PAEnvironmentDigest

AnUpdateOnEnvironmentalIssuesInPA
EditedBy:DavidE.Hess,CrisciAssociates
Winner2009PAEEBusinessPartnerOfTheYearAward Harrisburg,PaSeptember2,2013 EQBApprovesProposedUpdateOfDrillingRegulationsForPublicComment TheDepartmentofEnvironmentalProtectionTuesdayannouncedtheEnvironmentalQualityBoard voted16to2toapproveproposedregulationchangestostrengthenenvironmentalprotection performancestandardsassociatedwithoilandgasdrillingactivities.ThechangeswererequiredbyAct 13drillinglawpassedin2012. TheproposedchangeswereapprovedovertheobjectionsoftheindustrydominatedOiland GasTechnicalAdvisoryBoardwhichsaidtheregulationswerenotyetreadyforpublicreview. ThetwonegativevotesattheEQBwerefromBurtWaite,whositsontheOilandGas AdvisoryBoard,andWilliamFink,anenvironmentalmanagerwithaBedfordCountyfarming operation.BothsitontheEQBasrepresentativesoftheDEPCitizensAdvisoryCouncil. Thisproposedrulemakingreflectssignificantinputfromstatewideenvironmentalorganizations, localgovernmentgroups,residentslivingnearwellsitesandindustryrepresentativeswhohavemetwith DEPoverthelasttwoyearstosharetheirexpertiseinshapingthisproposal. Thedepartmenthasrecommendedincreasingthepubliccommentperiodfortheproposalfrom thenormal30daytimeframeandholdingonepublichearing,toa60daycommentperiodwithatleast sixpublichearingsacrossthestatetogatherasmuchpublicinputaspossible. ThroughGov.Corbettsleadership,Pennsylvaniaisprovingthateconomicopportunitydoes nothavetooccurattheexpenseofenvironmentalstewardship,ActingDEPSecretaryChrisAbruzzo said.Weareworkinghardtoensurethatnaturalgasdevelopmentisdoneaccordingtothehighand consistentstandardsPennsylvaniansexpect. Thisproposedregulationfurthersthedepartmentsimplementationofthetasksitwasassigned bytheGeneralAssemblyunderAct13of2012.CorbettsignedAct13onFebruary14,2012,andthe lawrepresentsthefirstcomprehensiveupdateandstrengtheningofthestatesoilandgaslawsinnearly 30years. Thedraftregulationincludesprovisionsfurtherenhancingtheconsiderationofimpactstopublic resources,suchasparksandwildlifeareasthepreventionofspillsthemanagementofwasteandthe restorationofwellsitesafterdrilling. Additionally,thedraftrulemakingalsoincludesstandardsaffectingtheconstructionofgathering linesandtemporarypipelines,andincludesprovisionsforidentifyingandmonitoringabandonedwells closetowellsites. Thisproposedregulationincludescomprehensiveamendmentsthataredesignedtoreduce potentialenvironmentalimpactsfromoilandgasactivities,Abruzzosaid.Ipersonallywanttothank

theEQBfortheirsupportinmovingthishistoricalpackageforward. ThedraftregulationwillbereviewedbytheAttorneyGeneralsOfficeandtheOfficeofGeneral Counsel.Aftertheofficesreview,therewillbea60daycommentperiodandsixpublichearingswillbe scheduledtohearpubliccommentsontheproposedchanges. Detailsonwherecommentscanbesubmittedonthedraftrulemakingwillbeprovidedwhenthe proposalispublishedinthePennsylvaniaBulletinandonDEPswebsite.Thedatesandlocationsofthe sixpublichearingswillbeannouncedbytheEQBinthenearfutureonthewebsiteandthroughanews releaseissuedbythedepartment. Formoreinformation,visitDEPsspecialOilandGasRegulationswebpage. NewsClips: DEPMovesDrillingRulesCloserToReality EQBOKsDraftDrillingRegulationsForComment PECExpressesOppositionToBillsChangingEndangeredSpeciesProtection ThePAEnvironmentalCouncilMondayexpresseditsoppositiontoHouseBill1576 (PyleRArmstrong)whichwouldfundamentallychangethereviewanddesignationofthreatenedand endangeredspeciesinPennsylvania. PECalsosaidthebillwouldimmediatelydrophundredsofspeciesfromenvironmentalpermit reviews,regardlessofthesignificantamountofdatasupportingtheirconsideration. PECsoppositionisinadditiontolettersofoppositionsubmittedbytheGameCommission, FishandBoatCommissionandthePACouncilofTroutUnlimited.(ClickHereformoreinformation oftheiropposition.) ThetextofPECslettertoCommitteemembersfollows OnbehalfofthemembershipofthePennsylvaniaEnvironmentalCouncil(PEC),Iamwritingto expressouroppositiontoHouseBill1576.Thisproposedlegislationwillbethesubjectofajoint CommitteehearingonAugust26th. HouseBill1576would,ifenacted,fundamentallychangethereviewanddesignationof threatenedandendangeredspeciesinPennsylvania,andwouldworkcountertothemanychallengesit purportstoaddress. ReviewbytheIndependentRegulatoryReviewCommission(IRRC)wouldbeless meaningfulthananalreadyestablished,scientificandpublicprocess.BothCommissionsutilize independentandpeerrevieweddatainconsideringthelistingofspecies,providedthroughuniform criteriaestablishedbythePennsylvaniaBiologicalSurvey.TheIRRCdoesnothavescientificexpertise orstandardstoevaluatespecieslistingproposals. BothCommissionsarealreadyrequired,inlistingordelistingspeciesasthreatenedor endangered,todosoinaccordancewiththeCommonwealthDocumentsLawwhichrequires publicationinthePennsylvaniaBulletinandopportunityforpublicreviewandcommentincluding submissionofadditionaldata.BothCommissionsalsofollowtheSunshineActandtheCommonwealth AttorneysActinthisprocess. HouseBill1576proposesreviewcriteriadivorcedfrommeaningfulandPennsylvaniaspecific scientificanalysis.Forexample,inestablishingparametersforevaluatingtherangeofapotential

threatenedorendangeredspecies,Section5(b)appearstosetanumerictestagainstindefinitecriteria (significantportion).Thisprovisiondiscountsthestatusofaparticularspecieswithintheboundariesof theCommonwealth,andthustheintentofPennsylvaniaspeciesprotectionitself.Furthermore,this standardwillrequiretheCommissionstoconductdataanalysisoveramuchmoreextensivegeographic rangeaddingtotimeandexpense. [Note:AttheAugust26hearingonthisbillbytheHouseGameandFisheriesand EnvironmentalResourcesandEnergyCommittees,Rep.JeffPyle(RArmstrong)primesponsorofthe billsaidthissectionshouldnothavechangedtherangeofspeciesdefinitionandthewordsin Pennsylvaniashouldhavebeenincludedinthebilllanguage.] HouseBill1576WouldPlaceAdditionalTimeandExpenseBurdensonthe Commonwealth.Byrequiringtherenominationandapprovalofalreadylistedspecieswithintwo years,HouseBill1576wouldimposeatimeandcostprohibitiveburdenontheCommonwealth.Ifone ofthedrivingconcernsbehindthisproposedlegislationisencouragingpromptandefficientresponse, saddlingtheCommissionswithsuchanunprecedentedworkloadwillonlyservetoexacerbatetheissue. HouseBill1576CouldEncourageMoreFederalInvolvementinSpeciesProtection. OneofthecriteriautilizedbytheU.S.Fish&WildlifeServiceindeterminingwhethertopursuelistingof aspeciesisthesufficiencyofstateresourceprotectionlaws.Bycurtailingtheauthorityofthe Commissions,thisproposedlegislationcouldpromptamoreactivefederalroleinspeciesprotection.In addition,thisproposedlegislationcouldjeopardizefederalfundingfortheCommissions,furtherlimiting theirabilitytoworkefficientlyandeffectivelyintheCommonwealth. Conclusion.Whiletherearesurelywaystoimprovetransparencyandinformationalsharingto avoidadverseimpactstospeciesandallowapprovableprojectstobecompleted,thesegoalscanbe accomplishedwithoutthisoverreachinglegislation.BasedontheprovisionsofHouseBill1576 hundredsofspecieswillbeimmediatelydroppedfromenvironmentalpermitreview,regardlessofthe significantamountofdatasupportingtheirconsideration. WecommendtheCommitteesforholdinghearingsonHouseBill1576,andweencourageyou toconsiderthefullramificationsofwhatthisproposedlegislationcouldultimatelymeanforthenatural andrecreationalcommunitiesofPennsylvania.Thisproposedlegislationwouldplaceatremendous burdenontheCommonwealthwhenbetter,collaborativesolutionsremainavailable. Thankyouforyourconsideration,JohnWalliser,VicePresidentLegal&GovernmentAffairs, PAEnvironmentalCouncil. AcopyofPECsletterisavailableonline. NewsClips: BillsToChangeEndangeredSpeciesLawTriggerDebate PanelsTakeTestimonyOnEndangeredSpeciesProtection PACouldLose$27MIfEndangeredSpeciesBillsBecomeLaw KrancerCallsEndangeredSpeciesBillsSensibleChanges OpEd:FateOfPAEndangeredSpeciesAtRisk RelatedStory HouseCommitteesHearSignificantOppositionToEndangeredSpeciesLegislation

DidYouKnowYouCanSearch9YearsOfDigestsOnAnyTopic? Didyouknowyoucansearch9yearsofbackissuesofthePAEnvironmentDigestondozensof topics,bycountyandonanykeywordyouchoose.Justclickonthesearchpage. AlsotakeadvantageoftheserelatedservicesfromCrisciAssociates PAEnvironmentDigestTwitterFeed:OnTwitter,signuptoreceiveinstantupdatesfrom: PAEnviroDigest. PAEnvironmentDailyBlog:providesdailyenvironmentalNewsClipsandsignificantstoriesand announcementsonenvironmentaltopicsinPennsylvaniaofimmediatevalue.Signupandreceiveas theyarepostedupdatesthroughyourfavoriteRSSreader.Youcanalsosignupforaoncedailyemail alertingyoutonewitemspostedonthisblog. PAEnvironmentDigestVideoBlog:showcasesoriginalandpublishedvideosfromenvironmental groupsandagenciesaroundthestate.Signuptoreceiveastheyarepostedupdatesthroughyour favoriteRSSread.Youcanalsosignupforaoncedailyemailalertingyoutonewitemspostedonthis blog. PACapitolDigestDailyBlogtogetupdateseverydayonPennsylvaniaStateGovernment,including NewsClips,coverageofkeypressconferencesandmore.Signupandreceiveastheyareposted updatesthroughyourfavoriteRSSreader.Youcanalsosignupforaoncedailyemailalertingyouto newitemspostedonthisblog. PACapitolDigestTwitterFeed:Don'tforgettosignuptoreceivethePACapitolDigestTwitterfeed togetinstantupdatesonothernewsfrominandaroundthePennsylvaniaStateCapitol. Senate/HouseAgenda/SessionSchedule/BillsIntroduced HerearetheSenateandHouseCalendarsandCommitteemeetingsshowingbillsofinterestaswellasa listofnewenvironmentalbillsintroduced SessionSchedule HereisthelatestvotingsessionschedulefortheSenateandHouse House September23,24,25,30 October1,2,15,16,17(NonVoting),21,22,23 November12,13,18,19,20 December9,10,11,16,17,18(NonVoting)

Senate September23,24,25,30 October1,2,15,16,21,22,23 November12,13,18,19,20 December3,4,9,10,11 BillCalendars House(September23):HouseBill302(MoulRAdams)transferringfundsfromtheOilandGas LeaseFundtoDEPforacompetitivegrantprogramtoconvertsmallmasstransitbusfleetstonatural gasHouseBill303(MoulRAdams)transferringfundsfromtheOilandGasLeaseFundtoDEPfora competitivegrantprogramtoconvertlargemasstransitfleetstonaturalgasHouseBill304 (MarshallRBeaver)fundingconversionsoftransitbusestonaturalgasHouseBill306 (PickettRBradford)redirectingtheAlternativeFuelsIncentiveFundtocreatetheKeystoneFuel IncentiveProgramtofundconversionsofvehiclestonaturalgasHouseBill308(SaylorRYork) redirecting$6millionannuallyfromtheCleanAirFundtofinancevehicleconversionstonaturalgas.<> ClickHereforfullHouseBillCalendar. Senate(September23):[AllbillsontheSenateCalendarwereTabledbeforetheyadjournedto September23.]<>ClickHereforfullSenateBillCalendar. CommitteeMeetingAgendasThisWeek House:<>ClickHereforfullHouseCommitteeSchedule. Senate:<>ClickHereforfullSenateCommitteeSchedule. BillsPendingInKeyCommittees HerearelinkstokeyStandingCommitteesintheHouseandSenateandthebillspendingineach House Appropriations Education EnvironmentalResourcesandEnergy ConsumerAffairs GamingOversight HumanServices Judiciary LiquorControl Transportation LinksforallotherStandingHouseCommittees

Senate Appropriations EnvironmentalResourcesandEnergy ConsumerProtectionandProfessionalLicensure Community,EconomicandRecreationalDevelopment Education Judiciary LawandJustice PublicHealthandWelfare Transportation LinksforallotherStandingSenateCommittees BillsIntroduced Thefollowingbillsofinterestwereintroducedthisweek MaximumSustainedYieldOfGame:SenateBill1086(AllowayRFranklin)directingtheGame Commissiontomanagegameforhuntingandtrappingformaximumsustainedyield,themaximum numberofanimalsforconsumptiveusethatcanbesustainedovertime.

