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PA Environment Digest
An Update On Environmental Issues In PAEdited By: David E. Hess, Crisci Associates
Winner 2009 PAEE Business Partner Of The Year Award
Harrisburg, Pa August 24, 2015
Environmental Heritage:
30 Years: Chesapeake Bay Commission, June 25, 1985 Act 25
30 Years: Appalachian States Low-Level Radioactive Waste Compact, Dec. 22, 1985 Act 120
50 Years: Open Space Act Preferential Property Tax Assessments, Jan. 13, 1965 Act 515
70 Years: Surface Mining Conservation and Reclamation Act, May 31, 1945 Act 418
Gov. Wolf Releases Oil Train Safety Report With 27 Recommendations
Gov. Tom Wolf Monday released a report written by Dr.
Allan Zarembski focused on the safety of Pennsylvanians and
protecting people from the potential of Bakken crude oil train
derailments. In the report, Assessment of Crude by Rail
Safety Issues in Commonwealth of Pennsylvania , Dr.
Zarembski presents 27 recommendations.
“Every week, roughly sixty to seventy trains carrying
crude oil travel through Pennsylvania destined for
Philadelphia or another East Coast refinery, and I haveexpressed grave concern regarding the transportation of this oil and have taken several steps to
prevent potential oil train derailments,” said Gov. Wolf. “Protecting Pennsylvanians is my top
priority and Dr. Zarembski’s report is important in helping my administration take the necessary
steps. I will also continue to work with CSX and Norfolk Southern, both of which have
demonstrated concern for rail safety and an interest in working with my administration. I would
also like to thank Dr. Zarembski for his hard work in writing this report and for producing
numerous recommendations that will help my administration prepare.”
Assessment of Crude by Rail (CBR) Safety Issues in Commonwealth of Pennsylvania
Executive Summary:
As the volume of Crude By Rail (CBR) shipments have increased over the past several
years, the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania has become increasingly concerned about the risks ofa CBR incident occurring on a rail line that goes through populated areas within the state.
This is particularly important for the Commonwealth since large volumes of CBR are
shipped through the state by two major Class 1 railroads, Norfolk Southern (NS) and CSX
Transportation (CSX).
While the recent actions taken by the railroad industry and the Department of
Transportation have been of great value, there is still concern about the level of risk present on
these rail lines.
https://www.scribd.com/doc/274852355/Assessment-of-Crude-by-Rail-CBR-Safety-Issues-in-Commonwealth-of-Pennsylvaniahttp://www.paenvironmentdigest.com/newsletter/default.asp?NewsletterArticleID=11953https://www.scribd.com/doc/274852355/Assessment-of-Crude-by-Rail-CBR-Safety-Issues-in-Commonwealth-of-Pennsylvaniahttps://www.scribd.com/doc/274852355/Assessment-of-Crude-by-Rail-CBR-Safety-Issues-in-Commonwealth-of-Pennsylvaniahttp://www.paenvironmentdigest.com/newsletter/default.asp?NewsletterArticleID=11953
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Because of the concern about the level of risk present on these rail lines, the
Commonwealth of Pennsylvania asked the University of Delaware to look at the current level of
risk and advise as to how to reduce the risk of a CBR incident in the Commonwealth. This report
presents the results of this assessment.
This assessment addresses three major areas of CBR safety in the Commonwealth:
Derailment Risk; Tank Car Breach/Rupture Risk; and Regulatory Oversight.This assessment also addresses the effect of proposed new Department of Transportation
and industry standards for tank car design and train operations and operating systems to include
speed reduction, use of Electronically Controlled Pneumatic (ECP) Brakes and Positive Train
Control (PTC).
For a catastrophic CBR event to take place, several elements are necessary:
-- First a derailment must occur, usually unrelated to the CBR equipment itself;
-- Second a breach or rupture of the tank car shell must occur and a release of the crude take
place; and
-- Third, conditions must be present and the volatility of the commodity must be such as to ignite
or explode after the rupture of the tank car.
In the area of Derailment Risk, this assessment looked at the distribution of derailments by major categories (Track, Operations/Human Factors, Equipment, Signals, etc.) and
subcategories (e.g. broken rail, wide gauge, etc.) both in the state of Pennsylvania and
Nationwide.
For those derailment categories that are high risk, i.e. with a significant number of annual
occurrences or significant potential for occurrence of major tank car failure, the University of
Delaware team identified opportunities for improvement in inspection and/or maintenance
practices, based on state of the art industry practice as well as specific practices of railroads
operating CBR trains in the State of Pennsylvania.
In the area of Tank Car Breach/Rupture Risk, the assessment examined the proposed
improvements to the tank car such as: Improved head shields; Increased tank shell
thickness/external jacket; Valve Protection (top and bottom valves); and Reduction in train speed
In the area of Regulatory Oversight, the assessment reviewed the current safety oversight
capabilities and resources of the Public Utility Commission as well as those of other neighboring
states and identified opportunities for improvement of safety and Emergency Response.
The report noted that the U.S. Department of Transportation, Federal Railroad
Administration has primary responsibility for rail safety and inspection under a 1970 federal law
which pre-empted rail safety regulation.
Recommendations
A total of 27 recommendations are presented in this report; divided into primary (18) and
secondary (9) categories.
Primary categories are those expected to have direct safety results and which can beimplemented by the railroads directly working with the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania or by
the Commonwealth itself.
Secondary categories include activities which are more difficult to implement or which
may require action by a party other than the railroad or Commonwealth of Pennsylvania.
Primary Recommendations - Railroad
1. It is recommended that the routes over which CBR trains operate in Pennsylvania be tested at
a rate such that the service defect rate is maintained at 0.04 to 0.06 service failures/mile/year. In
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all cases, rail on these routes should be tested no less than three times a year.
2. It is recommended that the routes over which CBR trains operate in Pennsylvania be tested by
a railroad owned Track Geometry Car at a minimum of four times a year.
3. It is recommended that the routes over which CBR trains operate in Pennsylvania be tested by
a vision based joint bar inspection system at least once per year, this test to be in lieu of one of
the required on-foot inspections, as permitted by FRA.4. It is recommended that NS and CSX adopt the BNSF Railway voluntary speed reduction to 35
mph for crude oil trains through cities with a population greater than 100,000 people.
5. It is recommended that the railroad have sufficient Wheel Impact Load Detector (WILD) units
in place to monitor all loaded oil train cars along their entire route within Pennsylvania, such that
any track location on an oil train route within the state should have a WILD unit no more than
200 miles preceding (in the loaded direction) that location.
a. If a WILD measurement exceeds 120 Kips, the train should be safely stopped, the
wheel inspected, and then if condition of the wheel allows, the train proceed at a reduced speed
of 30 mph until the alerting car can set out at an appropriate location until repairs are made.
b. If the WILD measurement is greater than 90 Kips, the car should be flagged and the
identified wheels replaced as soon as possible but no later than 1500 miles of additional travel.6. It is recommended that the railroads have sufficient Hot Bearing Detector (HBD) units in
place as to monitor all loaded oil train cars along their entire route within Pennsylvania, with a
maximum spacing of 25 miles between Hot Box detectors.
7. It is recommended that the railroad have at least one Acoustic Bearing Detector unit in place
to monitor all loaded oil trains along their entire route within Pennsylvania.
8. It is recommended that those yards and sidings that handle a significant number of CBR cars
be inspected by the Railroad inspectors at a level of track tighter than the assigned FRA track
class. Thus Yards that are FRA Class 1 should be inspected at a FRA Class 2 level to provide
railroads with early warning of potential track conditions that can cause problems.
9. It is recommended that oil trains in Pennsylvania, not equipped with Electronically Controlled
Pneumatic (ECP) Brakes, use two way end of train devices (TWEOT) or Distributed Power (DP)
to improve braking performance.
10. It is recommended that CSX and NS complete their initial route analysis of High-hazard
flammable train (HHFT) routes in Pennsylvania as quickly as possible, taking into account
proximity to populated areas and safety considerations as outlined by DOT.
Commonwealth of Pennsylvania
11. It is recommended that the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania designate appropriate state and
local officials to work with CSX and NS to provide all needed information and to assist in the
route analysis.
12. It is recommended that Public Utility Commission inspectors, in coordination with FRA
inspectors, focus on inspection of major CBR routes, to include track, equipment, hazmat, andoperating practices. In particular, track inspectors should prioritize main line turnouts and yards
and sidings that see a significant number of crude oil cars, to include both major railroads and the
refineries themselves.
13. It is recommended that the Pennsylvania PUC and their track inspectors which are part of
the PUC’s Transportation Division coordinate with the Federal Railroad Administration and try
to schedule the FRA’s T-18 Gage Restraint Measurement System (GRMS) test vehicle to inspect
all routes over which CBR trains operate in Pennsylvania at least once a year. This test should
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include both GRMS and conventional track geometry measurements.
14. It is recommended that Pennsylvania PUC fill their existing track inspector vacancy with a
qualified inspector with railroad experience. Given the fact that most major refineries are in the
eastern part of the state, where SEPTA and Amtrak are located as well, it may be necessary to
add a third inspector to the eastern part of the state, pending filling of the existing eastern
vacancy.15. It is recommended that PEMA continue to actively work with both railroads to roll out
information sharing technology tools and make these tools available to all emergency responders
on CBR routes (PEMA is actively working in this area).
16. It is recommended that PEMA coordinate full scale emergency response exercise involving
emergency responders from communities along the key oil train routes.
17. It is recommended that PEMA work with and insure that all communities along the CBR
routes have appropriate emergency response plans.
18. It is recommended that PEMA work with NS and CSX to obtain an inventory of emergency
response resources along routes over which Crude Oil Trains operate to include locations for the
staging of emergency response equipment (PEMA is actively working in this area).
