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 March 19, 2012

Counties With 1,341 Marcellus Wells File With PUC To Adopt Drilling Fee So far, seven counties with a total of 1,341 natural gas wells have formally filed their intent with the Public Utility Commission to adopt a drilling impact fee under the Act 13 Marcellus Shale Law. The counties include: Butler (109 wells), Forest (6 wells), Lawrence (2 wells), Lycoming (473 wells), Perry (0 wells), Washington (560 wells) and Westmoreland (191 wells) counties. 4,344 of the 4,982 producing Marcellus Shale wells in Pennsylvania are in just 11 counties: Bradford-1,008, Tioga-693, Washington-560, Lycoming- 473, Susquehanna-462, Greene-415, Westmoreland-191, Fayette-185, Clearfield-136, Armstrong-112 and Butler-109. For 2012, counties have until April 16 to adopt a drilling fee ordinance. For more information, visit the PUC's Act 13 Drilling Fee and Drilling Fee Public Documents webpages. NewsClips: Drillers Answer Impact Fee Questions In Bradford Drilling Impact Fee Up For Consideration In Fayette Butler County Intends To Collect Millions In Drilling Fees Luzerne Eyes Public Input On Gas Impact Fee Somerset To Seek Payment For Marcellus Wells Most Natural Gas Drilling In 11 Counties Union Calls For Funding From Taxes, Drilling Agencies Outline Plans For Drilling Fee Revenue Webinars March 22 To Examine Impact Fee Zoning, Impact Fees Concern Fayette Residents Corbett's Energy Executive Defends Impact Fee PUC Seeks Comment On Implementation Of Drilling Impact Fee Provisions The Public Utility Commission Thursday issued for comment a Tentative Order on various aspects of the implementation of Act 13 of 2012, which authorizes the states counties to adopt an impact fee related to unconventional natural gas well drilling. Todays Order represents an important first step in implementing the Commissions duties under the act, said Commissioner Pamela Witmer. I look forward to working with all of the stakeholders in a transparent manner to ensure that the implementation goes smoothly.

The Commission voted 5-0 to receive comments on key portions of the Act that the PUC is required to administer including the procedures the PUC will use to implement, collect and distribute the impact fee as directed by the law. The Order also seeks comments on the procedures the PUC will use to evaluate local government ordinances regulating gas and oil operations. The Tentative Implementation Order contains information on the: Implementation plans; Producer report; Advisory opinion request form; Request for review form; Municipal budget report; and Impact fee disbursement report. On February 14, 2012, Gov. Corbett signed into law Act 13 of 2012, the Unconventional Gas Well Impact Fee Act, which amended Title 58 (Oil and Gas) of the Pennsylvania Consolidated Statutes. The PUC is responsible for implementing the provisions contained in Chapters 23 and 33 of the Act. Chapter 23 provides for the imposition, collection and distribution of an unconventional gas well fee (also called a drilling impact fee). Chapter 33 governs local ordinances that impose conditions, requirements or limitations on oil or gas operations. The PUC has created a page on its website for Act 13 information. Interested parties have 20 days from the entry of the Tentative Order to comment on these issues. Specific instructions on how to officially file comments with the PUC can be found in the Order. A Final Implementation Order will be based on these comments. So far, seven counties have filed their intent with the PUC to adopt a drilling fee: Butler (109 wells), Forest (6 wells), Lawrence (2 wells), Lycoming (473 wells), Perry (0 wells), Washington (560 wells) and Westmoreland (191 wells) counties. 4,344 of the 4,982 producing Marcellus Shale wells in Pennsylvania are in just 11 counties: Bradford-1,008, Tioga-693, Washington-560, Lycoming- 473, Susquehanna-462, Greene-415, Westmoreland-191, Fayette-185, Clearfield-136, Armstrong-112 and Butler-109. For 2012, counties have until April 16 to adopt a drilling fee ordinance. For more information, visit the PUC's Act 13 Drilling Fee and Drilling Fee Public Documents webpages. NewsClips: Drillers Answer Impact Fee Questions In Bradford Drilling Impact Fee Up For Consideration In Fayette Butler County Intends To Collect Millions In Drilling Fees Luzerne Eyes Public Input On Gas Impact Fee Somerset To Seek Payment For Marcellus Wells Most Natural Gas Drilling In 11 Counties Union Calls For Funding From Taxes, Drilling Agencies Outline Plans For Drilling Fee Revenue Webinars March 22 To Examine Impact Fee Zoning, Impact Fees Concern Fayette Residents Corbett's Energy Executive Defends Impact Fee Poll: Voters Disapprove Of Governor's Handling Of State Budget A new Quinnipiac University Poll finds Pennsylvania voters disapprove 49 - 36 percent of the way Gov. Corbett is handling the state budget and disapprove 53 - 27 percent of the way he is handling funding for the state's public universities, the only funding issue polled.

Overall Pennsylvania voters give Gov. Tom Corbett a 41 - 41 percent job approval rating, down from a 47 - 34 percent approval rating December 8. The same poll found 54 percent of those polled disapprove of the say the General Assembly is doing its job while 29 percent approve. NewsClips: Poll: Corbett's Approval Rating Slumps A Bit Higher Ed Cuts Send Corbett's Approval Rating Tumbling Corbett's Approval Rating Drops To 41 Percent Poll Shows Corbett's Approval Down 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-PA Environment Digest Twitter Feed: On Twitter, sign up to receive instant updates from: PAEnviroDigest. PA Environment Daily Blog: 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 Daily 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. PA Capitol Digest Twitter Feed: Don't forget to sign up to receive the PA Capitol Digest Twitter feed to get instant updates on other news from in and around the Pennsylvania State Capitol. Senate/House Agenda/Session Schedule/Bills Introduced Here are the Senate and House Calendars and Committee meetings showing bills of interest as well as a list of new environmental bills introduced-Session Schedule

Here is the latest voting session schedule for the Senate and House-Senate March 26, 27, 28 April 2, 3, 30 May 1, 2, 7, 8, 9, 21, 22, 23 June 4, 5, 6, 11, 12, 13, 18, 19, 20, 25, 26, 27, 28, 29 House March 26, 27, 28 April 2, 3, 4, 30 May 1, 2, 7, 8, 9, 21, 22, 23 June 4, 5, 6, 11, 12, 13, 18, 19, 20, 21, 22, 25, 26, 27, 28, 29 Bill Calendars House (March 26): House Bill 1915 (Boback-R-Columbia) providing for a capital projects list for highways and bridges damaged by flooding; House Bill 1934 (F.Keller-R-Snyder) excluding people residing in federal or state facilities for determining when a municipality must recycle; House Resolution 438 (Cruz-D-Philadelphia) urging Philadelphia to establish a waste tire removal and disposal program; House Resolution 423 (Petri-R-Bucks) directing the Legislative Budget and Finance Committee to study state funding formulas and how they impact counties; House Bill 2245 (Bobak-R-Columbia) establishing the Flood Disaster Railroad Assistance Project List totaling $2.6 million; House Resolution 505 (Preston-D-Allegheny) disapproving the PUC regulation on natural gas competition. <> Click Here for full House Bill Calendar. Senate (March 26): Senate Bill 210 (Greenleaf-R-Montgomery) creating a task force on Lyme Disease; Senate Bill 1080 (Greenleaf-R-Montgomery) consolidates five legislative agencies into two: a new PA Office for Research and Public Policy combining the duties of the Joint State Government Commission, Legislative Budget and Finance Committee, Joint Legislative Air and Water Pollution Control and Conservation Committee and the Center for Rural Pennsylvania and combining the Legislative Reference Bureau, Legislative Data Processing Committee and the Capitol Preservation Committee into the Government Support Agency; Senate Bill 1261 (Erickson-R-Delaware) specifically authorizing authorities to undertake stormwater projects; Senate Bill 1298 (Smucker-R-Lancaster) authorizing composting facilities under the farmland preservation program; Senate Resolution 246 (Wozniak-D-Cambria) memorializing Congress to re-evaluate the vehicle emission inspection program required by the federal Clean Air Act; House Bill 1054 (Mustio-R-Allegheny) further providing for continuing professional competency requirements under Engineer, Land Surveyor and Geologist Registration Law. <> Click Here for full Senate Bill Calendar. Committees Note: The Senate and House return to voting session March 26.

House: <> Click Here for full House Committee Schedule. Senate: <> Click Here for full Senate Committee Schedule. Bills Introduced The following bills of interest were introduced this week-Flood Recovery Projects: House Bill 2242 (Baker-R-Tioga) providing for a Capital Budget to repair flood-damaged highways. Watershed Reconstruction: House Bill 2244 (Major-R-Susquehanna) establishing the Watershed Disaster Reconstruction Act taking funds from the Surface Mining Conservation and Reclamation Fund and other sources for stream restoration projects. Flood Disaster Railroad Assistance: House Bill 2245 (Bobak-R-Columbia) establishing the Flood Disaster Railroad Assistance Project List totaling $2.6 million. The House Transportation Committee took immediate action on the bill and reported it out of Committee this week and is now on the House Calendar for action. Converting Fleets To Natural Gas: House Bill 2251 (Saylor-R-York) would diver $6 million from the DEP Clean Air Fund to provide grants to convert vehicle fleets to natural gas.

Senate/House Bills Moving

The following bills of interest saw action this week in the House and Senate-House Capital Budget: House Bill 2175 (Turzai-R-Allegheny) reducing the debt cap and making other changes to the Capital Budget Process was reported from the House Appropriations Committee and passed by the House. The bill now goes to the Senate for consideration. Flood Recovery Projects: House Bill 1915 (Boback-R-Columbia) providing for a capital projects list for highways and bridges damaged by flooding was amended and reported out of the House Transportation Committee and is now on the House Calendar for action. NewsClips: Flood Bills Move In House Committees Money To Assist In Flood Recovery House Moving Flood Aid Package Flood Disaster Railroad Assistance: House Bill 2245 (Bobak-R-Columbia) establishing the Flood Disaster Railroad Assistance Project List totaling $2.6 million was reported out of the House Transportation Committee and is now on the House Calendar for action.