NewsFromTheCapitol
HouseCommitteesHearSignificantOppositionToEndangeredSpeciesLegislation HouseBill1576(PyleRArmstrong)whichwouldstandardizethestateprocessfordesignatingspecies offish,wildlifeorplantsasthreatenedorendangered,aswellasfordesignatingwatersaswildtrout streams,wasthesubjectofahearingMondaybymembersoftheHouseGameandFisheries Committee,alongwithmembersoftheHouseEnvironmentalResourcesandEnergyCommittee, accordingtoRep.JeffPylethebillsprimesponsor. Thewouldfundamentallychangethereviewanddesignationofthreatenedandendangered speciesinPennsylvaniaandwouldimmediatelydrophundredsofspeciesfromenvironmentalpermit reviews,regardlessofthesignificantamountofdatasupportingtheirconsideration. Wearesimplyaskingforsufficientburdenofproofthataspeciesistrulyendangeredorunder athreatofextinction,Rep.Pylesaid.Notallstateagenciesarerequiredtoplaybythesamerules whenitcomestothesedesignations,andmybillwouldessentiallyleveltheplayingfield. HouseBill1576wouldrequireboththeGameCommissionandtheFishandBoatCommission togothroughtheIndependentRegulatoryReviewCommissionandtherelatedHouseandSenate committeeswhenattemptingtolistaspeciesasendangered.Currently,onlytheDepartmentof ConservationandNaturalResourcesisrequiredtomakethedesignationsbyregulation. Rep.Pylesbill,alsoknownastheEndangeredSpeciesCoordinationAct,comesinreactionto alocalschooldistrictbuildingprojectthatissituatedinahabitatforaspeciesofendangeredbat.With nooptionforappealingthedesignation,thedistrictchosetopaymorethan$61,000intoaconservation fundoverthepossibilityofabandoningtheprojectorbeingforcedtofindanewhomeforthebats.

Noonequestionstheabilityofagovernmentagencytorenderadecisionorthepossibilityofa speciesbeingindanger,Rep.Pyleadded.Iamsimplyaskingeveryagencyempoweredwiththe abilitytocarryoutanactionthat,inthiscase,hasthepotentialtosignificantlyimpacttheeconomyofa communitytohaveasecondsetofeyesreviewthedecisionsitmakes. Thisisnodifferenttoanypersonwhoreceivesamedicaldiagnosisandseeksoutasecond opinion,statedRep.DanMoul(RAdams).Wetrustourgovernmentagencies,andthisbillisnothing morethanaskingthem,intheinterestofopennessandtransparency,toprovideevidencethatbacksup theirdecisions. Anyspeciescurrentlylistedasthreatenedorendangeredwouldberequiredtogothroughthe IRRCprocesswithintwoyearsoftheeffectivedateofHouseBill1576,inordertojustifyitscontinued designationofthatspecies.ThebillalsorequiresDCNRtomaintainadatabaseofspeciesdesignatedas threatenedorendangered. [Note:Atthehearing,Rep.JeffPyle(RArmstrong)primesponsorofthebillsaidthesection settingcriteriaforthreatenedorendangeredspeciesshouldnothavechangedtherangeofspecies definitionandthewordsinPennsylvaniashouldhavebeenincludedinthebilllanguage.] CopiesofTestimony Someofthetestimonypresentedduringthehearingisavailableonline PATroutUnlimitedTestimony DCNRTestimony GameCommissionTestimony Fish&BoatCommissionTestimony SecondHearing TheCommitteeMajorityChairs,Reps.MartinCauser(RCameron)andRonMiller(RYork), announcedthatdetailsonasimilarhearingtobeheldinwesternPennsylvaniawillsoonbeannounced. OppositionToTheBill LettersofoppositiontothebillweresubmittedbytheGameCommission,FishandBoat Commission,PACouncilofTroutUnlimitedandthePAEnvironmentalCouncil.ClickHereformore informationoftheoppositionoftheCommissionsandTroutUnlimited.ClickHereforPECsletterof opposition. NewsClips: BillsToChangeEndangeredSpeciesLawTriggerDebate PanelsTakeTestimonyOnEndangeredSpeciesProtection PACouldLose$27MIfEndangeredSpeciesBillsBecomeLaw OpEd:FateOfPAEndangeredSpeciesAtRisk Sen.YawPleasedWithNaturalGasRoyaltyCourtSettlement Aclassactionlawsuitinvolvingnaturalgasroyaltyownerswhonegotiatedleaseagreementsthat prohibitedthedeductionofpostproductioncostsfromdrillingroyaltypaymentswasresolvedbymutual agreementFridayintheMiddleDistrictCourtofPennsylvania,accordingtoSen.GeneYaw (RLycoming). Thecase,DemchakLimitedPartnershipvs.naturalgasproducerChesapeakeEnergy,involved situationswherepostproductioncostsweredeductedundera'marketenhancementclause'despitethe

leaseagreementexplicitlyprohibitingthedeductionofthosecosts. ChesapeakeEnergy,theOklahomabasedcompany,hasbeencriticizedinrecentmonthsfor usingthemarketenhancementclausetomakedeductionsfromtheroyaltypayments. "Wehavelearnedthroughreliablesourcesthattherehasbeenasettlementagreementreached inaclassactionlawsuitinvolvingChesapeakeEnergy,"Sen.Yawsaid."We'realsotoldthatthesubject ofthatclassactionlawsuitwaspostproductioncosts.Thissettlementclearlydemonstratesthatthe judicialsystemisthepropervenueforresolvingcontractualdisputes." Recently,Sen.Yawhasemphasizedthatthecourtsystem,notthelegislature,shouldresolve contractualdisputes,inparticularthoseinvolvingthedeductionofpostproductioncostsfromvarying leaseholderagreements. "UndertheConstitution,thelegislaturecannotaltertheexistingcontractsofthousandsof leaseholders,"Sen.Yawsaid."Ifirmlybelieveinlessgovernmentinvolvementandaskingthelegislature torewritethousandsofcontractsisnotonlyunconstitutional,butrunscontrarytothatbelief.Ibelieve thereisawaywecanprotectthoselandowners,andnotinterferewithcurrentcontractlanguage." Sen.Yawhasproposedlegislationprotectinglandownersfromretaliatoryconductbyagas companyifalandownerchallengesanaturalgascompany'sactivities. LegislatorsintheHouseofRepresentativeshaveintroducedameasurethatwouldaddress otherleaseholderconcernsbyclarifyingthatthedeductionofpostproductioncostsfrom unconventionalwellsmaynotresultinroyaltypaymentslessthantheguaranteedminimum. InadditiontotheHouselegislation,Sen.Yawalsohasbeenworkingonanotherbillthatwill providetoolstolandownerstoobtainmoredetailedaccountinginformationregardinggaspricing,well incomeandpostproductioncosts. "WhilethelegislationintroducedintheHousefacessomeconstitutionalhurdles,Ibelievemy legislationwouldpassanyconstitutionalquestionsandaddresstheconcernsoffrustratedleaseholders," Sen.Yawadded."AsI'vesaidbefore,thereiscertainlyvalueinhavingmultipleapproachestosolving thisissue." NewsClips: ChesapeakeAppalachiaToPay$7.5MToSettleRoyaltyLawsuit LegislationInTheWorksToAddressGasRoyaltyConcerns Report:DrillingCompaniesCheatingPAOutOfPromisedBillions Rep.SacconeBillToEndMoratoriumOnDrillingInStateForestLands Rep.RickSaccone(RAllegheny)thisweekcirculatedamemoaskingHousememberstocosponsor legislationheplanstointroducetoendthemoratoriumondrillingfornaturalgasonStateForestland andputtheproceedsintoaspecialfundtoreplaceorrepairdeficienthighwaybridgesacrossthestate. Thetextofthememofollows Inthenearfuture,IplanonintroducinglegislationthatwouldrequireDCNRtomake300,000 acresofstateownedlandavailablefornaturalgasdevelopment.Allpaymentsandroyaltiesgenerated fromthenewlyleasedlandwillbedepositedintoarestrictedaccountintheMotorLicenseFundtobe usedfortherepairofweightrestrictedbridges. PennDOTrecentlyaddedorincreasedweightrestrictionson1,000structurallydeficient

bridgesbecause,accordingtoPennDOTSecretarySchoch,thelegislaturefailedtoapprovea multibilliondollartransportationfundingplanthatincludedtaxandfeeincreases.Idonotbelievethatthe legislatureshouldbeconsideringtaxandfeeincreases. Instead,weneedtoensurethatpublicdollarsandstateresourcesarebeingusedefficientlywe needtolivewithinourmeans.RatherthantakingmoremoneyfromthetaxpayersofPennsylvania,we needtoconsiderothersourcesoffunding,suchasroyaltiesandpaymentsfromnaturalgasdevelopment onstateownedland. In2010,Gov.Rendellissuedanexecutiveorderthatplacedamoratoriumontheleasingof stateforestlandsfornaturalgasdevelopment.Duetothisexecutiveorder,Marcellusshaleunder approximately800,000acresofstateforestlandcannotbeexploredanddevelopedunlesstheGeneral Assemblytakeslegislativeaction. Undermylegislation,DCNRwouldberequiredtopubliclyauctionatleast300,000acresof landover3fiscalyearsfornaturalgasexplorationanddevelopment.Also,DCNRcanonlyacceptbids greaterthan$3,500peracreandmustrequirearoyaltypaymentof16percentofthemarketvalueof gasproducedateachwellhead. Consideringtheminimumbidrequirement,mylegislationwillraiseatleast$1.05billionin fundingfortherepairweightrestrictedbridgesoverthreefiscalyears. ClickHereforacopyofthedraftlegislation. NewsClip:DCNRApproachToDrillingOnStateForestLands RelatedArticle DCNROffersPublicOnlineSurveyOnStateForestManagement

NewsFromAroundTheState
SpotsStillAvailableForOhioRiverWatershedCelebrationSeptember19 Registrationisstillopenforafewmorespotsforthe12thAnnualOhioRiverWatershedCelebrationon theNetworkCruise.TheImaginationCruiseforstudentsisalreadyfull.TheCelebrationwillbeheldon September19. AsinthepastorganizersareofferingprizestoWatershedgroupsforposterpresentationsin4 categories.TheyareMostInnovative,BestOverall,CommunicationandOutreachandBest Partnership. ClickHeretoregister. ReserveYourSeatNowForTheExperienceTheDelawareEstuaryCelebrationOct.3 TheExperiencetheEstuaryCelebrationisthePartnershipfortheDelawareEstuary'slargestfundraising eventoftheyear.Thethemeofthisfriendraiserchangesannually,butthecertaintyofagreatevening remainsthesame. Thisyear'scelebrationwilltakeplaceattheIndependenceSeaportMuseuminPhiladelphiaon October3,from5:00to8:30p.m.ClickHereforallthedetails.

