PA Environment Digest

An Update On Environmental Issues In PA

Edited By: David E. Hess, Crisci Associates
Winner 2009 PAEE Business Partner Of The Year Award Harrisburg, Pa August 22, 2011

DCED Secretary Says More Drilling On State Forest Land Could Raise Over $60 Billion In a Capitolwire.com interview Tuesday, Department of Community and Economic Development Secretary C. Alan Walker said new drilling on State Forest land could bring in $60 billion over the next 30 years to "solve just about every economic problem we have." Walker was quoted as saying, "But the way I look at it, the potential royalty income to the state of Pennsylvania-- at a 15 percent or 18 percent and a half percent royalty rate-- over the next 30 years, if we do lease the state land, is close to $60 billion. That allows us to solve just about every economic problem we have that is hanging out there, including unfunded pension liability, infrastructure problems. "In my opinion, we'd be foolish not to use that money. The way I look at it is that truly is the Commonwealth of the state of Pennsylvania and it should be used to solve Commonwealth problems, not one regional problem or a county problem. That truly is where you get your resources to solve statewide problems. "The way the drilling platforms are being set up today, where you may only have to have one pad every so many square miles, it's a minimum impact on the State Forest property, and in a matter of a couple years, it's going to be re-vegetated," Secretary Walker explained. In a statement Kevin Harley, Gov. Corbett's press secretary, said, "[Secretary Walker] was speaking as someone who is in charge of economic development. He wasn't speaking on behalf of the Governor." To achieve the revenue envisioned by Secretary Walker, drilling would have to be increased by at least six times the current rate to bring in $60 billion over 30 years. The question is whether there are enough remaining State Forest lands attractive enough for drillers to lease to meet that revenue estimate, especially given environmental concerns. According to the Department of Conservation and Natural Resources natural gas impacts analysis, "no additional leasing involving surface disturbance can occur without significantly altering the ecological integrity and wild character of our State Forest system." The Rendell Administration leased about 137,000 acres of State Forest land for Marcellus Shale drilling before issuing a moratorium on more leasing a month before last November's election. There are about 700,000 acres of the 2.2 million acres of State Forest land containing natural gas deposits of all types, including Marcellus Shale. So far, Gov. Corbett has not proposed leasing any more State Forest land for development and the FY 2011-12 state budget is not based on any increased leasing. About $63

million in royalty income is expected from the leases already developed and producing for this fiscal year increasing to about $300 million per year in 10 to 15 years. The Governor's Marcellus Shale Advisory Commission report issued in July recommended any future leasing of State Forest land should be limited to agreements which result in no or minimal surface impact to state-owned land, and prohibits surface disturbance in high conservation value forests and other ecologically important areas. At his Senate confirmation hearing in May, DCNR Secretary Richard Allan said there have been no discussions about changing the moratorium on leasing more Marcellus drilling on State Forest lands. He said he and his staff have been focusing on developing best management practices and a better drilling monitoring program. With respect to enacting a drilling impact fee, Secretary Walker was quoted as saying, "I think the impact fee, if it goes through, to be fair should be used where the impact was had, not in a county that doesnt have any natural gas production or where there hasnt been any impact. It really should go make sure the roads are maintained, if theres a big influx of population, you have to help with the school systems it really should be an impact fee that goes to the communities and counties that are feeling the impact. Walker's statement puts him at odds with Sen Joe Scarnati (R-Jefferson) and many House Republicans who said drilling fees could be use for statewide purposes ranging from plugging abandoned oil and gas wells to funding county conservation districts and renewing the Growing Greener Program. Over the last nine years, mostly during the Rendell Administration, $1.5 billion has been cut or diverted from environmental protection and restoration line items in balance the state budget or support program which could not get funding on their own, the award-winning Growing Greener Program has become all but bankrupt and over 600 of what was 3,200 positions at the Department of Environmental Protection have been eliminated. Funding and complement levels at both DEP are now below 1994 levels. NewsClips: DCED Official Suggests Drilling Under Most PA State Forest Land Corbett Official Wants To See More Drilling In State Forests Blog: Rep. Sturla Quote On Drilling (Rated R) Lawmaker Suggests Drilling Crews Spread STDs Amongst Womenfolk Lawmaker Apologies For Womenfolk Crack On Drilling John Baer: Save The Womenfolk From Drilling Crews! Statistics Refute Lawmaker's Claim Of STDs In Drilling Areas PEC Responds To DCED Secretary On Leasing More State Forest Land For Drilling The Pennsylvania Environmental Council is dismayed at the remarks of DCED Secretary Alan Walker as reported in Capitolwire.com, in which he apparently expressed support for unrestrained drilling of state forest land to generate additional income for our state. The text of a letter to Gov. Corbett follows-Dear Gov. Corbett: The Pennsylvania Environmental Council is dismayed at the remarks of DCED Secretary Alan Walker as reported in Capitolwire this morning, in which he apparently expressed support for

unrestrained drilling of state forest land to generate additional income for our state. This statement runs counter to the express recommendations of the Marcellus Shale Advisory Commission - of which Secretary Walker was a member; the standing Governor's Order prohibiting additional drilling of state forest land without study of impacts to ecological and public resources; and our state's longstanding heritage of sound conservation. You were witness to that very heritage last week on your sojourn through northeastern Pennsylvania. Our state forests and parks represent more than a century of public and private investment -- dating back to the birth of the modern conservation movement which started in Pennsylvania with Goddard, Rothrock and Pinchot. Our state forests and parks are already tremendous economic drivers, whether through our nationally-recognized sustainable forestry industry or through tourism and recreation (Pennsylvania's second largest industry). Both of these are threatened by further drilling on state forest lands. The Department of Conservation & Natural Resources own website states: "no additional leasing involving surface disturbance can occur without significantly altering the ecological integrity and wild character of our State Forest system."   To use our state forests as an expedient means to generate new revenues, when there are a multitude of options including but not limited to a severance tax, is wholly inappropriate. These lands belong to the people of Pennsylvania. The proliferation of unconventional drilling, as well as the significant associated infrastructure and activity, would be devastating to our state forests. The impacts would last several generations, and many unique natural and heritage areas could be lost forever. To do so in light of the fact that we have not even begun to assess what the impacts of current leasing activities will be is wrong. It should be said that many of the economic liabilities currently facing our state are the result of past resource extraction and poor environmental practice. Secretary Walker's suggestion ignores the lessons that history has taught us and for which we are still paying a heavy price. We call on you to ensure that our irreplaceable state forest lands are protected. Sincerely, Paul M. King, President NewsClips: DCED Official Suggests Drilling Under Most PA State Forest Land Corbett Official Wants To See More Drilling In State Forests Blog: Rep. Sturla Quote On Drilling (Rated R) Lawmaker Suggests Drilling Crews Spread STDs Amongst Womenfolk Lawmaker Apologies For Womenfolk Crack On Drilling John Baer: Save The Womenfolk From Drilling Crews! Statistics Refute Lawmaker's Claim Of STDs In Drilling Areas Coalition Urges Legislators To Fund Growing Greener With Drilling Fees The Renew Growing Greener Coalition Monday urged state legislators to allocate a portion of any impact fee on natural gas drilling to renew funding for the states Growing Greener program and protect Pennsylvanias environment. The Growing Greener program has shown Pennsylvania, and the nation, how you can improve environmental conditions, preserve open space and farmland, and protect public parks while continuing to grow local economies, said Andrew Heath, executive director of the Renew

