Pa Environment Digest April 24, 2017

PA Environment Digest
An Update On Environmental Issues In Pennsylvania

Edited By: David E. Hess, Crisci Associates
Winner Of PA Association of Environmental Educators

Business Partner Of The Year Award
PA Environment Digest Daily Blog Twitter Feed
Issue #669 Harrisburg, PA April 24, 2017
Carol Collier To Be Recognized With PECs Winsor Award June 14 In Philadelphia
Carol Collier, former Executive Director of

the Delaware River Basin Commission, will
be honored by the PA Environmental
Council with the Winsor Award at the 47th
Environmental Partnership Dinner June 14
in Philadelphia.
The dinner will also feature
Attorney General Josh Shapiro who will
make remarks on environmental and
conservation issues.
The Winsor Award was established
by PECs board of directors in 1988 in
memory of the Councils founder and
longtime president, Curtin Winsor. Periodically, the Board has chosen to recognize exemplary
individuals and organizations that have made significant contributions to enhancing the
Commonwealths environment.
Carol Collier currently serves as Senior Advisor for Watershed Management and Policy
at the Academy of Natural Sciences of Drexel University.
Carol served for more than 15 years as executive director of the Delaware River Basin
Commission before joining the Academy. Before joining DRBC, she was executive director of
Pennsylvanias 21st Century Environment Commission and was regional director of the
Pennsylvania Department of Environmental Protection Southeast Region.
Prior to DEP, Collier served 19 years with BCM Environmental Engineers, Inc.,
beginning as a student intern and ultimately becoming vice president of environmental planning,
science and risk.
She has a B.A. in biology from Smith College and a masters in regional planning from
the University of Pennsylvania.
In 2016, Carol was recognized with the Karl Mason Award from the PA Association of
Environmental Professionals and was named to the American Institute of Certified Planners
College of Fellows, in 2014 she received the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers awarded her the
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Bronze Order of the DeFleury Medal, in 2007 the American Water Resources Association
presented her with the Mary H. Marsh Medal for exemplary contributions to the protection and
wise use of the nations water resources, in 1998 she was recognized with the Woman of
Distinction Award from the Philadelphia Business Journal and in 1997 she was presented with
the Touchstone Award from the Society of Women Environmental Professionals.
Sponsor and benefactor opportunities are available for the Environmental Partnership
Dinner. Contact Cindy Ferguson at 215-545-4570 x100 or send email to: cferguson@pecpa.org.
For information on dinner tickets, visit PECs Environmental Partnership Dinner
webpage.
For more information on programs, initiatives and special events, visit the PA
Environmental Council website, visit the PEC Blog, follow PEC on Twitter or Like PEC on
Facebook. Visit PECs Audio Room for the latest podcasts. Click Here to receive regular
updates from PEC.
NewsClips:
Cranberry, Millvale, Ross Join Pittsburgh As Towns Going Green
Buchart Horn Wins Honors For Columbia Water System Expansion
[Posted: April 20, 2017]
House Congratulates PA National Guard For Army Environmental Sustainability Award
The House voted unanimously

Wednesday to congratulate the
Pennsylvania National Guard in
winning the first Sustainability
Team in the 2016 Army National
Guard Environmental Awards
Contest by unanimously adopting
House Resolution 84
(Ryan-R-Lebanon).
Fort Indiantown Gap [Lebanon County] is committed to compliance with all applicable
federal, state, and local environmental regulations and laws, and strives to improve relationships
with environmental regulators and the community, said Rep. Francis Ryan. They commit to
pollution prevention, minimizes waste generation through the efficient use of materials, effective
inventory management, and careful planning.
The text of the resolution follows--
Congratulating the Pennsylvania National Guard's environmental office on winning first
place in the Sustainability Team in the 2016 Army National Guard Environmental Awards
contest and expressing appreciation to the Pennsylvania National Guard and the Department of
Military and Veterans Affairs for their environmental stewardship efforts.
WHEREAS, The Pennsylvania National Guard's environmental office, staffed by both
Pennsylvania National Guard members and Department of Military and Veterans Affairs
civilians won first place in the Sustainability Team in the 2016 Army National Guard
Environmental Awards contest; and
WHEREAS, The Pennsylvania National Guard and the Department of Military and
Veterans Affairs continuously strives to improve environmental stewardship efforts while
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training for and performing their Federal and State missions; and
WHEREAS, The Bureau of Environmental Management is dedicated to environmental
excellence in supporting the missions of the Department of Military and Veterans Affairs and the
Pennsylvania National Guard; and
WHEREAS, Fort Indiantown Gap is committed to compliance with all Federal, State and
local environmental laws and strives to improve relationships with environmental regulators and
the community; and
WHEREAS, Whether it is soldiers preparing for overseas deployments and state
emergencies or focusing on natural resource management and pollution control, the Department
of Military and Veterans Affairs considers the protection of the environment as a priority; and
WHEREAS, The Pennsylvania National Guard was able to recycle more than 150,000
pounds of batteries as well as more than 225,000 pounds of brass. These initiatives helped both
the environment as well as providing nearly $450,000 in revenue or saved disposal costs; and
WHEREAS, The Sustainability Team is constantly searching for ways to minimize waste
disposal and to expand waste diversion, which benefits both the environment and the military;
and
WHEREAS, Environmental protection sustains valuable training areas, fosters
community goodwill and prevents unnecessary expenses; and
WHEREAS, Fort Indiantown Gap is committed to pollution prevention and minimizing
waste generation, especially hazardous waste, through the efficient use of materials, effective
inventory management and careful planning; and
WHEREAS, Fort Indiantown Gap has established a collaborative and productive working
relationship with the Ward Burton Wildlife Foundation and Capital Region Water for an
easement of 8,200 acres of land that serves as a nature conservancy and a key flight training
route, thus protecting the critical main water source for the City of Harrisburg; and
WHEREAS, Fort Indiantown Gap invites the public to tour Regal Fritillary Butterfly
habitats in areas normally closed to the public to educate citizens on how the installation
balances the conservation efforts for this species with concern for military training; and
WHEREAS, The Bureau of Environmental Management handles issues ranging from
endangered species to cultural resources to hazardous waste; and
WHEREAS, The Department of Military and Veterans Affairs commits to continuously
improving environmental performance in concert with enhanced mission readiness, considers
potential environmental impacts of operational activities and individual duties and minimizes
impacts to the natural environment whenever possible; therefore be it
RESOLVED, That the House of Representatives congratulate the Pennsylvania National
Guard's environmental office on winning first place in the Sustainability Team in the 2016 Army
National Guard Environmental Awards contest; and be it further
RESOLVED, That the House of Representatives express appreciation to the
Pennsylvania National Guard and the Department of Military and Veterans Affairs for their
environmental stewardship efforts.
NewsClips:
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PA Growing Greener Coalition: More Work To Do To Protect Water, Natural Resources
The PA Growing Greener Coalition Friday issued the

following statement from Executive Director Andrew Heath
urging the Governor and Legislature to invest in the states
Growing Greener program:
As communities across the Commonwealth celebrate Earth
Day tomorrow, it is important to remember that many of the
rivers and streams, state parks and community playgrounds,
and fields and forests that we enjoy today would not be the
same without state investment.
Over the past two decades, the Pennsylvania Growing Greener program has funded
countless projects to clean up and restore our waterways, create recreation opportunities,
conserve our land and protect our natural resources.
But there is still more work to do. The majority of the states 6,000 local parks need
significant upgrades, thousands of miles of rivers and streams are still not safe for recreational
use meaning no boating and no fishing and nearly 200,000 acres remain scarred by
abandoned mines.
The Coalitions blueprint for a Growing Greener III program has identified the need for
more than $315 million annually to keep our water clean, preserve our open space and family
farms and ensure children and families continue to have access to parks, trails and other outdoor
recreational opportunities.
We urge our elected leaders in Harrisburg not to let funding for Growing Greener run
dry and to increase investment for this critical program. Otherwise, there could be little to
celebrate on future Earth Days.
For more information, visit the PA Growing Greener Coalition website. The Coalition is
the largest coalition of conservation, recreation and preservation organizations in Pennsylvania.
NewsClips:
Editorial: Limit Subsidy For Nuclear Power Plants
State Officials To Fight Proposed Federal LIHEAP Heating Assistance Cuts
Op-Ed: Trumps EPA Budget Would Return U.S. To Dirty Old Days
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Senate/House Agenda/Session Schedule/Govs Schedule/Bills Introduced
Here are the Senate and House Calendars and Committee meetings showing bills of interest as
well as a list of new environmental bills introduced--
Bill Calendars
House (April 24): House Bill 409 (Evankovich-R-Allegheny) makes fundamental changes to the
method of adopting updates to the Uniform Construction Code (sponsor summary); House Bill
1071 (Farry-R-Bucks) prohibiting bans, fees, surcharges and taxes on recyclable plastic bags
(sponsor summary). <> Click Here for full House Bill Calendar.
Senate (April 24): Senate Bill 242 (Baker-R-Luzerne) adds natural gas gathering lines to the PA
One Call utility construction safety program so they can be identified and mapped for emergency
services (sponsor summary). <> Click Here for full Senate Bill Calendar.
Committee Meeting Agendas This Week
House: the Transportation Committee meets to consider House Bill 603 (Metzgar-R-Bedford)
exempting heavy duty natural gas-fueled vehicles from weight limits (sponsor summary); the
Consumer Affairs Committee holds a hearing on House Bill 107 (Godshall-R- Montgomery)
expanding access to natural gas service (sponsor summary); the Game and Fisheries
Committee meets to consider Senate Bill 30 (Eichelberger-R-Blair) authorizing the Fish and
Boat Commission to adopt its own fees (Senate Fiscal Note and summary), Senate Bill 192
(Stefano-R-Fayette) authorizing the Game Commission to adopt its own fees (Senate Fiscal Note
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and summary); the Agriculture and Rural Affairs Committee meets to consider House Bill
187 (Sonney-R-Erie) authorize wind power generating systems in Agricultural Security Areas
(sponsor summary), House Bill 790 (Pashinski-D-Luzerne) establishing the Controlled Plant and
Noxious Weed Committee (sponsor summary). <> Click Here for full House Committee
Schedule.
Senate: the Environmental Resources and Energy Committee meets to consider Senate Bill
646 (Killion-R-Delaware) would eliminate the January 1, 2020 sunset date on the $2 per ton
recycling fee (sponsor summary), Senate Resolution 33 (Yudichak-D-Luzerne) creating a Task
Force on Lead Exposure (sponsor summary), Senate Bill 497 (Vogel-R-Butler) eliminating the
designation of steel slag as waste (sponsor summary), Senate Bill 144 (Yaw-R-Lycoming)
amending Act 537 ton include alternative on-lot sewage systems in sewage plans (sponsor
summary); the Banking and Insurance Committee meets to consider Senate Bill 143
(Yaw-R-Lycoming) changing the makeup of the Underground Storage Tank Indemnification
Board to include legislative appointments (sponsor summary); the Labor and Industry
Committee meets to consider Senate Bill 269 (Baker-R- Luzerne) changing the process for
updating the PA Construction Code (sponsor summary). <> Click Here for full Senate
Committee Schedule.
Other: Senate-House Nuclear Energy Caucus meeting to hear a presentation from PJM
Interconnection on the impact of decommissioning a nuclear power station will have on the
regional electric grid.
Bills Pending In Key Committees
Check the PA Environmental Council Bill Tracker for the status and updates on pending state
legislation and regulations that affect environmental and conservation efforts in Pennsylvania.
Here are links to key Standing Committees in the House and Senate and the bills pending in
each--
House
Appropriations
Education
Environmental Resources and Energy
Consumer Affairs
Gaming Oversight
Human Services
Judiciary
Liquor Control
Transportation
Links for all other Standing House Committees
Senate
Appropriations
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Environmental Resources and Energy
Consumer Protection and Professional Licensure
Community, Economic and Recreational Development
Education
Judiciary
Law and Justice
Public Health and Welfare
Transportation
Links for all other Standing Senate Committees
Bills Introduced
The following bills of interest were introduced this week--
Itemized Capital Budget: Senate Bill 651 (Browne-R-Lehigh) itemized project list for FY
2017-18 Capital Budget.
Session Schedule
Here is the latest voting session schedule for the Senate and House--
Senate
April 24, 25, 26
May 8, 9, 10, 22, 23, 24
June 5, 6, 7, 12, 13, 14, 19, 20, 21, 22, 26, 27, 28, 29, 30
House
April 24, 25, & 26
May 8, 9, 10, 22, 23, & 24
June 5, 6, 7, 12, 13, 14, 19, 20, 21, 22, 26, 27, 28, 29, & 30
Governors Schedule
Gov. Tom Wolf's work calendar will be posted each Friday and his public schedule for the day
will be posted each morning. Click Here to view Gov. Wolfs Weekly Calendar and Public
Appearances.
Senate/House Bills Moving
The following bills of interest saw action this week in the House and Senate--
House
Statewide Construction Code: House Bill 409 (Evankovich-R-Allegheny) makes fundamental

changes to the method of adopting updates to the Uniform Construction Code (sponsor
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summary) was reported out of the House Appropriations Committee and is now on the House
Calendar for action.
Plastic Bags: House Bill 1071 (Farry-R-Bucks) prohibiting bans, fees, surcharges and taxes on
recyclable plastic bags (sponsor summary) was reported out of the House Consumer Affairs
Committee and is now on the House Calendar for action.
Underground Tank Insurance Fund Board: House Bill 290 (Metzgar-R-Bedford) changing
the members of the Underground Storage Tank Indemnification (Insurance) Board to include
legislative appointments was amended and reported out of the House Environmental Resources
and Energy Committee and Tabled.
Steel Slag: House Bill 938 (Evankovich-R-Allegheny) exempting steel slag from the definition
of waste under Act 97 (sponsor summary) reported out of the House Environmental Resources
and Energy Committee and Tabled.
PA National Guard Environmental Award: House Resolution 84 (Ryan-R-Lebanon)

congratulating the PA National Guard on winning 1st place in the 2016 Army National Guard
Environmental Sustainability Awards Contest (sponsor summary) was adopted by the House.
Earth Week: House Resolution 172 (McCarter-D-Montgomery) designating the week of April
22-29 as Earth Week in Pennsylvania (sponsor summary) was adopted by the House.
Senate
Adding Gathering Lines To PA One Call: Senate Bill 242 (Baker-R-Luzerne) adds natural gas
gathering lines to the PA One Call utility construction safety program so they can be identified
and mapped for emergency services (sponsor summary) was reported from the Senate Consumer
Protection and Professional Licensure Committee and is now on the Senate Calendar for action.
Flood History: Senate Bill 50 (Greenleaf-R-Montgomery) further providing for notice of flood
history in home sales disclosures (sponsor summary) was Tabled.
News From The Capitol
Bill Adding Natural Gas Gathering Pipelines To PA One Call OKd By Senate Committee
The Senate Consumer Protection and Professional Licensure

Committee Tuesday approved without changes Senate Bill 242
(Baker-R-Luzerne) which adds natural gas gathering lines to the PA
One Call utility construction safety program so they can be identified
and mapped for emergency services (sponsor summary).
Sen. Baker noted in a background memo on the bill there are
more than 6,000 incidents of striking utility lines every year, with
approximately half involving natural gas lines because facility owners
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do not join the PA One Call program or for other reasons.
All of these instances jeopardize public safety, place workers at risk, compromise
infrastructure, trigger outages, generate environmental hazards and cost consumers, businesses,
and utilities time and money, said Sen. Baker. Preventing this unnecessary damage will
increase public safety and reduce costs.
This issue must be dealt with again this year because Act 60 (Senate Bill 1235) only
authorized an extension of the entire PA One Call program until the end of 2017.
There are 60,000 to 100,000 miles of natural gas gathering lines in 33 counties, according
to testimony presented at a hearing by the Senate and House Emergency Preparedness and
Veterans Affairs Committees in November.
The Public Utility Commission, PA One Call and UGI Energy Services are
recommended gathering lines be regulated for safety and mapped for emergency services during
the hearing.
A similar effort failed last year when the House stripped the provision from Senate Bill
1235, also sponsored by Sen. Baker, after stiff opposition from conventional oil and gas drillers.
The bill is now on the Senate Calendar for action.
NewsClips:
Records Show Sunocos Mariner East 1 Pipeline Leaked Ethane, Propane In Berks County
Mariner East 2 Pipeline Work Expected To Create Thousands Of Jobs
Plan To Sell Water For Mariner East 2 Pipeline Construction Draws Concerns
Mostly Support For Pipeline Compressor Station Replacement Proposal In Lycoming
The Rover Pipeline Leaked Millions Of Gallons Of Drilling Fluid Into Ohio Wetlands
PUC: PA One Call Changes, Drilling Impact Fee Appeal, Act 129 Energy Efficiency
Savings, Growth Of Natural Gas
Public Utility Commission Chairman Gladys Brown told the

House Consumer Affairs Committee Tuesday updating the PA
One Call Law is a legislative priority for the Commission,
including eliminating all exemptions from the law, like natural
gas and crude oil gathering lines. (Click Here for her written
testimony.)
She noted this was a key recommendation of the
Governors Pipeline Infrastructure Task Force Report in 2016.
Another important element in updating PA One Call, she
said, is transferring enforcement authority of the One Call Law
from the Department of Labor and Industry to the Commission
since these functions closely align with the PUCs existing duties.
[Note: The Senate Consumer Protection and Professional Licensure Committee Tuesday
reported out Senate Bill 242 (Baker-R-Luzerne) that includes many of the changes recommended
by the PUC. (Click Here for more information.)]
Act 13 Impact Fee Court Decision Appeal
Chairman Brown also said a critical issues for the PUC will be to address the March
Commonwealth Court decision the Commission believes significantly jeopardized the current
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and future fees generated by Act 13 drilling impact fees.
The PUC notified Gov. Tom Wolf last week that it intends to appeal the decision.
This year alone, Brown said, the decision, if not reversed, would reduce the already
declining revenue from the impact fee by $16 million or approximately, 10 percent of the total
collection. (Click Here for more information.)
Act 129 Energy Efficiency
Also highlighted in Chairman Browns testimony was the latest Act 129 Energy
Efficiency Annual Report which noted the most recent phase of energy efficiency investments by
electric utilities resulted in a savings to customers of $1.70 for every $1 invested by utilities.
She said between 2016 to 2021 utilities will invest another $1.8 billion with an expected
return of $2.7 billion in consumer savings. (Click Here for more information.)
Natural Gas Growth/Plant Retirements
While the PUC no longer regulates the wholesale electricity market, Chairman Brown
noted the Commission does monitor power plant construction.
She said Shale natural gas has supported what she called an evolution in the wholesale
generation market, driving construction of highly economic natural gas electric generation
plants.
From 2007 to 2016, 5,500 megawatts of Pennsylvania-based coal electric generation was
retired. During that same time period 3,300 megawatts of Pennsylvania-based natural gas
generation capacity was constructed.
An additional 5,000 megawatts of natural gas generation capacity is under construction in
the state, she said.
This is an example of market efficiency, as the wholesale market is working efficiently
to support the least cost generation resource with feedstock produced domestically, said Brown.
Look no further than the PJM energy price for proof. The price has dropped from $71.13 per
megawatt hour in 2007 to $29.23 per MWh in 2016.
Additionally, this migration toward natural gas generation has significantly reduced the
states carbon, nitrous oxide, mercury and sulfur dioxide emission, noted Brown.
Renewable Energy
Chairman Brown noted 14.2 percent of the electricity sold to customers is from
renewable energy sources marking a significant step toward the 18 percent required by the
Alternative Energy Portfolio Standards Act by 2021.
She said a review of the Alternative Energy Credits used by utilities to comply with the
AEPS found approximately 50 percent of the credits used were generated from hydro,
geothermal, wind, solar or biomass facilities within Pennsylvania. (Click Here for more
information.)
PJM Fuel Diversity
In response to a question, Chairman Brown said the PUC is reviewing a recent study
done by the PJM Interconnection on electric grid reliability and generation fuel diversity and has
a meeting scheduled with PJM to discuss the study results.
One of the conclusions of the study was the addition of more natural gas and renewable
generating capacity would not harm grid reliability. (Click Here for more information.)
Chairman Brown said the PUC has always supported a diverse generating fuel mix in the
grid system.
Electric Choice
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Chairman Brown said 2.1 million electric customers (or 36.9 percent) were using
competitive electric suppliers to provide their electricity representing about 70 percent of the
total electric power usage in Pennsylvania, a 2.3 percent increase over last year. (Click Here for
more information.)
A recent study by the Kleinman Center for Energy Policy at the University of
Pennsylvania found residential customers saved over $818 million on their electricity supply
costs in 2016 compared to 1996, before competition.
Rail & Pipeline Safety
Chairman Brown noted that while the overall number of employees at the PUC has been
reduced since FY 2011-12, the Commission has increased staff to implement its natural gas
safety and rail safety programs.
She said in 2016, the PUCs Rail Safety Division inspected over 23,000 rail cars, 486
locomotives, and 1,263 miles of track while logging 135,499 trip miles.
The Gas Safety Division employs 15 Gas Safety Inspectors who monitor over 47,000
miles of distribution lines and over 1,100 miles of intrastate transmission lines. This
responsibility entailed over 2,200 inspections in 2016.
A copy of Chairman Browns testimony is available online.
Brown was joined at the hearing by Commissioners Andrew Place, John Coleman,
Robert Powelson and David Sweet.
Rep. Robert Godshall (R-Montgomery) serves as Majority Chair and can be contacted by
sending email to: rgodshal@pahousegop.com and Rep. Thomas Caltagirone (D-Berks) serves as
Minority Chair and can be contacted by sending email to: RepCaltagirone@pahouse.net.
Rep. Snyder To Introduce Bill To Fix Language Jeopardizing Drilling Fee Collections
Rep. Pam Snyder (D-Fayette) Wednesday announced she plans to

