Pa Environment Digest March 9, 2015

PAEnvironmentDigest
AnUpdateOnEnvironmentalIssuesInPA
EditedBy:DavidE.Hess,CrisciAssociates
Winner2009
PAEEBusinessPartner
OfTheYearAward
Harrisburg,PaMarch9,2015
WolfProposesLevelFundingForDEP,DCNR,$325MAlternativeEnergyBond
Gov.TomWolfproposedhisfirstbudgetTuesdaysuggestingpartofanewnaturalgas
severancetaxbeusedtofunda$325millionalternativeenergybondinitiative.Anadditional
$10millionfromtheseverancetaxwouldgototheDepartmentofEnvironmentalProtectionfor
OilandGasProgramenforcementandanewabandonedoilandgaswellplugginginitiative.
Thereisalsomentionofanew$500millionrevenuebondissuedthroughthePA
InfrastructureInvestmentAuthorityfordrinkingwaterandwastewatersystemimprovements.
AlthoughadministrativefundingforbothDEPandDCNRwasessentiallyflatcompared
tolastyear,bothagencieswouldseeacomplementincreaseforthefirsttimeinseveralyears
50newpositionsatDEPforOilandGasProgramenforcementand20newpositionsatDCNR
earmarkedforPointStateParkandWashingtonCrossingStatePark.
DCNRsbudgetdoesincludeasteptowardweaningtheagencyoffoftheOilandGas
Fundtocoveradministrationcostsa$17.1millionincreaseinGeneralFundmoniestosupport
StateParkandForestryOperations.
The$2.2millionHeritageParksProgramwaszeroedout,but$2.2millionwasincluded
tofundWashingtonCrossingStateParkoperations.
Themostsignificantchangescomefromreductionsintransferstotheagenciesfromthe
EnvironmentalStewardship(GrowingGreener)andKeystoneRecreation,Parksand
ConservationFunds.
DEPisproposedtoreceive$39.6millionlessthanlastyearintransfersfromthe
EnvironmentalStewardshipFundandDCNRwouldreceive$20.8millionlessintransfersthis
yearfromFund,althoughtheactualspendamountsareclosetothecurrentfiscalyear
DEPWatershedRestoration$25.4million($24.6Mspentthisyear)
DEPAbandonedMineReclamationzeroedout,(zerospentthisyear)
DCNRCommunityConservationGrants$4.1million,($4.2Mspentthisyear)
DCNRParkandForestFacilities$11.8million,($11.2Mspentthisyear)
DCNRNaturalDiversityGrants$366,000,$689,000less($366,000spentthisyear)
DebtService$39.9million,$2.2millionlessthanlastyear(whichisgood)
AgriculturalConservationEasement$10million,$300,000morethanlastyear
PennVESTWaterandSewer$16million,$400,000more
DEPsHazardousSitesCleanupFund$8.6millionwouldreceive$5millionmorefrom
theMarcellusLegacyFund(Act13)thanlastyear.
DCNRwouldreceive$73.2millionlessintransfersfromtheKeystoneRecreation,Park
andConservationFundthanlastyear,althoughtheactualspendamountsinthebudget
documentsareaboutthesameasthecurrentyear
Park&ForestFacilityRehabilitation$23.5million($11.8Mspentthisyear)
GrantsForLocalRecreation$19.6millon($19.6Mspentthisyear)
GrantsToLandTrusts$7.4million($7.8Mspentthisyear)
NewAlternativeEnergyInitiative
Theproposedbudgetincludesa$675millionbondprogram,supportedbyrevenuefrom
theproposednaturalgasseverancetax,toinvestineconomicdevelopmentinitiatives,including
a$325millionAlternativeEnergyInitiativethathasthesemajorcomponents
$30millionforCombinedHeatandPower(Cogeneration)
$20millionforWindPower
$20millionforGreenAgriculture
$30millionforthePennsylvaniaEnergyDevelopmentAuthority
$25millionforLastMileNaturalGasDistributionLineDevelopment
$50millionforPASunshineSolarInvestment
$50millionforEnergyEfficiency
$100millionforTechnologyInvestment
(
BudgetInBrief,page10
)
NewPennVESTWater,SewerBond
InthedetailsofGov.Wolfsbudgetproposalthereisaprovisionforissuing$500million
inrevenuebondsthroughthe
PAInfrastructureInvestmentAuthority
toaddressdeteriorating
municipalwaterandsewersystemswithout,afollowupexplanationsaid,theneedformore
revenues.Thiswouldbeaoneshotinfusionofmoneyforinfrastructureimprovement.
AdditionalSeveranceTax/ImpactFeeDetails
InabudgetbriefingheldbyActingSecretaryofDEPJohnQuigleyandActingDCNR
SecretaryCindyDunn,Quigleyclarifieditwashisunderstandingtheenvironmentalprotection
programsfundedundertheAct13drillingimpactfeeswouldcontinuetobefundedbythe
impactfeeandnotthenewproposedseverancetax.
Aspreviouslyreported,theexistingAct13impactfeewouldalsofundthemoniesnow
giventolocalcommunities.
MarcellusShaleHealthRegistry
$100,000hasbeenincludedintheDepartmentofHealthproposedbudgettocreatea
registryofhealthconcernsandclinicaldataofresidentslocatedinproximitytogeographicareas
wherenaturalgasactivitiesareunderway.Theregistryfundingwillalsoallowforfurther
analysesbythedepartment'sepidemiologistsregardingpotentialhealthimpactsofShaledrilling.
EnvironmentalFundingPriorities
Ofthefiveenvironmentalfundingprioritiesdiscussedinlastweeks
PAEnvironment
Digest
,Gov.Wolfsbudgetproposaladdressedfour
1.EnvironmentalFundingInTheSeveranceTax:
$10millionwasincludedforDEPinthe
proposal.Moresignificantly,ActingDEPSecretaryJohnQuigleysaidduringabudgetbriefing
alltheenvironmentalprogramsfundedbytheAct13drillingimpactfeewouldremainintact.
2.FundingToMeetPennsylvaniasWatershedCleanupCommitments:
Therewasno
proposaltoaddressthe19,761milesofpollutedstreamsinPennsylvania,noraproposalonhow
theCommonwealthwillmeetits2017ChesapeakeBayCleanupcommitments.ActingDEP
SecretaryQuigleysaidduringthebriefingtheyknowwheretheyareandwhatcommitmentsthey
have,buthavenotyetdevelopedaplantogetthere.
Thereisaproposalforanew$500million
PennVESTbondissuefordrinkingwaterandwastewatersystemswhichisgood,butitdoesnot
addressPennsylvania'smostsignificantwaterqualityproblems:abandonedminelands,
agriculturalrunoffandstormwatermanagement,atleastinthedetailsseensofar.
3.InvestingDCNRsOilandGasFundOnConservation,NotOperations:
Theproposed
budgettakesastepinweaningtheagencyoffOilandGasFundrevenuesforadministrative
costs,withanincreaseof$17.4millioninGeneralFundmonies.
4.BeginRestoringStaffingLevelsAtDEP,InParticularWaterPrograms:
50more
positionsareproposedtobeaddedtoDEPfortheOilandGasPrograms,butnotintheWater
QualityPrograms.
5.KeepTheKeystone,Recycling,StorageTankAndOtherEnvironmentalFundsWhole:
TheGovernorsBudgetOfficedocumentsshownotransfersfromthesespecialfundstothe
GeneralFundthatwerenotpreviouslyauthorized.Insomecases,asnotedabove,theagencies
willbegettinglessfundingfromsomespecialfunds,butthespendnumbersareaboutthesame
foreachagency.
ClickHere
foracopyofthedetailedbudgetdocuments.
ClickHere
toreadthefull
budgetaddress.
ClickHere
foralinebylineappropriationscomparison.
PALegislativeServices
hasmadeavailablevideoofthe
DEPbudgetbriefing
tomediaby
ActingSecretaryJohnQuigleyandthe
DCNRbriefing
byActingSecretaryCindyDunn.
House,SenateBudgetHearings
The
HouseAppropriationsCommittee
willholditshearingonDEPsbudgetMarch11at
1:00,DCNRsbudgetonMarch16at1:30,DepartmentofAgricultureonMarch10at2:30.
ClickHere
forthecompleteHouseschedule.
ClickHere
towatchthehearingsliveonline.
The
SenateAppropriationsCommittee
willholditshearingonDEPsbudgetMarch25at
9:30,DCNRApril1at11:00,DepartmentofAgricultureonMarch31at3:00.
ClickHere
forthe
completeSenateSchedule.
ClickHere
NewsClips:
Wolf:SeveranceTaxNotAPartisanIdea
WolfGearsUpForSeveranceTaxFight
WolfsBudgetCallsForNewTaxOnNaturalGasIndustry
WolfFunds50MoreDrillingInspectors,SeveranceTaxControversial
IndustryPollFindsNarrowSupportForSeveranceTax
SeveranceTaxNotPopularWithMarcellusShale
SeveranceTaxOnNaturalGasBackedByPAVoters
DrillingGroupSaysWolfOverestimatesSeveranceTaxRevenue
TaxOnShaleGasDrillersWouldPunishIndustryTurzaiSays
OpEd:SeveranceTaxNoSubstituteForEnvironmentalProtection
DrillingAreaLocalOfficialsVoiceConcernOverSeveranceTax
ImpactFeesGarnerSupportFromCommunityLeaders
Editorial:TaxingConsequences,TheShellEffect
WolfReversesTaxIncreaseOnLiquifiedNaturalGas
DCNRStillReliesOnGasRoyaltiesInWolfBudget
WolfBudgetWouldRestoreDRBCFunding
WolfBudgetIncludes$100KForMarcellusHealthRegistry
WolfDefendsBudget,SaysHesSolvingDecadesOldProblems
WolfsBudgetPlanSeenAsHavingAlmostNoChance
WolfSeeksBillionsInHigherTaxesForSchools,TaxRevamp
ItemsThatWouldNowBeCoveredBySalesTax
RelatedStories
Wolf:MyBudgetMakesHistoricInvestmentsInEducation,RebuildsMiddleClass
MoreDetailsOnTheTaxChangesProposedByGov.Wolf
AdditionalDetailsOnHigherEducation,WorkforceDevelopmentInWolfBudget
PAGrowingGreenerCoalitionExpressesOptimismOverWolfsProposedBudget
The
PAGrowingGreenerCoalition
TuesdayissuedthefollowingstatementfromExecutive
DirectorAndrewHeathinresponsetoGov.TomWolfs201516budgetproposal:
ThePennsylvaniaGrowingGreenerCoalitionisgratefulthattheGovernorrecognizes
theimportanceofmaintainingthestateprogramsthatprotectandrestoreourdrinkingwater,
preserveourfarmsandopenspaces,andproviderecreationalopportunities.
"WeappreciatethattheGovernorsproposedbudgetleavesintact,andinmanycases
increases,fundingforcriticalinvestmentssuchasthestatesawardwinningGrowingGreener
program,theKeystoneRecreation,Park,andConservationFund,andHistoricandAgriculture
Preservation.
TheGovernoralsomadestrongpositivestepsforwardinregardstoincreasingfunding
fortheDepartmentofEnvironmentalProtection(DEP)andtheDepartmentofConservationand
NaturalResources(DCNR),whilebeginningtorollbackDCNRsdependencyonOilandGas
LeaseFundrevenuesforoperationalexpenses.
However,theCoalitionhasgraveconcernsabouttheeliminationoffundingforthe
HeritageAreasProgram,whichhassuccessfullyconservedandenhancedthestatesnatural
resourcesandpromotedtourismdevelopmentfornearly25years.
Thereisstrongpublicsupportforthisimportantprogram,asdemonstratedbythe
Legislaturesreauthorizationoffundingforitlastyear.TheCoalitionlooksforwardtoworking
withtheWolfAdministrationandmembersoftheHouseandSenatetorestorethisimportant
funding.
The
PAGrowingGreenerCoalition
isthelargestcoalitionofconservation,recreation
andpreservationorganizationsintheCommonwealth.
PECBlog:ImpressionsFromGov.TomWolfsFirstBudgetAddress
Gov.TomWolfhaspresentedhisfirstbudgetaddress.Byallaccounts,ithasgivenjustabout
everyonesomethingtotalkabout:fromtaxes,corporate,personal,property,andshaleto
programseconomic,education,community,andenergyandenvironment.Nottomention
pensionsandbondissues.
Thenextfewmonthswillundoubtedlybefullofdiscussion,debate,and,likely,dealsas
thedeadlineforabalancedbudgetapproachesinthefaceofastructuraldeficitof$2billionplus.
ShortlyaftertheGovernorfinishedwithhisaddress,actingSecretariesCindyDunnof
DCNRandJohnQuigleyofDEPheldabriefingonwhatthebudgetproposalsmeantotheir
agencies.Whilethereweresomespecificnumberstalkedabout,thepresentationandquestions
focusedmoreonthebroaderimpactsandimplicationsoftheGovernorsbudget.
ThemajortakeawayisaphilosophytowardstrengtheningthecapacitiesofbothDEP
andDCNR.Thiswillnothappeninoneyear,but,iftheproposalsstandaspresented,therewill
besignificantchangeinhowtheagenciesaresupportedfiscally.
Asaprimeexample,thereisrenewedcommitment($20million)tosupportDCNR
throughtheGeneralFundinsteadoffromrevenuesfromdevelopmentonstateland.
Whilethismaynotseemlikealotinastatebudgetofabout$30billion,rememberthat
DCNRhashadtorelyheavilyonOilandGasFundmoniesforitsdaytodayoperatingfunds.
Thiswas,tomeandothersintheconservationcommunity,morethanastretchofhowthose
royaltyfundsweretobeused.AnymovethatgetsDCNRbacktotheGeneralFundisapositive
start.
AnotherexampleofthiscommitmentisproposedadditionalfundingforDEPtobuild
backsomeofitsstaffingcomplementthathasbeenseverelyimpactedforclosetoadecade
morethananyotheragency,infact.
ThisisnotonlyacriticalsteptohelpensureDEPmeetsitsmissionofprotectingthe
environment,itwillhelpitbettermeettheneedsoftheregulatedcommunityaswell.
TheGovernorsproposedbudgetalsovigorouslyreenterstheworldofalternativeenergy
andenergyconservationthroughanewseriesoffundinginitiatives.Thisisawinwinfor
addressingclimatechangeaswellasopportunitiesforeconomicdevelopmentandcostssavings.
Whilethedetailswillemergeoverthedays,weeks,andmonthstocome,thegeneraltone
oftheday,andtheenthusiasmofbothSecretariesbodewellforenvironmentalandconservation
programs.
Whileotherpolicyandbudgetingissuesremaintobeaddressed,itappearsthatbudget
discussionswillnotbesolelyaboutfightingrollbackstoourresourceprotectionagencies.But
howthisplaysoutremainstobeseen,andPECwillbemorethanwatching.Itwillbean
interestingfewmonths.
ANoteontheSeveranceTax
Aprimarytopicofthebudgetseasonhasbeenaseverancetaxonshalegas.PECs
positiononthishasconsistentlybeenthat,ifanysuchtaxisenacted,regardlessofitsamountor
structure,itmustdedicateasignificantportionofthefundsraisedtoenvironmentaland
conservationprograms.
WearewaitingtoseethefullproposalfortheGovernorsseverancetaxbefore
determiningaposition.However,itisclearthattheopportunityexiststoincreasesupportforour
resourceprotectionagencieswhilepreservingthefundingcurrentlyprovidedtocommunitiesand
programsunderthecurrentimpactfeethatistoberolledintotheproposedseverancetax.
(Reprintedfromthe
PAEnvironmentalCouncilBlog
.
ClickHere
forPECsInCaseYouMissed
ItFebruaryupdateonPECactivities.)
ChesapeakeBayFoundationPARespondsToGov.WolfsBudgetProposal
The
ChesapeakeBayFoundationPA
Wednesdayissuedthefollowingstatementfrom
PennsylvaniaExecutiveDirectorHarryCampbellinresponsetoGov.TomWolfsbudget
proposalfor201516.
TheChesapeakeBayFoundationispleasedthatGov.Wolfplanstoincrease
investmentsinstateagencieswhosemissionsarepartofthefabricoftheCBFseffortsto
improvewaterqualityinPennsylvania.
WelookforwardtoworkingwithGov.WolfandthedepartmentsofEnvironmental
Protection,ConservationandNaturalResources,andAgricultureinthecomingmonths.Weare
anxioustoseehowtheseagenciesprioritizeresourcesintheproposedbudget.Fundingiscritical
fortheCommonwealthtoaccelerateprogresstowardsmeetingthe2017midpointobligations
underthe
ChesapeakeBayCleanWaterBlueprint
.
HealthyriversandstreamsaregoodforPennsylvaniaseconomy.Yet,over19,000
milesoftheriversandstreamsthatPennsylvaniansrelyonforfishing,recreation,farming,and
fordrinkingandhouseholdusesarepolluted.CBFseconomicanalysisindicatesthatcleaning
uptheriversandstreamsinthestatethatflowtotheChesapeakeBaywillresultinmorethan$6
billioninadditionalnaturalbenefitseachyeartotheCommonwealth.
Pennsylvaniamustcontinuetomoveforwardinitscommitmenttocleanwater.
Reducingpollutionandrestoringwaterqualitywillprovidebenefitstoday,andisanimportant
legacytoleaveforfuturegenerations.
MarcellusShaleCoalition:DrillingIndustryAlreadyPaysSubstantialTaxes
MarcellusShaleCoalition
presidentDaveSpigelmyerissuedthefollowingstatementtodayin
responsetoGov.TomWolf'sbudgetaddress:
"NaturalgasdevelopmentintheCommonwealthcontinuestobeanabsolute
gamechangerforeachandeveryoneofour67counties,bringingaboutpositiveprogressand
broadbasedbenefitstoallPennsylvanians.Thisisespeciallytrueonthejobcreationandtax
revenuefrontaswellastheopportunityforaregionalmanufacturingrebirth.
"Yet,whatwasofferedtodayonceagainbythegovernorhigherenergytaxesonan
industrythatalreadygeneratessubstantialtaxrevenueforstateandlocalgovernmentswould
undercutPennsylvania'spositioningintheglobalfighttoattractcapitalinvestmentsandstunt
thiseconomicmomentumratherthanfullycapitalizeonit.
"Smallbusinesses,laborunionsandlocalgovernmentsacrosstheCommonwealthshare
ourindustry'sdeepconcernsabouttheeconomicallydamagingconsequencesassociatedwith
higherenergytaxesandpotentialjoblosses,especiallygiventheincrediblychallengingglobal
marketdynamics.It'salsoclearthatPennsylvaniavotersacrossthepoliticalspectrumwhen
presentedwithanhonestchoiceoverwhelminglyfavorpoliciesaimedatcreatingadditional
suppliesofaffordableenergy,goodpayinglocaljobsandexpandingthenaturalgasindustry's
growthoverhigherenergytaxes.
"Weremainlaserfocusedonworkingcollaborativelywiththegovernoraswellasthe
generalassemblytohelpadvancepoliciesthatseektogrowandexpandopportunity.However,
nowistheabsolutewrongtimeforonerouslyhigherenergytaxes,whichthreatenjobsand
Pennsylvania'slongtermcompetitivenessaswellasourmanufacturingpotentials."
Analysis:PAEnvironmentalFunding:EatYourVegetables,ThenYoullGetDessert
Everyparenthassaid,Eatyourvegetables,thenyoucanhavedessert,tryingtoconvincea
reluctantoffspringtogetthevitaminsandmineralstheyneedandonlythensomethingthey
dontneed,butobviouslywant,sometimesverybadly.
Thedifferencebetweenwantsandneedsiscriticaltothestatebudgetdiscussionthat
willhappenoverthenextfewmonths.
ThebudgetproposedthisweekbyGov.TomWolfhassomevegetables,butmostof
thenewenvironmentalfundingproposedisbyfardessert.
Firstthevegetables.
TheproposedbudgetforDEPincludes50newpositionsatDEPforOilandGasProgram
enforcement,fundedby$10millionfromthenewproposednaturalgasseverancetax.
Itlookslikethe$76millioninfundingforenvironmentalprogramscomingfromtheAct
13drillingimpactfeewillalsobepreserved,accordingtothebudgetbriefingheldbyActing
SecretaryofDEPJohnQuigley.Thatsgoodnews,butnotnewmoney.
Therewasalsoa$7millionincreaseintheOilWellPluggingProgram.
Alsoincludedare20newpositionsatDCNRearmarkedforPointStateParkand
WashingtonCrossingStatePark.
$100,000hasbeenincludedintheDepartmentofHealthtocreatearegistryofhealth
concernsandclinicaldataofresidentslocatedinproximitytogeographicareaswherenaturalgas
activitiesareunderway.
DCNRsbudgettakesasteptowardweaningtheagencyoffoftheOilandGasFundto
coveradministrationcostsa$17.1millionincreaseinGeneralFundmoniestosupportState
ParkandForestryOperations.
Anew$500millionrevenuebondwouldbeissuedthroughthePAInfrastructure
InvestmentAuthorityfordrinkingwaterandwastewatersystemimprovements.
TheGovernorsBudgetOfficedocumentsshownotransfersspecialenvironmentalfunds
totheGeneralFundthatwerenotpreviouslyauthorized.Insomecases,theagencieswillbe
gettinglessfundingfromsomespecialfunds,butthespendnumbersareaboutthesameforeach
agency.
Nowthedesserts.
Thebudgetincludesa$325millionAlternativeEnergyInitiativewiththesemajor
components
$30millionforCombinedHeatandPower(Cogeneration)
$20millionforWindPower
$20millionforGreenAgriculture
$30millionforthePennsylvaniaEnergyDevelopmentAuthority
$25millionforLastMileNaturalGasDistributionLineDevelopment
$50millionforPASunshineSolarInvestment
$50millionforEnergyEfficiency
$100millionforTechnologyInvestment
(
BudgetInBrief,page10
)
Weneedtoeatmorevegetables.
LeftoutofthebudgetproposalatthispointareplansforhowPennsylvaniaintendsto
cleanupthe19,761milesofstreamspollutedbyabandonedminedrainage,agriculturaland
stormwaterrunoffandover37,761acresoflakesthatdonotmeetwaterqualitystandards,
accordingtoDEPs
latestwaterqualityassessmentreport
.
AsDEPs
CitizensAdvisoryCouncilnoted
,Pennsylvaniaalsohasaspecificobligation,
asaresultofthefederalCleanWaterActandcourtdecisions,tocleanupriversandstreams
flowingintotheChesapeakeBayfromtheSusquehannaandPotomacriverbasins,about
onethirdofthestate.
AU.S.EnvironmentalProtectionAgency
reportlastyear
foundPennsylvaniamissedits
2013nitrogenreductiongoalby2millionpoundsandsedimentreductionmilestonebynearly
116millionpounds.
DEPsaidby2017
,Pennsylvaniamustmakeanadditional10millionpoundreductionin
nitrogenandanearly212millionpoundreductioninsedimenttomeetourmandatedmilestones.
Simplemathtellsuswewontmakethemilestoneswiththelevelofeffortwenowhave.
Pennsylvaniahasjust662daystoputinplacethecosteffectivebestmanagement
practicesweknowworktomeetthese2017reductionrequirementstwogrowingseasons
sincethebiggestsourcesofpollutionforPennsylvaniasriversandstreamsareagricultural
runoff,stormwaterandabandonedmines.
Therearenosilverbulletsinthisbusinessand30yearsofexperiencehastaughtuswhat
worksandwhatdoesnt.Forexample,agriculturalwastedigesterstypicallyjustmovepollutants
aroundanddontaddressthesignificantproblemofsedimentpollution.
Wastewaterplantsarealreadydoingtheirparttomeetthepollutionmilestonessofar,
whichisafractionofwhatPennsylvaniahastodoasawhole.Agriculturalrunoffand
stormwaterneedmajorattention.
Ifwedonotmeetthesemilestones,theChesapeakeBayProgramrequiresthefederal
governmenttoimplementbackstopcontrolmeasuresoftheirchoosingthatwilldramatically
affectlocalcommunitiesandbusinesses.
If,forexample,the$20millionallocatedtoGreenAgricultureintheenergyinitiative
wereinsteaddevotedtoinstallingstreambuffers,oneofthemostcosteffectivepollution
reductiontoolswehave,wecouldinstallupto9,300acresofbuffersputtingPennsylvaniaalong
waytowardmeetingourstreambuffermilestone.
Inhisbudgetbriefing,ActingDEPSecretaryQuigleysaidheisworkingwiththe
departmentsofAgricultureandConservationandNaturalResourcestodevelopaplantomeet
the2017ChesapeakeBayrequirements.
Pennsylvaniaalsohasalegacyofalmost
220,000acresofabandonedmines
thatpollute
morethan5,000milesofstreamsin45countiesacrossthestate.
Between1995and2002,Pennsylvania
reclaimedover33,300acres
ofabandonedmine
lands,about4,125acresayear.In2013,DEPsBureauofAbandonedMineReclamation
completed647.3acres
ofreclamationprojects.
AsDEPs
CitizensAdvisoryCouncilalsopointedout
recently,injustsevenyearsfederal
AbandonedMineReclamationFundmoniescomingtoPennsylvaniatosupportmine
reclamationworkwillend.
In2013Pennsylvaniareceived$58.5millioninfederalAMLFundmoney,whichmakes
upthebulkofthefundingforreclaimingabandonedminesintheCommonwealth.
ActingDEPSecretaryQuigleysaidinhisbudgetbriefingPennsylvaniadidhaveaseat
atthetableinreauthorizationtalks.
Budgetsareaboutpriorities.Inthescarcefundingenvironmentwefindourselvesin,we
havetoseparateourwantsfromourneeds,ourhavetodofromouritwouldbenice.
Itwouldbenicetobeabletoaddressbothourwantsandneeds,butwiththereaction
Gov.WolfhasalreadyreceivedfromtheSenateandHouseonthebudget,weneedtoaddress
thecleanwatermandateswemustdobeforewehaveanydessert.
Weneedtoeatmorevegetables.
HouseAppropriationsCommitteeBeginsBudgetHearingsMarch9,SenateMarch16
The
willholditshearingonDEPsbudgetMarch11at1:00,
DCNRsbudgetonMarch16at1:30,DepartmentofAgricultureonMarch10at2:30.
Click
Here
forthecompleteHouseschedule.
ClickHere
The
willholditshearingonDEPsbudgetMarch25at9:30,
DCNRApril1at11:00,DepartmentofAgricultureonMarch31at3:00.
ClickHere
forthe
completeSenateSchedule.
ClickHere
StateRevenueCollections$17.3MillionOverEstimatesForFebruary
Pennsylvaniacollected$1.7billioninGeneralFundrevenueinFebruary,whichwas$17.3
million,or1percent,morethananticipated,ActingSecretaryofRevenueEileenMcNulty
reportedMonday.
FiscalyeartodateGeneralFundcollectionstotal$17.4billion,whichis$377.6million,
or2.2percent,aboveestimate.
DEPHoldsMediaWebinarMarch9OnChapter78DrillingRegulationChanges
TheDepartmentofEnvironmentalProtectionlateFridayannounceditwouldholdawebinarfor
mediaonMarch9startingat10:30onchangesitwillproposeinafinalversionoftheChapter
78drillingregulations.
ActingDEPSecretaryJohnQuigleyandDeputySecretaryforOilandGasOperations
ScottPerrywilldiscussthechangestotheregulations.
DEPisexpectedtoreleasethetextoftheproposedchangesonMarch9.Theagencys
OilandGasTechnicalAdvisoryCommittee
meetsonMarch20toreviewtheregulations.All
theexistingmembersoftheCommitteearebeingreplacedwithnewmembersbytheWolf
Administrationwhichwillalsoaddseveraladhocmembers.
InproposingtheoriginalChapter78regulationsinlate2013andearly2014,DEPheld9
publichearingsaroundthestate,twowebinarsandhada90daypubliccommentperiod.
VisitDEPs
OilandGasRegulations
webpageformoreinformation.
ClickHere
toregisterforthewebinar.QuestionsshouldbedirectedtoAmandaWitman
bysendingemailto:
awitman@pa.gov
.
PAEnvironmentDigestGoogle+Circle,Blogs,TwitterFeeds
PAEnvironmentDigestnowhasaGoogle+CirclecalledGreenWorksInPA.Justgotoyour
Google+pageandsearchfor
DHess@CrisciAssociates.com
,theemailfortheDigestEditor
DavidHess,andletusjoinyourCircle.
Google+nowcombinesallthenewsyounowgetthroughthePAEnvironmentDigest,
Weekly,Blog,TwitterandVideositesintooneresource.
YoullreceiveasithappenspostingsonPennsylvaniaenvironmentalnews,daily
NewsClipsandlinkstotheweeklyDigestandvideos.
Alsotakeadvantageoftheserelatedservicesfrom
CrisciAssociates
PAEnvironmentDigestTwitterFeed
:OnTwitter,signuptoreceiveinstantupdatesfrom:
PAEnviroDigest.
PAEnvironmentDailyBlog:
providesdailyenvironmentalNewsClipsandsignificantstories
andannouncementsonenvironmentaltopicsinPennsylvaniaofimmediatevalue.Signupand
receiveastheyarepostedupdatesthroughyourfavoriteRSSreader.Youcanalsosignupfora
oncedailyemailalertingyoutonewitemspostedonthisblog.
NEW!
Addyourconstructive
commenttoanyblogposting.
PACapitolDigestDailyBlog
togetupdateseverydayonPennsylvaniaStateGovernment,
includingNewsClips,coverageofkeypressconferencesandmore.Signupandreceiveasthey
arepostedupdatesthroughyourfavoriteRSSreader.Youcanalsosignupforaoncedaily
emailalertingyoutonewitemspostedonthisblog.
PACapitolDigestTwitterFeed
:Don'tforgettosignuptoreceivethe
PACapitolDigest
Twitter
feedtogetinstantupdatesonothernewsfrominandaroundthePennsylvaniaState
Capitol.
GovernorsSchedule
Gov.TomWolf'sworkcalendarwillbepostedeachFridayandhispublicschedulefortheday
willbepostedeachmorning.
ClickHere
toviewGov.WolfsWeeklyCalendarandPublic
Appearances.
Senate/HouseAgenda/SessionSchedule/BillsIntroduced
HerearetheSenateandHouseCalendarsandCommitteemeetingsshowingbillsofinterestas
wellasalistofnewenvironmentalbillsintroduced
BillCalendars
House(March30):
<>
ClickHere
forfullHouseBillCalendar.
Senate(April13):
SenateBill289
(FontanaDAllegheny)fundingforsewagelateralline
improvementsandrepair(
sponsorsummary
)
SenateBill307
(YudichakDLuzerne)providing
foranindependentcounselfortheEnvironmentalQualityBoard(
sponsorsummary
)
SenateBill
385
(PileggiRDelaware)willmodernizethePennsylvaniaTransitRevitalizationInvestment
District(TRID)Act(
sponsorsummary
).<>
ClickHere
forfullSenateBillCalendar.
CommitteeMeetingAgendasThisWeek
House:
the
beginsbudgethearingswith:IndependentFiscal
Office/Economic&RevenueOutlook,DepartmentofAgriculture,PUCConsumerAdvocateand
SmallBusinessAdvocate,DepartmentofEnvironmentalProtection,PublicUtilityCommission.
<>
ClickHere
forfullHouseCommitteeSchedule.
Senate:
<>
ClickHere
forfullSenateCommitteeSchedule.
BillsPendingInKeyCommittees
HerearelinkstokeyStandingCommitteesintheHouseandSenateandthebillspendingin
each
House
Appropriations
Education
EnvironmentalResourcesandEnergy
ConsumerAffairs
GamingOversight
HumanServices
Judiciary
LiquorControl
Transportation
LinksforallotherStandingHouseCommittees
Senate
Appropriations
EnvironmentalResourcesandEnergy
ConsumerProtectionandProfessionalLicensure
Community,EconomicandRecreationalDevelopment
Education
Judiciary
LawandJustice
PublicHealthandWelfare
Transportation
LinksforallotherStandingSenateCommittees
BillsIntroduced
Thefollowingbillsofinterestwereintroducedthisweek
Senate
PipelineImpactFee:
SenateBill557
(RaffertyRMontgomery)wouldimposeapipeline
impactfeebasedontheacreageofapipelinerightofwaytobecollectedbythePublicUtility
Commissionanddistributedtotheaffectedcounties(
sponsorsummary
).
PipelineInspections:
SenateBill561
(RaffertyRMontgomery)consolidatepipelinesafety
inspectionprogramswithinPennDOT,ratherthanthePUC(
sponsorsummary
).
House