Secondary Recommendations - Railroad19. It is recommended that conventional track geometry car tests on routes over which CBR
trains operate in Pennsylvania be supplemented by Autonomous Track Geometry Measurement
(ATGM) and/or Vehicle/Track Interaction (VTI) measurement systems.
20. It is recommended that NS and CSX verify that they have sufficient Hot Wheel Detectors
on the Oil Train Routes to allow for the identification of overheated wheels on terrain where this
can be a cause of wheel failure.
21. It is recommended that the railroad have at least one Truck Defect Detector or equivalent in
place to monitor all loaded oil train cars along their entire route within Pennsylvania.
Commonwealth of Pennsylvania
22. It is recommended that the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania encourage both NS and CSX to
implement Positive Train Control (PTC) on Oil Train routes in the Commonwealth as
expeditiously as possible, in accordance with government mandated schedules.
23. It is recommended that State of Pennsylvania Track inspectors focus attention on the
condition of turnouts on major CBR routes in the state.
24. It is recommended that Pennsylvania state inspectors include yards and sidings that handle a
significant number of CBR cars as part of their inspection program. All such inspections to be
coordinated with the FRA inspection program.
25. It is recommended that the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania lend its support to a set of
national Minimum Characteristic Standards for all Crude by Rail (CBR) with defined target
characteristics.
26. It is recommended that Pennsylvania PUC coordinate with FRA and NS and CSX BridgeDepartments to insure that the railroads are maintaining a Bridge Safety Management Program
in accordance with 49 CFR 237.
27. It is recommended that the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania lend its support to increasing the
tank car thermal protection standard to 800 minutes for a pool fire.
Dr. Zarembski, who was hired by the governor in late-April and started in mid-May, is an
internationally recognized expert in the area of railway track and structures, vehicle-track
dynamics, failure and risk analysis, safety, railway operations, and maintenance.
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In May, Gov. Wolf sent a letter to oil train companies , CSX Transportation and Norfolk
Southern Railway, urging them to adopt improved safety initiatives for all trains with
crude-by-rail cars operating in Pennsylvania and to fully and expeditiously comply with the U.S.
Department of Transportation’s announced Final Rule.
In February, Gov. Wolf sent a letter to President Obama urging expedited federal
regulatory action in several areas to better ensure safety. And in his first full week in office, thegovernor conducted an emergency table-top planning exercise to model the state’s response in
the event of a crude oil train derailment in an urban area.
Gov. Wolf has personally met with executives from Norfolk Southern and CSX
Corporation to discuss safety measures that could lower the risk of derailments. He has also
directed the Pennsylvania Office of the Fire Commissioner to examine how an oil train fire could
be extinguished to protect public safety, and the Wolf Administration has undertaken a review of
the frequency and the procedures associated with rail infrastructure inspections by federal and
state inspectors.
A copy of the report is available online.
PUC Reacts To Report
In response to the release Monday of a final report and assessment of Crude by Railsafety in Pennsylvania, the Public Utility Commission underscored its commitment to rail safety
efforts and vowed ongoing cooperation with the Wolf Administration and General Assembly in
addressing the recommendations outlined in the report.
“The PUC is part of a multi-layered system that works to ensure the safe transportation of
goods and passengers by rail across our state,” said Chairman Gladys M. Brown. “The inspection
and engineering work performed by members of the PUC’s Rail Safety Section are part of the
daily behind-the-scenes efforts to prevent incidents and reduce risks in Pennsylvania – work that
also includes the Federal Railroad Administration (FRA), the railroads, and numerous other
agencies.”
Chairman Brown noted that the rail safety assessment, prepared by Dr. Allan M.
Zarembski for the Wolf Administration, contains 27 recommendations, including several that
address work performed by the PUC.
“Several of the recommendations related to the PUC, such as coordinating with the FRA
to focus additional attention on the inspection of major oil train routes and the filling of existing
staff vacancies, are already underway,” noted Chairman Brown. “Other items, such as the hiring
of additional PUC inspectors, are being evaluated to determine how they can best be
implemented.”
Chairman Brown noted that in 2014, PUC Rail Safety Inspectors filed 941 Inspection
Reports with the FRA after examining more than 82,000 individual items – ranging from pieces
of rail and components on a locomotive or rail car, to safety practices, crew certifications or clear
radio communications.Additionally, Commission Rail Safety Engineers were involved in 200 actions related to
highway-railroad crossing projects, addressing more than $600 million in infrastructure
improvements.
The PUC is committed to enhancing rail safety throughout Pennsylvania, and works
closely with the FRA, railroads and other agencies to monitor a variety of factors that can impact
the safe movement of trains, cargo and passengers – including track, motive power and
equipment, operating practices, hazardous materials and grade crossings.
http://paenvironmentdaily.blogspot.com/2015/08/gov-wolf-releases-oil-train-safety.htmlhttp://paenvironmentdaily.blogspot.com/2015/08/gov-wolf-releases-oil-train-safety.htmlhttps://www.scribd.com/doc/274852355/Assessment-of-Crude-by-Rail-CBR-Safety-Issues-in-Commonwealth-of-Pennsylvaniahttp://www.paenvironmentdigest.com/newsletter/default.asp?NewsletterArticleID=31456http://www.paenvironmentdigest.com/newsletter/default.asp?NewsletterArticleID=32308
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For more information, visit the PUC's Rail Safety webpage.
NewsClips:
Report Makes Recommendations On Oil Train Safety
Wolf Issues Oil Train Recommendations
Expert Assesses Risk Of Oil Train Accidents
Carriers Weigh Routing Oil Trains Around PA Report Urges 2 Dozen Changes To Make Oil Trains Safer
Idea For Slowing Oil Trains Resisted In PA
Editorial: Implement Oil Train Proposals
Oil Trains And Pope, Not Perfect Together?
Op-Ed: Oil Exports Would Harm U.S. Energy Independence
Marcus Hook Refinery Fortunes Rest On Natural Gas
Editorial: Keystone Pipeline, Get On With It!
Barrel Of U.S. Crude Drops Below $40
No End In Sight For Oil Glut
Energy Slowdown Hits PA Town Hard
Related Story:Senate Panels Hear Testimony On Efforts To Improve Safety Of Crude Oil Trains
EPA Proposes New Standards To Reduce Methane Emissions From Oil & Gas Operations
The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency Tuesday announced proposed standards to reduce
emissions of greenhouse gases and volatile organic compounds from the oil and natural gas
industry.
The proposal is a part of the Administration’s strategy under President Obama’s Climate
Action Plan to cut methane emissions from the oil and gas sector by 40 to 45 percent from 2012
levels by 2025.
Methane, the key constituent of natural gas, is a potent GHG with a global warming
potential more than 25 times greater than that of carbon dioxide. Methane is the second most
prevalent greenhouse gas emitted in the United States from human activities, and nearly 30
percent of those emissions come from oil production and the production, transmission and
distribution of natural gas.
“Today, through our cost-effective proposed standards, we are underscoring our
commitment to reducing the pollution fueling climate change and protecting public health while
supporting responsible energy development, transparency and accountability,” said EPA
Administrator Gina McCarthy. “Cleaner-burning energy sources like natural gas are key
compliance options for our Clean Power Plan and we are committed to ensuring safe and
responsible production that supports a robust clean energy economy.”The proposed standards for new and modified sources are expected to reduce 340,000 to
400,000 short tons of methane in 2025, the equivalent of reducing 7.7 to 9 million metric tons of
carbon dioxide.
EPA estimates the rule will yield net climate benefits of $120 to $150 million in 2025.
Those standards are also expected to reduce 170,000 to 180,000 tons of ozone-forming VOCs in
2025, along with 1,900 to 2,500 tons of air toxics, such as benzene, toluene, ethylbenzene and
xylene.
https://www.whitehouse.gov/sites/default/files/strategy_to_reduce_methane_emissions_2014-03-28_final.pdfhttps://www.whitehouse.gov/sites/default/files/strategy_to_reduce_methane_emissions_2014-03-28_final.pdfhttp://www.epa.gov/airquality/oilandgas/actions.htmlhttp://www.epa.gov/airquality/oilandgas/actions.htmlhttp://www.paenvironmentdigest.com/newsletter/default.asp?NewsletterArticleID=32475http://www.wsj.com/articles/energy-slowdown-hits-one-town-hard-1440008970http://www.wsj.com/articles/no-end-in-sight-for-oil-glut-1440113703http://lancasteronline.com/news/national/barrel-of-us-crude-drops-below/article_296bdcd4-28b9-513a-9ac4-fc87274ca07d.htmlhttp://triblive.com/opinion/editorials/8910405-74/keystone-administration-decisionhttp://www.pennlive.com/midstate/index.ssf/2015/08/blackbeard_then_oil_now_gas_fe.html#incart_m-rpt-2http://www.philly.com/philly/opinion/20150817_Oil_exports_would_harm_U_S__energy_independence.htmlhttps://stateimpact.npr.org/pennsylvania/2015/08/20/oil-trains-and-pope-francis-not-perfect-together/http://thetimes-tribune.com/opinion/implement-oil-train-proposals-1.1928070http://triblive.com/business/headlines/8930458-74/crude-report-speedhttps://stateimpact.npr.org/pennsylvania/2015/08/17/report-urges-more-than-two-dozen-measures-to-make-oil-trains-safer/http://powersource.post-gazette.com/powersource/policy-powersource/2015/08/17/Report-makes-recommendations-to-improve-oil-train-safety/stories/201508170135http://www.mcall.com/news/nationworld/pennsylvania/mc-pa-oil-train-safety-tips-20150817-story.html#navtype=outfithttp://thetimes-tribune.com/news/wolf-issues-oil-train-recommendations-1.1928395http://powersource.post-gazette.com/powersource/policy-powersource/2015/08/17/Report-makes-recommendations-to-improve-oil-train-safety/stories/201508170135http://www.puc.state.pa.us/consumer_info/transportation/rail_safety.aspxhttp://www.puc.state.pa.us/consumer_info/transportation/rail_safety.aspx
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Ozone is linked to a variety of serious public health effects, including reduced lung
function, asthma attacks, asthma development, emergency room visits and hospital admissions,
and early death from respiratory and cardiovascular causes. Air toxics include chemicals that are
known or suspected to cause cancer and other serious health effects.
