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 Whipple Dam State Park, PA Parks & Forests Foundation Harrisburg, Pa November 26, 2012

DEP CAC: Permit Participation Policy To Be Revised, Watershed Bureau Sets Priorities The Department of Environmental Protection notified the Citizens Advisory Council Tuesday it is in the process of updating the agencys public participation policy on permit reviews. Glenn Rider, Director of the Bureau of Conservation and Restoration, also provided an update on offices priorities for the coming year. Council Chair John Walliser expressed concern that there will be at least 9 vacancies or members with expired terms on the 18 member Council by the end of the year including: 6 appointments by the Governor, 3 appointments each by the Senate President Pro Tem and House Speaker. Walliser said he would be working with the appointing authorities to fill the vacancies. Current members may serve until a replacement is appointed. Participation Policy DEPs public participation policy on permit guides when and how the public is involved in decision-making in the agency on individual permit applications. It addresses how and when public comment periods are held, when public information meetings and hearings are encouraged, how access to permit files is managed and requires the agency to respond to public comments. The Council, as the primary body in DEP charged by statute to oversee public participation issues in the department, strongly requested DEP to make the Council its first stop for input in developing the new policy before it is published for public comment. DEP said they hope to have the new policy ready for comment by the end of the year. Watershed Restoration Priorities Glenn Rider told the Council the Bureau of Conservation and Restoration has six priorities in the coming year based on an action plan finalized in August--- Better managing its funding streams (Growing Greener, EPA Section 319, federal OSM SetAside, Chesapeake Bay) to maximize their impact in restoration of officially designated impaired streams and rivers in the state. -- Finalize the guidelines for the use of federal OSM set-aside funding to reclaim abandoned mine lands and treat mine discharges. -- Identify and complete maintenance, repairs and upgrades to DEPs own mine drainage treatment facilities. -- Finalize and issue a revised CAFO permit for animal feeding operations.

-- Increase efforts to achieve agricultural sector compliance with nutrient reduction requirements through education, site visits and farm inspections. -- Develop and implement a process to report significant improvements to streams and lakes and to inform the public of those successes. In response to a question, Rider said details on how funding generated by the Act 13 Marcellus Shale drilling law for watershed restoration administered by the Commonwealth Financing Agency would be handled have not yet been finalized. Rider also said the next round of Growing Greener Grant requests will allow for funding abandoned mine drainage treatment projects. The Bureau was formed last year as part of DEPs reorganization and includes parts of the old bureaus of Watershed Management and Abandoned Mine Reclamation. Specifically, the Bureau is responsible for programs like: non-point source management, Crop Reserve Enhancement Program (CREP), conservation districts, agricultural pollution reduction, Chesapeake Bay, abandoned mine drainage treatment and operation and maintenance, use of AMD water for hydraulic fracturing and the Schuylkill River Dams Program. For more information, visit the Bureau webpage. Other Actions In other business-Clean Air Report: The Council approved its formal 5-Year Report On CAC Activities Under the Air Pollution Control Act as required by statute. Longwall Mining: Steve Kunz of the Citizens Coal Council provided the Council with a presentation on concerns his group has about the adequacy of the analysis DEP has and is now doing to determine the impacts of longwall coal mining on property and streams and rivers under Act 54. DEP recently contracted with the University of Pittsburgh to complete the fourth in the series the reports required by Act 54 to analyze longwall minings impacts. The reports are required to be done every five years. Council members agreed to put together a set of questions members would like to see DEP answer about the contents of the next Act 54 report. Council already provided the agency with comments on the Act 54 report covering 2003-2008. Kunzs presentation will be posted on the CAC meetings webpage. Visit DEPs Act 54 webpage for copies of past Act 54 reports. Drilling Water Testing: During its open public comments period, the Council heard comments by Donita Hoke, Executive Director of the League of Women Voters of Pennsylvania on drilling water testing issues and about a recent permit decision on a natural gas pipeline in Chester County. The comments will be posted on the CAC meetings webpage. Brine Water Reuse: DEP announced it would be withdrawing proposed revisions to General Permit WMGR064 published on September 17, 2011 (PA Bulletin page 5000) which would have allowed the use of natural gas well brines in certain circumstances for dust suppressant and as a stabilizer for unpaved secondary roads.

The General Permit remains in effect to allow the beneficial use of brines for roadway anti-icing purposes in certain circumstances. The permit does not authorize the beneficial use of any fluids from unconventional wells (Marcellus) for these purposes. A formal notice of this withdrawal was published in the November 24 PA Bulletin (PA Bulletin page 7203). 2013 Meetings The Council released its meeting schedule for 2013: January 15, February 19, March 19, April 16, May 22, June 18, July 16, September 17, October 15 and November 19. For more information, visit the DEP CAC webpage. Did You Know You Can Search 8 Years Of Digests On Any Topic? Did you know you can search 8 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 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 January 1, 22, 23, 28, 29, 30 February 4, 5, 6, 11, 12, 13 March 11, 12, 13, 18, 19, 20 April 8, 9, 10, 15, 16, 17, 29, 30 May 1, 6, 7, 8, 9, 13, 14 June 3, 4, 5, 10, 11, 12, 17, 18, 19, 24, 25, 26, 27, 28 House January 1, 14, 15, 16, 22, 23 February 4, 5, 6, 11, 12, 13 March 11, 12, 13, 18, 19, 20 April 8, 9, 10, 15, 16, 17, 22, 23, 24 May 6, 7, 8, 13, 14, 15 June 3, 4, 5, 10, 11, 12, 17, 18, 19, 20, 24, 25, 26, 27, 28 Bill Calendars House: No more voting days scheduled for this session. <> Click Here for full House Bill Calendar. Senate: No more voting days scheduled for this session. <> Click Here for full Senate Bill Calendar. Committees House: <> Click Here for full House Committee Schedule. Senate: <> Click Here for full Senate Committee Schedule.

News From The Capitol

Election, Retiring Legislators Means Change Of Key Environmental Committee Leadership With the retirement of two Chairs of the Senate and House Environmental Resources and Energy Committee and a switch from the House to the Senate for a third Chair, the new session of the General Assembly will mean an almost complete turnover of environmental leadership in the Senate and House. Sen. Mary Jo White (R-Venango), Majority Chair of the Senate Environmental Resources and Energy Committee, announced her retirement at the end of 2011. She served as Chair of the Committee for 12 years.