SeveranceTax:
HouseBill500
(DeanDMontgomery)wouldimposea4percenthybrid
severancetax(
sponsorsummary
).
HazardousMaterialsEmergencyResponse:
HouseBill677
(HannaDCentre)increasing
hazardousmaterialsreportingrequirements(
sponsorsummary
).
DisposalOfPharmaceuticals:
HouseBill686
(KortzDAllegheny)establishingthe
PharmaceuticalStewardshipProgramforthedisposalofleftoverorexpiredmedicines(
sponsor
summary
).
SeveranceTaxExclusion:
HouseBill716
(CarrollDMonroe)wouldcreateanexemptionfrom
anyseverancetaxfornaturalgasproducedanddeliveredwithin5milesoftheproductionsite
(
sponsorsummary
).
EarthDayResolution:
HouseResolution133
(MurtRMontgomery)Resolutionencouraging
allresidentsoftheCommonwealthtoobserveEarthDayonApril22(
sponsorsummary
).
SessionSchedule
HereisthelatestvotingsessionschedulefortheSenateandHouse
Senate

April13,14,15,20,21,22
May4,5,6,11,12,13
June1,2,3,8,9,10,15,16,17,18,22,23,24,25,26,29,30
House
March30,31
April1,13,14,15,20,21,22
May4,5,6,11,12,13
June1,2,3,8,9,10,15,16,17,18,22,23,24,25,26,27,28,29,30
Senate/HouseBillsMoving
ThefollowingbillsofinterestsawactionthisweekintheHouseandSenate
House
WindPowerGeneration:
HouseBill188
(CurtRErie)allowingwindpowergeneration
systemsonpreservedfarmlandwaspassedbytheHouseandnowgoestotheSenatefor
consideration.Asummaryand
HouseFiscalNote
areavailable.
NaturalGasCompetition:
HouseBill57
(PayneRDauphin)relatingtoimprovingnaturalgas
retailcompetitionbyprovidingamorefrequentmechanismfortruingupnaturalgascostswas
removedfromtheTable,referredintoandoutoftheHouseAppropriationsCommitteeandwas
passedbytheHouse.ThebillnowgoestotheSenateforaction.Asummaryand
HouseFiscal
Note
areavailable.
EarthDayResolution:
HouseResolution133
(MurtRMontgomery)Resolutionencouraging
allresidentsoftheCommonwealthtoobserveEarthDayonApril22(
sponsorsummary
)was
removedfromtheUncontestedCalendarandreferredtotheHouseEnvironmentalResourcesand
EnergyCommittee.
Senate
MarcellusHealthPanel:
SenateBill375
(ScarnatiRJefferson)establishingaHealthAdvisory
PanelonShaleGasExtraction(
sponsorsummary
)wasreferredtotheSenateAppropriations
Committee.
DevelopingPreservedFarmland:
SenateBill201
(SchwankDBerks)allowingthethe
locationofagriculturerelatedbusinessonpreservedfarmland(
sponsorsummary
)wasreferred
totheSenateAppropriationsCommittee.
NewsFromTheCapitol
PAMustCutGreenhouseGasEmissionsExpertsTellHouseDemocrats
Pennsylvania,whichproducesalmost1percentoftheworld'sgreenhousegases,mustusemore
renewableenergy,becomemoreenergyefficientandreducemethaneemissionstohelpaddress
climatechange,apanelofexpertssaidbeforethe
HouseDemocraticPolicyCommittee
Monday.
ThehearingwasorganizedRep.GregVitali(DDelaware),MinorityChairoftheHouse
EnvironmentalResourcesandEnergyCommittee.
"ThreequartersoftheenergyconsumedinPennsylvaniacomesfromcoal,naturalgas
andoil,whileonlyabout4percentcomesfromwindandsolar,"Rep.Vitalisaid."Gov.Wolf
andthelegislaturemustworktowardsignificantlyreducingfossilfueluseandshiftto
renewablesfortheCommonwealthtomeetitsclimatechangeresponsibility."
Climatescientist
RichardAlley
ofPennStateUniversitysaiditisimportantfor
Pennsylvaniatoswitchtorenewablesourcesofenergysoon.
"Strongscholarshipshowsthatdelayingthisunavoidableswitch,whilereleasingthe
carbondioxidefromthefossilfuelburning,willcausechangesintheclimatesystemthatare
moreandmoreexpensive,sothathumanitywillbebetteroffeconomicallytostartverysoonto
makethetransitioninawiseway,"Alleysaid.
Rep.VitalihasintroducedthreebillssoPennsylvaniacandoitsparttoaddressclimate
change.
HouseBill100
wouldincreasetheamountofenergyelectricdistributioncompanies,
suchasPECO,wouldhavetoobtainfromrenewablesourcesto15percentby2023.Thecurrent
rateis8percentby2021.
BruceBurcat
,executivedirectorofthe
MidAtlanticRenewableEnergyCoalition
,said
Pennsylvaniaislaggingbehindneighboringstatesintheamountofrenewableenergythatmust
beused.HesaidhesupportstheVitaliinitiative.
"HouseBill100isreachableandreadilyachievable,"Burcatsaid.
Tofurtherencourageuseofrenewableenergy,Rep.Vitalialsointroduced
HouseBill
200
,whichwouldestablishadedicatedfundingsourceforthePASunshineSolarProgram.
Theprogram,whichhasexhausteditsfunding,helpshomeownersandbusinessesinstall
solarsystems.Theprogramwouldreceive$25millionayearfroma1.25millincreaseonthe
utilities'GrossReceiptsTax.
AnotherbillRep.Vitaliintroduced,
HouseBill129
,wouldrequirenaturalgas
distributioncompaniestoreduceenergyconsumptionanddemandby1percentby2018and3
percentby2020.Thesearethesamerequirementscurrentlyplacedonelectricdistribution
companiesunderAct129of2008.
PublicUtilityCommissioner
JamesCawley
saidAct129hasbeensuccessful,saving
twiceasmuchmoneyasitcosttoputinplace.
"It'sagreatideatoextendAct129tothenaturalgasindustry,"Cawleysaid.
Thepolicycommitteealsoheardaboutthedangersofmethaneemissionsfromthe
naturalgasindustryfrom
AnthonyIngraffea
,aCornellUniversityengineeringprofessorand
formerconsultanttotheoilandgasindustry.
Ingraffeasaidmethaneisshortlivedintheatmospherecomparedtocarbondioxide,but
ismorepotentinwarmingtheworld.HesaidPennsylvaniaisaddingmoreandmoremethaneto
theatmosphere,mostlythroughdrilling.
"TherearemanysourcesofmethaneemissionsinPennsylvaniathroughoutthelifecycle
ofnaturalgas,"Ingraffeasaid."Theyhavecombinedtocreatea20.8percentincreaseinmid
anddownstreammethaneemissionssince2010,mostlyfromrapidgrowthingatheringand
processingcapacity.Stateemissionsfrommidanddownstreamnaturalgasinfrastructure
accountedfor5percentoftheU.S.methaneemissionsfromthesamesourcesin2012."
Tocurbtheseemissions,Ingraffeasuggestedvigorouslyenforcingallmethaneemission
controlregulationsinplace.
Healsosuggestedenactingnewregulationsregardingintentionalemissionsfromdrilling
blowdownsatcompressorstations,processingplants,andpipelinepigandtransferstations
findingandfixingthelargeleakersamongthehundredsofthousandsofabandonedwellsand
acceleratingreplacementofcastirondistributionmainsundercities.
Alsotestifyingatthehearingwere
TerryFitzpatrick
,presidentofthe
EnergyAssociation
ofPennsylvania
MaureenMulligan
,policydirectorforthe
KeystoneEnergyEfficiency
Alliance
RobAltenburg
,directorofthe
PennFutureEnergyCenter
and
MarkBohling
,
executivevicepresidentof
SouthwestEnergy
.
ClickHere
foracopyofwrittentestimony.
SenateCommitteesHoldHearingOnAct13DrillingImpactFeeInvestments
TheSenateEnvironmentalResourcesandEnergyCommittee,chairedbySen.GeneYaw
(RLycoming),andtheSenateLocalGovernmentCommittee,chairedbySen.ScottHutchinson
(RVenango)TuesdayheldajointpublichearingtodiscussthepositivebenefitsofAct13
ImpactFeedollarsonPennsylvaniacommunities.
Thepublichearingfeaturedtestimonyfromcounties,townships,conservationdistricts
andeconomicdevelopmentorganizationsthroughoutthestate.
Since2012,naturalgascompaniesoperatinginPennsylvaniawillhavepaidover$630
millioninimpactfeestothePublicUtilityCommission.
AsGov.TomWolftodayunveiledhis201516GeneralFundbudget,whichhighlighted
implementationofastateseverancetaxonnaturalgasextraction,wemustbemindfulofthe
opportunitiescurrentlybeingofferedtoourcitizensastheresultofPennsylvaniasAct13law.
NootherlawinrecentmemoryhasbroughtsomuchbacktoruralPennsylvania,saidSen.Yaw.
Duringtodayshearing,SusquehannaCountyCommissionerAlanHalladdressed
importantcontributionsmadetoSusquehannaCountybytheindustryfollowingenactmentofthe
Act13law.
MunicipalitiesandtheCountyhaveusedfundstoimprovebridges,sewersystems,
roads,parks,andequipmenttonameafew.Ithasalsoallowedtheentitiestheabilitytofreeup
otherrevenuestreamstoimprovefacilities,reducedebt,andprepareourcommunitiesforthe
future.
Halladded,thelossoftheAct13fundingwouldmeandeterioratingconditions
throughouttheCountywithroads,bridges,infrastructure,lostjobs,andlargetaxincreases
throughout.Dealingwithalltheimpactswithoutthefundingwillcrippleourcommunities.
KurtHausammann,Jr.,AICP,DirectoroftheLycomingCountyPlanningand
DevelopmentOfficediscussedtheleveragingAct13dollarsinLycomingCounty.
Throughoutthefirstfourmonthsof2013,mydepartmentdesignedameritbasedgrant
applicationprocessbywhichthecommissionerscouldallocateaportionofLycomingCountys
Act13fundstoaddresssomeoftheinfrastructureissuespreviouslymentioned.Investedwisely,
webelievethatAct13fundscanhelpadvanceanumberofprojectsandleverageagreatdealof
privateandpublicinvestment.The$4.7millionofLycomingCountyAct13fundscommitted
todatewillhelpfundabout35externalprojects.Theseareprojectsthatoriginatedexternalto
theCountygovernment.Thetotalvalueofthese35projectsexceeds$89.3million.
ThecommitteesalsoheardfromAnthonyJ.Ventello,ExecutiveDirectoroftheProgress
AuthoritylocatedinBradfordCounty.
Wehaveexperiencedtaxbaseexpansionwithnewcommercialandresidential
buildings.Ourcountieshavetwonewhospitalsimprovinghealthcaredeliveryandexperiencing
their24/7economicimpacts.Taxableincomehasrisen19percent,farmingremainsthestrongest
inthecoreMarcelluscounties,alongwithcontinuedinvestmentinourdiversifiedlocal
manufacturingsector.
Ventelloaddedthat,ourlegislatorsmustbecommendedfortheleadershipprovided
withthepassageofAct13,whichhasbeenthemostusefulresourcetomaintainandimproveour
communitiesforalltheimpactsofshalegasdrilling.Act13isprovidingforthefoundationto
strengthenourruralcountiesandprepareforadditionalinvestment.
TestimonyalsohighlightedthebeneficialaspectsoftheImpactFeetotheagricultural
communitiesthroughouttheCommonwealth.Duringthepastseveralbudgetcycles,fundingfor
conservationdistrictshasdeclinedhowever,Act13fundshavehelpedtofillthegap,according
totestifiers.
Act13works,Sen.Yawsaid.Allofthetestifierstodaymadeitclearthatitworks.Ifit
isntbroke,whyfixit?
Visitthe
SenateEnvironmentalResourcesandEnergyCommittee
webpageforacopyof
testimonypresentedandavideoofthehearing.
NewsClips:
Sen.Rafferty,Sen.DinnimanIntroducePipelineImpactFeeLegislation
Sen.JohnRafferty(RMontgomery)andSen.AndrewDinniman(DChester)haveintroduced
SenateBill557
whichwouldimposeatransmissionorgatheringpipelineimpactfeebasedon
theacreageofanoilornaturalgaspipelinerightofwaytobecollectedbythePublicUtility
Commissionanddistributedtotheaffectedcounties(
sponsorsummary
).
ThroughoutPennsylvania,residentshavebeenaffectedbytheconstructionofnatural
gaslines.Withthesurgeinnaturalgasdrilling,manyresidentsofPennsylvaniaare
experiencingtheeffectsofthegrowthinthisindustry,saidSen.Rafferty.
Althoughtheconstructionofthisenergyinfrastructureisoftendoneveryefficiently,
manycommunitiesexperienceaperiodofreducedqualityoflifeandlongtermimpactstothe
environmentasaresultoftheconstructionprocess,explainedSen.Rafferty.Increasedtraffic
congestion,noise,environmentalimpacts,andassociatedsafetyrisksareexperiencedbythose
wholive,workorcommuteinproximitytotheseprojects.
Thelegislationwouldcreateanimpactfeethatiscalculatedbasedontheacreageof
linearfeetplusrightofwaywidthofapipelineusingthecountyaveragelandvalueinan
affectedarea.ThefeesgeneratedwouldbecollectedbythePUCanddepositedintoaPipeline
ImpactFundwheretheywillbedisbursedtoaffectedareas.
Fiftypercentofthemoneyinthefundwillbeusedtomakeanannualpaymenttoeach
countywhereanaffectedareaislocated.Theremaining40percentwillbepaidtothe
municipalityinanaffectedarea.Tenpercentofthemoneywillbeusedtoadministerthefund.
Sen.Raffertyalsointroducedacompanionbill
SenateBill561
whichwould
consolidatepipelinesafetyinspectionresponsibilitieswithinPennDOT,ratherthanthePUC
(
sponsorsummary
).
FebruaryEnvironmentalSynopsisNowAvailableFromJointConservationCommittee
The
FebruaryeditionofEnvironmentalSynopsis
isnowavailablefromthe
JointLegislativeAir
andWaterPollutionControlandConservationCommittee
isnowavailablefeaturingarticleson
ImportanceAndImpactOfRoadSaltDuringTheWinter
TheQuietestSpotInTheLower48IsInWashingtonState
CaliforniaUsingFrackingInHalfOfAllNewWells
DEPReportExaminesTheSurfaceEffectsOfUndergroundCoalMining
WaterIsASeriousConcernForWesternU.S.Voters
EPAMustAddressRenewableFuelStandardDelays
Tosignuptoreceiveyourowncopy,sendanemailtoMikeNerozziat:
mnerozzi@jcc.legis.state.pa.us
.
Sen.ScottHutchinson(RVenango)servesasChairoftheCommittee.
April20EnvironmentalIssuesForumFeaturesChesapeakeBayFoundationPA
TheApril20EarthDayEnvironmentalIssuesForumhostedbythe
JointLegislativeAirand
WaterPollutionControlandConservationCommittee
willfeatureapresentationbythe
ChesapeakeBayFoundation
.
Theorganizationrecentlyconductedaninnovative,peerreviewed
studyontheeconomic
benefitassociated
withreducingpollutionlevelsinthebay.Accordingtothereport,full
implementationofthefederalgovernments
ChesapeakeCleanWaterBlueprint
couldresultina
$22.5billiondollarincreaseinannualeconomicbenefitforthesixstatesthatcomprisethebay
region,includingPennsylvania.
Sen.ScottHutchinson(RVenango)servesasChairoftheCommittee.
NewsFromAroundTheState
DEPCitizensAdvisoryCouncilToHearTestimonyOnDeepCoalMiningImpactReport
TheDEP
CitizensAdvisoryCouncil
issettingasidetwohoursatitsMarch17meetingtohear
publiccomments
20082013UndergroundCoalMiningImpactReport
requiredbythestates
BituminousMineSubsidenceandLandConservationAct(Act54).
The20082013Act54ReportisthefourthinaseriesrequiredunderAct54.Thereport
includesinformationthatdocumentsandassessesthesurfaceimpactsresultingfromboth
longwallandtraditionalroomandpillarundergroundbituminouscoalmining,includingdamage
tosurfacestructuresandimpactstoaquaticlife,pHandconductivityofstreamsandthelossof
domesticwatersuppliesfrommininginArmstrong,Beaver,Cambria,Clearfield,Elk,Greene,
Indiana,Jefferson,SomersetandWashingtoncounties.
ThereportwaspreparedbytheUniversityofPittsburghandreviewedbyDEPstaffprior
toitsreleaseonDecember30,2014.DEPisrequiredtosubmittheimpactreporttotheCAC,the
GeneralAssembly,andtheGovernoreveryfiveyears.ThreepreviousAct54reports,also
reviewedbytheCAC,covered1993through2008.
TheUniversitywasselectedbyDEPtocompletethereportduetotheexpertiseofits
facultyandresearchstaffonallaspectsoftheeffectsofminingrelatedsubsidence.
CouncilwillalsoholdasecondhearingonMarch27from1:00p.m.to3:00p.m.at
DEPsCaliforniaDistrictMiningOffice,MonongahelaConferenceRoom,25Technology
Drive,CaliforniaTechnologyPark,CoalCenter,PA
PersonsinterestedinpresentingtestimonyshouldpreregisterbycontactingMichele
Tate,ExecutiveDirectoroftheCAC,bycalling7177878171orbysendingemailat:
mtate@pa.gov
byMarch19.
Inadditiontoacceptingpublictestimony,theCACisinvitingthepublictosubmit
writtencommentsontheAct54reportandisextendingthepubliccommentperioddeadlineto
April14,2015.Commentsmaybesentbymailto:DEPCitizensAdvisoryCouncil,Rachel
CarsonStateOfficeBuilding,13thFloor,400MarketStreet,Harrisburg,PA171058459orby
emailto:
mtate@pa.gov
.
TheMarch17meetingwillalsofeatureanupdatefromthedepartmentbyActingDEP
SecretaryJohnQuigley,apresentationonDEPsproposedFY201516budgetproposalandan
overviewoftheSusquehannaRiverWaterQualityMonitoringandAssessmentUpdate.
ClickHere
foracopyofDEPsMonthlyReportToCouncil.
TheCouncilwillmeetinRoom105RachelCarsonBuildingstartingat10:00a.m.
PubliccommentsontheAct54ReportwillbetakenfromNoonuntil2:00p.m.inthesame
room.
Formoreinformation,visittheDEP
webpage.
PALeagueOfWomenVotersHonorFranklinL.KuryApril7,TicketsNowAvailable
The
PALeagueofWomenVoters
willhonorformerSenatorFranklin
L.Kury(DNorthumberland)andauthoroftheEnvironmentalRights
AmendmenttoPennsylvaniasConstitutionatareceptiononApril7at
theColonialRidgeCountryClub,4901LinglestownRoad,Harrisburg.
Ticketsandsponsorshipopportunities
arenowavailableforthis
specialevent.
TheEnvironmentalRightsAmendmentsays,"Thepeoplehave
arighttocleanair,purewater,andtothepreservationofthenatural,
scenic,historicandestheticvaluesoftheenvironment.Pennsylvania's
publicnaturalresourcesarethecommonpropertyofallthepeople,
includinggenerationsyettocome.Astrusteeoftheseresources,the
Commonwealthshallconserveandmaintainthemforthebenefitofall
thepeople."
Theamendmentwasadoptedin1971bypopularvotebyafourtoonemargin.
Click
Here
toreadahistoryoftheamendmentbyKurypublishedinthePAEnvironmentDigestin
2008.
KuryservedintheHousefrom1967to1972andintheSenatefrom19721980andhis
legislativecareerfocusedmainlyonenvironmentalissues,suchascleanstreams,airpollution,
soilconservation,andwastedisposal.HestatedontheHousefloorthattherealcapitalofthe
NationandOurStateisitsGodgivennaturalresources.
ClickHere
forasummaryofFranklinKurysbook:CleanPolitics,CleanStreams:A
LegislativeAutobiographyandReflections.
Ticketsandsponsorshipinformationisnowavailableonthe
PALeagueofWomen
Voters
website.
DelawareRiverBasinCommissionAnnouncesOneProcess/OnePermitProgram
The
DelawareRiverBasinCommission
Mondayannouncedplansfora
OneProcess/OnePermit
Program
topromotecollaborationandenhanceadministrativeefficienciesbetweenDRBCand
thefourbasinstatesDelaware,NewJersey,NewYork,andPennsylvaniawhileensuringthat
equalorbetterenvironmentaloutcomesareobtained.
"SinceDRBCandourmemberstates'environmentalagenciesoftensharesimilarmission
objectivesandregulatoryprograms,manywaterresourcerelatedprojectsinthebasinare
currentlyrequiredtoapplytoboththeDRBCandastateagencyforpermitsandapprovals,"said
DRBCExecutiveDirectorSteveTambini."TheOneProcess/OnePermitProgramannounced
todaywillrelyuponadministrativeagreementsbetweentheDRBCandeachstateagencyto
identifycommonregulatoryprogramsthatwillbemanagedthroughasingleprocessresultingin
onedecisionorapproval.
"ThiseffortdoesnotaltertheregulatorystandardsoftheDRBCoranystateagency,and
therespectiveauthoritiesandstandardsofeachagencyaretobeexpresslypreserved,"Tambini
added."Ourfocusisonadministrativechangestoimplementcurrentregulatoryprogramsandto
continuetorequirethatthemoreprotectiveofDRBCandstaterequirementsareincludedinthe
singlepermit."
"OnbehalfoftheDRBCmembers,IwouldliketoexpressstrongsupportfortheOne
Process/OnePermitapproach,"saidCommissionChairProTemAngusEaton,whorepresents
NewYorkGov.AndrewCuomoontheDRBC."Webelievethisprogramwillpromote
interagencycooperationandcollaborationonsharedmissionobjectives,achieveregulatory
programefficiencies,avoidunnecessaryduplicationofeffort,andreducethepotentialof
confusiononthepartofregulatedentitiesandthepublic,"ChairmanEatonadded.
ThestateswillbetheleadagenciesandissuepermitsundertheOneProcess/OnePermit
ProgramforwastewaterdischargesunderNationalPollutantDischargeEliminationSystem
(NPDES)waterqualityprograms.
Forwaterwithdrawals,theleadagencycouldeitherbethestateortheDRBCdepending
uponcurrentstateprograms.
ReviewsundertheOneProcess/OnePermitProgramforstandardrenewalsofexisting
permitswithnochangescouldbestreamlinedorbesubjecttointeragencynotificationsonly.For
morecomplexpermitapplications,commissionstaffandstateagencieswillcommitto
collaborateandcooperatewithina"oneprocess"system.
DRBCwillcontinuetoprovidethecurrentleveloftechnicalreviewunderapplicable
DRBCstandardswheretheyhavespecialexpertise.DRBCstaffalsowillcontinuetoidentify
conditionsofapprovaltoensurethatprojectssubjecttoreviewundertheDelawareRiverBasin
