Pa Environment Digest Oct. 13, 2014

PAEnvironmentDigest
AnUpdateOnEnvironmentalIssuesInPA
EditedBy:DavidE.Hess,CrisciAssociates
Winner2009PAEEBusinessPartnerOfTheYearAward
Harrisburg,PaOctober13,2014
Last2DaysOfVotingSessionComingUp,SenateNotInterestedInLameDuck
TuesdayandWednesdayofnextweekwillbethelasttwodaysofvotingsessionfortheyear,ifthe
Senatesticksbyitsoppositiontoalameducksessionafterelectionday.
Asofnow,anybillsnotontheGovernorsdeskbythecloseofbusinessonOctober15will
havetostartalloverinthenewsessioninJanuary.
PALegislativeServicesreportedThursdaySenateMajorityLeaderDominiPileggi
(RDelaware)toldHouseMajorityLeaderMikeTurzai(RAlleghenyhismemberswerenotinterested
inalameducksessionafterelectiondaytovoteonpensionreformoranythingelse.
Ourcaucusisnotinterestedinalameducksession,saidSen.Pileggi.Wehaventdiscussed
it.
EnvironmentalBillsThatCouldSeeFinalAction
WithjusttwovotingdaysleftthissessionfortheHouseandSenateOctober14,15the
GeneralAssemblyispoisedtotakefinalvotesontheseenvironmentalbills
Senate:EliminationOfBufferRequirement:HouseBill1565(HahnRNorthampton)
eliminatingthecurrentrequirementforstreambuffersinHighQualityandExceptionalValuestreams.
TheSenateistotakeafinalvoteonthebillTuesdayandmustthensenditbacktotheHousefora
concurrencevote.ClickHereforbackgroundonthebill.
Senate:LegislativeApprovalOfDEPClimatePlan:HouseBill2354(SnyderDFayette)which
requiresSenateandHouseapprovalofanyplanDEPsubmitstotheU.S.EnvironmentalProtection
Agencytoreducegreenhousegasemissionsfromexistingpowerplantsisalsosetforafinalvoteinthe
SenateTuesdayandmustthensenditbacktotheHouseforaconcurrencevote.ClickHerefor
backgroundonthebill.
NuclearReactorFees:SenateBill1355(YawRLycoming)isnowontheHouseCalendarfor
actionandcouldbepassedinthefinaltwodaysofsession.ItwillhavetoreturntotheSenatefora
concurrencevote.
NotEnoughTimeToFinalizeTheseBills,Probably
Herearebillsonourwatchlist,buteithernotenoughtimeremainsfortheSenateorHouseto
takefinalactionornoactionhasbeenscheduledyetonthebills.
Senate
DrinkingWaterWellStandards:HouseBill343(MillerRYork)settingstandardsfordrinking
waterwellsisstillintheSenateEnvironmentalResourcesandEnergyCommittee.
GreenStateBuildings:HouseBill34(HarperRMontgomery)settinggreenbuildingstandardsfor
stateownedorleasedbuildings.AsimilarbillSenateBill1061(RaffertyRMontgomery)was
amendedtoincludetheprovisionsofHouseBill34andthenreferredtotheSenateAppropriations
Committeethisweek.
EliminatingProtectionsForEndangeredSpecies:SenateBill1047(ScarnatiRJefferson)
wouldeliminatesomeprotectionsforendangeredspeciesandsetadditionalrequirementsforadopting
WildTroutStreams.ItremainsintheSenateGameandFisheriesCommittee.ClickHerefor
backgroundonthebill.
ConventionalWellRegulation:SenateBill1378(ScarnatiRJefferson)regulatingconventionaloil
andgaswellsdifferentlythanunconventional,MarcellusShalewells,isintheSenateAppropriations
Committee.AprovisionsimilartothiswasincludedintheFiscalCodebillsignedintolawinJuly,but
theHousestillmoveditsversionofthebillrecently.ClickHereforbackgroundonthebill.
NutrientReductionWatershedScheme:SenateBill994(VogelRBeaver)wouldconstructan
unaffordableschemetofundonetechnologythatclaimstoreducenutrientsfrommanure.Thebill
remainsTabledintheSenate.ClickHereforbackgroundonthebill.
LeasingDCNRLandForAlternativeEnergyDevelopment:SenateBill684(WozniakD
Cambria)furtherprovidingfortheleasingofDCNRlandsforwind,solarandotherenergyprojectsisin
theSenateAppropriationsCommittee.
BackupGenerators:HouseBill1699(RossRChester)settingairqualitystandardsforbackup
generatorsisintheSenateEnvironmentalResourcesandEnergyCommittee.
House
EliminatingProtectionsForEndangeredSpecies:HouseBill1576(PyleRArmstrong)would
eliminatesomeprotectionsforendangeredspeciesandsetadditionalrequirementsforadoptingWild
TroutStreamsremainsontheHouseCalendar.ClickHereforbackgroundonthebill.
ConventionalWellRegulation:HouseBill2350(CauserRCameron)regulatingconventionaloil
andgaswellsdifferentlythanunconventional,MarcellusShalewells.ThebillremainsTabledinthe
House.AprovisionsimilartothiswasincludedintheFiscalCodebillsignedintolawinJuly.Click
Hereforbackgroundonthebill.
Sewer/WaterP2Partnerships:HouseBill2239(EvankovichRArmstrong)authorizing
publicprivatepartnershipsforsewer,water,schooldistrictprojectsremainsTabledintheHouse.
PAGradeCrudeDevelopmentAdvisoryCouncil:SenateBill1310(HutchinsonRVenango)
creatingthePAGradeCrudeDevelopmentAdvisoryCouncilwithinDEPwaspassedbytheSenate
thisweekandnowgoestotheHouseforconsideration.
LeasingStateLandsForMineralDevelopment:SenateBill1443(WhiteRIndiana)amending
theIndigenousMineralResourcesDevelopmentActtoauthorizedstateagencies(otherthanDCNR)to
releasemineralrightswhethertheyownedthesurfacerightsornotisintheHouseEnvironmental
ResourcesandEnergyCommittee.
NaturalGasRoyalties:HouseBill1684(EverettRLycoming)whichseekstoclarifyaminimum
royaltypaymentinstatelawhasbeenontheHouseCalendarforaction.
NaturalGasRoyalties:SenateBill1236wouldexpandupontheOilandGasLeaseActby
allowingroyaltyinterestownerstheopportunitytoinspectrecordsofnaturalgascompaniestoverify
properpayments.Inaddition,thebillrequiresallroyaltypaymentsbemadewithin60daysof
productionunlessotherwisestatedinthecontract.Anydelinquentpaymentsaretobepaidwith
interest.ThebillisintheHouseEnvironmentalResourcesandEnergyCommittee.
NaturalGasRoyalties:SenateBill1237wouldprohibitagascompanyfromretaliatingagainstany
royaltyinterestownerbyterminatingtheirleaseagreementorceasingdevelopmentonleasedproperty
becausearoyaltyinterestownerquestionstheaccuracyofcurrentroyaltypayments.Companiesfound
tohaveviolatedtheprovisionsofthisactfacecivilpenaltiesofupto$1,000perday.Thebillisinthe
HouseEnvironmentalResourcesandEnergyCommittee.
NaturalGasRoyalties:SenateBill1238wouldrequireagascompanytorecordasurrender
documentinthecountyRecorderofDeedsofficewheretheoilandgaswellislocatedwithin30days
uponexpiration,termination,orforfeitureofanoilandgaslease.Thesurrenderdocumentwillrelease
thegascompanysinterestsintheoilandgas.Thisissimilartowhatamortgagecompanywouldbe
requiredtodoafteramortgagewaspaidinfull.ThebillisintheHouseEnvironmentalResourcesand
EnergyCommittee.
VariableElectricRateContracts:HouseBill2104(GodshallRMontgomery)furtherproviding
forconsumerprotectionsinvariablerateelectricsuppliercontractsisontheHouseCalendarforaction.
StateGeospatialCoordinatingBoard:SenateBill771(GordnerRColumbia)establishingthe
StateGeospatialCoordinatingBoardisontheHouseCalendarforaction.
NorthAmericanOilReserves:HouseResolution249(SwangerRLebanon)supporting
increaseddevelopmentanddeliveryofoilfromNorthAmericanoilreservessponsorsummaryison
theHouseCalendarforaction.
NewsClips:
PLS:SenateNotInterestedInLameDuckSession
PLS:StreamBufferBillCouldSeeFinalPassage
StreamBufferBillClearsSenateHurdle
PuttingAPriceTagOnCleanWaterInPA
BillWouldHaveLawmakersApproveClimatePlan
PAIndustryLeadersTakeAimAtEPAClimateRule
Editorial:PASenateShouldLeaveCarbonPlanToExperts
Sen.RaffertyBluntsEffortsToHave1HouseVetoOfPAClimatePlan,NotOverYet
AnamendmentofferedintheSenateAppropriationsCommitteebySen.John
Rafferty(RMontgomery)WednesdayhasbluntedeffortstopassHouseBill
2354(SnyderDFayette)whichauthorizesoneHouseoftheGeneral
Assemblytovetoanygreenhousegasemissionreductionplanrequiredbythe
U.S.EnvironmentalProtectionAgency.
Theamendmentpassedbyavoteof14to12.Thebillnowgoesto
thefullSenateforafinalvotewhereafloorfightisanticipated.Ifthebillis
passedinitscurrentform,itmustreturntotheHouseforaconcurrencevote.
Sen.RaffertysamendmentremovestheoneHousevetoprovision
andinsteadprovidesforanenhancedreviewofanygreenhousegasemissionreductionplanproposed
byDEPandprovideanycommentsontheplantoDEP.
PriortosubmittingafinalplantoEPA,DEPisrequiredtosendtheplantotheGeneral
AssemblyforreviewandDEPmustrespondtoanycommentsbeforesubmittingtheplantoEPA.
ThereisaspecificprovisionauthorizingDEPtosubmitagreenhousegasemissionreduction
plantoEPAincompliancewithfederalrequirements,notwithstandinganyotherprovisionofthebill.
TheSenatehasadjournedfortheweekandreturnsTuesdayandWednesdayforthelast
scheduledvotingsessiondaysofthisyear.
NewsClips:
Editorial:NaturalGasBoom,MethaneEmissionsAreBane
Report:ClimateChangeWillWorsenFloodingAlongEastCoast
OpEd:DrillingsMomentOfTruthOnMethaneEmissions
SenatePutsAntiStreamBufferBillInPositionForAFinalVote,NotOverYet
TheSenateWednesdayputHouseBill1565(HahnRNorthampton),thatenvironmentalgroupssay
weakensDEPrequirementsforstreambuffersinSpecialProtectionWatersheds,inpositionforafinal
votenextweek,thefinaltwodaysofsession.
AnamendmentofferedMondayinCommitteebySen.JohnYudichak(DLuzerne),Minority
ChairoftheSenateEnvironmentalResourcesandEnergyCommittee,changedtheprovisionsofthebill
togiveapplicantstheoptiontoinstallpracticesotherthanastreambuffer,butonlyiftheycanprove
otherpracticesaresubstantivelyequivalenttoastreambuffer.
Theamendmentalsochangestheprovisionallowingtheinstallationofabufferinotherareas,but
ascloseasfeasibletotheareaofdisturbancetolimitthereplacementbuffertoareaswithinthesame
watershed.ClickHerefortheamendmentlanguage.ClickHereforasummary.
IfthebillispassedbytheSenateinitscurrentform,itmustreturntotheHousefora
concurrencevotebeforetheGeneralAssemblyadjourns.
CBFisdisappointedthatHouseBill1565haspassedoutofcommittee,andurgesthefull
senatetorejectthisbill,saidHarryCampbell,PADirectoroftheChesapeakeBayFoundation.The
billwillopenupPennsylvaniasmostpristinewaterwaystoincreasedpollutionthreatsfrom
development.
Pennsylvaniahasacommitmenttocleanupourwaterways,andstreamsideforestedbuffers
areoneofthemostcosteffective,commonsensesolutionstoreducingpollution,managingfloods,and
maintainingiconicandeconomicallyimportantfish,likethebrooktrout.
Areportreleasedtoday(Monday)byCBFassessednaturalvaluesofforests,includingforest
riparianbuffers,inPennsylvaniasportionoftheChesapeakeBaywatershedatbeingover$31billion
annuallyiftheCleanWaterBlueprintisimplemented.PennsylvaniasBlueprintplanreliesheavilyon
protectingandrestoringforestedbuffers.
Itsimplydoesnotmakesensetoallowdeveloperstocutdownexistingtrees,especiallyalong
Pennsylvaniaslastremainingpristinestreams.
Thousandsoffarmersandhundredsofdevelopers,localgovernments,andbusinesses
throughoutthestatehavealreadyplantedandpreservedbuffers.Theseinvestmentshaveallbeenmade
withthegoalofmanagingpollutedrunoff,reducingflooding,andenhancingpropertyvaluesinthe
KeystoneState.
HouseBill1565hasbeenopposedbytheChesapeakeBayFoundationPA,PAEnvironmental
Council,WesternPennsylvaniaConservancy,thePAChapterofTheNatureConservancy,theFish
andBoatCommission,PAChapterNationalAssociationofWaterCompanies,CleanWaterAction,
PACouncilofTroutUnlimited,PAFederationofSportsmensClubs,PALeagueofWomenVoters,
PALandTrustAssociation,PALandscapeandNurseryAssociationandformerDEPSecretaryDavid
E.Hess.
NewsClips:
CBFPAUrgesSenatorsToOpposeAntiStreamBufferBillAheadOfFinalVote
HarryCampbell,PennsylvaniaDirectoroftheChesapeakeBay
Foundation,sentalettertoallmembersoftheSenateWednesday
urgingthemtoopposeHouseBill1565(HahnRNorthampton)they
sayweakensDEPrequirementsforstreambuffersinSpecialProtection
Watersheds.Thebillisinpositionforafinalvoteduringthefinaltwo
daysofvotingsessionnextweek.
Thetextoftheletterfollows
DearSenators:
OnbehalfoftheChesapeakeBayFoundation(CBF),Iamwritingtoexpressouropposition
toHouseBill1565(P.N.4258).Thislegislationwouldeliminatetheexistingrequirementofaforested
riparianbufferfornewdevelopmentrequiringaNationalPollutionDischargeEliminationSystem
(NPDES)permitinaHighQualityorExceptionalValuewatershed.
ThecurrentChapter102regulationhelpstoprotecttheCommonwealthsmostpristineand
ecologicallysensitivestreamsand,assuch,thecurrentlegislationthreatenstodegradewaterqualityin
theseimportantareas.
Pennsylvaniahasacommitmenttocleanupourwaterways,andstreamsideforestedbuffersare
oneofthemostcosteffective,commonsensesolutionstoreducingpollution,managingfloods,and
maintainingiconicandeconomicallyimportantfish,likethebrooktrout.
Infact,apeerreviewedreportreleasedonMonday,October6th,byCBFassessedthenatural
valuesofforests,includingforestriparianbuffers,inPennsylvaniasportionoftheChesapeakeBay
watershedatbeingover$31billionannuallyiftheCleanWaterBlueprintisimplemented.
PennsylvaniasChesapeakeBayBlueprintplan,whichconsistsoftheTotalMaximumDaily
LoadandtheStatesWatershedImplementationPlan,reliesheavilyonprotectingandrestoringforested
buffers.
PassageofthislegislationcouldsettheCommonwealthbackwithregardstothefederal
requirementsforriparianbuffersintheChesapeakeBayWatershed,aswellasantidegradation
requirementsinspecialprotectionwaters.
AccordingtoarecentassessmentofPennsylvaniastwoyearmilestonesgoals,itisestimated
thatthecurrentrateofimplementationofroughlysix(6)acresofriparianbuffersperdaywillneedtobe
increasedtoapproximatelyfifty(50)acresperdayinordertomeettheCommonwealths2017target
forforestedriparianbuffers.