Rep. Camille George (D-Clearfield), Minority Chair of the House Environmental Resources and Energy Committee, announced his retirement at the beginning of 2012. He served as both Majority and Minority Chair of the Committee for 29 years. Rep. Scott Hutchinson (R-Venango), Majority Chair of the House Environmental Resources and Energy Committee, was elected to the Senate this month to replace Sen. Mary Jo White. He served as Majority and Minority Chair of the Committee over six years. He also served as Chair of the Joint Legislative Air and Water Pollution Control and Conservation Committee for 11 years. The only member likely to stay in a position of environmental leadership is Sen. John Yudiack (D-Luzerne), Minority Chair of the Senate Environmental Resources and Energy Committee. He has served as Chair since the retirement of Sen. Ray Musto (D-Luzerne) in 2010. Committee appointments should be announced at the latest in January when the new session convenes. Rep. Bud George, Democratic Chair Of House Environmental Committee, Retires Long-time Democratic Chair of the House Environmental Resources and Energy Committee Rep. Bud George (D-Clearfield) will end 38 years of public service when the legislation session formally ends on November 30. Watch Rep. Georges Farewell Remarks The greatest honor I could ever dream of is serving the people of the 74th Legislative District, said Rep. George. However, the time has come, for a variety of reasons, to bring this to a conclusion. My wife Edna and I thank all of my constituents over the years, and I look forward to serving the entire district with all my heart and effort for the remaining 10 months of my term. We can have the energy and jobs from coal and natural gas while protecting our natural resources, said Rep. George, who worked in the regions coal fields. However, it depends on rising above strident ideologies. Pennsylvanias Constitution guarantees the right to clean air and water. That should be foremost in Harrisburg, not an afterthought. Rep. George was appointed Democratic Chair of the then House Conservation Committee in 1983. As Chairman, he has sponsored and authored dozens of environmental initiatives in the area of environmental protection and natural resource conservation. As the ranking House member of a joint House-Senate Conference Committee, Rep. George was instrumental in the passage of Act 101, one of the first comprehensive solid waste management and recycling programs in the country. It was Rep. George's amendment that established the Recycling Fund, which provides monetary assistance to local governments to establish curbside recycling programs. Other legislative achievements include: -- A law giving the state the authority to confiscate trucks used in the illegal transportation of toxic substances; -- A law prohibiting "backhauling," the practice of cross-hauling foodstuffs and solid wastes in the same truck;

-- Changes in Pennsylvania Surface Coal Mining law, providing for the replacement of public/ private water supplies damaged by mining, as well as a program to encourage the reclamation of abandoned mine sites; -- Change of sewage treatment laws to allow individuals and families to build homes with proper sewage disposal systems, while at the same time protecting surface and groundwater supplies; -- Passage of legislation assisting owners of property with underground storage tanks to clean contaminated soil and remove old tanks, as well as protect against future discharges that could do significant damage to soil and groundwater supplies; and -- Passage of a law creating the Pennsylvania Infrastructure Investment Authority (PennVEST). Rep. George has also proposed legislation that would: protect citizens against frivolous (SLAPP) lawsuits filed by large corporations; initiate a bond issue to clean over 2,400 miles of contaminated streams and reclaim 280,000 acres of abandoned mines; provide a greater amount of consumer protection and information under the new Electric Deregulation Act, among many others. In addition to his Committee Chairmanship, Rep. George also serves as a member of the Environmental Quality Board, PennVEST, the Wild Resource Conservation Board, the Joint Legislative Air and Water Pollution Control Committee, the House Democratic Policy Committee and the powerful House Rules Committee. "In one capacity or another I've worked with him since 1983 on almost every major piece of environmental legislation going through the General Assembly," said David E. Hess, former Secretary of the Department of Environmental Protection. "Whether you agreed with him or not, he was a force of nature to be reckoned with and he represented his constituents and the interests in his district as few legislators do. I wish him well in retirement and the best to his family." Sen. Mary Jo White, Republican Chair Senate Environmental Committee, Retires

For more than a dozen years, Sen. Mary Jo White (R-Venango) served as Majority Chair of the Senate Environmental Resources and Energy Committee, but her service in that capacity ends November 30 with the formal end of the legislative session. Listen To A Portion Of Sen. Whites Farewell Remarks First elected to the Senate in 1996, she served the 21st Senatorial District, which consists of Clarion, Forest and Venango Counties, and parts of Butler, Erie and Warren Counties. Sen. White's committee assignments included Appropriations, Consumer Protection and Professional Licensure, and Public Health and Welfare and as Vice Chairman of the Judiciary Committee. She also served on the Wild Resource Conservation Fund, the Joint Legislative Air and Water Pollution Control and Conservation Committee, the Environmental Quality Board, and the PA Commission on Sentencing. For the 2001-2002 Legislative Session, Sen. White was elected Caucus Administrator for the Republican Majority, becoming the first woman ever elected to a Senate Republican leadership position. She held this position through the 2005-2006 Legislative Session. Although part of every piece of environmental legislation passed in more than a decade, Sen. White lists her most significant accomplishments as--- Growing Greener Environmental Restoration Program, the largest single investment on restoring Pennsylvanias environment in history;

-- Revisions to Pennsylvanias deep mine safety law after the 2002 Quecreek Mine Rescue; -- Marcellus Shale legislation-- Act 13-- adopting tougher environmental standards and a reasonable drilling impact fee which she said, will be revered as one of the most progressive oil and gas acts in the nation; and -- Water Resources Planning legislation to inventory water resources throughout the Commonwealth and identify critical water areas. I first got to know Sen. White when she served on DEPs Solid Waste Advisory Committee before she began her service in the Senate, said David E. Hess, former Secretary of the Department of Environmental Protection. From the beginning she brought a practical approach to helping to solve environmental problems and continued to ask the tough questions as Chair of the Senate Committee. I very much appreciated her support for precedent setting changes to environmental programs. She never shied away from an issue.

News From Around The State

Penn State Extension Assists North Central Private Water Supply Owners Penn State Extension worked with the Headwaters Resource Conservation and Development Council and the Clearfield Conservation District to implement a Colcum Foundation Grant in eight counties in North Central Pennsylvania. The project was geared toward low to moderate income residents to assist them in obtaining pre-gas well drilling, chain of custody, water test reports. One hundred water tests were made available for each of the counties of McKean, Potter, Cameron, Elk, Jefferson, Clearfield, Centre and Clinton. Penn State Extension, specifically, Extension Educator, Jim Clark, and Extension Water Specialist, Bryan Swistock, provided a Water Test Interpretation Workshop in each of the eight counties after the water testing was completed by two Department of Environmental Protection accredited water labs. In addition, Clark and Swistock, assisted with one on one consultation for many of the water test recipients. A total of 689 water tests were completed for homeowners. A total of 548 people attended one of the eight workshops and 346 (96 percent) of the workshop participants stated they felt they could now identify and understand the information on their water test report. A five month follow up survey of the participants was conducted and 155 (75 percent) of 206 respondents stated they had taken some action related to improving or protecting their private water supply. Bacterial contamination is one of the major health issues related to private water supplies. The 689 water supplies showed positive numbers for coliform bacteria in 50 percent of the supplies and 19 percent for E. coli bacteria. There were 141 spring supplies tested in this project and the springs had the highest rate of bacterial contamination, as was expected, followed by hand dug wells, and finally drilled wells. The following chart shows the median and maximum concentration for most of the 21 parameters tested:
Parameter Alkalinity Sulfate Median Concentration Maximum Concentration 39 mg/L 330 mg/L 11.9 mg/L 406 mg/L

pH 6.6 Chloride 4.4 mg/L Total Suspended Solids 0 mg/L Total Dissolved Solids 104 mg/L Barium 0.06 mg/L Methane 0 mg/L Ethane 0 mg/L Aluminum 0.01 mg/L Iron 0.05 mg/L Manganese 0.02 mg/L Hardness 53 mg/L Strontium 0.07 mg/L Bromide 0.05 mg/L