Compactandimplementingregulationsdonotimpairorconflictwiththecommission's
comprehensiveplan.
TwoactionswillbetakentoimplementtheOneProcess/OnePermitProgram.DRBC
willundertakerulemaking,includingapubliccommentprocess,toprovidespecificauthorization
foranddefinethescopeoftheOneProcess/OnePermitProgram.
Inaddition,theDRBCwillexecutenewadministrativeagreementswithNewJersey,
Pennsylvania,NewYork,andDelawaretoreplaceagreementsalreadyinplace.Thestartofthe
formalprogramwilllikelybenosoonerthanthefourthquarterof2015formostofthemember
states.
Toinformtheupcomingrulemakingprocessandaidinthedevelopmentorrefinementof
newadministrativeagreements,DRBCandtheNewJerseyDepartmentofEnvironmental
Protection(NJDEP)areproposingaOneProcess/OnePermitdemonstrationprogramfor
wastewaterdischargepermitsonlythatisanticipatedtobegininthespringof2015.
"TheNewJerseydemonstrationprogramisanopportunityforNJDEPandDRBCtoturn
commitmentintoearlyaction,"saidNJDEPAssistantCommissionerforWaterResource
ManagementDanielKennedy."NJDEPlooksforwardtotheopportunitytobeginmanyofthe
processimprovementstoinformtheformalDRBCrulemakingprocess."
Duringthedemonstrationperiod,DRBCandNJDEPareagreeingto"practice"using
newcollaborativeprocessesbetweenthetwoagenciesforreviewofapplicationsuntilnewrules
areadopted.Intheeventthataprojectreachesthestagewhereitisreadyforfinalapproval,the
applicationwouldhavetobeacteduponbyeachagencyindependently.
IftheDRBCcommissionerstakeanapprovalactionduringthisperiod,theDRBC
approvalandconditionswouldbeincorporatedintooneNJDEPpermit.
AresolutionauthorizingtheDRBCexecutivedirectortoinitiaterulemakingtoprovide
fortheOneProcess/OnePermitProgramandtoenterintoanagreementwithNewJerseyfor
demonstrationoftheprogramisexpectedtobeconsideredatthenextcommission
meetingon
March11followingaMarch10publichearing
.
AdditionalinformationabouttheOneProcess/OnePermitProgram,includinga
FrequentlyAskedQuestions(FAQ)document
,anddetailsaboutthepublicrulemakingprocess
(assoonastheybecomeavailable)canbefoundonthe
Commission'swebsite
.
NewsClip:
SchuylkillActionNetworkAntiLitterCampaignToSpanEntireSpring
The
SchuylkillActionNetwork
isworkingtoridtheSchuylkillRiveroflitterbyhostingthe
SchuylkillScrub
fromMarch1toMay31acrossSoutheastPennsylvania.Thosewhoaddtheir
springcleanupstothisantilittercampaigncanwingiftcertificatesforkayaking,tubing,and
morealongtheSchuylkillRiver.
The
PartnershipfortheDelawareEstuary
andSchuylkillActionNetworkarepartnering
with
KeepPennsylvaniaBeautiful
forthe
GreatAmericanCleanupofPA
.Thispartnershipwill
makeiteasierforparticipantsoftheSchuylkillScrubtoaccesscleanupresourcestomaketheir
communitiescleanandbeautiful.
DuringtheGreatAmericanCleanupofPA,whichisfromMarch1toMay31,registered
eventscangetfreecleanupsuppliessuchasbags,glovesandvestsdonatedbyPennDOTand
KeepAmericaBeautiful.
Additionally,duringPickItUpPADays,whichisfromApril11toMay4,sponsoredby
theDepartmentofEnvironmentalProtection,PAWasteIndustriesAssociation,andparticipating
landfills,registeredeventshaveaccesstoreducedorfreedisposal.
Communityleadersarewisetoregister,becauseitexposestheireventtoanarmyof
potentialvolunteers,saidTomDavidock,SchuylkillActionNetworkcoordinatoratthe
PartnershipfortheDelawareEstuary.Theyevenhaveanextramonthtodoitnowthatweve
expandedthiscampaigntoincreaseourimpact.
Lastyear,KeepPennsylvaniaBeautifulloggedover52,000volunteersinthefive
countiessurroundingtheSchuylkillRiver.Togethertheyremovedmorethan1,300tonsoftrash
fromover1,200neighborhoods.
MuchofthiswouldhaveotherwisewashedintotheSchuylkillRiver.Fromthereitwould
havefloweddownstreamtotheDelawareRiverand,later,theocean,litteringcommunitiesalong
theway.
Volunteerscanregisteronlineat
SchuylkillScrub.org
.TheycanalsocallVirginia
VassalottiofthePartnershipfortheDelawareEstuaryat(800)4454935,extension121.
CBFPA:ConnectSoilsToProfitsWorkshopMarch19InTowanda
The
anditspartnerswillholda
ConnectSoilsToProfits
Notill,CoverCrops,SoilHealth,GrazingandHealthyStreamsWorkshop
March19atthe
WysoxFireHall,111LakeRoadinTowanda,BradfordCounty.
Featuredspeakersattheeventinclude
GabeBrown
isanationallyrenownedspeakerandpioneerinthesoilhealthmovement
thatiscurrentlycreatingquiteabuzzamongproducers.Gabe&hisfamilyoperatea5000acre
diversifiedoperationnearBismarck,NDthatincludescrops,pasture,andbeefcattle.
Hisoperationfocusesonregenerationofsoilsandfarmresourcesusingasystematic
approachwhichincludesnotill,diversecroprotations,multispeciescovercrops,andgrazing.
Thiswholeranchmanagementhasbothincreasedthebottomlineoftheranchandpaidgreat
dividendstotheenvironment.
Dr.BernardW.Sweeney
isDirector,President,andSeniorResearchScientistatthe
StroudWaterResearchCenter
,anindependentresearchinstitutionfocusedonstreamandriver
ecologylocatedinAvondale,ChesterCounty.
HehasanadjunctProfessorappointmentattheUniversityofPennsylvaniaandholdsa
B.S.inBiologyfromDelawareValleyCollegeofScienceandAgriculture,PA,andaPh.D.in
BiologyfromtheUniversityofPennsylvania.
Hereceivedthe2003NationalAwardofExcellenceinConservationfromtheUSDA
NaturalResourceConservationServiceforhisresearchandworkontherestorationofstreams
andtheirripariancorridors.
In2006,hereceivedtheLifetimeAchievementAwardfromtheChesapeakeBay
Foundation.HealsoservesontheboardofdirectorsfortheGeorgiaFarmFoundation(currently
President)andasanadvisorontheBrandywineConservancysEnvironmentalCommittee.
Theworkshopwillincludebothpresentations,plentyoftimeforquestionsandan
informalpasturewalkonafarmcloseby.
InadditiontoCBFPA,hostingtheeventarethe
BradfordCountyConservationDistrict
,
U.S.DepartmentofAgriculture,theDepartmentofEnvironmentalProtection,CapitalRegion
RC&D,NationalCenterforAppropriateTechnologywithsupportbytheRichardKingMellon
Foundation.
ForthosewhoregisterbeforeMarch6,theregistrationfeeis$6,afteris$10perperson.
ClickHere
todownloadaworkshopflyer.Formoreinformationandtoregister,send
emailto:
emily.dkar@pa.nacdnet.net
orcall5702655539ext.117.
SchuylkillWaterStewardsSeekingWaterQualityMonitoringVolunteers
Aconsortiumoflocalconservationandwatershedorganizationsannouncesthesecondsessionof
the
SchuylkillWaterStewards
volunteertrainingprogram,startinginspring2015.
Theinauguraltrainingprogramwasconductedlastfall,with20volunteerssuccessfully
trainedandmobilizedtohelpmonitorandprotectwaterqualityintheFrench,Hay,and
PickeringCreekWatersheds.
SchuylkillWaterStewardsispartofaninnovative,sciencedriveninitiativelaunchedin
2013bytheWilliamPennFoundationthatseekstoprotectandrestorewaterresourcesinthe
DelawareRiverWatershed.
TheDelawareRiverWatershed,whichincludestheSchuylkillRiverandtributariessuch
astheFrench,Hay,andPickeringCreeks,providesdrinkingwaterformorethan15million
peopleandcoverspartsofPennsylvania,NewYork,andNewJersey.
InnorthernChesterandsouthernBerksCounties,participantsintheinitiativearefocused
onpreservinglandaroundthehighqualitycreeksoftheFrench,Hay,andPickeringCreeks.
Maintainingnaturalareasaroundstreamsisoneofthemosteffectivewaystokeepthem
cleanandtominimizetheimpactsofstormwater.SchuylkillWaterStewardsplayanimportant
roleingatheringdataaboutthecurrenthealthofthecreeksandprovidethedataneededto
measuretheimpactoflandpreservationeffortsinthearea.
SchuylkillWaterStewardsvolunteersparticipateinafunandengagingtrainingprogram
thatincludesbothclassroominstructionandhandson,fieldbasedpracticeabouttopicssuchas
thescienceofhealthywatersheds,watersamplingtechniques,identifyingthreatstostreams,
monitoringstormwater,andmore.
Oncetrainingiscompleted,volunteersengageinwatertesting,reportonstormwater
events,observeaquaticwildlife,andassessstreamhabitats.
Thespring2015classofvolunteersbeginstrainingonApril11.Thetrainingschedule
includes:
April11:IntroductiontoWatershedScience,1:00p.m.5:00p.m.
April18:AvianIndicatorsofHealthyStreams,1:00p.m.5:00p.m.
May2:LegacySedimentsandMussels,9:00a.m.1:00p.m.
May16:StormwaterImpactsandObservations,1:00p.m.5:00p.m.
May30:MacroinvertebratesandOtherAquaticCritters,9:00a.m.1:00p.m.
TrainingsessionswillbeheldinvariouslocationsinnorthernChesterCountyandin
Reading.
Interestedvolunteerscanvisitthe
SchuylkillWaterStewards
websiteformore
informationandtoapplyfortheprogram.ApplicationsshouldbesubmittedbyMarch31.
CBFPAHostsTreePlantingInQuittapahillaWetlandPreserve,March28InLebanon
The
willhostatreeplantingonMarch28attheQuittapahilla
EducationalWetlandPreserve,170BirchRoad,Lebanonfrom9toNoon.
Volunteerswillhelpplantseveralhundredtreesandshrubsthroughoutthewetland
preserve.
ClickHere
toregister.Questions?ContactKateAustin,CBFPAGrassrootsField
Specialist,bysendingemailto:
kaustin@cbf.org
.
RegistrationNowOpenForPAGroundwaterSymposiumMay6
IncelebrationofNationalDrinkingWaterWeek,PennStateExtensionandtheDepartmentof
EnvironmentalProtectionalongwithnumerousothersponsorsinviteyoutoattendthe2015
PennsylvaniaGroundwaterSymposium
attheRamadaInnConferenceCenterinStateCollege,
PAonMay6.
TheSymposiumtheme,AnUnconventionalLookatPAGroundwater,willprovidea
forumforresearchers,students,professionalsandeducatorsworkinginthegroundwaterfieldto
exchangeinformationandpromoteprotectionofgroundwaterresourcesthroughoutthestate.
Thedaylongsymposiumwillbeginat8:30a.m.onMay6withopeningremarksby
ActingDEPSecretaryJohnQuigley.Morningandafternoonkeynotespeakerswilladdress
severalimportantgroundwaterissuesinPennsylvania.
Thesymposiumwillalsofeatureconcurrentsessionswithcontributedpresentationson
groundwaterandaquiferstudies,waterqualityandcontaminants,groundwatersprings,and
groundwatereducation.Registrantscanalsoreceivecontinuingeducationcreditsorprofessional
developmenthoursforattending.
Anominalregistrationfeeof$30forthesymposiumismadepossiblethankstogenerous
fundingsupportfromPennStateExtension,the
MasterWellOwnerNetwork
,theDepartmentof
EnvironmentalProtection,the
PAGroundWaterAssociation
andthe
PennStateWater
ResourcesResearchCenter
.
DiscountedregistrationisalsoavailableforcertifiedPennStateMasterWellOwner
volunteers.Registrationwillbelimitedtothefirst250registrantsorMay4whichevercomes
first.TherewillbenowalkinregistrationonthedayoftheSymposium.
Formoreinformationandtoregister,visitthe
PennsylvaniaGroundwaterSymposium
webpage.QuestionsabouttheSymposiumcanbedirectedtoBryanSwistockbyemailto:
brs@psu.edu
orat8148630194.
WissahickonWatershed:LearnAboutRainBarrels,RainGardensMarch19,26
The
WissahickonValleyWatershedAssociation
willholdaRainBarrelWorkshoponMarch19
inAmblerandaRainGardenWorkshoponMarch26inNorthWales,MontgomeryCounty.
TheWissahickonValleyWatershedAssociationcontinuestofurtheritsmissionof
protectingthequalityandthebeautyoftheWissahickonCreekandtoenhancealllifeinthe
Wissahickonwatershedbyofferingandaneducationalandserviceprogramsthisspring.
Rainbarrelsreducerunoff,collectstormwaterforlateruse,andsavetimeandmoney.
Promotingawarenessandappreciationofenvironmentalissuesthrougheducation,WVWAwill
bebringingbackitspopularrainbarrelworkshop.
Thishandsonlecturewillhaveyoumakeyourowntakeawayrainbarrelwhilealso
teachingyouhowtoinstallandusearainbarrel.Thereisalimitofonerainbarrelper
household.
Eachparticipantwillassemblearainbarreltotakehome.Sobringavehiclelargeenough
totransportyournewrainbarrel!Registersoonasthereisalimitof18participants.
TheRainBarrelWorkshopwillbeheldonMarch19startingat7:00p.m.attheFour
MillsBarn,12MorrisRoad,Ambler.Thecostis$30perrainbarrel.
ClickHere
toregister.
Formanyhomeownersgardensprovideasourceofbeautyandcontentment.Gardenscan
alsoprovideanopportunityforwisewatermanagementpracticesthatpositivelyimpactboththe
qualityandquantityofwaterinthelocalwatershed.
Comelearnaboutthemostbeautifulwaytoconservewaterbuildingyourownrain
garden!Simpletoinstallandmaintain,raingardensareindeedathingofbeauty.Raingardens
alsohelptoprotectwaterqualitybyreducingstormwaterrunofffromyourproperty.Learn
wheretosite,howtobuildandwhattoplantinyourraingarden.
TheRainGardenWorkshopwillbeheldMarch26startingat7:00p.m.attheNorth
WalesLibrary,233S.SwartleyStreet,NorthWales.RegistrationrequiredbytheWorkshopis
free.
ClickHere
toregister.
Formoreinformationonotheractivities,visitthe
WissahickonValleyWatershed
Association
website.
WestBranchSusquehannaRestorationCoalitionMeetingMarch10
Youarecordiallyinvitedtojoinusforthenextmeetingofthe
WestBranchSusquehanna
RestorationCoalition
onMarch10atthe
ClintonCountyConservationDistrict's
conference
room.
Themeetingwillbeginat6:30p.m..TomClarkfromtheSusquehannaRiverBasin
CommissionwillbediscussingupcomingprojectsinthewatershedandthestatusofBearRun.
Feelfreetobringaguesttothemeeting.
IfyouaretravelingfromClearfieldorpointswest,carpoolingisavailable.Pleaseplanto
meetattheClearfieldCountyConservationDistrictparkinglotby5:15p.m.PleaseRSVPfor
thecarpooltoRachelKesterbysendingemailto:
rkester@tu.org
byMarch9th.
Thepastmeetingminutes,agenda,anddirections
areavailableonline
.Ifyouneed
directionsoranaddressforthemeetingpleasecallTroutUnlimitedat5707484901.
Formoreinformation,visitthe
WestBranchSusquehannaRestorationCoalition
website.
BrodheadWatershedAssn.SpringToTheFallsWatershedWalkMarch15
The
BrodheadWatershedAssociation
andthe
PoconoHeritageLandTrust
willhostaSpringTo
TheFallsWatershedWalkonMarch15inMonroeCountyfrom1:00to4:30.
JoinlocalnaturalistandBWAandPHLTboardmemberDonMillerandPHLT
ExecutiveDirectorDawnGorhamforthisexplorationofaPHLTownedpreserveonTank
CreekinParadiseTownship.
Thisrecentlyprotectednaturalareaandopenspacepropertywasonceasmallcountry
farmwithabeautifulstonefarmhouse(somestoneframeworkremains),alargebarn,numerous
outbuildings,abeautifulspringpond/swimmingpool,andafarmpondallonthebanksofTank
Creek.
Participantswilllearnsomeofthehistoryofthisproperty,includinghowTankCreekgot
itsnameanditsconnectiontotheoncefamouswildgamehuntingpreserveandlargestoneestate
housenearby.
Participantswillexploretheoldestate,farmandspringpondsandventurealongTank
CreektothesmallbutoftenspectacularTankCreekFallsonneighboringStateGamelands221.
TankCreekFallscascadesapproximately100feetthroughaglacialiceandwatercarvedbasin.
Withsnowmelt,groundthaw,andspringrains,thelittlefallsisoftenroaring,sobringyour
camera.
ThiswalkwillbegininaparkingareaandtrailheadoffDevilsHoleRoadandleadalong
TankCreek.
WhereintheWatershedWalksaresponsoredbyBrodheadWatershedAssociationand
PoconoHeritageLandTrust.Participantsshouldbecomfortableoutdoorsforextendedperiods
oftime,onandofftrail.Appropriatecoldweatherattireandfootwearisessential.
Suggestedwalkdonationis$10fornonmembers$5forBWAandPHLTmembers
childrenunder12walkforfree.ProceedsfromWitWWalkssupportPHLTPreserve
StewardshipprojectsandBWAStreamwatchprograms.
Toregisterandgetdirections,callBWAat5708391120orPHLTat5704241514,or
sendemailto:
info@phlt.org
.Preregistrationissuggested,especiallywhereweatherconditions
maychangeeventtimes.
DEP:ReportingDeadlinesForWaterSuppliersApproaching
TheDepartmentofEnvironmentalProtectionThursdayremindedwatersuppliersthatreporting
deadlinesforthe2014calendaryeararecomingup.Reportsfrompublicwatersuppliersaredue
byMarch31.NonpublicwatersupplierreportsareduebyJune30.
ThereportsarerequiredunderDEPs25Pa.CodeChapter110WaterResources
Planningregulationthatestablisheswaterwithdrawalanduseregistration,monitoring,
recordkeepingandreportingrequirements.
Registrantssubmitannualwateruseprimaryfacilityandsubfacilityreportsthrough
DEPsGreenPort.Thesubfacilityreportforeachsourcecontainsinformationaboutthewater
source,suchasthemonthlyamountswithdrawnorpurchased.
Theprimaryfacilityreportforpublicwatersupplierscontainsoverallsysteminformation
andforthoseotherthanpublicwatersuppliersidentifieshowmuchoftheamountofwater
reportedineachsourcessubfacilityreportwasdischarged.
Boththeprimaryfacilityreportandsubfacilityreport(s)(evenifsourceisnotused)are
requiredtobesubmittedtoDEPtogethertheysupplyinvaluabledatatogovernmentandprivate
sectorsforwaterresourceplanningandpermittingpurposesinassessingwaterresourcesagainst
existingandprojectedusedemands.
MoreinformationonChapter110canbefoundonDEPs
StateWaterPlan
webpage.
Feb/MarchWaterPolicyNewsFromWaterResourcesEducationNetwork
The
February/MarcheditionofWaterPolicyNews
fromthePALeagueofWomenVoters
Water
ResourcesEducationNetwork
featuringarticleson
RedLionRoarsAsLeaderToPreserveHealthyDrinkingWater
WRENSourceWaterProtectionGrantApplicationsDueMarch20
CapitalRegionWaterNationallyRecognizedFor
RaindropToRiverConservationCarnival
WhatIfASpillHappenedInYourCommunity?
March18PennStateWebinar
March14
SchuylkillWatershedCongress
AlmostHere
NationalGroundwaterAwarenessWeek
March814
GreatAmericanCleanupofPA
March1May31
TimeToCommentOnThe
Act54UndergroundCoalMiningImpactReport
ClickHere
tosignupforyourowncopy.
March2WatershedWindsNewsletterAvailableFromPennStateExtension
The
March2editionoftheWatershedWinds
newsletterisnowavailablefromPennState
Extensionfeaturingstorieson
March10WebinarCelebratesNationalGroundwaterAwarenessWeek
PesticideApplicatorsLearnAboutGroundwater
RegistrationOpenForPAGroundwaterSymposiumMay6
PATroutAquaticInvasiveSpeciesWorkshops
AddingStreamBuffersToFarmsSlowsErosionAndLooksGoodToo
NewExtensionPublicationOnWaterWellMaintenance,Rehabilitation
ClickHere
MarchChesapeakeBayCurrentsNewsletterNowAvailable
The
MarcheditionoftheChesapeakeCurrents
newsletterisnowavailablefromtheU.S.
EnvironmentalProtectionAgency
ChesapeakeBayProgram
featuringarticleson
ProtectionOrRestoration?WhatAboutBoth?
SedimentInConowingoReservoirNearsMaximumStorageCapacity
PresidentsBudgetIncludes$38MillionForBayRegion
CleanAirActAlsoBenefitsWaterQuality
PhotoEssay:ExploringTheHarrietTubmanUndergroundRailroadByway
ClickHere
PaddleWithoutPollutionAnnounces2015WatershedStewardshipSchedule
PaddleWithoutPollution
inPittsburghWednesday
announcedtheirwatershedstewardshipeventsfor2015.
Thisyearsscheduleincludessomeperennial
favoritessuchasChartiers,SlipperyRock,andTenMile
creeks,aswellasNevilleIsland,DowntownPittsburgh,
andPresqueIsle.
Projectpartnersinclude
AlleghenyLandTrust
,
JenningsEnvironmentalEducationCenter
,and
TenMile
CreekWatershedAssociation
.
Theentireschedule
canbeviewedonline
.
OnApril22
,PWPwillparticipateintheREI
EarthDayEventonPittsburghsSouthSidewith
AlleghenyCleanWays
and
Friendsofthe
Riverfront
.
Kayakers,canoeists,andstanduppaddleboarderswillremovelitterandillegallydumped
debrisfromtheMonongahelaRiver.Allpreregisteredvolunteerswillreceiveafree,limited
editionREIStewardshiptshirt.
OnMay17
,PaddleWithoutPollutionwillpartnerwith
VentureOutdoors
membersfora
cleanupofNorthParkLake,coincidingwith
FriendsofNorthParksServiceDay
.Apotluck
lunchwillfollowtheevent.
Alimitednumberofkayaksandcanoesareavailabletoborrowformostevents,or
volunteersmaybringtheirown.Earlyregistrationissuggested.
VisitPaddleWithoutPollutions
Eventswebpage
formoreinformationandtoregister.

