PAEnvironmentDigest

AnUpdateOnEnvironmentalIssuesInPA
EditedBy:DavidE.Hess,CrisciAssociates

Winner2009PAEEBusinessPartnerOfTheYearAward

Harrisburg,PaSeptember22,2014

DEPCitizensAdvisoryCouncilRecognizesPatLupo,OSBOfErie

TuesdaytheCitizensAdvisoryCounciltotheDepartmentof
EnvironmentalProtectionrecognizedPatLupo,OSBfromErie,forher
26yearsofdedicatedserviceonCouncil.PathasservedonCouncil
sinceherinitialappointmentbyGov.RobertP.Caseyin1988.
PatslongstandingcommitmenttotheCACanditsmissionis
unprecedented,TerryDayton,CACChairman,stated.Pats
leadershiponenvironmentaleducation,stewardshipandconservation,
basedonherexperienceinNorthwestPennsylvania,werevitalinguiding
Councilspriorities.Councilwillmissherenthusiasmanddedication
whichinfluencedanumberofimportantCouncilinitiatives.
PathasbeeninvolvedinenvironmentalissuesinPennsylvaniaforoverfortyyears.Amember
oftheBenedictineSistersofErie,shereceivedherM.Ed.inScienceEducationfromClarionUniversity
andtaughtover20yearsattheelementaryandhighschoollevelsbeforeherinvolvementinanumberof
nonprofitenvironmentalorganizations,includingEnvironmentErie,wheresheservedasEducation
Director.
InadditiontoherservicetotheCAC,Pathasservedandcontinuestoserveonmanyboardsof
environmentallyorientedorganizationsandhasbeenrecognizedatthelocal,state,nationaland
internationallevelsforherworkinenvironmentaleducationandconservation.
Councilreliesonthecommitmentofdedicatedindividualstoaccomplishitsmissionand
objectives,Daytonnoted.CouncilmemberswillinglyvolunteertheirtimeandserviceontheCACto
helpguideandshapeenvironmentalpolicyinPennsylvania.Patsserviceofover26yearstotheCAC
isremarkableandexemplifiesherpassiontoensureourCommonwealthsnaturalresourcesare
preservedforgenerationstocome.
TheCACwasestablishedbythesamelawthatcreatedDEPspredecessor,theDepartmentof
EnvironmentalResources,in1971.Councilplaysanintegralroleinhelpingtoshapeenvironmental
policyintheCommonwealthbyhighlightingthoseissuesthataremostimportanttothestatescitizens.
Its18appointedmembersreviewtheagencysworkandmakerecommendationstotheDEP
secretary,GovernorandGeneralAssembly.AppointmentstoserveontheCACrestwiththe
Governor,thePresidentProTemporeoftheSenate,andtheSpeakeroftheHouseofRepresentatives.
ThecouncilsofficeislocatedintheRachelCarsonStateOfficeBuildinginHarrisburg.
Formoreinformation,visittheCouncilswebsiteorcall7177874527.

RelatedStory
DEPCitizensAdvisoryCouncilReceivesUpdateOnOilAndGasProgram

DEPFinesRangeResources$4.15MillionForViolatingEnvironmentalRegulations

TheDepartmentofEnvironmentalProtectionThursdayannouncedithassignedawiderangingconsent
orderandagreementwithRangeResourcesforviolationsatsixofitsWashingtonCounty
impoundments.
Theconsentorderrequiresthecompanytopaya$4.15millionfine,thelargestagainstanoil
andgasoperatorinthestatesshaledrillingera,closefiveimpoundmentsandupgradetwoother
impoundmentstomeetheightenednextgenerationstandardscurrentlyunderdevelopmentatDEP.
ThisactionreaffirmstheadministrationsunwaveringcommitmenttoprotectingPennsylvanias
soilandwaterresources,DEPSecretaryE.ChristopherAbruzzosaid.Thislandmarkconsentorder
establishesanew,higherbenchmarkforcompaniestomeetwhendesigningfutureimpoundments,which
isanenvironmentalwinforPennsylvania.
Violationsattheimpoundmentsincludevariousreleasesofcontaminants,suchasleaking
flowbackthataffectedsoilandgroundwater.Todatetherehasbeennoimpactondrinkingwaterfrom
anyoftheseimpoundments.
Undertheconsentorder,RangeResourceswillimmediatelybegintheclosureoftheHopewell
Township11(Lowry),CecilTownship23(Worstell),andKearnsimpoundments.RangeResources
willalsocontinuetheclosureoftheYeagerimpoundment.ThecompanymustclosetheHopewell
Township12(Bednarski)impoundmentbyApril1,2015.
Additionally,theconsentorderalsodirectsRangeResourcestoupgradetwoother
impoundments.ThelinersystemsattheChartiersTownship16(CarolBaker)andAmwellTownship
15(JonDay)impoundmentswillbecompletelyredesignedandrebuilttomeetnextgeneration
standardscurrentlyunderdevelopmentatDEP.
Whenupgradingthetwoimpoundments,RangeResourceswillinstallthickerlinersthanare
currentlyrequired,anelectricallyconductivegeomembranethatwillallowbetteridentificationof
potentialleaksandarealtimeleakdetectionsystem.
Rangewillalsofullyinvestigateandremediateanygroundwatercontaminationcausedbythe
previousoperationoftheimpoundments.
Anotherimpoundment,MountPleasantTownship17(Carter),willbelimitedtostoringonly
freshwaterforaslongasitremainsinservice.Rangewillalsoinstallagroundwatermonitoringwell
networkattheimpoundmentnowandwillperformanenvironmentalsiteassessmentatthis
impoundmentonceitispermanentlyclosed.
ThecompanywillberequiredtoreporttoDEPquarterlyontheprogressoftheshutdownand
remediationofthesites.
TheconsentorderalsorequiresRangeResourcestoimmediatelybeginsoilandgroundwater
investigationsateachoftheclosedimpoundmentstodeterminewhat,ifany,impacttherewasfromtheir
operationoftheimpoundments.Ifcontaminationisfound,thecompanyisrequiredtoremediatethe
sites.
Formoreinformation,call4124424000.
RangeResourcesStatement
RangeResourcesissuedthisstatementinresponsetoDEPsenforcementactionThursday
Appalachia,LLCpioneeredlargescalewaterrecyclingforshalegasdevelopmentin
Pennsylvaniain2009.Pennsylvanianowleadsthenationinshalewaterrecyclingandreuse.
Overtheyearsseveraliterationsoftechnologiesandbestpracticeshavebeendevelopedand
employedaspartoftheCompanyswatermanagementplan,includingtheuseofimpoundments
specificallyengineeredtomanagewater.
Rangediscoveredelevatedlevelsofchlorides,orsalt,atsomeolderfacilitiesinWashington
County,Pennsylvania.Furtherinvestigationsfoundelevatedchloridesinsomegroundwatermonitoring
systemsattheimpoundmentsandinthesoilbeneathsomeimpoundmentlinersystems,duetodamage
tothelinerandsomeminorsurfacespills.
BothRangesandthePennsylvaniaDepartmentofEnvironmentalProtections(DEP)
monitoringandtestinghavereconfirmedthattherehavebeennoimpactsondrinkingwatersupplies.
Again,whiletherehavebeennoimpactsondrinkingwatersupplies,theelevatedsaltsinthe
monitoringwellsatthelocationsdonotpresentahealthorsafetyrisk.
Testinghasconfirmedthatnoconstituentswerediscoveredinthemonitoringwellsat
concentrationsexceedinghealthbasedmaximumconcentrationlevels,asdeterminedbytheUnited
StatesEnvironmentalProtectionAgency.
PennsylvaniahasarobustregulatoryprogramandRangeacceptstheDEP'sactions,whichhas
resultedinasignedConsentOrderAgreementandanassociatedpenaltysettlement.
WhiletheCompanyisdeeplydisappointedthattheseviolationsoccurred,Rangeisexcitedto
implementnewlyestablishedbestpracticesandtechnologiesthathavebeenjointlydevelopedwiththe
DEPoverthelastseveralmonthsandyears.
Thesenewpracticesgoaboveandbeyondmorecomprehensivelandfillregulationsandnewly
proposedoilandgasimpoundmentstandardstopreventfutureissuesandcontinueleadingthenationin
waterrecycling.
Allnewfacilitieswillincorporatebestmanagementpracticesanddesignstandardstoinclude
thickerandbetterengineeredliners,newlydesignedleakdetectionsystemswithcapabilitiestoallowfor
preciseandimmediateleakdetection,asystemtoallowrealtimeremotemonitoring,leakprevention
redundanciesincludingalayerofgeosyntheticclaylinerthatactsasasealantintheeventofaleak,
onsitesecurity,continualmonitoringbytrainedexperts,andenhancedlocationsitingtoalleviate
possibletrafficissues.
TheCompanywillcontinuetoutilizetemporarypipelinestotransportwaterthatgreatlyreduce
trucktraffic,whichisanimportantconsiderationforthecommunitiesinwhichRangeworks.Thewater
storedinreuseimpoundmentsiscurrentlyablendoftreatedorfilteredflowbackwater,drillingand
producedwater,aswellasrainandfreshwater.
PartofRangesplanincludesthefollowing:closingfivelegacyimpoundmentsbytheendofthe
year,withonebeingclosedbyApril2015,upgradingtwoimpoundmentswiththesenewlyestablished
bestpractices,convertingonetoafreshwaterimpoundment,andconductingadditionalmonitoringand
testingofwaterandsoilsurroundingthelocations.
Someoftheseunderutilizedlocationshavebeenoutofserviceforseveralyearsandwereinthe
processofbeingreclaimed.
InadditiontoimplementingthesenewbestpracticesforimpoundmentsRangeistaking
additionalstepstobettermanagefreshwaterwithdrawals.Thisincludesreorganizingandrefocusing
specificemployeestoprovidegreatercoordinationandoversightofwatermanagementandregulatory
compliancematterstoprovidemoretimelycoordinationwiththeDEPalongwithcontinued
developmentofimprovementsinthiscriticalareaoftheCompanysoperations.
RangeistakingthesestepsafterdiscoveringthattheCompanydidnotproperlyadminister
certainprovisionsoftheCompanyswatermanagementplanrelatedtowithdrawalsalongcertain
waterways.
Rangehasreaffirmedthatthewithdrawalsdidnotimpactanyecosystemssinceallpassby
flowswereprotected,butinsomeinstancesexceededpermitteddailyandinstantaneouswithdrawals.
Impoundmentsandeffectivewatermanagementplayacriticalroleinwaterrecyclingandreuse
andwillcontinuetoserveinthisimportantcapacityforresponsibleshaledevelopment.
Rangeremainsfullycommittedtobeinggoodstewardsoftheenvironmentandinthe
communitieswheretheCompanyworksinordertofullymaximizethetremendousbenefitsthat
responsibleshaledevelopmentcanmeanfortheCommonwealthofPennsylvaniaandthenation.
DEPUpdatingEnforcementPolicy
ScottPerry,DEPDeputySecretaryForOilandGasManagement,toldDEPsCitizens
AdvisoryCouncilTuesdaytheagencyisnearlyfinishedupdatingitsenforcementpolicyfortheOiland
GasProgramandplanstoreleaseproposedrevisionsinOctober.
NewsClips:
RangeResourcesFined$4.1M,CloseOldDrillingImpoundments
DEPOrdersRangeResourcesToPay$4MillionFine
RangeResourcesHitWith$4MillionFine
RangeResourcesToPay$4MForViolations
ChevronMeetsShaleDrillingStandardsFromCSSD
ChevronGets1stOKFromSustainableDrillingGroup
LandmarkFrackingStudyFindsNoWaterPollution
Study:LeakyWells,NotFracking,TaintWater
StudyFindsFlawedWellCasings,NotFrackingTaintingWater
FrackingNotTheProblemOhioStateScientistFinds
Study:ResidentsCloserToGasWellsReportMoreHealthIssues
OpEd:WhatsPAHidingOnFrackingContamination?
Letter:DEPNotHidingFrackingContamination
OpEd:FrackingIsNotTheThreat
WPXEnergyAppealsFindingOfResponsibilityForPollutingWell
DonegalTwpFamiliesFightDrillerToGetCleanWater
PAFamiliesStruggleWithGasDrillingPollution
DrillingCompanyReappliesForWellNearMoraineStatePark
Editorial:DrillingPoolingLaws,YourRights

CenterForSustainableShaleDevelopmentCertifiesChevronUnderNewStandards

TheCenterforSustainableShaleDevelopmentThursdayannouncedithascertifiedChevron
Appalachia(Chevron)asthefirstcompanytosuccessfullycompletetheCenter'srigorousevaluation
andverificationprocess.
ChevronhasearnedfullCSSDcertificationagainstall15oftheCenter'sPerformance
StandardsthatserveasthefoundationforCSSD'srecentlyestablishedindependentthirdparty
evaluationandverificationprogram.Thesestandardscenteronoperationalperformanceaspartofthe
producer'senvironmentalstewardshipandcontinuousimprovementprocesses.
"Theawardingofcertificationrecognizeshundredsofhoursofdiligentandcarefulworkonthe
partofmanyatChevron,butalso,countlessothersfromenvironmentalorganizations,philanthropic
foundationsandotherenergycompanieswhodedicatedsomuchtodefineaprocessforsettingand
verifyingvoluntaryanduncompromisinglyhighperformanceexpectationsinshalegasdevelopment,"said
SusanLeGros,CSSDPresidentandExecutiveDirector."Thisachievementisabeginning,notonlyfor
thiscompany,butalsointhelargerefforttodemonstratethatthroughcollaboration,astrong
commitmenttoprudentandresponsiblepractices,andalongtermviewofenvironmentalstewardship,
wecanbuildonwhatwehavebegunwiththeinceptionofCSSD."
LikeanycompanythatearnsCSSDcertification,ChevronmustcontinuetoadheretoCSSD's
PerformanceStandardsintheAppalachianBasin,integratingCSSD'spubliclyavailablebestpractices
intothecompany'slongtermcontinuousimprovementprocess.CSSDwillmonitoradherenceand
continuetobuildandexpandonitsinitial15PerformanceStandards.
"WhiletheCenter'sstandardsarenotintendedtoreplaceexistingregulation,ourfocusisto
identifyenvironmentalstewardshipareaswherewecandefinestandardsthatmeetorexceedregulation,
andtoensurethatcompaniesthatqualifyforcertificationcontinuetomaintainthesestandards.Wewill
continuetocollaboratewithstakeholderswithdiverseperspectivestoidentifytransparent,prudentand
responsiblepracticesinshalegasdevelopment,"addedLeGros.
AComprehensiveProcess
ToearnitsCSSDcertification,Chevronconductedatwoyearpreparatoryprocessbasedon
CSSD'sinitial15PerformanceStandardsforairandwaterthatweredevelopedtoreflectleading
industrypracticesintheAppalachianBasin.
CSSDofficiallyopeneditscertificationprocessinJanuary2014,afterwhichChevronapplied
forinitialcertificationinApril2014.
TheevaluationandverificationprocesswascommencedbyauditorBureauVeritas,aglobal
leaderintesting,inspectionandcertificationundercontracttoCSSD.Theauditorconducteda
preaudittofamiliarizeitselfwithChevron'scomprehensivemanagementsystemanddetermineaudit
readinessofChevron'sAppalachianBasinoperations.
Afterthat,theauditteamconductedthefullscalecertificationauditinJune2014thatconsisted
ofindepthdocumentationreview,staffinterviewsatChevron'sofficesandafieldbasedcomponent
thatverifiedthatChevron'soperationalpracticeswereinconformancewithapplicablestandards.
InkeepingwithCSSD'sPerformanceVerificationProtocol,whichdetailsthefrequencyand
intensityofthefieldandauditactivities,theBureauVeritasauditteamvisited22Chevronsites(16in
southwesternPennsylvania,fourinWestVirginia,andtwoinOhio)thatrepresentedChevron's
geographicandoperationallocationsthroughouttheAppalachianBasin.
Oncetheauditwascomplete,BureauVeritassubmitteditsfindingsinareporttoCSSD.
CSSD'sinternalCertificationDecisionCommittee,consistingofindividualsnotalignedwithanyCSSD
participant,thenreviewedtheauditreportanddeterminedeligibilityforcertification.
Certification,whichisvalidfor24months,afterwhichcompaniescanseekrenewal,isbasedon
theCenter's15initialPerformanceStandardsforairandwater.Companiescanseekcertificationsin
Air&Climate,Water&Waste,orboth,concurrently.
Auditorsevaluatetheapplicant'soperationstothestandardsthatarespecifictothecertification
acompanychooses.AsummaryofacompletedauditreportwillbemadeaccessibleonCSSD's
website.
ThirdPartyVerification
Thekeycomponentsofthecomprehensiveverificationandcertificationprocessinclude:
CSSD's15InitialPerformanceStandardsfocusedontheprotectionofairandclimate,waterand
wasteandstandards,guidanceandprotocolsforboththeauditorandtheproducersapplyingfor
certification.
ThisincludesAuditorQualifications,StandardsandAccreditationthatestablishedrequirements
forimpartiality,knowledge,skillandresourcestomeetthescope,scaleandgeographyofoperations
beingevaluated.
CSSDalsoprovidesGuidanceforThirdPartyAuditors,whichdetailsthekindsofdata,
reportinganddocumentationproducersmustprovidetodemonstrateconformancetoCSSD's
PerformanceStandards.
CSSD'sguidancetoChevronincludeditsProducerPerformanceVerificationProtocol,which
detailsthefrequencyandintensityofthefieldandofficeauditprocess,anditprovidesforextensive
documentreview,onsitevisitsandfollowupactivities.
Verificationofconformancetothestandardswillcontinuetobemonitoredthroughthelifeofthe
twoyearcertificationperiod.
AllproducersoperatingintheAppalachianregionareeligibletoapplyforcertification.
TheCenterisacollaborativebetweenenvironmentalorganizationsandenergycompaniesto
encourageprudentandresponsibledevelopmentofshalegasresourcesintheAppalachianregion.
Formoreinformation,visittheCenterforSustainableShaleDevelopmentwebsite.
NewsClips:
RangeResourcesFined$4.1M,CloseOldDrillingImpoundments
DEPOrdersRangeResourcesToPay$4MillionFine
RangeResourcesHitWith$4MillionFine
RangeResourcesToPay$4MForViolations
ChevronMeetsShaleDrillingStandardsFromCSSD
ChevronGets1stOKFromSustainableDrillingGroup
LandmarkFrackingStudyFindsNoWaterPollution
Study:LeakyWells,NotFracking,TaintWater
StudyFindsFlawedWellCasings,NotFrackingTaintingWater
FrackingNotTheProblemOhioStateScientistFinds
Study:ResidentsCloserToGasWellsReportMoreHealthIssues
OpEd:WhatsPAHidingOnFrackingContamination?
Letter:DEPNotHidingFrackingContamination
OpEd:FrackingIsNotTheThreat
WPXEnergyAppealsFindingOfResponsibilityForPollutingWell
DonegalTwpFamiliesFightDrillerToGetCleanWater
PAFamiliesStruggleWithGasDrillingPollution
DrillingCompanyReappliesForWellNearMoraineStatePark
Editorial:DrillingPoolingLaws,YourRights