Thisbillwillmakethe2017goalofover109,000acresofnewforestedriparianbuffersmore
challengingsincewecouldbegintoloseexistingforestedbuffersandforgoopportunitiestocreatenew
forestedbuffersthatareabsentoffederalandstatesubsidies.
Simplyput,itdoesnotmakesensetoallowdeveloperstocutdownexistingtrees,especially
alongPennsylvaniaslastremainingpristinestreams.Thousandsoffarmersandhundredsofdevelopers,
localgovernments,andbusinessesthroughoutthestatehavealreadyplantedandpreservedbuffers.
Theseinvestmentshaveallbeenmadewiththegoalofmanagingpollutedrunoff,reducing
flooding,andenhancingpropertyvaluesintheCommonwealth.
WhileCBFrecognizestheattemptsthathavebeenmadetoimproveHouseBill1565(P.N.
4258),thelanguageisambiguouswhilethescienceisclearthereissimplynoscientificallyequivalent
practiceequaltoforestedriparianbuffers.
Forestedriparianbuffershavebeenshowninlargeandgrowingnumberofscientificstudiesto
bethebestmeansofprotectingandenhancingthequalityofthebiological,chemical,andphysical
habitatinriversandstreams,includinginPennsylvania.
Giventheinnumerablesocietalandecologicalbenefitsprovidedbyforestedriparianandriparian
buffers,alongwiththeexistingopportunitiesforexemptionsorwaivers,CBFmaintainsthatHouseBill
1565(P.N.4258)isfundamentallyflawedandcouldresultinundesiredconsequencesforPennsylvania.
Infact,forestedriparianbuffersaresodesirablethatbillssuchasthisshouldbesetasidewhile
wefocusoureffortsonlegislationthatsupportscleanwater,suchasSenatorRaffertysbill,SenateBill
1465,(P.N.2256).
Westronglyurgeyoutosupportcleanwaterandopposethisbill.Thankyouforyourtimeand
attentiontothismatter.
Sincerely,
HarryCampbell
PennsylvaniaExecutiveDirector
ChesapeakeBayFoundation
HouseBill1565hasbeenopposedbythePAEnvironmentalCouncil,WesternPennsylvania
Conservancy,thePAChapterofTheNatureConservancy,theFishandBoatCommission,PA
ChapterNationalAssociationofWaterCompanies,CleanWaterAction,PACouncilofTrout
Unlimited,PAFederationofSportsmensClubs,PALeagueofWomenVoters,PALandTrust
Association,PALandscapeandNurseryAssociationandformerDEPSecretaryDavidE.Hess.
NewsClips:
DerryTwpOKsAct13FeesForWaterLineExtension
SouthWhitehallResidentsCluedInOnWehrsDamStudy
OpEd:FutureOfWehrsDamRestsWithSouthWhitehall
Editorial:EPAPervertsMeaningOfNavigableWaters
Report:PAWouldSeeA$6.2BillionEconomicBenefitFromChesapeakeBayCleanup
ImplementingtheChesapeakeBayBlueprintwillhaveasignificant,
positivebenefitforPennsylvaniaseconomyincreasingthevalueof
thenaturalservicesprovidedthroughthecleanupby$6.2billion
annually,from$32.6to$38.8billion,thesecondhighestbenefitto
anyBaystate,accordingtoanewreportissuedbytheChesapeake
BayFoundationMonday.
ThetotaleconomicbenefitsprovidedtotheChesapeakeBay
watershedwouldbe$130billionannuallywhentheChesapeake
CleanWaterBlueprintisfullyimplemented,accordingtothestudy,
TheEconomicBenefitsofCleaninguptheChesapeake.
Thisreportclearlyvalidatesthatthereisarealandmeasurablereturnontheinvestment
Pennsylvanianshavemadeincleanwaterfortheirlocalriversandstreams,andtheBay,saidHarry
Campbell,CBFsPennsylvaniaExecutiveDirector.Withthisreport,Pennsylvanianscanbeassured
thatcleaningupourwaterwayswillhavedirectandtangiblebenefitstothecitizensofthe
Commonwealth.
Accordingtothestatesmostrecentassessment,nearlyonequarterofthestateswaterwaysare
pollutedlargelybyagriculturalandurban/suburbanpollutedrunoff.Inordertoensureclean,healthy
waterforfuturegenerationsandmeetourcommitments,thestateshouldfocusitseffortsinthreekey
areas:
Througheducation,outreach,andtechnicalassistance,theDepartmentofEnvironmentalProtection
shouldaccelerateefforts,programs,andfundingtoensurethatfarmersaremeetingPennsylvanias
waterqualityprotectionlaws
Acceleratetheplantingofstreamsideforestedbufferswhicharethemostcosteffectivepollution
reductionpracticeavailableand
Assistlocalmunicipalofficialswitheffortstodecreasepollutedrunofffromoururbanandsuburban
areas.
Weallknowthatreducingpollutionmakesgreatsenseforourhealthandourenvironment,and
todaywecanconfirmwhatwehavelongthought.Itmakesgoodeconomicsenseaswell,saidWilliam
C.Baker,CBFPresident.Thebenefitsnatureprovidestouswillincreaseinvaluebymorethan$22
billion,a21percentincrease,asaresultoffullyimplementingtheBlueprint.Andwereapthoseadded
benefitseveryyear.
TheBay,itsrivers,forests,farms,andwetlandsprovidemultiplebenefitstotheregion,anda
restoredBaywatershedwillprovidecleanerwater,cleanerair,hurricaneandfloodprotection,
recreationalopportunities,andfresh,healthyfoodandseafood.Thesebenefitsextendtoeveryoneinthe
Bays64,000sqaremiledrainagebasin,fromheadwaterstreamstotheAtlanticOcean.
Thepeerreviewedreport,producedbyeconomistSpencerPhillipsandCBFSeniorScientist
Dr.BethMcGee,comparedthevalueofthosebenefitsin2009,theyearbeforetheChesapeakeClean
WaterBlueprintbeganbeingimplemented,tothebenefitsthatcanbeexpectedasaresultoffully
implementingtheBlueprint.
ThereportestimatesthevalueofnaturalbenefitsfromthepreBlueprintBaywatershed,evenin
itspollutedanddegradedcondition,at$107billion.OncetheBlueprintisfullyimplemented,that
amountgrowsby21percentto$129.7billionayear.Equallytelling,iftheregionrelaxeseffortsand
doeslittlemoretocleanuptheBaythanwhathasbeendonetodate,pollutionwillworsenandthe
valueofBaybenefitswilldeclinebyalmost$6billion.
Theconclusionisclear:Theregionsenvironmentalandeconomichealthwillimprovewhenwe
fullyimplementtheBlueprint,saidCoauthorSpencerPhillips.Thecleanupplanwasdesignedwith
theunderstandingthatallpeopleandcommunitiesinthewatershedcancontributetomakingour
waterwayscleaner,andthateveryonewillbenefitwhenpollutionisreduced.Ouranalysisconfirmsthis.
Dr.JamesC.Finley,IbbersonProfessorofForestResourcesandDirectorCenterforPrivate
ForestsatPennStateUniversitysaidofthereport,Forests,representnearlytwothirdsoftheland
coverinthewatershed,andarecriticallyimportantforsustainingandimprovingwaterqualitylocallyand
intheBay.Bycallingattentiontotheroleforestsplaythisreportcreatesanargumentfordrawing
communitiesintoexpandingconversationsforretainingworkingforestlandscapes.
Itisvitaltothesuccessofthisefforttounderstandthatforestshaveeconomic,social,and,
now,documentedecologicalvalues.Toretainandexpandforestsinthewatershed,communitieshave
tocometogethertosupportprivateforestlandownershastheystrivetoretainandstewardthis
landscapes."
ThomasHylton,PulitzerPrizewinningjournalistandauthorofSaveOurLand,SaveOur
Towns,said,TheChesapeakeBayFoundationremindsusthatforallourtechnologicalsophistication,
natureremainstheultimatesourceofalleconomicvalue.Noindustryandcommerceispossiblewithout
cleanairandwater,fertiletopsoil,andthenaturalrecyclingofwastesfromthemillionsofpeopleand
animalslivinginourwatershed.Healthyforestsandwatersarecrucialtoabundantlife,andprotecting
themisthemostcosteffectiveinvestmentwecanmake.
DuanpingLiao,MD,PhD,CardiovascularandEnvironmentalEpidemiologistintheDepartment
ofPublicHealthSciences,PennStateCollegeofMedicinesaid,Wecanimprovetheenvironmentand
reducetheadversehealthimpactofairandwaterpollutionwiththingslikeplantingandpreserving
trees.
MarkN.Platts,President,SusquehannaGatewayHeritageAreasaid,Weenvisionthe
SusquehannaRiverasaworldclassdestinationforoutdoorlearning,adventureandinspiration.Ifwe
treasure,protectandenhancetheriverswaterqualityandnaturallandscapes,wewillreapthe
economicbenefitsofriverbasedtourismforgenerationstocome.
Thisreportvalidatesthevalueofthesenaturalsystemstoourregionseconomicwellbeingit
makesthecasethatcleanwaterandconservednaturallandsmeanprosperity.
BethK.Schwartz,MSNRN,HealthyWeightManagementCoordinatorforLancasterGeneralHealth
WellnessCenter.
Municipalitiesthatsupporthealthycommunitydesignsandprincipleshelptominimizesafety
issuesandhealthdisparitieswithintheircommunitieswhilealsocreatingmoreattractivespacesfor
peopletolive,workandplay,andultimatelyalsocontributetoastrongerlocaleconomy.
Researchshowsthatcommunitiesdesignedforwalkabilityandbikabilityhavehealthier
residents,andcreatevitalandliveableenvironmentsforeveryone.TheLightenupLancasterCounty
Coalition,inpartnershipwithLancasterGeneralHealth,havesetagoaltoinc reasethenumberof
communitiesthatsupporthealthycommunitydesign,promotephysicalactivity,andresultinhealthier
environments.
ThereportalsoidentifiedimpressiveannualgainsinotherBaystatesfromfullyimplementingthe
Blueprint.Virginiawouldseeanincreaseof$8.3billion,Maryland$4.5billion,NewYork$1.9billion,
WestVirginia$1.3billion,andDelaware$205million.
CBFsstudyaddressedonlybenefits,notcosts.Whiletherearenorecentestimatesofthetotal
costsofimplementation,a2004estimateputcostsintherangeofroughly$6billionperyear.
Consideringfederal,stateandlocalinvestmentsincleanwaterinthe10yearssincethattime,
weestimatethecurrentnumberiscloserto$5billionannually.Andoncecapitalinvestmentsaremade,
thelongtermannualoperationsandmaintenancecostswillbemuchlower.
TheresulttheBlueprintwillreturnbenefitstotheregioneachyearatarateofmorethanfour
timesthecostofthecleanupplan.
Thecompletereportisavailableonline.
NewsClips:
AddUsToYourGoogle+Circle
PAEnvironmentDigestnowhasaGoogle+CirclecalledGreenWorksInPA.Justgotoyour
Google+pageandsearchforDHess@CrisciAssociates.com,theemailfortheDigestEditorDavid
Hess,andletusjoinyourCircle.
Google+nowcombinesallthenewsyounowgetthroughthePAEnvironmentDigest,Weekly,
Blog,TwitterandVideositesintooneresource.
YoullreceiveasithappenspostingsonPennsylvaniaenvironmentalnews,dailyNewsClips
andlinkstotheweeklyDigestandvideos.
AlsotakeadvantageoftheserelatedservicesfromCrisciAssociates
PAEnvironmentDigestTwitterFeed:OnTwitter,signuptoreceiveinstantupdatesfrom:
PAEnviroDigest.
PAEnvironmentDailyBlog:providesdailyenvironmentalNewsClipsandsignificantstoriesand
announcementsonenvironmentaltopicsinPennsylvaniaofimmediatevalue.Signupandreceiveas
theyarepostedupdatesthroughyourfavoriteRSSreader.Youcanalsosignupforaoncedailyemail
alertingyoutonewitemspostedonthisblog.
PACapitolDigestDailyBlogtogetupdateseverydayonPennsylvaniaStateGovernment,including
NewsClips,coverageofkeypressconferencesandmore.Signupandreceiveastheyareposted
updatesthroughyourfavoriteRSSreader.Youcanalsosignupforaoncedailyemailalertingyouto
newitemspostedonthisblog.
PACapitolDigestTwitterFeed:Don'tforgettosignuptoreceivethePACapitolDigestTwitterfeed
togetinstantupdatesonothernewsfrominandaroundthePennsylvaniaStateCapitol.
Senate/HouseAgenda/SessionSchedule
HerearetheSenateandHouseCalendarsandCommitteemeetingsshowingbillsofinterestaswellasa
listofnewenvironmentalbillsintroduced
BillCalendars
House(October14):HouseBill202(HarperRMontgomery)prohibitingstandbywaterservice
chargesforfirecompaniesHouseBill1684(EverettRLycoming)whichseekstoclarifyaminimum
royaltypaymentinstatelawHouseBill1576(PyleRArmstrong)wouldeliminatesomeprotectionsfor
endangeredspeciesandsetadditionalrequirementsforadoptingWildTroutStreamsHouseBill1684
(EverettRLycoming)whichseekstoclarifyaminimumroyaltypaymentinstatelawHouseBill2104
(GodshallRMontgomery)furtherprovidingforconsumerprotectionsinvariablerateelectricsupplier
contractsHouseBill2393(KampfRChester)providingaprogramtoextendnaturalgasdeliveryto
unservedorunderservedareassponsorsummaryHouseBill2419(TurzaiRAllegheny),reducingthe
spendingcapforCapitalBudgetProjectsby$4billionHouseBill2478(AdolphRDelaware)itemized
listofCapitalBudgetProjectsfor201415HouseResolution249(SwangerRLebanon)supporting
increaseddevelopmentanddeliveryofoilfromNorthAmericanoilreservessponsorsummarySenate
Bill771(GordnerRColumbia)establishingtheStateGeospatialCoordinatingBoard.<>ClickHere
forfullHouseBillCalendar.
Senate(October14):HouseBill402(PickettRBradford)furtherprovidingfortherecordingofoil
andgasleasesHouseBill1565(HahnRNorthampton)eliminatingthenearly4yearoldrequirement
forstreambuffersinHighQualityandExceptionalValuestreamsHouseBill2278
(PickettRBradford)requiringsemiannualreportingofoilandgasproductionHouseBill2354
(SnyderDFayette)whichauthorizesoneHouseoftheGeneralAssemblytovetoanygreenhousegas
emissionreductionplanrequiredbytheU.S.EnvironmentalProtectionAgency.<>ClickHereforfull
SenateBillCalendar.
CommitteeMeetingAgendasThisWeek
Note:Committeemeetingscanhappenatanytimeduringthelasttwodaysofsession.
House:theEnvironmentalResourcesandEnergyCommitteeholdsahearingonHouse
Resolution426(MillerRYork)directingtheLegislativeBudgetandFinanceCommitteetoconducta
studyofthesewagesludgelandapplicationprogramsponsorsummary.<>ClickHereforfull
HouseCommitteeSchedule.
Senate:<>ClickHereforfullSenateCommitteeSchedule.
BillsPendingInKeyCommittees
HerearelinkstokeyStandingCommitteesintheHouseandSenateandthebillspendingineach
House
Appropriations
Education
EnvironmentalResourcesandEnergy
ConsumerAffairs
GamingOversight
HumanServices
Judiciary
LiquorControl
Transportation
LinksforallotherStandingHouseCommittees
Senate
Appropriations
EnvironmentalResourcesandEnergy
ConsumerProtectionandProfessionalLicensure
Community,EconomicandRecreationalDevelopment
Education
