Pa Environment Digest Jan. 12, 2015

PAEnvironmentDigest
AnUpdateOnEnvironmentalIssuesInPA
EditedBy:DavidE.Hess,CrisciAssociates
Winner2009PAEEBusinessPartnerOfTheYearAward
Harrisburg,PaJanuary12,2015
Analysis:ThePublicHasARightToMeaningfulParticipationInPolicyMaking
Thepublichasarighttomeaningfulparticipationinpermitreviewsandpolicymakingwithin
theDepartmentofEnvironmentalProtection.Itsoundssimple,butitsnot.
OverthelasttwoyearsDEPs18memberCitizensAdvisoryCouncilhasmadeaseries
ofrecommendationsforimprovingpublicparticipationinpermitreviews,inthedevelopmentof
technicalguidanceandregulationsandintheuseoftheagencysadvisorycommittees.
SomeofthoserecommendationswereacceptedbyDEPandresultedinthecreationofa
newtoolslikethePublicParticipationCenteronDEPswebsitewhichbringstogethermanyof
theagencyspublicparticipationopportunitiesinoneplace.
Someoftherecommendationswerenotacceptedortheirfateisunknown.
TheincomingWolfAdministrationandtheindividualnamedbyGov.ElectWolftobe
SecretaryofDEPwillfindareadysetofchangestheycanmaketoimprovepublicparticipation
waitingonhisorherdeskbyreviewingtheworkdonebytheCouncil.
PermitReviews
InJuly2013theCACsubmittedrecommendationstoDEPforchangesinitsPolicyOn
PublicParticipationinthePermitReviewProcesscoveringnutsandboltsissueslikefilereview
requestsatDEPoffices,adequatenoticeforpublichearingsandwhenpermitapplicationshave
beenchangedenoughtoputthemoutforreviewagain.
DEPdidmakeanumberofchanges,includingdevelopinganewbrochuretoinformthe
publichowandwhentheycanbepartofthepermitreviewprocess,butotherCouncil
recommendationswerenotadoptedorCouncildidnotreceivefeedbackonthesuggestions.
Theyincluded
PublicReviewofChangesInPermit:Allowingforanadditional10daysofpublicreviewif
newinformationwhichsubstantiallychangesapermitapplicationisaddedtoapermitfileby
eithertheapplicantorDEPandallowthepublictherighttoreviewthatinformationunderthe
Departmentsfilereviewproceduresintimetocomment
DefineSignificantChangesInAPermitApplication:Addadefinitionforsubstantially
changes,whichwastakenoutoftherevisedpolicy,togivefurtherguidancetoDEPinmaking
itsdecisiontoaddmorepublicreviewtime.Asubstantialchangewouldincludeanincreaseof
30percentormoreinthesizeofthefacilityoractivity,amaterialchangeinthelocationofthe
project,achangeinthematerialsusedintheprojectthatwouldincreaseitsenvironmental
impactandamaterialincreaseintheenvironmentalimpactoftheproject,amongotherfactors
DefiningRoleOfInformalConferences:Furtherdefiningwheninformalconferencesare
usedinthepublicparticipationprocess,clarifyingwhoisallowedtoattendandrecommendinga
formalrecordoftheconferencesshouldbekept
TrainingDEPStaff:RecommendsDEPprovidestaffwithtrainingonpublicparticipation
procedures.
TechnicalGuidance&Regulations
FromMarchthroughMay2013theCACreviewedtheprocessforinvolvingthepublicin
thedevelopmentoftechnicalguidanceandregulations,takingtheaddedstepofextendingan
invitationtothepublicandmembersofDEPs22activeadvisorycommitteesaskingfortheir
ideas.
Thefinalreportincludedoveradozenrecommendationsforimprovingtheprocess.
AmongthoserecommendationsnotadoptedorrespondedtobyDEPwere
PublicParticipationPlan:TheCouncilrecommendsDEPdevelopaPublicParticipation
Planforsignificantregulationandguidancechangeswhichincludesearlyidentificationof
interestedandaffectmembersofthepublic,identificationofthespecificpublicoutreachtoolsit
willusetodevelopandsolicitpubliccommentsonthechange,i.e.informalorformal
stakeholdergroups,workgroups,advisorycommittees,publicmeetingsandhearings,
appropriatesupportingdocuments,whitepapersandpresentations,bothonlineandhardcopy,
specialwebpagesandatimelineforactivities,includingrespondingtocommentsandpresenting
thefinalproduct.
PolicyAgenda/PolicyUpdate:PresentlyDEPdoesnothaveaTechnicalGuidanceAgenda
whichlaysoutthepoliciestheagencyplanstodevelopineachprogramoverthecomingsix
months,liketheRegulatoryAgendadoesforregulatorydevelopmentandthereshouldbe.
eNOTICE:DEPseNOTICEemailnotificationservicehasnotbeenupdatedinmorethan10
yearsandshouldbemademuchmoreuserfriendly.Thecurrentsystemnotifiesindividualswho
havesignedupfortheservicenoticebyemail.Ataminimum,theserviceshouldbechangedto
consistentlynotifyusersoftheopportunitytocommentonallregulationsandalltechnical
guidancechangesandtheirfinaldisposition.
StaffTraining/EvaluationOfPublicParticipationEfforts:Animportantpartof
implementinganypublicparticipationpolicyistoprovidetrainingtoprogramstaffonthetools
availabletoencouragepublicparticipation,thebasicpoliciesandprinciplesbehindtheagencys
publicparticipationprogramandtheseriousnesswithwhichtheagencybelievesinpublic
participationanditsvaluetotheagencyinimprovingthequalityandeffectivenessofthe
regulationsandtechnicalguidanceitpublishes.DEPshouldalsoperiodicallyreviewthe
individualapplicationofitspublicparticipationtoolstodeterminehoweffectivetheyarein
encouragingrealpublicparticipation.
InappropriateUseOfTechnicalGuidance:Theuseoftechnicalguidancewhichfunctionas
regulationswasraisedbythecommentsreceivedbyCouncil,specificallywithrespectto
guidancedocumentsissuedbyDEPcreatingexemptionsfromthefullpermittingprocessfor
sourcesofairpollution.Althoughguidancedocumentsfrequentlyhaveaprovisionsayingthe
policiesandproceduresoutlinedinguidancedocumentsshouldnotaffectregulatory
requirements,theCouncilagreestechnicalguidanceshouldnotbetreatedasregulationsby
agencystaff.TheCounciladvisestheDepartmentofthisconcernandasksforitsresponseon
thisissue.
CouncilpreparedaComment/Responsedocumentrespondingtoallcommentsreceived
asaresultoftheinvitationforcomments.
UseOfAdvisoryCommittees
FromAugusttoNovember2014theCitizensAdvisoryCouncilevaluatedtheexisting
1998guidanceoutliningproceduresforDEPinteractionwithandmanagementoftheagencys
22advisorycommittees.
CouncilsurveyedeachofthecommitteesonissueslikehoweffectivelywasDEPusing
thecommittee,didtheygetadequatetimetoreviewproposalsgiventothemandaskedfortheir
recommendationsonimprovingtheprocess.Eighteenofthe22committeesrespondedtothe
survey.
Asafollowup,CouncilinvitedtheChairsofeachofthecommitteestoaroundtable
discussionoftheseissuesinOctober.
Overall,advisorycommitteesreportedapositiveexperiencewithDEPandthoughtthey
hadmademeaningfulcontributionstothedevelopmentofguidanceandregulations.Itwas
clear,however,thatexperiencesdifferedbetweencommittees.
TheresultofthisinitiativewasareportadoptedinNovemberoutliningaseriesof
recommendationsonimprovingthemanagementandinteractionswithadvisorycommittees.
ThoserecommendationsnotadoptedorrespondedtobyDEPincluded
IdentifyingGapsAndRedundancy:TheresponsibilitiesofexistingAdvisoryCommittees
shouldbereviewedtoidentifygapsandredundancybothinthescopeoftheirresponsibilities
andinthetypesofissuesgiventoCommitteesforreview.Forexample,thechangesproposedto
DEPsOilandGasProgramenforcementpolicywasnotreviewedbyanyAdvisoryCommittee.
FormalReviewOfRegulatoryPrograms:DEPshouldestablishaformalprogramto
regularlyreviewexistingregulations,technicalguidanceandagencyprogramsforeffectiveness
andefficiencyandwhetherDEPhasadequateresourcestocarryoutitsresponsibilitiesand
statutorymandates.
EstablishAndShareBestPractices:Therearestillsomesignificantgapstocloseinbasic
AdvisoryCommitteeadministrativeprocedures,suchasgettingCommitteemembersmeeting
materialsinenoughtimeforameaningfulreviewandpostingthemontheCommitteewebpage,
collaborativelysettingAdvisoryCommitteeagendasandhavinghigherlevelDEPstaffattend
meetingssomemberscanhavedirectdiscussionswithdecisionmakers.
ApplyAdvisoryGuidelinesToAllFormalAdvisoryGroups:DEPhasestablishedformal
advisorygroupsliketheRegionalRoundtablesandtheChesapeakeBayManagementTeamthat
arenotusingtheexistingguidelinestoprovidenoticeofmeetingsandpostingmeetingmaterials
andtheyshould.
EstablishATechnicalGuidanceAgenda:DEPshouldcreateaTechnicalGuidanceAgenda,
liketheRegulatoryAgenda,togivethepublicmoreinformationaboutwhichpoliciestheagency
islookingtoupdateorcreate(suggestedasecondtime).
Thepublichastherighttoameaningfulopportunitytobeinvolvedinpermitreviewsand
policymakingattheDepartmentofEnvironmentalProtection.Meaningfulpublicparticipation
canidentifyissuesoverlookedbytheagencyandhelpaddressrealconcernsinacommunityor
industrysector.
Withouttheopportunitytoparticipateandsharerealinformation,thepublicbeginsto
loseitsfaithintheabilityoftheagencytodoitsjobofprotectingpublichealthandthe
environment.
Yes,intheend,DEPwillmakeitsdecisionbasedonthelawsitoperatesunderandthe
factsastheyseethemandthosedecisionscanbethenbechallengedattheEnvironmental
HearingBoardandinstatecourtifnecessary.
But,wouldntitbebettertohaveeverythingonthetablebeforeadecisionismade?
Thatswhatmeaningfulpublicparticipationisallabout.
CBFReport:ChesapeakeBayWaterQualityImproves,FisheriesDecline
TheChesapeakeBayFoundationsbiennialStateoftheBayReportisamixofgoodandbad
news.Thegoodnewsisthattheoverallpollutionscoreimproved,butthatimprovementwas
offsetbydeclinesinfisheries.
Whilewecancelebratewaterqualityimprovements,wemustalsoacknowledgethat
manylocalrivers,streams,andtheChesapeakeBayarestillpolluted.Theyremainasystem
dangerouslyoutofbalance,saidCBFPresidentWilliamC.Baker.TheCleanWaterBlueprint
isinplaceandworking,buttherearedangersignsahead.Thestatesmustpickupthepaceof
reducingpollution,especiallyfromfarmsandurbanareas.
The2014StateoftheBayReportisacomprehensivemeasureoftheBay'shealth.CBF
scientistscompileandexaminethebestavailablehistoricalanduptodateinformationfor13
indicatorsinthreecategories:pollution,habitat,andfisheries.
CBFscientistsassigneachindicatoranindexscorebetween1and100.Takentogether,
theseindicatorsofferanassessmentofBayhealth.
The2014reportscoreis32,aD+,unchangedfromthe2012score.Thereportnotes
improvementsindissolvedoxygen,waterclarity,oysters,andunderwatergrasses.Nitrogen,
toxics,shad,resourcelands,forestedbuffers,andwetlandswereunchanged.Declineswereseen
inscoresforphosphorus,androckfish,andbluecrabs.
Thisyearsscoreisstillfarshortofthegoalof70,whichwouldrepresentasavedBay.
TheunspoiledBayecosystemdescribedbyCaptainJohnSmithinthe1600s,withitsextensive
forestsandwetlands,clearwater,abundantfishandoysters,andlushgrowthsofsubmerged
vegetationservesasthebenchmark,andwouldratea100onCBF'sscale.
WeknowthatbudgetsaretightinallthemajorChesapeakeBaystateshowever
pollutionhascostthousandsofjobsandcontinuestoputhumanhealthatrisk,Bakersaid.In
addition,ourrecenteconomicreportfoundthatinvestingintheCleanWaterBlueprintwill
returnsignificanteconomicbenefitstotheregion.OncetheBlueprintisfullyimplemented,the
economicbenefitsthroughouttheregionwillincreaseby$22billionannually.
TheCleanWaterBlueprintrequiresallofusinalltheBaystatestoratchetdown
pollutiontolocalcreeks,rivers,andtheBay.Stateandlocalgovernmentsareresponsiblefor
achievingspecific,measurablereductions.
Thestatesaretohavetheprogramsinplaceby2025torestorewaterquality,withan
interimgoalof60percentofthoseprogramsinplaceby2017,justtwoyearsfromnow.Ifthe
statesfail,theymaylosefederalfundingorbedeniedfederalpermits.
WehaveneverbeforehadthislevelofaccountabilityandtransparencyinBay
restorationefforts,Bakersaid.ThisisindeedTHEmomentintimefortheBay.Ourchildren
andgrandchildrencaninheritarestoredChesapeakeBay,butonlyifwecontinuethehardwork
andinvestmentsthatwillleadtosuccess.
Tomeettheirpollutionreductiongoals,theBaystatesarerelyingheavilyonreducing
pollutionfromagriculture.Unfortunately,whilefarmersarereducingpollutiontheregionisnot
ontracktomeetits2017goals.
Pennsylvania
TheCommonwealthfacessubstantialshortfallsinreducingpollutedrunofffrom
agricultureandurbanareas.CBFPAisworkingto:
EnsuretheDepartmentofEnvironmentalProtection,CountyConservationDistricts,andlocal
partnersworktoassurerobustoutreachandeducation,technicalandfinancialassistance,and
compliancewithstatewaterqualitylawsandregulationsbyfarmersandurban/suburban
communitiesintheCommonwealth.
Itisestimatedthatasubstantialpercentageoffarmsstillarelackingrequiredpollution
preventionandreductionplansandhavelongwaitsforassistance.Inaddition,recentauditsby
theU.S.EnvironmentalProtectionAgencyhavefoundsubstantialshortfallsbycommunities
requiredtoaddresspollutedrunoff.
Promoteneweffortstoacceleratetheplantingofforestbuffersandothercorepollution
reducingpractices.InPennsylvaniaforestedstreambufferswereestablishedatarateofsixacres
perdayfrom2009to2013,butmustincreasetoarateoffiftyacresperdaythrough2017to
meetthegoaltheCommonwealthset.
UpdatePennsylvaniasPhosphorusIndextoreduceoverapplicationofphosphorusfertilizer
onfarmfieldsthatcanpollutestreamsandtheBay.
ConvincetheDEPtolisttheLowerSusquehannaRiverasimpairedduetothecontinued
problemsfacingthesmallmouthbasspopulation.
TheStateoftheBayReportisnotonlyareflectionofthehealthoftheBay,butalsoof
localriversandstreams,saidCBFsPennsylvaniaExecutiveDirectorHarryCampbell.Nearly
onequarterofourstreamsandriversarelistedasimpaired,damagedbypollution.Thatis
unacceptableandputsourhealthandsafetyatrisk.Pollutedrunofffromagricultureand
urban/suburbanareasaresignificantcontributorstothatdamage.
Acopyofthereportisavailableonline.
NewsClips:
UpdateOnHealthOfChesapeakeBay
Report:PANeedsToControlFarmRunoff,Stormwater
Report:HealthOfChesapeakeBay,LocalStreamsRemainsPoor
ShiverFestToOfferADifferentLookAtLackawannaRiver
Editorial:GardensFromGivers,TheMonIsDrinkable
LancasterReceivesEPATopScoreForPretreatmentProgram
CovantaChesterFacilitySaves1.3MGallonsOfWaterPerDay
ScrantonSewerAuthorityExploringPrivateManagement
PASetToLoseMillionsInFederalFarmlandFunding
LatestFromTheChesapeakeBayJournal
CommonwealthCourtUpholdsTransferOfOilAndGasFunds
CommonwealthCourtWednesdayissuedanopinioninalawsuitbroughtbythePA
EnvironmentalDefenseFundandothergroupsupholdingtherightoftheGeneralAssemblyand
theGovernortotransfermoniesfromDCNRsOilandGasFundtotheGeneralFundandto
supportDCNRStateParkandStateForestoperations.
ThedecisionalsoupholdstheprovisionsoftheFiscalCodebillpassedinJulydirecting
DCNRtoleaseadditionallandsfordrillingtobringin$95millioninadditionalstaterevenuefor
theGeneralFund.
BudgetSecretaryCharlesZogbyalreadysaidinDecemberhedidnotthinkthestate
wouldseeanyofthatrevenueinFY201415leavingthequestionofadditionaldrillingupto
Gov.ElectWolf.