PennDOT:StatewideGreatAmericanCleanupOfPAVolunteersNeeded
TheDepartmentofTransportationisseekingvolunteersforthisyear's
GreatAmericanCleanup
ofPennsylvania
,whichbeginsMarch1andrunsthroughMay31.
"Pennsylvaniaisabeautifulstate,andit'simperativethatweworktogethertokeepitthat
way,"ActingSecretaryLeslieS.Richardssaid."Iurgeindividualstojointhethousandsof
volunteersintheircommunitiestoparticipateinthecleanupthisyeartokeepPennsylvania
beautiful."
ThecleanupissponsoredeachyearbyPennDOT,
KeepPennsylvaniaBeautiful
,the
DepartmentofEnvironmentalProtectionandotherpartners.Groupsparticipatingin
PennDOT's
AdoptAHighwayProgram
,whichinvolvesvolunteerscleaningroadsidesyearround,arealso
encouragedtoparticipateinthecleanup.
Interestedindividualscanfindalistingofcleanupevents,resourcesfororganizinga
cleanup,andotherinformation
abouttheeffortonline
.Groupsinterestedinadoptingasectionof
highwayareencouragedtocontacttheirlocal
PennDOTCountyMaintenanceoffice
andaskfor
theAAHcoordinator..
Duringlastyear'sGreatAmericanCleanup,6.4millionpoundsoflitterwascollected
fromPennsylvania'sroads,trailsandshorelinesbymorethan136,000volunteers.PennDOT's
AAHprogramcontributednearly75,000volunteerswhocleanedupnearly45percentofthe
collectedlitteron10,317milesofcleaneduproadway.
ThroughPennDOT'sAAHprogram,volunteerscollectlitteronatwomilesectionof
statehighwayfourtimesayear.Theprogramcurrentlyhasnearly7,000participatinggroups,
morethan125,000volunteersand15,834milesofadoptedstatemaintainedroadways.
PennDOTprovidesgloves,trashbagsandsafetyveststoAAHandGreatAmerican
CleanupofPAgroups.Inadditiontotheevent,duringthe"PickitUpPADays"fromApril11
toMay4registeredeventshaveaccesstoreducedorfreedisposalatparticipatinglandfills.
GreatAmericanCleanupofPennsylvania
webpage.
NewsClips:
PennDOTNeedsVolunteersForGreatAmericanCleanupOfPA
PennDOTLookingForVolunteersForGreatAmericanCleanupOfPA
PAResourcesCouncilsNewWebsiteOneStopShopForGoingGreen
Lookingforinformationonhowtoproperlydisposeofhardtorecycleitems?Interestedin
learninghowtocompostinyourbackyard?Readytotacklelitterinyourownneighborhood?
The
PAResourcesCouncil
haslaunchedanewwebsitethataddressesthesetopicsand
awealthofothersubjectsrangingfrominschooleducationtovolunteeropportunitiesatan
easytorememberURL:
www.prc.org
.
Since1939,PRChasservedasavaluedsourceofinformationconcerning
environmentalissues.Theformatanddesignofournewwebsiteofferstheconvenienceofa
onestopshopforgoinggreeninthenewmillennium,accordingtoPRCExecutiveDirector
BobJondreau.PRCsnewinteractivewebsiteprovidesdirectaccesstoourinschooleducation
programsandprovidesresidentswitheasytounderstandcontentconcerningeducation,
informationandaction.
Highlightsofthenewprc.orgwebsiteinclude:
PRCRecyclingGuide:
Providesdisposaloptionsforcommonitemssuchaspaper,plastic,
metalandglassaswellashardtorecycleitemssuchaselectronics,tiresandbatteries.Thesite
alsoexplainshowtosafelydisposeofhouseholdchemicals,paintandprescriptiondrugs.
EventsCalendar:
Presentsascheduleofupcomingworkshops,eventsandcollections.The
interactivefeatureenablesindividualstoregisteronlineforclassessuchasbackyardcomposting,
rainbarrelinstallationandavarietyofothertopics.
NewsFeeds&EnvironmentalUpdates:
Educateandentertainbysharingvitalinformation
onawidevarietyoftopicsfromhowtostopjunkmailtohowtoentertheLensonLitterphoto
contest.
GetInvolved:
Sectionsencourageindividualstotakeactionbybecomingvolunteers,entering
variouscompetitionsandjoiningthefightagainstlitter.
Duringthecourseofayear,PRCtouchesthelivesofthousandsofPennsylvania
residentsthroughhandsonlearning,collectioneventsandvolunteeropportunities,said
Jondreau.Thenewwebsiteallowsourstakeholdersaccesstotheorganizationsexpertiseand
website24/7forallresidentslivingintheCommonwealth.
PAResourcesCouncil
website.
MarchePRCNewsletterNowAvailableFromPAResourcesCouncil
The
MarcheditionofePRC
fromthe
PAResourcesCouncil
isnowavailablefeaturingarticles
on
VisitPRCsNewWebsite
2015HouseholdHazardousWaste,HardToRecycleEventSchedule
FreeSchoolFieldTripsAvailableTo
ExelonsRenewableEnergyEducationCenter
Upcoming
PECOSmartEnergyConservationIdeas
Events
ZeroWastePittsburghExpandsToBe
ZeroWastePennsylvania
ClickHere
tosignupforyourowncopy(bottomofthepage).
RecyclingPartnershipSeekingProposalsForMunicipalRecyclingPrograms
TheRecyclingPartnership
,aninitiativeofthe
CurbsideValuePartnership
,ispleasedto
announcetheir2015fundingopportunityforcounties,municipalitiesandsolidwasteauthorities
seekingtoimprovetheirresidentialcurbsiderecyclinginfrastructure.
Specifically,thegrantswillprovidefundingforcartprocurementandeducationand
outreachprograms.CVPwillalsoprovidesuccessfulapplicantswithtailoredrecyclingeducation
campaignmaterialstosupportthecartrollout,alongwithtechnicalassistanceforcommunity
recyclingoperations.
ClickHere
todownloadtheRFPguidelines.
PotentialapplicantsmayemailanyquestionsrelatedtotheRequestforProposalsto
KarenBandhauer,CVPProjectDirector,bysendingemailto:
kbandhauer@recyclecurbside.org
byMarch13at5:00pmeastern.
CVPwillholdaconferencecallonMarch18at2:00p.m.easterntimetoaddress
submittedquestions.Finalproposalsmustbereceivedby5:00pmeasternonApril15.
Formedin2014,TheRecyclingPartnershipleveragesgrantsandtechnicalassistance
withagoaloftransformingtheU.S.curbsiderecyclingsystem.
FundingpartnersincludeCocaCola,AlcoaFoundation,Amcor,AmericanChemistry
Council,AmericanForest&PaperAssociation,APR,Ball,CartonCouncil,SPIandSonoco.
DEPHearingOnTullytownLandfillsSolidWastePermitRenewalMarch25
TheDepartmentofEnvironmentalProtectionhasscheduledapublichearingforMarch25onthe
applicationbyWasteManagementofPennsylvaniaInc.torenewitssolidwastepermitfor
TullytownLandfillinBucksCounty.
Thehearingwillbeheldfrom6:00p.m.to9:00p.m.attheFallsTownshipBuilding,188
LincolnHighway,Suite100,FairlessHills.
Thehearingwillprovideanopportunityforresidentstoprovideinputaboutanyimpacts
thelandfillsoperationishavingonnearbycommunities,DEPSoutheastRegionalDirector
CosmoServidiosaid.DEPwillthenconsiderthosecommentsasweevaluatetherenewal
application.
DEPiscurrentlyreviewingWasteManagementsapplicationfortherenewalofsolid
wastepermitNo.101494forTullytownLandfill,locatedintheBoroughofTullytownandFalls
Township.
ThecurrentpermitexpiresonMay23,2015,andWasteManagementhasfiledan
applicationtorenewthesolidwastepermittoallowforcontinuedwasteacceptanceanddisposal
operationsforaperiodoftimethathasyettobedetermined.
DEPwillrecordverbaltestimonyandreceivewrittencommentsatthehearing.DEPalso
willacceptwrittencommentsaspartofthehearingrecordfromMarch25throughApril10,
2015.
Commentsshouldbesentto:RegionalSolidWasteManager,PennsylvaniaDepartment
ofEnvironmentalProtection,2EastMainSt.,Norristown,PA19401.Copiesoftherenewal
applicationareavailableforrevieworcopyingbetweenthehoursof8a.m.and4p.m.at
DEPs
SoutheastRegionalOffice
.
DEPExtendsCommentPeriodForKeystoneLandfillExpansionPermitToApril6
TheDepartmentofEnvironmentalProtectionThursdayannounceditwillextendthepublic
commentperiodforthepermitexpansionapplicationsubmittedbyKeystoneSanitaryLandfillin
LackawannaCountytoexpanditsfacilitytoApril6.
InMarchof2014,KeystoneLandfillfiledamajorpermitapplicationwiththedepartment
requestinganexpansionofitsexistingfacilityintheboroughsofDunmoreandThroopby
1hundredand65feet.ThedepartmentheldapublicmeetingatDunmoreHighSchoolon
February25onthepermitapplicationtoanswerquestionsfromthepublic.
Acopyoftheexpansionapplicationisavailableforpublicreviewatthedepartments
NortheastRegionalOffice,locatedat2PublicSquareinWilkesBarre.
Thedocumentsarealsoavailableforreviewonthe
departmentswebsite
.Appointments
toreviewtheapplicationmaybemadebycalling5708262519fortheWilkesBarreOffice.
TosubmitwrittencommentstothedepartmentaboutKeystoneSanitaryLandfillspermit
expansionapplication,mailorhanddeliverthemby4p.m.onApril6toRogerBellas,Waste
ManagementProgramDirector,2PublicSquare,WilkesBarre,PA18701.
Thepubliccanalsoemailcommentsto:
rbellas@pa.gov
.
DEPToHoldKeystoneEnergyEducationWorkshopsInApril,May,June
TheDepartmentofEnvironmentalProtectionwillholdthree
KeystoneEnergyEducation
Program
workshopsforteachersingrades4to8,schooladministratorsandbuilding
maintenanceorfacilitymanagers.
Workshopparticipantslearnaboutandexploreenergyconservation,efficiency,energy
basics,studentenergyteams,benchmarkingtheschoolbuildingusingthefreeEnergyStar
PortfolioManagerprogramandmore.
Theworkshopsarescheduledforthefollowingdatesandlocations:
April7:
WesttownSchool,975WesttownRoad,WestChester,ChesterCounty.(Registerby
March31).
ClickHere
toregister.
May12:
HarmonyHouseatTheMacoskeyCenter,SlipperyRockUniversity,247Harmony
Road,SlipperyRock,ButlerCounty.(RegisterbyMay5).
ClickHere
toregister.
May28
:SpringsideChestnutHillAcademy,500WestWillowGroveAve.,Philadelphia
(RegisterbyMay21).
ClickHere
toregister.
June17:
FergusonTownshipElementarySchool,215WPineSt,PineGroveMills,Centre
County.(RegisterbyJune10.)
ClickHere
toregister.
Formoreinformation,visittheDEP
EnvironmentalEducation
webpageorcontactAnn
Devine,DEP,bysendingemailto:
adevine@pa.gov
.
GloriaBarronPrizeForYoungHeroesIsNowAcceptingNominations
The
GloriaBarronPrizeforYoungHeroes
celebratesinspiring,publicspirited,highlydiverse
youngpeoplefromallacrossAmerica.
Eachyear,theBarronPrizehonorstwentyfiveoutstandingyoungleadersages8to18
whohavemadeasignificantpositivedifferencetopeopleandourenvironment.
Thetoptenwinnerseachreceivea$5,000cashawardtosupporttheirserviceworkor
highereducation.TheprimarygoalofthePrizeistoshinethespotlightontheseamazingyoung
peoplesothattheirstorieswillinspireothers.
ThedeadlinefornominationsisApril15.
GloriaBarronPrizeForYoungHeroes
website.
PAEnvironmentalCouncil:InCaseYouMissedItFebruaryUpdateOnPECActivities
The
FebruaryissueofInCaseYouMissedIt
fromthe
PAEnvironmentalCouncil
isnow
availableprovidingacomprehensiveupdateonPECactivitiesforthemonth.
ClickHere
tosign
upforyourowncopy.
AgricultureSuspends2PercentBiodieselContentMandateThruMarch4
ActingDepartmentofAgricultureSecretaryRussellReddingnotifiedGov.TomWolfonMarch
2thathewaspartiallysuspendingthestatemandatefor2percentbiodiesel,asauthorizedunder
thestatesBiofuelDevelopmentandInStateProductionIncentiveAct,becauseashortage
exists.
ThemandatewassuspendedfromMonday,March2,2015andisexpiringat11:59p.m.
Wednesday,March4,2015.Therequirementfor2percentbiodieselfuelissuspendedunderthe
followingterms
Allretailers,asdefinedinthe(Biofuel)Act,whotakedeliveryofdieselfuelduringthe
periodofsuspensionblendedoutsidetheCommonwealthwhichisnotcompliantwiththe2
percentbiodieselmandatemaysellsuchdieselfueltoconsumersduringtheperiodof
suspension.Suchdieselfueldeliveredduringtheperiodofsuspensionmaybesoldtoconsumers
afterthesuspensionexpiresuntilallsuchdelivereddieselfuelisoutoftheretailerspossession.
Anynewdeliveriestoaretailerafterthesuspensionexpireswillbesubjecttoallprovisionsof
theAct.
ActingSecretaryReddingsaidhisagencywillcontinuetomonitorconditionsandshould
conditionswarrant,thissuspensionmaybemodified,terminatedorextendedasappropriate.
ClickHere
toreadacopyofthepartialsuspension.
Gov.WolfReversesTaxIncreaseOnCleanEnergyAlternativeToDiesel
Afterthoroughconsiderationoftheenvironmentalandeconomicdevelopmentbenefitsderived
fromuseofliquefiednaturalgas(LNG)asavehiclefuelalternativetodiesel,ActingSecretary
ofRevenueEileenMcNultyannouncedThursdayGov.Wolfhasreversedadecisionmadein
late2014thatincreasedstatetaxonLNG.
Oneofmygoalsistopromoteanddevelopacomprehensiveenergyportfoliofor
Pennsylvaniathatsupportscleanenergyalternativestoimportedpetroleum,saidWolf.
Liquefiednaturalgasisnotonlyacleaneralternativetodiesel,generatinglowerpollutant
emissionswhenusedtofuelvehicles,butitsalsoproducedhereinPennsylvaniafromabundant
naturalgasreserves.
GiventheimmediateenvironmentalbenefitsoffuelingtruckswithLNGandthefuture
economicgainsthatwillcomefromfurtherdevelopmentofthealternativefuelsindustryin
Pennsylvania,itmakesnosensetodiscourageLNGconsumptionbytaxingitatahigherrate.
For2015,agallonofgasolineissubjecttostatetaxof50.5cents,whiledieselistaxedat
64.2centspergallon.
LNGisdefinedinPennsylvanialawasanalternativefuelthatshouldbetaxedbasedon
itsenergypotentialascomparedtogasoline,andtheDepartmentofRevenuehashistorically
taxedLNGusingacentspergallonbasisindexedtogasoline.
Thepolicyshiftlatelastyear,whichfollowedaDepartmentofEnergychangeinhow
LNGismeasuredatthefederallevel,appliedthehigherdieseltaxtoLNG,effectivelyincreasing
thestatetaxonLNGby4.3centspergallon.
ThereversalofthetaxchangeforLNGwillbeeffectiveretroactivelytoJanuary1,2015,
thedatetheincreasetookeffect.Asrequiredbylaw,thenewrateof33.5centspergallon
equivalentofLNGwillbereflectedintheMarch13editionofthePennsylvaniaBulletin.
March5DEPNewsNowAvailable
The
March5editionofDEPNews
isnowavailablefromtheDepartmentofEnvironmental
Protectionfeaturingarticleson