Judiciary
LawandJustice
PublicHealthandWelfare
Transportation
LinksforallotherStandingSenateCommittees
SessionSchedule
HereisthelatestvotingsessionschedulefortheSenateandHouse
House
October14,15
November12(nonvoting,reorganizationsession)
Senate
October14,15
November12(nonvoting,reorganizationsession)
BillsOnGovernor'sDesk
ThefollowingbillsweregivenfinalapprovalbytheSenateandHouseandarenowontheGovernor's
deskforaction
EnergyEfficiencyTechnology:HouseBill1672(MillerRYork)providingfortestingofenergy
efficiencytechnologies.AsummaryandHouseFiscalNoteareavailable.
Senate/HouseBillsMoving
ThefollowingbillsofinterestsawactionthisweekintheHouseandSenate
House
NuclearReactorFees:SenateBill1355(YawRLycoming)increasingnuclearreactorandnuclear
fueltransportationfeeswasreferredintoandoutoftheHouseAppropriationsCommitteeandisonthe
HouseCalendarforaction.
PublicDisasterGrants:SenateBill720(BakerRLuzerne)establishingthePublicDisaster
AssistanceGrantProgramwasamendedandreportedfromtheHouseVeteransAffairsandEmergency
PreparednessCommitteeandisnowontheHouseCalendarforaction.
WaterTestingEquipment:HouseResolution913(MustioRAllegheny)encouragingDEPtousethe
latestinwatertestingequipmentintheOilandGasProgramwaspassedbytheHousesponsor
summary.
Senate
EnergyEfficiencyTechnology:HouseBill1672(MillerRYork)providingfortestingofenergy
efficiencytechnologieswasamendedontheSenateFloor,passedbytheSenateandtheHouse
concurredinSenateamendments.AsummaryandHouseFiscalNoteareavailable.Thebillnowgoes
totheGovernorforhisaction.
Chapter14RateCollections:HouseBill939(GodshallRMontgomery)removingthesunsetdate
onChapter14ratecollectionsprovisionswasamendedandreportedfromtheSenateConsumer
ProtectionandProfessionalLicensureCommitteeandwaspassedbytheSenate.Itreturnstothe
Houseforaconcurrencevote.
LandfillLeachateTransportation:SenateBill1481(EricksonRDelaware)prohibitingDEPfrom
prohibitingthevehiculartransportationofleachatetoanoffsitefacilityfortreatmentwasreportedfrom
theSenateEnvironmentalResourcesandEnergyCommittee,wasamendedontheSenateFloorand
waspassedbytheSenate.ThebillnowgoestotheHouseforconsideration.
PAGradeCrudeAdvisoryCommittee:SenateBill1310(HutchinsonRVenango)creatingthePA
GradeCrudeDevelopmentAdvisoryCouncilwithinDEPwasreportedfromtheSenateAppropriations
CommitteeandpassedbytheSenate.AsummaryandSenateFiscalNoteareavailable.Thebillnow
goestotheHouseforconsideration.
AntiStreamBufferBill:HouseBill1565(HahnRNorthampton)eliminatingthenearly4yearold
requirementforstreambuffersinHighQualityandExceptionalValuestreamswasamendedand
reportedfromtheSenateEnvironmentalResourcesandEnergyCommitteeandisnowontheSenate
Calendarforfinalaction.
NewsClips:
ClimatePlanVeto:HouseBill2354(SnyderDFayette)whichauthorizesoneHouseoftheGeneral
AssemblytovetoanygreenhousegasemissionreductionplanrequiredbytheU.S.Environmental
ProtectionAgencywasreportedfromtheSenateEnvironmentalResourcesandEnergyCommittee,
referredintotheSenateAppropriationsCommittee,amendedandreportedoutandisnowonthe
SenateCalendarforfinalaction.
NewsClip:BillWouldHaveLawmakersApproveClimatePlan
GreenStateBuildings:SenateBill1061(RaffertyRMontgomery)requiringstatebuildingstomeet
greenbuildingstandardswasamendedtoincludetheprovisionsofHouseBill34
(HarperRMontgomery)settingthesamerequirementsandreportedfromtheSenateEnvironmental
ResourcesandEnergyCommitteeandwasreferredtotheSenateAppropriationsCommittee.
GreenStateBuildings:HouseBill34(HarperRMontgomery)requiringstatebuildingstomeet
greenbuildingstandardswasreferredtotheSenateAppropriationsCommittee.
Oil&GasLeases:HouseBill402(PickettRBradford)furtherprovidingfortherecordingofoiland
gasleasesandHouseBill2278(PickettRBradford)requiringsemiannualreportingofoilandgas
productionwerereportedfromtheSenateEnvironmentalResourcesandEnergyCommitteeandisnow
ontheSenateCalendarforaction.
NewsFromTheCapitol
SenatePassesBillPromotingConventionalOilProductionInPA
TheSenateWednesdaypassedSenateBill1310(HutchinsonRVenango)thatprimesponsorSen.
ScottHutchinsonsaidwillprotectandpromoteconventionaloilproductioninPennsylvaniaandprotect
theconventionaloilproductionindustryfromstateregulationsdesignedtocovercompaniesextracting
MarcellusShalegas
Theconventionaloilindustryisanimportantpartoftheregionaleconomyinnorthwestern
Pennsylvaniaaneconomythatisalreadystruggling.Itcannotaffordtobestymiedbyexcessiveand
unnecessaryregulatoryburdens,saidSen.Hutchinson.
SenateBill1310,wouldestablishthePennGradeCrudeDevelopmentAdvisoryCouncil,a
panelempoweredtostudyexistingregulationsandassisttheDepartmentofEnvironmentalProtectionin
makingchangesthatbetteraddressthedifferencesbetweenconventionalandunconventionaloilandgas
production.
Technologicaladvancesthathaveallowedforthedevelopmentofpreviouslyinaccessible
formationshavenecessitatedupdatesandrevisionstoPennsylvaniaslawsandregulationsgoverningthis
newunconventionalshalegasindustry.Unfortunately,manyregulatoryandlegislativechangesdidnot
recognizethesignificantdifferencesbetweenconventionalandunconventionalindustries,Sen.
Hutchinsonsaid.ThecouncilcreatedunderSenateBill1310wouldworkwiththeDEPtoensurethat
thedifferencesbetweentheoperationsaretakenintoaccountastheseregulationsandlawsare
developedandimplemented.
ThebillnowgoestotheHouseforconsideration.AsummaryandSenateFiscalNoteare
available.
NewsClips:
CrudeOilTrainDisclosuresToBeMadePublic
SafetyFocusAsMillionsOfGallonsOfCrudeMoveThruPA
AmericansLeeryOfExportingCrudeOil
AsPriceOfOilDrops,SoCouldDrilling
SenatePassesBillProvidingOptionsToCustomersFacingUtilityShutOffs
TheSenateWednesdayunanimouslyapprovedHouseBill939(GodshallRMontgomery)thatwould
givecustomerswhohavespecialneedsmoreprotectionsfromutilityshutoffs,accordingtoSen.
TommyTomlinson(RBucks).
Sen.Tomlinson,MajorityChairoftheConsumerProtectionandProfessionalLicensure
CommitteesaidHouseBill939wouldgivefamiliesfacingfinancialhardshipmoretime,optionsand
flexibilitytomakepaymentsbeforetheirutilitiesareturnedoff.
Thelegislationwould:
banFridayterminationssocustomerswouldnothavetowaitthroughtheweekendtoresolvebilling
issues
protectpeoplewhohaveseriousmedicalconditionsfromshutoffs
protectvictimsofdomesticviolencefromhavingtheirpowerterminated
shieldtenantsfromterminationwhentheirlandlordwastheoneresponsibleforutilitypayments
preventutilitycompaniesfromterminatinganimpoverishedfamily's(below250percentoffederal
povertylimit)powerduringwintermonthsand
eliminatemandatorycashdepositsforcustomerassistanceprogram(CAP)eligiblepeople.
ThebillnowreturnstotheHouseforaconcurrencevotenextweek.
SenateCommitteeReportsOutGreenStateBuilding,OtherBills
InadditiontoreportingoutHouseBill1565(HahnRNorthampton)weakeningDEPsstreambuffer
programandHouseBill2354(SnyderDFayette)whichauthorizesoneHouseoftheGeneral
Assemblytovetoanygreenhousegasemissionreductionplan,theSenateEnvironmentalResourcesand
EnergyCommitteeMondayreportedoutlegislationrequiringstatebuildingstomeetgreenstandards,
billsrelatedtooilandgasroyaltypaymentsandlandfillleachatecollection.
Thebillsinclude
SenateBill1061(RaffertyRMontgomery)requiringstatebuildingstomeetgreenbuildingstandards
wasalsoreportedoutoftheCommitteeafterbeingamendedtoincludetheprovisionsofHouseBill34
(HarperRMontgomery)settingthesamerequirements.ThebillwaslaterreferredtotheSenate
AppropriationsCommittee.
HouseBill402(PickettRBradford)furtherprovidingfortherecordingofoilandgasleases.The
billisontheSenateCalendarforconsideration
HouseBill2278(PickettRBradford)requiringsemiannualreportingofoilandgasproduction.The
billisontheSenateCalendarforconsiderationand
SenateBill1481(EricksonRDelaware)prohibitingDEPfromprohibitingthevehicular
transportationofleachatetoanoffsitefacilityfortreatment.Thebillwasamendedandpassedbythe
SenateandnowgoestotheHouseforconsideration.
Sen.GeneYaw(RLycoming)servesasMajorityChairoftheCommitteeandSen.John
Yudichak(DLuzerne)servesasMinorityChair.
JointConservationCommitteeHearsRecommendationsOnReducingRuralDumping
ShannonReiter,PresidentofKeepPennsylvaniaBeautiful,MondayappearedbeforetheJoint
LegislativeAirandWaterPollutionControlandConservationCommitteetopresentrecommendations
onhowtoreduceillegaldumpinginPennsylvania.
Inanefforttobuildastrongcaseforfurtheractionbystate,county,andlocalgovernment,and
otherstakeholderstoreduceillegaldumpinginPennsylvania,KeepPennsylvaniaBeautifulperformeda
seriesofresearchinitiativesthatconcludedin20132014.
Theresultingreport,IllegalDumpinginPennsylvania:ADecadeofDiscovery,isthefinal
stageoftheongoingeffortsofKeepPennsylvaniaBeautifultoidentifywhereandhowillegaldumping
occursinPennsylvaniaandprovidespractical,costeffectivesolutionsandaccountabilitymeasuresto
addressastatewideissue.
Thereport,preparedincooperationwithNestorResources,Inc.,andfundedinpartbythe
DepartmentofEnvironmentalProtectionandtheRichardKingMellonFoundation,proposestodevelop
aframeworktominimize,ifnothalt,illegaldumpinginPennsylvania.
ThefindingsinthereportpointtoanumberofstepsthatcouldhelpPennsylvaniaattainthis
objectiveincluding:
Universalaccesstowasteandrecyclingservicesincludingtheestablishmentofpermanent,gated
convenientcenterswithincloseproximitytothepopulation
Establishingmeasuressuchasbuildinganddemolitionpermittingandaregistrationnetworkforsmall
contractorsandtransporterstodetercommercialdumping
Heighteningawarenessandunderstandingofwastemanagementissuesthroughastatewide
multimediacampaignandanEnvironmentalLawTrainingProgramforEnforcementOfficersand
Justices
Expandingtheuseofelectronicsurveillanceatactiveillegaldumpsites
CreatingcountylevelJointCodeEnforcementOfficerProgramstosupportlocalgovernmentsand
Establishingfinesthatsignificantlyoutweightheavoidedcostofdisposalandpublishingtheidentities
ofthosewhocontinuetoillegallydump.
KeepPennsylvaniaBeautifulissogratefulfortheopportunitytopresentourfindingsand
recommendationstoreduceillegaldumpinginPennsylvaniatotheJointLegislativeAirandWater
PollutionControlandConservationCommittee,saidShannonReiter,PresidentofKeepPennsylvania
Beautiful.Bydevelopinganinfrastructuretoprovideaffordable,convenientwastedisposaland
recyclingoptionsforallresidentsoftheCommonwealthandanetworkoflawenforcementofficersand
judicialofficialswhoareknowledgeableaboutcurrentlawsandthecosttoourcommunity,Keep
PennsylvaniaBeautiful,alongwithitspartners,supporters,andstakeholders,hopetochangetheway
wasteismanagedinPennsylvania,therebyeconomicallybenefitingcitizens,businessowners,andlocal
government.
Pennsylvanianscannolongeraffordtocontinuallycleanupillegaldumps.Cleanupsarecostly,
theremediationofillegaldumpscosts$619pertonforanaveragetotalof$2,947persite,anddonot
stoptheactofillegaldumping,saidReiter.Bydevelopinganinfrastructuretoprovideaffordable,
convenientwastedisposalandrecyclingoptionsforallresidentsoftheCommonwealthandanetwork
oflawenforcementofficersandjudicialofficialswhoareknowledgeableaboutcurrentlawsandthecost
toourcommunity,KeepPennsylvaniaBeautiful,alongwithitspartners,supporters,andstakeholders,
hopetochangethewaywasteismanagedinPennsylvania,therebyeconomicallybenefitingcitizens,
businessowners,andlocalgovernment.
AcopyoftheDiscoveryreportisavailableonline.ClickHereforacopyoftheStatewide
IllegalDumpingCostResearchreport.ClickHereforacopyoftheillegaldumpingsurveyforyour
county.
Formoreinformationonhowyouandyourcommunitycancleanupandpreventillegaldumping,
visitKeepPABeautifulswebsite.
Sen.ScottHutchinson(RVenango)servesasChairoftheJointConservationCommittee.
NewsClips:
PerryCountyWinsKeepPABeautifulTireCollectionWar
LancasterWasteToEnergyFacilityReducesEmissions
Editorial:StateShouldStudyLandfill
Editorial:AlterGarbageLawToTrashConflicts
Sept.EnvironmentalSynopsisNowAvailableFromJointConservationCommittee
TheSeptembereditionoftheEnvironmentalSynopsisnewsletterisnowavailablefromtheJoint
LegislativeAirandWaterPollutionControlandConservationCommitteefeaturingarticleson
SummerIsEnding,WinterOnTheSay
MonarchButterflyPopulationsDeclining
DownsidesOfCashForClunkersProgram
ClimateChangeIncreasingPresenceOfOutdoorPests
CaliforniaSpends$428MAYearOnCleanWaterways
MercuryFoundInGameFishFromRemoteLakes
SummaryOfSept.12EnvironmentalForumOnPAAbandonedTurnpikeTrail
Toreceiveyourowncopy,sendinganemailtoMichaelNerozzi,JointConservationCommittee:
mnerozzi@jcc.legis.state.pa.us.
Sen.ScottHutchinson(RVenango)servesasChairoftheJointConservationCommittee.
NewsFromAroundTheState
FriendsOfTomRidgeEnvironmentalCenterHonorNaturalistJerryMcWilliams
TheErieTimesNewsreportedErienaturalistJerryMcWilliamswashonoredbytheFriendsofthe
TomRidgeEnvironmentalCenterwiththeJohnC.OliverEnvironmentalLeadershipAwardonOctober
10ataSunsetCelebrationatthePresqueIsleLighthouseinErie.
McWilliamsisthevolunteercuratoroftheRidgeCenter'sNaturalHistoryMuseumandhas
writtenseveralbooksaboutbirds.
AlsobeinghonoredFridayisAustinFiedler,chairman'sawardwinnerofamixedmediastudent
artcompetitionfocusedonPresqueIsle.