HouseMovesBillToRollBackStreamBufferProtection,FinalVoteMonday

ThisweektheHousemovedHouseBill1565(HahnRNorthampton)
eliminatingthenearly4yearoldrequirementforstreambuffersinHigh
QualityandExceptionalValuestreamswhichispositionedforafinal
votenextweek.
OnMondaytheHouseEnvironmentalResourcesandEnergy
Committeevoted15to7toreportthebilloutofCommittee.
Beforebeingreportedout,thebillwasamendedtomake
streambuffersapreferredoptiontohelpcontrolerosionandsedimentation,butthekeepstheprovision
eliminatingthestreambufferrequirement.Theamendmentwasapproved17to5.
ThefullHouseWednesdayamendedHouseBill1565(HahnRNorthampton)thatwould
eliminatethenearly4yearoldrequirementforstreambuffersinHighQualityandExceptionalValue
streamstomakebuffersapreferredoption,butthebillstillretainsthelanguageeliminatingthebuffer
requirement.
Rep.ChrisRoss(RChester)offeredtheamendmentwhichwasagreedtoandpassedbya
voteof191to0.
Eightotheramendmentswereofferedtoretainthecurrentbufferrequirementormakeother
changes,butthoseweredefeatedlargelyalongpartylines.
ThebillwasreferredtotheHouseAppropriationsCommitteeforconsiderationandwillbeput
inpositionforafinalvotenextweek.
ClickHeretoaddyourvoiceinoppositiontothebill.
AmendmentstoChapter102ofDEPsregulationshaverequiredstreambuffersinHighQuality
andExceptionalValuewatershedssinceNovemberof2010.
Section102.14providesalonglistofexceptionstothebufferrequirement,including:aproject
sitelocatedgreaterthan150feetfromanamedwaterbodyactivitiesinvolvinglessthanoneacreof
earthdisturbanceactivitieswhenapermitisnotrequiredunderChapter102activitieswherethepermit
wasacquiredbeforeNovember19,2010roadmaintenanceactivitiesrepairandmaintenanceof
existingpipelinesandutilitiesoil,gas,timberharvestingorminingactivitiessinglefamilyhomesnotpart
ofalargercommonplanordevelopmentandactivitiesauthorizedbyaDepartmentpermitunder
anotherChapterortitle.
OtherbillsreportedoutbytheHouseEnvironmentalResourcesandEnergyCommittee
included:
SenateBill1155(ScarnatiRJefferson)creatingaAggregateAdvisoryBoardwithinDEPsponsor
summaryand
HouseResolution925(RappRForest)directingtheJointStateGovernmentCommissiontostudy
theimpactofwindturbinesinPennsylvania,inparticulartheimpactonmigratorybirdsandofforest
removal.TheresolutionwasamendedbyRep.GregVitali(DDelaware),MinorityChairofthe
Committee,toincludeasimilaranalysisforcoal,naturalgas,oilandnuclearpower.
HouseResolution925wasadoptedbytheHouse.SenateBill1155wasreferredtoHouse
Appropriations.
Rep.RonMiller(RYork)servesasMajorityChairandRep.GregVitali(DDelaware)serves
asMinorityChair.
NewsClips:
HousePanelApprovesBillEliminatingBufferRequirement
MineDrainageTreatmentPondsPlannedForUnity
TheCuriousCaseOfTheSmallmouthBassInSusquehanna
LancasterGardenKeepsStormwaterOutOfSewers
MandatedSewerProjectToIncreaseAlcosanBills
DEPToProbeUseOfFordCityWaterPlantGrant
SupportersPressTownshipToPreserveWehrsDam
LoyalhannaWatershedAssnArtAuctionBenefit
LatestFromTheChesapeakeBayJournal

CBFPA:HouseMovesAntiBufferBillInMajorCleanWaterSetBack

HarryCampbell,PennsylvaniaDirectorfortheChesapeakeBayFoundation,Mondayissueda
statementinresponsetotheHouseEnvironmentalResourcesandEnergyCommitteespassageof
HouseBill1565(HahnRNorthampton).
ThebillremovesstreamsideforestbufferprotectionsforPennsylvaniasmostpristinestreams,
andifpassed,wouldopenupwaterwaysthroughouttheCommonwealthtoincreasedpollutionthreats
fromdevelopment.
TheHouseisexpectedtotakeafinalvoteonthebillnextweek.CBFPAisurgingthepublic
tocontactHousememberstoopposethelegislation.ClickHeretoaddyourvoiceinopposingthis
legislation.
Thestatementfollows
CBFisdisappointedthatHouseBill1565haspassedoutofcommittee,asamended,andwill
nowbebeforethefullHouseforconsideration.Ifpassed,HouseBill1565wouldopenup
Pennsylvaniasmostpristinewaterwaystoincreasedpollutionthreatsfromdevelopment.Therefore,we
areurgingtheHousetovoteNowhenthebillcomestotheflooroftheHouse.
ThisBillisfundamentallyflawedinthatitattemptstocorrectaproblemthathasnotbeen
showntoevenexist.Underexistinglaw,developersandbuilderscan,anddo,requestwaiversofthe
150footbuffersetbackrequirement.Yet,despiteinquiries,noonehasbeenabletoprovidean
exampleofawaiverthatwasnotapproved.Therefore,passingthisbillonthebasisthattheregulation
holdsbackdevelopmentseemstobeunfounded.
Nearly20,000milesofPennsylvaniasriversandstreamsarepolluted,accordingtothe
DepartmentofEnvironmentalProtectionsmostrecentstatewideassessmentofthehealthofsurface
waters.Forthemajorityofthesestreamsforestedriparianbuffersareoneofthemostcosteffective,
commonsensesolutionsforpollutionreductions.Yet,ratherthanproactivelydevelopingwaysto
improvewaterquality,thisCommitteewassteadfastintheireffortstopasslegislationthatcanonly
increasepollution.
NewsClips:
HousePanelApprovesBillEliminatingBufferRequirement
MineDrainageTreatmentPondsPlannedForUnity
TheCuriousCaseOfTheSmallmouthBassInSusquehanna
LancasterGardenKeepsStormwaterOutOfSewers
MandatedSewerProjectToIncreaseAlcosanBills
DEPToProbeUseOfFordCityWaterPlantGrant
SupportersPressTownshipToPreserveWehrsDam
LoyalhannaWatershedAssnArtAuctionBenefit
LatestFromTheChesapeakeBayJournal

PEC,WPC,PANatureConservancyOpposeHouseBillEliminatingStreamBuffers

ThePennsylvaniaEnvironmentalCouncil,WesternPAConservancyandthePennsylvaniaChapterof
TheNatureConservancyjoinedtheChesapeakeBayFoundationPA,thisweekinopposingHouseBill
1565(HahnRNorthampton)thatwouldeliminatethenearly4yearoldrequirementforstreambuffers
inHighQualityandExceptionalValuestreams.
TheHouseisexpectedtotakeafinalvoteonthebillnextweek.CBFPAisurgingthepublic
tocontactHousememberstoopposethelegislation.ClickHeretoaddyourvoiceinopposingthis
legislation.
ThetextofalettertheysenttoHousemembersfollows
OnbehalfoftheChesapeakeBayFoundation(CBF),thePennsylvaniaEnvironmental
Council(PEC),thePennsylvaniaChapterofTheNatureConservancy(TNC)andtheWestern
PennsylvaniaConservancy(WPC)werespectfullysubmitthefollowingcommentsregardingHouse
Bill1565(P.N.2114)andtheproposedamendment(A09397)byChairmanMiller.
Collectively,ourorganizationsunderstandtheimportanceoftheChapter102forestedriparian
bufferrequirementinwaterwaysdesignatedashighquality(HQ)orexceptionalvalue(EV)and
valueitsroleinprotectingmanyofPennsylvaniasmosttreasuredstreams.
Assuch,wefindHouseBill1565(H.B.1565)troublinginitspresentformandwouldliketo
clarifywithyoutheintentofthecurrentlawandidentifyourconcernswiththeproposedbill.
Inaddition,althoughweappreciateChairmansMillersintenttoimprovethislegislationwiththe
proposedamendment,ourorganizationsdonotbelievethatA09397adequatelyaddressesour
concernswithregardtotheprotectionoflocalwaterqualityintheCommonwealthsriversandstreams.
TheChapter102regulationhelpstoprotectPennsylvaniasmostpristineandecologically
sensitivestreams.TheDepartmentofEnvironmentalProtection(theDepartment)classifiesthese
streamsashighquality(HQ)andexceptionalvalue(EV)basedonspecificwaterqualitycriteria.
Alargeandgrowingnumberofscientificstudieshaveshownthatbuffersgreaterthan100feet
ormorepreventpollutionfromenteringstreams,reducepollutionalreadyinstreams,preventflooding,
protecthumanhealthandwelfare,andimprovepropertyvalues.
Thus,the150footriparianbufferrequirementisavitalmechanisminpreventingstream
degradation,improvinglocaleconomies,andimprovingthequalityoflifeintheareascoveredbythis
provision.
Dealingwithstormwaterisacomplicatedandexpensiveissueformanyurbancommunities.
HundredsoftownsacrosstheCommonwealthdealwithstormwaterissueseverytimeitrains.
AccordingtotheSusquehannaRiverBasinCommission,theSusquehannaRiverBasinisoneof
themostfloodpronewatershedsinthenationwithannualdamagesinexcessof$150milliondueto
flooding.
Morethan80percentofthebasins1,400plusmunicipalitieshaveareasthatarefloodprone.
Increasingdevelopmentpressuresandimpermeablesurfacesfurtherexacerbatetheissue.Thisiswhere
proactiveplanningandgreeninfrastructure,likestreamsidebuffers,cangreatlyassistcommunitiesin
dealingwithstormwaterproblems.
Ariparianbuffercanhelptopreventpropertydamageandtheexpenseoffloodingdramatically
reducestormwatermanagementcostshelpkeeppristinestreamscleanreducethecostoftreating
waterforpotableusesandingeneral,promoteandsustainhealthiercommunities.
Thesimpleactofplantinganew,ormaintaininganexisting,forestedriparianbufferallows
stormwaterrunofftosoakintothegroundwhenitrains,insteadofrushingdirectlyintoourstreams.
Waterispurifiedbyplants,trees,andsoil,andisreleasedmoreslowlyintothestream,thereby
preventingpollution,erosion,andflooddamage.
TherearemanythreatstoHQ/EVstreams,mostofwhichdealwithdevelopmentalpressures.
Theriparianbufferrequirement,foundinSection102.14ofTitle25ofthePennsylvaniaCode,states
thatwhenearthdisturbanceactivitiesrequireapermitunderChapter102,personsseekingapermit
maynotconductearthdisturbanceactivitieswithin150feetofaperennialorintermittentriversteam,
orcreek,orlake,pondorreservoirwhentheprojectsiteislocatedinanexceptionalvalue(EV)orhigh
quality(HQ)watershed.25Pa.Code102.14.
First,itisimportanttonotethatthe150footbufferrequirementisrequiredalongHQ/EV
streams.ThesestreamshavealreadybeendesignatedbytheDepartmentasthebestofthebest,and
thereforeprovidethecitizensoftheCommonwealthwithauniqueandvaluableresource.
Notably,thebufferrequirementisonlytriggeredbytheneedforanNPDESpermitand
thereforedoesnotapplytoanyexistinglandownersandtheircurrentlanduse,butonlyinanew
developmentcontext.
Itisalsoimportanttonotethatsubsection(d)ofSection102.14providesalonglistof
exceptionstothebufferrequirement.Theseexceptionsinclude:
Aprojectsitelocatedgreaterthan150feetfromanamedwaterbody
Activitiesinvolvinglessthanone(1)acresofearthdisturbance
ActivitieswhenapermitisnotrequiredunderChapter102activitieswherethepermitwasacquired
beforeNovember19,2010
Roadmaintenanceactivities
Repairandmaintenanceofexistingpipelinesandutilities
Oil,gas,timberharvestingorminingactivities
Singlefamilyhomesnotpartofalargercommonplanordevelopmentand
ActivitiesauthorizedbyaDepartmentpermitunderanotherChapterortitle.(See25PaCode
102.14(d).)ThisrequirementcanbefurtherexemptedbyapplyingforawaiverfromtheDepartment.
AccordingtothetestimonyofKellyHeffner,DeputySecretaryforWaterManagementatDEP,
statedatherJanuary29,2014testimonybeforetheHouseEnvironmentalResourcesandEnergy
Committee(EREC)DEPcouldnotidentifyaninstancewhereawaiverwasdenied.
H.B.1565eliminatestheexistingrequirementofariparianbufferorforestedriparianbufferfor
newdevelopmentsrequiringanNPDESpermitinanHQ/EVwatershed.Instead,thebillprovidesthat
buffersmaybeusedasachoiceamongotheralternatives.
Thelegislationissilentregardingtheprocessforevaluatingthesuitabilityand/oreffectivenessof
theoptionselected.IfDEPnolongerhastheauthoritytorequirebuffers,evenwheredoingsois
necessarytoprotectwaterquality,theCommonwealthwillloseanessentialtoolinitsongoingeffortsto
keepourstreamsclean.
Wearemindfulthataonesizefitsallapproachmaynotalwaysbeappropriate.Benefits
associatedwithbufferscanbesitespecific,andcircumstancesattheprojectscalemaycreateboth
opportunitiesandconstraints.
TheavailabilityofDEPswaiverprocessacknowledgesthispossibility.Incontrast,H.B.1565
removesthefoundationalandindispensablerequirementsforforestriparianbuffers,tothedetrimentof
waterqualityinPennsylvaniasmostpristineriversandstreams.
Unfortunately,ChairmanMillersproposedamendmentA09397,doesnotcorrectthis
fundamentalflaw.ItshouldbenotedthatnostormwaterBestManagementPractice(BMP)can
replicatethewaterqualitybenefitsofforestedriparianbuffers.
Thewaterqualityimprovementsderivedfrombufferscanbelostrapidlyoncethebufferis
degradedordestroyed,anditcantakedecadesfortheoffsitecreationofaneworreplacement
buffertoprovidecomparablebenefits,ifevenpossible.Becausepage2,line1ofHB1565remains
(forestedbuffersshallnotberequiredunderthissection.emphasisadded.),creationofanoffset
programfailstoadequatelyaddressthepotentialwaterqualityimpactsassociatedwithlossofthebuffer
requirementinEV/HQwaters.
Inaddition,weremainconcernedaboutthemechanicsoftheoffsetprocessenvisionedbythe
amendment,mostnotably,themannerinwhichnetenvironmentaleffectswouldbeassessedand
comparedandtheprojectlevelimpactsontheriparianbufferarea,alongwiththecontinuityand
integrityinHQ/EVwatersheds.
Wealsohavequestionsregardingthepotentialscopeofthebroadabrogationlanguage
containedintheamendment.
Giventheinnumerablesocietalandecologicalbenefits,alongwiththeabilitytoobtainawaiver,
ourorganizationsrespectfullyrequestthatyouvotenoonH.B.1565(P.N.2114)andtheproposed
amendmentA09397.
CBF,PEC,TNCandWPCthankyouforyourtimeandattentiontothismatter.Wewould
appreciateanopportunitytofurtherdiscusswithyouthedetailsoftheforestriparianbufferrequirement
andwouldbehappytoexplorealessintrusivesolutiontoanyconcernswiththecurrentChapter102
requirements.
Pleasefeelfreetoconsiderourorganizationsasavaluableresourceonthismatter.
NewsClips:
HousePanelApprovesBillEliminatingBufferRequirement
MineDrainageTreatmentPondsPlannedForUnity
TheCuriousCaseOfTheSmallmouthBassInSusquehanna
LancasterGardenKeepsStormwaterOutOfSewers
MandatedSewerProjectToIncreaseAlcosanBills
DEPToProbeUseOfFordCityWaterPlantGrant
SupportersPressTownshipToPreserveWehrsDam
LoyalhannaWatershedAssnArtAuctionBenefit
LatestFromTheChesapeakeBayJournal