The proposed standards will complement voluntary efforts, including EPA’s Methane
Challenge Program
, and are based on practices and technology currently used by industry. To cutmethane and VOC emissions, the proposal requires:
— Finding and repairing leaks;
— Capturing natural gas from the completion of hydraulically fractured oil wells;
— Limiting emissions from new and modified pneumatic pumps; and
— Limiting emissions from several types of equipment used at natural gas transmission
compressor stations, including compressors and pneumatic controllers.
EPA’s Methane Challenge Program that was proposed earlier this year expands on the
successful Natural Gas STAR Program, which serves as a platform for companies who want to
make an ambitious and transparent commitments to address methane emissions.
This flexible program has the potential to foster significant cost-effective emission
reductions across the oil and gas sector and to provide transparency on the progress partnercompanies are making to reduce emissions.
As part of the proposal announced today, the agency is updating the 2012 New Source
Performance Standards to address methane as well as VOC emissions for sources covered in that
rule.
EPA’s proposal would also require that industry reduce VOC and methane emissions
from hydraulically fractured and refractured oil wells, which can contain significant amounts of
natural gas along with oil.
In addition, the proposal means methane and VOC reductions “downstream” from wells
and production sites, covering equipment in the natural gas transmission segment of the industry
that was not regulated in the agency’s 2012 oil and natural gas rules.
Additionally, the agency proposes to clarify and streamline Clean Air Act permitting
requirements in states and Indian country.
The proposal includes proposed guidelines for states to reduce VOC emissions from
existing oil and gas sources in certain ozone nonattainment areas as well as mid-Atlantic and
Northeast states, like Pennsylvania, that are part of the Ozone Transport Region.
EPA will take comment on the proposals for 60 days after they are published in the
Federal Register. The agency will hold public hearings and will announce details soon.
DEP/PA Industry Reaction
The Department of Environmental Protection said it would review the proposal and look
at what other gas-producing states are doing.
“We are working to develop a robust approach to limiting methane emissions inPennsylvania,” said DEP Secretary John Quigley. “DEP has compiled data on methane
emissions and has started research into possible methods of identifying sources of methane
emissions from abandoned oil and gas wells, among other sources.”
“It cannot be lost on anyone that shale-related methane emissions continue to steeply
drop as natural gas production sharply climbs,” said Dave Spigelmyer, president of the Marcellus
Shale Coalition . “These positive results are a function of the industry's widespread use of
operational best practices and continuous investments aimed at protecting and enhancing our
http://marcelluscoalition.org/http://marcelluscoalition.org/http://www.epa.gov/gasstar/http://www.epa.gov/gasstar/methanechallenge/http://www.epa.gov/gasstar/methanechallenge/
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environment, especially air quality.”
For more information, visit EPA’s Regulatory Actions webpage.
NewsClips:
EPA Proposes Cut To Oil & Gas Methane Emissions
EPA Proposes To Curb Methane Emissions From Oil & Gas Industry
EPA Proposes Cutting Methane Emissions Nearly In Half EPA Methane Plan Puts Pressure On States For Bigger Cuts
Editorial: Less Methane Best Policy
Methane Rules, Oil Trains Topics On WITF’s Smart Talk
Editorial: Less Methane Best Policy
Natural Gas Power Plants Bring Jobs, Cleaner Air To PA
Related Stories:
PEC: EPA Announces Important Methane Controls, It’s Time For PA To Do The Same
Nature Abounds Welcomes EPA Methane Regulations Covering Oil & Gas Operations
Environmental Defense Fund Statement On Proposed EPA Oil & Gas Methane Rule
PEC: EPA Announces Important Methane Controls, It’s Time For PA To Do The Same
The PA Environmental Council issued the following statement by John Walliser, Vice President
for Legal & Government Affairs, in response to the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency’s
proposed methane emission reduction rule covering oil and gas operations.
The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency [Tuesday] announced the first-ever proposed
federal methane pollution standards for new and modified oil and gas facilities – a landmark
announcement and critical first step in reducing the growth of methane and smog-forming
emissions from the industry.
It’s a terrific start, but it only will get us part of the way. What the proposed rule does not
address is emissions from existing operations, which in a state like Pennsylvania where there has
already been tremendous development, is a really big deal. In fact, the majority of emissions in
our state over the next decade will come from existing sources, and will not be subject to the
proposed federal rule.
That’s why PEC is urging Pennsylvania to enact comprehensive, mandatory regulations
that cover both existing and new sources of methane emissions from oil and gas operations.
Studies on methane emissions demonstrate that this is a growing problem for the industry and the
environment.
In fact, a study released today [Tuesday] shows that previously unrecorded emissions
from thousands of gathering facilities are eight times higher than estimates. According to the
study, this escaped gas could heat 3.2 million homes.
This is not only a wasted resource, it’s a huge climate problem. Methane is a potentgreenhouse gas that traps more than 80 times as much heat over a 20-year period than carbon
dioxide; that short term climate impact is equivalent to 160 coal-fired power plants.
Cutting these emissions is one of the fastest and most cost-effective ways to reduce
greenhouse gases.
A study by ICF International has found that the oil and gas industry could reduce
methane emissions by 40 percent for about one penny per thousand cubic feet of natural gas
produced. And many of the measures to reduce these emissions are as basic as monitoring leaks
http://paenvironmentdaily.blogspot.com/2015/08/epa-proposes-new-standards-to-reduce.htmlhttp://pecpa.org/http://paenvironmentdaily.blogspot.com/2015/08/environmental-defense-fund-statement-on.htmlhttp://paenvironmentdaily.blogspot.com/2015/08/nature-abounds-welcomes-epa-methane.htmlhttp://paenvironmentdaily.blogspot.com/2015/08/pec-epa-announces-important-methane.htmlhttp://www.northcentralpa.com/feeditem/2015-08-20_new-natural-gas-plants-bring-hundreds-jobs-cleaner-air-pennsylvaniahttp://thetimes-tribune.com/opinion/less-methane-best-policy-1.1929219https://stateimpact.npr.org/pennsylvania/2015/08/20/talking-methane-rules-oil-trains-on-witfs-smart-talk/http://thetimes-tribune.com/opinion/less-methane-best-policy-1.1929219https://stateimpact.npr.org/pennsylvania/2015/08/18/epas-methane-plan-puts-pressure-on-states-to-achieve-bigger-cuts-advocates-say/http://www.timesonline.com/news/energy/epa-proposes-cutting-methane-emissions-nearly-in-half-by/article_75fa65b8-4757-11e5-b959-b34808d4af35.htmlhttp://triblive.com/business/headlines/8936412-74/gas-rules-emissionshttp://powersource.post-gazette.com/powersource/policy-powersource/2015/08/18/EPA-unveils-new-rules-for-methane-VOC-emissions-for-oil-and-gas-sources/stories/201508180150http://www.epa.gov/airquality/oilandgas/actions.html
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and prioritizing repairs.
States like Colorado, among others, have already proven that you can have robust
emission controls without affecting production.
It’s time for Pennsylvania to step up and join other leading states in addressing both
current and future methane emissions. It’s cost effective, will prevent the waste of an important
energy resource, and will pay huge dividends in reducing our greenhouse gas footprint.(Reprinted from the PA Environmental Council Blog .)
NewsClips:
EPA Proposes Cut To Oil & Gas Methane Emissions
EPA Proposes To Curb Methane Emissions From Oil & Gas Industry
EPA Proposes Cutting Methane Emissions Nearly In Half
EPA Methane Plan Puts Pressure On States For Bigger Cuts
Editorial: Less Methane Best Policy
Methane Rules, Oil Trains Topics On WITF’s Smart Talk
Editorial: Less Methane Best Policy
Natural Gas Power Plants Bring Jobs, Cleaner Air To PA
Related Stories: Nature Abounds Welcomes EPA Methane Regulations Covering Oil & Gas Operations
Environmental Defense Fund Statement On Proposed EPA Oil & Gas Methane Rule
Environmental Defense Fund Statement On Proposed EPA Oil & Gas Methane Rule
The Environmental Defense Fund issued the following statement in response to the U.S.
Environmental Protection Agency’s proposed methane emission reduction rule covering oil and
gas operations.
“This is critical step toward protecting our climate and public health. EPA is taking on a
pollutant responsible for 25 percent of the warming we are experiencing today," said EDF
President Fred Krupp.
“The nation’s oil and gas companies emit over seven million tons of methane pollution
every year, equal to the greenhouse gas pollution of about 160 coal fired power plants over the
next twenty years. This proposal begins the important work of ensuring that the oil and gas
industry reduces this pollution.
“There is ample evidence that technologies and practices exist to significantly cut
methane pollution from the oil and gas industry. Some leading companies have adopted these
practices, but too few have, which is why emissions remain unacceptably high. That’s why we
need sensible standards to set a level playing field for everyone.
“Setting the first national standards for methane emissions from the oil and gas industry
is an important move, but it can’t be the last. This proposal addresses methane emissions fromnewly built and modified oil and gas operations, but not from the existing facilities that account
for all of today's emissions and will still account for 90 percent of the problem by 2018.