3.0 to 8.79 2,808 mg/L 1,723 mg/L 5,168 mg/L 20.8 mg/L 35 mg/L 1.4 mg/L 16.9 mg/L 110 mg/L 9.87 mg/L 1,535 mg/L 95.6 mg/L 22.4 mg/L

It is important to remember that these water samples were of the raw water and not necessarily the water at the faucet. Many of these private water systems, with contamination issues, may already be treating their drinking water with appropriate home water treatment devices. Additional information related to this project can be obtained from Jim Clark by sending email to: jac20@psu.edu. (Reprinted from Penn State Extension Watershed Winds newsletter.) Nov. 28 Webinar To Focus On Septic System Management The next Penn State Water Resources webinar will focus on the proper management of onlot septic systems starting at 1 p.m. on November 28. Dana Rizzo, a water resources extension educator with Penn State Extension and the Westmoreland Conservation District, will present this 60-minute webinar. Proper wastewater treatment helps to protect your health and the environment. Household wastewater from sinks, toilets, washing machines, and showers carries dirt, soap, food, grease, and human waste down the drain and out of your house. Wastewater also carries disease-causing bacteria, viruses, and other pathogens as well as nutrients like nitrogen, phosphorus, and organic wastes. Onlot septic systems are designed to remove or breakdown these contaminants before they enter groundwater-the source of drinking water via wells or springs-or nearby lakes, streams, or wetlands. Wastewater treatment is often out-of-sight and out-of-mind until problems occur. Problems are inevitable if you arent caring for your onlot septic system properly so knowing the basics about your household system and taking simple precautions can prevent problems. Its a wise investment to keep your system working well because replacing a failed system can cost thousands of dollars. If you need to install a new system or replace a system, you will also learn about DEP approved alternative options to traditional septic systems. This webinar will be offered from noon to 1 p.m. and is accessible through the Water Resources webpage. You can access this webinar simply by signing in as a "guest." Taped versions of each webinar in the series are also available online. If you have not registered for past water webinars, please visit the following website to register so we can keep you updated about future webinar offerings.

(Reprinted from Penn State Extension Watershed Winds newsletter.) A River Again, The Story Of The Schuylkill River Project Now Available The Delaware Riverkeeper Network Monday made available copies of A River Again, The Story of the Schuylkill River Project for download and in hardcopy suitable for holiday gift giving. The 234 page volume, with over 30 pages of illustrations and photographs, sells for $21.95. The Delaware Riverkeeper Network is using a print-on-demand process for the hard covers. Click Here to download a copy. For hardcopy orders, contact Chari Towne, Schuylkill Programs, Delaware Riverkeeper Network, 925 Canal Street, Suite 3701, Bristol, PA 19007 or send an email inquiry to: chari@delawareriverkeeper.org. Winter Holidays Celebration To Benefit Friends Of Wissahickon Dec. 1 Celebrate the winter holidays with the Friends of the Wissahickon at Valley Green Inn with Winter in the Wissahickon on December 1 from noon to 4 p.m. This event offers everyone the opportunity to decorate their own holiday wreath while enjoying chestnuts roasting on an open fire, hot apple cider, lunch, and a Winter Woods Hike led by Trish Fries from the Wissahickon Environmental Center. Many families have made this event a holiday tradition. Children are invited to make nature crafts that can be left for wildlife to feed on during the winter. FOW will supply the materials for these crafts as well as balsam fir wreaths and natural ornaments for decorating, such as western juniper with blueberries, variegated holly with red berries, incense-cedar with yellow tips, and assorted pine cones. These evergreens will last a long time and can be ground into mulch or composted after the holidays. Proceeds from Winter in the Wissahickon will benefit the Friends of the Wissahickon, a non-profit organization founded in 1924 and dedicated to preserving the Wissahickon Valley. FOW works in partnership with Philadelphia Parks and Recreation to restore historical structures throughout the park, eliminate invasive plant species, monitor watershed management issues, and restore trails throughout the park system with its Sustainable Trails Initiative. Tickets to Winter in the Wissahickon are $30 for adults and $10 for children, with a special family package of $75 for two adults and two children. Price includes one wreath per adult or family and all food and beverages. This is a rain or shine event and tickets are limited. Valley Green Inn is located on Forbidden Drive in Wissahickon Valley Park. For more information or to purchase tickets, call 215-247-0417 or visit the Friends of the Wissachickon website. Delaware Estuary Partnership Looking For Photos Of Hurricane Impacts The Partnership for the Delaware Estuary is currently working to assess the aftermath of Hurricane Sandy. To help in this assessment, Partnership staff is inviting the public to submit any photos, stories, videos or storm-related data you may have. Please share your information by sending email to: SRothrock@DelawareEstuary.org. Marcellus Shale Drilling Viewed As Both Positive, Negative By Pittsburghers

While most Pittsburgh citizens see Marcellus Shale drilling as a chance to give the local economy a boost, they also worry about the associated environmental and health risks, according to data released Monday by PittsburghTODAY and the University of Pittsburghs University Center for Social and Urban Research. Findings in the Marcellus Shale Brief come from the 120-question Pittsburgh Regional Quality of Life Survey released earlier this year, Pittsburghs most comprehensive recent regional survey. In Washington Countywhere the Marcellus 'shoe' fits most snuglyresidents believe more strongly in the benefits of drilling, but they also have concerns about environmental effects, said Douglas Heuck, director of PittsburghTODAY, which coordinated the survey. The reports key findings follow. Economic Support--- More residents overall support drilling than oppose it by a margin of 45 percent to 25 percent, with the rest in neither camp. -- In Washington County, the rates of support are higher, with more people having a strong opinion on the issue. -- More than 70 percent of Pittsburghers and 76 percent of those in Washington County feel that extracting natural gas from the Marcellus Shale offers a significant or moderate economic opportunity for the region. Environmental Concerns--- Eight in 10 residents believe drilling poses at least a slight threat to the environment and public health. -- Fifty-five percent see drilling as either a significant or moderate threat to the environment or public health. Fifty-eight percent feel this way in Washington County. -- Only 17 percent believe drilling poses no or little threat to the environment or public health. Included in the Marcellus Shale Brief were 430 residents of Washington Countyan oversampling to best reflect the views of those living in a highly active drilling area. Washington County was home to 656 natural gas wells as of July 2012, and nearly 32 percent of Washington County residents report they have signed a drilling lease. To compare, Allegheny County only had 13 wells, and 14 percent of residents in other counties reported signing a drilling lease. Notably, the higher the level of a persons education, the more likely he/she was to say that natural gas offers economic opportunities. In turn, those educated individuals were also more likely to see Marcellus shale as a public health and environmental threat. Data for the Marcellus Shale Brief were gathered during telephone interviews with some 2,200 men and women residing in the seven-county Pittsburgh Statistical Metropolitan Area and in 25 surrounding counties in Pennsylvania, Ohio, West Virginia, and Maryland. From the University Center for Social and Urban Research, regional economist Christopher Briem and Pitts Urban and Regional Analysis Program Director Sabina Deitrick were involved in creating the survey. The report and additional information are available on the PittsburghTODAY website. DEP Corrects Email Address For Comments On PNDI Policy Revision