JohnChilde,anattorneyforPEDFtoldthePittsburghPostGazette,theywillappealthe
ruling.
PatrickHenderson,theGovernorsEnergyExecutive,saidtheAdministrationslawyers
arestillreviewingtheopinion,buthecalledthedecisionaveryresoundingvictoryforthe
authorityofboththeexecutiveandthelegislativebranch,inastorybythePostGazette.
Wereappreciative,pleased,butnotsurprisedwiththerulingsimplybecauseweve
alwaysbelievedthatthiswasamatterofpolicychoicesanditwasclearlypermissibleunderboth
thestatuteandtheconstitution,hesaid.
TheconcludingsectionoftheCourtrulingstates:Forthereasonssetforthabove,PEDF
hasfailedtomeetitsburdenwithrespecttoitsconstitutionalchallengestoSections1602Eand
1603EoftheFiscalCode.Summaryreliefwill,therefore,begrantedinfavorofCommonwealth
RespondentsandagainstPEDFonthosechallenges.
PEDFsconstitutionalchallengestothe2008LeaseSale,January2010LeaseSale,and
theAnadarkoLeaseSalearedismissedduetolackofsubjectmatterjurisdictionbecauseofthe
absenceofindispensableparties.
AstoPEDFsclaimthattheLeaseFundisatrustfundanditscontentsmusttherefore
onlybeusedtoadvancethepurposesoftheEnvironmentalRightsAmendment,PEDFs
applicationforsummaryreliefwillbedeniedandCommonwealthRespondents
crossapplicationwillbegranted.
Finally,becauseweconcludethatundertheCNRA,DCNRhastheexclusivestatutory
authoritytodeterminewhethertosellorleasetheCommonwealthsnaturalresourcesforoiland
naturalgasextraction,CommonwealthRespondentsapplicationforsummaryrelief,askingusto
holdthattheGovernormayoverrideDCNRsdecisionsundertheCNRA,willbedenied.Asto
allotherclaimssubjecttothepartiescrossapplicationsforsummaryrelief,theapplicationswill
bedenied.
ClickHereforacopyoftheopinion.
NewsClips:
CourtRulesItsOKDrillingBeneathPublicLand
CourtSaysDCNR,NotGovernorHasAuthorityToOKGasLeases
CourtRejectsChallengeToShaleLeasesOnPublicLands
Court:GovernorNotTheDeciderOnLeasingPublicLand
ABlowToPAConservationistsOnPublicLandDrilling
WillWolfBanDrillingOnPublicLands?
Editorial:ConserveWithDrillingFunds
DCNRInvestigatingDrillingCompaniesOverRoyaltyPayments
StateImpact:DCNRInvestigatingDrillingCompaniesOverRoyaltyPayments
StateImpactreportedThursdaytheDepartmentofConservationandNaturalResourcesis
lookingintowhethersomeMarcellusShalegascompaniesareshortchangingthestateonroyalty
money.
Theagencymanagesgasdrillingonpublicforestlandandcurrentlyhas117activeleases
withabout18differentcompanies.
Werelookingattheaccuracyofpayments,saysDCNRsChiefCounsel,Richard
Morrison.Itsaninternalprocess.Itscomplicatedandwilltakesometime,butwere
proactivelyandaggressivelypursuingthose.ClickHeretoreadthefullstory.
NewsClips:
Gov.ElectWolfNamesFirst4CabinetAppointments
Gov.ElectTomWolfthisweeknamedhisfirstfourcabinetmembers:EileenMcNultyas
ActingSecretaryfortheDepartmentofRevenue,hisoldpost,DennisDavinasActingSecretary
fortheDepartmentofCommunityandEconomicDevelopment,PedroCortesashisnomineefor
SecretaryofStateandDeniseSmylerasGeneralCounsel.AllbutDeniseSmylerasGeneral
CounselwillneedtobeconfirmedbytheSenate.ClickHereformoreinformation.
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Capitol.
Senate/HouseAgenda/SessionSchedule(Updated)/BillsIntroduced
HerearetheSenateandHouseCalendarsandCommitteemeetingsshowingbillsofinterestas
wellasalistofnewenvironmentalbillsintroduced
BillCalendars
House(January20):<>ClickHereforfullHouseBillCalendar.
Senate(January20):<>ClickHereforfullSenateBillCalendar.
CommitteeMeetingAgendasThisWeek
House:<>ClickHereforfullHouseCommitteeSchedule.
Senate:<>ClickHereforfullSenateCommitteeSchedule.
BillsIntroduced
Thefollowingbillsofinterestwereintroducedthisweek
BillToUndoCourtDecisionOnLocalRegulation:Rep.SethGrove(RYork)circulateda
cosponsormemoannouncingthereintroductionofHouseBill2115thatwouldundothePA
SupremeCourtrulingofDecember2013allowinglocalgovernmentstoregulatedactivitieslike
oilandgasdrilling.
ReplacementOfFarmlandEasementsDueToPipelineConstruction:Rep.CurtisThomas
(DPhiladelphia)announcedplanstoreintroduceHouseBill2520(SenateBill506
(DinnimanDChester))requiringpipelinecompaniestoreplacepubliclyfundedagricultureand
conservationeasementstheycrossinthesamecountiesandrequireoperatorstoensuretheir
projectsdonotworsenstormwaterrunoff.
SessionSchedule(Updated)
HereisthelatestvotingsessionschedulefortheSenateandHouse
Senate
January20,21,22,26,27,28
February2,3,4,17,18,23,24,25
March2,3,4
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
January14(nonvoting),20,21,26,27,28
February2,3,4,9,10,11,23,24,25
March2,3,4,30,31
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
NewsFromTheCapitol
Senate,HouseLeadersOpenNewLegislativeSession
TheRepublicanheldLegislatureopenedforbusinessTuesdaywiththenewlysworninmembers
oftheHouseandSenatevotingasexpectedtounanimouslyelectRep.MikeTurzai
(RAllegheny)asSpeakeroftheHouseandreelectSen.JoeScarnati(RJefferson)asSenate
PresidentProTempore.
TwentysixnewHousemembersweresworninTuesday.Thenewclassofthe
lawmakersispredominantlyRepublican,withonlyfourofthenewmembersbeingDemocrats.
TheHouseGOPCaucusexpandeditsholdonthechamberinNovemberto119seats,thelargest
majorityofanypartyinnearly60years.
SixnewGOPSenators,halfformerHousemembers,wereswornin:SenatorsRyan
Aument(RLancaster),formerHousemember,CameraBartolotta(RWashington),Michele
Brooks(RMercer),formerHousemember,TomMcGarrigle(RDelaware),MarioScavello
(RMonroe),formerHousemember,andPatStefano(RFayette)andonenewDemocratic
SenatorArthurHaywood(DPhiladelphia).
Overall,theSenateGOPCaucusexpandeditsholdonthechamberbythreevotes,3020.
TheSenateandHousealsonamedCommitteeChairsforthecomingsession,butnot
Committeemembersyet.(Seeseparatearticles)
Senate
Inhisremarks,Sen.Scarnatisaid,Nodoubtthisbudgetisgoingtobejustas
challengingasthepastfew,andwellgetthroughit.Asweapproachwaystobalancethefiscal
needsofourCommonwealth,wemustensurethatourschoolshavethetoolstheyneedto
provideoutstandingeducationalopportunitiesandsafelearningenvironmentsforchildren.
Movingthestatepensionsystemstobemoreinlinewiththeprivatesectorisoneofthe
mostsignificantmeanswehavetogainmorerevenueforneedslikeeducation.SenateBill1
thatsthepensionreformbillisatoppriorityforthissession,saidSen.Scarnati.
Ourpolicyoffiscalrestraintandsmartinvestmentsisshowingcleardividendswiththe
releaseofemploymentfiguresforpastmonths,Sen.Scarnatisaid.InJanuaryof2011,
Pennsylvania'sunemploymentratewas8.2percent.Fouryearslater,Pennsylvanias
unemploymentratestandsat5.1percenttheCommonwealth'slowestrateinmorethansix
years.
Supportinginnovativeandemergingindustrieshasclearlyplayedakeyroleinreducing
unemploymentrates.TheMarcellusShaleIndustryisoneindustrythathasbeenasignificant
partofprovidingforgreatereconomicgrowththroughoutourstate,Sen.Scarnaticontinued.
Inthenewlegislativesessionwemustcontinuetoenactpoliciesandpasslegislation
thatwillimprovethejobmarketandfocusontheprinciplesthatarefuelingPennsylvaniasclear
economicresurgence.
NewMajorityLeaderJakeCorman(RCentre)said,Werelookingforwardto
growingtheeconomy.Ithinkthatsthemostimportantthingwecando.TomakePennsylvania,
allpartsoftheCommonwealthwhethersuburban,urban,orruraltobeaplacewherethe
economycanthrive,wherepeoplewanttocreatejobs,wanttokeepjobs,andhopefullybringing
jobsinto.
Sen.Cormanalsosaidhedliketoseesomeactiononpensionreform,expandingtax
incentivestoimproveeconomicdevelopment,andmakinggovernmentmoreefficient.
House
Rep.DavidReed(RIndiana)becametheyoungestMajorityLeaderinthelast60years
whenhetooktheoathofofficeonTuesday.
"AsMajorityLeader,Ihavespentthelastmonthmeetingwithmembers,includingour
freshmen,toseektheirinputasweplanourlegislativecalendartohelpmovePennsylvania
forward,"Rep.Reedsaid."IlookforwardtoworkingwithallmyHousecolleaguesandthe
Senateforthis199thSessionoftheGeneralAssembly.
"Itisagreathonortorepresentthepeopleofthe62ndDistrict,"Rep.Reedadded."So
manyimportantissuesforpeopleofourarea,includingthepreservationoffamilysustaining
energyjobs,addressingschoolpropertytaxesandaddressingourstate'spensioncrisis,have
greatimportanceacrosstheCommonwealth.IwillcontinuetoworktomakesureIndiana
CountyandPennsylvaniaaregreatplacestoliveandwork."
Rep.FrankDermody(DAllegheny)returnedtoHarrisburgastheMinorityLeaderin
theHouseandinhisremarkssaidhewasnotsuretheGeneralAssemblyorGov.ElectWolf
everfacedchallengeslikethosenowfacedbyPennsylvania.
Wewantto,onceagain,makePennsylvaniaaneconomic,educationaland
environmentalleaderinthenation,saidRep.Dermody.Pennsylvaniamustcommititselfto
providingaqualitybasiceducationforeverysinglechildintheCommonwealth,nomattertheir
address,theirbackground,ortheirfamilycircumstance.
ItiswhyPennsylvaniamuststrengthenitshighereducationsystemtoprepareouryoung
peopletorealizetheirfullpotentialandallourresidentstoreachfortheirgreatestpossibilities.
Pennsylvaniamustprotectitsworkers,ensuringthatallwhoprovideagoodday'swork
receiveafairday'spaysotheyandtheirfamiliesdon'tjuststayoutofpoverty,butparticipatein
andstrengthenoureconomy.
Pennsylvaniamustensurethatwomenwhodothesameworkasmenearnthesame
wageandthesameopportunitiestosupportandsustaintheirfamilies.
Pennsylvaniamustprotectitsnaturalresourcesandguaranteethataswedevelopthose
resources,whichweallshare,wedosoinawaythatbenefitsusall.
Wemustbeginthedifficultbutnecessaryworkofbringingourbudgetbackintobalance
sowecanfixtheproblemswefaceandonceagainmaketheinvestmentsweneed.
NewsClips:
LawmakersForegoLameDuckSession
LegislatureNotLikelyToPassBillsBeforeWolfTakesOffice
Sen.ScarnatiReElectedPresidentProTempore
Corman,ReedAnxiousToLeadOnEconomicIssues
TurzaiSwornInAsHouseSpeaker
HouseAnnouncesCommitteeChairsForNewSession
HouseSpeakerRep.MikeTurzai(RAlleghenyCounty)Mondayannouncedtheappointmentsof
bothRepublicanandDemocraticcommitteechairmenforthe201516LegislativeSession.
TheseHousecommitteeswilltackletheseriousissuesfacingPennsylvaniaand,through
publichearingsandmeetings,vetthoseissuesandproposedsolutionswiththepublic,Speaker
Turzaisaid.Thesemenandwomenofbothcaucuseswillleadthewayinpreparinglegislation
forthefullHousetoconsider.
HeresthelistofCommitteeChairs:
AgricultureandRuralAffairs
Republican:Rep.MartinCauser(Cameron)NEW
Democrat:Rep.JohnP.Sabatina(Philadelphia)NEW
ConsumerAffairs
Republican:Rep.RobertGodshall(Montgomery)
Democrat:Rep.PeterJ.Daley(Washington)
EnvironmentalResourcesandEnergy
Republican:Rep.JohnMaher(Allegheny)NEW
Democrat:Rep.GregVitali(Delaware)
GameandFisheries
Republican:Rep.KeithGillespie(York)NEW
Democrat:Rep.TedHarhai(Westmoreland)NEW
LocalGovernment
Republican:Rep.KateHarper(Montgomery)
Democrat:Rep.BobFreeman(Northampton)
Acompletelistisavailableonline.
DemocraticChairOfHouseEnvironmentalCommitteeOutlinesHisPriorities
Rep.GregVitali(DDelaware)TuesdayoutlinedhisprioritiesfortheyearastheMinorityChair
oftheHouseEnvironmentalResourcesandEnergyCommittee.Rep.Vitalihasservedas
MinorityChairoftheCommitteeforthelasttwoyears.
"Thisappointmentputsmeinapositiontobeastrongvoiceforgoodenvironmental
policy,"Rep.Vitalisaid."IthankDemocraticleadershipfortheirtrustandIlookforwardto
workingonenvironmentalinitiatives."
Rep.Vitaliplanstointroducefivebillstohelpprotecttheenvironment.Thebillswould:
Requireelectricdistributioncompanies,suchasPECOandPPL,tobuymoreoftheirpower
fromwind,solarandothercleanenergysources.
Requirerentsandroyaltiesfromoilandgasleasesoncommonwealthownedlandtobeused
exclusivelyforconservation,recreation,damsorfloodcontrolprojects.
Provide$25millionperyeartothenowdefunctPASunshineSolarProgram.Thesolar
programhasprovidedrebatestohomeownersandsmallbusinessesthatinstallsolarsystems.
Imposeamoratoriumonadditionalleasingofstatelandsfornaturalgasdrilling,exploration
orproduction.
Encourageelectricandnaturalgasdistributionutilitiestoimplementenergyefficiencyand
conservationplans.
SenateRepublicans,DemocratsAppointCommitteeChairs
SenateRepublicansandDemocratsFridayappointedtheChairsofeachoftheSenatesstanding
committees
Agriculture&RuralAffairs
Republican:Sen.ElderVogel(RBeaver)
Democrat:Sen.JudySchwank(DBerks)
Appropriations
Republican:Sen.PatBrowne(RLehigh)NEW
Democrat:Sen.VincentHughes(DPhiladelphia)
ConsumerProtection&ProfessionalLicensure
Republican:Sen.RobertTomlinson(RBucks)
Democrat:Sen.LisaBoscola(DLehigh)
EnvironmentalResources&Energy
Republican:Sen.GeneYaw(RLycoming)
Democrat:Sen.JohnYudichak(DLuzerne)
Game&Fisheries
Republican:Sen.MarioScavello(RMonroe)NEW
Democrat:Sen.JamesBrewster(DAllegheny)NEW
LocalGovernment
Republican:Sen.DominicPileggi(RDelaware)NEW
Democrat:Sen.RobTeplitz(DDauphin)
Acompletelistisavailableonline.
MajorityChairYawOutlinesPrioritiesForSenateEnvironmentalCommittee
Sen.GeneYaw(RLycoming)FridayannouncedhewasreappointedbySenatePresidentPro
TemporeJosephScarnati(RJefferson)toserveasMajorityChairoftheSenateEnvironmental
ResourcesandEnergyCommitteeforthe201516legislativesession.
IampleasedtoappointSen.YawtoserveasChairmanoftheSenateEnvironmental
ResourcesandEnergyCommitteeforthe201516legislativesession,Sen.Scarnatisaid.Sen.
Yawhasprovidedgreatleadershipforenvironmentalandenergyissuesinthepast,andIam
confidentthathewillcontinuetoprovidestrongdirectionfortheCommitteeoverthenexttwo
years.
ItisanhonortoagainbeappointedbySen.JoeScarnatitoserveaschairofthe
EnvironmentalResourcesandEnergyCommittee,Sen.Yawsaid.TheCommitteewill
continueworkingtoaddresslegislation,policiesandissuesdealingwithPennsylvaniasnatural
resources,includingregulations,conservation,strategicreservesandstandardspubliclandsand
theirrenewableresourcessurfacemining,coal,oil,andgas,andmineralleasingairandwater
resources.
Duringthe201314legislativesession,theSenateCommitteeexaminedseveral
importantissuesincluding:thequestionabledeductionofnaturalgasroyaltypaymentsby
specificgascompanies,theU.S.EnvironmentalProtectionAgencysproposedcleanenergy
policy,andfloodmitigationandstormwatermanagement,tonameafew.