Growing Greener Coalition. The General Assembly needs to identify funding sources for this program and the most obvious one at this time is an impact fee on natural gas drilling. Heath made his remarks as the House Democratic Policy Committee met in Wilkes-Barre to hold a hearing on Marcellus Shale hosted by Chairman Rep. Mike Sturla (D-Lancaster) and Rep. Eddie Day Pashinksi (D-Luzerne). Growing Greener is a bipartisan program established in 1999 under Gov. Tom Ridge and later expanded by Governors Schweiker and Rendell. In 2002, a dedicated source of revenue for Growing Greener was identified in an increase in the states tipping fee, the fee charged for dumping trash in Pennsylvanias landfills. Those funds were supplemented by a $625 million bond approved by voters in 2005, called Growing Greener II. Growing Greener I funds are largely exhausted, with most of the tipping fees going to the debt service on the Growing Greener II bonds. Since its establishment, Growing Greener has created a legacy of success, preserving more than 33,700 acres of Pennsylvanias family farmland, conserving more than 42,300 acres of threatened open space, adding 26,000 acres to state parks and forests, and restoring over 16,000 acres of abandoned mine lands. Moreover, Growing Greener has contributed billions of dollars to the Pennsylvania economy by helping to boost tourism, create jobs and generate revenue. Yet despite its overwhelming success, the availability of Growing Greener funding is 80 percent lower in this years budget. Somewhere along this discussion we have lost sight of the fact that we are a Commonwealth. We share our common wealth and we share our common burdens, said Heath. When we disrupt our State Forest lands with deforestation, it makes sense to conserve land elsewhere. We are heading down a dark path, trying to isolate revenue, impacts and benefits. To date, more than 225 organizations and groups have announced their support for renewing Growing Greener. In addition, at least 85 Pennsylvania municipalities including 22 counties, representing more than 5 million Pennsylvanians, have passed resolutions urging the Governor and Legislature to renew Growing Greener funding. The Renew Growing Greener Coalition is the Commonwealths largest coalition of conservation, recreation and environmental organizations representing over 300 organizations and government entities. Growing Greener: Protect Our Economy By Protecting The Environment The Renew Growing Greener Coalition Wednesday called upon Pennsylvania lawmakers to protect the states economy by protecting its environment and restoring funding for the state Growing Greener program. Growing Greener has done more than preserve Pennsylvanias land, water and air, said Andrew Heath, executive director of the Renew Growing Greener Coalition. It has contributed billions of dollars to the Pennsylvania economy by helping to boost tourism, create jobs and generate revenue. Heath made his remarks as the House Democratic Policy Committee held a hearing in Harrisburg on Marcellus Shale led by Chairman Rep. Mike Sturla (D-Lancaster). The Coalition is urging lawmakers to allocate a portion of any severance tax or impact fee on natural gas drilling to help fund the bipartisan Growing Greener program, which was

established in 1999 under Gov. Tom Ridge and later expanded by Governors Schweiker and Rendell. Since its establishment, Growing Greener has created a legacy of success, preserving more than 33,700 acres of Pennsylvanias family farmland, conserving more than 42,300 acres of threatened open space, adding 26,000 acres to state parks and forests, and restoring over 16,000 acres of abandoned mine lands. Yet despite the programs accomplishments, funding for Growing Greener projects and grants fell from an average of approximately $150 million per year for the last six years to $27.3 million in the Governor's proposed budget. This is an 82 percent cut. Now is the time we should be investing in our environment and our communities, not taking money away, said Heath. Not only are our natural resources at risk, our economy is at risk. As Gov. Corbett noted during his kayak trip through Northeastern Pennsylvania last week, Pennsylvanias state parks alone generate more than $928 million in local spending and support more than 12,000 local jobs. What the Governor did not mention is that many of these state parks including Frances Slocum State Park where the Governor visited have received Growing Greener funding. In addition, Growing Greener has been a powerful funding source for Pennsylvanias Heritage Areas. Spending by visitors to these areas generates more than $400 million in sales and contributes at least 6,000 jobs to the Pennsylvania economy. Other examples of how Growing Greener benefits the economy include: -- Supporting Agriculture By funding farmland preservation projects, Growing Greener helps sustain Pennsylvanias agriculture industry. Agriculture produces more than $45 billion annually and provides about one in seven jobs in the state, making it Pennsylvanias leading industry. -- Increasing Property Values In Southeastern Pennsylvania alone, preserved open space, which is often supported with Growing Greener funds, increases homeowners property values by an average of $10,000 per household. -- Reducing Costs Growing Greener has funded the clean up of more than 16,000 acres of abandoned mines and in doing so has reduced water treatment costs locally and in downstream communities. Studies show that open space saves local governments and utilities millions of dollars in costs associated with drinking water filtration, air pollution removal and flood control. -- Supporting Forest Products Industry Growing Greener funds support forest conservation, which in turn helps sustain the resources on which the forest industry depends. This industry has sales in excess of $16 billion annually, a total impact of $27 billion and employs more than 80,000 people. -- Bolstering Tourism Industry Growing Greener funds have preserved 42,300 acres of natural areas and open spaces, many of which provide recreational opportunities for residents and visitors alike. Outdoor enthusiasts spend more than $5.4 billion in the Commonwealth annually. When you look at the economic benefits of Growing Greener, renewing funding should be a no-brainer, Heath said. Our lawmakers need to protect our economy by protecting our environment. To date, more than 225 organizations and groups have announced their support for renewing Growing Greener. In addition, at least 85 Pennsylvania municipalities including 22

counties, representing more than 5 million Pennsylvanians, have passed resolutions urging the Governor and Legislature to renew Growing Greener funding. The Renew Growing Greener Coalition is the Commonwealths largest coalition of conservation, recreation and environmental organizations representing over 300 organizations and government entities.

Analysis
You Can't Go Fishing With A Solar Panel Politically-motivated critics of the Corbett Administration this week generated newspaper headlines pointing to changes in office names and the restructuring of certain programs as evidence the new gang in Harrisburg is "backing away from its commitment to renewable energy and killing family-sustaining jobs" or words to that effect. It's interesting to note here, not of course in those articles, those same critics received millions of dollars of taxpayer money during the Rendell Administration to work on renewable energy projects. During that same time, more hundreds of millions of taxpayer dollars were also spent or diverted from programs which actually did clean up the environment and given to programs like renewable energy which don't. In fact, over the last nine years $1.5 billion has been cut or diverted from environmental protection and restoration line items to balance the state budget or support programs which could not get funding on their own. The award-winning Growing Greener Program has become all but bankrupt. And, over 600 of what was 3,200 positions at the Department of Environmental Protection have been eliminated. Another fact not noted in the articles was over 100 DEP Air, Waste and Water Quality field staff used all or part of their time to act as managers for federal stimulus projects, projects funded by the Energy Harvest and PA Energy Development Authority programs taking their time away from permit reviews, inspections and compliance activities, things that really do protect the environment and give DEP its ability to be the environmental police. Like it or not we now live in a public environment where "no-tax" pledges are the norm and cutting government budgets is to be expected. But cutting budgets, especially for environmental programs, did not begin with the Corbett Administration, it happened each and every year of the Rendell Administration taking a horrendous toll on DEP's ability to do its job. And for what? Renewable energy-- solar panels and wind mills. There is no denying the argument that spending hundreds of millions of taxpayer money on renewable energy does create jobs. Spending hundreds of millions of taxpayer dollars on almost anything that is built with concrete and steel creates jobs. The question is does spending hundreds of millions of taxpayers' money on projects that have no lasting environmental cleanup value the best investment the public can make? Clearly, not in the public environment we find ourselves no.

While every environmentalist would like unlimited money for everything on their wish list, like it or not, the General Assembly and the Governor have to set priorities in spending increasingly scarce public dollars. The choices are stark: spending hundreds of millions of dollars on projects that are "nice to have" or spending money on projects through Growing Greener and other programs with lasting environmental cleanup value to meet federal Clean Water Act mandates and which contribute to Pennsylvania's number one and two industries-- agriculture and tourism. According to DEP, Pennsylvania has over 16,500 miles of rivers and streams not meeting very real and court-enforced federal Clean Water Act mandates. Through programs like Growing Greener, local watershed groups have cleaned up thousands of miles of streams, reclaimed abandoned mines, restored trout fisheries and tackled 125-year old programs no one thought they could, all the while investing their own $1.25 in money and sweat equity for every $1 in public money they were given. Do we-- or any taxpayers-- feel the same sense of pride and accomplishment when we look at a wind mill or a solar panel? Can you take your grandchild fishing with a solar panel? Or instill a sense of environmental stewardship that will last a lifetime with a wind mill? The same question of priorities is now being debated with the Marcellus Shale severance tax and drilling fee proposals. Will we balance the state budget or take care of pension bills state government and school districts have ignored for a decade? Or will we invest funding from the development of Pennsylvania's natural resources and use it for programs to restore our constitutionally-guaranteed right to a clean environment to the environment's and the public's continuing benefit? It's about setting priorities, tough as they are, and separating the "must dos" from the "nice to haves." Like it or not. NewsClips: Corbett Administration Responds To Renewable Charges Corbett Turns Attention From Renewable Energy Did You Know You Can Search 7 Years Of Digests On Any Topic? Did you know you can search 7 years of back issues of the PA Environment Digest on dozens of topics, by county and on any key word you choose. Just click on the search page. Also take advantage of these related services from Crisci Associates-Twitter Instant Updates: On Twitter, sign up to receive instant updates from : PAEnviroDigest. PA Environment Daily: provides daily environmental NewsClips and significant stories and announcements on environmental topics in Pennsylvania of immediate value. Sign up and receive as they are posted updates through your favorite RSS reader. You can also sign up for a once daily email alerting you to new items posted on this blog.