introduce legislation to fix language jeopardizing Act 13 drilling impact
fee collections.
The bill is in response to a Commonwealth Court decision in
March interpreting language in Act 13 to say drillers could avoid paying
the impact fee if they allow natural gas wells to produce less than 90,000
cubic feet in just one month a year to put it in the stripper well category.
Public Utility Commission Chairman Gladys Brown notified Gov.
Tom Wolf in a letter last week the Commission intends to appeal the
Court decision she said would cost the state at least $16 million in revenue
annually.
At the same time, Chairman Brown said a legislative fix would be quicker.
My measure would restore the fee structure so the municipalities and counties that host
natural gas wells, and the programs that impact fees support, would not be short-changed out of
millions of crucial dollars, said Rep. Snyder.
As reported, the state Independent Fiscal Office projects that shale gas companies will
pay an estimated $175 million in impact fees on 8,200 wells for 2016, a record low even before
the court ruling changed the calculations, Rep. Snyder said. My bill would reinstate valid
thresholds for paying impact fees and protect the communities that are home to such a vital
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industry.
Snyder said her proposed change to the fee language is supported by the chairman of the
state Public Utility Commission, which collects and disburses fee revenues, and a PUC analysis
projects that about 2,400 active wells could revert to stripper well status and not pay a fee based
on the ruling.
Related Story:
PUC Intends To Appeal Court Ruling Jeopardizing Act 13 Drilling Impact Fee Collections
House Environmental Committee OKs Storage Tank Insurance, Steel Slag Exemption Bills
The House Environmental Resources and Energy Committee Wednesday approved and reported
out two bills--
-- House Bill 290 (Metzgar-R-Bedford) changing the members of the Underground Storage Tank
Indemnification (Insurance) Board to include legislative appointments (as amended); and
-- House Bill 938 (Evankovich-R-Allegheny) exempting steel slag from the definition of waste
under Act 97 (sponsor summary).
Both bills were then Tabled, which is the usual procedure.
Rep. John Maher (R-Allegheny) serves as Majority Chair and can be contacted by
sending email to: jmaher@pahousegop.com. Rep. Mike Carroll (D-Luzerne) serves as Minority
Chair and can be contacted by sending email to: mcarroll@pahouse.net.
Senate Environmental Committee Considers Extending Recycling Fee, Lead Task Force
Bills April 25
The Senate Environmental Resources and Energy Committee is scheduled to meet on April 25 to
consider bills eliminating the sunset date on the Act 101 recycling fee, creating a task force on
lead exposure, exempting steel slag from the definition of waste and allowing the incorporation
of alternative on-lot sewage systems in sewage plans.
The bills include--
-- Eliminate Sunset On Recycling Fee: Senate Bill 646 (Killion-R-Delaware) would eliminate
the January 1, 2020 sunset date on the $2 per ton recycling fee (sponsor summary);
-- Creating Task Force On Lead: Senate Resolution 33 (Yudichak-D-Luzerne) creating a Task
Force on Lead Exposure (sponsor summary);
-- Exempting Steel Slag From Definition of Waste: Senate Bill 497 (Vogel-R-Butler)
eliminating the designation of steel slag as waste (sponsor summary); and
-- Alternative Onlot Septic Systems: Senate Bill 144 (Yaw-R-Lycoming) amending Act 537
ton include alternative on-lot sewage systems in sewage plans (sponsor summary).
The meeting will be held in Room 8E-B East Wing Capitol Building starting at 9:30.
Sen. Gene Yaw (R-Lycoming) serves as Majority Chair of the Senate Environmental
Committee and can be contacted by sending email to: gyaw@pasen.gov. Sen. John Yudichak
(D-Luzerne) serves as Minority Chair and can be contacted by sending email to:
yudichak@pasenate.com.
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April Environmental Synopsis Newsletter Available From Joint Conservation Committee
The April edition of the Environmental Synopsis newsletter is

now available from the Joint Legislative Air and Water
Pollution Control and Conservation Committee featuring
articles on--
-- April Marks Birthday Of The Father Of Pennsylvania
Forestry - Dr. Joseph Rothrock
-- April 28 Is National Arbor Day
-- Economic, Health Benefits Of Biking In Minnesota
-- Antibiotics Increase Honeybee Susceptibility To Fatal
Illness
-- Wildfire Ignition Trends: Humans Versus Lightning
-- Jet-Biofuel Mix Results In Cleaner Air Travel
-- Click Here to sign up for your own copy.
Environmental Issues Forum
The next Environmental Issues Forum is scheduled for May 11 and will feature a
presentation on Pennsylvanias pollinator population and emerging threats to agriculture and
beekeeping.
The Forum will be held in Room 8E-A East Wing of the Capitol Building in Harrisburg
starting at Noon.
Sen. Scott Hutchinson (R-Venango) serves as Chair of the Joint Conservation
Committee.
For more information, visit the Joint Conservation Committee website, Like them on
Facebook or Follow them on Twitter.
(Photo: Dr. Joseph Rothrock at Pulpit Rock, Michael State Forest, Franklin County.)
[Posted: April 21, 2017
News From Around The State
DEP Citizens Advisory Council Names Lee Ann Murray Executive Director
The DEP Citizens Advisory Council Tuesday announced the

appointment of Lee Ann Murray as its new Executive
Director starting May 1. She succeeds Katie Hetherington
Cunfer who has served as temporary Executive Director
since October of 2015.
Since 2010, Lee Ann has served as the Assistant
Director and Staff Attorney for the Pennsylvania Office of
the Chesapeake Bay Foundation helping to set office
priorities and serving as an advocate for Bay policies with the
General Assembly, state agencies and other groups.
She has also served as Legal Counsel to the House Environmental Resources and Energy
Committee and in the Office of Chief Counsel for the Majority Leader and the Democratic
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Caucus in the House.
Lee Ann was Assistant Counsel in the Department of Environmental Protections
Southcentral Regional Office for five years and as a private attorney in the firm of McNees,
Wallace & Nurick in Harrisburg.
She also served as Project Coordinator for the PA Wildlife Federation of Sportsmens
Clubs Important Mammal Area Project.
Lee Ann received her law degree from The Dickinson School of Law in Carlisle and has
a Bachelor of Arts degree from Saint Josephs University in Philadelphia.
The Executive Director coordinates functions on behalf of the 18-member Citizens
Advisory Council, including conducting research and investigations related to environmental
protection, conservation and resource management issues, as well as issuing recommendations
involving policies, procedures, plans, and goals for protecting the environment and natural
resources of the Commonwealth.
Act 7 signed into law in February of 2016 gives the Council independent authority to hire
its own Executive Director.
For more information, visit the DEP Citizens Advisory Council webpage.
Mine Drainage In NE PA Being Researched For Use In Bendable Concrete
The Eastern PA Coalition for Abandoned Mine Reclamation Monday

announced it is aiding in the research of conducting a more durable
concrete by supplying the University of Michigan with northeastern
Pennsylvania Acid Mine Drainage (AMD).
Haoliang Wu, a joint Ph.D. student from the Advanced Civil
Engineering Materials Research Lab at the Civil and Environmental
Engineering College in the University of Michigan contacted
EPCAMR with interest of collecting the raw AMD while conducting a
CSC (China Scholarship Council Funding) with Professor Victor C. Li,
FASCE, FASME, FWIF, FACI of the University of Michigan and
Hong Kong University of Science and Technology.
The AMD was requested in order to test the Durability Characteristic of Green concrete
when it is exposed, Wu said in an email.
According to the Advanced Civil Engineering Materials Research Lab at the University
of Michigan, the Engineered Cementitious Composites (ECC), popularly known as Bendable
Concrete developed at the ACE-MRL, are ultra ductile cementitious composites used to provide
seismic resistance to high rise buildings.
This concrete is not only bendable but self healing, which allow the product to enhance
the service life and cut down the frequent maintenance costs, while also withstanding 4 times the
amount of pressure than regular concrete.
EPCAMR sent 180 gallons of mine impacted water taken from Solomon Creek AMD
Boreholes discharge located in Hanover Township, Pennsylvania to the University of Michigan
earlier this April for testing.
EPCAMR is hoping to create a new partnership with the University of Michigan on this
important research effort that could lead to yet another innovate way to reuse mine drainage here
14
in Northeastern PA for a beneficial use in what they are calling bendable concrete, Robert
Hughes, Executive Director of EPCAMR, said. We are hoping this first pilot effort could lead
to future funding opportunities for EPCAMR and the potential for a new concrete co-product that
might be found on PAs roads and bridges, in the future, giving the infrastructure a longer
life-span.
Click Here to watch a video on bendable concrete. Click Here for more information on
Engineered Cementitious Composites.
For more information on programs, initiatives and upcoming events, visit the Eastern PA
Coalition for Abandoned Mine Reclamation website.
NewsClips:
NE Acid Mine Drainage Helping In Concrete Research
Power To Save: Acid Mine Drainage To Concrete?
Editorial: Researchers Curious About Mine Drainage Uses
EPCAMR: Mine Drainage Iron Oxide Dyed Easter Eggs
Related Stories:
Converde Energy, EPCAMR, SRBC Agreement On Mocanaqua Mine Drainage Tunnel Study
PA Coal Alliance: Mining Companies Reclaimed 240 Acres Of Abandoned Mines In PA
Converde Energy, EPCAMR, SRBC Agreement On Mocanaqua Mine Drainage Tunnel

Study
Converde Energy USA, Inc. Tuesday announced it has

entered into a contract and partnered with the Eastern
PA Coalition for Abandoned Mine Reclamation to
engage the Susquehanna River Basin Commission in a
multi-phase study of the Mocanaqua Abandoned Mine
Drainage Tunnel in Luzerne County.
This project, if successful, may lead to the supply of
millions of gallons of treated mine influenced water
during low flow conditions into the local watershed
that feeds the Susquehanna River.
The Mocanaqua AMD Tunnel mine is believed to be a significant mine pool of isolated
mine water. The mine pool size is thought to exceed 500 billion gallons of water. This static
mine pool should be adequate to support the SRBC's criteria for an augmentation source.
The Mocanaqua Tunnel is the last major Northern Field discharge to impact the
Susquehanna River. The tunnel drains the West End Basin Mine Pool and is the seventh highest
acidity loading producer in the Susquehanna River Basin Anthracite Fields.
EPCAMR is currently digitizing, geo-referencing, and delineating underground mine
pool boundaries for the Mocanaqua AMD Tunnel in Phase I of the project.
There are around 15 grid sections with an average of 6 coal veins to each grid to review
and add elevation data for an estimated 90 mine maps from the Office of Surface Mining Folio
Map Series.
The coal veins in the southern tip of the northern anthracite coalfields in the lower
Wyoming Valley are the Baltimore Vein, Top and Bottom Ross, Top and Bottom Red Ash, and
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the Red Ash.
Data collected will be used to create a 3D model of the surface and underground mine
pool complexes and multi-colliery hydrologic units within the project area to more accurately
calculate the potential mine pool storage volume potential within the project area by EPCAMR.
Specific areas will then be drilled for more detailed in-situ mine pool monitoring of
chemistry and elevation changes in the mine pool and at strategic surface monitoring locations
within the Black Creek watershed and in several surface water-filled stripping pits.
Data collected, under an approved State Forest Research Agreement, will be used by
EPCAMR, SRBC, and XFUL and the Department of Conservation & Natural Resources, who
own the Pinchot State Forest.
"We are very excited to be working with EPCAMR's talented staff at their regional
non-profit professional environmental organization, with over 20 years of experience in
abandoned mines across Pennsylvania, said Brad J. Domitrovitsch, Chairman & CEO. The
Executive Director, Robert E. Hughes, has made it possible for us to execute on our first
augmentation project that we anticipate will prove out HCPA's conveyance methodologies."
(Photo: Mocanaqua AMD Tunnel by Eastern PA Coalition for Abandoned Mine Reclamation.)
NewsClips:
Related Stories:
Mine Drainage In NE PA Being Researched for use In Bendable Concrete
In honor of Earth Day this year, the PA Coal

Alliance is proud to recognize mining companies
for their contributions to environmental
stewardship through abandoned mine land
reclamation in Pennsylvania.
In 2016, nearly 240 acres of abandoned mine land
was reclaimed, with a taxpayer benefit of $10.9
million. Today there are an additional 1,582 acres
of active reclamation projects in Pennsylvania, with a taxpayer benefit of over $70 million. Of
those, 440 acres are anticipated to be completed in 2017.
Pennsylvanias surface and underground coal mining companies pay a federal
Abandoned Mine Reclamation Fee on the tonnage of clean coal mined, which is dedicated to
funding the restoration of abandoned mines that were left without adequate reclamation prior to
1977.
Future planned reclamation projects in Pennsylvania will reclaim over 2,200 acres of
abandoned mine land resulting in a $101 million dollar benefit to the Pennsylvania taxpayers.
Nationally, according to the National Mining Association, the U.S. mining industry has
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paid more than $10 billion to restore mines that were abandoned prior to laws requiring their
restoration, and U.S. mining companies have restored more than 2.9 million acres of mined land.
[Note: The federal reclamation fee on coal production expires in 2021 and there is
already an effort underway to reauthorize the fee in Pennsylvania.]
Pennsylvania mining companies, which last year ranked third in the nation for coal
production, fully employ environmentally responsible and safe mining practices and demonstrate
a continued dedication to preserving and enhancing Pennsylvanias environment for future
generations.
For more information on coal mining from an industry perspective, visit the PA Coal
Alliance website.
NewsClips:
Related Stories:
Converde Energy, EPCAMR, SRBC Agreement On Mocanaqua Mine Drainage Tunnel Study
Op-Ed: Reclaiming PAs Coal Heritage With New Federal Legislation-- RECLAIM
U.S. House Hearing On RECLAIM Making $200M Available For Mine Reclamation
Bipartisan RECLAIM Reintroduced In Congress To Cleanup Abandoned Mine Lands
Op-Ed: EPCAMR: Federal RECLAIM Act Can Help In Reshaping Northeast PAs Economy
Wolf: $30M Pilot Abandoned Mine Reclamation, Economic Development Program
Campaign Starting Now To Reauthorize Federal Abandoned Mine Reclamation Fee
DCNR, Agriculture Highlight Stream Buffers To Protect Water Quality In Snyder County
Department of Conservation and Natural Resources Secretary

Cindy Adams Dunn and Department of Agriculture Secretary
Russell Redding Thursday joined students from the
Midd-West FFA Chapter planting trees along an unnamed
waterway in Snyder County to protect and improve water
quality.
"As we approach Earth Day on Saturday, it's a good
time to think about the difference each of us can make
protecting our land and water. Planting trees, especially along
streams, helps improve the quality of our water nearby, and
downstream," Dunn said. "Another benefit today is that the trees are being planted by students,
raising awareness about of the role farming can play in conservation efforts for young people
who are the farmers, teachers, government officials and community leaders of the future."
The trees are being planted on the 15-acre Midd-West School District Agricultural
Education Center and are intended to buffer the waterway from any impacts from a nearby
livestock barn on the property.
"Farmers are among the original stewards of our land and water resources, so it's
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appropriate that these young people who are studying agriculture as part of their education are
learning good water and soil stewardship," said Redding. "With more than 33,000 active
Pennsylvania's farms located in the Chesapeake Bay watershed, we must balance our
commitment to a vibrant agricultural sector with our commitment to water quality."
The Midd-West FFA Chapter is a student-run leadership organization of 330 members
enrolled in agricultural education courses at Midd-West High School.
"The agricultural education program at Midd-West High School is committed to
providing the most authentic, yet sustainable learning environments for students," Agricultural
Science Instructor David Bittner said. "This includes managing our fields, forests, and waterways
just as agricultural producers do every day."
Dunn noted that DCNR Bureau of Forestry service foresters located in each of the 20
forest districts statewide can assist landowners with information about planting forest buffers.
Forest buffers along stream banks prevent sediments and nutrients from the land from
entering the water, and provide shade to help keep water temperatures cooler for trout and other
stream life.
DCNR's mission is connected to water conservation and quality through:
-- Protecting forested landscapes -- including woodlands, stream buffers and community trees
that serve as natural filters for pollutants entering waterways;
-- Rivers conservation;
-- Management of lakes, rivers, streams, beaches and shorelines for habitat and recreation;
Groundwater knowledge and role in water well drilling;
-- Managing resources to provide water-based recreation; and
-- Grants for green infrastructure in local parks and recreational facilities.
For more information, visit DCNRs Stream Buffers webpage.
(Photo: Secretary Redding (left), Secretary Dunn (3rd from left) and the important people-- FFA
students.)
NewsClips:
Philly Council Exempts Society Hill From Green Roof, Grocery Zoning Bonuses
Pittsburgh Green Infrastructure Tackling Sewer Overflows
Green Upgrades To Protect Philly Waterways In Fairmount Parks Centennial District
Mehoopany Creek Groups Efforts Benefit Environment And Anglers
Green Infrastructure Report: Job Opportunities For Low-Income Workers At Competitive Wages
Related Stories:
Gov. Wolf: $39M In Green And Water Infrastructure Project Funding In 9 Counties
Reminder: NFWF Accepting Applications For Chesapeake Bay Restoration Grants
The National Fish and Wildlife Foundation, in partnership with the U.S. Environmental
Protection Agency and the federal-state Chesapeake Bay Program partnership, is soliciting
proposals to restore water quality and habitats of the Chesapeake Bay and its tributary rivers and
streams.
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Applications are due May 9.
NFWF estimates awarding up to $12 million in grants through the Chesapeake Bay
Stewardship Fund in 2017, contingent on the availability of funding.
The Stewardship Fund will award grants through two distinct grant programs: Small
Watershed Grants and Innovative Nutrient and Sediment Reduction Grants.
SWG grants will be awarded for projects within the Chesapeake Bay watershed that
promote community-based efforts to protect and restore the diverse natural resources of the
Chesapeake Bay and its tributary rivers and streams.
INSR grants will be awarded to projects within the Chesapeake Bay watershed that
dramatically accelerate quantifiable nutrient and sediment reductions through innovative,
sustainable, and cost-effective approaches, methods, and new technologies.
The Stewardship Fund supports efforts to simultaneously achieve multiple conservation
objectives, especially water quality improvement, habitat restoration, and species recovery, so
proposals that demonstrate the ability to do so will receive priority consideration.
Major funding for the Stewardship Fund comes from the EPA. Other important
contributions are provided by the U.S. Department of Agricultures Natural Resources
Conservation Service and U.S. Forest Service, the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, the National
Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration, Altria Group, and CSX.
Click Here for all the details.
NewsClips:
Taxpayers Face Expense To Reduce Susquehanna River Pollutants
Rural Pollutants That Impact Chesapeake Bay Affect PA Trout Streams
Latest From The Chesapeake Bay Journal
Click Here to subscribe to the Chesapeake Bay Journal
Follow Chesapeake Bay Journal On Twitter
Like Chesapeake Bay Journal On Facebook
PACD: Support Local Conservation, Celebrate Conservation District Week April 23-30
The Senate and the House declared April 23-30, 2017 as