PACoalAllianceAnnouncesReclamationAwardWinners ThePennsylvaniaCoalAlliancerecognizedthereclamationeffortsofsevenofitsmembercompaniesat itsSevenSpringsAnnualBanquetonAugust21. ActingSecretaryofPennsylvaniaDepartmentofEnvironmentalProtectionChristopherAbruzzo presentedtheReclamationAwardstothecompanieswhoperformedaboveandbeyondthefederaland stateregulationswhichrequirereturningcoalminingsitestoenvironmentallysoundconditionwith productiveuses. Thesevencompaniesinclude:AmerikohlMining,Inc.ofButler,PABlackCatCoal,LLCof Curwensville,PACoalLoaders,Inc.ofLigonier,PACroner,Inc.andPBSCoals,Inc.ofFriedens, PAShannopinMaterials,LLCofMorgantown,WVandWaroquierCoalCompanyofClearfield, PA. Pennsylvaniacontinuestobealeaderinreclamationefforts.Completedatnocosttothe Commonwealthoritstaxpayers,theawardsitescover1,054acresandincludethereclamationof approximately398acresofpreviouslyabandonedminelands. PCAsawardwinningsitesarechosenincooperationwiththeDepartmentofEnvironmental ProtectionsOfficeofActiveandAbandonedMineOperationsusinganevaluationprocessbasedon preminingcondition,reclamationquality,landownersatisfactionandcompliancewiththe Commonwealthsstringentenvironmentalregulations. "AllPennsylvaniaminingcompaniesaredrivenbyastrongcommitmenttolongterm environmentalstewardshipoftheland,saidPCACEOJohnPippy."Weapplaudtheireffortsnotonly fortheseawardsites,butfortheircontinualperformanceonadaytodaybasisascommunity stewards. Thisyearsawardeesencompasseduniqueaspectstoreclamationincludingacooperativeeffort withtheLigonierCampandConferenceCenterandtheAppalachianRegionalReforestationInitiative (ARRI)inWestmorelandCounty,reestablishmentofproductivepotatocroplandusedprimarilyfor potatochipproducinginSomersetCounty,andtheharvesting,growingandreplantingofnative sourwoodtreeseedsinGreeneCounty. LouLazarropresentedeachcompanywithacongressionalcitationawardonbehalfof CongressmanTimMurphy. NaturalLandsTrustRecruitingForHandsOnForceOfNatureVolunteerProgram NaturalLandsTrustTuesdayannounceditisrecruitingforthethirdclassinitsForceofNature volunteertrainingprogram,designedtoeducateandtrainparticipantstoserveasvolunteerproject leadersandambassadorsfortheregionallandconservationorganization. TheForceofNatureprogramlaunchedinOctober2011,saidMollyMorrison,presidentof NaturalLandsTrust.Sincethen,volunteershavecontributedmorethan1,200hourstohelpNatural LandsTrustpreserveandstewardtheland,water,andwildlifeofourregion.Ilookforwardto welcomingparticipantsinthethirdclassthisautumnastheyjointheforce! Undertheprogram,volunteersparticipateinfive,fourhourtrainingsessionsduringwhichthey learnabouttopicsrangingfromtreecareandplantingtoinvasiveplantidentificationandremoval.Each

trainingsessionincludesalearningcomponentandahandsonservicecomponent,suchasrestoring trailsorbuildingnestboxesforbluebirds. Followingtheirtraining,graduatesareaskedtodedicateatleastfourhourspermonthfora minimumoffivemonthsvolunteeringatone(ormore)ofNaturalLandsTrusts42naturepreserves, whichstretchfromthePoconostotheNewJerseybayshore. BrianBernero,amemberofthesecondgraduatingclassofForceofNaturevolunteers,has longdesiredtohelptheregionsnaturalareasthriveamidincreasingdevelopment.Berneroinitially volunteeredtoplanttreeswithNaturalLandsTrustandwantedtogetfurtherinvolved. BolsteredbytheskillsandknowledgehegainedintheForceofNatureprogram,Bernero,a 30yearoldmillwrightwholivesinBrookhaven,nowfrequentsSharpsWoodsPreserveinBerwyn, PA,andWawaPreserveinMedia,PA,wherehecompletessmall,selfdirectedlandstewardship projectsonhisowntime. Bernerostillfindsthetimetoparticipateingroupvolunteerdayswithfriendshehasmadeinthe program,too.Itsfuntobewithlikemindedpeople,hesaid. Trainingsessionsforthe201314classwillbeheldbeginningOctober19andcontinuing throughMarchonthethirdSaturdayofeachmonth(excludingDecember).Thefirstsessionwillbeheld atStroudPreserveonNorthCreekRoadinWestChester,Pa. Individualsinterestedinattendingasingletrainingsessionmayregisteratanytime.Single sessionregistrationisextremelylimitedandisonafirstcomebasis. SupportfortheForceofNatureProgramisgenerouslyprovidedbyPECO. Theregistrationdeadlineforthe201314classisOctober4.Programinformationandan applicationareavailableatNLTForceofNaturewebpageorbycallingoremailing6103535587ext. 243orsendemailto:info@natlands.org. ApplicationsBeingAcceptedForNextPennStateMasterWellOwnerCourse Ifyouareinterestedinlearningmoreaboutthepropermanagementofprivatewaterwells,springsand cisternsandyouarewillingtosharewhatyoulearnwithothers,youmightbeinterestedinapplyingfor thePennStateMasterWellOwneronlinecoursebeingofferedbyPennStateExtensionstartingon September30. ThePennStateMasterWellOwnerNetworkwillprovidefree,onlinetrainingforthefirst25 volunteerswhosubmitanapplicationandareacceptedintotheprogram. Tobeeligibleforthisprogramyoumust:1)NOTbeemployedbyanycompanythatprovides paidservicestoprivatewatersupplyowners(i.e.watertestingcompanies,watertreatmentcompanies, waterwelldrillers,etc.)and2)youmustbewillingtopassalongbasicprivatewatersystem managementknowledgetootherprivatewatersystemowners. TheregistrationdeadlineforthiscourseisSeptember20. Eachacceptedvolunteerwillreceivesevenweeklyemailswithlinkstoshortreading assignmentsandvideopresentationsonprivatewatersystembasics,watertesting,watersupply protection,watertreatment,waterconservation,andhowtoeducateothers. CourseregistrantscancompletethecourseattheirownpacefromSeptember30toNovember 11.Acomputerwithahighspeedinternetconnectionisrecommendedtoviewallofthecourse materialsandvideos.

Volunteerswhosuccessfullycompletethetrainingcourseandpassashortexamwillreceivea freecopyofthe80pagepublicationAGuidetoPrivateWaterSystemsinPennsylvania,acoupon goodfora10percentdiscountonwatertestingthroughthePennStatewatertestinglab,andaccessto variousMWONeducationalmaterials. Inreturn,MWONvolunteersareaskedtopassalongwhattheyhavelearnedtootherprivate watersupplyownersandsubmitanannualreportoftheireducationalaccomplishments.Tolearnmore andcompleteanapplication,visitthefollowingwebpage. Pennsylvaniaishometooveronemillionprivatewaterwellsandspringsbutitisoneofthefew statesthatdonotprovidestatewideregulationstoprotecttheseruraldrinkingwatersupplies. In2004,PennStateCooperativeExtensionandseveralpartneragenciescreatedtheMaster WellOwnerNetwork(MWON)trainedvolunteerswhoarededicatedtopromotingtheproper construction,testing,andmaintenanceofprivatewaterwells,springsandcisternsthroughout Pennsylvania.Sinceitsinception,hundredsofMWONvolunteershaveprovidededucationtoover 30,000privatewatersupplyownersthroughoutthestate. Volunteerswhorecentlycompletedtheonlinecoursestated: Ibelievepeoplebuyinghomesorpropertieswithwellslocatedonthemshouldhavethisinformation priortopurchase.Theproblemisnotmanypeopleareawareoftheinformationthatisavailable. Hopefullythiscoursehelpscorrecttheproblem. Excellentopportunity,especiallyinlightofthedrillingoperationssurroundingMarcelluswell developmentactivitiesthroughoutthestateandintheareawhereIlive. VeryUsefulinformation.Thepresentationformatviaadobeconnectwasveryeasytoworkwith. (WrittenBy:BryanSwistock,WaterResourcesSpecialist,RenewableNaturalResources,Penn StateExtension,DepartmentofEcosystemScienceandManagement,andreprintedfromthe PennStateExtensionWatershedWindsnewsletter.) SusquehannaRiverTownsWorkshopSetForSept.30 LookingtomakeyourSusquehannaRivertownmoreresistanttofutureflooding?Interestedinlearning howraingardens,perviouspavements,othergreeninfrastructurecanhelpyourcommunitytomeetits stormwatergoals?Wanttohearfromsuccessfullandacquisitionprograms,learnaboutstormwater utilitiesandhowtofundthesedifferentprojects? JointheSusquehannaGreenwayPartnershipattheSusquehannaRiverTownWorkshop: CreatingGreener,MoreFloodResilientCommunitiesatBloomsburgUniversityonSeptember30, 2013from10:00a.m.4:00p.m. Agreatworkshopformunicipalofficials,planners,publicworks,localgovernmentofficials, students,andcommunitymembers,registrationisjust$15andincludesmorningrefreshmentsandlunch. Forafullspeakerschedule,directions,andregistrationvisittheSusquehannaRiverTown WorkshopwebpageorcontactZachPyle,RiverTownsProgramCoordinatorbysendingemailto: zpyle@susquehannagreenway.org. (TheAugustissueoftheeConnectionsnewsletterfromtheSusquehannaGreenwayPartnership isnowavailable.)

KiskiRiverWadeInCleanupSetForSeptember14InArmstrongCounty TheKiskiWatershedAssociation,KeepPABeautifulandotherpartnerswillsponsoraKiskiRiver WadeinCleanuponSeptember14nearAvonmoreinArmstrongCountystartingat9:00a.m. PartnersforthecleanupeventincludetheRoaringRunWatershedAssociation,Bridgestone& Firestone,LibertyTireandOceanConservancy. Ifyouareinterestedinvolunteering,contactJohnLinkesat7248459420orsendemailto: jplinkes@comcast.net. KeepPennsylvaniaBeautifulRecognizesPennDOTAdoptAHighwayCoordinators KeepPennsylvaniaBeautifulrecognizedkeyPennDOTAdoptAHighwayCoordinatorswitha certificaterecognizingtheiroutstandinganddedicatedservicetokeepourcommunitiescleanand beautifulthroughtheirsupportofKeepPennsylvaniaBeautifullocalaffiliatesduringthe2013Great AmericanCleanupofPennsylvania. ThecertificateswereawardedduringthePennDOTAdoptAHighwayCoordinatorsMeeting andKeepPennsylvaniaBeautifulAffiliateTraininginStateCollegeonAugust27and28. KeepPennsylvaniaBeautifulrecognizedthefollowingAdoptAHighwayCoordinators:Scott Kovach,AlleghenyCounty,MarilynMusiowski,BucksCounty,KelliScalia,HuntingdonCounty,and WarrenAlbright,WestmorelandCounty. TheGreatAmericanCleanupofPennsylvaniaisatruecollaborativeeffortatthenational,state, regionalandlocallevel.WearegratefulforthesupportofPennDOT,whohasprovidedtremendous supporttoKeepPennsylvaniaBeautifulbyutilizingitsmorethan6,000AdoptAHighwaygroupsto promotetheeventanddistributingsuppliestoits67countymaintenancefacilitiesthroughoutthestate, statedShannonReiter,PresidentofKeepPennsylvaniaBeautiful. Sincetheinceptionofthiseventin2004,over1.4millionvolunteershavepickedup68million poundsoflitterandwaste,118,702milesofroadhavebeencleaned,and98,000trees,bulbs,and flowershavebeenplanted. TheGreatAmericanCleanupofPennsylvaniaisheldannuallyfromMarch1sttoMay31st. Cambria,Huntingdon,Juniata,Mifflin,PerryKPBAffiliatesToHoldTireCollections KeepPennsylvaniaBeautifullocalaffiliatesofKeepCambriaCountyBeautiful,KeepHuntingdon CountyBeautiful,KeepJuniataCountyBeautiful,PACleanWaysofMifflinCounty,andKeepPerry CountyBeautifularegearinguptoholdtheirannualfalltirecollections. Collectiondates,timesandlocationsareasfollows: CambriaCounty,September7from8a.m.1p.m.atTunnelhillBoroughMunicipalBuilding PerryCounty,September14from8a.m.12p.m.attheLoysvilleCommunityClubPark CambriaCounty,September21from8a.m.1p.m.attheSummerhillTownshipMunicipal Building HuntingdonCounty,September21from8a.m.12p.m.attheHuntingdonCountyFairgrounds JuniataCounty,September21from9a.m.12p.m.attheHilltopOil&MinitMartvacantlotand

