQjCNHukq-Olxz7bubrHto9AJNwkR0_TA


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well as a list of new environmental bills introduced--

Bill Calendars

House (January 6): Click Herefor full House Bill Calendar.

Senate (January 6): Click Herefor full Senate Bill Calendar.

Committee Meeting Agendas This Week

House: Click Herefor full House Committee Schedule.

Senate: Click Herefor full Senate Committee Schedule.

Session Schedule

Here is the latest voting session schedule for the Senate and House--

Senate

January 6 (General Assembly reconvenes), 20, 21, 26, 27, 28

February 2, 3, 4, 23, 24, 25

March 2, 3, 4

April 13, 14, 15, 20, 21, 22

May 4, 5, 6, 11, 12, 13

June 1, 2, 3, 8, 9, 10, 15, 16, 17, 18, 22, 23, 24, 25, 26, 29, 30

House

January 6 (General Assembly reconvenes), 20, 21, 26, 27, 28

February 2, 3, 4, 9, 10, 11, 23, 24, 25

March 2, 3, 4, 30, 31

April 1, 13, 14, 15, 20, 21, 22

May 4, 5, 6, 11, 12, 13

June 1, 2, 3, 8, 9, 10, 15, 16, 17, 18, 22, 23, 24, 25, 26, 27, 28, 29, 30

News From The Capitol

Senate, House Open New Legislative Session January 6

Senate and House members return to session on January 6 to swear in new members and to

formally begin the 2015-16 legislative session.

Gov.-Elect Wolf and Lt. Gov.-Elect Stack will sworn in on January 20, which is the first

real session voting day on the legislative schedule at this point.

While the main order of the day will be parties, the Senate and House are expected to
http://www.google.com/url?q=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.legis.state.pa.us%2FWU01%2FLI%2FCO%2FSM%2FCOSM.HTM&sa=D&sntz=1&usg=AFQjCNGm2MqrSWvfq9tan4rDgY7fJhcc2Ahttp://www.google.com/url?q=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.legis.state.pa.us%2FWU01%2FLI%2FCO%2FHM%2FCOHM.HTM&sa=D&sntz=1&usg=AFQjCNHN4VHsg-7-WbaLdRZFal9NTpr5vQhttp://www.google.com/url?q=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.legis.state.pa.us%2FWU01%2FLI%2FSC%2FSC%2F0%2FRC%2FCAL.HTM&sa=D&sntz=1&usg=AFQjCNENWoZbghsL-QNbPuf7XexFfCvTqQhttp://www.google.com/url?q=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.legis.state.pa.us%2FWU01%2FLI%2FSC%2FHC%2F0%2FRC%2FSCHC.HTM&sa=D&sntz=1&usg=AFQjCNE9F2VxwWmFjFIYNSSBlw4h-xB5dg


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name Committee Chairs and possibly members, although that may take longer.

January 6 will also be the first day bills are introduced and receive numbers, although

members have been circulating co-sponsor memos for their legislation since the beginning of

December.

It will be interesting to see which bills receive the coveted Senate Bill 1 and House Bill 1

numbers because they many times signal those issues that are a priority for the new session. Ifpast history is any guide, being first doesnt always mean the bill gets to the Governors desk.

At the opening of the 2013-14 session, Senate Bill 1 (Rafferty-R-Montgomery) proposed

a transportation improvement funding package and never got to the Governors desk. House Bill

1060 (Pyle-R-Armstrong) was signed into law in 2013 as the funding package.

Interestingly, there was no House Bill 1 in the 2013-14 session.

NewsClips:

GOP Preps For Tom Wolf With Me-First Attitude


Editorial: Resolutions For Our Lawmakers

Editorial: Legislature Is Ethics Cesspool

How Much Do State Lawmakers Get Paid?

December State Revenues $161.7 Million More Than Anticipated

Pennsylvania collected $2.7 billion in General Fund revenue in December, which was $161.7

million, or 6.3 percent, more than anticipated, Secretary of Revenue Daniel Meuser reported

Friday.

Fiscal year-to-date General Fund collections total $13.3 billion, which is $270.7 million,

or 2.1 percent, above estimate.

Sales tax receipts totaled $804.2 million for December, $10.3 million above estimate.

Year-to-date sales tax collections total $4.8 billion, which is $59.7 million, or 1.3 percent, more

than anticipated.

Personal income tax revenue in December was $1 billion, $25.3 million above estimate.

This brings year-to-date PIT collections to $5.2 billion, which is $14.5 million, or 0.3 percent,

above estimate

December corporation tax revenue of $564.2 million was $77.5 million above estimate.

Year-to-date corporation tax collections total $1.4 billion, which is $163.5 million, or 12.9

percent, above estimate.

Inheritance tax revenue for the month was $72.1 million, $7.4 million below estimate,

bringing the year-to-date total to $521.7 million, which is $82.9 million, or 18.9 percent, above

estimate.

Realty transfer tax revenue was $40.4 million for December, $6.1 million above estimate,bringing the fiscal-year total to $216 million, which is $21.1 million, or 8.9 percent, less than

anticipated.

Other General Fund tax revenue, including cigarette, malt beverage, liquor and table

games taxes, totaled $146.6 million for the month, $12 million above estimate and bringing the

year-to-date total to $741.8 million, which is $9.5 million, or 1.3 percent, above estimate.