“In January, the President set a goal of reducing methane pollution 40-45% by 2025.
Additional actions by government are needed to achieve this goal. The question to ask of any
proposal is how far does it take us toward achieving a 45 percent reduction, and how quickly
does it get us there?”
For more information, visit EDF’s Natural Gas Impacts webpage.
https://www.edf.org/climate/natural-gashttp://paenvironmentdaily.blogspot.com/2015/08/epa-proposes-new-standards-to-reduce.htmlhttps://www.edf.org/http://paenvironmentdaily.blogspot.com/2015/08/environmental-defense-fund-statement-on.htmlhttp://paenvironmentdaily.blogspot.com/2015/08/nature-abounds-welcomes-epa-methane.htmlhttp://www.northcentralpa.com/feeditem/2015-08-20_new-natural-gas-plants-bring-hundreds-jobs-cleaner-air-pennsylvaniahttp://thetimes-tribune.com/opinion/less-methane-best-policy-1.1929219https://stateimpact.npr.org/pennsylvania/2015/08/20/talking-methane-rules-oil-trains-on-witfs-smart-talk/http://thetimes-tribune.com/opinion/less-methane-best-policy-1.1929219https://stateimpact.npr.org/pennsylvania/2015/08/18/epas-methane-plan-puts-pressure-on-states-to-achieve-bigger-cuts-advocates-say/http://www.timesonline.com/news/energy/epa-proposes-cutting-methane-emissions-nearly-in-half-by/article_75fa65b8-4757-11e5-b959-b34808d4af35.htmlhttp://triblive.com/business/headlines/8936412-74/gas-rules-emissionshttp://powersource.post-gazette.com/powersource/policy-powersource/2015/08/18/EPA-unveils-new-rules-for-methane-VOC-emissions-for-oil-and-gas-sources/stories/201508180150http://pecpa.org/pec-blog/
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NewsClips:
EPA Proposes Cut To Oil & Gas Methane Emissions
EPA Proposes To Curb Methane Emissions From Oil & Gas Industry
EPA Proposes Cutting Methane Emissions Nearly In Half
EPA Methane Plan Puts Pressure On States For Bigger Cuts
Editorial: Less Methane Best Policy Methane Rules, Oil Trains Topics On WITF’s Smart Talk
Editorial: Less Methane Best Policy
Natural Gas Power Plants Bring Jobs, Cleaner Air To PA
Related Stories:
PEC: EPA Announces Important Methane Controls, It’s Time For PA To Do The Same
Nature Abounds Welcomes EPA Methane Regulations Covering Oil & Gas Operations
Nature Abounds Welcomes EPA Methane Regulations Covering Oil & Gas Operations
Nature Abounds issued this statement in support of the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency
proposal to reduce methane emissions
from oil and gas operations—"The proposed rules are pretty common-sense. For example, under the new rules energy
companies are mandated to find and repair leaks,” said Nature Abounds' President Melinda
Hughes-Wert. “Companies would also have to capture the natural gas when completing a
fracked well and they would have to limit emissions from other types of fracking-related
equipment such as pneumatic pumps. It's sad that industry has to be regulated to control the
emissions, but unfortunately many companies do not do so currently."
While some industry experts may believe that the new regulations may hurt the economy,
Hughes-Wert doesn't think this is the case.
"The new methane emissions rules makes sense economically. They promote a more
efficient system which should equal more earning opportunities for the industry. We believe
these rules are a great step to a healthier future for all. We would love to see these rules applied
to existing sources as well as the new ones."
Nature Abounds is a nonprofit environmental organization based in DuBois, Clearfield
County.
NewsClips:
EPA Proposes Cut To Oil & Gas Methane Emissions
EPA Proposes To Curb Methane Emissions From Oil & Gas Industry
EPA Proposes Cutting Methane Emissions Nearly In Half
EPA Methane Plan Puts Pressure On States For Bigger Cuts
Editorial: Less Methane Best Policy
Methane Rules, Oil Trains Topics On WITF’s Smart Talk Editorial: Less Methane Best Policy
Natural Gas Power Plants Bring Jobs, Cleaner Air To PA
Related Stories:
PEC: EPA Announces Important Methane Controls, It’s Time For PA To Do The Same
Environmental Defense Fund Statement On Proposed EPA Oil & Gas Methane Rule
AP: House GOP Plans Veto Override Votes Tuesday On Parts Of State Budget
http://paenvironmentdaily.blogspot.com/2015/08/environmental-defense-fund-statement-on.htmlhttp://paenvironmentdaily.blogspot.com/2015/08/pec-epa-announces-important-methane.htmlhttp://www.northcentralpa.com/feeditem/2015-08-20_new-natural-gas-plants-bring-hundreds-jobs-cleaner-air-pennsylvaniahttp://thetimes-tribune.com/opinion/less-methane-best-policy-1.1929219https://stateimpact.npr.org/pennsylvania/2015/08/20/talking-methane-rules-oil-trains-on-witfs-smart-talk/http://thetimes-tribune.com/opinion/less-methane-best-policy-1.1929219https://stateimpact.npr.org/pennsylvania/2015/08/18/epas-methane-plan-puts-pressure-on-states-to-achieve-bigger-cuts-advocates-say/http://www.timesonline.com/news/energy/epa-proposes-cutting-methane-emissions-nearly-in-half-by/article_75fa65b8-4757-11e5-b959-b34808d4af35.htmlhttp://triblive.com/business/headlines/8936412-74/gas-rules-emissionshttp://powersource.post-gazette.com/powersource/policy-powersource/2015/08/18/EPA-unveils-new-rules-for-methane-VOC-emissions-for-oil-and-gas-sources/stories/201508180150http://www.natureabounds.org/http://paenvironmentdaily.blogspot.com/2015/08/epa-proposes-new-standards-to-reduce.htmlhttp://www.natureabounds.org/http://paenvironmentdaily.blogspot.com/2015/08/nature-abounds-welcomes-epa-methane.htmlhttp://paenvironmentdaily.blogspot.com/2015/08/pec-epa-announces-important-methane.htmlhttp://www.northcentralpa.com/feeditem/2015-08-20_new-natural-gas-plants-bring-hundreds-jobs-cleaner-air-pennsylvaniahttp://thetimes-tribune.com/opinion/less-methane-best-policy-1.1929219https://stateimpact.npr.org/pennsylvania/2015/08/20/talking-methane-rules-oil-trains-on-witfs-smart-talk/http://thetimes-tribune.com/opinion/less-methane-best-policy-1.1929219https://stateimpact.npr.org/pennsylvania/2015/08/18/epas-methane-plan-puts-pressure-on-states-to-achieve-bigger-cuts-advocates-say/http://www.timesonline.com/news/energy/epa-proposes-cutting-methane-emissions-nearly-in-half-by/article_75fa65b8-4757-11e5-b959-b34808d4af35.htmlhttp://triblive.com/business/headlines/8936412-74/gas-rules-emissionshttp://powersource.post-gazette.com/powersource/policy-powersource/2015/08/18/EPA-unveils-new-rules-for-methane-VOC-emissions-for-oil-and-gas-sources/stories/201508180150
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The Associated Press reported Friday House Republicans plan to hold votes on Tuesday to
override Gov. Wolf veto of the Republican budget passed in June one section at a time.
Republicans would need 17 Democratic votes to be successful on any veto overrides.
Democrats have said the piecemeal votes to override the Governor’s veto are
unconstitutional and a Duquesne University law professor agrees.Capitolwire.com Friday reported: “Wasting more time with another round of
unconstitutional stunts on the floor of the House, and trying to pick winners and losers, is not
going to make human service providers and their vulnerable clients whole,” said House Minority
Leader Frank Dermody (D-Allegheny), in a statement reacting to the House GOP plan. “It’s time
to negotiate an honest budget that restores the devastating cuts Republicans made in the past and
provides predictable and sustainable funding to meet Pennsylvania’s critical needs.”
The Wolf Administration is of the same opinion.
“It’s time for the gimmicks and games to stop,” said Wolf spokesman Jeff Sheridan about
the potential line-item veto overrides. “While Gov. Wolf takes a serious look at their proposal,
the Republicans are trying to undercut any progress by continuing to play games like this when
they know their override threats are unconstitutional, as clearly laid out under Article IV, Section15 of the Pennsylvania Constitution.
“These continued stunts by Republicans are doing a disservice to the people of
Pennsylvania. We need them to get serious for once,” Sheridan added.
The House is only scheduled to be in voting session on Tuesday next week and does not
return to full voting session, when the Senate does, until September 21.
Earlier In The Week
Gov. Tom Wolf Wednesday announced his support for an appropriation to be included in
a final budget to reimburse school districts and small nonprofits for the interest payments
incurred on loans as a result of the budget impasse, but not much else happened this week.
Sure, the Republicans presented Gov. Wolf with a “take it or leave it” proposal on
education funding and pensions, but those were immediately panned by the state’s largest
teachers union and apparently didn’t get traction with Democratic lawmakers.
Besides that, not much progress.
On the issue of interest payment reimbursements, the Commonwealth already provides
reimbursement to qualified small businesses for interest when the Commonwealth does not pay
an invoice for 45 days. The governor supports this being extended to school districts, similar to
the reimbursement provided in the 2003 budget, and to small nonprofits.
“I understand the situation that school districts and human services agencies are
experiencing as a result of the budget impasse, and that’s why I am proposing that any final
budget include an appropriation to reimburse districts and small nonprofits for the interest
payments incurred on loans as a result of the impasse,” said Gov. Wolf. “I am fighting to reach afinal agreement on a comprehensive budget that restores funding for schools and human services
agencies and I know the challenges that each have faced as a result of drastic cuts to funding
over the past four years. That’s why my budget is a hugely important step in restoring these state
funds.”