MifflinCounty,September21from8a.m.12p.m.attheBoroughofLewistownRefuseYard. Inthepasteightyearsthecollections,sponsoredinpartbytheDepartmentofEnvironmental ProtectionsHHW/SmallBusinessHazardousWasteCollectionProgram,havegatheredover31,000 tiresfromlocalresidents. Thesecollectionsprovideaconvenient,lowcostalternativetothecommunity.Thetiresthat arecollectedattheseeventswontendupoverthehillwheretheywouldbedifficultandcostlyto remove,saidShannonReiter,PresidentofKeepPennsylvaniabeautiful.Ireallycommendour affiliatesforprovidingthisservice. ThisyearalsomarkstheeighthTireWarbetweenKeepHuntingdonCountyBeautiful,Keep JuniataCountyBeautiful,PACleanWaysofMifflinCounty,andKeepPerryCountyBeautiful. Thesefouraffiliatesengageinanannualfriendlyrivalrytocompeteforthemosttirescollectedat theirperspectivecollections.ThewinnerreceivesahandmadeGoldRimaward. ContactyourlocalCountyaffiliateforcostinformation. Formoreinformationoncleanupsandkeepingareasclean,visittheKeepPABeautifulwebsite. CovantaEnergySigns20YearNewYorkCityWasteDisposalAgreement CovantaEnergy,aworldleaderinsustainablewastemanagementandrenewableenergy,Monday announcedanew20yearagreementwithNewYorkCityDepartmentofSanitationtotransportand sustainablydisposeofmunicipalsolidwastedeliveredtoapairofmarinetransferstationslocatedin QueensandManhattan. CovantaisthelargestownerandoperatorofEnergyfromWastefacilitiesinNorthAmerica andplanstoutilizecapacityatexistingfacilitiestoconverttheCity'sMSWintocleanenergy.They operateorownfiveenergyfromwastefacilitiesinPennsylvaniainDauphin,Delaware,Lancaster, MontgomeryandYorkcounties. ItisanticipatedNewYorkCitywilldeliverapproximately800,000tonsofMSWperyear whichreflectstheCity'scontinuedeffortstoreducewastegenerationandincreaserecycling. "NewYorkCityisaleaderinaddressingclimatechangewhichmakesusparticularlyproudthat theychoseCovantaandourEnergyfromWastesolutiontohelpachieveoneoftheirimportant sustainabilitygoals,"saidAnthonyOrlando,Covantapresidentandchiefexecutiveofficer."This contractisalsoimportanttoCovantabecauseitwillprovideasignificantandstablebaseofrevenue, furtherenhancingouralreadypredictablebusinessmodel." Theagreementisfor20yearsofserviceanditprovidesNewYorkCitywithoptionsfortwo additionalfiveyearperiods.Itcallsforwastetobetransportedviasealedcontainersusinga multimodalapproachincludingbargesandrailcarswhichwillsignificantlyreducelonghaultruck transportationofMSW. ServicefortheQueensmarinetransferstationisexpectedtobegininearly2015,withserviceto theManhattanmarinetransferstationtofollowin2016whenconstructionworkisexpectedtobe completedbyNewYorkCity. Tofulfillitsobligationsunderthisagreement,Covantamustpurchaseequipment,including barges,railcars,containersandintermodalequipment.Covantaexpectsitstotalinvestmenttopurchase thisequipmentwillbeapproximately$110million.Thisinvestmentwillbemadeoverseveralyears beginningin2013.

ThedecisiontoutilizeEnergyfromWastefacilitiesmarksamajormilestoneinreachingthe City'sgoalofdiverting75percentofsolidwastefromlandfills.Recoveringenergyandmetalfrom postrecycledwasteatEfWfacilitiesprovidescommunitieslikeNewYorkCitywithanenvironmentally superioralternativetolandfilling. AccordingtotheUSEPA,foreverytonofMSWprocessedatEnergyfromWastefacilities, greenhousegasemissionsarereducedbytheequivalentofapproximatelyonetonofcarbondioxide emissions.Thisispossibleduetotheavoidanceofmethanefromlandfills,theoffsetofgreenhousegases fromfossilfuelelectricalproductionandtherecoveryofmetalsforrecycling. NewsClips: HarrisburgIncineratorSaleDetailsStillUnfolding HBGIncineratorSaleHingesOn$24MGuarantyByCounty NewDetailsOnSaleOfHarrisburgIncineratorToLancaster CriminalChargesInFreeDumpingCaseAtHBGIncinerator StateAwards$335,225GrantForBrownfieldsCleanupInCityOfChester Gov.TomCorbettFridayannouncedtheawardingofanIndustrialSitesReuseProgramgrantto ChesterRedevelopmentAuthorityforthecleanupofenvironmentalcontaminationattheformerSears DepartmentStoreandAutomotiveCenterlocatedinthecityofChester,DelawareCounty. Myadministrationscoordinationwithourlocalredevelopmentpartnerstotransformoldand abandonedsitesintoareasofopportunityforeconomicgrowth,Corbettsaid.Notonlywillthecityof Chesterbeabletoattractnewdevelopmentandjobs,apotentiallyhazardoussitewillbecleanedup. ChesterRedevelopmentAuthoritywasawardeda$335,225IndustrialSitesReuseProgram grantfortheremediationofaformerSearsandAutomotiveCenterlocationatEdgmontAvenueinthe cityofChester. Thesiteislocatedinthecity'scentralbusinessdistrictandisacitypriorityforrevitalization. CRAacquiredthesitemorethanadecadeagoandconductedinitialassessmentswhichuncovered asbestos,petroleumcontaminantsandfiveundergroundstoragetanks. ThefundsawardedtotheCRAwillbeusedforasbestosabatement,soilremediation, undergroundstoragetankremovalandassociatedengineeringcosts.Oncethesiteisremediated,CRA planstomarketthesiteforcommercialormixedusedevelopment. Thisisagreatprojectthatwillprovidebothhealthandeconomicdevelopmentbenefitsinthe cityofChester,SenateMajorityLeaderDominicPileggi(RDelaware)said.IapplaudGovernor CorbettandtheDepartmentofCommunityandEconomicDevelopmentfortakingactiontocleanup theenvironmentalcontaminationatthissite. TheIndustrialSiteReuseProgram,administeredbytheDepartmentofCommunityand EconomicDevelopment,providesgrantsandlowinterestloansforenvironmentalassessmentsand remediation. Theprogramisdesignedtofosterthecleanupofenvironmentalcontaminationatindustrialsites, therebybringingblightedlandintoproductivereuse. PEMA:GetReadyForEmergenciesDuringNationalPreparednessMonth

StateofficialsFridayurgedPennsylvaniansthatduringNationalPreparednessMonthinSeptember,they shouldtakestepstogettheirfamiliesreadytofaceandsurviveanemergency. "Thissummerwe'veseentremendousdamagefromrepeatedthunderstormsinpartsof Pennsylvania,whichremindsusthatitdoesn'talwaystakeabigstormlikeHurricaneSandyorTropical StormLeetodevastatepropertyanddisruptlives,"GlennCannon,directorofthePennsylvania EmergencyManagementAgencysaid. Gov.TomCorbettsignedaproclamationtodesignateSeptemberasNationalPreparedness MonthinPennsylvaniaandtoencouragecitizenstomakefamilyemergencykitsandcreateemergency plansfortheirfamiliesathomeandbusinesses. Cannonsaidhistoryhasshownthatemergencyresponderscannotreacheveryoneimmediately afteradisaster,sofamiliesshouldhaveenoughfood,water,medicationandothernecessities,including petsupplies,tosurvivewithoutoutsideassistanceforatleastthreedays.Familiesshouldalsopreparea plantocommunicateandreuniteiftheyareseparatedduringanemergency. Cannonalsoemphasizedtheimportanceoffollowingthedirectionandguidanceoflocal authoritiesandemergencypersonnel,evenifitmeansevacuatingahomeorbusiness. "Thedecisiontoevacuateanareaisnotonethatismadeinhasteortakenlightly,"Cannonsaid. "Thosewhoignoreanevacuationorderputtheirownlivesatriskandendangerthelivesoffirst responderspeoplewhoinmanyareasinthisstatearevolunteerswiththeirownfamiliesandloved ones." Residentsareencouragedtovisitwww.ReadyPA.orgwhichencouragescitizenstotakethree basicstepsbeforeanemergencyornaturaldisasteroccurs: BeInformed:KnowwhatthreatsPennsylvaniaandyourcommunityface BePrepared:Haveanemergencykitwithatleastthreedays'worthofessentialsatyourhome, includingfood,onegallonofwaterperpersonperday,medicationsandspecializeditemssuchasbaby orpetsupplies.Createanemergencyplansofamilymembersknowwheretomeetifeveryoneis separatedwhenanincidentoccursand BeInvolved:Pennsylvanianshavealonghistoryofhelpingoneanotherintimesofneed.Specialized trainingandvolunteeropportunitiesareavailablesocitizenscanhelpothersintheircommunityina disaster. "VolunteersalsoplayacrucialroleinensuringtheCommonwealthispreparedforlargescale disasterslikefloods,infectiousepidemicsoractsofterrorism,"SecretaryofHealthMichaelWolfsaid. "TheStateEmergencyRegistryofVolunteersinPennsylvania,orSERVPA,isaonestopshopfor individualswhoarewillingtovolunteertheirservicesduringanemergency.Visitwww.serv.pa.govto helpusensurenoprecioustimewillbewastedduringadisastersearchingforcompetentandwilling volunteers." Informationsuchaschecklistsforemergencykitsandtemplatesforemergencyplans,aswellas otherinformationandvolunteeropportunities,isavailableatwww.ReadyPA.orgorbycalling 18889READYPA(18889732397). NewsClips: PittsburghMunicipalitiesPrepareDisasterDeclarationsAfterStorms FloodingStrandsSomeArmstrongCountyResidents

FloodingReportedInIndiana,WestmorelandCounties HeavyRainsCauseKiskiValleyFlooding HeavyStormsFloodRoadsInLehighValley CONSOLEnergy,AlleghenyCountyOutlineAirportDrillingPlans CONSOLEnergyInc.andtheAlleghenyCountyAirportAuthoritysharedtheirproposeddrillingplan forthePittsburghInternationalAirportpropertyatanewsconferenceonTuesday. Theproposedplanoutlinessixwellpadlocationsandthreecentralizedwaterimpoundments. Theplanproposesatotalof47Marcelluswells,withthefuturepotentialtodrillUpperDevonianwells. CONSOLEnergyishopefulthatthishorizoncanbebuiltintoitsoperationalobjectivesforthe airportproject.However,thecompanywillnothaveclarityonitspotentialuntilitbeginsdrillingand canconductanalysisofcoretesting,whichisestimatedtooccurinQ32014. AnydevelopmentoftheUpperDevonianformationwouldoccurontheexistingpadlocations andutilizethesameinfrastructuretomaintainoperationalefficiency,minimizeenvironmentalimpacts,and maximizeproductionpotential. CONSOLEnergyprojectsthatconstructionofthewellsites,centralizedimpoundmentsand pipelineswillbegininsecondquarter2014.DrillingactivityisexpectedtocommenceinJuly2014with twoverticalrigs.Uponthestartofhorizontalrigoperations,theverticalrigcountwillbereducedtoone andbothunitswillrunforthedurationoftheprojectthrough2018. Approximately17milesofgasline(11onACAAproperty)and12milesofwaterlinewillbe utilizedtodelivergastomarketandprovidewaterforwellcompletions.CONSOLEnergyhasno planstoconstructnewpublicroadsonairportpropertyandwillbeabletorelyonexistingroads withoutanydisruptiontodailyairporttraffic.Thedrillingplandoescallforconstructionofseveral accessroadsonandadjacenttoairportproperty. "CONSOLEnergyandACAAhavebeenworkingdiligentlyoverthepastseveralmonthsto developadrillingplanthatweareconfidentwillallowustosafelyandcompliantlyaccessthenaturalgas locatedattheairportpropertywhileminimizingourenvironmentalandoperationalimpacts,"commented NicholasJ.DeIuliis,presidentofCONSOLEnergy."Thisprojectrepresentsaonceinalifetime opportunitytogeneratesignificanteconomicbenefitsfortheresidentsofAlleghenyCountyandwetake ourresponsibilitytogetitrightveryseriously.Weintendtomakeitaflagshipfortheregionthat everyonecanbeproudof." "Theeconomicopportunitythatthisprojectbringstoourregionisunparalleled.Thisisahuge publicworksproject,totalingnearly$500million,andwillbeputtingmanyofourpeopletowork," addedRichFitzgerald,AlleghenyCountyChiefExecutive."Theexpectedrevenueswillallowusto lowercostsattheairportandattractadditionalflights.Itensuresthatourtaxpayersdonothavetopick upadditionalcostsattheairport,andallowsustosupportinfrastructureandotherdevelopmentnearthe airporteasingtheburdenontaxpayerfunds,which,ultimately,leadstoadditionaljobsandgrowthfor ourregion." "Ourabundantreservesofsafe,reliablenaturalgasarebringingthousandsofjobstotheregion andmuchneededrevenueintoPittsburghInternationalAirportsoitonceagainservesasaneconomic catalystforSouthwesternPennsylvania,"saidCongressmanTimMurphy(PA). CONSOLEnergyandtheACAAarecurrentlyconductingtheEnvironmentalAssessmentthat