Non-tax revenue totaled $63.2 million for the month, $38 million above estimate,

bringing the year-to-date total to $376.8 million, which is $38.3 million, or 9.2 percent, below
http://www.google.com/url?q=http%3A%2F%2Fblog.pennlive.com%2Fcapitol-notebook%2F2014%2F12%2Fhow_much_do_state_lawmakers_ge.html&sa=D&sntz=1&usg=AFQjCNFk90Ai5e0nM2kgmUZXf-xzuhMHighttp://www.google.com/url?q=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.post-gazette.com%2Fopinion%2Feditorials%2F2014%2F12%2F28%2FEthics-cesspool-No-wonder-the-state-Legislature-is-a-rogue-s-gallery%2Fstories%2F201412310033&sa=D&sntz=1&usg=AFQjCNGaeoKJ7dmSxaiIdI_Q2rNUEudoKQhttp://www.google.com/url?q=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.yorkdispatch.com%2Fbreaking%2Fci_27235256%2Feditorial-resolutions-our-lawmakers&sa=D&sntz=1&usg=AFQjCNH7yoItRkHPLojaYpvHOlSRr01KrAhttp://www.google.com/url?q=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.mcall.com%2Fnews%2Fnationworld%2Fpennsylvania%2Fmc-pa-wolf-legislature-taxes-20141231-story.html&sa=D&sntz=1&usg=AFQjCNElwFlOldYAQQfT9GzBOefvlEiAWAhttp://www.google.com/url?q=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.pennlive.com%2Fpolitics%2Findex.ssf%2F2014%2F12%2Fpa_republicans_prep_for_tom_wo.html%23incart_river&sa=D&sntz=1&usg=AFQjCNGJr0gp_-Bix34dIHlZdkhxYawqHQ


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estimate.

In addition to the General Fund collections, the Motor License Fund received $170.1

million for the month, $12.4 million below estimate. Fiscal year-to-date collections for the fund

which include the commonly known gas and diesel taxes, as well as other license, fine and fee

revenues total $1.2 billion, which is $1.4 million, or 0.1 percent, above estimate.

NewsClips:State Revenues Continue Late Year Uptick

Gov.-Elect Wolf Faces Big Challenges

GOP Draws Lines As Wolf Focuses On Huge Deficit



PoliticsPA: Severance Tax Should Be Wolfs Top Priority

Op-Ed: Time For Tom Wolf To End Blame Game And Govern

Op-Ed: Dealing With PAs Budget Deficit Has Consequences




December Environmental Synopsis Now Available From Joint Conservation Committee

The December issue of the Environmental Synopsisnewsletter is now available from the Joint

Legislative Air and Water Pollution Control and Conservation Committeefeaturing articles on--

-- Rolling Coal - Black Clouds From Diesel Engines

-- Ranking The Walkability Of Philadelphia and Pittsburgh

-- Audubon: Climate Change To Impact Bird Population

-- Global Shift To Mass Transit Could Save $100 Trillion

-- Methane Emissions From Oil And Gas Operations Dropping

-- Summary Of Nov. 20 Tour Of Penn Waste Recycling Facility

-- Sign Up for your own copy by sending an email to: [email protected].

News From Around The State

EPA OKs DEP 2014 Water Quality Report, Status Of Lower Susquehanna, Monongahela

The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency has approved Pennsylvanias 2014 Integrated Water

Quality Monitoring and Assessment Report, the Department of Environmental Protection

announced Monday.

Required every two years by the federal Clean Water Act, the report describes the waterquality of the states many streams, rivers, lakes and waterways. The report takes more than

8,700 staff hours to complete and includes a list of waterways that are impaired.

As of this report, 83,438 miles of streams and rivers are assessed for aquatic life use with

67,556 miles listed as attaining that water use, which means there are 15,882 miles of streams

with impaired water quality in Pennsylvania.

Of the impaired miles, 9,031 require development of a Total Maximum Daily Load

(TMDL) to reduce pollutant inputs and 6,851 have an approved TMDL. An additional 72 miles
http://www.google.com/url?q=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.portal.state.pa.us%2Fportal%2Fserver.pt%2Fcommunity%2Fwater_quality_standards%2F10556%2Fintegrated_water_quality_report_-_2014%2F1702856&sa=D&sntz=1&usg=AFQjCNEBBatSi8ihXTEjtNKQEtR6IOsbeghttp://www.google.com/url?q=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.portal.state.pa.us%2Fportal%2Fserver.pt%2Fcommunity%2Fwater_quality_standards%2F10556%2Fintegrated_water_quality_report_-_2014%2F1702856&sa=D&sntz=1&usg=AFQjCNEBBatSi8ihXTEjtNKQEtR6IOsbegmailto:[email protected]://www.google.com/url?q=http%3A%2F%2Fjcc.legis.state.pa.us%2Findex.cfm&sa=D&sntz=1&usg=AFQjCNEqbSPEelu-fOoGTKta0VZ0AaOE-Qhttp://www.google.com/url?q=http%3A%2F%2Fjcc.legis.state.pa.us%2Findex.cfm&sa=D&sntz=1&usg=AFQjCNEqbSPEelu-fOoGTKta0VZ0AaOE-Qhttp://www.google.com/url?q=http%3A%2F%2Fjcc.legis.state.pa.us%2Fresources%2Fftp%2Fdocuments%2Fnewsletters%2FEnvironmental%2520Synopsis%2520-%2520December%25202014.pdf&sa=D&sntz=1&usg=AFQjCNGfxJsgtMRTJeRekMpvBbcyl-zZpwhttp://www.google.com/url?q=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.pennlive.com%2Fpolitics%2Findex.ssf%2F2014%2F12%2Fpenndot_officials_not_sure_if.html%23incart_m-rpt-1&sa=D&sntz=1&usg=AFQjCNFKLpiC7lOx2lwT4E9BkgWK5Fjl4whttp://www.google.com/url?q=http%3A%2F%2Fcitizensvoice.com%2Fnews%2Fpa-gas-taxes-to-rise-after-big-drop-in-2014-price-1.1810694&sa=D&sntz=1&usg=AFQjCNF-VAifqkc30IdwM2IICBrDClbvmghttp://www.google.com/url?q=http%3A%2F%2Flancasteronline.com%2Fopinion%2Feditorials%2Fgov--elect-wolf-must-articulate-a-positive-vision-for%2Farticle_9ad817fc-8b93-11e4-9d14-7fdb21660b0b.html&sa=D&sntz=1&usg=AFQjCNEqFwiqOk_2J2L0jz3j2zo7h8F3cQhttp://www.google.com/url?q=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.pennlive.com%2Fopinion%2F2015%2F01%2Fpennsylvania_structural_defici.html%23incart_river&sa=D&sntz=1&usg=AFQjCNGK5oDiOTfvYA-ZrXKWI9aDLMRMxQhttp://www.google.com/url?q=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.timesleader.com%2Fnews%2Fopinion_columns%2F50905731%2FTHEIR-VIEW-Wolf-urged-to-end-blame-game&sa=D&sntz=1&usg=AFQjCNFkDvCQJ_efWjfMFicxPeoekycYEAhttp://www.google.com/url?q=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.politicspa.com%2Freader-poll-extraction-tax-should-be-wolfs-top-priority%2F62648%2F&sa=D&sntz=1&usg=AFQjCNGvobE3A3fUJ8s17n6RKcAhdf2-aghttp://www.google.com/url?q=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.philly.com%2Fphilly%2Fopinion%2Finquirer%2F20150101_State_has_an_obligation_to_tax_gas_extraction.html&sa=D&sntz=1&usg=AFQjCNEEdAZ0domPMbqLTC0TDfocECsdJAhttp://www.google.com/url?q=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.mcall.com%2Fnews%2Fnationworld%2Fpennsylvania%2Fmc-pa-wolf-legislature-taxes-20141231-story.html&sa=D&sntz=1&usg=AFQjCNElwFlOldYAQQfT9GzBOefvlEiAWAhttp://www.google.com/url?q=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.philly.com%2Fphilly%2Fnews%2Fpolitics%2F20141227_ap_40e609a793ab4710a6d2ecffb6b2de1c.html&sa=D&sntz=1&usg=AFQjCNFkAKjeWWj9LbpJ2pCv6goXF4NKZwhttp://www.google.com/url?q=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.post-gazette.com%2Fnews%2Fstate%2F2015%2F01%2F01%2FPennsylvania-s-Governor-elect-Wolf-faces-big-challenges%2Fstories%2F201501010162&sa=D&sntz=1&usg=AFQjCNEiWo3zL1TfBhaD0L55KRsvoNyqtAhttp://www.google.com/url?q=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.pennlive.com%2Fmidstate%2Findex.ssf%2F2015%2F01%2Fstate_government_revenues_cont.html%23incart_river&sa=D&sntz=1&usg=AFQjCNEnG_IZC49vpCQ1zCVHpPrB11yD7Q