Under the governor’s proposal, a small nonprofit must be an independently owned and
operated entity that employs 100 or fewer employees and cannot be a subsidiary or affiliate of
either of a corporation or of a nonprofit that employs more than 100 people.
http://www.capitolwire.com/http://triblive.com/state/pennsylvania/8956427-74/override-wolf-bill#axzz3jFAL3m5A
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The small nonprofit organization must have a contract or grant either directly with the
Commonwealth or with a county program that receives and passes through state grant funds to
the non-profit (ex: a mental health program under contract with a grant to a county) and the state
program funding must provide more than 50 percent of the nonprofit’s annual operating
revenues.
NewsClips:House GOP Plans Veto Override Votes On Parts Of Budget
House Republicans Look To Override Parts Of Wolf Budget
Feds Show PA Drilling Revenues Sharply Lower Than Other States
Wolf Not Fazed By GOP’s Take It Or Leave It Offer
Wolf Weighs $400M School Funding Offer From GOP
Republicans Offer Wolf Education, Pension Proposals
GOP Pension Deal Met With Chilly Reception By Some Dems
Corman Reports No Progress, Wolf: GOP Doesn’t Want Compromise
Video: Wolf Talks Pensions, Education, Latest Budget Meeting
Lawmakers See Own Funds Dwindle In Budget Fight
United Way Survey Shows Budget Stalemate Impact On Nonprofits Wolf Wants Nonprofit Costs Covered
StateImpact: U.S. EIA Reports PA Drilling Revenues Much Lower Than Other States
StateImpact reported Friday a U.S. Energy Information Agency study found Pennsylvania
receives much less revenue than other states from oil and gas drilling operations; less than 1
percent of state revenues are from the Act 13 drilling impact fee.
The average revenue received by other states is two percent or less. Other states are
much more depended on oil and gas severance tax revenues, for example, Alaska receives 90
percent of its budget from oil and gas taxes, North Dakota about 14 percent, Wyoming nearly 40
percent and Texas about 11 percent.
A copy of study is available online .
NewsClips:
Feds Show PA Drilling Revenues Sharply Lower Than Other States
House GOP Plans Veto Override Votes On Parts Of Budget
House Republicans Look To Override Parts Of Wolf Budget
Wolf Not Fazed By GOP’s Take It Or Leave It Offer
Wolf Weighs $400M School Funding Offer From GOP
Republicans Offer Wolf Education, Pension Proposals
GOP Pension Deal Met With Chilly Reception By Some Dems
Corman Reports No Progress, Wolf: GOP Doesn’t Want Compromise Video: Wolf Talks Pensions, Education, Latest Budget Meeting
Lawmakers See Own Funds Dwindle In Budget Fight
United Way Survey Shows Budget Stalemate Impact On Nonprofits
Wolf Wants Nonprofit Costs Covered
http://thetimes-tribune.com/news/wolf-wants-nonprofit-costs-covered-1.1929303http://thetimes-tribune.com/news/united-way-survey-shows-budget-stalemate-impact-on-nonprofits-1.1928411http://www.mcall.com/news/nationworld/pennsylvania/mc-pa-budget-lawmakers-money-20150820-story.htmlhttp://theplsreporter.com/Home/TabId/56/ArtMID/472/ArticleID/864/VIDEO-Wolf-talks-pensions-education-after-latest-budget-meeting-.aspxhttp://theplsreporter.com/Home/TabId/56/ArtMID/472/ArticleID/863/In-budget-meeting-primer-Wolf-accuses-Republicans-of-having-no-desire-to-work-together-toward-compromise-plan.aspxhttp://www.theplsreporter.com/Home/TabId/56/ArtMID/472/ArticleID/868/GOP-modified-pension-reform-plan-met-with-chilly-reception-by-some-Democrats.aspxhttp://theplsreporter.com/Home/TabId/56/ArtMID/472/ArticleID/865/Republicans-offer-governor%E2%80%99s-desired-education-funding-for-modified-pension-reform-plan.aspxhttp://www.pennlive.com/politics/index.ssf/2015/08/wolf_weighs_gop_offer_that_inc.html#incart_2box_topmobilehttp://www.theplsreporter.com/Home/TabId/56/ArtMID/472/ArticleID/870/Gov-Wolf-not-fazed-by-GOP%E2%80%99s-take-it-or-leave-it-education-for-pension-reform-offer.aspxhttp://www.pennlive.com/midstate/index.ssf/2015/08/legislative_republicans_look_t.html#incart_riverhttp://triblive.com/state/pennsylvania/8956427-74/override-wolf-bill#axzz3jFAL3m5Ahttps://stateimpact.npr.org/pennsylvania/2015/08/21/feds-show-pennsylvania-gas-revenues-sharply-lower-than-other-leading-producers/http://www.eia.gov/todayinenergy/detail.cfm?id=22612http://www.eia.gov/todayinenergy/detail.cfm?id=22612https://stateimpact.npr.org/pennsylvania/2015/08/21/feds-show-pennsylvania-gas-revenues-sharply-lower-than-other-leading-producers/#more-35937http://thetimes-tribune.com/news/wolf-wants-nonprofit-costs-covered-1.1929303http://thetimes-tribune.com/news/united-way-survey-shows-budget-stalemate-impact-on-nonprofits-1.1928411http://www.mcall.com/news/nationworld/pennsylvania/mc-pa-budget-lawmakers-money-20150820-story.htmlhttp://theplsreporter.com/Home/TabId/56/ArtMID/472/ArticleID/864/VIDEO-Wolf-talks-pensions-education-after-latest-budget-meeting-.aspxhttp://theplsreporter.com/Home/TabId/56/ArtMID/472/ArticleID/863/In-budget-meeting-primer-Wolf-accuses-Republicans-of-having-no-desire-to-work-together-toward-compromise-plan.aspxhttp://www.theplsreporter.com/Home/TabId/56/ArtMID/472/ArticleID/868/GOP-modified-pension-reform-plan-met-with-chilly-reception-by-some-Democrats.aspxhttp://theplsreporter.com/Home/TabId/56/ArtMID/472/ArticleID/865/Republicans-offer-governor%E2%80%99s-desired-education-funding-for-modified-pension-reform-plan.aspxhttp://www.pennlive.com/politics/index.ssf/2015/08/wolf_weighs_gop_offer_that_inc.html#incart_2box_topmobilehttp://www.theplsreporter.com/Home/TabId/56/ArtMID/472/ArticleID/870/Gov-Wolf-not-fazed-by-GOP%E2%80%99s-take-it-or-leave-it-education-for-pension-reform-offer.aspxhttps://stateimpact.npr.org/pennsylvania/2015/08/21/feds-show-pennsylvania-gas-revenues-sharply-lower-than-other-leading-producers/http://www.pennlive.com/midstate/index.ssf/2015/08/legislative_republicans_look_t.html#incart_riverhttp://triblive.com/state/pennsylvania/8956427-74/override-wolf-bill#axzz3jFAL3m5A
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Analysis: Electronics Recycling Effort Shrinking In PA, The Law Needs To Be Fixed
Pennsylvania’s electronics recycling law passed with fanfare in
2010 has so far failed to provide the robust electronics recycling
opportunities intended by its supporters.
Pennsylvania’s most populous counties: Philadelphia,Bucks, Chester, Delaware, and Montgomery have, in fact,
discontinued electronics recycling, others have operated
recycling programs without support from the recycling law
because the system is broken.
DEP notified the hardware manufacturers who fund the
program in June that 18 counties had no electronics recycling opportunities: Armstrong, Bucks,
Bradford, Cameron, Carbon, Chester, Clinton, Cumberland, Delaware, Huntingdon,
Montgomery, Montour, Perry, Philadelphia, Pike, Sullivan, Susquehanna, and Wyoming.
It’s expected to be worse for the coming year.
Pennsylvania now has about 560 electronics recycling locations, down from close to
1,000 during the first years of the program.The cause of the failure is simple: makers of desktop computers, laptop computers,
computer monitors, computer peripherals and televisions sold to consumers in Pennsylvania are
not required by law to pay the true cost of recycling these electronic devices, in particular
old-style CRT televisions with leaded glass screens.
Hardware manufacturers make contracts with communities and recyclers to recycle their
share of electronics up to an amount set each year based on the weight of the new products they
sell the previous year. ( Click Here for a DEP fact sheet on how the process works.)
Hardware makers are not only not required by law to pay the actual cost of recycling,
they also do not have to pay to recycle all the electronics collected by local programs they help
fund, just their share by weight.
As a result, some communities have been stuck with electronics they collected because
manufacturers did not pay for more than their share. In other cases, they stop accepting some
electronic devices because they are simply too costly to recycle.
The leaded glass in CRT televisions in particular has been a problem, since they are
heavy and difficult and expensive to recycle and must be shipped out of Pennsylvania for safe
processing.
Because manufacturers do not pay for the actual cost of recycling, this has lead to many
CRTs collected as a result of the recycling law to be simply stored in warehouses and truck
trailers all over the state, almost in every county.
In one case, there is a warehouse with an estimated 8 million pounds of leaded glass
waiting to be recycled, but, in reality, it is just being stored.By law, leaded glass from CRTs being warehoused for a period of time without being
recycled is considered a hazardous waste and must be cleaned up accordingly.
Ultimately, the hardware manufacturers that fund the program are responsible, under the
law, for seeing that the materials they pay to have collected are actually recycled and can be held
liable for cleanup if the materials are simply warehoused.