CBFPAUrgesPublicToContactHouseMembersToOpposeHB1565BufferBill

HarryCampbell,PennsylvaniaOfficeDirectoroftheChesapeakeBayFoundation,sentoutamessage
ThursdayaskingthepublictoopposeHouseBill1565(HahnRNorthampton)eliminatingthenearly4
yearoldrequirementforstreambuffersinHighQualityandExceptionalValuestreams
RightnowourrepresentativesaredebatingadangerousbillHouseBill1565that,ifpassed,
woulddestroyirreplaceablesafeguardsforPennsylvania'slastremainingpristinestreams.Thehouseis
hearingfromdevelopers,whowanttheseprotectionsremoved,sotheyneedtohearfromus,too!
ClickHeretocontactyourrepresentativetoday,andurgehim/hertovote"NO"onHB1565.
Clean,healthystreams,rivers,andcommunitiesacrossPennsylvaniadependonit.
Forestedriparianbuffersalongstreamsandriversareoneofthemostcosteffective,
commonsensesolutionsforpreventingandreducingpollutioninstreams.Thesebuffersalsoprovide
criticalhabitatandfoodsourcesforaquaticspecies,likethebrooktrout,whichdrawsfishermenfrom
allovertheworldtoPennsylvania.ButHouseBill1565threatenstheseimportantcleanwatertools.
Pleasetellyourrepresentativetovote"NO"onHB1565.
Yourvoiceandyouractionsmatter!Thankyouforlendingyourvoicetothisimportantissue
andforyourpastcleanwaterefforts.Together,wecan,andwillmakeadifferenceforcleanstreams,
healthycommunities,andalastingcleanwaterlegacyforfuturegenerations.

Thankyou,
HarryCampbell,ExecutiveDirectorPennsylvaniaOffice

York,WestmorelandCountiesPassCleanWaterCounts!Resolutions

TheChesapeakeBayFoundationPAthisweekapplaudedYorkandWestmorelandCounty
CommissionersforadoptingaCleanWaterCountsresolution,callingonstateofficialstomakeclean
wateratoppriorityfortheKeystoneState.
TheyjoinWyomingCountyinsupportingCBFsCleanWaterCounts!initiative.
CBFembarkedontheCleanWaterCountscampaigninresponsetotheDepartmentof
EnvironmentalProtectionsmostrecentstatewideassessmentofthehealthofsurfacewaters,which
reportedthatnearly20,000milesofriversandstreamsthatwerelyonfordrinkingandhouseholduses,
recreation,andtogrowourfood,arepolluted.
Throughpubliceducationandengagement,CBFisurgingofficialstomakecleanwatera
priorityandtocommittheneededfundingandprogramstoensurethatall83,000milesofwaterwaysin
thestateareclean.
YorkCounty
TheresolutionbuildsonYorksongoingcleanwaterefforts.EarlierthisyearthePlanning
Commissionfinalizedacountywidewatershedplanthatanalyzesstrategiesandtargetsthe
pollutionreducingpracticesmostappropriatelysuitedforYorkCounty.
Theprimarygoaloftheplanistoaidmunicipalities,citizens,andbusinessesindetermininghow
tomostefficientlyreducepollutionfromurbanandsuburbanrunoff.
WeapplaudtheYorkCountyCommissionersandthePlanningCommissionfortheir
leadershipandconvictionabouttheimportanceofcleanwater,firstwiththecountywideplanand
today,bypassingtheresolution,saidHarryCampbell,CBFsPennsylvaniaDirector.Healthyfamilies,
strongcommunities,andathrivingPennsylvaniaeconomydependonit.
WestmorelandCounty
WeapplaudtheWestmorelandCountyCommissionersfortheirleadershipandconviction
abouttheimportanceofcleanwater,andforpassingaCleanWaterCountsresolution,saidHarry
Campbell,CBFsPennsylvaniaDirector.Healthyfamilies,strongcommunities,andathriving
Pennsylvaniaeconomydependonit.
DEPssurveyresultsconcludethatagriculturalactivitiespollutethegreatestmilesofwaterways
followedbythelegacyofcoalminingandimpactsfromabandonedminedrainage,aswellaspolluted
urban/suburbanrunoff,orstormwater,fromoururbanandsuburbancommunities,includingroads.
Nearly2,000milesofcreeks,streams,andtheSusquehannaRiverflowthroughYorkCounty,
butunfortunatelymorethan360milesarepollutedandconsideredimpairedbyDEP.Countywide,
agriculturalactivitiesandurban/suburbanrunoffarethemostsignificantpollutionsourcesaffectingthe
healthoflocalanddownstreamwaters.
Inadditiontocallingonlocalofficialstopassresolutions,CBFisalsoaskingsomethingof
citizens.
WereaskingallPennsylvaniaresidentstoshowtheirsupportforcleanwaterbysigningthe
CleanWaterCountsonlinepetition,saidCampbell.Ittakesonlyafewminutes,butitgoesalongway
towarddemonstratingtheimportanceofcleanwatertoourelectedofficials.
OnlinepetitionsignatureswillbeacceptedthroughOctober18th,theanniversaryoftheClean
WaterAct.TolearnmoreaboutthecampaigngotoCBFPACleanWaterCounts!webpage.

KeepPABeautifulAnnounces2014GreatAmericanCleanupOfPAResults

KeepPennsylvaniaBeautifulThursdayannounced136,507volunteers
collected317,994bags,or6,359,872poundsoftrash,cleaned13,603
milesofroads,railroadtracks,trails,waterways,andshorelines,and
9,113acresofparkand/orwetlandsduringthe2014KeepPennsylvania
BeautifulGreatAmericanCleanupofPA.
Additionally,volunteersplanted31,406trees,bulbs,andplantsinan
efforttokeepPennsylvaniabeautiful.
ThisannualeventisheldinconjunctionwithKeepAmericaBeautifuls
GreatAmericanCleanupandinpartnershipwithsupportfromtheDepartmentofEnvironmental
Protection,PennDOT,PennsylvaniaWasteIndustriesAssociationandthePennsylvaniaFood
MerchantsAssociation.
AdditionalsponsorsincludeWasteManagement,RepublicServices,SteelRecyclingInstitute,
andtheLancasterCountySolidWasteManagementAuthority.
Asinyearspast,all67countiesparticipatedinthisannualcommunityimprovementevent.In
total,therewere5,349eventswith136,507volunteers.
Volunteerscollected317,994bags,or6,359,872poundsoftrash.Theycleaned13,603miles
ofroads,railroadtracks,trails,waterways,andshorelines,and9,113acresofparkand/orwetlands.
Additionally,volunteersplanted31,406trees,bulbs,andplantsinanefforttokeepPennsylvania
beautiful.
WearesogratefultoourvolunteersandsponsorswhohelpedmaketheGreatAmerican
CleanupofPAsuccessfulagainthisyear.saidShannonReiter,PresidentofKeepPennsylvania
Beautiful.Withoutvolunteersonthegroundcoordinatingandcarryingoutlocaleventsandsponsors
supportingthatwork,itwouldnotbeareality.
The2015GreatAmericanCleanupofPAwillbeginonMarch1standendonMay31st.
Duringthisperiod,eventsregisteredonlinewillreceivefreebags,gloves,andvestsfromPennDOT
Districtoffices,assupplieslast.Eventscanincludelittercleanups,illegaldumpcleanups,beautification
projects,specialcollections,andeducationalevents.
Aspartofthisevent,theDepartmentofEnvironmentalProtectionandthePennsylvaniaWaste
IndustriesAssociationwillsponsorLetsPickItUpPAEverydayfromApril12thMay5th.During
thePickItUpPADays,registeredeventswillbeabletotakethetrashcollectedduringtheircleanupto
participatinglandfillsforfreeorreduceddisposal.
Sincetheinceptionofthiseventin2004,morethan1,565,967volunteersremoved80,575,227
poundsoflitterandplanted136,321trees,bulbs,andflowers.
TheGreatAmericanCleanupofPAissponsoredbyKeepAmericaBeautiful.The2014
nationalsponsorswereTheDowChemicalCompanyTheGladProductsCompanyLowesPhillips
66TroyBiltLawnandGardenEquipmentandWasteManagement.
RegistrationfortheGreatAmericanCleanupof2015willopeninmidJanuary.
Acopyofthe2014resultsreportisavailableonline.

AddUsToYourGoogle+Circle

PAEnvironmentDigestnowhasaGoogle+CirclecalledGreenWorksInPA.Justgotoyour
Google+pageandsearchforDHess@CrisciAssociates.com,theemailfortheDigestEditorDavid
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Google+nowcombinesallthenewsyounowgetthroughthePAEnvironmentDigest,Weekly,
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newitemspostedonthisblog.

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togetinstantupdatesonothernewsfrominandaroundthePennsylvaniaStateCapitol.

Senate/HouseAgenda/SessionSchedule/BillsIntroduced

HerearetheSenateandHouseCalendarsandCommitteemeetingsshowingbillsofinterestaswellasa
listofnewenvironmentalbillsintroduced

BillCalendars

House(September22):HouseBill202(HarperRMontgomery)prohibitingstandbywaterservice
chargesforfirecompaniesHouseBill1684(EverettRLycoming)whichseekstoclarifyaminimum
royaltypaymentinstatelawHouseBill1576(PyleRArmstrong)wouldeliminatesomeprotectionsfor
endangeredspeciesandsetadditionalrequirementsforadoptingWildTroutStreamsHouseBill2104
(GodshallRMontgomery)furtherprovidingforconsumerprotectionsinvariablerateelectricsupplier
contractsHouseResolution249(SwangerRLebanon)supportingincreaseddevelopmentand
deliveryofoilfromNorthAmericanoilreservessponsorsummarySenateBill771
(GordnerRColumbia)establishingtheStateGeospatialCoordinatingBoard.<>ClickHereforfull
HouseBillCalendar.

Senate(September22):SenateBill720(BakerRLuzerne)creatinganIndividualandPublic
DisasterAssistanceGrantProgram<>ClickHereforfullSenateBillCalendar.

CommitteeMeetingAgendasThisWeek

House:theAppropriationsCommitteemeetstoconsiderHouseBill1565(HahnRNorthampton)
eliminatingthenearly4yearoldrequirementforstreambuffersinHighQualityandExceptionalValue
streams,SenateBill1155(ScarnatiRJefferson)creatingaAggregateAdvisoryBoardwithinDEP
sponsorsummarytheEnvironmentalResourcesandEnergyCommitteehasameetingscheduled
butnoagendahasbeenannouncedtheConsumerAffairsCommitteemeetstoconsiderHouseBill
2393(KampfRChester)providingaprogramtoextendnaturalgasdeliverytounservedor
underservedareassponsorsummary.<>ClickHereforfullHouseCommitteeSchedule.

Senate:theAppropriationsCommitteemeetstoconsiderHouseBill1672(MillerRYork)
providingfortestingofenergyefficiencytechnologies<>ClickHereforfullSenateCommittee
Schedule.

Other:EnvironmentalIssuesForum,JointConservationCommittee,tohearapresentationon
PennsylvaniasabandonedTurnpike,a13milestretchoftheoriginalTurnpikeinBedfordandFulton
countiesandplanstoturnitintoascenic,recreationalbikingtrail.

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

MarcellusShaleHealthRegistry:HouseBill2474(BobackRColumbia)establishingaMarcellus
ShaleHealthRegistrysponsorsummary.

BanDrillingOnOtherStateLands:HouseBill2494(SantarsieroDBerks)prohibiting
unconventionalgaswelldrillingonotherstatelandandcreatingaStateLandDrillingImpactMitigation
Fundsponsorsummary.

EPACleanPowerClimatePlan:SenateResolution438(SolobayDWashington)urgingEPAto
respecttheprimacyofPennsylvaniaandotherstatesindevelopingperformancestandardsforreducing
carbonemissionssponsorsummarySenateResolution439(SolobayDWashington)urgingEPAto
scheduledadditionalhearingsonitsproposedCleanPowerClimatePlanandwithdrawtheproposed
ruletoeliminatetheeconomicshocksthatwouldoccurtocriticalcoalfieldcommunitiessponsor
summary.[Note:EPAthisweekdidextendthecommentperiodfortheplananother45daysto
December1.]

SessionSchedule

HereisthelatestvotingsessionschedulefortheSenateandHouse

House
September22,23,24
October6,7,8,14,15
November12

Senate
September22,23,24
October6,7,8,14,15
November12

Senate/HouseBillsMoving

ThefollowingbillsofinterestsawactionthisweekintheHouseandSenate

Senate

LocalRecreationFees:HouseBill1052(FreemanDLehigh)furtherauthorizesusesforlocal
recreationfeeswaspassedbytheSenateandreturnstotheHouseforaconcurrencevote.Asummary
andSenateFiscalNoteareavailable.

MassTransitStationDevelopment:SenateBill1210(PileggiRDelaware)toencourageprivate
developmentatmasstransitstations.AsummaryandSenateFiscalNoteareavailable.thebillnow
goestotheHouseforconsideration.