TheJohnC.OliverAwardisnamedforthefirstboardchairmanoftheFriendsoftheTom
RidgeEnvironmentalCenterandthefirstsecretaryofthestateDepartmentofConservationandNatural
Resources.
PastrecipientsincludeEnvironmentErie,PatLupo,JamesBissell,JeanStullCunningham,
RobertLightandEdMasteller.
ClickHereformoreinformationabouttheTomRidgeEnvironmentalCenter.
NewsClips:
FriendsOfRidgeCenterToHonorNaturalist
ErieTeacherWinsAwardForEnvironmentalEfforts
DEPSeeks$4.5MillionPenaltyFromEQTForDrillingRelatedPollutionInTiogaCounty
TheDepartmentofEnvironmentalProtectionTuesdayannouncedithasfiledacomplaintwiththe
EnvironmentalHearingBoardrequestinga$4.5millioncivilpenaltyfromEQTProductionCompanyof
Washington,Pa.,foramajorpollutionincidentin2012atthecompanysPhoenixPadSlocationin
DuncanTownship,TiogaCounty.
Twoweeksago,DEPfinedRangeResources$4.15millionforviolationsatsixofits
impoundmentsinWashingtonCounty.
EQTfailstorecognizetheongoingenvironmentalharmfromthesignificantamountofwaste
releasedbyitsleakingsixmilliongallonimpoundment,ActingDEPSecretaryDanaAunkstsaid.This
actionwasnecessarybecausethecompanyhasnotbeencooperativeduringourinvestigation.The
departmentdoesnottoleratethisunacceptableattitudetowardcomplianceandproperprotectionof
Pennsylvaniasenvironment.
WhenEQToriginallyproposedtheimpoundmentinitsearthdisturbancepermit,thecompany
stateditwouldbeusedtostorefreshwateronly.However,afterconstructionwascompleteinlate
2011,thecompanydecidedtousetheimpoundmenttostoreflowbackwaterfromMarcellusdrilling
operationstobeusedforfracking.
Thisunauthorizedprogressioncompromisedenvironmentalprotection,asnomonitoringwellsor
leakdetectionwererequiredtobeinstalledaroundtheimpoundmentbasedonitsinitialstatedintended
useasafreshwaterimpoundment.
EQTultimatelyproposedtoconstructacentralizedwasteimpoundmentadjacenttothePadS
impoundmentandinstalledmonitoringwellstoestablishbaselinewaterqualityinthearea.Asampling
eventconductedonApril30,2012revealedelevatedlevelsofchloridesandotherparametersintwoof
themonitoringwellsinthevicinityoftheexistingPadSimpoundment.
DuringthefollowupinvestigationofareportedflowbackreleasefromatransferlineonMay9,
2012,DEPstaffidentifiedtwohighconductivityseepsnearthePadSimpoundmentthatwereunrelated
tothereportedrelease.EQTcontinuedtoaddfluidtotheimpoundment.
OnMay30,2012,afterdetectinghighconductivityinathirdmonitoringwellforthefirsttime
andinanearbyspring,EQTreportedtothedepartmentthattheimpoundmentwasleaking.Impacts
wereultimatelydocumentedinRockRun,ahighqualitystream,anunnamedtributarytoRockRun,and
variousgroundwaterseepsandsprings.Treesandshrubsalongthedischargeflowpathalsowere
severelyimpacted.
EQTdemonstratedalackofcooperationbyaddingmoreflowbackwatertotheimpoundment
evenafterbecomingawareoftheelevatedchloridesinthenearbymonitoringwells.ADEPinspection
doneinJune2012aftertheimpoundmentwasemptiedverified75to100holesinthelinerasestimated
byEQT.EQTlaterrevisedthisestimatetobeover200holes.
AnaerialinspectionoftheimpoundmentareaconductedbyDEPinAugust2012documented
significantareasofstressedvegetationaroundthewellpadinalldirections.
EQTeventuallyremovedthelinerandexcavatedcontaminatedsoilbutdidnotconcludethis
workuntilJuly1,2013.Theexactamountofflowbackthatleakedfromtheimpoundmentisunknown,
butthedepartmentbelievesitwassignificant.
MonitoringofsurfacewatersandtheimpactedspringbyEQTsconsultanthasshown
contaminationispresentathighenoughlevelsthatthiswaterisstillbeingcollectedandtransported
offsiteforpropertreatmentanddisposal.
Groundwateralsocontinuestoshowcontaminationpresentabovestandards.Thismonitoringis
beingoverseenbyDEPsEnvironmentalCleanupandBrownfieldsProgram.
Thedepartmentincurredover$112,296incostsandexpensesasaresultofitsinvestigation,
whichisincludedaspartoftheproposedpenalty.
Acopyofthecomplaintisavailableonline.Acopyoftheassociatedexhibitsisalsoavailable.
Formoreinformationcall5703273636.
NewsClips:
DEPSeeks$4.5MRecordFineAgainstEQTForImpoundmentLeak
DEPSeeks$4.5MillionPenaltyAgainstEQT
DEPSeeksRecord$4.5MFineOverLeaksAtDrillingOperation
DEPSeeksRecordFineAgainstEQT,AGFilesCriminalCharges
Record$4.5MFinePursuedAgainstGasDriller
IsPAsEnergyIndustryAfraidOfBig,BadWolf?
RangeResources:SeveranceTaxThreatensPAsEdge
CourtToHearChallengeToOil&GasFundWithdrawals
DEPToDePasquale:ProblemsAreAlreadyAddressed
EQTFacesChargesForTiogaCountySpillFromAG
PinkDrillBitsPromoteBreastCancerAwareness
EQTDrillingCompanyFilesCounterComplaintChallengingCleanStreamsLaw
EQTCorporationTuesdayannouncedithasfiledacomplaintinCommonwealthCourtagainstthe
DepartmentofEnvironmentalProtectionafterunsuccessfulattemptstoresolveitsliabilityfora2012
accidentaldischargefromawellpadimpoundmentinDuncanTownship,TiogaCounty.
EQTchallengedtheDEPsinterpretationoftheapplicableprovisionsoftheCleanStreams
Law.
Initslawsuit,EQTnotesthattheDEPschallengedinterpretationaccountsforapenalty
demandof$1.27millionforleakscausedbyanEQTcontractor,whichresultedfromdamagetothe
bottomofanimpoundmentlinerlocatedonthedrillingsite.
ItisanutterwasteofEQTandtaxpayerresourcesforthepartiestofollowtheusual
administrativeprocesswhilethisfundamentallegalissueisleftunresolvedbythecourts
TheDEPsubsequentlyfileditsowncomplaintagainstEQTwiththePennsylvaniaEnvironmental
HearingBoard,seeking$4.53millioninfines.
TheDEPsinsistenceona$1.27millionpenaltyduringsettlementnegotiations,withnoroom
fordiscussionornegotiation,followedbya$4.53milliondemandinalawsuitfiledinresponsetoEQTs
attempttoclarifythelawinCommonwealthCourt,illustratestheproblemwiththeagencys
interpretationoftheCleanStreamsLaw.Itcreatesuncertaintyandleadstotheabsurdresultof
neverendingandunquantifiableliability,saidLewisB.Gardner,EQTGeneralCounselandVice
President,ExternalAffairs.Gardnercontinued,Thetimingissuspect,andtheexorbitantproposed
penaltyisinconsistentwithbothpastandrecentagencypractice.TheDEPsproposedpenaltyseems
designedmoreforheadlinesthanforthelawfulenforcementoftheCommonwealthsenvironmental
statutes.Inaddition,basedonapreliminaryreviewofthecomplaint,theDEPiswhollyignoringEQTs
remediationeffortsandcooperationwiththeagency,aswellasmisstatingmanyfactsofthecase.
InMay2012,EQTbecameawarethattheimpoundmentwaspotentiallyleakingandnotified
theDEP.EQTdiscontinuedusingtheimpoundmentandpromptlyremovedallfluidsandsolids.Atthat
time,EQTdiscovereddamagetothebottomoftheliner,whichwascausedbyathirdpartyvendor
conductingDEPapprovedwatertreatment.
EQTthenbeganremediationefforts,andbymidSeptember2012,thecontaminatedsoil
beneaththelinerhadbeenremoved.Subsequentsamplingconfirmsthesitemeetsstatewide,
healthbased,soilcleanupstandardsandathirdpartyconsultanthasconcludedthatanearbyHigh
Qualitystreamisbiologicallyhealthyandsustainingawildtroutpopulation.
GardnernotedthatareasonablepenaltyisappropriatetoholdEQTaccountablefortheactions
ofitscontractor.However,inEQTsview,theDEPisoverreachinginitsinterpretationofthelawinan
attempttojustifyanexcessivedemand.ItisanutterwasteofEQTandtaxpayerresourcesforthe
partiestofollowtheusualadministrativeprocesswhilethisfundamentallegalissueisleftunresolvedby
thecourts,saidGardner.
Inaddition,EQTslawsuitidentifiesanotherchallengetotheDEPsreadingoftheClean
StreamsLaw.ThatcaseinvolvesSunocoLogisticsandthesignificanceofthelegalissueatstakeis
reflectedbythefactthattheentireEnvironmentalHearingBoardreviewedtheDEPslegalargumentat
ahearingonAugust28,2014.Adecisionispending.
Finally,Gardneradded,EQThasagreatdealofrespectfortheDEPanditsprofessionals.We
havecooperatedwiththeagencyonthisandmanyotherprojectsandwewillcontinuetodoso.At
present,wedisagreeonthisbasiclegalissue,andwhileEQTacknowledgesresponsibilityforits
contractorsaction,EQTwillnotagreetoanexcessivefinebasedonafaultylegaltheory.
The2012accidentaldischargeincidentthatoccurredinTiogaCountyisalsothesubjectofa
separateFishandBoatCommissionmisdemeanorcomplaintagainstEQTfiledbythePennsylvania
AttorneyGeneralonSeptember30,2014.
EQTwasdiscussingsettlementwiththeCommissionandremainsreadyandwillingtocontinue
suchdiscussionswithboththeCommissionandtheOfficeoftheAttorneyGeneralonthatseparate
complaint.
NewsClips:
Review:DEPProposesToughNewPolicyForEnforcingOil&GasViolations
byR.TimothyWestonandTadJ.Macfarlan,K&LGates
OnOctober3,2014,thePennsylvaniaDepartmentofEnvironmentalProtection(PADEP)unveileda
newdraftpolicythatwouldstrengthenitscomplianceandenforcementprotocolsforboth
unconventionalandconventionaloilandgasoperatorsintheCommonwealth.
A30daypubliccommentperiodwasopenedbyanoticepublishedintheOctober4th
PennsylvaniaBulletin.
Thedraftpolicy,entitledStandardsandGuidelinesforIdentifying,Tracking,andResolvingOil
andGasViolations(theDraftPolicy),bothmodifiespriorinspectionandenforcementprocedures
anddescribesanewprocessforprovidingtimelyresponsestowatersupplycontaminationcomplaints.
TheDraftPolicywouldplacerenewedemphasisonissuingNoticesofViolation(NOVs)for
anyallegedviolationthatcannotberemediedduringaninspection,andforfullyresolvingviolation
negotiationswithin180daysofnotice.
Further,theDraftPolicywouldaffirmPADEPscommitmenttoinspectingeverywellinthe
Commonwealthatkeyoperationalstages,suchasbeforeandduringdrilling,duringcasingand
cementing,followingwellstimulationandcompletion,afterpostdrillingrestoration,duringplugging,after
postpluggingrestoration,beforefinancialsecurityisreleased,andafteranycomplaintorviolation.
PADEPisacceptingpubliccommentsontheDraftPolicythroughNovember2,2014.
Together,thispolicyandotherimpendingeventsportendasignificanteffectonoilandgasenforcement
foryearstocome,anditwillbeimportantfortheindustrytoreviewthepolicycarefullyandoffer
appropriatecommentsonitscomplianceapproachesandprocedures.
RelationshiptoCurrentlyEffectiveOilandGasEnforcementPolicies
ThePennsylvaniaBulletinnoticeannouncingthereleaseoftheDraftPolicyindicatesthatwhen
finalized,thenewpolicywillreplacePADEPs2005guidancedocumententitledCompliance
MonitoringofOilandGasWellsandRelatedFacilitiesandActivities.
WhilenotstatedinthePennsylvaniaBulletin,theDraftPolicywouldalsoeffectivelysupplant
twoadditionalPADEPpolicies,(1)EnforcementActionsbyDEPsOilandGasManagement
Programand(2)InspectionPolicyRegardingOilandGasWellActivities,codifiedat25Pa.Code
Ch.78Subch.X.
PartsIandIIoftheDraftPolicycloselytrackthelanguagefromtheEnforcementActions
policy,withonlyminormodifications.Similarly,PartIIIoftheDraftPolicy(regardingfrequencyofwell
inspections)parallelstheInspectionPolicycodifiedat25Pa.Code78.903,inthatbothestablisha
scheduleforinspectingwells.
However,theinspectionschedulescalledforintheDraftPolicyaresomewhatdifferentthan
thoseincurrent78.903.[4]Thus,theDraftPolicy,iffinalized,wouldessentiallymergethree
importantoilandgasenforcementpoliciesintoone.
However,theDraftPolicywouldnotdirectlyaffectorsupersedePADEPscurrentguidance
documententitledCivilPenaltyAssessmentsintheOilandGasManagementProgram,which
providesamethodologyforcalculatinganappropriatecivilpenaltyininstanceswherePADEP
determinesacivilpenaltyisappropriate.
Thisimportantguidanceisoftenused,forinstance,toguidenegotiationsofconsentassessments
ofcivilpenalty(CACP)andconsentordersandagreements(CO&A).Notably,however,theCivil
Penaltyguidancehasnotyetbeenupdatedtoreflectchanges(includingstatutorilyincreasedpenalty
maximums)enactedaspartofAct13[6]in2012.
WaterSupplyInvestigationRequests
OneofthemostnotableaspectsoftheDraftPolicyistheprocessitwouldestablishfor
evaluatingandrespondingtowatersupplycontaminationcomplaints.PartIV.BoftheDraftPolicy
wouldsetthefollowingseriesofdeadlinesforactionsbyPADEPemployeesafterreceiptofawater
supplyinvestigationrequest:
DistrictOfficestaffwheretherequestisreceivedshouldimmediatelycollectandenterbasic
informationregardingtherequestintoPADEPswatersupplyinvestigationrequesttrackingsystem.
Thesamebusinessday,awaterqualityspecialist(WQS)shouldattempttocontactthe
requestor,andundernocircumstancesshalltheWQSortheWQSssupervisorfailtoattemptto
contacttherequestorwithintwobusinessdaysofreceivingtherequest.
Withintwobusinessdaysofcontactingtherequestor,theWQSshouldconductand
documentasiteinspectionandobtainwatersamplesifwarranted.Asiteinspectionshallbeconducted
within10calendardaysofcontactingtherequestorunlessthelandownerrefusestograntaccesstothe
site.
IftheWQSobservesapotentialimpacttothewatersupply(e.g.effervescence,turbidity,or
similarobviouscontamination),theprocessthendivergesdependingonifthewatersupplyiswithinthe
rebuttablepresumptionarea.
Inaccordancewith58Pa.C.S.3218(c),therebuttablepresumptionareaforconventional
operatorsiswithin1,000feetofthewellandsixmonthsofcompletionofdrillingoralterationactivities,
andforunconventionaloperatorsiswithin2,500feetoftheverticalwellboreand12monthsofthelater
ofcompletion,drilling,stimulation,oralterationactivities.
Ifthepotentiallyimpactedwatersupplyisoutsidetherebuttablepresumptionarea,theWQS
shouldrefertherequesttoaProgramGeologisttoconductahydrologicinvestigation,whowill
