Pa Environment Digest April 2, 2018

Issue #718 Crisci Associates, Harrisburg, PA April 2, 2018
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PA Supreme Court Rules DEP Penalty Against EQT Drilling Not Supported By Clean
Streams Law
The PA Supreme Court Wednesday in a 5 to 2

decision ruled the $4.5 million fine imposed by DEP
against EQT drilling for 2012 leaks from a 6 million
drilling wastewater impoundment in Tioga County
were excessive, in part, and not supported by language
in the 1937 state Clean Streams Law.
The key issue was whether, as EQT contended, only
the first day of an illegal discharge into surface or
groundwater should be considered a violation of the
Clean Stream Law and each subsequent day should not
be considered a continuing violation.
EQT asserted this interpretation creates significant uncertainty and potentially unending
civil liability for the company as long as the Clean Streams Law is interpreted to say they are
subject to penalties for as long as “any” contaminants remain in ground or surface water.
DEP contended that each day does constitute a continuing violation because
contaminants are moving within ground or surface water; that movement amounts to an
unpermitted continuing discharge or indirect flow of contaminants.
The PA Supreme Court decision said, “We appreciate the critical need for protection to
vindicate the constitutional entitlement of the citizenry to a clean environment and recognize that
the Clean Streams Law is designed as a mechanism to advance this salutary objective.
“Nevertheless, and at bottom, we believe that if the General Assembly wished to create
the sort of massive civil penalty exposure administered by the Department on a strict-liability
basis, see Brief for Appellant at 34, it would have said so more expressly. In the absence of such
clarity, we find the agency’s expansive construction of a statute that is inexplicit in such regards
to be too unreasonable to support an affordance of deference.”
The Court also cast doubt on the previously controlling case on these penalties issues
Harmar Coal--
“We also do not regard the decision in Harmar Coal as controlling. That case concerned
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the application for a permit to authorize pumping of untreated acid mine drainage from places of
relative containment (the bases of coal mines) into surface waters of the Commonwealth.
“The Court simply did not consider the validity of a serial-violation theory predicted on
remote instances of contaminants moving from uncontained parts of waters into other parts of
waters.”
The Court said plainly, “The mere presence of a contaminant in a water of the
Commonwealth or a part thereof does not establish a violation of Section 301, 307, or 401 of the
Clean Streams Law, since movement of a contaminant into water is a predicate to violations.”
The Court’s decision disagreed with DEP’s interpretation that each day contaminants
moved through ground or surface water was a continuing violation and subject to penalty-- the
so-called water-to-water theory in the case.
The Court did not take a position on the issue of the migration of contaminants through
soil into water and the resulting penalties. The soil-to-water theory, the Court said, was to be an
issue in EQT’s challenge to a penalty now working its way through Commonwealth Court.
The Court concluded by saying, “Finally, nothing in this opinion should be read to
constrain a broad reading of the Clean Streams Law relative to administrative powers of
enforcement pertaining to the abatement and remediation of pollution, as presently we are
focused on aspects of the statute that are integrally interrelated with its penalty provisions.”
Click Here for a copy of the opinion.
No doubt folks will be discussing this one for a long time.
NewsClips:
Legere: PA Supreme Court Strikes Down DEP Method Of Adding Up Water Pollution Fines
PennFuture Blog: PA Supreme Court Decision On Water Pollution Penalties No Cause For
Alarm
Meyer: PA Group Calls For Higher Penalties For Clean Water Act Violators
Related Stories:
EQT Drilling Again Challenges The Way DEP Calculates Penalties In $1.1 Million Fine Appeal
EHB Issues $1.1 Million Penalty Against EQT Drilling In Controversial Penalty Case
Analysis: Will Gas Drilling Company Overturn The Way DEP Has Calculated Penalties For
Nearly 40 Years?
Driller EQT Wins Procedural Ruling Against DEP In Setting Penalties
DEP Seeks $4.5 Million Penalty From EQT For Drilling-Related Pollution In Tioga County
[Posted: March 29, 2018]
Western PA Environmental Awards, Lifetime Award Winners Announced
Five environmental programs from throughout Western Pennsylvania

will share $25,000 from Dominion Energy and the Pennsylvania
Environmental Council for innovation and effectiveness in making a
positive impact on the environment as part of the Western PA
Environmental Awards--
-- Allegheny County Conservation District (Pittsburgh, Allegheny
County)
-- Allegheny Outfitters Warren (Warren County)
-- Casselman River Watershed Association (Somerset, Somerset
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County)
-- Edinboro Lake Watershed Association (Edinboro, Erie County)
-- Laurel Highlands Hiking Trail Shelters Restoration Project
In addition to these five organizations, the PA Environmental Council will present a
lifetime achievement award to Dr. Jared Cohon, the former president of Carnegie Mellon
University.
The winners will be honored at an awards dinner in Pittsburgh on May 24.
These winning programs reflect many of the environmental priorities of this region as
they address watershed conservation and stewardship, urban land contamination, and public park
conservation.
With these awards, each winner will designate a $5,000 cash prize to be used in support
of a nonprofit environmental program of their choice.
Here is more on each of the winners--
-- Allegheny County Conservation District: There are thousands of vacant and abandoned
parcels in Pittsburgh and the outlying municipalities and many are contaminated with lead,
arsenic, and other heavy metals. So the Allegheny County Conservation District launched an
Urban Soils program that works with resource-strapped Pittsburgh communities to address the
significant environmental concerns around urban soils.
To date, ACCD has offered over $150,000 in testing services and hundreds of hours in
free technical assistance, towards community and greenspace projects. ACCD has also raised
awareness of soil health and contamination issues in communities around the county and given
guidance on sustainable practices to improve environmental and public health.
In addition to providing free services that allow for environmental project funds to be
used efficiently, ACCD has begun conducting its own mapping and research efforts, seeking to
better understand the nature and extent of legacy contamination across the urban environment.
Contact: Jessie Albright jalbright@accdpa.org, 412-241-7645 (ext. 8009)
-- Allegheny Outfitters (Warren County): In the Allegheny National Forest in northwest
Pennsylvania, Allegheny Outfitters is serving as public advocate and conservation educator to
mitigate the impacts of increased human traffic on waterways and forest land.
Allegheny Outfitters formed the Allegheny River Clean-Up, a week-long annual event
that draws hundreds of volunteers and community sponsors each year to clean up 30-plus miles
of the Allegheny River and two of its tributaries. Since then, nearly 3,000 volunteers have
donated almost 23,000 hours in support of this effort.
Additionally, Allegheny Outfitters has adopted a stretch of the North Country National
Scenic Trail in the Allegheny National Forest, and regularly hosts volunteer staff trail work
events. It also provides financial support for conservation of public land and waterways and has
created commemorative trail posters of land and water trails in the region with a portion of each
sale going back to the organization that maintains it. Contact: Piper VanOrd,
piper@alleghenyoutfitters.com, 814-730-2428 cell.
-- Casselman River Watershed Association (Somerset County): Over the past 30 years,
volunteers of the Casselman River Watershed Association, Inc., have dedicated countless hours
to seek grants and construct treatment systems to address the water quality issues resulting from
abandoned mine drainage degradation that the Casselman River suffered after the Industrial
Revolution devastated the once, pristine watershed.
CRWA has partnered with local, state, federal agencies, along with other non-profit
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organizations on a number of projects.
Water quality in the river and tributaries improved through the use of innovative lime
dosing and AMD treatment systems. And the CRWA works with the Western Pennsylvania
Conservancy to secure easements along the Great Allegheny Passage and the Casselman River to
preserve the aesthetics of its breathtaking landscapes.
Through the efforts of the Casselman River Watershed Association, watersport activities
have increased, local businesses have benefited economically, and the potable water quality for
local communities has improved.Contact: Susan J. Moon, sue-scd@wpia.net, 814-289-4246
work, 814-233-5238 cell
-- Edinboro Lake Watershed Association (Erie County): The economic and ecological benefits
of Edinboro Lake have been compromised by its advanced state of eutrophication, which
depletes oxygen in water and impacts aquatic life. A management plan completed by the
Edinboro Lake Watershed Association determined that 81 percent of the phosphorus entering the
lake is from nonpoint sources with over 27 percent of the total being derived from stormwater
runoff from land development.
In 2017 the Edinboro Lake Watershed Association completed a project to design and
install stormwater Best Management Practices on the campus of General McLane High School
and Middle School in Edinboro. These stormwater methods capture runoff from approximately
38 acres resulting in approximately 24 pounds per year reduction in phosphorus and 10,000
pounds per year reduction of total suspended solids entering Edinboro Lake. Contact: Brian
Zimmerman, edinborolake@edinboro.edu, 814-732-1575
-- Laurel Highlands Hiking Trail Shelters Restoration Project (PA Parks & Forests
Foundation): For the 40 three-sided Adirondack shelters of the Laurel Highlands Hiking Trail,
the passage of time and harsh ridge winters had taken their toll on the masonry and stonework of
the chimneys that are the shelters’ best feature. The mortar began to crumble and the stones to
shift.
The shelters are not only an important feature of the trail but they are in essence also
historic structures. A mason with a heightened appreciation for the work had to be located. He
photographed each stone and disassembled each chimney, numbering the pieces of stone as they
were removed, then cleaned and scraped them and put them back together in order.
An initial REI grant of $3,000 to the project was matched by the Friends of Laurel Hill.
Thanks to the overwhelming support of REI, the R.K. Mellon Foundation, and individual donors
from nine states, funding was secured to complete the project.Contact: Marci J. Mowery,
mmowery-ppff@pa.net, 717-236-7644
-- Lifetime Achievement Award - Dr. Jared Cohon: Dr. Jared Cohon served as the President
of Carnegie Mellon from 1997 until 2013. Before that he was Dean of Forestry and
Environmental Studies at Yale and on the faculty and in the administration at Johns Hopkins
University. He serves on the board of five non-profit organizations and two corporations.
Among his extensive service for the U.S. government and the National Academies, he
chaired the U.S. Nuclear Waste Technical Review Board, co-chaired the Commission to Review
the Effectiveness of the National Laboratories, and currently chairs the Academies’ Board on
Energy and Environmental Systems.
Professor Cohon is interested in environmental systems analysis, especially the
development and application of optimization tools for large-scale natural resource and
environmental problems.
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Most of his theoretical work has focused on algorithms for multi-objective programming
problems and systems methods for integrating engineering, economics and policy in public
environmental decision making. He has worked most on water resource, energy and waste
problems.
Among his many contributions to environmental policy-making in Western Pennsylvania,
Dr. Cohon chaired the Sewer Regionalization Review Panel representing local government,
foundations, academia, legal, environmental, water and sewer authorities, nonprofit and private
organizations to identify a true regional approach to wastewater and storm water management for
Allegheny County.
The Western PA Environmental Awards, presented annually to local organizations that
demonstrate leadership, effectiveness, and results in making an impact on the environment. All
four were chosen by a group of independent judges, environmental experts, and PEC staff in
response to a call for entries earlier this year.
Ticket information for the May 24 awards dinner is available on the PEC website.
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 PEC’s Audio Room for the latest podcasts. Click Here to receive regular
updates from PEC.
(Photo: Dr. Jared Cohon.)
NewsClips:
Lancaster Residents Receive Annual Conservation Education Awards
PennFuture Blog: The Importance Of Women Leading In The Environment In Southeast PA
Related Stories:
Laurel Highlands Hiking Trail Shelters Restoration Project Honored by Western PA
Environmental Awards
PA Chapter American Planning Assn Accepting 2018 Great Places: Public Spaces,
Greenways/Trails In PA Nominations
Bills On Governor's Desk
The following bills were given final approval by the Senate and House and are now on the
Governor's desk for action--
Farm High Tunnels: House Bill 1486 (Zimmerman-R-Lancaster) exempting agricultural

high-tunnel structures from the Stormwater Management Act (House Fiscal Note and summary).
Senate/House Bills Moving Last Week
The following bills of interest saw action last week in the House and Senate--
Senate
Farm High Tunnels: House Bill 1486 (Zimmerman-R-Lancaster) exempting agricultural

high-tunnel structures from the Stormwater Management Act (House Fiscal Note and summary)
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was passed by the Senate without changes and now goes to the Governor for his action.
Critical Infrastructure Trespass: Senate Bill 652 (Regan-R- Cumberland) providing for
increased penalties for trespass onto critical infrastructure including electric power, natural gas,
petroleum, water, wastewater, telecommunications, port, railroad, trucking, steelmaking, dams or
chemical facilities was amended on the Senate Floor and was referred to the Senate
Appropriations Committee.
Landowner Liability: House Bill 544 (Moul-R-Adams) further providing for liability protection
for landowners opening their land for public recreation was amended and reported out of the
Senate Environmental Resources and Energy Committee and is now on the Senate Calendar for
action.
Senate/House Agenda/Session Schedule/Gov’s Schedule
Here are the Senate and House Calendars for the next voting session day and Committees
scheduling action on bills of interest as well as a list of new environmental bills introduced--
Bill Calendars
House (April 9): House Bill 1401 (DiGirolamo-R-Bucks) which amends Title 58 to impose a
sliding scale natural gas severance tax, in addition to the Act 13 drilling impact fee, on natural
gas production (NO money for environmental programs) and includes provisions related to
minimum landowner oil and gas royalties; House Bill 1412 (Barrar-R-Delaware) proposing a
regulatory framework to encourage energy storage and microgrids to improve electric grid
resiliency during disaster emergencies and other circumstances; House Bill 1446 (Quinn-R-
Bucks) encouraging infrastructure for electric and natural gas fueled vehicles; House Resolution
284 (Moul-R-Adams) urging Congress to repeal the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency’s
MS4 Stormwater Pollution Prevention Program (sponsor summary). <> Click Here for full
House Bill Calendar.
Senate (April 16): Senate Resolution 104 (Bartolotta-R-Washington) resolution urging the
Governor to end the moratorium on new non-surface disturbance natural gas drilling on state
forest land (sponsor summary); House Bill 544 (Moul-R-Adams) further providing for liability
protection for landowners opening their land for public recreation; House Bill 913 providing for
the adoption of stormwater fees by incorporated towns; House Bill 914 providing for the
adoption of stormwater fees by boroughs; House Bill 915 providing for the adoption of
stormwater fees by first class townships; and House Bill 916 providing for the adoption of
stormwater fees by Cities of the Third Class; House Bill 1341 (Pyle-R-Armstrong) further
providing for training and certification of emergency medical personnel responding to
bituminous deep mine accidents (House Fiscal Note and summary); House Bill 1550
(Klunk-R-York) changing restrictions on preserved land to allow for an additional residence
(House Fiscal Note and summary). <> Click Here for full Senate Bill Calendar.
Committee Meeting Agendas This Week

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House: <> Click Here for full House Committee Schedule.
Senate: <> Click Here for full Senate Committee Schedule.
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.
Session Schedule
Here is the latest voting session schedule for the Senate and House--
Senate
April 16, 17, 18, 23, 24, 25, 30
May 1, 2, 21, 22, 23
June 4, 5, 6, 11, 12, 13, 18, 19, 20, 25, 26, 27, 28, 29
House
April 9, 10, 11, 16, 17, 18, 30
May 1, 2, 22, 23
June 4, 5, 6, 11, 12, 13, 18, 19, 20, 21, 25, 26, 27, 28, 29, 30
Governor’s 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. Wolf’s Weekly Calendar and Public
Appearances.
News From The Capitol
House Ag Committee: Is A $50M PennVEST Loan To Buy Forest Land The Best Use Of
That Public Funding?
The House Agriculture and Rural Affairs Committee Monday held an information meeting on
the $50 million in loans the PA Infrastructure Investment Authority made to Lyme Timber
Company to help the private company buy 60,103 acres of private forest land in 6 Northern Tier
Counties.
The main issue before the Committee, said Rep. Martin Causer (R-Cameron), Majority
Chair of the Committee, was whether loaning $50 million in public money to Lyme Timber
Company was the best use of that money in terms of the benefits gained by the public and the
environment.
By way of background, PennVEST approved two loans in October and February totalling
nearly $50 million to enable Lyme Timber to buy 61,103 acres of private forest land in Cameron,
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Clinton, Elk, Jefferson, McKean and Potter counties and create 50 forest-related full-time jobs.
Lyme Timber spent $140.6 million in total to purchase the 60,103 acres.
The agreement also calls for 9,362 acres to be included in a working forest conservation
easement to sustainably manage the forest, broaden access to public recreation and hunting and
to preserve, protect and improve water quality.
There is an option to allow DCNR to acquire additional conservation easements on the
remaining 50,741 acres during the next 7 years.
The property includes a $700,000 acid mine drainage restoration project, of which Lyme
Timber will fund $550,000, within the Sterling Run tract in Cameron County.
The funding for this project came 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.
Comments on the loans were provided to the Committee by DCNR Secretary Cindy
Adams Dunn, PennVEST Executive Director Brion Johnson and by several other individuals
from the affected region. Lyme Timber Company project summary.
In lieu of reading their prepared remarks, both Dunn and Johnson answered questions
from Committee members.
DCNR Secretary Cindy Adams Dunn told the Committee the agency supported the loans
because it is concerned about changes in ownership of the 70 percent of forest lands that are
privately owned in Pennsylvania that could cause land subdivision and fragmentation and the
impacts that would have on water quality and the forest products industry.
Dunn said the concerns about fragmentation came, in part, from DCNR’s Green Ribbon
Task Force which made recommendations on how the state could take better advantage of the
state’s forest resources to promote the forest-related product industries and environmental
improvement.
Rep. Dan Moul (R-Adams) said his impression was PennVEST funding was used for
drinking water and wastewater projects and the $50 million devoted to this forest project would
be better used to fund more of those kinds needed community projects.
Brion Johnson said PennVEST has not turned down any water or sewer project that has
come to his agency for funding since 2015. He said he has heard concerns about some
communities getting loans rather than grants, but no one has been deferred since then.
In response to a question from Rep. John Lawrence (R-Chester), Johnson said, like any
applicant, Lyme Timber applied to PennVEST for funding and had to justify the benefits and the
viability of the applicant. There was no bidding-type process for the funding, as suggested by
the Representative.
He said the application included a financial capacity analysis, a water quality benefits
evaluation and a review of economic development benefits.
Sara Nicholas, Policy Director for DCNR, said these loans were a great deal for the
public because the public receives the conservation, clean water and recreation benefits of the
9,550 acres that will be subject to a conservation easement for one-third the cost of buying the
land outright. Dunn echoed her comments and said this project also keeps the forest land in
private ownership and on the tax rolls.
Rep. Causer expressed a concern about whether this even qualifies as a “project” that
would be funded by PennVEST given the language in the 1988 statute that created the agency.
Johnson said it is an eligible project under PennVEST’s own law and policies and is
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eligible for funding with federal Clean Water Revolving Loan Funds. He said both the U.S.
Environmental Protection Agency and PennVEST’s chief counsel confirmed this position and he
would be happy to share that information with the Committee.
In response to a question from Rep. Kate Klunk (R-York) on whether Lyme Timber
would have bought the land without the public funds from PennVEST, DCNR explained Lyme
had a business model they have used in the 14 other states they work in to use Clean Water
Revolving Funds for these purposes and they applied it here in Pennsylvania.
Johnson said the Lyme Timber was the first opportunity his agency had to work with the
timber industry to fund a project that has water quality and economic development benefits. He
noted his written testimony included letters of support from local governments and a variety of
groups.
Johnson pointed to New York as an example which used Clean Water Revolving Loan
funds to protect the New York City drinking water watershed by purchasing land.
He said this kind of project is a cheaper option than constructing and operating a facility
like a wastewater plant or water filtration plant to achieve the water quality benefits.
Johnson said PennVEST has a similar application being reviewed now for a $20 million
forestlands project in Elk County by a conservancy. [A later witness said this one involved
about 20,000 acres of land and added a third application may be coming.]
Johnson noted more traditional water infrastructure projects will get preference for
funding before a project of this type would be considered by PennVEST.
Rep. Russ Diamond (R-Lebanon) asked if the General Assembly can stop this loan.
Johnson said there is an offer on the table at this point approved by the PennVEST Board, but the
loan has not closed. He said he’d have to look at that with his chief counsel.
Johnson said PennVEST anticipates completing settlement on the loans in June at which
time all the details of the conservation easement, collateral and other issues would be resolved.
In response to a question about the ownership of the mineral rights for the properties
involved by Rep. Lawrence, Dunn said DCNR is now working its way through an evaluation of
who owns those rights. At this time, she said, DCNR has not identified the mineral rights
owners, but they do know a majority of the rights are severed, which means other people or
companies own them.
Johnson said Lyme Timber told PennVEST they are not interested in he mineral rights,
but said he would go back to the Company and follow up again on the issue.
Rep. Causer asked whether the land will be open to public hunting, given the public
investment. John Norbeck, Deputy for Parks and Forestry and Secretary Dunn said DCNR’s
position is any land covered by the conservation easement will be open to public hunting and
recreation like DCNR lands, unless there are leases already in place with private hunting clubs.
In response to a question, Johnson said if Lyme Timber sells the land before the 20 year
loan is paid off, the deal is structured so that they must pay off PennVEST right away.
Keith Klingler, PA Landowners Association and owns and manages 3,000 forest lands,
expressed concerns about using PennVEST monies could have been used to reduce sewage
ratepayer monthly bills from $15 to $30 rather than to give timber company a low interest loan.
Klingler said he believes most, if not all, of the land covered by the Lyme Timber project
is enrolled in the Clean and Green Program that provides property tax breaks for keeping the
land in forests and help prevent development.
Copies of written testimony and handouts available: DCNR Secretary Cindy Adams
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Dunn, Brion Johnson, PennVEST; Keith Klinger, PA Landowners Association, Arthur Stewart,
Caledonia Land Company; Tyler Martin, Caledonia Land Company; Lyme Timber Project
Summary..
Click Here to watch a video of the hearing (March 26).
Rep. Martin Causer (R-Cameron) serves as Majority Chair of the House Agriculture
Committee and can be contacted by sending email to: mcauser@pahousegop.com. Rep. Eddie
Day Pashinski (D-Luzerne) serves as Minority Chair and can be contacted by sending email to:
epashins@pahouse.net.
Related Stories:
Lyme Timber Company Receives $25.4M PennVEST Loan To Put 9,362 Acres In Working
Conservation Easement
PennVESTs Invests $24.5M In Working Conservation Easements
House Game & Fisheries Committee Hears Apology From John Arway On Handling Of
Proposed Fish & Boat Commission Cuts
John Arway, the Executive Director of the Fish and Boat