Conservation District Week. The dates coincide with
Earth Day-- April 22-- events and celebrations, according
to the PA Association of Conservation Districts.
Each county has a conservation district office
except Philadelphia. These offices have volunteer directors
and staff who focus on local conservation issues.
These are your neighbors who are working to
ensure there is enough clean water. They also make sure we
have healthy soil for the future. That is something to celebrate!
We are excited to celebrate Conservation District Week, said Brenda J. Shambaugh,
Executive Director of the Pennsylvania Association of Conservation Districts. We must support
our conservation districts so they can protect our local areas.
During Conservation District Week, offices across the state will hold events. These
events will show the projects they work on every day that control pollution. Working together,
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citizens can ensure there is enough funding for conservation districts.
House Budget Cuts District Funding
The proposed FY 2017-18 budget adopted by the House would appropriate less money in
for county conservation districts this year. Please support conservation by asking your legislators
to fully fund conservation districts. (Click Here to find your legislator.)
For more information on programs, initiatives and other upcoming events, visit the PA
Association of Conservation Districts website.
NewsClips:
Crable: March For Science Rally April 22 In Lancaster
Scientists Who Feel Under Attack, To March For Political Clout
Cal U Students, Faculty Gather During March For Science
Weekend Filled With Earth Day Celebrations In Western PA
Your Guide To Lehigh Valley Earth Day Events
Free Things To Do In Central PA: Earth Day
Crable: Things To Do Outdoors Around Lancaster County, Earth Day
Get Dirty At The Annual Brandywine River Cleanup April 22
Drexel University Hosts Earth Day Celebration
Bartrams Mile Trail To Open On Earth Day In Philadelphia
Kirby Park Event To Celebrate Earth Day In Wilkes-Barre
Op-Ed: Sending A Message That Science Matters On Earth Day
Earth Day Program Set Along Susquehanna River In Wilkes-Barre
Earth Day In Philly Will Be Busy, Thousands to March For Science
Master Gardeners To Hold Earth Day Event In Scranton April 22
NRCS PA State Technical Committee Meets April 26 In Harrisburg
The U.S. Department of Agricultures Natural Resources Conservation Service-PA invites the
public to attend the Pennsylvania State Technical Committee meeting on April 26 at the USDA
State Office in Harrisburg.
Quarterly State Technical Committee Meetings are held to discuss natural resources
conservation in Pennsylvania and provide recommendations to NRCS on the implementation of
Farm Bill programs.
Aprils meeting will include updates on conservation programs and a presentation on the
2015-2025 PA Wildlife Action Plan by guest speakers from the PA Fish and Boat Commission
and PA Game Commission.
The public is invited to attend the meeting which will be held at 1:00 p.m. on April 26 at
the USDA State Office Conference Room at 359 East Park Drive, Harrisburg. To attend via
teleconference, call 1-888-844-9904 with access code 6941559.
Attendees requiring special accommodations and/or alternative means for communication
of program information (Braille, large print, audiotape, etc.) associated with this meeting should
contact Ted Evans at 717-237-2209, or send email to: ted.evans@pa.usda.gov.
20
The Philadelphia Water Department Thursday joined
partners in kicking off major improvements coming to
Fairmount Parks Centennial District during a
groundbreaking ceremony.
Representing the first phase of the Centennial
Commons projectan ambitious plan connecting
nearby Parkside residents to the area of West
Fairmount Park that once hosted the famed Centennial
Exhibition of 1876the event took place at 41st Street and Parkside Avenue.
This initial phase of the project includes Green City, Clean Waters investments that will
bring natural landscaping features to the upgraded park. Mostly managing stormwater from the
streets of the adjacent Parkside neighborhood, the series of new rain gardens, featuring native
plants, will keep millions of gallons of polluted water out of local waterways each year.
While the revamp is being led by the Fairmount Park Conservancy and Philadelphia
Parks and Recreation, PWD is among several City and community partners involved.
Representatives from the William Penn Foundation, the Knight Foundation, Commerce
Department, Streets Department, Parkside Community Development Corp., Business
Association of West Parkside, Please Touch Museum, Viola Street Neighbors Association and
Parkside Association of Philadelphia also took part in the ground breaking.
As philanthropic supporters, the William Penn Foundation and Knight Foundation joined
forces in 2014 to fund planning and design for Centennial Commons.
The project is part of an even more sweeping $11 million investment that allows the
Fairmount Park Conservancy to support five majCenor public investments located around the
edges of greater Center City.
The first phase of construction will make Parkside Avenue safer and more inviting for
those on foot as well as landscape enhancements boasting hundreds of new ornamental plantings
and trees, sitting areas, benches and bench swings.
Adding to the beauty and sustainability of the area: seven plant-filled rain gardens and a
below-ground stone trench for soaking up runoff from hard surfaces like Parkside Avenue, East
and West Memorial Hall Roads, 41st Street and the CASE Building parking lot.
During a 2-inch rainstorm, those green tools will work to keep up to 140,410 gallons of
polluted stormwater out of the Lower Schuylkill Watershed. Over the course of a typical year of
Philly weather, that adds up to millions of gallons of runoff that would otherwise flow into our
waterways and cause sewer overflows.
For residents using the park, the rain gardens will offer a verdant cornucopia of native
flowers and shrubs, including Winterberry, Fox Sedge, Common Rush, Bebbs Sedge, Fruited
Sedge, Blue Bunny Sedge, Sumac, Goldenrod, Dwarf Blue Vernain, White Turtlehead, Blue Star
Aster, Black Chokeberry and more.
These plants will soak up stormwater, stabilize the soil, filter pollutants out the air and
water and provide habitat for birds and important pollinator species like bees and butterflies.
Of course, the rain gardens are just part of a much bigger project thats packed with a
variety of improvements, all of them adding up to create what will soon be a true community hub
for those living nearby.
For more information on this and other green infrastructure investments in Philadelphia,
21
visit the Green City, Clean Waters webpage.
(Reprinted from the Philadelphia Water Department Blog.)
NewsClips:
Related Stories:
[Posted: April 21, 2017
Gov. Tom Wolf Wednesday announced the investment of $39 million for 12 drinking water,
wastewater, stormwater, and nonpoint source projects across nine counties through the PA
Infrastructure Investment Authority.
Today marked another special day for the PennVEST program and for the citizens of
Pennsylvania. By approving almost $40 million in funding for clean water projects across the
commonwealth, the PennVEST Board continued its commitment to improve the quality of our
rivers and streams, the health of our families and the economic prosperity of our state, said Gov.
Wolf. Together we will further the achievement of these goals and make Pennsylvania an even
more desirable place to live and work for this and future generations.
Of the $39 million, $18.2 million is allocated for low-interest loans and $20.8 million is
awarded through grants.
The nonpoint water quality projects funded include--
-- Chester County Conservation District and Elmer Kaufman received a $408,039 grant to
install a variety of manure control facilities, including a concrete waste storage structure, gutters
and downspouts, four catch basins and new pipes, as well as planting 900 feet of new grass
waterways, in order to reduce nutrient runoff into Two Log Run during wet weather.
-- Chester County Conservation District and Daniel Esh received a $350,467 grant to install a
variety of manure control facilities, including more than 1,000 square feet of paved and curbed
barnyard as well as 14,400 square feet of reinforced gravel animal trail, in order to reduce
nutrient run-off into a tributary of the East Branch of Octoraro Creek during wet weather.
-- Chester County Conservation District and Fiddle Creek Dairy received a $245,494 grant
to install a roofed manure stacking structure, a watering facility, underground outlets, as well as
animal trails and walkways that will serve to reduce nutrient runoff into a tributary of Big Beaver
Creek during wet weather.
-- Chester County Conservation District and David Stoltzfus received a $347,055 grant to
make a variety of improvements it manure handling facilities as well as installing reinforced
gravel animal walkways, a stream crossing and streambank fencing, all of which will reduce
nutrient run-off into Muddy Run during wet weather.
22
-- The Partnership for the Delaware Estuary was approved to receive $7,934,000 in funding
to construct a freshwater mussel hatchery that will produce hundreds of thousands of mussels
annually, which will be used to restore mussel beds in both the Susquehanna and Delaware
estuaries. These mussels will, in turn, contribute to the improvement of water quality in both the
Chesapeake Bay and the Delaware Estuary by filtering out nutrients, particularly nitrogen, that
run off the land in these and into hundreds of streams in both watersheds.
-- Westmoreland County, Unity Township received a $2,050,000 grant to make a variety of
improvements to its stormwater control systems, which will include the installation of more than
a mile and a half of new storm water pipes. The existing facilities are deteriorated and allow
flooding of private property as well as contamination of local streams during heavy rainfall.
The funding comes from a combination of state funds approved by voters, federal grants
to PennVEST from the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency and recycled loan repayments
from previous PennVEST funding awards. Funds for the projects are disbursed after bills for
work are paid and receipts are submitted to PennVEST.
Click Here for a list of projects funded.
For more information, visit the PennVEST website or call 717-783-6798.
NewsClips:
Related Stories:
Aqua PA Will Spend $292 Million On Water, Wastewater Improvements In 2017
Aqua Pennsylvania Thursday announced the company will make $292 million in infrastructure
improvements in the state throughout 2017, after completing $234 million of similar projects in
2016.
Multiple projects will take place in several areas across the state to improve customers
water and wastewater service. Aqua has detailed its planned spending by operating division.
Here are some of the planned improvements--
-- $221 million will be spent in its Southeastern Pennsylvania operating divisionits most
populated service areawhich comprises parts of Berks, Bucks, Chester, Delaware and
Montgomery counties;
-- $2.6 million in its Susquehanna operating division in Bradford County;
-- $18.9 million will be spent throughout its White Haven operating division, which comprises
parts of Wyoming, Lackawanna, Luzerne, Lehigh, Monroe, Northampton, Schuylkill,
Susquehanna and Carbon counties;
-- $10.9 million will be spent throughout its Honesdale operating division, which comprises parts
23
of Lackawanna, Monroe, Pike and Wayne counties;
-- $19.2 million will be spent throughout its Roaring Creek operating division, which comprises
parts of Adams, Columbia, Cumberland, Juniata, Northumberland, Schuylkill and Snyder
counties; and
-- $19.7 million will be spent throughout its Western Pennsylvania operating division, which
comprises parts of Lawrence, Mercer, Forest, Crawford, Venango, Clarion, Warren, Clearfield
and McKean counties.
Aquas announcement comes within weeks of Infrastructure Week, which is celebrated
May 15 through 19, bringing attention to our nations infrastructure needs.
Our efforts to replace aging infrastructure benefits our customers by enabling us to
provide quality water and reliable service, and provides environmental benefits as well, said
Aqua Pennsylvania President Marc Lucca. For instance, in 2016 in southeastern Pennsylvania,
we identified approximately 2 billion gallons of unaccounted-for water by finding and fixing
leaking pipe.
Lucca said in addition to replacing aging water mains, the company is making
improvements to its water and wastewater plants, well stations, and storage facilities.
Our business is very capital intensive and we are constantly repairing and replacing old,
outdated facilities, said Lucca.
In accordance with Public Utility Commission directives, the company is also
undertaking a significant meter exchange program for water meters that are approaching the
20-year mark.
Aqua Pennsylvania serves approximately 1.4 million people in 32 counties throughout
Pennsylvania.
Visit the Aqua Pennsylvania webpage for more information.
NewsClips:
Pittsburghs Lead In Water Data Contradictory, Damage Could Be Worse
DEP Extends Boil Water Advisory In Aspinwall, Allegheny County
Lead Cleanup Lags In Allegheny County, Poisoned Children At Risk
Susquehanna River Basin Commission Hearing May 11 On Fees, Water Withdrawals
The Susquehanna River Basin Commission is scheduled to hold a hearing on May 11 to take
comments on proposed water withdrawal requests and proposals to amend its fee structure and
comprehensive plan for the river basin. (formal notice)
In addition to the hearing, the public has an opportunity to submit comments on the
proposed changes to the fee structure and the comprehensive plan until May 22.
The hearing will be held in Room 8E-B East Wing State Capitol Building in Harrisburg
from 2:30 to 5:00 p.m.
For more information and copies of proposals, visit SRBCs Public Participation Center
webpage. Questions should be directed to Jason Oyler, General Counsel, 717-238-0423 x 1312.
Clinton County CleanScapes Rail Trail Hillside Cleanup April 22
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Clinton County CleanScapes, Lock Haven University
students and Castanea Township still will be removing one
of the last large scale active dumpsites overlooking the Rail
Train extension in Castanea Township, Clinton County on
April 22 from 9:30 a.m. to 1:00 p.m.
Click Here for all the details. Registration preferred
by April 20 by contacting Elizabeth Lynch McCoy by
sending email to: clintoncountycleanscapes@yahoo.com or
call 570-726-3511.
The April 8 Young Womans Creek hillside cleanup had 54 volunteers collect 2,460
pounds of trash in 2 hours.
Other upcoming cleanup events include: July 22 Bald Eagle Creek and September 9 West
Branch Susquehanna River cleanups.
For more information, visit the Clinton County CleanScapes Facebook page.
NewsClips:
Keeping Our Streets Clean Can Keep Our Rivers Clean
Harrisburg Wants To Slap Illegal Dumpers With Mandatory $1,000 Fine
Celebrate Earth Day By Joining Keep PA Beautifuls Great American Cleanup Of PA
In celebration of Earth Day - April 22, Keep

Pennsylvania Beautiful, whose vision is a clean and
beautiful Pennsylvania, encourages residents to be
part of the 2017 Great American Cleanup of PA by
volunteering for a cleanup or setting up your own.
The Great American Cleanup of PA engages over
150,000 volunteers annually in litter cleanups, illegal
dump cleanups, beautification projects, special
collections, and educational events from March 1
through May 31.
We are so grateful to our volunteers and sponsors who help make the Great American
Cleanup of PA, Pennsylvanias premier community improvement initiative, possible, said
Shannon Reiter, President of Keep PA Beautiful. Last year, Pennsylvanians coordinated and
participated in over 6,000 events. Over 22,000 tires and 5 million pounds of trash were removed
from our beautiful landscape. This year we hope to engage even more Pennsylvanias to join the
Great American Cleanup of PA to help keep our communities clean and beautiful.
Earth Day Cleanup Events
Highlighted below are just a few of the many Great American Cleanup of PA Earth Day
events taking place across Pennsylvania via Keep PA Beautiful/Keep America Beautiful
affiliates--
-- Keep Erie County Beautiful - YMCA Camp Sherwin Spring Cleanup and Community
Greening Event on April 22 from 9:00 a.m. - 12:00 a.m. Contact Brittany Prischak at
25
bprischak@eriecountypa.gov or 814-451-7326. Event Location: YMCA Camp Sherwin, 8600 W
Lake Rd, Lake City, PA 16423
-- Keep Allentown Beautiful - Great Allentown Clean Up on April 22 from 8:00 a.m. - 03:00
p.m. (Rain Date: 04/23/2017). Contact Kristin Baringer at baringerk@allentowncity.org or
610-437-8729.
-- Pennsylvania Environmental Council/Keep Northeastern Pennsylvania Beautiful - Earth
Day Tree Planting on April 22 from 9:00 a.m. - 02:00 p.m. Contact Palmira Miller at
pmiller@pecpa.org or 570-592-7876. Event Location: Pinchot State Forest, Avondale Hill Road.
Volunteers will plant 7,480 seedlings in the Pinchot State Forest covering 10 acres of reclaimed
mine land.
-- Keep Harrisburg/Dauphin County Beautiful - Great Harrisburg Litter Cleanup on April 22
from 9:00 a.m. - 01:00 p.m. To register contact Julie Walter at jwalter@cactricounty.org or
717-232-9757. Event Location: This event takes place across the city of Harrisburg at multiple
cleanup locations.
-- Keep York Beautiful - Go Green in the City, an interactive street fair on April 22 from 10:00
a.m. - 3:00 p.m. Contact Thomas Smith at TLS35@psu.edu or 717-840-2375. Event Location:
Downtown York in the block between N. Beaver Street, N. Pershing Avenue, W. Clarke Avenue
and the White Rose Bar and Grill parking lot.
To find an event near you visit the 2017 Great American Cleanup of PA website.
Set Up Your Own Event
Setting up your own event is easy, just visit the Great American Cleanup of PA website
and register. Events registered through May 31 receive free trash bags, gloves, and safety vests
from PennDOT district offices, as supplies last.
To help with the cost of trash disposal, the Department of Environmental Protection and
PA Waste Industries Association are sponsoring Lets Pick It Up PA from April 18 through May
8. During this time, trash collected at registered events can be taken to participating landfills and
receive free or reduced cost disposal with prior approval.
Join thousands of volunteers who are keeping our communities clean and beautiful and
register your event. Questions can be answered by Michelle Dunn, Great American Cleanup of
PA Program Coordinator, at 1-877-772-3673 ext. 113 or send email to:
mdunn@keeppabeautiful.org.
Video Contest
Keep Pennsylvania Beautiful is also calling for entries in the 2017 Great American
Cleanup of PA Video Contest. Just enter a video of your event featuring groups, children, and
adults having fun keeping your communities clean and beautiful.
Dont forget to recognize local sponsors and incorporate Great American Cleanup of PA
in your video!
Send a video, 2-minutes or less by email to: slarson@keeppabeautiful.org. Cash prizes,
sponsored by the PA Waste Industries Association, are $200 for the winning entry and $100 each
for two runners up.
The Great American Cleanup of PA is led by a coalition of nonprofit, state agency and
business partners such as the Department of Environmental Protection, PennDOT, PA Waste
Industries Association, the PA Food Merchants Association, Weis Markets, Inc., Wawa, Inc.,
Sheetz, ShopRite and The Fresh Grocer, Steel Recycling Institute and the Lancaster County
Solid Waste Authority.
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For more information on programs, initiatives and special events, visit the Keep
Pennsylvania Beautiful website. Click Here to sign up for regular updates from KPB, Like them
on Facebook, Follow on Twitter, Discover them on Pinterest and visit their YouTube Channel.
Also visit the Illegal Dump Free PA website for more ideas on how to clean up
communities and keep them clean and KPBs new Electronics Waste website.
NewsClips:
24 Nonprofit CEOs Take A Stand Together For The Environment In Pittsburgh
Two dozen CEOs of Western Pennsylvanias

environmental nonprofit organizations Thursday
stood together to proclaim the importance of
environmental protection for the regions
economic resurgence, public health, and social
equity.
During a press briefing at the Energy Innovation
Center in Uptown, the group of CEOs
emphasized the critical need for residents and
organizations to forestall any backsliding on environmental progress.
They called for a collective commitment to the regions bright future based on equitable
development that is restorative of our people, our natural environment, and our communities.
The Pittsburgh region finds itself at a critical moment. Legacy environmental problems as
well as new environmental threats are coupled with federal level efforts to roll back progress.
Meanwhile, the region is positioning itself with a cleaner innovation economy, bringing
the promise of increasing job growth, improving public health, and environmental justice.
The CEOs urge residents to:
-- Become informed; know your facts.
-- Go beyond phone calls and letter writing and develop relationships with elected officials.
-- Join organizations like those represented today that have the infrastructure and capacity to be
megaphones for your voice.
Four representatives spoke on behalf of the large group of CEOs as part of the unified
call on the public to engage in environmental protections.
Michelle Naccarati-Chapkis, CEO of Women for a Healthy Environment, stated, The
stakes are too great for our families and future to just stand idly by and wait for others to act.
Now is the time for all to speak on the values of a healthy environment and communities. Now is
the time to strengthen the protections we set for our families and the region. We have witnessed
proposed cuts at the federal level, which would directly impact the ability of state and local
governments to protect our health and environment.
This includes potential cuts to programs which ensure access to safe drinking water,
cleanup of hazardous waste sites, and remediation of landscapes impacted by nonpoint source
pollution. We must maintain funding to these vitally important initiatives, and protect the
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mandates that safeguard the health of our region.
The CEOs stand together to celebrate the regions formula for success, whereby
economic prosperity and environmental quality are mutually interdependent. They commit to
uniting public health and environmental integrity with economic progress, ensuring the future
resilience of neighborhoods and towns.
Scott Bricker, Executive Director of Bike Pittsburgh, said, We must come together as a
region to pick up the slack as our federal government commits to roll back environmental
regulations and community development funds. These cuts will make the poor even poorer.
Elimination of programs such as the Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program will hurt
those among us who already suffer the most. Cuts to Federal Transit Administrations Capital
Investment Program such as New Starts and Small Starts will pull the rug out from under public
transportation projects around our region such as the Bus Rapid Transit project, which aims to
connect thousands of Pittsburghers to jobs and improve conditions for walking and biking.
Mr. Bricker added, We know that the so called deconstruction of the administrative
state will only increase costs, exacerbate health disparities, and worsen not only our quality of
life, but the quality of life of future generations. We must stand up, speak out, and take action.
"We must make sure that all residents of Pittsburgh, Allegheny County, Southwestern
Pennsylvania and beyond have access to outdoor open space, clean water and clean air," said
Vivien Li, President and CEO of Riverlife.
"We as a community must plan for a future in which climate change will have a direct
impact on every man, woman and child, regardless of income, race or residence."
Quincy Kofi Swatson, Executive Director of The Door Campaign said, If you believe
our communitys future depends upon our continued progress, we must speak up on every issue.
As we 24 CEOs gather here to celebrate Earth Day we also represent a united front against
injustices. We urge all persons of the Pittsburgh region to also stand with us by letting their
representatives at all levels of government know what issue they most care about, including how
the environment and its care is the bedrock of true economic progress. If our elected officials do
not hear from their constituents about injustices that you care deeply about, then they will be left
to assume there is no interest in fighting for them. We need to remind all that risks to our
regions environment are risks to our families and future, and that we stand firm to defend them.
We need your help in carrying this message on Earth Day.
Click Here for a list of the organizations participating.
To join the community protecting the environment, visit CEOsforEarthDay.org.
79 Projects Receive DEP Environmental Education, Environmental Justice Grants
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Gov. Tom Wolf Friday announced 79 projects statewide are receiving almost $1.2 million in
Environmental Education Grants, including more than $500,000 in environmental justice grants,
from the Department of Environmental Protection in 2017.
Through the DEP Environmental Education Grants, Pennsylvanians of all ages gain
knowledge of the natural world, appreciation for the importance of a healthy environment, and
an understanding of the need for environmental protection and sound resource management,
said Gov. Wolf.
Projects addressing water education and climate change were prioritized. In addition,
reflecting DEPs renewed focus on environmental justice, the grants for the first time include
funding for activities that educate, empower and enable disadvantaged communities to
participate meaningfully in environmental and public health issues.
A healthy environment isnt a luxury good. These environmental justice projects reflect
the importance of ensuring that all Pennsylvanians, especially those whove historically been
disenfranchised, are informed about decisions and actions that affect their environment, said
DEP Acting Secretary Patrick McDonnell, speaking at an April 21 event hosted by award
recipient Capital Region Water.
A classroom of 10 students wholl benefit from the grant to Capital Region Waters
K2Career Pipeline programming participated, adding plants to the companys rain garden.
Several organizations in the Harrisburg area that received grants attended the event,
including Central Pennsylvania Conservancy, Chesapeake Bay Foundation-PA, Dauphin County
Cooperative Extension, and Londonderry and Susquehanna Townships.
This years awards reflect other new developments in the grants program.
For the first time, general grants of up to $50,000 were awarded to projects with a broad
or statewide focus, in addition to traditional mini-grants of up to $3,000. Twenty-six general
grants and 53 mini-grants were awarded.
Thirty-one environmental justice projects received grants totaling more than $500,000.
A new online e-grants system helped streamline the application process. The system was
developed by the Department of Community and Economic Development and deployed by DEP
through the Governors Office of Transformation, Innovation, Management and Efficiency
(GO-TIME).
The Environmental Education Grants Program was established by the Environmental
Education Act of 1993, which mandates setting aside 5 percent of the pollution fines and
penalties DEP collects annually for environmental education in Pennsylvania.
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In its 24-year history, the program has funded more than $11 million in environmental
education grants.
Click Here for a list of projects receiving grants.
For more background on the program, visit DEPs Environmental Education Grants
webpage.
(Photo: Learning exercise from the Capital Region Water grant announcement.)
High School Students To Compete In Westmoreland County Envirothon April 24
On April 24 students from nine Westmoreland County