determinewhetherpollutionordiminutionofthewatersupplyhasoccurredand,ifso,whetherthe
pollutionordiminutionwascausedbyoilandgasactivities.
PADEPsgoalistomakethisdeterminationwithin45calendardaysofreceivingthe
complaint.IfextenuatingcircumstancespreventPADEPfrommakingadeterminationwithin45days,
alettershallbesenttothewatersupplyuser/ownersummarizingthestateoftheinvestigation.
Attheendoftheinvestigation,ifPADEPpositivelydeterminesthatoilandgasactivities
adverselyimpactedthewatersupply,PADEPwillrequestthattheresponsibleoperatorprovidea
temporarywatersupply,ifnecessary,within24hours.
Ifthepotentiallyimpactedwatersupplyiswithintherebuttablepresumptionarea,PADEPshall
advisetheoperatortoprovideatemporarywatersupplywithin24hours,regardlessofwhetherthe
operatorcanestablishoneofthestatutorydefensestoliability(including,forinstance,resultsofpredrill
samplingindicatingthatthewatersupplywasalreadycontaminated,orthatthelandownerrefused
accesstothesitetoconductsuchsampling).
Instead,PADEPistorequestinformationfromtheoperatorsupportingthestatutorydefensesat
thesametimetheoperatorisadvisedtoprovideatemporarywatersupply.
Iftheoperatorfailsorrefusestoprovideatemporarywatersupplywithin24hoursandfailsto
rebutthepresumptionofliability,PADEPshallissueanadministrativeorderdirectingtheoperatorto
provideatemporarywatersupplywithin24hours.ThenPADEPwillfullyinvestigatewhetherpollution
ordiminutionofthewatersupplyhasoccurredand,ifso,whetherthepollutionordiminutionwas
causedbyoilandgasactivities,asabove.
Within30calendardaysofafinalpositivedetermination,PADEPshallissueanNOVtothe
responsibleoperator,directingtheoperatortorespondinwritingwithin10businessdays.Within30
calendardaysoftheoperatorswrittenresponse,PADEPshallissueanadministrativeorderto
permanentlyrestoreorreplaceanadverselyaffectedwatersupply,unless(1)thewaterhasalready
beenrestoredorreplaced,(2)thewatersupplyinvestigationrequesthasbeenwithdrawn,(3)the
operatorandwatersupplyownerhavecometoanagreement,or(4)thewatersupplyisnolonger
pollutedordiminished.
WhilecertainaspectsofthisprocessadheretothelanguageofAct13,otherelementsgo
beyondAct13,suchasthesuggestionthatPADEPcanandshouldadviseanoperatortoprovidea
temporarywatersupplyeveniftheoperatorcanfirmlyrebutthepresumptionofliability.
IssuanceandNegotiationsofNOVs
ThereleaseoftheDraftPolicymayalsosignalthebeginningofamorestringentenforcement
stanceregardingoilandgaswelloperationswithrespecttotheissuanceandexpeditedresolutionof
NOVs.
TheDraftPolicyprovidesthatalloilandgasviolationsshouldtriggertheissuanceofanNOV
within14daysofdiscoveryunlesstheviolationiscorrectedbeforetheendofaninspection,inwhich
casePADEPmayexerciseitsdiscretiontomerelyrecordtheviolationinaninspectionreport.
Notably,thispolicyismorestringentthanrequiredbyPADEPsgenerallyapplicable
StandardsandGuidelinesforIdentifying,Tracking,AndResolvingViolationsacrossallprograms,
whichonlyrequirestheissuanceofanNOVifanoperatorfailstoresolveaviolationwithinthe14
calendardayperiodnotbeforetheendofaninspection,whichisoftenimpossibletodo.
TheDraftPolicyalsostatesthatviolationnegotiationsaddressedthroughanenforcement
document(suchasaCACPorCO&A)mustbefinalizedwithin180calendardaysofnotificationto
theallegedviolator,unlesstheDeputySecretaryorBureauDirectoragreesthatanextensionoftimeis
acceptableinthespecificcase.Otherwise,[PADEP]shouldtaketheapplicableenforcementactionthat
imposestheobligationsnecessarytoresolvetheviolations.
Undercurrentpractice,violationnegotiationsoftentakemorethan180daystocomplete,
especiallywhentherearenovelorcomplextechnicalandlegalissuesinvolved.Thispolicy,ifstrictly
adheredto,couldresultinfewernegotiatedsettlementsandmoreunilateralenforcementactions
resultingincostlylitigationbeforetheEnvironmentalHearingBoard.
Itshouldbenotedthatmostoralloftheabovereferencedlanguageisalreadyincludedalmost
verbatiminPADEPsEnforcementActionspolicy,whichwaslastupdatedin2005.Therestatement
ofthislanguageintheDraftPolicymaybeanindicationthatPADEPplanstomoreliterallyadhereto
theseproceduresinthefuture,andprovidesoperatorswithanewopportunitytocommentonits
appropriateness.
InspectionSchedule
TheDraftPolicyalsoincludesarigorousinspectionschedule,requiringdistrictofficestoensure
thatallwellsareinspectedatleastonceatthefollowingintervals:
a)Priortothecommencementofdrillingonanewwellpad.
b)Duringdrilling,casing,andcementingoperations.
c)Followingwellstimulationandcompletionactivities.
d)Followingthetimeperiodinwhichtheowneroroperatorisrequiredtorestoreasiteafterdrillinga
well.
e)Whileawellisbeingalteredorrepairedorwhencasingisbeingreplaced.
f)Priortoawellbeinggrantedinactivestatus.
g)Duringthepluggingofawell.
h)Aftertheowneroroperatorrestoresasitefollowingpluggingorabandonment.
i)Beforeabondorotherfinancialsecurityisreleased.
j)Annuallyfordisposalwells.
k)Followingaviolationtodeterminewhethertheviolationhasbeencorrected.
l)Followingacomplaint.
Thisscheduleissimilartothewellinspectionschedulealreadycodifiedat25Pa.Code
78.903oftheInspectionPolicy,butthetwoschedulesarenotthesame.Mostnotably,theDraft
PolicydropstheblanketonceperyearinspectionofoperatingwellsachangethatPADEPoiland
gasprogramleadersindicateisneededtofocusavailableinspectionresourcesonthoseactivitiesthat
aremostlikelytopresentcomplianceissues.
ItisunclearifandwhenPADEPplanstoamendtheInspectionPolicycodifiedinthePa.
CodetoconformtotheDraftPolicy.
Conclusion
ThereleaseoftheDraftPolicyprovidesanimportantopportunityforoperatorsinthe
CommonwealthtoprovideinputtothedirectionandproceduresusedinPADEPsenforcementofoil
andgasregulations,bothforconventionalandunconventionaloperations.
Broaderenforcementprioritieswillalsobeshapedbytheoutcomeoftheupcoming
gubernatorialelectionandtheselectionofthenextPADEPSecretary,amongotherdevelopments.
Thereislittledoubtthatinthecurrentpoliticalsetting,highpublicattentionhasbeenplacedon
complianceissuesrelatedtotheindustry,withsignificantimplicationsastothefutureforbothpublic
trustinregulatoryregimesandtheindustrysreputation.
Theindustrymustcloselymonitorandconsideritsoptionsforparticipationinshapingthese
compliancepoliciesandprocedures,astheyhaveasubstantialpotentialtosignificantlyaffectoperations
intheyearsahead.
NewsClips:
DEPCitizensAdvisoryCouncilToDiscussOil&GasEnforcementPolicyChanges
OnOctober21DEPCitizensAdvisoryCouncilwillhearapresentationonproposedchangestoDEPs
OilandGasEnforcementPoliciespublishedonOctober4forpubliccomment.
AndyZemba,DirectorofDEPsOfficeofInterstateWaters,willgiveCouncilanupdateonthe
ChesapeakeBayWatershedImplementationPlanandEPAsevaluationofPennsylvanias201213
milestonecommitments.
AlsoontheagendaisDEPsnewActingSecretaryDanaAunkstwhowillgiveCounciland
updateonagencyactivities.
Aftertheregularbusinessmeeting,theCACsPublicParticipationCommitteewillholda
roundtablediscussionwiththeChairsofDEPsAdvisoryCommitteesonwaystoimprovethe
participationoftheCommitteesinformingchangestoDEPregulationsandtechnicalguidance.
DEPalsosubmitteditsregularmonthlyreporttoCouncilfeaturingacomprehensiveupdateof
activitiesintheDepartmentoverthepastmonth,including
EnergyFunding:DEPanticipatesannouncinggrantsfromthePAEnergyDevelopmentAuthorityat
itsOctober22meetingand
EPAObjectsToNutrientCreditTrades:DEPcontinuesresolveissueswithEPAovernutrient
credittradesintheChesapeakeBayWatershed.SinceAprilEPAhasobjectedtotheissuanceof
NPDESpermitsinthewatershedcitingtheneedtoresolveissueswiththedefinitionofthenonpoint
sourceagriculturalbaseline.
ThenextandlastmeetingoftheCouncilin2014isNovember18.
Formoreinformationandavailablehandouts,visittheDEPCitizensAdvisoryCouncil
webpage.
NewsClips:
StateImpact,PostGazette:StateCourtHearsArgumentsOnStateForestDrilling
StateImpactandthePittsburghPostGazetteWednesdayreported
CommonwealthCourtheardargumentsinthecaseofPEDFv.
CommonwealthchallengingwithdrawalsfromtheDCNROilandGas
FundtobalancethestatebudgetusingrevenuesfromStateForest
MarcellusShaledrillingleases.
AnagreementinJulybetweenthepartiesdelayedany
additionaldrillingunderStateParksandForestsrequiredbytheFiscal
Codebillsignedintolawaspartofthebudgetdirectingthat$95million
fromtheFundbeusedtobalancetheFY201415statebudgetuntilCommonwealthCourtruledonthe
issue.
AttorneyJohnChildearguedGovernorsRendellandCorbettviolatedthestatesEnvironmental
RightsAmendmenttotheconstitutionwhentheydisregardedtheenvironmentalimpactsofdrillingonor
underStateParksandForestsandthentransferredmoniesresultingfromthedrillingleasesoutofthe
OilandGasFundtobalancethebudget,nottopayforDCNRoperationsandprograms.
Childecited,inpart,therulinginDecemberbythePASupremeCourtinRobinsonTownshipv.
CommonwealththatreinvigoratedtheapplicationoftheEnvironmentalRightsAmendmenttoprotecting
thestatesenvironment.
Gov.Rendellleasedsome132,000ofStateForestlandforMarcellusShaledrillingandGov.
CorbettcalledforadditionalnosurfacedisturbancedrillingleasesinMaywhenheissuedExecutive
Order20143.
AttorneysfortheCommonwealtharguedthereisnoprovisionintheconstitutionlimitingthe
GovernorsauthoritytoleaseStateParkandForestland.
Thejudgesgavenoindicationwhentheywouldruleontheissue.
NewsClips:
JudgesSeekBalanceForLeasingStateParks,ForestsToDrillers
CourtTakesUpIssueOfOil&GasFundWithdrawals
OpEd:SeveranceTaxDiscouragesDrilling,ThreatensLocalJobs
DrillingImpactFeesSupport$9.3MillionEffortToImproveLocalHousing
Gov.TomCorbettThursdayannouncedthePennsylvaniaHousingFinanceAuthorityapproved$9.3
millionfor45housingprogramsandprojectsimprovetheavailabilityandaffordabilityofhousingin29
counties.
Bypartneringwithlocalgroups,weareimplementinglocalsolutionstoaddresshousing
challenges,saidGov.Corbett.Thisispartofacomprehensiveapproachcriticaltoaddressinglocal
housingneeds.
TheseprojectsaresupportedbythePennsylvaniaHousingAffordabilityandRehabilitation
Enhancement(PHARE)Fund,whichisadministeredbythePFHAandfundedbyAct13simpactfee
onnaturalgasproducers.AwardrecipientswerechosenatPHFAsBoardofDirectorsmeetingearlier
Thursday.
Weexpecttheseprojectstohaveasignificant,positiveimpacthelpingcountiesaddress
housingandcommunityneedsresultingfromthedevelopmentofgasdrillingintheMarcellusShale
region,saidBrianA.HudsonSr.,PHFAexecutivedirectorandCEO.
In2012,Pennsylvaniabecamethefirststateinthenationtoimposeanimpactfeeonnaturalgas
producerswhenGov.CorbettsignedAct13.Todatethenaturalgasimpactfeehasgeneratedover
$630millioninnewrevenues.
Alistofgrantsawardedisavailableonline.
Formoreinformation,visitthePAHousingFinanceAuthoritysPHAREFundwebpage.
NewsClips:
ShaleDrillingAndPublicHealth:ADayOfDiscoveryOct.2627
ThePALeagueofWomenVotersPennsylvaniaShaleandPublicHealthCommitteewillholditssecond
annualShaleDrillingandPublicHealth:DaysofDiscoveryConferenceinPittsburghOctober2627.
Speakersfortheeventinclude
BernardGoldsteinMDMPHEmeritusDean&ProfessorUniversityofPittsburghGraduateSchool
ofPublicHealth
ReynoldPanettieriMDUniversityofPennsylvaniaPerelmanSchoolofMedicine,Director,Airways
BiologicalInitiative,DeputyDirectorCenterofExcellenceinEnvironmentalToxicology
LenoreResickPhDFNPBCDuquesneUniversitySchoolofNursing
PennsylvaniasEnvironmentalRightsAmendmentfeaturingtheHon.FranklinKuryand
JohnC.Dernbach,Esq.WidenerLawSchoolCoDirectorEnvironmentalLawCenter.
Theconferenceisfreeandopentothepublic,butspaceislimitedsoyoumustpreregisterto
attend.
NewsClips:
MonValleyHospitalPanelDiscussesMarcellusShaleIndustry
Testimony:ObsoleteTestsTaintedShaleAnalysis
NotAllShaleDrillingWastewaterTreatedTheSame
MansfieldCreatesEnvironmentInstituteOnShale,OtherIssues,SpeakerSeriesStarts
MansfieldUniversityPresidentFranHendricksWednesdayannouncedthecreationofTheInstituteof
ScienceandtheEnvironmentatMansfieldUniversity,TiogaCounty.
ThenewInstitutewillreplacetheMarcellusInstitute,whichwasestablishedin2012,continuing
itsworkwithresponsibleindustryrepresentativeswhilebroadeningitsfocustoallaspectsoflanduse
andnaturalresources.TheInstituteofScienceandtheEnvironmentatMansfieldUniversitywillbepart
oftheDepartmentofGeosciences.
TheInstitutewillcoordinatenoncreditandforcreditinitiativestoprovidecommunity
leadershiponthenaturalenvironment,Hendrickssaid.Throughresearchprogramsinthesciencesand
humanities,internships,workforcetraining,andprivate/publicpartnerships,theInstitutewillprovide
resourcesforstudents,alumni,andneighboringcommunities,withafocusonTiogaandBradford
Counties.
InadditiontosupportingthedegreeprogramsinSafetyManagementandNaturalGas
ProductionandServices,theInstitutewillhelpcoordinateinternshipsandtrainingsfortheWatershed
Management,EnvironmentalScience,EnvironmentalBiology,FisheriesandOutdoorRecreation
Leadershipprograms.TheInstitutewillalsorunnoncreditcertificationprogramsforstudentsand
communitymembers.
WereexcitedtobringtheInstituteundertheacademicwingoftheUniversity,andtobroaden
thefocus,LilaceGuignard,codirectorofTheInstituteofScienceandtheEnvironmentatMansfield
University,said.Wehavemanystrongscienceprogramswithanenvironmentalfocus,andtheInstitute