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are under compliance agreements and expected to improve within a reasonable amount of time.

The two largest problems are agriculture and abandoned mine drainage. The largest

stressors are siltation and metals.

However, other problems should not be minimized because in local areas they may

impact a relatively large percentage of waters. For example, urban runoff/storm sewers is a

minor problem in rural areas but major in metropolitan regions.Since the last report in 2012, a total of 333 miles of previously impaired flowing waters

and 853 lake acres were restored. In addition, the fish consumption advisories were removed

from 11,592 lake acres.

This year there are two major listing changes. The Monongahela River, which was

impaired for potable water use, was removed from the impairment list because the in-stream

level of sulfates now meets Pennsylvanias water quality standards.

The lower main stem of the Susquehanna River will be added to the fish consumption

impairment list for channel catfish larger than 20 inches due to polychlorinated biphenyls

(PCBs). The recommended consumption rate is no more than one meal per month.

In its letter approving the report, EPA commended DEPs ongoing study of the

Susquehanna Riverand tributaries. It also recognized DEPs recent efforts to bring together apanel of experts from Fish and Boat Commission, Susquehanna River Basin Commission, U.S.

Geological Survey, U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, EPA and members of the Susquehanna River

Heartland Coalition for Environmental Studies.

This diverse group has been working together to gather and evaluate data related to the

Susquehanna River and its tributaries for the Causal Analysis/Diagnosis Decision Information

System (CADDIS). The CADDIS panel is tasked with determining the attainment status of the

Lower Susquehanna and Juniata rivers for the 2016 Integrated Water Quality Monitoring and

Assessment.

DEP will continue and expand its intense studies of the river and tributaries through

2015.

A copy of the complete 2014 Integrated Water Quality Report is available online.

For more information, visit DEPs 2014 Integrated Water Quality Reportwebpage and

for copies of all TMDLs, visit DEPs TMDL webpage.

NewsClips:

Feds Approve PAs Water Quality Report

State May Be Ready To Rule If Susquehanna Is Sick This Summer

5 Things You Need To Know About Susquehanna Pollution

PCB Contamination Advisory For Susquehanna River

Contamination Leads To More Scrutiny Of Susquehanna River

Water Quality Report: Monongahela No Longer Degraded By Sulfates

Monongahela River Taken Off PA Impaired ListFederal Legislation Expands White Clay Creek Designation

Alternative To Water For Fracking Could Ease Environmental Issues

Energy Spotlight: Melissa Pagen, Drilling Wastewater Manager

Washington County Familys Water Wells Ruined By Mining

Communities Rely On Salt Brine To Treat Streets Before Snow

Latest From The Chesapeake Bay Journal
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Advisory: Chesapeake Bay Foundation To Release Report On Bay Health January 5

The Chesapeake Bay Foundationwill release the 2014 State of the Bay report on January 5 at a

10:30 a.m. press conference at CBF headquarters in Annapolis.

The biennial State of the Bay Report is a comprehensive measure of the Bay's health,

evaluating the following indicators: oysters, shad, crabs, striped bass (rockfish), underwatergrasses, wetlands, forested buffers, resource lands, toxics, water clarity, dissolved oxygen, and

phosphorus and nitrogen pollution.

CBF scientists compile and examine the best available historical and up-to-date

information for each indicator and assign it an index score, between 1 and 100. Taken together,

these indicators offer an assessment of Bay health.

CBF will also discuss priorities for 2015. In Pennsylvania, CBFs priorities include:

Ensuring Pennsylvanias Department of Environmental Protection, County Conservation

Districts, and local partners work to assure robust outreach and education, technical and financial

assistance, and compliance with state water quality laws and regulations by farmers in the

Commonwealth. It is estimated that a substantial percentage of farms still are lacking required

pollution prevention and reduction plans and have long waits for assistance. Promoting new efforts to accelerate the planting of forest buffers and other core pollution

reducing practices. In Pennsylvania forested stream buffers were established at a rate of six acres

per day from 2009 to 2013, but must increase to a rate of fifty acres per day through 2017 to

meet the goal the Commonwealth set.

Updating Pennsylvanias Phosphorus Index to reduce over-application of phosphorus

fertilizer on farm fields that can pollute streams and the Bay.