high schools will compete at Twin Lakes Park in
Greensburg to see which team has the most knowledge
of the natural world.
This exciting academic event, known as the
Envirothon, has been hosted by the Westmoreland
County Conservation District every year since 1986.
In it, teams of ninth- to twelfth-grade students compete
in outdoor settings that test their knowledge of the
natural world.
During the hands-on competition, students may be asked to identify a bird call, measure a
tree, or feel handfuls of soil to identify the type.
They will work as a team to answer questions of fact and use their critical thinking skills
to find solutions to reality-based challenges, such as how to balance use and conservation of our
natural resources.
Topics in the competition include forestry, soil and land use, aquatic ecology, wildlife,
and this years current environmental issue: agricultural soil and water conservation stewardship.
The 105 students scheduled to participate in this years competition represent Burrell
High School, Derry Area High School, Franklin Regional Senior High School, Greater Latrobe
Senior High School, Kiski Area High School, Mount Pleasant Area Junior-Senior High School,
Norwin High School, Southmoreland High School, and Yough Senior High School.
The winning Westmoreland County team will go on to compete in the Pennsylvania State
Envirothon at University of Pittsburgh Johnstown on May 23 and 24.
Click Here to view the 2016 winners of the Westmoreland Envirothon.
This years Westmoreland County Envirothon received funding support from the
Pennsylvania Envirothon, Inc.; Apex Energy, LLC; and Smithfield.
A number of cooperating organizations and agencies also assist the Westmoreland
Conservation District in hosting the event, including: the Game Commission, Fish and Boat
Commission, Department of Conservation and Natural Resources Bureau of Forestry,
Department of Environmental Protection, Westmoreland County Bureau of Parks and
Recreation, USDA Natural Resources Conservation Service, and Westmoreland Cleanways and
Recycling.
For more information on programs, initiatives and other upcoming events, visit the
Westmoreland County Conservation District website.
To learn more about county conservation district Envirothons, visit the PA Envirothon
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webpage.
(Photo: Southmoreland High School team, winners of 2016 Westmoreland Envirothon.)
Winners Of Lets Clear The Air Poster Challenge In Western PA, Vote For Peoples
Choice
Western Pennsylvanias celebration of Earth Day 2017 will

include a display of award-winning artwork created by local
students who entered the 7th annual Lets Clear the Air
Poster Challenge sponsored by the Southwest
Pennsylvania Air Quality Partnership and the PA Resources
Council.
You can also vote for the Peoples Choice through May 31.
A panel of judges selected the 2016-17 winners:
-- Elementary Category
-- First Place: Maggie Dobich, Independence Elementary,
Beaver County
-- Second Place: Billie Dobich, Independence Elementary, Beaver County
--Middle School Category
-- First Place: Riley Orr, St. Alexis, Allegheny County
-- Second Place: Paige Morningstar, St. Alexis, Allegheny County
-- High School Category
-- First Place: Baylee Smith, CanonMcMillan, Washington County
-- Second Place: Marisa Tour, West Mifflin, Allegheny County
More than 2,100 students attending 37 public, parochial and private schools in a
10-county region took part in the poster challenge during the 2016-17 academic year.
The winning artwork will be on display April 18-24 in the grand lobby of the
City-County Building in Downtown Pittsburgh. The artwork will also be on display May 2-31 at
the Childrens Museum of Pittsburgh. View winning artwork online.
By creating artwork, students have an opportunity to share important messages about
decreasing air pollution and increasing alternative transportation, said Sarah Alessio Shea, PRC
Environmental Education Coordinator. Were excited to celebrate Earth Day by displaying this
amazing artwork for the public to view so that they, too, can learn more about these vital
environmental topics.
For a seventh school year, students were challenged with creating posters to educate the
public, and again they did an amazing job of visually depicting their thoughts and perspectives,
according to SPAQP Chair Betsy Mallison. "The goal of the program is to teach students about
the effects of air pollution, how to reduce their exposure, and to then encourage action through a
poster campaign promoting clean air and alternative transportation.
Students created posters using a variety of art media including watercolor, pen and ink,
crayon, marker and charcoal.
Vote For Peoples Choice
Individuals living throughout southwestern Pennsylvania can cast their votes for the
Peoples Choice Award. All visiting the PRC website through May 31 can cast votes to select
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one of three pieces of artwork, and the winner will receive a $50 REI Gift card.
Vying for the Peoples Choice Award are Madilyn Shingle, Holiday Park Elementary
(Allegheny County), Mary Ambrose, St. Luke Lutheran School (Butler County) and Anthony
Duckett, The Neighborhood Academy (Allegheny County).
For more information, visit PRCs Lets Clear the Air Poster Challenge webpage.
(Photo: Elementary First Place: Maggie Dobich, Independence Elementary, Beaver County.)
NewsClips:
Pittsburghs Air Gets Failing Grade, But Getting Better
Air Quality Improves In Pittsburgh, But Much To Do
Air Quality In Lehigh Valley Progressively Improving
Report: York County Air Has Improved, But EPA Cuts Pose Threat
Lancasters Air Quality Improves, Soot Pollution Still One Of The Worst
Report: Philly, Nation Making Progress On Air Pollution
EPA Serves Search Warrant At Erie Coke Corp.
Erie Coke Responds To EPA Search Warrant
Museum Tells Story Of How Smog Killed 20 In Donora, PA
Trump Wants To Scrap Power Plant Pollution Rule They Already Complied With
EPA To Reconsider Rule On Methane Emissions From Oil, Gas Wells
DEP Removes 8 Western PA Counties From Nonattainment With 2015 EPA Ozone
Standard
The Department of Environmental Protection published notice in the April 22 PA Bulletin it was
removing 8 counties in Western Pennsylvania from nonattainment area designation for EPAs
2015 ozone pollution standard.
DEP said updated 2016 monitoring data shows the areas are now in attainment of the 700
ppb ozone standard.
The counties removed from nonattainment designation are: Indiana County and the
seven-county Pittsburgh Region-- Allegheny, Armstrong, Beaver, Butler, Fayette, Washington
and Westmoreland.
DEP recommended Lebanon County and the Philadelphia Region-- Bucks, Chester,
Delaware, Montgomery and Philadelphia counties-- remain as nonattainment areas.
Nonattainment status means DEP will have to develop a plan outlining the additional
measures it will take to control volatile organic compound and nitrogen oxide emissions to attain
the standard and submit that plan to EPA.
DEP noted it did not recommend Berks County be designated as nonattainment even
though monitoring shows a violation of the 2015 ozone standard because the violations were due
to a major forest fire event.
DEP is preparing an exceptional events analysis for both Berks and Lebanon counties
to be submitted to EPA to show the monitoring results were invalid based on the forest fire
event.
Public hearings were held on the original nonattainment designations in August 2016.
Pending Federal Ozone Standard Action
On April 11 the U.S. Court of Appeals for the District of Columbia agreed to delay oral
32
arguments in a lawsuit brought against the U.S. Environmental Protection Agencys 2015 ozone
pollution standard.
The ruling is a victory for the Trump Administration which asked for the delay to give
the EPA more time to determine whether the rule needs to be changed or eliminated. The
standard, finalized under the Obama Administration, lowered the allowable concentration of
ozone from 75 parts per billion to 70 parts per billion.
It is not clear whether the EPA will make major changes to the rule as the Trump
Administration has yet to announce any official policy statement on federal ozone standards.
Repealing or changing the rule would require an extensive regulatory process that could take a
year or more to complete.
The Justice Department told the court in a written brief that the EPA intends to closely
review the 2015 rule, and the prior positions taken by the agency with respect to the 2015 rule
may not necessarily reflect its ultimate conclusions after that review is complete.
The Court ordered the EPA to report back on its progress within 90 days.
PA, 8 States Call On EPA To Reduce Coal Power Plant Emissions
Pennsylvania and 8 other states called on EPA to reduce emissions from coal-fired power
plants in 9 midwest and southern states to help reduce the regional causes of ozone pollution.
More information about the revised designations will be posted on DEPs Bureau of Air
Quality webpage. Questions should be directed to Kirit Dalal, Bureau of Air Quality, by sending
email to: kdalal@pa.gov or calling 717-787-9495.
NewsClips:
Federal Court Grants EPAs Request To Delay Smog Rule Case
PA, CT, NY Asking EPA To Limit Air Pollution From Midwest, Southern Coal Power Plants
NewsClips:
First Of 29 Public-Private Partnership CNG Fueling Stations Opens In Johnstown
Gov. Tom Wolf Thursday announced the opening of the first of 29 Compressed Natural Gas
(CNG) fueling stations planned as part of a Public-Private Partnership.
PennDOT Deputy Secretary for Multimodal Toby Fauver and P-3 Office Director Mike
Bonini joined officials from Trillium CNG, Cambria County Transportation Authority, and state
and local officials in Johnstown to mark opening of the facility.
This innovative P3 is allowing us to help transit agencies save money and take
33
advantage of plentiful supplies of natural gas produced right here in Pennsylvania, Gov. Wolf
said. We applaud Trillium for reaching this first milestone and look forward to continued
progress on this initiative.
Through the $84.5 million statewide project, Trillium will design, build, finance, operate
and maintain CNG fueling stations at 29 public transit agency sites through a 20-year P3
agreement.
Following the opening, other stations will be constructed over the next five years and
Trillium is also making CNG-related upgrades to existing transit maintenance facilities.
CNG fueling will be accessible to the public at six transit agency sites, with the option to
add to additional sites in the future.
The CNG station in Johnstown is available to the public, including for trucks. PennDOT
will receive a 15 percent royalty, excluding taxes, for each gallon of fuel sold to the public,
which will be used to support the cost of the project.
The team has guaranteed at least $2.1 million in royalties over the term of the agreement.
Using the P3 procurement mechanism allows PennDOT to install the fueling stations
faster than if a traditional procurement mechanism was used for each site, resulting in significant
estimated capital cost savings of more than $46 million.
When the project is completed, the fueling stations will supply gas to more than 1,600
CNG buses at transit agencies across the state.
A list of agencies participating in the CNG P3 project, in order of construction-start
timeline, follows:
-- Cambria County Transportation Authority, Johnstown Facility (2017), includes public fueling
-- Central Pennsylvania Transportation Authority, York Facility (2017), includes public fueling
-- Mid Mon Valley Transportation Authority (2017)
-- Cambria County Transportation Authority, Ebensburg Facility (2017)
-- Westmoreland County Transportation Authority (2017)
-- Centre Area Transportation Authority (2017)
-- Beaver County Transportation Authority (2017)
-- Crawford Area Transportation Authority (2017)
-- New Castle Area Transportation Authority (2017), includes public fueling.
-- Lehigh and Northampton Transportation Authority, Allentown Facility (2017)
-- County of Lebanon Transportation Authority (2017)
-- Altoona Metro Transit (2017)
-- Central Pennsylvania Transportation Authority, Gettysburg Facility (2017)
-- Butler Transportation Authority (2018)
-- Indiana County Transportation Authority (2018), includes public fueling.
-- County of Lackawanna Transportation System (2018), includes public fueling.
-- Erie Metropolitan Transportation Authority (2018), includes public fueling.
-- Mercer County Regional Council of Governments (2019)
-- Fayette Area Coordinated Transportation System (2019)
-- Monroe County Transportation Authority (2019)
-- Area Transportation Authority of North Central PA, Bradford Facility (2019)
-- Area Transportation Authority of North Central PA, Johnsonburg Facility (2019)
-- DuBois, Falls Creek, Sandy Township Joint Transportation Authority (2020)
-- Lehigh and Northampton Transportation Authority, Easton Facility (2021)
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-- Luzerne County Transportation Authority (2021)
-- Schuylkill Transportation System (2021)
-- Transit Authority of Warren County (2021)
-- Capital Area Transit (2021)
-- Port Authority of Allegheny County (2021)
For more information on the program, visit PennDOTs Public-Private Partnerships
webpage.
NewsClips:
Ribbon Cutting Held At CamTrans Natural Gas Fueling Station
Luzerne Transit To Get Natural Gas Fueling Station By 2021
Philly Moratorium On Electric Vehicle Permits Becomes Law
Philly Electric Car Parking Debate About Power, But Not The Kind You Think
Wolf Announces State Clean Diesel Grant Investment In Berks County
Gov. Tom Wolf Monday announced funding approval through the PA State Clean Energy Diesel
Grant Program to assist the Berks County Intermediate Unit in replacing six older
diesel-powered school buses with newer diesel-powered buses.
Programs like this that help improve air quality are extremely important for the citizens
of Pennsylvania and I am pleased to announce the first award approved this year to assist Berks
County Intermediate Units efforts to reduce emissions, said Gov. Wolf.
The project is anticipated to remove 108 pounds of fine particulate matter, 212 pounds of
hydrocarbons, 640 pounds of carbon monoxide, and 1,300 lbs. of oxides of nitrogen annually
from the air.
Berks County is a nonattainment area for ozone and maintenance area for fine
particulate matter National Ambient Air Quality Standards, said Department of Environmental
Protection Acting Secretary Patrick McDonnell. Replacing the school buses will help the
commonwealths efforts to improve air quality in this area and protect citizens health and the
environment.
Nearly $400,000 in State Clean Diesel Grant funding is still available for projects that
replace, repower, or retrofit fleet diesel-powered highway and nonroad vehicles, engines, and
equipment.
Public and private entities that operate diesel-powered fleets throughout the
commonwealth are eligible, including but not limited to school districts, municipal authorities,
political subdivisions, other state agencies, nonprofit entities, corporations, limited liability
companies or partnerships incorporated or registered in the commonwealth.
Applications will be accepted through May 12 and guidelines are available on the DEP
Bureau of Air Quality website.
State Clean Diesel Grants are funded by U.S. Environmental Protection Agency through
allocations from the federal Diesel Emission Reduction Act.
EPA is separately accepting applications for 2017 Clean Diesel National Grants until
June 20.
NewsClips:
35
EPA Accepting Applications For Clean Diesel National Grants
The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency is now accepting applications for 2017 Clean Diesel
National Grants until June 20.
Eligible projects and equipment include diesel vehicles, engines and equipment for
school buses, Class 5 to 8 heavy-duty highway vehicles, locomotive and marine engines and
nonroad engines.
DEP is separately accepting applications for the PA State Clean Diesel Grant Program
until May 12.
NewsClips:
Reading-Based Penske Truck Leasing Collects 5th Straight EPA SmartWay Affiliate
Challenge Award
Penske Truck Leasing has, for the fifth straight year, been given the SmartWay Affiliate
Challenge Award by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency. Penske is one of nine
organizations to receive this honor.
The SmartWay Affiliate Challenge is a national challenge developed by the EPA to
acknowledge organizations that are contributing to a clean energy economy by reaching out to
inform and educate businesses, their communities, truck drivers and other stakeholders about
steps they can take to reduce freight emissions and their other environmental impacts.
"EPA commends the SmartWay Affiliate Challenge honorees for their extraordinary
level of commitment and enthusiasm in supporting more efficient and sustainable business
practices in moving goods," said Christopher Grundler, director of the EPA's Office of
Transportation and Air Quality. "These organizations represent diverse industry sectors and
stakeholders who believe that American prosperity can be preserved while protecting the
environment."
"Being recognized as a five-time honoree is quite an accomplishment," stated Drew
Cullen, Penske Truck Leasing senior vice president of fuels and facility services. "We appreciate
the opportunity to consistently provide our customers with the means to enhance, or to create,
quality sustainability programs that support their business models."
These are some ways that Penske promoted the SmartWay Transport Partnership:
-- Assisting customers with modeling and completion of the program's tools and helping them to
establish fuel economy and emissions benchmarking that correlate with SmartWay Carrier
36
Performance Rankings;
-- Ongoing education and introduction of customers to join SmartWay, both in the U.S. and
Canada;
-- Devising and implementing new strategies to educate Penske associates and customers; and
-- Attending and presenting at sustainability conferences and other transportation industry events.
The EPA launched SmartWay in collaboration with business stakeholders to strengthen
competitiveness and energy efficiency while contributing to cleaner air.
Since 2004, over 3,500 companies have relied upon SmartWay data and assistance to
lean their supply chains while shrinking their environmental footprints.
Collectively, SmartWay partners have saved $27.8 billion in fuel costs, while cutting
over 1.7 million tons of NOx, 70 thousand tons of PM2.5 and 84 million metric tons of carbon
from our nation's freight transportation networks.
Penske Truck Leasing is a transportation industry leader in the areas of spec'ing,
operating and maintaining fleets of traditionally-fueled vehicles as well as alternative-fueled
vehicles that includes natural gas, propane, electric and diesel-electric hybrids.
Penske Truck Leasing is an affiliate partner in the U.S. EPA SmartWay program and
Penske Logistics is a partner in the trucking carrier and logistics categories. Penske Truck
Leasing is also an affiliate partner in the Canada SmartWay Transport Partnership, which is
administered by Natural Resources Canada.
For more information on the program, visit EPAs SmartWay webpage.
Four Seasons Produce In Ephrata Joins KEEA To Tout Benefits Of Energy Efficiency
Four Seasons Produce, Inc. in Ephrata, Lancaster County hosted a