TheCommitteealsoreportedout30piecesoflegislation,13ofwhichweresignedby
Gov.TomCorbett.
UnderSen.Yawsdirection,theCommitteewillagainpursuelegislativemeasuresto
expandnaturalgasserviceforunservedandunderservedareasofPennsylvania,inadditionto
otherimportantinitiatives.
Improvingtheaccessibilityandavailabilityofnaturalgasservicethroughoutthestate
willgivemoreresidentstheopportunitytobenefitfromthislowcostfuel,Sen.Yawadded.
NewsFromAroundTheState
DEPCitizensAdvisoryCouncilToDiscussPart2OfItsTransitionReportJan.21
TheDEPCitizensAdvisoryCouncilwillmeetJanuary21tocontinuedraftingitstransition
reporttotheincomingWolfAdministrationandhearapresentationontheimplementationof
Act162changingstreambufferrequirements.
TheCounciladoptedPart1ofitsTransitionReportatitlastmeetinginNovember
touchingonissueslikeagencyleadership,intergenerationalexcellenceandprofessional
development,managementinformationtechnologysystems,budgetaryresourcesandtrends,
publiccredibilityandpublicinvolvement,rebuildingbipartisansupportforenvironmental
programsandmultistateregionalcooperation.
CouncilwilldiscussPart2ofthereportconsideringissueslikepriorityusesforrevenues
foraproposednaturalgasseverancetax,water,wastewaterandstormwaterinfrastructure,water
resourcesmanagement,climatechange,abandonedminereclamation,sewagemanagement,
ChesapeakeBayTMDL,waterwellconstructionstandardslegislation,federal/staterelationsand
legacyleadershipandemployeemorale.
TheagendaalsoincludesapresentationonDCNRsForestryPlantregulations.
DEPprovidedCouncilwithacopyofitsJanuaryreporthighlightingimportantactivities
intheagencyfeaturingarticleson
TENORMStudy:DEPsreportonnaturallyoccurringradiationinnaturalgasdevelopment
operationsisnowbeingpeerreviewedandisexpectedtobereleasedinJanuary.
NutrientCreditTrading:Thetrueupperiodforthe2014WaterYeariscompletedunderthe
NutrientCreditTradingProgram.Atotalof1,889,079nitrogenand109,791phosphoruscredits
wereverified,ofwhich803,685nitrogenand85,079phosphoruscreditswereregistered,
meaningtheyweresoldtoawastewatertreatmentsystemforcompliancepurposes.
ClickHereforavailablehandouts.Formoreinformation,visittheDEPCitizens
AdvisoryCouncilwebpage.
NominationsSoughtForWesternPennsylvaniaEnvironmentalAwards
SponsorsoftheWesternPennsylvaniaEnvironmentalAwardsareseekingnominationsfrom
peopleandorganizationswhoareworkingtoimprovethecommunity.Nominationsaredue
February18.
ThePAEnvironmentalCouncilwillonceagainpresentuptofivecashprizesof$5,000
eachtowinningentriesthatdemonstrateenvironmentalimpactandbenefitsinprotectingthe
environmentoftheregion.
Anygroup,individual,program,company,ororganizationlocatedandworkinginanyof
thefollowing29WesternPennsylvaniacountiesmaysubmitanomination:Allegheny,
Armstrong,Beaver,Bedford,Blair,Butler,Cambria,Cameron,Centre,Clarion,Clearfield,
Crawford,Elk,Erie,Fayette,Forest,Fulton,Greene,Huntingdon,Indiana,Jefferson,Lawrence,
McKean,Mercer,Somerset,Venango,Warren,Washington,andWestmoreland.
Theawardsprocessisopentoindividualsandorganizationsfromeverycornerofthe
community,includingeducation,nonprofitorganizations,businessesandalllevelsof
government,amongothers.
WinnerswillbenotifiedinMarchandhonoredattheWesternPennsylvania
EnvironmentalAwardsdinnerinPittsburghonMay27attheWestinHotelandConvention
CenterindowntownPittsburgh.
Allnominationswillbereviewedandevaluatedbyanindependentpanelofjudgesand
awardprogramstaff.
ClickHeretodownloadtheCallforNominationsform,call4124819400formore
informationorsendanemailto:WPEA@pecpa.org.
CBFPA:WashingtonCountyJoinsCleanWaterCountsInitiative
TheChesapeakeBayFoundationPAFridayapplaudedtheWashingtonCountyCommissioners
foradoptingaCleanWaterCountsresolution,callingonstateofficialstomakecleanwateratop
priorityfortheKeystoneState.
WashingtonCountyjoinsnineothercountieswhohavealreadytakenthissteptosupport
cleanwater:Berks,Cumberland,Fayette,Luzerne,Northumberland,Schuylkill,Westmoreland,
WyomingandYorkcounties.
Healthyfamilies,strongcommunities,andathrivingPennsylvaniaeconomydependon
cleanwater,saidHarryCampbell,CBFsPennsylvaniaExecutiveDirector.Weapplaudand
thanktheWashingtonCountyCommissionersforpubliclystandingupforcleanwaterinthe
KeystoneState.HavingsuchanimportantregionoftheCommonwealthvoicetheirsupportfor
thisinitiativeisatestamenttohowimportantthisissueis.
CBFembarkedontheCleanWaterCountscampaigninresponsetothePennsylvania
DepartmentofEnvironmentalProtectionsmostrecentstatewidesurfacewatersassessment.
Theresultsshowthatofthe86,000milesofwaterwaysflowingthroughthe
Commonwealth,nearly20,000milesarepolluted.DEPalsoreportedthatthetoppollution
sourcesareagriculturalandurban/suburbanrunoff,andabandonedminedrainage.
Morethan1400milesofwaterwaysflowthroughWashingtonCounty,butunfortunately
morethan700ofthosemilesarepolluted.Overall,urbanandsuburbanrunoffisthegreatest
sourceinthecounty,pollutingnearly200miles.
OtherpollutionsourcesintheCountyincludeagriculture,whichaccountsfor171miles
ofpollutedwaterways,abandonedminedrainage,whichpollutes178miles,andotherpollution
sourcesimpair155milesoflocalcreeksandstreams.
Throughpubliceducationandengagement,CBFishopingtoincreaseawarenessofwater
pollutionissues,likethoseinWashingtonCountyandelsewhereintheKeystoneState.
Thegoalistourgestateofficialstomakecleanwaterapriorityandcommittheneeded
fundingandprogramstoensurethatthewatersthatwerelyonfordrinkingandhouseholduses,
recreation,andtogrowourfood,allmeetcleanwaterstandards.
Inadditiontocallingonlocalofficialstopassresolutions,CBFisaskingresidentsto
showtheirsupportbysigningtheCleanWaterCountsonlinepetition.Ittakesonlyafew
minutes,butsignatureswillgoalongwaytowarddemonstratingtheimportanceofcleanwater
toourelectedofficials.
Tolearnmore,visitCBFsCleanWaterCountswebpage.
NewsClips:
8MunicipalMS4,TMDLPermitTrainingWorkshopsSetForComingMonths
TheDepartmentofEnvironmentalProtectioninvitesmunicipalmanagers,otherpublicofficials
andengineerstoattendfreetrainingsessionsdesignedtohelplocalgovernmentscomplywith
waterpollutioncontrolrequirementsassociatedwithmunicipalseparatestormsewersystems
(MS4).
Thetrainingsessionswillbeheldacrossthestatethiswinter.Thefirstfoursessionswill
provideinformationonthebasicsofMS4permitcompliance.
ThesecondfoursessionswillemphasizeadditionalMS4requirementswhichapplyto
MS4permitteeswithTotalMaximumDailyLoad(TMDL)andChesapeakeBayPollutant
ReductionPlanobligations.
Theworkshopschedulefollows
MS4PermitComplianceSessions:
February10BestWestern,CentralHotelandConferenceCenter,800EastParkDrive,
Harrisburg
February12TheWoodlandsInn,1073Highway315,WilkesBarre
February18HolidayInn,Morgantown/PATurnpike,6170MorgantownRoad,
Morgantownand
February25PittsburghMarriottNorth,100CranberryWoodsDrive,CranberryTownship.
TMDLPlan/ChesapeakeBayPollutantReductionPlanSessions:
March17HolidayInnLansdale,1750SumneytownPike,Kulpsville
March19InnatLeolaVillage,38DeborahDrive,Leola
March25TheWoodlandsInn,1073Highway315,WilkesBarreand
April1PittsburghMarriottNorth,100CranberryWoodsDrive,CranberryTownship.
Signinforeachtrainingsessionwillbeginat8:30a.m.Trainingwillbeginat9:00a.m.
andconcludeby3:30p.m.Lunchisincludedinthisfreetraining.
ThesesessionsarebeingconductedwithlogisticalsupportfromCenturyEngineering,
Inc.Thedeadlineforregistrationistwoweekspriortothedateofthesession.
Spaceislimited,soregistrationswillbeacceptedonafirstcome,firstservedbasis.
Preregistrationisrequired.
AttendeesarestronglyencouragedtoreviewtheirIndividualorGeneralNPDESMS4
permit,andtoviewDEPsMS4webinarsbeforeattendinganyofthesesessions.Thewebinars
areavailableonDEPswebsite.
Toregister,contactJoyceRiversatCenturyEngineering,Inc.,at7179017055orby
sendingemailto:MS4Workshop@centuryeng.com.
NewsClips:
JanuaryChesapeakeBayCurrentsNewsletterAvailableNow
TheJanuaryissueofChesapeakeBayCurrentsisnowavailablefromtheEPAChesapeakeBay
Programfeaturingarticleson
10StepsToAHealthyChesapeakeBay
CBFReportsMinimalChangesInOverallHealthOfBay
ChesapeakeExecutiveCouncilNamesVirginiaGov.McAuliffeNextChair
FosteringStewardshipThroughForestRestoration
PhotoEssay:ForestersExploreLifeOfAWaterman
ClickHeretosignupforyourowncopy.
RegistrationNowOpenFor2015SchuylkillWatershedCongressOnMarch14
The2015SchuylkillWatershedCongresswillbeheldonMarch14attheMontgomeryCounty
CommunityCollegeinPottstown.
TheWatershedCongresshasevolvedsince1998yearstoadvancethebestavailable
informationandtechniquesforprotectingandrestoringwatersheds.Thefocusonnetworking
acrossdisciplinesmeansthattheWatershedCongressmeldsscience,policyandpractical
applicationsintooneprogram.
Asaresult,theannualWatershedCongressisahighlyanticipatedeventforpeople
interestedinunderstanding,protectingandrestoringtheirlocalstreams.The2015programwill
offeranempoweringkeynote,informationpackedbreakoutsessions,oneononeposter
discussionsandmore.
ClickHereformoreinformationontheCongressprogram.ClickHeretoregister.
PennStateExtensionJanuary5WatershedWindsNewsletterNowAvailable
TheJanuary5WatershedWindsnewsletterisnowavailablefromPennStateExtensionfeaturing
articleson
ApplicationsBeingAcceptedForNextMasterWellOwnerCourse
LookingForAPlaceToRecycleYourChristmasTree?
UrbanStreamContaminationIncreasingRapidlyDueToRoadSalt
InvasiveSpeciesCanDramaticallyAlterLandscapes,StudyShows
ChesapeakeBayRegionStreamsAreWarming
ClickHeretosignupforyourowncopy.
BrodheadWatershedAssnJan.11WhereInTheWatershedWalk
WalkIntoTheWintryWoodswithBrodheadWatershedAssociationandPoconoHeritage
LandTrustmembersonJanuary11onGameLands#38nearCamelback,hikerswillexplorethe
headwatersareaofPoconoCreekknownasDeepLakeandWolfSwampinMonroeCounty.
JoinlocalnaturalistsDonMillerandBillSweeneyforthismidwinternaturalhistory
explorationofthisbiologicallyandgeologicallyinterestingcornerofthe3,900+area
Gamelands#38.
ThisareaisanexcellentexampleofourdistantPoconoglacialhistorywithitsglacier
gougedwetlands,kettlelakesandsmallboulderfieldsasvisualremindersofitsglacialpast.
Depressionfilledwetlands,coldgroundwatersprings/seepsandPoconoCreekwatershed
runofffillstheDeepLakeandWolfSwampdepressionswhichthensendtheirwatersintothe
wildtroutheadwatersofSandSpringRunandWolfSwampRun.
Thewalkwillbeonleveltomoderateterrainutilizingexistinglimitedaccessgamelands
roads,oldloggingroadsinthevicinityoftheformerWilkesBarreandEasternrailline.
ParticipantsshouldmeetinasmallGamelandsparkingareaontherightsideoftheState
ParkaccessroadbeyondCamelbackSkiareaandjustbeforetheroadmakesasharpleftturnto
beginthefinalascenttoBigPoconoStatePark.
Participantsshouldbepreparedforandbecomfortablebeingoutdoorsforanextended
periodoftimeincoldweather.Thiswalkwillbeheldrainsnoworshine.Preregistration
suggestedincasereallybadwinterweatherforcesacancellation.
A$5.00perpersonhikedonation,$3.00perBWA/PHLTmembersandchildrenunder12
free,iscollectedatthestartofthehikeforBWAandPHLT.
PleasecontactPHLTMondaytoFriday8:30to4:30at5704241514toregisterand
PHLTat5704241514orBWAat5708391120foradditionalhikeinformation.
CovantaChesterEnergyFromWasteFacilitySaves1.3MGallonsOfWaterPerDay
CovantasDelawareValleyenergyfromwastefacilityinChester,DelawareCountyhassaved
1.3milliongallonsadayfromlocalwatersuppliesbyinstallingGEsadvancedRePAKwater
reusetechnologyinthepowerplantscoolingtower.
GEhonoredCovantawiththeReturnonEnvironmentawardtorecognizethecompany
foritsnoteworthyreductionsinwaterusage.
TheChesterfacilitygeneratesupto90megawattsofcleanenergyfrom3,510tonsper
dayofmunicipalsolidwaste.Previously,theplantused1.3MGDornearly5millionlitersa
dayofmunicipaldrinkingwaterinitswasteconversionprocess,costingthecompany
thousandsofdollarsindailywaterpurchases.
Toreducefacilityoperatingexpensesandtheconsumptionoflocalwaterresources,
CovantaDelawareValleyupgradedthefacilitybyinstallingGEsRePAKcombination
ultrafiltrationandreverseosmosissystemasatertiarytreatmentpackage.
Thenewsystemenabledtheplanttoreuse1.3MGDoftreateddischargewaterfroma
nearbymunicipalwastewatertreatmentplantforthefacilityscoolingtower.
GEinstalledtwoRePAK450trains,eachproducing450gallonsperminuteofpurified
water.Asaresult,CovantaDelawareValleyhaseliminatedtheneedtopurchase1.3MGDof
localdrinkingwateraday,whichresultsinasubstantialfinancialsavingsinadditiontothe
extremelyfavorableenvironmentalbenefits.
ByinstallingGEswatertreatmenttechnology,weareabletoreusethenearby
wastewatertreatmentplantswastewatereffluentthatotherwisewouldhavebeendirectly
discharged,enablingustosaveoveramilliongallonsperdayindrinkingwaterforlocal
residentsratherthanusingitforindustrialpurposes.Notonlyarewereducingthestressonlocal
drinkingsupplies,butalsotheenvironmentalimpactsofthewastewatertreatmentplantandthe
useofpotablewaterbyourfacility,saidTimGregan,facilitymanager,CovantaDelaware
Valley.
GEsRePAKequipmentwasdeliveredin2014,withcommissioningtakingplacethe
sameyear,makingCovantaDelawareValleythefirstNorthAmericancompanytodeployGEs
RePAKtechnology.
TheROEawardisaprestigiousawardhonoringasignificantenvironmental(water,
energy,resource)accomplishment.DuringtheROEthreetierselectionprocess,GEexamined
setgoalsaswellastheachievedenvironmental,operationalandfinancialbenefits,ultimately
recognizingCovantaanditswatersavingsforsignificantlysurpassingandimproving
environmentalandindustrialoperationalgoalswhilebalancingindustrialdemands.
ThisprojecthighlightsthesignificanteconomicandenvironmentalbenefitsthatNorth
Americanindustrialcompaniescanachievewhentheydecidetomakeaninvestmentinwater
reusetechnologies,saidYuvbirSingh,generalmanager,engineeredsystemswaterand
processtechnologiesforGEPower&Water.
Covantachoseacombinedtreatmenttechnologyapproachbecausethetypicalorganic
anddissolvedmineralcontentofthewastewaterrequiresadditionaltreatmenttobesuitablefor
useascoolingtowermakeup.ROwasselectedasthetechnologyofchoice,andUFwasrequired
asthepretreatmentsolution.