Senate Downtown Relocation: Senate Bill 276 (Argall-R-Schuylkill) amendments to the Downtown Location Law was passed by the Senate and now goes to the House for action. A summary and Senate Fiscal Note are available. Biking Trails: Senate Bill 469 (Argall-R-Schuylkill) further providing for liability protection for landowners who open their land for biking and jogging trails was referred to the Senate Rules Committee for a concurrence vote. Continuing Education: House Bill 1054 (Mustio-R-Allegheny) further providing for continuing professional competency requirements under Engineer, Land Surveyor and Geologist Registration Law was amended and reported from the Senate Appropriations Committee and is now on the Senate Calendar for action. A summary and Senate Fiscal Note are available. Composting Facilities: Senate Bill 1298 (Smucker-R-Lancaster) authorizing composting facilities under the farmland preservation program was reported out of the Senate Appropriations Committee and is now on the Senate Calendar for action. A summary and Senate Fiscal Note are available. Stormwater: Senate Bill 1261 (Erickson-R-Delaware) specifically authorizing authorities to undertake stormwater projects was reported out of the Senate Appropriations Committee and is now on the Senate Calendar for action. A summary and Senate Fiscal Note are available. Emissions Inspection: Senate Resolution 246 (Wozniak-D-Cambria) memorializing Congress to re-evaluate the vehicle emission inspection program required by the federal Clean Air Act was reported from the Senate Transportation Committee and is now on the Senate Calendar for action. Reclamation Fees: House Bill 1813 (Tobash-R-Schuylkill) further providing for anthracite reclamation fees and guarantees was referred to the Senate Appropriations Committee. Storage Tanks: Senate Bill 1398 (Yudichak-D-Luzerne) extending the Underground Storage Tank Environmental Cleanup Program from 2012 to 2017 was referred to the Senate Appropriations Committee.

News From The Capitol

House Passes Capital Budget Reform Bill, Reduces Debt Available For Projects The House Monday passed House Bill 2175 (Turzai-R-Allegheny) make significant changes to the Capital Budget process and reduce the cap on the amount of money borrowed under the program.

In related news, State Treasurer Rob McCord offered additional reforms for the Capital Budget process. "It's time to take control of the state's credit cards as we've increased our debt by almost 300 percent under RACP over the last several years by approving loans for pet projects," House Majority Leader Mike Turzai said. "Our plan would streamline the process and make it more transparent and accountable." According to Rep. Turzai, putting Pennsylvania's financial house in order is a top priority for members of the House. Part of that is controlling spending in the annual operating budget and another part is dealing with the state's capital budget and the responsible issuance of debt. Created in 1999 with an initial debt ceiling of $1.2 billion, the RACP debt ceiling has been raised six times since then, pushing it up to $4.05 billion. There are approximately 8,000 RACP projects that have been added to the program's list since 1999. RACP provides a list of private or public economic development or infrastructure projects, funded by borrowed money, from which the governor can select recipients of that borrowed money. Rep. Turzai's legislation would reduce the RACP debt ceiling, initially to $3.5 billion and then incrementally until it reaches $1.5 billion. The bill does not eliminate the economic development grant program, but redefines it and makes it financially viable. The legislation redefines the program to finance buildings and related infrastructure projects with a total cost of $1 million or more that would generate or maintain substantial economic activity and have a substantial regional or multi-jurisdictional economic impact. Such projects could include roads, bridges, tunnels, waste disposal, storm water, sewage or water infrastructure, and bridges or roads when part of an economic development project. Projects on the current itemization list that have not been authorized as of December 31, 2011, would expire. To be awarded from any future itemization acts, a project must comply with all new RACP requirements. Finally, the legislation would create a new stringent review and approval process within the Office of the Budget. The Budget Office would develop eligibility criteria and establish guidelines for the process. NewsClips: House OKs Lower Debt Limit For Capital Budget Projects House Approves Capital Budget Changes Capital Budget Program Facing Changes Rep. Saylor Unveils Natural Gas Vehicle Conversion Legislation Rep. Stan Saylor (R-York) Tuesday announced the introduction of House Bill 2251 aimed at mainstreaming the use of natural gas as a vehicle fuel in Pennsylvania. House Bill 2251, which has over 30 co-sponsors, would task a portion of the Clean Air Fund to be used for grants encouraging the use of natural gas vehicles (NGVs) and growing Pennsylvanias compressed natural gas filling station network. The purpose of the Clean Air Fund is to reduce air pollution and natural gas vehicles are a great means of achieving that goal. When compared to gasoline, NGVs reduce carbon monoxide emissions by 90 percent, nitrogen oxides by 50 percent and virtually eliminate soot. Converting just one heavy-duty waste truck from diesel to natural gas offers the emissions reduction equivalent of taking 325 gasoline-powered cars off the road.

As gasoline prices continue to rise, natural gas prices continue to decline. Therefore, this program will lower the cost of doing business in Pennsylvania as well as clean up our air. Additionally, it will create jobs here because much of the natural gas vehicle and refueling station industry is in Pennsylvania. The Commonwealth is home to Knox-Western, an Erie company which builds compressors, Eco-Friendly in Gibsonia, which builds fueling stations; Baker Equipment in Pottstown, which retro-fits vehicles; and LNG Energy Solutions in Canonsburg, which is a liquefied natural gas provider. The target of the program initially is to incentivize industry to convert its commercial vehicle fleets to natural gas. Such fleets will require enhancing our states network of compressed natural gas fueling stations, which in turn benefits consumers. Detroit is presently producing bi-fuel natural gas vehicles for consumers, and the only thing standing in a familys way of purchasing these clean-burning fuel-efficient machines are enough fueling stations to make them practical. This legislation will move us away from our dependency on foreign oil, stimulate the economy, and clean up our environment, Rep. Saylor said. The need for a national energy policy has never been so prevalent, and this legislation will enable Pennsylvania to show America how to do it.

News From Around The State

EPA Makes Available $4 Million In New Chesapeake Bay Cleanup Funding The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency and the National Fish and Wildlife Foundation Monday announced a new $4 million EPA-funded initiative providing financial and technical assistance to local governments needing to reduce water pollution to help restore the Chesapeake Bay. Proposals are due May 16. Now more than ever, the Chesapeake Bay needs the creativity, innovation and ingenuity of local governments, said EPA Regional Administrator Shawn M. Garvin. This new EPA funding will enable local governments to implement the best solutions to on-the-ground challenges they face in helping to restore the Bay, and share those approaches with other towns throughout the entire watershed. As local governments work to implement the Chesapeake Bay TMDL or pollution diet, the Local Government Green Infrastructure Initiative will support them by making grants of up to $750,000 available. The grants will be administered by NFWF through the Chesapeake Bay Stewardship Fund, and competitively awarded to local governments to design and implement projects demonstrating the integration of green infrastructure into existing programs to meet community needs and improve local waterways and the Bay. A growing number of local governments are viewing community improvement projectsfrom street and park enhancements to public facility renovationsas an opportunity to green their community and help the Bay, said David J. ONeill, Director of the National Fish and Wildlife Foundations Eastern Partnership Office. This initiative will help more local

governments meet their jobs, mobility, and recreation needs, while simultaneously helping them restore local creeks and streams and the Chesapeake Bay. With a combination of grants and technical assistance, the initiative aims to help local governments overcome obstacles to meeting pollution reduction goals for local waters and the Bay. The Bay TMDL provides states and local governments with considerable flexibility in how they achieve these objectives. Local government is an important driver; able to quickly turn policy into practice, said Harford County Councilwoman Mary Ann Lisanti, chair of the Chesapeake Bay Partnerships Local Government Advisory Committee. We are confident that by showcasing the good things that are happening in communities and neighborhoods that more people will be motivated to do their part Grants will be awarded for green infrastructure initiatives such as capital improvements, road maintenance programs, flood plain management, and other projects that produce measurable water quality improvements in local rivers and streams, and ultimately the Bay. The Bay TMDL requires approximately 25 percent reductions in nitrogen, phosphorus, and sediment pollution, with all of the of the pollution reduction measures needed for restoring the Bay in place by 2025. This critical program will enable local governments to design and implement projects that will achieve measurable goals in restoring the Chesapeake Bay and its watershed, said U.S. Senator Ben Cardin, a member of the Environment and Public Works Committee. It offers localities an opportunity to integrate innovative practices into already existing programs to improve efforts to clean up the Bay. Protecting the Chesapeake Bay means protecting jobs, said Congressman Ruppersberger. The Bay generates $1 trillion for its watershed each year through fishing, tourism, higher property values and shipping. This new grant program will help local governments clean up local rivers and streams that feed into the Bay, helping to preserve this environmental and economical treasure for generations to come. In addition to grant awards, local governments are eligible to receive technical assistance for specific challenges they identify as barriers to improving water quality, including financing assistance, project design and implementation, and stormwater and land use management. Selected localities will represent the diverse characteristics of local governments throughout the 64,000 square-mile watershed including rural counties, predominantly agricultural communities, rapidly growing suburban localities, smaller cities, and urban municipalities. In partnership with the Local Government Advisory Committee, resources will also be made available for local governments to share information and experiences. Through forums and workshops, local governments will gain access to information about best practices and evolving strategies for achieving water quality goals for local waters and the Bay. Since 2000, the Chesapeake Bay Stewardship Fund has offered $68.9 million in grants for over 700 projects across the Chesapeake Bay watershed. The goal of the fund is to accelerate local implementation of the most innovative, sustainable and cost-effective strategies for restoring and protecting water quality and vital habitats within the Chesapeake Bay watershed. For more information, visit the Chesapeake Bay Stewardship Fund webpage.

Chesapeake Bay Photo Contest Underway The Chesapeake Bay Foundation Monday announced its eighth annual watershed photo contest is now accepting entries. Photo submissions are being accepted through April 13. Photographers of all skill levels, ages 13 and up are encouraged to participate to win the top cash prize of $500.00, and have their photo featured in CBFs award-winning publications. The contest promotes awareness of conservation issues relating to the Chesapeake Bay and local rivers and streams. CBF is seeking images from around the watershed that illustrate the beauty, benefits, and bounty of the Bay and its rivers and streams. Photos can illustrate a wide variety of topics, but all MUST include water in the photo. The photos submitted to our contest have been stunning and show how connected people are to this wonderful resource, said Jennifer Wallace, Managing Editor and contest organizer. All winners will receive a cash award ranging from the top prize of $500.00 to $100.00. The first prize winner also receives a premium spot in the CBF 2013 calendar. All winners will also receive a one-year membership to CBF and will have their photos displayed on CBFs website, in a CBF e-newsletter, in CBFs 2013 calendar, and in CBFs award-winning magazine, Save the Bay. This year, concepts and topics for photographers to consider include: Beauty, Recreation, History and Legacy, and Agriculture. Judging will be conducted by a panel of CBF employees on the basis of subject matter, composition, focus, lighting, uniqueness, and impact. The public will also be able to vote online for their favorite photo in the Viewers Choice Gallery. Last year the judges had their work cut out for them with more than 600 entries. Participation in the Viewers Choice Award was outstanding, too, with more than 6,000 votes cast. Contest rules and details are available online. Presentation Of Water Budget For Spring & Nittany Creeks On March 20 In Centre The ClearWater Conservancy in Centre County is hosting a special presentation on the water budget for Spring and Nittany Creeks on March 20 from 7:30 a.m. to 8:30 a.m. at the Patton Township Municipal Building in State College. The Spring Creek basin has experienced rapid growth and development resulting in landuse change and increased water use. These landscape changes influence (1) the quantity and quality of runoff and groundwater, (2) surface-water and groundwater interactions, and (3) aquatic resources in the basin. The USGS partnered with ClearWater Conservancy and the Department of Environmental Protection to develop a coupled-regions computer model of the groundwater and surface-water system. To assist water management agencies in assessing the effects on surfacewater and groundwater resources, the coupled Groundwater and Surface-water flow model (GSFLOW) was used. The model is a product of the integration of the USGS Precipitation-Runoff Modeling System (PRMS) and the USGS Modular Groundwater Flow Model (MODFLOW). The objectives of this effort are to (1) establish a water balance for the Spring Creek basin using