NewsClips:

Feds Approve PAs Water Quality Report

State May Be Ready To Rule If Susquehanna Is Sick This Summer

5 Things You Need To Know About Susquehanna Pollution

PCB Contamination Advisory For Susquehanna River

Contamination Leads To More Scrutiny Of Susquehanna River

Water Quality Report: Monongahela No Longer Degraded By Sulfates

Monongahela River Taken Off PA Impaired List

Federal Legislation Expands White Clay Creek Designation

Alternative To Water For Fracking Could Ease Environmental Issues

Energy Spotlight: Melissa Pagen, Drilling Wastewater Manager

Washington County Familys Water Wells Ruined By Mining

Communities Rely On Salt Brine To Treat Streets Before Snow

Latest From The Chesapeake Bay Journal

DEP Awards Grant To Clinton County To Install Farm Conservation Practices

The Department of Environmental Protection Tuesday announced it has awarded a $315,000

grant to the Clinton County Conservation District so it can assist local farmers in the

development of agricultural best management practices (BMPs) to prevent future pollution in the

Antes Creek Watershed.

The department is pleased to provide this funding to the conservation district to assist
http://www.google.com/url?q=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.bayjournal.com%2F&sa=D&sntz=1&usg=AFQjCNH6Px9j09ljaRg857-DuR91nljFvghttp://www.google.com/url?q=http%3A%2F%2Ftriblive.com%2Fnews%2Fallegheny%2F7315542-74%2Fsalt-brine-roads&sa=D&sntz=1&usg=AFQjCNHudxQJAeTRvDvPehYyDtpwPU39cwhttp://www.google.com/url?q=http%3A%2F%2Ftriblive.com%2Fbusiness%2Fheadlines%2F7439985-74%2Fmine-eighty-mining&sa=D&sntz=1&usg=AFQjCNEHbeARFnnv43k9-3Mq7FyMXp3qGAhttp://www.google.com/url?q=http%3A%2F%2Ftriblive.com%2Fbusiness%2Fheadlines%2F7437576-74%2Fpagen-industry-management&sa=D&sntz=1&usg=AFQjCNEo_YfFxJBFvObOKyCYa7SlS5i-1ghttp://www.google.com/url?q=http%3A%2F%2Ftriblive.com%2Fbusiness%2Fheadlines%2F7306534-74%2Fgas-environmental-fracking&sa=D&sntz=1&usg=AFQjCNFS42Ko5gu1oZ6K8sjR9RrIo6fqGQhttp://www.google.com/url?q=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.dailylocal.com%2Fgeneral-news%2F20150102%2Fwhite-clay-legislation-expands-protection-to-watershed&sa=D&sntz=1&usg=AFQjCNHw2JAC824ikLGsEc5pYib-KLnIbAhttp://www.google.com/url?q=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.sungazette.com%2Fpage%2Fcontent.detail%2Fid%2F765353%2FMonongahela-taken-off-Pennsylvania-s-impaired-list.html%3Fisap%3D1%26nav%3D5020&sa=D&sntz=1&usg=AFQjCNEa9aAQ0z1wwjTPe8BKBkVkRanpbQhttp://www.google.com/url?q=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.post-gazette.com%2Fnews%2Fenvironment%2F2014%2F12%2F29%2FReport-on-water-quality-says-Mononghela-River-no-longer-degraded-by-sulfates%2Fstories%2F201412290187&sa=D&sntz=1&usg=AFQjCNG6T9L7NdyBEzd-IvYyURGTjEjHZghttp://www.google.com/url?q=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.pennlive.com%2Fmidstate%2Findex.ssf%2F2014%2F12%2Fcontamination_leads_to_catfish.html%23incart_m-rpt-1&sa=D&sntz=1&usg=AFQjCNFotXncNJC_v3GemVXarP4IUpruOghttp://www.google.com/url?q=http%3A%2F%2Flancasteronline.com%2Fnews%2Flocal%2Fpcb-contamination-causes-fish-consumption-advisory-for-catfish-caught-from%2Farticle_ea4fd690-8f93-11e4-9e96-97713c0276f0.html&sa=D&sntz=1&usg=AFQjCNETeDzx5rpbsWdtaWgiO5lOWTUK4whttp://www.google.com/url?q=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.pennlive.com%2Fmidstate%2Findex.ssf%2F2014%2F12%2F5_things_you_need_to_know_abou.html%23incart_river&sa=D&sntz=1&usg=AFQjCNHzC46fEafHXnAmV7GTBZDlepB4eQhttp://www.google.com/url?q=http%3A%2F%2Flancasteronline.com%2Fnews%2Flocal%2Fstate-could-be-ready-to-rule-if-susquehanna-is-sick%2Farticle_76bf4084-9066-11e4-9a1c-c7c7fb43fbcc.html&sa=D&sntz=1&usg=AFQjCNHTf7uCh7jgYBNejdjbiQxxaCup7Qhttp://www.google.com/url?q=http%3A%2F%2Fstateimpact.npr.org%2Fpennsylvania%2F2014%2F12%2F29%2Ffeds-approve-pennsylvanias-water-quality-report%2F&sa=D&sntz=1&usg=AFQjCNGVHbd8ZidV-FesFY2ArmdN66yCXghttp://www.google.com/url?q=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.cbf.org%2Fpa&sa=D&sntz=1&usg=AFQjCNGSWPVAaMesqRihAJwZTyppW6zgVA


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with the development or improvement of agricultural plans, engineering evaluations, and the

implementation of BMPs in this high risk watershed to prevent future surface and groundwater

pollution, Northcentral Regional Director Marcus Kohl said. We also believe this funding is

important to prevent the long-term degradation of this watershed as a tributary to the Chesapeake

Bay.

Land use within the watershed is mostly agriculture and the watershed is at high risk forpollution incidents due to a large number of sinkholes in the area, especially those near or within

farm fields, and inadequate manure storage for local farmers during high risk periods.

One such incident occurred in March, where manure was applied on partially

snow-covered ground over an unidentified sinkhole. Heavy snow melt transported applied

manure into the regional groundwater table. About 12 local residents contacted DEP because

their well water appeared and smelled like manure.