NewsClips:
CovantaNamesFormerAirProductsExecItsNewCEO
WasteCoalPlantsPoorFitInCarbonEmissionRules
SusquehannaRiverBasinCommissionHearingOnWaterWithdrawalRequestsJan.29
TheSusquehannaRiverBasinCommissionwillholdahearingonproposedwaterwithdrawal
requestsinRoom8EBEastWing,CapitolBuilding,Harrisburgstartingat2:30.(formalnotice)
Formoreinformation,visitSRBCsPublicParticipationCenterwebpage.
AnnualFutureCitySchoolCompetitionInHarrisburgJan.24
Expertspredictthatbytheyear2030nearlyalloftheworldspopulationgrowthwillbe
concentratedinurbanareas.Atthesametime,theEarthsarablelandmaynolongerbe
sufficienttoproduceenoughfoodfortheplanetsgrowingpopulation.
Withaccesstofresh,affordableandhealthyfoodamongourmostpressingglobal
concerns,middleschoolersparticipatinginthisyearsannualFutureCityCompetitionhavebeen
presentedwithanexceptionallytimelychallengefor201415:FeedingFutureCities.
Sincereturningtoschoolearlierthisfall,studentteamsfromCentralPennsylvaniahave
beenhardatworkontheirFutureCityprojects,developingnewsolutionsforsustainable
farminginandaroundcities.
AstheypreparefortheregionalfinalssetforJanuary24atthePennsylvaniaState
Museum,theyjoinmorethan40,000middleschoolstudentsfrom1,350schoolsin37regions
aroundthecountry,allofwhomareengagedinsimilarregionalcompetitions.
Participatingschoolsinclude:CampCurtinAcademy,CornerstoneHomeschoolers,
DonegalJuniorHigh,EagleViewMiddleSchool,ElizabethtownAreaMiddleSchool,Good
HopeMiddleSchool,JET,LinglestownMiddleSchool,LowerDauphinMiddleSchool,
MarshallMathandScienceAcademy,MechanicsburgMiddleSchool,MiddletownAreaMiddle
School,St.Joseph'sHomeschoolCoop,SteeltonHighspireJr.HighScienceClub,Warwick
MiddleSchool,WestYorkAreaMiddleSchool,andYorkCountryDaySchool.
FirstplacewinnersfromeachqualifyingregionalcompetitionreceiveatriptotheFuture
CityCompetitionNationalFinalsinWashington,D.C.,February1518duringEngineersWeek.
FutureCityhasreceivednationalattentionandacclaimforitsroleinencouragingmiddle
schoolersnationwidetodeveloptheirinterestinscience,technology,engineeringandmath
(STEM).Theannualchallengeisoneofthenationsleadingengineeringeducationprograms
andamongthemostpopular.
Thisyearsthemeencouragesstudentstoexploretodaysurbanagriculture,from
aeroponicsystemsforrooftopfarmstorecycledgraywatertothesustainabilitydriven
farmtotablemovement,anddevelopafuturisticsolutiontogrowingcropswithintheconfines
oftheircity.
Workinginateamwithaneducatorandengineermentor,studentsarechallengedto
designavirtualcityusingSimCitysoftware.Theyresearchtodaysurbanfarmsandwritean
essaydescribingtheirsolutiontofeedingtheircitizens.
Studentsthenbringtheirideastolifebybuildingatabletopscalemodeloftheircity
usingrecycledmaterialsonabudgetof$100orlessandwriteabriefnarrativepromotingtheir
city.
Formoreinformationonjudgingormentoring,visittheFutureCityCompetitionwebsite.
EnrollNowForWildlandsConservancyStudentCamps,OtherPrograms
TheWildlandsConservancyintheLehighValleyoffersavarietyofprogramsforstudentsofall
agesaswellasadults.RegisterbeforeMay1andreceivea10percentdiscountonsummer
campregistration.ClickHereforascheduleofupcomingevents.
OpEd:TheLatestAct54DeepMiningImpactReport,ItsPastTimeToRewriteTheLaw
ByJohnWalliser,PAEnvironmentalCouncil
Attheverytailendof2014,theDepartmentofEnvironmentalProtection(DEP)releasedthe
fourthinanongoingseriesofreportsdetailingtheeffectsofsurfacesubsidencerelatedto
undergroundcoalmininginPennsylvania.ThePAEnvironmentDigesthasanexcellent
snapshotofthereportsdetailedfindings.
Thereportunderscoresabiggerissue:thelongstandingneedtorewritethelawgoverning
undergroundcoalextraction(commonlyreferredtoasAct54)inourstate.Although
greenhousegasemissionshavedominatedrecentdiscussion,thereareotherenvironmentaland
societalimpactsthatneedtobereexaminedwithrespecttocoalimpactsthatarenotbeing
effectivelyaddressedbycurrentlaw.
Acaseinpointfromtherecentreport:40percentofthestreamsunderminedby
undergroundcoalmining(39of96totalmiles)sufferedflowlossorpooling,resultinginadverse
impactsonaquaticlife,waterchemistry,andecologicalfunction.Eightofthe55stream
segmentsidentifiedasbeingaffectedintheprior(20032008)reporthaveyettorecoverfromthe
impactsofmining.Withforthcomingpublicreviewandcomment,thosenumbersmayproveto
underestimateactualimpactsgivenotherinformation.
Nearlyhalfofthestreamsunderminedbyundergroundcoalminingsufferedflowlossor
pooling,resultinginadverseimpactsonaquaticlife,waterchemistry,andecologicalfunction.
Failuretopreventorrestoredamagestoaquaticresourcesisarecurringissueintheseries
ofDepartmentreportsonsubsidenceimpacts.Thisfailurerunscountertothecleardirectiveof
CleanStreamsLaw,theEnvironmentalRightsAmendmenttothePennsylvaniaConstitution,
andhowPennsylvaniacourtshavedefineddegradationofsurfacewatersasanuisance.
Impactstosurfacewatersarebutoneofmanyissuesatplay.Watersupplies,residences
andbusinesses,publicinfrastructure,andstateparklandshavealsobeenadverselyaffected.
Whileinthemajorityofinstancesrepairorrestitutionhasbeenmade,itpointstoagreat
deficiencyinhowthestatehasbeenabletomanagethechallengesassociatedwithunderground
coalmining.
InshortAct54ascurrentlywrittenandenforcedclearlyisntenough.Therecent
Departmentreportisyetanotherreminderthatmoreneedstobedone,andthatstartswiththe
lawitself.
Thisisntbeingsaidinignoranceofthelegalrealitiesassociatedwithregulationofcoal
extractionparticularlygiventheuniquenatureofpropertylawinPennsylvania.Wearethe
onlystateinthenationthatrecognizesseparateownershipofthreedifferentestatesin
property:themineralestate(e.g.thecoalitself)thesurfaceestateandwhatisknownasthe
supportestateessentiallytheobligationtoprotecttheintegrityofthesurface.
Inmanyinstances,thecompanythatownsthemineralestatealsoownsthesupportestate,
meaningtheyhaveanimpliedlegalrighttoreasonablyimpactthesurfacetoaccessthe
mineralsreservesunderground.Thus,thelawmustbalancetherightsofwereinfactare
competinglandowners.
Andwithoutquestion,coalextractionandutilizationprovidessignificantenergy
productionandeconomicbenefitinPennsylvania.
Act54wasfinalizedin1994.Inthe20yearssince,wevehadfourreportsdocumenting
substantialimpactstoenvironmentalandcommunityresources.Undergroundminingtechnology
haschanged,andoperationshavegrowninsizeandimpact.Atthesametimewevewitnessed
majoradvancementsinenvironmentallaw,requiringmorestrenuousprotectionsofprivateand
publicresourcesfromotherextractiveindustrieslikenaturalgas.
Whileitwontbeeasy,itstimetoaddressAct54sinadequacies.Thepurposeofthe
recurringAct54reportswastoinformthepublic,Governor,andGeneralAssemblyofneedto
changethelaw.Thatcasehasbeenrepeatedlymade,thepeopleandenvironmentof
Pennsylvaniadeservebetter.
JohnWalliserisVicePresidentforLegalandGovernmentAffairsatthePAEnvironmental
CouncilandthispiecewaspostedonPECsBlogMonday.
NewsClips:
EPARepackagingCleanPowerRulesToThwartCourtChallenges
EPADelaysCarbonRulesForPowerPlants
EPAToIssueClimateRegulationsThisSummer
Letter:LawWillNotPreventPACleanPowerPlan,NRDC
WilkesStudyingClimateChangeInLastFrontier
Letter:WolfTakingCorrectApproachOnCoal
DisgracedCoalBaronOfMasseyEnergySymbolizedGreed
DEP:ArchbaldCulmFireLikelyQuenched
CorsaCoalIdles2SomersetMines,Cuts130Jobs
ScrantonToTakePartInMiningHistoryWeek
OpEd:LookingToPAsFutureISeeGreenEnergy
Editorial:AllOfTheAboveOnEnergyJobs
DEPFinesLeighowOil$63,000ForViolationsAt2FacilitiesInMontourCounty
TheDepartmentofEnvironmentalProtectionMondayannouncedithasfinedLeighowOilCo.
Inc.ofDanville$63,351forCleanStreamsLawandstoragetankviolationsthatwerefirst
discoveredinDecember2013attwoofitsfacilitiesinMahoningandValleytownships.
Thesespillscausedenvironmentaldegradationtoawetlandandtwocreeksandcould
havebeenpreventedifLeighowhadproperlymaintainedandmonitoreditsfacilities,DEP
NorthcentralRegionalDirectorMarcusKohlsaid.Thedepartmenthasseenimprovement
recentlyandexpectsthatLeighowwilldoamuchbetterjobofoperationandmaintenanceinthe
futuretopreventanysimilarproblems.
ThefirstspillatLeighowsFoodShop1facilitywasdiscoveredbythedepartments
EmergencyResponseprograminearlyDecember2013followingreceiptofacitizencomplaint
aboutoilinMausesCreekneartheMcDonaldsRestaurantinValleyTownship.
Thedepartmentsinvestigationdeterminedthatgasolineanddieselfueltankshad
apparentlybeenoverfillednumeroustimesinSeptemberandNovember,andthatacapwasnot
properlysecuredtooneofthetanksriserpipes.
AnoticeofviolationwassentbyDEPtothecompanyonDec.9notifyingLeighowto
immediatelyimplementremedialactionstoabatethedischargeofdieselfuelandweathered
petroleumproductintoMausesCreekanditsunnamedtributary.
RemedialactionstakenbyLeighowscontractorincludedtheinstallationofgroundwater
monitoringandrecoverywells,geoprobesoilborings,andoperationofasurfacewateroil
skimmerandagroundwatertreatmentsystem.
Inaddition,thecontractorremoved48,417gallonsofwaterandfueloilfromMauses
Creekanditstributaryoverathreemonthperiodusingavacuumtruck.
ThesecondspillwasdiscoveredonDecember22,2013followingnotificationfromthe
MontourCountyEmergencyManagementAgencyconcerningareleaseofheatingoilfroman
abovegroundstoragetankatLeighowsstoragefacilityinMahoningTownship.
Thedepartmentsinvestigationfoundthatanoverfilldeviceonthetankmalfunctioned
duringanighttimedelivery,andadrainplughadbeenleftopenintheemergencycontainment
structuresurroundingthetank.Thiscausedanundeterminedamountofheatingoiltoflow
throughanoil/waterseparatorandintoastormwaterdrainageditch,awetlandandMahoning
Creek.
Departmentinspectionsdocumentedavisiblepetroleumsheenonaspring/seeplocated
downgradientofthecontainmentstructure,andanoticeofviolationwassenttothecompanyon
Jan.9,2014.
Leighowsenvironmentalcontractorexcavatedcontaminatedsoilanddebris,andplaced
petroleumabsorbentboomsandpadsattheoil/waterseparatorandthedrainageditch.
LeighowhassincecorrectedalloftheviolationscitedattheFoodShop1facility.The
companyhasvoluntarilytakentheabovegroundstoragetankfacilityoutofservicesincethe
incidentbecauseofadditionalupgraderequirements.
Formoreinformationcall5703273636.
January8DEPNewsNowAvailable
TheJanuary8issueofDEPNewsisnowavailablefromtheDepartmentofEnvironmental
Protectionfeaturingarticleson
DEPRemindsPennsylvaniansJanuaryIsRadonActionMonth
DEPFinesLeighowOilCo.$63KForViolationsInMontourCounty
OpenHouse,HearingOnTenaskaWestmorelandNaturalGasPowerPlant
MunicipalMS4,TMDLTrainingSessionsComingUp
EPAOKsWaterQualityMonitoringAndAssessmentReport
DEPExtendsAlternativeFuelVehicleRebateProgram
DEPReleasesAct54DeepMiningImpactReport
ClickHeretosignuptoreceiveyourowncopyandtoreadbackissues.

KeepPABeautifulAffiliatesRecycleOver900,000PoundsOfElectronicsIn2014
KeepPennsylvaniaBeautifulsaffiliatenetworkprovidedPennsylvaniaresidentswithdisposal
optionsforhardtodisposeitemsthatconsistedofonedayeventsandpermanentdropoff
locations.
During2014,nearly30,000tires,917,407poundsofelectronics,over500appliances,
and48,455poundsofhouseholdhazardouswastewasproperlydisposedthankstocountybased
KeepPennsylvaniaBeautifulaffiliatesacrosstheCommonwealth.
KeepPennsylvaniaBeautifulandouraffiliatenetworkworkhardtoprovideaffordable,
convenientwastedisposalandrecyclingoptionsforallresidentsofPennsylvania.Permanent
convenientcentersandspecialcollectionsareanecessitywhenitcomestomanagingwaste
properly,otherwiseitemscanbedumpedillegallywhichthenbecomesahugefinancialburden
onthelocalgovernmentandcommunityasawhole,saidShannonReiter,PresidentofKeep
PennsylvaniaBeautiful.
KeepPennsylvaniaBeautifulworkstoincreasetheavailabilityofconvenient,affordable
disposalforsometimeshardtodisposeoforrecycleitemssuchastires,householdhazardous
waste,pharmaceuticals,andappliances.
KPBsaffiliatenetworkoftenpartnerswithlocalsolidwasteandrecyclingofficesto
identifylocaldisposalandrecyclingneedsandimplementspecialcollectionsandotherprograms
tofillthegap.
Formoreinformation,visittheKeepPennsylvaniaBeautifulCalendarofEventstofinda
specialcollectionsitenearyou.
NewsClips:
WasteNotExhibitTurnsTrashIntoTreasure
PhillysEcoClothingKingInventsUltimateSock
JanuaryePRCNewsletterAvailableFromPAResourcesCouncil
TheJanuaryissueofePRCnewsletterisnowavailablefromthePAResourcesCouncil
featuringarticleson
2014ZeroWasteAccomplishmentsInWesternPA
PECOSmartEnergyConservationIdeaEventsInEasternPA
PRCWestHealthyBody,HealthyHomeWorkshop
TipsOnRecyclingYourHoliday
RecyclingInMt.Lebanon,AlleghenyCounty
ClickHeretofindouthowyoucangetyourowncopy.
StateCourtOKsClearfieldCountyWastePlanWithVoluntaryWasteFees
TheCommonwealthCourtaffirmedanOrderoftheEnvironmentalHearingBoarddenying
WasteManagementofPennsylvaniaInc.smotionforsummaryjudgmentastowhether
ClearfieldCountysMunicipalWastePlanRevisionviolatesAct101,thestatesMunicipal
WastePlanningandRecyclingAct.
WasteManagementappealedDEPsapprovaloftheCountysRevisedPlan,claiming
thattheCountysrequestinthePlansRFPforvoluntarycontributionstohelpsustainthe
CountysIntegratedMunicipalWasteManagementProgramviolatedAct101andcaselawwhich
haveinterpretedAct101,becauseAct101preemptscountiesfromobtainingfundingfor
recyclingprogramsinwaysotherthanthosespecificallysetforthintheexpresslanguageofAct
101.
TheCourtagreedwiththeEnvironmentalHearingBoardthatthepriorcaselawspoke
onlyofmandatoryfeesunilaterallyimposedbycounties,andheldthatAct101contemplates
somelocalfinancialassistancenotrestrictedtopublicsources.
Rather,Act101isdesignedtoallowcountiestoutilizethecapabilitiesofprivate
enterpriseinaccomplishingtheobjectivesofaneffective,comprehensivesolidwasteplan.The
CourtrejectedargumentsthattheCountysapproachtoitsRevisedPlanrenderstheAct101
fundingsystemnonuniform,andthatAct101allowscountiesorothermunicipalitiestoattempt
toavoidprogramcostsasameansoffundingrecyclingprograms.
TheCourtaffirmedtheEHBdecisionsandawaitsamorefullydevelopedrecordatthe
EHBlevel.
Formoreinformation,contactPaulBruder,Rhoads&Sinon,byemailto:
pbruder@rhoadssinon.comorcall7172316606.
NewsClips:
PAEnvironmentalGroups:TimeIsRipeForActionOnMethanePollution
LeadingPennsylvaniaandnationalenvironmentalorganizationsWednesdayencouraged
Gov.ElectTomWolftoimprovetheprotectionofenvironmentalandpublichealthbytackling
methanepollutionearlyinhistenureasGovernor.