GSFLOW for calendar years 2000-2007 and (2) quantify recharge capacities for regions within the basin. The presentation will offer an update on the status of the project and the results of the modeling effort. For more information, contact Nick Schipanski, Water Resources Coordinator, by sending email to: nick@clearwaterconservancy.org. Managing Municipal Stormwater Workshop Set For May 7 In Carlisle On May 7 a Municipal Stormwater Management Workshop will be held to help municipalities, municipal engineers and community planners implement new cost effective stormwater management practices in Carlisle. This program was developed in partnership between Penn State Extension, Cumberland County Conservation District, Cumberland County Planning Department, DCNR Bureau of Forestry, Villanova Urban Stormwater Partnership and USDA Forest Service. Dr. Robert G. Traver, Professor & Director, Villanova Center for the Advancement of Sustainability in Engineering, Villanova Urban Stormwater Partnership is one of the featured speakers. He will be speaking on Sustainable Design and Best Management Practices for Urban/ Suburban Stormwater. Additional speakers will include Dr. Paul DeBarry, NTM Engineering, Inc., Dr. William Elmendorf, Penn State Community Forestry Professor and Vincent Cotrone, Penn State Extension. Information on the Cumberland County Stormwater Management Plan will be presented by Jeff Kelly, Assistant Director with the Cumberland County Planning Department. In the afternoon, Cumberland County Conservation District staff will conduct a walking tour of installed stormwater best management practices. Stormwater runoff is impacting our streams and watersheds, causing declines in water quality, streambank erosion, flash floods, degrading fish habitat, and reducing groundwater recharge. Studies have shown that significant impairment of waterways often occurs when 10 percent of the land in a watershed is covered with impervious surfaces such as parking lots and roof-tops. The release of the 2006 Pennsylvania Stormwater Best Management Practices Manual brought a new focus on water quality, designing systems that promote infiltration and capture first flush instead of just detaining volumes of stormwater. By participating in this workshop, participants will learn how some of these new techniques are being used in the field and how well they are working. The workshop will take place from 9:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. at the Cumberland County Service Center which is located at 310 Allen Road in Carlisle. Registration Fee is $35 per person if received by April 27. Online registration is available. If you do not have Internet access, you can call the toll free number at 877-489-1398 for assistance or contact Penn State Extension at 717-263-9226 ext 225 for more information. Registration deadline is May 1 and seating is limited. Certificates of Attendance will be issued for Engineer PDH Credits. DEP Invites Comments On Cedar Spring Run Watershed TMDL In Juniata County

The Department of Environmental Protection published notice inviting comments on a proposal total maximum daily load plan for Cedar Spring Run Watershed in Juniata County (PA Bulletin page 1470) A copy of the TMDL is available on DEP's TMDL webpage or contact Scott Heidel 717-787-1421 or send email to: scheidel@pa.gov. PEMA Urges Residents To Be Ready For Floods, Other Emergencies Emergency management officials Friday reminded Pennsylvania residents to plan ahead to prevent potential property loss due to flooding, and to be ready to act quickly whenever severe storms increase the risk of flash flooding. History has shown that spring and summer storms in Pennsylvania have the potential to trigger flash flooding with little warning, said Glenn Cannon, director of the Pennsylvania Emergency Management Agency. Many people are still struggling to recover from last years historic floods, which brought a stark reminder of why it is essential for residents to always be prepared, Cannon said. Although flooding can occur at any time of year, history shows that most floods in our state occur during the spring and summer months. Residents should check for appropriate insurance coverage including content and flood insurance, Cannon said. It normally takes 30 days for new flood insurance policies to take effect, so the best time to purchase such a policy is long before flooding is forecast. Cannon also said it is important for the public to understand the difference between a flood watch and a flood warning because each represents a different level of action to be taken. -- A flood watch means that flooding may occur. Residents should stay alert and watch rivers and streams, and be prepared to move to high ground quickly. -- A flood warning means that there is actual flooding. Residents should act at once and move to high ground. Every family should have an emergency plan, evacuation routes and discuss a place for family members to meet in the event that they become separated during a flood, Cannon said. Families also need to think about family members who may have special needs, as well as their pets. Other flood preparedness tips include: -- Learn whether your property is above or below the flood stage water level and become familiar with the history of flooding for your region. Learn flood-warning signs and your community alert signals to be better prepared for floods and flash floods. Install check valves in building sewer traps to prevent flood waters from backing up in sewer drains. -- Plan and practice an evacuation route. Individuals living in flash flood areas should have several alternative routes. -- Have disaster supplies on hand in your home, including: Flashlights and extra batteries; Portable, battery-operated radio and extra batteries; First aid kit and manual; Emergency food and water; Manual can opener; Essential medicines/prescriptions; Cash, credit cards and important legal documents; and Sturdy shoes. -- Develop an emergency communication plan in the event that family members are separated from one another during floods or flash floods - a real possibility during the day when adults are at work and children are at school - and have a plan for getting back together.

-- Ask an out-of-town relative or friend to serve as the family contact. After a disaster, it is often easier to call long distance. Make sure everyone in the family knows the name, address and phone number of the contact person. Free flood safety information, including templates for family emergency plans and checklists for emergency kit supplies, is available online or by calling 1-888-9-READYPA (1-888-973-2397). Susquehanna River Basin Commission Acts On Water Withdrawal Requests, Low Flow Policy The Susquehanna River Basin Commission held its quarterly business meeting Thursday voting on water withdrawal and consumptive use applications, a policy encouraging the use of lesser quality waters, a proposed Low Flow Protection Policy now open for public comment, and several administrative and financial matters. The commissioners denied three applications, tabled 10 applications, reconsidered 22 previously voted projects, and approved 20 additional projects. A list of actions is available online. The commissioners also approved SRBC staff to release the proposed Low Flow Protection Policy for public review and written comments through May 16, 2012. The proposed policy was developed over the past year based on scientific advances in ecosystem flow protection to improve low flow protection standards associated with approved water withdrawals. If ultimately adopted, SRBC will use the policy and supporting technical guidance when reviewing withdrawal applications to establish limits and conditions on approvals consistent with SRBCs regulatory standards. The proposed policy, its associated technical guidance, and options for submitting comments electronically are available on SRBCs website. NewsClips: Susquehanna River Commission OKs More Drilling Water Use SRBC Approves Water Withdrawals For Marcellus Drilling Protests, But No Arrests At SRBC Hearing West Branch Susquehanna Mine Drainage Abatement Benchmark Project Underway Numerous abandoned mine drainage remediation projects at a price of more than $60 million have been implemented in the West Branch Susquehanna watershed to improve water quality and biological conditions. However, despite the vast amount of resources spent on these reclamation projects and the amount of resources that will be required for future projects, there had never been a concerted effort to quantify the improvements on a watershed-scale. Recognizing this need, Trout Unlimited led a collaborative effort in 2009 with the Fish and Boat Commission, Department of Environmental Protection, Susquehanna River Basin Commission, and the West Branch Susquehanna Restoration Coalition to quantify the effects of these remediation projects. The goals of this ambitious evaluation were to compare the current chemical and biological conditions in the West Branch Susquehanna River to conditions in the 1980s and

1990s, provide sufficient water quality data for the integrated database and model created as part of the West Branch Susquehanna Remediation Strategy, and provide a benchmark to which future assessments can be compared. As part of this assessment, water quality, water quantity, benthic macroinvertebrate, and habitat data were collected at the mouth of 69 AMD-impacted tributaries and at 11 sites in the river. In addition, fish populations were assessed at nine sites. This vast amount of data collection required the efforts of more than 30 individuals from the aforementioned partnering organizations. Results from these efforts indicate significant water quality improvements when compared to conditions in the mid-1980s. AMD-impaired waters typically have a low pH and high concentrations of iron and aluminum. The West Branch Susquehanna River at Karthaus in 1984 had a pH of 3.9 and the concentrations of iron and aluminum were 1.9 mg/L and 3 mg/L respectively. All three of these parameters were at levels deemed unacceptable by the DEP. In contrast, the river at this location in 2009 had a pH of 6.4, an iron concentration of 0.53 mg/L, and an aluminum concentration of 0.38 mg/L. Not only are these current levels considered to be acceptable by the DEP, but the 72 percent reduction in iron and 87 percent reduction in aluminum is enough to support a healthy fishery. In 1998, fishery surveys revealed only 3 species in the West Branch Susquehanna River near Hyner. In contrast, surveys from 2009 indicate 16 species at this location and a 3,000% increase in catch rate. The improvements in the West Branch Susquehanna since the mid-1980s are a direct result of improved permitting and regulations on the active coal industry, continued treatment of AMD at abandoned primacy permit locations, and most importantly, the countless state and grassroots-led AMD-reclamation projects and remining activities. The full report is available online. A copy of The West Branch Susquehanna: A Watershed in Recovery is also available online. For more information, visit the West Branch Susquehanna Restoration Coalition website. (Written By: Rebecca Dunlap, Trout Unlimited, and reprinted from WPCAMR's Abandoned Mine Posts.) PA Abandoned Mine Reclamation Conference August 2-4, Call For Presentations On behalf of the conference planning committee, the Western Pennsylvania Coalition for Abandoned Mine Reclamation welcomes you to join us at the 14th Annual PA Abandoned Mine Reclamation Conference, August 2-4 at the Ramada Inn and Conference Center, State College, PA. With the theme, "new frontiers in reclamation", this year's conference intends to explore innovative ways to achieve abandoned mine reclamation in Pennsylvania. Times are changing and we've entered a new frontier in reclamation. Exciting opportunities abound with new and emerging treatment technologies in addition to partnership opportunities with the shale gas industry in utilizing abandoned mine drainage and mine pool water.