Commission, Tuesday apologized to members of the
General Assembly and anglers for his handling of a
September plan for cutting Commission costs, if the House
and Senate do not provide for a fishing license increase by
July 1.
Arway appeared before the House Game and Fisheries
Committee to present the Commission’s 2017 Annual
Report.
Arway spoke directly to Senate Bill 935 and the issue of
limiting the term of Commission executive directors that
would force him out of the agency in his opening statement to the Committee.
Arway said testimony he has presented to the Committee for years has documented the
need for additional financial resources for the Commission and the need for a fishing license
increase, including passing Senate Bill 30. [The bill has remained in the House Game and
Fisheries Committee for almost a year to the day since March 28, 2017 after Senate passage.]
He apologized to the members of the General Assembly, the Commission Board and
anglers for the way he handled a plan last September to make $2 million in proposed cuts, if
additional financial resources were not provided.
He again took responsibility for the decision saying the details of the proposed cuts were
his decision and his alone.
The proposal to make cuts that closed a hatchery and eliminate stocking in areas of the
state where members of the House and Senate opposed legislation to increase in fishing licenses
was immediately tabled last year, he said, and deferred to after July 1 this year when those
decisions must be made.
Arway said the concerns over the September plan have distracted attention from real
fishing and boating issues, like the need for additional financial resources, but now is the time to
put down the sabers.
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Arway said he would welcome input from the General Assembly after July 1 on what
cuts should be made, if additional financial resources are not provided. He made the same offer
in the Senate last week.
He noted anglers and papers around the state have overwhelmingly opposed Senate Bill
935 that would limit the term of the executive director.
Rep. Bryan Barbin (D-Cambria), Minority Chair of the Committee, said he has lost trust
in Arway because of the way he handled the plan to make cuts last September. That’s why he
voted to move Senate Bill 935 out of Committee.
Rep. Joe Emrick (R-Northampton) said he cannot support a fishing licensing increase
when the Commission has $61 million or more in uncommitted monies or reserves when any
deficits could be made up by the reserves.
Arway responded by saying part of those monies are a rainy day fund for the
Commission and would be depleted in five years if no funding increases are approved. A Penn
State review praised the Commission for having the reserve fund, he said, as well as the
Commission’s fiscal management.
Arway said he could spend the reserve tomorrow, which would take care of half of the
deferred maintenance and other projects, but the Commission would be in terrible condition.
He said he and Commission staff have laid out the entire financial picture with anglers
again at recent programs across the state and they understand it. He said he was “baffled” why
members of the General Assembly do not seem to understand it.
Rep. Garth Everett (R-Lycoming) said the General Assembly should allow the Fish and
Boat and Game Commissions to manage their own agencies and should be independent, that
includes passing Senate Bill 30. He said we should not have 253 people from the House and
Senate micromanaging these agencies.
Rep. Dan Moul (R-Adams) said he has been a John Arway fan for a long time. He said he
will do whatever it takes to help resolve the political issue, including going over to the Senate, so
the focus can be on doing what needs to be done for anglers and boaters.
In response to other questions, Arway covered issues similar to the ones he did in the
Senate Game and Fisheries Committee last week.
Click Here for Arway’s opening statement. Click Here for a copy of Arway’s written
testimony to the Senate. Click Here for a copy of the Fish and Boat Commission’s 2017 Annual
Report.
Click Here to watch a video of the hearing (March 27).
Rep. Keith Gillespie (R-York) serves as Majority Chair of the Committee and can be
contacted by sending email to: kgillesp@pahousegop.com. Rep. Bryan Barbin (D-Cambria)
serves as Minority Chair and can be contacted by sending email to: bbarbin@pahouse.net.
NewsClips:
Esack: Some Lehigh Valley Leaders Call On Lawmakers To Reform Clean And Green Law
Hayes: Legislators Challenge Fish & Boat Cash Reserves
Letter: John Arway Devoted To Fish & Boat Commission
Will Fish & Boat License Hike Need Ouster Of Agency Leader First?
Frye: Fish And Boat Commission Gets Chilly Reception From Senate
Plan To Balance Books At Fish & Boat Commission Strokes Controversy
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WITF Smart Talk: John Arway On Fish & Boat Commission Fiscal Cliff (Starts At 31:00)
Editorial: State Capitol Well-Stocked With Politics
House Nears Vote On Bill Targeting Fish & Boat Executive Director
Hayes: Fish & Boat Director Runs Afoul Of Legislators
Legislators’ Feud With Director Holds Up Fish Funding
Editorial: Legislature Would Rather Pursue Vendetta Than Look Out For Outdoorsmen
Related Stories:
Majority Chair Of Senate Committee Still Supporting Efforts To Remove Executive Director Of
Fish & Boat Commission
Op-Ed: Senate Fish & Boat Commission Hearing Raises More Questions
Op-Ed: Senate Fish & Boat Commission Hearing Raises More Questions
By: Sen. Pat Stefano, Majority Chair, Senate Game & Fisheries Committee
Fish and Boat Commission Executive Director John Arway recently

appeared before the Senate Game and Fisheries Committee, which I chair,
to provide his annual report to the Committee.
This is my fourth year serving on the Committee and this normally routine
meeting was unlike any I have seen.
Director Arway appeared before the Committee amidst a swirl of
controversy over his management of the Fish and Boat Commission and its
resources.
The Senate has twice passed bills that would allow the Fish and Boat
Commission and the Game Commission have more control over their fees
with continued oversight by the legislature.
The House had significant concerns with this approach and so negotiations to do a 3 year
license increase schedule for both commissions were begun and nearing completion in
September of 2017.
That’s when Director Arway’s actions derailed the progress that was being made.
In September of 2017, Arway skirted the normal committee process of the Fish and Boat
Commission and without public notice had the commissioners enact a $2 million package of cuts
to Fish and Boat services.
These cuts included closing two hatcheries and reducing the amount of stocked fish
throughout the state.
I personally cautioned Arway, and he was warned by some of the Fish and Boat
Commissioners that day, that unilateral action could derail plans for license increases. He chose
to ignore those warnings and then took his actions even a step further.
It was at that point that Arway crossed a line that he cannot uncross.
Arway released a map showing where the reductions in stocked fish would take place and
it became abundantly clear that he had targeted unsupportive members of the legislature for cuts.
He further confirmed this in a meeting in my office with all four chairmen of the House & Senate
Game and Fisheries Committees and in media interviews.
This is an outrageous action that at the least is improper and may well be an illegal use of
12
his power. It is highly inappropriate and unethical to use state resources to try and influence a
legislative vote.
Once Arway showed that he is willing to use state resources for political retribution he
lost my confidence in his ability to lead this agency.
For the sake of the future of the Fish and Boat Commission, he should step aside and
allow new leadership to repair the damage that he has done.
Further doubt has been raised in regards to the fiscal condition of the Fish and Boat
Commission.
An economic analysis prepared for the FOP Lodge 114, which represents law
enforcement within Fish and Boat and is currently in contract negotiations with the commission,
raises serious doubt about the claims Arway has used to make his case.
Despite the Fish and Boat having this report for about a month, Arway declined to answer
questions about this report in our hearing and indicated that they would answer them in the near
future.
No matter their answers there are now serious doubts as to which numbers are correct and
for that reason I am asking Auditor General Eugene DePasquale to undertake a thorough audit of
the commission to get to the bottom of this.
When politics are injected into our wildlife management practices, it endangers one of
Pennsylvania’s greatest treasures: It’s wildlife.
Unfortunately director Arway did just that when he chose to target specific legislators for
their lack of support for his initiatives. This was an irrevocable action that should cause great
concern to anyone who cares for our great outdoors.
I continue to believe that a license increase is necessary but it is clear that given the
current climate the only way for that to happen is for Arway to step aside or be removed.
Sen. Pat Stefano (R-Fayette) serves as Majority Chair of the Senate Game and Fisheries
Committee. He can be contacted by calling 717-787-7175 or send email to:
pstefano@pasen.gov.
NewsClips:
Will Fish & Boat License Hike Need Ouster Of Agency Leader First?
Frye: Fish And Boat Commission Gets Chilly Reception From Senate
Plan To Balance Books At Fish & Boat Commission Strokes Controversy
WITF Smart Talk: John Arway On Fish & Boat Commission Fiscal Cliff (Starts At 31:00)
Editorial: State Capitol Well-Stocked With Politics
House Nears Vote On Bill Targeting Fish & Boat Executive Director
Hayes: Fish & Boat Director Runs Afoul Of Legislators
Legislators’ Feud With Director Holds Up Fish Funding
Editorial: Legislature Would Rather Pursue Vendetta Than Look Out For Outdoorsmen
Related Stories:
House Game & Fisheries Committee Hears Apology From John Arway On Handling Of
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Proposed Fish & Boat Commission Cuts
Majority Chair Of Senate Committee Still Supporting Efforts To Remove Executive Director Of
Fish & Boat Commission
Game Commission: Chronic Wasting Disease In Deer An Ecological Disaster Unfolding

Before Our Eyes
Game Commission Executive Director Brian

Burhans told the House Game and Fisheries
Committee Wednesday the spread of chronic
wasting disease in deer “is an ecological disaster
unfolding before our eyes” that threatens the
state’s $1.6 billion industry tied to hunting and our
hunting heritage.
Burhans pointed to a new captive deer
testing positive for CWD in Lancaster County
requiring the agency to establish a new Disease
Management Area in parts of Lancaster, Lebanon
and Berks counties as the latest steps take by the Commission to deal with this issue.
“It will take time to assess what, if any, biological consequences this deer farm poses to
the state whitetail population, and deer hunters. At the very least, local hunters will be
inconvenienced for years to come.
He noted deer processors and taxidermists will be affected by CWD as movement of
high-risk deer parts are prohibited from the disease management area.
The Game Commission is also struggling to deal with fiscal issues.
Burhans noted law-enforcement contacts are down by more than 17,000 from the
previous year because 20 percent of the agency’s officer districts are now vacant. A projected 40
percent of the districts will be vacant before a new class of game wardens can start next spring.
Burhans outlined other challenges to hunting and wildlife.
He noted wildlife biologist Lisa Williams was the first scientist in North American to
affirm that WNV was playing a role in ruffed grouse population declines Now, Williams and her
research colleagues are launching a project to evaluate where habitat improvements will be most
successful in light of WNV infections.
“White nose syndrome has eliminated 99 percent of some species of cave bats. And
invasive plant species continue to damage quality wildlife habitats across the state.
“Some of these threats continue to grow. Others smother wildlife populations. That
Pennsylvania has more than 100 species of greatest conservation need speaks volumes about the
tough times wildlife endures.
“Remember, for every bald eagle success story, there are a doze others about struggling
species, such as the cerulean warbler, the northern flying squirrel and the American Bittern.
“Pennsylvanians, however, should know our employees, volunteers, and our partners are
committed to reversing these trends. It won’t be easy and it won’t happen overnight. But know
that we won’t throw in the towel.
“Wildlife is too important to too many Pennsylvanians.”
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Click Here for a copy of Burhans written testimony. Click Here for a copy of the
Commission’s 2017 Annual Report and watch an accompanying video which summarizes
accomplishments and challenges in the past year.
Click Here to watch a video of the hearing (when posted).
Visit the Game Commission’s Chronic Wasting Disease webpage for more information
on this disease.
Rep. Keith Gillespie (R-York) serves as Majority Chair of the Committee and can be
contacted by sending email to: kgillesp@pahousegop.com. Rep. Bryan Barbin (D-Cambria)
serves as Minority Chair and can be contacted by sending email to: bbarbin@pahouse.net.
NewsClips:
Crable: Game Commission To Hold 2 Public Meetings On Chronic Wasting Disease At Middle
Creek
Op-Ed: Game Commission Must Stop Blaming Deer Farmers For Chronic Wasting Disease
Spread
Related Stories:
Agriculture: Deer On Bedford, Lancaster Farms Positive For chronic Wasting Disease, Now
Quarantined
Game Commission Creates New Position To Fight Chronic Wasting Disease In Deer, Elk
Chronic Wasting Disease Found In Wild Deer; Elk And Deer Herds At Risk
House Members Urge PUC To Cut Energy Rates Following Federal Tax Cuts
More than a dozen Republican members of the House Monday wrote a letter to the Public Utility
Commission asking it to decrease energy costs for consumers following the federal corporate tax
cuts.
The members said they believe Pennsylvania should follow the 39 states that have
already lowered energy rates following the federal tax reform measure that reduced corporate tax
rates from 35 to 21 percent, this reduction in costs should be passed onto the consumer.
The text of the letter follows--
“Since the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act, the overwhelming majority of Pennsylvanians have
seen their tax liability decrease by significant amounts. While their tax liabilities have dropped,
following the federal tax changes, Pennsylvanians have not seen their energy bills drop.
“Comparatively, residents of 39 different states have reduced their energy rates following
tax reform. These states include states such as Texas whose economy is built on the success of
the energy industry.
“These states recognized the fact, the significantly reduced tax liability energy companies
meant these companies no longer need to charge the same energy rates to meet their current
costs. It is a well-known fact, like any other company, energy companies often resort to
increased costs, fees or taxes by passing the increase onto consumers.
“Now that corporate tax rates have dropped from 35 to 21 percent, this reduction in costs
should also be passed onto the consumer. Therefore, we are asking you and the commissioners to
begin working on reducing the energy rates Pennsylvanians are paying by a fair and reasonable
amount.”
The letter was signed by Representatives Lynda Schlegel Culver (R-Northumberland),
15
Bryan Cutler (R-Lancaster), Matt Dowling (R-Fayette), Cris Dush (R-Indiana), Mindy Fee
(R-Lancaster), Seth Grove (R-York), David Hickernell (R-Lancaster), Lee James (R-Butler),
Rob Kauffman (R-Franklin), Brett Miller (R-Lancaster), Jason Ortitay (R-Allegheny), Greg
Rothman (R-Cumberland), Frank Ryan (R-Lebanon), Ryan Warner (R-Fayette) and David
Zimmerman (R-Lancaster).
Click Here for a copy of the letter.
On February 16, the PUC adopted a Secretarial Letter opening a 25 day comment period
on this issue that ended March 9.
NewsClips:
Duquesne Light Asks State To Raise Electric Rates
Maykuth: PECO Seeks 2.2% Electric Rate Increase
FirstEnergy Files Deactivation Notice For 3 Nuclear Power Plants In Ohio, PA
FirstEnergy Plans To Close Beaver Valley Nuclear Facility In 2021
FirstEnergy Plans To Close Nuclear Power Plants In Ohio, Pennsylvania
Legere: FirstEnergy Steps Closer To Closing Beaver Nuclear Power Plant, 800 Jobs In Peril
AP: FirstEnergy Plans To Close Nuclear Power Plants In Ohio, PA
3 Nuclear Plants In PA, Ohio Need Federal Rescue, FirstEnergy Pleads
Frazier: FirstEnergy Says It’s Closing 3 Nuclear Power Plants; Seeks Federal Help
Energy, Green Groups Slam FirstEnergy Plea For Emergency Rescue
PJM Bashes FirstEnergy Plea To Save Coal, Nuclear Plants: There Is No Crisis, Reliability
Issue
Related Story:
PUC Seeks Comments On Federal Tax Change Impacts On Public Utilities, Ratepayers
March Environmental Synopsis Newsletter Now Available From Joint Conservation

Committee
The March edition of the Environmental Synopsis

newsletter is now available from the Joint Air and Water
Pollution Control and Conservation Committee featuring
articles on--
-- PA Agriculture’s Niche Product: Hazelnuts
-- Profile: Edward Abbey, PA’s Most Famous Naturalist
-- Great Lakes Water Infrastructure Needs
-- Natural Ways To Reduce Pests On Farms
-- Building A Forest Restoration Economy (photo)
-- Energy Impacts Of Communication Technology
Growth
-- Click Here to sign up for your own copy.
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.
16
News From Around The State
POWR, PEC Start Regional Workshops For Watershed Groups April 25 In Danville,
Montour County
The PA Organization for Watersheds and Rivers and

PA Environmental Council will hold a series of
regional workshops for watershed groups this year
and a statewide watershed conference in 2019.
The first workshop will be held April 25 at
the Montour Preserve Visitors Center, 700 Preserve
Road in Danville, Montour County from 10:00 to
2:00. Click Here to register or for more
information.
The first workshop in Montour County is to recognize the selection of the Loyalsock
Creek as the 2018 PA River of the Year.
The workshops will provide opportunities for community watershed groups to gather and
learn about resources and network with each other as well as provide organizational capacity
training and hope to set a strong foundation for sustaining watershed conservation and
restoration programs.
The gatherings will also help set the agenda for our next statewide conference of
watershed organizations in 2019.
Announcements of future workshops will be announced on the POWR and PEC websites.
For more information, contact either Janet Sweeney, PEC Vice President, 570-718-6507 or send
email to: Jsweeney@pecpa.org or Susan Myerov, PEC Director of Watershed Programs, at
215-545-4570 or send email to: smyerov@pecpa.org.
Visit the PA Organization for Watersheds and Rivers website for information on
watershed restoration, the PA Rivers of the Year and annual Sojourn programs.
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 PEC’s Audio Room for the latest podcasts. Click Here to receive regular
updates from PEC.
NewsClips:
Bay Journal: New Federal Budget Keeps Chesapeake Bay Program At Steady Level
Bay Journal: Baltimore Trying New Environmental Impact Bonds To Do Stormwater Projects
Chesapeake Bay Program To Develop Plan To Address Pollution From Conowingo Dam
With A Green Makeover, Philadelphia is Tackling Its Stormwater Problem
Robinson Fork Stream Restoration Project Meeting April 4 In Washington County
Sen. Casey Introduces Bill To Enroll More Acres In Farm Conservation Programs
Capital Area Greenbelt Getting $7.5 Million In Upgrades
New Animal Feeding Operation Permit Issue, Focus On Eliminating Pollution From Manure
Kummer: Report: PA 2nd In U.S. For Excessive Industry Discharges Into Waterways
PA Industrial Facilities Top List Of Biggest River Polluters Nationwide
17
Kummer: Group Buys 500 Acres Of Pristine Lehigh River Headwaters, Gives It To State
Lake Erie Water Level Above Long-Term Average, Rising
Delaware RiverKeeper March 30 RiverWatch Video Report
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
Boy Scouts-Stroud Partner On Outdoor, Environmental STEM Education Programs
Boy Scouts of all ages will now have more