Recentpollingindicatesthat70percentofPennsylvaniansnotonlyhavebeendissatisfied
withthelackofstateleadershiponnaturalgasissues,butalsosupportregulatingmethane
emissionsinourstate.ThepollconductedbyGlobalStrategiesGroupof801registeredvotersin
PAbetweenSeptember2529,2014.
Gov.ElectWolfexpressedasimilarperspectiveinlinewithpublicsentimentearlier
thisyearwhenheaddressedtheissueofmethaneleaks:Weneedtogetcleanairandclean
waterregulationsthatactuallywouldprevent[methaneleaks]fromhappening.
Byadoptingleadingedgepracticestopreventmethaneemissions,Pennsylvaniacan
makeacommonsenseandcosteffectivecommitmenttoprotectingpublichealthandsafetyand
ourenvironment.
ThegroupsurgedGov.ElectWolftobuildonpublicsupportandmakecomprehensive
methaneregulationsoneofthefirstactsofhisadministration.Earlyactiononmethanewill
signalacommitmenttosafeguardingourair,waterandlandandprotectingPennsylvania
familiesandthecommunitiesinwhichtheylive.
ParticipatingorganizationsincludetheCleanAirCouncil,CleanAirTaskForce,
ChesapeakeBayFoundation,CleanWaterAction,EnvironmentalDefenseFund,GroupAgainst
SmogandPollution,PennEnvironment,PennsylvaniaEnvironmentalCouncil,PennFuture,and
TheNatureConservancyPennsylvaniaChapter.
NewsClips:
DEPOpenHouse,HearingSetOnTenaskaWestmorelandNaturalGasPowerPlant
TheDepartmentofEnvironmentalProtectionhasscheduledaJanuary21openhouseanda
February11publichearingonplansbyTenaskaPennsylvaniaPartners,LLCforanaturalgas
firedpowerstationinSouthHuntingtonTownship,WestmorelandCounty.
Inordertobeginconstruction,thecompanymustobtainanairqualityplanapprovaland
aNationalPollutionDischargeEliminationSystem(NPDES)permitfromDEP.
Intheairqualityplanapprovalapplication,Tenaskarequestspermissiontoconstructand
temporarilyoperatethegasfiredfacility.ThecompanysNPDESapplicationrequeststo
dischargewaterusedtocoolthepowergenerationequipmentintotheYoughioghenyRiver.
DEPhasissueddraftapprovalsforbothrequestswhichincludeconditionsspecifying
howtheseairemissionsandwastewaterdischargesmustbecontrolled.
Anopenhouseandenvironmentaljusticelisteningsessionhasbeenscheduledfor
January21attheTurkeytownSouthHuntingtonVolunteerFireDepartmenthall(Huntington
Place),locatedat90SupervisorDrive,WestNewton,togetpublicinputonthesedraft
approvals.Theopenhousebeginsat6:00p.m.
RepresentativesfromTenaskaandDEPwillmakebriefinformationalpresentations.
Attendeeswillbeabletoaskquestionsanddiscusstheproposedprojectwithcompany
representatives.
OnFebruary11,aformalpublichearingwillbeheldatthesamelocation.Thehearing
willbeginat6:00p.m.Membersofthepublicwillbeabletoprovidetestimonyonthedraft
approvalsatthehearing.
ThosewishingtomakecommentsshouldregisterwithCommunityRelationsCoordinator
JohnPoistereitherbyemailto:jpoister@pa.govorcall4124424203.Therewillalsobean
opportunitytoregisteronsiteontheeveningofthehearing.
ThoseunabletoattendthehearingmaysubmitwrittencommentstotheDepartmentof
EnvironmentalProtection,400WaterfrontDrive,Pittsburgh,PA15222.Pleasenoteonthe
envelopethatyouarecommentingontheTenaskaproposals.
ThepubliccommentperiodwillcloseonFebruary23.
NewsClips:
FightBrewsOverWestmorelandNaturalGasPowerPlant
JessupSeeksDEPHearingOnProposedPowerPlant
GroupGearingUpForPowerPlantFightInJessup
Jan.22PennStateWebinarToExploreRegulationOfInjectionWells
Afree,webbasedseminarfocusingontherecyclinganddisposaloffluidsfromoilandgas
drillingwillbeofferedbyPennStateExtension'sMarcellusEducationTeam.
Thewebinar,from1to2p.m.January22,willfeatureKarenJohnson,chiefofthe
GroundwaterandEnforcementBranchoftheU.S.EnvironmentalProtectionAgency'sRegion3.
ShewilldiscusstheUndergroundInjectionControlprograminPennsylvaniaandcurrent
undergroundinjectionwellactivity.
Whilemuchofthefluidfromoilandgasdrillingisrecycled,therestillareresidualfluids
thatmustbedisposedofproperly.Onemeansofdisposalhasbeenundergroundinjectionwells.
InPennsylvania,injectionwellsofalltypesareregulatedundertheSafeDrinkingWaterActby
theEPA.
"AlthoughEPAhasbeenimplementingtheUndergroundInjectionControlProgramin
Pennsylvaniasince1985,andtherearemorethan40,000injectionwellsofvarioustypesinthe
state,therearemanymisconceptionsabouttheprogram,"Johnsonsaid."Theprimarypurposeof
theprogramistoprotectundergroundsourcesofdrinkingwaterfrompotentialcontamination."
Whilethewebinarisfree,registrationisnecessary.Toregisteronline,gotothePenn
StateExtensionNaturalGasEventspage.Formoreinformation,contactCarolLovelandat
5703204429orbyemailto:cal24@psu.edu.
UpcomingWebinars
PennStateExtension'sMarcellusEducationTeamprovidesmonthlywebinarsona
varietyoftopics.Upcomingwebinarsfor2015include:
February19:"TheFrackingwaterNexus:IssuesEncounteredbyIndustry,"presentedby
TerryEngelder,PennStateprofessorofgeosciences.
March19:"NaturalGasLiquids:FromWellheadtoFractionation,"presentedbyDan
Brockett,educatoronPennStateExtension'sMarcellusEducationTeam.
Previouswebinars,publicationsandinformationalsoareavailableonthePennState
ExtensionNaturalGaswebpage,coveringavarietyoftopics,suchasAct13,seismictesting,air
pollutionfromgasdevelopment,wateruseandquality,naturalgasliquidsregionaldevelopment,
naturalgasreserves,gasleasingconsiderationsforlandowners,legalissuessurroundinggas
developmentandtheimpactofMarcellusgasdevelopmentonforestland.
DEPEducatesFarmShowVisitorsOnPAsEnergyResources,NewDrillingVideo
TheDepartmentofEnvironmentalProtectionsexhibitforthe99thannualPennsylvaniaFarm
ShowwillfocusonPennsylvaniasenergyresources,featuringavanfueledbycompressed
naturalgas(CNG),anelectricvehicle(EV),anallnewanimatedunconventionaldrillingvideo
andthegaragefromitsawardwinningDEPatHomeexhibit.
TheexhibitwillbeintheMainHallofthePennsylvaniaFarmShowComplexandExpo
CenterinHarrisburgfromJanuary10to17.
TheexhibitwillincludeaFordE350thathasbeenconvertedtorunonCNG.Visitors
willhavetheopportunitytofillupthevanbyusingarealCNGpump.
ANissanLeaf,anallelectriccar,willreturntotheexhibitaftermakingitsdebutduring
lastyearsfarmshow.TheLeafwasmanufacturedataNissanplantinTennessee.FarmShow
visitorswillbeabletousetheEVchargertopowerthecar.
ProducedbyCommonwealthMediaServices,DEPsnewanimatedvideoexplainsthe
complexunconventionaldrillingprocessinaneasytounderstandandvisualformat.Thevideo
alsodetailshowDEPregulatestheunconventionaldrillingprocessandensurescompliancewith
strictenvironmentalstandards.
ItisthelatestinDEPsseriesofeducationalvideosthatareavailableonDEPsYouTube
page.
TheDEPatHomegarageincludesflooringmadefromrecycledtires,agreenwall
coveredinlivingplants,informationaboutproperdisposalofhouseholdhazardouswaste,as
wellaslandscapingwithnativeplants,andtipsonproperpestmanagement.
Visitorswillalsobeabletoseeaworkingradonmitigationunit,inhonorofRadon
ActionMonth,whichisheldeveryJanuary.
Residentsthatareinterestedinpurchasinganalternativefuelvehicleshouldconsider
takingadvantageofDEPsAlternativeFuelVehicleRebateProgram,whichprovidesrebatesto
Pennsylvaniaresidentsthatpurchasecertaintypesofalternativefuelvehicles.
ThePennsylvaniaFarmShowrunsJanuary10to16from8a.m.to9p.m.andJanuary17
from8a.m.to5p.m.Admissionisfreeandparkingis$10.ThePennsylvaniaFarmShow
ComplexandExpoCenteriseasilyaccessedfromnearbyInterstate81.
DEPcreatedtheexhibitthroughfundsprovidedbytheU.S.DepartmentofEnergys
StateEnergyProgram.Thevideowasfundedbythestateswellpluggingfund,financedbyoil
andgaspermitfeesandpenalties.
Formoreinformation,visitDEPsAlternativeFuelRebateProgramandDEPatHome
webpages.
NewsClips:
99thPAFarmShowSetToOpenNextWeek
ParticipantsChompAtBitForStartOfFarmShow
1,000PoundPAFarmShowButterSculptureToBeConvertedTo65KWhOfElectricity
Asculpturemadefromnearly1,000poundsofbutter
andshowcasingafundraisingcampaignforan
innovativefoodbankmilkprogramwasunveiled
ThursdayatthePennsylvaniaFarmShow.
Thesculpture,sponsoredbyMidAtlanticDairy
AssociationandPennsylvaniaDairyPromotion
Program,isthe25thdisplayedattheshow.Itfeatures
thefirstofitskindmilkdistributionprogram
implementedbythetwoorganizationsandthe
PennsylvaniaDepartmentofAgricultureinJune2014.
For25years,thebuttersculpturehasbeenalandmarkwithinthePennsylvaniaFarm
Show,saidAgricultureSecretaryGeorgeGreig.Improudthatthisyearshowcasesthe
departmentspioneeringinitiativethatgetsmilkintothehandsofPennsylvanianswhoneedit
themost.Thismilkdistributionprogramisonlypossiblebecauseofpartnersinourdairy
industryandattheCentralPennsylvaniaFoodBank.
CraftedbyJimVictorandMariePeltonofConshohocken,MontgomeryCounty,the
buttersculpturecreationbeginsinmidDecemberandisfinishedintimefortheFarmShow.
Victoralsocreatessculpturesusingchocolateandcheese.
Atthecloseoftheshow,thebutter,donatedbyLandOLakesinCarlisle,Cumberland
County,willbegiventoaJuniataCountydairyfarm.Thebutterwillbeputthroughadigester
andconvertedtoabout65kilowatthoursofelectricitytohelpoperatethefarmandhomesinthe
community.ThroughtheLandOLakesFoundation,thecompanyhasdonatedmorethan80,000
poundsoffoodtotheCentralPennsylvaniaFoodBank.
NewsClips:
WestmorelandConservationDistrictInstallsCNGFuelStation,Uses2CNGTrucks
TheWestmorelandConservationDistrict,an
organizationthatpromotesthewiseuseofournatural
resources,hasrecentlypurchasedtwocleanburning
naturalgasvehiclesandinstalledaslowfillstationon
itscampustofuelthem,thankstomajorfinancial
supportfromPeoplesNaturalGasandtheDepartment
ofEnvironmentalResources.
ThevehiclestwoFordF150pickuptrucks
arebeingusedbytheconservationdistrictstechnical
staff,whotraveltofarms,forests,andcommercialand
residentialdevelopmentsitesthroughoutWestmorelandCountytoensurethatworkbeingdone
thereincludesmeasurestoprotectournaturalresources.
(Photo:WithoneoftheWestmorelandConservationDistrict'snewcompressednatural
gasvehiclesare(lr):GregPhillips,districtmanager/CEOJeffreyNehr,vicepresident,
CommercialOperations,PeoplesNaturalGasWestmorelandCountyCommissionerTedKopas,
districtboardmemberandBarryKukovich,manager,CommunicationsandCommunityAffairs,
PeoplesNaturalGas.)
Ourstaffdriveatotalofabout18,000mileseveryyearinthecourseofourwork,andso
whenwehadachancetoreducetheimpactofthattravel,improveairquality,andreduce
dependenceonimportedfuelallofwhichthenaturalgasvehiclesdowewereallforit,said
GregPhillips,WestmorelandConservationDistrictmanager/CEO.Naturalgasvehiclesarea
perfectfitwithourmissionofprotectingtheenvironmentandconservingresources.
Thevehicleswerepurchasedlocallyastraditionalgasolinepoweredpickuptrucksand
convertedtoalsorunonnaturalgasbyAlternativeFuelSolutionsofMehaffey,Pennsylvaniaat
acostof$9,500each.Eachtrucksnaturalgascapacityisequivalentto21.5gallonsofgasoline,
whichtheorganizationestimateswillprovideabout450milesoftravelperfillup.
Wevehadthevehiclesinoperationonlyashortamountoftime,butweanticipatethat
usingcompressednaturalgaswillresultinsignificantfuelcostsavingsforourorganization
perhapsasmuchas$1,500ayear.Wealsoexpecttosaveonsomeofthetraditionalvehicle
operatingexpensesbecausethereislesswearandtearontheengineswithcompressednatural
gas,andlessneedforpreventativemaintenance(oilchangesandgeneralengineservice),
Phillipssaid.
Usingcompressednaturalgasalsobenefitstheenvironment,avoidingpossiblefuelspills
intowaterwaysandsignificantlyreducingemissions,includinga29percentreductionin
greenhousegasescomparedtocomparablegasolinevehicles,andreductionsinNOx,volatile
organiccompounds,andparticulates.
Thenewslowfillnaturalgasfuelingstationwasinstalledwiththehelpofthe
WestmorelandCountyPublicWorksDepartmentandAdamEidemiller,Inc.Thestationisvery
compact,about3feetby3feetby5feet,whichisthesizethatahomeownerwithanaturalgas
vehiclemightsomedayhave.Thestationusesacompressorandfillsthevehiclesoveraperiod
ofabouteighthours.
Thisisapioneeringeffortforus,markingthefirstslowfillstationthatPeoplesNatural
Gashasdonatedtoanorganizationinour18countyserviceterritory,explainedBarry
Kukovich,thecompanysmanagerofCommunicationsandCommunityAffairs.
Compressednaturalgasfuelingstationsalsomadeadebutinanotherpartof
WestmorelandCountyjustafewweeksbeforetheconservationdistrictacquireditsstation.
InmidNovember,PennsylvaniaTurnpikeCommissionofficialsunveiledthreefastfill
compressednaturalgasfuelingstationsattheNewStantonserviceplaza,makingitthefirstof
theturnpikes17plazastoofferthealternativefuel.
ApplicationsDueFeb.1For$100,000ShaleGasInnovationContest
Ifyouareasmallbusiness,researcher,orentrepreneur,inPennsylvaniaorWestVirginia
focusedondevelopinganewproductorservicefortheshaleenergyspace,youshouldbe
gearinguptosubmityourapplicationsoontotheBenFranklinShaleGasInnovationand
CommercializationCenters4thAnnualShaleGasInnovationContest.
ApplicationsaredueFebruary1.
Fourwinnerswilleachbeawarded$25,000forthetopshaleenergyorientedinnovations,
newproductideas,orserviceconceptsthatareeitherinthedevelopmentstageorrecently
launched.Asimpleonlineapplicationisavailableonline.
WealsowanttorecognizethegeneroussupportoftheBenedumFoundationthatonce
againextendsthecontesttoincludeWestVirginia,aswellasPennsylvania,saidBillHall,
ShaleGasInnovationandCommercializationCenter.Wealsowanttorecognizethegenerous
supportoftheBenedumFoundationthatonceagainextendsthecontesttoincludeWestVirginia,
aswellasPennsylvania.
Inadditiontothecashprizes,successfulapplicantschosentoparticipateintheMay2015
Finalseventwillgainexposuretoinvestors,potentialpartners,andindustrysponsors.
This4thAnnualShaleGasInnovationContestiscosponsoredbyBenFranklin
TechnologyPartners,,AquaTech,ChevronTechnologyVentures,CONSOLEnergy,EQT,First
NationalBank,GEOil&Gas,INABATAAmericaCorporation,LittlePineResources,the
MarcellusShaleCoalition,PPGIndustries,Praxair,RangeResources,Shell,Steptoe&Johnson
PLLC,Williams,andXTOEnergy.