PA Environment Digest Video Blog: showcases original and published videos from environmental groups and agencies around the state. Sign up to receive as they are posted updates through your favorite RSS read. You can also sign up for a once daily email alerting you to new items posted on this blog. PA Capitol Digest Blog to get updates every day on Pennsylvania State Government, including newsclips, coverage of key press conferences and more. Sign up and receive as they are posted updates through your favorite RSS reader. You can also sign up for a once daily email alerting you to new items posted on this blog. Senate/House Agenda/Session Schedule Here are the Senate and House Calendars and Committee meetings showing bills of interest as well as a list of new environmental bills introduced-Session Schedule Here is the latest voting session schedule for the Senate and House-Senate September 19, 20, 21, 26, 27, 28 October 17, 18, 19, 24, 25, 26, 31 November 1, 14, 15, 16 December 5, 6, 7, 12, 13, 14 House September 26, 27, 28 October 3, 4, 5, 17, 18, 19, 24, 25, 26, 31 November 1, 2, 14, 15, 16, 21, 22, 23 December 5, 6, 7, 12, 13, 14 Bill Calendars House (September 26): Senate Bill 303 (MJ White-R-Venango) providing for the disposition of fines under the Hazardous Sites Cleanup Act; Senate Bill 304 (MJ White-R-Venango) requiring the posting of the state air quality implementation plan on the Internet; House Resolution 70 (Harhart-R-Lehigh) requesting the Department of Transportation to study the potential use of quarry and other mining waste in highway and civil engineering projects. <> Click Here for full House Bill Calendar. Senate (September 19): <> Click Here for full Senate Bill Calendar. Committees

House: the House Republican Policy Committee hearing on the impact of state-mandated energy programs. <> Click Here for full House Committee Schedule. Senate: <> Click Here for full Senate Committee Schedule.

News From The Capitol

House Democratic Policy Committee Considers Marcellus Shale Issues The House Democratic Policy Committee held a public hearing in Harrisburg Wednesday to look at the impact drilling in the Marcellus Shale formation is having on Pennsylvania, Chairman Mike Sturla (D-Lancaster), said. The hearing was one of several the Policy Committee has held since the Governor's Marcellus Shale Advisory Commission released its report last month. This summer the group has traveled across the Commonwealth investigating the various effects the burgeoning natural gas industry has had on the state and gathered public feedback. "Natural gas drilling has affected Pennsylvania's regions in different ways," Rep. Sturla said. "The notion that unless there is a drill in your neighborhood you're not feeling the industry's effect is erroneous on many levels. The Policy Committee has taken a balanced approach to examining the way Marcellus Shale is shaping the Commonwealth's environment, economy and infrastructure by presenting all sides of the discussion. "These hearings have gone a long way toward expanding the conversation and educating lawmakers, municipal leaders and the public on this issue." Rep. Sturla also said at the hearing, "Also, aside from building roads so their trucks can get to drill sites and doing a little stream work to mitigate damage from their road building, exactly what are all those things the drillers are doing for the local communities? Patronizing the bars at night? Driving up the cost of rental housing? Spreading sexually transmitted disease amongst the womenfolk? Causing school districts to ask local governments to ban truck traffic on local roads during school bus pick up and drop off times so kids don't get killed? Upgrading emergency preparedness equipment to handle a well blow out? Running compressor stations that have decibel levels equal to a jet engine?...Really community oriented stuff... Rep. Sturla later backed off of his quote using the term "womanfolk," but not on the substance of STD problems in areas with drilling crews. A review of Department of Health statistics does not show a dramatic increase in STD rates, although Lycoming County had an increase of more than 100 percent-- 56 cases-- for a total of 103 for gonorrhea. Those testifying at the hearing included Dr. Timothy Kelsey, state program leader, Economic and Community Development and professor of Agricultural Economics, Penn State University; Jan Jarrett, president, PennFuture; and Jack Machek, president & CEO, 10,000 Friends of Pennsylvania. NewsClips: Lawmaker Suggests Drilling Crews Spread STDs Amongst Womenfolk Lawmaker Apologies For Womenfolk Crack On Drilling John Baer: Save The Womenfolk From Drilling Crews! Blog: Rep. Sturla Quote On Drilling (Rated R)

Lawmaker Suggests Drilling Crews Spread STDs Amongst Womenfolk Lawmaker Apologies For Womenfolk Crack On Drilling John Baer: Save The Womenfolk From Drilling Crews! Statistics Refute Lawmaker's Claim Of STDs In Drilling Areas

News From Around The State

13th Annual PA Abandoned Mine Reclamation Conference Attended By Well-Known Faces The PA Abandoned Mine Reclamation Conference has become known as a place for many things; where experts discuss the latest abandoned mine drainage treatment technologies, historians shed light on how the region's coal mining legacy shaped today's culture, and the PA AMR community joins for brainstorming ideas to keep the movement going into the future. The 2011 conference, celebrating 13 years, was no exception. What made this year's Conference really stand out was the abundance of PA AMR community dignitaries. Michael Krancer, Department of Environmental Protection Secretary, was the keynote speaker to kick off the Conference. Click here to read one reporter's take on Secretary Krancer's speech. Joe Pizarchik, the 10th director of the U.S. Department of the Interior's Office of Surface Mining Reclamation and Enforcement and the former DEP Director of Bureau of Mining and Reclamation, spoke during the Conference lunch. Pizarchik gracefully answered a round of questions about growing concern over the Title IV Set Aside funds and showed great empathy for struggling watershed associations in finding funds for continuing the work they do. David Hess, former DEP Secretary and long-time supporter of the watershed movement and AMR community, was the recipient of the 2011 Mayfly Award. Hess has been a life-long advocate in the environmental arena. He spent his career in different capacities within DEP, previously known as the Department of Environmental Resources, and as the Executive Director of the Senate Environmental Resources and Energy Committee. Even in his post PA DEP career, Hess continues to be a supporter of Pennsylvania's watershed movement. He currently works for Crisci Associates and publishes the weekly e-newsletter, PA Environment Digest. Lastly, Andrew Heath, Executive Director of the Renew Growing Greener Coalition, spoke to the PA AMR community masses on the final day of the conference. Heath championed the efforts of our community over the years and gave an update of where his coalition stands. The Conference presentations were no less inspirational and were filled with hard-hitting names. Click here to read some pre-conference publicity about the wide range of presenters and topics. Most notably, presentations and attendees included leading experts and AMR partners such as Chuck Cravotta of United States Geological Survey, Tom Clark of Susquehanna River Basic Commission, Mike Korb of DEP, Bob Hedin of Hedin Environmental, Jeff McNelly of ARIPPA, and many representatives of consulting firms. A pre-conference tour of the Eastern coal fields was highlighted by the Jeddo Tunnel discharge, which can exceed hundreds of thousands of gallons per minute of acidic, aluminum-