The conference will provide a forum for the dissemination of information and encourage discussions between industry, watershed groups, and decision makers that can help to further innovations in public policy, abandoned mine reclamation, remediation, and restoration. The conference planning committee is currently working on the structure of the conference, the conference website, and a myriad of other details surrounding, what we believe will be, an informative and energizing conference. Presentation Proposals Abstracts for presentations which revolve around this year's theme of "New Frontiers in Reclamation" are now being requested. Presentations illustrating the successes of working collaboratively with industry have particular relevance to this conference and are being solicited. If you have a presentation in mind that would be a fit and would like the conference planning committee to consider it, please submit an abstract of your presentation (no more than a half page as a Word document) with all pertinent contact information, to: Anne Daymut by sending email to: anne@wpcamr.org Abstracts must be emailed by the close of business on April 30. The selection committee reserves the right to reject abstracts that are emailed after the deadline. (Written By: Andy McAllister, Regional Coordinator with WPCAMR, and reprinted from WPCAMR's Abandoned Mine Posts.) River Town Sustainability And Energy Fair March 31 In Washington County The Pennsylvania Environmental Council will host a Sustainability and Energy Fair on March 31 from 9:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. in Fredericktown, Washington County, as part of its River Town Program. A $5,500 grant from the West Penn Power Sustainable Energy Fund supports the River Town Program. PEC currently works with six communities along the Upper and Middle Monongahela River: Point Marion, Greensboro, Rices Landing, Fredericktown, Brownsville, and California. The Energy Fair will kick-off efforts to reduce environmental impact, save money, and improve quality of life through sustainability initiatives. The River Town Program is an asset-based community development initiative aimed at assisting distressed communities bordering navigable rivers to help them develop outdoor recreation as an alternative economic driver. The program is based on grassroots community involvement, recognizing the river as an asset with potential to attract visitors, a critical factor leading to greater conservation. PEC works with each community to address environmental issues including energy efficiency, stormwater management, and river conservation. Exhibitors from clean energy businesses and non-profits will be on hand to help the community learn more about energy savings and renewable energy, including biomass, solar, wind, geothermal, and hydropower. The event will be free to the public and will offer exhibits, hands-on demonstrations, and information for sustainable living. Helping the Mon River Valley to become more sustainable fits well with the mission of the West Penn Power Sustainable Energy Fund, says Program Director, Joel Morrison. The

Fund is delighted to work with PEC and the communities in the River Town Program to educate their citizens and to work with them the evaluate the deployment of various sustainable energy technologies. We hope this regional energy fair will serve as a model by which other communities can replicate these efforts and organize and host such events. We hope that we can facilitate more of these events. The Sustainability and Energy Fair is the first of several environmental initiatives planned through the River Town program, including energy audits of buildings, energy efficiency improvements, renewable energy projects, waste reduction and recycling, and stormwater management. For more information on the Energy Fair, contact Lindsay Baxter, PEC, at 412-481-9400 or send email to: lbaxter@pecpa.org or Marah Vecenie, Student Conservation Association, 724-603-3151 or send email to: Sca.mvecenie@gmail.com or visit PEC's River Town Program website. Alliance For Chesapeake Bay Seeks Volunteers For Project Clean Stream April 14 On April 14 the Alliance for the Chesapeake Bay and its partners are again this year sponsoring Project Clean Stream, the annual Chesapeake Bay Watershed trash cleanup event. Volunteers are needed to come out to hundreds of cleanup and beautification sites around the watershed. Information about how to participate at a scheduled cleanup site or how to register a new cleanup site is available online. For more information contact Dan Brellis at 443-949-0575 or send email to: dbrellis@allianceforthebay.org. You can also find Project Clean Stream on Facebook. The restoration of the Chesapeake Bay region has many facets, but a personal connection between residents of the watershed and their local stream or river may be the most vital. People will care for and protect the things they know and love. The Alliance works to create this connection by providing experiences that encourage committed people, communities, organizations, and businesses to get involved. Volunteers Needed For Paint Creek Watershed Cleanup March 31 The Paint Creek Regional Watershed Association and Kiski-Conemaugh Stream Teams third annual litter clean-up will be held March 31 from 8:30 a.m. 11:30 a.m. in Somerset County. The Watershed Association just adopted a two-mile stretch of State Route 160 between Elton and Windber through PennDOTs Adopt-a-Highway program, so volunteers will remove trash from this section as well as Berwick Road, which is between Routes 56 and 160 in Richland Township, and Little Paint Creek. Volunteers are asked to meet at the parking area along SR 160 where Little Paint Creek passes under 160. Volunteers need to wear long pants, sturdy boots or shoes, and dress appropriately for the weather. Safety vests, gloves, trash bags, and light refreshments will be provided. Volunteers are asked to RSVP by March 28 by calling 814-444-2669. This project is in cooperation with the Great American Cleanup of PA. Schuylkill Scrub Schedules 2 Months Of River Cleanup Events

Last year the Schuylkill Action Network organized 18 litter cleanups into one campaign called the Schuylkill Scrub, and it is doing so again on April 1 to May 31 across the Schuylkill Valley. Those hosting a riverside cleanup are encouraged to register their event online. Individuals can also log on to find volunteer events in their community and beyond. The Schuylkill Scrub got off to a great start thanks to 18 cleanups spread across six counties in 2011, said Coordinator Tom Davidock of the Schuylkill Action Network. Now we want to build on that success by promoting more events, and we hope to do that by raffling off a rain barrel among those who register their cleanup. The Schuylkill Scrub is a collaborative effort by nearly a dozen environmental groups whose shared mission is protecting the Schuylkill River. Each organization committed its own funds to the campaign. The Schuylkill Scrub was founded in 2010 when the Green Valleys Association and the Hay Creek Watershed Association began coordinating their efforts near the border of Berks County and Montgomery County. The Schuylkill Scrub is invaluable to our community because it not only makes our environment look cleaner, but also it has a positive impact on our drinking water, said Nancy Kauffman of the Hay Creek Watershed Association. Trash and pollution on the land ends up in our rivers and streams every time it rains. Organizers of the Schuylkill Scrub are coordinating their efforts with the Great American Cleanup of PA, which also ends on May 31. The Great American Cleanup of PA is organized by Keep Pennsylvania Beautiful, an affiliate of Keep America Beautiful, Inc. The Schuylkill River travels 130 miles through the cities of Pottsville, Reading, Pottstown, Norristown, and Philadelphia. The land draining to this river spans approximately 2,000 square miles in Berks, Chester, Montgomery, Philadelphia and Schuylkill counties, among others. Nearly 2 million people drink tap water pumped from the Schuylkill River and its tributaries. For more information call Tom Davidock of the Partnership for the Delaware Estuary at 800-445-4935, extension 109. Register Your Pittsburgh Classroom, School For Spring Stash The Trash By April 2 The Clean Pittsburgh Commission and the Pennsylvania Resources Council are celebrating the 20th anniversary of "Stash the Trash," a one-day school yard litter pick-up event! This years spring event will take place on Friday, April 20. All schools in the City of Pittsburgh, public, private and parochial are encouraged to participate in this community beautification project. Schools will be provided trash and recycling bags and gloves to help with their event. To register, please complete & return the registration form by April 2. Schools can register online here, or may request an electronic copy of the form by emailing Sarah Alessio Shea. Your school must be located in the City of Pittsburgh to be eligible to participate. The Student Recognition Event will once again top off this school year's Stash the Trash Program. The Pittsburgh Pirates have graciously donated tickets for the Wednesday, April 25, Pirates vs Colorado Rockies game. All participating schools are eligible for tickets.

For more information, visit the Stash the Trash website or contact Sarah Alessio Shea by sending email to: atsaraha@ccicenter.org. PRC: March 21 Webinar Reviews Brentwood Borough Recycling Program The Pennsylvania Resources Council will present A Review of Brentwood Boroughs Recycling Program in Allegheny County via a webinar on March 21. The webinar is #3 in the Local Government Academys 2012 Webinar Wednesday series and will be held as a follow up to this Thursdays Recycling Renaissance workshop. The webinar is free and is offered with support from the Alcoa Foundation. PRC conducted a thorough review of Brentwoods ordinances related to recycling and this webinar will discuss the evaluation process PRC used, recommendations for improvements to the boroughs program and lessons learned that can be applied to other communities in southwestern PA. For more information or online registration, visit the webinar webpage. PA Environmental Educators Honor 2012 Award Winners The PA Association of Environmental Educators recognized seven outstanding individuals and programs as part of their annual Conference at Raystown Lake Resort on March 17. The award winners include: Keystone Award: Estelle Ruppert, PA Land Choices Coordintor, Department of Conservation and Natural Resources. The Keystone Award is the most prestigious award. It is presented to someone who has successfully dedicated their time to advancing the quality and opportunities of environmental education in Pennsylvania. Outstanding Environmental Educator: Todd Garcia-Bish, Director of Environmental Education, Lutherlyn Environmental Center. To be considered, the nominee must be "an individual who made a significant teaching contribution to the environmental education field in a formal or non-formal setting, through either curriculum development or teaching." Daisy S. Klinedinst Memorial Award: Christina Reed, Environmental Educator, Harmony Habitats at South Allegheny Elementary School. The award recipient should be "an educator, new (less than five years) to the field, who is involved in environmental education and who seeks to continue to expand his/her involvement in environmental education." Outstanding EE Program: CHANCE (Connecting Humans and Nature Through Conservation Experience), Dr. Jacqueline McLaughlin, Associate Professor of Biology at Penn State University. This award recognizes an exemplary environmental education program which could be used as a model program.

Business Partner Award: Logan Valley Mall, Ms. Joy Weidel, Group Marketing Director. This award recognizes a member of the business community that has made significant contributions to promote environmental education within the Commonwealth of PA. Government Partner Award: Trout in the Classroom, Amidea Daniel, Fish & Boat Commission, Samantha Kutskel, PA Council of Trout Unlimited and Patti Vathis, Department of Education. This award recognizes a government official who serves on a local, state or national level and has demonstrated significant support for environmental education within the Commonwealth of PA. Outstanding Contribution to the Environmental Field: Lisa Suhr, PAEE Bookeeper, PA Association of Conservation Districts. This award is presented to someone who has contributed to environmental education in a non teaching area, such as publishing or research. Among other initiatives, the PAEE took over the online resources of the PA Center for Environmental Education in 2011 when the Governor and General Assembly zeroed out the appropriations for this worthwhile environmental education initiative. Ralph W. Abele Conservation Student Scholarship Applications Due April 30 The Ralph W. Abele Conservation Scholarship Fund is now accepting applications from high school and college students for its annual student scholarship. The deadline for applications is April 30. The Scholarship was established following Ralph's death in June 1990 as a living memorial to Ralph Abele's dedication to conservation and education. Scholarships of between $1,000 to $2,000 will be awarded. The Scholarship Fund has established the following guidelines for applicants for award--- Applicants must be residents of Pennsylvania; -- First preference in making a scholarship award is given to seniors in, or graduates of, the Greenwood Area School District. Second preference will be given to residents of Perry County and children of employees of the Fish and Boat Commission; and -- Applicants must be high school seniors who have been admitted to an approved institution of higher learning with a stated objective of studying one of the environmental disciplines or students enrolled in an institution of higher learning (undergraduate or graduate) with a major or concentration in one of the environmental disciplines. Scholarship selection will be based on an applicant's academic potential, his or her interest in conservation education, and his or her demonstrated commitment to conservation. The decision of the Scholarship Committee is final. Applicants must complete the application form, along with an official transcript of their grades through the last year of high school or college term or semester attended. Click Here to download the application and more information. Applications must be sent to: Ed Burns, Superintendent, Greenwood Area School District, 713 Sunbury Street, Millerstown, Pa 17062.