tour of its distribution center Thursday for local elected officials
and business leaders to showcase energy efficiency upgrades and
retrofits which have resulted in multiple benefits for the company
and the local community.
Four Seasons has capitalized on the Pennsylvania Act 129
energy efficiency programs to save both energy and money,
including a twenty-three per cent reduction in electricity costs.
The Keystone Energy Efficiency Alliance (KEEA)
participated in the days events to highlight the importance of Act
129 policies for businesses such as Four Seasons across the state.
Act 129 is an example of smart policy that has created
local jobs that cant be outsourced said Julian Boggs, Policy
Director for the Keystone Energy Efficiency Alliance, a
50-member Pennsylvania trade association.
Act 129 is Pennsylvanias cornerstone energy efficiency law, enacted by the General
Assembly in 2008 with broad, bipartisan support.
The energy efficiency retrofits and upgrades made by Four Seasons throughout its
distribution center were possible because Act 129 makes the up-front costs of energy efficiency
projects affordable.
All Pennsylvanians benefit from the energy cost-savings enabled by Act 129, from
37
residential customers to large manufacturers.
"At Four Seasons Produce, we have always believed that energy efficiency and
sustainability are vital components to our successful business model. It is important that we at
Four Seasons invest in technologies that will keep our energy costs low and allow us to be a
strong employer in Lancaster County, said Randy Groff, Director of Facilities and Energy at
Four Seasons Produce. We are grateful that energy efficiency programs like Act 129 exist so
that we have the opportunity to invest in these energy projects and then reinvest those savings
into our company for the benefit of our employees and our business,"
Four Seasons Produce requires substantial refrigeration controls to ensure the cold chain
is maintained for product integrity for their customers throughout the Mid-Atlantic and Northeast
markets.
From retrofitting its entire facility with LED lighting to making HVAC system upgrades,
participating in demand response programs and improving the facilitys building envelope, Four
Seasons has proven to be a local example of how an energy-intensive business operation can still
be efficient and reduce operating costs.
In fact, Four Seasons has reduced its electric usage by17 percent, reinvesting those
savings into core operations that support local job growth and economic development.
In combination with its energy efficiency programs, Four Seasons has also made a
comprehensive commitment to sustainability through water conservation measures, recycling
programs, and fleet performance enhancements.
Energy efficiency programs and projects are critical tools used by businesses and
consumers to save energy costs, and are also a powerful job creation engine.
According to a recent U.S. Department of Energy report, 62,341 Pennsylvanians are
employed within the energy efficiency industry- a significant increase in recent years, spurred by
Act 129.
The Four Seasons tour was attended by: Sen. Scott Martin (R-Lancaster), Representatives
David Zimmerman (R-Lancaster) and Keith Greiner (R-Lancaster) as well as staff from the
offices Representatives Mindy Fee (R-Lancaster) and David Hickernell (R-Lancaster).
For more information on the Act 129 Energy Efficiency Program, visit Keystone Energy
Efficiency Alliances Act 129 webpage or the Public Utility Commissions Act 129 webpage.
Related Stories:
KEEA Energy Education Fund Recognizes Schools Saving 2.9 Million Kwh Of Electricity
Pocono Environmental Education Center Joins KEEA To Tout Benefits Of Energy Efficiency
PUC Highlights PA One Call Changes, Drilling Impact Fee Appeal, Act 129 Energy Efficiency
Savings, Growth Of Natural Gas
FirstEnergy Launches You First Campaign To Help Customers Manage Energy Use
FirstEnergy Corp. Monday introduced the new "You First" campaign

to build on its brand as a forward-thinking and customer-focused
company that provides convenient solutions for saving energy.
As part of this multimedia initiative, the company has launched a new
microsite-- www.YouFirstEnergy.com-- to help customers manage
their energy use with specialized tools, products and services.
38
In Pennsylvania, FirstEnergy companies include: Met-Ed, Penelec, Penn Power and West
Penn Power.
"Today's consumers are expecting more from the companies they work with, and that
includes their energy provider," said Gretchan Sekulich, vice president, Communications and
Branding. "At FirstEnergy, we're prioritizing the things that matter most to our customers by
helping them save money, increase energy efficiency and improve the value of their homes."
Featuring people putting others first, "You First" advertisements highlight the ways
FirstEnergy is delivering added value and convenience to customers. Digital advertisements
have already begun, with radio, television and billboard advertising to follow throughout
FirstEnergy's service territories in Ohio, Pennsylvania, West Virginia, Maryland and New Jersey.
The campaign will run through September 2017.
Advertisements also encourage customers to visit www.YouFirstEnergy.com for
information about smart technologies, energy-efficiency programs and bill-payment
conveniences such as eBill and text alerts.
The site also links customers to information about products and services available from
their local utility, such as home repair services with convenient payment plans.
U.S. EIA Expects Natural Gas To Be Largest Source Of Summer Electricity Generation
The U.S. Energy Information Administration Tuesday

reported it expects that electricity generation fueled by
natural gas this summer (June, July, and August) will be
lower than last summer, but it will continue to exceed
that of any other fuel, including coal-fired generation, for
the third summer in a row.
The projected share of total U.S. generation for natural
gas is expected to average 34 percent, which is down
from 37 percent last summer but still exceeds coals generation share of 32 percent.
At the national level, shares of both natural gas and coal are expected to be lower than
last summer, as output from hydroelectric and other renewable generators is expected to
increase.
The Midwest region is the only area of the country in which coal fuels more than half of
summer electricity generation (54 percent).
In other regions, no single fuel provides the majority of electricity generation during the
summer. The Northeast and South regions are close to this level, with natural gas accounting for
an expected 44 percent and 43 percent of total summer generation, respectively.
Natural gas first exceeded coal as the nations primary electricity fuel on a monthly basis
in April 2015 and on an annual basis in 2016.
During the summer of 2016, at a time when natural gas prices were relatively low, 37
percent of U.S. electricity generation came from natural gas and 33 percent came from coal.
A decade before that, in summer 2006, 25 percent came from natural gas and 46 percent
from coal.
The use of natural gas in the power sector is sensitive to natural gas prices. As natural gas
prices have risen, the natural gas share of the electricity generation mix has fallen slightly.
39
Over the first three months of 2017, the Henry Hub natural gas price averaged $3.01 per
million Btu (MMBtu) compared with $2.00/MMBtu during the same period of 2016.
As a result, the natural gas share of the U.S. electricity mix fell from 32 percent in the
first quarter of 2016 to 29 percent in the first quarter of this year, while coals share of generation
rose from 29 percent to 31 percent over that same period.
EIA expects that the Henry Hub price will continue to average slightly more than
$3.00/MMBtu through the summer.
Click Here to read the full report.
NewsClips:
PJM Planners Ask: What If Theres Too Much Natural Gas?
PA Electricity Generation Moving Away From Coal, Could It Move Back? No
Renewable Energy Jobs Bring New Life To Old Coal Towns
What Is The Grid And Why Do Renewables Strain It?
PUCs John Coleman Co-Chairs National Task Force On Natural Gas Access, Expansion
Public Utility Commission Commissioner John F. Coleman Jr.

Monday was named as co-chair of a new Natural Gas Access and
Expansion Task Force, established by the President and Executive
Board of the National Association of Regulatory Utility
Commissioners.
The task force will be charged with developing best practices and
recommendations regarding natural gas service for underserved and
unserved areas of the country, including, but not limited to rural
communities.
Commissioner Coleman is joined by fellow co-chair, Mississippi
Commissioner Brandon Presley, along with North Dakota
Commissioner Julie Fedorchak, who will serve as vice-chair of the task force.
It is an honor to work with my fellow commissioners from across the country, who share
a similar concern about infrastructure issues that limit access to low-cost natural gas for
residential, industrial and commercial customers especially in rural areas, noted
Commissioner Coleman. These issues generate frustration and added expense for our
consumers, and compromise the competitiveness of our communities, and we are anxious to
explore ways to remedy this situation.
PUC Commissioner Robert F. Powelson, who also serves as current NARUC President,
said, the task force will help NARUC members better understand the demand for natural gas
service in unserved and underserved areas, the barriers and obstacles to such access and
expansion and provide relevant economic information on the costs and benefits of expanding
natural gas distribution infrastructure.
PUC Chairman Gladys M. Brown praised the appointment: Commissioner Coleman has
a strong interest and deep knowledge of natural gas infrastructure, and has been an integral part
of efforts to address these issues in Pennsylvania. He will be a valuable voice in this national
conversation.
During the eight-month term of the task force, the groups main focus will be to prepare
40
an analytical report that will:
-- Study current access, expansion and service extension policies for underserved and unserved
areas;
-- Examine the need for access and expansion including case studies, and a review of the barriers
and obstacles to such access;
-- Recommend potential mechanisms to address the benefits and opportunities for access and
expansion and identify alternative or unconventional approaches to reaching unserved and
underserved areas; and
-- Compile a national best practices collection on natural gas access and expansion to
underserved and unserved areas.
The task force will also coordinate with NARUCs Committee on Gas to help identify
opportunities for engagement at NARUC meetings on this issue and collaborate with
NARUC-affiliated organizations to collect best practices.
Members of the task force will include the following state commissioners: Ken Anderson
(Texas), Stephen Bloom (Oregon), Julie Brown (Florida), Robert Hayden (Massachusetts), Kim
OGuinn (Arizona), Norman Saari (Michigan), Dianne Solomon (New Jersey), Nick Wagner
(Iowa) and Dallas Winslow (Delaware). This leaves three (3) positions vacant to be filled at the
discretion of the NARUC President. The Committee on Gas Chair Stan Wise (Georgia) and
co-Vice Chair Diane X. Burman (New York) will serve as active liaisons to the task force.
NewsClips:
UGI Proposals To Replace Aging Natural Gas Service Distribution Pipelines OKd By PUC
The Public Utility Commission Thursday approved modified proposals from UGI Central Penn
Gas Inc. and UGI Penn Natural Gas Inc. for an increase in customer charges to accelerate the
replacement of aging natural gas pipelines and infrastructure.
The Commission voted 4-1 to modify and approve petitions submitted by the UGI-CPG
and UGI-PNG, allowing for an increase in their Distribution System Improvement Charge
(DSIC).
The companies had requested that their DSIC be increased from the current maximum of
5 percent of billed distribution revenues to 10 percent. The action by the Commission allows an
increase in the DSIC rates to 7.5 percent, effective for bills rendered on and after July 1, 2017.
The Commission has long viewed the DSIC as a key component of the statewide effort to
accelerate the replacement of aging and at-risk pipes.
Act 11 of 2012 allows Natural Gas Distribution Companies, along with electric, water
and wastewater utilities, to petition the PUC for approval of a DSIC to fund infrastructure
upgrades.
That surcharge of up to five percent has become an essential tool in accelerating the
replacement of at-risk infrastructure, helping to dramatically increase the resources devoted to
increasing the safety and reliability of natural gas distribution systems.
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In June 2016 the Commission-approved a modified Long Term Infrastructure
Improvement Plan for UGI-CPG, which includes a 38.5 percent increase in infrastructure
investments, with an anticipated spending of approximately $67.9 million from January 2016
through December 2018.
Similarly, the Commission-approved a modified LTIIP for UGI-PNG, which included a
additional $16.8 million in infrastructure spending from 2016 to 2018, or an increase of 24.5
percent.
UGI plans to remove all cast iron distribution main from their systems in 14 years (by
2027) and all bare steel distribution mains from their systems in 28 years (by 2041).
For more information on the program, visit the PUCs Distribution System Improvement
Charge webpage.
PUC OKs Duquesne Light Plans To Repair, Improve Electric Distribution System
The Public Utility Commission Thursday approved the petitions of Duquesne Light Co., to
accelerate the repair, improvement and replacement of aging electrical infrastructure and to
implement distribution system improvement charges (DSICs).
The Commission voted 5-0 to approve a joint settlement approving Duquesne Lights
petitions, which were filed pursuant to Act 11 of 2012 (Act 11).
The settlement was reached among the company, the PUCs independent Bureau of
Investigation and Enforcement, and the states Office of Consumer Advocate.
Act 11 requires and provides for utilities to file Long-Term Infrastructure Improvement
Plans as part of any action to establish a DSIC to recover reasonable and prudent costs incurred
to repair, improve or replace certain eligible distribution property that is part of a utilitys
distribution system
The Commission-approved LTIIP for Duquesne includes an anticipated spending
increase of approximately $212 million from 2017 through 2022 for infrastructure investments.
Duquesnes LTIIP is a six-year plan providing accelerated infrastructure improvements in
order to enhance system resiliency and reliability on aging infrastructure. Duquesne provides
electric service to 588,000 customers in Allegheny and Beaver counties.
For more information on the program, visit the PUCs Distribution System Improvement
Charge webpage.
Wolf Urges PA Congressional Delegation To Secure Coal Miner Healthcare, Pension

Benefits
Gov. Tom Wolf Tuesday urged members of the Pennsylvania congressional delegation to
support the proposed federal Miners Protection Act in order to secure healthcare and pension
benefits for tens of thousands of retired coal miners nationwide, including at least 13,000 in
Pennsylvania.
In letters to the delegation, Gov. Wolf said that without action from Congress in the
coming days, a short-term fix to preserve benefits is set to expire at the end of April, potentially
leaving thousands of coal minersand their family memberswithout coverage.
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Retired miners worked for these benefits, paid for them with years of service doing
dangerous work so that the rest of us could have reliable and affordable power, Gov. Wolf said.
We have a responsibility to see that these benefits are preserved.
U.S. Senator Bob Casey of Pennsylvania is a co-sponsor of a bipartisan billSenate Bill
175as are Representatives Boyle, Brady, Cartwright, Doyle, Fitzpatrick, Shuster and
Thompson in the House of Representatives where the bill was introduced as House Resolution
179.
The Governor called on members of the delegation who have not yet joined as
co-sponsors to support passage of the bill.
The full text of Governor Wolfs letter is as follows:
Dear Representative:
As you may be aware, without action from Congress in the coming days, healthcare
benefits for tens of thousands of retired coal miners, including nearly two thousand in
Pennsylvania, will expire at the end of April.
Without action from Congress in the near term, the pension plan relied on by 13,000
Pennsylvania retirees will approach insolvency in the next few years. Retired miners worked for
these benefits, paid for them with years of service doing dangerous work so that the rest of us
could have reliable and affordable power.
We have a responsibility to see that these benefits are preserved.
To ensure that we uphold our commitments, I urge you to join the bi-partisan coalition
supporting the Miners Protection Act (HR 179), which provides a comprehensive and permanent
remedy to continue health care benefits, and ensure the long-term solvency of the United Mine
Workers of Americas 1974 Pension Plan and Trust.
The Miners Protection Act, which Senator Casey has championed in the Senate, and
which your colleagues Representatives Boyle, Brady, Cartwright, Doyle, Fitzpatrick, Shuster,
and Thompson have joined as co-sponsors in the House, is bipartisan, completely offset, and will
not divert dollars from abandoned mine reclamation work.
On March 1, 2017, Pennsylvanias retired miners and their families began receiving
letters informing them that their health benefits will be terminated at the end of April. This was
the second such letter many have received in the past five months.
As you can imagine, the ongoing uncertainty about benefits many of these retirees
depend on for critical services and lifesaving medications has been a significant source of
anxiety and stress, and only compounds as the deadline approaches.
We owe these workers better. I urge you to support the Miners Protection Act in order to
provide a permanent remedy that averts the loss of hard-earned health and retirement benefits
and gives our miners and their families peace of mind.
For the sake of Pennsylvanias retired miners and their families, please support the
Miners Protection Act. Thank you for your consideration of this request.
NewsClips:
Wolf Urges Congress To Fund HealthCare, Pensions For Coal Miners
GOP Crafting New Health Care Plan For Retired Unionized Coal Miners
Cusick: Bill Targets Legal Challenge To Coal Mining Under State Park
Environmentalists Concerned Bill Could Undermine Ryerson State Park Waterways
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Editorial: Pruitt: Wrong Message, Wrong Coal Mine
DEP Urges Homeowners To Check For Mine Subsidence, Over 1 Million Homes At Risk
Department of Environmental Protection Monday urged

homeowners to check updated mine maps to determine
if their home or other buildings are at risk of mine
subsidence. Over 1 million homes in Pennsylvania sit
atop abandoned mines.
Mine subsidence occurs when the ground above an old
or abandoned mine cavity collapses. A subsidence event
can occur at any time and cause sudden, significant
damageoften exceeding $100,000 or total loss of the
structure.
Mine subsidence is not covered by a standard homeowners insurance policy. DEP
administers low-cost mine subsidence insurance coverage through the Commonwealth of
Pennsylvania.
The average policy of $160,000 costs about $7 a month, and senior citizens are eligible
for discounted rates.
If youve checked before and think your property is not at risk, now is the time to check
again, said John Stefanko, deputy secretary of active and abandoned mine operations. Weve
revamped the maps on the Mine Subsidence Insurance website for a more interactive and precise
view.
Radio public service announcements and ads on social media and other websites will be
encouraging homeowners to make sure they have proper coverage, and how to sign up for the
insurance.
Using geographic information systems online, DEP combines location data with mining
data to show where specific properties are in relation to old and abandoned mines. DEPs MSI
program uses the data to identify coverage areas.
Processing thousands of paper maps into a digital format and uploading the data into the
GIS system takes time. DEP has completed the process for tens of thousands of maps with
thousands more to be entered. The Mine Subsidence Insurance website regularly updates as
historical maps and risk areas are discovered.
Much of the underground mining in Pennsylvania occurred over a century agolong
before DEP existed - and many areas that were originally mined long ago have been re-mined.
Consequently, the department may have hundreds of maps and a dozen different series for just
one area.
DEP is continuously improving our maps and data for underground mining. Thats why
we recommend property owners need to check back periodically, said Stefanko. Our goal is to
have the best underground mine mapping easily accessible to anyone who wants to view it.
Homeowners should visit the Mine Subsidence Insurance website or call 1-800-922-1678
to check if their home is over an abandoned mine and for more information on the Mine
Subsidence Insurance Program.
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EPA Awards Brownfields Grant To Harrisburg To Revitalize Allison Hill
The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency Tuesday announced a $200,000 Brownfields

area-wide planning grant to the Redevelopment Authority of the City of Harrisburg to help plan
for health, environmental and economic improvements for the citys Allison Hill section.
This area-wide planning approach sparks the kind of economic development that meets
the needs of neighborhoods, and leads to vibrant communities, said acting EPA Mid-Atlantic
Regional Administrator Cecil Rodrigues, speaking at a press conference at the Hamilton Health
Center. We know that revitalization works best when local communities are directly involved in
the process.
In 2010, the Department of Environmental Protection used EPA Brownfields funds to
clean up a large vacant parcel of land that was once Allison Hill Automotive where the Hamilton
Hill Health Center now stands. This property is adjacent to the target area for the new Area Wide
Planning grant.
The cleanup consisted of removing buildings contaminated with asbestos, and
underground storage tanks, as well as treating contaminated soil and groundwater.
With this new EPA funding, the Redevelopment Authority will collaborate with partners
to plan the cleanup, as well as the revitalization, and infrastructure upgrades that are necessary
for neighborhood revitalization.
The partners include: DEP; the City of Harrisburg; the Harrisburg School District;
Hamilton Health Center; and, numerous community based organizations such as Tri-County
Community Action, and YWCA of Greater Harrisburg.
"Along with the City of Harrisburg, we are extremely grateful for our long list of
community partners, said Bryan Davis, Executive Director for the Redevelopment Authority.
This EPA funding is crucial to our goals of protecting the health of South Allison Hills
families, especially the children while simultaneously removing barriers to economic
development and neighborhood improvements that enhance our quality of life.
Since the federal brownfields law was passed in 2001, EPAs brownfields program has
assessed and cleaned up thousands of contaminated brownfields sites, returning more than
66,000 acres of land to productive reuse nationwide.
The program has created or retained more than 122,000 jobs and leveraged more than
$23.7 billion in redevelopment investment in brownfields communities.
In Pennsylvania, EPA has awarded $66 million in brownfields funding that has been used
for assessing nearly 1,000 sites and cleaning up 60.
For more information on this program, visit EPAs Brownfields webpage.
PA Horticultural Society Pop Up Gardens To Open In Philadelphia
Two PA Horticultural Society Pop Up Gardens will