and iron- laden water draining from 25 square miles of networked coal mines. It was truly an eye-opening site. Click here to get more tour highlights. We would like to thank EPCAMR for taking the lead on this year's conference, the conference planning committee for all the work they put into it, and the wonderful Genetti and the town of Hazleton for welcoming us. Additionally, we would like to thank our sponsors for making the Conference possible. This year's sponsors included: DEP, Susquehanna River Basin Commission, Foundation for Pennsylvania Watersheds, Breaker Brewing Company, Gannett Fleming, Ernst Conservation Seeds, Skelly & Loy, and Tetra Tech. We hope to see everyone again next year for yet another successful PA AMR Conference. (Written by Anne Daymut, Watershed Coordinator, Western Coalition for Abandoned Mine Reclamation. Reprinted from Abandoned Mine Posts.) Volunteers Needed To Monitor Passive Mine Drainage Treatment Systems The Slippery Rock Watershed Coalition is seeking volunteers who are will to assist with water monitoring and site inspections of mine drainage treatment systems in the watershed. The volunteers will be asked to go to one or more passive systems, preferably on a monthly basis, to inspect the systems and conduct basic water monitoring using test kits and then enter the information into Datashed, an Internet-based database. Water Quality test kits as well as training on conducting the inspections, using the test kits, and entering the collected data online, will be provided. For more information, contact Cliff Denholm of Stream Restoration Incorporated at 724-776-0161 or send email to: sri@streamrestorationinc.org or Wil Taylor of Jennings Environmental Education Center at 724-794-6011. Call For Speakers, Posters For 2012 Keystone Coldwater Conference Proposals are now being accepted for presentations and posters for the 2012 Keystone Coldwater Conference, titled Responsible Land Use: Protecting Habitat and Native Species. This conference, hosted by the Coldwater Heritage Partnership and the Pennsylvania Council of Trout Unlimited, will be held on February 24 and 25 at the Penn Stater Conference Center and Hotel in State College, Pennsylvania. Proposals are due September 2. Click Here for details. Save the Date: Chesapeake Bay Coldwater Summit, October 22, Shepherdstown, WV Trout Unlimited will host its third annual Chesapeake Bay Coldwater Summit on October 22 at the National Conservation Training Center in Shepherdstown, West Virginia. Join fellow sportsmen and women, natural resource professionals and conservation advocates for discussion and instruction about efforts to protect and restore coldwater fisheries in the Chesapeakes headwaters.

Presenters are also invited to submit proposals to: Kevin Anderson by sending email to: kanderson@tu.org or calling 703-284-9420. Click Here for more information. Penn State: Environmentally Friendly Horsekeeping Part 1 Going green on your horse farm is not difficult or expensive. You may already be doing environmentally friendly methods of horse-keeping and just need to make some adjustments. This is part one of a two-part series. Part One: Clean Water and Manure Management from the Penn State Cooperative Extension. Note: The Penn State Extension Service may have to close some offices to meet state budget cuts. NewsClip: Penn State Extension Offices May Face Layoffs POWR Offers Online Watershed Learning Center Make the most of your conservation efforts by getting the knowledge you need to protect and preserve your local watershed. The new Watershed Learning Center offered by the PA Organization for Watersheds and Rivers (an affiliated organization of PEC), enables local watershed stewards to take courses with expert instructors on ecology, regulators, organizational development and other topics. The WLC offers local watershed conservationists and association members the opportunity to build their knowledge through short online courses, interaction with other members, and track their progress. Access to this site is provided for free to members of the Pennsylvania Organization for Watersheds and Rivers. To become a member, visit the POWR website for more information. SRBC To Post Bi-Weekly Reports On Water Withdrawal Status, Now On Twitter Until streamflows are fully recovered, the Susquehanna River Basin Commission will be posting the number of water withdrawals on temporary hold due to lower stream flows. Bi-weekly, we will be issuing the list of companies and their water sources on hold via press releases. For your information and convenience, below is the list of companies and 24 water sources on hold today. Also, for the duration of Pennsylvania's drought declaration, SRBC will also be providing water conservation tips and other drought-related information. SRBC also announced it has also created a new account on Twitter to keep the public upto-date: twitter.com/#!/SRBCnews. PA Marcellus Shale Production Up 60 Percent, 1.1 Billion Gallons Of Fracking Fluid Produced Marcellus Shale natural gas production in Pennsylvania increased 60 percent in the first half of 2011 and fracking fluid waste reached 1.1 billion gallons, according to figures released this week by the state Department of Environmental Protection.

The state's 1,632 producing Marcellus wells pumped out 432.5 billion cubic feet of gas during the first six months of the year - a 60 percent increase from the amount of gas produced in the second half of 2010. DEP reported there were 50.3 million tons of drill cutting waste produced in the first half of 2011, however, press report said the figure should be closer to 405,000 tons because of an error in reporting by EOG drilling. DEP reported 198,380 tons of drill cuttings during the last six months of 2010. DEP also reported 1.1 billion gallons of waste fracking fluid was produced during the first six months of 2011. During the last six months of 2010 DEP reported 82,597,158 gallons of waste fracking fluid were produced. An additional caution: the new figures cannot be accurately compared with the previous six months data because of changes in reporting requirements and mistakes in data entry. DEP issued no statement on the initial report or on the errors in the reporting. The three counties that led the state in gas production, Bradford, Susquehanna and Tioga, pulled 260 billion cubic feet of gas from the shale - slightly less than all of the Marcellus Shale gas that was produced in the entire state in the last half of 2010. Timothy Considine, a professor of energy economics at the University of Wyoming, said the production numbers are in the ballpark of what the state's shale gas operators forecast for the year in a report he co-authored this summer. "Pennsylvania is becoming a big gas producer in a major way," he said. The state is now a net exporter of gas, he added. "That's changing the entire natural gas market picture in the Northeast and the Mid-Atlantic region." By next year, Wilkes-Barre area UGI customers should be getting natural gas from Northeastern Pennsylvania instead of other states and countries. UGI Vice President of Government Affairs Michael Love made the revelation Monday during a hearing in front of the state House Democratic Policy committee at Wilkes University. "Natural gas is the cheaper fuel today, will be tomorrow and for the foreseeable future because of shale gas," Love said. Until recently, Pennsylvania imported 75 percent of its natural gas from other states or countries. Visit the DEP Oil & Gas Well Reporting webpage for details. NewsClips: State's Gas Production Up 60 Percent In First Half Of 2011 PA Natural Gas Production Rises 60 Percent Marcellus Waste Increases Attributable To New Rules, Errors Wayne County Oil & Gas Task Force, Penn State Marcellus Seminar August 24 The Wayne County Oil & Gas Task Force and Penn State Extension are jointly hosting a seminar on the economic and community impacts of Marcellus Shale on August 24 at the Wayne County Park Street Complex, 648 Park Street, Honesdale. The seminar will start at 7 p.m. and end at approximately 9 p.m. Presenting the seminar will be Timothy W. Kelsey, PhD, State Program Leader, Economic and Community Development at Penn State University. Dr. Kelsey has authored a number of publications on the economic and community impacts of natural gas development and has been a featured speaker on natural gas impacts throughout Pennsylvania and surrounding states.

His research and outreach program involves a broad focus on Marcellus Shale, including the economic and community impacts of natural gas development; the fiscal impacts of land use change; local tax reform; and a variety of community process skills, such as facilitation, strategic planning, and leadership. Admission to the seminar is free and open to the public. Please pre-register by calling the Penn State Extension office in Honesdale at 570-253-5970 x 4110 or by sending email to: WayneExt@psu.edu. Note: The Penn State Extension Service may have to close some offices to meet state budget cuts. NewsClip: Penn State Extension Offices May Face Layoffs PA Environmental Council Annual Meeting Focuses On Marcellus Shale Join the PA Environmental Council at their Annual Member Meeting on September 14 at 9:00 a.m. which will feature a discussion panel on the "Marcellus Shale Commission Report: What Now?" The program and lunch are open to anyone, but only members can participate in the voting portion of the meeting. With the recent release of Gov. Corbett's Marcellus Shale Advisory Commission report, this is your opportunity to get an in-depth look at our response to the report, and learn about ongoing efforts to conserve natural resources and protect the health of Pennsylvania residents. The meeting will be held at the Harrisburg Hilton. University Of Pittsburgh Conference On Health Affects Of Shale Gas Extraction Nov. 18 The University of Pittsburgh Graduate School of Public Health will hold its 2nd Annual Conference on the Health Effects of Shale Gas Extraction on November 18. This conference will explore the science and methodological approaches behind understanding environmental health impacts associated with increasing development of natural gas extraction from shale deposits. Natural gas plays a key role in providing our nation with cleaner energy and greater energy independence. Technical, economic, and energy policy developments have spurred increased gas extraction, especially the use of hydraulic fracturing to recover gas over a greater diversity of geographic regions and geologic formations. However, as with any technology that involves the management of potentially toxic substances, there are increasing concerns about the impact of heightened industrial development in gas extraction on drinking water resources, air quality, and public health. The new technologies and novel exposures to unique combinations of chemicals and minerals during hydraulic fracturing pose novel occupational hazards to both those performing drilling and first responders to industrial accidents. In addition to direct health effects from toxic exposures, there is more research to suggest that rapid development and dramatic environmental changes have adverse social and health impacts in stressed communities. The Federal and State government health and regulatory agencies have identified a lack of critical research on these impacts and in basic research identifying exposures, epidemiology of potential disease outcomes, and community health risks.