GovernorsBudgetInvestsInEnergyDevelopment,Conservation,Recreation
DEPAcceptingApplicationsForStateCleanDieselGrants
DEPExtendsCommentPeriodForKeystoneLandfillPermitInLackawannaCounty
DEPSetsHearingOnTullytownLandfillPermitRenewalInBucksCounty
DEPHearingOnAirQualityPermitForPerdueGrain,OilSeedFacilityInLancaster
DEPReachesAgreementWithNewportAuthorityOnDrinkingWaterViolations
ReportingDeadlinesForWaterSuppliersApproaching
LiveFalconVideoFeedReturns
ClickHere
tosignupforyourowncopy,readpastissues.
SunocoWithdrawsExemptionFromLocalZoningForMarinerEastPipeline
OnMarch5,SunocoPipelineL.P.withdrewitsrequestforanexemptionfromthePennsylvania
MunicipalitiesPlanningCodefortheconstructionofaseriesofindustrialvalvecontroland
pumpingstationsnecessarytoadvanceits
MarinerEastproject
.
SunocowillstillbepursuingconstructionofMarinerEast1,butisnolongerpursuingits
claimthatitisapublicutilitycorporation,and,thereforeentitledtoexemptionfromlocal
zoningandeminentdomainauthority.
Accordingtothelegalfiling,Sunocohassecurednecessarylocalapprovalstoadvanceits
MarinerEastProject.
InMayof2014,SunocoPipelineL.P.hadsubmittedaseriesofpetitionsbeforethe
PublicUtilityCommissionseekingafindingthatcertainstructuresrelatedtoitsMarinerEast1
pipelineprojectwouldbeexemptfromalllocalzoningordinancespursuanttotheMunicipal
PlanningCode.InordertobeexemptfromlocalzoningSunocoattemptedtodemonstrateits
statusasapublicutilitycorporation.
The
DelawareRiverkeeperNetwork
,
CleanAirCouncil
,and
MountainWatershed
Association
allopposedSunocosstatusasapublicutilitycorporationbeforethePUC,and
initiallysecuredadismissalofSunocospetitions.Thisdecisionwaslateroverturnedbythe
PUCsCommissionersandthecaseproceededwithatentativehearingdatescheduledforMay.
OnMarch4,SunocofiledaPetitionforleavetoWithdrawPleadingswhichrequeststhe
PUCtowithdrawalltheremainingpetitionsinthedocketsbeforethePUC.Assuch,ifthePUC
grantsSunocosrequest,thecasebeforethePUCwouldbeconsideredmootandSunocowould
notbeexemptfromlocalzoningforitsprojects.
ThepipelinebattlesbeingfoughttodayacrossPennsylvaniaandacrosstheregionare
settingimportantprecedentanddeterminingthefateofmanyofourcommunities.WhileSunoco
mayhavetakenawayouropportunitytoadvancegoodprecedentinthiscase,theyhavealso
deniedthemselvestheopportunitytobedeclaredaPublicUtilityCorporationwhichisavictory
forthecommunity,saidMayavanRossum,theDelawareRiverkeeper.
PipelineslikeMarinerEastaresupportingandinducinganincreasinglevelofdrilling
andfracking,theyarerobbingcommunitiesoftheirhealthyenvironments,theirsenseofsafety,
themarketvalueoftheirpublicandprivatepropertiesandthequalityoftheirindividualand
collectivelives.Itisimportantthatwecontinuetostandanddefendagainstthem,vanRossum
added.
"ThismotionfromSunocoshowsthattheycannotrunroughshodovercommunities
thatareinthewayoftheproposedMarinerEastpipelines,"saidJosephOtisMinott,Esq.,
ExecutiveDirectoroftheCleanAirCouncil."Thisisagreatwinforcommunitiesthathavebeen
fightingfromdayonetoprovethataforprofitcorporationwithcontractstosellnaturalgas
liquidsoverseasshouldnotbequalifiedasapublicutilitycorporationhereinPennsylvania,with
exemptionsfromlocalzoninglawsortherightofeminentdomain."
"Today'smovewillsettlealotofconfusionforlandownerswhohavereceivedmixed
messagesaboutSunoco'sabilitytoexercisethepowerofeminentdomain.Sunoco'swithdrawal
ofitsrequestforpublicutilitycorporationstatusmakesclearthattheyneverhadthatabilityand
willnothaveitinthefuture.Iflandownersaretoldotherwisebythecompany,theyshould
demandwrittenproof,"saidKarenFeridun,Founder,BerksGasTruth.
TotheextentthePUCgrantsSunocoswithdrawofitspetitions,itwillpreventSunoco
frombeingconsideredapublicutilitycorporationbeforethePUC,andthereforeexemptfrom
localzoning.Thisisavictoryforthewatershedastheconcreteintereststhatlocalmunicipalities
haveinthelocalzoningofgasdrillinginfrastructureissafelypreservedfrombeingwhittled
awaybySunoco,saidAaronStemplewicz,staffattorneywiththeDelawareRiverkeeper
Network.
"IfSunocoPipeline'srequesttowithdrawitspetitionsisgranteditwillrepresentavictory
forlocalmunicipalitiesandresidents,whohavebeenabletomaintainavoiceinthesitingof
naturalgasinfrastructureintheircommunities,"saidAugustaWilson,staffattorneyattheClean
AirCouncil.
"ThisproceedinghighlightedseveralimportantissuesrelatingtowhatthePUCshould
considerwhenitdetermineswhetheracompanyshouldbegrantedpublicutilitycorporation
statusinPennsylvania.TheseissueswillcontinuetobecrucialforPennsylvaniacommunities,
andtheCouncilwillconsidertheoptionsavailabletoittocontinuetohelpthesecommunities
achievetheirgoalswithrespecttoprotectingtheirlocalzoninginterests,"addedWilson.
SunocoispursuingconstructionofapipelineprojectcalledMarinerEast,whichinvolves
acombinationoftheconstructionofnewpipelinefacilitiesandtheuseofexistingpipeline
facilitiesthatwilltransportnaturalgasliquids(NGLs)resultingfromhydraulicfracturing
activitiesfromwesternPennsylvaniatotheMarcusHookRefineryComplex,fromwhichmuch
oftheNGLswillbeexported.
TheDelawareRiverkeeperNetworkandCleanAirCouncilhavebeenchallenging
Sunocosrequestthatitbedeemedapublicutilitycorporation,and,thereforebeexemptfrom
thePennsylvaniaMunicipalitiesPlanningCode.
WhileSunocohasstatedthattherearenomajormarketsintheNortheastUnitedStates,it
hasnotpubliclyidentifiedwheretheNGLswillbeshipped.Sunoco'sMarinerEastproject
requiresconstructionincommunitiesinDelaware,Chester,andBerkscounties.
NewsClips:
SunocoWithdrawsPublicUtilityPetitionsForMarinerEastPipeline
SunocoBacksDownInPipelineZoningFight
TreeVitalizePittsburghAcceptingGrantApplicationsUntilMarch20
Wouldyoulikeatreeplantinginyourneighborhoodthisyear?Fall2015
TreeVitalizePittsburgh
applicationsarenowavailableforinterestedcommunities.
EveryPittsburghneighborhoodandmanyAlleghenyCountymunicipalitiesareeligibleto
participateinTreeVitalize.
PleasecontactJeffreyBergmanat4125862396orsendemailto:
trees@paconserve.org
todiscussyourplantingplanbeforemovingforwardwithyourproject.Youcanfilloutthe
applicationonline
,dueMarch20at4p.m.
MarchWater,Land,LifeNewsletterFromWesternPAConservancyNowAvailable
The
MarchissueoftheWater,Land,Life
newsletterisnowavailablefromthe
WesternPA
Conservancy
isnowavailablefeaturingstorieson
TreeVitalizePittsburghAcceptingApplicationsUntilMarch20
LandStewardshipInvitesVolunteersToMarch28Workday
PANaturalHeritageProgramNewsletterNowAvailable
FallingwaterOpensMarch14
ClickHere
FriendsOfTheWissahickonHostProgramOnTheFutureofFairmountParkMarch11
The
FriendsoftheWissahickon
inMontgomeryandPhiladelphiacountiesishostingaValley
TalkonMarch11at
ValleyGreenInn
onthefutureofFairmountPark.
At6p.m,HarrisSteinberg,theexecutivedirectorofthe
LindyInstituteforUrban
InnovationatDrexelUniversity
,willgiveapresentationonanewvisionandactionplanfor
FairmountPark.
ThetalkwillgiveresultsfromastudycalledTheNewFairmountPark,conductedby
PennPraxis,theappliedresearcharmoftheSchoolofDesignattheUniversityofPennsylvania.
SteinbergwasthefoundingexecutivedirectorofPennPraxis.
ThestudyoutlinesthefutureofFairmountPark,includingtheWissahickonandcreatesa
planforensuringthattheuniqueparkremainsrelevantinthe21stcentury.
ThestudywasconductedforPhiladelphiaParks&Recreationandwasfundedbythe
WilliamPennFoundationandproducedincollaborationwiththePhiladelphiaParksand
RecreationCommissionandthe
FairmountParkConservancy
.
DEPBeginsOnlineLiveVideoStreamofHarrisburgFalcons,FalconEdWorkshop
InwhatsbecomeasuresignthatSpringsnotfaraway,theDepartmentofEnvironmental
ProtectionMondayannouncedithasbegunthe
livevideostreamofthepairofperegrinefalcons
thatnestonaledgeoftheRachelCarsonStateOfficeBuildinginHarrisburg.
Thisseasonmarks15yearssincethefirstpairofperegrinefalconsproducedeggsatthis
nest,DEPActingSecretaryJohnQuigleysaid.Overtheyears,tensofmillionsofpeoplefrom
acrosstheglobehavefollowedtheirstory,andmoreimportantly,learnedtheimportant
environmentallessonstheyteachusabouthowpollutionaffectswildlife.
DEPworkswithCommonwealthMediaServicestoprovidethelivethreecamerahigh
definitionfeedduringthenestingseasonanduntiltheyoungfalconseventuallyfledgefromthe
nestinJune.
ThefeediscentraltoaninserviceprogramandcurriculumdevelopedbyDEPandthe
GameCommissionforPennsylvaniateachers.
FalconEducationWorkshop
Thisyearsfalconeducationworkshopwillbeheldfrom9a.m.to3p.m.March26.
TeacherswilllearnaboutperegrinereintroductioneffortsinPennsylvania,andtheimportanceof
urbanhabitataswellascompleteendangeredspeciescurriculumactivities.Toregisterforthe
workshop,emailAnnDevineat:
adevine@pa.gov
.
SeveralpairsofperegrinefalconshavebondedandmadetheirhomeatoptheRachel
Carsonbuilding.Overtheyears,twomalesandfourfemaleshaveoccupiedthesite.Thepairs
haveproduced56eggsand48hatchlings.Thirtyeightsurvived15malesand22females.The
genderofoneofthenestlingsthathatchedin2008couldnotbedetermined.
TheperegrinefalconcontinuestobelistedbytheGameCommissionasanEndangered
Speciesonthestatelevel,butwasremovedfromthefederalEndangeredSpeciesListin1999.
Formoreinformationandforthelivestream,visit
DEPsFalconCam
webpage.You
canalsofollowthemonTwitterat
www.twitter.com/FalconChatter
.
LatestPANaturalHeritageProgramNewsletterNowAvailable
The
latestWildHeritageNewsnewsletter
fromthe
PANaturalHeritageProgram
isnow
availablefeaturingarticleson
InSearchOfFreshwaterMussels
SurveyOfAquaticVegetationOfTheDelawareRiver
OverviewOf4ProjectsFundedByTheWildResourceConservationGrantProgram:Mussels
InTheOhioRiver,RarePlantSurveysInNorthernTierCounties,PlantConservationStatus
Updates,SurveysForSmallCrypticMammalsInImportantMammalArea
FieldNotes:PABotanySymposium,BatBoxes,NewLeopardFrog,FederalWorkStudy
Students,EcologicalMonitoringBonusNewRarePlants,
iMapInvasives
Training/Homepage
MeasuresOfProgressInNaturalHeritageProgram
ClickHere
The
PANaturalHeritagePartnership
isapartnershipoftheDepartmentofConservation
andNaturalResources,
WesternPAConservancy
,GameCommissionandtheFishandBoat
Commission.
SaveTheDate:ScrantonToHostNationalTroutUnlimitedMeetingSept.1620
Forthefirsttimein25years,Pennsylvania,specificallyScranton,willhosttheNationalMeeting
of
TroutUnlimited
fromSeptember16to20attheCenterCityHiltonHotelandConvention
Center,Scranton.
In2014,TroutUnlimitednamedthe
LackawannaRiveroneofits100BestTrout
Streams,citingitsabundanceofwildbrowntrout.Itcreditedthe
LackawannaRiverCorridor
Association
andthe
LackawannaValleyChapterofTroutUnlimited
withhelpingtheriverheal
inthefaceofcoal,industryandblight.
Moreinformationwillbeavailableonthe
TroutUnlimited
website.
PAOutdoorWritersSpringConferenceMay1417InSevenSprings
The
PAOutdoorWritersAssociation
willholditsSpringConferenceMay1417attheSeven
SpringsMountainResortinSomersetCounty.
ActingDCNRSecretaryCindyDunnwillbeakeynotespeakerattheConferenceto
sharehervisionoftheconservationagencyandtakequestions.
Formoreinformation,contactDennisScharadin,POWAExecutiveDirector,bycalling
5707392085orsendemailto:
info@paoutdoorwriters.com
.
PatrickMcDonnellNamedDEPDirectorOfPolicy
ActingDEPSecretaryJohnQuigleyMondayannouncedtheappointmentofPatrickMcDonnell
asDEPDirectorofPolicy.
Mostrecently,McDonnellwastheexecutivepolicymanagerforCommissionerPamela
A.WitmerofthePUC.DuringhismorethanthreeyearswiththeCommission,hefocusedon
electric,naturalgasandwaterissues.Hehasalsofocusedextensivelyonutilitycybersecurity
issuesaswellasMarcellusshaleissuesandtheimpactofenvironmentalregulationonenergy
markets.
Beforethat,McDonnellspent13yearsatDEP,inavarietyofroles.Inhismostrecent
position,hemanagedthebudget,humanresource,informationtechnologyandfacilities
managementfunctionsoftheagency.
Priortothat,heservedasthedepartmentspolicydirector,overseeingthedevelopment
ofregulationsandthereviewoffederalenvironmentallegislation.HebeganhiscareeratDEP
workingintheStateEnergyOfficeonenergyefficiency,renewableenergyandgreenbuilding
projects.
HereceivedhisMastersdegreeinPoliticalSciencefromLehighUniversity,andhis
BachelorsinPoliticsfromDeSalesUniversity.
OpportunityToBidOnMineReclamationProjectsCambria,LuzerneCounties
TheDepartmentofEnvironmentalProtectionpublishednoticeofanopportunitytobidonamine
reclamationprojectin
CambriaCounty
and
LuzerneCounty
.
InternsWanted:TroutUnlimitedInternsForAbandonedMine,BrookTroutInitiatives
TroutUnlimitedisseekingqualifiedindividualstoserveasfulltimebiologicalfieldinternsfrom
midMaytoAugust2015forthe
EasternAbandonedMineProgram
and
PAEasternBrookTrout
HabitatInitiative
basedinLockHaven,ClintonCounty.DeadlineforapplyingMarch20.
Click
Here
forallthedetails.
HelpWanted:TroutUnlimited,Agriculture,BerksConservationDistrict
TroutUnlimited,theDepartmentofAgricultureandtheBerksCountyConservationDistrictare
seekingqualifiedcandidatesforthesepositions
CrewLeader:
TroutUnlimitedisseekingaqualifiedindividualtoserveasitsFieldCrew
LeaderfromMaytoOctoberforthe
EasternAbandonedMineProgram
and
PAEasternBrook
TroutHabitatInitiative
basedinLockHaven,ClintonCounty.DeadlineforapplyingMarch20.
ClickHere
forallthedetails.
WestNileVirusTechnician:
The
BerksCountyConservationDistrict
isseekingindividuals
foraWestNileVirusTechnicianpositiontotheassisttheCountyWNVCoordinatorin
implementingtheIntegratedMosquitoManagementProgram.
ClickHere
fordetails.
SeasonalEntomologyEmployes:
TheDepartmentofAgricultureislookingtofill12
seasonalpositionsmadeavailablebytheEntomologyPrograminthe
BureauofPlantIndustry
.
ThedeadlineforapplicationsisMarch31.
ThesenonCivilServicepositionsinEntomologywillinvolveinsectsurveillanceto
detectinvasiveagriculturalpests,performapiaryinspection,orlaboratorydiagnosticwork.
Uptotwo(2)ForestInsectPestAide1(FIPA1)positionsarebeinghiredtoworkin
NorthwestPA,SouthcentralPA,andSoutheastPA.PreferredcandidateswillbebasedinErie
orBerksCounty.CountiesforsurveyincludebutarenotlimitedtoErie,Crawford,Dauphin,
York,Lancaster,Lebanon,Lehigh,NorthamptonandBerks.
ClickHere
fortheformalannouncement.
PublicParticipationOpportunities/CalendarOfEvents
ThissectionlistsHouseandSenateCommitteemeetings,DEPandotherpublichearingsand
meetingsandotherinterestingenvironmentalevents.
NEW
meansnewfromlastweek.
[AgendaNotPosted]
meansnotpostedwithin2weeks
oftheadvisorycommitteemeeting.Gotothe
onlineCalendar
webpageforupdates.
March9
NEW
.
DEPMediaWebinarOnChapter78DrillingRegulations
.10:30.
ClickHere
to
registerforthewebinar.QuestionsshouldbedirectedtoAmandaWitmanbysendingemailto:
awitman@pa.gov
.
March9
budgethearing:10:00IndependentFiscal
Office/Economic&RevenueOutlook.Room140MainCapitol.
March10
budgethearing:2:30DepartmentofAgriculture.
Room140MainCapitol.
March10
NEW
.
WestBranchSusquehannaRestorationCoalition
meeting.
ClintonCounty
ConservationDistrict's
conferenceroom.6:30p.m.Directions
areavailableonline
.
March10
AgendaPosted
.
DEPBoardofCoalMineSafety
meeting.DEPCambriaOffice,
286IndustrialParkRd.,Ebensburg.10:00.
UpdateOnFinalRegulationSettingStandardsforSurfaceFacilities
UpdateonDraftPerformanceBasedCableSafetyRequirements
Discussion:EmergencyMedicalTraining
Discussion:MSHAProximityRule
Discussion:PossibleFutureRegulations
OverviewofRegulatoryReviewProcess
<>
ClickHere
foravailablehandouts.
March10
DEPWebinaron
Act162StreamBufferImplementation
:10:00
RiparianBuffer
Equivalency
,1:00
RiparianBufferOffsets
.