DisasterAssistance:SenateBill720(BakerRLuzerne)creatinganIndividualandPublicDisaster
AssistanceGrantProgramwasamendedandreportedoutoftheSenateAppropriationsCommitteeand
isnowontheSenateCalendarforaction.

TestingEnergyTechnologies:HouseBill1672(MillerRYork)providingfortestingofenergy
efficiencytechnologieswasremovedfromtheTableandwasreferredtotheSenateAppropriations
Committee.

House

EliminatingStreamBuffers:HouseBill1565(HahnRNorthampton)eliminatingthenearly4year
oldrequirementforstreambuffersinHighQualityandExceptionalValuestreamswasamendedand
reportedoutoftheHouseEnvironmentalResourcesandEnergyCommittee,amendedontheHouse
FloorandreferredtotheHouseAppropriationsCommittee.
NewsClip:HousePanelApprovesBillEliminatingBufferRequirement

AggregateAdvisoryBoard:SenateBill1155(ScarnatiRJefferson)creatingaAggregateAdvisory
BoardwithinDEPsponsorsummarywasreportedoutoftheHouseEnvironmentalResourcesand
EnergyCommitteeandreferredtotheHouseAppropriationsCommittee.

EnergyDevelopmentImpactOnEnvironment:HouseResolution925(RappRForest)directing
theJointStateGovernmentCommissiontostudytheimpactofwindturbines,coal,naturalgas,oiland
nuclearpowerinPennsylvania,inparticulartheimpactonmigratorybirdsandofforestremovalwas
amendedandreportedfromtheHouseEnvironmentalResourcesandEnergyCommitteeandadopted
bytheHouse.

NewsFromTheCapitol

HouseEnvironmentalCommitteeHearsCommentsOnEPACleanPowerClimatePlan

TheHouseEnvironmentalResourcesandEnergyCommitteeTuesdayheldahearingonEPAs
proposedCleanPowerPlan.ClickHeretowatchavideoofthehearing.
JohnPippy,CEO,PennsylvaniaCoalAlliance,addressedtheobstaclesfacingthecoalindustry
andtheimpacttheCPPcouldhaveinPennsylvania.
HesaidtheproposedEPArulewilldictatethemakeupofPennsylvaniaselectricgeneration
mix,theamountofelectricityavailableonaroundtheclockbasisandthepricein2020andbeyond,
affectingnotjustthecoalindustry,butPennsylvaniasresidentsstatewide.
AneconomicstudybythePennsylvaniaEconomyLeagueofGreaterPittsburghshowedthatthe
statescoalindustrysupports36,000jobsintheCommonwealthandaddsmorethan$4.5billion
annuallytothestateseconomy.
Althoughtoutedbyproponentsasaflexibleandachievablewaytocurbcarbonemissions,the
proposedfederalpowerplantemissionstandardsaremerelyadefactoattempttotransformAmericas
energyusageawayfromcoal.
AccordingtoPennsylvaniaDEP,CO2emissionsfromPennsylvaniaselectricgeneratingfleet
declinedby12percentfrom20052012andareprojectedtodeclineby22percentfrom2005through
2020.
ThesereductionswereaccomplishedwhilePennsylvaniamaintainedastableandreliablesupply
ofelectricityatcompetitivelypricedrates,lowerthanthenationalaverageandlowestamongits
northeasternstates.
Coalaccountsfor40percentoftheelectricmarketinPennsylvaniaprovidingastablebaseload
supplyofelectricityyearroundandespeciallyduringpeakusagetimesasexperiencedthispastwinter.
Giventheaffordabilityandreliabilityofcoalasasourceofelectricity,thisregulatoryattemptto
displacecoalwillhaveprofoundandsweepingconsequences,notjustonthecoalindustryandits
workers,butalsoonthosecommunitiesthathostcoalfiredpowerplants,thoseemployedatthese
facilitiesandeveryratepayerwhodependsuponthereliableprovisioningofelectricityatcompetitive
rates,Pippysaid.
Theproposedstandardswouldhavevirtuallynoimpactonglobalgreenhousegasemissionsand
couldevencauseanincreasebecausetheywouldessentiallykillanycontinuedadvancementinclean
coaltechnology.
U.S.powerplantsaccountforonly4percentofglobalcarbonemissions,whileChinaandIndia
aloneaccountfor20percent.They,andotherdevelopingcountriesareincreasingtheirrelianceoncoal
anditispredictedthatby2017coalwillbethenumberonesourceofenergyintheworld.
InclosingPippycommendedtheCommitteeandthefullHouseforitsoverwhelmingsupportfor
HouseBill2354(SnyderDFayette),whichrequiresthestatelegislaturetoapproveastates
complianceplanbeforeitissubmittedtotheEPA.
HouseBill2354isnowintheSenateEnvironmentalResourcesandEnergyCommittee.
StuBresler,VPMarketOperations,PJM,saiditwillbeconductingastudyonthereliabilityof
thegridandotherinformationpertinenttotheCPPandwillfinishthestudypriortotheOctober.Bresler
saidPJMisofferingitselfasaresourceasthestatebeginstograppletheCPPbutreiteratedthatthe
implementingauthoritylieswiththestates.
JakeSmeltz,ElectricPowerGenerationAssociation,walkedthecommitteethecommittee
throughanoverviewoftheproblemsfacingelectricalgeneratorsasanentireentity.
Smeltzthensaidthat94percentoftheanticipatednewgenerationwouldbederivedfrom
naturalgas,whilezeropercentoftheanticipatednewgenerationwouldbederivedfromcoal.
SmeltzsaiditisdifficultforelectricalgeneratorstodowhattheEPAexpectsoftheinsidethe
fencebecausethetechnologytooperateinsidethefenceisnotcurrentlyavailable.Smeltzsaidthe
mainconcernshouldbewhenthestatepasseslegislationthatdistortsthewholesalemarket,because
abruptchangesareaccompaniedwithunintendedconsequencesandthenflexibilitycanbecome
severelylimited.
ChristinaSimeone,Director,PennFutureEnergyCenter,gaveanoverviewoftheCPPand
explainedthatthekeytocompliancewasinthefourbuildingblocks.ShesaidtheEPAsgoalsfor
PennsylvaniaarereasonableandarebasedonaBestSystemofEmissionsReductions,whichwas
developedandbasedoncommerciallyavailabletechnologies.
Simeonesaidusingthe2012baselineintheproposal,thestateisalreadyhalfwaytoachieving
thesetgoalsandopinedtheycanbeachievedbycontinuingtherules,regulationsandexistingpolicies
Pennsylvaniahas.
KevinSunday,Manager,GovernmentAffairs,PennsylvaniaChamberofBusinessandIndustry,
discussedhowbusinesses,industriesandeconomieswillbeunabletosurvivewithoutaffordable,
reliable,stableanddiversesourcesofenergy.HesaidtheCleanEnergyPlanthreatensthestates
biggestcompetitiveadvantage.
PhilSmith,DirectorofGovernmentalAffairs,UnitedMineWorkersofAmerica,AFLCIO,
discussedtheimpacttheCPPwillhaveonPennsylvaniacoalandjobsandtheminersandtheirfamilies.
JeffMcNelly,ExecutiveDirector,ARIPPA,discussedPennsylvaniaslegacytothe
environment,andthesuccessesofARIPPAoverthepast25years.McNellydiscussedtheimpactof
emissionsonenergy,andhighlightedthenecessarystepstoremaininoperationandviable.
AdditionalcommentsweresubmittedtotheCommitteeby:DepartmentofEnvironmental
Protection,AmericanLungAssociationandFTIConsulting,Inc.
ClickHeretowatchavideoofthehearing.
Rep.RonMiller(RYork)servesasMajorityChairandRep.GregVitali(DDelaware)serves
asMinorityChair.
DEPHoldsListeningSessionSept.25
TheDepartmentofEnvironmentalProtectionissponsoringalisteningsessionSeptember25on
theU.S.EnvironmentalProtectionAgencysproposedCleanPowerPlanregulationstoreduce
greenhousegasemissions.
Sen.SolobayIntroducesResolutions
Sen.TimSolobay(DWashington)introducedtworesolutionsThursdayonEPAproposed
CleanPowerClimatePlan:SenateResolution438urgingEPAtorespecttheprimacyofPennsylvania
andotherstatesindevelopingperformancestandardsforreducingcarbonemissionssponsorsummary
SenateResolution439urgingEPAtoscheduledadditionalhearingsonitsproposedCleanPower
ClimatePlanandwithdrawtheproposedruletoeliminatetheeconomicshocksthatwouldoccurto
criticalcoalfieldcommunitiessponsorsummary.
EPAExtendsCommentPeriod
EPAthisweekdidextendthecommentperiodfortheplantoDecember1.
NewsClips:
HouseCommitteeHoldsHearingOnEPAClimatePlan
Corbett,OtherGovernorsOpposeGreenhouseGasControls
EPAExtendsCommentPeriodOnCleanPowerClimateRule
PhillyGroupRecrutingPeopleForNYClimateMarch
AudubonPredictsClimateChangeWillShrinkBirdRanges

HouseResolutionRequiresStudyOfWind,NaturalGas,EnergyImpactsInPA

HouseResolution925(RappRForest)directingtheJointStateGovernmentCommissiontostudythe
impactofwindturbines,ascomparedtocoal,naturalgas,oilandnuclearpower,inPennsylvania,in
particularonmigratorybirdsandofforestremovalwasadoptedbytheHouse181to11Wednesday.
TheResolutionoriginallydealtonlywithwindpower,butwasamendedintheHouse
EnvironmentalResourcesCommitteeMondaybyRep.GregVitali(DDelaware),MinorityChairofthe
Committee,toincludeacomparisonbetweenwindenergyandothersourcessuchascoal,naturalgas
nuclearandoil.
Withtheevergrowingnumberofreportsconfirmingthatonshorewindenergyfacilitiesare
directlyresponsiblefortheclearingoflargeareasofforestedlandandthedeathsofthousandsof
migratorybirds,endangeredbatsandeveneagles,wecannolongerjustassumethatwindturbinesare
absolutelyharmlesstoourenvironmentorevenaviablesourceofalternativeenergy,saidRep.Kathy
Rapp.Thetimehascomeforacomprehensive,realitybasedstudyandreportontheactualimpactof
windturbinesacrosstheCommonwealth.TodaysfinalpassageofHouseResolution925willensure
thatthenecessaryresearchisconductedbeforetheseandothernegativeimpactsonPennsylvanias
wildlifeandnaturalresourcesbecomeirreversible.
Thefactorstobeanalyzedinclude
NumberofwindturbinesoperatinginPennsylvaniaandtheirowners
Agenciesthatoverseetheoperationofwindturbines
Sourcesandamountsofsubsidiesforwindturbines
Windturbinesimprintacreageandeffectsonwildlifeand
Windturbinesimpactontheelectricgrid.
TheResolutiondoesnotrequireactionbytheSenate.

SenatePassesBillToEncouragePrivateDevelopmentAtMassTransitStations

TheSenateTuesdayunanimouslypassedSenateBill1210(PileggiRDelaware)toencourageprivate
developmentatmasstransitstations.AsummaryandSenateFiscalNoteareavailable.
ThelegislationwillreformandmodernizePennsylvaniasTransitRevitalizationInvestment
District(TRID)Act,originallyenactedinDecember2004.
PennsylvaniasTRIDlawis10yearsold,Sen.Pileggisaid.Thegoalisadmirable:
encouragingprivatedevelopmentatmasstransithubs.However,onlyoneTRIDhasbeencreatedinthe
pastdecademakingitclearthatthelawneedstobeimproved.SenateBill1210willallowtheTRID
programtobeginfulfillingitspromise.
SenateBill1210streamlinestheTRIDcreationprocess,setsclearparametersforTRIDfunding
andtheuseofthosefunds,andauthorizesanewtaxcapturefundingmechanism.
ThelegislationissupportedbyawiderangeoforganizationsacrossPennsylvania,includingthe
CountyCommissionersAssociationofPennsylvania,thePennsylvaniaStateAssociationofBoroughs,
thePennsylvaniaStateAssociationofTownshipSupervisors,thePennsylvaniaMunicipalLeague,the
PennsylvaniaChamberofBusinessandIndustry,theDelawareValleyRegionalPlanningCommission,
theGreaterPhiladelphiaChamberofCommerce,andtheUrbanRedevelopmentAuthorityof
Pittsburgh.
CCAPbelievesthataTRIDcanbeanimportanttoolinrevitalizingandstrengtheningourcore
neighborhoods,saidDougHill,CCAPsExecutiveDirector.TheimprovementsbeingmadeinSenate
Bill1210willmakeiteasierforcountiestoincludeTRIDsinourplanningefforts.
ThePennsylvaniaStateAssociationofBoroughshasbeenasupporterofinnovativeTRID
legislationsincetheoriginalactwaspassedseveralyearsago,saidEdTroxell,PSABsDirectorof
GovernmentAffairs.WereextremelypleasedthatSenatorPileggisamendmentstotheactwill
provideexpandedoptionsfortheuseofTRIDsinourboroughsthroughouttheCommonwealth.
OneofthereasonsthattheTRIDprogramhasnttakenoffisthattherehavebeenlimited
fundingoptions,saidElamHerr,AssistantExecutiveDirectorforPSATS.SenateBill1210helps
rectifythatissueandwillmaketheprogrammuchmoreeffective.
Afterthepassageofthehistoric,comprehensivetransportationfundingbilllastfall,weare
seeinglongawaitedandmuchneedinvestmentintovitalinfrastructureacrossthestate,saidGene
Barr,PresidentandCEOofthePAChamber.ThislegislationhelpsseetoitthatTransitRevitalization
ImprovementDistrictsremainausefultoolinspurringlocaleconomicgrowthalongsidethese
investments.
ImpleasedthattheSenateapprovedtheproposedTRIDamendments,aswellastwo
demonstrationprograms,saidRichardBickel,DVRPCsDirectorofPlanning.TRIDoffersa
stepbystepprocesstoaccomplishtransitorienteddevelopmentinPennsylvaniascommunities.The
SenatesamendmentsenhanceopportunitiestoachieveimplementationofTRIDplans.
Likepublicprivatepartnerships,TransitRevitalizationInvestmentDistrictsrepresentanother
valuabletoolinthetoolboxtopromotepartnerships,fosterinnovationandcreatenewoptionsto
developandfundtransitorienteddevelopment,saidRobWonderling,GPCCsPresidentandCEO.
WeareverysupportiveofthesenecessaryamendmentstotheTRIDLawthatwilladd
flexibility,removebureaucraticburdens,andwillprovehowvaluablethistoolcanbeatleveraging
privatesectorinvestmenttobringmuchneededfundingtotransitrelatedprojectsthroughoutthestate,
saidKevinAcklin,MayorWilliamPedutosChiefofStaffandChairmanoftheURABoard.Asthe
onlyprojectinthestatethathasbeenabletouseTRIDfinancing,ourEastLibertyTransitCenterteam
hasdemonstratedjusthownecessarytheseamendmentsare.Wehopetoprovewithourprivate
developmentpartnersjusthoweffectivethisfundingtoolcanbeatgettingmuchneededpublic
infrastructurebuiltwithaddedflexibilityandlessredtape.
ApublichearingonSenateBill1210washeldinUpperDarbyTownshipearlierthisyear,not
farfromSEPTAs69thStreetTransportationCenterinUpperDarby,whichservesthe
MarketFrankford(Blue)Line,theNorristownHighSpeedLine,theRoute101andRoute102
Trolleys,andnumerousbusroutes.
ThebillnowgoestotheHouseforconsideration.