This conference will present the scientific challenges and issues that government and academic investigators are exploring, as well novel methodologies employed to assess the health impacts and reduce the hazards produced by gas extraction, refining, and delivery operations. Objectives of the meeting include identifying research innovation and knowledge gaps to address public health impacts from essential development of this important energy resource. Visit the School of Public Health's Marcellus Shale Gas Extraction webpage for more information. PA Recyclers Announce FilmFest Winning Videos, Conference Success The Professional Recyclers of Pennsylvania was thrilled with the success of the 21st Annual PROP Conference, and based on the evaluations so were the attendees and exhibitors. Nearly 250 recycling and organics professionals from across the United States and Canada converged on The Erie Bayfront Convention Center in the Northwest corner of the Commonwealth the last week of July for four days to discuss recycling and organics issues, network and renew friendships. According to Becky Miller, PROP Fiscal Manager, the conference was very successful, noting that attendees, exhibitors and speakers enjoyed the opportunity to network and discuss solutions to the challenges facing the industry with other recycling and organics professionals from across the Keystone State. Comments from attendees included, This was one of the most informative conference programs I have attended in over 20 years of professional service. Another added, Good mix of topics; something for everyone. The 2011 PROP Recycling FilmFest winning video, Recycle Bin, also won the 2010 Lone Star Emmy Award for Music Composition/Arrangement (Lone Star Chapter of the National Academy of Television Arts and Sciences, October 16, 2010.) First Place Winner, the City of Allen, Texas, will receive a $100 prize and certificate. There were over a dozen entries for this years exciting FilmFest. The winning video was shown at the Wednesday Luncheon for all attendees and exhibitors. The runner-up 2011 FilmFest winner was "Recycle Man" from West Chester East High School, West Chester, Pa. There were exhibitors in attendance from Michigan, Wisconsin, Connecticut and Ontario. Many of the exhibitors have participated in at least one previous PROP Conference, offering a variety of experienced professionals and a variety of solutions to recyclings latest challenges. With PROPs emphasis on education, nationally renowned Professional Certification Classes were offered during the four day conference, taught by experts from across Pennsylvania. Plenary session speakers included John C. Dernbach, Distinguished Professor of Law at Widener University Law Center, who spoke on his White Paper, Next Generation Recycling & Waste Reduction: Building on the Success of Pennsylvanias 1988 Legislation. For the Tuesday Opening Lunch presentation, Mark Lichtenstein, National Recycling Coalition President was the Keynote Speaker on the topic, Untapped Potential of Recycling, and Sustainable Materials Management. In 2012, the PROP Conference will move to the Lancaster Convention Center in Lancaster, PA. Plans are underway for the 22nd Conference of the Professional Recyclers of Pennsylvania in Lancaster from July 25 27, 2012.

If interested in PROP, please visit the PROP website or call us at 1-800-769-7767 or 814-742-7777. Keep PA Beautiful Receives Special Waste Management, KAB Grant For Pittsburgh Project Keep PA Beautiful was one of 14 groups to receive special Think Green Community Improvement Grants sponsored by Waste Management and Keep American Beautiful. Keep Pennsylvania Beautiful proposes to work in conjunction with The Childrens Museum of Pittsburgh to build an outdoor classroom on the museum property which will be available to museum patrons and the Pittsburgh Public School System as part of their Head Start early education programming. The Museum has agreed to maintain the outdoor classroom once construction is complete. "Now more than ever, communities rely on grassroots nonprofits and their volunteers to engage in hands-on projects that build greater civic pride, create a healthier environment and improve the local quality of life," said Matthew M. McKenna, president and CEO of Keep America Beautiful, Inc. "We are truly grateful to Waste Management for the company's commitment to our mission, our affiliates, and to local stewardship efforts." "Waste Management is committed to providing innovative environmental solutions in the areas of recycling, energy efficiency and land conservation, which make our communities cleaner and improve the quality of life," said Barry Caldwell, WM senior vice president of public affairs and communications and past chairman of the KAB board. "We are honored to partner with KAB, which has a similar mission of supporting its affiliates through creative solutions that enhance our communities." A list of all grant recipients is available online. Keep America Beautiful Launches K-12 School Recycling Competition Keep America Beautiful, Inc., and its Pennsylvania affiliate Keep PA Beautiful, Thursday announced the launch of Recycle-Bowl, the first comprehensive nationwide recycling competition for elementary, middle and high-school students. Recycle-Bowl was created to provide students with a fun, interactive way to learn about waste reduction and environmental responsibility through in-school recycling. Open to all U.S. schools and classrooms, the incentive-based recycling competition and benchmarking program kicks off this October and registration is now open on the Recycle-Bowl website. The competition runs from October 17 through November 12, culminating around America Recycles Day. Participating schools will track and report how much recyclable material they collect for a chance to win prizes. At the close of the four-week competition, the school in each state that collects the most recyclable material per capita will win $1,000. A national champion will then be chosen from among the statewide winners to receive an additional grand prize of $2,500. Recycle-Bowl is about much more than simply winning a prize, said Matt McKenna, president and chief executive officer of Keep America Beautiful. Through this fun competition, were providing students, teachers and administrators across the country with an opportunity to

learn more about the economic and environmental benefits of recycling, and inspire their families to take similar actions both at home and in their communities. Educational recycling activities will also be provided online and through a registration toolkit. The inaugural Recycle-Bowl is being sponsored by Nestle Waters North America. "Nestle Waters North America is eager to see more recycling in our schools, said Heidi Paul, Vice President of Corporate Affairs for Nestle Waters North America, and to partner with Keep America Beautiful on this important recycling initiative. Outreach Webinar To learn more about the competition, join Keep America Beautiful for a one-hour Recycle-Bowl kickoff webinar. The webinar will explain the competition, provide an overview of available resources and highlight the use of a recycling competition by Akron OH and the State of California. The webinar will be held on August 22 at 1:00 p.m. and on August 25 at 3:00 p.m. Reserve your Webinar seat for August 22 by clicking here and reserve your Webinar seat for August 25 by clicking here. Lehigh Gap Nature Center 2011 Migration Fest September 16-18 The Lehigh Gap Nature Center in Slatington, Pa will holds the 2011 Migration Fest September 16-18 to highlight the seasonal movement of birds and butterflies. Click Here for all the details. New Passport Program Offers Pennsylvania Families a Chance to Recreate The Pennsylvania Parks and Forests Foundation is pleased to offer an exciting new book called the Pennsylvania State Parks and State Forests Passport the development of which was funded by a grant from Chesapeake Energy. The Passport will be initially available for sale on the foundations website for $10 plus sales tax, shipping, and handling; as well as through the mail. This 135-page passport includes maps, a history of the states park and forest system, a brief description and most memorable feature of each state park and forest, and additional online resources. Participants can track their visits to our public lands by initialing or stamping their booklet and, on the honor system, apprise PPFF of their progress Modeled after the National Park Systems highly successful Passport, the Pennsylvania Passport not only guides people to our state parks and forests, but it also breaks down interest areas and challenges users to complete each area to receive recognition for their accomplishment. The goal of the Passport program is to promote healthy activity and awareness of our amazing state park and forest system. This program offers something for everyone, said Marci Mowery, PPFF President. Whether you love trail hiking, paddling, driving tours, dramatic vistas, rock climbing, solitude, campgrounds, birding, or hand gliding our state parks and forests have points of interest second to none. Learn more at the PPFF website, follow us on Facebook and Twitter, and join the conversation on our blog, The Outdoor Muses Muse."