The Department of Environmental Protection published a notice inviting comments on proposed changes the policy for using the PA Natural Diversity Inventory during permit reviews and evaluations in the November 10 PA Bulletin. DEP published a notice on November 24 saying there was a typographical error in the email address to which comments should be sent. The correct address is: RAEPTG_Comments@pa.gov. The December 10 comment deadline remains the same. The Department said it is revising its existing policy to clarify PNDI coordination within the permit review process. PNDI coordination will be conducted in a manner consistent with the requirements of the rules and regulations implemented by the Department. The Department and County Conservation District staff will follow this policy during the permit application review process. Comments are due December 10. Written comments should be submitted to Patricia Allan, Department of Environmental Protection, Policy Office, 16th Floor, 400 Market Street, Harrisburg, PA 17105 or by email to: RA-EPTG_Comments@pa.gov. A copy of the proposed policy was published on DEPs Proposed Policy Guidance webpage. For more information, contact Patricia Allan, Department of Environmental Protection, Policy Office, 16th Floor, 400 Market Street, Harrisburg, PA 17105, by email to: RAEPTG_Comments@pa.gov or call 717-783-8727. DEP Withdraws Change To Beneficial Use Of Oil & Gas Well Brine The Department of Environmental Protection told the DEP Citizens Advisory Council Tuesday it would be withdrawing proposed revisions to General Permit WMGR064 published on September 17, 2011 (PA Bulletin page 5000) which would have allowed the use of natural gas well brines in certain circumstances for dust suppressant and as a stabilizer for unpaved secondary roads. A formal notice of this withdrawal was published in the November 24 PA Bulletin (PA Bulletin page 7203). The General Permit remains in effect to allow the beneficial use of brines for roadway anti-icing purposes in certain circumstances. The permit does not authorize the beneficial use of any fluids from unconventional wells (Marcellus) for these purposes. Save The Date: PROP's 23rd Annual Recycling & Organics Conference July 24-26 The Professional Recyclers of Pennsylvania will hold their 23rd annual Recycling and Organics Conference in Wilkes-Barre on July 24-26. Check the PROP website for upcoming details and early registration. Statewide Brownfields Conference Rescheduled For Dec. 10-12 In Allegheny County The Department of Environmental Protection, in partnership with the Engineers Society of Western PA, invites community leaders, industry professionals and other interested stakeholders to a statewide brownfields conference from December 10 to 12 at the Doubletree Hotel in Monroeville, Allegheny County. The conference was originally scheduled for October 29 to 31, but was postponed because of the effects of Hurricane Sandy.

DEPs Deputy Secretary for Waste, Air, Radiation and Remediation, Vince Brisini, will serve as master of ceremonies. Alisa Harris, DEPs Special Deputy Secretary for External Affairs, will moderate a brownfields best practices panel. Pennsylvania is committed to being a leader in brownfield reclamation, Brisini said. This conference will offer a valuable forum for industry leaders and regulators to share ideas and discuss strategies to ensure that we remain a leader. Previously, DEP and the Engineers Society of Western PA held separate statewide conferences that appealed to the same audience. This is the first year the organizations have worked together on the conference, which uses an advisory panel of industry experts to develop conference content. They plan to hold the event in a different region of the state each year. The theme of this years conference, Marketplace Meets Brownfields, will highlight current redevelopment topics, including the popular Extreme Makeover competition; mobile workshops; a video showcase of success stories; and technical updates on market trends and treatment options. There will be a tiered track of courses available to provide continuing education credits for economic development agency personnel, local government organizations, planners, real estate professionals and engineering professionals. Brownfields are properties where expansion, redevelopment or re-use are jeopardized because of the presence of hazardous substances, pollutants or contaminants. Pennsylvanias approach to brownfields redevelopment has proven to be a national model for transforming abandoned, idled properties into places of economic opportunity. For more information, visit the Brownfields Conference webpage and to register or display an exhibit, contact the conference manager at 412-261-0710, ext. 11, or send email to: c.stellfox@eswp.com. Deadline Extended For FirstEnergy Ways 2 Save Electricity Video Contest For Schools FirstEnergy power companies Met-Ed, Penelec and West Penn Power have extended the deadline for schools to submit Ways 2 Save Electricity Video Contest submissions to December 14 due to the disruption caused by Hurricane Sandy. Local middle, junior and senior high school students in their service areas can help educate local residents, including their parents, on electricity-saving measures for homes, schools or businesses by creating their own electricity conservation videos for a chance to receive cash grants for their schools. The Assignment: At a teachers direction, students, or teams of students, will be asked to create original videos demonstrating ways to save electricity and/or correct electricity-wasting habits. Each video entry must be no longer than 90 seconds and be posted to YouTube. The Payoff: A panel of judges representing Met-Ed, Penelec and West Penn Power will choose three winners from each service area who demonstrate the best and most creative ways to reduce electricity usage. The first-prize winner in each service area will receive a grant of $20,000 for their school. Second-prize winners will receive $10,000 each, and third place $5,000 each. There will also be a Peoples Choice award of $5,000 that goes to the school posting their video that is liked and shared the most. The Details: Entrants must be teachers or home-school educators of middle school, junior or senior high school students located in a community served by Met-Ed, Penelec and West Penn Power.