The department responded to these complaints, and assisted the residents by providing

potable water until the groundwater cleared, which occurred several weeks later.

The Clinton County Commissioners later requested the department conduct an evaluation

of all agricultural operations within the western half of the Nippenose Valley to locate open

sinkholes, identify high risk practices, and identify best management practices that could beimplemented by local farmers to prevent a future pollution incident.

A preliminary watershed assessment completed by DEPs Waterways and Wetlands

program staff has identified of number of additional BMPs that could prevent future pollution in

the watershed, including manure storage facilities, roof gutter systems, fencing, milk house

waste, agricultural erosion and sedimentation plans, and updated manure management plans.

DEP awarded the grant to the conservation district based on an immediate need for the

work to be completed as soon as possible and the districts history and experience with this type

of work.

For more information call 570-327-3636.

2015 PA Farm Show Set For January 10 To 17

The 99th annual Pennsylvania Farm Showwill be held at the Farm Show Complex in Harrisburg

from January 10 to 17.

Among the 10,000 exhibits and 300 commercial exhibits are booths for the departments

of Environmental Protection and Conservation and Natural Resources as well as the Fish and

Boat and Game Commissions showcasing a variety of conservation, energy conservation and

other topics.

Report Clears Coal Waste Of Affecting Inmates Health In Fayette County

After concluding a comprehensive reviewof conditions at the State Correctional Institution at

Fayette, the Department of Corrections has found no credible evidence of any unsafe

environmental conditions at the facility or of any abnormalities with regard to the safety and

health of inmates at the prison.

"We work hard to ensure the safety and welfare of our inmates," Corrections Secretary

John Wetzel said. "When concerns were raised, we initiated environmental tests and medical

reviews to examine the conditions at the prison. The Department found no evidence of any
http://www.google.com/url?q=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.cor.pa.gov%2FDocuments%2FFAYETTE%2520-%2520Coal%2520Ash%2520Allegations%2520-%2520Review%2520Report%252012-31-14.pdf&sa=D&sntz=1&usg=AFQjCNFFVCe_xXH-5oISZkICXSmU9qD9VQhttp://www.google.com/url?q=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.farmshow.state.pa.us&sa=D&sntz=1&usg=AFQjCNFthjuNZCX1y4OA_6kOXuD6G7027w


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unsafe environmental conditions or any related medical issues."

The Department was made aware of reports alleging that unsafe levels of coal waste in

the vicinity of SCI Fayette were connected to purported medical problems for inmates at the

facility.

Department officials reviewed water supply tests and analyses, inmate medical records,

rates of cancer and cancer-related deaths among inmates at the prison and the use of pulmonaryand gastrointestinal medications.

"Our review found no scientific data to support claims of any unsafe environmental

conditions or any related medical issues to exist at SCI Fayette," Wetzel said.

A copy of the review is available online.

NewsClip:Report Clears Coal Waste Of Affecting Inmates Health

PRC: Learn To Make Non-Toxic Personal Care, Cleaning Products At Workshops

The PA Resources Councilwill sponsor a series of four workshopsin Western PA to teach

attendees how to make non-toxic personal care and cleaning products. The workshops will be

held---- January 24: Ross Township Community Center from 10:00 to 11:30 a.m.

-- February 7: Yagel Community Center, Churchill, from 10:30 a.m. to Noon.

-- February 21: Bradford Woods Borough Office, from 1 to 2:30 p.m.

-- February 24: Green Tree Borough Building, from 6:30 to 8 p.m.

This workshop is designed to heighten awareness and encourage action around the issue

of carcinogens and toxins that we come into contact with daily in our environment through the

products we use and the food we eat.

The workshop also focuses on the consequences of these toxins on our health and how

we can avoid exposure.

The program provides the public with practical solutions such as recipes and materials for

making green cleaning and personal care products. Participants will make products during the

workshop as well.

In an effort to reduce ones exposure to toxins and to reduce the amount of toxins in our

environment, all workshop participants will receive a non-toxic green cleaning kit.

The cost of the workshop is $25 per person or $30 per couple.

For more information and to register, visit the Healthy Body, Health Home Workshops

webpage or call 412-773-7156 with questions.

PA Housing Authority Opens Comments On Housing Program Funded By Drilling Fees

The PA Housing Finance Agency Tuesday announced it is inviting public comment on its planfor overseeing the annual allocation of money from the PA Housing Affordability and

Rehabilitation Enhancement Fund. (formal notice)

The PHARE fund was established by Act 105 of 2010 (the "PHARE Act") to provide the

mechanism by which certain allocated state or federal funds, as well as funds from other outside

sources, would be used to assist with the creation, rehabilitation and support of affordable

housing throughout the Commonwealth.

The PHARE Act did not allocate any funding for housing initiatives. But the Marcellus
http://www.google.com/url?q=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.pabulletin.com%2Fsecure%2Fdata%2Fvol45%2F45-1%2F38.html&sa=D&sntz=1&usg=AFQjCNECooPsAsOKpeECGzN93sH5QpaddAhttp://www.google.com/url?q=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.phfa.org%2Flegislation%2Fact105.aspx&sa=D&sntz=1&usg=AFQjCNFGL9Z8COplA0urAWvkryiPWFjRcwhttp://www.google.com/url?q=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.phfa.org%2Flegislation%2Fact105.aspx&sa=D&sntz=1&usg=AFQjCNFGL9Z8COplA0urAWvkryiPWFjRcwhttp://www.google.com/url?q=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.zerowastepittsburgh.org%2FZW-PRC-envhealth.html&sa=D&sntz=1&usg=AFQjCNGZxFeZdYZjhK4kLwArA4LtppgrGQhttp://www.google.com/url?q=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.zerowastepittsburgh.org%2FZW-PRC-envhealth.html&sa=D&sntz=1&usg=AFQjCNGZxFeZdYZjhK4kLwArA4LtppgrGQhttp://www.google.com/url?q=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.prc.org%2F&sa=D&sntz=1&usg=AFQjCNEGotMC4pORTyfgpURSBZwXPSJC2whttp://www.google.com/url?q=http%3A%2F%2Ftriblive.com%2Fnews%2Ffayette%2F7478025-74%2Ffayette-coal-sci&sa=D&sntz=1&usg=AFQjCNHvPARViq3PdMpErsZv01dqBTYnBAhttp://www.google.com/url?q=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.cor.pa.gov%2FDocuments%2FFAYETTE%2520-%2520Coal%2520Ash%2520Allegations%2520-%2520Review%2520Report%252012-31-14.pdf&sa=D&sntz=1&usg=AFQjCNFFVCe_xXH-5oISZkICXSmU9qD9VQ


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Shale impact fee legislation, Act 13 of 2012 (the "Impact Fee Act"), specifically allocates certain

amounts from the impact fees on natural gas drilling companies into the PHARE fund.