SenatePassesBillGivingMunicipalitiesMoreFlexibilityToMaintainLocalParks

TheSenateTuesdaypassedHouseBill1052(FreemanDLehigh)givingmunicipalitiesgreaterflexibility
intargetingrecreationfeestobenefitallresidentsoftheircommunitiesisonestepclosertobecoming
law.
Undercurrentlaw,recreationfeesthatmunicipalitiesreceivefromnewdevelopmentmayonly
beusedforbuildingaparkinthatnewdevelopment.Butthat,Rep.Freemansaid,usuallyresultsinan
underutilizedpocketpark.
Hisbillwouldpermitmunicipalitiestousethemoneytooperate,maintainorexpandany
recreationalfacilitieswithinthemunicipality.
"Parks,playgroundsandotherrecreationalfacilitiesareimportanttoourqualityoflife,"Rep.
Freemansaid."Theypromotegreenspaceinthecommunity,safeguardtheenvironmentandgivepeople
ofallagesaplaceforexerciseandrecreation.Mybillwouldeasetherestrictionsontheuseofthe
recreationfeesmunicipalitiesreceivefromdevelopers,sothatfundingcanbemorewiselyusedto
benefitthelivesofallarearesidents."
ThebillnowreturnstotheHouseforaconcurrencevote.
NewsClip:SenatePassesBillEarmarkingFeesForLocalParks

HouseCommitteesHearFromFish&BoatCommissionOnOilFranchiseTaxFunding

TheHouseGameandFisheriesandTransportationCommitteesTuesdayhearfromFishandBoat
CommissionExecutiveDirectorJohnArwayontheCommissionsplansforusingtheadditionalfundsit
receivedunderAct89oflastyearamendingtheOilCompanyFranchiseTax.
Theadditionalfundsareintendedtobeusedfortheimprovementofhazardousdamsassociated
withlakesonwhichboatingispermitted,includingthedevelopmentandconstructionofboatingareas
andthedredgingandclearingofwaterareaswhereboatscanbeused.
Basedupontherecentfiguresofboatersconsumingabout13.4milliongallonoffuelperyear,
weprojectover$2.9millionthroughthetaxescollectedduringthefiscalyear201314,withannual
revenuesclimbingto$4.5million,$5.1million,$5.8millionand$6.4millionthroughJune30,2018,
ArwaytoldtheCommittees.
Arwayprovidedanoverviewofthreeprojectswhichhedescribedasthemostimmediate
beneficiariesofAct89,includingColyerLakeinCentreCounty,GladeRunLakeinButlerCounty,
andMeadowGroundsLakeinFultonCounty.
AtthesametimewearemovingforwardonColyer,GladeRunandMeadowGrounds,we
havegeneratedadditionalfundingsourcestodesignandrehabilitateotherhighhazarddamsacrossthe
Commonwealth,saidArway.TheseincludeSpeedwellForgeLakeinLancasterCountyandLeaser
LakeinLehighCounty.
Hepointedout,AtthetimeAct89passed,weneededover$44milliontoaddressnine
highhazard,unsafedams.Adding,Wenowprojectneeding$31.5milliontorepairsevenfacilities,
andanadditional$1520millionforareplacementdamattheHerefordManorPropertyinBeaver
County.
Arwayexplained,Estimatesofourremainingdamrepairneedsareprimarilycomposedof
designandconstructioncosts.Headded,Pleasenotetheseprojectionsdonotincludecosts
associatedwithhabitatimprovement,fishstocking,orthedevelopmentofadditionalrecreational
amenitiesaroundthefacilities.
Acopyofhistestimonyisavailableonline.
Rep.MartinCauser(RCameron)servesasMajorityChairoftheHouseGameandFisheries
CommitteeandRep.GaryHaluska(DCambria)servesasMinorityChair.
Rep.NicholasMicozzie(RDelaware)servesasMajorityChairoftheHouseTransportation
CommitteeandRep.MichaelMcGeehan(DPhiladelphia)servesasMinorityChair.

Sen.YawTVReport:ExploringImpactOfNaturalGasInSusquehannaCounty

Thismonth'sdistrictTVprogramwithSen.GeneYaw(RLycoming),MajorityChairoftheSenate
EnvironmentalResourcesandEnergyCommittee,focusesonthegrowthexperiencedinandaround
SusquehannaCountyastheresultofnaturalgasdevelopment.
MyrecentvisittoSusquehannaCountyshowcasestheimpactofthenaturalgasindustryfrom
theschools,tothehospital,tothehomeownersandthepipelinesbeingconstructed,saidSen.Yaw.
ItsaveryinterestingstoryofasmallPennsylvaniacommunity.Ihopeyouwilltuneintowatch.
ClickHeretowatchthevideo.

JointConservationCommitteeEnvironmentalIssuesForumSept.22

TheJointLegislativeAirandWaterPollutionControlandConservationCommitteewillholditsfirst
EnvironmentalIssuesForumofthefalllegislativesessiononSeptember22at11a.m.inSenateHearing
Room8EAoftheCapitolEastWing.
ThetopicofthismonthsforumisPennsylvaniasAbandonedTurnpike,a13milestretchof
theoriginalPATurnpikeinBedfordandFultoncountiesthatwasbypassedinthe1960s.
Overtheyears,thisoneofakindroadsideattractionhasbecomeapopulardestinationfor
cyclists,hikersandotheroutdoorenthusiasts.TheAbandonedTurnpikehasbeenpreviouslyfeaturedin
theNewYorkTimesandPhiladelphiaInquirer,aswellasthebookseriesWeirdU.S.Currentlyan
initiativeisunderwaytoturnthislosthighwayintoascenic,recreationalbikepath.
Accordingtoarecenteconomicimpactstudy,thePike2Biketrailcouldgenerateupto$8.8
millionforthelocaleconomy.
GuestpresentersincludeCraigShuey,ChiefOperatingOfficerofthePennsylvaniaTurnpike
Commission,whowilldiscussthehistoryandfolkloreassociatedwiththisparticularsectionofthe
Turnpike.
HewillbefollowedbyDonSchwartz,DirectoroftheBedfordCountyPlanningCommission,
whowilldiscussthecurrentPike2Bikeinitiative.
Oct.6Forum
ThenextEnvironmentalIssuesForumwillbeonOctober6whereKeepPABeautifulwill
presentitsrecommendationsforsignificantlyreducingillegaldumpinginPennsylvania.TheForumwillbe
heldinRoom8EAEastWingstartingatNoon.
AugustEnvironmentalSynopsis
TheAugusteditionoftheCommitteesEnvironmentalSynopsisnewsletterisnowavailable
online.
Sen.ScottHutchinson(RVenango)servesasChairoftheJointConservationCommittee.

AugustEnvironmentalSynopsisNewsletterAvailableFromJointConservationCommittee

TheAugusteditionoftheEnvironmentalSynopsisnewsletterisnowavailablefromtheJointLegislative
AirandWaterPollutionControlandConservationCommitteefeaturingarticleson
TurningAnAbandonedTurnpikeTunnelIntoABikeTrail(CommitteeForumSept.22)
70thBirthdayOfSmokeyBear
FossilFuelsContinueToDominateWorldEnergySupply
GAOReportHighlightsFreshwaterConcerns
NewCensusDataOffersInsightsOnThe65+Demographic
NuisanceFloodingClimbed650PercentInPhiladelphia
ToSignUpForYourOwnCopyOfTheEnvironmentalSynopsis,SendAnEmailToMikeNerozzi
at:mnerozzi@jcc.legis.state.pa.us.

NewsFromAroundTheState

TiogaCountyMineDrainageProjectGetsOKToGenerateElectricity

TheFederalEnergyRegulatoryCommissionissuedapowergenerationlicenseSeptember3forthe
AntrimTreatmentTrustinTiogaCountytooperatethe40kWmicrohydropowerplantintheBabb
Creek/PineCreekWatershedasnetproducerofpower.
ThisisthefirstprojecteverlicensedbyFERCthatusesminedrainagetogenerateelectricity
thatcanbesoldonthegrid.
InFebruary2014,theTrustreceivedthefinal"NEMR"(netenergymetering)approvalfrom
PenelecauthorizingtheconnectionoftheAntrimmicrohydropowerturbinestotheelectricgrid.This
agreementallowsbothturbinestogoongridandsellexcesspower.
ThehydropowerprojecthasbeenoperationalandprovidingtheAntrimAMDwatertreatment
plantwithaportionoftheplantselectricneedwithjustoneoftwoturbinessinceMay2012.
Combined,theturbinescangenerateupto40kWofpower.Expectedpowergenerationfromthe
gridconnectedpowersystemis460,000kilowatthoursperyear.
TheAntrimtreatmentplantwillusealargeportionofthepower,savingupto$12,000annually.
AnyadditionalpowergeneratedbytheAntrimMicroHydropowerProject(AMHP)willhelpoffsetthe
operationalcostoftheAntrimTreatmentPlant.
TheprojectwasacollaborativeeffortofDEPsMoshannonDistrictMiningOffice,Babb
CreekWatershedAssociation,AntrimTreatmentTrust,theAnthraciteRegionIndependentPower
ProducersAssociation,theEasternPa.CoalitionforAbandonedMineReclamation,theWesternPa.
CoalitionforAbandonedMineReclamation,theTiogaCountyConservationDistrict,andtheproject
design/buildpartner,BioMostInc.
Theprojectwasfinancedbya2009EnergyHarvestGranttotheBabbCreekWatershed
Association,Inc.,for$428,710however,thecosttoobtaintheFERClicense,greaterthan$75,000,
wascontributedbyBioMost,Inc.

(ReprintedfromSeptember18issueofDEPNews.ClickHeretosignuptoreceiveyourown
copyofDEPNewsandbackissues.)

ColdwaterHeritagePartnership2015GrantProgramNowOpen

TheColdwaterHeritagePartnershipannouncestheopeningofthe2015ColdwaterConservation
GrantsProgram.ApplicationsaredueDecember19.
Theprogramprovidestwograntopportunities,whichhelptoprotectandconservethehealthof
Pennsylvaniascoldwaterecosystems
PlanningGrant:Tohelpdevelopaconservationplanthatidentifiesthevaluesandthreatsthat
impactthehealthofourcoldwaterecosystemsthathavenaturallyreproducingtrout.Thecollected
informationcanbeusedasacatalystformorecomprehensiveplanningorfordevelopmentofwatershed
improvementsprojects.Planninggrantsaveragearound$5,000.
ImplementationGrant:Toprovidefundingtoprojectsrecommendedinacompletedconservation
planorreport.Potentialprojectsmustenhance,conserveorprotectthecoldwaterstreamforwhichthe
coldwaterconservationplanorsimilardocumentwasoriginallycompleted.Implementationgrants
averagearound$7,000.
TheColdwaterHeritagePartnershipurgeswatershedgroups,conservationdistricts,
municipalitiesandlocalchaptersofTroutUnlimitedtoapply.
TheColdwaterHeritagePartnershipprovidestechnicalassistanceandfundingsupportforthe
evaluation,conservationandprotectionofPennsylvaniascoldwaterstreams.Grantswillbeawardedto
organizationstooutlinestrategiesandcompleteimplementationprojectsthatbestconserveandprotect
ourcoldwaterfisheries.
Besidesofferinggrants,CHPworksto:fostergreaterpublicunderstandingofwatershed
characteristicsandhowtheyaffectcoldwaterecosystemsidentifyspecialareasofconcern,suchas
areaswithexceptionalwaterqualityandhighpotentialforimpactsandprovidetechnicalassistanceand
financialopportunitiestoorganizationsdedicatedtoprotectingourcoldwaterecosystems.
TheCHPisacooperativeeffortofPennsylvaniaCouncilofTroutUnlimited,theDepartmentof
ConservationandNaturalResources,theFishandBoatCommissionandtheFoundationfor
PennsylvaniaWatersheds.
ApplicationscanbefoundontheColdwaterConservationGrantswebpage.Formore
information,contactSamanthaKutskel,ProgramDirector,at8143595233orsendemailto:
skutskel@coldwaterheritage.org.

VolunteersNeededForTreePlantingInChesterRidleyCrumWatershedSept.27

VolunteersareneededtoassistwithatreeplantingatLewisH.FisherMemorialParkinAston,Paon
September27from9a.m.toNoon.
TheChesterRidleyCrumWatershedsAssociationandAstonTownshipareorganizingthe
eventtoincreasetreecoveralongtheChesterCreekinChesterCounty.
UsingfundingfromaTreeVitalizegrant,thisprojectwilladdnearly80nativetreesandshrubs
tothispopularstreamsidepark.Streamsideforestsprotectwaterqualitybystabilizingbanksand
filteringpollutantsbeforetheyreachthestream.
Preregistrationisrequestedforvolunteers.YoumayalsopreregisterbycallingCRCat
6103591440oremailinginfo@crcwatersheds.org.

LakeErieCleanupSeeksVolunteersForInternationalCoastalCleanupSept.20

TheDepartmentofEnvironmentalProtectioninvitesthepublictoimprovetheLakeEriewatershedon
September20byparticipatinginthe12thannualPennsylvania/LakeErieInternationalCoastalCleanup.
DEPisurgingresidentstohelpcleanuptrasharoundErieCountywaterwaysfrom9a.m.until
noon.
Thiscountywideeffortisanimportantpartofprotectingandenhancingourwaterresources,
DEPNorthwestRegionalOfficeDirectorJohnGuthsaid.Engagingresidentsinthisimportantcleanup
helpstoconnectthemwiththeirsurroundingenvironmenttobuildasenseofownershipforthenatural
resourcesthatwealluseandenjoy.
ThisyearsICCwillinclude18sitesalongtheLakeErieshoreline,fromRaccoonCreekPark
inSpringfieldTownshiptoNorthEastMarinainNorthEastTownshipandsouthtoEdinboroLake.
TwonewsiteswereaddedthisyearatthenewlyestablishedBridgerParkinMillcreekTownshipand
theEastAvenueBoatLaunchandbeachareainErie.
Forthepast11years,morethan12,000localvolunteershavewalked317milesofshoreline
andpickedupmorethan100,000poundsoftrashduringtheICCinErieCounty.Duringthistime,
morethan180,000cigarettebutts,54,000plasticfoodwrappersand48,000beveragecontainershave
beencollected.Someofthemostunusualitemsfoundincludealitterofkittens,acar,afullsetof
clothesandamannequin.
Locally,theICCbeganin2003atPresqueIsleStatePark.Sincethen,theLakeErieICChas
flourishedinto18sitesacrossthecountywithfivelocaluniversitiesinvolvedandcountlessother
businesses,organizationsandcitizenscomingouttocleanuptheLakeErieshoreline.
NewgroupparticipantsforthisyearincludeMercyhurstUniversity,AlleghenyCollege,
MillcreekTownshipRecyclingDepartmentandPittsburghbasednonprofit,PaddleWithoutPollution.
TheICCistheoldestandlargestvolunteerprojectofitskind,andthisyeariscelebratingits
29thanniversary.Beginningin1986with12sitesontheTexascoastline,theICChastransformedto
morethan6,000sitesin92countrieswithmorethan600,000volunteers.Itisthelargest
volunteerdrivenbeachcleanupeffortofitskindacrosstheworld.
Lastyear,12.3millionpoundsoftrashwereremovedand12,914milesofwaterwayswere
walkedandboatedduringtheglobalcleanup.
DEPsCoastalResourcesManagementprogramhasbeenthemainsponsorofthe
Pennsylvania/LakeErieInternationalCoastalCleanupsince2003.
Formoreinformationortogetinvolved,visitPALakeErieCoastalCleanupwebpageorcall
8142179634.

PennStateExtension:Sept.18WatershedWindsNewsletter

TheSeptember18editionofWatershedWindsnewsletterfromPennStateExtensionisnowavailable
featuringstorieson
TreeandForestEffectsonAirQualityandHumanHealthintheUnitedStates
RoadsideSpringLegalIssuestoBeConsidered
GroundwaterBasics
DEPRemindsCitizensofImportantAutumnAdvisories
CommonWeedKillerisWidespreadintheEnvironment
PennStateExtensiongetsbehindProtectYourGroundwaterDaySept.9
Toreceiveyourowncopy,sendanemailto:
WATERSHEDWINDSLsubscriberequest@lists.psu.edu.