nowwillhelpconnectthosestudentsandtheirresearchwithourcommunityandbusinesses.The
Universitywillsoonhaveaonestopresourceonlineforarearesidentswhowantinformationona
varietyofissues,fromwherecanIrecycleewastetowhatshouldIknowaboutpipelinesafety?
Guignard,whoisdirectorofEducationandOutreach,isInstituteCodirectorsChrisKopfand
LilaceGuignardcodirectingTheInstitutewithChrisKopf,associateprofessorofGeosciences,whois
directorofGrantsandResearch.
SpeakersForTomorrowSeries
TheInstitutewillalsohostaspeakersseriesonthethirdThursdayofmostmonthswhenschool
isinsession.SpeakersforTomorrowisseriesoffreepresentationsonissuesthataffectthedecisions
wemakeabouthowwelivewherewelive,Guignardsaid.
ThefirstwillbeOctober16,7p.m.inAllenHall,Room104,whenEmilyKrafjackmakesher
presentationentitledACOGENTResponsetoNaturalGasDevelopment.
KrafjackisthepresidentofConnectionforOil,Gas,&EnvironmentintheNorthernTierInc.
(COGENT).
Shewillspeakabouttheorganizationseffortstoaddressregulatoryandothergapsasthe
unconventionalshalegasdevelopmentmovesforwardinourregion.
AllSpeakersforTomorroweventsarefreeandopentothepublic.
Formoreinformation,visitMansfieldUniversitysInstituteofScienceandtheEnvironment
webpage.
NewsClips:
Proposed105MilePennEastPipelineRattlesResidents
WilliamsTwpResidents:DontLetPipelineRuinScenery
WestGoshenOfficialsVowToFightPipeline
PennEastPipelineWouldCrossSusquehanna,WyomingValley
Editorial:FewPoliticalProfilesInCourageOnLancasterPipeline
Letter:MarcellusIndustryAppreciatesLookAtEndangeredSpeciesIssue
WyomingCountyCelebratesMarcellusGrowth
OpEd:ResponsibleGasExplorationCanBenefitEveryone
OpEd:BenefitsOfExportingPANaturalGasUndeniable
COLTSInterestedInPennDOTNaturalGasFuelInitiative
UGILaunchesSystemExpansionInitiativeInLancaster
OneGreeneCountyMansEncounterWithADrillingLandman
DrillingFromDeerLakesToBoostCountyParksBudget
RangeResourcesSignsLeaseToDrillInAlleghenyCountyPark
DEPSubmitsCommentsOnEPAsWatersOfTheU.S.Rule
OnWednesdaytheDepartmentofEnvironmentalProtectionsubmittedcommentstotheU.S.
EnvironmentalProtectionAgencyonitsproposedclarificationoftheWatersoftheUnitedStatesrule
whichdetermineswhenwaterqualitypermitsareneeded.
Initsletter,DEPsaid,Theruleasdraftedcreatesmoreconfusionthanitclarifies,andis
alreadysubjecttodifferinginterpretationsofEPAandU.S.ArmyCorpsofEngineersstaff.This
confusionwilldelaypermittingandcouldunderminestrongstateprograms.
DEPrecommendedtheproposedrulebewithdrawnandsubstantiallyrevised.
DEPsaidEPAfailedtorecognizePennsylvaniasCleanStreamsLawalreadybroadlyprotects
allthewatersoftheCommonwealthwithouttheconfusionoftheEPArule.
FormerDEPSecretaryChrisAbruzzotoldtheCitizensAdvisoryCouncilinMaythechangesin
theWatersoftheUnitedStatesdefinitionwillnothavemuchimpactonPennsylvaniaprogramsbecause
thestateswaterqualityprogramsalreadyexceedminimumfederalrequirements.
Acopyofthecommentsisavailableonline.
NewsClips:
BrodheadWatershedAssn.HostsWatershedWalk#8Oct.18
JoinBrodheadWatershedAssociationandPoconoHeritageLandTrustmembersandfriendson
October18forthenextWhereintheWatershedWalksledbynaturalistDonMillerandnaturalist
andwildplantandoldgrowthforestenthusiast,BillSweeneyinMonroeCounty.
ThismonthsexplorationwillbeontheCherryValleyRidgeTrailsystemintheCherryValley
NationalWildlifeRefugesnewlyacquiredSorrentiTract.Bringyourbinocularsandenjoyprimefall
foliage.
Thismoderatedifficultyhikewillbeonandofftrailonlevelandslopedterrainalongtheridge
overlookingtheheadwatersofCherryCreekandAquashicolaCreek.DiscovertheBrodheadCreek,
DelawareRiverandLehighRiverwatersheddivide,andlearnsomeofthehistoryofourNational
WildlifeRefugeSystem.
Enjoybeinginthemidstoftheannualfallbirdmigrationwithviewsofmigratingsongbirds,
raptorsandtheAppalachianRidgeinfullfallbloom.
Hikedonationis$5.00perperson($3.00perBWA/PHLTmember)tobecollectedatthestart
ofthehike.OptionalWoodFiredBrickOvenPizzaandCherryValleyWineisavailableafterthehike
atPizzeriaMammaLuciaatCherryValleyVineyard.
Participantsshouldmeetat1:00intheCVNWRtrailheadparkingareaadjacenttotheCherry
ValleyVineyardonLowerCherryValleyRoadjustoffRt.115SouthaccessedviatheSaylorsburgExit
offRt.33South.
ForadditionalWhereintheWatershedWalkinformationanddirectionscallPHLTat
5704241514orBWA5708391120.Preregistrationisrequested.Toregister,pleasecallthe
PoconoHeritageLandTrustofficeMondaytoFridayat5704241514.
TolearnmoreaboutthelocationsontheWalk,visittheCherryValleyNationalWildlife
RefugesandFriendsoftheCherryValleyNationalWildlifeRefugewebsites.
ChesterRidleyCrumWatershedsAssn.SeeksVolunteersForOctoberTreePlantings
Aspartofitseffortstoimprovewaterandhabitatquality,theChesterRidleyCrumWatersheds
AssociationinChesterandDelawarecountiesishostingthreestreamsidetreeplantingeventsin
October.Volunteersareneededtoassistwitheachplanting.Nopriorexperienceisnecessary.
CRCwillprovideatreeplantingdemonstrationatthebeginningofeachevent.Gloves,hand
tools,andwaterwillbeprovided.Pleasewearlongpantsandsturdyshoes.
CRCanditspartnerswillberestoringtreecoverat:
October16:CheyneyUniversity,3:30p.m.5:30p.m.,WithhelpfromCheyneyUniversity
students,wewillplanttreesoncampusalongtheEastBranchoftheChesterCreek.
October22:SwarthmoreCollege,9:00a.m.12:00p.m.,CRCandtheScottArboretumof
SwarthmoreCollegewillbeaddingtostreamsideplantingsalongtheCrumCreek.
October25:DarlingtonTrail,MiddletownTownship,9:00a.m.12:00p.m.,Inpartnershipwith
MiddletownTownship,wewilladdtothestreamsideforestsatthispopularhikingandrecreation
locationontheEastBranchoftheChesterCreek.
Formoreinformation,visittheCRCWatershedAssociationsEventswebpageorcallCRCat
6103591440.
NewsClips:
SavingTheAmericanChestnutTree
DespiteDryWeather,NEPAsNaturalFallColorstoGlisten
PAFallFoliageColorGuide
StormwaterPA.orgPremierOfWissahickonWatershedVideoNov.11
StormwaterPA.orgTuesdayannouncedtheNovember11premierofanewvideo,AHealthy
Wissahickon:WeAllHaveAPartToPlayinitsOctobernewsletter.
TheWissahickoninMontgomeryandPhiladelphiacountieshasservedhistoricallyasan
importantwatershedforindustryandcleanwaters.Throughoutthishistoryithasfacednumerous
changes,andnow,withthedevelopmentofsuburbanareas,stormwaterrunoffposesasignificantthreat
tobothresidentsandtheenvironment.
Thesechallengesaremetbytheresilienceofresidentsdeterminedtopreservetheenvironment
andtheirlivelihood.Stormwatermanagementpoliciesandtechnologyareimplementedonalargescale
bytownshipsandlocalgovernmentswhileresidentshelpbyinstallingrainbarrelsandraingardensin
theirbackyards.Onceexpansivelawnsturnintoameadowoasisfornativeplantsandanimalsallwhile
providinganessentialservicetothecommunity.
ThroughthedevelopmentofcombinedtechniquestheWissahickonwatershedismakinga
comeback.Changesmadebyhomeownershaveahugepotentialtomakeanimpact.Whatinitiativecan
youtaketomakeadifference?
ApremierofourfeaturevideoAHealthyWissahickon:WeAllHaveaParttoPlaywillbeheld
attheAmblerTheaterinMontgomeryCountyonNovember11that7:30p.m..Learnaboutwhatyou
candotohelppreserveandcreateahealthier,saferWissahickon.
Othernewsletterarticlesinclude
Video:RethinkingBasins:PuttingNatureToWork
InteractiveStormwaterBasinRetrofittingModule
ClickHeretosignuptoreceiveyourownStormwaterPAnewsletter
StormwaterPA.orgisaninitiativeoftheGreenTreksNetwork.
LocalColleges,UniversitiesCompeteInPAAmericanWatersUTAPChallenge
CollegesanduniversitiesfromacrosstheCommonwealthhopepeopleLikethemonFacebookto
winanew,convenientdeviceforfillingreusablebottleswithcoolrefreshingwater.
EightschoolsinPennsylvaniaAmericanWatersserviceareaarecompetingintheUTap
Challenge,aFacebookcontestthatwillawardthetopvotegetterwithanElkaywaterfountainbottle
fillertohelpcutdownonplasticbottledwaterwaste.
FacebookuserscanvoteonceeachdaybetweenOctober7andOctober31,fortheirfavorite
collegeoruniversity.FromPAAmericanWatersFacebookpage,userscanclickVotetoseealist
ofparticipatingschoolsandshortdescriptionsofwhereoncampustheirbottlefillerswillbeinstalled,if
awarded.
Studentsarelookingforaninexpensiveandconvenientwaytofillwaterbottlesonthego
ratherthangeneratingwasteandspendingalotofmoneyonbottledwater,saidPennsylvania
AmericanWaterPresidentKathyL.Pape.TheUTapChallengewilloffsetthecostofinstallingawater
fountainbottlefilleronthewinnerscampus,whichbenefitsstudents,facultyandstaffaswellasthe
environment.
Participatingschoolsare:
CaliforniaUniversityWashingtonCounty
ClarionUniversityClarionCounty
CommunityCollegeofAlleghenyCounty
LebanonValleyCollegeLebanonCounty
LackawannaCollegeLackawannaCounty
MontgomeryCountyCommunityCollege
UniversityofScrantonLackawannaCounty
Washington&JeffersonCollegeWashingtonCounty
ThetopvotegettinggrantwinnerwillbeannouncedinearlyNovember.
Formoreinformation,visitPAAmericanWatersFacebookpage.
EPA:2,400UrbanStudentsToGetUniqueWaterEducationExperience
Asmanyas2,400urbanstudentswillpaddletheDelawareRiverandotherareawaterways,testthe
qualityofthewatersandlearnaboutkeywaterissuesoverthenexttwoweeksasthenational
CanoemobileprogramrollsintoDelawareBasincities.
U.S.EPARegionalAdministratorShawnM.Garvinandofficialsfromfederal,stateandcounty
agenciesgatheredinCamdensWigginsParkMarinaTuesdaytomarkthestartoftheprogramfor
urbanstudentsinCamden,Philadelphia,Chester,WilmingtonandReadingthatrunsthroughOctober
19.
TheCanoemobileoneinafleetofspecialvansthateachtravelthecountrywithsix
handmade24footVoyageurcanoesbringsenvironmentaleducationandoutdoorlearning
experiencestounderserved,urbanyouth.
AninitiativeoftheDelawareRiverUrbanWatersFederalPartnership,theprograminthisarea
isfundedthrougha$59,333UrbanWatersSmallGrantfromtheU.S.EnvironmentalProtection
Agency,coordinatedbytheNationalParkServicesRivers,TrailsandConservationAssistance
Program,hostedbylocalcityagenciesandparksdepartments,andimplementedbyWildernessInquiry
andanumberofcommunitybasedorganizations.
ThegoaloftheUrbanWatersPartnershipistoconnectresidentsandcommunitieswiththeir
localwaterresourcessothattheyworkhardtoprotectthem.
Thisprogramwillhelptoenrichlivesandenhanceenvironmentalstewardshipinoururban
students,manyofwhomaregettingtheirfirstexperienceonthewater,saidEPARegional
AdministratorShawnM.Garvin.Thesestudentswillthenbringbackwhattheyvelearnedtotheir
families,friendsandcommunities.
"TheParkServiceisaproudsupporteroftheCanoemobileproject,"sharedBrianStrack,
AssociateRegionalDirectorfortheNationalParkServiceNortheastRegion."Wefirmlybelievethat
whenyoungpeoplehavefunintheoutdoorsthroughactivitieslikethis,itwillhelpengagethenext
generationofstewardsforourlocal,stateandnationalparks."
CanoemobileisawonderfulexampleofFederalagenciesworkingwitheachotherandwith
localstakeholderstoprovideanenrichingexperienceforurbanyouthtoexploretheoutdoors,says
SarahLow,PhiladelphiaFieldStationCoordinatorfromtheUSDAForestService.Canoeingonthe
riverisanopportunityforyouthtoseetheircityfromanewperspective,agreenerandmorenatural
perspective.Workingtogetherwecanmakeourcitieshealthier,moreresilientplacestoliveand
recreate.
Nearly704th8thgradestudentsfromCamdenForwardSchooland30fromPennsauken
TechnicalHighSchoolparticipatedintheeventalongtheDelawaretoday.Theypaddledinthelarge
canoesaroundWigginsParkMarinaandtheDelawareasafloatingclassroom,androtatedthrougha
seriesofstationsonlandtolearnabouttheecology,culturalhistoryandwaterqualityoftheriver.Each
canoeholdsuptoninestudentsandchaperonesundertheleadershipofanenvironmentaleducator.
ForafullscheduleofCanoemobileactivitiesisavailableonline.ClickHereformore
informationontheCanoemobileandvisitEPAsUrbanWatersSmallGrantwebpage.
NewsClip:ErieTeacherWinsAwardForEnvironmentalEfforts
PublicHearingOct.22OnApplicationForManureStorageFacilitiesInFultonCounty
TheDepartmentofEnvironmentalProtectionwillholdapublichearingonOctober22,toaccept
commentsonaWaterQualityManagementpermitapplicationformanurestoragefacilitiesata
proposedswinefarminAyrTownship,FultonCounty.
The7p.m.hearingwillbeattheMcConnellsburgFireHall,2ndfloormeetingroom,112East
MapleSt.,McConnellsburg.
Thishearingwillprovideanopportunityforthepublictomakecommentsorvoiceconcerns
abouttheconstructionanddesignofmanurestoragefacilitiesattheproposedswinefarm,DEP
SouthcentralRegionalDirectorLynnLangersaid.Allwrittenandoralcommentsreceivedwillbe
consideredwiththefinalreviewoftheapplication.
CountryViewFamilyFarmsLLCisproposingtoconstructthreebarnson224acrestohouse
8,722swine.Tomanagethemanure,CountryViewwouldconstructconcretedeeppitmanurestorage
undertwoofthebarns,withaconcretetemporarymanureholdingareaunderthethirdbarn.
CountryViewsubmitteditsWQMpermitapplicationonApril8anupdatetothedesignplan
wassubmittedonAug.13.WQMpermitsauthorizetheconstructionofmanurestoragefacilitiesto
preventpollutionfromenteringnearbywaterways.
Inaccordancewithstatewastewaterregulations,therewillbealeakdetectionsystemencircling
eachbarn,withobservationwellsatacornerofeachbuildingtomonitoranymanureleaks.Theoutlets
oftheleakdetectionsystemare845feetfromthenearestsurfacewater,anUnnamedTributarytoBig