willbereviewedbytheFederalAviationAdministration.RheaEngineers&ConsultantsofGibsonia, PA,hasbeenretainedbyCONSOLEnergytomanagetheEnvironmentalAssessmentforthePIT project. MembersoftheRheateamparticipatedinboththePublicOfficialandPublicWorkshop sessionsTuesday,duringwhichtheyassistedinexplainingthevariousrequirementsoftheEnvironmental Assessment,includingpurposeandneed,traffic,noise,stream/wetlandimpacts,threatenedand endangeredspeciescoordination,emissions,waste,socialimpacts,lighting,energysource,waterquality andsafety.ThefinalEnvironmentalAssessmentdocumentisscheduledtobesubmittedtotheFAAby ACAAforapprovalinDecember2013. "Weareatanimportantpointintheplanningprocesswhereweencourageresidentstolearn moreaboutoilandgasdevelopmentplansatPittsburghInternationalAirport.Aspartofthe environmentalassessmentprocess,publiccommentsandquestionsarebeingacceptedat FlyPittsburgh.comandwillbeincludedintheFAAproposal,"saidDavidMinnotte,Chairman, AlleghenyCountyAirportAuthority. SeismictestingatPittsburghInternationalAirportisscheduledtobegininlateOctober.Survey andrecordingcrewswillgatherdataovera12weekperiodthatwillparallelapprox.33milesof surroundingroadways. CONSOLEnergyalsoengagedaconsultanttoconductasoundstudy,whichentailed recordingsoundlevelsatarangeoflengthsfromseveralofitscurrentMarcelluslocationsduringvarious stagesofdevelopment. Thisprocesshasbeencompletedandearlyresultsindicatethatdrillingactivitieswillmeetthe townshipordinanceandwillnotresultinasignificantimpact. Formoreinformation,visitaspecialoilandgasdevelopmentwebpageatthePittsburgh InternationalAirportwebsite. NewsClips: CONSOLDetailsPlansForPittsburghAirportDrilling CONSOLDetailsPlansForDrillingAtPittsburghAirport Editorial:DrillingInParksOnCaseByCaseBasis DEPReleasesAirSamplingResultsForLycomingNaturalGasCompressorStation TheDepartmentofEnvironmentalProtectionThursdayreleasedresultsofashorttermairsampling effortconductedneartheBartoCompressorStationinPennTownship,LycomingCounty.Sample analysesfoundnoemissionlevelsofnitrogendioxidethatwouldposeahealthconcern. "DEPiscommittedtounderstandingtheimpactsofthenaturalgasindustryonpublichealthand theenvironment,"ActingDEPSecretaryChrisAbruzzosaid."Wewillcontinuetoconductairsampling studiestoensurethequalityofPennsylvania'sairandtheprotectionofitscitizenswhilethisclean, domesticfuelsourceisbeingdeveloped,processedandused." DuetoconcernsraisedbytheCleanAirCouncil,thedepartmentconductedanairsampling efforttomeasurenitrogendioxidelevelsnearthecompressorstationduringtheweekofJuly22. DEPusedamobilelaboratoryandlocateditsequipmentwithinonehalfmiledownwindofthe stationattwodifferentlocations.Duringthesamplingperiods,thecompressorstationwasoperatingat

normalcapacityandtheoperatorwasnotcontactedaboutthesamplingeffortuntilafteritscompletion. Resultsofsamplingperformedoverafourdayperioddemonstratedthatconcentrationsof nitrogendioxidewereminimal,andwellbelownationalambientairqualitystandards. Thedepartmentoperatespermanentnitrogendioxidemonitorsdownwindofothercompressor stationsinPennsylvania,andthosemonitorsarealsomeasuringlevelsofthispollutantthatarewell belowthenationalambientairqualitystandard. DEPhasalsoconductedthreeshorttermambientairqualitymonitoringstudiesindrilling regionsofthestate,allofwhichdetectednolevelsofanypollutantthatwouldviolatefederalambientair qualitystandardsorposeahealthconcern. ThedepartmentiscurrentlyconductingalongtermstudyinWashingtonCounty.Thiseffortwill collectdataforvariouspollutants,includinggroundlevelozone,particulatematter,carbonmonoxide, nitrogenoxides,hydrogensulfide,methaneandvolatileorganiccompounds.Thestudywillbe completedbytheendoftheyear. Acopyofthesamplingreportisavailableonline. DEPEstablishesKeystoneEnergyEducationProgram,WorkshopsToBeScheduled TheDepartmentofEnvironmentalProtectionMondayannouncedthecreationoftheKeystoneEnergy EducationProgram(KEEP)toteachandtrackenergyefficiencyinschoolbuildingsandhomes. KEEPisaseriesoffreeworkshops,gearedtomiddleschoolbuildingteams,whichincludes threeteachersofgrades5,6or7,anadministratorandabuildingmaintenancemanager.Workshop participantswilllearnaboutandexploreenergyissues,includingfundamentalsandimpacts,electricity generation,transportationfuels,careers,energyconservation,studentteamsandschoolbuildingenergy benchmarkingthroughpresentations,toursandhandsonactivities. Energyeducationiscriticallyimportantforchildren,teachersandfamilies.TheKEEPprogram willenableparticipantstolearntheimportanceofconservingournaturalresourcestheeconomicsof energysourcesandtechnologiesandthevalueofcleanenergyforourenvironment,whileenablingthe schooldistricttooperatetheschoolbuildingmoreeconomicallytosavetaxpayerdollarsonutility costs,DEPsDirectorofEnvironmentalEducationJackFarstersaid. Eachteamwillhavetheopportunitytointegratehighlevel,standardsbasedenergyeducation intotheirformalcurriculum.Thiscouldincludelessonplans,curricularmodulesandongoing benchmarkingthroughEPAsEnergyStarPortfolioManager,resultinginenergyefficiencyassessments leadingtoimprovementsthatreduceenergyconsumption. TheworkshopsarebasedonPennsylvaniasAcademicStandardsandAssessmentAnchorsfor EnvironmentandEcology,ScienceandTechnologyandEngineeringEducation.Participatingteachers willreceivebackgroundinformation,standardsbasedcurricularmaterialsandenergyconservation materialkits. Therewillbe12daylongworkshopsheldthroughoutthestateduringthe20132014school year,beginninginearlyOctober.Sixschoolteamswillattendeachworkshop,resultingin72schools participating. Theworkshopswillrunfrom9a.m.to4p.m.Participatingteacherswillbeeligiblefor6.5Act 48credithours. Spaceislimited,soregistrationswillbeacceptedonafirstcome,firstservebasis.

Formoreinformationorregistrationmaterials,contacttheKEEPCoordinatorSusanGoveat 4124311010orsendemailto:sgove@gove.org. LowIncomePennsylvaniansToReceiveAdditionalHelpWithHomeEnergyBills TheDepartmentofPublicWelfareTuesdayannouncedextrafinancialhelpwillbeprovidedto PennsylvanianswhoreceivedtheLowIncomeHomeEnergyAssistanceProgram,orLIHEAP,crisis grantduringthe201213heatingseason. Thissupplementalfederalfundingwillespeciallyassistolderadultsandpeoplewithdisabilities inpayingtheirremainingutilitybillsorgivethemadditionalfinancialsupportforthecomingwinter, BeverlyD.Mackereth,SecretaryofPublicWelfare,said.DespitethechallengesthisLIHEAPseason, Iamgratefulforthesupportwehavereceivedfromutilitycompanies,ourLIHEAPAdvisoryCounsel andourdedicatedLIHEAPstaffandfortheopportunitytocontinuetoimprovethequalityoflifefor Pennsylvanians. LIHEAPprovidesgrantstoeligiblelowincomehouseholdstopayforhomeheatingfuel.Inthe 201213heatingseason,crisisgrantswereapprovedformorethan122,000households,76percentof whichcontainapersonwhoisdisabled,age60orolder,orhasachildunderfiveyearsold.Eachof thesehouseholdswillnowreceivethe$200supplementalcashgrant. Gov.CorbettandIwanttomakesurethatthemoneygoestothosewhoneeditmost, Mackerethsaid.Now,peoplewhoexperiencedahomeheatingcrisislastwinterwillgetadditional supporttohelpthemprepareforupcomingheatingcosts. TheDepartmentofPublicWelfareissendingletterstotheconsumersthisweekthatwillreceive anadditional$200grantpaymentinearlySeptember.The201314LIHEAPseasonisscheduledto beginNovember4. Formoreinformation,visitDPWsLIHEAPProgramwebpage. NewsClip:LIHEAPRecipientsToGetExtra$200InHeatingAid CONSOLPowerUpProgramWillDonate$10,000ToWinningSchoolInPA,Ohio HighschoolsinPennsylvaniaandOhiowillhavethechancetowin$10,000duringthe20132014 schoolyear,courtesyofCONSOLEnergyInc.anditsnewCONSOLPowerUpContest. Inpartnershipwith43schoolsinPAand5schoolsinOhio,thecompanyislaunchingthe CONSOLPowerUpContest,ascholasticprogramdesignedtoeducatethecommunityandshowcase schoolspirit. The8monthchallengeispoweredbysocialmediaandwillallowstudentsandthepublicto votefortheirschoolandwillprovideeducationalinformationabouthowcoalandnaturalgaspowerthe nation. CONSOLPowerUpisanewinitiativeofCONSOLEnergy'scommunityinvestmentprogram, whosegoalitistosupportorganizationsandactivitiesthatenjoywidecommunitysupportandthat benefitthemostpeople. EducationisthecoreofbuildinganewgenerationofcommunityleadersandCONSOLEnergy iscommittedtofosteringeducationalinitiativesintheareasinwhichitsemployeesworkandlive.