To date, DEP has not taken any enforcement action against hardware manufacturers
related to the warehousing of leaded glass CRTs.
http://www.portal.state.pa.us/portal/server.pt/community/electronics_recycling_management_program/20342/consumer_information/980753http://www.elibrary.dep.state.pa.us/dsweb/Get/Document-96988/2520-FS-DEP4324.pdfhttp://www.portal.state.pa.us/portal/server.pt/community/electronics_recycling_management_program/20342
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In a provision unique in state environmental law, the electronics recycling law requires
DEP to seek authorization from the Office of Attorney General to undertake enforcement
actions. DEP is now seeking that authorization, but has so far it has not been received.
Another unintended consequence of the law not requiring hardware makers to pay the
true cost of recycling, is it has forced some recyclers to drop out of the hardware
maker-supported recycling program altogether and return to a fee-for-service model that chargesconsumers for recycling.
This is obviously not what the law had in mind, but it has been the only way to make
electronics recycling available in some areas, in particular in Western Pennsylvania.
In other words, to provide for electronics recycling, communities and recyclers in some
areas have had to avoid the Pennsylvania electronics recycling program entirely.
The dwindling number of electronics recycling opportunities is also leading to more
frequent reports of roadside dumping of electronics, and CRT televisions in particular, because
the electronics recycling law also bans the disposal of electronics in landfills, according to Keep
Pennsylvania Beautiful.
Other states, like Connecticut , set a minimum recycling price hardware makers must pay
that is much closer to the actual cost of recycling making the program viable.It would take a major change in Pennsylvania’s electronics recycling law to really fix the
many problems with the program.
These problems are not new, but they have been mostly inside baseball, known only to
those folks directly involved.
The Pittsburgh Post-Gazette , however, did report on some of these problems in May and
CBS Pittsburgh TV just did a story on the challenge of recycling old TVs on August 19.
On August 31 the reports are due to DEP from hardware makers on the number of pounds
they are prepared to pay to have recycled in the coming year based on last year’s sales of new
products.
The overall weight they report will continue to drop because no one sells heavy CRTs
anymore and with it hardware makers will pay for even fewer pounds of Pennsylvania’s
electronics to be recycled.
As the official state electronics recycling program continues to shrink, will we find even
more CRT televisions and other electronic waste dumped by the side of the road or stored
warehouses and truck trailers around the state?
The answer is yes, unless we take action to fix Pennsylvania’s electronics recycling law.
For more information on the existing electronics recycling program, visit DEP’s
Electronic Recycling Management Program webpage.
Check with your County Recycling Coordinators
for legitimate electronics recycling
opportunities in your area.
Also outside of the state electronics recycling program, but an effective option for somedevices, are computer and other device recycling services, often free, from retailers like Best
Buy and Staples .
NewsClip: Recycling Old TVs A Real Challenge In PA
PA Environment Digest Google+ Circle, Blogs, Twitter Feeds
PA Environment Digest now has a Google+ Circle called Green Works In PA . Let us join your
https://plus.google.com/+DavidHessGreenWorksInPA/postshttp://pittsburgh.cbslocal.com/2015/08/19/recycling-old-televisions-a-real-challenge-in-pennsylvania/#.VdYmLskT7Ao.mailtohttp://www.staples.com/sbd/cre/marketing/easy-on-the-planet/recycling-and-eco-services.htmlhttp://www.bestbuy.com/site/clp/recycling-electronics/pcmcat149900050025.c?id=pcmcat149900050025http://www.bestbuy.com/site/clp/recycling-electronics/pcmcat149900050025.c?id=pcmcat149900050025http://www.portal.state.pa.us/portal/server.pt/community/public_resources/14067/county_recycling_coordinators/589547http://www.portal.state.pa.us/portal/server.pt/community/electronics_recycling_management_program/20342http://pittsburgh.cbslocal.com/2015/08/19/recycling-old-televisions-a-real-challenge-in-pennsylvania/#.VdYmLskT7Ao.mailtohttp://www.post-gazette.com/local/region/2015/05/19/Too-many-TVs-too-little-capacity-to-recycle-them/stories/201505180002http://www.ct.gov/deep/cwp/view.asp?a=2714&q=397480&deepNav_GID=1645%20http://www.keeppabeautiful.org/http://www.keeppabeautiful.org/http://www.legis.state.pa.us/WU01/LI/LI/US/HTM/2010/0/0108..HTM
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Circle.
Google+ now combines all the news you now get through the PA Environment Digest,
Weekly, Blog, Twitter and Video sites into one resource.
You’ll 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:
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and announcements on environmental topics in Pennsylvania of immediate value. Sign up and
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including NewsClips, coverage of key press conferences and more. Sign up and receive as they
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PA Capitol Digest Twitter Feed: Don't 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.
Senate/House Agenda/Session Schedule/Gov’s Schedule
Here are the Senate and House Calendars and Committee meetings showing bills of interest as
well as a list of new environmental bills introduced--
Bill Calendars
House (August 25): House Bill 48 (Godshall-R-Montgomery) setting standards for drinking
water well construction; Senate Bill 307 (Yudichak-D-Luzerne) providing for an independent
counsel for the Environmental Quality Board. Click Here for full House Bill Calendar.
Senate (September 21): Senate Resolution 54 (Argall-R-Schuylkill) urging Congress to imposetariffs on imported anthracite coal (sponsor summary); Senate Resolution 55 (Hutchinson-R-
Venango) a concurrent resolution establishing a Forestry Task Force associated with the Joint
Legislative Air and Water Pollution Control and Conservation Committee (sponsor summary ).
Click Here for full Senate Bill Calendar.
Committee Meeting Agendas This Week
http://www.legis.state.pa.us/WU01/LI/SC/SC/0/RC/CAL.HTMhttp://www.legis.state.pa.us//cfdocs/Legis/CSM/showMemoPublic.cfm?chamber=S&SPick=20150&cosponId=17546http://www.legis.state.pa.us/cfdocs/billinfo/billinfo.cfm?syear=2015&sInd=0&body=S&type=R&bn=55http://www.legis.state.pa.us//cfdocs/Legis/CSM/showMemoPublic.cfm?chamber=S&SPick=20150&cosponId=16954http://www.legis.state.pa.us/cfdocs/billinfo/billinfo.cfm?syear=2015&sInd=0&body=S&type=R&bn=54http://www.legis.state.pa.us/WU01/LI/SC/HC/0/RC/SCHC.HTMhttp://www.legis.state.pa.us/cfdocs/billInfo/billInfo.cfm?sYear=2015&sInd=0&body=S&type=B&bn=0307http://www.legis.state.pa.us/cfdocs/billInfo/billInfo.cfm?sYear=2015&sInd=0&body=H&type=B&bn=0048http://www.twitter.com/PaCapitolDigesthttp://www.crisciassociates.com/category/capitol-blog/http://www.crisciassociates.com/category/environment-blog/http://www.twitter.com/http://www.crisciassociates.com/
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House: Click Here for full House Committee Schedule.
Senate: Click Here for full Senate Committee Schedule.
Bills Pending In Key Committees
Here are links to key Standing Committees in the House and Senate and the bills pending in
each--
House
Appropriations
Education
Environmental Resources and Energy
Consumer Affairs
Gaming Oversight
Human Services
JudiciaryLiquor Control
Transportation
Links for all other Standing House Committees
Senate
Appropriations
Environmental Resources and Energy
Consumer Protection and Professional Licensure
Community, Economic and Recreational Development
Education
Judiciary
Law and Justice
Public Health and Welfare
Transportation
Links for all other Standing Senate Committees
Session Schedule
Here is the latest voting session schedule for the Senate and House--
Senate (unless sooner recalled)September 21, 22, 23, 28, 29, 30
October 13, 14, 19, 20, 21, 26, 27, 28
November 16, 17, 18
December 7, 8, 9
House (unless sooner recalled)
August 25
http://www.legis.state.pa.us/cfdocs/CteeInfo/StandingCommittees.cfm?CteeBody=Shttp://www.legis.state.pa.us/cfdocs/CteeInfo/index.cfm?Code=19&CteeBody=Shttp://www.legis.state.pa.us/cfdocs/CteeInfo/index.cfm?Code=33&CteeBody=Shttp://www.legis.state.pa.us/cfdocs/CteeInfo/index.cfm?Code=29&CteeBody=Shttp://www.legis.state.pa.us/cfdocs/CteeInfo/index.cfm?Code=39&CteeBody=Shttp://www.legis.state.pa.us/cfdocs/CteeInfo/index.cfm?Code=23&CteeBody=Shttp://www.legis.state.pa.us/cfdocs/CteeInfo/index.cfm?Code=31&CteeBody=Shttp://www.legis.state.pa.us/cfdocs/CteeInfo/index.cfm?Code=7&CteeBody=Shttp://www.legis.state.pa.us/cfdocs/CteeInfo/index.cfm?Code=9&CteeBody=Shttp://www.legis.state.pa.us/cfdocs/CteeInfo/index.cfm?Code=3&CteeBody=Shttp://www.legis.state.pa.us/cfdocs/CteeInfo/StandingCommittees.cfm?CteeBody=Hhttp://www.legis.state.pa.us/cfdocs/CteeInfo/StandingCommittees.cfm?CteeBody=Hhttp://www.legis.state.pa.us/cfdocs/CteeInfo/index.cfm?Code=38&CteeBody=Hhttp://www.legis.state.pa.us/cfdocs/CteeInfo/index.cfm?Code=28&CteeBody=Hhttp://www.legis.state.pa.us/cfdocs/CteeInfo/index.cfm?Code=24&CteeBody=Hhttp://www.legis.state.pa.us/cfdocs/CteeInfo/index.cfm?Code=56&CteeBody=Hhttp://www.legis.state.pa.us/cfdocs/CteeInfo/index.cfm?Code=54&CteeBody=Hhttp://www.legis.state.pa.us/cfdocs/CteeInfo/index.cfm?Code=10&CteeBody=Hhttp://www.legis.state.pa.us/cfdocs/CteeInfo/index.cfm?Code=8&CteeBody=Hhttp://www.legis.state.pa.us/cfdocs/CteeInfo/index.cfm?Code=12&CteeBody=Hhttp://www.legis.state.pa.us/cfdocs/CteeInfo/index.cfm?Code=4&CteeBody=Hhttp://www.legis.state.pa.us/WU01/LI/CO/SM/COSM.HTMhttp://www.legis.state.pa.us/WU01/LI/CO/HM/COHM.HTM
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September 21, 22, 28 (Non-Voting), 29, 30
October 5, 6, 7, 19, 20, 21, 26, 27, 28
November 16, 17, 18, 23, 24, 25 (Non-Voting)
December 7, 8, 9, 14, 15, 16
Governor’s Schedule
Gov. Tom Wolf's work calendar will be posted each Friday and his public schedule for the day
will be posted each morning. Click Here to view Gov. Wolf’s Weekly Calendar and Public
Appearances.