"PHARE funding is helping to address housing shortages in Marcellus Shale counties of

the state," said Brian A. Hudson Sr., PHFA executive director and CEO. "We're inviting public

comment on our PHARE plan because we want to make sure investments of this funding are

properly guided by local perspectives about housing challenges and the best solutions."Since 2012, the PHARE fund has distributed $26 million supporting 104 local housing

proposals in 32 counties. That capital has been used to leverage additional funding of $165

million to be invested in new housing construction and the rehabilitation of existing housing.

The request for public comments will also be published in the PA Bulletin. The comment

period will end on March 1, 2015.

Comments about the 2015 PHARE draft plan should be sent to Bryce Maretzki at PHFA

either by mail at: PO Box 8029, Harrisburg, PA 17105-8029 or by email to:

[email protected].

For more information and a copy of the draft plan, visit the PHARE webpage.

NewsClips:

GOP Draws Lines As Wolf Focuses On Huge DeficitSome Lawmakers Float Business Tax Hikes To Close Budget Gap


PoliticsPA: Severance Tax Should Be Wolfs Top Priority

Op-Ed: Time For Tom Wolf To End Blame Game And Govern




PUC To Host PA Statewide Sustainable Energy Board Meeting Jan. 15

The PA Sustainable Energy Board, in conjunction with the Public Utility Commission, will hold

its annual meeting at 11 a.m., January 15 in Hearing Room 1 of the Commonwealth Keystone

Building, Harrisburg.

The meeting will provide updates from the regional Sustainable Energy Funds (SEFs)

and is being held to update Commonwealth agencies and other interested groups on the funds'

activities.

Some of the projects being discussed at the meeting will include the following:

The Metropolitan-Edison Co. (Met-Ed) and Pennsylvania Electric Co. (Penelec) Sustainable

Energy Fund will highlight its mapping project that was completed last year and shows funding

allocations since inception of the funds.

The West Penn Power Co. Sustainable Energy Fund will provide an overview of programsand projects which it helped to co-fund. The PennSEF bond finance program, a recently

launched program with the PA Treasury Department, will be discussed in detail.

The Sustainable Energy Fund, operating in the PPL Electric Utilities Inc. service territory,

will highlight an LED lighting project at the Harrisburg International Airport.

The Sustainable Development Fund, operating in the PECO service territory, will present

information on a new financing model where third party providers are financed instead of the

building owner or borrower.
http://www.google.com/url?q=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.puc.pa.gov%2Futility_industry%2Felectricity%2Fsustainable_energy_fund.aspx&sa=D&sntz=1&usg=AFQjCNEncjuJKo8AKNi3mwO-vzFFYSAIpAhttp://www.google.com/url?q=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.pennlive.com%2Fpolitics%2Findex.ssf%2F2014%2F12%2Fpenndot_officials_not_sure_if.html%23incart_m-rpt-1&sa=D&sntz=1&usg=AFQjCNFKLpiC7lOx2lwT4E9BkgWK5Fjl4whttp://www.google.com/url?q=http%3A%2F%2Fcitizensvoice.com%2Fnews%2Fpa-gas-taxes-to-rise-after-big-drop-in-2014-price-1.1810694&sa=D&sntz=1&usg=AFQjCNF-VAifqkc30IdwM2IICBrDClbvmghttp://www.google.com/url?q=http%3A%2F%2Flancasteronline.com%2Fopinion%2Feditorials%2Fgov--elect-wolf-must-articulate-a-positive-vision-for%2Farticle_9ad817fc-8b93-11e4-9d14-7fdb21660b0b.html&sa=D&sntz=1&usg=AFQjCNEqFwiqOk_2J2L0jz3j2zo7h8F3cQhttp://www.google.com/url?q=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.timesleader.com%2Fnews%2Fopinion_columns%2F50905731%2FTHEIR-VIEW-Wolf-urged-to-end-blame-game&sa=D&sntz=1&usg=AFQjCNFkDvCQJ_efWjfMFicxPeoekycYEAhttp://www.google.com/url?q=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.politicspa.com%2Freader-poll-extraction-tax-should-be-wolfs-top-priority%2F62648%2F&sa=D&sntz=1&usg=AFQjCNGvobE3A3fUJ8s17n6RKcAhdf2-aghttp://www.google.com/url?q=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.philly.com%2Fphilly%2Fopinion%2Finquirer%2F20150101_State_has_an_obligation_to_tax_gas_extraction.html&sa=D&sntz=1&usg=AFQjCNEEdAZ0domPMbqLTC0TDfocECsdJAhttp://www.google.com/url?q=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.mcall.com%2Fnews%2Fnationworld%2Fpennsylvania%2Fmc-pa-wolf-legislature-taxes-20141231-story.html&sa=D&sntz=1&usg=AFQjCNElwFlOldYAQQfT9GzBOefvlEiAWAhttp://www.google.com/url?q=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.philly.com%2Fphilly%2Fnews%2Fpolitics%2F20141227_ap_40e609a793ab4710a6d2ecffb6b2de1c.html&sa=D&sntz=1&usg=AFQjCNFkAKjeWWj9LbpJ2pCv6goXF4NKZwhttp://www.google.com/url?q=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.phfa.org%2Flegislation%2Fact105.aspx&sa=D&sntz=1&usg=AFQjCNFGL9Z8COplA0urAWvkryiPWFjRcwmailto:[email protected]


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Representatives from the Department of Environmental Protection, the Office of

Consumer Advocate, the Department of Community and Economic Development, and the PA

Environmental Councilhave been invited to attend.