New Webpage Lists Proposed Wild Trout Waters For Public Review The Fish and Boat Commission has launched a new webpage which lists streams that have been sampled by the PFBC and cooperating partners as part of its statewide initiative to document waterways supporting naturally reproducing wild trout. The wild trout designation is a biological classification which indicates that a stream is producing and sustaining a natural trout population, said Dave Miko, chief of the PFBCs Division of Fisheries Management. Its important because streams with this designation, and their associated wetlands, are entitled to greater regulatory protection. The streams on the list have been sampled by the PFBC and cooperating partners as part of an effort to collect baseline biological information from previously un-surveyed streams. Preliminary results from the surveys indicate that the streams on the list may be eligible for consideration as wild trout waters. They may also support wild trout populations sufficient to designate a stream section as a Class A wild trout stream. The appearance on this list does not guarantee that a stream will be brought before the Commission for official listing as a wild trout stream or a Class A wild trout stream, Miko said. It simply means the stream is under consideration until the preliminary data can be verified. Before a stream is officially presented to the PFBC board of commissioners for consideration, the public will have 30 days to provide comments. The comment period will begin at least 60 days before the PFBC takes action at a quarterly meeting. The comment period begins when the proposed stream designation is listed in the Pennsylvania Bulletin. Individuals interested in making a public comment on any of the waters on this list should review the Pennsylvania Bulletin on a regular basis to determine if and when a particular stream is being considered for action or visit the PFBCs Proposed & Recent Regulations page, which lists all PFBC notices. The new webpagecontains three lists streams being considered; streams officially proposed for listing; and streams officially listed as wild trout waters. El estado actualiza los avisos sobre el consumo de pescado para 2012 Hoy funcionarios del estado hicieron pblica una lista actualizada de alertas sobre el consumo de pescado, que agrega tres nuevos avisos, aumenta las restricciones para un aviso y atena o elimina cuatro avisos. Haga clic aqu para ms informacin. Commission Finalizes Fisheries Management Plan For Pine Creek After reviewing numerous public comments and suggestions, the Fish and Boat Commission has finalized its fisheries management plan for Pine Creek, an 87-mile long stream which originates in Potter County and flows through Tioga, Lycoming and Clinton counties. The plan describes the history of fisheries management on Pine Creek, identifies the factors affecting the biological health of the stream, and outlines future fisheries management plans, said Jason Detar, Area 3 Fisheries Manager. Part of the process of developing the plan involves soliciting public input. We appreciate anglers taking the time to review the plan and providing us with their comments.

The plan is designed to guide future actions by the PFBC and aid other stakeholders by providing information and information needs about these valuable resources. Pine Creek supports a diverse fishery of cold and warm-water species. The upper stretch of Pine Creek above Genessee Forks supports an excellent wild trout population, while the middle reach from Genessee Forks to Waterville - including the canyon - provides for quality stocked trout angling, and the lower section from Waterville downstream offers good warmwater angling opportunities for smallmouth bass. Pine Creek has two Delayed Harvest Artificial Lures Only sections where special regulations apply. The first section is in Tioga County and extends for 1 mile from Darling Run to 150 meters downstream of the confluence with Owassee Slide Hollow. The second Delayed Harvest Artificial Lures Only stretch is in Lycoming County and extends for 1.2 miles from the confluence of Slate Run to 150 meters upstream of the confluence with of Naval Run. Pine Creek also offers paddling experiences for beginners to those more experienced. Pine Creek is best for canoeing or kayaking in the months of March, April, and May or during higher water flows. Most of Pine Creek is considered Class 1 with some challenging Class 2 and 3 rapids in some sections. The Pine Creek Water Trail is available online. This 58-page plan is available online. Game Commission Releases 2011-12 Deer Harvest Estimates The Game Commission Wednesday reported, in the states 2011-12 seasons, hunters harvested an estimated 336,200 deer, which is an increase of six percent from the previous seasons harvest of 316,240. Hunters took 127,540 antlered deer in the 2011-12 seasons, an increase of four percent from the previous license years harvest of 122,930. Also, hunters harvested 208,660 antlerless deer in 2011-12, which is an increase of eight percent from the 193,310 antlerless deer taken in 2010-11. This years antlered deer harvest is slightly above average harvest since 2005, when the Game Commission began efforts to stabilize deer populations in most of the state, said Carl G. Roe, Game Commission executive director. Antlered deer harvests increased in 13 of the states 22 Wildlife Management Units. Those WMUs in which the antlered deer harvest increased were WMUs 1B, 2A, 2B, 3B, 3C, 3D, 4A, 4B, 4D, 4E, 5A, 5B and 5D. Current antler restrictions have achieved their objective to protect most yearling bucks from harvest and allow them to reach at least 2.5 years of age, DuBrock said. In recent years, the composition of the antlered harvest has hovered around a 50:50 split between yearling and 2.5-year-old and older bucks. Click Here for the full announcement. Visit the Game Commission's White-Tailed Deer webpage for more information on deer management. NewsClip: Deer Harvest Up 6 Percent Statewide Commonwealth Financing Authority Awards $15.9 Million In Clean Energy Grants The Commonwealth Financing Authority Tuesday awarded more than $15.9 million to 10 projects in 10 counties that is expected to create 356 jobs over the next three years, save $247,197 in annual energy costs and generate enough power for at least 7,300 homes.

These state investments can help families, businesses and municipalities save collectively on their utility costs, said the Secretary of Community and Economic Development C. Alan Walker. In addition, these new projects, which are large and small, urban and rural, are creating additional private economic investment in the commonwealth and creating jobs statewide. The Borough of Lehighton will receive the largest grant-- a $5.5 million Alternative and Clean Energy Program grant for the construction of a hydroelectric plant at the Beltzville Lake Dam in Lehighton, Carbon County. Carlisle Area School District will receive a $666,000 Alternative and Clean Energy Program grant to purchase and install a combined heat and power (CHP) system at the districts main campus located in Carlisle, Cumberland County. The new one-megawatt combined heat and power system, fueled by natural gas, is expected to offset all of the sites annual electricity requirements. The CHP system is expected to produce 6,570 megawatt hours of energy annually and offset 27,375 MMBTUs of thermal energy. In all, projects were approved in Blair, Bucks, Carbon, Cumberland, Franklin, Mifflin, Northampton, Schuylkill, Washington and Wyoming counties. The state investments are expected to result in more than $184.7 million in additional private economic investments. A complete list of project approved is available online. $5.5 Million Grant Awarded For Lehighton Hydroelectric Plant Sen. John Yudichak (D-Luzerne) and Rep. Doyle Heffley (R-Luzerne) this week announced a $5.5 million grant for the Borough of Lehighton for the construction of a hydroelectric plant at the Beltzville Dam. The funding was approved this morning by the Commonwealth Financing Authority. The CFA, through its Alternative and Clean Energy Program granted Lehighton and Summit Water Nexus a $5.5 million grant that will fund the construction of the plant as a sale/ lease back agreement. Lehighton will construct the plant and sell it upon completion to Summit Water Nexus. Lehighton will get annual lease payments of $650,000 (escalating $25,000 every ten years). Electricity cost savings to the borough are estimated at $2.3 million over 50 years. The project is expected to create 50 construction jobs. "The leaders of Leighton Borough, as owner/operator of a municipal utility, continue to be at the forefront of innovative energy policies that will create jobs and develop Pennsylvania's alternative energy portfolio," said Sen. Yudichak. "As the minority chairman of the Environmental & Energy Committee, I continue to advocate for state investment in energy infrastructure as the foundation of sustainable policies that promote reliable and affordable energy." "As our state and nation deal with our growing need for reliable sources of domestic energy, I was happy to advocate on behalf of this project and support this all-of-an-above approach to help solve our domestic energy needs," said Rep. Heffley. "Creating jobs in Carbon County has been at the forefront of my concerns since I was elected to the House. The Beltzville Hydroelectric project will create approximately 50 local construction jobs and inject much needed revenue into the Carbon County economy. Beyond the

economical perks of the plant, the environmental impact of the project includes offsetting conventional energy sources by generating nearly 9,470 megawatt hours of clean electricity every year," added Rep. Heffley. The total project cost is $15.7 million. Summit Water Nexus, in a private/public partnership, will provide $10.2 million in matching funds for the project. Lehighton has an exclusive 50 year operating license in place from the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission and a memorandum of agreement with the US Army Corps of Engineers to proceed with the project. The Department of Environmental Protection determined the project is viable and offered its support of the grant. Lehighton has owned and operated a light and power municipal utility since 1943. With a $10 million budget, the utility sells more than 40 million kilowatt hours each year. In 2003, Lehighton initiated and funded the early design and licensing process for the Beltzville Hydroelectric Project. In 2007, the PA Energy Development Authority granted Lehighton $750,000 toward the development of the project. Hydro projects require significant amounts of time and resources for permitting and study. Summit Water Nexus and its development consultant Gravity Renewable have successfully developed more than two-dozen clean energy projects in the United States. PUC Approves UGI Electric Energy Efficiency, Conservation Plan The Public Utility Commission Thursday approved a voluntary energy efficiency and conservation plan submitted by UGI Electric Utilities. The Commission voted 5-0 to approve the plan to reduce energy demand and energy consumption within UGIs service territory. UGIs plan consists of nine programs, including a variety of incentives for residential, commercial and industrial customers to install energy efficient lighting, appliances, heating systems, and other equipment. UGI estimates that these programs will result in a 5 percent reduction in electric consumption by 2015. In December 2009, the Commission set guidelines for the states smaller electric distribution companies (those with fewer than 100,000 customers) wishing to develop EE&C plans similar to those required for the larger companies under Act 129 of 2008. The Commission asked that each of the plans include: -- A detailed plan with a description of EE&C measures to be offered; -- Sufficient supporting documentation and verified statements or testimony or both; -- Proposed energy consumption or peak demand reduction objectives or both, with proposed dates the objectives are to be met; -- A budget showing total planned expenditures by program and customer class; -- Tariffs and a cost recovery mechanism; and -- A description of the method for monitoring and verifying plan results. In outlining the suggested guidelines for the voluntary EE&C programs, the Commission recognized a one-size-fits-all approach would not work. The PUCs program guidelines provide each EDC with the ability to tailor its EE&C plan to its service territory and consumers.