News From The Capitol
Joint Conservation Committee Issues Green Paper On Fluoridation
The Joint Legislative Air and Water Pollution Control and Conservation Committee Friday
issued one of its periodic Green Paper Environmental Issue Monographs; the topic this time is
the fluoridation of public drinking water .
The Green Paper reviews the latest science and benefits of fluoridation, recent pending
legislation and fluoridation trends in Pennsylvania.
Click Here to read a copy of this Green Paper. Click Here to sign up for the Joint
Committee’s monthly newsletter and notices of Committee activities and papers.
Sen. Scott Hutchinson (R-Venango) serves as Chair of the Joint Conservation
Committee.
NewsClip: Editorial: Water Disruption In Wyoming Valley Highlights Aging Pipes
News From Around The State
Apply Now For REAP Farm Conservation Tax Credit Program
Pennsylvania farmers who want to use best management
practices or purchase on-farm conservation equipment can
now apply for 2015-16 Resource Enhancement and Protection
(REAP) Program tax credits.
This is a first-come, first-served program until available
funding is gone; there are no application rankings.
REAP is a tax credit program for agricultural producers who
install best management practices or make equipment purchases that reduce erosion and sedimentation that impacts
Pennsylvania’s streams and watersheds.
The program, administered by the State Conservation Commission , gives agriculture
producers an incentive to purchase conservation equipment and materials to better protect the
environment.
“Pennsylvania is facing challenging times, particularly with the upcoming 2017
mid-point assessment for our Chesapeake Bay Watershed Implementation Plan, and it’s up to
http://www.agriculture.pa.gov/Protect/StateConservationCommission/Pages/default.aspx#.VdO4zbSM44Nhttp://www.agriculture.pa.gov/Protect/StateConservationCommission/REAP/Pages/default.aspx#.VdO4YrSM44Mhttp://www.agriculture.pa.gov/Protect/StateConservationCommission/REAP/Pages/default.aspx#.VdO4YrSM44Mhttp://timesleader.com/opinion/editorials/378187/our-opinion-water-disruption-in-wyoming-valley-puts-focus-on-precious-resource-and-aging-pipeshttp://jcc.legis.state.pa.us/current-events.cfmhttp://jcc.legis.state.pa.us/resources/ftp/documents/reports/Green%20Paper%20-%20Summer%202015%20-%20Flouridation%20of%20Drinking%20Water.pdfhttp://jcc.legis.state.pa.us/resources/ftp/documents/reports/Green%20Paper%20-%20Summer%202015%20-%20Flouridation%20of%20Drinking%20Water.pdfhttp://jcc.legis.state.pa.us/http://www.governor.pa.gov/Schedule/Pages/schedule.aspx#.VNVGE0K4lBx
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agriculture to meet the challenge,” said Agriculture Secretary Russell Redding. “The agriculture
industry is expected to make 75 percent of Pennsylvania’s total nutrient load reductions, in large
part because we show the greatest opportunity for achieving restoration of the bay.”
“We’re doing great work already to safeguard our local waterways, but there’s more
work to be done. I encourage farmers to take advantage of the funding REAP provides to help
you continue to make conservation-minded capital improvements and management changes,”Redding said.
Private investors may act as a sponsor by providing capital to producers as a project is
approved in return for tax credits. Any individual or business subject to taxation through
Personal Income Tax, Corporate Net Income Tax, Bank Shares Tax or others is eligible to
participate in REAP.
Since the program began in 2007, REAP has awarded tax credits to 3,900 projects
totaling $50.7 million. Public and private enterprises investments in REAP have contributed to
the conservation projects, worth more than $128 million.
From 2010 to 2014, REAP has helped reduce an estimated runoff of nearly 1.4 million
pounds of nitrogen, 84,000 pounds of phosphorus and 9,000 tons of sediment.
Farmers may receive tax credits of up to $150,000 per agricultural operation for 50 or 75 percent of the total project cost. The most common projects approved are for no-till planting
equipment, waste storage facilities, conservation plans, nutrient management plans, and
protecting heavy animal use areas like barnyards.
Applications for the tax credit program are available on Agriculture’s REAP Program
webpage or by contacting Joel Semke at 717-705-4032 or send email to: [email protected].
NewsClips:
Farmers Preparing For Potentially Devastating Bird Flu
PUC Urges Utilities To Take Precautions On Avian Flu
EPA, Delaware County Authority Resolve Water Quality Violations Thru Settlement
The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency and the U.S. Department of Justice Monday
announced a settlement with the Delaware County Regional Water Quality Control Authority
resolving alleged Clean Water Act violations involving combined sewer overflows (CSOs) to the
Delaware River and its tributaries.
In a proposed consent decree, DELCORA has agreed to develop and implement a plan to
control and significantly reduce overflows from its sewer system, which will improve the water
quality of the Delaware River, Chester Creek and Ridley Creek near Philadelphia.
Based on information submitted by DELCORA, EPA estimates that the Authority could
spend as much as $200 million to implement an overflow control plan that complies with the
terms of the Clean Water Act.Once the specific pollution control measures are selected and approved, the settlement
requires DELCORA to implement the plan as quickly as possible, with a 20-year deadline from
when the settlement is filed in court to complete the necessary controls.
DELCORA must also pay a $1.375 million penalty for prior violations, which will be
split between the United States and the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania, a co-plaintiff in this
case.
“This settlement means cleaner water for communities in the greater Philadelphia area,
http://www2.epa.gov/enforcement/delaware-county-regional-water-quality-control-authority-clean-water-act-settlementhttps://www.delcora.org/http://www.pennlive.com/midstate/index.ssf/2015/08/come_in_contact_with_a_poultry.html#incart_riverhttp://www.witf.org/news/2015/08/farmers-preparing-for-potentially-devastating-bird-flu.phpmailto:[email protected]://www.agriculture.pa.gov/Protect/StateConservationCommission/REAP/Pages/default.aspx#.VdO4YrSM44M
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including many that have historically been overburdened by water pollution,” said Cynthia Giles,
assistant administrator for EPA’s Office of Enforcement and Compliance Assurance. “These
communities have demonstrated how effective long-term planning and public participation can
protect clean water in a way that’s achievable and cost effective.”
“This important agreement will protect residents from sewers that discharge raw sewage
and other contaminants into local waterways,” said Assistant Attorney General John C. Crudenfor the Justice Department’s Environment and Natural Resources Division. “It is the latest in a
series of settlements with municipalities across the country to address aging and inadequate
sewer infrastructure, particularly in older communities where residents have had to deal with
sewer overflows for generations. Agreements like this one are a victory for environmental
justice.”
The settlement stands to address longstanding problems with DELCORA’s combined
sewer system, which when inundated with stormwater, discharges raw sewage, industrial waste,
nitrogen, phosphorus, and polluted stormwater into Chester Creek, Ridley Creek, and the
Delaware River.
According to DELCORA, the volume of combined sewage that overflows from the
system is approximately 739 million gallons annually.Exposure to raw sewage can cause a range of illnesses from stomach cramps and diarrhea
to life-threatening ailments such as cholera, dysentery, infectious hepatitis, and severe
gastroenteritis.
Children, the elderly, people with weaker immune systems, and pregnant women face
greater risks to the health impacts of exposure to sewage.
DELCORA’s wastewater facilities serve approximately 500,000 people in the greater
Philadelphia area, including many low-income communities.
Once fully implemented, the settlement will help reduce the direct exposure of
low-income and minority populations in the service area to raw sewage. DELCORA must also
seek input from the public on the long-term control plan, including from Chester and
surrounding communities that have historically been overburdened by pollution.
The consent decree also requires DELCORA to notify the public of CSO discharges
using a visual notification system, including warning lights and flags at CSO outfalls, where a
sewer empties into local waterways.
“We take our commitment to the environment and our customers very seriously,” said
Robert Willert, Executive Director of DELCORA. “During a 10-year period, from 1999 to 2009
DELCORA developed a long-term control plan and invested $5 million in infrastructure
improvements to address the issues of overflows during rain events that impacted the combined
wastewater system in Chester.”
Willert said that the $5 million infrastructure investment included upgrades to regulators,
which control the flow and discharge of wastewater during rain events. DELCORA also paid theCity of Chester $750,000 to put in place new storm water inlets on city streets that help stop
trash and debris from flowing into the combined system, which could lead to backups and the
unnecessary discharge of wastewater from the system.
Willert noted that industrial wastewater is kept separate from the combined system and
that DELCORA has worked to mitigate the problem by requiring that new projects – such as
PPL Park and the reconstruction of Route 291 – divert water to a separate stormwater system that
is distinct from the combined system that exists throughout most of Chester.
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DELCORA has brought on a team of experts to help develop the long-term control plan,
including an engineering firm that specializes in the issue of combined wastewater systems and a
municipal and financial service firm to help develop a rate model for customers to fund the
needed improvements.