"CONSOLEnergyhassupportedhighschoolswithinouroperatingfootprintformanyyears. OurPowerUpprogramisanextensionofthatcommitment,"commentedLauralZiemba,Directorof CommunityRelations."Throughthisnewinitiative,whichhasasubstantialsocialmediacomponent,we hopetoestablishnewchannelsofcommunicationwithstudents,theirfamiliesandeducators,whileatthe sametimebeabletosupplytwoluckyschoolswithadeservingmonetaryboost." AnewinteractivefeatureonCONSOLEnergy'sFacebookpagewilllinktotheCONSOL PowerUpsite.CONSOLwillbehostingminicontestsviaFacebookprovidingtheopportunitytowin otherprizes,includingPittsburghPenguinstickets,concertticketsandPittsburghPenguinsattire. Anyindividualwithavalidemailaddresscanparticipatebyvisitingthesiteandvoting. Theschoolineachstatewiththemostvoteswillbeawardeda$10,000grantinMay2014. Throughouttheschoolyear,studentscanlogontotheCONSOLPowerUpwebsiteandviewthe leaderboard,whichwillkeeparunningtallyofallvotes. PUCUpdatesManualOnEnergyEfficiency,DemandSideResponse ThePublicUtilityCommissionThursdaytentativelyapprovedanupdatedTechnicalReferenceManual, whichisusedtoassessenergysavingsattributabletoenergyefficiencyanddemandresponsemeasures fortheimplementationofthestatesAlternativeEnergyPortfolioStandardsofAct213(AEPS)andthe energyefficiencyandconservationprovisionsofAct129of2008. TheCommissionvoted50totentativelyapprovetheupdatedTRM. InitiallyestablishedinMarch2005,theTRMisupdatedannuallyinordertokeeppaceand remainrelevantandusefulasexperienceandtechnologyrelatedtoenergyefficiencyincreases. AEPSspecificallyrequiredtheCommissiontodevelopstandardsfortrackingandverifyingsavingsfrom energyefficiency,loadmanagementanddemandsidemanagementmeasures. Generally,AEPSrequiresthatacertainpercentageofallelectricenergysoldtoretailcustomers bederivedfromalternativeenergysourcessuchassolar,wind,hydropower,geothermal,biomass,and demandsidemanagementresources.Thelawappliestobothelectricdistributioncompanies(EDCs) andelectricgenerationsuppliers(EGSs),whichmustdemonstratetheircomplianceonanannualbasis. Act129expandedthePUCsoversightresponsibilitiesandimposednewenergyefficiencyand conservationrequirementsonEDCswithatleast100,000customers,withtheoverallgoalofreducing energyconsumptionand/ordemand. Formoreinformation,visitthePUCsAct129webpage. PPL:FederalCourtDismissesLawsuitChallengingSusquehannaRoselandPowerLine PPLElectricUtilitiescalledafederaljudge'sdecisiontodismissalawsuitchallengingfederalpermitsfor theSusquehannaRoselandpowerline"therightdecisionformillionsofpeoplethroughoutthe midAtlanticregionwhowillhavemorereliableelectricservicebecauseofthisproject." InarulingFriday,JudgeRichardW.RobertsoftheUnitedStatesDistrictCourtfortheDistrict ofColumbiadismissedtheactionfiledbyseveralenvironmentalgroupsseekingtoblockconstructionof theprojectthroughtheDelawareWaterGapNationalRecreationArea. "ThisrulingaffirmsthepositionofthecompaniesandtheNationalParkServicethatthese permitswereissuedproperlyandafterthoroughstudy,"saidStephanieRaymond,PPLElectricUtilities

vicepresidentofTransmissionandSubstations."Wewillmoveforwardwithconstructionasplanned." The145mileSusquehannaRoselandlineisalreadyunderconstructionelsewherein PennsylvaniaandNewJersey.Theprojectisneededtokeeptheregionalelectricgridreliable,andto preventoverloadsofotherexistingpowerlines.ThelineisexpectedtobeinservicebyJune2015. Formoreinformation,visitPPLsSusquehannaRoselandPowerLinewebpage. NewsClip:CourtThrowsOutChallengeToPPLPowerLine CONSOLEnergy'sEnlowForkMineEarnsMineRescueWin CONSOLEnergy'sEnlowForkGoldteamwonfirstplaceoverallhonorsintheHatfield&McCoy MineRescueSafetycompetitionheldrecentlyinPikeville,Ky.TheEnlowForkdeepmineislocatedin WashingtonandGreenecounties. CONSOLEnergyhad14teamscompetinginthethreedayKentuckyminerescueexercise whichfeatured32totalteamsfromsevendifferentstates.TeamsfromWestVirginia,Virginia, Pennsylvania,Ohio,Kentucky,IllinoisandAlabamacompetedintheevent. MembersoftheEnlowForkteamincludeToddDeWitt,BrandonDorsey,JoshuaClark, GavenVerbosky,TonySable,GregThornandAndyNeff. TheEnlowForkGoldteamalsoearnedthirdplaceoverallhonorsintheVirginiaMining InstituteSafetyDayseventheldinBlacksburg,Va.,earlierthismonth.Atotalof30teamsfromsix states,includingVirginia,WestVirginia,Pennsylvania,Kentucky,TennesseeandIllinoiscompetedin theVirginiacompetition, IndividualhonorswerealsoearnedbyCONSOLemployeesatboththeKentuckyandthe Virginiaevents. InKentucky,KeithRichardson,Buchanan,earnedsecondplaceintheBenchBG4 competitionKevinBee,Blacksville,third,BenchBG4competitionJasonPaugh,Blacksville,first place,firstaidcompetitionCurtHuffman,EnlowFork,secondplace,preshiftcompetitionandMark Pauley,GaryRichardsonandJohnVance,allfromCoalRiver,first,secondandthirdplace, respectively,intheBenchBiopakcompetition. InVirginia,JasonPaugh,Blacksville,earnedfirstplaceinthefirstaidcompetitionTyler RichardsonandKeithRichardson,bothfromBuchanan,earnedfirstandsecondplacerespectivelyin theBenchBG4competitionAnthonySable,EnlowFork,wonthirdplaceintheBenchBG4 competitionCurtHoffman,EnlowFork,wonthirdinthepreshiftcompetitionGaryRichardson,John VanceandMarkPauley,allfromCoalRiver,earnedfirst,secondandthirdplace,respectivelyinthe BenchBiopakcompetition. DeadlineExtendedForDEPSmallBusinessAdvantageGrants TheDepartmentofEnvironmentalProtectionThursdayannouncedthedeadlineforPennsylvania smallbusinessownerstoapplyforDEP'sSmallBusinessAdvantageGrantshasbeenextendedto October8. Thedeadlinehasbeenextendedtoensurethatasmanysmallbusinessesaspossiblecanbenefit fromthisworthwhileopportunity.

Businessescanapplyfor50percentmatchingfundsofupto$9,500toadoptoracquire energyefficientorpollutionpreventionequipmentorprocedures. Applicantsmustbeaforprofitcorporation,limitedliabilitycorporation,partnership,sole proprietorshiporotherlegalentitywith100orfewerfulltimeemployees.Thegrantsupportedproject mustbelocatedinPennsylvania,beownedbytheapplicantandsavethebusinessatleast25percent plus$500inannualenergyconsumptionorinpollutionhandlingorpreventionrelatedexpenses. Applicantsmaybemanufacturers,retailers,serviceproviders,miningoperatorsoragricultural businesses.EligibleprojectsincludeHVACandboilerupgrades,highefficiencylighting,solvent recoverysystems,wasterecyclingsystemsandauxiliarypowerunitsdeployedasantiidlingtechnology fortrucks. FundingiseligibleforcostsincurredbetweenJuly8,2013andJune30,2014. Formoreinformation,visitDEPsSmallBusinessAdvantageGrantProgramwebpage. Lt.GovSaysFederalClimateChangePolicyCostingJobsInIndianaCounty Lt.Gov.JimCawleyTuesdaytouredSpecialtyTiresofAmericainIndianaandlearnedhowtheWhite HousesClimateChangePlanishinderingeffortstocreatejobsthere. The98yearoldcompanymakesspecialtytiresforlightaircraft,industrialvehicles,farm equipmentandcoalminingoperations.However,newcarbonemissionstandardsfromthefederal EnvironmentalProtectionAgencyhaveimpactedtheminingindustry,whichhasreducedordersfor SpecialtyTires. TheObamaAdministrationhaseffectivelydeclaredawaroncoalandweareseeingcasualties righthereinIndiana.WhensomanyPennsylvaniansarelookingforwork,governmentshouldnotbe standingintheway,Cawleysaid. Lastyear,Gov.TomCorbettgave$114,000instateaidtohelpSpecialtyTiresreconfigureits existingfacilityandexpanditsproductionlines.Themoveswouldhelpthecompanyretain400 positionsandcreateasmanyas40newjobs. However,thestrugglingeconomy,coupledwiththestricterenvironmentalstandards,hastaken atollandthecompanyinsteadhadtolayoffworkers. Gov.CorbettandIwanttohelpcompanieslikeSpecialtyTiresexpandandgrow.Butwe needthefederalgovernmenttobeapartnerinjobcreation,notanopponent,Cawleysaid. CawleynotedthatgreenhousegasemissionsintheUnitedStatesaretrendingdownwardand arebackto1994levels,whileglobalemissionsaregrowinginothercountriessuchasChina. Cleaningupemissionsrequiresaglobalresponsetobemeaningfulandmustnotputournation atanevengreatercompetitivedisadvantage,Cawleysaid. DCNROffersPublicOnlineSurveyOnStateForestManagement DepartmentofConservationandNaturalResourcesActingSecretaryEllenFerrettiMondayinvitedthe publictotakeanonlinesurveytoinformtheBureauofForestryasitpreparesanupdatetotheState ForestResourceManagementPlan. Theplan,revisedabouteveryfiveyears,chartsthecourseformanagingthe2.2millionacre stateforestsystemforavarietyofvaluesandresources.

Managementofourstateforestsystemisaneverchangingundertaking,asthereareconstantly newchallengesandbestpractices,Ferrettisaid.Hearingfromthepublicaswebeginupdatingour plangivesusinsightsintotheirneedsandconcernsrelatedtotheforestsothatwecanadaptour managementstrategies. The23questionsurveytakesabout10minutestocomplete.Itisintendedtogatherinsights intomanagementprioritiesandpractices,valuesandusesofstateforests. ThesurveyisavailableontheDCNRwebsiteandwillalsobeemailedtoseveralthousand peopleonthedepartmentsvariousstakeholderlists.ThedeadlinetotaketheonlinesurveyisOct.31. OpportunitiesforpublicinputonadraftoftheStateForestResourceManagementPlanwill includewrittencommentsandpublicmeetingsthroughout2014. Thedepartmentoffersmanyopportunitiesforpublicengagementduringourplanningprocess, includingsubmittingwrittencomments,workingwithstakeholders,andaseriesofpublicmeetingsthat areheldacrossthestatetocommentonthedraftplan,Ferrettisaid.Thisprocessisachancefor citizenstoprovidetheirinsightsonourmanagementactivitiesbeforeweputtheminplace. DCNRmanagesthestateforestsforsoundecosystems,retainingtheirwildcharacter, maintainingbiologicaldiversity,providingcleanwaterandhabitatsforplantsandanimals,emphasizing opportunitiesforrecreation,providingsustainedyieldsofqualitytimber,andensuringenvironmentally soundutilizationofmineralresources. ClickHeretotakethesurvey. AccessibilityDayForWoundedWarriors,FamiliesAtPinchotStateParkSept.7 Kayaking,biking,fishingandotheroutdooractivitiesdonthavetobeofflimitsforPennsylvanias woundedservicemembersandveterans,thankstoaspecialeventfromthePennsylvaniaParks& ForestsFoundationandGiffordPinchotStateParkinYorkCounty. PinchotOutdoorsDayTheOutdoorsisforEveryone!isafreedayforservicemembersand theirfamiliestotryaccessibleformsofrecreation,improvetheirskillsandenjoyPennsylvaniasgreat outdoors. ThemilitaryoutdoorsdaywillbeheldonSeptember7,atGiffordPinchotStateParkinthe ConewagoDayUseareafrom10:00a.m.to3:00p.m. PPFFPresidentMarciMowerysays,Parksandforestsareagreatwaytoconnectwithfamily andfriendsandhavealsobeenshowntoimprovehealthandreducestress.Wewantedtosupportthe menandwomenwhohaveservedbycreatingadayoffunandcreatingmemories. Mowerysaysshebelievesthiswiderangingeventwillbethefirstofitskindatastateparkin Pennsylvania,andhopestomakeitanannualaffair. Activitiesincludehandcycling,adaptivekayaking,flyfishing,discgolf,hiking,yoga,childrens games,painting,therapyhorses,outdoorphotography,campfirecooking,naturejournaling,geocaching, rowingandmore. Expertsinaccessiblerecreation,suchastheTwoTopMountainAdaptiveSportsFoundation andHeroesontheWaterwillbeonhandforinstructionandsupport.Participantsarealsowelcometo bringtheirowngear. Inadditiontotheactivitiestherewillbedemonstrationsbyserviceandsearchandrescuedogs andpresentationsonoutdoorsafety,handsonactivitiesandgamesforchildrenandmorethan20