A link to their video or videos must be sent by email to: ways2savecontest@clynch.com. Each team is allowed a total of 10 video submissions. Winners will be notified in early January 2013. Official contest rules and regulations are posted on the Ways 2 Save Contest website. FirstEnergy Energy Solutions Webinar: Wireless Lighting Control Solutions Nov. 28 On November 28 starting at 1:00 p.m. FirstEnergy will hold another in its series of webinars on energy efficiency, this one deals with wireless lighting control solutions. Every other Wednesday FirstEnergy sponsors these webinars to help its customers of Met-Ed, Pennelec and Penn Power reduce their energy costs. Click Here for a comprehensive schedule. For more information on energy saving programs, visit www.energysavePA.com, or send email to: energysavePA@saic.com. PPL Electric Rate To Compare Drops Effective Dec. 1 PPL Electric Utilities will change its generation service charge December 1 based on the latest costs to supply service to customers who do not choose an alternative supplier in the competitive power market. The utilitys generation and transmission rates combined make up the price to compare for the purposes of shopping among alternative suppliers. The price to compare will decrease slightly for residential and small commercial customers on the utilitys default supply service. For residential customers, the new price to compare will be 7.544 cents per kilowatt-hour, down from 7.907 cents per kilowatt-hour currently. The components of the price to compare make up about two-thirds of the typical residential monthly bill for non-shopping customers. The price to compare does not include the distribution charges on a customers bill, which apply to all customers and cover the companys costs to deliver power and provide customer service. For small business customers, the new price to compare will be 10.206 cents per kilowatt-hour, compared with 10.346 cents per kilowatt-hour currently. A full list of PPL Electric Utilities new rates for all rate classes can be found at www.pplelectric.com/choice. NewsClip: PPL Drops Rates For Home, Business Customers $26.5 Million Invested In Recreation, Community Revitalization Efforts Gov. Tom Corbett Tuesday announced an investment of $26.5 million for 198 projects across Pennsylvania that will revitalize communities, create new recreational opportunities, and conserve natural resources. The Department of Conservation and Natural Resources will begin accepting applications for the 2013 round of Community Conservation Partnership Grants on January 9. The deadline for applications is April 10. Our parks are among the things that tie us all together a place to meet for leisure, for entertainment, for recreation and for tourism, Corbett said.

The governor made the announcement at Coleman Memorial Park in Lebanon, where he was joined by Sen. Mike Folmer (R-Lebanon), Rep. Mauree Gingrich (R-Lebanon) and Lebanon City Mayor Sherry Capello. The City of Lebanon is receiving a $225,000 grant for the park to fund projects to: eliminate the asphalt at the existing amphitheater and collect storm water there to use as irrigation on the nearby playing fields; create a new playground area for different age groups with safety surfacing; renovate the entrance; and create a pedestrian walkway with solar lighting. Many of the projects being funded improvements to local parks, trails and river access bring these amenities closer to home, requiring less driving and expense to experience, Corbett said. The grants fall under the Department of Conservation and Natural Resources Community Conservation Partnerships Program. Funding comes from the Keystone Fund, which is generated from a portion of the realty transfer tax; the Environmental Stewardship Fund; the ATV/ Snowmobile Fund generated through fees for licenses; and federal monies. This $26.5 million investment will leverage $43.2 million in local, county and private investments, giving every state dollar more power for the public good, Corbett continued. The grants will support a variety of proposals, including: 49 trail projects; protecting 3,238 acres of open space; and 79 projects to develop or rehabilitate recreation, park and conservation areas and facilities. Some funded projects include: -- Rehabilitation and further development of Mohn Street Intergenerational Park in Steelton Borough, Dauphin County; -- Rehabilitation of the Beechwood Avenue Playground in Wheatland Borough, Mercer County; -- More than a mile of trail and a pedestrian bridge to be added connecting the Doylestown Bike and Hike System to the Peace Valley Trail in Bucks County; -- A groomer for Tri-County Snow Blazers to maintain 20-miles of snowmobile trails in Crawford, Erie and Warren counties; and -- Approximately 140 acres in Richland Township, Allegheny County, to be conserved for recreation and headwater protection. More than $2.3 million is being provided to Heritage Areas for projects including: closing key gaps on the Delaware & Lehigh Trail; further development of the Lincoln Highway Experience Museum and Visitors Center; and strengthening the Lumber Heritage Region Civilian Conservation Corps legacy organization. A list of projects funded is available online. For more information, visit DCNRs Community Conservation Partnerships Program webpage. Applications For 2013 DCNR Community Conservation Partnership Grants Due April 10 The Department of Conservation and Natural Resources will begin accepting applications for the 2013 round of Community Conservation Partnership Grants on January 9. The deadline for applications is April 10. Grant Webinar DCNR will host a webinar on November 29 at 10:00 a.m. to provide a general overview of the grant program, the types of grant projects, matching fund requirements, eligible applicants and projects, and how to create a ready to go competitive grant application. Availability is

limited. Pre-registration is required for either the webinar or the workshops, and can be done here. For more information, contact the Bureau of Recreation & Conservations Linda Manning. Grant Workshops DCNR will host a series of 7 regional grant workshops designed to assist potential grant applicants with preparing their applications and providing information about the program. The workshop dates and locations are: -- Feb. 6: Conshohocken Montgomery County Public Safety Training Campus: Fire Academy; -- Feb. 7: Doylestown Heritage Conservancy: Aldie Mansion; -- Feb. 13: Enola Pa. State Association of Township Supervisors: Administration Building; -- Feb. 19: Boalsburg Pa. Military Museum; -- Feb. 20: Nanticoke Luzerne County Community College: Educational Conference Center; -- Feb. 26: Franklin Park Franklin Park Borough: Blueberry Hill Park Activity Center; and -- Feb. 27: Clarion Clarion University: Gemmell Student Complex. For grant applications and instructions, visit the DCNR Community Conservation Partnership Grants webpage or contact the Bureau of Recreation and Conservations Linda Manning by sending email to: Linmanning@pa.gov. (Reprinted from DCNRs November 21 Resource online newsletter.) PA Wild Sustainable Economic Development Conference A Success Several dozen residents from around the Pennsylvania Wilds gathered this month in St. Marys to jump start projects from their areas during the PA Wilds Planning Teams 2nd regional conference on sustainable development. PA Wilds Fall Workshop: Connecting Nature, Economy, and Community Character, was held November 8-9 at the Red Fern and attracted nine teams from several different counties looking to advance sustainable tourism projects important to their areas and that revolve around the regions natural and cultural assets. The teams included a group from Elk County looking at creating the Boulderdash adventure race that links land stewardship, outdoor recreation and health improvement goals; a region-wide team working on long-term sustainability of the PA Wilds Artisan Trail; a trails team from Clarion County looking to develop a strategic plan; a team of businesses from Jefferson County looking to establish their area of the Wilds as a destination for corporate wellness programs and retreats; a team from Clearfield County working on revitalization efforts in Curwensville and connections to the West Branch Susquehanna Water Trail; a team from the Lumber Heritage Region working on their organizations management plan update; a team from Tioga County that wants to better link natural and cultural assets to boost tourism; a team from McKean County working on downtown revitalization in Port Alleghany; and a team from Potter County looking to capitalize on increased foot traffic to Cherry Spring Dark Skies Park by positioning a nearby town to be a gateway to the park. Teams were structured to include a diverse membership with participants being community leaders, elected officials, business owners, land managers and tourism professionals. Over two days participants heard from regional, state and national experts on topics relevant to the region, and then worked as a team in a structured setting to flesh out their project ideas and next steps.