Keeping raw sewage and contaminated stormwater out of the waters of the United States
is one of EPA’s National Enforcement Initiatives. EPA is working to reduce discharges fromsewer overflows by securing commitments from cities to implement timely, affordable solutions.
The proposed consent decree is subject to a 30-day public comment period and court
approval after it is published in the Federal Register.
A copy of the proposed consent decree is available online.
NewsClips:
Delco Agency Pays $1.4M Penalty Over Polluting Claim
DeNaples Firm Cited By DEP For Building Bridge Without Permit
Ephrata Area Authority Receives Recognition From Partnership For Safe Water
The Ephrata Area Joint Authority
water treatment plant, located in Lancaster County, recentlyreceived the “President’s Award” from the national Partnership for Safe Water . The treatment
plant provides drinking water service to approximately 17,937 people.
The President's Award recognizes achievement in stringent individual filter performance
goals for turbidity. The Ephrata Area Joint Authority is the ninth plant to receive this award from
the PSW in Pennsylvania.
The PSW is made up of DEP, the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, the
Pennsylvania Section American Water Works Association, and other drinking water
organizations. Its goal is to implement preventative measures that are based on optimizing
treatment plant performance and maximizing the protection of public health.
Only 22 water treatment plants in the nation have received the President’s Award from
the PSW.
For more information, visit DEP’s Partnership for Safe Water webpage or contact Kevin
Anderson at 717-783-9764 or send email to: [email protected] .
(Reprinted from the August 20 DEP News . Click Here to sign up for your own copy.)
Register Now For River Alert Information Network Source Water Protection Conference
Registration is now open for the River Alert
Information Network
Source Water Protection
Conference
on September 17 in Pittsburgh. The themeof the Conference is Celebrating and Enhancing Source
Water Protection.
The event will focus on early warning spill
detection and source water protection in western PA
and northern West Virginia. Sessions will cover
practical, collaborative and cost-saving steps to protect
drinking water, now and for future generations.
http://www.rainmatters.org/rain-conference/http://www.rainmatters.org/rain-conference/http://www.rainmatters.org/http://www.rainmatters.org/http://www.portal.state.pa.us/portal/server.pt/community/News_and_Events/21504/DEP_Newsletter/1714475http://paenvironmentdaily.blogspot.com/2015/08/august-20-dep-news-now-available.htmlmailto:[email protected]://www.portal.state.pa.us/portal/server.pt/community/partnership_for_safe_water/21166http://www.awwa.org/resources-tools/water-and-wastewater-utility-management/partnership-for-safe-water.aspxhttp://www.ephrataboro.org/2146/Ephrata-Area-Joint-Authorityhttp://thetimes-tribune.com/news/dep-issues-violation-notice-to-denaples-firm-for-building-bridge-without-permit-1.1930028http://www.philly.com/philly/news/local/20150818_Delco_agency_pays__1_4M_over_polluting_claim.htmlhttp://www2.epa.gov/enforcement/delaware-county-regional-water-quality-control-authority-clean-water-act-settlement
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The Conference is open to RAIN member water systems, utilities, municipal and other
local officials, county and municipal planners, watershed protection organizations, engineers,
industry and large river water users and citizens.
For more information or to register, download the Conference flyer , visit the RAIN
Source Water Protection Conference webpage or direct your questions to Sherene Hess, RAIN,
724-762-4162 or send email to: [email protected]
.
Manada Conservancy: How Healthy Is Your Stream? Sept. 8 In Hershey
The Manada Conservancy and Penn State Extension will hold a hands-on outdoor workshop on
September 8 in Hershey to teach participants how to check up on the health of your local stream.
The First Investigation of Stream Health Protocol (F.I.S.H.), taught in the workshop, is
designed to be used by landowners to make observations about stream health indicators like
water clarity, growth of vegetation and signs of wildlife.
The workshop will be held at Swatara Creek Park, 151 South Hanover Street in Hershey,
Dauphin County, from 6-9:00 p.m.
Please R.S.V.P. to the Manada Conservancy office if you plan to attend by sending emailto: [email protected] or call 717-566-4122.
NewsClips:
Editorial: Region Must Go Greener To Fix Its Sewers
Delco Agency Pays $1.4M Penalty Over Polluting Claim
Man Kayaks Entire Susquehanna To Bring Attention To Water Quality
Video: Fast Trip Down Schuykill River To Philly
Lake Erie Algae Blooms Continue To Be A Concern
DEP Documents Lake Erie Shipwrecks Special Habitats
Video: DEP Underwater Camera Exploring Lake Erie Shipwrecks
Editorial: Great Lakes Need New Icebreaker
Johnstown Reconsiders Its Industrial Rivers
Balancing Flood Protection, Fun In PA’s River Towns
Butterflies Welcomed At Lackawanna River Event
Latest From The Chesapeake Bay Journal
Click Here to subscribe to the Chesapeake Bay Journal
DEP Studies Shipwreck Habitat In Lake Erie
On August 12, staff from the Department of Environmental
Protection went aboard the Regional Science Consortium
boat to study the S. K. Martin shipwreck site in Lake Erie.Each year, DEP staff visit several shipwreck sites in Lake
Erie to document ecological habitats and historical artifacts.
DEP deploys a remote operated vehicle to depths of up to 60
feet to observe the shipwrecks’ present condition and to
record the presence of any species using the sites as habitat,
including invasive gobies and mussels.
This annual initiative is managed by DEP's Coastal
https://www.dep.state.pa.us/river/czmp.htmhttp://www.regsciconsort.com/http://www.bayjournal.com/subscriptionhttp://www.bayjournal.com/http://thetimes-tribune.com/news/butterflies-welcomed-at-lackawanna-river-event-1.1927881http://crossroads.newsworks.org/index.php/keystone-crossroads/item/85283-how-to-balance-flood-protection-and-riverfront-fun-on-a-budgethttp://crossroads.newsworks.org/index.php/keystone-crossroads/item/72910http://www.post-gazette.com/opinion/editorials/2015/08/17/Frozen-commerce-Great-Lakes-businesses-need-a-new-icebreaker/stories/201508160117http://www.goerie.com/?tout_uid=h4c3mh&widget_uid=ab5404&security[signature]=b998ec71bc7f700bde516be91c1e20ad&security[tout_uid]=h4c3mh&security[widget_uid]=ab5404#tout_widget_ab5404http://www.goerie.com/dep-project-documents-lake-erie-shipwrecks-special-habitatshttp://www.goerie.com/algae-blooms-in-lake-erie-continue-to-be-a-concernhttp://crossroads.newsworks.org/index.php/keystone-crossroads/item/85334-video-fast-trip-down-the-schuylkill-river-to-phillyhttp://abc27.com/2015/08/17/man-kayaks-entire-susquehanna-river-brings-attention-to-water-quality/http://www.philly.com/philly/news/local/20150818_Delco_agency_pays__1_4M_over_polluting_claim.htmlhttp://www.post-gazette.com/opinion/2015/08/16/Green-grants-But-the-region-must-go-greener-to-fix-its-sewers/stories/201508290007mailto:[email protected]://extension.psu.edu/natural-resources/water/watershed-education/watershed-evaluation/fishhttp://www.manada.org/mailto:[email protected]://www.rainmatters.org/rain-conference/http://www.rainmatters.org/uploads/media/RAIN_9-17-15Conference_Flyer.pdf
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Resources Management Program and funded by a Section 309 Enhancement Grant from the
National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration.
The S.K. Martin was first launched in 1883 as a passenger ship. It was converted to a
bulk freighter in 1888 and was sunk when it sailed through a northwest gale while fully loaded
with coal.
NewsClips:DEP Documents Lake Erie Shipwrecks Special Habitats
Video: DEP Underwater Camera Exploring Lake Erie Shipwrecks
Lake Erie Algae Blooms Continue To Be A Concern
Editorial: Great Lakes Need New Icebreaker
(Reprinted from the August 20 DEP News . Click Here to sign up for your own copy.)
CBF-PA Teams With Heroes On The Water, Trout Unlimited For Paddling Event Aug. 29
Chesapeake Bay Foundation-PA is teaming up with Heroes on the Water and local Trout
Unlimited
chapters on August 29 to celebrate and salute our veterans through a day of fishingand paddling on the Susquehanna!
Veterans, community members, paddlers, fishermen, friends, and families are all
welcome to discover and appreciate the Susquehanna from 3 p.m.-7 p.m. on August 29, followed
by a dinner and open bar with live music.
All activities are free and open to the public. The dinner/open bar is available for just a
small $5 fee. The event kicks off at Shank's Mare Outfitters, Wrightsville, York County.
Click Here to reserve your spot today.
NewsClips:
Editorial: Region Must Go Greener To Fix Its Sewers
Delco Agency Pays $1.4M Penalty Over Polluting Claim
Man Kayaks Entire Susquehanna To Bring Attention To Water Quality
Video: Fast Trip Down Schuykill River To Philly
Lake Erie Algae Blooms Continue To Be A Concern
DEP Documents Lake Erie Shipwrecks Special Habitats
Video: DEP Underwater Camera Exploring Lake Erie Shipwrecks
Editorial: Great Lakes Need New Icebreaker
Johnstown Reconsiders Its Industrial Rivers
Balancing Flood Protection, Fun In PA’s River Towns
Butterflies Welcomed At Lackawanna River Event
Latest From The Chesapeake Bay Journal
Click Here
to subscribe to the Chesapeake Bay Journal
Aug. 17 Watershed Winds Newsletter Now Available From Penn State Extension
The August 17 issue of the Watershed Winds newsletter is now available from Penn State
Extension featuring articles on--
-- Pitt Report: Fortifying Stormwater Systems With Gr