opportunities to spend time in the outdoors
getting their boots muddy and becoming
stewards of their local watersheds.
As a result of a generous gift from brothers
Greg, Barry, Keith, and Ray Bentley, the
Chester County Council Boy Scouts of America
and Stroud Water Research Center are
expanding their partnership to offer additional
outdoor and environmental STEM programs.
Stroud Center Director of Education and Eagle Scout Steve Kerlin, Ph.D., described the
partnership as “a natural fit for the two organizations. Boy Scout programs offer leadership
development, and many conservation-related badges, awards, and service projects align with the
mission of the Stroud Center to promote knowledge and stewardship of freshwater systems
through global research, education, and watershed restoration.”
Stroud Center programs for Boy Scouts will build upon successful pilot programs for
scouts and award-winning boots-in-the-water school programs.
“We are in the business of changing lives, and this generous gift from the Bentley
brothers will help us accomplish that,” said Scout Executive Charles E. Rogers Jr. of the Chester
County Council, Boy Scouts of America.
Rogers went on to say, “We were overwhelmingly surprised when Greg (Bentley)
announced the $55,000 gift establishing the Thomas P. Bentley Muddy Boots Program during
the Scout’s November 15, 2017 Distinguished Citizen Award Dinner, which recognized Greg
Bentley for his significant and enduring contributions to Chester County.”
Greg Bentley shared stories and pictures demonstrating the impact of his family’s
experiences in scouting as the driver for this gift to establish the Muddy Boots Fund. He noted
that he is especially fond of his time spent outdoors, and hopes this fund will help more youth of
today’s digital age spend time outside learning about and protecting the environment.
Bentley said “Scouts has given me and my family a love of the outdoors. With this fund,
we want to encourage boys not only to love, but to understand nature.”
Expanded Stroud Center programs for Boy Scouts will feature day and overnight
programs at the Stroud Center, investigating stream and watershed health that include fun,
hands-on educational activities such as night hikes to search for freshwater eels, collecting and
identifying aquatic macroinvertebrates, water chemistry experiments, stream habitat assessments,
18
and service projects including planting and monitoring of riparian forests.
Other opportunities for scouts include: Eagle Scout projects, William T. Hornaday
conservation award projects, Cub Scout activities, many Boy Scout merit badges, special
conservation-related awards, training and assistance for summer camp staff and adults, real-time
stream sensor stations on Boy Scout properties, future programming at the new CCCBSA PARC
site in Exton, potential creation of a STEM Careers Explorer post for young adults 14-20, and
many more ideas that will be discussed and collaboratively planned by Chester County Boy
Scouts and Stroud Center education staff.
Please contact the Stroud Center by sending email to:
educationprograms@stroudcenter.org or the Chester County Council Boy Scouts of America at
development@cccbsa.org for more information, or to register for a Muddy Boots Boy Scout
Program, visit online.
For more information on programs, initiatives and special events, visit the Stroud Water
Research Center website, Click Here to subscribe to UpStream. Click Here to subscribe to
Stroud’s Educator newsletter. Click Here to become a Friend Of Stroud Research, Like them on
Facebook, Follow on Twitter, include them in your Circle on Google+ and visit their YouTube
Channel.
NewsClips:
Blair Conservation Districts Works On New Nature Works Park
AP: Schools Encourage Girls To Get Involved In Science, Tech
Lehigh Valley Schools Teaching Kids The Cool Parts Of STEM
DCNR, DEP Join Local Officials To Break Ground For Capital Area Greenbelt Trail,
Stream Restoration Project
Department of Conservation and Natural Resources Secretary Cindy Adams Dunn and
Department of Environmental Protection Secretary Patrick McDonnell Tuesday joined other
state, county, and local officials in announcing improvements to the Capital Area Greenbelt, a
20-mile loop trail through and around Harrisburg.
“We are celebrating the importance of working in partnership with neighboring
municipalities, and pulling together resources from multiple state and local funding sources – all
as part of significant investment in a public park and trail infrastructure,” said DCNR Secretary
Cindy Adams Dunn. “This is an extraordinary cooperative venture among volunteers, five
municipalities, the county, and multiple state agencies to bring a 100-year-old trail up to modern
standards to connect communities, lessen the burden on area roads, attract tourists, and make for
a healthier and happier public.”
“These projects are an example of one of my goals for DEP: leaving Pennsylvania a
better place than when we found it, and the improvements along the Capital Greenbelt are just
one example of how we’re meeting this goal,” said DEP Secretary Patrick McDonnell. “When
these projects are completed there will be walkable and rideable trails alongside a restored
wetland and stream ecosystem.”
The improvement project, supported by more than $6 million in state funding, will help
connect communities, reduce stream erosion issues, create a safer trail, and make for a healthier
environment."
19
The groundbreaking addressed four major projects along the greenbelt: safety and
accessibility improvements will be made to six intersections; development of two miles of
riverside trail connecting Dauphin County’s Wildwood Park with Fort Hunter Park and including
a Linglestown Road underpass; restoration of over 700 feet of stream bank along the Paxtang
Parkway; and repaving of deteriorating greenbelt sections.
State investments in the Capital Area Greenbelt over the years include: Department of
Transportation, over $5 million; DCNR, $980,000; DEP, over $500,000; and Department of
Community and Economic Development, over $200,000.
DCNR investments in 2014 and 2016 were for rehabilitation of 1.3 miles of trail at four
locations; construction of safety improvements at seven intersections; trail realignment; traffic
signal upgrades; pedestrian refuge islands; curbing; sidewalk improvements; ADA access;
landscaping; signage; and other related improvements. Streambank and wetlands improvements
were made possible through Growing Greener grants through the DEP Environmental
Stewardship Fund.
Addressing the gathering off Route 441 in Swatara Township, Dunn told of the formative
role the late Mira Lloyd Dock, a Harrisburg resident and environmental activist, played as her
vision of “The Trail” began to take shape in the early 1900s.
“This groundbreaking celebrates investments by four major state agencies to enhance the
Capital Area Greenbelt and continue the vision of Mira Lloyd Dock,” Dunn said. “DCNR is
proud to support the hard-working volunteers of the Capital Area Greenbelt Association in their
over 25-year effort to restore and make safe a trail that connects communities and institutions;
helps keep people healthy and happy; and provides alternative forms of transportation through
walking and biking.”
The trail includes dedicated paved and gravel paths for bikers, walkers and
non-motorized activities, and on-road sections, as well. It is maintained by the Capital Area
Greenbelt Association, a non-profit organization of volunteers, that works with host
municipalities to promote alternative forms of transportation.
The project transverses through five municipalities, and their cooperation and support
was imperative to its success, supporters say. Cited were the Dauphin County Commissioners;
Capital Area Greenbelt Association members; Susquehanna and Swatara townships; Pennbrook
and Paxtang boroughs; City of Harrisburg; and the public.
Grant Applications Due
DCNR is now accepting applications for Community Conservation Partnership Program
grants which include recreation, land conservation and forested stream buffers projects.
Applications are due April 11. Click Here for more information.
For more information on programs, initiatives and upcoming events, visit the Capital City
Greenbelt website.
NewsClip:
Stormwater Lessons Learned; Penn State Extension Stormwater Tools Highlighted In

April Township News
The April edition of Township News features a deep
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dive into stormwater best management practices and how they are being implemented by
Lancaster County townships in Stormwater Lessons Learned.
The article by assistant editor Amy Bobb focuses on BMPs related to helping achieve the
sediment reduction goals in DEP’s MS4 Stormwater Permit Program. Click Here to read the
article.
Also highlighted is an overview of new stormwater education tools targeting
homeowners by Penn State Extension. Click Here to visit the Extension’s Stormwater Basic
Tools webpage.
Enjoy these great articles!
The Township News is published by the PA State Association of Township Supervisors.
Click Here for information on how to subscribe to this award-winning publication. Register now
for the PSATS Annual Conference is coming up April 22-25 in Hershey.
For more information on stormwater management, visit DEP’s Municipal Stormwater
webpage.
(Reprinted with the kind permission of Township News.)
Related Story:
April Township News: From Fixer Upper to Fabulous, Communities Redevelop Brownfields
DEP Issues New General Permit Form, Fees For Concentrated Animal Feeding Operations
The Department of Environmental Protection Thursday announced it has released a new general
permit form, PAG-12, for NPDES water quality permit coverage to persons operating
concentrated animal feeding operations (CAFOs) in Pennsylvania. (formal notice)
The previous PAG-12 Permit was set to expire on March 31, 2018. PAG-12 generally
covers livestock operations of 300 animal equivalent units or more.
“This updated PAG-12 will streamline and clear up some requirements for farmers, while
also improving water quality by strengthening protections for manure storage and leak
detection,” said DEP Secretary Patrick McDonnell.
Notable changes to PAG-12 include:
-- Electronic submission of Annual Reports, when required by DEP;
-- Annual inspections of earthen storage facilities and sampling of leak detection systems;
-- Changing the reporting period from “calendar year” to “crop year” (October 1 – September
30); and
-- Updated forms to comply with EPA requirements and elimination of duplicative and
conflicting requirements.
The new permit includes a $500 annual Notice of Intent (NOI) fee starting no earlier than
January 1, 2020, but has eliminated the proposed initial NOI fee of $500 for new CAFOs. The
annual fees would be paid to the Clean Water Fund for the purpose of supporting DEP’s
pollution control efforts.
DEP held a 30-day comment on proposed changes to the new permit from January 20 –
February 20, 2018. All comments received during the comment period and DEP’s responses to
those comments are included as part of the PAG-12 materials.
Other changes are described in the fact sheet for the PAG-12 General Permit, which can
be found on the DEP eLibrary with the other PAG-12 materials.
21
NewsClips:
New Animal Feeding Operation Permit Issued, Focus On Eliminating Pollution From Manure
WITF Smart Talk: Clean & Green Gives Large Landowners Property Tax Breaks
Op-Ed: Cumberland Valley School District Land Grab Is Bad For Community
Court: Farm’s Neighbors Must Live With Liquid Manure Smell In Luzerne County
Crable: 2 Lancaster Dairy Families Reluctantly Sell Their Milk Cows At Auctions
Editorial: Lancaster Dairy Farmers Need Support In These Uncertain Times
Thompson: Harrisburg Dairies See Growth Opportunity In Industry Turbulence
Pennsylvanians Buying More Organic Food Than Ever
Mehoopany Creek Watershed Association To Hold Annual Trout Day Fundraiser April 14
The Mehoopany Creek Watershed Association in Wyoming

County has scheduled the Annual Trout Day Fundraiser on
April 14 on PA-87 at Forkston’s Four Corners from 8:00 a.m.
to 1:00 p.m.
The Association will be selling soup, wimpies,
hotdogs and sweets along with MCWA logo clothing and
wood crafts.
MCWA President Kyle Ziegler says, “If you need a
snack on opening day or just want to stop in and shoot the
breeze for a while, we’ll be there bright and early. Our annual fundraiser is a good time to learn
about our water quality efforts in the watershed, share with us your concerns and see how you
can also become involved.”
Send email to: mehoopanycreek@yahoo.com for more information on this event.
For more information on programs, initiatives and upcoming events, visit the Mehoopany
Creek Watershed Association website. Click Here for the Association’s latest newsletter.
NewsClips:
Crable: Here’s The Scoop On Trout Season Opener Next Saturday
Crable: 2 Lancaster 3-Year Olds Land Trophy Trout On Mentored Youth Trout Day
Schneck: Trout-Fishing Season Opens For 2018 With Mentored Youth Trout Day
Schneck: Trout Opening Day Saturday, March 31
Frye: Google Earth A Handy Tool For Finding Fishing Hot Spots
Crable: Shad Wars: A Long, Violent Period In Lancaster Over Fish In The Susquehanna
Conservation Districts To Hold Pike/Wayne Envirothon April 26 In Wayne County
The 32nd annual Pike/Wayne Envirothon will be held

April 26 at the Wallenpaupack Environmental
Learning Center in Hawley, Wayne County.
22
This one-day educational competition for high school students is designed to test their
knowledge, skills and problem solving capabilities regarding our earth’s natural resources.
This year, students from Canaan Christian Academy, Delaware Valley, Honesdale,
Wallenpaupack, and Western Wayne high schools will compete in the Pike/Wayne Envirothon
as hundreds of their peers from across the state take part in county Envirothon competitions in
their areas, leading up to the 2018 Pennsylvania State Envirothon.
Students prepare by using field guides to identify bird songs and tree species; by rubbing
dampened soil between their fingers to determine its texture and consulting a soil survey for
potential land uses; and by identifying organisms that live underwater in our streams and rivers
to assess the health of local waterways.
Five-member teams compete by applying their knowledge and problem-solving skills in
subject areas that include: Aquatic Ecology, Forestry, Soils/Land Use, Wildlife, and Current
Issue which is “Benefits of Grassland and Pastureland Management.”
The Pike and Wayne county winning teams advance to the Pennsylvania Envirothon to
be held at Susquehanna University and Camp Mount Luther on May 22 and 23\.
Each year County Conservation Districts and State Envirothon Coordinators partner with
the U.S.D.A. Natural Resources Conservation Service, Fish and Boat Commission, Game
Commission, Department of Conservation and Natural Resource Bureaus of Forestry and State
Parks, the Department of Environmental Protection, the Department of Agriculture, and the
Department of Education to bring this event to each county and then the state event.
These committed partners provide educational reference materials for high school teams
as well as technical expertise, knowledge, and manpower at the event.
The Pike/Wayne Envirothon would not be possible without the financial contributions of
local businesses. Donations support this successful youth conservation program and assist with
the purchase of Envirothon t-shirts, educational prizes and awards for the event.
This year’s sponsors include Brookfield, Camp Umpy’s Bagels & Stuff and Wash &
Fold, Creamworks, Dirlum Bros. Lumber Company, Dutch's Market, The Dime Bank, Dyberry
Sand & Gravel Co., Fox Hill Farms, The Hideout Property Owner’s Association, Honesdale
Farm & Garden, Northern Tier Hardwood Association, Pennsylvania Trappers Association
District 9, REMAX/Wayne, Wallenpaupack Veterinary Clinic, and Woodloch Pines Resort.
Additional funding for this year’s Pike/Wayne Envirothon was provided by the
Pennsylvania Envirothon Inc. through its education grant with the Department of Environmental
Protection Environmental Education Fund.
The Pike/Wayne Envirothon is coordinated by the Pike and Wayne County Conservation
Districts. To find out more about the Envirothon please contact the Pike County Conservation
District office at 570-226-8220 or the Wayne Conservation District at 570-253-0930.
Envirothon
The Envirothon competition originated in Pennsylvania with county conservation
districts. Pennsylvania high school teams won the now international Envirothon competition in
1988, 1989, 1990, 1991, 1994, 1997, 2000, 2001, 2003, 2005, 2009 and 2017.
NewsClips:
Blair Conservation District Works On New Nature Works Park
Related Story:
23
Pennsylvania High School Team Winners Of International Envirothon Competition
Penn State Water Insights Seminar April 3: Price-Based Policies For Managing
Development, Impacts On Water Quality
The next Penn State Water Insights Seminar will be held April 3 and
features Dr. Douglas Wrenn as the speaker on “Price-Based Policies For
Managing Residential Development And Impacts on Water Quality.”
Wrenn’s research combines the results from an instrumental
variable duration model with a model of nutrient pollution to examine
how price-based land use policies impact urban development and
nitrogen and phosphorus loads.
The results provide a number of insights. First, it shows models
without instrumentation significantly underestimate the impact of
price-based policies. Second, it demonstrates that important tradeoffs
exists between policies designed to manage development and those
designed to manage water quality.
Specifically, a uniform tax on development significantly reduces acreage developed, but
increases nitrogen and phosphorus loads, while a green tax designed to mitigate the impacts of
development on water quality outcomes leads to increased land area being developed.
Wrenn is an Assistant Professor of Environmental Economics in the Department of
Agricultural Economics, Sociology, and Education. His research focuses on environmental,
urban, and land-use economic and policy issues with a specific focus on applied econometric
modeling.
He is also interested in the integration of applied econometric models with biophysical
models as a means of evaluating and designing more efficient policy. He has a bachelor's degree
in economics from Eastern Mennonite University and a PhD in Applied Economics from the
Ohio State University.
The Seminar will be held in Room 102 Forest Resources Building at Penn State in State
College from Noon to 1:00. Click Here to attend the Seminar by webinar (sign in with your
name and email).
Click Here for the full schedule of Water Insights Seminar series from Penn State’s
Environment and Natural Resources Institute and recordings of past Seminars.
Other Archived Water Insights Seminars:
Chesapeake Bay: Emerging Policy And Practice Innovations To Improve Water Quality
Presentation Now Available Online
Water Insights Seminar: Profiting More By Farming Less? A New Paradigm For Chesapeake
Watershed Water Quality
Multi-Strategy Whole Watershed Restoration For Ecological And Human Resiliency
Water Insights Seminar: What Is Water Law And Why Should Scientists Care? - Available
Online.
Water Insights Seminar: Policies To Minimize Damage Caused By Aquatic Invasive Species
Water Insights Seminar: Climate Change Impacts On Wetland Hydrology
24
Fayette County Homeowners, Businesses Can Apply For Federal Disaster Assistance
Gov. Tom Wolf Tuesday announced the U.S. Small Business Administration approved his
request to declare a disaster in Fayette County after significant wind, flood and in some cases,
mudslide damage to homes and businesses from severe storms and a tornado in February.
“These storms damaged property and disrupted lives,” said Gov. Wolf. “Low-interest
loans will go a long way in helping those affected by the storms.”
Homeowners, renters and businesses impacted by the February 15-17 storms in Fayette
County, as well as neighboring counties Greene, Somerset, Washington and Westmoreland may
be eligible for low-interest disaster loans through the SBA Disaster Loan Programs.
Low-interest loans of up to $200,000 are available to homeowners to repair or replace
damaged or destroyed real estate. SBA regulations permit loans up to $40,000 to repair or
replace personal property.
Businesses and nonprofits can borrow up to $2 million to restore damaged or destroyed
buildings, inventory, equipment and assets. Loan amounts and terms are set by the SBA and are
based on each applicant’s financial qualifications.
The SBA will establish a Disaster Loan Outreach Center to assist anyone who wishes to
apply for a loan.
The DLOC will be open at the following location and times: Uniontown City Fire
Department, 84 N. Breeson Blvd., Uniontown, PA 15401. Dates/Hours: Opening: March 29, 11
a.m.; Monday through Friday, 9 a.m. - 5:30 p.m.; March 31, 10 a.m. - 2 p.m.; Closed Sunday;
Closing: April 5, 3:30 p.m.
SBA customer service representatives will be on hand at the disaster loan outreach center
to issue loan applications, answer questions about the disaster loan program, explain the
application process and help individuals to complete their applications.
Individuals and businesses unable to visit the center in person may obtain information
and loan applications by calling the SBA’s Customer Service Center at 1-800-659-2955
(1-800-877-8339 for the hearing impaired), or by email to: disastercustomerservice@sba.gov.
Loan applications can also be downloaded. Applicants may apply online using the
Electronic Loan Application (ELA) via the SBA’s secure website.
Completed applications should be returned to the DLOC or mailed to: U.S. Small
Business Administration, Processing and Disbursement Center, 14925 Kingsport Road, Fort
Worth, TX 76155.
The filing deadline to return applications for physical property damage is May 29, 2018.
The deadline to return economic injury disaster loan applications is December 27, 2018.
NewsClips:
Luzerne Flood Authority Plan Would Close Openings In Levee System
Luzerne Flood Plan Could Eliminate Need For Sandbags
West Pittston To Discuss Inflatable Dam For Flood Protection
AP: Johnstown Flood: McCullough’s Lucky Break Launched A Career
Homeowners Urged To Consider Flood Insurance Even If Not Required
New WITF Conservation Heritage Documentary: Rachel Carson - Voice Of Nature
25
WITF this week premiered another in its series of
PA Conservation Heritage documentaries-- Rachel
Carson - Voice Of Nature.
This program focuses on Rachel Carson’s
connection to Pennsylvania and the impact her
work has had on Pennsylvania environmental and
conservation policy.
Inspired by a supportive mother, her natural
surroundings and the Allegheny River, it was her
formative years in Springdale, Allegheny County that would shape her passionate environmental
ethic.
Rachel Carson is probably best known as the author of Silent Spring published in 1962,
which she wrote in 1962 to tell the tale of the impact pesticides and other chemicals were having
on bird populations. Her work help to ignite the modern environmental movement in the United
States.
The headquarters building for the departments of Environmental Protection and
Conservation and Natural Resources in Harrisburg is named for Rachel Carson.
It is also home to a pair of breeding Peregrine Falcons, a species that was nearly wiped
out by DDT and other pesticides that Rachel Carson researched. She also worked for the U.S.
Fish and Wildlife Service.
Funding for the program was provided by the Department of Conservation and Natural
Resources, Heinz Endowments, William Penn Foundation, PA Parks and Forests Foundation,
Ned Smith Center for Nature and Art, the PA Conservation Heritage Committee and viewers of
public television.
Click Here to watch the program.
To learn more about about her accomplishments, visit the Rachel Carson website and her
home in Springdale by visiting the Rachel Carson Homestead webpage.
There are more inspiring stories and programs available on the PA Conservation Heritage
Project website for teachers and interested Pennsylvanians. Click Here to watch other
documentaries in this series.
NewsClips:
39 Years Ago Pennsylvanians Woke Up To The Accident At Three Mile Island
Huber Coal Breaker Owners Agree To Sell Site
April Township News: From Fixer Upper To Fabulous, Communities Redevelop

Brownfields
The April edition of Township News highlights the

innovative steps communities have taken to redevelop
their brownfields in From Fixer Upper to Fabulous,
Communities Redevelop Brownfields To Produce Jobs,
Tax Revenues and More.
The article by managing editor Jill Ercolino shows
26
examples of how townships all over the state have turned contaminated and deserted properties
into thriving businesses, recreation areas and made them available for housing.
Born Again: Brownfields also provides an outline of the state and federal process for
redeveloping brownfields and where communities can get help.
Another great read from Township News!
The Township News is published by the PA State Association of Township Supervisors.
Click Here for information on how to subscribe to this award-winning publication. Register now
for the PSATS Annual Conference is coming up April 22-25 in Hershey.
For more information on brownfields reuse, visit DEP’s Brownfield Redevelopment
webpage.
Related Story:
Stormwater Lessons Learned, Penn State Extension Stormwater Tools Highlighted In April
Township News
(Reprinted with the kind permission of Township News.)
DEP Environmental Justice Advisory Board Call April 3 On Draft Public Participation
Policy
The DEP Environmental Justice Advisory Board will hold a conference call on April 3 to discuss
a draft Environmental Justice Public Participation Policy from 2:00 to 4:00.
The draft policy is the result of a listening tour DEP conducted last year at nine locations
around the state to solicit feedback on DEP’s policies regarding environmental justice-- the
principle that communities and populations should not be disproportionately exposed to adverse
environmental impacts.
Key issues included how to define environmental justice areas geographically, what
permits would trigger enhanced environmental justice review and what tools would the agency
use to more effectively share information with the public.
So-called trigger permits are proposed to include a series of municipal, residual and
hazardous waste facilities, certain major NPDES water quality permits, major air quality permits
and mining surface and underground coal and large non-coal mining permits. These permits are
listed in the draft policy.
The conference call is available at 717-612-4788 or Toll-free: 855-734-4390 PIN:
442483.
More information on the existing program is available on DEP’s Environmental Justice
webpage.
For more information and a copy of handouts, visit DEP’s Environmental Justice
Advisory Board or contact John Brakeall by calling 717-783-9731 or send email to:
jbrakeall@pa.gov.
Related Story:
DEP Publishes Comments Gathered In Environmental Justice Listening Tour
EPA Announces Settlement With Property Owners At Crater Resources Superfund Site In
Montgomery County
27
The U. S. Environmental Protection Agency Monday announced a settlement that requires
property owners of part of the Crater Resources Superfund Site in Upper Merion, Montgomery
County to complete a $1.8 million cleanup of two former quarries at the site.
The proposed consent decree with two related companies (Renaissance Land Associates
II LLC and Renaissance Land Associates III, LLC) was filed by the U.S. Department of Justice
in federal court in Philadelphia.
If approved by the court, the settlement will pave the way for residential development of
a segment of the 50-acre Crater Resources site.
“This settlement is an example of how EPA works successfully to integrate Superfund
sites back into communities across the country,” said EPA Mid-Atlantic Regional Administrator
Cosmo Servidio. “The cleanup work at this site in Upper Merion, Pennsylvania demonstrates
how we can help transform a once contaminated site into a productive resource.”
The settlement requires the two companies (RLA II and RLA III) to fund and complete
the EPA-approved cleanup plan as it relates to two of the four former quarries at the site, which
became contaminated due to dumping from nearby steel-making operations. In addition, the
companies will reimburse EPA for certain costs related to the agency’s ongoing and future
oversight of the cleanup.
The agreement was reached under the federal Superfund law which requires landowners,
waste generators and waste transporters responsible for contaminating a Superfund site to clean
up the site, or reimburse the government or other parties for cleanup activities.
The Crater Resources Superfund Site consists of four inactive quarries in an industrial
and commercial area about one mile north of Gulph Mills.
From 1919 until 1977, the Alan Wood Companies disposed of “waste ammonia liquor” at
the site, generated during chemical by-product recovery at a steel-making facility in nearby
Conshohocken. RLA II and III are the current property owners of two of the four former quarry
areas at the site.
In the 1990s, several “potentially responsible parties” (PRPs) began site evaluation and
cleanup activities overseen by EPA and the Department of Environmental Protection.
In 2000, EPA approved a cleanup plan, commonly known as a Record of Decision
(ROD), that required removing all contaminated soils and sediments from one of the quarry sites,
and construction of multi-layer caps at the other quarries. In 2001, EPA issued a unilateral
administrative order to the PRPs that required a cleanup of the 50-acre property.
The caps were designed to prevent leaching of contaminants from soils into groundwater,
and to reduce the public health and environmental threat of contact with contaminated soil. The
performance requirements for the caps were based on standards for commercial and industrial
land use, which facilitated office park development in the area.
In 2016, RLA II and RLA III requested that EPA amend the ROD to allow for residential
redevelopment, which would require caps that were more protective.
In July 2017, EPA, in consultation with DEP, modified the cleanup plan to require
more-protective caps at two of the site’s quarry areas. Under the settlement announced today,
these two companies have agreed to complete the cleanup in accordance with these stricter
residential standards.
The proposed consent decree is subject to a 30-day public comment period and court
approval. Click Here for more information about this site and its cleanup. For public comment
28
information, visit the U.S. Department of Justice website.
NewsClip:
Kummer: EPA Settlement On Superfund Site In Montco Could Make Way For New Apartments
Save The Date: PA Hazmat Training & Education Conference Aug. 23-26 In Seven Springs
The PA Association of Hazardous