transform the city landscape in May and through
October, with delicious new food and drink menus and
inspirational programs and events that connect people
45
with plants and each other in lush urban oases.
The PHS will bring fresh, new design elements and gardens to the beautiful gathering
space at 15th and South Streets and is planning an urban orchard for its newest location at 36th
and Filbert Streets in University City.
Pop Up Garden at South Street Opens May 5
The flagship PHS Pop Up Garden near 15th and South Streets will be operated by
Cantina Los Caballitos, the South-of-the-Border mecca in South Philly.
The opening fiesta, sponsored by Corona, will be May 5 coinciding with Cinco de
Mayo festivities featuring a mariachi band, special drink discounts on Corona and Pacifico, and
giveaways.
An expanded food and beverage menu will include burrito or bowl selections, corn on the
cob with lime mayo and queso fresco, jicama and watermelon salad, black bean hummus, and
Mexican hot dogs, as well as margaritas with botanical flavors, mint juleps, mojitos, and frozen
daiquiris.
The taps will flow with great craft beers and an extensive can menu. Special events are
planned weekly, including live music on Brewsday Tuesdays and a Guest Chef Series every
other Thursday featuring dishes from Di Bruno Brothers, Federal Donuts, Royal Tavern and
others.
The new landscape design will blend romantic-rustic elements with modern furnishings.
A new garden palette of American wildflowers, purple and pink annuals and perennials, crape
myrtles, illuminated zelkova trees, and the sites towering mulberry will provide seasonal interest
and great gardening ideas for patios and containers.
Grateful thanks to Kenny Gamble and Universal Companies. Sponsors of the PHS Pop
Up Garden at South Street are Whole Foods Markets and Modelo Especial.
Pop Up Garden at uCity Square Opens third week of May
PHS will turn a corner of the vast vacant lot at 36th and Filbert Streets in University City
into an open-air, European-style garden for the season. The new site is located in the dynamic
uCity Square community surrounded by top-tier universities, research and medical centers,
growing startups and established companies, and historic neighborhoods.
Jet Wine Bar will operate the garden and offer delicious dishes created by Rex 1516 and
Caf Ynez The Tex Mex cuisine will include BBQ sandwiches, tacos, tortilla salad, nachos, tater
tots, pimento cheese and crackers, and chips and salsa.
Special events will include Mardi Gras Mondays, Taco Tuesdays, Wine Wednesdays, and
Thursday Yappy Hours for canines and their companions.
The drink menu will include a selection of wines and draft beers, frozen margarita,
hurricanes, and sangria. Constellation Brands will feature top labels Corona, Modelo Especial
and Pacifico, beers imported from Mexico.
A variety of apple trees will create an urban orchard beneath a canopy of vines filled with
flowers and edibles. The entire garden will glow with creative lighting over long communal
seating and caf tables for more intimate parties.
Grateful thanks to Drexel University. Sponsors of the Pop Up Garden at uCity Square
include Univest Bank and Trust Co., Wexford Science + Technology, the University City
Science Center, and Modelo Especial.
PHS Pop Up Programs
Both gardens will host a range of creative programs and events designed by PHS and its
46
partners, including a Plant-a-thon in the South Street community, an herbal cocktail emporium,
rain barrel workshops, succulent wreath-making, and dorm room makeovers.
Follow PHS Pop Up Gardens all season on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram and the PHS
Blog; share with #PHSPopUpGarden.
For more information on programs, initiatives and upcoming events, visit the PA
Horticultural Society website, Like PHS on Facebook, Join PHS on Instagram and Follow on
Twitter. Click Here to sign up for regular updates from PHS.
(Photo: PHS Pop Up Garden at 15th & South Streets in Philadelphia last year.)
PA Acts To Protect Over 2,400 Acres Of Farmland, 31 Farms
Pennsylvanias Agricultural Land Preservation Board safeguarded 2,432 more acres on 31 farms
in 19 counties throughout the state during its April meeting April 13.
With each meeting of our state board, Pennsylvania preserves more farmland and a way
of life that helps to feed a growing world, said Agriculture Secretary Russell Redding. Many
hands have a role in protecting our farmland, and I thank all those who are part of this
commitment to conserving our rich agricultural resources.
Since the program began in 1988, federal, state, county and local governments have
invested more than $1.3 billion to preserve 533,457 acres on 5,102 farms in 58 counties for
future agricultural production.
The state Agricultural Land Preservation Board preserved farms in 19 counties:
Allegheny, Berks, Bucks, Chester, Clinton, Cumberland, Dauphin, Juniata, Lackawanna,
Lancaster, Lebanon, Lehigh, Lycoming, Mifflin, Monroe, Montgomery, Tioga, Wayne, and
Westmoreland.
The Pennsylvania Agricultural Conservation Easement Purchase Program identifies
properties and slows the loss of prime farmland to nonagricultural uses. It enables state, county
and local governments to purchase conservation easements, also called development rights, from
owners of quality farmland.
In some cases, federal funding helps to preserve these lands. In 2016, the department
signed a cooperative agreement with the U.S. Department of Agricultures Natural Resources
Conservation Service that allows Pennsylvanias program to submit farms for consideration by
the federal Agricultural Conservation Easement Program.
Currently, seven farms and 651 acres are slated to be preserved using $1,033,550 from
the program in 2016 funds, including two farms approved by the state board at the meeting. In
addition, the department applied for $1,874,131 in 2017 funds to preserve six farms totaling
1,001 acres.
Click Here for a list of farms protected.
For more information, visit Agricultures Farmland Preservation webpage.
NewsClip:
Northampton County Taps Wildlands Conservancy For Help In Managing Open Space
Community Forum On Preserving Cumberland Countys Rural Character May 11
47
The Cumberland Conservation Collaborative will host a community forum on May 11 at the
Penn Township Volunteer Fire Department Social Hall, 1750 Pine Road, Newville. The title of
the forum is, "Preserving Cumberland County's Rural Landscape & Natural Resources."
The forum will include presentations and discussion by expert panelists as well as a
question and answer session. Panelists represent diverse backgrounds including government,
nonprofit, and business interests. Professor Dr. George Pomeroy from Shippensburg University
will moderate the forum.
The panel discussion will begin at 6:30 p.m. and conclude by 8:00 p.m. Prior to the
panel, there will be a reception between 5:30-6:30 p.m.
During the reception, various member organizations of the CCC will have table displays
and information on their respective organizations. Additionally, refreshments will be provided
free of charge.
The Cumberland Conservation Collaborative is a partnership of community
organizations, business leaders, educational institutions, governmental agencies and citizens
united in voice and action to enhance the quality of life in Cumberland County by restoring,
enhancing and protecting our natural resources.
The CCC's three guiding principles include:
-- Conserve, restore, and enhance the natural resources of Cumberland County;
-- Preserve and expand parkland, forests, tree cover and green space, trails and trail networks,
sidewalks and bikeways, waterway and riparian corridors; and
-- Encourage healthy community design strategies.
To view/print the promotional flyer, click here.
For more information about the CCC or the forum, visit the Cumberland Conservation
Collaborative website or contact Rick Rovegno, Board Chairman for the CCC, at 717-991-6740
or send email to: rovegnos@pa.net.
Western PA Conservancy Adds 18 Acres To Natural Area In Crawford County
The Western Pennsylvania Conservancy Wednesday

announced the protection and addition of 18 acres of land in
Sadsbury Township, Crawford County, to one of the most
ecologically important forested areas in the region.
These acres along Grieser Road are now part of the
Conservancys Tryon-Weber Woods Natural Area, which is a
remote 108-acre reserve that is open to the public for nature
walking, exploring, and hunting.
Students from the University of Pittsburghs Pymatuning
Laboratory of Ecology have been using the natural area for
years for a variety of research projects, including learning about the effects of deer browsing on
forest health.
We are pleased to be able to add property to this protected forest reserve, said Tom
Saunders, president and CEO of WPC. It has impressive stands of mature beech-sugar maple
maple forest and is a wonderful place for visiting and hiking.
Protected in May 1976, the natural area consists primarily of upland forest and a small
48
stream valley with hillsides flecked with trillium, violets, bellwort, and wild geranium in spring.
A tributary to the stream enters from the east and along the southern border where there is
an area of forested wetlands, including vernal pools that provide temporary habitat for some
unique plants and animals.
The area also contains a 40-acre stand of old-growth American beech-sugar maple forest,
thought to be the last remaining mature stand of beech-sugar maple in western Pennsylvania and
the easternmost stand in the national range.
Accordingly, these woods were recently incorporated into the national Old-Growth
Forest Network, which recognizes the locations of and organizations from across the country that
protect these special forest types.
Some of the trees in this forest are around 100 feet tall and at least 90 to 120 years old.
Visiting this area to see these large and magnificent trees is worthwhile, as indicated in
the book Great Natural Areas in Western Pennsylvania by Stephen J. Ostrander. Be advised that
there is limited parking, and no designated trails.
Funds from the estate of Helen B. Katz were used to purchase this property. In 2008, the
Conservancy received her bequest that remains the largest contribution to date from an
individual to WPC.
More information is available on programs, initiatives and special events at the Western
PA Conservancy website. Click Here to sign up for regular updates from the Conservancy, Like
them on Facebook, Follow them on Twitter, add them to your Circle on Google+, join them on
Instagram, visit the Conservancys YouTube Channel or add them to your network on Linkedin.
NewsClip:
DCNR, Partners Discuss West Branch Susquehanna River Access Plans In Renovo
Department of Conservation and Natural Resources

Secretary Cindy Adams Dunn Friday visited Renovo
in Clinton County and part of the Pennsylvania Wilds
to learn about plans to improve river access and other
revitalization efforts being advanced by borough
officials, volunteers and community leaders involved
in the Greater Renovo Heritage Park.
Communities that connect to rivers, natural
assets, and their unique history attract visitors who
spend money, and are better places to live and work for
residents, Dunn said. Im happy to learn about
Renovos plans for a new boat launch to help people
access the West Branch of the Susquehanna Water Trail and their interest in becoming a River
Town.
The borough received a $200,000 DCNR grant for a boat launch and riverfront access on
a currently vacant lot at the corner of 5th and Ontario streets. They also recently applied for a
DCNR Peer Grant to assist them with river town planning as part of the Susquehanna Greenway
Partnerships River Town Program.
49
DCNRs work is connected to water quality and conservation through Community
Conservation Partnership Program Grants for rivers conservation, and its management of lakes,
rivers, streams, beaches and shorelines for habitat and to provide water-based recreation.
Increasing the number of river access points is a goal for the statewide outreach
recreation plan, and for the Chesapeake Bay Program.
Members of the Greater Renovo Heritage Park Association shared their continued
enthusiasm for their 3-acre site surrounding the Coal & Sand Tipple on the western end of town
and in educating people about the tremendous contributions of the Civilian Conservation Corp.
A number of scenic vistas, state parks and forests in Clinton County were established in
part by the work of the CCC an effort that provided jobs related to the conservation and
development of natural resources in rural lands owned by federal, state and local governments in
the 1930s.
Secretary Dunn talked with students from the Bucktail High School Construction Trades
program about the work they have completed for the community, including building a pavilion
and other construction projects in the area.
The department has a strategic effort to connect young people to the outdoors and to
careers in conservation called the Outdoor Corps. This summer, DCNR will be offering a
six-week summer program for young people between the ages of 15-18 in Renovo, as well as 13
other locations throughout the Commonwealth.
For more information, visit DCNRs website, Click Here to sign up for the Resource
newsletter, Click Here to be part of DCNRs Online Community, Click Here to hook up with
DCNR on other social media-- Facebook, Twitter, YouTube and Flickr.
NewsClips:
Editorial: Wilkes-Barre Mayor Cutting Pool, Parks To Pay For Snowstorm
Judge Rules Erie Bay Front Path Is Properly Designed
Significant Erosion Seen At Presque Isle
Rare Bird Spotted At Presque Isle State Park
Take Five Fridays With Pam/Earth Day, Every Day: PA Parks & Forests Foundation
PA Horticultural Society Pop Up Gardens Set To Open
Bartrams Mile Trail To Connect Southwest Philly to River, City Beyond
PennDOT Bridge Project Could Revive North Pocono Trail Proposal
Lehigh River Bridge To Connect 58 Miles Of Trail
Roaring Brook Discusses Trails Sponsorship In North Poconos
Erie Watch Group Tackles Park Improvements
Susquehanna Greenway Partnership: Explore The Length Of The Susquehanna
Lackawanna County To Explore Bike Lanes In Scranton
Where To Find The Tallest Waterfall, 12 Other Natural Wonders In PA
National Parks Offer Free Admission This Weekend
Related Stories:
Registration Now Open For 2017 Delaware River Sojourn June 17-23
Schuylkill River Sojourn Seeking 2017 Sojourn Steward June 3-9
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Interested paddlers are invited to register for the 23rd

Annual Delaware River Sojourn taking place June
17-23.
The Delaware River Sojourn combines the
experiences of guided paddling excursions with
interpretive programs, camping, and camaraderie.
Participants may sign up for the entire seven-day trip or
for the day(s) of their choice; all skill levels are
welcome.
This year's theme, Flowing Together,
highlights the rivers tributary watersheds that make up
the Delaware River Basin, as well as the individuals who come together to protect it, said Mark
Zakutansky, Director of Conservation Policy Engagement for the Appalachian Mountain Club
and chair of the sojourn steering committee.
Over 55 miles of the mainstem Delaware River will be paddled in 2017, split into daily
trips ranging from six to 13 miles. The sojourn will also paddle a section of the Lehigh River,
the Delawares second largest tributary, on June 21.
In brief, the sojourn will include the following stretches:
-- June 17: Zane Grey Museum, Lackawaxen, Pa. to Corwin Farm, N.Y.
-- June 18: Staircase Rapids Access, N.Y. to Matamoras, Pa.
-- June 19: Dingmans Ferry, Pa. to Bushkill, Pa.
-- June 20: Bushkill to Worthington State Forest, N.J.
-- June 21 (Lehigh River): Rt. 33 Access, Pa. to Hugh Moore Park, Easton, Pa.
-- June 22: Martins Creek Access, Pa. to Scott Park, Easton, Pa.
-- June 23: Scott Park to Riegelsville, N.J.
The sojourn is a wonderful way to discover the Delaware River and experience
first-hand the unique character and diversity of its different sections, said Delaware River Basin
Commission Executive Director Steve Tambini. DRBC has been working for more than 55
years to manage this shared water resource. We encourage the public to participate in this
family-friendly paddling and learning adventure.
Registration fees in 2017 are $80 per day for adults and $50 per day for children (ages 15
and under). There is an additional one-time insurance fee of $5 per person for this American
Canoe Association (ACA)-sanctioned event, except for current ACA members.
Registration fees cover the guided river trip, single or tandem kayak rental (with paddle
and life jacket), shuttle transportation, educational programs, most meals, a souvenir T-shirt, and
optional overnight camping sites.
Participants may bring their own river-worthy boat, but please note that neither aluminum
nor wooden canoes are recommended.
Sojourn expenses are subsidized by donations and grants. The regional supermarket
cooperative ShopRite has sponsored the Delaware River Sojourn annually since 2013.
The sojourn also receives grant funding from the PA Organization for Watersheds and
Rivers and the Lower Delaware National Wild and Scenic Rivers Program. These funds help
keep costs as low as possible for participants and support the sojourns Youth Paddle and
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First-Time Paddler programs.
The sojourns Youth Paddle Program funds full scholarships for a limited number of
student groups and their leaders. There are still scholarships available; interested teachers or
scout leaders should visit to learn more.
The sojourns First-Time Paddlers Program is another savings opportunity available on a
first-come, first-served basis for adult paddlers new to the Delaware River Sojourn.
On June 16, the day before the paddle trip begins, the sojourn and the National Park
Service Upper Delaware Scenic and Recreational River are hosting a river cleanup from 1 p.m.
to 5 p.m.
Volunteers will clean up a five-mile section of the Delaware River starting at the Ten
Mile River access in N.Y. and ending at Lackawaxen, Pa. Volunteers must pre-register through
the Delaware River Sojourn website. Canoes and equipment will be provided.
The nonprofit, annual event is organized by a steering committee with representatives
from federal, state and local agencies, non-profit organizations, and individual volunteers. The
DRBC has proudly served on the steering committee since the sojourns early years and is
represented by Communications Specialist Kate Schmidt.
Registration details, itinerary overview, sojourn partners, and sojourn guidelines are
available at Delaware River Sojourn website. Sojourners can register online using Paypal.
Registration-related questions and first-time paddler discount availability inquiries should be
directed to Dejay Branch at 646-205-2724 or send email to: info@riversojourn.com.
Related Stories:
The Schuylkill Action Network is seeking an enthusiastic

individual with paddling, photography, and social media
experience to serve as the Sojourn Steward for the June 3-9
Schuylkill River Sojourn.
The Sojourn Steward will photograph wildlife he/she sees
during the Sojourn and will conduct water quality testing
twice a day. The Steward will help tell the story of the water
quality along the Schuylkill River, connecting to the
Sojourn's theme "I Protect the Schuylkill."
The SAN is providing one full scholarship ($620 value) to
the successful applicant.
Click Here for all the details. The deadline for applications is April 28.
Related Stories:
South Mountain Mini-Grants Now Available To Promote, Conserve Natural Resources
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Mini-grants are now available from the South
Mountain Partnership, from funding through the
Department of Conservation and Natural Resources,
to help local communities promote and protect their
natural and cultural resources. The deadline for
applications is June 1.
Municipalities, municipal agencies, counties,
academic institutions, and nonprofit organizations are encouraged to apply for a total of $50,000
in grants.
All projects must be within Cumberland, Adams, Franklin, or York County and have
significant ties to the assets of South Mountain.
Past mini-grants have helped support: Restoration projects for land, waterways, and
structures; Trail development; Feasibility studies; Landowner outreach projects; Revitalization
projects; Local agricultural/food system initiatives; Development of promotional guides for local
assets and products, and Academic research.
For all the details, visit the South Mountain Partnership Mini-Grants webpage.
April 20 Resource Newsletter Now Available From DCNR
The April 20 edition of the Resource newsletter is now available from the Department of
Conservation and Natural Resources featuring articles on--
-- DCNR Rangers, Managers To Carry Life-Saving Naloxone
-- DCNR Warns Anglers, Others Of High Woodland Fire Danger
-- DCNR Planning Prescribed Burns In State Parks, Forestlands
-- PA Organization For Watersheds And Rivers Announces PA Sojourn Grant Awards
-- South Mountain Mini-Grants Now Available To Promote, Conserve Natural Resources
-- Governors Hunting, Fishing Council Seeks Candidates For Game Commission Board
-- Video: Special Earth Day Message From Gov. Wolf
-- Conservation Tip - Celebrate Earth Day by giving back to your community on April 22 --
and all year long! You can help conserve at your home, on state lands, and within your local
communities. Heres how:
-- Plant trees: Plant trees and native plants at your home, or volunteer to help plant trees in your
community.
-- Volunteer: Our public lands could use your help with litter clean-up, landscaping, repairing
trails, and much more.
-- Conserve: Little changes at your home can make a big difference in energy and water
consumption and waste production.
-- Click Here to sign up for your own copy.
For more information, visit DCNRs website, Click Here to be part of DCNRs Online
Community, Click Here to hook up with DCNR on other social media-- Facebook, Twitter,
YouTube and Flickr.
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Volunteer To Plant American Chestnut Trees In Allegheny National Forest April 22
The Allegheny National Forest and the American Chestnut

Foundation are hosting an Earth Day event on April 22 to
plant 300 American Chestnut seeds and seedlings on two
harvest sites in the Allegheny National Forest near
Tionesta in Forest County.
The project is designed to evaluate methods for
reintroducing American Chestnuts into the ANF.
Volunteers are needed to do the planting from 10 a.m. to
1:00 p.m. In order to work on The Allegheny National
Forest, youll need to wear long pants and boots and sign a
volunteer form.
You will also need to read the project job hazard analysis and bring gloves, water, and a
lunch if you plan to eat on site.
The planting site is located in the town of Tionesta in Forest County, PA, off of RT. 666,
which connects the towns of East Hickory and Sheffield. From the intersection of RT. 62 and
RT. 666 in East Hickory:
-- Take RT. 666 East and follow for 4.9 miles.
-- Turn left onto Yellow Hammer Rd/Beaver Valley Rd/Brecht Rd/ RT. 4006
-- Follow Yellow Hammer Rd/Beaver Valley Rd/Brecht Rd/ RT. 4006 for 1.5 miles
-- Continue straight onto Yellow Hammer Rd/Brecht Rd, which at this point is also called FR
209.
-- Follow FR 209 for 1.5 miles.
-- Turn right onto FR 249 and follow for 0.5 miles. Youll see cars parked on the right in front
of a large site.
If you need help finding the site, contact Leila Pinchot, Research Ecologist, U.S. Forest
Service, call 203-907-7429 or send email to: corneliapinchot@fs.fed.us.
For more information on efforts to restore the American Chestnut in Pennsylvania, visit
the PA Chapter-American Chestnut Foundation website.
NewsClips:
Wilkes-Barre Begins Planting Through TreeVitalize Program
Exceptional Number Of Fires Leads To Schuylkill County Burn Ban
PA-Based Kitchen Magic Partners With National Forest Foundation To Plant Trees
Northampton County-based Kitchen Magic is partnering with the National Forest Foundation in
a tree planting reforestation mission. Together they pledge to do what is right for our planet.
For every kitchen remodeled by Kitchen Magic, a donation will be made to plant five
trees on the customer's behalf.
The overarching goal is to raise awareness of the NFF's reforestation efforts and help
them restore our national forests. Every year, millions of acres of trees are affected by wildfire,
Insects and disease, and other natural events.
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The NFF's work is focused on planting trees to help these lands recover. Tree planting
helps provide habitat for plants and animals and improve water and air quality.
The kitchen remodeler's environmental mission will commence on Earth Day. The
Kitchen Magic team will plant a ceremonial tree on the grounds of their Nazareth, Pennsylvania
headquarters.
An additional awareness campaign in their field marketing will be to hand out seed tags
to event attendees. This will allow them to plant the tags and create a wildflower garden around
their own home.
"It just made sense," said Internet Marketing Manager, Alessandra Donato. "We are at
450 home shows, street fairs and events a year, talking to homeowners that obviously care for
their homes. We wanted to create a way that allows them to impact the environment in a positive
way as well."
Kitchen Magic's cabinet refacing specialty, greatly reduces the amount of wood
consumed in a kitchen remodel, compared to traditional kitchen remodeling methods. Refacing
uses 75 percent less wood materials hence, less consumption and less waste to the landfills
leading to an overall positive environmental footprint.
Brett Bacho, Kitchen Magic President, commented, "Kitchen Magic is firmly committed
to protecting the environment in everything we do. Together, through our stewardship with NFF,
we are replanting our National Forests. This is a direct reflection of our commitment to an
eco-friendly experience for our customers. Not only will our customer's feel good about their
homes, but also feel good about their contribution to the planet."
The company maintains its commitment to USA Made Products by manufacturing many
of its products locally in its Nazareth, Pennsylvania factory. The refacing method achieves a
complete new look, helps the planet and incurs a significant cost savings for homeowners.
For more information, visit the Kitchen Magic website.
NewsClips:
Pinchot Institute May 2 Virtual Meeting On U.S. Forest Service Stewardship Contracting
The Pinchot Institute for Conservation and its partners