The PASEB was originally established by the Commission in 1999 to provide oversight,

guidance and technical assistance to the regional sustainable energy boards that fund projects

such as wind farms, solar power systems, smart thermostat programs and the construction ofbuildings using energy efficient technologies.

On Aug. 7, 2003, the Commission issued an order further defining the role of the

PASEB. That order charged the PASEB with holding an annual meeting enhancing

communications among the four funds and state agencies and establishing bylaws and a "best

business practices" model.

In the event of inclement weather, the event will be held January 29 at the same location

and time.

NewsClips:

State Gets Aggressive On Credits For Passive Energy

7,000 Fewer Acres In PA Sit Atop Deep Coal Mines

Pennsylvania Coal Comes Of AgeCoal Industry Trains For Zero-Accident Mine

Rosebud Takes Over Former Amfire Mines In PA

Report Clears Coal Waste Of Affecting Inmates Health

States Look To Tweak EPA Clean Power Plan

Op-Ed: PA Should Embrace New Energy Economy

Editorial: Government Funded Energy Deals Paying Off

Fitzgerald Touts Pittsburghs Development, Cleaner Air, Economy

Comprehensive PA Conservation Heritage Bibliography Released

The Pennsylvania

Conservation Heritage

Project released an annotated

bibliography and supporting

documents of Pennsylvanias

conservation history and

leaders earlier this month

through their Pennsylvania

Conservation Heritagewebsite.

The bibliographies provide a comprehensive reference of printed materials directly

relating to the Commonwealth's conservation legacy. The initial biographies include: MauriceGoddard, Joseph Rothrock, Mira Lloyd Dock, Gifford Pinchot and Rachel Carson.

Another section of the website features PA Conservation Heroes: Ralph Abele, John

James Audubon, Lucy Bakewell, Alexander Boyd, Ralph Brock, Marion Brooks, Arthur Davis,

Samuel Dixon, Rosalie Edge, Frances Morton Froelicher, Ralph Harrison, Joseph Kalbfus,

Franklin Kury and J. Horace McFarland.

The annotated bibliographies were funded through a grant from the PA Association of

Environmental Professionals. Research was completed by Marcy Larson under the guidance of
http://www.google.com/url?q=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.paep.org%2F&sa=D&sntz=1&usg=AFQjCNGW0lVKlVZju2p1KLkYa6nQ8KtwPQhttp://www.google.com/url?q=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.paep.org%2F&sa=D&sntz=1&usg=AFQjCNGW0lVKlVZju2p1KLkYa6nQ8KtwPQhttp://www.google.com/url?q=http%3A%2F%2Fpaconservationheritage.org&sa=D&sntz=1&usg=AFQjCNHxdWZOU-n2Y6_JkfBqy13Qene7dghttp://www.google.com/url?q=http%3A%2F%2Fpaconservationheritage.org&sa=D&sntz=1&usg=AFQjCNHxdWZOU-n2Y6_JkfBqy13Qene7dghttp://www.google.com/url?q=http%3A%2F%2Ftriblive.com%2Fnews%2Fallegheny%2F7332153-74%2Ffitzgerald-pittsburgh-county&sa=D&sntz=1&usg=AFQjCNFAP5_S_DBpeQJ5ocRIEfMgk1sHdQhttp://www.google.com/url?q=http%3A%2F%2Fthetimes-tribune.com%2Fopinion%2Fenergy-deals-paying-off-1.1810719&sa=D&sntz=1&usg=AFQjCNH9NKsitTellD5wq-084_6B8mlMpghttp://www.google.com/url?q=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.post-gazette.com%2Fopinion%2F2014%2F12%2F30%2FPennsylvania-should-embrace-the-new-energy-economy-coal%2Fstories%2F201412300055&sa=D&sntz=1&usg=AFQjCNE9tUOCmvUoksBJjwU5j4WBb7iwZAhttp://www.google.com/url?q=http%3A%2F%2Fpowersource.post-gazette.com%2Fbusiness%2F2014%2F12%2F30%2FWith-GOP-in-command-states-look-to-tweak-Clean-Power-Plan%2Fstories%2F201412300015&sa=D&sntz=1&usg=AFQjCNGVM-cm_6E8GXsWo5NJl99gcZnlCQhttp://www.google.com/url?q=http%3A%2F%2Ftriblive.com%2Fnews%2Ffayette%2F7478025-74%2Ffayette-coal-sci&sa=D&sntz=1&usg=AFQjCNHvPARViq3PdMpErsZv01dqBTYnBAhttp://www.google.com/url?q=http%3A%2F%2Ftriblive.com%2Fbusiness%2Fheadlines%2F7469964-74%2Fmines-rosebud-alpha&sa=D&sntz=1&usg=AFQjCNGu66ilbfVJn-QI5v9CcDn354E6Ighttp://www.google.com/url?q=http%3A%2F%2Fpowersource.post-gazette.com%2Fpowersource%2Fcompanies-powersource%2F2014%2F12%2F30%2FCoal-industry-trains-for-a-zero-accident-coal-mine%2Fstories%2F201412300007&sa=D&sntz=1&usg=AFQjCNHfydRlq3sqxwfQE41fjsBYwwACWAhttp://www.google.com/url?q=http%3A%2F%2Fpowersource.post-gazette.com%2Fpowersource%2Fcompanies-powersource%2F2014%2F12%2F30%2FSulfur-regulations-first-boost-then-leapfrog-Central-Appalachian-coal-mines%2Fstories%2F201412300014&sa=D&sntz=1&usg=AFQjCNGn_XJa9U56ijEcwJeYN08cvsDhMwhttp://www.google.com/url?q=http%3A%2F%2Ftriblive.com%2Fbusiness%2Fheadlines%2F7471140-74%2Fmines-report-coal%23axzz3NBNgeReR&sa=D&sntz=1&usg=AFQjCNFWCMsGdN8WUkwm7juB68-bo9crMAhttp://www.google.com/url?q=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.post-gazette.com%2Fnews%2Fstate%2F2014%2F12%2F30%2FNew-incentives-push-energy-efficiency-for-low-income-housing%2Fstories%2F201412230174&sa=D&sntz=1&usg=AFQjCNHR3HWudx9iIruDxjmJwPNQ46ljEAhttp://www.google.com/url?q=http%3A%2F%2Fpecpa.org%2F&sa=D&sntz=1&usg=AFQjCNFiRuHPFFVf-VCYxD-bxBSteKfujQhttp://www.google.com/url?q=http%3A%2F%2Fpecpa.org%2F&sa=D&sntz=1&usg=AFQjCNFiRuHPFFVf-VCYxD-bxBSteKfujQ


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Professor Brian Black at Penn State Altoona.