Materials Technicians will hold its 2018
PA Hazmat Training Education Conference
August 23-26 at the Seven Springs Resort
in Somerset County.
The Conference will again feature
hands on training, response case studies,
equipment demonstrations, professional
qualification certification, naturally
recognized hazmat response leaders, update and certificate course and peer networking
opportunities.
Click Here for the latest updates on the Conference. Questions should be directed to
814-229-8063 or send email to: conference@pahazmat.com. Click Here for membership
information.
[Posted March 25, 2018]
DEP Invites Comments On GP-5, 5A General Permits Setting Methane Pollution Limits
On Natural Gas Development Operations
The Department of Environmental Protection published notice in the March 31 PA Bulletin

inviting comments on Air Quality General Permits 5, 5A and changes to the Air Quality Permit
Exemptions List for unconventional natural gas well, compressor stations, processing plants and
transmission stations.
DEP had an initial comment period on these proposals that ended in June 2017 that
generated more than 10,000 comments. Based on those comments, DEP made significant
changes to the proposals.
The general permits include emission limits, testing, monitoring, recordkeeping and
reporting requirements designed to keep the facility operating within all applicable State and
Federal air quality requirements.
The general permits also include the fee required to authorize the construction and
operation of sources. The term for general permit is 5 years and authorization can be renewed
before the expiration date.
These documents will be available on the Bureau of Air Quality’s General Permits
webpage and by contacting Frank Zarefoss, P.O. Box 8468, Harrisburg, PA 17105,
717-787-4325 or fzarefoss@pa.gov.
Comments will be accepted until May 15, and copies of the proposal will be available,
through DEP’s eComment webpage or by email to: economment@pa.gov. Written comments
may be mailed to the Policy Office, Department of Environmental Protection, Rachel Carson
29
State Office Building, P.O. Box 2063, Harrisburg, PA 17105-2063.
Click Here to read the PA Bulletin notice for all the details.
NewsClips:
Cusick: DEP Seeking Comments On New Natural Gas Facility Air Permits
Cusick: Most PA Voters Say Climate Change Causing Problems Now, Half Support Gas Drilling
Some Pittsburgh Congregations Are Preaching About Climate Change
Engineers Compete To Detect Methane Leaks In EDF Tech Contest
Op-Ed: Why The Solution To Climate Change Is Right Under Our Forks
Earth Hour 2018: Lights Go Dark To Highlight Climate Change
NRDC: Judge Tells Trump To Rethink Coal
Half Of All U.S. Coal Plants Would Lose Money Without Regulation
Shell Outlines Radical Scenario For What It Would Take To Halt Climate Change
May 1 DEP Hearing On Letterkenny Army Depot Air Quality Permit, Franklin County
The Department of Environmental Protection will hold a public hearing May 1 on the proposed
Title V Air Quality Permit and RACT 2 Plan for the Letterkenny Army Depot in Greene and
Letterkenny townships, Franklin County. (PA Bulletin page 1856)
The hearing will be held in DEP’s Southcentral Regional Office, 909 Elmerton Avenue,
Harrisburg (no time given - probably 10:00).
To register to speak at the hearing, contact William Weaver at 717-705-4868. Speakers
must pre-register in order to testify at the hearing. The last day to pre- register to speak at the
hearing will be April 24.
All pertinent documents are available for public review between 8 a.m. and 4 p.m. at the
DEP Southcentral Regional Office, 909 Elmerton Avenue, Harrisburg, PA 17110. Appointments
for scheduling a review may be made by calling William Weaver at 717-705-4868.
Read the PA Bulletin notice for all the details. (PA Bulletin page 1856)
NewsClips:
GASP: Backlogged Air Quality Permit Problem Remains In Southwest PA
DEP Hearing May 2 (If Requested) On Jeld-Wen, Inc. RACT II Air Quality Plan,
Bradford County
The Department of Environmental Protection will hold a public hearing May 2 (if requested) on
the RACT II Air Quality Plan for Jeld-Wen, Inc. located in Wysox Township, Bradford County.
(PA Bulletin page 1896)
The hearing will be held at DEP’s Northcentral Regional Office, 208 West Third Street in
Williamsport starting at 10:00 a.m.
To register to speak at a hearing, or to inquire if a hearing will be held, contact Megan
Lehman at 570-327-3659. The last day to pre-register to speak at a hearing, if one is held, will be
May 2.
Any updates made to any aspect of the hearing, including whether or not a hearing will
30
be held, will be posted online. Contact Megan Lehman at (570) 327-3659 or monitor this web
site to determine if a hearing will be held.
Read the PA Bulletin notice for all the details. (PA Bulletin page 1896)
NewsClips:
Administrative Law Judge Recommends PUC Deny Request To Reverse Flow Of Laurel
Pipeline
PUC Administrative Law Judge Eranda Vero

Thursday issued a 212-page recommendation
the full Public Utility Commission deny a
request by Buckeye Pipelines to reverse the
flow of the Laurel Pipeline. The
recommendation now goes to the full PUC.
Buckeye had proposed reversing the flow of
the Laurel Pipeline from Pittsburgh to
Altoona allowing petroleum products from
midwest refineries to be sold in the midstate at the same time cutting off access of Philadelphia
refineries to Western Pennsylvania.
Members of the General Assembly, a variety of companies and labor unions formally
entered comments on the proposal from both sides in this hotly debated issue.
A coalition of groups called Deny Buckeye issued a statement applauding the
recommendation saying, "Buckeye is attempting to reverse the pipeline so that Midwestern
refineries would be the sole suppliers of fuel in Western Pennsylvania.
“This move would eliminate competition from Southeastern Pennsylvania refineries that
today regularly deliver fuel at lower prices to consumers and small businesses in Western
Pennsylvania.
“We commend the judge’s well-reasoned decision. The only winners of a Laurel reversal
would be Buckeye and out-of-state refineries. Midwest refineries already have access to
Pennsylvania markets, but they don’t want competition.
“Pennsylvania refineries have supplied fuel throughout our commonwealth for over a
half-century. It is stunning to think that a Texas-based pipeline company wants to block our own
refineries from serving Pennsylvania.
“A reversal would send fuel prices skyrocketing and put thousands of Pennsylvania jobs
in jeopardy.
"As major fuel retailers to countless Pennsylvania consumers, coalition members would
be the first in line for any idea that reduces the price at the pump. The Buckeye proposal would
have the opposite effect. We thank the administrative law judge for her thoughtful consideration
of the issues, and believe that this decision will benefit Pennsylvania families, businesses and
jobs.”
The coalition members include: Giant Eagle Get Go, Gulf, Guttman Energy, Monroe
Energy, Philadelphia Energy Solutions and Sheetz.
31
Click Here for a copy of the 212-page recommendation. To see all documents related to
this case, visit PUC Docket Number: A-2016-2575829.
NewsClips:
Legere: PUC Judge Recommends Against Laurel Pipeline Flow Reversal That Could Affect
Pittsburgh’s Gasoline Prices
Administrative Judge Urges PUC To Reject Laurel Pipeline Flow Reversal Plan
PA Regulator Recommend Against Reversing Laurel Pipeline
State Judge Recommends Against Reversing Laurel Pipeline Flow In PA
Cusick: Nuns Raise Large Cross Next To Atlantic Sunrise Pipeline In Lancaster
Commonwealth Court: Sunoco Mariner East 2 Pipeline Not Under Local Zoning
Maykuth: Court Again Upholds Mariner East 2 Pipeline Immunity From Local Ordinances
State Appeals Court Rejects Bid For Local Pipeline Restrictions
Gas Technology Institute Offering Pipeline Job Training In Armstrong County
NJ Files In Federal Court To Stop PennEast From Condemning Protected Land
Hurdle: FERC’s Critics, 2 Commissioners Say New Comment Policy Will Hurt Landowners
Related Stories:
Senate Committee Hears Comments From Both Sides In Dispute Over Reversing Laurel Pipeline
PUC Judge Hears Conflicting Views On Reversing Laurel Pipeline Flow
Altoona Mirror: PUC Faces Major Decision On Reversing Flow Of Buckeye Laurel Pipeline
PUC Holds Hearings On Proposed Transource Power Line In Franklin, York Counties In
May
The Public Utility Commission’s Office of

Administrative Law Judge announced Thursday
there will be a series of eight public input hearings
on four days in York and Franklin counties during
the month of May, to gather comments regarding
the electric transmission line applications submitted
by Transource Pennsylvania LLC.
The Transource applications involve transmission
line construction projects in York and Franklin
counties, which have resulted in the filing of
numerous comments, protests and petitions to intervene in the case from landowners and other
concerned entities.
Hearing Dates
The York County public input hearings will be held on May 9, and May 15, at the
Airville Volunteer Fire Department, 3576 Delta Road, Airville, PA, 17302. Hearings will be held
at 1:00 p.m. and 6:00 p.m. on both dates.
The Franklin County public input hearings will be held on May 22, and May 23, at the
New Franklin Fire Department Social Hall, 3444 Wayne Road, Chambersburg, PA, 17202.
Hearings will be held at 1:00 p.m. and 6:00 p.m. on both dates.
PUC Administrative Law Judges Elizabeth H. Barnes and Andrew M. Calvelli will
preside over the public input hearings.
32
As directed by a procedural prehearing order issued by the judges, Transource PA will
arrange for publication of advertisements in two newspapers of general circulation in York and
Franklin counties, once per week for two consecutive weeks prior to the dates of the public input
hearings.
In addition to the public input hearings, the litigation schedule included in the procedural
order calls for potential site views to occur in May and/or June 2018, depending on weather; the
filing of testimony, starting in late July 2018; evidentiary hearings in December 2018; and the
submission of briefs and reply briefs in February 2019.
For documents related to this case, visit the PUC’s Docket Numbers: A-2017-2640195
and A-2017-2640200.
NewsClips:
What Impact Will Franklin, York Power Line Project Have On Economy?
Transource Power Line Project Hearings Set In Franklin, York Counties
DEP Secretary Visits Pik Rite, Inc. In Lewisburg To Celebrate Energy Efficiency
Improvements, National Recognition
DEP Secretary Patrick McDonnell Thursday helped

celebrate the environmental accomplishments of Pik
Rite, Inc. in Lewisburg, Union County, a nationally
acclaimed leader and innovator in improving energy
efficiency in the manufacturing sector.
McDonnell and representatives from Pik Rite discussed
the company’s efforts to reduce its environmental
footprint and toured the facility. Pik Rite manufactures
agricultural and other heavy equipment used around the
world.
“This Pennsylvania-grown small business has been a
huge environmental leader by example,” said McDonnell. “We are pleased to have been a
partner in Pik Rite’s work to examine its energy usage. After conducting studies, Pik Rite
committed to upgrading its interior and exterior LED lighting, which dramatically reduces
energy usage. This saves the company money while reducing the pollutant emissions associated
with energy generation.”
Pik Rite was named the 2017 “Small Business Environmental Stewardship Award”
winner by the National Small Business Environmental Assistance Programs. Pik Rite was chosen
for the award because of the company’s accomplishments in environmental compliance, energy
efficiency, pollution prevention practices, and innovation.
DEP recently announced that Pik Rite was awarded a 2017 Small Business Advantage
Grant.
The company matched the $7,000 grant with over $14,000 of private investment to buy
new energy efficient lighting to lower their electricity consumption by over 54 percent.
Pik Rite estimates an annual cost savings of $6,600, a reduction of 82,000 kWh of
electricity, and improved lighting conditions on the production floor as a result of the project.
DEP’s Small Business Advantage Grant program provides 50 percent matching grants to
33
enable Pennsylvania small businesses to purchase energy efficient or pollution prevention
equipment or adopt waste reduction processes.
Well-designed energy efficiency and pollution prevention projects can encourage growth
of the energy infrastructure by helping businesses cut operating costs, while simultaneously
protecting the environment.
Although DEP is not accepting grant applications at this time, for more information on
the program, visit the Small Business Advantage Grant webpage.
Related Stories:
Union County-Based Pik Rite Receives National Small Business Environmental Stewardship
Award
DEP Awards 155 Small Business Advantage Grants To Cut Energy, Other Costs
EPA Recognizes Bimbo Bakeries In Reading For Energy Star Manufacturing Certification
The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency Tuesday

announced Bimbo Bakeries USA of Reading, Berks
County, a commercial bread & roll baking company,
was among 93 manufacturing plants nationally that
earned the Energy Star certification for their superior
energy performance in 2017.
“Earning Energy Star certification is a real mark of excellence, highlighting companies
that are leaders in cutting energy costs and reducing waste,” said EPA Assistant Administrator
for Air and Radiation Bill Wehrum. “This program is in direct line with the administration’s
priorities to support American manufacturing - greater efficiency fosters industrial development,
greater competitiveness, a strong economy, and a healthy environment.”
Together, the 93 nationally recognized plants reduced their energy bills by almost $340
million, saved over 60 trillion British thermal units (TBtu) of energy, and achieved broad
emissions reductions including 4 million metric tons of greenhouse gas emissions.
The energy savings is enough to meet the annual energy needs of almost 360,000
American households.
The Energy Star industrial program provides industry-specific energy benchmarking
tools and other resources for 17 different types of manufacturing plants. These resources allow
an industrial plant to compare its energy performance to others in the same industry and
therefore establish meaningful energy performance goals.
Plants from the automotive, baking, cement, corn refining, food processing, glass
manufacturing, pharmaceutical manufacturing, and petroleum refining sectors are among those
that qualified in 2017.
Since 2006, the Energy Star Industrial Program has annually certified manufacturing
plants for reaching the top 25 percent of energy performance in their industries nationwide. Over
190 plants have achieved this distinction since 2006.
For more information, visit EPA’s Energy Star Industrial Program webpage. Click Here
for specific plant profiles. Click Here to learn more about how Energy Star and industry work
together.
34
PUC Establishes Workgroup On Universal Service & Energy Conservation Programs
The Public Utility Commission Wednesday issued a Secretarial Letter announcing the formation
of a statewide Universal Service Workgroup in order to further discuss and provide ongoing
recommendations relating to the future framework and structure of Universal Service and Energy
Conservation Programs.
On April 6, 2017, the Commission approved a joint motion by Commissioner David W.
Sweet and Vice Chairman Andrew G. Place which initiated a broad evaluation of USCEPs, to
include a series of reports, stakeholder meetings and comment periods intended to evaluate
programs and identify potential enhancements.
The PUC’s Bureau of Consumer Services in consultation with the Commission’s Law
Bureau have compiled and summarized the comments and feedback received from stakeholders.
This report is publicly available on the Commission’s website at Docket No.
M-2017-2596907.
Workgroup Meeting
The Universal Service Workgroup’s first meeting will be May 7 from 1 p.m. to 3 p.m. in
the Keystone Building, Executive Chambers, in Harrisburg. Interested parties can join the
workgroup, or be placed on the workgroup mailing list, by emailing ra-pc-uswg@pa.gov.
Initial topics the workgroup is expected to address include, but are not limited to, the
following:
-- Standardizing the forms used to certify a household has no income when applying for
Customer Assistance Programs (i.e., zero income forms);
-- Revising the USECP review and universal service evaluation schedules; and
-- Developing a common application form for all Pennsylvania utility universal service
programs.
The current portfolio of universal service programs includes payment programs intended
to address monthly energy bills and arrearages to try to make service more affordable;
weatherization and usage reduction programs to assist low-income families in lowering their
consumption and energy costs; referral programs to connect consumers with other assistance
programs they may be eligible for; and hardship funds.
For copies of all documents in this initiative, visit the PUC’s Docket No.:
M-2017-2596907
NewsClips:
1,121 MW Natural Gas Power Plant Set To Come Online In Snyder County Replacing Coal
Plant
35
Issue
Maykuth: Bucks Firm Exports Machine That Turns Water Into Hydrogen Fuel
DEP Hearing For NRG’s Cheswick Power Station Water Permit April 25
FirstEnergy Bankruptcy Restricturing Likely, Power Plants Would Be Closed Or Sold
Natural Gas No. 1 Fuel For Power Plants, But It Faces Headwinds
PA Extends Low-Income Home Energy Assistance Application Deadline To April 13
The Department of Human Services Friday extended the

application deadline for the PA Low-Income Home Energy
Assistance Program by one week to April 13.
For eligibility guidelines, benefits paid and to learn how to
apply, visit the Department of Human Services LIHEAP webpage.
Westmoreland Water Authority Takes Advantage Of Penn State Extension Renewable