Spotlight
DCNR ECO Camp Helps Students Chart A Career Course For The Environment Ask their favorite in a week of non-stop outdoors activities and youre likely to get as many answers as the young campers gathered around you: Fishing for the first time! Searching for fossils! White-water rafting! Kayaking! Like the campers enthusiasm, their favorites list is unending, until, that is, you ask another simple question: And your least favorite activity? To a person, the 14 young men and women gathered under DCNRs Exploring Careers Outdoors (ECO) Camp banner are likely to say the same thing: Saying goodbye. Two simple words. Yet they say so much about the success of the annual ECO Camp program which for the 10th time last month brought young people together from all walks of life to sample the abundant natural bounty of our state. They come from tiny hamlets and major cities, from rolling farmlands and neighborhoods of macadam and concrete. And never are they disappointed. I had mixed emotions at the close of camp, said Brandon Miller of Landisburg, Perry County (photo). On one hand, I was ready to see my family again. However, on the other hand, I knew what I had just experienced quickly would become a distant memory. I think that is the reason why I still miss waking up everyday excited to see what adventure Id be participating in that day. In just a few short weeks the Perry County native will be entering 11th grade at West Perry High School, but for one night the student took on the role of a sportsmen and cabin owner, asking questions at a mock news conference held as part of camp activities. Answering those questions about state forest issues was DCNRs secretary for the evening, Breanne Havener of Mount Joy. Looking back at that week, in the end, ECO Camp really was about 'unplugging' yourself from the Internet and your cell phone, and having fun in nature, said the 17-year-old Lancaster County resident. ECO Camp always will be a dear memory that I'll keep close to my heart! For Brandon and Breanne, for a string of evenings in July, the Kirby Episcopal House and Chapel in Glen Summit, Luzerne County, served as a classroom without walls, taking them to new friends, new adventures in surrounding state parks and state forests, and, hopefully, careers in the environmental science fields. Welcome to the 10th annual camp, a highly successful educational effort that has steered hundreds of young people to the woods and waters around them. Assertiveness, confidence, an unquenchable thirst for answers, these are the character traits the students mentors have been polishing over the course of a one-week camp stay. Throw in the ability to make friends with others from all walks of life.

Then, add in a willingness to try anything new outdoors and you have just a few basic elements of ECO Camp. Are they working? Talk to Brandon whos looking ahead to future study in the science field: The camp's number one value, I think, is encouraging teens to get involved with the outdoor recreational activities that the state has to offer. In the future I would like to become a (Pennsylvania Fish and Boat Commission) Waterways Conservation Officer. I would also like to attend Penn State University and major in wildlife and fisheries science. Meanwhile, Breanne, who will be graduating from Donegal High School in 2013, sees Carnegie Mellon University and a fine arts major in her future. Daily exposure to state parks and forests, waterways and scenic vistas helped hone this young ladys artistic eye, but the camps staff helped her focus. I loved every minute of it! The counselors always had something for us to do, so I was never bored, Breanne said. They demonstrated a sense of carefree learning, so it never felt like I was just back in the classroom. Everyone was so nice and willing to help you out, and I respect the counselors for that. I learned teamwork, applied it to enjoyable activities, while, all the time, having fun in the outdoors with my new friends. And that, says DCNR Secretary Richard J. Allan is exactly the camps intent. We know with interest comes respect and a quest for learning, and with that education comes a willingness to protect and preserve our natural world, the secretary said. For 10 summers now, ECO Camp has been most successful at honing an awareness of the outdoors and the variety of related careers available to young people. Found within this gathering of young campers is very unique pool of intelligence, spirit and commitment to environmental improvement. Confidence is infectious at ECO Camp. So, too, is encouragement to pursue choices. Thats what the camps have offered almost 400 young men and women since 2002 as they bring students together with the men and women who start their days as foresters, biologists, park managers, wildlife and waterways officers and geologists. &nbsp; &nbsp;Always, camp emphasis is on drawing diverse groups of students from Pennsylvanias largest cities and its smallest villages. Inquisitive minds and a love of nature are the catalysts that consistently meld students of different ethnic and cultural enthusiastic about exploring more of our state parks and learning more about the environment of Pennsylvania. The ultimate goal of each camp is to introduce about 20 students to conservation and environmental careers, and encourage their pursuit. From stream sampling of fish and aquatic life, to forestry skills, daily activities are planned to get students out in the field to meet and observe environmental professionals. Its also an excellent place to have fun. Some campers immerse themselves in scouring rocky ledges for fossils at Beltzville State Park; others savor the adrenalin rush of Lehigh Gorges whitewater. Usually, area state parks supply the venues, their natural resources, and the excitement. Throughout their week, campers have the chance to ask plenty of questions and are exposed to a wide range of career experiences, including water quality assessments, geology field studies, and overnight camping experiences. There are daily opportunities to meet and talk with conservation professionals about career opportunities.

Offered without charge, instruction and activities are overseen by specialists and officials of DCNRs bureaus of state parks, forestry, and topographic and geologic survey. Selected students usually are from grades 10 through 12. After the camps, attendees will have a chance to seek internships, and mentoring and jobshadowing positions, and return as future camp leaders. Click Here for more photos from the camp. For ECO Camp enrollment applications and information, write to ECO Camp Coordinator, Bureau of State Parks, Environmental Education and Information Division, P.O. Box 8551, Harrisburg, PA 17105-8551; or telephone 717-783-4356. (Reprinted from the DCNR online newsletter Resource.) Enjoy Family Fishing Festivals Labor Day Weekend From Fish & Boat Commission Looking for a way for you and your family to enjoy the Labor Day holiday weekend? The Fish and Boat Commission has two opportunities on that weekend for you and your family to catch the fun of fishing. On September 3, the PFBC will host Family Fishing Festivals at six locations in Pennsylvania. And on Labor Day, September 5, its the Commissions second Fish-for-Free Day for 2011. This day allows anyone (resident or non-resident) to legally fish with no fishing license required on all Pennsylvania's waterways on this day. All other fishing regulations still apply. The Family Fishing Festivals are free educational events designed for families with little or no fishing experience, said Carl Richardson, PFBC manager of Education and Outreach. Participating families will learn basic fishing skills and have an opportunity to practice those skills while fishing together during the program. The festivals will be held from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. at six locations, one in each PFBC region, in cooperation with the Department of Conservation and Natural Resources, Bureau of State Parks. The festivals include: -- NW Region: Pymatuning State Park, Linesville, Crawford County -- SW Region: Raccoon Creek State Park, Hookstown, Beaver County -- NC Region: Hills Creek State Park, Wellsboro, Tioga County -- SC Region: Pine Grove Furnace State Park, Gardners, Cumberland County -- NE Region: Frances Slocum State Park, Wyoming, Luzerne County -- SE Region: Marsh Creek State Park, Downingtown, Chester County Click Here for contact information in each region. The fishing license requirement is waived for registered festival participants 16 and older. The program is open to all ages. However, the program is designed for children ages 5 and older. All equipment, bait and tackle will be provided. Space is limited at the event, so pre-registration is required. Deadline for registration is Aug. 31, and there will be no registration taken the day of the event. Visit the Fish-for-Free Day webpage to register and learn more about these events and Labor Days Fish-for-Free Day. Dont forget that Monday Sept. 5, is Fish-for-Free Day on all Pennsylvanias waterways.