exhibitors.Exhibitsrangefromoutdoorrecreationalopportunitiestobenefitsinformationthatmightbeof interesttoattendees. TheeventismadepossibleinpartbysupportfromtheDepartmentofCommunityand EconomicDevelopmentandtheDepartmentofConservationandNaturalResources,andthroughthe supportofvariouslocalbusinesses. Forthosewhowishtogetinvolved,volunteersarestillneededforvariousjobsattheevent. LastminuteexhibitorsarealsowelcometocontacttheFoundationaboutparticipating. Forinformation,visitPAParks&ForestsFoundationwebsiteorcheckouttheFoundations Facebookpage. NextSouthMountainSpeakerProgramToFocusOnBees,PollinatorsSept.12 Bees,waspsandotherpollinatorswillbethetopicofthenextlectureintheSouthMountainSpeakers SeriesonSeptember12,atWilsonCollegeinFranklinCounty. ThisisthefourthyearfortheSouthMountainSpeakersSeries,envisionedasarevivalofthe talksgivenbyJosephRothrockinthelate19thcenturyaspartofhisworktopreserveandrestore Pennsylvaniasforestsandnaturallandscape. Septembersdiscussion,entitled"BeeWell:NativePollinatorsandtheWorkingLandscapesof SouthMountain,beginsat7p.m.intheBrooksScienceCenterAuditorium,atWilsonCollege,1015 PhiladelphiaAve.,Chambersburg.Itisfreeandopentothepublic. Bees,waspsandothernativepollinatorsprovidecriticalservicestotheSouthMountain ecosystems,AllenDieterichWard,associateprofessorofhistoryatShippensburgUniversityandthe chairofthecommitteeonthespeakerseries,said.Weinvitecitizenstolearnmoreaboutthepollinators ofourregionandwhatwecandotohelpmaintainandincreasepopulationsoftheseessentialinsects. ThelecturewillbegivenbyAlexSurcia,horticulturalconsultantwiththeCumberlandValley CooperativeAssociation. Followinghistalk,hellbejoinedonapanelbyConnieSchmotzer,PennStateCooperative ExtensioneducatorinYorkCounty,andMargaretEppig,directorofMiddleSchoolProgramsforthe MarylandAgriculturalEducationFoundation. ThelectureissponsoredbyWilsonCollege,CumberlandValleyCooperativeAssociation, AppalachianTrailConservancy,DepartmentofConservationandNaturalResourcesandtheSouth MountainPartnership. NextProgramOctober24 TheremaininglecturethisyearwillbeheldOctober24atShippensburgUniversityandwill focusonCrimesAgainstNature:ConservationLawandtheHistoryofWildlifeProtectionintheSouth MountainRegion. TheSouthMountainPartnershipisagroupofcitizens,businesses,nonprofitorganizations, academicinstitutionsandgovernmentrepresentativesinAdams,Cumberland,FranklinandYork counties,workingtogethertoprotectandenhancethelandscape. ThepartnershipwassparkedbyDCNRsConservationLandscapeInitiative,aneffortto engagecommunities,localpartnersandstateagenciesandidentifyfundingopportunitiestoconserve highqualitynaturalandculturalresourceswhileenhancingtheregionseconomicviability. SouthMountainisa400,000acreregionthatliesatthenorthernendoftheBlueRidge

Mountains. SomeoftheearlierlecturesinthespeakerseriescannowbefoundonYouTube. Formoreinformationaboutthespeakerseries,visittheSouthMountainPartnershipblogorcall theAppalachianTrailConservancyat7172585771. LaborDayKicksOffCenturyOfElkInPennsylvania Yearafteryear,LaborDayweekendkicksoffaperiodofincreasedactivityonPennsylvania'selk range. Aselkbeginrampinguptheirroutinesaheadofpeakbuglingseason,visitorsflockingreater numberstoareaswheretheycanseethewildspectacleunfold. Inatypicalyear,anestimated75,000to100,000peoplevisitElkCountyaloneduringthe twomonthspanbetweenLaborDayandHalloween. But2013isn'tatypicalyearinregardtoPennsylvania'selk.Rather,it'sanextraordinaryone. Thisyearmarksthe100thanniversaryofeffortstorestoreelktoPennsylvania,andin commemorationofthatlandmarkanniversary,specialeventsareplannedeachweekendthrough ColumbusDayatsitesontheelkrange. Withtheaddedattractionsandexcitementovertheanniversary,it'shardtosayhowmany peoplemightmakePennsylvania'selkcountryadestinationthisyear.Butthereseemsthisyeartobe evenmoreofabuzzthanusualsurroundingbuglingseason,PennsylvaniaGameCommissionExecutive DirectorCarlG.Roesaid. "Ifyou'veevermadeatriptotheelkrangeinautumnandbeenapartofthoseenormous crowds,it'shardtoimagineyoucouldaddmoreexcitementtothemix,"Roesaid."Butthatseemstobe thecasethisyear.Withtheanniversarygoingon,andeventstakingplaceeachweekend,thingsare buildingtoafeverpitch." Thosewhomakeweekendtripstotheelkrangethisfallwillhaveanopportunitytotakepartin severaltoursofstategamelandsinhopesofseeingelkorhearingthembugle.Sometoursareby vehicle,whileothersarebybicycleandgofartheroffthebeatenpath.There'salsoanelkviewinghike setforSeptember21. PerformancesbyVanWagner,anawardwinningeducatorandmusician,tellthestoryofthe elk'scomebackinPennsylvania,andotherwisecelebratethestate'sruralheritage. ThecorraltrapusedintheGameCommission'sinitiativetocaptureelkandexpandtheoverall rangeoftheherdwillbeondisplaythroughColumbusDay.And,asalways,there'ssomethingfor everyoneattheElkCountryVisitorCenternearBenezette. Differenteventsarescheduledondifferentweekends,andatdifferenttimes.Forafullschedule ofevents,visittheGameCommissions100thAnniversaryPAElkRestorationwebpage. Roesaidthatwhilethosemakingthetriptotheelkrangethisyearwillbetreatedtosomething extrawiththeseevents,theelkthemselvesremaintherealattraction.There'sreallynothinglikethe displayofabullelkmovinginatcloserangeandpiercingthebriskmorningairwithacloudofvapor andanearsplittingbugle,hesaid. Withtheherdnowcontainingmorethan850animalslivinginpartsoffivenorthcentral Pennsylvaniacounties,there'sasbroadachanceaseverforvisitorstotakeinthosesightsandsounds. It'saremarkablecontrasttotheeraofmorethanacenturyago,whenelkfoundthemselves

eliminatedfromtheirnaturalrangeinPennsylvaniaandtherestoftheNortheast,Roesaid.That turnaroundisareasonforcelebration,hesaid. "Onehundredyearslater,there'snoarguingthatelkrestorationhereinPennsylvaniahasbeen aboutassuccessfulascouldpossiblybeexpected,"Roesaid."It'ssomethingeveryPennsylvaniancan beproudof." ElkinPennsylvania Historically,elkinhabitedmuchofPennsylvania.Butasmoreofthestatewassettled,theelk populationdeclined. Bythelate1800s,Pennsylvania'selkwereeliminatedfromtheirlaststrongholdinareasaround ElkCounty.Andbythetimethe=GameCommissionlaunchedanefforttoreintroduceelkto Pennsylvania,theanimalshadbeengonefromthestateforabout50years. Between1913and1926,theGameCommissionreleased177elkintoPennsylvania'swilds. Andtheelkthatliveheretodayaretheprogenyofthoseanimals. AthreeyeartrapandtransferprogramlaunchedbytheGameCommissionin1998expanded theelk'srangefrom350to800squaremiles,allowingtheherdtogrow.Andaggressivemanagementof habitatforelkalsohashelpedtoboostthenumberofelk,andsteerelkintoareaswheretheyareless likelytohaveconflictswithpeople. Today,Pennsylvania'selkherdcontainsbetween850and900animalslivinginpartsofElk, Cameron,Clinton,PotterandClearfieldcountiesinthenorthcentralpartofthestate. Andacenturyafterthefirstreintroductioneffortsbegan,theelk'srestorationrepresentsoneofthegreat successesinwildlifeconservationhistory. Formoreinformation,visittheGameCommissions100YearsofRestoringElkinPA webpage. SeptemberPAWildsNewsletterNowAvailable TheSeptemberissueofthePAWildsNewsfromtheoutdoorrecreationindustryinthePAWilds Regionisnowavailable. OpportunityToBidOnDEPWellPluggingProjectInVenangoCounty TheDepartmentofEnvironmentalProtectionpublishednoticeofanopportunitytobidonaoilandgas wellpluggingprojectinVenangoCounty. JayMoyerAppointedDEPSmallBusinessOmbudsman TheDepartmentofEnvironmentalProtectionhasappointedJayR.MoyerasitsSmallBusiness OmbudsmanwhoservesastheprimaryadvocateforsmallbusinesseswithinDEP. Hecanassistsmallbusinessesinrealizingthepotentialcostssavingsofpollutionprevention versuspollutioncontrol.Heisthepointpersonforsmallbusinessesthatneedassistancewith complianceissuesorarelookingforfundingortechnicalassistance. MoyeralsohelpstoadministerDEPspopularsmallbusinessadvantagegrantprogram.This programisinits10thyearofprovidinggrantsforsmallbusinesspollutionpreventionandenergy

efficiencyprojects. TheSBAGprogramisafirstcome,firstservedgrantprovidingupto50percent reimbursementgrantsuptoamaximumof$9500toenablesmallbusinessesinPennsylvaniatoadoptor acquireenergyefficientorpollutionpreventionequipmentorprocesses. Aneligibleapplicantmustbeaforprofitsmallbusinesswhosebusinessorfacilityislocated withinPennsylvania,andhas100orfewerfulltimeemployees.Theprojectmustalsoresultinatleast 25percentplus$500savingsinannualenergyconsumptionorinpollutionhandlingorpreventionrelated expenses. Applicantsmaybemanufacturers,retailers,serviceproviders,miningoperatorsoragricultural businesses.EligibleprojectsincludeHVACandboilerupgrades,highefficiencylighting,solvent recoverysystems,wasterecyclingsystemsandauxiliarypowerunitsdeployedasantiidlingtechnology fortrucks. TocontacttheDEPSmallBusinessOmbudsmansoffice,call7177728909,orsendemailto: jaymoyer@pa.gov.

Your2Cents:IssuesOnAdvisoryCommitteeAgendas
Thissectiongivesyouacontinuouslyupdatedthumbnailsketchofissuestobeconsideredinupcoming advisorycommitteemeetingswheretheagendashavebeenreleased September10CANCELED.DEPStorageTankAdvisoryCommitteemeeting.Thenextscheduled meetingisDecember3.(formalnotice) September10DelawareRiverBasinCommissionholdsahearingonproposedchangestowater quality,watercodeandtheDRBCComprehensiveWaterplanrelatedtoPCBs.Agenda& Background.GoddardConferenceRoom,DRBC,25StatePoliceDr.,WestTrenton,NJ.1:00. (formalnotice) September1112DelawareRiverBasinCommissionhearing/meetingClickHereforupdated agendainformation.TheEnterpriseCenter,BurlingtonCountyCollege,3331Route38,MountLaurel, NJ.(formalnotice+tentativeagenda) September17EnvironmentalQualityBoardmeeting.Room105RachelCarsonBuilding.9:00. September17DEPCitizensAdvisoryCouncilmeeting.Room105RachelCarsonBuilding.11:00. September17DEPBoardofCoalMineSafetymeeting.DEPMineRescueTrainingFacility,286 IndustrialParkRoad,Ebensburg.10:00. September17DEPEnvironmentalJusticeAdvisoryBoardmeeting.DelawareRoom,16thFloor RachelCarsonBuilding.8:30.