The bibliography and supporting documents are part of a larger effort to reconnect

Pennsylvanians to their rich conservation history.

Pennsylvanias Conservation Heritage: Telling the Story is a statewide initiative with the

mission of documenting and interpreting the commonwealth's rich and diverse conservation and

environmental history through oral interviews, a series of documentaries, public programs, andarticles.

The work thus far has been supported through the generosity of the Department of

Conservation and Natural Resources, the Heinz Endowment, the PA Association of

Environmental Professionals and the Foundation for Pennsylvania Watersheds. A diverse array

of partnersnonprofits, agencies and individualsserve as steering committee for the project.

For more information, visit the Pennsylvania Conservation Heritagewebsite.

Related Conservation History Links:

DEP: Pennsylvanias Environmental Heritage

PHMC: Pennsylvanians And The Environment

Echoes Through Penns Woods Documentary/Educators Guide

Op-Ed: The Common Man Can Have An Uncommon Impact On Protecting The

Environment

By John Arway, Executive Director of the Fish and Boat

Commission

The common man is usually regarded as the average man or as more

appropriately defined here as one of the common people. The term

usually applies to the larger portion of our society, the commons,

who are typically concerned about personal or family issues and

dont have the time to worry about other things that dont concern

their everyday lives.

In my training as an expert witness, I learned that an expert is a person who has special

knowledge or skills about a particular subject beyond that of the average person. I was actually

summoned to court one day in a case involving the tainting of fish by oil that was discharged

from an oil refinery into the Allegheny River.

My testimony was not to use my education or training as a fisheries biologist since I was

asked to testify about my experience as an angler and, in this case, consumer of fish. The federal

judge in the case questioned my experience with the culinary arts, but the attorney who

subpoenaed me convinced him that I had prepared and eaten enough fish in my lifetime that hecould trust my judgment about this subject.

So, I appeared in court, was sworn to tell the truth and proceeded to answer questions

about my experiences of eating fish downstream of discharges that contained oil.

This story actually began many years before my court appearance when I decided to

catch a few trout below a brine discharge from an oil well that we were studying in the

Allegheny National Forest.

My staff and I had sampled the discharge and determined that it contained petroleum
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19/32

hydrocarbons (oil) and other assorted chemicals commonly associated with the discharge of

brine (salty water) from oil and gas wells.

At the time, these wastewaters were being discharged virtually untreated, except for one

small step of oil/water separation, into our streams and rivers. We were also concerned that the

materials we were finding in the water may be affecting the fish and possibly the people who

chose to eat them. Accordingly, we decided to sample fish tissue, which confirmed what thelocal anglers already knew.

The fish in the stream below these discharges contained high levels of the same aliphatic

and aromatic petroleum hydrocarbons that were in the water. We used this evidence to

eventually get the polluter to plead guilty to summary charges of littering since the local district

attorney wasnt interested in pursuing more appropriate pollution charges and eventually worked

with the Pennsylvania Department of Environmental Resources (now Pennsylvania Department

of Environmental Protection) to restrict the discharge of untreated brine to streams and rivers.

So, how does an expert suddenly become a lay witness in federal court? Well, I decided

to conduct a personal experiment on my own one day. I went to the same stream, below the same

discharge and caught a few of the wild Brown Trout at that location. I took them back to camp,

filleted them, cooked them and did a personal taste test.I discovered that they did indeed smell like oil when they were cooking (probably the

aromatic hydrocarbons volatilizing) and tasted like oil when I tried eating them (most likely the

aliphatic hydrocarbons left behind after cooking).

Well, the judge became so interested in my lay testimony that he allowed me to talk

about all of my other work as an expert. The defense attorney representing the oil refinery was so

upset that he objected and accused me of being a stealth expert.

Needless to say, the judge ruled against the refinery, which was then required to construct

redundant oil/water separators so that if one failed, they would have backup treatment to prevent

the continued discharge of oil into the Allegheny River.

I believe that we are all specialists in some things and are common men when it comes to

others. Just as I functioned as both a lay and expert witness on the witness stand that day in

federal court, you can also perform those dual roles when it comes to helping us make decisions

about conservation and recreation in Pennsylvania.

I would say with some degree of certainty that by virtue of you reading this article, you

are sufficiently interested in fishing and boating issues and are the uncommon man.

Based on recent estimates, we have over 1.1 million anglers in our Commonwealth, and

over 850,000 of us bought fishing licenses last year. We have over 3 million total boaters, and

over 400,000 of us registered our boats last year.

However, we only have about 16,000 subscribers to this magazine and furthermore as

shown in Table 1 (Click Here to view), we only have about 366,000 members of conservation

and sportsmen organizations in our Commonwealth.Considering that I, and many of you, belong to multiple groups, I believe that this

probably overestimates the total membership in these organizations.

Since we have over 12 million people in our Commonwealth, I submit that we are

collectively the uncommon men by being part of the organized minority.

However, we are typically the ones who speak out whenever a voice is needed to educate

our Legislature about the importance of rare species and wild trout, debate the idea of raising (or

how about lowering) the cost of a fishing license or trout stamp, make a decision about using bait
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or flies on a wild or even stocked trout water, determine how many or where boat accesses are

needed on a particular water and many other issues.

Given the numbers of us involved as professional career employees or as part of an

organized volunteer group, I can unequivocally say that we are the uncommon men.

I need your help to reach out to the common men who are not represented in these

discussions the ones who are too busy with other demands for their time. We need their help toprotect, conserve and enhance our

Pa Environment Digest Jan. 5, 2015

Documents

Transcript of Pa Environment Digest Jan. 5, 2015