DEPCitizensAdvisoryCouncilReceivesUpdateOnOilAndGasProgram

ScottPerry,DEPDeputySecretaryForOilandGasManagement,gaveDEPsCitizensAdvisory
CouncilanupdateontheOilandGasRegulatoryProgram.
AuditorGeneralEugeneDePasqualewasscheduledtomakeapresentationtoCouncilonhis
agencysauditoftheMarcellusShaleWaterProtectionPrograms,butcanceledatthelastminute.
PerrypointedtodramaticincreasesinfieldinspectionsmadebyDEPwhichsince2008
increasedfrom1,262tonearly13,400in2013.Asaresult,hesaid,thenumberofviolationshas
droppedsignificantlyfrom25percentofoperationsto4percentasdrillingoperatorsbecamemore
familiarwithDEPoilandgasregulations.
PerrysaidtheagencyisnearlyfinishedupdatingitsenforcementpolicyfortheOilandGas
ProgramandplanstoreleaseproposedrevisionsinOctober.
Inresponsetoquestions,hesaidthemismatchbetweendrillerreportedwasteshipmentsand
landfillrecordsshowinghowmuchwastewasreceivedwastroubling.PerrysaidDEPisconducting
aninvestigationintotheissueandhasalreadyuncovereddiscrepanciesonwastenumbersreportedby
landfilloperatorstoDEPanddrillingcompanies.
CouncilpassedaresolutiontorecognizePatLupo,OSBfromErie,forher26yearsof
dedicatedserviceonCouncil.PathasservedonCouncilsinceherinitialappointmentbyGov.Robert
P.Caseyin1988.(Seeseparatestory)
CouncilalsoheardapresentationbyRandyPomponio,U.S.EPARegionIIIDirectorof
EnvironmentalAssessmentandInnovationontheproposedWatersoftheU.S.ruleproposedbyEPA
andaverygeneraloverviewofhowtheDepartmentofHealthhandlescomplaintsonhealthrelated
issuesfromdrillingoperationsfromDr.RamNambiar,DepartmentofHealthBureauofEpidemiology.
ThePublicParticipationCommitteeofCouncilreportedonthestatusofitssurveyofDEP
advisorycommitteessolicitingrecommendationsonhowtoimproveDEPsAdvisoryCommittee
TechnicalGuidance.
ClickHereforacopyofDEPsMonthlyReportonActivities.
ThenextmeetingoftheCouncilisOctober21inRoom105RachelCarsonBuilding,
Harrisburg.
Formoreinformation,visitDEPsCitizensAdvisoryCouncilwebpageorcontactMicheleTate,
CouncilExecutiveDirector,bysendingemailto:mtate@pa.gov.

RelatedStory
DEPCitizensAdvisoryCouncilRecognizesPatLupo,OSBOfErie

EnvironmentalGroupsAppealGeneralPermitOnUsingDrillCuttingsInPavement

DelawareRiverkeeperNetwork,StewardsoftheLowerSusquehanna,andEarthworksfiledanappeal
onSeptember15withtheEnvironmentalHearingBoardofaResidualWasteGeneralPermitissuedto
RangeResourcesAppalachiaandLAFARGENorthAmericaauthorizingresearchanddevelopment
activitiestosupportthebeneficialuseofdrillcuttingsforpavementatgaswellsites.
TheGeneralPermitallowstheconstructionofatestwellpadusingdrillcuttingsinplaceof
cementandcouldresultinabeneficialusedeterminationbytheDepartmentofEnvironmentalProtection
thatwillallowitsuseinwellpadsandaccessroadsatgaswellsitesinthestate.
Thetestpadislocateduphillfromtwoexceptionalvaluestreams,LarrysCreekandDogRun
Creek.
TheorganizationspetitionedtheEHBbasedontheDEPsfailure,amongotherthings,to
analyzeandaddressthelongtermimpactsoftheprojectonthecommunityandthenaturalresourcesit
dependsuponandtoreviewandaddressthelongtermandcumulativeriskstogroundwaterand
surfacewatercontamination.
ThepetitionersaskedtheEHBtoreverseDEPsapproval.
Acopyofthefilingisavailableonline.

DEPToWebcastSept.25MeetingOfOilAndGasTechnicalAdvisoryBoardMeeting

TheDepartmentofEnvironmentalProtectionWednesdayannouncedtheOilandGasTechnical
AdvisoryBoardsmeetingonSeptember25todiscussproposedchangestotheChapter78Oiland
Gasregulationswillbeavailableonlineviawebinar.
Themorningsessionwillrunfrom10a.m.tonoonandincludediscussiononthebifurcationof
theregulationsfortheconventionalandunconventionalindustries.Theafternoonsessionwillrunfrom1
to2:30p.m.andincludediscussionofseveralchangestotheproposedChapter78SubchapterC
rulemaking.
TheTABmeetingwillbeheldintheRachelCarsonStateOfficeBuilding,Room105,400
MarketStreet,Harrisburg.
Toattendthewebinar,preregistrationisrequiredatleast30minutespriortothestartofeach
session.ClickHeretoregister.
Formoreinformation,ClickHerefortheBoardsagendaandontheChapter78OilandGas
Regulations,visitDEPsOilandGasSurfaceRegulationswebpage.
NewsClips:
RangeResourcesFined$4.1M,CloseOldDrillingImpoundments
DEPOrdersRangeResourcesToPay$4MillionFine
RangeResourcesHitWith$4MillionFine
RangeResourcesToPay$4MForViolations
ChevronMeetsShaleDrillingStandardsFromCSSD
ChevronGets1stOKFromSustainableDrillingGroup
LandmarkFrackingStudyFindsNoWaterPollution
Study:LeakyWells,NotFracking,TaintWater
StudyFindsFlawedWellCasings,NotFrackingTaintingWater
FrackingNotTheProblemOhioStateScientistFinds
Study:ResidentsCloserToGasWellsReportMoreHealthIssues
OpEd:WhatsPAHidingOnFrackingContamination?
Letter:DEPNotHidingFrackingContamination
OpEd:FrackingIsNotTheThreat
WPXEnergyAppealsFindingOfResponsibilityForPollutingWell
DonegalTwpFamiliesFightDrillerToGetCleanWater
PAFamiliesStruggleWithGasDrillingPollution
DrillingCompanyReappliesForWellNearMoraineStatePark
Editorial:DrillingPoolingLaws,YourRights

CorbettReleasesFundingToConvertGlatfelterPaperMillToNaturalGas

Gov.TomCorbettWednesdayannouncedtheawardofa$5millionEconomicGrowthInitiativeGrant
and$3millionAlternativeandCleanEnergyGranttoGlatfeltertosupporttheconversionofthe
companysSpringGrove,YorkCountypapermilltousenaturalgastofuelitsboilers.
Inadditiontothegrant,Glatfelterisinvestingmorethan$55millionofitsownfundsinthemill,
spendingwhichwillsecurecontinuedemploymentforitsapproximately850employees,reduceboiler
airemissionssignificantly,andeliminatemorethan5,000heavytrucktripsannuallythroughtheSpring
Grovearea.
ConvertingfromcoaltonaturalgaswillmakeGlatfelteroneofthelargestindustrialnaturalgas
usersinthearea,supportingPennsylvaniaspositionasleaderinnaturalgasexploration,generationand
distribution.
TheSpringGrovemillsconversiontonaturalgasoffersPennsylvaniathreeveryimportant
benefits,Gov.Corbettsaid.Itsecuresfordecadestocomegoodpayingjobsfortheemployees
ofGlatfelter,amajoreconomiccontributorinYorkCountyfor150years.
ThemillwillbeabletotapintotheabundantsupplyofnaturalgasfoundrighthereinPennsylvaniaand
ismakingourstateoneofthenationsmostimportantenergycenters.Anditwillmakeamajor
contributiontotheprosperityandfutureeconomicdevelopmentofYorkCounty.
Thenaturalgasconversionprojectisimportanttoourcompany,ourpeopleandour
community,saidDanteC.Parrini,Glatfelterchairmanandchiefexecutiveofficer.Incombinationwith
otherinvestments,itwillenableGlatfeltertosustainthemillsoperationsintothefuture,protectjobsand
families,attaingreaterenergyefficiencywhilereducingourcarbonfootprint,andensureourfull
compliancewithcurrentandanticipatedairqualityregulations.Weappreciatetheassistancethisgrant
providesandtheopportunitytoputtheseresourcestoworkforPennsylvania.
Thegrantforthenaturalgasconversionprojectwillbeanimportantpartofananticipated
investmentbyGlatfeltersofmorethan$100millionoverthenextseveralyearstomodernizethemillto
maintainitscompetitivenessandsupportitshightechnologymanufacturingprocess.Themillproducesa
varietyofspecialtypaperproductsthatserveabroadrangeofcustomersandindustriesglobally.
Withthisgrant,theCommonwealthisagaindemonstratingitssupportforenvironmental
sustainability,employmentsecurityandeconomicdevelopmentofYorkCounty.Gov.Corbettsaid.
OurinvestmentandGlatfelterscommitmentwillnotonlystrengthenYorkCountybutwillpromote
additionallocalandregionaleconomicdevelopment.
TheSpringGrovenaturalgasconversionprojectwillgenerateanestimated$290millionin
annualeconomicimpactfortheCommonwealth,andmorethan$250millioninYorkCounty,while
supporting1,765morejobsacrossthecounty.
Theprojectwillretaineconomicactivitythatmightotherwisebeenlost,andaddorretainmore
than$52millioninstateandlocaltaxesoverthenextfiveyears.
Glatfeltersnewboilerswillusemorethan2billioncubicfeetofnaturalgasannually,rankingthe
millasoneoftheregionslargestgasusers.Itsgasconsumptionwillbegreaterthantheamountneeded
tosupplytheannualnaturalgasneedsoftheresidentsofHarrisburgorfueleveryhouseholdin
Pennsylvaniafortwofulldays.
Useofsuchlargevolumesofgaswillrequiretheinstallationofanaturalgasconnectorlinefrom
atransmissionsourcetothemill.Installationoftheconnectorcouldcreatenewopportunitiesfor
industrial,commercial,nonprofitandgovernmentaluserstoaccessnaturalgasalongitsroute.Glatfelter
hasbegunastudyofrouteoptionsfortheconnector.

PennState:MarcellusBoomMayHaveLedToTooManyHotelRooms

DrillinginPennsylvania'sMarcellusShaleregionledtoarapidincreaseinboththenumberofhotelsand
hotelindustryjobs,butPennStateresearchersreportthatthefalteringoccupancyratemaysignalthat
therearenowtoomanyhotelrooms.
"DemandisstillhighinmanyofthecountiesintheMarcellusShaleregion,buttheoccupancy
rateisstartingtocomedown,"saidDanielMount,anassociateprofessorinhospitalitymanagement.
"Thecasecouldbemadethatthisisasignthathotelswereoverbuilt."
Marcellusdrillingoperationsgeneratedapproximately$685millioninhotelrevenuesandadded
anextra1,600newhoteljobssince2006,accordingtotheresearchers,whoreporttheirfindingsinthe
InternationalCouncilonHotel,Restaurant,andInstitutionalEducationPennStateResearchReports.
However,thelatestfiguresshowthatdemandforroomsmaybedecreasing.Forexample,in
2012,demandwasflatandoccupancywasdown4.1percent.
Ifdemandcontinuestodecrease,theolder,nonfranchisedhotelsmaybethemostvulnerableto
bankruptcyandclosure,accordingtoMount.Ofthe14hotelsthatclosedbetween2006and2012,
ninedidnothaveanationalfranchise.Theaverageageofthe14closedhotelswasmorethan38years
old.
"Theoveralleconomicbenefitofthedrillingboomisstillgoodforhoteliers,butit'sjustnotthe
bonanzathatitusedtobe,"saidMount."Itmaybethatthenewerhotelsandthehotelchainsareina
betterpositiontowithstandthelowerdemand,inwhichcase,itwillbetheolder,independenthotelsthat
gooutofbusiness."
Theflatratecontrastswiththeexplosivegrowthofhotelconstructionduringtheearlystagesof
thedrillingboom.Hoteldevelopersbuilt65hotelsinthedrillingregion,whichisafargreaternumber
thannationaltrendswouldsuggestforhoteldevelopment,saidMount,whoworkedwithTimothy
Kelsey,professorofagriculturaleconomicsandcodirectoroftheCenterforEconomicand
CommunityDevelopmentandKathrynBrasier,associateprofessorofruralsociology.
Alternativehousingmayexplainsomeofthelowerdemand,aswell,saidMount.Some
companiesthatoriginallyassignedworkerstohotelroomsmaynowbehousingthematalternativesites,
suchasapartmentcomplexesormobilehomes,furtherreducingdemandforhotelspace.
Otherworkforcepatterns,suchashiringmorelocalworkersandgainsinworkforce
efficiencies,mayalsobecontributingfactorstothedecreaseddemandinhotelrooms,saidBrasier.
Adropinthepriceofnaturalgasanddecreaseinfuturedrillingmayalsoaffectdemandfor
rooms,theresearcherssuggest.Recently,asnaturalgaspricesfell,thetotalnumberofwellsdrilled
decreasedfrom1,968in2011to1,362in2012.
TheresearchersusedthemostrecentdataavailablefromtheDepartmentofEnvironmental
Protectiononhoteldevelopmentanddrillingactivityinthefivemajordrillingregionsnortheast,north
central,central,westcentralandsouthwestofPennsylvania.Theythencompareddataonhotel
performancetotaldemand,averagedailyrateandtotalroomsrevenuewithnationalfigures.
Formoreinformation,contactMattSwayne8148659481orA'ndreaElyseMesser
8148659481.

PAEnvironmentalCouncilPolicyConferenceToAirOnPCNSept.20

ThePAEnvironmentalCouncilPolicyConferencewillaironPCNSeptember20at2:00p.m.
TheConferencefeaturedapaneldiscussionwithallfourChairsoftheSenateandHouse
EnvironmentalResourcesandEnergyCommittees.
MajorityChairSenatorGeneYaw(RBradford,Lycoming,Sullivan,Susquehanna,andUnion
Counties)MinorityChairSenatorJohnYudichak(DCarbon,Luzerne,andMonroeCounties)
MajorityChairRepresentativeRonMiller(RYorkCounty),andMinorityChairRepresentativeGreg
Vitali(DDelawareCountywillbespeakingonenvironmentallegislativeprioritiesfortheremainderof
thecurrentsession,aswellasforecastingkeyissuesfor2015andbeyond.
TheConferencealsofeaturedpanelsonShaleGasDevelopmentinPennsylvaniahow
Pennsylvaniawilladapttopendingfederalrulesongreenhousegasemissionsandareviewofthe
diversewatermanagementissuesfacingourCommonwealth.
ThisConferencewillbeauniqueopportunitytohearfromkeyenvironmentalpolicymakersin
theGeneralAssemblyandotherenvironmentalleadersonsomeofthemostpressingissuesfacing
Pennsylvania,saidDavittWoodwell,PresidentandCEOofPEC.Pennsylvaniaisatacritical
crossroadsinhowwedealwithfutureMarcellusShalerelateddevelopment,climatechangeandwater
resourceissues.WehopetheConferencediscussionwillhelpidentifysomeofthepolicychoiceswe
needtomaketohelpensureamoresustainablefutureintheCommonwealth.
Eachpanelfeatureddiverseinterestsandrecognizedexpertsineachareaalongwithan
opportunityforattendeestoaskquestionstopromoteanopendialogontheseissues.
Formoreinformation,visitthePAEnvironmentalCouncilPolicyConferencewebpageandthe
PCNwebsite.

Sept.18DEPNewsNowAvailableFromTheDepartmentOfEnvironmentalProtection

TheSeptember18issueofDEPNewsisnowavailablefromtheDepartmentofEnvironmental
Protectionfeaturingarticleson
DEPFinesRangeResources$4.15MForViolatingEnvironmentalRegulations
FirstOfItsKindMineDrainageProjectToGenerateElectricityFromMineFlow
RiversOfTheChesapeakeProjectConsideredTopPriorityLWCFLandscapesProgram
DEPListeningSessionOnEPACleanPowerClimatePlanSept.25
CorbettOpensNewNaturalGasFuelingStationInPhiladelphia
Sept.25OilAndGasTechnicalAdvisoryBoardMeetingToBeWebcast
PAMercuryRegsSubjectOfVisitBySouthKoreanEnvoy
GrantToAssistMontgomeryCountyResidentsWithTCEContamination
DEPSecretaryAddressComplianceManagersFromLeadingPACompanies
DEPToAssistCommunitiesInLuzerneSecuringSafeDrinkingWaterSupply
LakeErieCleanupSeeksVolunteersForSept.20CoastalCleanup
MorewoodNamedDirectorOfDEPEnvironmentalAdvocateOffice
DEPCitizensAdvisoryCouncilRecognizesLongTimeMemberPatLupo,OSB
DEPEmployeesHelpKickOffAnnualSECAGivingCampaign
ClickHeretosignuptoreceiveyourowncopyofDEPNewsandbackissues.