Energy For Municipalities Program
Penn State Extension's Renewable Energy for

Municipalities Program brings renewable energy cost
savings to Western Pennsylvania and the Municipal
Authority of Westmoreland County.
What many customers served by the Westmoreland
Authority may not know is that it reaches into 4
neighboring counties and that it serves over 120,000
homes, business, industries and institutions.
Supplying clean water from local resources and collecting
and treating wastewater in a growing number of communities is what makes this large non-profit
public authority tick.
Something that goes along with treating and delivering 60 million gallons of water a day
is a large electric bill. After all, water is heavy and moving it to homes and businesses across the
region requires working against gravity much of the time.
With a monthly consumption of electricity in the millions of kWh it is not hard to
understand that electricity is among MAWC’s greatest expenses.
Paying that monthly cost of operation is overshadowed by the reality that most public
authorities in southwestern PA face an aging population transitioning to fixed incomes, a more
transient population, and a population that has employment challenges.
All three factors make emphasizing energy efficiency and tapping into renewable energy
36
opportunities an important matter when planning for the future.
Ed Johnstonbaugh, with Penn State Extension, Westmoreland, is working to address this
challenge with the REMAP program.
Developed in 2015 and supported by the R.K. Mellon Foundation, the Renewable Energy
for Municipal Authorities Project (REMAP) focuses on developing Solar Photovoltaic electric
generation facilities for authorities like MAWC to control electrical costs of operating facilities
so that water and sewer service can remain affordable without sacrificing quality of service.
In consultation with the REMAP project, MAWC has entered into a power purchase
agreement for the development of a multi megawatt solar farm. The electricity produced will
offset purchases of electricity from the grid by directly converting sunlight to AC current.
Using an IRS approved financing model called Tax Equity Financing a developer will
build, operate and sell electricity to the MAWC’s Hunker wastewater treatment plant at a fixed
price below the current market price.
It is estimated that this financial model, requiring no financial contribution from MAWC
will save $27,000 a year in electrical expenses in the first five years.
Beginning in Year 6 under the IRS rules, MAWC will have the option of purchasing the
solar farm for the fair market value.
The developer, under the terms of tax equity financing, is permitted to claim the 30
percent tax credit available for solar photovoltaic systems and also take accelerated depreciation
on the equipment purchased for the project.
The benefit to the developer derives from these two tax savings strategies that allow for a
significant reduction the overall cost of the project.
With responsibility for an extensive treatment, distribution and growing collection
network, MAWC is an ideal candidate to contract for additional solar photovoltaic systems to
replicate the success of the Hunker wastewater treatment plant model.
Doing so reduces the operating cost immediately once the solar array goes online.
Should MAWC exercise its purchase option in year six or later, the price of kWh
produced from the system immediately drops to zero, while the long term cost of financing the
purchase would be charged at below market interest rates that municipal authorities can obtain.
The REMAP project is actively looking for other municipal authorities that would like to
consider using this approach in their municipality.
Removing the cost of developing the project from cash strapped Authorities makes these
projects, provided adequate land is available to locate the project, a financial windfall.
The benefit of offsetting electrical purchases from the grid using clean renewable solar
energy goes straight to the bottom line-the ratepayers wallet.
For more information, contact Ed Johnstonbaugh by sending email to: exj11@psu.edu.
(Reprinted from the Penn State Extension.)
NewsClips:
Poll Finds Broad Support For Clean Energy In PA
PA Voters Back Gas Drilling, Renewables
Op-Ed: The Solar Energy Window Is Still Open
April 10 DEP Meeting On Tunnel Ridge Deep Mining Permit In Washington County
37
The Department of Environmental Protection Tuesday announced it will hold an informal public
conference on the expansion of the Tunnel Ridge underground coal mine on April 10 from 1:00
to 3:00 p.m. at the Donegal Township Municipal Building Gymnasium, 34 N. Liberty Street,
West Alexander, PA 15376.
DEP will accept feedback on Tunnel Ridge, LLC’s application to revise the Tunnel Ridge
Mine permit (Permit Application No. 63091301) to change 1,206.43 acres in the existing
underground permit area and subsidence control plan area from development mining only to full
extraction longwall mining located in Donegal and West Finley Townships, Washington County.
Representatives of DEP District Mining Operations will be available to answer general
questions on the permit applications and receive both written and oral testimony regarding the
application.
Testimony will be placed into the public record for the application and considered in the
application review process.
Individuals wishing to attend who require an auxiliary aid, service or other
accommodation to participate should contact Bonnie Herbert at 724-769-1100. The AT&T Relay
Service is available by calling 1-800-654-5984 (TTD users) or 1-800-654-5988 (voice users) and
request that the call be relayed to Bonnie Herbert at the number above.
Copies of the application are on file for public review at the Washington County
Recorder of Deeds Office, 100 West Beau Street, Room 2014, Washington, PA 15301.
Questions should be directed to Lauren Fraley, DEP Southwest Regional Office,
412-442-4203 or send email to: lfraley@pa.gov.
NewsClips:
Frazier: April 10 Hearing Set For Longwall Mining In Washington County
Washington County Coal Mine Targeted For Expansion
Plant
Issue
Ousted Consol Coal President Says She Was Paid Less Than Male Executives
Congress Boosts Black Lung Treatment Funding By Millions
FirstEnergy Files Deactivation Notice For 3 Nuclear Power Plants In Ohio, Pennsylvania
FirstEnergy Solutions, a competitive generation

subsidiary of FirstEnergy Corp., Wednesday notified
PJM Interconnection (PJM), the regional transmission
38
organization, two nuclear power plants in Ohio and another in Pennsylvania owned by its
subsidiary will be deactivated during the next three years.
Plant closures are subject to review by PJM for reliability impacts, if any. In the interim,
the plants will continue normal operations, as FES seeks legislative policy solutions as an
alternative to deactivation or sale.
The plants scheduled for retirement are:
-- Beaver Valley Power Station (1,872 MW) in Shippingport, Pa., in 2021
-- Davis-Besse Nuclear Power Station (908 MW) in Oak Harbor, Ohio, in 2020
-- Perry Nuclear Power Plant (1,268 MW) in Perry, Ohio, in 2021
The total capacity of the nuclear plants to be deactivated is 4,048 megawatts (MW). In
2017, the nuclear units contributed approximately 65 percent of the electricity produced by the
FES generating fleet.
"The decision to deactivate these facilities is very difficult and in no way a reflection on
the dedicated, hard-working employees who operate the plants safely and reliably or on the local
communities and union leaders who have advocated passionately on their behalf," said Don
Moul, president of FES Generation Companies and chief nuclear officer. "Though the plants
have taken aggressive measures to cut costs, the market challenges facing these units are beyond
their control.
"We call on elected officials in Ohio and Pennsylvania to consider policy solutions that
would recognize the importance of these facilities to the employees and local economies in
which they operate, and the unique role they play in providing reliable, zero-emission electric
power for consumers in both states. We stand ready to roll-up our sleeves and work with policy
makers to find solutions that will make it feasible to continue to operate these plants in the
future."
Collectively, the plants have contributed more than $540 million in taxes throughout their
operation to support local communities. The Company continues to work toward legislative
solutions to keep these plants operating, but will also look for potential buyers as another
alternative.
About 2,300 plant employees are expected to be affected by the ultimate deactivations.
The Nuclear Regulatory Commission has been verbally notified of the deactivations, and
a required written notification will be made to the agency within 30 days.
In addition, notifications were made to the Institute of Nuclear Power Operations and
Nuclear Energy Institute, organizations that support the U.S. nuclear industry.
The two-year-plus lead time is needed to make the complex preparations for a potential
plant deactivation, including preparing a detailed decommissioning plan and working with the
NRC to amend plant licenses.
In November 2016, FES parent FirstEnergy Corp. announced that it would exit
competitive, or non-regulated, generation due to weak power prices, insufficient results from
recent capacity auctions, and weak demand forecasts.
A strategic review of FES's two remaining coal plants and one natural gas plant, totaling
5,245 MW, will continue as part of that plan.
NewsClips:
39
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House-Senate PA Nuclear Energy Caucus Chairs React To FirstEnergy Nuclear Plan
Deactivation Notices
PennLive.com: Exelon Notifies NRC It Will Close TMI In September 2019
Limerick Nuclear Power Plant Starts Refueling Outage In Montgomery County
Feature- 39 Years Ago Pennsylvanians Woke Up To The Accident At Three Mile Island-- 3:53
a.m., March 28, 1979
FirstEnergy Seeks Emergency Federal Order To Avert Shutdown Of Nuclear, Coal Power
Plants
Citing a serious threat to the stability of the electric grid, FirstEnergy Solutions Corp. Thursday
called on U.S. Energy Secretary Rick Perry to issue an emergency order directing PJM
Interconnection, the regional transmission organization, to immediately begin negotiations to
secure the long-term capacity of certain nuclear and coal-fired plants in the region and to
compensate their owners "for the full benefits they provide to energy markets and the public at
large, including fuel security and diversity."
FES filed an application for an order under Section 202c of the Federal Power Act, which
gives the Secretary of Energy extraordinary powers to confront such emergencies.
The threat, FES said, is caused by the premature retirement of plants that have many
years of useful life but cannot operate profitably under current market conditions. The retirement
of such "at-risk" plants is accelerating, the company said.
On March 28, 2018, for example, FES notified PJM and the federal Nuclear Regulatory
Commission that its two nuclear plants in Ohio and one in Pennsylvania, with combined capacity
of 4,048 megawatts, would be deactivated over the next three years.
The U.S. Department of Energy noted in a new study that vulnerability of the grid was
vividly demonstrated this past winter when a cold snap gripped the East from December 27
through January 8, causing a surge in demand for natural gas for home heating, which, along
with pipeline problems and price spikes, reduced its availability for power generation.
Had nuclear and coal-fired not outperformed during that period, PJM and the Northeast
grid would likely have faced outages and other reliability problems, the agency said.
Coal and nuclear are uniquely capable of coping with natural and man-made disruptions
to power generation fuel supply because both can store fuel onsite for more than a year, unlike
natural gas or alternative energy sources.
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Yet PJM and the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission fail to acknowledge the critical
extra value that those advantages provide to the reliability of the grid and the security of the
nation.
"PJM has demonstrated little urgency to remedy this problem any time soon – so
immediate action by the Secretary is needed to alleviate the present emergency," FES President
Donald R. Schneider said. Continued inaction could lead to "significant, negative outcomes for
the approximately 65 million people living and working within the PJM footprint," he said.
"Such quick and decisive intervention is necessary to avoid a crisis point where such
baseload generation will cease to exist in competitive markets, and to ensure that nuclear and
coal-fired generators operating within PJM are compensated fairly for their costs and the benefits
that they provide such that they can continue to operate and ensure a dependable, affordable,
safe, secure, and clean supply of electricity," Schneider concluded.
Reaction
Associated Petroleum Industries, representing the natural gas industry, issued this
statement in reaction to FirstEnergy’s announcement calling on FirstEnergy to stop misleading
the public surrounding the future of its power plants in Ohio and Pennsylvania--
"FirstEnergy needs to stop misleading the public and government officials about the
status of its power plants in Ohio and Pennsylvania," said API Market Development Group
Director Todd Snitchler. "FirstEnergy's latest attempt to spread a false narrative surrounding the
reliability of the electric grid is nothing more than a ruse that will force Main Street consumers to
pay higher prices.
"As FirstEnergy has said repeatedly, it plans to exit the merchant generation business and
retire or deactivate some of its power plants. In fact, these announced retirements are not slated
to occur for another 2-3 years. Further, its Davis-Besse nuclear plant in Ohio was just refueled.
"FirstEnergy's claim that the electric grid would be in immediate danger with these power
plant retirements is simply untrue. According to PJM, we have more than enough electricity in
the grid to handle these retirements thanks to additional natural gas plants in the region.
"For FirstEnergy to cry wolf on the issue of grid reliability is irresponsible and is the
company's latest attempt to force consumers to pay for a bailout. PJM is responsible for the
reliability of the grid and if there is an emergency, PJM already has the tools to respond."
The PJM Interconnection was quoted by the Washington Examiner as saying, “This is not
an issue of reliability. There is no immediate emergency. Diversity of the fuel supply is
important, but the PJM system has adequate power supplies and healthy reserves in operation
today, and resources are more diverse than they have ever been. Nothing we have seen to date
indicates that an emergency would result from the generator retirements."
NewsClips:
41
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House-Senate PA Nuclear Energy Caucus Chairs React To FirstEnergy Nuclear Plant
Senate, House Nuclear Energy Caucus Supports PJM Electricity Price Setting Changes
Senate, House Adopt FERC Coal/Nuclear Electric Pricing Resolutions
a.m., March 28, 1979

Senators Ryan Aument (R-Lancaster) and John Yudichak (D-Luzerne) along with
Representatives Becky Corbin (R-Chester) and Rob Matzie (D-Allegheny) issued the following
statement concerning FirstEnergy Solutions’ notification to PJM Interconnection and the federal
Nuclear Energy Regulatory Commission that it intends to deactivate two of its nuclear power
plants in Ohio in addition to the Beaver Valley Nuclear Power Station in Shippingport, Beaver
County--
“Yesterday’s announcement confirms what we have suspected for well over a year - and
have been asking the federal government to assist us in addressing - that there are very serious
and consequential underlying issues in the PJM wholesale electric markets which are being
administered by the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission.
“In addition to the announced shuttering of Three Mile Island nuclear station, the
premature closure of three more nuclear power plants now compound what will be a significant
loss of family-sustaining jobs, high capacity baseload clean energy, and the many direct and
indirect economic benefits that surround the production of electricity from nuclear power plants.
“As state lawmakers, we take seriously our obligation to set energy policies that help
promote Pennsylvania’s economy. We equally are concerned about meeting the
Commonwealth’s environmental goals. The closure of Beaver Valley Power Station will make
meeting these obligations even more difficult.
“This is precisely why the Pennsylvania General Assembly nearly unanimously adopted
Senate Resolution 227 and House Resolution 576, which supported the federal Department of
Energy’s efforts to address the continued and unabated loss of this type of electric generation.
“It is also why the Nuclear Energy Caucus highly encouraged PJM Interconnection to
take seriously the short and long-term impacts of these closures.
“In a letter dated February 9, 2018 to the PJM Board of Managers, we cautioned that:
Over the past several years, members of the Pennsylvania General Assembly have expressed
concerns about the loss of baseload generation resources in the Commonwealth.
42
“While Pennsylvania currently benefits from numerous sources of electric generation –
including coal, nuclear, natural gas, hydroelectric, and renewables – we are losing confidence in
the ability of the wholesale electric markets to ensure Pennsylvania maintains a diverse supply of
baseload generation resources that ensure stable prices for our citizens and a reliable and resilient
electrical grid.
“Pennsylvania’s baseload power plants continue to face the risk of premature retirement,
and we do not see expeditious and sufficient action being taken by PJM or the Federal Energy
Regulatory Commission to correct the market flaws at the heart of this problem – flaws that PJM
itself acknowledges.
“Yesterday’s announcement that, in addition to Three Mile Island, an additional 4,000
megawatts (MWs) of nuclear power production may be lost elevates these concerns and demands
answers from the federal government – specifically FERC – and PJM, who are ultimately liable
for the responsible management of the bulk power system.
“One of our top priorities in creating the Nuclear Energy Caucus was to focus on the
value that each energy resource offers Pennsylvania and our citizens.
“We remain committed to that goal and will continue to invite all members of the
General Assembly to participate in this important discussion so that together, we can advance
policies that promote long-term economic, environmental, and consumer benefits.
“Today, however, we are mindful of how difficult this news is for the many workers and
their families who are affected, as well as the communities in western Pennsylvania that will be
directly impacted.”
NewsClips:
Issue
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Related Stories:
Senate, House Nuclear Energy Caucus Supports PJM Electricity Price Setting Changes
Senate, House Adopt FERC Coal/Nuclear Electric Pricing Resolutions
a.m., March 28, 1979
43
Operators at Exelon Generation’s Limerick

Generating Station in Montgomery County removed
the Unit 1 nuclear reactor from service just after
midnight on Sunday to begin a planned refueling
outage.
The shutdown marks the end of a record-setting 707
consecutive days online providing carbon-free
energy since the last refueling outage in 2016.
To support the refueling and maintenance outage,
more than 1,500 highly skilled local and regional union and tradespeople will converge on
Montgomery, Chester and Berks Counties. For several weeks, they will fill nearby hotels to
capacity and bolster local businesses during a typically slower tourism period.
“As the business advocacy organization for the tri-county region, we recognize and
appreciate the significant impact that Limerick Generating Station’s annual refueling outages
have on our local economy,” said Eileen Dautrich, president of the Tri-County Area Chamber of
Commerce. “The additional revenue supports hundreds of small businesses and has a positive
ripple effect on our regional economy.”
Refueling outages allow workers to perform detailed inspections, equipment upgrades
and maintenance that cannot be completed while the reactor is online.
Workers will replace about one-third of the reactor’s fuel and will perform thousands of
inspections and maintenance activities. Limerick Unit 2 will continue to generate electricity
during the Unit 1 refueling outage.
“We are very thankful for the overwhelming community support we receive during our
annual refueling outages,” said Limerick Site Vice President Rick Libra. “The maintenance and
inspection activities underway will help make our safe facility even safer and enhance reliability
during the peak summer months ahead.”
Limerick Generating Station is located approximately 20 miles northwest of Philadelphia
and its dual reactors provide enough carbon-free power for more than two million homes and
businesses.
Almost half of Pennsylvania’s electricity comes from nuclear and more than 90 percent
of the state’s carbon-free power comes from the Commonwealth’s five operating reactors.
For more information on this facility, visit Exelon’s Limerick Generating Station
webapge. Click Here for more information on Exelon’s Sustainability efforts.
NewsClips:
44
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Related Stories:
a.m., March 28, 1979
Feature- 39 Years Ago Pennsylvanians Woke Up To The Accident At Three Mile Island--
3:53 a.m., March 28, 1979
At 3:53 a.m., March 28, 1979, the cascading failures of

valves, pumps, gauges and reactor operators combined to
produce the worst accident in the U.S. commercial nuclear
power industry.
The accident occurred at the Three Mile Island
nuclear power plant Unit 2 near Middletown, a few miles
downstream from Harrisburg. For 48 hours, the reactor
was dangerously out of control.
Anyone living in and around T.M.I. remembers
exactly where they were on March 30 when they heard Gov. Dick Thornburgh order all
preschool children and pregnant women within five miles of the plant to evacuate and later
everyone within 10 miles to close their windows and stay indoors.
Seven thousand people were evacuated and perhaps a hundred thousand more fled.
A hydrogen bubble formed in the reactor bringing it very close to exploding. Within a
few days, scientists reduced the size of the bubble. The cooling down process, however, took a
month and the radioactive plant would take years to decontaminate.
Though no lives were lost in the accident, the uncertainty and fear it caused gave people a
new sense of vulnerability. The day after the accident, 35,000 protesters in Hanover, West
Germany, chanted, "We all live in Pennsylvania."
In contrast to Unit 2, Unit 1 at Three Mile Island has operated successfully since it first
began commercial operations in 1974 producing electricity for Pennsylvania and the
Mid-Atlantic region.
As a result of the accident, emergency planning and response programs at the local, state
and federal level were dramatically improved around nuclear plants and state efforts to monitor
radiation and provide direct oversight at these facilities also underwent significant changes.
Here are remembrances from that day by two of the people who were touched in unique
ways by the accident –
-- Thomas M. Gerusky, the late Director of the Bureau of Radiation Protection at the
then-Department of Environmental Resources on March 28, 1979, and who was in charge of the
45
state’s technical response to the accident; and
-- James M. Seif, former Secretary of the Department of Environmental Protection, and in 1979
administrative assistant to Gov. Dick Thornburgh.
It’s a Biggie – Some Thoughts on the Accident at Three Mile Island

By Thomas M. Gerusky
Last week, I was interviewed by the producers of a proposed Public Television Network show
which will provide a 20-year update on the Three Mile Island accident. That accident occurred
on March 28, 1979.
To prepare for the interview, I went back to my notes and published reports of the
accident to refresh my memory. As I wandered through the documents, the memories of that
time and the aftermath of the accident came slowly into focus. The following are some of the
thoughts that returned.
It is difficult to discuss the accident and the Commonwealth’s response to it without
reviewing the attitudes of the public, the press, the nuclear industry, the regulators and the
technical world. Nuclear power was touted as the safest form of supplying energy. Nuclear
reactors were designed and operated to run without a serious accident. New nuclear power
stations were being proposed all over the country.
The staff of the Bureau of Radiation Protection and the Pennsylvania Emergency
Management Agency had prepared emergency response plans for an accident at those power
reactors situated in the state and for accidents at other facilities and on the transportation routes
for spent fuel and other sources of radioactivity. Infrequently, transportation accidents had taken
place and we had responded. In no case was there any serious release to the environment nor any
exposure of the public.
A plan had been drawn up for the Three Mile Island complex. It is interesting to note that
a public meeting on that plan was held in Middletown, just north of the reactors, only a short
time before the accident and few people showed up.
At approximately 7 a.m. on the morning of March 28, I received a call from our bureau’s
emergency officer, Bill Dornsife, a nuclear engineer who had previously worked at Three Mile
Island, who informed me that he had received a call from the island concerning an emergency
that was occurring there. He gave me some details, but the words I will always remember were
"It’s a biggie." The procedure was for me to proceed to the office while other staff members
contacted other individuals and agencies to provide them with the information.
I arrived at the office around 7:20 a.m. From that time on and continuing for the next 30
days, our office was open and staffed around the clock. Bureau and department technical and
administrative staff assisted in providing the coverage. It became a team effort and continued a
team effort through the cleanup.
Although we had established an open phone line with the reactor, the lack of early
information was a major concern. The Nuclear Regulatory Commission, the federal regulator of
the facility, had not yet arrived on site and even after they arrived, little new information was
forthcoming.
Metropolitan Edison Company, the operator of TMI, had stated through its public
relations office in Reading that the accident was under control and that no serious releases of
radioactivity had occurred. Our information from the radiation protection staff on the island
46
indicated otherwise.
As the seriousness of the accident became more apparent, more Pennsylvania officials
became involved, first Lt. Gov. William Scranton, and then Gov. Dick Thornburgh. The
administration had just been sworn into office the previous January and their responsibilities
under emergency conditions were just becoming known to them. Throughout the course of the
accident, both men exhibited professionalism and leadership. I was really impressed with the
way the governor listened to the information he was receiving, asked very pointed questions and
then made up his mind after reviewing all of the facts.
Two days later, Friday, March 30, was a day I will always remember.
We had been receiving reports from the island that controlled releases of radioactive
gases were occurring. Monitoring was being performed from a helicopter situated above the
release point and off-site.
The information concerning the levels was being relayed by phone to the NRC
emergency desk at the commission’s headquarters in Washington. There was confusion
concerning the data and Washington incorrectly thought that the levels reported at the release
point were occurring off-site. As a result, they contacted the Pennsylvania Emergency
Management Agency and recommended an evacuation. From that point on, chaos reigned until
the governor contacted the chairman of the NRC to question its recommendation.
On a subsequent telephone call from the chairman to the governor, he told the governor
that the NRC had no idea what was happening inside that reactor and, when questioned about the
need for an evacuation, he stated that if his wife and daughter were in the immediate vicinity of
TMI, he would get them out.
Gov. Thornburgh had no choice, and started a voluntary evacuation program for the most
vulnerable of the population, pregnant women and small children. The governor also requested
that senior NRC staff be sent to the island to take over the accident response. That brought
Harold Denton and many NRC staff members here. Someone said later that it was impossible to
"run" an accident response from Washington.
The ensuing days were filled with tension, the possibility of an explosion from a
hydrogen bubble growing inside the reactor, the visit of President Jimmy Carter and the governor
to the plant, the planning for a massive evacuation of the residents of the area in case things got
worse, continuing releases of inert radioactive gases from the stack, the hoard of press from all
over the world, and finally, the subsequent relaxation of the recommendation for evacuation
based upon the knowledge that there was no potential for an explosion.
For us, the NRC, the utility and the public in the vicinity of TMI, the cleanup of the
reactor over the next 10 years, the need to vent the remaining radioactive Krypton from the
building before anyone could enter, learning that the fuel had melted and the expenditure of over
a billion dollars kept the accident in our minds.
The reactor has now been mothballed with considerable radioactive material still inside.
It will stay that way until it’s sister reactor, Three Mile Island I, is shut down. They will be
decommissioned together, when the next generation also will learn what happened on March 28,
1979.
REACTOR!!??
by James M. Seif
I enjoyed Tom Gerusky’s account of the TMI incident, and would like to add three memorable
47
moments of my own.
The first occurred about 7:30 a.m. on Wednesday, March 28, 1979.
Always an early riser, I was settled into my small office in Room 225, Main Capitol, the
official address of the Governor’s Suite in Harrisburg. State Trooper Denny Denisevicz and I had
just made a "fresh pot"— his had cooked all night as he tended the antique Governor’s
Switchboard.
I was administrative assistant to Gov. Dick Thornburgh. My duties were principally as
scheduler. (The "Abominable No Man" as he put it.) But only two months had elapsed since
inauguration, and all of us were still trying to define our assignments.
My phone rings. Denny says, "a guy from Met Ed wants to reach the Governor to report
something." One thing I did know about my job was to step in front of such anonymous reports. I
say, "anonymous" because I had just moved to Harrisburg, and had no idea that GPU was a
utility and didn’t know that Three Mile Island was a power plant — let alone a nuke.
In any case, the man told me his emergency manual required a call to the governor’s
office when there’s a "reportable incident at our plant."
"Okay, what happened?"
"We lost cooling in the reactor, but it’s okay now. We’ve shut down as a precaution."
"REACTOR!!??" (I still hope I didn’t say it that way.)
"Yes, this is a nuclear power plant."
I asked several questions. Did they call local police? State Police? Emergency
management people? The nuclear regulators in Washington? Yes to all. Was anyone hurt? No.
What about damage to equipment? He didn’t know.
Given the answers to his questions and his calm tone, I concluded that the call was little
more than his following the checklist in his manual — and the "call the governor" item was on
the checklist as a matter of political caution and not necessary for any real emergency purpose.
It turns out that was, in fact, the origin of the "call the governor" item, but of course, as
the crisis developed in the next hours, I felt I had been misled. I can’t recall now if I mentioned
any of this to Gov. Thornburgh or not, but I did let him take a scheduled trip out of town that
day, and valuable hours were lost.
The second recollection is from late Saturday night, March 31, when the crisis reached its
most perilous point. Reactor temperature was rising, evacuation was accelerating and a lot of us
were getting tired and edgy. After riding around for several hours with State Police
Commissioner Dan Dunn, I was especially tense. Dan was a former FBI Special Agent, whom I
had known for years, and he was one of the drollest and most cheerful people I knew. But this
night, his jaw was clenched.
Back in the governor’s office with other staff, we checked the TV and Saturday Night
Live, hosted by the comedians Bob and Ray, came on. To our shock, it opened by announcing a
contest to pick a new capitol of Pennsylvania!!! We called the network in New York, hoping that
the script could be altered by the news of how serious we thought the problem had become. We
figured the network — and certainly the sponsors — would not want to add to any panic.
No such luck. An unresponsive switchboard operator said only that he would try to get a
message to the theater. To this day, I recall him by the name he carries in that night’s phone log:
FNU LNU – First Name Unknown, Last Name Unknown. This was FBI lingo taught to me years
before – by Dan Dunn.
Finally, there was an interesting postscript: About six weeks after the crisis had passed,
48
Another governor called. Gov. Thornburgh was on the road; and so I took the call.
This governor was also a "rookie" and was calling to glean some of the lessons of TMI.
We spoke about the organizational issues of emergency management, local-state relations,
medical perils (including panic), the political danger of Congressional Second Guessers, the
media circus and so on.
I was impressed because he was one of the few people who was interested in the policy
and managerial implications of what had happened, and the only governor that I know of who
ever called.
When we were finished, I said, "Thank you for calling, Gov. Clinton."
He said, "It’s Bill. Keep up the good work, Dick!"
NewsClips:
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Society Of Women Environmental Professionals Annual Conference May 1 In Cumberland