March1011
DelawareRiverBasinCommission
hearing,meetingonwaterwithdrawal
requests.WashingtonCrossingHistoricParkVisitorCenter,1112RiverRoad,Washington
Crossing,PA.1:30hearing,1:00meeting.
(
formalnotice,agenda
)
tol.
March11
budgethearing:11:00PUCConsumerAdvocate
andSmallBusinessAdvocate,1:00DepartmentofEnvironmentalProtection,3:00Public
UtilityCommission.Room140MainCapitol.
March11
DEPWebinaron
Act162StreamBufferImplementation
:10:00
RiparianBuffer
Equivalency
,1:00
RiparianBufferOffsets
..
March11
AgendaPosted
.
DEPCertificationProgramAdvisoryCommittee
meeting.Room
105RachelCarsonBuilding.9:00.
InternalProgramReviewReport
ExternalProgramReview
<>
ClickHere
March11
AgendaPosted
.
DEPLaboratoryAccreditationAdvisoryCommittee
.Bureauof
LaboratoriesBuilding,2575InterstateDr.,Harrisburg.9:30.
DiscussionofChangesToChapter252
DiscussionofNPDESTargetQLList
<>
ClickHere
March11
NEW
.
FriendsoftheWissahickon
ValleyTalk
FutureOfFairmountPark
.Valley
GreenInn,ValleyGreenRoadatWissachikon,Philadelphia.
March15
NEW
.
BrodheadWatershedAssociation
and
PoconoHeritageLandTrust
SpringTo
TheFallsWatershedWalk.TankCreekinParadiseTownship,MonroeCounty.Toregisterand
getdirections,callBWAat5708391120orPHLTat5704241514,orsendemailto:
info@phlt.org
.
March16
budgethearing:9:30GovernorsBudgetOffice,
1:00IndependentFiscalOffice.HearingRoom1NorthOfficeBuilding.
March16
budgethearing:1:30Departmentof
ConservationandNaturalResources.Room140MainCapitol.
March17
CANCELED.
EnvironmentalQualityBoard
meeting.Room105RachelCarson
Building.9:00.ThenextscheduledmeetingisApril21.
(
formalnotice
)
March17
AgendaPosted
.DEP
Building.10:00.
ReportByActingDEPSecretaryJohnQuigley
PresentationOnProposedBY201516DEPBudget
SusquehannaRiverWaterQualityMonitoringandAssessmentUpdate
PublicTestimonyonAct54DeepCoalMiningImpactReport
ClickHere
foracopyofDEPsMonthlyReportToTheCAC
<>
ClickHere
March18
HouseConsumerAffairsCommittee
holdsaninformationmeetingonthe,waterand
wastewaterindustries.Room60EastWing.9:30.
March18
DEPStateBoardforCertificationofSewageEnforcementOfficers
meeting.Room
11BConferenceRoom,RachelCarsonBuilding.10:00.
March18
DEPClimateChangeAdvisoryCommittee
Building.10:00.
(
formalnotice
)
March19
CANCELED.
DEPSmallWaterSystemsTechnicalAssistanceCenterBoard
.
Room105RachelCarsonBuilding.9:00.
(
formalnotice
)
March19
NEW
.
RainBarrelWorkshop.Four
MillsBarn,12MorrisRoad,Ambler.7:00p.m.
ClickHere
toregister.
March20
DEPOilandGasTechnicalAdvisoryBoard
Building.10:00.
(
formalnotice
)
March2225
68thAnnualPAParksandRecreationSocietyConference
.LancasterMarriott&
ConventionCenter.25SouthQueenSt.,Lancaster.
March23
budgethearing:9:30PublicUtilityCommission.
HearingRoom1NorthOfficeBuilding.
March23
HouseGameandFisheriesCommittee
informationalmeetingtoreceivetheGame
Commissionannualreport.Room60EastWing.10:00.
March24
DEPSewageAdvisoryCommittee
meeting.Room105RachelCarsonBuilding.
10:30.
March25
budgethearing:9:30Dept.ofEnvironmental
Protection.HearingRoom1NorthOfficeBuilding.
March25
budgethearing:9:30EmergencyManagement
Agency.Room140MainCapitol.
March25
NEW
.DEPhearingonTullytownLandfillPermitRenewal.FallsTownship
Building,188LincolnHighway,Suite100,FairlessHills,BucksCounty.69p.m.
ClickHere
formoreinformation.