While the Commission did not establish mandatory energy reduction targets as found in Act 129 of 2008, it will monitor the UGI plan implementation to ensure the programs are costeffective and achieving the intended results. PA Energy Alliance Sets Energy Speakers Series At Montgomery County Community College The PA Energy Alliance is hosting a series of three energy workshops in March and April at the Montgomery County Community Colleges. The events are free and open to the public. March 20 On March 20 the topic of the workshop will be "Energy Workforce" and will feature a panel discussion on work opportunities created by the state's various forms of energy generation. The workshop will be held in Room 101 of the Advanced Technology Center starting at 7:00 p.m. The discussion will be moderated by Suzanne Holloman, Dean of Workforce Development and Continuing Education at Montgomery County Community College and include Terry Peck, PA Energy Alliance member and Business Manager of UA Local 520 Plumbers and Pipefitters Union and Carolyn Albright, Human Resources Representative, Limerick Generating Station. March 26 On March 26 the topic will be "An Energy Forecast For Pennsylvania: How Will The State Be Powered In 25 Years?" The workshop will be held in Room 101 of the Advanced Technology Center starting at 7:00 p.m. The panel will provide an overview of the future of energy, and the role that Pennsylvania will play as these changes unfold. Energy cost, government regulations and the role of world politics will be key factors in the discussions. Confirmed speakers include: moderator Stephen Mullin, PA Energy Alliance member and Senior Vice-President and Principal at Econsult Corporation, Jill Beccaris-Pescatore, Instructor of Economics, Montgomery County Community College, Wayne Gardner, Commissioner, PA Public Utility Commission and Professor Edward Turzanski, International Relations/Espionage and Terrorism, Assistant Vice President for Government and Community Relations, La Salle University. April 5 On April 5 the workshop topic will be "Environmental Sustainable Energy." The workshop will be held in the Science Center Room 213 and start at 7:00 p.m. This panel will focus on the clean energy used in Pennsylvania and the benefits it has for our state. Confirmed speakers include: moderator Jeff Norton, Energy Group member at Eckert Seamans, John Hanger, Former Secretary of Pennsylvania Department of Environmental Protection and Former President and CEO of PennFuture and Professor Rob Kuhlman, Geology Professor, Montgomery County Community College. For more information, visit the PA Energy Alliance Events webpage. Shell Signs Agreement To Evaluate Beaver County Site For Ethane Cracker Plant

Shell Chemical announced Thursday it has signed a land option agreement with Horsehead Corporation to evaluate a site in the U.S. Appalachian region for a potential petrochemical complex. The complex includes an ethane cracker that would upgrade locally produced ethane from Marcellus Shale gas production. The site is located in Potter and Center Townships in Beaver County near Monaca, Pennsylvania. Horsehead Corporation signed the agreement because it is moving it zinc production operations out of Pennsylvania to North Carolina. We are moving our zinc production operations to our new plant which is under construction in North Carolina and expected to startup during the third quarter of 2013, said Jim Hensler, Horsehead President & CEO. Hensler added, We believe this option provides the best value proposition for Horsehead among the several alternatives we are considering for this site. The option, if exercised, would require Horsehead to vacate its Monaca site by April 30, 2014. This positive development marks another phase as Shell continues to assess the commercial feasibility of a petrochemical complex in the Appalachian region. The next steps for this project include additional environmental analysis of the preferred Pennsylvania site, further engineering design studies, assessment of the local ethane supply, and continued evaluation of the economic viability of the project. We are very pleased to have signed this site option agreement, said Dan Carlson, General Manager, New Business Development, Shell Chemicals. This is an important step for the project, and we look forward to working with the communities in Pennsylvania, and gas producers across Appalachia, as we continue our efforts to develop a petrochemical complex. Shell looked at various factors to select the preferred site, including good access to liquids rich natural gas resources, water, road and rail transportation infrastructure, power grids, economics, and sufficient acreage to accommodate facilities for a world scale petrochemical complex and potential future expansions. In addition to an ethane cracker, Shell is also considering polyethylene (PE) and monoethylene glycol (MEG) units to help meet increasing demands in the North American market. Much of the PE and MEG production would be used by industries in the northeast. As an integrated energy company and a leader in worldwide gas technology, Shell has an array of long-term options to monetize natural gas. This includes extracting ethane and other natural gas liquids for petrochemicals production; shipping solutions for LNG (liquefied natural gas); proprietary gas-to-liquids technology to produce fuels, lubricants and chemicals; and LNG for heavy duty vehicles, marine and rail transport. Reaction For several months, I have been actively engaged and working with Shell officials, as have members of my cabinet, to get Pennsylvania to this point in the process, said Gov. Tom Corbett. Shell now knows what we all do; Pennsylvania is ideal for this project. Not only do we sit atop the richest known reserves of natural gas in the world, but we have a world class workforce, an expansive transportation network including rail, roads and air, excellent education institutions and a thriving quality of life here in Pittsburgh. We are still early in the process, but my administration is determined to see this project through to completion. The benefits to the states southwest and to all of Pennsylvania are immense, said Corbett. The Shell plant would, if constructed, have the potential to be the single largest industrial investment in the region in at least a generation.

Sen. Elder Vogel (R-Beaver) released the following statement: "Today's announcement by Shell is extraordinary for Beaver County and Western Pennsylvania. The purchase of this land option on the Horsehead property has made clear Shell's intention to further evaluate the possibility of locating an Ethane Cracker Facility in Potter and Center Townships. "Since taking office, my highest priority has been to make Beaver County attractive to the job creators. In the days ahead, if Shell makes a final decision to locate their facility in Beaver County, the landscape for job creation and the economy of the region will change dramatically. "Without a doubt, ensuring a portion of the recently passed Impact Fee on Natural Gas goes toward the development of this project makes the site additionally attractive. If plans for the facility come to fruition, the jobs will come and our economy will prosper. Related industries will grow, as the development and long-term requirements of a cracker facility would be realized. "I want to sincerely thank Gov. Tom Corbett for his strident efforts to bring this facility to Beaver County." House Majority Leader Mike Turzai (R-Allegheny) said, This is just great news for western Pennsylvania. This means good-paying, family-sustaining jobs may be coming right here, in our part of the state. Our priority has always been improving Pennsylvanias jobs climate. And the key to doing that is private sector job growth. Our EmployPA legislative package has been integral to changing Pennsylvanias perception to job creators. It is helping make the Commonwealth more economically competitive, enticing more businesses, like Shell, to locate and stay in Pennsylvania. Marcellus Shale Coalition president Kathryn Klaber issued the following statement: Todays announcement by Shell is a win-win for the regions workforce and economy and further demonstrates the tremendous resource contained in both the Marcellus and Utica shale. While located in Pennsylvania, the supply chain and potential economic impact of this project will span the multi-state region while serving as an anchor in the resurgence of the domestic manufacturing sector. As a Beaver County native, its particularly gratifying to see that the economic revitalization of the river communities may be just around the corner. This announcement is further indication of the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania and Gov. Corbetts continued work to responsibly develop the Marcellus and expand broad-based economic benefits for all. This is certainly an exciting day for the natural gas industry, this region and the nation. For more information, visit Shell's Appalachia Petrochemical Project webpage. NewsClips: Shell Names Horsehead Property As Possible Cracker Plant Site Shell May Build Chemical Plant Near Pittsburgh Shell To Build Billion-Dollar Cracker In Beaver County Shell Picks Beaver County Site For Cracking Plant Pittsburgh-Area Site Chosen For Major Refinery Corbett Discusses Shell Oil Land Option Agreement Corbett Wooed And Googled To Win Ethane Cracker Corbett Made Pass To Shell Oil Execs With Steelers Analysis: Economic Benefits Of Shell Plant Could Be Huge CEO: Shell Cracker Plant Decision Years Away

Why Did Shell Pick PA For Its Cracker Plant? First Look At Ethane Cracker Site Governor Proclaims March 18-24 Wildfire Prevention Week Gov. Tom Corbett has proclaimed March 18-24 Wildfire Prevention Week in Pennsylvania, noting a relatively warm and dry winter has greatly increased the risk of spring wildfires in much of the state. Warm, sunny days and drying March winds can cause wildfire dangers to spike almost overnight, Corbett said. Last spring, wet, cool weather proved to be firefighters strongest ally, helping curb brush and woodlands fires that usually can be traced to carelessness and always endanger our vast forest resources. Last spring, volunteer firefighters and Bureau of Forestry personnel battled about 150 reported brush and forest fires that scorched almost 400 acres. The largest was mid-April blaze that burned 100 acres in northeastern Pennsylvania. Almost all wildfires can be traced back to people, Corbett noted. A mere spark by a careless person can touch off a devastating forest blaze during dry periods when conditions are especially ripe for wildfires to spread. We urge residents and visitors to use common sense with campfires, outdoor burning and smoking materials. State Bureau of Forestry statistics show nearly 85 percent of Pennsylvanias wildfires occur in March, April and May, before the greening of state woodlands and brush lands. Named for rapid spread through dormant dry vegetation, under windy conditions, wildfires annually scorch nearly 10,000 acres of state and private woodlands. Anglers, campers and other state forest visitors are reminded open fires are prohibited on state forestland from March 1 to May 25, and when the fire danger is listed as high, very high, or extreme, unless authorized by district foresters. Communities in heavily wooded areas are urged to follow wildfire prevention and suppression methods of the Pennsylvania Firewise Community Program to safeguard life and property. DCNRs Bureau of Forestry is responsible for prevention and suppression of wildfires on Pennsylvanias 17 million acres of state and private woodlands and brush lands. The bureau maintains a fire-detection system, and works with fire wardens and volunteer fire departments to ensure they are trained in the latest advances in fire prevention and suppression. 2011 Wildfire Season With eyes and ears on daily weather maps and reports of expected wind and rain, the Bureau of Forestrys Wildfire Protection section is looking toward what could be a very busy spring. It was the weatherspecifically a cool, wet springthat proved that units strongest ally in 2011. According to official statisticsthat is, fires reported by municipalities as well as those bureau employees and/or forest fire wardens responded to for suppression and/or investigationthere were 202 reported fires in 2011 that burned 580 acres of field, brush and woodlands. A total of 133 of those fires occurred in the spring, burning 378 acres. The largest fire burned across 94 acres in northeastern Pennsylvanias Lackawanna State Forest District on April 26. Weiser State Forest District reported the most fires for the year41,

across 41 acresand Lackawanna district had the most acres burned130, in 16 fires. Leading cause across the state was incendiary, with arsonists starting 70 fires that scorched 220 acres. For more information, visit DCNR's Wildfire webpage, contact local district foresters or call the Bureau of Forestry at 717-787-2925. Volunteer Day At Fort Washington State Park April 14 Make a difference in your local state park and join the annual Volunteer Day at Fort Washington State Park in Montgomery County. You can work for any part of the day or from 9 a.m. 3 p.m. on April 14. Volunteers will help plant trees, cleanup trash, assemble picnic tables and other spring park projects. FWSP will provide the tools and bags, all volunteers need to bring are garden or work gloves. Refreshments and a picnic lunch will be provided. Volunteers of all ages are welcomed and appreciated. This is a great opportunity for school, scout and club groups to work on a fulfilling project! Nearly a half million people visited Fort Washington State Park in 2011 and it is the efforts of volunteers that the park can maintain its natural beauty and the wonderful outdoor recreational opportunities it provides. Please join in this fun and rewarding day of service that improves the environment and enhances FWSP for another enjoyable season. Volunteers will meet near the observation deck in the Militia Hill park area. Please call the park office at 215-591-5250 with any questions. PA Parks & Forests Foundation Spring Newsletter Now Available The PA Parks and Forests Foundation Spring Penn's Stewards newsletter is now available online. DCNR Announces 2011 Trails Annual Report The Department of Conservation and Natural Resources recently released the Pennsylvania Trails Advisory Committees 2011 Annual Report. The report describes more than 30 major trail projects in 18 counties throughout Pennsylvania. The projects represent significant accomplishments in trail planning, development, construction, maintenance and promotion. Actions reported include organizing trail work crews, constructing additional trail miles, improving trail access, leading trail sojourns, building user-friendly apps and web resources, and posting signage for trail users. The Pennsylvania Trails Advisory Committee, assembled to help inform and guide statewide trail program decisions, continues to work toward the goal of a trail in every community throughout the Commonwealth. A copy of the report is available online. For more information, visit the Explore PA Trails website. (Reprinted from DCNR's March 14 Resource online newsletter.)