County
The Society of Women Environmental Professionals Capital

Chapter will hold their 2018 Annual Conference Making
Environmental Connections May 1 at the Central Penn College
Conference Center, 600 College Hill Road in Summerdale,
Cumberland County.
The Conference is open to professionals and students and
features panel discussions on speakers related to pipeline in
Pennsylvania, the DEP permitting process, remediation, invasive
species, networking opportunities and more.
The Chapter is also offering a Scholarship Poster Contest for
49
Students. Professional development credits are also available.
Click Here for all the details and to register. Conference sponsorship opportunities are
also available.
If you have any questions about Registration, Membership, Sponsorship, or or any other
questions, please send email to: swepharrisburg@gmail.com or the SWEP Chair Sara
Blascovich at: sara.blascovich@hdrinc.com.
For more information on programs, initiatives and other upcoming events, visit the
Society of Women Environmental Professionals Capital Chapter website.
The PA Chapter of the American Planning

Association is now accepting nominations for its
2018 Great Places In Pennsylvania Program.
Nominations are due April 17.
The Great Places competition has two categories:
Great Public Spaces and Great Greenways/Trails.
Great Places are unique, memorable places that work
not only for their community, but as a model others
want to emulate – places of exemplary character,
quality, planning, identity, cultural interest, and
community involvement with a sustainable vision for
tomorrow.
To get an idea of what Great Places have already won, Click Here.
Click Here for all the details and how to enter. Questions should be directed to Pam
Shellenberger, AICP, 717-771-9870 or send email to: pshellenberger@ycpc.org.
For more information on the programs, initiatives and upcoming events, visit the PA
Chapter of the American Planning Association website.
(Photo: Karl Stirner Arts Trail, Easton, Northampton County.)
NewsClips:
Related Stories:
Laurel Highlands Hiking Trail Shelters Restoration Project Honored by Western PA
2018 Philadelphia Environmental Film Festival April 6-8
Tickets are now on sale for the 2018 Philadelphia

Environmental Film Festival to be held at the Prince
Theater, 1412 Chestnut Street in Philadelphia.
50
Jurors have reviewed 250 film submissions and to create a weekend-long program that
will showcase 34 new global and regional films covering timely environmental topics.
This year the festival will also to offer an Opening Night Red Carpet gala, a juried
competition, awards, regional film block and discussions with policymakers and filmmakers.
Click Here to check out the trailer of the Film Festival.
For all the details, and to buy tickets, visit the Philadelphia Environmental Film Festival
website.
Wildlands Conservancy Highlights April Education Programs, Earth Day Activities
The Wildlands Conservancy Thursday

highlighted the education and Earth Day
programs it has scheduled for April featuring--
-- April 5: Pre-K Pathfinders: April Showers
-- April 7: Pocono Habitat Restoration
Volunteer Day
-- April 22 (Earth Day): Wild In The Parks
Park Cleanup In Allentown
-- April 28: Volunteer Water Quality Training
-- Sign Up Now For Summer Camps! (photo)
For more information on programs, initiatives and special events, visit the Wildlands
Conservancy website. Like on Facebook, Follow on Twitter and Join on Instagram. Click Here
to support the Conservancy.
Penn State Receives $2.1 Million Grant To Create Decision-Support Tools For Pollinator
Health
The Center for Pollinator Research at Penn State, in

collaboration with researchers at the University of
California, Davis; the University of Minnesota; and
Dickinson College will receive more than $2 million
from the Foundation for Food and Agricultural
Research and the United States Department of
Agriculture to translate basic research into online
decision support tools to help beekeepers and land
managers maintain and expand populations of
managed and wild bees.
"We know that pollinators are in decline due to multiple, interacting stressors," said
Christina Grozinger, distinguished professor of entomology, director of the Center for Pollinator
Research and principal investigator. "However, many of these stressors are out of the control of
individual beekeepers, growers or gardeners. Our research will help beekeepers and land
managers comprehensively assess their surrounding landscapes so they can have accurate
information when they make decisions about how best to support their honey bees or wild bee
51
populations."
Grozinger says that landscape factors — such as the diversity and abundance of
flowering plants, the presence or absence of pesticides and the microclimate — can greatly
impact the health of both wild and managed pollinators.
However, she notes that bees can forage great distances — honey bees can forage over
areas greater than 10 square miles — and therefore can be exposed to a broad range of landscape
conditions.
The team of researchers plans to develop national maps of forage quality, nesting
resource quality, pesticide use and climatic conditions.
Together with data provided by a network of cooperating beekeepers and from their own
studies, the researchers will use these landscape factors to develop models that allow them to
predict how managed and wild bees will fare in a particular location.
They will create models for urban, suburban, agricultural and natural landscapes.
"For example, we know that managing for Varroa mite — the major parasite of honey
bees — greatly improves honey bees’ survival through the winter," said Grozinger. "Our
preliminary data suggest that having a high-quality landscape can help reduce the impact of
Varroa mites. Similarly, our studies of wild bee abundance and diversity can determine which
landscape factors are the primary drivers of wild bee health, allowing land managers to focus
their limited resources on improving these parameters."
Additionally, the team from the University of California, Davis, and the University of
Minnesota will create a model to determine the most regionally appropriate, cost-effective
flowering plant species to meet different stakeholders’ needs.
For example, the model will provide information about the best mixes of plants to
support honey bees, to attract a large diversity of bees or to target key pollinators for a specific
region.
"Different stakeholders prefer different plant mixes, depending on their goals," said Neal
Williams from the University of California, Davis. "A beekeeper in Minnesota might need a
different mix of plant species in different densities than an almond grower in California."
Finally, the research team will work with Azavea, a Philadelphia-based company, to
develop online decision support tools that will allow different stakeholders to assess the quality
of their landscapes for supporting managed honey bee and wild bee populations.
These tools will be incorporated into the existing "Pollinator Mapper" platform, which
was co-developed by team member Eric Lonsdorf at the University of Minnesota's Institute on
the Environment to help growers evaluate different approaches for increasing pollination
efficiency and yield in their crops.
"These tools will allow stakeholders to easily apply what we'll learn to assess their
landscape's likelihood of supporting managed honey bee and wild bee populations under
different management regimes, and develop high-quality, cost-effective pollinator plant species
mixes to improve the bee forage quality of their landscapes," says Lonsdorf.
Ultimately, the team said, the research, decision support tools and stakeholder networks
generated by this project will dramatically improve our understanding of the interacting factors
driving losses of both managed and wild bees, and create the resources and partnerships needed
to effectively mitigate these declines in a variety of landscapes across the United States.
The team includes Christina Grozinger, Heather Hines, Margarita López-Uribe, Doug
Miller and Harland Patch from Penn State; Maggie Douglas from Dickinson College; Eric
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Lonsdorf and Dan Cariveau from the University of Minnesota; and Elina Lastro Niño, and
Kimiora Ward, from University of California, Davis.
Funding is provided by the USDA and the Foundation for Food and Agricultural
Research.
Matching funds for the FFAR project were provided by Penn State; Dickinson College;
University of California, Davis; University of Minnesota; the Almond Board of California;
Hedgerow Farms; BroodMinder; and the California Department of Pesticide Regulation; with
additional support from Pennsylvania and California beekeepers.
For more information, contact Christina Grozinger at cmgrozinger@psu.edu; Maggie
Douglas at douglasm@dickinson.edu; Eric Lonsdorf at lons0011@umn.edu; Dan Cariveau at
dcarivea@umn.edu; Neal Williams at nmwilliams@ucdavis.edu.
NewsClips:
$1M Gift From Galen & Nancy Dreibelbis To Support Pollinators’ Garden At The Arboretum At
Penn State
Penn State Extension: Management Practices For Woodland Landowners Online Course
Woodland Stewardship: Management Practices for

Landowners is a new online course available from the
Penn State Extension 24/7. Help your forest reach its full
potential.
Learn scientific but easy-to-understand
information on: Tree identification; Forest measurement;
Forest ecology and wildlife habitat management; Forested
watershed and silviculture best practices; and Legacy
planning for forested properties and land estates.
Click Here to watch a short video on the course.
For more information and to register, visit the Management Practices For Landowners
webpage.
NewsClips:
Aggressive Non-Native Japanese Barberry Shrub Damaging PA Forests
Penn State Extension Hosting Lehigh Valley Meetings On Spotted Lanternfly April 4, 18
Diseased Elms In Harrison Cut Down
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Combatting Pennsylvania’s Tick Problem
Wildlands Conservancy Protects 500 Critical Areas In Lehigh River Headwaters
The Wildlands Conservancy this month permanently

protected approximately 500 critical acres situated
near the headwaters of the Lehigh River, an area that
supports drinking water for 180,000 local residents.
The wooded property, known locally as
“Klondike,”,contains several miles of the Lehigh
River and more than 200 acres of special wetlands.
The parcel was immediately transferred to the Game
Commission to expand State Game Lands 312,
which Wildlands and partners protected in 1991.
“The Klondike property has long been the highest rated property for preservation in the
upper Lehigh River watershed. The beauty of this natural place makes a strong case for its
protection. It cradles the slim, blue ribbon that swells to become our mighty Lehigh – the same
water hundreds of thousands use for drinking, recreation, fishing and boating,” said Christopher
Kocher, president of Wildlands. “This property will provide many benefits, including clean,
abundant water, high quality natural habitat and recreational lands for generations to come.”
Enabling the protection of the Klondike and similar vast bands of water-cleaning forests
is one of the objectives of the Delaware River Watershed Initiative, an unprecedented
collaboration across four states for clean, healthy water, for the ultimate protection of the
Delaware River.
In 2014, the William Penn Foundation tapped Wildlands to spearhead the DRWI
initiative in the Upper Lehigh, where the land-trust aggregates findings from stream assessments,
water-quality monitoring and inventories of protected and developed lands to identify the most
important lands for ensuring clean water.
The Wildlands Conservancy has a target to protect an additional 5,000 acres in this
geography in the next three to six years in collaboration with its partners: Audubon
Pennsylvania, Natural Lands, North Branch Land Trust, North Pocono Care, The Nature
Conservancy-PA and Pocono Heritage Land Trust.
Wildlands acknowledges the support of its giving community, especially the Department
of Conservation and Natural Resources, Game Commission, the Palmerton Natural Resource
Trustee Council, the Open Space Institute and the William Penn Foundation, for providing
funding for the purchase of these 500 acres.
Also notable, are generous contributions from sportsmen’s groups including,
Hokendauqua Trout Unlimited, National Wild Turkey Federation (Pennsylvania, Walking
Purchase, and Jerry Zimmerman chapters), Northampton County Federation of Sportsmen and
the Lehigh Valley Chapter of the Ruffed Grouse Society, along with private donations.
For more information on programs, initiatives and special events, visit the Wildlands
Conservancy website. Like on Facebook, Follow on Twitter and Join on Instagram. Click Here
to support the Conservancy.
NewsClips:
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Arboretum At Penn State Postpones Prescribed Burn Due To Weather
Foundation For Sustainable Forests Issues 2017 Annual Report
The Foundation for Sustainable Forests issued its 2017 Annual Report highlighting the
protection of forested land and supporting rural communities through working forests.
The report reviews the Foundation’s accomplishments including protection of more than
925 acres of forest land and the success of outreach and education efforts in 2017.
It also outlines goals and activities for 2018 and beyond, including--
-- Engaging new woodland owners in forest conservation planning
-- Protecting 5,000 acres of forest as sustainable woodlands in the next 5 years
-- Promoting the May 19 Loving the Land Through Working Forests.
Click Here for a copy of the report.
For more information on programs, initiatives and upcoming events, visit the Foundation
for Sustainable Forests website. Click Here to support their efforts.
NewsClips:
Brandywine Conservancy Amphibian & Reptile Spring Awakening Program April 5,

Delaware County
The Brandywine Conservancy will hosts an

Amphibians and Reptiles Awaken Program on April 5
at the Brandywine River Museum of Art's lecture room
and an optional field walk at 1 Hoffman's Mill Road,
Chadds Ford in Delaware County from 6:30 to 8:30.
The sounds of amphibians and reptiles
awakening from their winter hibernation marks the
arrival of spring in the Brandywine Valley and
surrounding area.
This season is an ideal time to look and listen for frogs, toads and salamanders moving to
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their breeding pools to call and find mates, in addition to turtles and snakes emerging from
hibernation to bask in the sun.
Learn all about these spring Herpetofauna or “herps”—the collective term for both
reptiles and amphibians—during the next lecture in the Brandywine Conservancy’s Stewardship
Series.
Entitled “Amphibians and Reptiles Awaken,” this how-to lecture will help you identify
these creatures by sight and sound, protect and enhance their habitat, and submit observations as
a citizen scientist.
Led by Mike McGraw, MES, QAWB, the Senior Wildlife Biologist/Ecologist and PA
Branch Manager at Applied Ecological Services, the lecture will be followed by an optional field
walk along the Brandywine Conservancy marshlands to listen for the sounds of the earliest
calling frogs.
Admission is $5 for non-members and free for Brandywine Conservancy & Museum of
Art members and Conservancy easement landowners; light refreshments will be provided.
Tickets can be purchased online. Those joining the optional field walk are encouraged to
bring a flashlight and wear waterproof hiking shoes.
For more information on programs, initiatives and upcoming events, visit the Brandywine
Conservancy website. Click Here to sign up for regular updates from the Conservancy (middle
of the webpage.) Visit the Conservancy’s Blog, Like the Conservancy on Facebook and Follow
them on Instagram.
Laurel Highlands Hiking Trail Shelters Restoration Project Honored By Western PA

A unique partnership lead by the PA Parks and Forests

Foundation to restore shelters along the Laurel Highlands Hiking
Trail will receive a Western PA Environmental Award and
$5,000 from Dominion Energy and the PA Environmental
Council.
The Laurel Highlands Hiking Trail Shelters Restoration Project is
among five projects and groups chosen by independent judges,
environmental experts, and PEC staff in response to a call for
entries earlier this year.
For the 40 three-sided Adirondack shelters of the Laurel
Highlands Hiking Trail, the passage of time and harsh ridge
winters had taken their toll on the masonry and stonework of the chimneys that are the shelters’
best feature. The mortar began to crumble and the stones to shift.
The shelters are not only an important feature of the trail but they are in essence also
historic structures.
A mason with a heightened appreciation for the work had to be located. He photographed
each stone and disassembled each chimney, numbering the pieces of stone as they were removed,
then cleaned and scraped them and put them back together in order.
An initial REI grant of $3,000 to the project was matched by the Friends of Laurel Hill.
Thanks to the overwhelming support of REI, the R.K. Mellon Foundation, and individual donors
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from nine states, funding was secured to complete the project.
The winners will be honored at the Western Pennsylvania Environmental Awards Dinner
and Awards Ceremony on May 24 at the Westin Convention Center Hotel in downtown
Pittsburgh.
For more information on programs, initiatives and special events, visit the PA Parks &
Forests Foundation website. Click Here to sign up for regular updates from the Foundation,
Like them on Facebook or Follow them on Twitter. Click Here to become a member of the
Foundation.
NewsClips:
Volunteers Needed For Delaware Canal Cleanup On April 7
State Seeks Input On Improving Conditions For Biking, Walking
Negotiations To Extend Gun Club’s Eviction Date From State Park Fail
Groundbreaking For Nature Works Park In Blair County
Grazing Goats & Their Donkey Set To Return To Pittsburgh Parks
New Bike Lanes Coming To Fairmount Park, West Philly
Northampton County Minsi Lake Receives $500,000 Drilling Impact Fee Grant
Related Stories:
Brodhead Watershed Assn. Get Outdoors Poconos Gravel Family Nature Preserve Hike
April 22 In Monroe County
The Brodhead Watershed Association will host

another in its series of Get Outdoors Poconos hikes
on April 22 (Earth Day) at the Gravel Family Nature
Preserve in Monroe County from 10:00 to 11:30 a.m.
The 179-acre Gravel Family Nature Preserve is in
Barrett Township and already holds the promise of
spring for hikers.
In the shadow of Mount Wismer, hundreds of wild
blueberry bushes glow in a haze of orange-red, the
leaf buds ready to open as the days grow longer. Past
an open field, small wetlands gleam through stands of rhododendron.
Within weeks, these cold, silent places will be rife with salamanders, spring peepers,
wood frogs, toads, and all the riot of new life.
The trail leads through white pine, hemlocks and Norway spruce. Beech, birch and
shagbark hickory trees are also abundant, along with native witch hazel and the ever-present
barberry.
Past the tumbled fall of boulders at the base of Wismer and around the edge of a 50-acre
57
marsh, remains of last year’s cattails spike above this huge, wet meadow of sedges and
water-loving shrubs. The abrupt “conk-la-reeeee!” of a male red-winged blackbird rings out —
another promise of spring.
Naturalists Patti O’Keefe and Jackie Speicher will lead the 2-mile out-and-back hike to
the headwaters of the Middle Branch of Brodhead Creek in Barrett Township.
Footing is easy to moderate, with leaves and rocks underfoot and stretches of wet ground.
Walking stick recommended.
Call 570-839-1120 or 570-629-2727; email to: info@brodheadwatershed.org for more
information on this hike.
For information about this and other hikes in this series, visit the Get Outdoors Poconos
webpage. The hike series is administered by Brodhead Watershed Association and supported by
a grant from the William Penn Foundation.
For more information on programs, initiatives and other upcoming events, visit the
Brodhead Watershed Association website. Click Here to sign up for regular updates from the
Association. Click Here to become a member.
NewsClips:
DEP Opportunity To Bid On Orphan Gas Well Plugging Clinton County
The Department of Environmental Protection published notice in the March 31 PA Bulletin of an

opportunity to bid on an orphan gas well plugging project in Clinton County.
The Department of Environmental Protection has available a current list of
Abandoned Mine Reclamation, Acid Mine Drainage, Surface Mine Reclamation, Cleaning Out
and Plugging Oil and Gas Wells, Waterways Engineering (Concrete Dams/Concrete Lined
Channels, Walls and Box Culverts, etc.), Hazardous Site Remediation, Removal and Disposal of
Underground Storage Tanks, and Wetland Restoration projects available for bidding. Click Here
for the list.
The Department of Conservation and Natural Resources has a current list of bid
proposals for construction projects in State Parks and State Forests available online. Click Here
for the list.
DCNR Seeks To Retain Land Surveying Firms
58
The Department of Conservation and Natural Resources published notice in the March 31 PA
Bulletin seeking to retain land surveying firms for services on projects in state parks and state
forest land.
The Department of Conservation and Natural Resources has a current list of bid
proposals for construction projects in State Parks and State Forests available online. Click Here
for the list.
The Department of Environmental Protection has available a current list of
Abandoned Mine Reclamation, Acid Mine Drainage, Surface Mine Reclamation, Cleaning Out
and Plugging Oil and Gas Wells, Waterways Engineering (Concrete Dams/Concrete Lined
Channels, Walls and Box Culverts, etc.), Hazardous Site Remediation, Removal and Disposal of
Underground Storage Tanks, and Wetland Restoration projects available for bidding. Click Here
for the list.
George Ellis Retires From ARIPPA, Jaret Gibbons Named New Executive Director
George Ellis will retire as the Executive Director of the Appalachian Region
Independent Power Producers Association at the end of March after serving
in this role since 2015.
The organization has accomplished much during that time and a lot of credit
goes to Ellis for his dedicated efforts and service.
ARIPPA President Gary Anderson commented, “On behalf of myself and
the entire ARIPPA organization, I want to thank George for his leadership
during his two and a half years as our Executive Director. We will all miss
George, but are happy for him and his wife Lora as they move forward on
their next journey.”
Prior to ARIPPA, Ellis served as president of the PA Coal Association starting in 1996.
Ellis joined the former Keystone Bituminous Coal Association in 1982 as executive vice
president for government affairs and continued in that capacity following KBCA’s merger with
the Pennsylvania Coal Mining Association to form PCA in 1988.
Prior to joining the association, Ellis served as Executive Director of the Pennsylvania
House of Representatives’ Mines & Energy Management Committee. Ellis graduated from
King’s College in Wilkes-Barre with a Bachelor of Arts degree in Political Science.
Jaret Gibbons
The Board of Directors has hired Jaret Gibbons to serve as the next Executive Director of
ARIPPA effective April 1.
Gibbons is an attorney who brings a decade of experience as a member of the
Pennsylvania House of Representatives. He served in the House Coal Caucus and on the
Environmental Resources and Energy Committee.
Jaret was the House prime sponsor and instrumental in the passage of the Pennsylvania
Coal Refuse Energy and Reclamation Tax Credit, which ARIPPA successfully advocated to
include in the 2016 state budget.
Anderson said, “We are all excited to have Jaret as our new Executive Director to lead
the organization forward in meeting our industry challenges. We look forward to working with
Jaret as we build upon these past successes at ARIPPA to sustain and grow our industry’s coal
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refuse remediation and energy production efforts that benefit Pennsylvania and the surrounding
areas.”
Organized in 1989, ARIPPA is a nonprofit trade association comprised of independent
electric power producers, environmental remediators, and service providers located in
Pennsylvania and West Virginia that use coal refuse as a primary fuel to generate electricity.
For more information, visit the Appalachian Region Independent Power Producers
Association website.
Help Wanted: PennFuture Western PA Outreach Coordinator
PennFuture is seeking qualified candidates to fill the position of Western PA Outreach