GreenSchoolsTeacherDevelopmentWorkshopOct.17AtGreyTowers

GreyTowersNationalHistoricSiteinMilford,PikeCountywillhostaProjectLearningTree
GreenSchoolsTeacherEducationWorkshoponOctober17.
ThisFREEonedayteacherworkshopwillbeveryinteractive.ParticipantswilllearnaboutPLT
backgroundinformationandcurricula,thepathtobecomingacertifiedPLTGreenSchool,monitoring
differentenvironmentalissuesandparameters,discussingapplicationstotheirschoolsandcommunities,
anddevelopinganactionplantoinvestigatetheirschools.Act48hoursareavailable.
Formoreinformationandtoregister,visittheGreenSchoolsTeacherWorkshopwebpage.

iConservePA.orgSeptemberSeedsNewsletterNowAvailable

TheSeptemberissueoftheSeedsTakeConservationPersonallynewsletterfromiConservePA.orgis
nowavailablefeaturingarticleson
Video:GreenCollarJobs
SavingPennsylvaniasBats
Video:RaceToSavePennsylvaniasBats
FindYourTreeLove
CelebrateYOURLandsWithSomeLovin
TipsOnUsingWaterWisely
ClickHeretosignupforyourowncopyofSeeds

AirProductsAgainRecognizedOnDowJonesSustainabilityIndexes

AllentownbasedAirProductshasagainachievedaleadershippositionamongthetop10percentof
companiesinitsindustryasacomponentoftheDowJonesSustainabilityWorldIndex2014/2015,a
goldstandardbenchmarkforcorporatesustainabilityperformance.
AirProductsalsoisacomponentoftheDowJonesSustainabilityNorthAmericaIndex,which
placesitamongthetop20percentofcompaniesinitsindustryinNorthAmerica.
RobecoSAMandtheS&PDowJonesIndicesevaluatetheeconomic,environmental,social
andgovernancepracticesofthelargest2,500publiclytradedcompaniesannually.Basedonan
assessmentofcriteriathataccountsforgeneralaswellasindustryspecificsustainabilitytrends,
companiesbestequippedtomanagesustainabilityopportunitiesandrisksarethenselectedforinclusion.
"WearehonoredthatAirProductshasbeenrecognizedforsustainabilityleadership,an
importantcomponentincreatingshareholdervalue,"saidSeifiGhasemi,chairman,presidentandchief
executiveofficerofAirProducts."Wearecommittedtoimprovingourownoperations,supportingour
communities,andenablingcustomerstoproducemorewhileusingless."
InadditiontotheDJSIIndices,AirProductsremainsacomponentofotherinternational
sustainabilityindicesandisrecognizedforitssustainabilitypracticesandachievementsaroundtheglobe.
Formoreinformationaboutsustainability,visittheAirProductsSustainabilitywebpage.

PAMercuryRegulationsSubjectOfVisitBySouthKoreanEnvoy

StafffromDEP'sBureauofWasteManagementrecentlymetwithDr.YongseokHong,assistant
professorofEnvironmentalEngineeringfromDaeguUniversity,Jillyang,SouthKorea,todiscuss
Pennsylvaniasregulationsrelatedtomercury.
Thevisitwaspromptedbytherecentcreationoftheinternationalagreementtoreducemercury
pollution,theMinamataConvention.TheUnitedStateshasalreadysignedandratifiedthisagreement.
Dr.HongisassistingtheRepublicofKoreawitharesearchprojectonexistingmercury
regulationsintheUnitedStateswiththegoalofbuildinganewregulatoryframeworkforKorean
businessesandcitizens.HewasespeciallyinterestedinhowUSbusinessescanrecovermoremercury
andthemostprofitablemethodstohelpwiththetransitionofstricterregulations.
CurrentpracticesinKorearecoververylowamountsofmercuryandithasbecomea
considerablepublichealthconcernandaworkersafetyproblem.
ThevisitincludedameetingwithDeputySecretaryVinceBrisini,WasteManagementBureau
DirectorKenReisinger,ExternalAffairsDirectorKatherineHetheringtonCunfer,PolicySpecialist
LauraHenry,andstafffromtheWasteManagementProgramincludingTomMellott,KevinBeer,and
GlennMitzeltoreviewPennsylvaniasstatutes,regulations,andpoliciesrelatedtomercury,especially
theHazardousHouseholdWasteProgram.
Dr.HongandDEPstaffhadfieldvisitstoAPRSupplyinHarrisburgtoexhibitthenonprofit
ThermostatRecyclingCorporations(TRC)dropofflocationsformercurycontainingthermostatsas
wellasmeetingthelocalrepresentativefromTRC.
ThesecondtourlocationwasBethlehemApparatus,anationallyrecognizedspecialtymercury
recoveringandrecyclingbusiness,totourtheirBethlehemfacility.
Dr.Hongwasextremelyimpressedwiththeextensiveregulatoryframeworkformercurythat
existsinPennsylvaniaaswellasthebuyinbycitizensandbusinesses.HeplannedtoencourageKorean
EPAofficialstofollowtheregulatoryframeworkofPennsylvania.
Hewasmostdelightedwiththesitevisitsandexpressedthathehadcontactedotherstatesand
corporationsthatdealinmercuryrecoverytoscheduleatourandwasrebuffed.
WeweregladtohostDr.HongandsharethesuccessesofPennsylvaniasmercuryregulations
andrecyclingprograms,Brisinisaid.WelookforwardtocontinuingtoassisttheKoreangovernment
developresponsibleandeffectivepoliciestoregulatethishighlyhazardoussubstance.

(ReprintedfromSeptember18issueofDEPNews.ClickHeretosignuptoreceiveyourown
copyofDEPNewsandbackissues.)

RiversOfTheChesapeakeAPriorityForUSDACollaborativeLandscapesProgram

DEPSecretaryE.ChristopherAbruzzo,alongwithofficialsfromMaryland,Virginiaandthe
ChesapeakeBayCommission,sentaletterthisweektoU.S.DepartmentofAgricultureUnder
SecretaryRobertBonnie,thankinghimforhisroleinsupportingtheRiversoftheChesapeakeasa
toppriorityprojectfortheLandWaterConservationFund'sFY2016CollaborativeLandscapes
program.
Thefund,whichiscelebratingits50thanniversarythismonth,usesafeeonoffshoreoilandgas
drillingtofundwildlife,recreationandsimilarprogramsonpublicland.
TheRiversoftheChesapeakeproposalidentifiesmorethan21,000acresoffederalland
conservationopportunitieswithinsixfocusareas:theLowerSusquehanna,JamesYorkMouthofthe
Bay,Rappahannock,MiddlePotomac,Nanticoke,andHeadwaters(oftheJamesandPotomacRivers,
includingtheShenandoah.
Ifchosen,theproposalcouldmarshalroughly$50millioninfederalfundsforlandconservation
intheChesapeakewatershedforFY16andadditionaldollarsinthetwooutlyingyears.
"Understandingthatmanyotherworthyprojectsfromaroundthecountryapplied,weare
writingtoexpressourgratitudeforyourconfidenceinus,"theletterstates."Yourvoterecognizesthe
valueandqualityoftheRiversoftheChesapeakeProjectandyourwillingnesstoinvestinus."
InJuly,adelegationrepresentingtheChesapeakeBayCommissionincludingAbruzzo,Pa.
DepartmentofConservationandNaturalResourcesSecretaryEllenFeretti,MarylandDepartmentof
NaturalResourcesSecretaryJosephGill,VirginiaDepartmentofNaturalResourcesSecretaryMolly
Ward,andCommissionExecutiveDirectorAnnSwanson,metwithBonnieandForestServiceChief
TomTidwelltourgetheirsupportfortheproposal.
Pennsylvaniahasreceivedapproximately$315millionoverthepastfourdecades,protecting
placessuchasGettysburgNationalMilitaryParkandValleyForgeNationalHistoricalPark.

(ReprintedfromSeptember18issueofDEPNews.ClickHeretosignuptoreceiveyourown
copyofDEPNewsandbackissues.)

DCNRAcceptingNominationsForTrailOfTheYear,AdvisoryCommitteeMembers

TheDepartmentofConservationandNaturalResourcesisaskingfornominationsforthe2015Trailof
theYearandisacceptingapplicationsforeightmembersforthreeyeartermsonthePATrailsAdvisory
Committee,DCNRSecretaryEllenFerrettiannouncedMonday.
TrailOfTheYear
ThedesignationiscoordinatedbyDCNRsPennsylvaniaTrailsAdvisoryCommitteetoelevate
publicawarenessofthethousandsofmilesoftrailsavailableforpublicenjoymentinPennsylvania.
Itcouldbeshortorlong,easyorchallenging,nearawaterwayorupamountainside,butifyou
haveafavoritetrailwedlikeyoutotelluswhyitisspecialbynominatingitforourTrailoftheYear,
Ferrettisaid.WearesofortunatetohaveafantasticanddiversesystemoftrailsinPennsylvaniaand
wewanteveryonetorealizetheopportunitiestheyprovideforhealthyoutdooractivitiesandtoenjoy
natureandtheboosttrailsgivetotheeconomiesoflocalcommunities.
TohonortheTrailoftheYear,theadvisorycommitteeandDCNRwillcreatea
commemorativeposterforstatewidedistribution.
NominationsareduebyNovember7andcanbesubmittedontheDCNRwebsite.TheTrail
oftheYearwillbeannouncedinearly2015.
Formoreinformationonthenominationprocessorontrails,visittheExplorePaTrailswebsite.
Featuredonthesiteare493trailscoveringmorethan11,000milesinPennsylvania.
TrailsAdvisoryCommittee
ThePennsylvaniaTrailsAdvisoryCommitteeincludes20membersrepresentingdifferenttypes
oftrailusers,buildersandadvocates,andpeoplewithdisabilities.
DCNRisacceptingapplicationsthroughNovember7foreightopenseatsonthecommittee.
MemberswillserveforthreeyearsstartingJaniary1,2015.
Nominationsarebeingacceptedforpositionsrepresentingthefollowinguserorganizations:
ATVridersmemberatlargetrailwalkersmountainbikingsnowmobilingpeoplewithdisabilitiestrail
advocateandtrailtrainers.
ThecommitteesresponsibilitiesaretoadviseDCNRontheuseoftrailfundinginPennsylvania
reviewandranktrailprojectapplicationsandpresentanannualreporttothesecretaryontrail
activities.
FindanapplicationontheDCNRwebsite.

EasternPAGreenways&TrailsSummitSept.30Oct.1

TheEasternPAGreenways&TrailsSummitwillbeheldSeptember30toOctober1atDeSales
UniversityinCenterValley,Pa.ClickHereforthecompleteagenda.ClickHeretoregister.

Sept.17ResourceNewsletterNowAvailableFromDCNR

TheSeptember17ResourcenewsletterisnowavailablefromtheDepartmentofConservationand
NaturalResourcesfeaturingstoriesabout
PAReceivingFederalFundsToPlanForestManagement,ConservationForBats
NominationsFor2015TrailOfTheYear,TrailAdvisoryCommittee
ColdwaterHeritagePartnershipConservationGrantsNowOpen
EnhancePennsWoodsFunds2StateParkRoofingProjects
ClickHeretosignuptoreceiveyourowncopy(bottomofpage)

MorewoodNamedDirectorOfDEPsEnvironmentalJusticeAdvocateOffice

DEPSecretaryE.ChristopherAbruzzothisweekannouncedtheappointment
ofKimberlyA.Morewood,asDirectoroftheDEPsEnvironmentalJustice
AdvocateOffice.MorewoodpreviouslyservedasDEP'sEnvironmental
AdvocateinWesternPennsylvania.
"Kimsexperienceandskills,includingherstrongbackgroundworkingwiththe
regulatedcommunity,coordinatingwithlocalgovernmentsandengagement
withadvocacygroups,alongwithherpreviousserviceasthewestern
Pennsylvaniaenvironmentaladvocate,havepreparedherwellforhernewrole
astheDirectorofthisOffice,"Abruzzosaid.
MorewoodbeganhercareeratDEPastheLocalGovernmentLiaisonforthe
SouthCentralRegionfrom20012004.ShethenworkedforthePennsylvaniaHouseof
RepresentativesasaPublicRelationsCoordinator,andlater,astheChiefofStafftoaState
Representative.ShereturnedtoDEPin2013toserveinhercurrentroleasEnvironmentalJustice
AdvocateforwesternPennsylvania.
Inthisnewrole,MorewoodwillberesponsibleforprovidingsupporttotheSecretaryby
directingtheidentificationofsocialandenvironmentaljusticeissueswithintheCommonwealth,andby
formulatinganddevelopingcommonwealthwidepolicies,regulationsandlawstosupportthefair,
ethical,andmeaningfultreatmentofallitscitizens.

(ReprintedfromSeptember18issueofDEPNews.ClickHeretosignuptoreceiveyourown
copyofDEPNewsandbackissues.)

PublicParticipationOpportunities/CalendarOfEvents

Thissectiongivesyouacontinuouslyupdatedthumbnailsketchofissuestobeconsideredinupcoming
advisorycommitteemeetingswheretheagendashavebeenreleased.Italsogivesyouaheadsupon
HouseandSenateCommitteemeetings,conferencesandotherinterestingevents.Meetingsarein
Harrisburgunlessotherwisenoted.NEWmeansnewfromlastweek.GototheonlineCalendar
webpageforupdates.

September22NEW.HouseAppropriationsCommitteemeetstoconsiderHouseBill1565
(HahnRNorthampton)eliminatingthenearly4yearoldrequirementforstreambuffersinHighQuality
andExceptionalValuestreams,SenateBill1155(ScarnatiRJefferson)creatingaAggregateAdvisory
BoardwithinDEPsponsorsummaryRoom140.OfftheFloor.

September22NEW.SenateAppropriationsCommitteemeetstoconsiderHouseBill1672
(MillerRYork)providingfortestingofenergyefficiencytechnologies.RulesRoom.OfftheFloor.

September22EnvironmentalIssuesForum,JointConservationCommittee.Pennsylvanias
abandonedTurnpike,a13milestretchoftheoriginalTurnpikeinBedfordandFultoncountiesand
planstoturnitintoascenic,recreationalbikingtrail.Room8EAEastWing.11:00.(Notetime.)

September22DEPwebinaron3rdRoundofNaturalGasVehicleGrants.2:00.

September22DEP,DCNRMeeting,HearingOnGunClubShootingRangeInCentreCounty.
RushTownshipmunicipalbuilding,150NorthRichardSt.inPhilipsburg.Meeting6:30,Hearing
7:30.

September23NEW.HouseEnvironmentalResourcesandEnergyCommitteemeets.NoAgenda
Announced.Room205RyanBuilding.9:00.

September23NEW.HouseConsumerAffairsCommitteemeetstoconsiderHouseBill2393
(KampfRChester)providingaprogramtoextendnaturalgasdeliverytounservedorunderserved
areassponsorsummary.RoomB31MainCapitol.9:15.

September23AgendaReleased.DEPSmallWaterSystemsTechnicalAssistanceCenterBoard
meeting.Room105RachelCarsonBuilding.10:00.
Presentation:Level1,2WaterSystemAssessmentProposal&Discussion
<>ClickHereforavailablehandouts.

September24AgendaReleased.DEPStateBoardforCertificationofSewageEnforcement
Operatorsmeeting.11thFloorConferenceRoomB,RachelCarsonBuilding.10:00.
CertificationofNewSEOs
RevisedBylaws
ExamandMeetingDatesfor2015
<>ClickHereforavailablehandouts.