Invitation To Enter 2nd Annual Dogs In The Outdoors Photo Contest Based on the success and quality of last years entries, the Pennsylvania Parks and Forests Foundation is excited to announce the 2nd annual statewide Dogs in the Outdoors Photo Contest. This years contest entries will be uploaded onto PPFFs Facebook page and judged by popular vote. Each email address will be able to vote only once. This contest celebrates our canine friends, their owners, and our dog-friendly parks and forests, said Marci Mowery, PPFF President. It is a treat to see the creativity, as well as the love for their dogs, that our contestants exhibit in their submitted entries. Only original, unpublished photography taken in a state park or state forest will be accepted. There will be three winners selected in each of the four categories: Action, Canines as Companions, contemplative, and Puppies. The top vote-getter will be named Top Dog. All winning entries will be displayed and prizes will be awarded at the Bark in the Park event at Colonel Denning State Park on Saturday, October 1. All entries must be submitted via email to Alicia Kanth at: akanth-ppff@pa.net by 11:59 p.m. on September 9. Entries submitted by the contest deadline must follow the guidelines to receive full consideration. For full contest rules and submittal instructions, please visit the PPFF website. Students Gain Real World Experience At Peach Bottom Exelon Nuclears 2011 internship program gave many college students some real world work experience this summer that will significantly enhance their chances of finding jobs after graduation. Nationwide, Exelon hired 121 summer interns at its 13 facilities, including 10 at Peach Bottom Atomic Power Station in Delta, Pa. Exelons summer internship program is a wonderful opportunity for local students to earn money while expanding their industry knowledge, said Garey Stathes, Peach Bottom Plant Manager. Its also an effective recruitment tool as many of our interns return as permanent employees after earning their degrees. In fact, 26 of the 43 recent graduates that Exelon Nuclear hired this year are former interns. In addition to benefiting the students, Exelons internship program greatly benefits Peach Bottom. Interns bring enthusiasm, new perspectives and creative ideas to the plant. This summer, some of those new perspectives came from 2008 Kennard Dale graduate, Bryce Sessions, who is attending the University of Pittsburgh at Johnstown studying Mechanical Engineering Technology. Sessions recently completed a 10-week internship in Peach Bottoms Engineering Mechanical Design Department, working closely with the stations Torus Relining Team and helping staff determine the life cycle of seismic detection equipment. "Interning at Peach Bottom was a valuable and exciting opportunity, said Sessions. The program provided hands-on experience in a unique industry and allowed me to see firsthand how highly trained and experienced nuclear professionals keep the plant running safely and reliably.

Interns at Exelon Nuclear sites this summer received real-world experience in a variety of areas, including engineering, nuclear operations, chemistry, health physics and business administration. For more information, visit Exelon's Intern webpage.

Opinion Time For DEP To Put SEPS Back In Its Enforcement Toolbox
By M. Joel Bolstein Fox Rothschild LLP Supplemental Environmental Projects or SEPs were part of PADEP's enforcement toolbox for many years. The Ridge Administration used them very effectively. The Department, in fact, still has a guidance document on its website that describes its SEP policy . I'm not sure exactly when it happened, but at some point during the last administration, the Department's leadership decided that SEPs would no longer be accepted as part of the settlement of an enforcement action. The people who made that decision presumably are now gone, but the policy prohibiting SEPs remains, and I am now urging the new leadership of the Department to put SEPs back into the Department's toolbox. There is no downside to allowing parties to propose SEPs for inclusion in the resolution of an enforcement action. EPA not only accepts SEPs, it welcomes them. It has a page on its website with links to its SEP policy and guidance. I've resolved many enforcement actions with EPA on behalf of my clients, and many of the CO&As that were signed included SEPs. I had a CO&A that was signed recently by a PA municipal sewer authority that included a reduction in the civil penalty paid to EPA in return for the performance of a SEP that sought to educate the users of that sewer system to the need to properly dispose of unused pharmaceuticals. EPA actually gave us the idea for that SEP. We recently completed that SEP and it was very successful. In December 2007, PADEP was a signatory to a Consent Order and Agreement with EPA that authorized a large chemical company to perform $4.5 million in Supplemental Environmental Projects as part of the settlement of a joint federal/state enforcement action arising out of a chemical release and fish kill. The SEPs included purchasing land, imposing conservation easements, creating a watershed preservation and restoration plan, and installing a biomonitoring system to provide advance warning of threats to fish in the Wissahickon Creek. So, it would appear that PADEP is still willing to allow SEPs in an enforcement action if it involves EPA and the project can be done under EPA's SEP Policy. In 2007, Hastings College of Law, in conjunction with the ABA Section of Environment, Energy and Resources (of which I am a past officer), published a 50 State Survey of Supplemental Environmental Projects. That survey found that 28 states had formal published SEP policies and 20 other states and the District of Columbia had internal unpublished policies or practices allowing SEPs. At the time the survey was done, only North Carolina and South Carolina rejected the use of SEPs.

If it decides to bring back SEPs, PADEP will be able to take comfort from the fact that the overwhelming majority of its sister states allow them. SEPs are supported by EPA and by the overwhelming majority of states because they really do provide environmental benefits to communities. While fines and penalties go into statewide funds, SEPs must have a nexus with the violation, so their benefits are directed at the area where the harm occurred. Growing Greener used to provide grants to local communities for watershed management and restoration projects. That funding is gone. County and local government budgets have also been cut to the bone. SEPs can help fill those funding gaps and provide funding for worthy local environmental projects. Again, I never understood why the Department stopped allowing SEPS. It's been a mystery to me. Why not give the Department the discretion to use them in the appropriate circumstances? What harm could come from that? (Reprinted from the Blog PA Brownfields & Environmental Law written by M. Joel Bolstein, an environmental attorney with Fox Rothschild LLP. He can be contacted by sending email to: jbolstein@foxrothschild.com.) Dan Greig Will Start As Berks Conservation District Executive Director The Berks County Conservation District is pleased to announce that effective October 2 Dan Greig will be the District Manager of the Conservation District. Dan brings an impressive amount of environmental knowledge and leadership to the Berks County Conservation District. He previously worked for 31 years at the Chester County Conservation District with the last 21 years as District Manager. Dan has a degree in Geography and Planning and currently resides in Chester County. Dan comes to the BCCD with extensive staff management, stormwater and erosion control, and mushroom and other agriculture experience. Glenn Seidel, Chairman of the Board of Directors stated that Dans time with the District will strengthen the Districts mission to preserve and enhance the soil and water resources of Berks County. He will also add continuity, and stability to the Districts existing programs. Dan is equally confident that the Berks County Conservation District will continue to be successful under his tenure. Dan stated that BCCD has made remarkable progress since its reorganization in 2009. We will continue to find new and innovative ways work with Berks County farmers, developers, and residents on ways that protect our natural resources. Help Wanted: Berks County Agriculture Conservation Technician The Berks County Conservation District is seeking candidates to fill an Agriculture Conservation Technician position. The individual will assist landowners within Berks County with needs determination, design, layout, and installation of agricultural best management practices (BMPs) which will help protect the soil and water resources of Berks County, the waters of the Chesapeake Bay, the Delaware and the Schuylkill Watersheds, develop farm conservation plans and provide status reviews for nutrient management.

Click Here for details. Deadline for applications is September 9.

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. August 24-- EPA Clean Air Excellence Awards August 26-- Foundation for PA Watersheds Grants August 26-- DEP Growing Greener/319/Local Mine Reclamation Grants August 29-- DEP Small Business Pollution Prevention, Energy Efficiency Grants September 1-- TKF Foundation Open Space Sacred Places Grants September 1-- PEMA Volunteer Fire Company Grants September 2-- Natural Biodiversity: Earth Friendly School Grant September 4-- Chester County Green Business Awards September 6-- Coca-Cola America Is Your Park Recreation Voting/Grants September 9-- NEW. PPFF Dogs In The Outdoors Photo Contest September 16-- EPA Apps For The Environment Challenge October 17-- DEP Coastal Zone Management Grants October 31-- CFA Business In Our Sites, PennWorks Funding October 31-- CFA Solar Energy Program Funding November 30-- iConservePA CSI Pennsylvania Super Sleuth Sweepstakes! December 30-- DEP Recycling Performance Grants December 31-- President's Environmental Youth Awards -- Visit the DEP Grants and Loan Programs webpage for more ideas on how to get financial assistance for environmental projects.