September1819DEPOilandGasTechnicalAdvisoryBoardAct13drillingregulationupdate subcommitteemeetingsonpublicresourceprotection,prehydraulicfracturingassessment,waste managementatwellsitesandwatersupplyrestorationstandards.Room105,RachelCarsonState OfficeBuilding,400MarketStreet,Harrisburg.10:00September18,8:30September19.(formal notice) September19NEW.SusquehannaRiverBasinCommissionmeeting.BinghamtonStateOffice Building,18thFloor,44HawleySt.,Binghamton,NY.9:00.(formalnotice) RecognitionofPaulSwartz,appointmentofAndrewDehoffasnewexecutivedirector Waterwithdrawalrequests <>ClickHereforavailablehandouts. September26DEPSolidWasteAdvisoryCommitteeandRecyclingFundAdvisoryCommitteejoint meeting.Room105RachelCarsonBuilding.10:00..(formalnotice) ConsiderationofRecyclingFundspendingplan. <>ClickHereforavailablehandouts. October4DEPLowLevelRadioactiveWasteAdvisoryCommitteemeeting.Room105Rachel CarsonBuilding.10:00. October8DEPClimateChangeAdvisoryCommitteemeetingRoom105RachelCarsonBuilding. 10:00. ClickHereforlinkstoDEPsAdvisoryCommitteewebpages. DEPCalendarofEvents[VisitDEPsnewandimprovedCalendar]

Grants&Awards
Thissectiongivesyouaheadsuponupcomingdeadlinesforawardsandgrantsandotherrecognition programs.NEWmeansnewfromlastweek. September5PAParks&ForestsFoundationPhotoContest September15CFAHighPerformanceBuildingFunding September15CFAAlternative,CleanEnergyFunding September16FirstEnergyEducationGrants September25HeenanPARecyclingMarketsDevelopmentAward September30DEPRecyclingPerformanceGrant September30ProjectLearningTreeClassroomGrants October8Extended.DEPSmallBusinessAdvantageGrants October21DEPCoastalZoneManagementGrants October23PEMAFireCompany&AmbulanceServicesGrants

October25Berks,LebanonWatershedImprovementGrants October30SchuylkillActionNetworkPhotoContest October31PRCLensOnLitterContest October31DCNRWildResourceConservationPhotoContest November13PennVESTWaterInfrastructureFinancing December31DEPPASunshineRebates(orbeforeiffundsrunout) February1SusquehannaGreenwayPhotoContest February19PennVESTWaterInfrastructureFinancing May1KeepPABeautifulSueWisemanStudentScholarship May14PennVESTWaterInfrastructureFinancing VisittheDEPGrantsandLoanProgramswebpageformoreideasonhowtogetfinancialassistance forenvironmentalprojects.

Budget/QuickClips
Here'saselectionofNewClipsonenvironmentaltopicsfromaroundthestate BillsToChangeEndangeredSpeciesLawTriggerDebate PanelsTakeTestimonyOnEndangeredSpeciesProtection PACouldLose$27MIfEndangeredSpeciesBillsBecomeLaw KrancerCallsEndangeredSpeciesBillsSensibleChanges OpEd:FateOfPAEndangeredSpeciesAtRisk CorbettsPollNumbersContinueToSlide Budget DCNRFueledWithNaturalGasDrillingRevenue Other FacilityEducates,ProvidesAccessToSusquehanna HazletonStudentsCouldGetGasClassPaidByCabot CovantaSigns20YearNewYorkCityWasteContract SlipperyRockHelpsBusinessesGoGreen SilverSpringTwp.HostsConservationByDesign NeighborsClaimGreenePowerPlantPollutionNuisance ResidentsSueHatfieldsFerryPowerPlant CourtThrowsOutChallengeToPPLPowerLine Rep.Snyder:Gas,CoalIndustriesBothVital DallasStudentsGetPropanePoweredSchoolBusses TMIReactorToRemainLockedAwayForDecades FedsSeekPublicInputOnTMIDecommissioning Aug.28PublicMeetingOnTMIUnitDecommissioning DamagedTMIUnitToBeDecommissionedIn2034 DismantlingTMIEstimatedToCost$918Million NRCSpotsProblemDuringBeaverValleyNuclearDrill

Editorial:PoliticsAndRadioactiveWaste LIHEAPRecipientsToGetExtra$200InHeatingAid ColumbiaBoroughEyesBecomingElectricalSupplier DEPAttemptsToSuppressClimateActionPlanReport DiscussionAtRidgeCenterFocusesOnClimateChange PALogsDropInVehicleMilesDriven LawmakerWouldTaxPlasticBags InnovatorToReshapeAlleghenyCountyHealthDept. LuzerneFarmlandPreservedByStateProgram BuffaloTwp.ParkUpdatesContingentOnDCNRGrant MunicipalitiesPoolResourcesForRecreationAlongSusquehanna HemlockAttackingInsectFoundInWarrenCounty PoolWildlifeSanctuaryTrailForVisuallyImpaired BikersHelpPreserveCountrysideConservancyGreenSpace SomersetCountyToStudyTrailLinkToFlight93Site CollegesBecomingHookedOnCompetitiveFishing GameCommissionReactsToSundayHuntingLawsuit Editorial:KeepBanOnSundayHunts FranklinInstituteRedTailedHawkReleasedToWild EaglesNestDisappearsInLancasterCounty ElkSightingsInArmstrongTriggerMigrationConcerns DeerPoseBiggestThreatToForest,NotClimateChange

MarcellusShaleNewsClips
HereareNewsClipsontopicsrelatedtoMarcellusShalenaturalgasdrilling DEPMovesDrillingRulesCloserToReality EQBOKsDraftDrillingRegulationsForComment EnvironmentalProtectionFromDrillersDebated ChesapeakeAppalachiaToPay$7.5MToSettleRoyaltyLawsuit LegislationInTheWorksToAddressGasRoyaltyConcerns Report:DrillingCompaniesCheatingPAOutOfPromisedBillions HealthStudyOfFrackingShowsEarlySurprises StudyLooksAtDrillingHealthImpacts DCNRApproachToDrillingOnStateForestLands CorbettSaysShellMakingPositiveProgressOnCrackerPlant ShellSeeksEthaneForProposedPACrackerPlant Rep.Snyder:Gas,CoalIndustriesBothVital PAMarcellusShaleJobCreationClaimsOverstated? CONSOLDetailsPlansForPittsburghAirportDrilling CONSOLDetailsPlansForDrillingAtPittsburghAirport

Editorial:DrillingInParksOnCaseByCaseBasis HazletonStudentsCouldGetGasClassPaidByCabot PennStateSeeksMarcellusWaterTestingFunds SusquehannaCountyShaleGasAndOilSweetSpot LessAppetiteForShaleLands ToomeyToutsNaturalGasIndustry Financial/OtherStates FacilityEducates,ProvidesAccessToSusquehanna Editorial:ToMakeSaudisCry,SayMarcellus NewYorkFrackingBansUnderCourtReview

Flooding/WatershedNewsClips
HereareNewsClipsonwatershedtopicsfromaroundthestate Flooding PittsburghMunicipalitiesPrepareDisasterDeclarationsAfterStorms FloodingStrandsSomeArmstrongCountyResidents FloodingReportedInIndiana,WestmorelandCounties HeavyRainsCauseKiskiValleyFlooding HeavyStormsFloodRoadsInLehighValley OtherWatershedNewsClips StreamRestorationProjectsUnderwayOnMillCreek NewParkOnHBGCityIslandTellsSusquehannasStory ToughRulesUrgedToCombatLakeErieAlgae

Regulations,TechnicalGuidance&Permits
ThePublicUtilityCommissionpublishedafinalorderrelatedtotransmissionservicecharge reconciliation(PABulletinpage5045). PennsylvaniaBulletinAugust31,2013 ProposedRegulationsOpenForCommentDEPwebpage ProposedRegulationsWithClosedCommentPeriodsDEPwebpage DEPRegulatoryAgendaDEPwebpage

TechnicalGuidance&Permits
TheDepartmentofEnvironmentalProtectionpublishednoticeofanopportunitytocommentona

coastalzonefederalconsistencydeterminationforaprojectatthePhiladelphiaNavyYardAnnex. TechnicalGuidanceCommentDeadlinesDEPwebpage RecentlyClosedCommentPeriodsForTechnicalGuidanceDEPwebpage TechnicalGuidanceRecentlyFinalizedDEPwebpage CopiesofFinalTechnicalGuidanceDEPwebpage

CalendarOfEvents
Upcominglegislativemeetings,conferences,workshops,pluslinkstootheronlinecalendars.Meetings areinHarrisburgunlessotherwisenoted.NEWmeansnewfromlastweek.GototheonlineCalendar webpage. ClickonAgendaReleasedoncalendarentriestoseetheNEWmeetingagendaspublishedthisweek. September10CANCELED.DEPStorageTankAdvisoryCommitteemeeting.Thenextscheduled meetingisDecember3.(formalnotice) September10DelawareRiverBasinCommissionholdsahearingonproposedchangestowater quality,watercodeandtheDRBCComprehensiveWaterplanrelatedtoPCBs.Agenda& Background.GoddardConferenceRoom,DRBC,25StatePoliceDr.,WestTrenton,NJ.1:00. (formalnotice) September1112DelawareRiverBasinCommissionhearing/meetingClickHereforupdated agendainformation.TheEnterpriseCenter,BurlingtonCountyCollege,3331Route38,MountLaurel, NJ.(formalnotice+tentativeagenda) September13SenateGameandFisheriesCommitteeholdsahearingonelkmanagementandthe 100thanniversaryofthereintroductionofelkintoPennsylvania.ElkCountyVisitorsCenter,Benezette. 2:00. September17EnvironmentalQualityBoardmeeting.Room105RachelCarsonBuilding.9:00. September17DEPCitizensAdvisoryCouncilmeeting.Room105RachelCarsonBuilding.11:00. September17DEPBoardofCoalMineSafetymeeting.DEPMineRescueTrainingFacility,286 IndustrialParkRoad,Ebensburg.10:00. September17DEPEnvironmentalJusticeAdvisoryBoardmeeting.DelawareRoom,16thFloor

RachelCarsonBuilding.8:30. September1819DEPOilandGasTechnicalAdvisoryBoardAct13drillingregulationupdate subcommitteemeetingsonpublicresourceprotection,prehydraulicfracturingassessment,waste managementatwellsitesandwatersupplyrestorationstandards.Room105,RachelCarsonState OfficeBuilding,400MarketStreet,Harrisburg.10:00September18,8:30September19.(formal notice) September19NEW.SusquehannaRiverBasinCommissionmeeting.BinghamtonStateOffice Building,18thFloor,44HawleySt.,Binghamton,NY.9:00.(formalnotice) September26DEPSolidWasteAdvisoryCommitteeandRecyclingFundAdvisoryCommitteejoint meeting.Room105RachelCarsonBuilding.10:00..(formalnotice) September30EnvironmentalIssuesForum,JointLegislativeAirandWaterPollutionControland ConservationCommitteewillfeatureDr.DavidJ.Nowak,Ph.D,projectleaderfortheUSDAForest ServicesNorthernResearchStation,willdiscusstheagencysinnovativeiTreeprogramandhow communitiescangethelpinplanninghowbesttomaketreesworkforthem.RoomG50IrvisBuilding, Noon. October4DEPLowLevelRadioactiveWasteAdvisoryCommitteemeeting.Room105Rachel CarsonBuilding.10:00. October8DEPClimateChangeAdvisoryCommitteemeetingRoom105RachelCarsonBuilding. 10:00. October18CANCELED.SenateandHouseGameandFisheriesCommitteesholdajointhearing onuseofLakeEriepermitfundsandFishandBoatCommissionfeeexpansions.ErieYachtClub,1 RavineDrive,Erie.9:00. October21EnvironmentalIssuesForum,JointLegislativeAirandWaterPollutionControland ConservationCommitteewillfeaturePennsylvaniahydrogeologistBruceLeavittwilldiscusshisback tothefuturetechnologyknownastrompetechnology,datingbacktothe16thcenturythathehas rediscoveredandisusingtoremediateacidminedrainageinanenergysaving,costefficientand effectiveway.(LTBA). DEPCalendarofEvents[VisitDEPsnewandimprovedCalendar] Note:TheEnvironmentalEducationWorkshopCalendarisnolongeravailablefromthePACenterfor EnvironmentalEducationbecausefundingfortheCenterwaseliminatedintheFY201112state budget.ThePCEEwebsitewasalsoshutdown,butsomecontentwasmovedtothePAAssociationof EnvironmentalEducators'website.

SenateCommitteeScheduleHouseCommitteeSchedule YoucanwatchtheSenateFloorSessionandHouseFloorSessionliveonline.

StoriesInvited
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