Speakers included leaders from the Center for Rural Pennsylvania, the PA Department of Community and Economic Development, and keynote Ed McMahon, a leading authority on community planning and sustainable tourism development. Participants also heard from the people behind three local projects that have garnered regional attention the Pennsylvania Kinzua Pathways in Warren County; the Cameron County Artisan Center, a star on the PA Wilds Artisan Trail; and the Austin Dam project in Potter County. McMahons presentations and the opportunity to network with teams and leaders from around the region were identified by participants as favorite elements of the conference. The conference, offered by the PA Wilds Planning Team, is similar to one the group held in 2007, which led to several successful community-driven tourism projects in the region. Residents know best what projects have potential in their areas, but it is sometimes hard to find the time or opportunity to get the right people around the table to advance these good ideas or tie them into what is going on regionally with tourism, said Planning Team Chair Dan Glotz. The fall conference is just a first step for the teams. Our hope is the participants will build on the plans they developed at the workshop and that theyll be in a better position to do that now that they are connected into the regional network that is the backbone of the Pennsylvania Wilds Initiative. For more information, visit the Pennsylvania Wilds website. $4.7 Million In Improvements To Benjamin Rush State Park Celebrated Bureau of State Parks Director David Kemmerer Monday joined other state and local officials to break ground on a $4.7 million improvement project at Benjamin Rush State Park in northeast Philadelphia. "This park prides itself in encouraging community involvement," Kemmerer told the gathering. "Local civic and recreation groups and other day-use visitors will all benefit from the improvements we're making here today." Financed through capital budget funds, improvements to the 276-acre park will include: construction of a new park entrance; parking improvements; a new trail, comfort station and information kiosks; sanitary sewer and water line installation; garden hose connections; electrical service, meadow establishment; storm-water controls; landscaping; and new signage. Kemmerer was joined by Sen. Michael Stack (D-Philadelphia), Rep. Brendan Boyle (DPhiladelphia), Philadelphia City Councilman Brian O'Neill (R), and representatives from local civic and recreational groups. Named in honor of Dr. Benjamin Rush acclaimed psychiatrist, signer of the Declaration of Independence and attendee at the Continental Congress the park is home to one of the state's largest community gardens. Created 35 years ago, it adjoins Bucks County and is Philadelphia's only state park. Comprised largely of woodlots and rolling fields, the park is frequented by employees and residents of the nearby Delaware Valley Veterans Home, Friends of Poquessing, Somerton Civic Association, Parkwood Civic Association, Benjamin Rush Garden Association, and North East Philadelphia Radio Control Club. Construction is expected to begin at the end of November and last into spring 2013. Work will necessitate closing park grounds east of Roosevelt Boulevard, but will not affect the park's soccer fields. Grounds closings will be posted for the public.

Heritage PA Unveils New Website HeritagePA, an association of the 12 heritage areas in Pennsylvania, has launched its new website at that can provide assistance for all of the above and more. The HeritagePA areas are large geographical regions that represent an important industrial era of Pennsylvanias history and also encompass important cultural assets and natural and scenic resources so important to that particular area. The new site enables visitors to access all 12 HeritagePA areas from one site, making it easier to find history, events and relevant information about each region. The 12 members of the HeritagePA Association operate under the umbrella of DCNR. For more information, visit the HeritagePA website or call 412-377-8364. (Reprinted from DCNRs November 21 Resource online newsletter.) Creating the East Coast Greenway Lecture Rescheduled For Dec. 5 The Friends of the Wissahickons popular lecture series, Valley Talks, sponsored by Valley Green Bank, will feature Andy Hamilton of the East Coast Greenway Alliance, who will discuss this revolutionary trail system and how it enhances local communities and the region at large, on December 5. This lecture was originally scheduled for November 7 and was postponed due to storms in the area. The lecture will begin at 6:00 p.m. at Valley Green Inn and is free and open to the public Hamilton is the Mid-Atlantic Trail Coordinator for the East Coast Greenway Alliance, a longdistance, urban, shared-use trail system, that links 25 major cities along the eastern seaboard. He will consider the benefits to public health that access to active transportation and natural and cultural experiences provides to the millions of Americans that use the East Coast Greenway on bicycle and foot. He has spent almost two decades working in landscape architecture at Carter Van Dyke Associates, enriching spaces such as the greenways or linear park segments. Valley Green Inn is located on Forbidden Drive in Wissahickon Valley Park. Register for this event by sending email Sarah Marley to: marley@fow.org or 215-247-0414 ext. 109. Spaces are limited. Friends Of The Wissahickon Hosts Public Meeting On Sustainable Trails Initiative Dec. 6 The Friends of the Wissahickon will host a public meeting to discuss progress to date on the Sustainable Trails Initiative upcoming STI projects, and new park signage for Wissahickon Valley Park on December 6 at 6 p.m. at Founders Hall, New Covenant Campus. A representative from Philadelphia Parks and Recreation will be present. The Sustainable Trails Initiative is a multi-year project to make the 50 miles of National Recreation Trails in the Wissahickon a physically and socially sustainable system that works for all park users. This project is being executed in partnership with Philadelphia Parks & Recreation.

Upcoming work includes projects at the Andorra Natural Area and the Wissahickon Environmental Center, and includes a signage plan that has been in development for approximately five years and is part of STI. This signage project is the first comprehensive plan for a new park-wide signage system that will orient park users during their visits to the Wissahickon and help them deal with potential safety and health emergencies on the trails. New Covenant Campus is located at 7500 Germantown Avenue. Those wishing to attend the meeting should register with FOW by sending email to Outreach Coordinator Sarah Marley at: marley@fow.org or 215-247-0417 ext. 109. For more information, visit the Sustainable Trails Initiative public meeting webpage. New Multi-Year PA Fishing Licenses Available Dec. 1 With a new fishing season just around the corner, anglers can ready themselves for years to come by purchasing a multi-year fishing license, available for the first time this year from the Fish and Boat Commission. Beginning December 1, we will start selling 3-year and 5-year fishing licenses for the first time in our history, said PFBC Executive Director John Arway. Customers want options when they buy products, and fishing is no different. Anglers can select from a variety of rods, reels and equipment, so it only makes sense that they should have the ability to purchase a license which is good for several years, he said. Its convenient and provides for one less thing to worry about. Now anglers can purchase a multi-year license and know that when friends and family want them to go fishing, they dont have to worry about whether they renewed their fishing license. In addition, were offering a number of rewards exclusively for customers who buy a multi-year license, including a free online subscription to our flagship publication, Pennsylvania Angler and Boater magazine, along with various offers from popular retailers, added Arway. Other incentives being offered are also pretty attractive. They include various pieces of fishing equipment and several discount coupons which can be used at sporting goods stores. A 3-year fishing license is valid through 2015 and a 5-year license is valid through 2017. Customers who buy multi-year licenses save money by not having to pay transaction and processing fees each year. For example, a customer who buys a 5-year license will save $6.80. Anglers can also purchase multi-year trout/salmon, Lake Erie and combo permits and experience similar savings. Visit the PFBC website for more information about pricing and answers to frequently asked questions. Customers who purchase their multi-year license through either the PFBC Outdoor Shop or from an issuing agent will receive a website link where instructions on accessing their rewards will be located. Sweepstakes Also starting December 1, the PFBC is launching a fishing sweepstakes contest to give away a series of fishing trips across the state for many of Pennsylvanias popular game fish. The general public will be eligible to participate in the sweepstakes, and registration for the sweepstakes will be available online. NewsClip: State To Offer Multiyear Fishing Licenses