Wildlands Conservancy Preserves Three More Properties In 2011 Wildlands Conservancy celebrated the preservation of three more properties in 2011 thanks to help from a few of its conservation partners. Each property represents Wildlands Conservancys enduring commitment to land preservation and to the relationships it has forged over 39 years of history as a land trust in the Lehigh Valley. In Lehigh County, Wildlands Conservancy teamed up with Salisbury Township to identify and analyze critical habitat adjacent to the Wildlands Conservancys South Mountain Preserve. When an offer was made to purchase the land owned by the Traupman family, they were all too happy to add their land to the Preserve. Generations of family members had played in the woods now protected by the Conservancy and this opportunity gave them the chance to say thank you. Partnering with Studio 26 Homes, a Lehigh Valley green home builder, Wildlands Conservancy helped to preserve nearly 30 acres of open space attached to the builders latest 11-lot subdivision. Studio 26 opted to cluster their new homes to preserve as much land as possible and to provide their homeowners with natural and scenic beauty found in few other neighborhoods. At long last, Wildlands Conservancy is pleased to announce the preservation of the 41-acre Groff Property in Moore Township, Northampton County. Identified by Moore Townships Supervisors and residents as one of the highest preservation priorities, the property is noted for its connection to the Kittatinny Ridge migratory bird habitat and the Bushkill Creek watershed. The township was deeply concerned for the health of their watershed and the chance to preserve unique natural areas in their community. When approached with the chance to help the Groffs, lifelong conservationists, Wildlands Conservancy teamed-up with Moore Township for the purchase of a conservation easement. With funding from Moore Township, Northampton County, and private donors, Wildlands was able to settle on the easement in late 2011. For more information on these projects and other land conservation and planning efforts, please contact Kent Baird, vice president of land conservation and planning, at 610-965-4397, ext. 119 or send email to: kbaird@wildlandspa.org. Pocono Northeast RC&D Organic Farming Certification Event March 29 The Pocono Northeast Resource Conservation and Development Council is hosting a special organic farming certification event at the Village Plaza in South Abington Township, Pa on March 29 beginning at 6:00 p.m. Click Here to download a flyer on the event. In Memoriam: James C. Nelson, Former Director DCNR Bureau Of Forestry

His photograph hangs on the sixth floor of the Rachel Carson State Office Building, framed by the likenesses of men and women who have emerged as virtual pillars in the American success story that is Pennsylvania forestry. To his right, Dr. Joseph T. Rothrock is identified as the Father of Pennsylvania Forestry. To the left, a portrait of Mira Lloyd Dock, Mother of Pennsylvania Forestry. The photograph of the late James C. Nelson, who served as state forester from 1989 to 1993, is in rare company, to be sure. So, too, are the accomplishments noted beneath the former leader of the Bureau of Forestry, who died Saturday at the age of 81 at his East Berlin home: States first resource planner, who developed a statewide log-grading program, and computerized timber-sale procedures, says the plaque beneath Mr. Nelsons photo. Expanded the Forest Stewardship Program and encouraged the use of volunteerism. Promoted good forestry practices in private forestlands. Announcing Mr. Nelsons death to his coworkers on Monday, Bureau of Forestry Director Daniel Devlin identified his predecessor as a pioneer in so many ways. Many of the programs we work on today are a result of Jims foresight and vision. Jim was a friend of mine, a great mentor and will be missed. Jim Nelson loved the forest and he loved forestry, Devlin said. His license plate on his car was ForStry. He was a great historian and more importantly loved to share his knowledge with anyone and everyone. He definitely was a spokesperson for the trees and the forests of Pennsylvania." Accomplishments cited by Devlin included: He was the father of the Natural and Wild Area programs in the Bureau long before anyone else had such programs, said the state forester, noting the bureau is considering naming one of these existing areas in Mr. Nelsons honor. Such a designation would be most fitting to the man who started it all. Devlin said Mr. Nelson was in charge of writing the first comprehensive State Forest Resource Management Plan one of the first in the country. He brought the National Heritage Program to Pennsylvania when no one else saw the value. In addition, Devlin said Mr. Nelson started out his career working in the research unit of the bureau, working on oak wilt disease. He published a paper stating that it was a serious problem, but not the devastating force that most folks were espousing at that time. Also, Jim co-authored a piece on sustainability for the Society of American Foresters (SAF) that was deemed controversial at the time Now, of course, everyone talks about sustainability of forests. Mr. Nelson headed the Bureau of Forestry under the former Department of Environmental Resources (DER), which in 1995 was divided into DCNR and the Department of Environmental Protection (DEP). Mr. Nelson was succeeded by Dr. James R. Grace, who served as state forester from 1993 until 2007, when he was named DCNR deputy secretary and Devlin succeeded him as bureau director. In August, 2010, Grace was named the new Maurice K. Goddard Chair in Forestry and Environmental Resource Conservation at Pennsylvania State University.

Jim grew up in the big woods of Pennsylvania and he relished being a forester, Dr. Grace said. Jim was the expert on the history of forestry in Pennsylvania and he loved to collect old tools and artifacts of earlier logging eras when the Pennsylvania forests were first cut. Jim was also an innovator and he endorsed and initiated concepts such as wild and natural areas, biodiversity guidelines, multiple resource forest planning, ecosystem management, and the use of multi- media approach in making the public aware of the benefits of good forest management long before these concepts were accepted by others in the forestry profession. Echoing those sentiments was Delaware State Forest District Forester Bradley Elison: Jims combination of direct ties to the core of the historic timber industry, in a forester who lived to develop great foresight on both forestry as well as broader environmental issues, was truly unique. He combined that with a casual delivery that made him the best spokesman for forestry I have ever known. It was a management style well-known to Bureau of State Parks official Barbara Davey: Jim was a dynamic leader with a gentle demeanor. He taught us all so well, said the assistant parks manager for Region 4. Youd think he was just your neighbor. With his crystal blue eyes and genuine smile, he always welcomed you, and he never was too important to lend a helping hand or explain what was needed. Christopher Plank, forest program operations manager with the bureau, bids farewell to a former superior who sat on the panel that hired him: I worked with Jim from the day I started to the day he retired, and always that working relationship was marked by his ability to hear and understand the smallest of details. But, at the end of the day, he translated all those little details into the forward thinking ideas which really mattered. However, if something wasn't right or didn't make sense, Jim wouldn't go along with it, and there was no way anyone was going to persuade him to do otherwise. Mr. Nelson was the husband of Iris K. (Leas) Nelson, and the late Margery Nelson. He was born Oct. 21, 1930 in Kane, a son of the late Emil S. and Mabelle (Thomas) Nelson. A member of Zwingli U.C.C. in East Berlin, where he served on the consistory, Mr. Nelson served with the U.S. Army 3rd Infantry. He was also a member of the New Oxford Social & Athletic Club; a past president of the East Berlin Historical Society; the East Berlin V.F.W. Post No. 8896, where he served on the board of directors; and he was an avid woodworker and gardener. He was a graduate of the Pennsylvania State University where he received the Alumni Award from the School of Forestry. His career with the Bureau of Forestry spanned 42 years with the PA Bureau of Forestry culminating in the position of State Forester, and was the Director of the Bureau from 1989-1994. He was also a fellow of 50 years with the Society of American Foresters and served on its board of directors. Following cremation, a memorial service will be held at 11 a.m. Saturday, March 24, at Zwingli U.C.C., 403 W. King St, East Berlin, with his pastor, Rev. Dr. Margaret J. Wise, officiating. Burial will be private and at the convenience of the family. The family will receive friends at the church on Saturday from 9 a.m. until time of the service. Memorial contributions may be made to Zwingli U.C.C.; Wellspan VNA Homecare, PO Box 2404, York, PA 17405; or Susan G. Komen for the Cure, PO Box 650309, Dallas, TX

75265. Feiser Funeral Home, Inc, 306 Harrisburg St, East Berlin, is in charge of arrangements. Memories may be shared online. (Reprinted from DCNR's March 14 Resource online newsletter.)

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. March 23-- Water Resources Education Network Grants March 30-- PA American Water Protect Our Watersheds Student Art Contest March 31-- DEP Host Municipal Inspector Grants April 1-- Game Commission Seedlings For Schools Program April 3-- West Penn Power Sustainable Energy Fund Grants, Loans April 4-- DCNR Community Conservation Partnership Grants April 9-- EPA Small Drinking, Wastewater System Grants April 13-- NEW. Chesapeake Bay Photo Contest April 15-- Wild Resource Conservation Fund Income Tax Checkoff Deadline April 30-- NEW. Ralph W. Abele Conservation Scholarships May 1-- Keep PA Beautiful Sue Wiseman Student Scholarships May 16-- NEW. EPA Chesapeake Bay Local Government Grants May 31-- Expedition Chesapeake Student Essay Contest June 29-- DEP Act 101 Recycling Implementation, Waste Planning Grants July 31-- DCNR Southcentral PA Natural Resource Protection Grants August 1-- PA Snowmobile Assn. Trail Improvement Grants August 24-- Foundation for PA Watershed Grants September 1-- Erie TreeVitalize Grants October 31-- PA Resources Council Lens On Litter Contest -- Visit the DEP Grants and Loan Programs webpage for more ideas on how to get financial assistance for environmental projects.