September24NEW.TaskForceonLymeDiseaseandRelatedTickBorneDiseases,Department
ofHealth.DixonUniversityCenter,2986N.SecondSt.,Harrisburg.10:00.(formalnotice)

September25AgendaReleased.DEPOilandGasTechnicalAdvisoryBoardmeeting.Room105
RachelCarsonBuilding.10:00.ClickHeretowatchthemeetingbywebinar.
SummaryofChangesSplittingChapter78IntoConventional,UnconventionalStandards
UpdateonChapter78,SubchapterC,DDraftFinalRule
<>ClickHereforavailablehandouts

September25AgendaReleased.DEPBoardOfCoalMineSafetymeeting.DEPCambriaOffice,
286IndustrialParkRoad,Ebensburg.10:00.(formalnotice)
UpdateonDraftPerformancebasedCableSafetyRegulations
UpdateonStandardsforSurfaceFacilitiesRegulations
EmergencyMedicalTraining
<>ClickHereforavailablehandouts

September25NEW.DCNRConservationandNaturalResourcesAdvisoryCouncilmeeting.
GenettiHotel,200W.FourthSt.,Williamsport.10:00.(formalnotice)
PresentationOnTrails,Watershed,LandProtection,RiverfrontRevitalizationPartnershipsin
NorthcentralPA
<>ClickHereforavailablehandouts.

September.25NEW.DEPListeningSessiononEPAsProposedCleanPowerClimatePlan.
HonorsSuite,333MarketSt.,Harrisburg.9:00.(formalnotice)

September25PennStateExtensionYouthWaterEducatorsSummit.TheCentralHoteland
ConferenceCenter,Harrisburg.

September26AgendaReleased.DEPWaterResourcesAdvisoryCommitteemeeting.Room105
RachelCarsonBuilding.9:30.(formalnotice)
UpdatefromDEPOfficeofWaterManagement
RoleofWaterResourcesAdvisoryCommittee
<>ClickHereforavailablehandouts

October1NEW.SenateDemocraticPolicyCommitteeholdsahearingontrackingandreporting
publichealthcomplaintsinPA.KingsCollege,133N.RiverSt.,WilkesBarre.11:00.

October2DEPLowLevelRadioactiveWasteAdvisoryCommitteemeeting.Room105Rachel
CarsonBuilding.10:00.

October6EnvironmentalIssuesForum,JointConservationCommittee.KeepPABeautifulwill
presentitsrecommendationsforsignificantlyreducingillegaldumpinginPennsylvania.Room8EAEast
Wing.Noon.(Notetime.)

October8CANCELED.DEPTechnicalAdvisoryCommitteeonDieselPoweredEquipmentfor
deepmining.FayetteCountyHealthCenter,Uniontown.10:00.(formalnotice)

October9DEPAirQualityTechnicalAdvisoryCommitteemeeting.Room105RachelCarson
Building.9:15.

October15DEPCleanupStandardsScientificAdvisoryBoard.14thFloorConferenceRoom,
RachelCarsonBuilding.9:00.

October15DEPAgriculturalAdvisoryBoardmeeting.DEPSouthcentralRegionalOffice,909
ElmertonAve.,Harrisburg.10:00.

October15DEPTechnicalAdvisoryCommitteeonDieselPoweredEquipmentfordeepmining.
DEPOffice,131BroadviewRd,NewStanton.10:00.(formalnotice)

October16DEPRadiationProtectionAdvisoryCommitteemeeting.Room105RachelCarson
Building.9:00.

October16AgendaReleased.DEPStateBoardforCertificationofWaterandWastewaterSystems
Operatorsmeeting10thFloorConferenceRoom,RachelCarsonBuilding.10:00.

October21EnvironmentalQualityBoardmeeting.Room105RachelCarsonBuilding.9:00.

October21DEPCitizensAdvisoryCouncilmeeting.Room105RachelCarsonBuilding.10:00.

October22LocationChange.DEPSmallBusinessComplianceAdvisoryCommitteemeeting.
EmergingTechnologyApplicationsCenter,NorthamptonCommunityCollege,511EastThirdSt.,
Bethlehem.10:00.(formalnotice)

October23DEPMiningandReclamationAdvisoryBoardmeeting.Room105RachelCarson
Building.10:00.

October27SenateGameandFisheriesCommitteeholdsapublichearingonLymedisease,
GeisingerMedicationTakeBackProgram,GreatLakesFisherymicrobeadban,roundgobyimpacton
PAwaterways.TomRidgeEnvironmentalCenter,301PeninsulaDr.,Erie.9:00.

October27CANCELED.DEPhearingonHilcorpEnergygaspoolingrequestsinLawrence,
Mercercounties.AlbertP.GettingsGovernmentCenterAnnexoftheLawrenceCountyGovernment
Center,AssemblyRoom,349CountylineSt.,NewCastle.10:00.

October28DEPClimateChangeAdvisoryCommitteemeeting.12thFloorConferenceRoom,
RachelCarsonBuilding.10:00.

October28CANCELED.DEPhearingonHilcorpEnergygaspoolingrequestsinLawrence,
Mercercounties.AlbertP.GettingsGovernmentCenterAnnexoftheLawrenceCountyGovernment
Center,AssemblyRoom,349CountylineSt.,NewCastle.9:00.

November5DEPEnvironmentalJusticeAdvisoryBoardmeeting.DelawareRoom,16thFloor,
RachelCarsonBuilding.8:30.

November5DEPSewageAdvisoryCommitteemeeting.Room105RachelCarsonBuilding.10:30.

November12DEPWaterResourcesAdvisoryCommitteemeeting.Room105RachelCarson
Building.9:30.

November18EnvironmentalQualityBoardmeeting.Room105RachelCarsonBuilding.9:00.

November18DEPCitizensAdvisoryCouncilmeeting.Room105RachelCarsonBuilding.10:00.

December2DEPStorageTankAdvisoryCommitteemeeting.Room105RachelCarsonBuilding.
10:00.

December9DEPClimateChangeAdvisoryCommitteemeeting.12thFloorConferenceRoom,
RachelCarsonBuilding.10:00.

December9DEPBoardOfCoalMineSafetymeeting.DEPCambriaOffice,286IndustrialPark
Road,Ebensburg.10:00.

December10AgendaReleased.DEPStateBoardforCertificationofWaterandWastewater
SystemsOperatorsmeeting10thFloorConferenceRoom,RachelCarsonBuilding.10:00.

December11DEPAirQualityTechnicalAdvisoryCommitteemeeting.Room105RachelCarson
Building.9:15.

December17DEPAgriculturalAdvisoryBoardmeeting.DEPSouthcentralRegionalOffice,909
ElmertonAve.,Harrisburg.10:00.

December18DEPSmallWaterSystemsTechnicalAssistanceCenterBoardmeeting.Room105
RachelCarsonBuilding.10:00.

December22DEPStateBoardforCertificationofSewageEnforcementOperatorsmeeting.11th
FloorConferenceRoomB,RachelCarsonBuilding.10:00.

VisitDEPsnewPublicParticipationCenterforinformationonhowyoucanBeInformed!andGet
Involved!inDEPregulationandguidancedevelopmentprocess.

DEPRegulationsInProcess
ProposedRegulationsOpenForCommentDEPwebpage
ProposedRegulationsWithClosedCommentPeriodsDEPwebpage
RecentlyFinalizedRegulationsDEPwebpage
DEPRegulatoryUpdateDEPwebpage

DEPTechnicalGuidanceInProcess
DraftTechnicalGuidanceDocumentsDEPwebpage
TechnicalGuidanceCommentDeadlinesDEPwebpage
RecentlyClosedCommentPeriodsForTechnicalGuidanceDEPwebpage
TechnicalGuidanceRecentlyFinalizedDEPwebpage
CopiesofFinalTechnicalGuidanceDEPwebpage

OtherDEPProposalsForPublicReview
OtherProposalsOpenForPublicCommentDEPwebpage
RecentlyClosedCommentPeriodsForOtherProposalsDEPwebpage
OtherProposalsRecentlyFinalizedDEPwebpage

ClickHereforlinkstoDEPsAdvisoryCommitteewebpages.

DEPCalendarofEvents

Note:TheEnvironmentalEducationWorkshopCalendarisnolongeravailablefromthePACenterfor
EnvironmentalEducationbecausefundingfortheCenterwaseliminatedintheFY201112state
budget.ThePCEEwebsitewasalsoshutdown,butsomecontentwasmovedtothePAAssociationof
EnvironmentalEducators'website.

SenateCommitteeScheduleHouseCommitteeSchedule

YoucanwatchtheSenateFloorSessionandHouseFloorSessionliveonline.

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Grants&Awards

Thissectiongivesyouaheadsuponupcomingdeadlinesforawardsandgrantsandotherrecognition
programs.NEWmeansnewfromlastweek.

September22CFAAlternativeandCleanEnergyProgram
September22CFARenewableEnergyProgram
September22CFAHighPerformanceBuildingProgram
September30DEPRecyclingPerformanceGrants
October3PECOGreenRegionEnvironmentalGrants
October8FishCommissionStateWildlifeGrantsOhioRiverBasin
October20DEPCoastalResourcesGrants
October23PEMAFireCompany&AmbulanceServicesGrants
October31HawkMountainSanctuaryDigitalPhotoContest
October31PRCLensOnLitterPhotoContest
November7NEW.DCNR2015TrailoftheYearNominations
November14DEPNaturalGasVehicleGrants
December19NEW.ColdwaterHeritageConservationGrants
December31DEPAlternativeFuelVehicleRebates(oruntiltheylast)

VisittheDEPGrantsandLoanProgramswebpageformoreideasonhowtogetfinancialassistance
forenvironmentalprojects.

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Regulations,TechnicalGuidance&Permits

Nonewregulationspublishedthisweek.PennsylvaniaBulletinSeptember20,2014

ProposedRegulationsOpenForCommentDEPwebpage
ProposedRegulationsWithClosedCommentPeriodsDEPwebpage
RecentlyFinalizedRegulationsDEPwebpage
DEPRegulatoryUpdateDEPwebpage

TechnicalGuidance&Permits

TheDepartmentofEnvironmentalProtectionpublishednoticeofNutrientCreditTradingProgram
certificationrequests.

DEPalsopublishedanoticeofavailabilityforadraftfiscalyearreportontheReclamationFeeO&M
TrustAccount.

DEPTechnicalGuidanceInProcess
DraftTechnicalGuidanceDocumentsDEPwebpage
TechnicalGuidanceCommentDeadlinesDEPwebpage
RecentlyClosedCommentPeriodsForTechnicalGuidanceDEPwebpage
TechnicalGuidanceRecentlyFinalizedDEPwebpage
CopiesofFinalTechnicalGuidanceDEPwebpage

OtherDEPProposalsForPublicReview
OtherProposalsOpenForPublicCommentDEPwebpage
RecentlyClosedCommentPeriodsForOtherProposalsDEPwebpage
OtherProposalsRecentlyFinalizedDEPwebpage

VisitDEPsnewPublicParticipationCenterforinformationonhowyoucanBeInformed!andGet
Involved!inDEPregulationandguidancedevelopmentprocess.

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GeneralEnvironmental/BudgetNewsClips

Here'saselectionofNewsClipsonenvironmentaltopicsfromaroundthestate

September17ResourceDCNRNewsletter
September18DEPNews
Budget
WolfPromisesFrackingTax,RevenueForSchools
PAFiscalOfficersSayBudgetInDireSituation
Other
EnvironmentalCommitteeChairsDiscussWhichBillsWillMove
Corbett,OtherGovernorsOpposeGreenhouseGasControls
HouseCommitteeHoldsHearingOnEPAClimatePlan
EPAExtendsCommentPeriodOnCleanPowerClimateRule
PhillyGroupRecrutingPeopleForNYClimateMarch
AudubonPredictsClimateChangeWillShrinkBirdRanges
State,CorrectionsUnionInvestigateHealthAtPrisonsByCoalSites
PPLEndsTimeOfUseRates
BerwickNuclearPlantGoesBackToNormalFederalOversight
ChescoSolarPlanPitsGreenAgainstGreen
FuelCellCompanyLeaversNYForMt.Pleasant
DEPConsiders$300KPlanToCleanUpOilTransferStation
ClairtonCokeWorksStillLaggingOnAirPollution
Mt.WashingtonLandslideStableForNow
TheCuriousCaseOfTheSmallmouthBassInSusquehanna
WestPennPowerContinuesRemovingTreesDamagedByAshBorer
PresqueIsleAdvisoryGroupHearsBeachHousePlans
SenatePassesBillEarmarkingFeesForLocalParks
OpEd:EnoughAboutTheBikes,Bikes,Bikes
GroupSaysWehrsDamShouldComeDown
Volunteers,FishCommissionInstallFishHabitatInLakeWallenpaupack
GameCommissionOffersGameLandsTours
WaggonersGapToImproveLookoutPointAccessibility

DEPsNewsClipswebpageClickHere

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MarcellusShaleNewsClips

HereareNewsClipsontopicsrelatedtoMarcellusShalenaturalgasdrilling

RangeResourcesFined$4.1M,CloseOldDrillingImpoundments
DEPOrdersRangeResourcesToPay$4MillionFine
RangeResourcesHitWith$4MillionFine
RangeResourcesToPay$4MForViolations
ChevronMeetsShaleDrillingStandardsFromCSSD
ChevronGets1stOKFromSustainableDrillingGroup
LandmarkFrackingStudyFindsNoWaterPollution
Study:LeakyWells,NotFracking,TaintWater
StudyFindsFlawedWellCasings,NotFrackingTaintingWater
FrackingNotTheProblemOhioStateScientistFinds
Study:ResidentsCloserToGasWellsReportMoreHealthIssues
OpEd:WhatsPAHidingOnFrackingContamination?
Letter:DEPNotHidingFrackingContamination
OpEd:FrackingIsNotTheThreat
WPXEnergyAppealsFindingOfResponsibilityForPollutingWell
DonegalTwpFamiliesFightDrillerToGetCleanWater
PAFamiliesStruggleWithGasDrillingPollution
DrillingCompanyReappliesForWellNearMoraineStatePark
Editorial:DrillingPoolingLaws,YourRights
PennStateMarcellusShaleDocumentaryProjectOpensSept.23
LearningFromMarcellusShaleToDrillTheUtica
LebanonPipelineAwarenessSpeakersUrgeAction
PipelineForumHighlightsConcernsAboutDamage,Environment
DrillingAwarenessCoalitionPrimesCommunityOnPipelines
BeaverFarmerChallengesCompressorStationPermit
SunocoEyesCNGPumpsAtPittsburghAirport
ConsolEnergyMovesForwardOnAirportDrilling
NaturalGas,CoalHaveDefinedPittsburghsHistory
Oil,GasJobsOutnumberedSteelJobsInPALastYear
BCCCPreparesStudentsForEnergyIndustryJobs
Oil,GasCompaniesCourtMilitaryVeterans
DrillersStillIgnoringLawToIncludeWomen,Minorities
MarcellusIndustryConferenceMovesToPittsburgh
PennStateToComeOutWithAppForGasWellRoyalties
OpEd:ReformTaxCodeToSpurExpandedEnergyIndustry
Financial/OtherStates
CompaniesLookOverseasToFindCustomersForEthane
BuckeyePartnersBecomingEnergyPowerhouse
ChemicalTradeGroupTriesToShapeRegs

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Watershed/FloodingNewsClips

HereareNewsClipsonwatershedtopicsfromaroundthestate

Flooding
LuzerneFloodAuthorityAwaitsRulingOnLeveeFeeLegality
Editorial:FundFloodGauges,SaveOnDamages
OtherWatershedNewsClips
HousePanelApprovesBillEliminatingBufferRequirement
MineDrainageTreatmentPondsPlannedForUnity
TheCuriousCaseOfTheSmallmouthBassInSusquehanna
LancasterGardenKeepsStormwaterOutOfSewers
MandatedSewerProjectToIncreaseAlcosanBills
DEPToProbeUseOfFordCityWaterPlantGrant
SupportersPressTownshipToPreserveWehrsDam
LoyalhannaWatershedAssnArtAuctionBenefit
LatestFromTheChesapeakeBayJournal

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CLICKHEREToPrintEntirePAEnvironmentDigest

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