DCNR Opens State Forest Roads For Deer Hunting Season Monday More accessible areas and expanded hunting opportunities await hunters when they head into state forestlands for Mondays start of the traditional two-week white-tailed deer season. Our bureau is opening more than 400 miles of roads normally closed to hunters in 18 of our 20 state forest districts across the state, Daniel Devlin, director of the Department of Conservation and Natural Resources Bureau of Forestry said. More than 90 percent of all state forestland will now be within one-half mile of an open road during deer season. Throughout the states big game seasons, which run into January 2013, hunters will find more than 3,000 miles of roadway open in the state forests. Access to some state forest roads will be determined by local weather and road conditions. Hunters should contact district offices in advance for up-to-date information. Hunters traveling to the north central areas of the state are reminded some hunting areas and travel routes may be impacted by Marcellus Shale-related activities. Some state forest roads may be temporarily closed during drilling operations or other peak periods of heavy use to reduce potential safety hazards. To avoid potential conflicts on state forest roads during times of high public use, DCNR will attempt to limit or restrict truck traffic at the outset of major hunting and fishing seasons. Many state parks, especially those in the 12-county Pennsylvania Wilds region, offer inexpensive camping and access to top-quality hunting in nearby state parks and forestland. Wilderness camping, offering hunters a chance to sample hunting far from the beaten path, also is offered in state forests across the state. For the ninth consecutive year, DCNR is also supporting efforts of hunters seeking deer in state park and forestland Deer Management Assistance Program areas, as well as the goals of Hunters Sharing the Harvest a statewide effort encouraging hunters to donate deer for processing into ground venison for Pennsylvanias food banks, soup kitchens and pantries. Successful hunters presenting DMAP tags from DCNR areas to meat processors in the Hunters Sharing the Harvest program will not be charged a fee. Other hunters, when donating the entire deer, are asked to make at least a $15, tax-deductible contribution to help cover processing costs. A complete listing of open roads, effective dates and district office telephone numbers can be obtained on DCNRs White-Tailed Deer In PA Forests webpage. DEP Citizens Advisory Council Honors Eric Conrad For Service The Citizens Advisory Council to the Department of Environmental Protection passed a special resolution Tuesday recognizing Eric Conrad for his service on the Council and wished him well in his battle with health issues. Prior to forming his own company, Conrad worked with the Department of Environmental Protection for 25 years becoming Deputy Secretary for Field Operations in his last years of service there. The resolution honoring his service said-WHEREAS, Eric R. Conrad has served with distinction as a member of the Citizens Advisory Council to the Pennsylvania Department of Environmental Protection from 2009 to 2012; and

WHEREAS, Eric has distinguished himself by actively participating as an elected representative of Council to the Mining and Reclamation Advisory Board, and appointed representative to the Solid Waste Advisory Committee; and WHEREAS, his professional expertise and intimate knowledge of the Department have been instrumental in guiding and facilitating Councils efforts in addressing key environmental concerns facing Pennsylvania by chairing Councils Administrative Oversight Committee and Councils Environmental Standards Committee; and WHEREAS, his common sense approach to and unique perspective on environmental issues has helped Council to be effective in addressing environmental concerns facing Pennsylvania; and WHEREAS, his commitment and dedication has helped Council to be effective in implementing its mandate to ensure that all people of the Commonwealth enjoy the benefits included in Article I, Section 27 of the Pennsylvania Constitution which states in part that, The people have a right to clean air, pure water and to the preservation of the natural, scenic, historic and esthetic values of the environment. Pennsylvanias public natural resources are the common property of all the people, including generations yet to come; and WHEREAS, he represents the ideals of volunteerism and portrays leadership, commitment, integrity and selflessness as he battles unexpected health concerns; and NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED, that the Citizens Advisory Council to the Pennsylvania Department of Environmental Protection expresses its deep appreciation for Eric R. Conrads dedication, commitment and contributions of time and expertise to ensure a better environment for all Pennsylvanians. Click Here for a more complete bio on Mr. Conrad. He can be contacted by sending email to: econrad@advancedgeoservices.com. Help Wanted: PA Office Executive Director, Chesapeake Bay Foundation The Chesapeake Bay Foundation is seeking a qualified individual to fill the position of Pennsylvania Office Executive Director. The PA Executive Director serves as the primary environmental advocate for CBF in Pennsylvania. Key responsibilities include: policy development and advocacy, media/ spokesperson and staff management. Additionally, the Executive Director oversees all lobbying, outreach,, advocacy and restoration efforts for CBF in PA; assists with fundraising and communication efforts. The former Executive Director, Matthew Ehrhart, has taken a position with the Strout Water Research Center. Click Here for details on the position. The deadline for applications is November 30. Lee Ann Murray is now serving as Acting PA Office Executive Director.

Your 2 Cents: Issues On Advisory Committee Agendas

This section gives you a continuously updated thumbnail sketch of issues to be considered in upcoming advisory committee meetings where the agendas have been released December 4-- Agenda Released (posted Nov. 19). DEP Storage Tank Advisory Committee meeting. Room 105 Rachel Carson Building. 10:00. -- Underground Storage Tank Indemnification Fund update -- DEP Update: Land Recycling Program, revised Federal UST regulations, Project Syllabus and site-specific installation permits, significant operational compliance, UST operator training, Stage II vapor recovery, revised field order form, USTIB allocation request <> Click Here for any available handouts December 6-- CANCELED. DEP Cleanup Standards Scientific Advisory Board meeting. (formal notice) December 11-- DEP Oil and Gas Technical Advisory Board meeting. Conference Room 5ABC, Forum Place, 555 Walnut St. 10:00. (formal notice) -- Discussion of Chapter 78 Drilling Environmental Protection Performance Standards December 11-- No Agenda Yet. DEP Board of Coal Mine Safety meeting. December 12-- DEP Marsh and Rock Creek Critical Area Resource Plan meeting/hearing. Adams County Agricultural Center, 670 Old Harrisburg Road, Gettysburg. 5:30. (formal notice) December 13-- No Agenda Yet. DEP Air Quality Technical Advisory Committee meeting. Room 105 Rachel Carson Building. 9:15. (formal notice) December 18-- No Agenda Yet. DEP Environmental Quality Board meeting. Room 105 Rachel Carson Building. 9:00. December 19-- No Agenda Yet. DEP Agricultural Advisory Board meeting.