March26
budgethearing:9:30BudgetSecretaryOfficeof
theGovernor,1:00HouseMemberTestimony.Room140MainCapitol.
March26
DEPConventionalOilandGasAdvisoryCommittee
meeting.Room105Rachel
CarsonBuilding.10:00.
(
formalnotice
)
March26
NEW
.DEPPeregrineFalconEducationWorkshop.Toregisterfortheworkshop,
sendemailtoAnnDevine,DEP,at
adevine@pa.gov
.
ClickHere
formoreinformation.
March26
NEW
.
RainGardenWorkshop.North
WalesLibrary,233S.SwartleyStreet,NorthWales.7:00p.m.
ClickHere
toregister.
March27
DEPCitizensAdvisoryCouncil
hearingontheAct5420082013Underground
CoalMiningImpactReport.DEPsCaliforniaDistrictMiningOffice,MonongahelaConference
Room,25TechnologyDrive,CaliforniaTechnologyPark,CoalCenter,PA.1:003:00.
Click
Here
formoreinformation.
March28
NEW
.
ChesapeakeBayFoundationPAQuittapahillWetlandPreserveTree
Planting
.QuittapahillaEducationalWetlandPreserve,170BirchRoad,Lebanon.9:00a.m.to
Noon
March31
HouseConsumerAffairsCommittee
informationalmeetingtohearpresentations
fromtheelectricandnaturalgasindustriesonpriorities.Room60EastWing.9:15.
March31
budgethearing:3:00Dept.ofAgriculture.
HearingRoom1NorthOfficeBuilding.
March31
DEPhearingonairqualitypermitforPerdueGrainandOilSeedFacilityin
LancasterCounty.BainbridgeFireHall,locatedat34South2ndSt.,Bainbridge.6:00to8:00
p.m.
ClickHere
formoreinformation.
April1
budgethearing:11:00Dept.ofConservationand
NaturalResources.HearingRoom1NorthOfficeBuilding.
April1
HouseAgricultureandRuralAffairsCommittee
informationalmeetingtoreceivea
presentationbytheSecretaryofAgricultureonhisbudgetandotherpriorities.Room140Main
Capitol.9:00.
April2
DEPRadiationProtectionAdvisoryCommittee
meeting.14thFloorConference
Room,RachelCarsonBuilding.9:00.
April2
DEPSolidWasteAdvisoryCommittee
meeting.Room105RachelCarsonBuilding.
10:00.
April7
NEW
.
PALeagueOfWomenVotersTributeToFranklinL.Kury
.ColonialRidge
CountryClub,4901LinglestownRoad,Harrisburg.7:00.
April8
CANCELED
.
DEPTechnicalAdvisoryCommitteeonDieselPoweredEquipment
meeting.DEPNewStantonOffice,131BroadviewRoad,NewStanton.10:00.
(
formalnotice
)
April13
EnvironmentalIssuesForum
,JointConservationCommitteetohearapresentationby
theChesapeakeBayFoundationPAontheeconomicbenefitsofcleaninguptheBay.LTBA.
Noon.
April15
DEP
StateBoardforCertificationofWaterandWastewaterSystemOperators
meeting.10thFloorConferenceRoom,RachelCarsonBuilding.10:00.
April15
DEPTechnicalAdvisoryCommitteeonDieselPoweredEquipment
meeting.DEP
NewStantonOffice,131BroadviewRoad,NewStanton.10:00.
(
formalnotice
)
April15
DEPAgriculturalAdvisoryBoard
meeting.DEPSouthcentralRegionalOffice,909
ElmertonAve.,Harrisburg.9:00.
(
formalnotice
)
April16
DEPAirQualityTechnicalAdvisoryCommittee
Building.9:15.
April21
DEPClimateChangeAdvisoryCommittee
Building.10:00.
April22
NEW
.EarthDay2015.
April22
DEPCleanupStandardsScientificAdvisoryBoard
meeting.Room105Rachel
April22
DEPSmallBusinessComplianceAdvisoryCommittee
meeting.12thFloor
ConferenceRoom,RachelCarsonBuilding.10:00.
April22
NEW
.
REIEarthDayEvent.PittsburghsSouthSide.Visit
PWPs
Eventswebpage
formoreinformation.
April23
DEPMiningandReclamationAdvisoryBoard
Building.10:00.
April23
DEPpublichearingonproposed
PPLWestPoconoNorthPocono230kVelectric
transmissionline
inLuzerneandLackawannacounties.ThornhurstTownshipVolunteerFire
Company,125RiverRoad,Thornhurst,LackawannaCounty.6:00.
(
PABulletinpage1023
)
April29
CANCELED
.
DEPMineFamiliesFirstResponseandCommunicationsAdvisory
Council
meeting.DEPMiningOffice,131BroadviewRd.,NewStanton.10:00.
(
formalnotice
)

April30
NEW
.
DEPSmallWaterSystemsTechnicalAssistanceCenterBoard
.Room105
RachelCarsonBuilding.9:00.
(
formalnotice
)
May6
2015PennsylvaniaGroundwaterSymposium
.RamadaInnConferenceCenter,State
College.
May6
DEPMineFamiliesFirstResponseandCommunicationsAdvisoryCouncil
meeting.
DEPMiningOffice,131BroadviewRd.,NewStanton.10:00.
(
formalnotice
)
May68
PAAssociationofEnvironmentalProfessionals
AnnualConference
.ToftreesResort,
StateCollege.
May79
PALandTrustAssn.
PALand&WaterConservationConference
.Wyndham,
Gettysburg.
May1315
DEPand
Engineers'SocietyofWesternPennsylvania
2015Pennsylvania
BrownfieldsConference
.ErieBayfrontConventionCenter,Erie.
May1417
NEW
.
PAOutdoorWritersAssociation
SpringConference.SevenSprings
MountainResort,Somerset.
ClickHere
formoreinformation.
May17
NEW
.
NorthParkLake,AlleghenyCountyCleanup.Visit
PWPs
Eventswebpage
formoreinformation.
May19
DEPEnvironmentalJusticeAdvisoryBoard
meeting.DelawareRoom,16thFloor,
RachelCarsonBuilding.8:30.
May28
DEPCertificationProgramAdvisoryCommittee
Building.9:00.
June3
DEPCoastalZoneAdvisoryCommittee
meeting.10thFloorConference,Rachel
June9
DEPBoardofCoalMineSafety
meeting.DEPCambriaOffice,286IndustrialPark
Rd.,Ebensburg.10:00.
June24
DEPLaboratoryAccreditationAdvisoryCommittee
.BureauofLaboratoriesBuilding,
2575InterstateDr.,Harrisburg.9:30.
July22
DEPCertificationProgramAdvisoryCommitteeforWaterandWastewaterSystems
Operators
meeting.14thFloor,RachelCarsonBuilding.9:00.
(
formalnotice
)
September1620
NEW
.NationalTroutUnlimitedMeeting.CenterCityHiltonHoteland
ConventionCenter,Scranton.
ClickHere
formoreinformation.