CoveCreek.Nodischargestosurfacewatersfromtheproposedfarmareexpected.
Thepublicwillhavetheopportunitytopresentuptofiveminutesoforaltestimonyduringthe
hearing.Toensurethatallspeakershaveafairandequalopportunitytopresenttheirtestimony,
relinquishingoftimetootherspeakerswillbeprohibitedandgroupsareaskedtodesignateone
speaker.
Allpresentersshouldbringtwocopiesoftheircommentsandexhibits.Thosewhowishto
presenttestimonyduringthehearingareaskedtoregisterinadvancebycontactingEileenBittingin
DEPsSouthcentralRegionalOfficeat7177054703.
Individualswhoregisterinadvancewillbegivenpriorityontheagenda.Iftimepermitsatthe
hearing,thosewhodidnotregisterinadvancewillbegiventheopportunitytotestify.
Individualswhoareinneedofanaccommodationforthehearingasprovidedforinthe
AmericanswithDisabilitiesActshouldcontactBittingatthenumberprovidedaboveormake
accommodationsthroughthePennsylvaniaAT&TRelayServiceat18006545984(TDD).
Thosewhoprefertopresenttheircommentsinwritingorareunabletoattendthehearingmay
submitwrittentestimonyby4p.m.onOctober29toMariaBebenek,DEPSouthcentralRegional
Office,909ElmertonAve.,Harrisburg,PA17110.
AlltestimonyandwrittencommentsreceivedduringthehearingshouldpertaintotheWQM
permitapplicationformanurestoragefacilities.Testimonyandcommentsunrelatedtothepermitwillnot
beaccepted.
DEPwillprovideawrittenresponsetoallrelevanttestimonyandcommentsprovidedduringthe
publichearingandpubliccommentperiod,andwillconsiderrelevantcommentsinitsreviewofthe
application.
ThepermitapplicationisopenforreviewuntilOctober29.
TomakeanappointmenttoviewtheapplicationatDEPsSouthcentralRegionalOffice
weekdaysfrom8a.m.to4p.m.,contactStacyBurnsat7177054732.
Thepermitapplication,includingtheblueprints,isalsoavailableforreviewattheFultonCounty
PublicLibrary,227NorthFirstSt.,McConnellsburg,duringbusinesshours.
DEPToHoldBrownfieldsRedevelopmentSeminarInWilkesBarreOct.23
TheDepartmentofEnvironmentalProtectioninvitesmunicipal,townshipandboroughleaders,county
andcityplanners,redevelopmentauthorities,communityleaders,andeconomicandindustrial
developmentagenciestoaseminar,WhatAllLocalGovernmentsNeedtoKnowaboutBrownfields,
onOctober23inWilkesBarre,LuzerneCounty
Theseminarisofferedfreeofchargeandwillbefrom10a.m.to1:30p.m.attheDEP
NortheastRegionalOfficelocatedat2PublicSquare,WilkesBarre.Lunchwillbeprovided.
Thehalfdayseminarwillfocusonhowtobreathelifeintoabandonedandvacantproperties.
Participantswilllearnaboutsuccessfulbrownfieldredevelopmentprojectsintheirarea,learnthebasics
ofbrownfields,findoutwherepublicfundingisavailableandhowtoapplyforit,andnetworkwith
othermunicipalorganizations.
Brownfieldsarepropertiesthatareinneedofexpansion,redevelopmentorreuse,butbecause
ofactualoranticipatedhazardoussubstances,pollutantsorcontaminants,thatworkismademore
challenging.
Pennsylvaniasapproachtobrownfieldsredevelopmenthasproventobeanationalmodelfor
transformingabandoned,idlepropertiesintoplacesofenvironmentalprotectionandeconomic
opportunity.
ThisworkshopisproducedinpartnershipwiththeDepartmentofCommunityandEconomic
Development.ItisfundedbyabrownfieldgrantfromtheU.S.EnvironmentalProtectionAgency.
Spaceislimited,soregistrationswillbeacceptedonafirstcome,firstservebasis.Please
registerinadvance.Onlineregistrationisavailable.
Formoreinformation,contactKimHooverat7177831566orsendemailto:
khoover@pa.gov.
PublicMeeting,HearingOct.21ToDiscussCleanupOfBerksCountyBatteryCasingSite
TheDepartmentofEnvironmentalProtectionwillholdapublicmeetingandhearingonOctober21to
outlineitsplantocleanupleadcontaminatedbatterycasingsandsoilataresidentialpropertyon
FranklinRoadinHamburgBorough,BerksCounty.
The7p.m.meetingandhearingwillbeattheDEPReadingDistrictOffice,1005CrossRoads
Blvd.,Reading.
Thismeetingwillprovideanopportunityforthepublictoaskquestionsandvoiceanyconcerns
aboutourproposedcleanupplan,DEPSouthcentralRegionalDirectorLynnLangersaid.The
HazardousSitesCleanupAct(HSCA)authorizesDEPtotakeactionandcreateaplantoreturnthis
sitetoasoundenvironmentalstate.
TheU.S.EnvironmentalProtectionAgencycollectedsoilsamplesatthe649FranklinSt.
propertyinSeptember2011aspartofalargerinvestigationtoidentifypropertiesinHamburgBorough
whichmayhavebeenimpactedbyleaddustfromtheformerPriceBatteryleadsmelter.
Theinvestigationrevealedbatterycasingsthatappearedtohavebeenuseddecadesearlieras
fillmaterial,andtheresultsofthesoilsamplesindicatedthatleadwaspresentatelevatedlevels.
InOctober2011,DEPconductedfurtherinvestigationtofullycharacterizethesiteand
collectedadditionalsoilsampleswhichconfirmedtheelevatedlevelsoflead.
DEPisproposingtoexcavateandremovethebatterycasingmaterialandcontaminatedsoil.
Theareawillbegradedandgrasswillbeplantedtorestoretheaffectedareas.
Thosewhowishtopresenttestimonyduringthehearingareaskedtoregisterinadvanceby
contactingLisaKasianowitzinDEPsSouthcentralRegionalOfficeat7177871323.Individualswho
registerinadvancewillbegivenpriorityontheagenda.Iftimepermitsatthehearing,thosewhodidnot
registerwillbegiventheopportunitytotestify.
Thepublicwillhavetheopportunitytopresentuptofiveminutesoforaltestimonyduringthe
hearing.Allpresentersshouldbringtwocopiesoftheircommentsandexhibits.
Thosewhoprefertopresenttheircommentsinwritingorareunabletoattendthehearingmay
submitwrittentestimonyby4p.m.onOctober1toAsuquoEffiong,DEPSouthcentralRegionalOffice,
909ElmertonAve.,Harrisburg,PA17110.
DEPwillprovideawrittenresponsetoallrelevanttestimonyandwrittencommentsreceived
duringthehearingandpubliccommentperiod,andwillconsiderrelevantcommentsinitsreviewofthe
application.
AsrequiredunderHSCA,theadministrativerecordfortheproposalwillbeopenforreview
andcommentuntilDec.5.Itcanbereviewed,byappointment,weekdaysfrom8a.m.to4p.m.at
DEPsSouthcentralRegionalOfficeattheaboveaddress.Tomakeanappointment,contactStacy
Burnsat7177054732.
IndividualsinneedofanaccommodationasprovidedforintheAmericanswithDisabilitiesAct
shouldcontactLisaKasianowitzatthenumberprovidedaboveormakeaccommodationsthroughthe
PennsylvaniaAT&TRelayServiceat18006545984(TDD).
KeepPABeautifulAnnounces2014TireWarChampionInCentralPennsylvania
KeepPennsylvaniaBeautifulwouldliketocongratulatetheirlocal
affiliatesKeepHuntingdonCountyBeautiful,KeepJuniataCounty
Beautiful,PACleanWaysofMifflinCounty,andKeepPerryCounty
BeautifulonasuccessfulninthannualTireWar,afriendlycompetition
tocompeteforthemosttirescollectedattheirperspectivespecialcollections.
(Photo:PerryCountyvolunteersloadtiresforrecyclingatMahantangoEnterprisesof
Liverpool.)
ThisyearswinnerisKeepPerryCountyBeautifulwith1,613tirescollected,usurpingthe
covetedGoldRimawardfromKeepHuntingdonCountyBeautiful.
Ithinkthemostnotablethingaboutourcollectionwasthenumberofbigtireswereceived.We
wouldbeunloadingatruckandwewouldseetwomorewithbigtirescomingdowntheroad.The
highesttonnageweeverhadforthiseventwas22tonsandthisyearwehad32.3,notedSally
Tengeres,KeepPerryCountyBeautifulAffiliateCoordinator.
PACleanWaysofMifflinCountycameinsecondplace,collecting1,163tires,Keep
HuntingdonCountyBeautifulcollected1,087tires,andKeepJuniataCountyBeautifulearnedtheFlat
Tireawardwith941tirescollected.
Thecollections,sponsoredinpartbytheDepartmentofEnvironmentalProtectionsHousehold
HazardousWaste/SmallBusinessHazardousWasteCollectionProgram,havegatheredandrecycled
25,600tiresfromlocalCountyresidentssince2006.
Thesecollectionsprovideaconvenient,lowcostalternativetothecommunity.Thetiresthat
arecollectedattheseeventswontendupoverthehillwheretheywouldbedifficultandcostlyto
remove,saidShannonReiter,PresidentofKeepPennsylvaniabeautiful.Ireallycommendour
affiliatesforprovidingthisserviceandforgeneratingexcitementandcamaraderiewithinournetwork.
Tolearnmoreaboutotherupcomingevents,visittheKeepPennsylvaniaBeautifulCalendarof
Eventswebpage.
NewsClips:
OctoberePRCNewsletterNowAvailableFromPAResourcesCouncil
TheOctoberissueoftheePRCnewsletterisnowavailablefromthePAResourcesCouncilfeaturing
articleson
PRCLaunchesTheCansForPetsProgramInLancaster
LensOnLitterContestDeadlineOct.31
NewtownSquareFarmersMarketStillOpen
ElectronicWasteRecyclingDatesInTheEast
LastHouseholdHazardousWasteCollectionOf2014
PECOSmartEnergyIdeasEventsComingUp
ClickHereforinformationonreceivingyourowncopyofePRC
ShootingRangeAtLittlePineStateParkReopensFollowingCleanup,Improvements
DepartmentofConservationandNaturalResourcesSecretaryEllenFerrettiWednesdayannouncedthe
shootingrangeatLittlePineStateParkinLycomingCountywillreopenonOctober10.
TheshootingrangeclosedinJune2012foramajorrehabilitationproject.
Thisprojectalignswithanationwideefforttoaddresstheimpactsofleadbulletsandtheir
accumulationinconcentratedareasatshootingranges,Ferrettisaid.Wechosetobeproactiveby
takingonthisprojectinanefforttopreventleadfrombuildingupintheenvironment,andnowhavea
muchimprovedrangeasaresultofthatprocess.
Theremediationwascompletedintwophases.Thefirstphase,cleanupandremovalofspent
leadshotfromtheriflesandhandguns,wascompletedbyMT2ofArvada,Colorado,acontractorthat
specializesinleadremediation.
Phasetwoencompassedreconstructionoftherange.Improvementsincludeearthen
embankmentsaroundtherangenewbackstopsnewshootingbenchespartiallycoveredbyapavilion
improvedparkingandrestroomfacilities.
Thenewlyredesignedrangeincorporatesbestmanagementpracticesestablishedbythe
shootingindustrythatareusedinstateoftheartshootingrangesacrossthecountry.Thesepractices
allowforsafeandenvironmentallysustainableshootingandrangemaintenancewhileallowingtheuserto
fullyenjoytherangeexperience,Ferrettisaid.
BeginninginJanuary2015,individualsandgroupsinterestedinusingthenewshootingrange
facilitiesmustpurchaseanannualrangepermit.
Rangepermitswillbeissuedtoindividuals16yearsofageorolderfor$15peryear.Family
permitswillbeofferedfor$20annually.Permitswillbeavailableattheparkofficeandtherealsowillbe
honorenvelopesforselfregistrationattheshootingrangestartinginJanuaryof2015.
TheshootingrangeatLittlePineislocatedona6acresiteatthenorthendofthepark.Itwas
firstopenedtothepublicinthe1970sandhasservedasapopularlocationforsportsmantopractice
withriflesandpistols.
The2,158acreLittlePineStateParkisinaruggedmountainsectionofTiadaghtonState
ForestinthePennsylvaniaWilds.The94acreLittlePineLake,hikingtrailsandacampgroundare
primeattractionsatthepark.
FallIssueOfConserveMagazineAvailableFromWesternPAConservancy
TheFallissueofConservemagazineisnowavailablefromtheWesternPAConservancyfeaturing
articleson
ChangingTimes,ChangingApproaches
HowParcelsAddUpToExceptionalPlaces
NewToolsHelp,NotChangeConservationScience
ComprehensiveApproachesRestoreWatersheds
TransformingTheVisitorExperienceAtFallingwater
BehindTheScenes:PreservationAtFallingwater
AddressingRegionalNeedsWithGreenSpace
FieldNotes:DaysOfPayPhonesAndCompasses
ThenAndNow:NaturesLastingLegacy
ClickHereforinformationonreceivingyourowncopyofConserve
OctobereConnectionsAvailableFromSusquehannaGreenwayPartnership
TheOctoberissueoftheeConnectionsnewsletterisavailablefromtheSusquehannaGreenway
Partnershipfeaturingarticleson
NewRiverAccessComingToJerseyShore
SusquehannaGreenwayFeaturedOnGreenlifePA
RevitalizingRiverTowns:Lewisburg,LockHaven
UncertainFutureForMontourPreserve
HowlandPreserveInWyomingCountyGivenFacelift
CreativePathToCleanerWaterForWestBranchSusquehanna
NewRiverTrailCampsiteInMiddleSusquehanna
ZimmermanCenterForHeritageNowOpenAtDrittMansion
FreeSeminarExploresCleanWaterIssues
LearnHowToFundYourGreenwayProject
HowRainbowTroutBeguiledAmerica,OverranTheWorld
MeetOurStaff:MichaelGrasso,KylePostupack
ClickHeretosignuptoreceiveyourowneConnections
2014PABotanySymposiumNov.78InStateCollege
The2014PABotanySymposiumwillbeheldatthePennStaterConferenceCenterinStateCollege
November78.TheSymposiumisthepremiergatheringforbotanistsfromacrossPennsylvaniato
discussthelatestinresearch,speciestrendsandissuesrelatedtobotanyintheCommonwealth.Click
Hereformoreinformationandtoregisterforworkshops.
PublicParticipationOpportunities/CalendarOfEvents
Thissectiongivesyouacontinuouslyupdatedthumbnailsketchofissuestobeconsideredinupcoming
advisorycommitteemeetingswheretheagendashavebeenreleased.Italsogivesyouaheadsupon
HouseandSenateCommitteemeetings,conferencesandotherinterestingevents.Meetingsarein
Harrisburgunlessotherwisenoted.
NEWmeansnewfromlastweek.[AgendaNotPosted]meansnotpostedwithin2weeksof
theadvisorycommitteemeeting.GototheonlineCalendarwebpageforupdates.
Note:SenateandHouseCommitteemeetingscanhappenatanytimeduringthelasttwodaysof
session.
October14NEW.DEPNaturalGasVehicleWorkshop.DEPsNorthcentralRegionalOffice,208
W.3rdSt.,Williamsport.11:30to2:00.
October15CANCELED.DEPCleanupStandardsScientificAdvisoryBoard.14thFloor
ConferenceRoom,RachelCarsonBuilding.9:00.(formalnotice)
October15AgendaReleased.DEPAgriculturalAdvisoryBoardmeeting.DEPSouthcentral
RegionalOffice,909ElmertonAve.,Harrisburg.10:00.
NonpointSourceManagementPlanUpdate
NRCSGeospaticalDataCollectionPilotProject