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. November 30-- Philadelphia Soak It Up! Design Contest December 1-- PHMC Historical Marker Nominations December 13-- DEP Environmental Education Grants December 14-- EPA College Campus RainWorks Challenge December 14-- Coldwater Heritage Partnership Grants December 14-- WPC, Dominion Watershed Mini-Grants December 14-- Extended. FirstEnergy Ways 2 Save Energy For Schools Video Contest December 15-- Schuylkill Action Network Photo Contest Voting December 17-- PennSERVE AmeriCorps Grants December 19-- DEP Clean Diesel Grant Program

December 20-- PA Green Ribbon Schools, District Sustainability Award December 28- DCNR, PRPS Green Park Award December 28- DEP Recycling Performance Grants January 7-- EPA Environmental Justice Small Grants January 9-- West Penn Sustainable Energy Fund Financing January 16-- Great American Can Roundup School Challenge January 31-- Fish & Boat Commission Photo Contest April 10-- NEW. DCNR Community Conservation Partnership Grants May 1-- Keep PA Beautiful Sue Wiseman Scholarship Grant -- 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 Corbett Looks At Agenda For Next 2 Years Corbett To Unveil Transportation Funding Plan In 2013 Corbett Talks Transportation, Pensions To Counties Corman: Transportation Funding Action Before Budget Editorial: Must Find Cash To Fix Roads Lawmakers, State Officials Get Automatic 2.2% Pay Raises Corbett, Some Lawmakers To Decline Raises Corbett, Some Lawmakers To Decline Raises Other New Bins Encourage Composting In Philadelphia TVs, Computers Must Be Recycled Starting In January EPA Sets Up Precision Plating Cleanup Website Schenley Golf Course Certified As Green Gannon Creates Green Erie Website State Now Accepting LIHEAP Applications Environmentalists Again Upbeat About Green Energy Advocates Want Wind Energy Tax Credits Extended PPL Drops Rates For Home, Business Customers Beaver County Pushes FirstEnergy As Energy Supplier Oil Leak Forces PPL Nuclear Reactor Off Line Butler Mining Company Claims State Holding Money Illegally Pittsburgh Council Votes to Tax Billboards Bucks County Towns Struggle To Spend Open Space Money North Branch Land Trust Gets P&G Grant Shooting Eagles- With A Camera Birds Of Prey Swoop Into Anthracite Museum Mine Fire Scorched Von Storch In 1937 Longtime PA Coal Sculptor Moving Out Of State

State To Offer Multiyear Fishing Licenses

Marcellus Shale NewsClips

Here are NewsClips on topics related to Marcellus Shale natural gas drilling--Conservation Groups Debate Gas Drilling Ties Rep. White Cant Have It Both Ways In Drilling Debate Lawmaker Urges Investigation Into Rep. White, Drilling Column: For Anti-Drilling Lawmaker, DEP Action No Joke New Report Reveals Mixed Opinions Of Shale Industry DEP Secretary Responds To Fracking Concerns (Video) Bradfords $8.4 Million Drilling Fee Allotment Arrives Corbett: High Hopes For Shell Cracker Plant Lycoming County Strives For Economic Afterglow Amid Gas Drilling Boom, Conventional Wells Hold Edge Scientist Cites Risk To Water Of Drilling Near Beaver Run Wyoming Natural Gas Facility Draws Emergency Crews Environmentalists Challenge Wyoming Gas Compressor Philly Receives DOE Grant To Promote Natural Gas Vehicle Converting Pittsburgh Transit To Natural Gas Would Save Financial/Other States More Drillers Recycling Fracking Fluid West Virginia Cracker Still Within Reach Crackers May Pop Up In Ohio, West Virginia Maryland Gas Drilling Panel May Require Pollution Insurance Gas Drilling Presents Obama With Historic Choices SUNY Buffalo Shuts Down Shale Institute

Flooding/Watershed NewsClips
Here are NewsClips on watershed topics from around the state-Flooding Family Still Reeling From Flood What Does It Take To Get People To Flee A Storm? Sheetz Gas Stations Run Out Of Gasoline Sheetz Blames Gasoline Shortage On Hurricane York County Sheetz Stations Have Gasoline Again Other Watershed NewsClips Kittanning Water Problems Traced To Caustic Soda State To Spend $20 Million On Pymatuning, Tamarack Dams More Drillers Recycling Fracking Fluid

Regulations, Technical Guidance & Permits

New new regulations were published this week. Pennsylvania Bulletin - November 24, 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 a notice withdrawing a proposed amendment to General Permit WMGR064 to allow the use of gas well brines as a dust suppressant and as a stabilizer for unpaved secondary roadway systems (PA Bulletin page 7203) The Governors Executive Board published a notice making organizational changes to the Department of Conservation and Natural Resources. The Department of Environmental Protection also published a notice of a proposed revision to the NPDES permit policy for mining activities. DEP also published a correction to the email to send comments to for the proposed revision of the PNDI permit policy published November 10. The correct email is: RA-EPTG_Comments@pa.gov. The Delaware River Basin Commission published a notice of a December 5 meeting to consider water withdrawal requests. The Susquehanna River Basin Commission published a notice of a December 14 meeting. DEPs State Board for Certification of Sewage Enforcement Offices published a notice announcing a December 21 testing date for a certification examination. DRAFT: DEP ID: 563-2112-115. Title: Developing National Pollutant Discharge Elimination System (NPDES) Permits for Mining Activities. Description: This guidance describes the procedures for establishing effluent limitations and permit conditions for NPDES permits for mine sites. Technical Guidance Comment Deadlines - DEP webpage Recently Closed Comment Periods For Technical Guidance - DEP webpage Technical Guidance Recently Finalized - DEP webpage Copies of Final Technical Guidance - DEP webpage

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. November 28-- DEP Water Resources Advisory Committee meeting. Room 105 Rachel Carson Building. 9:30. (formal notice) December 5-- NEW. Delaware River Basin Commission meeting to consider water withdrawal requests. Agenda. 25 State Police Drive, West Trenton, NJ. (formal notice) December 6-- CANCELED. DEP Cleanup Standards Scientific Advisory Board meeting. (formal notice) December 11-- DEP Oil and Gas Technical Advisory Board meeting. Conference Room 5ABC, Forum Place, 555 Walnut St. 10:00. (formal notice) December 12-- DEP Marsh and Rock Creek Critical Area Resource Plan meeting/hearing. Adams County Agricultural Center, 670 Old Harrisburg Road, Gettysburg. 5:30. (formal notice) December 13-- DEP Air Quality Technical Advisory Committee meeting. Room 105 Rachel Carson Building. 9:15. (formal notice) December 14-- NEW. Susquehanna River Basin Commission meeting. Lowe House Office Building, House of Delegates, Annapolis, MD. 8:30. (formal notice) 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 links to videos about your project, environmental issues or programs for publication in the PA Environment Digest to: DHess@CrisciAssociates.com. PA Environment Digest is edited by David E. Hess, former Secretary Pennsylvania Department of Environmental Protection and is published as a service of Crisci Associates, a Harrisburg-

based government and public affairs firm whose clients include Fortune 500 companies and nonprofit organizations. For more information, visit the newly updated Crisci Associates website or 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.