Coordinator based in Pittsburgh.
The Outreach Coordinator educates PennFuture members, the environmental advocacy
community, and decision makers about environmental issues with an emphasis on clean air,
sustainability, and energy-related policies.
The deadline for applications is April 19. Click Here for all the details.
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 the 2018 meeting schedules for its advisory committees and boards.
April 3-- Agenda Posted. DEP Environmental Justice Advisory Board conference call. 2:00.
DEP Contact: John Brakeall, 717-783-9731 or send email to: jbrakeall@pa.gov. (formal notice)
April 3-- DEP Hearing On Proposed Shell Ethane Pipeline. Central Valley High School
Auditorium 160 Baker Road Extension, Monaca, Beaver County. 6:30 to 8:30.
April 3-- Dept. of Labor & Industry Uniform Construction Code Review and Advisory Council
meeting. Room E-100, First Floor, Department of Labor of Industry Building, 651 Boas Street
in Harrisburg. 10:00. Contact: Cindy Holtry, Department of Labor and Industry, 717-783-4560.
(formal notice)
April 3-- NEW. Penn State Water Insights Seminar. Price-Based Policies For Managing
Development, Impacts On Water Quality. Room 102 Forest Resources Building at Penn State,
State College. Noon to 1:00. Click Here to attend the Seminar by webinar (sign in with your
name and email).
April 3-- Northeast Recycling Council. Spring Workshop Markets Or Bust. Sheraton Baltimore
60
Washington Airport Hotel in Maryland.
April 3-6-- Carnegie Mellon University Wilton E. Scott Institute for Energy Innovation. 2018
Energy Week Program. Carnegie Mellon University.
April 4-- Agenda Posted DEP Cleanup Standards Scientific Advisory Board meeting. Room 105
Rachel Carson Building. 9:00. DEP Contact: Mike Maddigan, 717-772-3609,
mmaddigan@pa.gov.
April 4-- DEP Hearing On Proposed Shell Ethane Pipeline. Burgettstown Area School District
Campus, LGI Room, 104 Bavington Road, Burgettstown, Washington County. 6:30 to 8:30.
April 5-- CANCELED. DEP Air Quality Technical Advisory Committee meeting. The next
scheduled meeting is June 14. DEP Contact: Kirit Dalal, 717-772-3436, kdalal@pa.gov.
(formal notice)
April 5-- DEP Hearing On Proposed Shell Ethane Pipeline. Quaker Valley Middle School
Auditorium, 618 Harbaugh Street Sewickley, Allegheny County. 6:30 to 8:30.
April 5-- PA Camber of Business & Industry Environmental Conference & Trade Show. Eden
Resort Inn & Suites, Lancaster. 8:00 a.m. to 3:15.
April 5-- NEW. Brandywine Conservancy. Amphibian and Reptile Spring Awakening Program.
Brandywine River Museum of Art's,1 Hoffman's Mill Road, Chadds Ford, Delaware County.
6:30 to 8:30.
April 6-- Wildlife For Everyone Foundation. Pennsylvania Wildlife Gala. Nittany Lion Inn in
State College, Centre County. 5:30.
April 6-8-- NEW. Philadelphia Environmental Film Festival. Prince Theater, 1412 Chestnut
Street, Philadelphia.
April 7-- NEW. Game Commission Public Meeting On Chronic Wasting Disease. Middle Creek
Wildlife Management Area, 100 Museum Road, Stevens, Lebanon County. 10:00 to 3:00, 6:00
to 8:00.
April 7-- Penn State Extension, DCNR Woods In Your Backyard Workshop For Small
Woodland Owners. Union County Government Center, 155 N. 15th Street, Lewisburg. 9:00 to
4:15.
April 7-- Wildlife For Everyone Foundation. Internationally Acclaimed Birder, Photographer
Richard Crossley Visits State College. Nittany Lion Inn’s Fireside Lounge, State College, Centre
County. 11:00 to 1:00.
April 9-- DEP Hearing Amending PA’s Air Quality Plan To Repeal Low-RVP Gasoline
61
Requirement In Pittsburgh Region. DEP’s Southwest Regional Office, 400 Waterfront Drive,
Pittsburgh. 1:00.
April 10-- Agenda Posted. DEP Mine Families First Response & Communications Advisory
Council meeting. DEP New Stanton Office, 131 Broadview Road, New Stanton. 10:00. DEP
Contact: Peggy Scheloske, 724-404-3143, mscheloske@pa.gov.
April 10-- CANCELED. DEP Environmental Justice Advisory Board conference call
rescheduled for April 3. DEP Contact: John Brakeall, 717-783-9731 or send email to:
jbrakeall@pa.gov. (formal notice)
April 10-- NEW. DEP Informal Public Conference On Tunnel Ridge Deep Mining Permit In
Washington County. Donegal Township Municipal Building Gymnasium, 34 N. Liberty Street,
West Alexander. 1:00 to 3:00.
April 10-- Center for Watershed Protection. 2018 National Watershed & Stormwater
Conference. Maryland and Virginia In-person and online.
April 11-- Agenda Posted. DEP Technical Advisory Committee On Diesel Powered (Mining)
Equipment. DEP New Stanton Office, 131 Broadview Road, New Stanton. 10:00. DEP Contact:
Peggy Scheloski, 724-404-3143 or mscheloske@pa.gov.
April 11-- Agenda Posted. DEP State Board For Certification of Water and Wastewater Systems
Operators. 10th Floor Conference Room, Rachel Carson Building. 10:00. DEP Contact: Edgar
Chescattie, 717-772-2814 or eschescattie@pa.gov.
April 11-- Penn State Extension Private Water Well Owners Drinking Water Clinics. Neshaminy
Manor Center, 1282 Almshouse Road, Doylestown, Bucks County. The same Clinic will be
presented at 1:00 and 6:00.
April 12-- Agenda Posted. DEP Laboratory Accreditation Advisory Committee meeting. DEP
Bureau of Laboratories building, 2575 Interstate Drive, Harrisburg. 9:00. DEP Contact: Aaren
Alger, 717-346-7200, aaalger@pa.gov.
April 12-- NRCS-PA Women In Agriculture: Nurturing Your Land & Sustaining Your Farming
Business Program. Union County Government Center, 155 N. 15th Street, Lewisburg. 8:30 to
3:30.
April 14-- PA Land Trust Association. 2018 Environmental Advisory Council Network
Conference. In Conjunction with the PA Land Conservation Conference, Malvern, Chester
County.
April 14-- NEW. Mehoopany Creek Watershed Association Annual Trout Day Fundraiser.
PA-87 at Forkston’s Four Corners, Wyoming County. 8:00 to 1:00.
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April 14-- Master Gardeners Of Lancaster County. 26th Annual Shirley R. Wagner Garden
Symposium. Lancaster Farm and Home Center, 1383 Arcadia Road, Lancaster. 7:30 - 2:45.
April 14-- Westmoreland Cleanways & Recycling. Westmoreland County Conservation District.
Tire Recycling Event. Westmoreland Cleanways Recycling Center, (Building F), 113 Innovative
Lane, Latrobe. 8:30 to Noon.
April 17-- Environmental Quality Board meeting. Room 105 Rachel Carson Building. 9:00.
DEP Contact: Laura Edinger, Environmental Quality Board, 400 Market Street, Harrisburg, PA
17101, 717-772-3277, ledinger@pa.gov.
April 17-- DEP Citizens Advisory Council meeting. Room 105 Rachel Carson Building. 10:00.
Contact: Executive Director Lee Ann Murray, 717-787-8171, leemurray@pa.gov.
April 17-- Dept. of Labor & Industry Uniform Construction Code Review and Advisory Council
meeting. Room E-100, First Floor, Department of Labor of Industry Building, 651 Boas Street
in Harrisburg. 10:00. Contact: Cindy Holtry, Department of Labor and Industry, 717-783-4560.
(formal notice)
April 17-19-- National Forum On Low-Zero Energy Buildings. Wyndam Grand Hotel,
Pittsburgh.
April 18-- House Commerce Committee holds a hearing on Senate Bill 234 (Blake-D-
Lackawanna) Property Assessed Clean Energy Program local energy efficiency funding (Senate
Fiscal Note and summary). Harrisburg University, 326 Market Street. 9:00.
April 19-- DEP Mining and Reclamation Advisory Board Legislative and Technical Committee
meeting. Room 105 Rachel Carson Building. 8:30. DEP Contact: DAniel Snowden,
717-783-8846 or send email to: dsnowden@pa.gov. (formal notice)
April 19-- NEW. Agenda Posted. DEP Radiation Protection Advisory Committee meeting. 10th
Floor Conference Room, Rachel Carson Building. 9:00. DEP Contact: Joseph Melnic,
717-783-9730 or send email to: jmelnic@pa.gov.
April 19-- DEP Hearing On Proposed Changes To Regional Haze Air Pollution Plan. DEP
Southwest Regional Office, 400 Waterfront Drive, Pittsburgh. 10:00.
Southeast Regional Office, 2 East Main Street, Norristown. 10:00.
Southcentral Regional Office, 909 Elmerton Avenue, Harrisburg. 10:00.
April 20-- Berks County Conservation District. Tree Seedling Sale & Education Programs
Event. Berks County Agricultural Center, 1238 County Welfare Road, Leesport. 11:00 to 7:00.
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April 20-- Stroud Water Research Center. Exelon Corporation. Tree Planting Coatesville,
Chester County. 1:00 to 4:00.
April 20-22-- PA Council Of Trout Unlimited. Women’s Initiative Leadership Retreat.
GodSpeed Hostel, 7897 South Eagle Valley Road, Port Matilda, Centre County.
April 21-- PA Resources Council. 2018 Reuse Fest. Children’s Hospital Employee Parking Lot,
55th & Harrison Streets, Lawrenceville, Allegheny County. 10:00 to 2:00.
April 22-- Earth Day. What Are You Doing?
April 22-- NEW. Brodhead Watershed Association. Get Outdoors Poconos. Gravel Family
Nature Preserve Hike, Monroe County.
April 22-- Butler County Household Hazardous Waste & Electronics Waste Collection Event.
129 Ash Stop Road, Evans City, Butler County.
April 24-- DEP Climate Change Advisory Committee meeting. Room 105 Rachel Carson
Building. 10:00. DEP Contact: John Krueger, 717-783-9264 or jkrueger@pa.gov.
April 24-- DEP Sewage Advisory Committee meeting. DEP Southcentral Regional Office, 909
Elmerton Ave., Harrisburg. 10:30. DEP Contact: Janice Vollero, 717-772-5157,
jvollero@pa.gov.
April 24-- Susquehanna River Basin Commission. Public Water Supply Assistance Program.
Technical and Regulatory Considerations For Public Water Supply Managers and Consultants
Workshop. SRBC Offices, 4423 North Front Street, Harrisburg. 8:00 to 3:00.
April 25-- DEP Small Business Compliance Advisory Committee meeting. 12th Floor
Conference Room, Rachel Carson Building. 10:00. DEP Contact: Nancy Herb, 717-783-9269 or
nherb@pa.gov.
April 25-- DEP Hearing On Proposed NPDES Water Quality Permit For NRG Cheswick
Generating Station In Allegheny County. Springdale Jr./Sr. High School Marshall Auditorium,
501 Butler Road, Springdale. 6:00 p.m.
April 25-- DEP Hearing On Proposed NPDES Water Quality Permit For Brunner Island Power
Plant In York County. Union Fire Company, 201 York Street, Manchester. 6:30 to 8:30.
April 25-- NEW. POWR, PEC Regional Watershed Group Workshop. Montour Preserve
Visitors Center, 700 Preserve Road in Danville, Montour County. 10:00 to 2:00.
April 26-- DEP Agricultural Advisory Board meeting. DEP Southcentral Regional Office, 909
Elmerton Ave., Harrisburg. 9:00. DEP Contact: Jay Braund, 717-772-5636, jbraund@pa.gov.
64
(formal notice)
April 26-- NEW. Pike/Wayne County Envirothon. Wallenpaupack Environmental Learning

Center, Hawley, Wayne County.
April 26-27-- PA Wilds Center Awards Dinner and Entrepreneur’s Conference. Pajama Factory,
Williamsport, Lycoming County.
April 27-30-- 2018 City Nature Challenge In Pittsburgh Region.
April 28-- Stroud Water Research Center. Wildlands Conservancy. Citizen Science Volunteer
Training. Emmaus, Lehigh County. 9:00 to 3:00.
April 28-- Manada Conservancy Native Plant Sale. Hummelstown Borough Park, Dauphin
County. 10:00 to 3:00
April 28-- Delaware Highlands Conservancy. Foods Of The Delaware. Silver Birches
Waterfront, 205 PA 507, Hawley, Wayne County.
April 28-- Audubon Society of Western PA. Backyard Habitat Biodiversity Workshop.
Beechwood Farms Nature Reserve, 614 Dorseyville Road, Pittsburgh. 10:00.
May 1-- NEW. DEP Hearing On Letterkenny Army Depot Air Quality Permit, Franklin County.
DEP’s Southcentral Regional Office, 909 Elmerton Avenue, Harrisburg. (no time given -
probably 10:00)
May 1-- NEW. Capital Chapter Society Of Women Environmental Professionals 2018 Annual
Conference. Central Penn College Conference Center, 600 College Hill Road in Summerdale,
Cumberland County.
May 2-- NEW. DEP Hearing (If Requested) On Jeld-Wen, Inc. RACT II Air Quality Plan,
Bradford County. DEP Northcentral Regional Office, 208 West Third Street, Williamsport.
10:00.
May 2-4-- PA Association Of Environmental Professional. Annual Conference. State College.
May 7-- NEW. Public Utility Commission Workgroup On Universal Service & Energy
Conservation Programs. Keystone Building, Executive Chambers, Harrisburg. 1:00 to 3:00.
May 8-- Registration Open. 2018 PA Groundwater Symposium. Ramada Inn in State College,
Centre County.
May 8-- DEP Keystone Energy Education Workshop For Teachers. DEP Northwest Regional
Office, Meadville, Crawford County. 8:30 to 3:00. Click To Register.
65
May 8-10-- PA Section American Water Works Association. 70th Annual Conference. Kalahari
Resort and Convention Center at Pocono Manor, Monroe County.
May 9-- NEW. DEP Water Resources Advisory Committee meeting. Room 105 Rachel Carson
Building. 9:30. DEP Contact: Diane Wilson 717-787-3730 or send email to: diawilson@pa.gov.
May 9-- DEP Keystone Energy Education Workshop For Teachers. Westmoreland County
Conservation District Office, Greensburg, Westmoreland County. 8:30 to 3:00. Click To
Register.
May 9-- NEW. PUC Hearing On Transource Power Line Project. Airville Volunteer Fire
Department, 3576 Delta Road, Airville, York County. Hearings at 1:00 and 6:00.
May 10-- NEW. DEP Oil and Gas Technical Advisory Board meeting. Room 105 Rachel
Carson Building. 10:00. DEP Contact: Todd Wallace 717-783-9438 or send email to:
twallace@pa.gov.
May 15-- NEW. PUC Hearing On Transource Power Line Project. Airville Volunteer Fire
Department, 3576 Delta Road, Airville, York County. Hearings at 1:00 and 6:00.
May 16-- NEW. Environmental Quality Board meeting. Room 105 Rachel Carson Building.
9:00. DEP Contact: Laura Edinger, 717-772-3277, ledinger@pa.gov.
May 16-- NEW. DEP Citizens Advisory Council meeting. Room 105 Rachel Carson Building.
10:00. Contact: Executive Director Lee Ann Murray, 717-787-8171, leemurray@pa.gov.
May 17-- DEP Keystone Energy Education Workshop For Teachers. King’s Gap Environmental
Center, Carlisle, Cumberland County. 8:30 to 3:00. Click To Register.
May 22-- NEW. PUC Hearing On Transource Power Line Project. New Franklin Fire
Department Social Hall, 3444 Wayne Road, Chambersburg. Franklin County. Hearings at 1:00
and 6:00.
May 22-- NEW. DEP Environmental Justice Advisory Board meeting. Room 105 Rachel
Carson Building. 8:30. DEP Contact: John Brakeall, 717-783-9731 or send email to:
jbrakeall@pa.gov.
May 22-23-- Choose Clean Water Coalition. 9th Annual Clean Water Conference. Lancaster
Marriott.
May 23-- NEW. PUC Hearing On Transource Power Line Project. New Franklin Fire
Department Social Hall, 3444 Wayne Road, Chambersburg. Franklin County. Hearings at 1:00
and 6:00.
May 23-24-- Penn State Extension Healthy Trees, Healthy People Program. Frick Environmental
66
Center, 2005 Beechwood Boulevard, Pittsburgh.
May 24-- NEW. DEP Small Water Systems Technical Assistance Center Board meeting. Room
105 Rachel Carson Building. 9:00. DEP Contact: Dawn Hissner 717-772-2189 or send email to:
dhissner@pa.gov.
May 26-- Audubon Society of Western PA. Backyard Habitat Organic Garden Solution
Workshop. Beechwood Farms Nature Reserve, 614 Dorseyville Road, Pittsburgh. 10:00.
May 30-- NEW. DEP State Board for Certification of Sewage Enforcement Officers meeting.
Room 105 Rachel Carson Building. 10:00. DEP Contact: Kristen Szwajkowski 717-772-2186 or
send email to: kszwajkows@pa.gov.
June 5-- NEW. DEP Board Of Coal Mine Safety meeting. DEP Cambria Office, 286 Industrial
Park Road, Ebensburg. 10:00. DEP Contact: Peggy Scheloske 724-404-3143 or send email to:
mscheloske@pa.gov.
June 5-- DEP Storage Tank Advisory Committee meeting. Room 105 Rachel Carson Building.
10:00. DEP Contact: Dawn Heimbach, 717-772-5556, daheimbach@pa.gov. (formal notice)
June 6-- NEW. 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-- NEW. DEP Solid Waste Advisory Committee meeting. Room 105 Rachel Carson
Building. 10:00. DEP Contact: Laura Henry 717-772-5713 or send email to: lahenry@pa.gov.
June 10-14-- Rails-To-Trails Conservancy. Delaware & Lehigh Trail Sojourn. Eastern
Pennsylvania.
June 12-- DEP Weathering The Storm Stormwater Education Workshop. Alumni Room of the
Waldron Campus Center, Gannon University, 109 University Square, Erie. 8:30 to 3:30.
June 13-- NEW. DEP State Board For Certification of Water and Wastewater Systems
Operators. 10th Floor Conference Room, Rachel Carson Building. 10:00. DEP Contact: Edgar
Chescattie, 717-772-2814 or eschescattie@pa.gov.
June 13-- DEP Weathering The Storm Stormwater Education Workshop. Winnie Palmer Nature
Reserve, Saint Vincent College, 744 Walzer Way, Latrobe, Westmoreland County. 8:30 to 3:30.
June 14-- DEP Air Quality Technical Advisory Committee meeting. Room 105 Rachel Carson
Building. 9:15. DEP Contact: Kirit Dalal, 717-772-3436, kdalal@pa.gov. (formal notice)
June 20-21-- 20th Anniversary PA Abandoned Mine Reclamation Conference. Ramada