TheinnovationcontestprovidesanexceptionalopportunityforPAorWVsmall
businessesorentrepreneurstoexposetheirnewtechnologytomanyoftheleadingshaleenergy
companies,saidHall.Ourjudgesareexpertsinthespace,andtheopportunitytohaveyour
ideavettedbythemshouldnotbemissed.ThroughthecontestSGICCshinesalightonthebest
newinnovationsbeingdevelopedinourregion.Anyideaorrecentlycommercializedproductor
servicerelatedtotheshaleenergyspaceiseligible.ExamplesincludenaturalgasorNGL
utilizationproductsorservices,novelmaterialsorchemicalstoenhanceperformanceor,for
instancecoatingsormaterialsthatpreventcorrosionorimproveproductyield.Theindustryis
alsoalwaysinterestedinnovelremotesitemonitoringtechnologies,wellpadEH&Sproductsor
services,naturalgasorNGLconversiontechnologies,andwatermanagementorremediation
technologies.
Enteringthecompetitioniseasy,requiringthecompletionofasimpleonlineapplication.
PUCRemindsConsumersToPrepareForColdWeather,ReviewConservationTips
Withfrigidtemperaturesforecastedformanyareasofthestatethisweek,thePublicUtility
CommissionTuesdayremindedconsumerstoprepareforthecoldweatherbyreviewing
conservationandsafeheatingtips.
Severecoldtemperaturesputextrademandsonutilitysystems,butenergyconservation
helps.Trytheseenergysavingtips:
Insteadofturninguptheheat,addanextrablanketorsweater,ifyourhealthpermits.
Useaprogrammablethermostatandsetittolowerthetemperatureatnightorwheneverthe
houseisunoccupied.
Keepdoorsandwindowsclosedasmuchaspossible.Thisincludesoverheaddoorson
attachedgarages.
Sealoffunusedrooms.Closethefloororwallregistersandreturnairvents,andkeepthe
doorsclosedinthoseareas.
Opensouthfacingwindowcurtains,drapesandblindsduringtheday.Closecoveringsat
nighttokeeptheheatin.
Weatherstripandcaulkwindows.
Foradditionalenergyconservationtips,visitthePUCwebsite.
HomeHeatingSafetyTips
AccordingtotheU.S.FireAdministration,morethanonefifthofresidentialfiresare
relatedtotheuseofsupplementalroomheaters,includingwoodandcoalburningstoves,
keroseneheaters,gasspaceheatersandelectricheaters,sobeforeyouputlogsonthefireplaceor
plugintheelectricheater,takesomeprecautions.
Also,neveruseanovenorstovetohelpheatyourhome.Foralistofhomeheatingsafety
tips,visitthePUCwebsite.
Residentsareremindedtocheckonneighbors,especiallytheelderly.Ifsomeoneis
withoutheatrelatedutilityservice,helpthemcalltheirlocalutilitytoobtaininformationabout
programsavailabletohelpthemrestoreandmaintainutilityservice.
Consumerswithaseriouslyillresidentinthehouseoraprotectionfromabuseordermay
haveadditionaloptionsforservicerestoration.Consumersshouldcalltheirutilityfirst.Ifthey
areunabletoreachanagreementwiththeutility,thePUCmaybeabletoprovideassistance.The
PUCcanbereachedtollfreeat18006927380.
SinceOctober,thePUChasbeenremindingconsumerstoPrepareNowforhigh
energycoststhiswinter.ThePUCsmessageissimple:PrepareNowforwinterenergycosts.
Learnmoreaboutconservation.Checkyourelectricandnaturalgasbillsandsuppliercontracts.
UsePAPowerSwitch.comtoshopforservice.Lookintoprogramsthathelplowincome
customersmaintainservice.
Formorehelpfulinformation,visitthePUCsPrepareNowwebpageorcallthePUCat
18006927380or#PrepareNowonTwitter.
WestPennPower,PennPowerLaunchFacebookPages
FirstEnergysWestPennPowerandPennPowerannouncedTuesdaytheyarelaunching
Facebookpagestoenhancetheircommunicationwiththeircustomers.
Inastatement,thecompaniessaidsocialmediahasbecomeavitalpartofits
communicationwithcustomers,localofficialsandmedia,particularlyduringmajorweather
events.
Twitterhasproventobeaneffectivetoolforsharinginformationandengagingwith
customers,andweareexcitedaboutincreasingourcommunicationopportunitiesthrough
Facebook.
Byconnecting,customerscan:
Viewupdatesandimportantinformationduringmajoroutages,suchasthecompany'sstorm
preparationplans,tipsforsafelymanagingthroughapoweroutageandrestorationinformation
EasilyreportapowerdisruptiondirectlythroughtheFacebookpagebyclickingonthe
"ReportanOutage"tabandenteringthephonenumberassociatedwiththecustomer'saccount
Learnaboutsystemenhancementsandmaintenance,includingtreetrimming,substationwork,
utilitypolereplacementsandmore
Receiveenergyefficiencyandelectricalsafetytips
Learnaboutwaysthecompaniessupportthecommunitiesitserves
Viewphotosandvideosfromsponsoredcommunityinitiativesandinfrastructureprojects
takingplaceacrosstheserviceterritory.
ThenewFacebookpagesareavailableonlineatWestPennPowerandPennPower.Both
companiesareuseTwitteraccounts@Penn_Powerand@W_Penn_Power.
ThelaunchoftheFacebookpagesisthelatestincompany'songoingefforttoprovide
proactiveinformationtocustomersusingavarietyofplatforms.
Inadditiontosocialmedia,customerscansubscribetoalertnotificationsviaemailortext
messagethatcontainbillingreminders,weatheralertsinadvanceofseverestorms,orupdateson
scheduledorextendedpoweroutages.
Customersalsocanusetwowaytextmessagingtoreportoutages,requestupdateson
restorationeffortsandmakeotherinquiriesabouttheirelectricaccounts.
Thecompanyalsoprovidescomprehensiveoutageinformationthroughits24/7Power
Centermapandonitswebsite,whichisoptimizedformobilephones.Additionally,customers
candownloadthesmartphoneappforAppleiPhone,andAndroiddevices.
PennStatesRichardAlleyReceivesFrontiersOfKnowledgeAwardInClimateChange

RichardB.Alley,EvanPughProfessorofGeosciencesistodaytherecipientofthe2015BBVA
FoundationFrontiersofKnowledgeAwardinthecategoryofClimateChange.
Alleyisrecognizedforhis"pioneeringresearch"intothe"mechanicsoficeandits
implicationsforabruptclimatechange,"accordingtothejurycitation.
Theaward,whichwasestablishedin2008bythefinancialgroupBBVAinSpainandis
presentedineightcategories:basicsciencesbiomedicineecologyandconservationbiology
informationandcommunicationtechnologieseconomics,financeandmanagement
contemporarymusic:climatechangeanddevelopmentcooperationconsistsof400,000Euros,a
diplomaandacommemorativeartwork.
Theyareintendedtosupportandrecognizeindividualsandteamsworkingforabetter
futureforpeoplethroughtheadvancementofknowledge,innovationandcultureandthe
disseminationofthesetosociety.
"Climatechangedoesn'tjustmeantheglobeiswarming,"saidSusanL.Brantley,
DistinguishedProfessorofGeoscienceanddirectorofthePennState'sEarthandEnvironmental
SystemsInstitute."RichardAlleyisthepremiericespecialistintheworldandhasdonemore
thananyonetoeducateusaboutchangingandmovingpolarice.RichardandIhaveworked
togetherformanyyearsinPennState'sEarthandEnvironmentalSystemsInstituteandIam
exceedinglyproudofhisaccomplishments.Thisawardisrichlydeserved."
Alleyisbothasuperbclimatescientistandsciencecommunicator.Hisdiscoverythat
climatechangecanoccurabruptlyoverdecades,ratherthanoverlongtimescales,andhisability
toconveythistothepublicthroughhispopularwritingmakehimanimportantfigureinclimate
change.
HisstudiesofAntarcticicestreamshelpinunderstandingicebedinteractionswith
implicationsforfastglacierflowandsealevelchange,andforinterpretationofgeological
records,climaticchangesandmountainbeltevolution.
Aprolificresearcher,Alleyfindstimetotalktoschoolchildrenaswellasthemediaand
toteachgraduateandundergraduatestudentsattheuniversity.Heistheauthorofmorethan250
peerreviewedscientificpapers,severaltextbooksandtwopopularbooks,"TheTwoMileTime
Machine:IceCores,AbruptClimateChange,andOurFuture,"PrincetonPress(2000)and
"EarthTheOperators'Manual,"Norton(2011).HewasthehostofthePublicBroadcasting
System'sthreepartseries"EarthTheOperators'Manual."
AlleyisamemberoftheU.S.NationalAcademyofSciences,theAmericanAcademyof
ArtsandSciencesandaforeignmemberoftheRoyalSociety(UK),afellowoftheAmerican
AssociationfortheAdvancementofScience,AmericanGeophysicalUnion,andtheGeological
SocietyofAmerica.Hehasreceivednumerousawardsforhisscientificendeavorsandhis
communicationofscience.
NewsClips:
DEPRemindsPennsylvaniansJanuaryIsRadonActionMonth

JanuaryisNationalRadonActionMonth,markingatimeofincreasedpublicawarenessforthis
serioushealthhazard.
Radonisacolorless,odorless,radioactivegasthatoccursnaturallythroughthe
breakdownofuraniuminsoilandrocks.Itcanseepintohomesthroughcracksinbasementsand
foundations,andcanbuildupinsidetoconcentrationsmanytimestheU.S.Environmental
ProtectionAgencysrecommendedlevelof4picocuriesperliter(pCi/L).
RadonisthesecondleadingcauseoflungcancerintheUnitedStates,causingabout
20,000lungcancerdeathsintheUnitedStateseveryyear.About40percentofPennsylvania
homeshaveradonlevelsabovetheU.S.EnvironmentalProtectionAgencysactionleveloffour
picocuriesperliter.
Whileradonproblemsmaybemorecommoninsomeregions,thepotentialexistsforany
homeinPennsylvaniatohavehighradonlevels.
Thisyear,DEPidentifiedarecordhighradonlevelinaLehighCountyhome.The
concentrationmeasuredwas3,715pCi/L.Inthiscase,DEPrecommendedtheoccupantsvacate
thehomeuntilthemeasuredradonconcentrationwasremediatedtoalevellessthan4pCi/L.
Severalotherhomesinthatareawerefoundtohavemeasuredconcentrationsover1,000pCi/L.
Pennsylvaniaisparticularlypronetoelevatedradonlevels,andtheonlywaytoknowif
thereisaradonproblemistotestthehome.DEPrecommendstestingallhomesandpublicand
privatebuildings.Thebesttimetotestisduringthecoldweathermonths,whenhomesand
buildingsareclosedandradonismostlikelytobuilduptounhealthylevels.
Residentsmayhireacertifiedradontestingcompany,thoughitiseasytoperforma
radontestbyusingakitthatcanbepurchasedatahomeimprovementstoreora
Pennsylvaniacertifiedradonlaboratory.
CompletedtestkitsaretobesenttoaPennsylvaniacertifiedlab,wherethesamplesare
analyzedandtheresultsarethensenttotheresident.Ifresultsrevealradonlevelsabovethe
actionlevel,aradonmitigationsystemmaybenecessary.
Radonmitigationsystemscostbetween$800and$1,200andrequireminimal
maintenance.Mosthomeorbuildingownerschoosetohirearadonmitigationprofessionalto
installthesystem.
Formoreinformationaboutradon,includinginformationaboutinterpretingtestresultsor
tofindaPennsylvaniacertifiedradoncontractor,visitDEPsRadonDivisionwebpageorcall
180023RADONorEPAsRadonwebpage.
CostToCleanupArmstrongCountyNuclearWasteDumpNowTops$350Million
TheAssociatedPressandTribuneReviewreportedMondaythecostforcleaningupanuclear
wastesiteinWesternPennsylvaniaknownastheParksTownshipShallowLandDisposalArea
hasjumpedfrom$44milliontomorethan$350million.
TheU.S.ArmyCorpsofEngineerssaytheprojectwilltakemorethan10yearsto
removeallthehazardouswastefromthesiteinParksTownship,ArmstrongCountywhich
includeshighlyradioactivematerialslikeuraniumandplutonium.
Radioactivewastedisposaloperationswereconductedbetween1960and1970atthesite.
LowlevelnuclearwastesfromthenearbydecommissionedApollooperationsiteweredisposed
ofinaseriesoftentrenchescomprisingatotalareaofapproximately1.2acresatthedisposal
siteplacedoveranareaof44acres.
AspartofworkdoneunderAtomicEnergyCommissioncontracts,lowlevelradioactive
materialswereproduced,primarilyforfuelfornuclearpoweredsubmarinesandpowerplants.
DisposaloperationswereconductedbythefirmNUMEC,NuclearMaterialsand
EquipmentCorporation,intheearly1960s.In1967,ARCOpurchasedstockinNUMEC.In
1971,ARCOsoldthestockofNUMECtoBabcock&WilcoxwhichhaschangedtoBWX
Technologies.BWXTechnologiesisthecurrentowneroftheParksTownshipShallowLand
DisposalArea.
Formoreinformation,visittheU.S.ArmyCorpsofEngineersParksTownshipShallow
LandDisposalAreawebpage.
NewsClips:
ArmyCorps:NukeCleanupNow$350MillionUpFrom$44Million
ParksTownshipNukeDumpCleanup:10Years,$412Million
CleanUpAtPANuclearWasteSiteToCost$350M
U.S.Sen.CaseyCallsOnFEMAToReimburseLocalGovernmentsForSinkholeCleanups
U.S.Sen.BobCasey(DPA)TuesdayannouncedhehassentalettertoCraigFugate,
AdministratoroftheFederalEmergencyManagementAgency(FEMA),urgingtheagencyto
adoptanewpolicythatwouldreimbursemunicipalitiesinPennsylvaniaandacrossthecountry
forthecostofsinkholedamage.
SinkholeshavecausedrecentdamageacrossPennsylvaniayetFEMAdoesnotcurrently
aidcommunitiesbyoffsettingcleanupcosts.CurrentlyFEMAisengagedinaprocessto
potentiallyreviseitspolicyandreimburselocalgovernmentsforthecoststhatcomefrom
sinkholedamage.
SinkholeshavebeenanissueacrossPennsylvaniaandhavehadasignificantimpacton
residentsandmunicipalbudgets,SenatorCaseysaid.ImpleasedthatFEMAhasundertakena
reviewofthispolicyandamencouragingtheagencytobeginreimbursinglocalgovernmentsfor
thecostsofsinkholedamage.
Acopyoftheletterisavailableonline.
NewsClip:Sen.CaseyUrgesFEMAToFundSinkholeRepair
EnhancePennsWoodsInitiativeAdds8,120AcresToLackawannaStateForest
DepartmentofConservationandNaturalResourcesSecretaryEllenFerrettiTuesdayannounced
thedepartmentwilladdmorethan8,000acres,mostofwhichsurroundsandistotheeastand
southofMontageMountain,toLackawannaStateForestwiththeacquisitionofpropertyin
Lackawanna,LuzerneandWaynecounties.
ThisacquisitionispartofEnhancePennsWoodsatwoyear,morethan$200million
initiativelaunchedbyGov.TomCorbetttorepairandimprovePennsylvaniasstateparksand
forests.
Thesepropertiesincludenearly13squaremilesofChesapeakeBaywatershedlandsas
wellasnumerousperennialstreamsincludingStaffordMeadowBrookandGreenRun.Theywill
providerecreationspace,watershedprotectionandwildlifehabitatlocatedjustminutesfrom
Scranton,Ferrettisaid.SinceEnhancePennsWoodswaslaunchedinFebruary2014DCNR
hasadded15,000acrestoourstateforestsystem.
Thelandsweconservedin2013and2014havebeenonaBureauofForestrypriority
listforquitesometimeduetotheirhighconnectivityandecologicalvalue,Ferrettisaid.
Thestateinvested$16.3millioninGrowingGreenerfundstopurchasetheland.The
ConservationFundfacilitatedthepurchasefromtheThetaLandCorp.
Thepropertycontainsmostlyforestedandprimewatershedacres.
InadditiontothelandsaroundMontage,thepurchaseincludesthenearly100acreJoe
PalookaMountainpropertythatisakeyconnectortomorethan1,000acresofformerEarth
ConservancypropertyaddedtoLackawannaStateForestseveralyearsago,aswellasthe
320acreCurryHillpropertythatwillprovideresidentsofdenselypopulatedPlymouth
Townshipwithnearbyoutdoorrecreationalopportunities.
TheselandsareidentifiedintheLuzerneLackawannabicountyopenspaceplanasa
highpriorityconservationarea.DCNRownershipwillfurtherthegoalsandobjectivesoutlined
intheplanforprotectionofopenspace,andprovideopportunitiesforoutdooractivities.
Thisprojectrepresentstheultimatesuccessofmorethanadecadelongpartnership
betweenTheConservationFund,DCNR,theRichardKingMellonFoundationandthecounties
toconservemorethan20,000acresoftheformerThetalands.
Conservationoftheselandswillensurecleandrinkingwaterfor,andprovideprime
recreationalopportunitiestoresidentsofthegreaterScrantonandWyomingValleyregions,
saidToddMcNew,TheConservationFundsPennsylvaniaStateDirector.Morethan500,000
peoplelivewithinashortdriveoftheselandstensofthousandslivewithinwalkingdistanceof
thehiking,fishing,huntingandwildlifeviewingopportunitiesthattheselandsprovide.