will hold a May 2 virtual meeting on Stewardship
Contracting Projects at the U.S. Forest Service from 1:00
to 2:30 p.m.
Stewardship contracting includes natural resource
management practices seeking to promote a closer working relationship with local communities
in a broad range of activities that improve land conditions.
These projects shift the focus of federal forest and rangeland management towards a
desired future resource condition. They are also a means for federal agencies to contribute to the
development of sustainable rural communities, restore and maintain healthy forest ecosystems,
and provide a continuing source of local income and employment.
Congress permanently authorized stewardship contracting authorities through the 2014
Farm Bill.
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To learn more about how and why non-agency stakeholders engage the Forest Service in
the design and implementation of stewardship projects on National Forests.
This virtual meeting will review lessons learned from a sample of recently completed
stewardship contracts and agreements from across the country; evaluating common challenges,
strategies, and opportunities.
Topics to be discuss include:
-- How non-agency stakeholders engage in stewardship contracting projects and where their
input is having the greatest impact;
-- Differences between projects with established collaborative groups and those that do not have
established collaborative groups;
-- How the diversity of participants affects project success; and
-- How the scope and scale of stewardship projects are affected by public involvement.
This meeting is hosted by the Pinchot Institute for Conservation, Michigan State
University, the Watershed Research and Training Center, and the USDA Forest Service.
Click Here to register for this free virtual meeting.
For more information on the concept, visit the Pinchot Institutes Stewardship
Contracting webpage.
For more information on programs, initiatives and other upcoming events, visit the
Pinchot Institute for Conservation website for information on its conservation research and
policy programs. Click Here to sign up for the Institutes regular updates.
Also learn more about Gov. Pinchots home in Pike County by visiting the Grey Towers
Heritage Association. Click Here to sign up for updates from the Association, Like them on
Facebook, Follow them on Twitter, visit their YouTube Channel, become part of their Google+
Circle and follow them on Instagram.
NewsClips:
Dept. Of Health Seeks 2 Who May Have Been Exposed To Rabid Ferret In Fulton County
The Department of Health Monday warned Fulton County residents of a potentially rabid black
and white ferret that bit one individual and may have bitten two others since April 12.
The department is seeking to identify two individuals who were observed handling the
animal and may have been bitten: one female described as Mennonite in her mid-20s with blonde
hair riding or driving in a black van; and one male, approximately in his mid-20s with multiple
piercings.
A third individual was bitten and received treatment.
The aggressive animal has been spotted near a single lane bridge along Cherry Lane, just
south of Hustontown.
Anyone who sees the animal should not approach or try to capture it, but rather call the
Game Commission at 814-643-1831.
The department urges anyone who may have been bitten or exposed to saliva, fluids, or
tissue from the ferret to call the Fulton County State Health Center at 717-485-5137 Monday
through Friday from 8:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Residents with questions can also call
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1-877-PA-HEALTH.
Exposure includes either having been bitten or scratched by an animal, or had saliva,
nervous system fluid, or tissue from an animal enter a person's eyes, nose, mouth, or open
wound. Under these circumstances, individuals should seek immediate medical attention.
Anyone with a pet that may have encountered the ferret should contact a veterinarian for
information about how to protect the animal, the owner, and family members.
The department also reminds all residents to avoid contact with feral animals of any kind,
as it can be difficult to tell if an animal is rabid.
All animals that can be vaccinated, including but not limited to cats, dogs, and ferrets,
should be given the rabies vaccine to protect them in case they are ever exposed to a rabid
animal.
For more information on this disease, visit the Department of Healths Rabies webpage.
Governors Hunting, Fishing Council Seeks Candidates For Game Commission Board
The Governors Advisory Council for Hunting, Fishing, and Conservation is seeking a qualified
candidate to represent District 3 on the Game Commissions board of directors. Applications will
be accepted until May 5, 2017.
District 3 includes Cameron, Centre, Clearfield, Clinton, Elk, Jefferson, McKean, and
Potter counties. Applicants must be well-informed about wildlife conservation and restoration
and be residents of the district.
Gov. Tom Wolf will select the final candidate to be presented to the Senate for
confirmation. Commissioners serve a four-year term and may be reappointed for a maximum of
two additional terms.
Individuals interested in applying should send a resume and detailed cover letter
explaining their desire to serve to Robb Miller, Governors Advisory Council for Hunting,
Fishing and Conservation, 400 Market St., 7th Floor, Harrisburg, PA 17101-2301. Individuals
can also email the information to Robb Miller at: robmille@pa.gov.
If you have questions, please contact Robb Miller of the Governors Advisory Council on
Hunting, Fishing, and Conservation.
Public Participation Opportunities/Calendar Of Events
This section lists House and Senate Committee meetings, DEP and other public hearings and
meetings and other interesting environmental events.
NEW means new from last week. [Agenda Not Posted] means not posted within 2 weeks
of the advisory committee meeting. Go to the online Calendar webpage for updates.
Note: DEP published its 2017 schedule of advisory committee and board meeting in the
December 17 PA Bulletin, page 7896.
April 21-22-- PEC, KPB Pinchot State Forest Earth Day Tree Planting. Luzerne County.
57
April 21-23-- Philadelphia Environmental Film Festival. Prince Theater, 1412 Chestnut St.,
Philadelphia.
April 22-- PA Environmental Council Tree Planting, Weiser State Forest. Columbia County.
April 22-- Green Valleys Watershed Association French Creek Cleanup. Chester County.
April 22-- Earth Day!
April 22-- Monroe County Earth Day Celebration. Monroe Campus of Northampton Community
College Route 715 in Tannersville. 10:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m.
April 22-- PA Resources Council Rain Barrel Workshop. Ross Township Community Center,
Allegheny County. Noon to 1:30 p.m.
April 22-- PA Resources Council Reuse Fest. UPMC Passavant Green Lot off Babcock Blvd,
McCandless, Allegheny County.
April 22-- NEW. Clinton County CleanScapes Rail Trail Hillside Cleanup.
April 22-- NEW. American Chestnut Foundation Tree Planting In Allegheny National Forest.
Near Tionesta, Forest County. 10:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m.
April 22-23-- Friends of Allegheny Wilderness Hickory Creek Wilderness Trail Stewardship
Days. Warren County.
April 25-- NEW. Senate Environmental Resources and Energy Committee meets to consider
Senate Bill 646 (Killion-R-Delaware) would eliminate the January 1, 2020 sunset date on the $2
per ton recycling fee (sponsor summary), Senate Resolution 33 (Yudichak-D-Luzerne) creating a
Task Force on Lead Exposure (sponsor summary), Senate Bill 497 (Vogel-R-Butler) eliminating
the designation of steel slag as waste (sponsor summary), Senate Bill 144 (Yaw-R-Lycoming)
amending Act 537 ton include alternative on-lot sewage systems in sewage plans (sponsor
summary). Room 8E-B East Wing Capitol Building. 9:30.
April 25-- NEW. Senate Banking and Insurance Committee meets to consider Senate Bill 143
(Yaw-R-Lycoming) changing the makeup of the Underground Storage Tank Indemnification
Board to include legislative appointments (sponsor summary). Room 461 Main Capitol. 10:00.
April 25-- NEW. Senate Labor and Industry Committee meets to consider Senate Bill 269
(Baker-R-Luzerne) changing the process for updating the PA Construction Code (sponsor
summary). Rules Room. Off the Floor.
April 25-- NEW. House Transportation Committee meets to consider House Bill 603
(Metzgar-R-Bedford) exempting heavy duty natural gas-fueled vehicles from weight limits
(sponsor summary). Room 205 Ryan Building. Off the Floor.
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April 25-- PA Environmental Council. Dinner Recognizing Winners Of 2017 Governors
Environmental Excellence Awards. Harrisburg Hilton.
April 25-27-- PA Section American Water Works Association Annual Conference. The
Hershey Lodge, Hershey.
April 26-- House Consumer Affairs Committee hearing on House Bill 107 (Godshall-R-
Montgomery) expanding access to natural gas service (sponsor summary). Room B-31 Main
Capitol. 9:30.
April 26-- House Game and Fisheries Committee meets to consider Senate Bill 30
(Eichelberger-R-Blair) authorizing the Fish and Boat Commission to adopt its own fees (Senate
Fiscal Note and summary), Senate Bill 192 (Stefano-R-Fayette) authorizing the Game
Commission to adopt its own fees (Senate Fiscal Note and summary). Room 60 East Wing.
9:30.
April 26-- House Agriculture and Rural Affairs Committee meets to consider House Bill 187
(Sonney-R-Erie) authorize wind power generating systems in Agricultural Security Areas
(sponsor summary), House Bill 790 (Pashinski-D-Luzerne) establishing the Controlled Plant and
Noxious Weed Committee (sponsor summary). Room 205 Ryan Building. 9:00.
April 26-- Senate-House Nuclear Energy Caucus meeting to hear a presentation from PJM
Interconnection on the impact of decommissioning a nuclear power station will have on the
regional electric grid. Room 8E-A East Wing, Capitol Building. 8:00 to 9:00 am. Questions
should be directed to Jake Smeltz 717-787-4420 or send email to: jsmeltz@pasen.gov.
April 26-- CANCELED. DEP Small Business Compliance Advisory Committee meeting. The
next scheduled meeting is July 26. DEP Contact: Nancy Herb, nherb@pa.gov or 717-783-9269.
(formal notice)
April 26-- NEW. DCNR Snowmobile and ATV Advisory Council meeting. Room 105 Rachel
Carson Building. 10:00. DCNR Contact: Jennie Shade, 717-772-9084. (formal notice)
April 26-- NEW. NRCS-PA State Technical Committee meeting. USDA State Office
Conference Room at 359 East Park Drive, Harrisburg. 1:00. To attend via teleconference, call
1-888-844-9904 with access code 6941559.
April 27-- DEP Agricultural Advisory Board meeting. DEP Southcentral Regional Office, 909
Elmerton Ave., Harrisburg. 9:00. DEP Contact: Jay Braund, jbraund@pa.gov or 717-772-5636.
April 27-- DEP Environmental Justice Listening Session. Tom Ridge Environmental Center, 301
Peninsula Dr., Room 112, Erie, 5:00 to 7 p.m.
April 27-- PA Resources Council Rain Barrel Workshop. Boyce Park-Activity Center,
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Allegheny County. 6:30 to 8:00 p.m.
April 27-- Delaware & Lehigh Heritage Corridor 3rd Annual Dinner & Silent Auction.
Northampton Country Club, 5049 William Penn Highway, Easton. 6:00-10:00 p.m.
April 29-- Manada Conservancys Spring Native Plant Sale. Hummelstown, Dauphin County.
April 29-- PA Resources Council/PA American Water Drug Take-Back Day. Green Tree, Mt.
Lebanon and Robinson Township, Allegheny County.
May 2-- DEP Environmental Justice Listening Session. DEP Southcentral Regional Office, 909
Elmerton Ave., Conference Room, Harrisburg, 4:00 to 6:00 p.m.
May 2-- NEW. Pinchot Institute Virtual Meeting on U.S. Forest Service Stewardship
Contracting Projects. 1:00 to 2:30 p.m.
May 3-- House Agriculture and Rural Affairs Committee informational meeting on the forest
products industry. University of Pittsburgh at Bradford, 300 Campus Drive, Bradford. 9:00.
May 3-- Registration Open. Pennsylvania Groundwater Symposium. Ramada Inn Conference
Center, State College.
May 4-- DEP Small Water Systems Technical Assistance Center Board meeting. Room 105
Rachel Carson Building. 9:00. DEP Contact: Dawn Hissner, dhissner@pa.gov or 717-772-2189.
(formal notice)
May 4-6-- Registration Open. PA Land Trust Association Land Conservation Conference &
Environmental Advisory Council Network Conference. Lancaster.
May 6-- 2017 Environmental Advisory Committee Conference. DoubleTree Resort, 2400
Willow Street Pike in Lancaster. 8:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m.
May 6-- PA Resources Council Allegheny County Backyard Composting Workshop. Ross Twp.
Community Center, Noon to 1:30 p.m.
May 6-- PA Resources Council. Household Chemical Collection Event. North Park, Allegheny
County.
May 6-- Delaware Highlands Conservancy. Dinner & Live, Silent Auctions. Silver Birches
Waterfront in Hawley, Pike County.
May 8-- PA Chesapeake Bay Watershed Implementation Planning Steering Committee meeting.
Room 105 Rachel Carson Building, Harrisburg. 1:00 to 4:00 p.m.
May 9-- DEP Climate Change Advisory Committee meeting. Room 105 Rachel Carson
60
Building. 10:00. DEP Contact: Mark Brojakowski, mbrojakows@pa.gov or 717-772-3429.
(formal notice)
May 9-- PA Resources Council Allegheny County Backyard Composting Workshop. Carnegie
Municipal Building, 6:30 to 8:00 p.m.
May 10-- House Agriculture and Rural Affairs Committee holds an information meeting with
Agriculture Secretary Russell Redding on budget and other priorities of the agency. Room 60
East Wing. 9:00.
May 10-- DEP Aggregate Advisory Board meeting. DEP Southcentral Regional Office, 909
Elmerton Ave, Harrisburg. 10:00. DEP Contact: Daniel E. Snowden, dsnowden@pa.gov or
717-787-5103.
May 10-- DEP Water Resources Advisory Committee meeting. Room 105 Rachel Carson
Building, Harrisburg. 9:30. DEP Contact: Diane Wilson, diawilson@pa.gov or 717-787-3730.
May 10-- PA Resources Council Allegheny County Backyard Composting Workshop. Fern
Hollow, 7:00 to 8:30 p.m.
May 11-- DEP Environmental Justice Listening Session. Allentown Public Library, Community
room, 1210 Hamilton St, Allentown. 5:00 to 7:00 p.m.
May 11-- NEW. Susquehanna River Basin Commission holds a hearing on proposed water
withdrawal requests and proposals to amend its fee structure and comprehensive plan for the
river basin. Room 8E-B East Wing State Capitol Building, Harrisburg. 2:30 to 5:00 p.m. SRBC
Contact: Jason Oyler, General Counsel, 717-238-0423 x 1312. (formal notice)
May 11-- NEW. Cumberland Conservation Collaborative Preserving Cumberland Countys

Rural Landscape & Natural Resources Community Forum. Penn Township Volunteer Fire
Department Social Hall, 1750 Pine Road, Newville. 6:30 p.m.
May 13-- PA Resources Council Hard-To-Recycle Collection Event. Galleria at Pittsburgh

Mills, Frazer Township, Allegheny County.
May 15-- DEP Environmental Justice Listening Session. HACC Lancaster Campus, East
Building, Room 203, 1641 Old Philadelphia Pike, Lancaster. 5:00 to 7:00 p.m.
May 16-- Primary Election Day.
May 16-- PA Resources Council Allegheny County Backyard Composting Workshop. North
Park-Rose Barn, 6:30 to 8:00 p.m.
May 17-- Environmental Quality Board meeting. Room 105 Rachel Carson Building. 9:00. DEP
Contact: Laura Edinger, Environmental Quality Board, 400 Market Street, Harrisburg, PA
61
17101, 717-772-3277, edinger@pa.gov.
May 17-- DEP Citizens Advisory Council meeting. Room 105 Rachel Carson Building. 10:00.
DEP Contact: Katie Hetherington Cunfer, Citizens Advisory Council, P. O. Box 8459,
Harrisburg, PA 17105-8459, 717-705-2693, khethering@pa.gov.
May 18-- CANCELED. DEP Oil And Gas Technical Advisory Board meeting. Room 105
Rachel Carson Building. 10:00. DEP Contact: Kurt Klapkowski, 717-783-9438 or send email to:
kklapkowsk@pa.gov. (formal notice)
May 18-- PA Grade Crude Development Advisory Council meeting. Location TBD. 1:00.
May 18-- PA Resources Council Allegheny County Backyard Composting Workshop. Boyce
Park-Activity Center, 6:30 to 8:00 p.m.
May 19-21-- PA Outdoor Writers Association Spring Conference. Harrisburg/Hershey Holiday

Inn Grantville, Dauphin County. Click Here for more information.
May 20-- PA Wild Resources Educator Symposium. Frick Environmental Center, 2005
Beechwood Blvd, Pittsburgh. 8:30 a.m. to 3:30.
May 20-- Foundation For Sustainable Forests Loving The Land Through Working Forests
Annual Conference. Mercer County.
May 20-- PA Resources Council. Household Chemical Collection Event. Concurrent

Technologies Corporation, Johnstown, Cambria County.
May 20-- PA Resources Council Allegheny County Backyard Composting Workshop. Lauri
ann West Community Center, 10:30 to Noon
May 20-- PA Parks & Forests Foundation. Highmark Walk For A Healthy Community.
Harrisburg Area Community College, Harrisburg.
May 20-- Delaware Highlands Conservancy Money Does Grow On Trees Workshop. Grey
Towers National Historic Site in Milford, Pike County. 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.
May 22-- Environmental Issues Forum. Joint Legislative Air and Water Pollution Control and
Conservation Committee to hear a presentation on Pennsylvanias pollinator population and
emerging threats to agriculture and the beekeeping industry. Pollinators play a significant role in
the production of fruit and vegetables. Room 8E-A East Wing Capitol Building. Noon.
May 23-- DEP Environmental Justice Listening Session. City of Chester (Delaware County),
Location TBA. 5:00 to 7:00 p.m.
May 24-- PA Green & Healthy Schools Partnership. PA Green & Healthy Schools Forum with
62
PA Envirothon. University of Pittsburgh Campus-Johnstown .
May 24-- PA Resources Council Allegheny County Backyard Composting Workshop. South
Park-Buffalo Inn, 6:30 to 8:00 p.m.
May 25-- DEP Environmental Justice Listening Session. Philadelphia, Location TBA. 4:00 to
6:00 p.m.
June 1-- PA Resources Council Rain Barrel Workshop. Phipps Garden Center, Allegheny
County. 7:00 to 8:30 p.m.
June 3-9-- NEW. Schuylkill River Sojourn.
June 5-- PA Chesapeake Bay Watershed Implementation Planning Steering Committee public
input session. Location and time to be announced.
June 7-- DEP Coastal Zone Advisory Committee meeting. 10th Floor Conference Room,
Rachel Carson Building. 9:30. DEP Contact: Stacey Box, 717-772-5622 or send email to:
sbox@pa.gov.
June 7-- DEP Laboratory Accreditation Advisory Committee meeting. Room 206, Bureau of
Laboratories Building, 2575 Interstate Drive, Harrisburg. 9:00. DEP Contact: Aaren Alger,
aaalger@pa.gov or 717-346-7200.
June 7-- DCNR PA Trails Advisory Committee Public Forum. Murrysville Community Center,
3091 Carson Ave, Murrysville, Westmoreland County. 6:30 to 8:00 p.m.
June 8-- PA Resources Council Allegheny County Backyard Composting Workshop. Phipps
Garden Center, 6:30 to 8:00 p.m.
June 14-- NEW. PA Environmental Council Environmental Partnership Awards Dinner. Crystal
Tea Room, 100 East Penn Square, Philadelphia. 5:30 to 8:30 p.m.
June 15-- DEP Air Quality Technical Advisory Committee meeting. Room 105 Rachel Carson
Building, Harrisburg. 9:15. DEP Contact: Kirit Dalal, kdalal@pa.gov or 717-772-3436. (formal
notice)
June 17-23-- NEW. Registration Open. 2017 Delaware River Sojourn.
June 18-23-- Registration Open. Rivers Conservation & Fly Fishing Youth Camp. Messiah
College, Grantham, Cumberland County.
June 21-22-- PA Abandoned Mine Reclamation Conference. Best Western Plus Genetti Hotel
and Conference Center, Wilkes-Barre. Click Here for more information.
63
June 24-- PA Resources Council Hard-To-Recycle Collection Event. Quaker Valley High
School, Leetsdale, Allegheny County.
July 12-- SRBC, DEP Water Loss Management Training For Drinking Water Systems: Metering
and Billing Operations. SRBC, 4423 N. Front Street, Harrisburg. 8:30 to 3:30.
July 22-- PA Resources Council. Household Chemical Collection Event. Consol Energy Park,
Washington County.
July 29-- PA Resources Council Hard-To-Recycle Collection Event. La Roche College,

McCandless, Allegheny County.
August 12-- PA Resources Council Hard-To-Recycle Collection Event. Century III Mall, West
Mifflin, Allegheny County.
August 16-- SRBC, DEP Water Loss Management Training For Drinking Water Systems:
Fundamentals of Leakage and Pressure Management. SRBC, 4423 N. Front Street, Harrisburg.
8:30 to 3:30.
August 17-- PA Grade Crude Development Advisory Council meeting. Location TBD. 1:00.
August 19-- PA Resources Council. Household Chemical Collection Event. Boyce Park,
Allegheny County.
September 16-- PA Resources Council. Household Chemical Collection Event. South Park,
Allegheny County.
September 21-- DEP Recycling Fund Advisory Committee/Solid Waste Advisory Committee
joint meeting. Room 105 Rachel Carson Building. 10:00. DEP Contact: Laura Henry,
lahenry@pa.gov or 717-772-5713.
September 23-26-- Statewide Greenways & Trails Summit. DoubleTree Hotel in Reading,
Berks County.
October 4-- DEP Low-Level Radioactive Waste Advisory Committee meeting. Room 105
Rachel Carson Building. 10:00. DEP Contact: Rich Janati, rjanati@pa.gov or 717-787-2147.
October 5-- NEW. DCNR Snowmobile and ATV Advisory Council meeting. Promised Land
State Park, 100 Lower Lake Road, Greentown, Pike County. 10:00. DCNR Contact: Jennie
Shade, 717-772-9084. (formal notice)
October 7-- PA Resources Council Hard-To-Recycle Collection Event. Settlers Cabin Park,
Allegheny County.
October 14-- PA Resources Council. Household Chemical Collection Event. Bradys Run Park,
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Beaver County.
November 16-- PA Grade Crude Development Advisory Council meeting. Location TBD.
1:00.
December 5-7-- National Brownfields Conference - Sustainable Communities Start Here.