PAOneStopUseForE&SControlPlanning
RegionalAgWatershedAssessmentProgramInitiativeUpdate
<>ClickHereforavailablehandouts.
October15AgendaReleased.DEPTechnicalAdvisoryCommitteeonDieselPoweredEquipment
fordeepmining.DEPOffice,131BroadviewRd,NewStanton.10:00.(formalnotice)
ReviewofChapter4TACInterpretationPolicyManual
Reviewofspecificequipmentchanges
October16AgendaReleased.DEPRadiationProtectionAdvisoryCommitteemeeting.Room105
RachelCarsonBuilding.9:00.
RadiationProtectionProgramUpdate
ProposedRevisionsToFeeSchedulesInChapters218,240
ProposedRevisionsToChapter240OnRadonandOtherIssues
ProposedRevisionsToChapter215221
October16AgendaReleased.DEPStateBoardforCertificationofWaterandWastewaterSystems
Operatorsmeeting10thFloorConferenceRoom,RachelCarsonBuilding.10:00.
October17PASectionoftheAmericanWaterResourcesAssociationAnnualConference.
SusquehannaRiverBasinCommissionOffices,4423N.FrontSt.,Harrisburg9:00.
October21AgendaReleased.EnvironmentalQualityBoardmeeting.Room105RachelCarson
Building.9:00.
ProposedControlofVOCEmissionsFromMetalParts,SurfaceCoatings,Boats
ProposedSecurityRuleforRadioactiveMaterial
RulemakingPetition:BanOnWaterFluoridationandBottledWaterFluorideLabeling
3YearFeeReportforChapter102ErosionandSedimentationControlProgram
<>ClickHereforavailablehandouts
October21AgendaPosted.DEPCitizensAdvisoryCouncilmeeting.Room105RachelCarson
Building.10:00.
Presentation/DiscussionOfProposedChangesToDEPsOilandGasEnforcementPolicies
UpdateOnChesapeakeBayWatershedImplementationPlan,Milestones
FirstPresentationbyDanaAunkst,ActingDEPSecretary
Aftertheregularbusinessmeeting,theCACsPublicParticipationCommitteewillholdaroundtable
discussionwiththeChairsofDEPsAdvisoryCommitteesonwaystoimprovetheparticipationofthe
CommitteesinformingchangestoDEPregulationsandtechnicalguidance.
OctobermonthlyreporttoCACfromDEP.
October21NEW.DEPHearingOnCleanupOfBerksCountyBatteryCasingSite.DEPReading
DistrictOffice,1005CrossRoadsBlvd.,Reading.7:00.
October22AgendaReleased.DEPSmallBusinessComplianceAdvisoryCommitteemeeting.
EmergingTechnologyApplicationsCenter,NorthamptonCommunityCollege,511EastThirdSt.,
Bethlehem.10:00.(formalnotice)
ReportsBySmallBusinessOmbudsman,EnvironmentalManagementAssistanceProgram
OverviewofSmallBusinessDevelopmentCenters
TourofEmergingTechnologyApplicationsCenter
October22NEW.[AgendaNotPosted]PAEnergyDevelopmentAuthoritymeeting.Locationand
Timetobeannounced.
October22NEW.DEPHearingOnCountryViewFarmsManureStorageFacilitiesInFulton
County.McConnellsburgFireHall,2ndfloormeetingroom,112EastMapleSt.,McConnellsburg.
7:00.
October23HouseEnvironmentalResourcesandEnergyCommitteeholdsahearingonHouse
Resolution426(MillerRYork)directingtheLegislativeBudgetandFinanceCommitteetoconducta
studyofthesewagesludgelandapplicationprogramsponsorsummary.RoomG50IrvisBuilding.
11:00.
October23[AgendaNotPosted]DEPMiningandReclamationAdvisoryBoardmeeting.Room
105RachelCarsonBuilding.10:00.
RegularUpdatesOn:PermitDecisionGuarantee,GuidanceDocuments,NPDESPermitting,ABS
LegacyTrustAccount,ReclamationFeeOperations&Maintenance,ReclamationFees,BondRate
Guidelines,BureauofAbandonedMineReclamation,AbandonedMineLandGrantProgram
RevisionstotheReminingRegulations
MRABAnnualReport201213
October23NEW.DEPBrownfieldsRedevelopmentSeminar.DEPNortheastRegionalOffice
locatedat2PublicSquare,WilkesBarre10:00to1:30.
October2627NEW.ThePALeagueofWomenVotersPAShaleandPublicHealthCommittee
ShaleDrillingandPublicHealth:DaysofDiscoveryConference.Pittsburgh.
October27SenateGameandFisheriesCommitteeholdsapublichearingonLymedisease,
GeisingerMedicationTakeBackProgram,GreatLakesFisherymicrobeadban,roundgobyimpacton
PAwaterways.TomRidgeEnvironmentalCenter,301PeninsulaDr.,Erie.9:00.
October27CANCELED.DEPhearingonHilcorpEnergygaspoolingrequestsinLawrence,
Mercercounties.AlbertP.GettingsGovernmentCenterAnnexoftheLawrenceCountyGovernment
Center,AssemblyRoom,349CountylineSt.,NewCastle.10:00.
October28DEPClimateChangeAdvisoryCommitteemeeting.12thFloorConferenceRoom,
October28CANCELED.DEPhearingonHilcorpEnergygaspoolingrequestsinLawrence,
Mercercounties.AlbertP.GettingsGovernmentCenterAnnexoftheLawrenceCountyGovernment
Center,AssemblyRoom,349CountylineSt.,NewCastle.9:00.
November5DEPEnvironmentalJusticeAdvisoryBoardmeeting.DelawareRoom,16thFloor,
November5DEPSewageAdvisoryCommitteemeeting.Room105RachelCarsonBuilding.10:30.
November5DEPhearingonproposedredesignationrequestfortheJohnstownareaasmeetingthe
federalPM2.5standard.DEPEbensburgDistrictMiningOffice,286IndustrialParkRd.,Ebensburg.
11:00.(formalnotice)
November78NEW.2014PABotanySymposium.PennStaterConferenceCenter,StateCollege.
November12DEPWaterResourcesAdvisoryCommitteemeeting.Room105RachelCarson
Building.9:30.
November18EnvironmentalQualityBoardmeeting.Room105RachelCarsonBuilding.9:00.
November18DEPCitizensAdvisoryCouncilmeeting.Room105RachelCarsonBuilding.10:00.
November1819NEW.PAWaterInfrastructureExpo.Grantville.
December2DEPStorageTankAdvisoryCommitteemeeting.Room105RachelCarsonBuilding.
10:00.
December9DEPClimateChangeAdvisoryCommitteemeeting.12thFloorConferenceRoom,
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.
December17NEW.DEPCleanupStandardsScientificAdvisoryBoard.14thFloorConference
Room,RachelCarsonBuilding.9:00.(formalnotice)
December18DEPSmallWaterSystemsTechnicalAssistanceCenterBoardmeeting.Room105
December22DEPStateBoardforCertificationofSewageEnforcementOperatorsmeeting.11th
FloorConferenceRoomB,RachelCarsonBuilding.10:00.
May68PAAssociationofEnvironmentalProfessionalsAnnualConference.ToftreesResort,State
College.
May1315DEPandEngineers'SocietyofWesternPennsylvania2015PennsylvaniaBrownfields
Conference.ErieBayfrontConventionCenter,Erie.
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.
AddGreenWorksInPAToYourGoogle+Circle
Grants&Awards
Thissectiongivesyouaheadsuponupcomingdeadlinesforawardsandgrantsandotherrecognition
programs.NEWmeansnewfromlastweek.
October20DEPCoastalResourcesGrants
October23PEMAFireCompany&AmbulanceServicesGrants
October31HawkMountainSanctuaryDigitalPhotoContest
October31PRCLensOnLitterPhotoContest
October31NationalStudentRadonPosterContest
November7DCNR2015TrailoftheYearNominations
November14DEPNaturalGasVehicleGrants
November15WesternPAConservancyCanoeAccessGrants
December11EPACleanDieselGrantsForPorts
December19ColdwaterHeritageConservationGrants
December19DEPEnvironmentalEducationGrants
December31DEPAlternativeFuelVehicleRebates(oruntiltheylast)
April15DEPSmallBusinessAdvantageGrants(oruntilfundsrunout)
VisittheDEPGrantsandLoanProgramswebpageformoreideasonhowtogetfinancialassistance
forenvironmentalprojects.
GeneralEnvironmental/BudgetNewsClips
Here'saselectionofNewsClipsonenvironmentaltopicsfromaroundthestate
HuntingRestoredNearManhuntSearchZone
Budget
Other
FriendsOfRidgeEnvironmentalCenterHonorNaturalist
ErieTeacherWinsAwardForEnvironmentalEfforts
LowerHeatingBillsForecastThisWinter
Study:PAStrugglesToConserveEnergy
LookingForLoansWithAnEnergyAngle
OpEd:DrillingsMomentOfTruthOnMethaneEmissions
Asides:WindFarms,AlleghenyBurnRules,ConservancyPlantBeds
2014DifficultYearForCoalCompanies
PANeedsToEncourageCogenerationEnergyTechnology
NuclearPlantTransferApplicationNowInCommentPhase
StatusOfPPLStormOutageRecordsMulledByCourt
SamuelAdamsUnlikelyToBeFinedAfterLyeSpill
MelissaLee,FounderOftheGREENTechnologyProgram
EnigmaticFrogCouldAlterJaindlWarehousePlan
GnatsAMajorNuisanceThisFall,DEPConforms
GypsyMothsAgainAConcernForNERegion
GrantToFundFinalUpgradesToGirardTrail
Editorial:PresqueIsleImprovementsOverdue
9/11ArtifactsLostInFlight93MemorialFire
SavingTheAmericanChestnutTree
DespiteDryWeather,NEPAsNaturalFallColorstoGlisten
PAFallFoliageColorGuide
DEPsNewsClipswebpageClickHere
MarcellusShaleNewsClips
HereareNewsClipsontopicsrelatedtoMarcellusShalenaturalgasdrilling
Proposed105MilePennEastPipelineRattlesResidents
WilliamsTwpResidents:DontLetPipelineRuinScenery
PennEastPipelineWouldCrossSusquehanna,WyomingValley
WestGoshenOfficialsVowToFightPipeline
Editorial:FewPoliticalProfilesInCourageOnLancasterPipeline
Letter:MarcellusIndustryAppreciatesLookAtEndangeredSpeciesIssue
WyomingCountyCelebratesMarcellusGrowth
OpEd:ResponsibleGasExplorationCanBenefitEveryone
OpEd:BenefitsOfExportingPANaturalGasUndeniable
COLTSInterestedInPennDOTNaturalGasFuelInitiative
UGILaunchesSystemExpansionInitiativeInLancaster
OneGreeneCountyMansEncounterWithADrillingLandman
DrillingFromDeerLakesToBoostCountyParksBudget
RangeResourcesSignsLeaseToDrillInAlleghenyCountyPark
SafetyFocusAsMillionsOfGallonsOfCrudeMoveThruPA
AmericansLeeryOfExportingCrudeOil
AsPriceOfOilDrops,SoCouldDrilling
EnergyIndustryBooms,SoDoRelatedLawPractices
RexEnergyCEOStressesHisPARoots
Report:PoliceShareInformationOnAntiDrillingActivists
Financial/OtherStates
NortheastNaturalGasPricesAtDecadeHighForWinter
U.S.LNGSupplyCouldDelayOtherExportProjects
OpEd:PittsburghShouldDivestHoldingsInFossilFuelIndustries
Economist:PriceOfOilHasBeenTumbling
FrackingFunnyReservesNumbers
PennStateWebinarExploresHistory,ChallengesOfBakkenOilFields
Watershed/FloodingNewsClips
HereareNewsClipsonwatershedtopicsfromaroundthestate
Flooding
MoreArmstrongPropertiesIncludedOnNewFloodplainMaps
WilkesBarreToPracticeRaisingFloodGates
PlanToReduceFloodInsuranceCostsAGoodStart
OtherWatershedNewsClips
LatestFromTheChesapeakeBayJournal
Regulations,TechnicalGuidance&Permits
Nonewregulationspublishedthisweek.PennsylvaniaBulletinOctober11,2014
DEPRegulationsInProcess
ProposedRegulationsOpenForCommentDEPwebpage
ProposedRegulationsWithClosedCommentPeriodsDEPwebpage
RecentlyFinalizedRegulationsDEPwebpage
DEPRegulatoryUpdateDEPwebpage
TechnicalGuidance&Permits
TheDepartmentofEnvironmentalProtectionpublishednoticeofchangestothelistofcertifiedradon
serviceproviders(PABulletin,page6622).
TheSusquehannaRiverBasinCommissionpublishednoticeofactionstakenatitsSeptembermeeting.
DEPTechnicalGuidanceInProcess
DraftTechnicalGuidanceDocumentsDEPwebpage
TechnicalGuidanceCommentDeadlinesDEPwebpage
RecentlyClosedCommentPeriodsForTechnicalGuidanceDEPwebpage
TechnicalGuidanceRecentlyFinalizedDEPwebpage
CopiesofFinalTechnicalGuidanceDEPwebpage
OtherDEPProposalsForPublicReview
OtherProposalsOpenForPublicCommentDEPwebpage
RecentlyClosedCommentPeriodsForOtherProposalsDEPwebpage
OtherProposalsRecentlyFinalizedDEPwebpage
VisitDEPsnewPublicParticipationCenterforinformationonhowyoucanBeInformed!andGet
Involved!inDEPregulationandguidancedevelopmentprocess.
ClickHereforlinkstoDEPsAdvisoryCommitteewebpages.
DEPCalendarofEvents
CLICKHEREToPrintEntirePAEnvironmentDigest
CLICKHEREtoPrintTheEntirePAEnvironmentDigest.
StoriesInvited
Sendyourstories,photosandlinkstovideosaboutyourproject,environmentalissuesorprogramsfor
publicationinthePAEnvironmentDigestto:DHess@CrisciAssociates.com.
PAEnvironmentDigestiseditedbyDavidE.Hess,formerSecretaryPennsylvaniaDepartmentof
EnvironmentalProtection,andispublishedasaserviceofCrisciAssociates,aHarrisburgbased
governmentandpublicaffairsfirmwhoseclientsincludeFortune500companiesandnonprofit
organizations.
Didyouknowyoucansearch10yearsofbackissuesofthePAEnvironmentDigestondozensof
topics,bycountyandonanykeywordyouchoose?Justclickonthesearchpage.
PAEnvironmentDigestweeklywasthewinnerofthePAAssociationofEnvironmental
Educators'2009BusinessPartneroftheYearAward.
AlsosignupfortheseotherservicesfromCrisciAssociates
PAEnvironmentDigestTwitterFeed:OnTwitter,signuptoreceiveinstantupdatesfrom:
PAEnviroDigest.
PAEnvironmentDailyBlog:providesdailyenvironmentalNewsClipsandsignificantstoriesand
announcementsonenvironmentaltopicsinPennsylvaniaofimmediatevalue.Signupandreceiveas
theyarepostedupdatesthroughyourfavoriteRSSreader.Youcanalsosignupforaoncedailyemail
alertingyoutonewitemspostedonthisblog.
PACapitolDigestDailyBlogtogetupdateseverydayonPennsylvaniaStateGovernment,including
NewsClips,coverageofkeypressconferencesandmore.Signupandreceiveastheyareposted
updatesthroughyourfavoriteRSSreader.Youcanalsosignupforaoncedailyemailalertingyouto
newitemspostedonthisblog.
PACapitolDigestTwitterFeed:Don'tforgettosignuptoreceivethePACapitolDigestTwitterfeed
togetinstantupdatesonothernewsfrominandaroundthePennsylvaniaStateCapitol.
SupportingMemberPAOutdoorWritersAssn./PATroutUnlimited
PAEnvironmentDigestisasupportingmemberofthePennsylvaniaOutdoorWritersAssociation,
PennsylvaniaCouncilTroutUnlimitedandtheDocFritcheyChapterTroutUnlimited.

Pa Environment Digest Oct. 13, 2014

Enviado por

Dados do documento

Direitos autorais

Formatos disponíveis

Compartilhar este documento

Compartilhar ou incorporar documento

Opções de compartilhamento

Você considera este documento útil?

Este conteúdo é inapropriado?

Direitos autorais:

Formatos disponíveis

Pa Environment Digest Oct. 13, 2014

Enviado por

Direitos autorais:

Formatos disponíveis

PAEnvironmentDigest

Você também pode gostar