DCNRcompensateslocalgovernmentsonanannualbasisaspaymentinlieuoftaxesfor
publiclands.Thisismeanttoreplacetaxesthatwouldhavebeengeneratediftheselandholdings
wereinprivateownership.Conservationoftheselandsalsowillensurethatmunicipalitieswill
nothavetobearcostsassociatedwithdevelopment.
Forinformation,visitDCNRsEnhancePennsWoodswebpage.
NewsClip:DCNRAdds8,120AcresToLackawannaStateForest
DCNRToResumeSprayingWoodlandsToCombatGypsyMothDamage
Statewoodlandmanagersagainarepreparingtocombatthepotentialdamagefromastatewide
gypsymothpopulationpoisedforspringoutbreaksacrossthestate,DepartmentofConservation
andNaturalResourcesofficialssaidThursday.
Forestrybureauexpertsidentifythegypsymothasoneofthemostdestructiveforest
pestsinPennsylvania.Feedingwhileinthelarvalorcaterpillarstage,theinsectusually
hatchesandbeginsfeedingfrommidtolateAprilinsouthernPennsylvania,andinearlyto
midMayinthenorthernpartofthestate.
Heavyinfestationwasexpectedinsomeareaslastspringbutourentomologistssaymost
ofthatgypsymothpopulationcollapsed,thankstoanaturallyrecurringfungus,DCNR
SecretaryEllenFerrettisaid.Lastyear,cold,wetweatherprovedidealforthefungus,deadlyto
gypsymoths,butwecannotalwaysrelyontheweathertobeourally.
Thesecretarystressedbudgetedfundsarenecessarytomaintainacontinuedyeartoyear
gypsymothsprayingprogramthatsuppressesreboundinginsectpopulationswhileprotectingthe
foreststandstheymayhavedamagedthespringbefore.
Surveysacrossthestateindicategypsymothpopulationsareincreasingandhavethe
potentialtocausedefoliationin2015,especiallyineasternPennsylvania.
Itisimportantthatfundingbeconsistentlyavailabletotreatpopulationsearlyin
infestationswhenpopulationsareatlevelswheresuccesscanbereasonablyexpected,Ferretti
said.Usingstaffrecommendationsasaguide,Iagainhavebudgeted$1.5milliontoenable
DCNRtoconductasprayprogramonDCNRlands.Thisconsistentfundinggivesustheoption
tomoveforwardwithtreatmentifneeded.
Whenavailable,theU.S.ForestServicetraditionallyprovidesa5050fundingmatchto
statestowardannualsprayingprojectcosts.
Ifthestatefundsarenotneededforanactivesuppressionprogram,ornotfullyutilized,
theycanbereturnedforotherbudgetaryuses,Ferrettisaid.
In2014,gypsymothpopulationsincreasedineasternPennsylvaniaafterseveralyearsof
highpopulationsinthenorthwesternpartofthestate.DCNRtreated1,901acresin42spray
blocksinMayinfournorthwesterncounties.Treatmentareaswereallprivatelands.
A26,860acresuppressionprogramin39treatmentblocksisproposedfor2015insix
northeasterncountiesCarbon,Columbia,Luzerne,Northumberland,PikeandSchuylkill
principallyonstatemanagedparks,forests,andgamelands,butalsosomeprivateresidential
landsinCarbonCounty.
BureauofForestryexpertsnotethestatesoakstandsareespeciallyvulnerabletogypsy
mothinfestationandmortality.Thelossofhabitat,timberandtreegrowthareconsiderablewhen
gypsymothpopulationsareallowedtogountreated.
Becausefundswerenotmadeavailableinthepast,MoshannonStateForestDistrict
alonehadatleast40salvagerelatedtimbersalesyielding16millionboardfeetastheresultof
gypsymothoutbreaksonapproximately24,000acres.Statewide,over50millionboardfeetof
oakweresalvagedonstateforestlandsbetween2006and2012duetogypsymothdamage
impacting2,390,373acres.
Gypsymothdefoliationin2014totaled214,972acres,andanother115,104acreswere
defoliatedbythefallcankerworm.Aerialandgroundsurveysindicatedatotalof431,956acres
ofdamagebyforestpestsin2014.
Beforespring2013,DCNRlastsprayedforgypsymothsin2009,whenmorethan
178,380acresin25countiesweretargetedacrossthestate.In2008atotalof221,221acresof
private,stateandfederalwoodlandsweresprayedin27counties.
Privatewoodlandownersandstateforestvisitorsmustremembersprayingisa
suppressioneffort,aforestmanagementefforttoprotecttreesfrommoderatetosevere
defoliation,saidDr.DonaldEggen,thebureausforesthealthmanager.Thegypsymothwill
continueitscyclicpopulationwithupsanddowns,andwecannoteradicatetheinsect.Itstoo
wellestablishedandisheretostay.
Oak,apple,sweetgum,basswood,birch,poplarandwillowtreesareaffectedthemostby
thegypsymoth.Olderlarvaealsowillfeedonhemlock,pines,spruces,southernwhitecedarand
otherconifers.Atreebeginstosufferwhen30percentormoreofitsleafsurfaceislost.
Begunin1972,forestinsectsprayprogramsareacooperativeeffortamongDCNR's
BureauofForestry,countygovernmentsandtheU.S.DepartmentofAgricultureForestService's
ForestHealthProtectionUnit.
ThegypsymothwasintroducedtoNorthAmericain1869inMedford,Mass.,whereit
wasusedinasilkproductionexperiment.ThegypsymothfirstreachedPennsylvaniainLuzerne
Countyin1932,andsincethenhasinfestedeverycounty.
Formoreinformation,visitDCNRsGypsyMothwebpage.
NewsClips:
InvasiveInsectCouldBeBadForGrapes,Hardwoods
DCNRAdds8,120AcresToLackawannaStateForest
MountainLionComebackInNortheast?
QualityDeerManagementGroupReorganizing
CameraInSomersetCountyStateForestTargetsEagles
SometimesBirdsNeedHumans
ScientistsLearnMoreAboutSyndromeEndangeringBats
AlleghenyForestersHoldPrivateLand,CommunityForestryProgramFeb.1820
ThePinchotChapteroftheAlleghenySocietyofAmericanForesterswouldliketoinviteyouto
theAlleghenySocietyofAmericanForesters2015WinterMeetingonFebruary1820atthe
HolidayInnWilkesBarreEastMountaininWilkesBarre.
TheProgramCommitteehasputtogetheranimpressiveagendaoftopicsandspeakers
focusedaroundthethemePrivateLandandCommunityForestryA21stCenturyChallenge.
Thespeakerswillprovidetimelyinformationonissuesrelevanttotheforestryprofession
withthegoalofsharingknowledgeandresourcesneededbyforestersandothernaturalresource
professionalstobesuccessfulinthefuture.
ClickHereformoreinformation.
WoodMobileGetsNewWheels,TechnologyToTellStoryOfPAsHardwoodsIndustry
AnewPennsylvaniaWoodMobilepackedwithmoreinformationthaneverisreadytoeducate
today'stechsavvyyouthandother99thPennsylvaniaFarmShowvisitorsaboutthestate's
nationleadinghardwoodsindustry.
Thenew34footenclosedtrailerreplacesanearlierWoodMobiletrailerthatdebutedin
2002.TheWoodMobiletravelstoschools,fairsandotheroutdooreventstoeducatethepublic
aboutPennsylvania'snationleadinghardwoodsindustry.ItiscoordinatedbytheDepartmentof
Agriculture,whichadministersthePennsylvaniaHardwoodsDevelopmentCouncil.
"OurforestsareanimportantcomponentofPennsylvaniaagriculture,andhavebeenfor
hundredsofyears,"saidAgricultureSecretaryGeorgeGreig."Kidsusemoretechnologythan
ever,andincorporatingvideosandtouchscreensinthiseditionoftheWoodMobilewillhelp
engageyoungerPennsylvaniansinourhardwoodsindustrywhilelearningscience,mathand
Pennsylvaniahistoryalongtheway.Visitthe2015PennsylvaniaFarmShowandseethenew
exhibit,whichisreadyforallages."
Themed"AnEducationalWalkinPenn'sWoods,"thetrailer,intheMainHallofthe
complex,willbeunveiledonJanuary9,andwelcomeitsfirstvisitorswhentheshowopens
January10.
Thetravelingexhibitprimarilyvisitselementary,middleandhighschoolsacrossthe
state,whereWoodMobilestaffconductclasses,toursandworkshops.Visitorslearnfromthe
displaysandfromstaffhowPennsylvania'sforestsshapedthestate'sindustry,howthey've
changedoverthepastcentury,whatspeciesgrowinPennsylvania,andwhichinvasiveinspects
areimpactingforeststoday.
Theyalsolearnabouttheforestproductsindustry,includinghowforesterssustainably
manageforests,theindustry'seconomicimpact,howwoodproductsaremade,andthemany
unusualwaysforestproductsimpactourliveseveryday.
Thetrailer'sexterioriswrappedinapictureofahealthystandofPAforest,featuringa
walkingpaththatinvitesvisitorsinside.Apathinlaidinthetrailer'shardwoodfloorguides
patronsastheywalkthroughandexperiencetheinteractivedisplaysandinformation.
Thefrontofthetrailer'sinteriorfeaturesahardwoodfireplace,cherrycabinetryanda
televisionforviewingselectablevideopresentations.Spacesanddisplaysthroughoutthe
WoodMobilewereconstructedusinghardwoodsrepresentingthestate'smostrelevant
commercialspecies.
OnesidewalltellsthestoryofPennsylvania'sforestsandhow,throughsustainable
management,Pennsylvaniahasdevelopedthenation'slargestreservesofstandinghardwood
sawtimberat114.3billionboardfeet.Thesidefeaturesinformationondifferencesbetween
hardwoodsandsoftwoods,thewayswebenefitforests,andthreatsmainlybyinvasivespecies
toforests.
Theotherwallemphasizeswoodasthemostenvironmentallyfriendlybuildingand
productmaterial.Itguidesvisitorsthroughtheentirewoodproductsindustryfromloggingto
primaryandsecondarymanufacturing,coveringindustrial,commercialandconsumerproducts
aswellaseconomicimpactsandcareeropportunities.
TheWoodMobilenowretiredhasbeentoall67Pennsylvaniacountiesatleastoncein
715eventsandhasintroducedmorethan1.4millionvisitorstotheimportanceofthewood
productsindustryandsustainableforestmanagement.Morethan145,000studentshavebeen
taughtaboutforestryandwoodproductsinformalworkshops.
BothtrailersandtheirequipmentwerefundedbyPennsylvaniahardwoodsandwood
productscompanies.Thecouncilfundsandoperatestheprogram.
DeerParkLumberofTunkhannock,WyomingCounty,donatedthenewtrailer.More
than50additionalcompanies,hardwoodgroupsandthePennsylvaniaForestProducts
Associationdonatedmaterialsandfundstocompletethebuildofthetotallyredesignedexhibit
andtomaintainitsdedicatedtruck.
TheWoodMobileoperatesfromMarchtoNovember.
Formoreinformation,includingguidelinesandformsforschedulinganappearanceby
theWoodMobile,call7177723715orsendemailto:RAhardwoods@pa.gov,orvisit
AgriculturesWoodMobilewebpage.
NewsClips:
NaturalistTrainingProgramSeeksParticipantsInPhiladelphiaArea
IntheSpringof2015,thevolunteertrainingprogramofPAMasterNaturalistispartneringwith
FriendsoftheWissahickontopreparecitizenstobecomevolunteerleadersintheircommunities
throughnaturalresourceconservationeducation,citizenscience,andstewardship.
IndividualsinterestedintheNaturalistPrograminPhiladelphiaareinvitedtoapplyby
February17.
PennsylvaniaMasterNaturalistisacitizenvolunteerinitiativewiththreekey
components:aninitial55hourvolunteertraining,annualvolunteerservice,andcontinuing
educationinthenaturalsciences.
MasterNaturalistvolunteersdesignandpursueawidevarietyofserviceprojectsfrom
habitatrestorationandnativeplantings,tonaturewalksandinterpretativedisplaysor
publicationsonnaturalhistory,towaterqualitymonitoringandsupportingthenaturalresource
conservationeffortsofpartneringorganizations.
Since2010,PennsylvaniaMasterNaturalistvolunteersinSoutheasternPennsylvania
have:
engagedinmorethan6,300hoursofconservationservice
contributed$140,700inconservationvalueandimpacttonumerousregionalpartners
reachedover9,000peoplethrougheducationandoutreachinitiatives
improved330acresofhabitatthroughstewardshipserviceand
dedicatedthemselvesto2,300hoursofcontinuingeducationinthenaturalsciences.
ThePennsylvaniaMasterNaturalistnaturalhistorytrainingincludes55hoursof
classroom(weekdayevenings)andfield(Saturday)sessionsandwillbecoordinatedbythe
FriendsoftheWissahickoninthespringof2015.
ThetrainingwillbeginonApril6andendonMay28.Classroomsessionswilltake
placeonmostMondayandThursdayeveningsfrom6:008:30p.m.attheSchuylkillCenterfor
EnvironmentalEducation.FieldtripsarescheduledonfourSaturdaysApril11,25,May9,16
beginningat9:00a.m.andcontinuingthroughmostoftheday.
ApplicationscanbefoundonPennsylvaniaMasterNaturalistswebsite.
Formoreinformation,contactAndreaStevens,ProgramCoordinator,bysendingemail
to:progcoord@pamasternaturalist.orgorcall5707647628.
FriendsOfTheWissahickonSetJanuaryWalksInThePark,TalksAtCedarsHouse
EnjoyJanuaryintheWissahickon,whenFriendsoftheWissahickonTrailAmbassadorsare
offeringfreehikesinWissahickonValleyParkandfreetalksattheCedarsHouse,locatedat200
NorthwesternAvenueinPhiladelphia.ClickHerefordetailsontheseandotherevents.
LacawacSanctuaryJan/FebNewsletterNowAvailable
TheJanuary/FebruarynewsletterfromtheLacawacSanctuary&BiologicalFieldStationnear
LakeWallenpaupackinWayneCountyisnowavailablefeaturingarticleson
YouthAndEnvironmentalSciencesAfterschoolProgram
LacawacPartnersWithNaturalLandsTrust,BearCreekPreserve
WinterAndEarlySpringEvents,Programs
NewK12ProgramsIn2015
WelcomeToOurEnvironmentalEducators
ClickHereformoreinformationonreceivingyourowncopy.
JanuaryPAWildsJanuaryNewsIsNowAvailable
TheJanuaryissueofPAWildsNewsisnowavailablefromthePennsylvaniaWildsProgram
featuringarticleson
PAWilds:MoreToSeeThanMountainsAndStreams
CraftDistilleriesCookUpSuccess
ListOfUpcomingEventsInThePAWildsRegion
ClickHeretosignupforyourowncopy(bottomonthepage).
HelpWanted:SRBCSeeksLegislative,PublicAffairsProfessional
TheSusquehannaRiverBasinCommissionisseekingaLegislativeandPublicAffairs
professionalinSRBCsofficeinHarrisburgwhoreportstotheExecutiveDirector.
Theresponsibilitiesofthepositioncoverthreekeyareas:
LegislativeRelationsAssisttheExecutiveDirectorwithoutreachtofederalandstate
legislatorsandstaffonactivitiesandprioritiesrelevanttotheCommissionsmissionandgoals.
Trackstateandfederalwaterresourceslegislationandpromotesoundwaterresourcespolicyand
managementprinciples.Identifyandpursuegrantandotherfundingopportunities.
MediaRelationsDevelopandexecuteamediastrategyincluding:servingasthe
Commissionsspokesperson,organizingandconductingpressconferencesandmediacoverage
ofmeetingsandevents,andwritinganddistributingpressreleases,featurearticlesandoped
pieces.
PublicInformationDevelopandcoordinatestrategiesandprogramsdesignedtoincrease
publicawarenessandunderstandingoftheCommissionssignificantactions,programs,
achievements,andspecialevents.
Eligibilityrequirementsforthepositioninclude:
Minimumofabachelorsdegreeingovernment,legislativeaffairs,publicrelations,
communications,marketing,politicalscienceorarelateddegree,oratechnical/environmental
sciencedegreeaccompaniedbyworkexperienceinpublicrelations.
Aminimumoffour(4)yearsofexperienceinpolitical/legislativeaffairsorpublicrelations.
Experienceworkingonenvironmentaland/orwaterresourcetopicsispreferred.
Strongwritingandverbalcommunicationskills,includingtheabilitytotranslatecomplex
technicalconceptsintoclearmessageseasilyunderstoodbythegeneralpublic.
Experiencewithidentificationandpursuitofgrantsandotherfundingopportunitiespreferred.
Competitivesalaryandbenefitspackageavailable,includinghealthcareinsuranceand
participationinPennsylvaniaStateEmployeesRetirementSystem.