Budget/Quick Clips
Here's a selection of NewClips on environmental topics from around the state-Budget Groups Upset With Conservation Cuts Largest Cut In PA Conservation Funding Proposed DEP Secretary Talks About Budget Impact On Environment Corbett Has Other Plans For Farmland Preservation Funds Corbett's Energy Executive Defends Impact Fee

Drillers Answer Impact Fee Questions In Bradford Drilling Impact Fee Up For Consideration In Fayette Most Natural Gas Drilling In 11 Counties Butler County Intends To Collect Millions In Drilling Fees Luzerne Eyes Public Input On Gas Impact Fee Somerset To Seek Payment For Marcellus Wells Union Calls For Funding From Taxes, Drilling Agencies Outline Plans For Drilling Fee Revenue Webinars March 15, 22 To Examine Impact Fee House OKs Lower Debt Limit For Capital Budget Projects House Approves Capital Budget Changes Editorial: Keep Mass Transit On The Road Editorial: State Must Address Transportation Funding Issues Other Volunteers Sought For Annual Ohio River Sweep In June Submit Your Neighborhood For Philly Spring Cleanup Harrisburg Officials Aim To Curb Illegal Dumping Potential Buyers Of HBG Incinerator To Be Vetted Monday Composting Facility An Example Of Regionalization River Town Sustainability Fair March 31 In Fredericktown Luzerne Businesses Given DEP Grants Alternative Energy Can Be Unpredictable Nuclear Safety Steps Taken At Peach Bottom $245 Million Fine For Electricity Market Manipulation Cumberland County Saved $1.78 Million Thru Energy Program Op-Ed: Conservation Can Be Lucrative Delaware County Plant Added To Superfund List State Gets Tools To Fight Blight Sunoco's New CEO On A Charm Offensive Delco Eyes Future Use Of Closed Refinery Tract Lawmaker Wants To Scrap Vehicle Emissions Testing Speakers Lining Up For Hearing On Homer City Power Plant Op-Ed: EPA Clean Air Rule Will Cost Jobs Mine Subsidence Close Part Of Route 247 In Blakely DCNR Plans White-Water Release In Bucks County March 17-18 Fish & Boat Commission Partners With Pirates Baseball Deer Harvest Up 6 Percent Statewide Game Commission Releases 2011-12 Deer Harvest Estimates Lyme Disease Symptoms, Prevention Preservationists Hope To Save Pennsylvania's Historic Barns Late Winter Heat Wave Jump-Starts Flowers, Trees Presque Isle Committee Hears About Invasive Plants Volunteers Key To Presque Isle Programming Game Commission, Hawk Mountain Partner On Outdoor Amphitheater

Marcellus Shale NewsClips

Here are NewsClips on topics related to Marcellus Shale natural gas drilling--EPA Testing In Dimock Doesn't Show Contamination First 11 Dimock Homes Sampled By EPA Show No Health Concerns EPA's Tests Show Safe Drinking Water In Dimock Environmentalists Critical Of EPA's Dimock Results Groups Upset With Conservation Cuts Drillers Answer Impact Fee Questions In Bradford Drilling Impact Fee Up For Consideration In Fayette Butler County Intends To Collect Millions In Drilling Fees Luzerne Eyes Public Input On Gas Impact Fee Somerset To Seek Payment For Marcellus Wells Most Natural Gas Drilling In 11 Counties Union Calls For Funding From Taxes, Drilling Agencies Outline Plans For Drilling Fee Revenue Webinars March 22 To Examine Impact Fee Zoning, Impact Fees Concern Fayette Residents Corbett's Energy Executive Defends Impact Fee Op-Ed: New PA Gas Law Fails To Protect Public Health Op-Ed: Gas Law Protects Pennsylvanians Op-Ed: Marcellus Shale Law's A Good First Step Op-Ed: PA Sportsmen Say: Drill Baby Drill Op-Ed: Tale Of Two Cities Shows Benefits Of Marcellus Shale Editorial: When The Earth Moves, Ask Where The Fracking Is Susquehanna River Commission OKs More Drilling Water Use SRBC Approves Water Withdrawals For Marcellus Drilling Protests, But No Arrests At SRBC Hearing Marcellus Shale Drilling Program At Northampton Community College Bill Encourages Conversion Of Large Fleets To Natural Gas Marcellus Gas Well Shuts Down Heating At Elementary Hempfield Area School Land Could Be Leased To Driller North Carolina Governor Tour PA Fracking Sites Inside Cabot's Drilling Facilities State Searching For Cause Of Methane In Water In Franklin Twp Methane In Franklin Twp, Susquehanna Water Wells (Video) Drilling Isn't Harming Reservoir Water, IUP Tests Show Natural Gas Pipeline Planned In Washington County Panel Discussion Highlights Marcellus Shale Opportunities PA Highlighted In New Gas Drilling Film Drills & Skills Financial/Other States

Shell Names Horsehead Property As Possible Cracker Plant Site Shell May Build Chemical Plant Near Pittsburgh Shell To Build Billion-Dollar Cracker In Beaver County Shell Picks Beaver County Site For Cracking Plant Pittsburgh-Area Site Chosen For Major Refinery Corbett Discusses Shell Oil Land Option Agreement Corbett Wooed And Googled To Win Ethane Cracker Corbett Made Pass To Shell Oil Execs With Steelers Analysis: Economic Benefits Of Shell Plant Could Be Huge CEO: Shell Cracker Plant Decision Years Away Why Did Shell Pick PA For Its Cracker Plant? First Look At Ethane Cracker Site Chevron Invests In Marcellus Drilling Shell: Cracker Plan Decision Years Away Chesapeake Looks To Oil Editorial: Quakes Suggest Caution For Deep Disposal Wells

Flooding/Watershed NewsClips
Here are NewsClips on watershed topics from around the state-Flooding April 16 Deadline To Apply For SBA Disaster Loans Flood Bills Move In House Committees Money To Assist In Flood Recovery House Moving Flood Aid Package NCCC Will Host Flood Recovery Events This Month FEMA Releases Update On PA Flood Recovery Efforts For Business, Floodwaters Wash Away Products, Profits In Luzerne, Flood Victims Can Reassess Other Watershed NewsClips A Stream Runs Through It, Restoration On A Golf Course Chesapeake Bay Oysters Make Slight Rebound Water Company To Change Disinfectant For Some Systems Editorial: Great Lakes Cleanup Keeps Status Quo El estado actualiza los avisos sobre el consumo de pescado para 2012

Regulations, Technical Guidance & Permits

The Environmental Quality Board agenda for March 20 includes the repeal of the Employer Trip Reduction and Portable Fuel Container Air Quality regulations, repeal of Air Quality regulations related to St. Joe Resources and the withdrawal of the proposed Drinking Water Program fees regulation.

The Department of Environmental Protection published notice of an opportunity to comment on ozone control measures being considered by the Ozone Transport Commission related to reducing VOCs from consumer products and industrial degreasing operations and NOx from nonroad diesel vehicles and equipment. The Public Utility Commission published notice of its Secretarial Letter on Act 129 Energy Efficiency and Conservation Program Phase Two and a second notice seeking comments on the Act 129 Energy Efficiency and Conservation Program Phase Two. The Game Commission published notice for an opportunity to comment on a proposal to completely eradicate feral swine and wild boar in the Commonwealth. Pennsylvania Bulletin - March 17, 2012 Proposed Regulations Open For Comment - DEP webpage Proposed Regulations With Closed Comment Periods - DEP webpage DEP Regulatory Agenda - DEP webpage

Technical Guidance & Permits

The Department of Environmental Protection published notice rescinding two guidance documents related to beneficial reuse of coal ash, a notice certifying use of U.S. EPA NPDES vessel general permits and a notice of changes to the list of individuals and companies certified to perform radon-related activities (PA Bulletin page 1469) Rescission: DEP ID: 563-2112-224. Certification Guidelines for the Chemical and Physical Properties of Coal Ash Beneficially Used at Mines. Title 25 Pa. Code Chapter 290 (relating to beneficial use of coal ash) became effective on December 11, 2010. Rescission: DEP ID: 563-2112-225. Mine Site Approval for the Beneficial Use of Coal Ash. Title 25 Pa. Code Chapter 290 (relating to beneficial use of coal ash) became effective on December 11, 2010. 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. March 20-- Agenda Released. Environmental Quality Board meeting. Room 105 Rachel Carson Building. 9:00. March 20-- Agenda Released. DEP Citizens Advisory Council meeting. Room 105 Rachel Carson Building. 11:00. March 21-- CANCELED. DEP Cleanup Standards Scientific Advisory Board meeting. The next scheduled meeting of the full Board is July 11. (formal notice) March 21-- DEP Cleanup Standards Scientific Advisory Board Ad Hoc Work Group meeting. Room 105 Rachel Carson Building. 9:30. (formal notice) March 22-- Agenda Released. DEP Climate Change Advisory Committee meeting. Room 105 Rachel Carson Building. 10:00. March 26-- Environmental Issues Forum, Joint Legislative Air and Water Pollution Control and Conservation Committee featuring a presentation by DCNR Secretary Richard Allan. Room G-50 Irvis Building. Noon. March 26-- NEW. Governor's Advisory Council for Hunting, Fishing and Conservation meeting. Room 105 Rachel Carson Building. 9:00. Contact: Justin Leventry 717-992-9084. (formal notice) March 27-- NEW. Senate Consumer Protection and Professional Licensure Committee meets to consider the renomination of John Coleman to the PUC. Room 461. Noon. March 27-- Agenda Released. DEP Board Of Coal Mine Safety meeting. BMS Training Room, Ebensburg. 10:00. March 28-- NEW. DCNR Conservation and Natural Resources Advisory Council meeting. Room 105 Rachel Carson Building. 10:00. (formal notice) March 29-- Legislative Forestry Task Force, Joint Legislative Air and Water Pollution Control and Conservation Committee meeting. Celebration Hall, Penn State University, State College. 10:00. May 17-- NEW. Commonwealth Financing Agency meeting. Hearing Room 1, Keystone Building. 10:30.

DEP Calendar of Events Note: The Environmental Education Workshop Calendar is no longer available from the PA Center for Environmental Education because funding for the Center was eliminated in the FY 2011-12 state budget. The PCEE website was also shutdown, but some content was moved to the PA Association of Environmental Educators' website. Senate Committee Schedule House Committee Schedule

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

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 weekly was the winner of the PA Association of Environmental Educators' 2009 Business Partner of the Year Award. Also sign up for these other services from Crisci Associates-PA Environment Digest Twitter Feed: On Twitter, sign up to receive instant updates from: PAEnviroDigest. PA Environment Daily Blog: 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: Don't forget to sign up to receive the PA Capitol Digest Twitter feed by going to: www.Twitter.com/PaCapitolDigest or click on this link for the regular daily PA Capitol Digest Blog to get other news from in and around the Pennsylvania State Capitol.

Supporting Member PA Outdoor Writers Assn./PA Trout Unlimited

PA Environment Digest is a supporting member of the Pennsylvania Outdoor Writers Association, Pennsylvania Council Trout Unlimited and the Doc Fritchey Chapter Trout Unlimited.