LEED-certified David L. Lawrence Convention Center, Pittsburgh.
February 7-10-- PA Association For Sustainable Agriculture Annual Conference. State

College.
Visit DEPs Public Participation Center for public participation opportunities. Click Here to sign
up for DEP News a biweekly newsletter from the Department.
Sign Up For DEPs eNotice: Did you know DEP can send you email notices of permit
applications submitted in your community? Notice of new technical guidance documents and
regulations? All through its eNotice system. Click Here to sign up.
DEP Regulations In Process

Proposed Regulations Open For Comment - DEP webpage
Submit Comments on Proposals Through DEPs eComment System
Proposed Regulations With Closed Comment Periods - DEP webpage
Recently Finalized Regulations - DEP webpage
DEP Regulatory Update - DEP webpage
February 2017 DEP Regulatory Agenda - PA Bulletin, Page 740
DEP Technical Guidance In Process

Draft Technical Guidance Documents - DEP webpage
Technical Guidance Comment Deadlines - DEP webpage
Recently Closed Comment Periods For Technical Guidance - DEP webpage
Technical Guidance Recently Finalized - DEP webpage
Copies of Final Technical Guidance - DEP webpage
DEP Non-Regulatory/Technical Guidance Documents Agenda (Feb. 2017) - DEP webpage
Other DEP Proposals For Public Review

Other Proposals Open For Public Comment - DEP webpage
Recently Closed Comment Periods For Other Proposals - DEP webpage
Other Proposals Recently Finalized - DEP webpage
DEP Facebook Page DEP Twitter Feed DEP YouTube Channel
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Click Here for links to DEPs Advisory Committee webpages.
DEP Calendar of Events DCNR Calendar of Events
Note: The Environmental Education Workshop Calendar is no longer available from the PA
Center for Environmental Education because funding for the Center was eliminated in the FY
2011-12 state budget. The PCEE website was also shutdown, but some content was moved to
the PA Association of Environmental Educators' website.
Senate Committee Schedule House Committee Schedule
You can watch the Senate Floor Session and House Floor Session live online.
Add Green Works In PA To Your Google+ Circle
Grants & Awards
This section gives you a heads up on upcoming deadlines for awards and grants and other
recognition programs. NEW means new from last week.
April 26-- Green Building Alliance Western PA Emerald Awards

April 30-- Northeast PA Audubon Society College Scholarship
May 1-- PEC/DCNR Pocono Forests & Waters Initiative Grants
May 3-- Renewal Of NRCS Conservation Stewardship Contracts
May 3-- PennVEST Water Infrastructure Funding
May 9-- NEW. National Fish & Wildlife Foundation Chesapeake Bay Grants
May 12-- DEP PA State Clean Diesel Grant Program
May 12-- CFA Solar Generating Equipment Loans
May 12-- CFA Renewable Energy-Geothermal & Wind Funding
May 12-- CFA Solar Energy Program
May 12-- CFA High Performance Building Program
May 18-- DCNR Volunteer Fire Company Wildfire Fighting Grants
May 26-- PennAg Industries College Scholarships
May 31-- CFA Act 13 Water-Related, Recreation Grants
May 31-- Abandoned Mine Land Programs Assn. College Scholarship
May 31-- PROP/Keystone SWANNA Waste Watcher Recognition Program
June 1-- DEP Vehicle Fleet Owner Alternative Fuels Technical Assistance Program
June 1-- NEW. South Mountain Mini-Grants To Promote, Conserve Natural Resources
June 2-- Great American Cleanup Of PA Video Contest
June 4-- Goddard Leadership Legacy Institute For Youths 13-15
June 5-- NRCS PA Chesapeake Bay Watershed Restoration Grants
June 20-- NEW. EPA Clean Diesel National Grants
June 30-- Susquehanna Greenways Partnership 2017 Photo Contest
July 14-- CFA Renewable Energy-Geothermal & Wind Funding
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July 14-- CFA Solar Energy Program
July 14-- CFA High Performance Building Program
August 18-- SBA Flood Disaster Economic Injury Assistance In Northcentral PA
September 5-- SBA Disaster Assistance Nonprofit Economic Injury NC PA
September 7-- PA Parks & Forests Foundation Thru The Seasons Photo Contest
September 15-- CFA Renewable Energy-Geothermal & Wind Funding
September 15-- CFA Solar Energy Program
September 15-- CFA High Performance Building Program
September 30-- DEP Recycling Performance Grants
October 31-- PA Resources Council Lens On Litter Photo Contest
-- Visit the DEP Grant, Loan and Rebate Programs webpage for more ideas on how to get
financial assistance for environmental projects.
-- Visit the DCNR Apply for Grants webpage for a listing of financial assistance available from
DCNR.
Environmental NewsClips - All Topics
Here are NewsClips from around the state on all environmental topics, including General
Environment, Budget, Marcellus Shale, Watershed Protection and much more.
The latest environmental NewsClips and news is available at the PA Environment Digest Daily
Blog, Twitter Feed and add us to your Google+ Circle.
Air
Alternative Fuels
Awards & Recognition
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Biodiversity/Invasive Species
Delmont Library Receives Grant For Butterfly Garden
Budget
Chesapeake Bay
Climate
Allentown Teen Sues Trump Administration For Inaction On Climate
EPA Chief Delays Methane Rule At Behest Of Oil And Gas Firms
Coal Mining
GOP Crafting New Health Care Plan For Retired Unionized Coal Miners
Compliance Action
PECO Fined $15K For 2013 Rosemount Natural Gas-Main Explosion
Dams
Marianna Dam To Be Removed Along Ten Mile Creek
Delaware River
Delaware RiverKeeper April 21 RiverWatch Video Report
Drinking Water
Pittsburghs Lead In Water Data Contradictory, Damage Could Be Worse
DEP Extends Boil Water Advisory In Aspinwall, Allegheny County
Lead Cleanup Lags In Allegheny County, Poisoned Children At Risk
Earth Day
Crable: March For Science Rally April 22 In Lancaster
Scientists Who Feel Under Attack, To March For Political Clout
Cal U Students, Faculty Gather During March For Science
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Weekend Filled With Earth Day Celebrations In Western PA
Your Guide To Lehigh Valley Earth Day Events
Free Things To Do In Central PA: Earth Day
Crable: Things To Do Outdoors Around Lancaster County, Earth Day
Drexel University Hosts Earth Day Celebration
Bartrams Mile Trail To Open On Earth Day In Philadelphia
Kirby Park Event To Celebrate Earth Day In Wilkes-Barre
Op-Ed: Sending A Message That Science Matters On Earth Day
Earth Day Program Set Along Susquehanna River In Wilkes-Barre
Earth Day In Philly Will Be Busy, Thousands to March For Science
Master Gardeners To Hold Earth Day Event In Scranton April 22
Economic Development
Emergency Response
Are PA, NJ Prepared For Natural Disasters, Disease Outbreaks
Energy
Jessup Transfers Dump Property Deed To Natural Gas Power Plant Owner
PECO Fined $15K For 2013 Rosemount Natural Gas-Main Explosion
PA Energy Supplier Makes Amends For Aggressive Telemarketing
McKelvey: Three Mile Island On The Brink, Could Close
Nuke Workers Energize Pottstown Economy As Limerick Refuels
Crable: If Three Mile Island Nuclear Power Plant Closes...
Editorial: Legislature Should Consider Balanced Subsidy For Nuclear Energy
DOE Orders Study Of Whether Policies Accelerated Retirement Of Coal, Nuclear Plants
Feds Increase Oversight At Oyster Creek Nuclear Power Plant
Environmental History
Legacy Of 4 Deadly Days Of Smog In Donora, PA
Pennsylvania Historic Sites At Risk In 2017
Philadelphia Mayor Launches Historic Preservation Task Force
Flooding
Flood Control Drill Will Delay Traffic On Route 11 In Luzerne County
Forests
Geologic Hazards
Landslide Repairs Slow Going In Alle-Kiski Valley
69
Green Infrastructure
Hazardous Site Cleanup
Revival Of Contamination Lawsuit Involving Kerr-McGee In Avoca Blocked
400 Military Bases Must Be Tested For Drinking Water Contamination
Land Conservation
Litter/Illegal Dumping
Mine Reclamation
Oil & Gas
Elizabeth Officials Consider New Spot For Proposed Gas Power Plant
Penn Township Approves Natural Gas Drilling Despite Protest
Utility Regulators Seek Ways To Boost Natural Gas Service In Rural Areas
Op-Ed: NY, MD Can Ban Fracking, But PA Cant, Seriously?
Cusick: State Disappointed In Gas Industry Hiring Of Minorities, Women, Veterans
EQT Gas Focusing On Things It Can Control
Jessup Transfers Dump Property Deed To Natural Gas Power Plant Owner
Pittsburgh Area Gasoline Edges Up To $2.66/Gallon
Delaware County Refinery Sued Over Oil Price Decline
Manufacturers Urge DOE To Enact Moratorium On LNG Export Approvals
Saudi Oil Minister Says Production Cuts May Need To Continue
Pipelines
Records Show Sunocos Mariner East 1 Pipeline Leaked Ethane, Propane In Berks County
Mariner East 2 Pipeline Work Expected To Create Thousands Of Jobs
Plan To Sell Water For Mariner East 2 Pipeline Construction Draws Concerns
Mostly Support For Pipeline Compressor Station Replacement Proposal In Lycoming
The Rover Pipeline Leaked Millions Of Gallons Of Drilling Fluid Into Ohio Wetlands
Radiation Protection
McKelvey: Three Mile Island On The Brink, Could Close
Nuke Workers Energize Pottstown Economy As Limerick Refuels
70
Crable: If Three Mile Island Nuclear Power Plant Closes...
Editorial: Legislature Should Consider Balanced Subsidy For Nuclear Energy
Recreation
Editorial: Wilkes-Barre Mayor Cutting Pool, Parks To Pay For Snowstorm
Judge Rules Erie Bay Front Path Is Properly Designed
Significant Erosion Seen At Presque Isle
Take Five Fridays With Pam/Earth Day, Every Day: PA Parks & Forests Foundation
PA Horticultural Society Pop Up Gardens Set To Open
Bartrams Mile Trail To Connect Southwest Philly to River, City Beyond
PennDOT Bridge Project Could Revive North Pocono Trail Proposal
Lehigh River Bridge To Connect 58 Miles Of Trail
Roaring Brook Discusses Trails Sponsorship In North Poconos
Erie Watch Group Tackles Park Improvements
Susquehanna Greenway Partnership: Explore The Length Of The Susquehanna
Lackawanna County To Explore Bike Lanes In Scranton
Where To Find The Tallest Waterfall, 12 Other Natural Wonders In PA
National Parks Offer Free Admission This Weekend
Recycling/Waste
Philadelphia Making Effort To Recycle, Reuse And Avoid Landfill
Philly Council Supports Zero Waste Goal, But Would Like It Sooner
Kummer: Where Will Waste Go From 200K NFL Draft Fans In Philadelphia
Protect Local Control Over Single-Use Plastic Bag Policies
Pittsburgh Might Buy Smart Garbage Cans That Signal When Theyre Full
Renewable Energy
Why Dont More Farms Convert Poop To Power?
Solar Co-Ops Help Homeowners Harness The Suns Energy
Sustainability
Cranberry Golf Course Much Greener Than You Think
Wastewater Treatment Facilities
Delmont Storm-Caused Sewage Overflow Problem Drags On
Watershed Protection
Editorial: Lackawanna River Now Environmental Asset
Monroe Conservation District Considers Unique Answer To Waterway Erosion
71
Delmont Storm-Caused Sewage Overflow Problem Drags On
Delaware RiverKeeper April 21 RiverWatch Video Report
Wildlife
Anglers Flock To NE Lakes, Streams For Opening Day Of Trout Season
Trout Season In Western PA Stocked With Tradition
Quakertown Man Catches Potential PA Record Golden Rainbow Trout
Crable: Columbia Anglers Praise Proposal To Ease Bass-Fishing Restrictions
Crable: Food, More Than Nature, Motivates Many Hunters Now
Schneck: Bald Eagle Nestlings 1 Month Old, Growing
At Pittsburghs National Aviary You Can Fly Like An Eagle
Kummer: The (Likely) Coyote Of Upper Roxborough
Other
Katie McGinty Appointed Partner At Militia Hill Ventures
Cusick: McGinty Hired By Philadelphia Life Sciences Firm
Cusick: McGinty Hired By Philadelphia Life Sciences Firm
Pay-To-Play Philly, Pennoni Knows Where To Draw The Line
Retailers Like REI, Dansko Say You Can Do Good And Make Money
Federal Policy
EPA Emerges As Major Target After Trump Solicits Policy Advice From Industry
Trump Turns To Courts To Block Obama-Era Environmental Rules
Editorial: EPA Must Balance Its Role As Environmental Watchdog
DOE Orders Study Of Whether Policies Accelerated Retirement Of Coal, Nuclear Plants
Feds Increase Oversight At Oyster Creek Nuclear Power Plant
Allentown Teen Sues Trump Administration For Inaction On Climate
Manufacturers Urge DOE To Enact Moratorium On LNG Export Approvals
Click Here For This Week's Allegheny Front Radio Program
Regulations, Technical Guidance & Permits
72
No new regulations were published this week. Pennsylvania Bulletin - April 22, 2017
Sign Up For DEPs eNotice: Did you know DEP can send you email notices of permit
applications submitted in your community? Notice of new technical guidance documents and
regulations? All through its eNotice system. Click Here to sign up.
DEP Regulations In Process

Proposed Regulations Open For Comment - DEP webpage
Proposed Regulations With Closed Comment Periods - DEP webpage
Recently Finalized Regulations - DEP webpage
DEP Regulatory Update - DEP webpage
February 2017 DEP Regulatory Agenda - PA Bulletin, Page 740
Technical Guidance & Permits
Note: DEP published 48 pages of public notices related to proposed and final permit and
approval/disapproval actions in the April 22 PA Bulletin - pages 2339 to 2387.
The Public Utility Commission formally published a copy of its Act 129 compliance order
outlining the progress electric utilities are making in achieving energy efficiency and
conservation requirements in Phase II of the program.
DEP Technical Guidance In Process

Draft Technical Guidance Documents - DEP webpage
Technical Guidance Comment Deadlines - DEP webpage
Recently Closed Comment Periods For Technical Guidance - DEP webpage
Technical Guidance Recently Finalized - DEP webpage
Copies of Final Technical Guidance - DEP webpage
DEP Non-Regulatory/Technical Guidance Documents Agenda (Feb. 2017) - DEP webpage
Other DEP Proposals For Public Review

Other Proposals Open For Public Comment - DEP webpage
Recently Closed Comment Periods For Other Proposals - DEP webpage
Other Proposals Recently Finalized - DEP webpage
Visit DEPs Public Participation Center for public participation opportunities. Click Here to sign
up for DEP News a biweekly newsletter from the Department.
DEP Facebook Page DEP Twitter Feed DEP YouTube Channel

73
Click Here for links to DEPs Advisory Committee webpages.
DEP Calendar of Events DCNR Calendar of Events
CLICK HERE To View Or Print Entire PA Environment Digest
CLICK HERE to Print The Entire PA Environment Digest. This Digest is 74 pages long.
Stories Invited
Send your stories, photos and links to videos about your project, environmental issues or
programs for publication in the PA Environment Digest to: DHess@CrisciAssociates.com.
PA Environment Digest is edited by David E. Hess, former Secretary Pennsylvania Department

of Environmental Protection, and is published as a service of Crisci Associates, a
Harrisburg-based government and public affairs firm whose clients include Fortune 500
companies and nonprofit organizations.
Did you know you can search 14 years of back issues of the PA Environment Digest on dozens
of topics, by county and on any keyword you choose? Just click on the search page.
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74

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PA Environment Digest

An Update On Environmental Issues In Pennsylvania

Winner Of PA Association of Environmental Educators

PA Environment Digest Daily Blog Twitter Feed

Issue #669 Harrisburg, PA April 24, 2017

Carol Collier To Be Recognized With PECs Winsor Award June 14 In Philadelphia

Carol Collier, former Executive Director of

House Congratulates PA National Guard For Army Environmental Sustainability Award

The House voted unanimously

The PA Growing Greener Coalition Friday issued the

PA Environment Digest Google+ Circle, Blogs, Twitter Feeds

Also take advantage of these related services from Crisci Associates--

Senate/House Agenda/Session Schedule/Govs Schedule/Bills Introduced

Committee Meeting Agendas This Week

Bills Pending In Key Committees

The following bills of interest were introduced this week--

Senate/House Bills Moving

Statewide Construction Code: House Bill 409 (Evankovich-R-Allegheny) makes fundamental

PA National Guard Environmental Award: House Resolution 84 (Ryan-R-Lebanon)

News From The Capitol

The Senate Consumer Protection and Professional Licensure

Public Utility Commission Chairman Gladys Brown told the

Rep. Pam Snyder (D-Fayette) Wednesday announced she plans to

The April edition of the Environmental Synopsis newsletter is

News From Around The State

The DEP Citizens Advisory Council Tuesday announced the

Mine Drainage In NE PA Being Researched For Use In Bendable Concrete

The Eastern PA Coalition for Abandoned Mine Reclamation Monday

Converde Energy, EPCAMR, SRBC Agreement On Mocanaqua Mine Drainage Tunnel

Converde Energy USA, Inc. Tuesday announced it has

PA Coal Alliance: Mining Companies Reclaimed 240 Acres Of Abandoned Mines In PA

In honor of Earth Day this year, the PA Coal

Department of Conservation and Natural Resources Secretary

Reminder: NFWF Accepting Applications For Chesapeake Bay Restoration Grants

The Senate and the House declared April 23-30, 2017 as

NRCS PA State Technical Committee Meets April 26 In Harrisburg

Green Upgrades To Protect Philly Waterways In Fairmount Parks Centennial District

Aqua PA Will Spend $292 Million On Water, Wastewater Improvements In 2017

Susquehanna River Basin Commission Hearing May 11 On Fees, Water Withdrawals

Clinton County CleanScapes Rail Trail Hillside Cleanup April 22

Celebrate Earth Day By Joining Keep PA Beautifuls Great American Cleanup Of PA

In celebration of Earth Day - April 22, Keep

24 Nonprofit CEOs Take A Stand Together For The Environment In Pittsburgh

Two dozen CEOs of Western Pennsylvanias

79 Projects Receive DEP Environmental Education, Environmental Justice Grants

High School Students To Compete In Westmoreland County Envirothon April 24

On April 24 students from nine Westmoreland County

Western Pennsylvanias celebration of Earth Day 2017 will

First Of 29 Public-Private Partnership CNG Fueling Stations Opens In Johnstown

Wolf Announces State Clean Diesel Grant Investment In Berks County

EPA Accepting Applications For Clean Diesel National Grants

Four Seasons Produce, Inc. in Ephrata, Lancaster County hosted a

FirstEnergy Corp. Monday introduced the new "You First" campaign

The U.S. Energy Information Administration Tuesday

Public Utility Commission Commissioner John F. Coleman Jr.

Wolf Urges PA Congressional Delegation To Secure Coal Miner Healthcare, Pension

Department of Environmental Protection Monday urged

EPA Awards Brownfields Grant To Harrisburg To Revitalize Allison Hill

The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency Tuesday announced a $200,000 Brownfields

PA Horticultural Society Pop Up Gardens To Open In Philadelphia

Two PA Horticultural Society Pop Up Gardens will

PA Acts To Protect Over 2,400 Acres Of Farmland, 31 Farms

Community Forum On Preserving Cumberland Countys Rural Character May 11

Western PA Conservancy Adds 18 Acres To Natural Area In Crawford County