Sendcoverletterwithsalaryexpectationsandresumeemphasizingrelevantexperience
byemailto:employment@srbc.netbyFebruary1.Attn.:MarciaRynearson,Directorof
AdministrationandFinance,SusquehannaRiverBasinCommission,4423N.FrontSt.,
Harrisburg,PA17110.SRBCisanequalopportunityemployer.
PublicParticipationOpportunities/CalendarOfEvents
Thissectiongivesyouacontinuouslyupdatedthumbnailsketchofissuestobeconsideredin
upcomingadvisorycommitteemeetingswheretheagendashavebeenreleased.Italsogivesyou
aheadsuponHouseandSenateCommitteemeetings,conferencesandotherinterestingevents.
MeetingsareinHarrisburgunlessotherwisenoted.
NEWmeansnewfromlastweek.[AgendaNotPosted]meansnotpostedwithin2weeks
oftheadvisorycommitteemeeting.GototheonlineCalendarwebpageforupdates.
January12DEPHearingDEPonproposedchangestothestateAirQualityImplementation
PlanrelatedtotheLyonsNonattainmentAreainBerksCountyforlead.Room105Rachel
CarsonBuilding,Harrisburg.10:00.(formalnotice)Acopyoftheproposedrevisionwillbe
postedonDEPsStateImplementationPlanwebpage.
January14AgendaPosted.DEPCoastalZoneAdvisoryCommitteemeeting.10thFloor
ConferenceRoom,RachelCarsonBuilding.9:30.
FY2015CoastalZoneGrantsUpdate
CoastalMarineSpatialPlanningUpdate
<>ClickHereforavailablehandouts.
January14AgendaPosted.DEPTechnicalAdvisoryCommitteeonDieselPowered
Equipmentmeeting.DEPMiningOffice,131BroadviewRd.,NewStanton.10:00.
TACInterpretationPolicyManual
RhomacMicrotraxxSL448ComponentChange
<>ClickHereforavailablehandouts
January15AgendaPosted.DEPSolidWasteAdvisoryCommitteemeeting.Room105
RachelCarsonBuilding.10:00.
UpdateOnManagementOfFillPolicyMaximumContaminantLevels
NewFederalCoalAshRegulations
SettlementAccommodation
WaterRecycling/OilandGasWaste
PAIllegalDumpingReport
UpdateOnEPAsDefinitionOfSolidWaste
<>ClickHereforavailablehandouts
January15PASustainableEnergyBoardmeeting,inconjunctionwiththePublicUtility
Commission.HearingRoom1oftheCommonwealthKeystoneBuilding,Harrisburg.11:00.
(ClickHereformoredetails.)
January1620NorthAmericanResidentialEnvironmentalLearningCenterConference.
PoconoEnvironmentalEducationCenter,PikeCounty.
January20GovernorsInaugurationDay.
January20GeneralAssemblyVotingSessionResumes
January21CANCELED.EnvironmentalQualityBoardmeeting.Room105RachelCarson
Building.9:00.
January21AgendaPosted.DEPCitizensAdvisoryCouncilmeeting.Room105Rachel
CarsonBuilding.10:00.
Presentation,DiscussionOnImplementingAct162BuffersRequirements
DCNRForestryPlantRegulations
DiscussionOfPartIIOfTransitionReportForIncomingWolfAdministration
CopyOfJanuaryDEPReportToCouncil
<>ClickHereforavailablehandouts.
January21NEW.DEPOpenHouseOnTenskaWestmorelandNaturalGasPowerPlant.
TurkeytownSouthHuntingtonVolunteerFireDepartmenthall(HuntingtonPlace),locatedat90
SupervisorDrive,WestNewton.6:00.ClickHereformoreinformation.
January22CANCELED.DEPOilandGasTechnicalAdvisoryBoardmeeting.Room105
January22[AgendaNotPosted]DEPMiningandReclamationAdvisoryBoardmeeting.
12thFloorConferenceRoom,RachelCarsonBuilding.10:00.
January28DEPSmallBusinessComplianceAdvisoryCommitteemeeting.12thFloor
ConferenceRoom,RachelCarsonBuilding.10:00.
January29DEPChesapeakeBayManagementTeammeeting.DEPRegionalOffice,909
ElmertonAve.,Harrisburg.9:30.
January29NEW.AgendaPosted.SusquehannaRiverBasinCommissionhearingon
proposedwaterwithdrawalrequests.Room8EBEastWing,CapitolBuilding,Harrisburg.2:30.
(formalnotice)
February5DEPEnvironmentalJusticeAdvisoryBoardmeeting.DelawareRoom,16thFloor,
February11DEPStateBoardForCertificationofWaterandWastewaterSystemOperators
meeting.10thFloorConferenceRoom,RachelCarsonBuilding.10:00.
February11NEW.DEPHearingOnTenskaWestmorelandNaturalGasPowerPlant.
TurkeytownSouthHuntingtonVolunteerFireDepartmenthall(HuntingtonPlace),locatedat90
SupervisorDrive,WestNewton.6:00.ClickHereformoreinformation.
February12DEPAirQualityTechnicalAdvisoryCommitteemeeting.Room105Rachel
February17EnvironmentalQualityBoardmeeting.Room105RachelCarsonBuilding.
9:00.
February17DEPCitizensAdvisoryCouncilmeeting.Room105RachelCarsonBuilding.
10:00.
February18DEPWaterResourcesAdvisoryCommitteemeeting.Room105RachelCarson
Building.9:30.
March3GovernorsBudgetAddress.(tentative)
March3DEPStorageTankAdvisoryCommitteemeeting.Room105RachelCarson
Building.10:00.
March10DEPBoardofCoalMineSafetymeeting.DEPCambriaOffice,286IndustrialPark
Rd.,Ebensburg.10:00.
March11DEPCertificationProgramAdvisoryCommitteemeeting.Room105Rachel
March11DEPLaboratoryAccreditationAdvisoryCommittee.BureauofLaboratories
Building,2575InterstateDr.,Harrisburg.9:30.
March18DEPStateBoardforCertificationofSewageEnforcementOfficersmeeting.Room
11BConferenceRoom,RachelCarsonBuilding.10:00.
March19DEPSmallWaterSystemsTechnicalAssistanceCenterBoard.Room105Rachel
March24DEPSewageAdvisoryCommitteemeeting.Room105RachelCarsonBuilding.
10:30.
April2DEPRadiationProtectionAdvisoryCommitteemeeting.14thFloorConference
Room,RachelCarsonBuilding.9:00.
April22DEPCleanupStandardsScientificAdvisoryBoardmeeting.Room105Rachel
April29DEPMineFamiliesFirstResponseandCommunicationsAdvisoryCouncilmeeting.
DEPMiningOffice,131BroadviewRd.,NewStanton.10:00.
May62015PennsylvaniaGroundwaterSymposium.RamadaInnConferenceCenter,State
College.
May68PAAssociationofEnvironmentalProfessionalsAnnualConference.ToftreesResort,
StateCollege.

May79PALandTrustAssn.PALand&WaterConservationConference.Wyndham,
Gettysburg.
May1315DEPandEngineers'SocietyofWesternPennsylvania2015Pennsylvania
BrownfieldsConference.ErieBayfrontConventionCenter,Erie.
September24DEPRecyclingFundAdvisoryCommittee&SolidWasteAdvisoryCommittee
meeting.Room105RachelCarsonBuilding.10:00.
October2DEPLowLevelWasteAdvisoryCommittee.Room105RachelCarsonBuilding.
10:00.
October28302015PartnershipforSafeWater2015WaterSystemOptimizationConference
hostedbythePennsylvaniaSectionAmericanWaterWorksAssociation.
VisitDEPsPublicParticipationCenterforinformationonhowyoucanBeInformed!andGet
Involved!inDEPregulationandguidancedevelopmentprocess.
DEPRegulationsInProcess
ProposedRegulationsOpenForCommentDEPwebpage
ProposedRegulationsWithClosedCommentPeriodsDEPwebpage
RecentlyFinalizedRegulationsDEPwebpage
DEPRegulatoryUpdateDEPwebpage
DEPTechnicalGuidanceInProcess
DraftTechnicalGuidanceDocumentsDEPwebpage
TechnicalGuidanceCommentDeadlinesDEPwebpage
RecentlyClosedCommentPeriodsForTechnicalGuidanceDEPwebpage
TechnicalGuidanceRecentlyFinalizedDEPwebpage
CopiesofFinalTechnicalGuidanceDEPwebpage
OtherDEPProposalsForPublicReview
OtherProposalsOpenForPublicCommentDEPwebpage
RecentlyClosedCommentPeriodsForOtherProposalsDEPwebpage
OtherProposalsRecentlyFinalizedDEPwebpage
ClickHereforlinkstoDEPsAdvisoryCommitteewebpages.
DEPCalendarofEvents
DCNRCalendarofEvents
Note:TheEnvironmentalEducationWorkshopCalendarisnolongeravailablefromthePA
CenterforEnvironmentalEducationbecausefundingfortheCenterwaseliminatedintheFY
201112statebudget.ThePCEEwebsitewasalsoshutdown,butsomecontentwasmovedto
thePAAssociationofEnvironmentalEducators'website.
SenateCommitteeScheduleHouseCommitteeSchedule
YoucanwatchtheSenateFloorSessionandHouseFloorSessionliveonline.
AddGreenWorksInPAToYourGoogle+Circle
Grants&Awards
Thissectiongivesyouaheadsuponupcomingdeadlinesforawardsandgrantsandother
recognitionprograms.NEWmeansnewfromlastweek.
January29SustainableEnergyFundEnergyEfficiency,RenewableEnergyFinancing
January31DEP,ESWPBestOfBestLandRecyclingProjects
February1NEW.$100,000ShaleGasInnovationContest
February9PALandTrustAssn.Govt.ConservationLeadershipAwards
February15PAEnvironmentalProfessionalsAssn.CollegeScholarships
February18NEW.WesternPAEnvironmentalAwards
February28AppalachianTrailMuseumHallOfFameNominations
March31DEPHostMunicipalityWasteInspectorReimbursementGrants
April15DEPSmallBusinessAdvantageGrants(oruntilfundsrunout)
June30DEPAlternativeFuelVehicleRebates(oruntilrebatesrunout)
VisittheDEPGrantsandLoanProgramswebpageformoreideasonhowtogetfinancial
assistanceforenvironmentalprojects.
GeneralEnvironmental/BudgetNewsClips
Here'saselectionofNewsClipsonenvironmentaltopicsfromaroundthestate
January8DEPNews
WolfAnnounces1stTwoCabinetPicks
WolfAnnounces2MoreChoicesForGeneralCounsel,State
PAEnvironmentalistsSetHighHopesForWolf
Letter:WolfEnvironmentalTeamNeedsSomeEnvironmentalists
LegislatureNotLikelyToPassBillsBeforeWolfTakesOffice
Budget
Other
LackawannaCountyTargetsBrownfieldSites
ArmyCorps:NukeCleanupNow$350MillionUpFrom$44Million
CleanUpAtPANuclearWasteSiteToCost$350M
ParksTownshipNukeDumpCleanup:10Years,$412Million
OldPowerPlantCouldHouseFutureOfElectricityIndustry
WilkesBarreMayorPraisesEnergyEfficiencyProject
Analyst:FewBenefitsToSellingUtilitiesLikePGW
Sen.CaseyUrgesFEMAToFundSinkholeRepair
PhillyBikeShareProgramAimsForLowCostAccess
PittsburghSetsAsideCapitalMoneyForCyclingPlan

DEPsNewsClipswebpageClickHere
ThelatestenvironmentalNewsClipsandnewsisavailableatthePAEnvironmentDigestDaily
Blog,TwitterFeedandaddustoyourGoogle+Circle.
MarcellusShaleNewsClips
HereareNewsClipsontopicsrelatedtoMarcellusShalenaturalgasdrilling
ForcedPoolingPoliciesRemainUnclearInPAShalePlays
FightBrewsOverWestmorelandNaturalGasPowerPlant
OpponentsOfWestmorelandNaturalGasPowerPlantAirConcerns
8ChargedWithTrespassAtLancasterPipelineProtest
LocalResolutionsAgainstPennEastPipelineHaveNoTeeth
CanPipelineBuilderTakeYourPropertyThruEminentDomain?
OpEd:FightThePipelinesInPA
OilGlutRaisesQuestionsAboutNeedForKeystoneXLPipeline
ProjectWillPayLancasterResidentsToLearnAboutFracking
SmallExplosionContainedOnWellPadNearProcter&Gamble
PennStudentsJumpIntoFrackingFray
FedsLookIntoRegulatingNaturalGasGatheringLines
ImpactOfMarcellusShaleDevelopmentOnHealth,HealthCare
ValveTriggersLoudNoiseAtWyomingNaturalGasPlant
CrowdsourcingShaleDataAnalysisProjects
PennStateWebinarToExploreRegulationOfInjectionWells
U.S.SteelToIdle2Oil,GasPipePlants,Layoff756
DespiteMarcellus,Biotech,PAJobGrowthIsSlow
MarcellusUticaMidstreamConferenceJan.2729InPittsburgh
Financial/OtherStates
ColdWeatherFailsToLeftU.S.NaturalGasMarket
NaturalGasMarketIsIceCold
BrentCrudeFallsBelow$50ABarrelFor1stTimeSince2009
OilFallsBelow$50.BarrelFor1stTimeSince2009
OilBelow$56AsOutputKeepsRising
OilBelow$60TestsU.S.DriveForEnergyIndependence
HowMuchLowerCanOilPriceGo?
AnalystPredictsGasolineReboundDespiteOilsPlunge
GasolinePricesContinueToPlummetInPittsburghArea
GasolinePricesWillGoDownIn2015
ExxonCEO:WallStreetIsDrivingUpGasPricesBy50%
GasolinePricesWontStaySavedForLong
U.S.OilPricesFallAfterInventoryReport
FallingCrudeOilPricesPressureEthanolMakers
DieselPricesFallForANinthWeek
Study:FrackingCausedEarthquakesInOhio
MethaneFireOutAtWVPowerPlant,EvacuationCanceled
LawsuitTargetsDrillingIndustryOverEmissionsReporting
Editorial:DrillingsHaveSameDutyToReportAirEmissions
PetroleumInstituteUrgesChangesToU.S.Oil,GasRegulations
CongressGrapplesWithEnergyIssues
U.S.HouseApprovesKeystoneXLPipeline
Lawmakers:KeystoneXLPipelineGoodForPA
NebraskaCourtRemovesMajorObstacleToKeystoneXLPipeline
Watershed/FloodingNewsClips
HereareNewsClipsonwatershedtopicsfromaroundthestate
Flooding
PennDOTStudyingSterryCreekFloodingProblems
OtherWatershedNewsClips
Regulations,TechnicalGuidance&Permits
Nonewregulationswerepublishedthisweek.PennsylvaniaBulletinJanuary10,2015

DEPRegulationsInProcess
ProposedRegulationsOpenForCommentDEPwebpage
ProposedRegulationsWithClosedCommentPeriodsDEPwebpage
RecentlyFinalizedRegulationsDEPwebpage
DEPRegulatoryUpdateDEPwebpage
TechnicalGuidance&Permits
Nonewtechnicalguidancewaspublishedthisweek.
DEPTechnicalGuidanceInProcess
DraftTechnicalGuidanceDocumentsDEPwebpage
TechnicalGuidanceCommentDeadlinesDEPwebpage
RecentlyClosedCommentPeriodsForTechnicalGuidanceDEPwebpage
TechnicalGuidanceRecentlyFinalizedDEPwebpage
CopiesofFinalTechnicalGuidanceDEPwebpage
OtherDEPProposalsForPublicReview
OtherProposalsOpenForPublicCommentDEPwebpage
RecentlyClosedCommentPeriodsForOtherProposalsDEPwebpage
OtherProposalsRecentlyFinalizedDEPwebpage
VisitDEPsnewPublicParticipationCenterforinformationonhowyoucanBeInformed!and
GetInvolved!inDEPregulationandguidancedevelopmentprocess.
ClickHereforlinkstoDEPsAdvisoryCommitteewebpages.
DEPCalendarofEvents
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Sendyourstories,photosandlinkstovideosaboutyourproject,environmentalissuesor
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PAEnvironmentDigestiseditedbyDavidE.Hess,formerSecretaryPennsylvaniaDepartment
ofEnvironmentalProtection,andispublishedasaserviceofCrisciAssociates,a
HarrisburgbasedgovernmentandpublicaffairsfirmwhoseclientsincludeFortune500
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Didyouknowyoucansearch10yearsofbackissuesofthePAEnvironmentDigestondozens
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PAEnvironmentDailyBlog:providesdailyenvironmentalNewsClipsandsignificantstories
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oncedailyemailalertingyoutonewitemspostedonthisblog.NEW!Addyourconstructive
commenttoanyblogposting.
PACapitolDigestDailyBlogtogetupdateseverydayonPennsylvaniaStateGovernment,
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Pa Environment Digest Jan. 12, 2015

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