September2022
2015GreenwaysandTrailsSummit
.HolidayInnandAllegheny
CommunityCenter,Warren.
September24
DEP
RecyclingFundAdvisoryCommittee
&
SolidWasteAdvisoryCommittee
meeting.Room105RachelCarsonBuilding.10:00.
October2
DEPLowLevelWasteAdvisoryCommittee
.Room105RachelCarsonBuilding.
10:00.
October2830
2015PartnershipforSafeWater
2015WaterSystemOptimizationConference
hostedbythe
PennsylvaniaSectionAmericanWaterWorksAssociation
.
VisitDEPs
PublicParticipationCenter
forinformationonhowyoucan
BeInformed!
and
Get
Involved!
inDEPregulationandguidancedevelopmentprocess.
DEPRegulationsInProcess
ProposedRegulationsOpenForComment
DEPwebpage
ProposedRegulationsWithClosedCommentPeriods
DEPwebpage
RecentlyFinalizedRegulations
DEPwebpage
DEPRegulatoryUpdate
DEPwebpage
DEPTechnicalGuidanceInProcess
DraftTechnicalGuidanceDocuments
DEPwebpage
TechnicalGuidanceCommentDeadlines
DEPwebpage
RecentlyClosedCommentPeriodsForTechnicalGuidance
DEPwebpage
TechnicalGuidanceRecentlyFinalized
DEPwebpage
CopiesofFinalTechnicalGuidance
DEPwebpage
OtherDEPProposalsForPublicReview
OtherProposalsOpenForPublicComment
DEPwebpage
RecentlyClosedCommentPeriodsForOtherProposals
DEPwebpage
OtherProposalsRecentlyFinalized
DEPwebpage
ClickHere
forlinkstoDEPsAdvisoryCommitteewebpages.
DEPCalendarofEvents
DCNRCalendarofEvents
Note:
TheEnvironmentalEducationWorkshopCalendarisnolongeravailablefromthePA
CenterforEnvironmentalEducationbecausefundingfortheCenterwaseliminatedintheFY
201112statebudget.ThePCEEwebsitewasalsoshutdown,butsomecontentwasmovedto
the
PAAssociationofEnvironmentalEducators'
website.
SenateCommitteeSchedule
HouseCommitteeSchedule
Youcanwatchthe
SenateFloorSession
and
HouseFloorSession
liveonline.
AddGreenWorksInPAToYourGoogle+Circle
Grants&Awards
Thissectiongivesyouaheadsuponupcomingdeadlinesforawardsandgrantsandother
recognitionprograms.
NEW
meansnewfromlastweek.
March13
PAAmericanWaterEnvironmentalGrantProgram
March13
EPAPresidentialInnovationAwardForEnvironmentalEducators
March16
PAAmericanWaterStreamOfLearningScholarships
March20
WRENSourceWaterProtectionCollaborativeGrants
March20
NEW
.
TreeVitalizePittsburghGrants
March20
PAWildsChampionsAwards
March21
PAEPKarlMasonAndWalterLyonAwards
March27
PECO/NaturalLandsTrustGreenRegionGrants
March31
AbandonedMineReclamationConferenceFilmFestival
March31
DEPHostMunicipalityWasteInspectorReimbursementGrants
March31
DelawareHighlandsConservancyYeamanStudentScholarship
March31
DEPCleanDieselGrants
April5
DCNRECOCamp,StudentsInterestedInEnvironmentalCareers
April10
PAAmericanWaterProtectOurWatershedsStudentArtContest
April10
NationalParkServiceChesapeakeRiverAccessGrants
April15
DEPSmallBusinessAdvantageGrants
(oruntilfundsrunout)
April15
NEW
.
RecyclingPartnershipMunicipalRecyclingGrants
April15
NEW
.
GloriaBarronPrizeForYoungHeroesNominations
April16
DCNRCommunityConservationPartnershipGrants
June30
CFAWatershedRestorationProtectionGrants
June30
CFAAbandonedMineDrainageAbatementandTreatmentGrants
June30
CFABaselineWaterQualityDataGrants
June30
CFAOrphanorAbandonedWellPluggingGrants
June30
CFASewageFacilitiesGrants
June30
CFAFloodMitigationGrants
June30
CFAGreenways,TrailsandRecreationGrants
June30
DEPAlternativeFuelVehicleRebates
(oruntilrebatesrunout)
July10
PROPRecyclingFilmFestival
July30
TreeVitalizeInventory,PlantingGrants
September12
PPFFStateParksandForestsThroughTheSeasonPhotoContest
September30
DEPRecyclingPerformanceGrants
October31
PAResourcesCouncilLensOnLitterPhotoContest
Visitthe
DEPGrantsandLoanProgramswebpage
formoreideasonhowtogetfinancial
assistanceforenvironmentalprojects.
GeneralEnvironmental/BudgetNewsClips
Here'saselectionofNewsClipsonenvironmentaltopicsfromaroundthestate
March5DEPNews
Budget
DCNRStillReliesOnGasRoyaltiesInWolfBudget
WolfBudgetIncludes$100KForMarcellusHealthRegistry
WolfDefendsBudget,SaysHesSolvingDecadesOldProblems
WolfsBudgetPlanSeenAsHavingAlmostNoChance
WolfSeeksBillionsInHigherTaxesForSchools,TaxRevamp
ItemsThatWouldNowBeCoveredBySalesTax
Other
WesternPATeamsCompeteInAnnualScienceBowl
PennDOTNeedsVolunteersForGreatAmericanCleanupOfPA
PennDOTLookingForVolunteersForGreatAmericanCleanupOfPA
IllegalDumpCleanUpEffortsStartInPotterCounty
Editorial:DEPFacesKeystoneLandfillSmellTest
DEP:Air,WaterTestAtSchottFireComeBackClean
AlleghenyOfficialsTrainCameraOnNevilleIslandCokePlant
RadioactiveWasteStoredAtOrdnanceWorksInLycomingCounty
RenewableEnergyCreditsRoseLastYear,ButIsItEnough?
SolarJobsInPALagBehindNationalFigures
CMUSetToSaveMillionsInEnergyCostsAnnually
ShiftInElectricGenerationRaisesConcernsForGrid
WhatKilledFirstEnergysCoalPlants?
StateNeedsBetterDataOnMineSubsidenceStudyFinds
PECGuideHopesToEncourageSmallHydroInPA
ConcurrentTechnologiesDevelopingBatteries,ElectricCars
RenewablePowerDeveloperBuysSolarGridStorageFirm
MadeInPA:SolarInnovationsLetTheSunShineIn
Editorial:SignsOfBillboardTroubleAhead
SouthMountainSpeakersSeriesToOpenMarch10
SnowmobilersEnjoyPrimeTrailConditions
50thAnniversaryOfTheWildernessAct,NorthCountryTrail
New2.6MileTrailInMilfordGetsABoost
3KayakersOverCucumberFallsInOhiopyle
DahlkemperSeekingSupportforErieMarineSanctuary
PresqueIsleBayIceBadForSomeBirds
BaldEagleNestDisturbanceBiggestThreatToEagles
EaglesGatheringToFeedOnEriesBayfront
DEPsNewsClipswebpage
ClickHere
ThelatestenvironmentalNewsClipsandnewsisavailableatthe
PAEnvironmentDigestDaily
Blog
,
TwitterFeed
and
addustoyour
Google+Circle
.
MarcellusShaleNewsClips
HereareNewsClipsontopicsrelatedtoMarcellusShalenaturalgasdrilling
WolfToShowHowDEPWillChallengeDrillingIndustry
DrillingEnforcementGetsBoostInBudget
SunocoWithdrawsPublicUtilityPetitionsForMarinerEastPipeline
SunocoBacksDownInPipelineZoningFight
PennEastPipelineConsultantConnectionsQuestioned
PennEastPipelineOpponentsQuestionDrexelStudy
PipelineOpponentsTargetDrexelUniversity
Cumberland,PerryPipelineAwarenessGroupMeetsMarch9
NationalFuelGasPipelineApproved
JudgeSidesWithDrillerInFrackingCase
ProposalToCutDemandForNaturalGasHasUtilitiesOnEdge
InvenergyMakesPitchForNaturalGasPowerPlantInNE
NaturalGasServicesIsMostlyRestoredInCalifornia,PA
NaturalGasRoyaltiesLawsuitHingesOnTransactionDate
FederalJurySaysGasCompanyShortedOwnersOnRoyalties
ShaleBoomABustForSomeWesternPATowns
UGITrimsResidentialGasRates3.8percent,CreditsMarcellusGas
UGIGasRatesDropDespiteColdSnap
1.5MillionAtRiskInPAForCrudeOilDerailment
MillionsLiveInOilTrainEvacuationZonesInP
A
GroupsHighlightRiskOfOilTrainDerailmentsInPittsburgh
OilTrainRoutes,RisksStillUnclear
GroupsWarnOfAccidentPotentialFromCrudeOilTrains
OilTrainDerails,BurstsIntoFlamesInIllinois
IllinoisOilTrainDerailmentHadSaferTankCars
WhiteHouseDeferredToN.DakotaOnOilTrainSafety
OpEd:TheRisingRiskOfTrainExplosions
OpEd:PipelinesAreSaferAlternativeToOilTrains
OpEd:OilTrainsYesOrNo?LessonInRiskCommunications
Editorial:ProtectPublicFromRailOilShipments
Editorial:OilBoomsShouldntBeLiterallySo
Editorial:MonYoughCommunitiesNeedRailDisasterPlans
LowPricesMeanDarkDaysForPAOilProducers
PittsburghGasolinePricesUpNearly9Cents
Financial/OtherStates
USGS:FrackingWaterQualityDataScarce
U.S.RunningOutOfRoomToStoreOil?
ExxonCEO:LowOilPricesHereToStay
U.S.SenateFailsToOverrideObamaKeystoneXLPipelineVeto
Blog
,
TwitterFeed
and
addustoyour
Google+Circle
.
Watershed/FloodingNewsClips
HereareNewsClipsonwatershedtopicsfromaroundthestate
Flooding
PennDOT:RoadClosuresInWesternPADueToFlooding
Fayette,WestmorelandHitByFlooding,Snow
CommunitiesAffectedByIceJamOnYoughioghenyRiver
OtherWatershedNewsClips
Editorial:EPAMandateApproachAWashoutInLancaster
BradfordToLiftEmergencyDeclarationOverWater
ClearWaterConservancyWatershedCleanupDayApril25
PECGuideHopesToEncourageSmallHydroInPA
LatestFromTheChesapeakeBayJournal
Blog
,
TwitterFeed
and
addustoyour
Google+Circle
.
Regulations,TechnicalGuidance&Permits
Nonewregulationswerepublishedthisweek.
PennsylvaniaBulletinMarch7,2015
DEPRegulationsInProcess
ProposedRegulationsOpenForComment
DEPwebpage
ProposedRegulationsWithClosedCommentPeriods
DEPwebpage
RecentlyFinalizedRegulations
DEPwebpage
DEPRegulatoryUpdate
DEPwebpage
TechnicalGuidance&Permits
TheDepartmentofEnvironmentalProtection
publishednotice
ofbondrateguidelinesfor
calculationoflandreclamationbondsand
noticeofrates
tobeusedforcalculatinglongterm
operationandmaintenanceforreplacementwatersupplies.
DEPalsopublishednoticerescindingandwithdrawinganumberofenforcementrelated
technicalguidancedocumentsrelatingtotheCleanStreamsLaw.Thelistfollows
Final:DEPID:3832300002.
Title:TrainingProviderManualforthePennsylvaniaWaterand
WastewaterSystemOperatorTrainingProgram.Description:Thisguidanceprovides
instructionstoprivatetrainingprovidersonhowtoapplytobecomeanapprovedprovider
(sponsor)ofwaterandwastewatertraininginPennsylvaniaandhowtoobtainapprovalof
trainingcoursestaughttoPennsylvaniawaterandwastewateroperators.Themanualdescribes
sponsorresponsibilities,courseguidelinesandotherelementsofthePennsylvaniawaterand
wastewatertrainingapprovalprocess.Substantiverevisionsweremadetotheguidancetoupdate
applicationformsandinstructionstoreflecttheelectronictrainingapprovalsystem.This
guidancewaspublishedasdraftat44Pa.B.5628(August23,2014),fora30daycomment
period.Fourteencommentswerereceivedfromfourcommentators.Minorrevisionstothedraft
technicalguidancedocumentresultingfromthepubliccommentsaredescribedinan
accompanyingCommentResponseDocument.Contact:WilliamMcNamara,7177056350,
wmcnamara@pa.gov
.EffectiveDate:March7,2015.
Rescission:DEPID:2535700632.
Title:CommunityRelationsActivitiesfortheState
HazardousSitesCleanupProgramandtheFederalSuperfundProgram.Description:Thecontent
andscopeofthisdocumentarenolongerrelevantbecausecontentsofthisguidancearecovered
byinternaloperatingprocedures.Contact:WalterHarner,7177871915,
wharner@pa.gov
.
Title:PreparationoftheAnalysisofAlternativesand
ProposedResponseDocumentunderHSCA.Description:Thecontentandscopeofthis
documentarenolongerrelevantbecausecontentsofthisguidancearecoveredbyinternal
operatingprocedures.Contact:WalterHarner,7177871915,
wharner@pa.gov
.
Title:GuidanceforCivilPenaltiesCalculationsfor
EffluentViolations.Description:Thepreviouslyreferencedtechnicalguidancedocumentsde
scribemethodsforassessingcivilpenaltiesundersection605ofTheCleanStreamsLaw(35P.
S.691.605)thatarenolongerusedbytheDepartment.Newproceduresforassessingcivil
penaltiesunderTheCleanStreamsLaw(35P.S.691.1691.1001)developedbythe
DepartmentarecontainedininternalStandardOperatingProceduresandthecontinued
availabilityofthetechnicalguidancemaycreateconfusion.Contact:PaulCurry,7177724009,
pcurry@pa.gov
.
Title:CivilPenaltyAssessmentProcedureforPollution
Incidents.Description:Thepreviouslyreferencedtechnicalguidancedocumentsdescribe
methodsforassessingcivilpenaltiesundersection605ofTheCleanStreamsLawthatareno
longerusedbytheDepartment.NewproceduresforassessingcivilpenaltiesunderTheClean
StreamsLawdevelopedbytheDepartmentarecontainedininternalStandardOperating
Proceduresandthecontinuedavailabilityofthetechnicalguidancemaycreateconfusion.
Contact:PaulCurry,7177724009,
pcurry@pa.gov
.
Title:GuidanceforCalculationofCivilPenaltiesfor
Willfulness.Description:Thepreviouslyreferencedtechnicalguidancedocumentsdescribe
methodsforassessingcivilpenaltiesundersection605ofTheCleanStreamsLawthatareno
longerusedbytheDepartment.NewproceduresforassessingcivilpenaltiesunderTheClean
StreamsLawdevelopedbytheDepartmentarecontainedininternalStandardOperating
Proceduresandthecontinuedavailabilityofthetechnicalguidancemaycreateconfusion.
Contact:PaulCurry,7177724009,
pcurry@pa.gov
.
DraftTechnicalGuidanceWithdrawn:DEPID:3624180001.
Title:GuidanceforCivil
PenaltyCalculationsforEffluentViolations(Draft,June20,2009).Description:Thepreviously
referenceddrafttechnicalguidancedocumentsweredevelopedwiththeintentionofreplacing
exitingtechnicalguidanceforassessingcivilpenaltiesundersection605ofTheCleanStreams
Law.However,theDepartmentiswithdrawingthesedraftdocumentsbecausetheprocedures
describedthereinwillnotbeusedbytheDepartment.Contact:PaulCurry,7177724009,
pcurry@pa.gov
.
DraftTechnicalGuidanceWithdrawn:DEPID:3624180002.
Title:CivilPenalty
CalculationProcedureforPollutionIncidents(Draft,June20,2009).Description:Thepreviously
referenceddrafttechnicalguidancedocumentsweredevelopedwiththeintentionofreplacing
exitingtechnicalguidanceforassessingcivilpenaltiesundersection605ofTheCleanStreams
Law.However,theDepartmentiswithdrawingthesedraftdocumentsbecausetheprocedures
describedthereinwillnotbeusedbytheDepartment.Contact:PaulCurry,7177724009,
pcurry@pa.gov
.
DEPTechnicalGuidanceInProcess
DraftTechnicalGuidanceDocuments
DEPwebpage
TechnicalGuidanceCommentDeadlines
DEPwebpage
RecentlyClosedCommentPeriodsForTechnicalGuidance
DEPwebpage
TechnicalGuidanceRecentlyFinalized
DEPwebpage
CopiesofFinalTechnicalGuidance
DEPwebpage
OtherDEPProposalsForPublicReview
OtherProposalsOpenForPublicComment
DEPwebpage
RecentlyClosedCommentPeriodsForOtherProposals
DEPwebpage
OtherProposalsRecentlyFinalized
DEPwebpage
VisitDEPsnew
PublicParticipationCenter
forinformationonhowyoucan
BeInformed!
and
GetInvolved!
inDEPregulationandguidancedevelopmentprocess.
ClickHere
forlinkstoDEPsAdvisoryCommitteewebpages.
DEPCalendarofEvents
CLICKHEREToPrintEntirePAEnvironmentDigest
CLICKHERE
toPrintTheEntirePAEnvironmentDigest.
StoriesInvited
Sendyourstories,photosandlinkstovideosaboutyourproject,environmentalissuesor
programsforpublicationinthe
PAEnvironmentDigest
to:
DHess@CrisciAssociates.com
.
PAEnvironmentDigest
iseditedbyDavidE.Hess,formerSecretaryPennsylvaniaDepartment
ofEnvironmentalProtection,andispublishedasaserviceof
CrisciAssociates
,a
HarrisburgbasedgovernmentandpublicaffairsfirmwhoseclientsincludeFortune500
companiesandnonprofitorganizations.
Didyouknowyoucansearch10yearsofbackissuesofthePAEnvironmentDigestondozens
oftopics,bycountyandonanykeywordyouchoose?
Justclickonthesearchpage
.
PAEnvironmentDigest
weeklywasthewinnerofthePAAssociationofEnvironmental
Educators'
2009BusinessPartneroftheYearAward
.
SupportingMemberPAOutdoorWritersAssn./PATroutUnlimited
PAEnvironmentDigest
isasupportingmemberofthe
PennsylvaniaOutdoorWriters
Association
,
PennsylvaniaCouncilTroutUnlimited
andthe
DocFritcheyChapterTrout
Unlimited
.

Pa Environment Digest March 9, 2015

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 March 9, 2015

Enviado por

Direitos autorais:

Formatos disponíveis

PAEnvironmentDigest

Você também pode gostar