Quick Clips
Here's a selection of NewClips on environmental topics from around the state-Budget DCED Official Suggests Drilling Under Most PA State Forest Land Corbett Official Wants To See More Drilling In State Forests Blog: Rep. Sturla Quote On Drilling (Rated R) Drilling Impact Fee Debate Previewed House Dems Look At Drilling In Wilkes-Barre Corbett: How Natural Gas Impact Fee Should Be Used Debate On Gas Drilling Tax Likely To Resurface In Harrisburg Fairness Test Applied To Shale Tax Other Weis Markets Recognized For Firing Up Recycling Op-Ed: Green Has To Be Green Recycling

Erie Goes Green, Saving Paper, Cash Small Businesses Eligible For Pollution Prevention Grants Medical Waste Company Opening In Forks Jersey Shore Still Mill Among Greenest In The World Good Samaritan Helps Protect Environment At Accident Scene Corbett Administration Responds To Renewable Charges Corbett Turns Attention From Renewable Energy Wind Energy Divides NE PA Schuylkill County, PSU Should Explore Solar Partnership Editorial: Solar Power, Eclipsed By Reality Dominion Energy Sends Small Customers Back To PPL Op-Ed: The Darker Side Of Electric Deregulation Editorial: Get LIHEAP Up To Speed Beaver Nuclear Exec Aids In Japanese Plant Recovery A Plan For Eco-Housing In East Liberty Editorial: Auditor General Finds More Flaws In Heating Aid Cost Of Greener Lighting Explodes PA Plant To Offer Incandescents That Meet Rules Philly Mayor In Rio With EPA To Teach About Green Development More Travelers Considering Environmental Friendliness Midstate Leading PA In West Vile Virus Mosquito Reports Point State Park Tunnel Awaits Artistic Face-Lift Disease Triggers Wood Quarantine Eagle Population Rebounding In PA Ospreys Visit Presque Isle, But Don't Stay To Nest Ned Smith Center For Nature & Art Names Quigley Director Birth Of A Monarch

Marcellus Shale NewsClips

Here are NewsClips on topics related to Marcellus Shale natural gas drilling--DCED Official Suggests Drilling Under Most PA State Forest Land Corbett Official Wants To See More Drilling In State Forests Blog: Rep. Sturla Quote On Drilling (Rated R) Lawmaker Suggests Drilling Crews Spread STDs Amongst Womenfolk Lawmaker Apologies For Womenfolk Crack On Drilling John Baer: Save The Womenfolk From Drilling Crews! Statistics Refute Lawmaker's Claim Of STDs In Drilling Areas Drilling Impact Fee Debate Previewed House Dems Look At Drilling In Wilkes-Barre Corbett: How Natural Gas Impact Fee Should Be Used Debate On Gas Drilling Tax Likely To Resurface In Harrisburg Fairness Test Applied To Shale Tax

Up A Creek Corbett Paddles Through NE PA, Past Drilling Questions Editorial: Guv Misses Boat On Protecting Wilds Editorial: Strike Balance With Gas Drilling Op-Ed: Forced Pooling For Shale Gas Is Greed State's Gas Production Up 60 Percent In First Half Of 2011 PA Natural Gas Production Rises 60 Percent Marcellus Waste Increases Attributable To New Rules, Errors DEP To Allow Drilling To Resume Under Creek Pipeline Construction Continues Despite Violations Big, New Gas Pipelines On Tap For State Dallas Twp. OKs Gas Pipeline Agreement PA OKs Resumption Of Pipeline Project Accord OKs Plan For Pipeline With Rules Editorial: Marcellus Shale Interstate Pipeline Projects Editorial: Ensure Safety Of Pipelines Range Resources Challenges South Fayette's Drilling Ordinance Range's Appeal Of Drilling Ordinances Raises Conflicts Driller Fights Ordinane In South Fayette Rivals Offer Mobile Fix For Fracking Wastewater Waste Cakes Result From Treating Gas Drilling Wastewater Throop Continues To Fight Marcellus Shale Waste State Pushes For Legal End To Shale Wastewater Discharges PA At Crossroads Of Natural Gas Boom UGI To Sell Homegrown Gas Must Crime Follow PA Gas Drilling Boom? Wilkes University Initiative To Make Drilling Research Available Mansfield Sees Enrollment Drop Amid Gas Drilling Penn State Webinar On Drilling And Wildlife Aug. 25 NE PA Natural Gas Customers Could Benefit From Marcellus Shale Marcellus Shale Production Jumps In Southwest PA Study: Natural Gas Cleaner Than Coal CMU: Natural Gas Less Polluting Than Coal In Long Run Natural Gas Supply Is Sparkplug For State Gas Industry Reaches Out Via County Fairs Editorial: Wise Energy Use Should Know No Political Season Financial Consol Selling Some Marcellus Interests For $3.4 Billion

Watershed NewsClips
Here are NewsClips on watershed topics from around the state-Marcellus Report Revives Water Well Issue

Schuylkill District Presents Environmental Awards Nutrient Credit Auctions Set For November Susquehanna River Study Includes Artistic Expression Reparations Asked Following Peters Creek Salt Spill PA American Water Supports Watershed Ed Program Harveys Lake Speeds Phosphorus Plan 3 Die In Pittsburgh Flash Flooding, Cars Submerged

Regulations, Technical Guidance & Permits

No new regulations were published this week. Pennsylvania Bulletin - August 20, 2011 Proposed Regulations Open For Comment - DEP webpage Proposed Regulations With Closed Comment Periods - DEP webpage Rolling Regulatory Agenda - DEP webpage

Technical Guidance & Permits

The Department of Environmental Protection published notice of a draft guidance for public comment on clean alternative fuel conversion systems. The Public Utility Commission published notice in compliance with federal stimulus requirements relating to electric and natural gas rate actions promoting energy efficiency and conservation. The Susquehanna River Basin Commission published notice of water withdrawal projects approved or rescinded. Draft DEP ID: 270-0810-007. Policy on Clean Alternative Fuel Conversion Systems. This policy provides guidance to clean alternative fuel conversion system manufacturers, installers and potential purchasers of conversion systems regarding the repair and warranties of emission control components on new passenger cars and light-duty trucks retrofitted with clean alternative fuel conversion systems. Technical Guidance Comment Deadlines - DEP webpage Copies Of Draft Technical Guidance - DEP webpage Copies of Final Technical Guidance - DEP webpage

Calendar Of Events
Upcoming legislative meetings, conferences, workshops, plus links to other online calendars. Meetings are in Harrisburg unless otherwise noted. NEW means new from last week. Go to the

online Calendar webpage. Click on Agenda Released on calendar entries to see the NEW meeting agendas published this week. August 22-- NEW. House Republican Policy Committee hearing on the impact of statemandated energy programs. Room 140. 10:00. August 23-- CANCELED. DEP Oil and Gas Technical Advisory Board meeting. Room 105 Rachel Carson Building. 10:00. (formal notice) (formal notice) August 25-- DEP Water Resources Advisory Committee meeting. Room 105 Rachel Carson Building. 9:30. (formal notice) August 30-- NEW. House Human Services Committee hearing on House Bill 272 (Hess-RBlair) establishing a task force on Lyme disease and related maladies. Room 60 East Wing. 10:00. September 13-- House Finance Committee informational meeting on Marcellus Shale industry. Holiday Inn, Warren. 10:00. September 15-- NEW. House Game and Fisheries Committee hearing on Sunday hunting. East Allen Twp. Building, Northampton. 6:30 p.m. September 16-- CANCELED. DEP Oil and Gas Technical Advisory Board meeting. Room 105 Rachel Carson Building. 10:00. (formal notice) October 21-- DEP Oil and Gas Technical Advisory Board meeting. Room 105 Rachel Carson Building. 10:00. (formal notice) December 6-- DEP Oil and Gas Technical Advisory Board meeting. Room 105 Rachel Carson Building. 10:00. (formal notice) DEP Calendar of Events Environmental Education Workshop/Training Calendar (PA Center for Environmental Education) Senate Committee Schedule House Committee Schedule

You can watch the Senate Floor Session and House Floor Session live online.

Stories Invited

Send your stories, photos and videos about your project, environmental issues or programs for publication in the PA Environment Digest to: DHess@CrisciAssociates.com. PA Environment Digest is edited by David E. Hess, former Secretary Pennsylvania Department of Environmental Protection and is published as a service to the clients of Crisci Associates, a Harrisburg-based government and public affairs firm whose clients include Fortune 500 companies and non-profit organizations. For more information on Crisci Associates, call 717-234-1716. PA Environment Digest was the winner of the PA Association of Environmental Educators' 2009 Business Partner of the Year Award.

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