Conference Center, State College.
67
June 23-- Audubon Society of Western PA. Backyard Habitat Flowers And Feathers, The
Connection Between Plants and Birds Workshop. Beechwood Farms Nature Reserve, 614
Dorseyville Road, Pittsburgh. 10:00.
July 11-- NEW. DEP Technical Advisory Committee On Diesel Powered (Mining) Equipment.
DEP New Stanton Office, 131 Broadview Road, New Stanton. 10:00. DEP Contact: Peggy
Scheloski, 724-404-3143 or mscheloske@pa.gov.
July 25-27-- Registration Open. Professional Recyclers of PA. 28th Annual Recycling &
Organics Conference. Best Western Premier Hotel, Harrisburg.
July 28-- Audubon Society of Western PA. Backyard Habitat Gardening for Pollinators and
Butterflies Workshop. Beechwood Farms Nature Reserve, 614 Dorseyville Road, Pittsburgh.
10:00.
August 20-23-- U.S. Biochar Initiatives Conference. Chase Center on the Riverfront,
Wilmington, Delaware.
September 6-9-- Delaware Highlands Conservancy. Educational Retreat For Women Forest
Landowners. Highlights Workshop Facility in Boyd’s Mill, Milanville, Wayne County.
September 20-- NEW. DEP Solid Waste Advisory Committee & Recycling Funding Advisory
Committee meeting. Room 105 Rachel Carson Building. 10:00. DEP Contact: Laura Henry
717-772-5713 or send email to: lahenry@pa.gov.
September 22-- Joint meeting of DEP Recycling Fund Advisory Committee and Solid Waste
Advisory Committee. Room 105 Rachel Carson Building. 10:00. DEP Contact: Laura Henry,
717-772-5713, lahenry@pa.gov.
September 23-- Audubon Society of Western PA. Backyard Habitat Trees and Shrubs,
Supporting Wildlife In Winter Workshop. Beechwood Farms Nature Reserve, 614 Dorseyville
Road, Pittsburgh. 10:00.
September 28-- DEP Low-Level Waste Advisory Committee meeting Room 105 Rachel Carson
Building. 10:00. DEP Contact: Rich Janati, 717-787-2147, rjanati@pa.gov.
October 1-3-- Engineers’ Society of Western PA. PA Brownfield Conference. Sands Bethlehem
Casino, Bethlehem.
October 17-21-- Passive House Western PA. North American Passive House Network 2018
Conference. David L. Lawrence Convention Center, Pittsburgh.
October 18-- NEW. DEP Radiation Protection Advisory Committee meeting. Room 105 Rachel
Carson. 9:00. DEP Contact: Joseph Melnic 717-783-9730 or send email to: jmelnic@pa.gov.
68
November 1-2-- PA Water And Wastewater Technology Summit. Penn Stater Conference
Center Hotel, State College.
Visit DEP’s Public Participation Center for public participation opportunities. Click Here to sign
up for DEP News a biweekly newsletter from the Department.
Sign Up For DEP’s 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 DEP’s eComment System
Proposed Regulations With Closed Comment Periods - DEP webpage
Recently Finalized Regulations - DEP webpage
DEP Regulatory Update - DEP webpage
March 3, 2018 DEP Regulatory Agenda - PA Bulletin, Page 1374
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 (February 2018) - 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
Click Here for links to DEP’s Advisory Committee webpages.
DEP Calendar of Events DCNR Calendar of Events
Senate Committee Schedule House Committee Schedule
69
You can watch the Senate Floor Session and House Floor Session live online.
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 5-- Schuylkill Action Network Protect Our Water School Awards
April 6-- Low-Income Home Energy Assistance Program
April 6-- Chesapeake Bay Foundation Save The Bay Photo Contest
April 7-- DEP Local Recycling Implementation Grants
April 11-- DCNR Community Conservation Partnership Grants
April 12-- NFWF Delaware River Restoration Fund Grants
April 13-- NRCS-PA Farm Conservation Stewardship Contract Renewals
April 13-- PA American Water Protect Our Watersheds Student Art Contest
April 15-- DCNR Environmental Careers Camp
April 17-- NEW. PA Chapter American Planning Assn Great Places In PA Contest
April 19-- DCNR Volunteer Fire Company Wildfire Grants
April 27-- NRCS-PA Conservation Innovation Grants
April 30-- Northeast PA Audubon Society College Scholarship
May 1-- Delaware River Basin Commission Spring Photo Contest
May 15-- Manada Conservancy Short Story Writing Contest
May 18-- CFA Alternative & Clean Energy Funding
May 18-- CFA Renewable Energy-Geothermal & Wind Funding
May 18-- CFA Solar Energy Funding
May 18-- CFA High Performance Building Funding
May 23-- SBA Flood Assistance Clearfield, Washington, 8 Other Counties
May 31-- CFA Act 13 Watershed Restoration Grants
May 31-- CFA Act 13 Abandoned Mine Drainage Abatement, Treatment Grants
May 31-- CFA Act 13 Orphaned Or Abandoned Well Plugging Grants
May 31-- CFA Act 13 Baseline Water Quality Data Grants
May 31-- CFA Act 13 Sewage Facilities Program Grants
May 31-- CFA Act 13 Flood Mitigation Grants
May 31-- CFA Act 13 Greenways, Trails & Recreation Grants
June 30-- DEP Alternative Fuel Vehicle Rebates (first come, first serve)
July 20-- CFA Alternative & Clean Energy Funding
July 20-- CFA Renewable Energy-Geothermal & Wind Funding
July 20-- CFA Solar Energy Funding
July 20-- CFA High Performance Building Funding
September 5-- PA Parks & Forests Foundation Photo Contest
September 15-- CFA Alternative & Clean Energy Funding
September 15-- CFA Renewable Energy-Geothermal & Wind Funding
September 15-- CFA Solar Energy Funding
70
September 15-- CFA High Performance Building Funding
October 31-- PA Resources Council Gene Capaldi Lens On Litter Photo Contest
December 31-- DEP County Act 101 Waste Planning, HHW, Education Grants
-- 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 PaEnviroDigest Google+ to your Circle.
Politics
New F&M Poll On Wolf, Casey, Trump, Issues
Wolf Calls For Independent Commission To Draw PA Electoral Maps
Phillips: Lobbyists, Lawmakers Entwined In Complex Relationship: Influence Or Essential?
Air
Alternative Fuels
Awards & Recognition
Beautification
Washington Business District To Partner With Arc On Beautification
Biodiversity/Invasive Species
No Palms On Palm Sunday, Philly Church Using Local Graces For Lighter Footprint
Budget
Murphy: Fishing License Fee Proposal Makes Waves With Lawmakers
Hayes: House Committee Thwarts Senate Bill To Hike Fishing License Fees
71
Chesapeake Bay
Click Here to subscribe to the free Chesapeake Bay Journal
Click Here to support the Chesapeake Bay Journal
Citizen Action
Climate
Some Pittsburgh Congregations Are Preaching About Climate Change
Engineers Compete To Detect Methane Leaks In EDF Tech Contest
Op-Ed: Why The Solution To Climate Change Is Right Under Our Forks
Earth Hour 2018: Lights Go Dark To Highlight Climate Change
Coal Mining
Plant
Frazier: April 10 Hearing Set For Longwall Mining In Washington County
Washington County Coal Mine Targeted For Expansion
Issue
Ousted Consol Coal President Says She Was Paid Less Than Male Executives
72
Compliance Action
AP: Court Fines State Prison System Over Fly Ash Dump Information Handling
Alarm
DEP Cites Pittsburgh Water Authority For Failing To Protect Water Source, Not Having Permit
DEP: Synagro Broke Law By Spreading Sludge On Frozen Lower Mt. Bethel Field
Conservation District
Delaware River
Drinking Water
DEP Cites Pittsburgh Water Authority For Failing To Protect Water Source, Not Having Permit
Pittsburgh Water Authority Offering Lead Water Line Replacements At No Charge
Pittsburgh Water Authority Urges Property Owners To Respond To Free Waterline Replacement
Offer
Editorial: Accept Pittsburgh Water Authority’s Offer Of Lead Line Replacement
Economic Development
Education
Energy
Plant
Issue
73
Environmental Heritage
Farming
Flooding
Luzerne Flood Authority Plan Would Close Openings In Levee System
Luzerne Flood Plan Could Eliminate Need For Sandbags
West Pittston To Discuss Inflatable Dam For Flood Protection
AP: Johnstown Flood: McCullough’s Lucky Break Launched A Career
Homeowners Urged To Consider Flood Insurance Even If Not Required
Forests
Grants/Funding
Carbon County Community Foundation Offers Funding Opportunities
Green Infrastructure
Hazardous Sites
Kummer: EPA Settlement On Superfund Site In Montco Could Make Way For New Apartments
Lake Erie
Land Conservation
74
Lehigh River
Littering/Illegal Dumping
Keep Philadelphia Beautiful 2017 Annual Report
Mine Reclamation
DEP Inks Emergency Contract For River Drive Repair In Cambria
Oil & Gas
Alarm
Plant
Allegheny Front: The Health Risks Of Fracking From A To Z
Op-Ed: Study Linking Fracking To Low Birth Weights Must Be Wake-Up Call For Regulators
Sisk: Drilling Wastewater Well Opposed By Some In Clearfield County Secures DEP Permit
Hopey: Firm Threatens Legal Action Against Opponents Of Proposed Drilling Water Treatment
Plant
Phillips: Lobbyists, Lawmakers Entwined In Complex Relationship: Influence Or Essential?
UGI Seeks To Consolidate Its Gas Divisions
Emergency Crews Stop 18,000 Gallon Propane Tank Leak In Lancaster
Frazier: In PA, Unions Throw Political Weight Behind Natural Gas
Hurdle: Philadelphia Refinery Bankruptcy Plan Approved By Court
Maykuth: Court Approves Philadelphia Refinery Bankruptcy Plan
Issue
Pipelines
Administrative Judge Urges PUC To Reject Laurel Pipeline Flow Reversal Plan
75
PA Regulator Recommend Against Reversing Laurel Pipeline
State Judge Recommends Against Reversing Laurel Pipeline Flow In PA
Cusick: Nuns Raise Large Cross Next To Atlantic Sunrise Pipeline In Lancaster
Commonwealth Court: Sunoco Mariner East 2 Pipeline Not Under Local Zoning
Maykuth: Court Again Upholds Mariner East 2 Pipeline Immunity From Local Ordinances
State Appeals Court Rejects Bid For Local Pipeline Restrictions
NJ Files In Federal Court To Stop PennEast From Condemning Protected Land
Hurdle: FERC’s Critics, 2 Commissioners Say New Comment Policy Will Hurt Landowners
Radiation Protection
Crable: Today Marks 39th Anniversary Of Three Mile Island Nuclear Accident
TMI Unit 2 Decommission Cost $1.26B, But Process Hasn’t Officially Started
Exelon Lobbyist Bragged About Profitability Of Cuomo's Nuclear Bailout
Op-Ed: Dangerous Nuclear Waste In PA, NJ Should Be Stored More Safely
Nuclear Power Industry Facing Crisis Trump Must Address
Recreation
Recycling/Waste
Latrobe To Collect Discarded Electronics May 19
Keep Philadelphia Beautiful 2017 Annual Report
AP: Court Fines State Prison System Over Fly Ash Dump Information Handling
Turning Philly’s Cigarette Butts Into Park Benches
Renewable Energy
Poll Finds Broad Support For Clean Energy In PA
Op-Ed: The Solar Energy Window Is Still Open
Stormwater
76
Wastewater Facilities
DEP: Synagro Broke Law By Spreading Sludge On Frozen Lower Mt. Bethel Field
Watershed Protection
Kummer: Report: PA 2nd In U.S. For Excessive Industry Discharges Into Waterways
PA Industrial Facilities Top List Of Biggest River Polluters Nationwide
Click Here to subscribe to the Chesapeake Bay Journal
Wildlife
Murphy: Fishing License Fee Proposal Makes Waves With Lawmakers
Demko: PA Fisherman Get A Side Of Politics Served Up With Their Trout This Year
Op-Ed: Senate Fish & Boat Commission Hearing Raises More Questions, Sen. Pat Stefano
Crable: Here’s The Scoop On Trout Season Opener Next Saturday
Crable: 2 Lancaster 3-Year Olds Land Trophy Trout On Mentored Youth Trout Day
Schneck: Trout-Fishing Season Opens For 2018 With Mentored Youth Trout Day
Schneck: Trout Opening Day Saturday, March 31
Frye: Google Earth A Handy Tool For Finding Fishing Hot Spots
Crable: Shad Wars: A Long, Violent Period In Lancaster Over Fish In The Susquehanna
Schneck: First Live Streamed Bald Eagle Egg Of 2018 In PA Has Hatched
No Hatch Yet For Last Pittsburgh Hays Bald Eagle Egg; Harmar Hatch Is On Deck
Hays Eagles Are Parents Again
Audubon Society: Hays Eagle Egg Not Cracked, Could Hatch Sunday
Final Egg At Hays Bald Eagle Nest In Pittsburgh Not Viable
Schneck: Bald Eagle Females Takes Over Hanover Nest And Male
Hayes: New Live Webcam Shows Osprey Nesting In Moraine State Park (Butler County)
Game Commission: Northern Goshawk Update: Assistance Is Still Needed
AP: People Can Lose Right To Carry A Gun, But Get A Hunting License
Crable: Game Commission To Hold 2 Public Meetings On Chronic Wasting Disease At Middle
Creek
77
Op-Ed: Game Commission Must Stop Blaming Deer Farmers For Chronic Wasting Disease
Spread
Carr: Penn Hills Officials Warn Residents About Coyotes
Frye: Massasauga Rattlesnake Responds To Habitat Work
Other
Editorial: Philly Needs Heimlich Maneuver For Its Choked Streets
Federal Policy
Click Here For This Week's Allegheny Front Radio Program
Regulations, Technical Guidance & Permits
No new regulations published this week. Pennsylvania Bulletin - March 31, 2018
Sign Up For DEP’s 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
March 3, 2018 DEP Regulatory Agenda - PA Bulletin, Page 1374
Technical Guidance & Permits
Note: The Department of Environmental Protection published 64 pages of public notices related
to proposed and final permit and approval/ disapproval actions in the March 31 PA Bulletin -
pages 1839 to 1903.
The Department of Environmental Protection published notice in the March 31 PA Bulletin

inviting comments on Air Quality General Permits 5, 5A and changes to the Air Quality Permit
Exemptions List for unconventional natural gas well, compressor stations, processing plants and
transmission stations. Click Here for more.
DEP published notice in the March 31 PA Bulletin it has released a new general permit form,
PAG-12, for NPDES water quality permit coverage to persons operating concentrated animal
feeding operations (CAFOs) in Pennsylvania. Click Here for more.
78
DEP published notice in the March 31 PA Bulletin on bond rate guidelines for the calculation of
land reclamation bonds for coal mining operations.
The Susquehanna River Basin Commission published notices in the March 31 PA Bulletin of
water projects approved and water projects rescinded in January 2018.
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 (February 2018) - 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 DEP’s 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
Click Here for links to DEP’s 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 81pages long.
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Harrisburg-based government and public affairs firm whose clients include Fortune 500
79
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Issue #718 ​Crisci Associates​, Harrisburg, PA April 2, 2018

PA Environment Digest Blog​ ​Twitter Feed​ ​PaEnviroDigest Google+

The PA Supreme Court Wednesday in a ​5 to 2

Western PA Environmental Awards, Lifetime Award Winners Announced

Five environmental programs from throughout Western Pennsylvania

Bills On Governor's Desk

Farm High Tunnels:​ ​House Bill 1486​ (Zimmerman-R-Lancaster) exempting agricultural

Senate/House Bills Moving Last Week

Farm High Tunnels:​ ​House Bill 1486​ (Zimmerman-R-Lancaster) exempting agricultural

Senate/House Agenda/Session Schedule/Gov’s Schedule

Committee Meeting Agendas This Week

Senate:​ <> ​Click Here​ for full Senate Committee Schedule.

Bills Pending In Key Committees

News From The Capitol

John Arway, the Executive Director of the ​Fish and Boat

Fish and Boat Commission Executive Director John Arway recently

Game Commission: Chronic Wasting Disease In Deer An Ecological Disaster Unfolding

Game Commission​ Executive Director Brian

March Environmental Synopsis Newsletter Now Available From Joint Conservation

The ​March edition of the Environmental Synopsis

The ​PA Organization for Watersheds and Rivers​ and

Boy Scouts-Stroud Partner On Outdoor, Environmental STEM Education Programs

Boy Scouts of all ages will now have more

Stormwater Lessons Learned; Penn State Extension Stormwater Tools Highlighted In

The April edition of ​Township News​ features a deep

The ​Mehoopany Creek Watershed Association​ in Wyoming

Conservation Districts To Hold Pike/Wayne Envirothon April 26 In Wayne County

The 32nd annual Pike/Wayne Envirothon will be held

New WITF Conservation Heritage Documentary: Rachel Carson - Voice Of Nature

April Township News: From Fixer Upper To Fabulous, Communities Redevelop

The April edition of ​Township News​ highlights the

The ​PA Association of Hazardous

The Department of Environmental Protection ​published notice​ in the March 31 PA Bulletin

PUC Administrative Law Judge Eranda Vero

The Public Utility Commission’s Office of

DEP Secretary Patrick McDonnell Thursday helped

The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency Tuesday

PA Extends Low-Income Home Energy Assistance Application Deadline To April 13

The Department of Human Services Friday extended the

Westmoreland Water Authority Takes Advantage Of Penn State Extension Renewable

Penn State Extension's Renewable Energy for

FirstEnergy Solutions​, a competitive generation

House-Senate PA Nuclear Energy Caucus Chairs React To FirstEnergy Nuclear Plant

Operators at Exelon Generation’s ​Limerick

At 3:53 a.m., March 28, 1979, the cascading failures of

It’s a Biggie – Some Thoughts on the Accident at Three Mile Island

Society Of Women Environmental Professionals Annual Conference May 1 In Cumberland

The ​Society of Women Environmental Professionals Capital

The ​PA Chapter of the American Planning

2018 Philadelphia Environmental Film Festival April 6-8

Tickets are now on sale for the ​2018 Philadelphia

Wildlands Conservancy Highlights April Education Programs, Earth Day Activities

The ​Wildlands Conservancy​ Thursday

The ​Center for Pollinator Research at Penn State​, in

Woodland Stewardship: Management Practices for

Wildlands Conservancy Protects 500 Critical Areas In Lehigh River Headwaters

The ​Wildlands Conservancy​ this month permanently

Foundation For Sustainable Forests Issues 2017 Annual Report

Brandywine Conservancy Amphibian & Reptile Spring Awakening Program April 5,

The ​Brandywine Conservancy​ will hosts an

Laurel Highlands Hiking Trail Shelters Restoration Project Honored By Western PA

A unique partnership lead by the ​PA Parks and Forests

The ​Brodhead Watershed Association​ will host

DEP Opportunity To Bid On Orphan Gas Well Plugging Clinton County

Issue #718 Crisci Associates, Harrisburg, PA April 2, 2018

PA Environment Digest Blog Twitter Feed PaEnviroDigest Google+

The PA Supreme Court Wednesday in a 5 to 2

Farm High Tunnels: House Bill 1486 (Zimmerman-R-Lancaster) exempting agricultural

Farm High Tunnels: House Bill 1486 (Zimmerman-R-Lancaster) exempting agricultural

Senate: <> Click Here for full Senate Committee Schedule.

John Arway, the Executive Director of the Fish and Boat

Game Commission Executive Director Brian

The March edition of the Environmental Synopsis

The PA Organization for Watersheds and Rivers and

The April edition of Township News features a deep

The Mehoopany Creek Watershed Association in Wyoming

The April edition of Township News highlights the

The PA Association of Hazardous

The Department of Environmental Protection published notice in the March 31 PA Bulletin

FirstEnergy Solutions, a competitive generation

Operators at Exelon Generation’s Limerick

The Society of Women Environmental Professionals Capital

The PA Chapter of the American Planning

Tickets are now on sale for the 2018 Philadelphia

The Wildlands Conservancy Thursday

The Center for Pollinator Research at Penn State, in

The Wildlands Conservancy this month permanently

The Brandywine Conservancy will hosts an

A unique partnership lead by the PA Parks and Forests

The Brodhead Watershed Association will host

The Department of Environmental Protection published notice in the March 31 PA Bulletin of an

PennFuture is seeking qualified candidates to fill the position of Western PA Outreach

April 22-- Earth Day. What Are You Doing?

April 26-- NEW. Pike/Wayne County Envirothon. Wallenpaupack Environmental Learning

April 27-30-- 2018 City Nature Challenge In Pittsburgh Region.

June 20-21-- 20th Anniversary PA Abandoned Mine Reclamation Conference. Ramada

DEP Facebook Page DEP Twitter Feed DEP YouTube Channel

Click Here for links to DEP’s Advisory Committee webpages.

DEP Calendar of Events DCNR Calendar of Events

Senate Committee Schedule House Committee Schedule

PA Environment Digest Blog Twitter Feed PaEnviroDigest Google+

PA Environment Digest Blog Twitter Feed PaEnviroDigest Google+

The Department of Environmental Protection published notice in the March 31 PA Bulletin

DEP Facebook Page DEP Twitter Feed DEP YouTube Channel

Click Here for links to DEP’s Advisory Committee webpages.

DEP Calendar of Events DCNR Calendar of Events

PA Environment Digest Blog Twitter Feed PaEnviroDigest Google+

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